Parliamentary questions

Defence Forces Strength

Bernard Durkan

180. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Defence the extent to which the Army, Naval Service and Air Corps continue to be prepared for emergency missions such as air, sea rescue or in assistance with the civil authorities in the case of a national disaster; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29544/20]

Covid-19 Pandemic Unemployment Payment

Bernard Durkan

209. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Social Protection if eligibility for the pandemic unemployment payment can be reconsidered in the case of a person (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29330/20]

Social Welfare Payments Administration

Bernard Durkan

215. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Social Protection the correct level of payment including the jobseeker’s allowance, Covid-19 related support payable in the case of a person (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29546/20]

Citizenship Applications

Bernard Durkan

226. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice the progress to date in the determination of an application for citizenship in the case of a person (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29277/20]

Garda Deployment

Bernard Durkan

227. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice her views on the retention of the Garda roster in place since the beginning of Covid-19 restrictions; if changes should be made so as to enable community gardaí to be out on the beat when they are needed as opposed to being out when they can as a result of the existing roster; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29289/20]

Residency Permits

Bernard Durkan

228. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice the current or expected residency status in the case of a person (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29307/20]

Immigration Status

Bernard Durkan

238. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice if an appeal will be reinstated in the case of a person (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29545/20]

Residency Permits

Bernard Durkan

239. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice the options available to regularise residency in the case of a person (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29548/20]

Forestry Grants

Bernard Durkan

336. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine when a forestry application in the case of a person (details supplied) will be approved; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29547/20]

Social and Affordable Housing

Bernard Durkan

66. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the precise targets he has identified in respect of the provision of local authority affordable housing to meet the ever pressing needs of those on local authority housing lists and others whose incomes are insufficient to purchase a house on the open market; the extent to which he expects to purchase houses on the market to meet this requirement; the number of houses to be built for the local authorities in the next five years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28440/20]

Housing Policy

Bernard Durkan

82. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the extent to which he expects to address the housing needs of families nationwide that are unable to provide themselves with affordable housing on the open market; the extent to which he expects to be in a position to meet the requirements of the local authorities in respect of housing adaptation grants; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28441/20]

Human Rights

Bernard Durkan

96. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the extent to which he, through the EU and UN, continues to engage with NGOs and others involved in seeking an improvement in how refugees are treated internationally; the efforts being made to ensure a reasonable standard of emergency accommodation is available and that renewed efforts are made to address the causes of such mass migration, whether they be war or economic factors; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28443/20]

Brexit Preparations

Bernard Durkan

146. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the extent to which he continues to make alternative provisions in respect of the post-Brexit era in the event of no agreement and limited access to the UK landbridge for exporters and importers here; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28442/20]

Local Authority Housing

Bernard Durkan

365. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he will identify the precise number of affordable local authority houses he expects to provide by county based on the number of housing applicants in each local authority area; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28796/20]

Local Authority Housing

Bernard Durkan

366. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage his plans for the development of private sites as a means of ameliorating the housing shortage by county taking into account the specific needs of each county; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28797/20]

Home Loan Scheme

Bernard Durkan

367. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the extent to which he expects to ensure the availability of adequate resources through the Rebuilding Ireland home loan scheme or alternative with a view to addressing the housing shortage directly; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28798/20]

Local Authority Housing

Bernard Durkan

368. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the extent to which he expects local authorities to refurbish void houses in the coming year thereby alleviating the threat of homelessness; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28799/20]

Local Authority Housing

Bernard Durkan

369. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage his proposals for direct and rapid build housing as required in each local authority area nationally with a view to making provisions to avoid homelessness in the coming year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28800/20]

Local Authority Housing

Bernard Durkan

370. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the various locations throughout County Kildare earmarked for local authority or affordable housing by way of purchase or direct build in the coming year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28801/20]

Local Authority Housing

Bernard Durkan

371. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the number of families on Kildare County Council housing list; when he expects them to be accommodated through the various proposals before him via the private sector or the local authority; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28802/20]

Water and Sewerage Schemes

Bernard Durkan

372. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the degree to which he remains satisfied regarding the adequacy of the sewerage treatment works in County Kildare to meet domestic and industrial demands; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28803/20]

Heritage Schemes

Bernard Durkan

373. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the extent to which he proposes to support, fund and-or develop specific heritage projects throughout County Kildare with particular reference to houses or sites of an historic nature; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28805/20]

Heritage Schemes

Bernard Durkan

374. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage his plans for the continued protection of heritage houses or sites nationally with particular reference to those threatened or likely to be threatened; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28806/20]

Heritage Schemes

Bernard Durkan

375. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage his proposals to protect, preserve and promote various houses, buildings sites or locations of an historic nature throughout County Kildare with potential use for tourism and education in the future; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28807/20]

EU Migration Crisis

Bernard Durkan

402. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the extent to which he and the international community have engaged with the situation in Lesbos with the objective of addressing the issues arising from the destructive fire there and consequent homelessness in respect of the refugees; if he and his EU colleagues can identify a formula to address the issues; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28818/20]

Brexit Issues

Bernard Durkan

403. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the extent to which progress is being made between the European Union and the UK in the context of Brexit; the extent to which alternative preparations are being made to facilitate industry here in the event of a no-deal Brexit; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28820/20]

Conflict Resolution

Bernard Durkan

404. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the extent of the discussions taking place at EU and UN level to address the situation at various war zones worldwide including the Armenian Azerbaijani strife; if particular initiatives are contemplated to address the issues; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28821/20]

Irish Aid

Bernard Durkan

405. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the degree to which bilateral and multilateral aid from Ireland continues to find the destination for which it was intended; the exceptions to the rule; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28822/20]

Irish Aid

Bernard Durkan

406. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the extent to which Ireland continues to live up to international commitments in terms of overseas aid, bilateral and multilateral; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28823/20]

EU Enlargement

Bernard Durkan

407. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the degree to which discussions between the EU and countries in the western Balkans continue in the context of EU enlargement; the level of agreement reached to date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28824/20]

Foreign Conflicts

Bernard Durkan

408. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the extent to which the EU and the UN continue to monitor the activities of Boko Haram and Al-Shabaab; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28825/20]

Foreign Conflicts

Bernard Durkan

409. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the degree to which the EU and the UN continue to focus on various trouble spots worldwide in which child soldiers are involved in conflict; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28875/20]

Middle East Peace Process

Bernard Durkan

410. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the extent to which efforts continue in the Middle Eastern peace process, in particular with reference to the need for permanent structures to encourage progress in Gaza; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28816/20]

Covid-19 Pandemic Unemployment Payment

Bernard Durkan

514. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Social Protection the entitlement to the Covid-19 payment in the case a person (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [28275/20]

Third Level Costs

Bernard Durkan

574. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the procedure to be followed or expected in the case of a person (details supplied) who has been awarded their second choice place in DCU and has now been informed that the course will operate as a virtual course; if they are entitled to a refund of the maintenance element of their payment which they have already made to the college in respect of accommodation; if the course is likely to continue remotely; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28269/20]

Residency Permits

Bernard Durkan

617. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice the progress to date in the determination of an application for residency in the case of a person (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [28794/20]

Guardians Ad Litem

Bernard Durkan

639. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health the reason a person (details supplied) has been issued with a summons in respect of an alleged breach of guardian ad litem regulations given that they were unable to persuade their child otherwise; if instead urgent action will be taken in respect of their child; if immediate arrangements will be made to provide a course of adequate treatment for the child; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28148/20]

Audiology Services

Bernard Durkan

658. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health the steps he is taking to ensure that audiology services are minimally impacted by Covid-19 with particular reference to ensuring regular testing, as required; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28266/20]

Departmental Strategies

Bernard Durkan

39. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Media, Tourism, Arts, Culture, Sport and the Gaeltacht the mission statement of her Department in respect of media, tourism, arts, culture, sport and the Gaeltacht, with particular reference to the urgent needs arising from the Covid-19 pandemic; the extent to which she has engaged with the stakeholders involved; the parameters within which she expects to be in a position to assist towards maintaining and increasing employment and public interest in the sectors in the difficult times presenting; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27366/20]

Covid-19 Pandemic

Bernard Durkan

69. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Media, Tourism, Arts, Culture, Sport and the Gaeltacht the degree to which she can assist the events, tourism and sport sectors which have been severely and negatively hit by the Covid-19 virus; the extent to which she has engaged with those involved with a view to a longer term strategy in an effort to maintain employment in these vital areas; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27367/20]

EU Legislation

Bernard Durkan

77. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Environment, Climate and Communications if consideration is being given to the need to ensure compliance with EU legislation in the context of a review of recyclability provisions as opposed to further extension beyond that which might create a serious disadvantage for small to medium-sized businesses here in the packaging industry, which could cause serious loss of employment; if he will ensure that the EU standards remain; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28068/20]

Covid-19 Pandemic Supports

Bernard Durkan

103. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Finance if and when Covid-19 support payments are likely to be made in the case of employee directors; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28062/20]

Social Media Regulation

Bernard Durkan

131. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Media, Tourism, Arts, Culture, Sport and the Gaeltacht her views on whether there is a need for adherence to certain standards in social media thereby ensuring customer confidence and reliability; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [28047/20]

Social Media Regulation

Bernard Durkan

132. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Media, Tourism, Arts, Culture, Sport and the Gaeltacht the degree to which an examination has been carried out as to whether the established media, print, electronic and broadcasting, are being disadvantaged by social media; if steps will be taken to address these issues without interfering with the freedom of the press; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [28048/20]

Covid-19 Pandemic Supports

Bernard Durkan

133. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Media, Tourism, Arts, Culture, Sport and the Gaeltacht the extent to which the tourism sector can be further assisted in the short and medium term given the severe impact of Covid-19 on the industry; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [28049/20]

Covid-19 Pandemic Supports

Bernard Durkan

134. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Media, Tourism, Arts, Culture, Sport and the Gaeltacht the extent to which she continues to explore ways to assist the tourism sector at home and internationally in an effort to address issues caused by Brexit; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [28050/20]

Covid-19 Pandemic Supports

Bernard Durkan

135. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Media, Tourism, Arts, Culture, Sport and the Gaeltacht the extent to which she continues to explore ways and means of assisting the arts, notwithstanding the Covid-19 pandemic, with particular reference to the need to regenerate employment in the sector; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [28051/20]

Covid-19 Pandemic Supports

Bernard Durkan

136. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Media, Tourism, Arts, Culture, Sport and the Gaeltacht the extent to which she continues to have dialogue with stakeholders in the arts with a view to achieving a means of addressing the crisis arising from the Covid-19 pandemic; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [28052/20]

Covid-19 Pandemic Supports

Bernard Durkan

137. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Media, Tourism, Arts, Culture, Sport and the Gaeltacht the extent to which she continues to promote the arts and culture sectors as a means of recovering from the effects of the Covid-19 pandemic; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [28053/20]

Covid-19 Pandemic Supports

Bernard Durkan

138. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Media, Tourism, Arts, Culture, Sport and the Gaeltacht the extent to which she expects cultural activities to assist in Ireland's recovery from the effects of the Covid-19 pandemic; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [28054/20]