Parliamentary questions

Education Policy

Bernard Durkan

44. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the extent to which a continuous supply of graduates in the academic and technical areas is provided for in order to meet requirements of industry and education; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23227/24]

Industrial Development

Bernard Durkan

55. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the extent to which his Department continues to ensure the competitiveness of this country’s trade and industry sectors in an increasingly competitive world market; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23229/24]

Enterprise Policy

Bernard Durkan

104. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the extent to which he and his office continue to attract employment generating and trade benefiting enterprises to this country via foreign direct investment or indigenously; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23228/24]

Economic Data

Bernard Durkan

174. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the extent to which the services and manufacturing services have improved and recovered, given the existence of the pandemic; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23497/24]

Economic Data

Bernard Durkan

175. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the extent to which the job retention and creation effort continues to be made in the manufacturing sector throughout Ireland and in County Kildare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23499/24]

Trade Data

Bernard Durkan

176. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the extent to which Irish-manufactured products continue to compete on world markets; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23500/24]

Job Creation

Bernard Durkan

177. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the extent to which he and his Department continue to ensure an even spread of job creation investment throughout the country, with a view to ensuring the availability of an increasing number of job opportunities in those areas previously not experiencing this, with consequent benefits in respect of road transport, traffic congestion and journeys to work; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23501/24]

Economic Data

Bernard Durkan

178. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the extent to which the level of investment in jobs here continues to keep pace with other jurisdictions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23502/24]

Business Supports

Bernard Durkan

179. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the extent to which assistances towards small- and medium-sized enterprises here continues to equate with those available in other EU and non-EU jurisdictions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23503/24]

Flexible Work Practices

Bernard Durkan

180. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the extent to which the concept of working from home or via digital hubs is being progressed, with a view to ensuring the optimum results for employer, employee and the taxpayer; the extent of recent progress in this area; the extent to which the need for flexibility can be recognised by all parties within working from home arrangement; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23504/24]

Education Policy

Bernard Durkan

181. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the extent to which he and his Department continue to liaise with the educational sector in order to ensure the ready supply of suitably qualified employees for a competitive workplace; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23505/24]

Trade Data

Bernard Durkan

182. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the countries whence he sees the greatest competition for Ireland over the next five years in respect of the manufacturing and services sectors; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23506/24]

School Admissions

Bernard Durkan

184. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Education if an extra stream for intake at junior infants is under consideration at a school (details supplied), with particular reference to the outstanding waiting list, given some applicants still waiting have siblings currently attending the school; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [23336/24]

Housing Provision

Bernard Durkan

213. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the total number of affordable/rentable houses likely to accrue to Kildare County Council through Part 8/Part 5 of the planning process; the number of such houses completed or near completion; if 10% or 20% is the appropriate number of houses likely to be available for reletting by the planning authority; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23511/24]

State Pensions

Bernard Durkan

216. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Social Protection the reason under the new total contributions approach for the State pension a person (details supplied) appears not to qualify for any payment; if the case will be reviewed as a matter of urgency; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [23348/24]

Pension Provisions

Bernard Durkan

222. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Social Protection if consideration might be given to the existence of a partnership in the case of a person (details supplied) whose pension entitlements do not allow them qualify for a pension in their own right notwithstanding extended correspondence; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [23509/24]

Social Welfare Benefits

Bernard Durkan

223. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Social Protection if an exceptional needs payment might be considered in the case of a person (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [23510/24]

Social Welfare Benefits

Bernard Durkan

224. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Social Protection when a carer’s support grant will be paid in the case of a person (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [23517/24]

Pension Provisions

Bernard Durkan

225. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Social Protection when a pension top-up might be granted in the case of a person (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [23522/24]

Social Welfare Rates

Bernard Durkan

226. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Social Protection further to Parliamentary Question No. 210 of 16 May 2024, if the case of a person (details supplied) can be urgently reviewed with a view to granting full entitlement; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [23523/24]

Visa Applications

Bernard Durkan

228. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice the extent to which work permit-related visas continue to be issued in line with the requirements of those seeking such visas; if a quick turnaround can be managed; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [23498/24]

Immigration Status

Bernard Durkan

236. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice the procedure to be followed in order to renew expired Stamp 4 in the case of a person (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [23507/24]

Immigration Status

Bernard Durkan

237. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice the procedure to be followed to regularise residency in the case of a person (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [23508/24]

Family Reunification

Bernard Durkan

238. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice if and when the son of a person (details supplied) might be allowed to join them; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [23512/24]

Immigration Status

Bernard Durkan

239. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice the current and expected residency status in the case of a person (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [23519/24]

Immigration Status

Bernard Durkan

240. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice the reason for refusal under the long-term undocumented migrant scheme in the case of a person (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [23524/24]

Health Services

Bernard Durkan

259. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health when urgent speech therapy and physiotherapy will be provided in the case of a person (details supplied) who recently suffered a stroke and is relying on these services to regain a normal independent quality of life; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23342/24]

Emergency Departments

Bernard Durkan

279. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health if, following a knife attack and attendance at A&E, the A&E charge of €100 is still applicable; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23514/24]

Medical Cards

Bernard Durkan

280. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health the reason a full medical card has not been restored in the case of a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23515/24]

Medical Aids and Appliances

Bernard Durkan

281. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health if an electric wheelchair is available in the case of a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23516/24]

Hospital Admissions

Bernard Durkan

282. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health the reason the daughter of a person (details supplied) was admitted to Tallaght Hospital on 16 May 2024, without her mother’s knowledge (guardian) and was discharged without any explanation or attention; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23518/24]

Medical Cards

Bernard Durkan

283. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health the progress to date in the determination of an appeal for a medical card in the case of a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23520/24]

Tobacco Control Measures

Bernard Durkan

284. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health the extent to which adequate control and regulation of vape outlets is universally and adequately applied, having particular regard to the concern of those who are anxious to comply with all regulations and the elimination of harmful or addictive ingredients in the products and who have never sold cigarettes at their outlets; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23521/24]

Grant Payments

Bernard Durkan

293. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the steps being taken or the steps he proposes to take to assist applicants for higher education courses who are being refused higher education funding or a back to education allowance on the grounds that they have previously studied or completed a course at a similar level on the NFQ, despite the fact that their existing qualification is deemed to be insufficient to meet the requirements of the workplace; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23487/24]

Education Policy

Bernard Durkan

294. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the extent to which he expects to influence the higher education system to ensure the ongoing availability of a steady stream of highly qualified technicians and academics on par with the best in the world, thus providing a workforce competent in the skills now required in the workplace; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23488/24]

Education Policy

Bernard Durkan

295. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science his vision for the further and higher education, research, innovation and science sector, with particular reference to the need to compete on the international market for available job vacancies; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23489/24]

Education Policy

Bernard Durkan

296. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the degree to which the higher-level education sector is in discussion with business and enterprise, with a view to matching requirements in the workplace with suitable graduates; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23490/24]

Bullying in Educational Institutions

Bernard Durkan

297. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if his Department continues to monitor incidents of bullying in the workplace throughout the higher education system; the extent to which action has been taken or is proposed to deal with such issues in the future; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23491/24]

Education Policy

Bernard Durkan

298. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the degree to which he expects science to play an increased role in the higher education sector, with particular reference to ensuring an adequate number of graduates to meet the demands of the workplace; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23492/24]

Third Level Costs

Bernard Durkan

299. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the degree to which higher education costs have increased over the past number of years; the extent of financial assistance now available for all students seeking to avail of third-level education; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23493/24]

Education Policy

Bernard Durkan

300. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if he and his Department have identified any specific obstacles which may impede improvement and achievement in the further and higher educational sectors and impact our ability to continue to establish Ireland’s reputation as equal to the best globally in higher education; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23494/24]

Education Policy

Bernard Durkan

301. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the extent to which he and his Department have identified particular requirements in terms of apprenticeships or higher qualifications in education throughout the country to meet such requirements in the short term; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23495/24]

Education Policy

Bernard Durkan

302. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the extent to which he and his Department propose to further broaden higher education opportunities for undergraduates here, with a view to maximisation of their opportunities in the future; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23496/24]

Passport Services

Bernard Durkan

34. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs when a passport will issue in the case a child (details supplied) who is travelling in two weeks; if all is now in order with this application; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23152/24]

Middle East

Bernard Durkan

40. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Taoiseach to report on any recent discussions he has had with other world leaders in connection with the ongoing Israeli-Palestinian conflict. [20564/24]

Departmental Priorities

Bernard Durkan

45. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Taoiseach the degree to which he continues to explore opportunities under the shared island heading. [20565/24]

Economic Data

Bernard Durkan

69. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Finance the extent to which positive conclusions can be drawn from this country's economic performance when considered alongside other eurozone countries and all other European countries; if the methodology for the measurement of the economy here continues to be robust and accurate; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22705/24]

Inflation Rate

Bernard Durkan

90. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Finance the extent to which he remains confident that budgetary measures taken here are adequately focused in order to discourage inflation, self-generated or imported; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22706/24]

Airport Policy

Bernard Durkan

184. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport how often and who provides disability awareness and access training to staff of the Irish Aviation Authority, the Dublin Airport Authority and the other major Irish airports; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22477/24]

Airport Policy

Bernard Durkan

185. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport how Irish airports are referring in European or international benchmarks when it comes to supporting people with disabilities or reduced mobility travelling through Irish airports; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22478/24]

Departmental Bodies

Bernard Durkan

186. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport what the terms of reference are for the Irish Aviation Authority's passenger advisory group; to give the membership and a listing of how often this group has met over the past three years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22479/24]

Airport Policy

Bernard Durkan

187. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport what efforts have been made in each of the Irish airports to improve wayfinding and mobility for people with disabilities and people with reduced mobility; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22480/24]

Tax Data

Bernard Durkan

225. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Finance to indicate the breakdown of phased payment arrangements entered into by the Revenue Commissioners as part of its debt warehousing scheme, by number of years for each industry, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22807/24]

Economic Growth

Bernard Durkan

231. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Finance the extent to which he remains satisfied that economic progress continues in line with expectations and best practice; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22981/24]

Tax Code

Bernard Durkan

232. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Finance the extent to which he continues to be reassured that taxation changes in respect of corporation profits tax are not structured in a way to undermine this economy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22982/24]

Foreign Direct Investment

Bernard Durkan

233. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Finance the extent to which he remains convinced that Ireland continues to be an attractive foreign direct investment location; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22983/24]

Tax Code

Bernard Durkan

234. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Finance the degree to which he remains satisfied that EU competition rules are not set to invade the competency of national governments to retain control of tax policy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22984/24]

Tax Reliefs

Bernard Durkan

235. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Finance the extent of the different types of tax reliefs available to both PAYE employees and self-employed persons; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22985/24]

Financial Services

Bernard Durkan

236. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Finance if investment funds operating or intending to operate here will be brought under the aegis of the Central Bank; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22986/24]

Economic Data

Bernard Durkan

237. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Finance the extent to which he remains satisfied that this economy continues to perform well when considered in the overall European context; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22987/24]

Inflation Rate

Bernard Durkan

238. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Finance the extent to which he remains confident that budgetary measures taken here are adequately focused in order to discourage inflation, self-generated or imported; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22988/24]

Tax Code

Bernard Durkan

239. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Finance if he remains satisfied that the taxation system in Ireland is sufficiently broadly based to avoid dependency on any one sector to such an extent that it might become a threat to the economy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22989/24]

Enterprise Policy

Bernard Durkan

240. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Finance the extent to which working capital continues to be made available to the farming and business sectors, with particular reference to smaller enterprises; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22990/24]

School Admissions

Bernard Durkan

327. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Education if all efforts can be made to ensure a local school place can be facilitated in the case of the children of a person (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22968/24]

Social Welfare Benefits

Bernard Durkan

369. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Social Protection if an application for exceptional needs payment can be reviewed in the case of a person (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22343/24]

Visa Applications

Bernard Durkan

432. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice the progress to date in the determination of an application for a visa in the case of the daughter of a person (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22552/24]

Citizenship Applications

Bernard Durkan

444. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice the progress to date in determination of an application for citizenship in the case of a person (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22669/24]

Visa Applications

Bernard Durkan

445. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice if visa applications in respect of the family of a person (details supplied) will be reviewed as a matter of urgency; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22670/24]

Family Reunification

Bernard Durkan

460. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice the progress to date in processing an application for family reunification in the case of a person (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22888/24]

An Garda Síochána

Bernard Durkan

469. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice when an e-vetting request will be sent to a person (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22964/24]

Health and Safety

Bernard Durkan

614. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health if he will provide more resources towards inspections of vaping products entering the country and add to the 40 inspection checks for vaping products set out in the HSE's National Service Plan 2024; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22794/24]

Health and Safety

Bernard Durkan

615. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health to provide an update on plans to increase the number of test purchase inspections for vapes, as set out in the Public Health (Tobacco and Nicotine Inhaling Products) Act 2023, from the planned number of 340 set by the HSE (to cover both vapes and cigarettes); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22795/24]

Defence Forces

Bernard Durkan

8. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence the degree to which the strength of the Army, Naval Service and Air Corps continues to be enhanced, with particular reference to their ability to respond to emergencies, if and when they arise; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22092/24]

Defence Forces

Bernard Durkan

35. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence the extent to which issues within the Defence Forces have been resolved as per recommendations in the report of the Commission on the Defence Forces; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22091/24]

Rail Network

Bernard Durkan

94. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport the extent to which plans are afoot for the implementation of the extension of the DART to Leixlip, Celbridge, Maynooth, Kilcock, Sallins, Naas and further afield; the extent to which such works are in hand; whether requests from the commuters in north Kildare to extend the turntable points to an area beyond Maynooth and Kilcock, given the wider catchment area and demand for transport services, are being considered; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22090/24]

Passport Services

Bernard Durkan

97. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs when a passport will issue in the case of a person (details supplied), who applied ten weeks ago; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22210/24]

Defence Forces

Bernard Durkan

103. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence the extent to which he continues in his efforts to ensure the full implementation of all aspects of the report of Commission on the Defence Forces; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22325/24]

Defence Forces

Bernard Durkan

104. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence the extent to which issues relating to pay and conditions within the Defence Forces have been resolved or are under review; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22326/24]

Departmental Budgets

Bernard Durkan

105. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence the extent to which the budget available to his Department remains sufficient to meet requirements in the course of the current year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22327/24]

Defence Forces

Bernard Durkan

106. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence the degree to which the Army is being upgraded and updated in line with the requirements of a modern army within the European Union, in the event of a threat arising from any quarter; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22328/24]

National Security

Bernard Durkan

107. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence the extent to which the EU might be encouraged to contribute to defence and coastal security measures on the Irish coast on the basis that such measures would have beneficial impact on Europe; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22329/24]

National Security

Bernard Durkan

108. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence the extent to which coastal, air and sea surveillance continues at pace, given the various threats in these areas; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22330/24]

Air Corps

Bernard Durkan

109. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence the degree to which the Air Corps continues to be upgraded in line with the needs of an island country and the need to ensure regular coastal surveillance; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22331/24]

Departmental Properties

Bernard Durkan

110. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence the total number of vacant, disused or decommissioned properties owned by his Department that potentially could be used for accommodation purposes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22332/24]

Defence Forces

Bernard Durkan

111. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence the current strength of all branches of the Defence Forces; if further recruitment is required to bring each branch of the forces up to optimum strength; if issues regarding salary, pay and conditions are being addressed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22333/24]

Defence Forces

Bernard Durkan

112. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence the extent to which issues of pay and morale within the Defence Forces are being addressed to the satisfaction of all concerned; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22334/24]

Transport Costs

Bernard Durkan

137. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport the extent to which he continues to monitor transport costs and the contributory factors thereto, with a view to ensuring any negative impact on the economy might be alleviated insofar as is possible; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22311/24]

Transport Policy

Bernard Durkan

138. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport the extent to which steps are ongoing to ensure the viability of the transport sector, notwithstanding any challenges from whatever source; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22314/24]

Rail Network

Bernard Durkan

139. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport the progress to date in the electrification of the Dublin-Maynooth rail line, with particular reference to the towns likely to expect an enhanced service; the extent of the parking arrangements currently proposed; if such arrangements can be improved in line with local requests; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22315/24]

Road Tolls

Bernard Durkan

140. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport the total amount paid in tolls in the past eight years to date in regard to all tolled locations throughout the country, without exception; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22316/24]

Traffic Management

Bernard Durkan

141. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport the extent, if any, to which heavy vehicles use the main arterial routes to and from the city at peak travel times; the action being taken on this issue; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22317/24]

National Transport Authority

Bernard Durkan

142. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport the degree to which alternative energy can be or is being used by the National Transport Authority, with particular reference to both rail and bus services; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22319/24]

Rail Network

Bernard Durkan

143. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport when any rail carriages in storage will be brought into service; the manner in which this could benefit commuters in north County Kildare and throughout the greater Dublin region; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22320/24]

Traffic Management

Bernard Durkan

144. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport the degree to which his Department monitors the various traffic routes nationally with a view to ensuring advancement of upgrading proposals before reaching gridlock; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22321/24]

Rail Network

Bernard Durkan

145. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport the extent to which north Kildare rail commuters can expect enhanced and improved services in the future, given the demographic trends and the need for the public to have confidence in the transport system in the future; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22322/24]

Rail Network

Bernard Durkan

146. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport the extent to which it might be possible to ensure the availability of extra carriages to meet commuter demands affecting the towns of Kilcock, Maynooth, Leixlip, Confey and Celbridge, Hazelhatch, Sallins and Newbridge; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22323/24]

Rail Network

Bernard Durkan

147. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport the progress to date in the preparation of the extension of the DART to Maynooth and further afield to such locations as Kilcock and Enfield, with a view to catering for the commuter belt across north County Kildare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22324/24]

Social Welfare Benefits

Bernard Durkan

207. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Social Protection when an application for the one-parent family allowance can be processed in the case of a person (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22306/24]

Social Welfare Rates

Bernard Durkan

208. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Social Protection the correct rate of disability allowance or other allowance payable in the case of a person (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22308/24]

Social Welfare Benefits

Bernard Durkan

209. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Social Protection if an exceptional needs payment might be considered in the case of a person (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22310/24]