Questions and answers published after July 2012 can be viewed here. Viewing by Government Department is possible by term or specific dates from March 2016 onwards. Written answers are published as received from departments. To see parliamentary questions published before July 2012, search in Dáil debates.
Questions and answers for all sittings
Page 31 of 35
Thu, 10 Dec 2020
written
Covid-19 Pandemic
Darren O'Rourke
109. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Health the status of the restrictions in maternity hospitals for partners of expecting mothers who cannot attend scans with them; his views on whether these restrictions need to be eased; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41643/20]
Wed, 9 Dec 2020
written
Bus Services
Darren O'Rourke
42. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Transport the number of diesel, electric and hydrogen powered buses currently in use in Ireland; the average cost of purchasing each type of bus; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42224/20]
Tue, 8 Dec 2020
written
Brexit Issues
Darren O'Rourke
59. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the plans in place to increase inspections at Dublin Port and other ports in the wake of Brexit; if it is planned to publish key performance indicators of inspection activity levels each week; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41614/20]
Tue, 8 Dec 2020
written
Climate Change Policy
Darren O'Rourke
66. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the way in which he plans to address the challenge of climate change; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41613/20]
Tue, 8 Dec 2020
written
Taxi Regulations
Darren O'Rourke
150. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Transport if his attention has been drawn to an increase in reports by SPSV NTA issued licence holders of being prevented from transporting passengers travelling cross-Border both to and from destinations in Northern Ireland by authorities there; if such an escalation in enforcement by the authorities in Northern Ireland contravenes reciprocal arrangements in place across both jurisdictions by which taxi operators based either side of the Border may operate on such a cross-Border basis without impediment; if such a reciprocal regime does not exist, the efforts being made between the respective authorities to establish same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41512/20]
Tue, 8 Dec 2020
written
Housing Assistance Payment
Darren O'Rourke
288. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if his attention has been drawn to the disadvantage being experienced by prospective housing assistance payment, HAP, tenants from County Meath competing in County Meath with prospective HAP tenants from Dublin local authority areas, particularly in the Dublin hinterland; the basis on which this disadvantage arises, for example, if it relates to different HAP rates, council differential rent rates, homeless HAP rates, top-ups or other; his plans to address this disadvantage; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42022/20]
Tue, 8 Dec 2020
written
Housing Assistance Payment
Darren O'Rourke
289. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the number of households on housing assistance payment, HAP, in County Meath that are on social housing waiting lists in Dublin rather than County Meath; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42023/20]
Tue, 8 Dec 2020
written
An Bord Pleanála
Darren O'Rourke
294. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage his plans to review or support An Bord Pleanála structures and performance in view of the concerning number of times the board’s decisions are quashed in the High Court (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42041/20]
Tue, 8 Dec 2020
written
Ministerial Meetings
Darren O'Rourke
317. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Defence if he has spoken with his UK counterpart since his appointment. [41435/20]
Tue, 8 Dec 2020
written
Defence Forces Properties
Darren O'Rourke
318. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Defence the amount spent on refurbishment and maintenance to Gormanston Camp, County Meath in each of the years 2018, 2019 and to date in 2020, in tabular form. [41436/20]
Tue, 8 Dec 2020
written
School Staff
Darren O'Rourke
333. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Education the number of permanent English teachers as an additional language posts in primary schools within County Meath [41427/20]
Tue, 8 Dec 2020
written
Summer Works Scheme
Darren O'Rourke
334. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Education when applications will be accepted for projects in schools under the 2021 summer works scheme [41428/20]
Tue, 8 Dec 2020
written
Ministerial Meetings
Darren O'Rourke
388. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Social Protection if she has spoken formally with her UK counterpart since her appointment [41430/20]
Tue, 8 Dec 2020
written
Departmental Staff
Darren O'Rourke
389. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Social Protection the number of medical assessors within her Department in 2019 and to date in 2020; the number of vacant medical assessors currently within her Department; and the estimated full year cost of clearing the vacancies in tabular form. [41431/20]
Tue, 8 Dec 2020
written
Family Resource Centres
Darren O'Rourke
452. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the budget allocation for the family resource centre programme in each of the years 2018, 2019, 2020 and 2021, in tabular form [41429/20]
Tue, 8 Dec 2020
written
Legislative Measures
Darren O'Rourke
512. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Justice when section 36 of the Criminal Justice (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2009 will come into effect [41437/20]
Tue, 8 Dec 2020
written
Garda Equipment
Darren O'Rourke
513. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Justice if funding is available in 2021 to update the boats within the Garda water unit. [41438/20]
Tue, 8 Dec 2020
written
Crime Data
Darren O'Rourke
514. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Justice the number of persons successfully prosecuted for possession of fireworks without a valid licence in each of the years 2018, 2019 and to date in 2020, in tabular form; and the monetary value of fireworks seized by An Garda Síochána in the years in question. [41439/20]
Tue, 8 Dec 2020
written
Garda Transport Provision
Darren O'Rourke
515. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Justice the number of unmarked cars, jeeps and vans attached to the Garda National Immigration Bureau as of 30 November 2020, in tabular form. [41440/20]
Tue, 8 Dec 2020
written
Legislative Measures
Darren O'Rourke
628. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Health when section 19 of the Public Health (Alcohol) Act 2018 comes into effect [41432/20]
Tue, 8 Dec 2020
written
Hospital Staff
Darren O'Rourke
629. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Health the number of consultant posts by specialist that are currently vacant in the Mater Hospital; the length of time each post has been vacant; and the time frame for filling each of the posts. [41433/20]
Tue, 8 Dec 2020
written
Hospital Staff
Darren O'Rourke
630. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Health if funding will be provided for the recruitment of a full-time registrar in ophthalmology in Our Lady's Hospital, Navan. [41434/20]
Tue, 8 Dec 2020
written
Medicinal Products
Darren O'Rourke
648. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Health when the drug Onpattro will be discussed by the HSE drugs group; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41511/20]
Thu, 3 Dec 2020
written
Early Childhood Care and Education
Darren O'Rourke
129. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the way in which he plans to support the early years sector in County Meath, particularly in relation to staff, pay and capitation grants in view of the population growth in the county; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39728/20]
Thu, 3 Dec 2020
written
Driver Test
Darren O'Rourke
186. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Transport if a person attending a scheduled driver test in a vehicle with a valid NCT by virtue of the fact of the NCT extension will be failed or considered ineligible, that is, their NCT disc is marginally out of date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40962/20]
Thu, 3 Dec 2020
written
Covid-19 Pandemic
Darren O'Rourke
338. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Health the contact tracing and follow-up situation for a person who is normally resident in Ireland, but flies into Belfast airport and travels across the Border; if this person will be followed-up by contact tracing teams based either in the north or the south of the island; if he is satisfied that the level of follow-up checks on those required to restrict their movements is sufficient; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40877/20]
Thu, 3 Dec 2020
written
Covid-19 Pandemic
Darren O'Rourke
339. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Health the contact tracing and follow-up situation for a person who is normally resident in Northern Ireland, but flies into Dublin airport and travels across the Border; if this person will be followed-up by contact tracing teams based either in the north or in the south of the island; if he is satisfied the level of follow-up checks on those required to restrict their movements is sufficient; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40878/20]
Thu, 3 Dec 2020
written
Covid-19 Pandemic
Darren O'Rourke
340. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Health the percentage rate of passengers who received a follow-up phone call having previously completed the passenger locater form in October 2020; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40879/20]
Thu, 3 Dec 2020
written
Covid-19 Pandemic
Darren O'Rourke
341. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Health the number of persons to date who have refused to complete the passenger locator form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40880/20]
Wed, 2 Dec 2020
written
Social Welfare Payments Waiting Times
Darren O'Rourke
92. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Social Protection if her attention has been drawn to the fact that some employees of a company (details supplied) are still awaiting arrears to be paid for social welfare payments that they were prevented from accessing earlier in the year while on the temporary wage subsidy scheme; when these arrears will be paid; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [40764/20]
Tue, 1 Dec 2020
written
School Enrolments
Darren O'Rourke
96. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Education the way in which she will address the shortage of secondary school places in County Meath ahead of the 2021-22 school year; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [38751/20]
Tue, 1 Dec 2020
written
School Transport
Darren O'Rourke
98. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Education the status of school bus transport; the number of children accommodated in 2020 compared to previous years; and the efforts to address unmet demand notwithstanding the challenge of Covid-19; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [38750/20]
Tue, 1 Dec 2020
written
Wind Energy Generation
Darren O'Rourke
150. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the amount of State investment planned for investment in offshore wind energy projects; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39778/20]
Tue, 1 Dec 2020
written
Wind Energy Generation
Darren O'Rourke
151. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications his plans for State owned offshore wind farms; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39779/20]
Tue, 1 Dec 2020
written
Wind Energy Generation
Darren O'Rourke
152. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the current level of energy produced from offshore windfarms; the projected level of energy that will be produced from offshore windfarms in each year from 2020 to 2030; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39780/20]
Tue, 1 Dec 2020
written
Covid-19 Tests
Darren O'Rourke
179. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Transport the estimated daily volume of demand for airport testing in Dublin, Cork and Shannon airports during December 2020; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39913/20]
Tue, 1 Dec 2020
written
Airport Passenger Data
Darren O'Rourke
180. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Transport the number of passengers that arrived in Dublin, Cork and Shannon airport in each week from 1 November to 22 November 2020; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39914/20]
Tue, 1 Dec 2020
written
Taxi Regulations
Darren O'Rourke
199. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Transport the membership of the taxi advisory council; the number of vacancies at present; the method and expected timeline by which they will be filled; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40437/20]
Tue, 1 Dec 2020
written
Census of Population
Darren O'Rourke
313. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he is satisfied that the 2016 population figures for County Meath are an appropriate population estimate to base the Meath County Development Plan 2021-2027 on; if his attention has been drawn to the fact that this could cause significant issues given the demographic changes in the county since 2016; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40416/20]
Tue, 1 Dec 2020
written
Covid-19 Pandemic
Darren O'Rourke
765. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Health the number of passenger locator forms completed to date in November 2020; the number of follow-up phone calls made to persons that completed a passenger locator form in the same period; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40415/20]
Tue, 1 Dec 2020
written
Covid-19 Pandemic
Darren O'Rourke
770. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Health the measures he is taking to address the existing limitations on the Covid-19 follow-up of passengers from Northern Ireland landing at Dublin Airport in terms of the passenger locator form or other; the correspondence he has received from his ministerial counterpart in the Northern Ireland Assembly and his response to same; if issues of data sharing have been resolved; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40435/20]
Thu, 26 Nov 2020
written
Postal Services
Darren O'Rourke
165. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if his attention has been drawn the delay with transferring new Eircode locations to an application (details supplied); the terms of the contracts in place to ensure the transfer happens in a timely manner; if he is satisfied that the terms of the contract are being met; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39425/20]
Thu, 26 Nov 2020
written
Taxi Regulations
Darren O'Rourke
190. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Transport the supports available to taxi drivers who are obliged to renew their cars in January 2021 under the ten-year rule; if the ten-year rule will be further postponed for a period given the impact of Covid-19 on the taxi industry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39424/20]
Wed, 25 Nov 2020
written
National Broadband Plan
Darren O'Rourke
36. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the way in which it is planned in Ireland to meet the target of a society (details supplied) of all European households having access to 100 Mbps connections by 2025 given the fact that the national broadband plan is limited in its areas of intervention; the specific interventions that will be made in non-intervention areas; the details of the stakeholders responsible to deliver on the 2025 target; the plan they are working to; the progress being made; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39124/20]
Tue, 24 Nov 2020
written
Covid-19 Pandemic Supports
Darren O'Rourke
155. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the position regarding the SBCI Covid-19 working capital loan scheme; the total number of applications; the number of successful applications and the value of same; the number of unsuccessful applications and the value of same; the number of ineligible applications; and the breakdown of same by county and lending institution in tabular form. [38770/20]
Tue, 24 Nov 2020
written
North-South Interconnector
Darren O'Rourke
192. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the most recent estimated cost for undergrounding the North-South Interconnector; the year in which the cost was estimated; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38234/20]
Tue, 24 Nov 2020
written
North-South Interconnector
Darren O'Rourke
193. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the way in which the North-South Interconnector will be constructed if Eirgrid or the construction contractors ESB do not have permission from land owners to access private land; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38235/20]
Tue, 24 Nov 2020
written
North-South Interconnector
Darren O'Rourke
194. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the discussions he has had with his counterpart in Northern Ireland, Minister Nichola Mallon on the North-South Interconnector; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38236/20]
Tue, 24 Nov 2020
written
Greenways Provision
Darren O'Rourke
205. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Transport the projects in County Meath considered for inclusion in the recent allocation of €63.5 million for greenways; the reasons these projects were not successful; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37999/20]
Tue, 24 Nov 2020
written
Rail Network
Darren O'Rourke
230. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Transport the terms of reference of the current review of the proposed Navan rail line; the threshold for approval and the variables and calculations used to decide this; the extent to which benefits to the environment and the well-being of citizens will be considered; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38001/20]
Tue, 24 Nov 2020
written
Office of Public Works
Darren O'Rourke
297. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if a bridge (details supplied) falls under the care of the Office of Public Works; if the OPW is aware of the deteriorating condition of the bridge; if so, if the OPW plans to carry out remedial and restorative works on the bridge; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38346/20]
Tue, 24 Nov 2020
written
Sports Capital Programme
Darren O'Rourke
321. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media when the next call for applications for the sports capital grant is expected to issue; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [38645/20]
Tue, 24 Nov 2020
written
Covid-19 Pandemic Supports
Darren O'Rourke
322. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media the funding available to local soccer clubs that do not have and have never had gate receipts but that have been restricted in their fundraising efforts due to Covid-19 and find themselves excluded from some schemes of an organisation (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [38646/20]
Tue, 24 Nov 2020
written
European Court of Justice Rulings
Darren O'Rourke
329. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the steps he has taken and will take to address the findings of the Court of Justice of the European Union against Ireland regarding a windfarm (details supplied) in County Galway; the costs to the taxpayer in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37819/20]
Tue, 24 Nov 2020
written
Wind Energy Generation
Darren O'Rourke
330. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if his attention has been drawn to a recent peat slippage near a windfarm (details supplied) in County Donegal; the way in which this will be investigated and addressed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37840/20]
Tue, 24 Nov 2020
written
Local Authority Functions
Darren O'Rourke
400. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if his attention has been drawn to the fact that the review of the Meath County Development is being conducted to a large degree online due to Covid-19 restrictions; if he is satisfied that this is a legitimate and appropriate approach, particularly as it relates to the casting of votes by elected members; if he has received or issued advice in relation to the matter; if so, the details of same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38752/20]
Tue, 24 Nov 2020
written
School Accommodation
Darren O'Rourke
477. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Education if her attention has been drawn to the increased demand for secondary school places at a school (details supplied) as the school is at capacity and requires additional space in order to accommodate would-be 2021 first year students from the catchment area; the date on which funding will be allocated to allow school officials proceed with the erection of two temporary Portakabins prior to the commencement on works on a permanent building in the future; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [37877/20]
Tue, 24 Nov 2020
written
Maternity Services
Darren O'Rourke
790. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Health if consideration has been given to the establishment of a human milk bank here similar to a bank (details supplied) in County Fermanagh; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37875/20]
Thu, 19 Nov 2020
written
Waste Management
Darren O'Rourke
87. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the Government position on the disposing of waste in landfills; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37503/20]
Wed, 18 Nov 2020
written
Interdepartmental Committees
Darren O'Rourke
32. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Taoiseach the membership of the high-level technical group on international travel; the remit and responsibility of the group; the number of times the group has met; the advices it has given; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37298/20]
Wed, 18 Nov 2020
written
Bus Services
Darren O'Rourke
48. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Transport his plans to ensure public transport bus links are maintained between Dublin and Belfast in view of Bus Éireann’s decision to suspend the Dublin to Belfast bus route; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37191/20]
Wed, 18 Nov 2020
written
Bus Services
Darren O'Rourke
49. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Transport the estimated number of passengers that used bus transport links between Dublin and Belfast in 2019; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37192/20]
Tue, 17 Nov 2020
written
Care Services
Darren O'Rourke
739. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Health if his attention has been drawn to a case (details supplied); the lessons learned by the HSE; the improvements made to ensure the protection of residents in this and other facilities; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36404/20]
Thu, 12 Nov 2020
oral
Covid-19 Tests
Darren O'Rourke
1. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Transport his plans for Covid-19 testing facilities at ports and airports; the form of testing that will be used; the cost travellers will face; if it will be in place before Christmas; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35955/20]
Thu, 12 Nov 2020
oral
Driver Test
Darren O'Rourke
3. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Transport the way in which he plans to deal with the long waiting list of persons now waiting for a driver test and for driver licence appointments; if his attention has been drawn to the concerns of driver instructors regarding access to testing centre facilities; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35956/20]
Thu, 12 Nov 2020
oral
Trade Strategy
Darren O'Rourke
5. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Transport his views on whether the State should be involved in creating and expanding shipping routes directly to the Continent in preparation for Brexit; the engagements he has had to date with shipping companies on this issue; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35957/20]
Thu, 12 Nov 2020
written
Mechanically Propelled Vehicles
Darren O'Rourke
52. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Transport when he plans to legislate for the use of e-scooters as set out in the programme for Government; his views on whether this area needs regulation urgently to protect e-scooter users, pedestrians, cyclists, motorists and other road users; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35766/20]
Thu, 12 Nov 2020
written
Taxi Regulations
Darren O'Rourke
55. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Transport the status of his consultations with taxi representatives on reforms needed in the sector; if his attention has been drawn to the financial challenges facing drivers as a result of the current restrictions, with overhead costs such as taxi insurance, for example, still requiring payment despite many taxi drivers not working; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35768/20]
Thu, 12 Nov 2020
written
Covid-19 Pandemic Supports
Darren O'Rourke
81. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Transport the engagements he has held with travel agents and bus and coach operators to date to discuss State support for their severely impacted sectors; if he has engaged with his colleague, the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment, on extending access to existing supports such as the Covid restrictions support scheme, CRSS, to those sectors that fall under the remit of his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35767/20]
Thu, 12 Nov 2020
written
Misuse of Drugs
Darren O'Rourke
321. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Health the status of growing hemp for industrial purposes such as hempcrete construction; and his plans to change same. [35838/20]
Thu, 12 Nov 2020
written
Agriculture Industry
Darren O'Rourke
363. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the status of progress made on the commitment in the programme for Government to explore fully the potential for growing fibre crops such as hemp, considering whether these crops have a viable market. [35839/20]
Wed, 11 Nov 2020
written
Departmental Funding
Darren O'Rourke
39. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Environment, Climate and Communications the breakdown of the funding allocation for his Department for 2021, by project in tabular form. [35502/20]
Wed, 11 Nov 2020
written
Departmental Funding
Darren O'Rourke
49. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Transport the breakdown of the funding allocation for his Department for 2021, by project in tabular form. [35503/20]
Wed, 11 Nov 2020
written
Taxi Regulations
Darren O'Rourke
50. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Transport if he has consulted with taxi drivers on the BusConnects project; if taxis will be permitted to use existing and newly proposed bus lanes and quality bus corridors; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35555/20]
Wed, 11 Nov 2020
written
Taxi Licences
Darren O'Rourke
51. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Transport his views on whether the three-month taxi licence suspension introduced in 2020 was important to allow taxi drivers revert to social and domestic insurance when they are not working due to the pandemic, thereby saving on monthly insurance costs; his further views on the need for a similar suspension now to allow taxi drivers who are not working to reduce their overhead costs; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35556/20]
Wed, 11 Nov 2020
written
Covid-19 Pandemic
Darren O'Rourke
128. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Education the guidelines issued to teachers and schools on the social distancing requirements in classrooms in primary and post-primary schools; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [35557/20]
Tue, 10 Nov 2020
oral
Proposed Legislation
Darren O'Rourke
95. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Environment, Climate and Communications if his attention has been drawn to the concerns and suggestions brought forward by stakeholders and experts at the pre-legislative scrutiny meetings on the climate action and low carbon development (amendment) Bill at the Oireachtas Joint Committee on Climate Action; his plans to amend the Bill to take account of these concerns and suggestions to strengthen the Bill; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35129/20]
Tue, 10 Nov 2020
oral
Fuel Poverty
Darren O'Rourke
97. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Environment, Climate and Communications if the rolling out of green infrastructure, including smart meters, EV charging points and home retrofitting, have been subject to a human rights and equality impact assessment as required under section 42 of the Irish Human Rights and Equality Commission Act 2014; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35127/20]
Tue, 10 Nov 2020
written
Commission for Regulation of Utilities
Darren O'Rourke
154. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Environment, Climate and Communications if he plans to provide policy direction to the Commission for Regulation of Utilities to extend the moratorium on disconnections of gas and electricity past 1 December 2020 when the current moratorium is set to lapse; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35128/20]
Tue, 10 Nov 2020
written
Office of the Director of Corporate Enforcement
Darren O'Rourke
178. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the number of vacant positions in the Office of the Director of Corporate Enforcement as of 2 November 2020; the length of time each position has been vacant; the estimated cost of filling each of the posts; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35316/20]
Tue, 10 Nov 2020
written
Telecommunications Services
Darren O'Rourke
195. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Environment, Climate and Communications if his attention has been drawn to a community survey (details supplied) conducted in Gormanston, County Meath, regarding the lack of quality broadband in the area; the measures he is taking to improve broadband provision and quality in the area; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34721/20]
Tue, 10 Nov 2020
written
Environmental Regulations
Darren O'Rourke
231. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Environment, Climate and Communications the options available to local community groups that wish to have an independent assessment of noise conducted particularly as it might relate to industrial noise pollution; if the EPA or other authorities can assist with same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35305/20]
Tue, 10 Nov 2020
written
National Clean Air Strategy
Darren O'Rourke
232. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Environment, Climate and Communications the progress in delivering on the programme for Government commitment to publish a national clean air strategy and to develop a regional approach to air quality and noise enforcement; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35306/20]
Tue, 10 Nov 2020
written
Departmental Staff
Darren O'Rourke
285. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Transport the estimated full-year cost of recruiting three additional engineer and ship surveyors for his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35314/20]
Tue, 10 Nov 2020
written
Tax Code
Darren O'Rourke
297. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Finance if the increase in the carbon tax has been subject to a human rights and equality impact assessment as required under section 42 of the Irish Human Rights and Equality Commission Act 2014 with particular consideration for the vulnerability of members of the Travelling community to energy and transport poverty, particularly those living in very poor quality and or substandard housing and caravans; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35172/20]
Tue, 10 Nov 2020
written
Legislative Measures
Darren O'Rourke
389. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage his plans to reintroduce the emergency management and fire and public safety Bill; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35315/20]
Tue, 10 Nov 2020
written
Ministerial Meetings
Darren O'Rourke
405. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he has spoken to the ambassador of New Zealand to Ireland in the past three months; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35309/20]
Tue, 10 Nov 2020
written
Naval Service
Darren O'Rourke
415. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Defence if funding will be provided in 2021 for the construction of two additional berths for Naval Service vessels at the Naval Base, Haulbowline, County Cork; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35310/20]
Tue, 10 Nov 2020
written
Schools Refurbishment
Darren O'Rourke
471. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Education when refurbishment works will be finished on a school (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [35311/20]
Tue, 10 Nov 2020
written
Schools Refurbishment
Darren O'Rourke
472. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Education when refurbishment works will be finished on a school (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [35312/20]
Tue, 10 Nov 2020
written
Covid-19 Pandemic Supports
Darren O'Rourke
490. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Social Protection the financial supports in place or that will be put in place for a person experiencing long-term Covid-19 given the significant additional medical and other costs that will be incurred; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [34622/20]
Tue, 10 Nov 2020
written
Garda Equipment
Darren O'Rourke
644. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Justice the number of Garda public order unit vans attached to each Garda division as of 3 November 2020, in tabular form. [35308/20]
Tue, 10 Nov 2020
written
HSE Staff
Darren O'Rourke
757. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Health if funding will be provided for the recruitment of two additional full-time consultant geneticists for the HSE National Rare Disease Office; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35313/20]
Thu, 5 Nov 2020
written
Public Transport
Darren O'Rourke
79. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Transport the monitoring system in place for potential overcrowding issues on the DART service due to the reduction of capacity under level 5 of the living with Covid-19 plan; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34363/20]
Thu, 5 Nov 2020
written
Public Transport
Darren O'Rourke
80. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Transport if data is being collected to monitor if there is a need for extra DART and other transport services to facilitate social distancing under level 5 of the living with Covid-19 plan; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34364/20]
Thu, 5 Nov 2020
written
Tax Reliefs
Darren O'Rourke
100. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Finance the amount of tax revenue forgone through tax reliefs related to forestry by income tax, corporation tax, capital gains tax, value added tax, gift and inheritance tax, stamp duty and other relevant tax relief in each of the years 2010 to 2019 and to date in 2020, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34416/20]
Thu, 5 Nov 2020
written
Tax Reliefs
Darren O'Rourke
101. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Finance if the analysis and reasoning behind the tax reliefs in the forestry sector will be provided; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34417/20]
Thu, 5 Nov 2020
written
Forestry Sector
Darren O'Rourke
340. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine his views on the report FRL 2021-2015: Ireland, a National Forestry Accounting Plan published by his Department showing forestry is a net source of CO2; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34418/20]
Tue, 3 Nov 2020
written
Energy Data
Darren O'Rourke
252. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Environment, Climate and Communications the number of domestic gas and electricity disconnections for failure to pay a bill in each month to date in 2020; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32739/20]
Tue, 3 Nov 2020
written
Ministerial Functions
Darren O'Rourke
271. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Environment, Climate and Communications the number of times he has used his power under section 10A of the Electricity Regulation Act 1999; the area of policy direction that was given to the Commission each time; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33413/20]