Parliamentary questions

Disability Services

Mairéad Farrell

239. Deputy Mairéad Farrell asked the Minister for Health if he will provide an update on the provision of residential care service for adults with disabilities; the number of persons currently waiting for this service, by county, in tabular form; if his Department is looking at opportunities for developing new residential facilities for adults with disabilities; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23436/23]

Housing Schemes

Mairéad Farrell

395. Deputy Mairéad Farrell asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage further to Parliamentary Question No. 337 of 25 April 2023, when he will issue a circular to local authorities setting out the guidelines for the tenant-in-situ scheme for common situations where a tenant receives their HAP payment from one local authority, but it is a different local authority that wishes to purchase the property (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22436/23]

Departmental Policies

Mairéad Farrell

397. Deputy Mairéad Farrell asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if his Department’s policy to remove a social housing applicant from choice-based letting for a year following a first refusal of a housing offer and to remove the applicant from the housing waiting list for a year following a second refusal of a housing offer, or if this is up to the discretion of individual local authorities; if he will point to the legislative basis for such a policy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22499/23]

Social Welfare Benefits

Mairéad Farrell

437. Deputy Mairéad Farrell asked the Minister for Social Protection the number of applicants for disability allowance in each year since 2018; the number of these which were considered long-term/whole-of-life disabilities; the number considered rehabilitation appropriate applications; the number of successful applications under both categories, in tabular form; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22409/23]

Social Welfare Benefits

Mairéad Farrell

438. Deputy Mairéad Farrell asked the Minister for Social Protection if there are operational guidelines for medical assessors and social welfare inspections to allow for assessment of applications for disability allowance with a view to rehabilitation; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22410/23]

Covid-19 Pandemic Supports

Mairéad Farrell

679. Deputy Mairéad Farrell asked the Minister for Health further to Parliamentary Question No. 433 of 8 February 2023, if he will investigate the reason a person (details supplied) has yet to receive their pandemic recognition payment. [22832/23]

Further and Higher Education

Mairéad Farrell

746. Deputy Mairéad Farrell asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if he has anymore plans to encourage the use of more online learning given the accommodation crisis facing students; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22566/23]

Student Accommodation

Mairéad Farrell

747. Deputy Mairéad Farrell asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if his Department has had any engagement with the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage in relation to bringing forward legislation with regards to accommodation used as student digs; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22567/23]

Abortion Services

Mairéad Farrell

748. Deputy Mairéad Farrell asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the health units in the various universities that are currently offering on-campus abortion services; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22568/23]

Third Level Education

Mairéad Farrell

749. Deputy Mairéad Farrell asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the number of students who dropped out of university in 2022, disaggregated by university name, course family, (i.e. engineering, arts/humanities, science, and so on), stage of departure (i.e. 1st year, 2nd year, and so on) and EU vs non-EU student, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22569/23]

Third Level Education

Mairéad Farrell

750. Deputy Mairéad Farrell asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if he will provide a list of universities which currently have an Irish language strategy/scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22570/23]

Fisheries Protection

Mairéad Farrell

119. Deputy Mairéad Farrell asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if he and his Department support the conservation of invasive coarse fish and invasive pike in Ballyquirke Lough (part of Lough Corrib SAC), under the Conservation of Coarse Fish Bye-Law No. 806 of 2006 and the Conservation of Pike Bye-Law No. 809 of 2006 respectively, to the detriment of the marginalised native salmonid populations in the Lough Kip River system that flows into Ballyquirke Lough; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22211/23]

Údarás na Gaeltachta

Mairéad Farrell

312. Deputy Mairéad Farrell asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media if she will detail the consent permit required to transfer raw sewage from one Údarás na Gaeltachta facility to another; the competent authority with the statutory function to grant such consent; the reference number and date of issue of the consent permit granted to Údarás na Gaeiltachta to transfer raw sewage from its industrial estate at An Tulach, County Galway, to a discharge to sea facility licensed to Údarás na Gaeltachta at Ros a' Mhíl, County Galway; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [21176/23]

Covid-19 Pandemic Supports

Mairéad Farrell

647. Deputy Mairéad Farrell asked the Minister for Health further to Parliamentary Question No. 433 of 8 February 2023, the status of the pandemic recognition payment for a person (details supplied); if this matter will be escalated to the HSE; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21694/23]

Third Level Fees

Mairéad Farrell

721. Deputy Mairéad Farrell asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the estimated cost of further reducing third-level fees to €1,000 in 2023-2024, and subsequently to abolish these fees in 2024-2025; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21115/23]

Apprenticeship Programmes

Mairéad Farrell

722. Deputy Mairéad Farrell asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the total estimated yearly cost to the Exchequer of abolishing apprenticeship registration fees, broken down by consortia-led and craft; the average cost per apprentice, broken down by craft and consortia-led apprentices; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21116/23]

Bus Services

Mairéad Farrell

55. Deputy Mairéad Farrell asked the Minister for Transport if work is being done to increase the frequency of the service of the 424 bus to Ceantar na nOileán and Iorras Aithneach, or to provide a Local Link service between Leitir Mealláin or Carna and an Cheathrú Rua; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20740/23]

Bus Services

Mairéad Farrell

56. Deputy Mairéad Farrell asked the Minister for Transport if he will provide an update on the Connecting Ireland projects due to be delivered in 2023 in Galway - routes 438, 423, 424, 547, 350, and 425A; if these are on track to be delivered on the schedule set out earlier this year; and if he will provide details of the design of these projects. [20332/23]

School Transport

Mairéad Farrell

178. Deputy Mairéad Farrell asked the Minister for Education if she is considering providing free or reduced cost school transport seats in rural areas where there are not sufficient pupils who meet the criteria for free school transport for a bus to be viable; if she is considering any other solution to this problem to ensure that as few pupils are arriving to school in private vehicles as possible; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [20625/23]

Social Welfare Offices

Mairéad Farrell

250. Deputy Mairéad Farrell asked the Minister for Social Protection if she is aware of instances in which local Intreo offices have given incorrect advice, particularly around illness benefit; if she sees these instances as a pattern; the steps she is taking to minimise the instances of incorrect advice being given; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [20428/23]

Animal Welfare

Mairéad Farrell

316. Deputy Mairéad Farrell asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if his attention has been drawn to the new rodenticide recently approved for use by British authorities (details supplied); if he is concerned about the impact this may have on the population of birds of prey in Ireland; if this rodenticide is being considered for use in Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20492/23]

Covid-19 Pandemic Supports

Mairéad Farrell

453. Deputy Mairéad Farrell asked the Minister for Health if he will provide an update on pandemic bonus payments for a person (detail supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20603/23]

National Broadband Plan

Mairéad Farrell

101. Deputy Mairéad Farrell asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the expected deadline for the NBI rollout of fibre broadband across the State; if he is satisfied with the current rate of the rollout with 109,000 out of 569,000 premises connected after the third year of the plan; how he plans on ramping up delivery of the rollout, particularly across the west, where areas are disproportionately in the 'survey pending' stage compared to other areas; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19922/23]

Environmental Policy

Mairéad Farrell

118. Deputy Mairéad Farrell asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if he will provide an update on the work his Department has undertaken on requiring a certain amount of floor space in supermarkets of a certain size to be reserved for reuse and refillable products, following recommendations to the Oireachtas Committee on Environment and Climate Action in 2021. [19923/23]

Housing Schemes

Mairéad Farrell

336. Deputy Mairéad Farrell asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage how many staff have been hired to deal with the tenant in situ scheme; the number of vacant positions still available; the breakdown by local authority of the number of persons hired to date, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19367/23]

Housing Schemes

Mairéad Farrell

337. Deputy Mairéad Farrell asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage when he will issue a circular to local authorities setting out the guidelines for the tenant in situ, for common situations where a tenant receives their HAP payment from one local authority, but it is a different local authority that wishes to purchase the property; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19402/23]

Visa Applications

Mairéad Farrell

411. Deputy Mairéad Farrell asked the Minister for Justice if there is a set time period during which a multi-entry visa is valid; if this time period is dependent on the applicant’s circumstances; if he will clarify how the amount of time a multi-entry visa remains valid is decided; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19191/23]

Health Services

Mairéad Farrell

634. Deputy Mairéad Farrell asked the Minister for Health if he will provide an update on staffing issues for respite services provided through Ability West in Galway; when these services will be back in place; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19611/23]

Apprenticeship Programmes

Mairéad Farrell

640. Deputy Mairéad Farrell asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the reason an apprentice has not yet been called by Solas to complete their block release training; the avenues that are open to someone in such a position; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19128/23]

Apprenticeship Programmes

Mairéad Farrell

641. Deputy Mairéad Farrell asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if he will provide the list of first-year, second-year, third-year and fourth-year apprentices that have completed the requisite on-the-job training for that year, but have yet to be called by Solas to undertake their block release training, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19129/23]

Housing Provision

Mairéad Farrell

244. Deputy Mairéad Farrell asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the number of affordable housing units delivered via the cost rental equity loan, the affordable housing fund and project Tosaigh in the county and the constituency of Galway west, in each of the years, 2016 to 2022; and the planned number to be delivered in 2023 with a breakdown of units per scheme and average price of units by unit size, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18679/23]

Broadband Infrastructure

Mairéad Farrell

168. Deputy Mairéad Farrell asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if he will provide an update on the roll-out of high-speed rural broadband in County Galway; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16096/23]

Social Welfare Benefits

Mairéad Farrell

863. Deputy Mairéad Farrell asked the Minister for Social Protection the waiting times for the processing of applications for carer’s allowance and carer's benefit; the number of applications waiting at present, per county, in tabular form; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [16093/23]

Social Welfare Benefits

Mairéad Farrell

864. Deputy Mairéad Farrell asked the Minister for Social Protection the waiting times for the processing of applications for disability allowance; the number of applications waiting at present, per county, in tabular form; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [16094/23]

Social Welfare Eligibility

Mairéad Farrell

883. Deputy Mairéad Farrell asked the Minister for Social Protection further to Parliamentary No. 289 of 23 March 2023, assuming a person who is working a full-time job in a four-day week has surpassed the three-day waiting period to qualify for illness benefit, if there are guidelines in place to ensure that any calculations made to the payment of their benefit are on the basis of a four-day working week, rather than a five-day working week (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [16766/23]

Departmental Policies

Mairéad Farrell

898. Deputy Mairéad Farrell asked the Minister for Social Protection if she will provide an update on the work her Department has done on extending free travel eligibility to persons who suffer with epilepsy; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [16966/23]

School Staff

Mairéad Farrell

197. Deputy Mairéad Farrell asked the Minister for Education the reason the teacher allocation for a school (details supplied) did not account for the fact that it had a higher ratio than the teacher-pupil ratio of one classroom teacher to every 23 pupils; if schools which have a higher ratio are required to go through the appeals process; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [15991/23]

Hospital Facilities

Mairéad Farrell

298. Deputy Mairéad Farrell asked the Minister for Health the reasons for the closing of the hydro pool in Galway University Hospital; the steps being taken to reopen the pool; and when it will reopen. [15913/23]

Invasive Species Policy

Mairéad Farrell

63. Deputy Mairéad Farrell asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if he will support the conservation of invasive pike in Lough Melvin SAC under the current conservation of pike bye-law No. 809 of 2006 (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15652/23]

Dental Services

Mairéad Farrell

197. Deputy Mairéad Farrell asked the Minister for Health if he is aware that no dentist in Galway now accepts medical cards; and if he will outline what steps he is taking to address this; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15600/23]

Local Authorities

Mairéad Farrell

315. Deputy Mairéad Farrell asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he will provide an expected timeline for the submission made to his Department by Galway City Council requesting sanction for the recruitment of general operatives in 2023; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15283/23]

School Staff

Mairéad Farrell

364. Deputy Mairéad Farrell asked the Minister for Education her views in relation to the proposal by the Fair Post Primary Redeployment for Teachers group that a national voluntary redeployment panel for teachers be established, whereby an online portal for teachers seeking voluntary redeployment could allow for a direct swap facility for those seeking to reverse their locations; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14658/23]

Meals-on-Wheels Services

Mairéad Farrell

722. Deputy Mairéad Farrell asked the Minister for Health if supports will be provided to the operators of the Tuam meals on wheels service, County Galway to prevent its closure at the end of the March 2023; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15284/23]

Education Policy

Mairéad Farrell

63. Deputy Mairéad Farrell asked the Minister for Education the current status of the establishment of a secondary school on Inishbofin; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12008/23]

Social Welfare Eligibility

Mairéad Farrell

289. Deputy Mairéad Farrell asked the Minister for Social Protection if there are guidelines set out for granting illness benefit to workers whose full-time work schedule is based on a four-day week, for example, if the worker is sick four days of the week, if they should get the full week’s benefit; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14466/23]

Electricity Grid

Mairéad Farrell

191. Deputy Mairéad Farrell asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications further to Parliamentary Question No. 174 of 22 November 2022, if he and his Department will amend and/or revoke the current Conservation of Coarse Fish Bye-Law No. 806 of 2006, which is in direct conflict with other domestic and EU environmental legislation (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13250/23]

State Pensions

Mairéad Farrell

203. Deputy Mairéad Farrell asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications as the Minister with governance oversight responsibility for the Postal and Telecommunications Services Act 1983, if he is satisfied that An Post is complying fully with Section 46 (4) of the said Act pertaining to the guarantee that the civil servants transferred to An Post on its vesting day are entitled to "not less favourable" conditions in their pensions than those to which they were entitled prior to being transferred; if he is satisfied that these ex-civil servants are being treated correctly in accordance with the Act and in the same way as if their pensions were paid out of monies voted by the Houses of the Oireachtas; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13453/23]

Public Sector Pensions

Mairéad Farrell

360. Deputy Mairéad Farrell asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform if he is satisfied that An Post, the Irish Aviation Authority and Coillte are complying with their respective founding legislation that contains a guarantee that the civil servants transferred to these bodies on their vesting day are entitled to "not less favourable" conditions in their pensions than those to which they were entitled prior to being transferred; if he is satisfied that these public servants are being treated equitably in the same way as other public service pensioners paid out of monies voted by both Houses of the Oireachtas; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12926/23]

Housing Schemes

Mairéad Farrell

459. Deputy Mairéad Farrell asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he will publish the number of properties sold to the State through the tenant in-situ scheme, by local authority in each month since October 2022, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13258/23]

Health Services Staff

Mairéad Farrell

1304. Deputy Mairéad Farrell asked the Minister for Health if he will outline the way the HSE recruits workers for key healthcare roles from abroad when the roles cannot be filled locally; if there is an avenue for a non-EEA worker who is not living in Ireland to pursue a career in the HSE; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12840/23]

Covid-19 Pandemic Supports

Mairéad Farrell

1403. Deputy Mairéad Farrell asked the Minister for Health when a person (details supplied) who is working in an agency will receive the pandemic bonus payment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13303/23]

Environmental Policy

Mairéad Farrell

1438. Deputy Mairéad Farrell asked the Minister for Health the biodiversity action plans that are in place for HSE estates or properties under its management in line with Government policy of protecting green spaces and high biodiversity areas; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13505/23]

Special Areas of Conservation

Mairéad Farrell

174. Deputy Mairéad Farrell asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications Inland Fisheries Ireland published the 2021 Lough Melvin Water Framework Directive Fish Survey Report on 23 February 2023, which highlighted the first anthropogenic existence of invasive roach in this SAC lake, if he,
and his Department support the conservation of invasive roach in Lough Melvin SAC under the current Conservation of Coarse Fish Bye-Law No. 806 of 2006; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12139/23]

Online Safety

Mairéad Farrell

201. Deputy Mairéad Farrell asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media if she will provide the contact details for the newly established Online Safety Commissioner; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12143/23]

Harbours and Piers

Mairéad Farrell

370. Deputy Mairéad Farrell asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine with regard to the ongoing construction of the Ros a'Mhíl deep water quay, if he has considered increasing the spec of the deck capacity to 30 tonnes / m2 and the extension of the berth pocket by 30 metres at the north end of the pier, in order to future proof the development; the process and procedures that are in place to consider same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12146/23]

Business Supports

Mairéad Farrell

99. Deputy Mairéad Farrell asked the Minister for Finance if he plans to extend the business energy support scheme to LPG gas and oil; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8044/23]

Ethics in Public Office

Mairéad Farrell

220. Deputy Mairéad Farrell asked the Minister for Finance in a situation where a Minister had responsibility for an area such as consumer mortgage arrears, if his or her own credit history would be relevant and hence should be declared if he or she were currently or previously in significant arrears, given that the ministerial code of conduct requires Ministers to "avoid any real or apparent conflict of interest"; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11313/23]

Ethics in Public Office

Mairéad Farrell

221. Deputy Mairéad Farrell asked the Minister for Finance in light of his review of the ethics framework, the measures he is considering to improve the oversight of potential conflicts of interest, and sanctions for having failed to declare a conflict of interest when a Minister has authority or jurisdiction over the relevant area; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11314/23]

Tax Credits

Mairéad Farrell

245. Deputy Mairéad Farrell asked the Minister for Finance if the renter's credit introduced in Budget 2023 is in the baseline and a recurring measure going forward; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11213/23]

Social Welfare Payments

Mairéad Farrell

428. Deputy Mairéad Farrell asked the Minister for Social Protection if those who have been in receipt of illness benefit since April 2022 or before will be eligible for the one-off payment of €200; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [10950/23]

Wildlife Protection

Mairéad Farrell

701. Deputy Mairéad Farrell asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he is aware and has contacted the HSE with regard to the use of heavy machinery in Priority Annex 1 habitat and the felling of trees in south woods in Merlin Woods, Galway City; how this complies with the EU Habitats Directive (article 6.2); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11356/23]

Public Sector Pay

Mairéad Farrell

90. Deputy Mairéad Farrell asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform if he will outline the process and procedures by which a line Department would come to his Department seeking permission for the release of funding for a pay claim; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10525/23]

Public Procurement Contracts

Mairéad Farrell

92. Deputy Mairéad Farrell asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform if he will detail the analysis of the inflation-supply chain delay co-operation framework that has been carried out to date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10526/23]

Construction Industry

Mairéad Farrell

106. Deputy Mairéad Farrell asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform the work that the construction sector group is currently undertaking to advance the roll-out of modern methods of construction; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10530/23]

Freedom of Information

Mairéad Farrell

108. Deputy Mairéad Farrell asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform if he will provide an update on the legislation he will bring forward this year in relation to the Freedom of Information Act 2014; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10528/23]

National Development Plan

Mairéad Farrell

132. Deputy Mairéad Farrell asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform as part of his focus on the NDP and in relation to the capital ceilings, if he has identified particular Departments as a priority and whose current ceiling may need amending; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10529/23]

Flood Risk Management

Mairéad Farrell

133. Deputy Mairéad Farrell asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform if he will provide an update on the Coirib go Cósta flood defences project in Galway; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10527/23]

Healthcare Policy

Mairéad Farrell

292. Deputy Mairéad Farrell asked the Minister for Health if persons in receipt of a British pension can apply for reimbursement of costs for healthcare treatment received in another EU member state under the cross-border directive scheme; if there are other arrangements in place that allow persons in receipt of a British pension to apply for reimbursement; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10655/23]

Local Authorities

Mairéad Farrell

273. Deputy Mairéad Farrell asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if his Department will approve the request for additional staff from Galway City Council housing unit, given the fact that council tenants in Galway are waiting months for maintenance works and retrofits; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9649/23]

Fuel Prices

Mairéad Farrell

296. Deputy Mairéad Farrell asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if his Department has a plan to address issues with regard to fuel affordability for social housing tenants whose homes are being upgraded from solid fuel to oil heating systems, given that this work may be done in advance of any potential energy efficiency works such as insulation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10068/23]

Harbours and Piers

Mairéad Farrell

7. Deputy Mairéad Farrell asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the status of the progress in relation to repairs and works to be carried out on the piers for the Islands; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8369/23]

Tax Data

Mairéad Farrell

195. Deputy Mairéad Farrell asked the Minister for Finance the total cost of capital allowances related to accelerated depreciation in each of the years 2018, 2019, 2020 and 2021, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9295/23]

Middle East

Mairéad Farrell

219. Deputy Mairéad Farrell asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs his views on the prospects for a two state solution given the new Israeli Governments' stated position that Jews alone have an exclusive and inalienable right to all parts of the land of Israel; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9419/23]

Early Childhood Care and Education

Mairéad Farrell

244. Deputy Mairéad Farrell asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth if he will provide an update on plans for year 2 of Core Funding for the early learning and childcare sector; when the details of the next pay agreement will be available; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9402/23]

Road Projects

Mairéad Farrell

84. Deputy Mairéad Farrell asked the Minister for Transport if he will provide an update on seeking further approvals to improve the N59 Clifden to Maam Cross, as was mentioned in the National Development Plan 2021-2030, given that part of this road was identified as the most dangerous stretch of road in the State in 2019; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9011/23]

Seirbhísí Oileán

Mairéad Farrell

74. D'fhiafraigh Deputy Mairéad Farrell den Aire Turasóireachta, Cultúir, Ealaíon, Gaeltachta, Spóirt agus Meán an mbeidh aon athrú le déanamh ar na cuaillí ag na Pointí Grianghrafadóireachta ar Shlí an Atlantaigh Fhiáin i mbliana; an athrófar an cuaille ‘Inis Mór’ go 'Árainn'; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8619/23]

Seirbhísí agus Tacaíochtaí Gaeilge

Mairéad Farrell

100. D'fhiafraigh Deputy Mairéad Farrell den Aire Turasóireachta, Cultúir, Ealaíon, Gaeltachta, Spóirt agus Meán an gcuirfidh sí tacaíocht bhreise ar fáil do hallaí pobail na Gaeltachta; agus an ndéanfaidh sí ráiteas ina thaobh. [8599/23]

Inland Fisheries

Mairéad Farrell

149. Deputy Mairéad Farrell asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the reason the inland fisheries division within his Department contracted a private sector company (details supplied) to conduct appropriate assessment screenings under the EU Habitats Directive on the 2022 Wild Salmon and Sea Trout Regulations, given that Inland Fisheries Ireland is the responsible statutory body; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8229/23]

Inland Fisheries

Mairéad Farrell

150. Deputy Mairéad Farrell asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if he and the inland fisheries division within his Department support the phased introduction of wels catfish (Silurus glanis) into an area (details supplied) to create an unique angling tourism product in the west of Ireland, such as happened in Spain on the Ebro river; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8230/23]

Inland Fisheries

Mairéad Farrell

151. Deputy Mairéad Farrell asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if he and his Department support the conservation of roach in Lettercraffroe Lough under the Conservation of Coarse Fish Bye-Law No. 806 of 2006 (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8231/23]

Energy Conservation

Mairéad Farrell

382. Deputy Mairéad Farrell asked the Minister for Education the criteria for the schools' energy retrofit pathfinder programme; the way a school can put forward its interest in being considered for the programme; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8175/23]

Departmental Funding

Mairéad Farrell

752. Deputy Mairéad Farrell asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development if she will provide an update on the 2023 community centres investment fund; when details of this scheme will be made available; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8727/23]

Industrial Relations

Mairéad Farrell

292. Deputy Mairéad Farrell asked the Minister for Education the reason that despite WRC negotiations, a Labour Court recommendation and a promise from her Department that it would be making an offer of improved pay and conditions to the unions representing adult education tutors employed by education and training boards by September 2022, no offer has yet been forthcoming; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8032/23]

International Protection

Mairéad Farrell

310. Deputy Mairéad Farrell asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth if a location (details supplied) is due to be used as accommodation for people seeking international protection; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7797/23]

Third Level Education

Mairéad Farrell

98. Deputy Mairéad Farrell asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if he will provide the terms of reference for the consideration of the location of the proposed new veterinary school and the international accreditation that will be used; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6905/23]

Tax Code

Mairéad Farrell

187. Deputy Mairéad Farrell asked the Minister for Finance if it is a requirement for aircraft to also be registered for tax purposes in Ireland, given that, according to the Irish Aviation Authority, "an aircraft may be registered in the State subject to the condition that it be managed and operated from a place within the State and based therein or that it be managed and operated by an air transport undertaking holding an Air Operator Certificate issued by the Authority"; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6912/23]

Education and Training Boards

Mairéad Farrell

214. Deputy Mairéad Farrell asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform if his Department is aware of the fact that despite WRC negotiations, a Labour Court recommendation and a promise from the Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science to the unions representing adult education tutors employed by education and training boards in relation to improved pay and conditions, no offer has been forthcoming; if the Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science has sought additional funds for the purposes of making an offer; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7373/23]

Departmental Funding

Mairéad Farrell

222. Deputy Mairéad Farrell asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media the financial supports available for companies that provide coach-hire services; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6844/23]

Primary Care Centres

Mairéad Farrell

658. Deputy Mairéad Farrell asked the Minister for Health his views on the use of the private sector to deliver the new Galway city west primary care centre at Seamus Quirke Road; his views on whether this will offer the best value for money to the State; the reasoning behind the decision to lease a privately owned building for this project; how it offers savings to the State when compared with purchasing a property for this purpose, given the briefing document for the project which that the project claims the procurement has been competitively sourced and, based on the proposed lease terms to be agreed, provides the HSE value for money; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6781/23]

Medicinal Products

Mairéad Farrell

284. Deputy Mairéad Farrell asked the Minister for Health the process in writing through which pregnant women experiencing extreme nausea and vomiting can obtain the drug cariban; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6334/23]

Medicinal Products

Mairéad Farrell

285. Deputy Mairéad Farrell asked the Minister for Health the reason that the drug cariban cannot be prescribed by a GP on the drugs payment scheme (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6335/23]

Medicinal Products

Mairéad Farrell

286. Deputy Mairéad Farrell asked the Minister for Health the number of cariban prescriptions that have been processed through the drugs payment scheme to date, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6336/23]

Ukraine War

Mairéad Farrell

117. Deputy Mairéad Farrell asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform his views on a matter (details supplied) regarding the Ukraine contingency fund; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5606/23]

Ukraine War

Mairéad Farrell

122. Deputy Mairéad Farrell asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform if he anticipates a further allocation from the remaining €1.2 billion reserve, following the draw-down of €1.5 billion from the €2.77 billion held in reserve in budget 2023 for additional non-core supports; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5717/23]

Covid-19 Pandemic Supports

Mairéad Farrell

433. Deputy Mairéad Farrell asked the Minister for Health when security staff working for a company (details supplied) in Merlin Park Hospital Galway will receive the pandemic bonus payment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5956/23]

Inland Fisheries

Mairéad Farrell

205. Deputy Mairéad Farrell asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if his Department will provide additional funding to Inland Fisheries Ireland to fully conduct the Owenriff Fish Population Rehabilitation Plan in Oughterard, County Galway (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5480/23]

Inland Fisheries

Mairéad Farrell

206. Deputy Mairéad Farrell asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if his Department will fully support, financially or otherwise, Inland Fisheries Ireland in its efforts to eradicate invasive pike from Aughrusbeg Lough, Cleggan, County Galway (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5481/23]

Social Welfare Benefits

Mairéad Farrell

328. Deputy Mairéad Farrell asked the Minister for Social Protection if a person in receipt of disability allowance whose spouse cares for them, in addition to a person residing outside of the home, is eligible for fuel allowance, assuming that all other criteria are met; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [5306/23]

Hospital Admissions

Mairéad Farrell

412. Deputy Mairéad Farrell asked the Minister for Health the reason a patient (details supplied) and their family were not informed that they could potentially lose their bed in hospital after going to stay with family over Christmas; and if this person will be offered the care they had been receiving prior to Christmas; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5445/23]

Bus Services

Mairéad Farrell

81. Deputy Mairéad Farrell asked the Minister for Transport the financial supports available for private bus operators and companies that provide coach-hire services; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5124/23]