Parliamentary questions

Horse Racing Industry

Darren O'Rourke

1177. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if Exchequer funding allocated to Horse Racing Ireland covers the salaries of persons (details supplied); and if not if their salaries are met by non-Exchequer funding. [30716/21]

Greyhound Industry

Darren O'Rourke

1178. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if Exchequer funding allocated to Greyhound Racing Ireland covers the salaries of persons (details supplied); and if not if their salaries are met by non-Exchequer funding. [30717/21]

Crime Data

Darren O'Rourke

336. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Justice if a type of crime (details supplied) has increased during Covid-19; if so, the degree to which; the breakdown of same by Garda district in each of the years 2019, 2020 and to date in 2021, in tabular form; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30373/21]

Cybersecurity Policy

Darren O'Rourke

63. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications his plans to increase funding and resourcing for the National Cyber Security Centre, NCSC; when the capacity review of the centre will be published; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29408/21]

North-South Interconnector

Darren O'Rourke

65. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications when the review of the North-South interconnector will be published; if he will ask Eirgrid to halt all activities relating to the construction of the interconnector, including stopping procurement processes until such a time as the Government review into the project is undertaken and reports; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29409/21]

Closed-Circuit Television Systems

Darren O'Rourke

100. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications his plans to tackle illegal dumping; if he intends to amend current legislation to permit the use of anti-dumping CCTV; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29406/21]

Post Office Network

Darren O'Rourke

108. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if he plans to introduce a public service obligation payment for the post office network in order to protect this essential service and prevent further more closures; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29403/21]

Climate Change Policy

Darren O'Rourke

117. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications further to Parliamentary Question No. 67 of 19 May 2021, if he will publish the Just Transition Commissioner’s latest report given the added importance of its timing as the Climate Action and Low Carbon Development (Amendment) Bill 2021 progresses through the legislative stages; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29405/21]

National Broadband Plan

Darren O'Rourke

122. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if his attention has been drawn to the fact that businesses in rural Ireland that have access to slow basic broadband services are not being included in the National Broadband Plan despite their need for access to high speed broadband; the way he plans to address the matter; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29407/21]

Electric Vehicles

Darren O'Rourke

204. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Transport his views on the need to reform the SEAI electric car grant scheme to ensure those households that need the greatest financial help purchasing an electric car can do so; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29404/21]

Driver Licences

Darren O'Rourke

247. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Transport the health restrictions, including vision requirements for persons applying for a bus or HGV driver licence; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29751/21]

Environmental Policy

Darren O'Rourke

98. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if he plans to ensure there is a refundable deposit for plastic bottles and aluminium cans that varies by container size as part of the proposed deposit and return scheme which was the preferred option in the most recent consultation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28889/21]

Departmental Programmes

Darren O'Rourke

107. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Transport when a decision will be made on successful applicants for the Safe Routes to School Programme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28831/21]

Transport Policy

Darren O'Rourke

110. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Transport further to Parliamentary Question No. 365 of 21 April 2021 and the commitments in New Decade New Approach, the specific protocol that exists for the advancement of the ongoing reviews of Belfast to Cork and Derry to Dublin routes; the role of his Department, the Department of the Taoiseach and the North South Ministerial Council in this regard; the specific steps that will be taken when the reviews are completed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28866/21]

Transport Policy

Darren O'Rourke

111. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Transport further to Parliamentary Question No. 365 of 21 April 2021, when the review of the Belfast to Cork and Derry to Dublin routes will be completed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28867/21]

Transport Policy

Darren O'Rourke

112. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Transport further to Parliamentary Question No. 365 of 21 April 2021, the reason the Dublin to Derry PSO was discontinued; the date on which it will be reinstated; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28868/21]

Recycling Policy

Darren O'Rourke

68. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications his plans to include a specific target for aluminium cans aside from general metal recycling rates as part of the deposit and return scheme proposal similar to plastic bottles; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28600/21]

Recycling Policy

Darren O'Rourke

69. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications his plans to include the same high collection and recycling targets for those beverage containers which fall outside the scope of the deposit and return scheme particularly glass to ensure there is an increase in ambition across all beverage container types; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28601/21]

Recycling Policy

Darren O'Rourke

70. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications his plans to introduce a takeback obligation on online retailers with no physical presence in Ireland who sell beverage containers within the scope of the deposit and return scheme in the Irish market; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28602/21]

Covid-19 Pandemic

Darren O'Rourke

89. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Transport the reason driver instructors are still being refused access to shelter and toilet facilities in testing centres despite the phased relaxation of Covid-19 restrictions; when this policy will be changed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28603/21]

Third Level Education

Darren O'Rourke

164. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Education if her attention has been drawn to differences in funding support for doctoral training for educational psychologists and counselling psychologists compared to clinical psychologists; the way she plans to address the matter; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [28562/21]

Covid-19 Pandemic Supports

Darren O'Rourke

52. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment his views on whether it will take longer for the travel agent sector to recover due to the current restrictions on international travel and ongoing uncertainty; if existing supports will be maintained to account for this; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27460/21]

Departmental Schemes

Darren O'Rourke

53. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if recognition will be given to the fact that when sales recommence for travel agents they will be taking in deposits which will be passed on immediately thus giving these businesses no commission income to pay overheads; if this will be factored into business supports made available to this sector; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27462/21]

Exploration Industry

Darren O'Rourke

80. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if a licence for the exploration of oil and gas will be sold from its holder to another entity; the impact on a licence for the exploration of oil and gas when the company which holds the licence is sold; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28179/21]

Environmental Policy

Darren O'Rourke

83. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications when he will publish a report (details supplied) which examined the costs of decarbonisation up to 2050; his views on the importance of publishing the report while the Climate Action and Low Carbon Development (Amendment) Bill 2021 is progressing through the Houses of the Oireachtas; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28232/21]

Covid-19 Pandemic Supports

Darren O'Rourke

86. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Transport if he has discussed the need to provide travel agents with continuing business supports with the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment given the ongoing challenges the sector is facing; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27463/21]

Grant Payments

Darren O'Rourke

87. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Transport if his attention has been drawn to the fact that the grant payment for taxi drivers that purchase an electric vehicle is made months after the purchase of same; if his attention has been further drawn to the fact that this imposes a financial barrier on this scheme for most drivers that cannot meet the total upfront cost and then wait for a grant refund; his plans to address this; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27468/21]

Motor Industry

Darren O'Rourke

88. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Transport if his attention has been drawn to the fact that taxi drivers that install a taxi meter in a new vehicle void the warranty of that vehicle; his views on whether this is a serious issue for taxi drivers that purchase a vehicle that subsequently has mechanical issues but they are then not covered by the manufacturer’s warranty; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27469/21]

Motor Industry

Darren O'Rourke

89. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Transport his plans to increase the wheelchair accessibility of the taxi fleet; the impact this has on taxi drivers that purchase a non-wheelchair accessible taxi now; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27470/21]

Military Aircraft

Darren O'Rourke

160. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Transport the number of exemptions granted in each month of 2020 and to date in 2021 permitting the carriage of munitions of war on planes landing in Ireland; the airports in which these planes landed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28158/21]

Military Aircraft

Darren O'Rourke

161. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Transport the militaries that received exemptions to land in Irish airports carrying munitions of war onboard in 2020 and to date in 2021; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28159/21]

Covid-19 Pandemic Supports

Darren O'Rourke

166. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Transport the breakdown of the €80 million announced to support the aviation sector; the funding allocated to each programme under this funding; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28366/21]

Covid-19 Pandemic Supports

Darren O'Rourke

167. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Transport the applications for funding or financial support made by airlines during the Covid-19 pandemic; the funding or financial support provided to date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28367/21]

Office of Public Works

Darren O'Rourke

212. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the way in which the Office of Public Works plans to support the cultural and historical events in Kells, County Meath to mark the 1,500th anniversary of the birth of St. Colmcille; if they will ensure that St. Colmcille’s House in the town is open and accessible and is resourced with a paid tour guide; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27480/21]

Horticulture Sector

Darren O'Rourke

42. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine his proposals to support the mushroom and broader horticultural sectors in view of ongoing challenges as a result of Government policy pertaining to the sector. [26925/21]

Third Level Education

Darren O'Rourke

93. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if his attention has been drawn to differences in funding support for clinical psychologists doctoral training compared to educational psychologists and counselling psychologists; the way he plans to address the matter; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25447/21]

Antisocial Behaviour

Darren O'Rourke

183. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Transport the actions he is taking to address antisocial behaviour on public transport and in bus and rail stations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27170/21]

Driver Test

Darren O'Rourke

189. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Transport the number of persons waiting to sit a car theory test by theory test centre; the number currently waiting to sit a practical driver test by driving test centre; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27294/21]

Driver Test

Darren O'Rourke

190. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Transport the date on which car theory test centres will reopen given the impact this closure is having on persons that are trying to obtain a learner permits; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27295/21]

Driver Test

Darren O'Rourke

191. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Transport the date on which practical driver tests will resume for non-essential workers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27296/21]

Climate Change Policy

Darren O'Rourke

64. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the funding in each year provided for a just transition; the drawdown in each year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26842/21]

Climate Change Policy

Darren O'Rourke

65. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the number of jobs that have been created in each county using just transition funding; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26843/21]

Climate Change Policy

Darren O'Rourke

66. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the number of persons who have been provided with upskilling, retraining or further educational opportunities using just transition funding in each year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26844/21]

Climate Change Policy

Darren O'Rourke

67. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications when the next just transition progress report will be published; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26845/21]

Electric Vehicles

Darren O'Rourke

72. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Transport if his attention has been drawn to the fact that some local authorities including Meath County Council are not drawing down funding for the public charge point scheme as they are awaiting the publication of guidelines on EV charging from the CCMA; his views on whether this delay in producing the guidelines is causing serious problems for persons with electric vehicles who have shared or on-street parking; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27048/21]

Covid-19 Pandemic Supports

Darren O'Rourke

128. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Social Protection the Covid-19 supports available for taxi drivers from her Department; if there are plans to extend or expand these supports; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [25424/21]

Covid-19 Pandemic Unemployment Payment

Darren O'Rourke

134. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Social Protection the Covid-19 supports in place for aviation cabin crew; the length of time these supports will remain in place; if there are plans to extend or expand these supports including by the introduction of a German-style support scheme or a scheme which supports workers in their transition back to full-time employment; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [25448/21]

Climate Action Plan

Darren O'Rourke

192. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the status of Ireland’s compliance or non-compliance with each of the international greenhouse gas emissions and renewable energy targets; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25527/21]

Climate Action Plan

Darren O'Rourke

193. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the financial penalties Ireland has already been subject to and will be subject to from 2021-2030 for failure to meet international greenhouse gas emissions and renewable energy targets; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25528/21]

Schools Building Projects

Darren O'Rourke

96. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Education the date on which school building works will begin at a school (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24981/21]