Parliamentary questions

Ceisteanna Craolacháin

Éamon Ó Cuív

84. D'fhiafraigh Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív den Aire Turasóireachta, Cultúir, Ealaíon, Gaeltachta, Spóirt agus Meán cad iad na pleananna atá aici le TG4 a neartú agus lena chinntiú go mbeidh comhréir chothrom idir an maoiniú stáit atá ag TG4 le hais RTÉ; an bhfuil i gceist aici gasra oibre a bhunú le breathnú air sin agus ar an gcleachtas atá ann maidir le maoiniú S4C sa Bhreatain Bheag; agus an ndéanfaidh sí ráiteas ina thaobh. [56876/22]

Capital Expenditure Programme

Éamon Ó Cuív

107. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the total underspend on capital allocated to Departments to the end of October 2022; the steps taken to streamline and speed up capital expenditure; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [56383/22]

Irish Language

Éamon Ó Cuív

116. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the steps taken since the enactment of the amended Official Languages Act 2021 to increase the intake of civil servants who are capable of doing their business through Irish and English; the number recruited to date in 2022 with such a competency; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [56384/22]

Wind Energy Generation

Éamon Ó Cuív

181. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Transport the progress made to date with the development of a ports policy for the wind energy sector; when the policy will be published and implemented; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [56418/22]

Tax Code

Éamon Ó Cuív

214. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Finance the present carbon tax and excise duty charged on biofuels used for home heating; if he intends eliminating the carbon tax and excise duty on these biofuels when used as a substitute for diesel or kerosene as home heating oil in order to encourage a reduction in Ireland's carbon emissions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [56652/22]

Naval Service

Éamon Ó Cuív

315. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Defence the progress made in selecting a location for a base for the Naval Service on the west coast to service the immense area of Irish waters off this coast; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [56417/22]

Departmental Policies

Éamon Ó Cuív

484. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Justice when the next naturalisation ceremonies will be held; the locations in which they will be held; when participants in the ceremonies will be notified; the reason for the delay in same given that in many cases persons need to make arrangements in relation to family, education and work commitments in order to attend; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [56648/22]

Prison Service

Éamon Ó Cuív

485. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Justice the number of female prisoners who are sleeping on mattresses laid on the floor each night in the Dóchas Centre and Limerick Prison, respectively during September, October and to date in November 2022; the reason that this is occurring; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [56651/22]

Covid-19 Pandemic Supports

Éamon Ó Cuív

555. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Health if contract workers, such as contract cleaning staff, contract catering staff and contract security workers as opposed to agency workers who worked in the health service including in hospitals during the Covid pandemic will be eligible for the pandemic recognition payment; if so, when they will be paid the bonus; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [56420/22]

Covid-19 Pandemic Supports

Éamon Ó Cuív

556. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Health if categories of workers (details supplied) are eligible for the pandemic recognition payment; if so, when they will be paid the bonus; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [56421/22]

Rural Schemes

Éamon Ó Cuív

641. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development if an EU regulation or rule is in place that would prohibit her from providing for a dedicated sub-region for the offshore islands under LEADER; if so, when the regulation or rule was first introduced; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [56650/22]

Public Transport

Éamon Ó Cuív

21. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Transport his plans to ensure adequate resources are made available to the NTA to provide frequent, good-quality commuter services for approximately 100 km around Ireland's towns and cities with either a third level college or a major hospital; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [55045/22]

Rail Network

Éamon Ó Cuív

73. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Transport his plans to continue the work ongoing on the western rail corridor connecting Foynes to Westport, Ballina and Sligo; the progress made to date in upgrading these lines for both passenger and freight; the reason for the delay in progressing construction, particularly on the sections of the lines closed at present; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [55044/22]

Tax Credits

Éamon Ó Cuív

136. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Finance if he intends introducing a mortgage interest tax credit for first-time buyers of new or second-hand properties to assist them to deal with the challenge of ever-increasing interest rates; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [55043/22]

Tax Code

Éamon Ó Cuív

165. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Finance the amount of PAYE, USC and PRSI payable in 2022 by a one-income family with an income of €100,000 with only basic tax credits, including the homemaker's tax credit, as compared with a two-income family with each earning €50,000; the reason for the disparity in the amount paid; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [55042/22]

Departmental Funding

Éamon Ó Cuív

176. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the amount of money allocated in 2021 and to date in 2022 to NGOs by the Department for work on environmental and climate projects; the names of the NGOs involved; the purpose for which the money was allocated; the amount allocated in each case; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [55977/22]

Scéimeanna Rannach

Éamon Ó Cuív

226. D'fhiafraigh Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív den Aire Turasóireachta, Cultúir, Ealaíon, Gaeltachta, Spóirt agus Meán cé na deontais nua nó meadaithe atá ar fáil do theaghlaigh a choinníonn scoláirí faoi scéim na bhfoghlaimeoirí Gaeilge i mbliana agus i 2023 [55915/22]

Scéimeanna Rannach

Éamon Ó Cuív

227. D'fhiafraigh Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív den Aire Turasóireachta, Cultúir, Ealaíon, Gaeltachta, Spóirt agus Meán an bhfuil i gceist aici scéim a bhunú le teaghlaigh gurab í an Ghaeilge a dteanga baile a mhealladh go dtí an Ghaeltacht [55916/22]

Foreshore Issues

Éamon Ó Cuív

229. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if it is intended now to proceed with legal action in relation to the filling in of foreshore without permission in a location (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [55914/22]

Special Areas of Conservation

Éamon Ó Cuív

236. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the conditions under which land designated as an SAC can be taken out of the SAC; if it is intended to change this; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [55983/22]

Hospital Staff

Éamon Ó Cuív

312. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Health when the shift leads will be appointed to the ICU in Mayo University Hospital as per the national directive given that all the other hospitals in the Saolta group have already had their shift leads appointed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [55982/22]

Transport Policy

Éamon Ó Cuív

20. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Transport the current rate of “islander” car tax; the basis on which this is paid; if cars taxed for “island only” use are exempt from undergoing the NCT; the steps that he intends taking on ensuring that it is attractive for islanders to purchase plug in hybrids or electric vehicles for island use; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [55806/22]

Coast Guard Service

Éamon Ó Cuív

21. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Transport when consideration was first given to the possibility of locating the west Connemara base for the Coast Guard at the airstrip in Cluain Leacht an Abba, Cleggan, County Galway; the progress made to date with this project; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [55807/22]

Driver Test

Éamon Ó Cuív

22. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Transport the reason that a waiting time of eight to ten weeks exists for driving tests; the steps being taken to shorten these waiting lists; if certain categories of applicant who require full driving licences for essential work can get their applications expedited; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [55821/22]

Transport Policy

Éamon Ó Cuív

25. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Transport the steps that he intends taking to support the taxi industry in view of the unprecedented rise in overhead costs over the past two years, and the lack of taxis in many parts of the country; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [55879/22]

Insurance Industry

Éamon Ó Cuív

39. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Finance if he has had discussions with the insurance industry in relation to the large difference in insurance premiums being charged by the sector to new entrants to the taxi industry compared to existing operators, which is a major disincentive to new persons in getting involved in the industry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [55880/22]

Tax Reliefs

Éamon Ó Cuív

40. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Finance if he intends amending the help-to-buy scheme for persons building on their own site, in order that the minimum percentage borrowed would be 70% of the construction cost rather than 70% of the imputed cost including a value on the site (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [55893/22]

Flood Risk Management

Éamon Ó Cuív

44. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform when final flood maps and reports will be published by the Office of Public Works for the Carnmore and Claregalway area of Galway as these are required urgently in order that applicants have up to date data in relation to flood risk when making planning applications; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [55789/22]

Flood Risk Management

Éamon Ó Cuív

45. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if the OPW intends providing funding for the cleaning of a channel (details supplied) in County Galway that was previously allocated funding that was never spent; if so, when it is likely to happen; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [55790/22]

Public Sector Pensions

Éamon Ó Cuív

46. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if all pensioners who are getting occupational pensions from the Civil Service or wider public service and are not receiving the State pension (contributory) as they only paid a modified PRSI contribution while working and who are suffering like all pensioners from the effects of the increase in fuel prices and the cost-of-living, will receive a double payment of their pension this autumn; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [55811/22]

Coláistí Samhraidh

Éamon Ó Cuív

50. D'fhiafraigh Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív den Aire Turasóireachta, Cultúir, Ealaíon, Gaeltachta, Spóirt agus Meán Chun an bhfuil i gceist aici deontas bliantúil a chur ar fáil leis na barr-chostais a chlúdach i gcomhair ionaid atá in úsáid mar choláistí Gaeilge de bharr na mbarr-chostasí mór a bhaineann lena leithéid anois; agus an ndéanfaidh sí ráiteas ina thaobh. [55792/22]

Sports Organisations

Éamon Ó Cuív

51. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media if she intends setting up an independent enquiry to examine issues of concern that have arisen in relation to Irish dancing competitions run under the auspices of an organisation (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [55809/22]

Coláistí Samhraidh

Éamon Ó Cuív

52. D'fhiafraigh Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív den Aire Turasóireachta, Cultúir, Ealaíon, Gaeltachta, Spóirt agus Meán cén uair a chuirfear an grúpa oibre ar bun le scrúdú a dhéanamh ar fhorbairt agus todhchaí na gColáistí Gaeilge; an t-amscála a bhainfidh leis an athbhreithniú; agus an ndéanfaidh sí ráiteas ina thaobh. [55818/22]

Housing Provision

Éamon Ó Cuív

59. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he will instruct both Galway City Council and Galway County Council to give equal consideration to applicants for housing who are on the housing list of one local authority, but who express a preference for housing in the other local authority as allowed (details supplied) to ensure equality of treatment of all applicants; if he has given consideration to instructing both councils to hold a joint housing list data base for this purpose; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [55804/22]

Public Appointments Service

Éamon Ó Cuív

60. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he has received any update from the Public Appointments Service in relation to when it intends advertising the position for a permanent chief executive in Galway County Council; the explanation, if any, that it provided as to the reasons for the delay in doing so; the discussions that his Department has had with the PAS in relation to this matter since the requirement was made known to the PAS; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [55827/22]

Housing Policy

Éamon Ó Cuív

62. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he intends introducing an incentive for persons who are council tenants and could afford to build or buy their own house, to do so; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [55862/22]

Special Educational Needs

Éamon Ó Cuív

78. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Education when a decision will be made on an application by a school (details supplied) for funding for a new SEN 2 base along with the replacement of four substandard classrooms; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [55791/22]

Special Educational Needs

Éamon Ó Cuív

79. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Education when a decision will be made on an application by a school (details supplied) for funding for a new SEN 2 base along with the replacement of four substandard classrooms; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [55793/22]

Public Sector Pensions

Éamon Ó Cuív

94. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Social Protection the extra assistance provided by her Department in budget 2023 in terms of double payments and so on to pensioners who are not entitled to the State pension (contributory) as they were public servants and paid a modified PRSI contribution and who are suffering like all pensioners form the effects of the increase in fuel prices and the cost-of-living; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [55810/22]

Social Welfare Payments

Éamon Ó Cuív

95. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Social Protection the reason that persons who are in receipt of illness benefit for a period similar to the qualification period for qualifying for the double payment of welfare for recipients of supplementary allowance and jobseeker’s allowance benefit, were not entitled to the recently announced double payment of welfare payments; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [55819/22]

Mother and Baby Homes

Éamon Ó Cuív

98. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth if there will be extra compensation under the mother-and-baby homes to children of African descent who were born in covered institutions, given that they were often subject to differential treatment due to racial prejudice, thus affecting lifelong outcomes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [55897/22]

Mental Health Services

Éamon Ó Cuív

130. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Health the reason for the delay in accessing the child and adolescent mental health service, CAMHS, service in Galway city and county; the urgent action being taken to provide a quality service to young people in the county who require these services urgently; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [55787/22]

Covid-19 Pandemic Supports

Éamon Ó Cuív

131. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Health when home care workers employed during the Covid-19 pandemic will receive their €1,000 bonus payment; the reason for the delay in paying this; if he can assure this Deputy that all outstanding payments of the bonus to all entitled to it will be paid by Christmas; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [55788/22]

Public Sector Pensions

Éamon Ó Cuív

132. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Health the reason that pensioners who used to work for the HSE and received their salaries on a fortnightly basis receive their pension on a monthly basis in arrears; if he intends instructing the HSE to pay these pensions at the same frequency as they were paid their salaries while working; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [55794/22]

Health Services Staff

Éamon Ó Cuív

133. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Health the number of district medical officers on salary from the HSE in the State; the location of each; the increase in salary for these in the past ten years; the basis on which their salary is set; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [55795/22]

EU Directives

Éamon Ó Cuív

134. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Health if he has raised concerns at EU level in relation to the short-term effect of the medical device regulation, which came into effect on 26 May 2021; if subject to a risk-based roll-out he will be looking for the deferment of the implementation of the directive from 2024 to 2027 and allow the use of existing stock after 2025; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [55796/22]

Care Services

Éamon Ó Cuív

136. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Health further to Parliamentary Question No. 1079 of 2 November 2021, the progress made regarding the preparation of a care plan for a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [55808/22]

Covid-19 Pandemic Supports

Éamon Ó Cuív

138. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Health when persons working in non-HSE nursing homes will receive the pandemic bonus of €1,000; the reason for the delay with these payments; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [55822/22]

Legislative Reviews

Éamon Ó Cuív

150. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if it is intended to repeal the Noxious Weeds Act 1936/37 in view of the new understanding of the need for biodiversity and the need to avoid unnecessary spraying; the number of prosecutions taken under the Act in the past five years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [55855/22]

Renewable Energy Generation

Éamon Ó Cuív

10. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the main barriers on the route to market facing the renewable energy industry in its efforts to increase the amount of renewable energy available to Ireland; the steps being taken by the Government to remove these barriers expeditiously; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [55036/22]