Parliamentary questions

Middle East Peace Process

Bernard Durkan

112. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the extent to which a peace process is proposed in the Middle East with particular reference to the need to ensure the existence of a body to which complaints can be reported; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12455/21]

Human Rights

Bernard Durkan

113. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if the international community can devise a means by which atrocities punishable by law can be referred quickly to the international courts with a view to bringing about a cessation of such violence; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12456/21]

Human Rights

Bernard Durkan

114. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the degree to which the attention of the international community has been drawn to the atrocities taking place in Yemen; the actions taken or pending to bring the perpetrators to justice; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12457/21]

Human Rights

Bernard Durkan

115. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the extent to which the international community can take action to bring about a cessation of atrocities in Ethiopia and Sudan; if the perpetrators will be referred to the International Criminal Court such as happened in Liberia; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12458/21]

Human Rights

Bernard Durkan

116. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if preparations will be made to refer the perpetrators of the various conflicts and abuses of human rights which appear to be going unchallenged by the international community to the International Criminal Court; the number of locations and perpetrators globally who fall into such a category; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12459/21]

Human Rights

Bernard Durkan

117. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the top twenty most serious locations globally in which conflict and crimes against humanity are most prevalent; the extent of efforts to bring the perpetrators to justice through the EU or UN; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12460/21]

Human Rights

Bernard Durkan

118. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the extent to which he expects Ireland to use its position on the UN Security Council to highlight and challenge international trafficking in women and children, the suppression of human rights, the disregard for the rule of law and the imprisonment on spurious grounds of various ethnic or other groups; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12461/21]

United Nations

Bernard Durkan

119. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the steps now being taken to restore the status of the UN as an internationally respected entity in peacekeeping or peace enforcement; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12462/21]

United Nations

Bernard Durkan

120. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the extent to which UN peacekeeping forces can be relied upon to protect persons at various locations in which abuses are currently taking place; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12463/21]

EU Membership

Bernard Durkan

121. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the extent to which the situation in the western Balkans continues to be monitored with a view to eventual EU membership; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12464/21]

Foreign Conflicts

Bernard Durkan

122. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the extent to which the activities of the Boko Haram and Al Shabaab continue to be monitored by the international community; if a peacekeeping intervention will be possible; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12465/21]

Foreign Conflicts

Bernard Durkan

123. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if the EU, UN and the international community in general can assist with a view to bringing about peace in the Armenian-Azerbaijani conflict; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12466/21]

Overseas Development Aid

Bernard Durkan

124. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the extent to which bilateral and multilateral overseas development aid continues be targeted at those locations most in need globally; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12467/21]

Brexit Issues

Bernard Durkan

125. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the extent to which the business sector on the island of Ireland continues to meet the challenges of Brexit; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12468/21]

Human Rights

Bernard Durkan

126. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the actions taken by the EU directly or in conjunction with the UN to address issues such as the imprisonment of opposition leaders in the Russian Federation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12473/21]

Exceptional Needs Payment

Bernard Durkan

147. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Social Protection if payment will be made to a person (details supplied) as a matter of urgency notwithstanding the normal requirements for payment of basic social welfare entitlement without reference to six-month bank statements given that the applicant has been homeless for the past two years and that they have provided information in response to all other requests; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12471/21]

Brexit Issues

Bernard Durkan

160. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the degree to which he proposes to continue to support joint cross-Border activities on the island of Ireland with particular reference to addressing concerns arising from Brexit; if his Department will continue to support initiatives such as apprenticeship training or retraining with a view to addressing issues of social or economic deprivation on the island of Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12469/21]

Vaccination Programme

Bernard Durkan

182. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health the extent to which a timescale and regime has been agreed for Covid-19 vaccinations for undertakers with particular reference to those in the front-line who have direct contact with nursing homes and hospitals; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12185/21]

Redundancy Payments

Bernard Durkan

49. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the extent to which he had discussions with a group (details supplied) in the context of the proposed layoff of 150 staff whose jobs it is alleged are being transferred to Malaysia; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12145/21]

Traffic Management

Bernard Durkan

104. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport the details of funding that has been allocated to Kildare County Council over the past ten years from either his Department or the National Transport Authority for traffic management plans for Newbridge; the amount of this funding that was drawn down and spent by the local authority; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11046/21]

Tourism Industry

Bernard Durkan

110. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport the extent to which concerns raised by an organisation (details supplied) can be addressed in the short term; when a decision is likely to issue regarding same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11085/21]

Tourism Industry

Bernard Durkan

285. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media the extent to which she anticipates scope for the revival of the tourism sector if measures to contain Covid-19 are successful; if good practice in relation to social distancing and hygiene should remain in place for a time thereafter; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11844/21]

Arts Promotion

Bernard Durkan

286. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media the extent to which she expects cultural events to take place virtually throughout the summer having particular regard to the needs of the industry; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11845/21]

Arts Policy

Bernard Durkan

287. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media the extent to which she continues to have dialogue with stakeholders in the entertainment sector with a view to alleviating the hardship as a result of Covid-19 and the utilisation of online performances in the short-term to keep the industry alive; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11846/21]

Arts Promotion

Bernard Durkan

288. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media the degree to which she expects to encourage participation online of cultural and arts events with particular reference for attention at community level; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11847/21]

Arts Promotion

Bernard Durkan

289. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media the extent to which she foresees the possibility of the development of interest in the arts at local level and the necessity for the revival of the sector as soon as that becomes possible; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11848/21]

Arts Promotion

Bernard Durkan

290. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media the extent to which she is in a position to encourage, promote and invest in the arts in County Kildare notwithstanding the lockdown; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11849/21]

Arts Promotion

Bernard Durkan

291. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media the extent to which she has considered online performances to enable the entertainment sector to perform notwithstanding the lockdown; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11850/21]

Sports Events

Bernard Durkan

292. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media the degree to which she expects to be in a position to allow sporting activities including contact sports to take place throughout 2021 given the continued presence of Covid-19; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11851/21]

Covid-19 Pandemic

Bernard Durkan

293. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media the degree to which she has evaluated the totality of the losses suffered by the various sectors under the aegis of her Department arising from Covid-19 or other reasons; the action taken or proposed; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11852/21]

Tourism Promotion

Bernard Durkan

294. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media the degree to which she has considered a programme to encourage renewed interest in Ireland for foreign tourists as soon as it becomes possible after the Covid-19 pandemic; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11853/21]

Invalidity Pension

Bernard Durkan

540. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Social Protection if the case of a person (details supplied) will be fully re-examined; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11317/21]

Rape Crisis Network Funding

Bernard Durkan

579. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the status of funding to be provided to a centre (details supplied) to cover services being provided in County Kildare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11047/21]

Child and Family Agency

Bernard Durkan

580. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth if Tulsa will honour section 20 of the agreement pertaining to the dispute with a centre (details supplied) to ensure existing funding is retained pending the final arbitration process; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11048/21]

Student Universal Support Ireland

Bernard Durkan

631. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if a person (details supplied) will have their eligibility for a Student Universal Support Ireland, SUSI, grant reviewed; if technical grounds will be reviewed to facilitate their application; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11318/21]

Rape Crisis Network Funding

Bernard Durkan

704. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health the funding available for an organisation (details supplied) in County Kildare; if the full extent of the demand has been assessed with a view to meeting the demand in full and in line with provisions and requirements throughout the country; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10958/21]

Hospital Appointments Status

Bernard Durkan

739. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health if further appointments will be arranged in the case of a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11091/21]

Medical Cards

Bernard Durkan

793. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health if an application for a medical card already refused will be revisited as a matter of urgency on foot of information in the case of a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11305/21]

Foreign Direct Investment

Bernard Durkan

1. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the extent to which he remains satisfied that Ireland can remain an attractive location for foreign direct investment, having particular regard to Ireland’s peripheral geographic location; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10880/21]

Financial Services Regulation

Bernard Durkan

44. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Finance the extent to which transactions, sale of loans and other activity have taken place in the past two years with reference to taking some investment funds outside the control of the Central Bank, notwithstanding the provisions of the 2018 amendment; if further legislative amendments will be considered to ensure that, notwithstanding the practice, all investment funds come within the remit of the Central Bank; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10709/21]

Covid-19 Pandemic Supports

Bernard Durkan

55. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Finance the extent to which he expects to be in a position to offer continued support for those areas of the economy most affected by Covid-19; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10871/21]

Covid-19 Pandemic Supports

Bernard Durkan

56. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Finance the extent to which he expects Covid-19-related supports here to equal that of adjoining or competing jurisdictions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10872/21]

Economic Growth

Bernard Durkan

57. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Finance the extent to which he expects the economy to recover in any six-month period after the relaxation of Covid-19 restrictions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10873/21]

Brexit Data

Bernard Durkan

58. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Finance the extent to which he has studied the effects of Brexit on all sectors of the economy; his plans to encourage recovery thereafter; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10874/21]

Brexit Data

Bernard Durkan

59. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Finance the extent to which the effects of Brexit have been felt throughout the economy; his plans for short or long-term proposals to address issues arising; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10875/21]

Covid-19 Pandemic Supports

Bernard Durkan

60. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Finance the extent to which he has focused on various sectors in the economy with a view to boosting the restart; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10876/21]

Economic Competitiveness

Bernard Durkan

61. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Finance the extent to which the performance of the economy compares favourably or otherwise with other countries in the EU, within the eurozone and without; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10877/21]

Brexit Issues

Bernard Durkan

62. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Finance the extent to which Ireland has been able to avail of any opportunities in Europe arising from Brexit; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10878/21]

Brexit Issues

Bernard Durkan

63. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Finance if the economy has been able to withstand the impact of Brexit to date; if particular issues have arisen that might require attention; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10879/21]

Brexit Issues

Bernard Durkan

64. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Finance if Ireland’s peripheral geographic location is likely to be borne in mind at European level when consideration is being given to assistance that might become available for countries most severely hit by the negative impact of Brexit; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10881/21]

Corporation Tax

Bernard Durkan

65. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Finance if he remains assured of the future for Ireland’s 12.5% corporation profits tax; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10882/21]

Eurozone Issues

Bernard Durkan

66. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Finance if particular issues arise for the euro from the emergency of bitcoin; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10883/21]

Currency Exchange

Bernard Durkan

67. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Finance if bitcoin is being gradually recognised globally as a currency; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10884/21]

Financial Services Regulation

Bernard Durkan

68. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Finance if investment funds all remain under the supervision of the Central Bank; if funds sold on to unregistered third parties are still subject to Central Bank rules; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10885/21]

Financial Services Regulation

Bernard Durkan

69. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Finance the number and value of loan books currently in the hands of unregistered third parties having left institutions supervised by Central Bank rules; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10886/21]

National Asset Management Agency

Bernard Durkan

70. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Finance the value of properties currently held by NAMA; the value of all such property disposed of to date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10887/21]

National Asset Management Agency

Bernard Durkan

71. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Finance if consideration will be given to the utilisation of NAMA as a means of solving the housing crisis; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10888/21]

Interest Rates

Bernard Durkan

72. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Finance the way consumers in the economy might gain access to interest rates applicable throughout Europe, notwithstanding the requirement that banks here must hold increased financial reserves but noting that ongoing higher interest charges also makes it more difficult for Irish lenders to accommodate their borrowers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10889/21]

Economic Policy

Bernard Durkan

73. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Finance the degree to which basic economic fundamentals continue to be recognised and applied in the economy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10890/21]

Capital Expenditure Programme

Bernard Durkan

89. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the extent to which he hopes to be in a position to ensure that capital expenditure proposals remain on target throughout 2021; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10891/21]

Public Procurement Contracts

Bernard Durkan

90. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if he had discussions with the appropriate authorities involved in procurement with a view to ensuring the best value for money while meeting contractual assessment and commitments in the shortest possible time; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10892/21]

Public Procurement Contracts

Bernard Durkan

91. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the extent to which any refinement of the procurement system is required in order to eliminate delays and improve procedures, thereby maximising value for money; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10893/21]

Public Expenditure Policy

Bernard Durkan

92. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the extent to which all Departments and subsidiary agencies continue to observe, in letter and in spirit, the principles of reform as a means of reducing costs; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10894/21]

Capital Expenditure Programme

Bernard Durkan

93. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the extent to which all public capital projects under his aegis are subjected to appropriate tests of costing and administration with a view to minimising any potential overruns; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10895/21]

Public Expenditure Policy

Bernard Durkan

94. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the Departments in respect of which greatest emphasis is placed on reform as a means of achieving efficient and effective use of public funds while at the same time meeting requirements; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10896/21]

Capital Expenditure Programme

Bernard Durkan

95. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if steps are needed to address potential overheating in the costs for capital projects; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10897/21]

Departmental Data

Bernard Durkan

96. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the Department that has achieved most in terms of public expenditure and reform; the Departments that need to do better in this regard; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10898/21]

Public Expenditure Policy

Bernard Durkan

97. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the extent to which he has kept under observation Departments or bodies under their aegis that have a tendency to overspend; if particular action is needed in this regard; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10899/21]

Public Expenditure Policy

Bernard Durkan

98. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the extent to which he remains satisfied that public expenditure remains within acceptable guidelines; if corrective measures are needed at this stage; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10900/21]

Public Sector Reform

Bernard Durkan

99. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the extent to which reform remains part of Government policy in the context of meeting specific annual targets; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10901/21]

Public Sector Pay

Bernard Durkan

100. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the extent to which commitments made in the unwinding of the Financial Emergency Measures in the Public Interest, FEMPI, Acts are being met; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10902/21]

Public Sector Pay

Bernard Durkan

101. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the extent to which progress is being made on agreements achieved under the Financial Emergency Measures in the Public Interest, FEMPI, legislation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10903/21]

Invalidity Pension

Bernard Durkan

180. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Social Protection when an emergency basic social welfare payment will be made in the case of a person (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [10644/21]

Deportation Orders

Bernard Durkan

226. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice if she will set aside an order to deport in the case of a person (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [10703/21]

Medical Cards

Bernard Durkan

282. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health when a renewed medical card will issue in the case of persons (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10678/21]

Horse Sport Ireland

Bernard Durkan

350. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the extent to which standard procurement procedures have been applied in the case of the proposed relocation of the centre of excellence of Horse Sport Ireland to a new location; if the normal procurement tests have been applied and incorporated in the process; if best value for money has been proven; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10904/21]

Horse Sport Ireland

Bernard Durkan

351. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the extent to which the proposal by Horse Sport Ireland to relocate to a centre of excellence further away from the focal points of activity associated with the horse industry in respect of both bloodstock and sport horse genetics as an essential part of the business meets the principals of good value for money and reform; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10906/21]

Public Transport

Bernard Durkan

132. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport the extent to which he expects public road transport vehicles to convert to non-fossil fuels over the next five years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10287/21]

Transport Policy

Bernard Durkan

133. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport the discussions he has had with stakeholders in the transport sector with a view to maximising a changeover to the use of non-fossil fuels while maintaining best economic focus; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10288/21]

Brexit Issues

Bernard Durkan

134. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport the role he sees for sea and air transport in the future, with particular reference to issues arising in the aftermath of Brexit; if specific sea and air routes are being considered in order to ensure the most effective and efficient routes and transport methods for Irish exporters and importers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10289/21]

Driver Licences

Bernard Durkan

135. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport the extent to which he remains satisfied regarding the turnaround in respect of driver licences; if means have been found to eliminate delays; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10290/21]

Transport Infrastructure Provision

Bernard Durkan

136. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport if he will make particular provision for demographic issues arising in the County Kildare commuter belt, with particular reference to the need to ensure a thorough evaluation of the current demands and the likely requirements in the near future in the context of the National Development Plan 2018-2027; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10291/21]

Rail Network

Bernard Durkan

137. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport if he will ensure the electrification of the Maynooth line and the provision of the consequential increased demand for parking given the projected population increases in all of the towns; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10292/21]

Rail Network

Bernard Durkan

138. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport if he will ensure the provision of parking near Kilcock, County Kildare, in order to avoid traffic congestion around the current proposed location for such parking in the context of the DART extension to Maynooth; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10293/21]

Rail Network

Bernard Durkan

139. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport the extent to which commuter rail services in County Kildare can be augmented or are likely to be augmented by way of extra carriages; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10294/21]

Rail Network

Bernard Durkan

140. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport the extent to which he continues to monitor health and safety issues affecting the commuter rail services serving north County Kildare, with particular reference to passengers standing for the duration of some journeys; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10295/21]

Rural Transport Services

Bernard Durkan

141. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport his plans for the improvement, extension and upgrade of rural transport networks; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10296/21]

Rural Transport Services

Bernard Durkan

142. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport the position regarding the provision of extra requested bus services in towns and villages throughout County Kildare in which no such service exists at present; the extent to which his Department has analysed the situation and can respond positively; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10297/21]

Aviation Industry

Bernard Durkan

143. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport the degree to which he sees a need to support Irish air transport having particular regard to the impact of Covid-19; his plans for measures to address the concerns raised; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10298/21]

Aviation Industry

Bernard Durkan

144. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport if he and his Department will continue to monitor the impact of Covid-19 on Irish owned and operated airlines given the extent to which other countries have had to support their airlines with obvious implications; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10299/21]

Rail Network

Bernard Durkan

145. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport the extent to which he expects the upgrading of the M4 and N4 in addition to the upgrading of rail services in anticipation of the increased traffic volumes after Covid-19; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10300/21]

Mortgage to Rent Scheme

Bernard Durkan

305. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the property value thresholds for the mortgage-to-rent scheme; when these thresholds were introduced; when his Department will be reviewing these thresholds; the consultation with stakeholders that has taken place in respect of the review and updating of the scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9749/21]

Schools Building Projects

Bernard Durkan

436. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Education the progress that has been made to date in advancing a new building project for a school (details supplied) since her meeting with the school community including the principal and chairman of the board of management; when she expects construction work to commence; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [9705/21]

Social Welfare Appeals

Bernard Durkan

563. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Social Protection the progress to date in the determination of an appeal by a person (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [9577/21]

Social Welfare Payments Administration

Bernard Durkan

587. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Social Protection the position regarding a weekly payment or supplementary welfare payment in the case of a person (details supplied); if a weekly payment can be maintained given that they have no other source of income and have dependent children; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [10455/21]

Garda Operations

Bernard Durkan

712. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice if she had been appraised of the work undertaken by An Garda Síochána in respect of an operation (details supplied); the length of time the operation has been in place; the arrests undertaken to date; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [9706/21]

Garda Operations

Bernard Durkan

713. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice if she had been appraised of the work undertaken by An Garda Síochána in respect of an operation (details supplied); the length of time the operation has been in place; the arrests undertaken to date; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [9707/21]

Garda Operations

Bernard Durkan

714. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice if she had been appraised of the work undertaken by An Garda Síochána in respect of an operation (details supplied); the length of time the operation has been in place; the arrests undertaken to date; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [9708/21]

Garda Operations

Bernard Durkan

715. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice if she had been appraised of the work undertaken by An Garda Síochána in respect of an operation (details supplied); the length of time the operation has been in place; the arrests undertaken to date; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [9709/21]

Garda Operations

Bernard Durkan

716. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice if she had been appraised of the work undertaken by An Garda Síochána in respect of an operation (details supplied); the length of time the operation has been in place; the arrests undertaken to date; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [9710/21]