Parliamentary questions

Third Level Education

Mairéad Farrell

595. Deputy Mairéad Farrell asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science whether he is aware that there is no "Northern Ireland" residency option on the application Erasmus+ form and that this is deterring northern applicants from applying despite £1.7 million being allocated for their applications. [50980/23]

Third Level Education

Mairéad Farrell

596. Deputy Mairéad Farrell asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science what advice and guidance has been given to Higher Education institutions in the north on Erasmus+ applications; and how they can be processed for students from the north of Ireland. [50981/23]

Human Rights

Mairéad Farrell

58. Deputy Mairéad Farrell asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs according to his Department “Respect for human rights and the promotion of human rights is a cornerstone of Irish foreign policy” (details supplied), considering that the transfer of military weapons or equipment to participants is regulated by international humanitarian law, if he is concerned that events in Gaza are breach of this law; if he has any concerns that weapons or equipment in transit through Ireland may be used for human rights violations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50330/23]

Fishing Industry

Mairéad Farrell

216. Deputy Mairéad Farrell asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine in light of the passing of the EU Nature Restoration Law, his future plans in relation to the issues of the no quota on sprat and the Inishore bottom trawling within 6 km limit; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50427/23]

Building Regulations

Mairéad Farrell

156. Deputy Mairéad Farrell asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if, in relation to the Construction Safety Licensing Bill 2023, which is partly intended to replace the current accredited training model (details supplied), he can confirm that following the passing of this Bill, the QSCS and CSCS training accreditation will be de-certified; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50049/23]

Cross-Border Co-operation

Mairéad Farrell

43. Deputy Mairéad Farrell asked the Taoiseach the capital ceilings for the years 2020, 2021 and 2022 in relation to the shared island unit, and the level of expenditure in each year in tabular form, and the number of university North-South research partnerships, arrangements or any other joint work that was entered to in each, of these years. [49601/23]

Public Transport

Mairéad Farrell

110. Deputy Mairéad Farrell asked the Minister for Transport if he will provide the list of agents, by county, where student leap cards can be printed, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49754/23]

Housing Schemes

Mairéad Farrell

118. Deputy Mairéad Farrell asked the Minister for Finance if there are schemes in which the State provides loans to developers/builders for housing development projects; if he can provide details of any such schemes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49385/23]

State Assets

Mairéad Farrell

129. Deputy Mairéad Farrell asked the Minister for Finance following the sale of the 5% equity stake in AIB, and in relation to the Irish Strategic Investment Fund, if he can outline the current value of its 'Directed' and 'Discretionary' portfolios, and for the latter, if this can be disaggregated in terms of the Irish portfolio and global portfolio; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49629/23]

National Development Plan

Mairéad Farrell

150. Deputy Mairéad Farrell asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform when will the next National Development Plan review take place; if student accommodation is being considered as part of this review; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49599/23]

National Development Plan

Mairéad Farrell

151. Deputy Mairéad Farrell asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform as part of the next National Development Plan review, will the issue of university research (capital) equipment be considered as part of this review; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49600/23]

Education and Training Boards

Mairéad Farrell

177. Deputy Mairéad Farrell asked the Minister for Education if she will outline, given the ETB's commitment to the Irish language, what plan is in place to ensure that internal systems, such as the HR core system used to capture travel expenses, will be available in Irish as well as in English; and if she will make a statement on the matter [49339/23]

Social Welfare Benefits

Mairéad Farrell

310. Deputy Mairéad Farrell asked the Minister for Social Protection if her attention has been drawn to the backlog of claims for disability allowance; if her Department is allocating any additional resources to deal with this backlog; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [49877/23]

Health Services Waiting Lists

Mairéad Farrell

592. Deputy Mairéad Farrell asked the Minister for Health the length of time people in Galway are waiting to access dialectical behaviour therapy; if work is being done to expand access to this therapy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49882/23]

Rental Sector

Mairéad Farrell

256. Deputy Mairéad Farrell asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage to provide an update on the tenant-in-situ scheme for renters on social housing waiting lists who have been issued an NTQ; if he is satisfied with the implementation of the scheme up until this point; if he plans to offer any additional support to local authorities to prevent renters from entering homelessness; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49258/23]

Energy Conservation

Mairéad Farrell

257. Deputy Mairéad Farrell asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage to provide an update on the retrofit programme for local authority housing; if any delays in the programme have been brought to his attention; if his Department has issued advice to local authorities on how to handle relevant maintenance issues in homes that have not been retrofitted yet; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49259/23]

Oideachas trí Ghaeilge

Mairéad Farrell

141. D'fhiafraigh Deputy Mairéad Farrell den Aire Breisoideachais agus Ardoideachais, Taighde, Nuálaíochta agus Eolaíochta an aithníonn sé go gcaithfear dul i ngleic leis an eisiamh a chruthaíonn an struchtúr reatha don Ghaeilge sa chóras oideachais, agus go bhfuil gá le beartas cuimsitheach don Ghaeilge sa chóras oideachais ón oideachas luathbhlianta go dtí an tríú leibhéal a fhorbairt atá bunaithe ar an bhFráma Tagartha Comónta Eorpach, agus a chuireann páirtchumais agus próifílí inniúlachta míchothroma na bhfoghlaimeoirí sna scileanna teanga i gcuntas, chun deis a thabhairt d’fhoghlaimeoirí le riachtanais bhreise litearthachta díriú ar scileanna cumarsáide labhartha sa Ghaeilge agus deimhniúchán a bhaint amach sna scileanna sin; agus an ndéanfaidh sé ráiteas ina thaobh. [48880/23]

Oideachas trí Ghaeilge

Mairéad Farrell

142. D'fhiafraigh Deputy Mairéad Farrell den Aire Breisoideachais agus Ardoideachais, Taighde, Nuálaíochta agus Eolaíochta an oibreoidh sé i gcomhar leis an Aire Oideachais chun beartas cuimsitheach don Ghaeilge sa chóras oideachais ón oideachas luathbhlianta go dtí an tríú leibhéal a fhorbairt, atá bunaithe ar an bhFráma Tagartha Comónta Eorpach, lena chinntiú go dtabharfar rochtain dóibh siúd le riachtanais bhreise foghlama ar fhoghlaim na Gaeilge de réir a gcuid riachtanas agus cumas; agus an ndéanfaidh sé ráiteas ina thaobh. [48881/23]

Tax Credits

Mairéad Farrell

302. Deputy Mairéad Farrell asked the Minister for Finance if parents who are currently renting themselves and also paying the rent for their children in student accommodation will receive the tax credit once for the accommodation in which they are based, or twice to include the student accommodation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47594/23]

Tax Credits

Mairéad Farrell

303. Deputy Mairéad Farrell asked the Minister for Finance if students who are currently paying for student accommodation but are not currently in employment and paying tax through that employment can avail of the renter's tax credit; and if so, how this will function; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47595/23]

Tax Credits

Mairéad Farrell

304. Deputy Mairéad Farrell asked the Minister for Finance if the change in the renter's tax credit which allows for students living in digs accommodation to avail of the tax credit requires the landlord to be registered with the RTB; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47596/23]

Tax Credits

Mairéad Farrell

307. Deputy Mairéad Farrell asked the Minister for Finance if it is the case that PhD research students are excluded from the new student renters' credit; if so, if he can outline the rationale for this; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47666/23]

School Staff

Mairéad Farrell

529. Deputy Mairéad Farrell asked the Minister for Education what progress has been made on the issue of 'fair post-primary redeployment for teachers'; the plans going forward to address this issue; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [48419/23]

Rental Sector

Mairéad Farrell

631. Deputy Mairéad Farrell asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he will provide details, for each of the 31 local authorities, on the number of inspections for minimum standards of private properties carried out in 2022 and to date in 2023, in tabular form; the number of enforcement orders made; the reason for each of the enforcements; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47708/23]

Hospital Waiting Lists

Mairéad Farrell

1131. Deputy Mairéad Farrell asked the Minister for Health how many patients are on the orthodontic assessment waiting list in Galway; how long the current waiting time is; how many patients are on the orthodontic treatment waiting list; what the current wait time is; if there are currently any unfilled clinical positions in the Galway service; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47464/23]

Third Level Staff

Mairéad Farrell

1395. Deputy Mairéad Farrell asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the measures his Department is implementing to address the issues raised by the motion passed by Seanad Éireann (details supplied) relating to precarious work in higher education; if any of the policy solutions recommended by Seanad Éireann have been implemented; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47848/23]

Student Accommodation

Mairéad Farrell

1402. Deputy Mairéad Farrell asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science in relation to his announcement (details supplied) on the new funding that is to be provided by the EIB and HFA for student accommodation, if he will outline the conditionality, if any, that will be applied to Universities accessing this funding in terms of their obligations to set an affordable rates of rent; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47923/23]

Student Accommodation

Mairéad Farrell

1403. Deputy Mairéad Farrell asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science in relation to his announcement (details supplied) on the new funding that is to be provided by the EIB and HFA for student accommodation, if he will outline whether this model of delivery will differ from the existing model, or whether it is a continuation albeit with additional funding; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47924/23]

Student Accommodation

Mairéad Farrell

1404. Deputy Mairéad Farrell asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science in relation to his announcement (details supplied) on the new funding that is to be provided by the EIB and HFA for student accommodation, it is stated that he recently "received approval to extend this lending to Technological Universities", so if he can confirm that the TU's borrowing will now deemed to be off balance sheet, and can he outline when they will be permitted to undertake their own borrowing; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47925/23]

Student Accommodation

Mairéad Farrell

1405. Deputy Mairéad Farrell asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science in relation to his announcement (details supplied) on the new funding that is to be provided by the EIB and HFA for student accommodation, considering that the Department of Housing carried over the full 10% of last year's capital budget, if he foresee any difficulties in terms of the capacity to spend this additional funding; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47926/23]

Harbours and Piers

Mairéad Farrell

1451. Deputy Mairéad Farrell asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development if she can outline the next steps in the completion of the pier in Inis Meáin; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [47624/23]

Inland Fisheries

Mairéad Farrell

122. Deputy Mairéad Farrell asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications when the review into the Conservation of and Prohibition on Sale of Coarse Fish Bye-Law No. 806 of 2006 and the Conservation of Pike Bye-Law No. 809 of 2006 will commence, considering that both bylaws protect and conserve invasive and non-native freshwater fish in Lough Corrib SAC, which is completely at odds with Ireland’s legal obligations under the EU habitats directive (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47127/23]

Apprenticeship Programmes

Mairéad Farrell

288. Deputy Mairéad Farrell asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science what funding supports are available for apprentices; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47075/23]

Caiteachas Ranna

Mairéad Farrell

120. D'fhiafraigh Deputy Mairéad Farrell den Aire Coimirce Sóisialaí an bhfoilseoidh sí an méid iomlán a íoctar mar 'Sochar Linbh' sa stát in 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021 agus 2022 agus i bhfoirm thábla. [46764/23]

Social Welfare Eligibility

Mairéad Farrell

104. Deputy Mairéad Farrell asked the Minister for Social Protection her views on the current iteration of the means test for social assistance payments; if her Department is taking steps to update the means test; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [46179/23]

Coláistí Samhraidh

Mairéad Farrell

17. D'fhiafraigh Deputy Mairéad Farrell den Aire Turasóireachta, Cultúir, Ealaíon, Gaeltachta, Spóirt agus Meán an bhfuil aon mhaoiniú breise ar fáil i mBuiséad 2024 do mhná tí na gColáistí Samhraidh Gaeltachta chun dul i ngleic leis an ngéarchéim ina bhfuil 30% díobh éirithe as ó 2018; agus an ndéanfaidh sí ráiteas ina thaobh. [45644/23]

Toghcháin d'Údarás na Gaeltachta

Mairéad Farrell

36. D'fhiafraigh Deputy Mairéad Farrell den Aire Turasóireachta, Cultúir, Ealaíon, Gaeltachta, Spóirt agus Meán céard í an fhaisnéis is déanaí maidir le toghcháin phoiblí do bhord Údarás na Gaeltachta; agus an ndéanfaidh sí ráiteas ina thaobh. [45645/23]

Budget 2024

Mairéad Farrell

74. Deputy Mairéad Farrell asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the rationale for the one-off cost-of-living measures in budget 2024 associated with his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45691/23]

Student Accommodation

Mairéad Farrell

76. Deputy Mairéad Farrell asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the reason there was such an absence of measures related to purpose-built student accommodation in budget 2024; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45692/23]

Apprenticeship Programmes

Mairéad Farrell

78. Deputy Mairéad Farrell asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the current number of apprentices waiting for off-the-job training at levels 2, 4 and 6 in addition to the numbers waiting for such training in 2022; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45695/23]

Medical Research and Training

Mairéad Farrell

80. Deputy Mairéad Farrell asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if he will provide an update on his efforts to increase the number of graduate entry medicine places; the reason he has not tried to reduce fees as a means to attract more applicants; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45694/23]

Third Level Education

Mairéad Farrell

86. Deputy Mairéad Farrell asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science further to the announcement of the significant funding that Magee University would receive from the shared island initiative to expand its capacity, if he will provide details of the nature of the arrangement; the way it will work in practice; the benefits it will bring in terms of workforce planning; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45696/23]

Third Level Education

Mairéad Farrell

89. Deputy Mairéad Farrell asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if he is ensuring that the National Maritime College of Ireland has the required level of funding to continue providing the essential training in green technology and skills; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45697/23]

Third Level Education

Mairéad Farrell

91. Deputy Mairéad Farrell asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if he will provide an update on his efforts to increase the number of graduate dentists into the health system; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45693/23]

Caiteachas Ranna

Mairéad Farrell

208. D'fhiafraigh Deputy Mairéad Farrell den Aire Turasóireachta, Cultúir, Ealaíon, Gaeltachta, Spóirt agus Meán cad é suim an deontais reáchtála a ceadaíodh do gach comharchumann agus gach comhlacht pobalbhunaithe Gaeltachta sa bhliain 2023; agus an ndéanfaidh sí ráiteas ina thaobh. [45969/23]

School Transport

Mairéad Farrell

155. Deputy Mairéad Farrell asked the Minister for Education if school transport will be provided to students (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [45571/23]

Third Level Fees

Mairéad Farrell

289. Deputy Mairéad Farrell asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the rationale for not addressing the cost of graduate entry medicine fees as a means for increasing the number of qualified medicine graduates; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45383/23]

Inland Fisheries

Mairéad Farrell

102. Deputy Mairéad Farrell asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications when his officials in 2007 were drafting the Lough Conn and Lough Cullin (Conservation of Brown Trout) Bye-law No. 827, 2007, whether the now defunct North Western Regional Fisheries Board (NWRFB) provided him and his Department officials with validated scientific data to show that rod and line angling was having a direct and measurable impact on brown trout stocks in Loughs Conn and Cullin (River Moy SAC), and if Department officials used any scientific data to ensure that the said bye-law was in compliance with the requirements of Regulation 31 of the European Communities (Natural Habitats) Regulations 1997 (S.I. No. 94 of 1997); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44653/23]

Covid-19 Pandemic Supports

Mairéad Farrell

178. Deputy Mairéad Farrell asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform the breakdown of the Covid Contingency Fund; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44999/23]

Departmental Data

Mairéad Farrell

288. Deputy Mairéad Farrell asked the Minister for Education the number of recipients of home tuition grants due to mental health issues for 2022-23; the average number of weekly hours they received; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [45352/23]

Housing Provision

Mairéad Farrell

303. Deputy Mairéad Farrell asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage to provide the policy in relation to allocating social housing with additional rooms to families who have children with additional needs, i.e., if an OT recommended a child to have access to a sensory room in their home; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44654/23]

Social Welfare Payments

Mairéad Farrell

360. Deputy Mairéad Farrell asked the Minister for Social Protection if she will publish the payment dates of all additional lump sum payments announced as part of budget 2024; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [44933/23]

Hospital Waiting Lists

Mairéad Farrell

482. Deputy Mairéad Farrell asked the Minister for Health the current waiting list figures, average waiting time, number of people waiting more than six months, more than one year, more than two years, more than three years, more than four years, more than five years, more than six years, more than seven years and more than ten years in Galway, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44642/23]

Cancer Services

Mairéad Farrell

562. Deputy Mairéad Farrell asked the Minister for Health the measures that were put in place for patients with complex cancer cases in Portiuncula Hospital prior to the hiring of a consultant radiologist six weeks ago, in terms of their representation at the multidisciplinary meetings at Galway University Hospital; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45034/23]

Apprenticeship Programmes

Mairéad Farrell

640. Deputy Mairéad Farrell asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science in relation to the €67 million announced for apprenticeships in the Budget Expenditure Report (2024), how much of this comprises unspent funds from the €30 million that was announced for apprenticeship in Budget Expenditure Report (2023); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45347/23]

Apprenticeship Programmes

Mairéad Farrell

641. Deputy Mairéad Farrell asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science in relation to the €400 thousand bursary announced in the Budget Expenditure Report (2024) for apprenticeships from underrepresented areas; the qualifying criteria; how many awards this equates too; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45348/23]

Further and Higher Education

Mairéad Farrell

642. Deputy Mairéad Farrell asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science in relation to his announcement that PhDs will receive a €3,000 increase in their stipend, if he can confirm that this applies to institutional scholarships; if the funding for this will come from the additional €60 million in core funding announced in Budget Expenditure Report (2024); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45349/23]

Further and Higher Education

Mairéad Farrell

643. Deputy Mairéad Farrell asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science in relation to his announcement of an additional €4.1 million to "enhance the number of places" in GEM for EU students as part of Budget Expenditure Report (2024), can he outline the estimated number of places this equates to; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45350/23]

Third Level Education

Mairéad Farrell

644. Deputy Mairéad Farrell asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if he will outline his progress on the roll-out of graduate entry dentistry across selected Irish universities; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45351/23]

Agriculture Schemes

Mairéad Farrell

152. Deputy Mairéad Farrell asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine to provide an update on the ACRES scheme; when farmers will be updated regarding the amount they are due to be paid; when payments will be made; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44501/23]

Schools Building Projects

Mairéad Farrell

112. Deputy Mairéad Farrell asked the Minister for Education if she will clarify when construction of a modular building for the ASD unit at a school (details supplied) will take place; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [44439/23]

Social Welfare Payments

Mairéad Farrell

148. Deputy Mairéad Farrell asked the Minister for Social Protection if she will make the benefit payment for 65-year-olds a qualifying payment for the fuel allowance; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [44413/23]

Rail Network

Mairéad Farrell

71. Deputy Mairéad Farrell asked the Minister for Transport if the Government will ensure that the Western Rail Corridor is added to the TEN-T network following the publication of the All-Island Rail Review; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43921/23]

Social Welfare Benefits

Mairéad Farrell

321. Deputy Mairéad Farrell asked the Minister for Social Protection the reason that the benefit payment for 65-year-olds is not a qualifying payment for the fuel allowance; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [43625/23]

Apprenticeship Programmes

Mairéad Farrell

237. Deputy Mairéad Farrell asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science further to Parliamentary Question No. 1085 of 20 September 2023, the current number of apprentices waiting for off-the-job training at levels 2, 4 and 6; the numbers waiting for such training in 2022, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43004/23]

Departmental Policies

Mairéad Farrell

185. Deputy Mairéad Farrell asked the Minister for Transport what steps he is taking to ensure that citizens who have been trained as helicopter pilots in the North of Ireland have their qualification recognised to be able to work across Ireland as a helicopter pilot, as per section 8 of the memorandum of understanding between the Government of Ireland and the Government of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland concerning the Common Travel Area and associated reciprocal rights and privileges’ (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42127/23]

Rail Network

Mairéad Farrell

190. Deputy Mairéad Farrell asked the Minister for Transport in relation to the Galway Oranmore Passing Loop rail project which was announced in 2021, stated that it would commence in Autumn 2022 and be opened in early 2024; however little progress to date has been made; if the Minister can outline the reasons for this and provide an updated timeline for commencement and completion; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42274/23]

Social Welfare Eligibility

Mairéad Farrell

427. Deputy Mairéad Farrell asked the Minister for Social Protection her Department's recommendation to people who are suffering a short-term illness or injury which prevents them from engaging in work but do not have adequate PRSI contributions to qualify for illness benefit; if there is a suitable payment that this cohort can apply for; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [42797/23]

Nursing Homes

Mairéad Farrell

577. Deputy Mairéad Farrell asked the Minister for Health the maximum bed capacity in Áras Mhic Dara, An Cheathrú Rua each year from 2018 to 2023, in tabular form; the number of beds that are currently occupied; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42203/23]

Nursing Homes

Mairéad Farrell

578. Deputy Mairéad Farrell asked the Minister for Health if respite and end of life care is currently provided in Áras Mhic Dara, An Cheathrú Rua; if so, the number of respite spaces currently available; if not, when these services were terminated; what is being done with those bed spaces now; what analysis was conducted as the basis for ceasing the services; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42204/23]

Further and Higher Education

Mairéad Farrell

719. Deputy Mairéad Farrell asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if he will outline, in light of the recent publication of his report on PhD stipends, the discussions he has had with different universities; if he can confirm, in tabular form, which universities have agreed to increase the value of their stipend; the value of the increase; the date this is being enacted; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42567/23]

Further and Higher Education

Mairéad Farrell

720. Deputy Mairéad Farrell asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if, in relation to the issue of PhD stipends and his Department's recent report recommending they be increased, he is aware that some institutions provide stipends from benefaction funds; if he is aware that stipends from such funding sources are being considered for the increase; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42568/23]

Third Level Admissions

Mairéad Farrell

724. Deputy Mairéad Farrell asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science to address matters raised (details supplied) regarding students from the North wishing to study in universities in the South; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42688/23]

Office of Public Works

Mairéad Farrell

170. Deputy Mairéad Farrell asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform when retired OPW workers will receive increases on their pension in relation to backpay due to them; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41947/23]

Dental Services

Mairéad Farrell

172. Deputy Mairéad Farrell asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment further to Parliamentary Question No. 238 of 20 September 2023, if, given that he outlined how the small claims procedure is available to those individuals impacted by the closure of a clinic (details supplied), he can confirm that this means of address does not require the business to still be operating so that claims papers need to be served; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42057/23]

Caiteachas Ranna

Mairéad Farrell

186. D'fhiafraigh Deputy Mairéad Farrell den Aire Turasóireachta, Cultúir, Ealaíon, Gaeltachta, Spóirt agus Meán maidir le ceist 74 ar an 21 Feabhra 2023, an bhfuil dáta ar fáil don athrú ar na cuaillí a bhí geallta laistigh den bhliain ag na Pointí Grianghrafadóireachta ar Shlí an Atlantaigh Fhiáin (details supplied); agus an ndéanfaidh sí ráiteas ina thaobh. [41954/23]

Technological Universities

Mairéad Farrell

295. Deputy Mairéad Farrell asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if he can explain the ongoing delay in the rollout of professorships in the technological universities; if he will provide a timeline on when this will be introduced; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41921/23]

Technological Universities

Mairéad Farrell

296. Deputy Mairéad Farrell asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science when the executive board structure for each of the technological universities will be rolled out; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41922/23]

Technological Universities

Mairéad Farrell

297. Deputy Mairéad Farrell asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if, following on from his comments made on 21 September 2023, he can outline the criteria which technological universities must satisfy in order to be deemed off balance sheet for the purposes of borrowing for student accommodation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41923/23]

Medical Cards

Mairéad Farrell

131. Deputy Mairéad Farrell asked the Minister for Health the number of medical card holders in each county, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41718/23]

Medical Cards

Mairéad Farrell

132. Deputy Mairéad Farrell asked the Minister for Health the number of dentists in each county who are currently part of the DTSS, in tabular form; if he will provide an update on the work he and his Department are doing to ensure access to dental care for medical card holders; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41719/23]

Hospital Procedures

Mairéad Farrell

139. Deputy Mairéad Farrell asked the Minister for Health to confirm how cases at a hospital (details supplied) will be decided; and if a lottery system will be used. [41879/23]

Hospital Services

Mairéad Farrell

140. Deputy Mairéad Farrell asked the Minister for Health the rationale for a decision (details supplied). [41880/23]

Hospice Services

Mairéad Farrell

141. Deputy Mairéad Farrell asked the Minister for Health if he has plans to expand capacity at a hospice (details supplied). [41881/23]

Care Services

Mairéad Farrell

142. Deputy Mairéad Farrell asked the Minister for Health what plans there are to increase the availability of staff to increase care hours for patients (details supplied). [41882/23]

Angling Sector

Mairéad Farrell

107. Deputy Mairéad Farrell asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if he and his Department will support Inland Fisheries Ireland in any potential marketing campaign to promote Lough Corrib SAC as a carp fishery for angling tourism-purposes, considering the recent finding of carp in the lake; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41091/23]

Education Costs

Mairéad Farrell

610. Deputy Mairéad Farrell asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science can he outline what impact the increase in the state contribution for new places for graduate entry medicine (details supplied) will have on reducing fees in the academic year 2023/24, disaggregated by new entrants, second year students, third year students, and fourth year students; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41099/23]

Student Accommodation

Mairéad Farrell

69. Deputy Mairéad Farrell asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science for an update on the progress to expand the current offering of student accommodation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40586/23]

Departmental Reports

Mairéad Farrell

71. Deputy Mairéad Farrell asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science what plans he has for the proposals outlined in his Department’s recently published options paper, Funding the Future; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40587/23]

Apprenticeship Programmes

Mairéad Farrell

85. Deputy Mairéad Farrell asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science for an update on increasing the throughput of craft apprentices through the system; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40589/23]

Third Level Fees

Mairéad Farrell

110. Deputy Mairéad Farrell asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science what his plans are in relation to including graduate entry medicine within the free fees initiative; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40588/23]

Further and Higher Education

Mairéad Farrell

113. Deputy Mairéad Farrell asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if he is considering any one-off cost-of-living measures for higher education, similar to last year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40592/23]

Grant Payments

Mairéad Farrell

118. Deputy Mairéad Farrell asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the plans, if any, he has in relation to changes to the SUSI grant; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40591/23]

Cross-Border Co-operation

Mairéad Farrell

119. Deputy Mairéad Farrell asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science his plans for increasing North-South mobility in third-level education institutions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40590/23]

Dental Services

Mairéad Farrell

238. Deputy Mairéad Farrell asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment further to Parliamentary Question No. 1601 of 11 September 2023, if, given that the Minister for Health has confirmed that under company law issues relating to the refunding of fees are the responsibility of the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment, his Department is aware of the approximately 200 patients in Galway that paid approximately €2 million for orthodontal treatment in a clinic (details supplied) which was not provided and have yet to be compensated; and if so, if his Department is considering any action. [40193/23]

School Funding

Mairéad Farrell

319. Deputy Mairéad Farrell asked the Minister for Education what grants are available for primary schools for IT; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [40071/23]

Apprenticeship Programmes

Mairéad Farrell

1085. Deputy Mairéad Farrell asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the current number of apprentices waiting for off-the-job training at level 2, 4 and 6, disaggregated by craft apprenticeship type, in tabular form;; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40431/23]

Third Level Education

Mairéad Farrell

1087. Deputy Mairéad Farrell asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if he has enquired as to what the cause of the delay in the allocation of funding (details supplied); and what is currently being done with these funds. [40739/23]

Public Sector Pensions

Mairéad Farrell

167. Deputy Mairéad Farrell asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if he is aware of the arrears in pension payments for former employees of An Post, following a recent Labour Court decision; his plans to expedite this; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38869/23]

Dental Services

Mairéad Farrell

1601. Deputy Mairéad Farrell asked the Minister for Health if he will provide an update on the actions taken by his Department to try to reach a resolution for orthodontic patients at a practice (details supplied) in Oranmore, County Galway, who were left without treatment suddenly; if patients will be able to get refunds; if there any further steps his Department can take to ensure a fair outcome for patients; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37661/23]