Parliamentary questions

Parental Leave

Brendan Howlin

396. Deputy Brendan Howlin asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection the eligibility criteria for the new paid parental leave benefit; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30323/19]

Parental Leave

Brendan Howlin

397. Deputy Brendan Howlin asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection if the new paid parental leave benefit will be available to all new parents of children born since the budget 2019 announcement in October 2018; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30324/19]

Social Welfare Benefits Expenditure

Brendan Howlin

398. Deputy Brendan Howlin asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection the estimated cost of increasing child benefit and domiciliary care allowance by €5 in 2020; the estimated full year cost; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30325/19]

Social Welfare Benefits Payments

Brendan Howlin

399. Deputy Brendan Howlin asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection if her Department has been provided with sufficient expenditure allocation for the payment of a full Christmas bonus in 2019; the projected cost of a 100% Christmas bonus in 2019; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30326/19]

Jobseeker's Allowance Data

Brendan Howlin

400. Deputy Brendan Howlin asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection the number of persons aged 26 years of age and under in receipt of jobseeker's allowance by age and payment; the number of qualified adult rates included in these groups; the estimated cost in a full year of restoring all the reduced payments for persons under 26 years to the full adult rate and with the qualified adult rate; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30327/19]

Local Authority Housing Data

Brendan Howlin

421. Deputy Brendan Howlin asked the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government the estimated cost of building an additional 1,000 social housing units per year on local authority or State owned land; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30346/19]

Local Authority Housing Data

Brendan Howlin

422. Deputy Brendan Howlin asked the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government the number of HAP and RAS recipients, respectively, by council area at the end of 2017, 2018 and in 2019 to date; the projected full year numbers for 2019 in view of the fact the information is not available on the website in this format; the full year costs of each scheme in each year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30347/19]

Cabinet Committee Meetings

Brendan Howlin

4. Deputy Brendan Howlin asked the Taoiseach if Cabinet committee C (European Union including Brexit) met in May or June 2019. [27636/19]

Departmental Operations

Brendan Howlin

7. Deputy Brendan Howlin asked the Taoiseach the number of whistleblower complaints in his Department to date. [28114/19]

National Economic Dialogue

Brendan Howlin

168. Deputy Brendan Howlin asked the Minister for Finance if he will report on his attendance at the National Economic Dialogue. [29289/19]

Social Welfare Appeals

Brendan Howlin

425. Deputy Brendan Howlin asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection the status of an application for an oral hearing appeal for domiciliary care allowance by a person (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [28632/19]

Cabinet Committee Meetings

Brendan Howlin

4. Deputy Brendan Howlin asked the Taoiseach when Cabinet committee E, health, last met; and when it is next scheduled to meet. [26685/19]

Cabinet Committee Meetings

Brendan Howlin

9. Deputy Brendan Howlin asked the Taoiseach when Cabinet committee D, infrastructure, last met; and when it will next meet. [27635/19]

Departmental Meetings

Brendan Howlin

280. Deputy Brendan Howlin asked the Minister for Education and Skills when a meeting will be arranged with a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27997/19]

Brexit Issues

Brendan Howlin

7. Deputy Brendan Howlin asked the Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation the percentage of goods and services imported from the United Kingdom; the percentage of goods and services exported to the United Kingdom; the extent to which this has changed since the Brexit referendum in June 2016; and her views on whether businesses here have been able to find new markets outside of Britain. [25219/19]

Disability Allowance Applications

Brendan Howlin

244. Deputy Brendan Howlin asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection the status of an application for a disability allowance by a person (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27277/19]

Illness Benefit Payments

Brendan Howlin

246. Deputy Brendan Howlin asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection the reason a person (details supplied) has not received payment of an illness benefit claim even though the person received confirmation of being awarded illness benefit; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27309/19]

Programme for Government

Brendan Howlin

2. Deputy Brendan Howlin asked the Taoiseach his views on the annual report on A Programme for a Partnership Government; and his plans to review or amend the agreement. [26684/19]

Commissions of Investigation

Brendan Howlin

4. Deputy Brendan Howlin asked the Taoiseach the projected costs of the commission of investigation into IBRC. [25245/19]

Departmental Administrative Arrangements

Brendan Howlin

5. Deputy Brendan Howlin asked the Taoiseach if he will report on the work of the parliamentary liaison unit. [25247/19]

Cabinet Committee Meetings

Brendan Howlin

67. Deputy Brendan Howlin asked the Taoiseach when Cabinet committee D, infrastructure, last met; and when it is next scheduled to meet. [26691/19]

Illness Benefit Applications

Brendan Howlin

267. Deputy Brendan Howlin asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection the position regarding an application for illness benefit in respect of a person (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27125/19]

National Economic and Social Council

Brendan Howlin

2. Deputy Brendan Howlin asked the Taoiseach if he will report on his recent engagements with the National Economic and Social Council. [25246/19]

National Economic and Social Council

Brendan Howlin

4. Deputy Brendan Howlin asked the Taoiseach the status of Bills under preparation in his Department. [26683/19]

Cabinet Committee Meetings

Brendan Howlin

6. Deputy Brendan Howlin asked the Taoiseach when Cabinet committee B, social policy and public services, last met; and when it will next meet. [26284/19]

Medical Aids and Appliances Provision

Brendan Howlin

429. Deputy Brendan Howlin asked the Minister for Health his views on the report submitted to his Department by an organisation (details supplied); his plans to ensure the survey findings are considered as part of the HSE review into the matter; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26409/19]

Disability Allowance Applications

Brendan Howlin

201. Deputy Brendan Howlin asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection the status of a review of a claim for a disability allowance by a person (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [25932/19]

Taoiseach's Meetings and Engagements

Brendan Howlin

1. Deputy Brendan Howlin asked the Taoiseach if he will report on his meeting with the leader of the UK Labour Party, Mr. Jeremy Corbyn. [24098/19]

Departmental Strategy Statements

Brendan Howlin

6. Deputy Brendan Howlin asked the Taoiseach if he will report on the annual strategy update report for his Department. [24992/19]

Taoiseach's Communications

Brendan Howlin

9. Deputy Brendan Howlin asked the Taoiseach if he will report on his telephone call with the Australian Prime Minister, Mr. Scott Morrison. [24993/19]

Taoiseach's Meetings and Engagements

Brendan Howlin

2. Deputy Brendan Howlin asked the Taoiseach if he will report on his meeting with the Scottish First Minister, Ms Nicola Sturgeon. [24100/19]

Taoiseach's Meetings and Engagements

Brendan Howlin

7. Deputy Brendan Howlin asked the Taoiseach if he will report on his meeting with the President of the United States of America, Mr. Donald Trump. [24099/19]

Citizens' Assembly Establishment

Brendan Howlin

14. Deputy Brendan Howlin asked the Taoiseach if he will report on the proposals for a Citizens' Assembly on a Dublin mayor. [24991/19]

Foreign Policy

Brendan Howlin

53. Deputy Brendan Howlin asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the contact he has had with the Chinese Government on the proposed extradition law being introduced in Hong Kong; his views on the way in which this may damage democratic rule in the city; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25220/19]

Brexit Data

Brendan Howlin

54. Deputy Brendan Howlin asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the volume of imports and exports likely to be disrupted by a disorderly Brexit on 31 October 2019; and the projection of the likely effect of same on economic output and employment. [25218/19]

Childcare Services

Brendan Howlin

569. Deputy Brendan Howlin asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs if she has received correspondence from a person (details supplied); her views on the opinion expressed that the childcare industry is at breaking point; her further views on the points set out in the correspondence; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [25249/19]

Disability Allowance Appeals

Brendan Howlin

206. Deputy Brendan Howlin asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection the progress to date in the determination of an appeal for a disability allowance in the case of a person (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24636/19]

Departmental Operations

Brendan Howlin

1. Deputy Brendan Howlin asked the Taoiseach if he will report on the work of the international, European Union and Northern Ireland division of his Department. [22698/19]

Departmental Programmes

Brendan Howlin

4. Deputy Brendan Howlin asked the Taoiseach if he will report on the work of the social policy and public service reform division of his Department. [23185/19]

Departmental Functions

Brendan Howlin

5. Deputy Brendan Howlin asked the Taoiseach if he will report on the economic division of his Department. [23186/19]

Commissions of Investigation

Brendan Howlin

68. Deputy Brendan Howlin asked the Taoiseach the status of the commission of investigation into the IBRC; and the projected costs in this regard. [24101/19]

Taoiseach's Meetings and Engagements

Brendan Howlin

6. Deputy Brendan Howlin asked the Taoiseach his plans for visits abroad over the next six months. [22696/19]

European Council Meetings

Brendan Howlin

14. Deputy Brendan Howlin asked the Taoiseach if he will report on his attendance at the informal meeting of EU Heads of State and Government on 28 May 2019. [23550/19]

Seanad Reform

Brendan Howlin

15. Deputy Brendan Howlin asked the Taoiseach the status of his plans for Seanad reform. [22697/19]

Taoiseach's Meetings and Engagements

Brendan Howlin

96. Deputy Brendan Howlin asked the Taoiseach if he will report on his recent engagements with the National Economic and Social Council. [23188/19]

Departmental Administrative Arrangements

Brendan Howlin

97. Deputy Brendan Howlin asked the Taoiseach if he will report on the work of the parliamentary liaison unit of his Department. [23189/19]

Health Services

Brendan Howlin

441. Deputy Brendan Howlin asked the Minister for Health his views on the issue of services for patients with heart failure as set out by a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23350/19]

Harbours and Piers Funding

Brendan Howlin

723. Deputy Brendan Howlin asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if his attention has been drawn to an application by Waterford City and County Council for funding under the harbour and coastal infrastructural programme to undertake work at Helvick Harbour; the reason the application has been unsuccessful to date; if his attention has been drawn to the economic importance of the harbour; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23313/19]

Carer's Allowance Applications

Brendan Howlin

872. Deputy Brendan Howlin asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection the status of an application for carer's allowance by a person (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [23429/19]

European Council Meetings

Brendan Howlin

14. Deputy Brendan Howlin asked the Taoiseach if he will report on his attendance at the informal European Council meeting in Sibiu, Romania on 9 May 2019. [21852/19]

Revenue Commissioners

Brendan Howlin

52. Deputy Brendan Howlin asked the Minister for Finance if the attention of the Revenue Commissioners has been drawn to the delays experienced by customers using the contact number it has provided in order to access appointments; his plans to address this issue; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22323/19]

Special Educational Needs Service Provision

Brendan Howlin

81. Deputy Brendan Howlin asked the Minister for Education and Skills if his attention has been drawn to the fact that in the case of a child diagnosed as having complex needs (details supplied) his Department will not appoint a special needs assistant until the child has been assessed by an occupational therapist; if his attention has further been drawn to the fact that there is a long delay in the public system for first-time assessment by an occupational therapist; the action he will take in conjunction with the health services to ensure that a special needs assistant is appointed for this child without further delay; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22326/19]

Legislative Reviews

Brendan Howlin

167. Deputy Brendan Howlin asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the status of the review of the Defamation Act 2009; when it is likely to be completed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22613/19]

Television Licence Fee

Brendan Howlin

364. Deputy Brendan Howlin asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment when he will receive the interdepartmental working group report on television licence fee reform; when he will publish same; when he will act on the recommendations of the report; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22490/19]

Working Family Payment Waiting Times

Brendan Howlin

440. Deputy Brendan Howlin asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection the status of an application for a working family payment by a person (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22291/19]

Cabinet Committee Meetings

Brendan Howlin

4. Deputy Brendan Howlin asked the Taoiseach when Cabinet committee D, infrastructure, last met. [19962/19]

Cabinet Committee Meetings

Brendan Howlin

8. Deputy Brendan Howlin asked the Taoiseach when Cabinet committee F, national security, last met. [17714/19]

Cabinet Committee Meetings

Brendan Howlin

15. Deputy Brendan Howlin asked the Taoiseach when Cabinet committee A on the economy last met. [21782/19]

Cabinet Committee Meetings

Brendan Howlin

16. Deputy Brendan Howlin asked the Taoiseach when Cabinet committee A on the economy last met. [21850/19]

Taoiseach's Meetings and Engagements

Brendan Howlin

17. Deputy Brendan Howlin asked the Taoiseach if he will report on his meeting with the US Congressional delegation that visited Ireland. [19963/19]

Taoiseach's Meetings and Engagements

Brendan Howlin

20. Deputy Brendan Howlin asked the Taoiseach if he will report on his recent discussions with the British Prime Minister regarding Northern Ireland. [19964/19]

Freedom of Information Data

Brendan Howlin

3. Deputy Brendan Howlin asked the Taoiseach to set down the number of freedom of information requests received by his Department in 2018 and to date in 2019. [21784/19]

Church-State Relations

Brendan Howlin

7. Deputy Brendan Howlin asked the Taoiseach his plans for a new covenant between church and State. [21783/19]

National Digital Strategy Implementation

Brendan Howlin

9. Deputy Brendan Howlin asked the Taoiseach the status of the national digital strategy being led by his Department. [16482/19]

Departmental Communications

Brendan Howlin

510. Deputy Brendan Howlin asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the number of briefings by phone or in writing given by officials of his Department to a person (details supplied); the content of those briefings; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21382/19]

Carer's Benefit Applications

Brendan Howlin

628. Deputy Brendan Howlin asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection when a decision will be made on a carer’s benefit application by a person (details supplied) in County Wexford; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [21632/19]

European Council Meetings

Brendan Howlin

2. Deputy Brendan Howlin asked the Taoiseach when Cabinet committee C, European Union, including Brexit, last met. [16384/19]

European Council Meetings

Brendan Howlin

5. Deputy Brendan Howlin asked the Taoiseach if he will report on his attendance at the European Council on 10 April 2019. [17715/19]

European Council Meetings

Brendan Howlin

6. Deputy Brendan Howlin asked the Taoiseach if he will report on his recent telephone conversations with EU Heads of Government as indicated in his statement in advance of the special European Council of 9 April 2019. [17716/19]

Strategic Communications Unit

Brendan Howlin

12. Deputy Brendan Howlin asked the Taoiseach the status of the research survey his Department was to commission in 2018 as part of the strategic communications unit; if it was proceeded with; and if so, the outcomes. [15463/19]

Cabinet Committee Meetings

Brendan Howlin

13. Deputy Brendan Howlin asked the Taoiseach when Cabinet committee G, justice and equality, last met. [15465/19]

Education Expenditure

Brendan Howlin

146. Deputy Brendan Howlin asked the Minister for Education and Skills the amount of funding on average per annum spent of supporting STEM in areas (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20372/19]

Treatment Abroad Scheme

Brendan Howlin

339. Deputy Brendan Howlin asked the Minister for Health if treatment for a person (details supplied) will be approved under the treatment abroad scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20715/19]

Illness Benefit Payments

Brendan Howlin

465. Deputy Brendan Howlin asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection the reason illness benefit was ceased in the case of a person (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [20373/19]

State Pension (Contributory)

Brendan Howlin

170. Deputy Brendan Howlin asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection if the impact of the total contributions approach introduced in 2018 as a result of anomalies due to changes in legislation in 2012, particularly on pensioners born prior to the cut-off date introduced, will be reviewed; her plans to amend the cut-off date to include a wider group of pensioners who may have been adversely affected by this decision; if a mechanism of appeal on grounds of financial hardship will be considered; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [20260/19]

Human Rights

Brendan Howlin

87. Deputy Brendan Howlin asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade his views on the worsening human rights situation in Bahrain; the steps being taken at EU and international level to address human rights concerns in Bahrain; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18971/19]

National Monuments

Brendan Howlin

239. Deputy Brendan Howlin asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if the OPW will undertake to fund urgent restoration work required at Terreraght Castle, a Norman tower house, in New Ross, County Wexford; if the attention of the OPW has been drawn to the condition of this historic monument which in its present condition has necessitated the closure of a local important link road; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19540/19]

Pupil-Teacher Ratio

Brendan Howlin

267. Deputy Brendan Howlin asked the Minister for Education and Skills the number of additional primary teaching posts required in order to restore the appointment figure to 48 pupils for the third teacher in a primary school; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18616/19]

Autism Support Services

Brendan Howlin

316. Deputy Brendan Howlin asked the Minister for Education and Skills if he will set out a policy on the provision of autism spectrum disorder, ASD, classes in each school catchment area; if he is satisfied with the current provision of ASD classes for families who reside in Dublin 6, 6W and 12; his plans to address the shortage of classes in these areas; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19165/19]

Schools Building Projects Status

Brendan Howlin

391. Deputy Brendan Howlin asked the Minister for Education and Skills the provisions in place to deal with the shortage of first-year secondary places for those who are on waiting lists in the Kilcoole and Greystones area in County Wicklow; the status of the provision of a new secondary school in Greystones; if the process will be accelerated in view of the high demand for places and the stress placed on parents who do not have a place for their child; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20025/19]

EU Directives

Brendan Howlin

453. Deputy Brendan Howlin asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if Ireland has fully transposed the EU Directive 2012/29/EU establishing minimum standards on the rights, support and protection of victims of crime, and replacing Council Framework Decision 2001/220/JHA; if not, the provisions of this legislation yet to be transposed; when it is planned to do same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18617/19]

Criminal Records Data

Brendan Howlin

454. Deputy Brendan Howlin asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if Ireland has fully transposed the Council framework decision 2009/315/JHA of 26 February 2009 on the organisation and content of the exchange of information extracted from the criminal record between member states; if not, the reason therefor; when it is planned to do same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18618/19]

Hospital Appointments Status

Brendan Howlin

766. Deputy Brendan Howlin asked the Minister for Health when a person (details supplied) will be admitted to Beaumont Hospital; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18967/19]

Home Care Packages

Brendan Howlin

902. Deputy Brendan Howlin asked the Minister for Health his views on the difficulties in accessing home care packages in County Wexford; when additional funding will be allocated to the HSE to reduce the waiting lists and waiting times for home support services in County Wexford; if a home care package will be approved in the case of a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19482/19]

Trans European Transport Network Programme

Brendan Howlin

1278. Deputy Brendan Howlin asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the progress to date on the EU motorways of the sea initiative; the specific actions taken to date under the TEN-T guidelines to achieve a European maritime space without barriers; the implications for this initiative of Brexit and the UK landbridge; the port and ferry supports available under the initiative; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18668/19]

Carer's Benefit Eligibility

Brendan Howlin

1403. Deputy Brendan Howlin asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection the status of an application by a person (details supplied) for a review of the decision not to grant them carer's benefit; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [18588/19]

Carer's Allowance Applications

Brendan Howlin

1404. Deputy Brendan Howlin asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection the status of an application for a review of the rate of carer's allowance for 2018 by a person (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [18601/19]

Working Family Payment Applications

Brendan Howlin

1417. Deputy Brendan Howlin asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection the status of an application for the working family payment by a person (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [18884/19]

Carer's Allowance Applications

Brendan Howlin

1422. Deputy Brendan Howlin asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection the status of an application by a person (details supplied) for a review of the decision to refuse their application for carer's allowance. [18973/19]

Local Authority Finances

Brendan Howlin

1508. Deputy Brendan Howlin asked the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government the amount issued annually over the past five years in compensation for malicious damage to property under the compensation scheme established under the Malicious Injuries Act 1981 and the Malicious Injuries (Amendment) Act 1986; the amount paid out annually over the past five years that specifically relates to compensation for the theft of ATM cash machines; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19054/19]

Planning Issues

Brendan Howlin

1595. Deputy Brendan Howlin asked the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government when he will publish the review by a person (details supplied) into certain planning matters in respect of Donegal County Council; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20062/19]

Brexit Preparations

Brendan Howlin

1. Deputy Brendan Howlin asked the Taoiseach the role his Department is playing in preparing for a hard Brexit. [15024/19]

Brexit Negotiations

Brendan Howlin

9. Deputy Brendan Howlin asked the Taoiseach if he has spoken to the British Prime Minister, Mrs. May, since the indicative votes took place; and if he has discussed with her the prospect of direct rule in Northern Ireland. [16480/19]

Taoiseach's Communications

Brendan Howlin

15. Deputy Brendan Howlin asked the Taoiseach if he will report on his recent conversations with the Prime Minister of New Zealand, Ms Jacinda Ardern. [16481/19]

Hospital Appointments Status

Brendan Howlin

187. Deputy Brendan Howlin asked the Minister for Health if consideration will be given to allocating a person (details supplied) a hospital appointment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17995/19]

Taoiseach's Meetings and Engagements

Brendan Howlin

4. Deputy Brendan Howlin asked the Taoiseach if he will report on his visit to the United States of America and his meeting with President Donald Trump and representatives of Congress; and the other meetings he held. [13954/19]

Cabinet Committee Meetings

Brendan Howlin

8. Deputy Brendan Howlin asked the Taoiseach when Cabinet committee E, health, last met. [15023/19]

State Visits

Brendan Howlin

67. Deputy Brendan Howlin asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the role of his Department in preparing for visits to Ireland by heads of state; and the role it will have in planning for a visit by the President of the United States of America. [15464/19]

Schools Administration

Brendan Howlin

69. Deputy Brendan Howlin asked the Minister for Education and Skills the estimated cost of providing release time for administrative and management purposes of one day per week for each teaching principal of a primary school; his plans to bring this about in view of the increased workload and demands on principal teachers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17022/19]

Teacher Data

Brendan Howlin

70. Deputy Brendan Howlin asked the Minister for Education and Skills the main categories of teacher absences in primary schools for which substitute cover is not provided; the cost of substitute cover in each category; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17023/19]