Parliamentary questions

Special Educational Needs

Catherine Connolly

85. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Education the number of schools, nationwide and in Galway city and county, that will lose special education teaching resources under the new education model for special needs resources; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8289/24]

Departmental Functions

Catherine Connolly

97. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the details of his Department’s role in the national agricultural inspection programme; the details of any engagement between his Department, local authorities and the County and City Management Association in 2022, 2023 and 2024 with regard to this programme; the details of any engagement between his Department and the EPA in 2022, 2023 and 2024 with regard to this programme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8134/24]

Fisheries Protection

Catherine Connolly

129. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine further to Parliamentary Question No. 47 of 14 December 2023, the status of plans for the introduction of measures to protect the sprat fishery, which is concentrated within the six-nautical-mile zone; the total amount of sprat caught in 2023; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8217/24]

Vaccination Programme

Catherine Connolly

157. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Health further to Parliamentary Question No. 1797 of 18 April 2023, the progress of the vaccine injury compensation scheme for the Covid-19 vaccine; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8182/24]

Dental Services

Catherine Connolly

167. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Health further to Parliamentary Question No. 149 of 31 January 2024, for a breakdown of the number of dentists who left the dental treatment services scheme, by year of leaving the scheme and by geographical area in Galway, where they had been providing dental care to medical card patients in Galway; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8254/24]

Dental Services

Catherine Connolly

168. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Health the number of dentist vacancies in Galway city and county; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8255/24]

Dental Services

Catherine Connolly

169. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Health the number of dental nurse vacancies in Galway city and county; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8256/24]

Pension Provisions

Catherine Connolly

53. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Social Protection for an update on the long-term carers contribution scheme; the number of applications received to date; the number approved; the number rejected; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8028/24]

Departmental Data

Catherine Connolly

109. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Social Protection the number of applications received by her Department under the humanitarian assistance scheme in respect of Galway city and county since the flooding in Galway in November 2023; the amount paid out to-date under the scheme to the residents of Galway city and county; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [7854/24]

Industrial Disputes

Catherine Connolly

110. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Social Protection further to Parliamentary Question No. 115 of 7 December 2023, for a status update on his Department's engagement with representatives of community employment supervisors and Tús supervisors with a view to resolving the pay gap; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [7853/24]

Middle East

Catherine Connolly

119. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs given his statement of 26 January 2024 when he recalled the commitment by Dáil Éireann to "strongly consider intervention" in the South Africa case at the ICJ, and stated that he had asked his officials to prepare legal advice for his consideration on an "urgent basis"; if he will brief Dáil Éireann on the detailed particulars of the legal advice he has sought; if he will provide that legal advice to Dáil Éireann; if he will outline a deadline for the State's decision regarding an intervention in the ICJ case, in the context of the slaughter of 30,000 Palestinians by Israel, the almost total destruction of civilian infrastructure and, now, the spread of famine and disease among a weak and vulnerable population; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7448/24]

Housing Schemes

Catherine Connolly

351. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the options available to a HAP recipient whose medical circumstances mean that they are permanently disabled and wheelchair bound, resulting in their present accommodation being unsuitable, in terms of both priority on the social housing list and availability of grants and schemes to the owner of the HAP property to make the property adaptable for their tenant; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7687/24]

Social Welfare Payments

Catherine Connolly

390. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Social Protection the number of submissions received to-date to the consultation on the Green Paper on Disability Reform; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8032/24]

Údarás na Gaeltachta

Catherine Connolly

7. D'fhiafraigh Deputy Catherine Connolly den Aire Turasóireachta, Cultúir, Ealaíon, Gaeltachta, Spóirt agus Meán maidir le Ceist Uimh. 81 den 5 Nollaig 2023, an dtabharfaidh sí soiléiriú ar an bplean a d’eascair as an obair athbhreithniúcháin a rinne Údarás na Gaeltachta faoin bpunann iomlán maoine atá aige agus faoi na féidearthachtaí forbartha atá ann; an dtabharfaidh sí soiléiriú ar na hacmhainní airgeadais a bheidh ag teastáil chun an plean a chur i gcrích; agus an ndéanfaidh sí ráiteas ina thaobh. [6814/24]

Departmental Funding

Catherine Connolly

9. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media further to Parliamentary Question No. 75 of 5 December 2023, the status of the drawdown of the €1 million in Galway 2020 legacy funding; the amount drawn down to date; the breakdown of where any funds drawn down to date have been allocated; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6817/24]

Acht na Gaeltachta

Catherine Connolly

17. D'fhiafraigh Deputy Catherine Connolly den Aire Turasóireachta, Cultúir, Ealaíon, Gaeltachta, Spóirt agus Meán maidir le Ceist Pharlaiminte Uimh. 284 den 5 Nollaig 2023; cén dul chun cinn atá déanta ar an obair athbhreithniúcháin ar na chéad 10 bplean teanga a ceadaíodh faoi Acht na Gaeltachta, 2012; agus an ndéanfaidh sí ráiteas ina thaobh. [6815/24]

Údarás na Gaeltachta

Catherine Connolly

24. D'fhiafraigh Deputy Catherine Connolly den Aire Turasóireachta, Cultúir, Ealaíon, Gaeltachta, Spóirt agus Meán maidir le Ceist Pharlaiminte Uimh. 97 den 5 Nollaig 2023, an dtabharfaidh sí an t-eolas is déanaí ar aon teagmháil idir a Roinn agus Údarás na Gaeltachta maidir le tithíocht a chur ar fáil ar thalamh agus réadmhaoin atá faoi úinéireacht an Údaráis; an dtabharfaidh sí na sonraí a bhaineann leis an gcur chuige a d'ullmhaigh an tÚdarás agus a bhí le cur i láthair Bhord an Údaráis ag cruinniú na Nollag 2023; agus an ndéanfaidh sí ráiteas ina thaobh. [6813/24]

Údarás na Gaeltachta

Catherine Connolly

62. D'fhiafraigh Deputy Catherine Connolly den Aire Turasóireachta, Cultúir, Ealaíon, Gaeltachta, Spóirt agus Meán maidir le Ceist Pharlaiminte Uimh. 68 den 5 Nollaig 2023, cén dul chun cinn atá déanta ar an obair athbhreithniúcháin a rinne Údarás na Gaeltachta i ndáil leis na córais agus leis an gcur chuige atá i ngníomh ag an Údarás chun tacú le cur chun cinn na Gaeilge sna cliant-chuideachtaí agus i ndáil leis na bealaí ina ndéantar an t-ábhar a bhaineann leo a riaradh; cén dul chun cinn atá déanta ar an scéim nua tacaíochta dá chliaint le tacú leo an Ghaeilge a chur chun cinn sa ghnó; an dtabharfaidh sí soiléiriú ar an scéim nua; agus an ndéanfaidh sí ráiteas ina thaobh. [6816/24]

Local Authorities

Catherine Connolly

121. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage further to Parliamentary Question No. 5 of 7 December 2023, what engagement he has had with the Galway Social Housing task force to-date in 2024 with regard to the availability of properties to rent in Galway within standard or discretionary HAP limits; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6789/24]

Gaeltacht Policy

Catherine Connolly

124. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage further to Parliamentary Question No. 85 of 7 December 2023, the timeline for the publication of the draft planning guidelines for Gaeltacht areas; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6788/24]

Fishing Industry

Catherine Connolly

298. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the details of the programme that will be put in place for the fisheries local action groups under the European Maritime, Fisheries and Aquaculture Fund, to replace the previous programme; the timeline for same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7197/24]

Medical Cards

Catherine Connolly

328. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Health his plans to review the health services currently covered by medical cards and GP visit cards, with a view to ensuring the inclusion of blood tests; the details of any recent engagement he or his Department has had with GP representative bodies with a view to reaching an agreement that no charges for blood tests would be applied in any circumstances; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7185/24]

Business Supports

Catherine Connolly

117. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment how many businesses in County Galway are likely to qualify for the increased cost of business grant; what engagement his Department has had with Galway City and County Councils in relation to this; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6740/24]

Gaeltacht Policy

Catherine Connolly

184. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media further to Parliamentary Question No. 623 of 13 June 2023, the status of the preparation of language plans in respect of the 16 towns identified as possible Gaeltacht service towns following the consultation process in 2014; for a breakdown of the language plans completed to date, the language plans approved to-date, the towns in respect of which language plans are currently in preparation and the towns in respect of which the preparation of language plans is yet to begin; the timeline for the completion of all language plans in respect of Gaeltacht service towns; the reason for the delay in delivering the plans; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6793/24]

Irish Language

Catherine Connolly

185. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media further to Parliamentary Question No. 624 of 13 June 2023, the status of plans for the designation of additional Irish language networks; the details of the proposed additional networks; the details of the engagement between her Department and Foras na Gaeilge in this regard; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6794/24]

Housing Policy

Catherine Connolly

197. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage further to Parliamentary Question No. 109 of 6 December 2023, the status of the development of the new rural housing guidelines; the timeline for the publication of the guidelines; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6790/24]

Planning Issues

Catherine Connolly

198. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage further to Parliamentary Question No. 108 of 6 December 2023, the status of the review by his Department of resources for the planning sector; the status of the development of the related Ministerial action plan; the timeline for the publication of the action plan; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6791/24]

School Transport

Catherine Connolly

87. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Education further to Parliamentary Question No. 75 of 25 November 2023, the timeline for the publication of the final report of the review of the school transport scheme; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6394/24]

School Enrolments

Catherine Connolly

115. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Education the steps that her Department is taking to ensure that all children starting secondary school in Galway city and county will have a school place in their local area for the academic year 2024-2025; the details of any engagement she has had with parent representative groups in this regard in the current academic year; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6393/24]

Pleananna Oideachais

Catherine Connolly

312. D'fhiafraigh Deputy Catherine Connolly den Aire Oideachais maidir le Ceist Pharlaiminte No. 77 of 29 Samhain 2023, an dtabharfaidh sí soiléiriú ar an dul chun cinn atá déanta maidir leis an bplean chun beartas cuimsitheach don Ghaeilge sa chóras oideachais, idir leibhéal an oideachais réamhscoile agus leibhéal an oideachais do mhúinteoirí, a fhorbairt agus a fhoilsiú; cathain a fhoilseofar an beartas nua; agus an ndéanfaidh sí ráiteas ina thaobh. [6460/24]

School Admissions

Catherine Connolly

313. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Education her plans to develop school catchment areas that would be applicable nationwide; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6461/24]

Mental Health Services

Catherine Connolly

562. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Health his plans for the independent regulation of CAMHS under the Mental Health Act 2001, as recommended in a report (details supplied); the timeline for same; the reason for the delay in this regard; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6106/24]

Corporate Governance

Catherine Connolly

11. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if his attention has been brought to a recently published report (details supplied) which outlined that over half of the 50 largest companies in the Irish economy scored 30% or less on corporate uptake of the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5479/24]

Export Controls

Catherine Connolly

27. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the number of dual-use export licence applications in respect of end-users in Israel approved by his Department since 7 October 2023; the value of same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5477/24]

Regional Development

Catherine Connolly

30. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment further to Parliamentary Question No. 18 of 23 November 2023, the status of the implementation of the west regional enterprise plan to 2024; the date of all meetings to-date of the steering group; to provide an update on the most recent meeting of the steering group; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5481/24]

Departmental Priorities

Catherine Connolly

37. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment further to Parliamentary Question No. 45 of 23 November 2023, for an update on his Department’s engagement with the Department of Foreign Affairs with a view to developing a new business and human rights action plan and implementation body; the number of meetings held to-date by the stakeholder forum; the dates of same; the terms of reference of the stakeholder forum; the expected timeline for the new national plan on business and human rights; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5478/24]

Work Permits

Catherine Connolly

71. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment further to Parliamentary Question No. 17 of 23 November 2023, for an update on plans to remove dental nurses from the ineligible occupation list; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5480/24]

Flood Relief Schemes

Catherine Connolly

105. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform further to Parliamentary Question No. 27 of 28 November 2023, the status of the review by the Coirib go Cósta steering group of the draft revised programme incorporating the additional scope for the Coirib go Cósta flood relief scheme; the timeline for the publication of the revised project programme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5487/24]

Flood Relief Schemes

Catherine Connolly

110. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform the expected timeline for the next public consultation day for the Coirib go Cósta flood relief scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5488/24]

Middle East

Catherine Connolly

134. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs the reason a US military aircraft (details supplied) was permitted to land and refuel at Shannon airport on 1 February 2024; to clarify the steps that were taken to ensure that this aircraft was not involved in US military operations in support of the Israeli attacks in Gaza; to clarify what steps were taken to check what this aircraft was delivering to Ramstein air base; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5992/24]

Middle East

Catherine Connolly

135. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs the reason a US military aircraft (details supplied) was permitted to land and refuel at Shannon airport on 1 February 2024; to clarify the steps that were taken to ensure that this aircraft was not involved in US military operations in support of the Israeli attacks in Gaza; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5993/24]

Flood Relief Schemes

Catherine Connolly

129. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform the projected cost of the revised Coirib go Cósta flood relief scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5474/24]

White Papers

Catherine Connolly

149. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment for an update on the implementation of the white paper on enterprise; the status of the second update report; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5471/24]

Departmental Reports

Catherine Connolly

150. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the timeline for the publication of his Department’s report into the impact of recent policy changes on businesses; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5472/24]

Work Permits

Catherine Connolly

151. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment further to Parliamentary Question No. 74 of 22 November 2023, the status of the report by the Implementation Group to address the recommendations of the March 2022 Department of Justice Report on the Review of the Atypical Working Scheme for non-EEA Crew in the Irish Fishing Fleet; the timeline for the publication of the report; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5473/24]

International Protection

Catherine Connolly

348. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Justice the number of applicants for international protection who have been called for their personal interview under section 35 of the International Protection Act 2015 while awaiting accommodation from IPAS since the Government announced that it would no longer be able to guarantee accommodation for single male applicants; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [5216/24]

Domestic, Sexual and Gender-based Violence

Catherine Connolly

350. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Justice the status of the board of the new Domestic, Sexual and Gender-Based Violence Agency; the progress to-date on appointing members to the board; the timeline for when the board will be in place; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [5271/24]

Coroners Service

Catherine Connolly

368. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Justice when the report following the public consultation on reform of the Coroner’s Service in Ireland will be published; the number of submissions received to ‘consultation part 1’ and ‘consultation part 2'; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [5492/24]

Park-and-Ride Facilities

Catherine Connolly

53. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Transport further to Parliamentary Question No. 6 of 30 November 2023, the status of the roll-out of park and ride in Galway city; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4380/24]

Public Transport

Catherine Connolly

61. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Transport further to Parliamentary Question 41 of 30 November 2023, the status of the feasibility study for light rail in Galway, which is being undertaken as part of the development of the Galway Metropolitan Area Transport Strategy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4381/24]

Housing Schemes

Catherine Connolly

110. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Finance further to Parliamentary Question No. 82 of 23 November 2023, his plans for the phasing out of the help-to-buy scheme; his plans in the interim to increase the minimum mortgage LTV to 80%, as recommended in a report (details supplied), and the timeline for same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4282/24]

Primary Medical Certificates

Catherine Connolly

142. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Finance further to Parliamentary Question No. 91 of 23 November 2023, for an update on the Disabled Drivers Medical Board of Appeal; to clarify if appeal hearings have recommenced to-date, and if not, the timeline for same; the number of people currently on the appeal hearing list; the expected timeline for the clearing of the backlog of appeals; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4382/24]

Dental Services

Catherine Connolly

146. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Health the details of his engagement with an organisation (details supplied) with regard to issues around the availability of dental services for persons with disabilities who are medical card holders; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4363/24]

Dental Services

Catherine Connolly

147. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Health his plans for an audit of all dental services in Ireland to ascertain the level of medical card holders in their patient lists; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4364/24]

Dental Services

Catherine Connolly

148. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Health the number of dentists in Galway who have signed up to provide dental care for medical card holders under the dental treatment services scheme; the number who have signed up nationwide; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4365/24]

Dental Services

Catherine Connolly

149. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Health the number of dentists who left the dental treatment services scheme, where they had been providing dental care to medical card patients in Galway; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4366/24]

Dental Services

Catherine Connolly

150. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Health his plans to ensure that all medical card holders can access dental health care; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4367/24]

Island Communities

Catherine Connolly

97. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development further to Parliamentary Question No. 30 of 14 November 2023, the status of the monitoring committee for the implementation of the new policy for the islands; the terms of reference of the committee; the membership of the committee; the number of meetings held to-date and the dates of same; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [3980/24]

Island Communities

Catherine Connolly

99. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development further to Parliamentary Question No. 23 of 14 November 2023, for an update on the work of the steering committee tasked with monitoring progress on the development of the piers on Inis Oírr and Inis Meáin; the date of the next meeting; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [3981/24]

Middle East

Catherine Connolly

30. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs his plans to formally recognise the state of Palestine, as per the commitment in the Programme for Government; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3332/24]

Middle East

Catherine Connolly

36. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs his plans for Ireland to support South Africa's case against Israel under the Genocide Convention at the International Court of Justice; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3331/24]

Climate Change Policy

Catherine Connolly

105. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications further to Parliamentary Question 10 of 16 November 2023, the details of any engagement his Department, or bodies under the aegis of his Department, has had with Galway City and County Councils to date in 2024 with regard to the development of their local authority climate action plans, and in particular the preparation of their decarbonising zones; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3399/24]

Renewable Energy Generation

Catherine Connolly

122. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the date on which the export tariff phase of the small-scale renewable energy support scheme will be launched; to outline the supports that will be available to community projects under the SRESS; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3398/24]

Climate Change Policy

Catherine Connolly

123. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications his plans for the Government to endorse the call for a fossil fuel non-proliferation treaty; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3401/24]

Renewable Energy Generation

Catherine Connolly

145. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the status of the development of the roadmap by the Regional Assemblies to assist with developing a Regional Renewable Electricity Strategy for each region; the timeline for the publication of the roadmap; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3402/24]

Energy Policy

Catherine Connolly

146. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the status of the review by the CRU of gas and electricity connection policies for new large energy users; for details of any engagement he or his Department has had with the CRU in the carrying out of the review; the timeline for the completion of the review and publication of the new decisions on the rules for future gas connections of large energy users; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3400/24]

Family Law Cases

Catherine Connolly

296. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Justice further to Parliamentary Question No. 538 of 23 May 2023, the timeline for the full commencement of the Mediation Act 2017; the timeline for the establishment of the mediation council; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [3564/24]

Legal Aid

Catherine Connolly

297. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Justice the current waiting times for mediation in the law centres run by the Legal Aid Board; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [3565/24]

Mother and Baby Homes

Catherine Connolly

339. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth further to Parliamentary Question No. 1352 of 17 February 2024, the steps to be taken by a person to have their application to the mother and baby institutions payment scheme given priority by reason of their age or their health; if a procedure is in place to facilitate such requests in advance of the opening of the scheme given the passage of time since its announcement; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3562/24]

Middle East

Catherine Connolly

59. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs his plans to advocate at EU level for the suspension of trade with Israel, in light of its ongoing actions in Gaza; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3403/24]

Middle East

Catherine Connolly

60. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs for an update on his engagement at EU level with a view to securing a ceasefire in Gaza; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3404/24]

Ukraine War

Catherine Connolly

61. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs further to Parliamentary Question No. 244 of 30 November 2023, the details of Ireland’s financial and in-kind assistance to Ukraine since February 2022; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3405/24]

Middle East

Catherine Connolly

62. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs further to Parliamentary Question No. 131 of 7 November 2023, the steps he has taken to ensure the safe passage of Irish citizens from the occupied Palestinian territories, including those family members and dependents who do not hold Irish passports; the steps he has taken to ensure safe passage for family members and dependents of Irish citizens from the occupied Palestinian territories, in cases where the Irish citizen is not physically with them; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3406/24]

Middle East

Catherine Connolly

63. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs the details of Ireland’s financial and in-kind assistance to Palestine since October 2023; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3407/24]

Just Transition

Catherine Connolly

72. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications further to Parliamentary Question No. 83 of 28 September 2023, for an update on the work of the Just Transition Taskforce; if he has received any interim reports from the taskforce to-date; if he has received the final report of the taskforce; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3319/24]

Climate Change Policy

Catherine Connolly

73. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications further to Parliamentary Question No. 84 of 28 September 2023, the status of the development of the updated long-term strategy on greenhouse gas emissions reductions; the timeline for the publication of the updated strategy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3320/24]

Departmental Inquiries

Catherine Connolly

215. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Health for an update regarding the appointment of an independent chairperson to the sodium valproate inquiry; when he expects the chairperson to be appointed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3302/24]

Departmental Inquiries

Catherine Connolly

216. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Health the status of the inquiry into the historical licencing and prescribing of sodium valproate; the timeline for the inquiry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3303/24]

Ukraine War

Catherine Connolly

59. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence further to Parliamentary Question No. 65 of 21 November 2023, the total military aid given by the EU to Ukraine since February 2022, and the details of the contribution given by Ireland to date; the details of the contribution given by Ireland towards common costs of the EU military assistance mission in support of Ukraine; the details of any contributions or donations made by the Defence Forces to Ukraine to date since February 2022, and any contributions or donations planned; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2755/24]

Tribunals of Inquiry

Catherine Connolly

78. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence further to Parliamentary Question No. 78 of 21 November 2023, the status of the tribunal of inquiry to examine the effectiveness of the complaints process in the Defence Forces; the timeline for same; to clarify if the tribunal will examine allegations of abuse in respect of which formal complaints were not made; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2754/24]

Defence Forces

Catherine Connolly

152. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence his plans for the Defence Forces to participate in any overseas missions currently precluded by the neutrality protection provided by the triple lock; the details of any proposals received or made in this regard; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2762/24]

Export Controls

Catherine Connolly

243. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment further to Parliamentary Question No. 250 of 28 November 2023, to which no reply has been provided to date, the details of all export licences under the various categories of the Control of Exports (Goods and Technology) Order that have been approved and are currently in existence for export of goods to Israel; the number that fell within the scope of Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) 2018/1922; the type of export licence issued in each instance; if his Department has been made aware of exemptions from licensing requirements by exporters; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2718/24]

Wind Energy Generation

Catherine Connolly

351. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if a planning permission application is required where a windfarm owner seeks to renew wind turbines and extend the life of the windfarm through the installation of new generators or turbine propellor blades; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2657/24]

Organic Farming

Catherine Connolly

466. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the name and location of all salmon farm sites in Ireland currently certified as organic; if any salmon farm sites either lost their organic certification or if any operators voluntarily withdrew from the organic certification bodies since 1 January 2022 to date in 2024; if so, to outline the details of same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2420/24]

Mother and Baby Homes

Catherine Connolly

526. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth further to Parliamentary Question Nos. 135 of 14 December 2023 and 65 of 7 November 2023, when the mother and baby institutions redress scheme will be open for applications; the timeline for when payments will be made; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2719/24]

Child Protection

Catherine Connolly

528. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the steps taken and planned following the publication of a report (details supplied); if a report has issued from his Department further to the publication of this report; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2761/24]

Hospital Facilities

Catherine Connolly

42. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Health further to Parliamentary Question No. 1288 of 7 November 2023, for an update on the development of the new elective hospital in Merlin Park; the status of the development of the pre-tender business case; the expected timeline for the project to proceed through Stage 2 of the Public Spending Code; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1956/24]

Hospital Inspections

Catherine Connolly

47. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Health what engagement he or his Department have had with University Hospital Galway in relation to the deficits identified, including relating to bed capacity and staffing in senior positions, in the HIQA inspection report dated 16 February 2023 (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1955/24]

Further and Higher Education

Catherine Connolly

103. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science further to Parliamentary Question No. 137 of 19 October 2023, the status the proposed new further education college in Galway city; if the preliminary business case has been completed and submitted to SOLAS to date; if the design team has been appointed to date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1954/24]

Student Accommodation

Catherine Connolly

109. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science further to Parliamentary Question No. 126 of 19 October 2023, for a breakdown of the number of new affordable student accommodation units to be built and the number of units to be leased, in partnership with the University of Galway under the short-term activation measure; if he will provide an update on the construction of affordable student accommodation in Galway; the funding allocated to the University of Galway for the construction of new units under the short-term activation measure; the funding allocated to the University of Galway for the leasing of units under the short-term activation measure; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1953/24]

Public Transport

Catherine Connolly

155. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Transport the details of any analysis carried out or commissioned by his Department, or bodies under the aegis of his Department, into the adequacy of rail services on the Athenry to Galway route; his plans to provide more frequent rail services on this route; his plans to put in place additional carriages on trains on this route; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2268/24]

Middle East

Catherine Connolly

13. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs if the Government sought internal legal advice from the Office of the Attorney General or otherwise, in regard to Israel's actions in Gaza and its obligations under the Genocide Convention at any time since 7 October 2023. [1886/24]

Military Aircraft

Catherine Connolly

289. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Transport if an aircraft (details supplied) was approved to carry weapons or munitions or US soldiers through Shannon Airport; the reason(s) such aircraft are permitted to refuel at Shannon airport on their way to the Middle East while war crimes are being committed in Gaza; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1668/24]

International Protection

Catherine Connolly

1335. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the number of vulnerable international protection applicants who had an appointment with an IPAS social worker to date in 2023, broken down by age bracket, gender, and type of vulnerability; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [56698/23]

Mother and Baby Homes

Catherine Connolly

1352. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the details of any engagement he has had with survivors’ groups since the announcement of the mother and baby institutions payment scheme; if his Department keeps a record of the number of former residents of mother and baby institutions, and in particular the number who have passed away since the announcement of the payment scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [56813/23]

International Protection

Catherine Connolly

1355. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the number of IPAS referrals to an independent medical referee in 2022 and to date in 2023; the outcomes of those assessments, broken down by age bracket, gender, and type of vulnerability; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [56842/23]

Child and Family Agency

Catherine Connolly

1356. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the number of separated or unaccompanied children who underwent an eligibility assessment for Tusla services to date in 2023; the number of those who were deemed ineligible for Tusla services; the number who underwent a second eligibility assessment; the number who were deemed eligible for Tusla services after a second assessment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [56843/23]

Child and Family Agency

Catherine Connolly

1357. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the percentage of separated or unaccompanied children who have an allocated social worker, broken down by age, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [56844/23]

Community Care

Catherine Connolly

1804. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Health further to Parliamentary Question No. 51 of 9 November 2023, the details of any recruitment process underway to increase staffing levels in the Áras Mhic Dara community nursing unit in Carraroe to facilitate the use of all available beds in the unit; the number of beds currently operational in the unit; the number of beds currently closed in the unit; the number of beds currently in use in the unit; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1959/24]

Healthcare Infrastructure Provision

Catherine Connolly

1805. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Health further to Parliamentary Question No. 72 of 9 November 2023, if the SAR/PBC for the new emergency department, women and children’s block at University Hospital Galway has been approved by the HSE to-date; the expected timeline for it to proceed to pre-tender stage; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1960/24]