Parliamentary questions

School Enrolments

Brian Leddin

73. Deputy Brian Leddin asked the Minister for Education the status of offers of secondary school places in Limerick; the steps that have been taken since 2023 to ensure every student receives a place; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [16464/24]

School Staff

Paul Donnelly

74. Deputy Paul Donnelly asked the Minister for Education for an update on a survey by her Department completed by 100% of the membership of an organisation (details supplied) in relation to providing a pathway to the appropriate route of registration for those who are working as guidance counsellors in post-primary schools without the specific qualifications required to register as a post-primary teacher. [16270/24]

School Transport

Aindrias Moynihan

75. Deputy Aindrias Moynihan asked the Minister for Education what areas in mid Cork are being considered under the pilot scheme under the new school transport scheme; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [16376/24]

Teaching Qualifications

Sorca Clarke

76. Deputy Sorca Clarke asked the Minister for Education if she plans to remove the Catholic certificate that is required to teach in most schools in Ireland; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [16253/24]

Special Educational Needs

Richard Boyd Barrett

77. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Education if she will ensure that schools that are looking to open special classes and that have a waiting list for these classes are not inhibited from doing so because of lack of physical space; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [16471/24]

Special Educational Needs

Claire Kerrane

78. Deputy Claire Kerrane asked the Minister for Education how she will ensure that special classes meet demand and that every child who needs a special class place gets one; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [15954/24]

Special Educational Needs

Richard Boyd Barrett

79. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Education if the method of calculating the allocation of special needs resources to schools that has seen a third of primary schools lose resources for 2024/2025 will be changed; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [16470/24]

School Transport

Christopher O'Sullivan

80. Deputy Christopher O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Education if approval will be given to a pay increase for school transport bus escorts (details supplied) as they have not received any pay increase since 2020; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [16316/24]

Special Educational Needs

Niamh Smyth

81. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Education what supports are provided for students with dyslexia and other learning difficulties in the classroom in primary and secondary level schools; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [16152/24]

Departmental Properties

David Stanton

82. Deputy David Stanton asked the Minister for Education further to Parliamentary Question No. 145 of 14 February 2024, if she will consider supporting the provision of a playing pitch at that location; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [16462/24]

Schools Building Projects

Matt Carthy

83. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Education further to Parliamentary Question No. 523 of 20 March 2024, in respect of the stated objective of delivering a ‘reasonable level of school transport’, what this means regarding the maximum timeframe that it is considered appropriate for any child to spend on a school bus to travel to and from a special school. [16301/24]

Schools Building Projects

Réada Cronin

84. Deputy Réada Cronin asked the Minister for Education to provide a detailed update on the situation in relation to the new schools (details supplied). [16268/24]

School Enrolments

Bernard Durkan

85. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Education the extent to which ongoing dialogue continues between her Department, the KWETB and the relevant school authorities in north Kildare at pre-primary, primary and post-primary levels with a view to ensuring that sufficient places are being made available to meet the demand of the current and subsequent years without interruption either in respect of continued building where required, the planning of any new schools, or the acceleration of ongoing work in all schools; if satisfactory results can be achieved before the new school year next year; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [16373/24]

School Staff

Niamh Smyth

86. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Education if she will report on the recent circular on domestic violence leave for teachers and special needs assistants; how this leave will operate in reality in school communities; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [16151/24]

Schools Building Projects

Darren O'Rourke

87. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Education to provide an update on the building programme for a school (details supplied); when construction will commence; when the school will be notified with an update; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [16227/24]

School Transport

Sorca Clarke

88. Deputy Sorca Clarke asked the Minister for Education the engagements her Department has had with the Department of Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform in relation to the school transport scheme. [16339/24]

Pupil-Teacher Ratio

Gary Gannon

89. Deputy Gary Gannon asked the Minister for Education how her Department plans to address teacher workload and class sizes following statements from an organisation (details supplied) that our education service is ‘delivering second-class services in a first-world country’. [16492/24]

Seirbhísí Dátheangacha

Pearse Doherty

90. D'fhiafraigh Deputy Pearse Doherty den Aire Oideachais cén fáth nach bhfuil múinteoirí in ann clárú i nGaeilge leis an gComhairle Mhúinteoireachta ar líne sa bhealach céanna ar féidir é a dhéanamh i mBéarla, mar atá tagartha i gCeist Pharlaiminte Uimh. 128 den 29 Meitheamh 2023, agus an gcinnteoidh sí go mbeidh comhionannas ann do Ghaeilgeoirí go luath. [16372/24]

Schools Building Projects

Rose Conway-Walsh

91. Deputy Rose Conway-Walsh asked the Minister for Education to provide an update on all education capital projects in development in Mayo; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [16348/24]

School Transport

Bernard Durkan

92. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Education the extent to which she continues to liaise with the parents and management of various schools throughout north Kildare, with a view to ensuring the availability of school transport in the widest form possible for September 2024, whether on a concessionary or regular basis with particular reference to avoiding issues that have arisen in previous school years in north Kildare in this regard; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [16374/24]

Energy Conservation

Brian Leddin

93. Deputy Brian Leddin asked the Minister for Education the progress on the solar for schools' scheme; the take-up nationally and particularly in Limerick; the common challenges or obstacles for schools that have been identified through the application process; how these are being addressed; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [16463/24]

Special Educational Needs

Thomas Gould

94. Deputy Thomas Gould asked the Minister for Education whether she is aware that a school (details supplied) has been sanctioned three ASD classes by the NCSE but cannot deliver them as her Department has refused funding for an extension to the school. [16369/24]

School Transport

Mairéad Farrell

95. Deputy Mairéad Farrell asked the Minister for Education the steps her Department has taken to ensure sufficient capacity in the school transport scheme in County Galway for September 2024; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [16264/24]

School Enrolments

Mairéad Farrell

96. Deputy Mairéad Farrell asked the Minister for Education her plans to address overcrowding in secondary schools in Galway city and surrounding areas; her advice to parents who are currently struggling to find a place for their child in a local secondary school; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [16263/24]

Special Educational Needs

Pauline Tully

97. Deputy Pauline Tully asked the Minister for Education the number of autism unit places in mainstream primary schools in County Cavan; the number of autism unit places in mainstream post-primary schools in County Cavan; her plans to expand the number of autism unit places for children in mainstream primary and post-primary schools in County Cavan; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [16465/24]

Special Educational Needs

Pádraig O'Sullivan

98. Deputy Pádraig O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Education if she has engaged with schools regarding concerns in respect to the cut to SET resources in terms of the impact it will have on the overall ability of schools to provide appropriate special education to students with additional needs; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [16185/24]

School Transport

James O'Connor

99. Deputy James O'Connor asked the Minister for Education if she will provide an update on the school transport scheme; the number of applications currently in the system from Cork county; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [16472/24]

Schools Building Projects

Rose Conway-Walsh

100. Deputy Rose Conway-Walsh asked the Minister for Education to provide an update on the badly needed extension for a school (details supplied) that is stuck on pre-stage 1 and has not progressed to planning; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [16347/24]

Schools Building Projects

Martin Kenny

101. Deputy Martin Kenny asked the Minister for Education if she will provide clarity on the summer works scheme for schools; when the scheme will open for 2024 applications; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [16370/24]

Pleananna Oideachais

Catherine Connolly

102. D'fhiafraigh Deputy Catherine Connolly den Aire Oideachais maidir le Ceist Pharlaiminte 6460/24, soiléiriú a thabhairt 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. [16315/24]

School Staff

Sorca Clarke

103. Deputy Sorca Clarke asked the Minister for Education if she will provide the latest update on the pay negotiations deal between her Department and a union (details supplied) in respect of increased salaries and additional leave entitlements for school caretakers; when her Department will publish the study her Department had committed to as a means to understanding the current working patterns as well as the terms and conditions of work for school caretakers; when her Department will implement a similar pay and conditions package for grant-funded school caretakers; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [16337/24]

Departmental Programmes

Sorca Clarke

104. Deputy Sorca Clarke asked the Minister for Education the engagements her Department has had with the Department of Transport in relation to the safe routes to school programme. [16254/24]

Special Educational Needs

Matt Carthy

105. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Education if she will deliver a special school in County Monaghan; if so, the proposed location of any such proposal; and the timeframe for delivery of same. [16300/24]

School Accommodation

Alan Dillon

106. Deputy Alan Dillon asked the Minister for Education to provide an update on the additional accommodation project aimed at supporting a school (details supplied) given that it is 52 months since the project was approved; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [16359/24]

Special Educational Needs

Violet-Anne Wynne

107. Deputy Violet-Anne Wynne asked the Minister for Education her views on the provision of SET hours for the 2024-2025 academic year (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [16468/24]

Schools Building Projects

Pauline Tully

108. Deputy Pauline Tully asked the Minister for Education the actions she is taking to resolve the issue of the delays in school capital projects in County Cavan which has led to a number of secondary schools becoming oversubscribed; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [16466/24]

School Curriculum

Gary Gannon

109. Deputy Gary Gannon asked the Minister for Education to provide an update on considerations regarding potential reforms to the Leaving Certificate, given the concerns raised by teachers at this year's annual teachers conferences. [16491/24]

School Enrolments

Réada Cronin

110. Deputy Réada Cronin asked the Minister for Education her Department’s precise plans to guarantee a secondary school place for each child in the north Kildare area, not only in first year in September 2024, but in second year given the forced reliance of some children on home tuition and of boarding on others in the current school year (first year), with a negative impact on the child and family in all such cases due to oversubscription locally. [16267/24]

Schools Building Projects

Jennifer Murnane O'Connor

111. Deputy Jennifer Murnane O'Connor asked the Minister for Education to provide an update on school building projects in Carlow; how many new schools are in planning stage; how many new school builds have started; how many have yet to be tendered for; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [16157/24]

Special Educational Needs

Ruairí Ó Murchú

112. Deputy Ruairí Ó Murchú asked the Minister for Education if she will provide an update on the progress being made to open additional autism units for children for September 2024 at primary and second level in County Louth; the number of places she expects to be available; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [16357/24]

Special Educational Needs

Claire Kerrane

113. Deputy Claire Kerrane asked the Minister for Education if she is aware of an issue of lack of special class places in an area (details supplied); how she will ensure places are made available; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [15955/24]

Disadvantaged Status

Aodhán Ó Ríordáin

114. Deputy Aodhán Ó Ríordáin asked the Minister for Education if she will reverse the proposed cut in the primary summer programme grant and restore the grants from the proposed €30 per child to €45 per child. [16341/24]

Special Educational Needs

Ruairí Ó Murchú

115. Deputy Ruairí Ó Murchú asked the Minister for Education if she will provide details of the review process that is underway for any school that is not happy with its SET hours allocation; the number of reviews received and the outcome of those reviews; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [16358/24]

School Enrolments

Aodhán Ó Ríordáin

116. Deputy Aodhán Ó Ríordáin asked the Minister for Education the number of children due to start a new school in September in the Dublin area who have yet to be offered a place in a local school; and the efforts her Department is making to ensure that every child will have a place in time. [16340/24]

Disadvantaged Status

Aodhán Ó Ríordáin

117. Deputy Aodhán Ó Ríordáin asked the Minister for Education the reason the DEIS summer programme scheme has been changed in order that literacy and numeracy inclusion camps must be run concurrently. [16342/24]

Schools Building Projects

Darren O'Rourke

118. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Education to provide an update on the building programme for a school (details supplied); when construction will commence; when the school will be notified with an update; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [16228/24]

Scoileanna Lán-Ghaeilge

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

119. D'fhiafraigh Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh den Aire Oideachais an bhfuil sé fós mar sprioc ag a Roinn dúbailt a dhéanamh ar líon na ndaltaí ag freastal ar scoileanna lán-Ghaeilge de réir an Chláir Rialtais agus cén uair a bheidh sé sin sroichte. [16351/24]

Special Educational Needs

Martin Kenny

120. Deputy Martin Kenny asked the Minister for Education if she will provide some clarity on the removal of funding for an ASD unit in a Leitrim school (details supplied) after physical accommodation was unable to be sourced. [16371/24]

Special Educational Needs

Gary Gannon

121. Deputy Gary Gannon asked the Minister for Education to explain the adaptation of standardised testing to dictate the assignment of SET hours, which prevents early intervention as testing does not begin until second class. [16495/24]

School Enrolments

Catherine Connolly

122. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Education further to Parliamentary Question No. 115 of 13 February 2024, the status of the analysis underway by her Department into the number of additional first-year secondary school places required in Galway city and county in the academic year starting in September 2024; the steps her Department is taking to reduce the current enrolment pressures; the details of the engagement her Department has had to date in 2024 with affected schools in Galway city and county in this regard; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [16314/24]

Road Safety

Violet-Anne Wynne

123. Deputy Violet-Anne Wynne asked the Minister for Education if she will give consideration to adding road safety to all levels of the primary and post-primary curriculum; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [16469/24]

Homeless Persons Supports

Gary Gannon

124. Deputy Gary Gannon asked the Minister for Education the actions her Department is taking to provide supports for primary school students experiencing homelessness in Dublin's north inner city, where a large percentage of pupils are homeless. [16493/24]

Departmental Properties

Mark Ward

125. Deputy Mark Ward asked the Minister for Education for an update of the transfer of a plot of land in a school (details supplied) from her Department and the Dublin Education and Training Board to the HSE that is required to progress the delivery of a primary care centre in north Clondalkin; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [16366/24]

National Educational Psychological Service

Sorca Clarke

126. Deputy Sorca Clarke asked the Minister for Education her plans to address the staffing crisis within the National Educational Psychological Service. [16338/24]

School Accommodation

Thomas Gould

127. Deputy Thomas Gould asked the Minister for Education for an update on the proposed extension to a school (details supplied); when a decision will be made; and the timeline for delivery of the building. [16368/24]

Pleananna Oideachais

Aindrias Moynihan

128. D'fhiafraigh Deputy Aindrias Moynihan den Aire Oideachais cén dul chun cinn atá á dhéanamh le straitéis don Ghaelainn a chur i bhfeidhm tríd an gcóras oideachais ar fad; agus an ndéanfaidh sí ráiteas ina thaobh. [16377/24]

Trade Data

Darren O'Rourke

129. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Taoiseach to report on the levels of exports to Israel in 2020, 2021, 2022; 2023 and to date in 2024 and if there has been any change in the level of agricultural exports since 7 October 2023. [16030/24]

Departmental Data

Richard Bruton

130. Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Taoiseach the distribution of retirees across the entire Irish workforce, by age of retirement; the difference of pattern among the self-employed and the rest; and their estimate of the number of persons at work aged 64, 65, 66, 67, 68, 69, and 70 or over. [15927/24]

Diplomatic Representation

Neasa Hourigan

131. Deputy Neasa Hourigan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will outline Ireland's representation and involvement in the 9th Our Ocean Conference 2024; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16521/24]

Military Aircraft

Catherine Connolly

132. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs what steps, if any, were taken to ensure that US Air Force C17 Globemaster aircraft number 08-8201 was not carrying weapons or munitions when it travelled through Shannon Airport on 10 April 2024, coming from Mac Dill US Air Force base in Tampa, Florida, and which then travelled on to Tel Aviv, Israel on 11 April 2024; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16760/24]

Artificial Intelligence

Matt Carthy

133. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs if, in light of reports of extensive usage with flagrantly inadequate oversight of artificial intelligence systems by the Israeli Defence Forces, which has significantly contributed to the killing of in excess of 33,000 civilians, he will engage with international partners with a view to establishing a treaty prohibiting or regulating the use of artificial intelligence systems in warfare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15971/24]

Consular Services

Jackie Cahill

134. Deputy Jackie Cahill asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs what consideration his Department has given to opening a consulate in Costa Rica; what plans his Department has to expand its consular service in Central America; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16020/24]

EU Directives

Peadar Tóibín

135. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs the number of times Ireland has been fined by the EU for delays in implementing EU Directives and for breaches of EU legislation, respectively; the nature of each fine; and the total financial value of each for each of the past ten years, in tabular form. [16037/24]

Departmental Data

Matt Carthy

136. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs the total investment the Ireland Strategic Investment Fund holds in companies which operate within illegal Israeli settlements in the occupied Palestinian territories, by portfolio and company, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16057/24]

Passport Services

Danny Healy-Rae

137. Deputy Danny Healy-Rae asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs the status of a passport application by a person (details supplied); if the passport will be expedited urgently; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16135/24]

Middle East

Ivana Bacik

138. Deputy Ivana Bacik asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will make a statement on the Spanish Prime Minister’s statement that Spain would recognise Palestinian statehood before the summer; and if Ireland will also recognise Palestinian statehood before the summer. [16163/24]

European Convention on Human Rights

Carol Nolan

139. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs further to Parliamentary Question No. 10 of 28 February 2024, the annual costs to the State arising from Ireland’s ratification of the European Convention on Human Rights; the annual costs of our contributions towards the running costs of treaty bodies such as the European Court of Human Rights; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16206/24]

Official Travel

Darren O'Rourke

140. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs If he plans to visit Turkey in 2024. [16279/24]

Passport Services

Danny Healy-Rae

141. Deputy Danny Healy-Rae asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs the status of passport applications (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16322/24]

Departmental Funding

Pádraig Mac Lochlainn

142. Deputy Pádraig Mac Lochlainn asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs if the Government will commit to contributing to the UN pooled fund that will support local and international organisations, such as an organisation (details supplied) that is working in Haiti. [16417/24]

Diplomatic Representation

Matt Carthy

143. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs his response to the recent violations of the inviolability of diplomatic missions in breach of the Vienna Convention by the government of Ecuador; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16550/24]

Diplomatic Representation

Matt Carthy

144. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs his response to the recent violations of the inviolability of diplomatic missions in breach of the Vienna Convention by the government of Israel; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16551/24]

Passport Services

Éamon Ó Cuív

145. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs when a decision will be made in relation to a passport application (details supplied); the reason for the delay in the issuing of said passport; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16714/24]

Foreign Conflicts

Matt Carthy

146. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will report on Ireland’s contribution to the EU Mission in Armenia; if, given the announced expansion of the observer mission, he will commit to seeking a greater role; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16735/24]

Departmental Strategies

Matt Carthy

147. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will report on his Department’s strategy for the Caucasus region; the permanent missions through which Ireland engages with the region; his recent diplomatic engagements regarding the region; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16736/24]

Consular Services

Matt Carthy

148. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs if he has considered opening an Irish embassy in Armenia; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16737/24]

EU Enlargement

Matt Carthy

149. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will report on his engagements with regard to Armenia potentially seeking candidate status for EU membership; Ireland’s position in relation to such; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16738/24]

Historical Conflicts

Matt Carthy

150. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs if the Government intends to recognise the massacre of one-and-a-half million Armenians as an act of genocide perpetrated by the Turkish government; if discussions have taken place within his Department or at a Government level as to developing a stance on the matter; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16739/24]

Diplomatic Representation

Matt Carthy

151. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will report on his engagements with the government of Armenia; his efforts to develop and deepen bilateral, economic and cultural relations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16740/24]

Diplomatic Representation

Matt Carthy

152. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will report on his engagements with the government of Azerbaijan; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16741/24]

Diplomatic Representation

Matt Carthy

153. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will report on his engagements with international partners regarding Armenia and Azerbaijan, with a view to contributing to conflict resolution and bringing about a lasting peace; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16742/24]

Departmental Legal Services

Neasa Hourigan

154. Deputy Neasa Hourigan asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if he will outline, in tabular form, spending on legal advice, legal action and/or legal expenses related to cases in the European Court of Human Rights on defending Ireland's position in relation to the Right to a Healthy Environment from 2019 to 2024 inclusive. [16321/24]

EU Funding

Brian Stanley

155. Deputy Brian Stanley asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the total number of applications seeking to avail of the EU just transition community and enterprise grant scheme that were received up to the deadline of 28 February 2024; the number of these from counties Laois and Offaly; the successful applicants processed since 28 February; and the breakdown of the amount paid to applicants via the scheme to date. [15973/24]

EU Funding

Brian Stanley

156. Deputy Brian Stanley asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the total number of unapproved applicants for the EU just transition community and enterprise grant scheme; if these applications will be processed ahead of the proposed April deadline; and if she plans to extend the current delivery dates for, as yet, unprocessed applications beyond the dates of June 2024 to March 2026. [15974/24]

Departmental Schemes

Duncan Smith

157. Deputy Duncan Smith asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the status of the warmth and well-being pilot for COPD sufferers; if there are plans to expand the pilot or to expand access to the fully funded energy upgrade scheme for all who are recognised as COPD sufferers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16008/24]

Departmental Schemes

Robert Troy

158. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications to provide an update on a community climate action programme application (details supplied). [16025/24]

Energy Policy

Darren O'Rourke

159. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications to provide an update on the energy storage policy for Ireland; if there are plans to alter EirGrid’s market systems in order to allow that energy storage asset to trade in the market; the reason that the participation of energy storage assets is restricted in EirGrid’s market systems; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16110/24]

Energy Policy

Darren O'Rourke

160. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications to provide up update on co-located projects; how he plans to address the barriers that currently exist; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16111/24]

Energy Policy

Darren O'Rourke

161. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if he has plans to establish investment frameworks for long-duration energy storage; to report on progress on long-duration energy storage in Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16112/24]

Energy Policy

Darren O'Rourke

162. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications to provide an update on the Electricity Storage Policy Framework; if he expects that this will be published in Q2 this year; how he plans to ensure that the regulatory structure delivers high standards of safety and environmental standards; what international standards will be followed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16113/24]

Energy Policy

Darren O'Rourke

163. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications to provide an update on the Electricity Storage Policy Framework; if the safety standards will take account of the international recognised NFPA 855 (2023) in which all battery cells to conform with UL9540a specifications and testing (including second-life batteries) and be up to date in regard to NFPA, EPRI and independent experts in the field; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16114/24]

Energy Policy

Darren O'Rourke

164. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if he is aware of the development of a large battery storage facility at Shankill, Cavan (108mw); what measures have been put in place to address safety concerns of local residents (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16117/24]

Energy Conservation

Jackie Cahill

165. Deputy Jackie Cahill asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the percentage of applications for the warmer homes scheme under the SEAI that were deemed ineligible for works due to the terms of the scheme, following the initial assessment phase, 1 January 2023 and 8 April 2024 in cases where the applicants meet the means test requirement for the scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16120/24]

Energy Conservation

Jackie Cahill

166. Deputy Jackie Cahill asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the reason only single glazed windows can be replaced under the SEAI’s warmer homes scheme, considering many old homes have old, rotten, ineffective or leaking double glazed windows that need to be replaced but cannot be due to the programme not permitting the replacement of double glazed windows; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16121/24]

Energy Conservation

Jackie Cahill

167. Deputy Jackie Cahill asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the reason the SEAI’s warmer homes scheme does not carry out insulation on tradition or older buildings, specifically stone, random rubble and single leaf brick walls; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16122/24]

Energy Conservation

Jackie Cahill

168. Deputy Jackie Cahill asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications his views on whether it is acceptable that the SEAI’s warmer homes scheme does not carry out insulation on tradition or older buildings, specifically stone, random rubble and single leaf brick walls, when these buildings are those most in need of insulation to retain heat and energy, and improve quality of life for the people who live in these homes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16123/24]

Energy Conservation

Jackie Cahill

169. Deputy Jackie Cahill asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the reason dropped ceilings are not insulated under the SEAI’s warmer homes scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16124/24]

Broadband Infrastructure

Niamh Smyth

170. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if there are plans to install fibre optic internet in Ballylanders, County Limerick; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16192/24]

Energy Conservation

Neasa Hourigan

171. Deputy Neasa Hourigan asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the supports available, in addition to the solar PV grant scheme, to specifically assist people with a disability to avail of solar panels on their homes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16199/24]

Energy Policy

Darren O'Rourke

172. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications further to Parliamentary Question Nos. 132 and 133 of 21 March 2024, which body will have a safety regulatory remit when it comes to energy storage; if he expects the CRU or the Health and Safety Authority to hold this responsibility following the conclusion of a review (details supplied); where or to whom concerns about the safety of energy storage should be addressed; who currently holds this responsibility; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16250/24]