Parliamentary questions

Public Transport

Éamon Ó Cuív

255. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Transport if he will take emergency action and if necessary, seek emergency powers to rapidly expand the range of public transport services throughout rural Ireland in view of the crisis of accommodation in cities, the lack of public transport in rural Ireland and the increasing cost of fuel; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43414/22]

Rail Network

Éamon Ó Cuív

256. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Transport when new rolling stock will be put into service by Iarnród Éireann; if it is intended to use this extra fleet to improve the rails services on lowly serviced rails lines; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43415/22]

Rail Network

Éamon Ó Cuív

257. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Transport if he intends increasing the frequency on the Galway to Limerick rail line from four services each way a day to a minimum of ten services a day in view of the increased patronage on the line despite the very poor service offered in terms of speed and frequency, thus attracting even more customers to this climate friendly method of transport and ensuring the maximum return on the capital investment in the line; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43416/22]

Rail Network

Éamon Ó Cuív

258. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Transport the ring-fenced funding that he has made available since taking office for low-cost actions that would improve speeds on the slowest rails lines in the country; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43417/22]

Coastal Erosion

Éamon Ó Cuív

439. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the amount of money sanctioned by the Office of Public Works for coastal erosion works at Leenane, County Galway; the progress made with this project to date; the reason work has not yet commenced on it; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42232/22]

Capital Expenditure Programme

Éamon Ó Cuív

448. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the steps he intends taking to ensure, in view of the enormous deficits in infrastructure, that the total capital allocation to all Departments for 2022 is spent, particularly as the capital expenditure to the end of July 2022 was €694 million, or 17%, behind profile; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42629/22]

Departmental Consultations

Éamon Ó Cuív

477. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media when the stakeholders consultative group to advise on the implementation of the Future of the Media Commission report will be set; if an organisation (details supplied) will be represented on the group; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [42110/22]

Scéimeanna Tacaíochta Gaeilge

Éamon Ó Cuív

483. D'fhiafraigh Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív den Aire Turasóireachta, Cultúir, Ealaíon, Gaeltachta, Spóirt agus Meán an bhfuil i gceist aici Scéim na bhFoghlaimeoirí Gaeilge a leasú le go mbeidh deontas ar fáil do na coláistí sean-bhunaithe a bhíodh ag fáil deontas ón Roinn Oideachais, ag cur san áireamh an titim atá i líon na leapacha atá ar fáil sna coláistí sa nGaeltacht ; agus an ndéanfaidh sí ráiteas ina thaobh. [42562/22]

Vacant Properties

Éamon Ó Cuív

526. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the number of vacant and derelict houses estimated to exist in the countryside outside of towns and villages of over 500 people; if he intends creating a new scheme to provide grants of up to €30,000 for the refurbishment of vacant houses in the countryside, as first homes for applicants and €50,000 for the refurbishment of derelict houses; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42235/22]

Legislative Process

Éamon Ó Cuív

539. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage when the review by his Department of the amendments made in Seanad Éireann to the Wildlife (Amendment) Bill 2016 will be completed in order that he can bring a memorandum to Government seeking approval to have the Bill restored to the Order Paper of Dáil Éireann; the reason for the delay with this work; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42439/22]

Local Authorities

Éamon Ó Cuív

551. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage when he approved the appointment of a permanent chief executive to Galway County Council; the progress made since progressing this; the reason for the delay in the process; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42622/22]

Local Authorities

Éamon Ó Cuív

552. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the reason that Galway County Council is required by his Department to have an option on its social housing application housing forms expressing a preference for a house in Galway city when in practice this never happens due to the pressure on housing there; if he will now release this requirement and make a ruling that all the applicants to Galway County Council for social housing who put down a preference for housing in the city would be allowed to transfer to the City Council list and retain the years that they had built up on the county housing list; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42624/22]

Vacant Properties

Éamon Ó Cuív

560. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the way that the boundaries of towns and villages are defined under the Croí Cónaithe scheme where grants are available to refurbish vacant and derelict houses; the reason the scheme is limited to towns and villages and not available for houses in the countryside; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42732/22]

Water Supply

Éamon Ó Cuív

563. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the number of houses by county in the State dependent on private supplies of water from streams or wells and not on either a group water scheme or public scheme; his plans to afford all of these houses the opportunity to connect to a public supply or group water scheme at an affordable cost; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42744/22]

Water Supply

Éamon Ó Cuív

564. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the grants per house and other grants available for new group water schemes that would connect to the public mains of Irish Water supply; if he considers this sufficient in enabling viable group water schemes to be formed in the last remaining areas of the State not serviced by a group scheme or public water scheme; if he intends on increasing these grants; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42745/22]

Environmental Policy

Éamon Ó Cuív

573. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if bog and other land that is being re-wetted for ecological reasons will be required to be fully fenced to ensure that neighbouring stock cannot enter it; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42877/22]

Wastewater Treatment

Éamon Ó Cuív

634. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the guidelines that have issued to local authorities in relation to the assessment of proposed waste water systems for single houses by county council-planning staff that are submitted and certified by qualified agents with professional indemnity insurance as complying with the Environmental Protection Agency guidelines; the qualifications that these planning staff are required to have to assess these proposals; if he intends on reviewing these guidelines and procedures given the large number of applications with certified waste water proposals that are refused by local authorities; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43581/22]

Wastewater Treatment

Éamon Ó Cuív

635. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he intends on carrying out a survey of each county council of the number of such proposals for waste water systems for single houses as part of a single house planning application received by each council in the past year given the large number of certified waste water treatment proposals for single houses being rejected by local councils; the number that have a rejection of the waste water proposal as one of the reasons for refusal; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43582/22]

Passport Services

Éamon Ó Cuív

723. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if documentation (details supplied) is sufficient in order to fully consider an application for a first Irish passport for a naturalised Irish citizen; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42565/22]

Overseas Development Aid

Éamon Ó Cuív

725. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he intends increasing Irish Overseas Development Aid from 32% to 0.7% in equal increments over the next seven years in line with the commitments in the Programme for Government; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42628/22]

Passport Services

Éamon Ó Cuív

764. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs when a passport for a person (details supplied) that was originally applied for on 10 March 2022 will be issued; if the delay in the process was caused while waiting for a reply for more information from the applicant; the other reasons for the delay with this application; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43583/22]

Passport Services

Éamon Ó Cuív

765. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs when two passports for siblings (details supplied) which were originally applied for on 10 May 2022, will issue; if the delay in the process was caused while waiting for a reply for more information from the applicant: the other reasons for the delay with this application; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43584/22]

School Transport

Éamon Ó Cuív

916. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Education when decisions will be made on remote area grant applications for students (details supplied) to attend a school; the reason for the delay in processing same given that the school term has commenced; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [43244/22]

School Meals Programme

Éamon Ó Cuív

1067. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Social Protection the present rate of payment for a breakfast, snack, lunch, dinner and hot meal, respectively, under the school meals local projects scheme; when these rates of payment were set in each case; if it is intended to raise these in line with the increasing cost of food, labour and transport since the rates were set; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [42228/22]

Pensions Reform

Éamon Ó Cuív

1068. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Social Protection the current arrangements in place in relation to one-member pension schemes; if she intends reforming the PRSA arrangements to facilitate the needs of one-member pension schemes; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [42236/22]

Third Level Costs

Éamon Ó Cuív

1308. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if he intends on making it a requirement of State funding to higher education establishments that they pay a stipend of at least €28,000 per year to postgraduate students undertaking PhD studies given the important work that they do; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42750/22]

Disability Services

Éamon Ó Cuív

1526. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Health the steps that he intends taking to ensure that disability organisations funded under section 39 of the Health Act 2007 can afford to pay similar wages and salaries to those operating under section 38 of the Act in view of the similar work they do; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42108/22]

Vaccination Programme

Éamon Ó Cuív

1673. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Health the steps that have been taken to procure and distribute vaccines (details supplied);; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42634/22]

Seirbhísí Sláinte

Éamon Ó Cuív

1734. D'fhiafraigh Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív den Aire Sláinte an bhfuil sé i gceist ag Feidhmeannacht na Seirbhíse Sláinte ionad cúraim phríomhúil a thógáil ar an gCeathrú Rua, Co. na Gaillimhe don cheantar láidir Gaeltachta sin; agus an ndéanfaidh sé ráiteas ina thaobh. [42878/22]

Hospital Facilities

Éamon Ó Cuív

1749. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Health the progress made to date with the development of the new emergency department and women’s and children’s block at University Hospital Galway, Newcastle Road; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42922/22]

Hospital Facilities

Éamon Ó Cuív

1750. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Health the progress made to date with the development of a comprehensive cancer care facility at University Hospital Galway which will enable all cancer services to be located within one block as a hospital within a hospital and which has been escalated in the National Development Plan 2021-2030; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42923/22]

Forbairt Calaí agus Céanna

Éamon Ó Cuív

2112. D'fhiafraigh Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív den Aire Talmhaíochta, Bia agus Mara cén uair a chuirfear tús leis an obair ar an gconradh dreideála ag calafort Ros’ a Mhíl; agus an ndéanfaidh sé ráiteas ina thaobh. [42567/22]

Rural Schemes

Éamon Ó Cuív

2171. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development when applications for the town and village renewal scheme 2022 will be approved; the steps in the process; the maximum amount of funding for any one project; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [42225/22]

Rural Schemes

Éamon Ó Cuív

2172. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development if her Department has an application on hand (details supplied) under the town and village renewal scheme 2022; when a decision will be made on it; the number of steps in the process; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [42226/22]

Rural Schemes

Éamon Ó Cuív

2173. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the number of rural schemes, other than LEADER, that her Department has introduced for the development of infrastructure in rural areas outside of towns and villages; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [42227/22]

Community Development Projects

Éamon Ó Cuív

2174. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development when decisions will be made under the Community Centres Investment Fund; the total amount of funding available for this; the total number of applications received; the amount of the fund directed towards energy generation and energy efficiency at community centres; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [42229/22]

Community Development Projects

Éamon Ó Cuív

2175. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development when a decision will be made on an application for funding under the Community Centres Investment Fund (details supplied);; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [42230/22]

Community Development Projects

Éamon Ó Cuív

2176. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development if she intends introducing a new scheme for the development of new community centres where there is a clear community need for same and where there are projects available that have advanced planning done on them; if there will be a requirement of co-funding from the local authority for such a scheme; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [42231/22]

Rural Schemes

Éamon Ó Cuív

2177. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development when decisions will be made on applications under the present round of the Rural Regeneration and Development Fund; the number of applications received; the amount of funding available in 2022 for approval; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [42233/22]

Rural Schemes

Éamon Ó Cuív

2178. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development when her Department received an application under the Rural Regeneration and Development Fund for 2022 (details supplied); when a decision will be made on this application; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [42234/22]

Forbairt Calaí agus Céanna

Éamon Ó Cuív

2186. D'fhiafraigh Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív den Aire Forbartha Tuaithe agus Pobail cén dul chun cinn atá déanta le bliain anuas ar fhorbairt Chéibh an Chalaidh Mhóir in Inis Meáin; cén t-údar go bhfuil an oiread moille le cur chun cinn an togra seo [42623/22]

Community Development Projects

Éamon Ó Cuív

2187. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development when a decision will be made on an application under the community centres refurbishment fund 2022 (details supplied);; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [42631/22]

Water Supply

Éamon Ó Cuív

2188. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development if she intends re-instating the group water scheme top-up scheme available under CLÁR from its inception to 2011 to ensure that all houses in the State have access to water at an affordable cost; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [42747/22]

Water Supply

Éamon Ó Cuív

2189. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the number of group water schemes that availed of the group water scheme top-up scheme under the Clár programme during the lifetime of the scheme; the number of houses connected under the scheme; the total cost of the scheme; if the scheme represented value for money in her view; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [42748/22]

Community Development Projects

Éamon Ó Cuív

2192. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development when it is intended to seek new expressions of interest for the Community Services Programme in view of the number of suitable possible projects available for the scheme; if it is intended to ensure that all community centres that received State capital funding will have the benefit of the scheme; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [42876/22]

Forbairt na Gaeilge

Éamon Ó Cuív

600. D'fhiafraigh Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív den Aire Turasóireachta, Cultúir, Ealaíon, Gaeltachta, Spóirt agus Meán cén tacaíocht atá á tabhairt i bhfoirm deontas reatha d’Amharclann Náisiúnta na Gaeilge, Taibhdhearc na Gaillimhe; an bhfuil i gceist í a mhéadú ar aon dul leis an maoiniú atá ar fáil ón gComhairle Ealaíon don amharclann náisiúnta Bhéarla; cén fáth go bhfuil amharclann na Gaeilge ag fáil cistíocht i bhfad níos lú ná í á chur san áireamh gurb í an Ghaeilge an Teanga Náisiúnta; agus an ndéanfaidh sí ráiteas ina thaobh. [41579/22]

Wastewater Treatment

Éamon Ó Cuív

747. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the discussions that he or his officials have had with the Minister for Rural and Community Development or her officials in relation to the need to provide sewerage services on the Aran Islands, Galway and the possibility of the two Departments making a special allocation of finance for this; the result of these discussions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41285/22]

Disability Services

Éamon Ó Cuív

2027. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Health when comprehensive services will be available to autistic children from their local children’s disability network team nationally; the shortfall in staff in each CDNT at present and the grades and specialties involved; the steps that are being taken to rectify this issue; the reason that full early intervention is not being provided given that it is recognised to be vital in terms of long-term outcomes for children; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41804/22]

Forbairt Calaí agus Céanna

Éamon Ó Cuív

2142. D'fhiafraigh Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív den Aire Talmhaíochta, Bia agus Mara cén dul chun cinn atá déanta ó mhí Feabhra 2022 ar fhorbairt an chéibh domhan mhara i Ros a Mhíl; cén uair a bhfuil súil obair a thosnú ar an suíomh, dreigeáil san áireamh [41286/22]

Fishing Industry

Éamon Ó Cuív

36. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine when a new decommissioning scheme for fishing vessels will be announced; the conditions that will apply to the scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38514/22]