Parliamentary questions

Departmental Transport

Darren O'Rourke

329. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the estimated cost of replacing State vehicles which are owned by his Department or agencies under his remit with hybrid or electric models; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22569/21]

National Concert Hall

Darren O'Rourke

372. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media the reasons the National Concert Hall received €11.824 million in 2021 compared to €3.062 million in 2020 from her Department; and the way the €11.824 million in Exchequer funding for the National Concert Hall will be spent in 2021. [21986/21]

Departmental Transport

Darren O'Rourke

429. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media the estimated cost of replacing State vehicles which are owned by her Department or agencies under her remit with hybrid or electric models; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22572/21]

Departmental Transport

Darren O'Rourke

524. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the estimated cost of replacing State vehicles which are owned by his Department or agencies under his remit with hybrid or electric models; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22566/21]

Departmental Transport

Darren O'Rourke

531. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Defence the estimated cost of replacing State vehicles which are owned by his Department or agencies under his remit with hybrid or electric models; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22561/21]

School Staff

Darren O'Rourke

590. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Education the number of primary schools that have between 20 to 23, 24 to 27 and 28 to 31 teachers within their schools in tabular form. [21984/21]

School Transport

Darren O'Rourke

595. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Education if users of the school bus transport system cannot avail of the medical card waiver if they are on concessionary tickets; if this is the case even if they are unable to attend their nearest school through no fault of their own, for example, if it is oversubscribed; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22049/21]

Departmental Transport

Darren O'Rourke

631. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Education the estimated cost of replacing State vehicles which are owned by her Department or agencies under her remit with hybrid or electric models; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22562/21]

Back to School Clothing and Footwear Allowance Scheme

Darren O'Rourke

663. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Social Protection the estimated cost of increasing the back to school clothing and footwear allowance by €35 for all children. [21979/21]

Departmental Transport

Darren O'Rourke

690. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Social Protection the estimated cost of replacing State vehicles which are owned by her Department or agencies under her remit with hybrid or electric models; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22571/21]

Electric Vehicles

Darren O'Rourke

790. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the estimated cost of replacing State vehicles which are owned by his Department or agencies under his remit with hybrid or electric models; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22567/21]

Garda Data

Darren O'Rourke

826. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Justice the number of fixed charge penalty notices issued in 2020 and to date in 2021 for public order related offences by Garda division in tabular form. [21975/21]

Garda Data

Darren O'Rourke

827. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Justice the number of minor assault offences reported to gardaí in the Navan district in 2019, 2020 and to date in 2021, in tabular form. [21976/21]

Garda Transport Provision

Darren O'Rourke

828. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Justice the number of new Garda roads policing vehicles that came into the fleet in 2020 and to date in 2021; and the number of roads policing unit vehicles that were withdrawn from the fleet during same period. [21977/21]

Maternity Services

Darren O'Rourke

884. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Health if his attention has been drawn to the distress current restrictions at maternity hospitals are causing expectant mothers and their partners; the basis for these restrictions; if there is a schedule for relaxing them at maternity hospitals in counties Louth, Cavan and Dublin; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21269/21]

Third Level Education

Darren O'Rourke

1027. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Health the status of the provision of six national foundation education programmes for nurses in critical care, surgical pre-assessment, acute medicine, unscheduled care, frailty, emergency care and anaesthetic recovery room nursing. [21980/21]

Health Services Staff

Darren O'Rourke

1028. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Health the number of full-time consultant ophthalmic and oculoplastic surgeons at the Royal Victoria Eye and Ear Hospital, Dublin in each of the past three years in tabular form. [21981/21]

Health Services Staff

Darren O'Rourke

1029. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Health the number of community intervention teams in each CHO as of 19 April 2021; the number of whole-term equivalent staff in each team on that date; and the corresponding data for the same dates in 2019 and 2020, in tabular form. [21982/21]

Health Services Staff

Darren O'Rourke

1030. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Health the number of child psychologists employed in County Meath in 2020 and to date in 2021, in tabular form; and the number of vacant posts. [21983/21]

Covid-19 Pandemic

Darren O'Rourke

1047. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Health if amusement parks are included in the reopening subject to prevailing public health situation of outdoor visitor attractions such as zoos, open pet farms and heritage sites on 26 April 2021; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22038/21]

Cannabis for Medicinal Use

Darren O'Rourke

1073. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Health when a consultant will be able to prescribe under the medical cannabis access programme and have it covered under the long-term illness scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22169/21]

Departmental Transport

Darren O'Rourke

1106. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Health the estimated cost of replacing State vehicles which are owned by his Department or agencies under his remit with hybrid or electric models; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22568/21]

Food Imports

Darren O'Rourke

1151. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the number of food detector dogs currently in use; and when this number was last increased. [21985/21]

Departmental Transport

Darren O'Rourke

1172. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the estimated cost of replacing State vehicles which are owned by his Department or agencies under his remit with hybrid or electric models; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22560/21]

Covid-19 Pandemic Supports

Darren O'Rourke

1174. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the Covid-19 supports available to local community centres such as a centre (details supplied) in County Meath which have suffered a significant loss of income during the Covid-19 pandemic while expenses, insurance costs for example, have continued; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [21317/21]

Departmental Transport

Darren O'Rourke

1187. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the estimated cost of replacing State vehicles which are owned by her Department or agencies under her remit with hybrid or electric models; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22570/21]

Driver Licences

Darren O'Rourke

21. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Transport if he will extend expiry dates for initial basic training certificates of satisfactory completion for motorcyclists similar to the extensions previously provided; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20962/21]

National Planning Framework

Darren O'Rourke

73. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the status of the review of the National Planning Framework; the overall funding commitment in relation to climate and transport projects; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19940/21]

Greenhouse Gas Emissions

Darren O'Rourke

226. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if his Department has identified or estimated the percentage of total greenhouse gas emissions for which each Department has responsibility; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18427/21]

North-South Interconnector

Darren O'Rourke

275. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if the North South interconnector project is still considered a project of common interest; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19942/21]

Energy Regulation

Darren O'Rourke

276. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the status of the renegotiation of the Trans-European Networks for Energy Regulation, with particular reference to projects of common interest; when these negotiations will conclude; when the proposals will be agreed or made public; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19943/21]

Bus Services

Darren O'Rourke

313. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Transport the estimated cost of providing an hourly bus service to every population centre in the State with a population of over 300 persons; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18426/21]

Driver Licences

Darren O'Rourke

316. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Transport if he has considered postponing, deferring or altering the delivery method of CPC courses for lorry, coach and bus drivers in view of Covid-19 restrictions; his plans in this regard; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18485/21]

Electric Vehicles

Darren O'Rourke

322. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Transport the number of electric vehicle home charger grants provided in each year since the creation of the scheme; the spend in each year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18681/21]

Electric Vehicles

Darren O'Rourke

323. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Transport the number of electric vehicle home charger grants provided by county since the creation of the scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18682/21]

Electric Vehicles

Darren O'Rourke

324. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Transport the value of grants provided under the SEAI public charge point scheme since its introduction in 2019 for each local authority area; the number of charging points installed under this scheme by local authority in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18683/21]

State Assets

Darren O'Rourke

325. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Transport the number of State-owned vehicles; the number of these that are hybrid and fully electric vehicles; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18684/21]

Motor Tax

Darren O'Rourke

339. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Transport if he has considered a partial motor tax rebate for motorists that could not use their cars as a result of cocooning during the pandemic; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18919/21]

Electric Vehicles

Darren O'Rourke

361. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Transport if the proposed cut to grants for hybrid cars will be redistributed to the overall fund for fully electric cars or if it will be returned to the Exchequer; the amount of this cut to the €5,000 grant will save or will provide for other EV grants; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19248/21]

Taxi Regulations

Darren O'Rourke

440. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Transport if he will be proposing an extension to the ten-year rule for taxis given the financial hardship most taxi drivers are now facing as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20529/21]

Search and Rescue Service Provision

Darren O'Rourke

448. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Transport the estimated final cost of the current search and rescue helicopter contract; the proposed value of the new search and rescue helicopter contract; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20776/21]

Search and Rescue Service Provision

Darren O'Rourke

449. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Transport when the new search and rescue helicopter contract will be put out to tender; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20777/21]

Search and Rescue Service Provision

Darren O'Rourke

450. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Transport if a review has been undertaken to date to assess the value for money of the existing search and rescue helicopter contract; if the conclusions of this review will be published; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20778/21]

Search and Rescue Service Provision

Darren O'Rourke

451. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Transport if the new search and rescue helicopter contract will consider a mixed approach to service delivery; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20779/21]

Search and Rescue Service Provision

Darren O'Rourke

452. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Transport if he has received a submission from the Air Corps in relation to providing services for the search and rescue helicopter contract; if this has been considered; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20780/21]

Search and Rescue Service Provision

Darren O'Rourke

453. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Transport the number of times the search and rescue aviation steering group that have met since its inception; the number of members of the steering group; the Department or agency which they represent; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20781/21]

Pension Provisions

Darren O'Rourke

454. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Transport the status of the developments regarding the CIÉ pension schemes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20782/21]

EU Directives

Darren O'Rourke

700. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the exemptions for Ireland on delivering the environmental objectives of the EU water framework directive within the time period allowed, that is, high or good status by 2015; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18724/21]

EU Directives

Darren O'Rourke

701. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if the rivers Boyne and Blackwater in County Meath are exempt from the EU Water Framework Directive or any of its provisions; if exemptions have been granted to these rivers under Directive Article 4(4)(a); if so, the reason; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18725/21]

EU Directives

Darren O'Rourke

702. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the oversight and monitoring measures in place to ensure Ireland is compliant with the EU Water Framework Directive; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18726/21]

Covid-19 Pandemic

Darren O'Rourke

1409. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Justice the number of checks An Garda Síochána undertook in 2021 before mandatory hotel quarantine was in place to check if persons that travelled here from designated countries were quarantining in their home; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [18898/21]

Covid-19 Pandemic

Darren O'Rourke

1410. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Justice the number and value of fines issued to date in 2021 for failing to abide by the mandatory home quarantine requirement; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [18899/21]

Departmental Records

Darren O'Rourke

1699. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Health if he will confirm that there are no dossiers held by his Department and or any other State bodies on a family (details supplied) in County Meath, whose children have been adversely impacted by epilum sodium valproate given reports in the media in relation to the matter; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18706/21]

Covid-19 Pandemic

Darren O'Rourke

1768. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Health if he has sought advice from the Chief Medical Officer or NPHET regarding the position of fully vaccinated persons and mandatory hotel quarantine; if so, if he will publish this advice immediately; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18920/21]

Vaccination Programme

Darren O'Rourke

2232. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Health the number of persons over 80 years of age who are confined to the home who have received their first dose of Covid-19 vaccine and have yet to receive their first dose of Covid-19 vaccine, respectively by county in tabular form; the date on which all of this cohort will have their first dose received; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20224/21]

Vaccination Programme

Darren O'Rourke

2233. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Health the date on which a person (details supplied) will receive the first dose of the Covid-19 vaccine; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20225/21]

Coast Guard Service

Darren O'Rourke

45. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Transport the position regarding the suspension by the Irish Coast Guard of cliff rescue teams; the reason for this; when this will be resolved; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17792/21]

Driver Licences

Darren O'Rourke

276. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Transport if a person (details supplied) who has lived in Ireland since the age of four in 1972 and has held an Irish driver licence since 1998, can renew their driver licence without proof of residency; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16729/21]

Aviation Policy

Darren O'Rourke

306. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Transport if he has engaged with a company (details supplied) and Cork Airport regarding protecting jobs and existing routes from Cork Airport; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17456/21]

Vaccination Programme

Darren O'Rourke

179. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Health if consideration has been given to the prioritisation of heart failure patients for access to the Covid-19 vaccine in view of information (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16068/21]

Aviation Industry

Darren O'Rourke

42. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Transport the way in which he plans to support the aviation sector in light of the necessary public health restrictions and the devastating impact of Covid-19 on the sector; if he plans to establish a new survival and recovery taskforce to plan and prepare to sustain and recover this important industry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15577/21]

Driver Test

Darren O'Rourke

44. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Transport the actions he is taking to address the backlog in driver tests, theory tests and driving lessons; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15578/21]

Climate Change Policy

Darren O'Rourke

46. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Transport the new measures he plans to introduce to reduce the 20.3% contribution of the transport sector to Ireland’s total greenhouse gas emissions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15579/21]

Rail Network

Darren O'Rourke

65. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Transport his plans to expand the passenger and freight rail network here, including the Navan rail line and the western rail corridor, given 2021 is the European Year of Rail; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15576/21]

Public Transport

Darren O'Rourke

68. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Transport the status of the Connecting Ireland plan for the reform of public transport services nationwide; the way in which he plans to restructure rural transport services to meet the needs of communities while also reducing carbon emissions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15574/21]

Covid-19 Pandemic Supports

Darren O'Rourke

83. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Transport the temporary financial and regulatory reforms that have been put in place to support private bus operators that continue to have limited or no business due to Covid-19; the extent of their drawdown to date; the date on which they are expected to conclude; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15573/21]

Brexit Issues

Darren O'Rourke

110. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Transport if he has met with freight representative organisations on the delays and challenges importers and exporters continue to face at ports here due to Brexit; the changes that have been introduced to address these problems; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15575/21]

Public Transport

Darren O'Rourke

132. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Transport if he has engaged with the taxi representative associations since their protest in September 2020 which called for a range of supports and reforms in the sector; the changes that have been introduced since then; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15572/21]

Road Traffic Accidents

Darren O'Rourke

271. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Transport the number of LA16 forms completed and submitted in each of the years 2018 to 2020; the breakdown by local authority, collision type and percentage of overall collisions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14008/21]

Covid-19 Pandemic

Darren O'Rourke

276. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Transport if level 5 Covid-19 restrictions confer additional protections on consumers who had flights or foreign holidays pre-booked but cannot travel due to the 5 km travel limit and the travel advisory against all but necessary international travel; the additional protections consumers are entitled to during this time; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14219/21]

Public Transport

Darren O'Rourke

289. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Transport if there is a clause in the contract for the M3 tolled motorway that states a railway to Navan cannot be built until the motorway is paid for in full; if there is a similar clause relating to the M3 motorway and the provision of rail services in County Meath; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14404/21]

Rail Network

Darren O'Rourke

366. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Transport his plans to expand the passenger and freight rail network including the Navan rail line and the Western rail corridor given that 2021 is the European Year of Rail; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1839/21]

Public Service Obligation Services

Darren O'Rourke

367. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Transport if further emergency PSO funding will need to be provided to support the public bus and rail services; the amount intended to be provided in 2021; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1840/21]

Covid-19 Pandemic

Darren O'Rourke

368. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Transport if he is satisfied that it is safe for driving instructors, driving testers and NCT workers to continue working during the current Covid-19 restrictions; the assessments conducted to inform this view and supports provided to keep workers safe; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1841/21]

National Development Plan

Darren O'Rourke

369. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Transport the areas under his remit he hopes to improve under the upcoming review of the National Development Plan 2018 to 2027; the new criteria to assess the need for roads projects; if he has secured a commitment for additional funding for new or expanded roads and other projects; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1842/21]

Driver Test

Darren O'Rourke

370. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Transport the reason that online driver theory tests for those learning to drive a car are not available given that theory tests for those learning to drive buses and trucks are; his views on whether an online theory test for car learner drivers can help reduce the current backlog; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1843/21]

Wind Energy Guidelines

Darren O'Rourke

603. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if the upcoming marine planning and development management Bill will stipulate a minimum distance that offshore windfarms have to be located away from the coastline; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13940/21]

Wind Energy Guidelines

Darren O'Rourke

606. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if the new marine planning and development management Bill will include a minimum distance from the coast for offshore windfarms; if not, if this will be dealt with by way of regulation; if so, if his Department or the Department of Environment, Climate and Communications has responsibility for same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13976/21]

Pyrite Remediation Programme

Darren O'Rourke

683. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he is satisfied with the quality of work being conducted under the pyrite remediation scheme; the quality guarantee that residents receive for works carried out under the scheme; if his attention has been drawn to many or any homes which have had works completed under the scheme only to notice cracks, movement and other problems afterwards; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15021/21]

Vaccination Programme

Darren O'Rourke

1300. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Health the position of persons with ulcerative colitis or Crohn's disease in the vaccine priority list; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13879/21]

Vaccination Programme

Darren O'Rourke

1301. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Health the estimated date those in priority group 7 will begin to receive Covid-19 vaccinations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13880/21]

Covid-19 Pandemic

Darren O'Rourke

1363. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Health the position of approved driving instructors and driver testers on the current vaccination priority list; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14059/21]

Covid-19 Pandemic

Darren O'Rourke

1432. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Health if persons transiting through an airport in a category 2 country, for example, Dubai International Airport in the UAE, will be required to quarantine in a hotel on their arrival; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14197/21]

Covid-19 Pandemic

Darren O'Rourke

1501. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Health the number of persons who arrived into Ireland without proof of a negative Covid-19 PCR test in January, February and to date in March 2021; the number of sanctions imposed for these breaches; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14449/21]

Covid-19 Pandemic

Darren O'Rourke

1502. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Health the number of arrivals from each category 2 state as listed under regulation 6 of the Health Act 1947 in February and to date in March 2021; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14450/21]

Vaccination Programme

Darren O'Rourke

1518. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Health if persons with multiple sclerosis on Tysabri, natalizumab, having a severely compromised immune system due to having MS who were previously considered to be in the high-risk category are in the cohort 4 category; if not, the reason; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14515/21]

Hospital Waiting Lists

Darren O'Rourke

1639. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Health further to Parliamentary Question No. 1366 of 8 September 2020, when a person (details supplied) in County Meath will receive a surgery appointment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14900/21]

Remote Working

Darren O'Rourke

15. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the assessment that has been conducted into the impact of remote working on year-on-year household electricity and energy usage, year-on-year overall electricity and energy usage; the implications of same for climate policy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13762/21]

Early Years Sector

Darren O'Rourke

147. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth if since 2014, it is accurate to state that no funding has been provided by his Department to meet the specific requirements for support of naíonraí outside the Gaeltacht; the way he plans to address the matter; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13615/21]

Early Years Sector

Darren O'Rourke

148. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth if the needs of the naíonraí are excluded from the planning stages for new strategies, schemes, facilities, services, inspections and so on by his Department or its funded agencies; if his attention has been drawn to the fact that this leaves naíonraí without the correct support or funding from the State; the way he plans to address the matter; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13616/21]

Early Years Sector

Darren O'Rourke

149. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth if his attention has been drawn to the fact that there is no official recognition for naíonraí services that operate through the medium of Irish which means that there is no proper inspection or quality assurance system to ensure that Irish is the language of the naíonra; the way he plans address the matter; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13617/21]

Early Years Sector

Darren O'Rourke

150. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth if his attention has been drawn to the fact that initial training and certified continuous professional development through the medium of Irish is not available to naíonraí outside the Gaeltacht; the way he plans to address the matter; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13618/21]

Early Years Sector

Darren O'Rourke

151. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth if his attention has been drawn to the fact that there is a huge administrative burden for early years staff reporting on schemes and inspections which is even more burdensome for naíonra staff given their working language is not taken into account; the way he plans to address the matter; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13619/21]

Vaccination Programme

Darren O'Rourke

184. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Health if he will provide details on the way and when Covid-19 vaccines will be provided for persons aged over 85 years in Ratoath, County Meath; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13576/21]

Covid-19 Pandemic

Darren O'Rourke

197. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Health if a family is permitted under the current regulations to travel to Lanzarote if the purpose of the journey is to attend a specialised centre for water-based physiotherapy for a child with cerebral palsy. [13639/21]

Legislative Process

Darren O'Rourke

37. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications when the climate action and low carbon development (amendment) Bill will be brought before Dáil Éireann; if he has amended the Bill to include recommendations from the pre-legislative scrutiny report of the Joint Committee on Climate Action; if so, the recommendations adopted; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13516/21]

Electricity Grid

Darren O'Rourke

39. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if EirGrid has recently sought between €700 million and €3 billion for grid investment; if so, the new and existing projects this will fund; the way in which he plans to deliver this crucial grid investment while also working with local communities; his views on delays to key grid improvements and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13517/21]

North-South Interconnector

Darren O'Rourke

50. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if he has spoken to an Taoiseach regarding the concerns in regard to the proposed North-South interconnector; his plans to address the significant concerns of local representatives and communities across counties Meath, Cavan and Monaghan; if funding will be provided to underground this important project for the grid; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13261/21]

Broadband Infrastructure

Darren O'Rourke

59. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the way in which he plans for all persons in Ireland to have access to high-speed broadband when commercial operators are reluctant or refuse outright to extend existing lines, even by a few metres, to other homes and businesses in need of high-speed broadband; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13263/21]

Environmental Policy

Darren O'Rourke

90. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the way in which he plans to address the concerns of households that rely on solid fuels for their heating while also recognising the need to improve air quality; if he has examined new schemes that can help such households transition to cleaner heating sources; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13264/21]