Questions and answers published after July 2012 can be viewed here. Viewing by Government Department is possible by term or specific dates from March 2016 onwards. Written answers are published as received from departments. To see parliamentary questions published before July 2012, search in Dáil debates.
Questions and answers for Dáil or Seanad term
Page 2 of 42
Tue, 9 Apr 2024
written
Apprenticeship Programmes
Fergus O'Dowd
1708. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if there are plans for the further expansion of apprenticeship courses in Louth and Meath for 2024; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15328/24]
Tue, 9 Apr 2024
written
Community Development Projects
Fergus O'Dowd
1734. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development if she will seek an update on the purchase of a building (details supplied) in Dunleer for use as a multipurpose community space through the building acquisition measures; if any further request has been received from Louth County Council for any further buildings in the county under the BAM scheme; if so, the details of same; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [15345/24]
Thu, 21 Mar 2024
written
Hospital Services
Fergus O'Dowd
277. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Health to respond to direct concerns and questions raised in correspondence (details supplied) in respect of Cherry Orchard Hospital; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13330/24]
Wed, 20 Mar 2024
written
Broadband Infrastructure
Fergus O'Dowd
97. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if consideration will be given to the introduction of a public subsidy where an estate in a town or urban area for which it is uncommercial for operators to service high speed broadband due to infrastructure deficits, which operators can tender for, which provides funding to bridge the gap between the excess cost in rolling out to such estates and the commercial cut off point that is, the point at which it is uncommercial for an operator to serve; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12044/24]
Wed, 20 Mar 2024
written
Broadband Infrastructure
Fergus O'Dowd
98. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if a response will issue to concerns raised by a group (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12052/24]
Wed, 20 Mar 2024
written
Climate Change Policy
Fergus O'Dowd
105. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the measures which are currently being undertaken to identify and implement strategies that will assist in reducing Ireland's carbon footprint in regard to future decisions on public procurement contracts across all areas and public bodies, including targeted timelines for implementation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12208/24]
Wed, 20 Mar 2024
written
Climate Change Policy
Fergus O'Dowd
106. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications to identify any and all grant supports for new businesses building new premises that wish to make their sites carbon neutral and avoid fossil fuel energy sources; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12212/24]
Wed, 20 Mar 2024
written
Business Supports
Fergus O'Dowd
329. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if a response will issue to queries raised by a person (details supplied) in respect of the Increased Cost of Business Grant; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12258/24]
Wed, 20 Mar 2024
written
Special Educational Needs
Fergus O'Dowd
356. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Education to detail the best route forward for a school (details supplied) in terms of progressing their request for an identified ASD need within the school; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11626/24]
Wed, 20 Mar 2024
written
Special Educational Needs
Fergus O'Dowd
533. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Education if she will arrange for a further review of a case (details supplied) in respect of their need for a special education placement; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12983/24]
Wed, 20 Mar 2024
written
Departmental Correspondence
Fergus O'Dowd
618. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he will respond to concerns raised in correspondence (details supplied) in respect of access to the housing market for single persons; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11802/24]
Wed, 20 Mar 2024
written
Wind Energy Guidelines
Fergus O'Dowd
645. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage further to the review of the 2006 Wind Energy Development Guidelines and the targeted publication of the final updated guidelines, if a windfarm planning application is before the local planning authority or An Bord Pleanála, if the new guidelines supersede the old 2006 guidelines and the planning application would then be determined/reassessed on the new guidelines in place; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12272/24]
Wed, 20 Mar 2024
written
Immigration Status
Fergus O'Dowd
952. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Justice if advice will be provided for persons (details supplied) in respect of their current status within the country; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12919/24]
Wed, 20 Mar 2024
written
International Protection
Fergus O'Dowd
1165. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth with regard to providers of accommodation and serviced accommodation to BOTPS and or separately IPAS applicants, if any of these contracts have been terminated by his Department; the reason for same; if that service provider still continues to provide services to his Department at that location, or separately at any other location, from January 2022 to date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12542/24]
Wed, 20 Mar 2024
written
International Protection
Fergus O'Dowd
1166. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the total yearly cost to his Department to date for security at centres for BOTPS and for IPAS applicants, respectively; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12543/24]
Wed, 20 Mar 2024
written
International Protection
Fergus O'Dowd
1167. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the management company in place in a hotel (details supplied); the total number of other centres it has provided accommodation centres for BOTPS; the cumulative number involved; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12544/24]
Wed, 20 Mar 2024
written
International Protection
Fergus O'Dowd
1168. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the number of centre management teams that have been offered his Department's training course for centre managers for IPAS and BOTPS facilities; if the centre management company for a hotel (details supplied) has taken up the offer; the content and duration of the course offered; the cost of running the course; if the centre companies make a financial contribution to this course; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12545/24]
Wed, 20 Mar 2024
written
International Protection
Fergus O'Dowd
1169. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the consultation undertaken by his Department in relation to his decision to locate IPAS applicants in a hotel (details supplied) both within and outside his Department, to include all third parties consulted or from whom advice was sought or/and received including Louth and Meath County Council; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12547/24]
Wed, 20 Mar 2024
written
International Protection
Fergus O'Dowd
1171. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the number of vacant beds in existing IPAS centres and BOTPS centres, by county location, and the remaining number of occupied beds in those same centres, by county location, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12549/24]
Wed, 20 Mar 2024
written
Health Services
Fergus O'Dowd
1329. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Health if assessments and diagnosis services for adults within counties Louth or Meath are available through the public system; if not, the reasons for same; if they are not, if the cost of accessing a diagnosis can be applied for through the NTPF or other funding avenues; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12070/24]
Wed, 20 Mar 2024
written
Medical Cards
Fergus O'Dowd
1480. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Health if he will address a matter in relation to the new thresholds for GP cards and associated childcare costs (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12876/24]
Wed, 20 Mar 2024
written
Health Services
Fergus O'Dowd
1521. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Health if advice will be provided to a person (details supplied) on available supports for required dental treatment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13164/24]
Thu, 7 Mar 2024
written
International Protection
Fergus O'Dowd
309. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth further to Parliamentary Question No. 260 of 29 February 2024, if he will provide the details on the following (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11223/24]
Wed, 6 Mar 2024
written
Wind Energy Guidelines
Fergus O'Dowd
109. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he will provide a full progress report on the draft wind energy guidelines considering the significant number of applications that continue to be submitted despite the use of outdated guidelines; the expected timeframe for publication of finalised deadlines; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10873/24]
Wed, 6 Mar 2024
written
Departmental Funding
Fergus O'Dowd
194. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Health to respond to concerns raised (details attached); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10840/24]
Tue, 5 Mar 2024
written
Housing Provision
Fergus O'Dowd
405. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage to seek updates from both Louth and Meath county councils on projected affordable housing units that are schedule or in the pipeline for 2024; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10238/24]
Tue, 5 Mar 2024
written
International Protection
Fergus O'Dowd
592. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the date that the contract to provide accommodation for international applicants in a hotel (details supplied) was signed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10606/24]
Tue, 5 Mar 2024
written
International Protection
Fergus O'Dowd
593. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth if there is a break clause in the contract between his Department and a hotel (details supplied); if so, the notice period for the break clause; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10607/24]
Tue, 5 Mar 2024
written
International Protection
Fergus O'Dowd
594. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth if there is a cooling off period applied to the contract between the Department and a hotel (details supplied) in Drogheda; if so, the associated cooling off dates that were included in the agreement; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10608/24]
Tue, 5 Mar 2024
written
International Protection
Fergus O'Dowd
600. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth if he will seek an update from IPAS on the total number of beds nationwide that have been offered to IPAS as ready with certification by a competent person in place, but have yet to be taken up by persons seeking international protection and are awaiting a further inspection and sign off by the fire officer; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10795/24]
Tue, 5 Mar 2024
written
Health Services
Fergus O'Dowd
611. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Health to respond to follow up concerns in respect of mastectomy supports (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9935/24]
Tue, 5 Mar 2024
written
Hospital Deaths
Fergus O'Dowd
747. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Health to respond to concerns raised in respect of the situation in Cherry Orchard (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10600/24]
Thu, 29 Feb 2024
written
Care of the Elderly
Fergus O'Dowd
54. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Health if he will provide an update on the progression and timeline for the appointment of the members of the commission on care for older people; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9516/24]
Thu, 29 Feb 2024
written
Covid-19 Pandemic
Fergus O'Dowd
63. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Health when he expects an inquiry into the national Covid response to commence; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9515/24]
Thu, 29 Feb 2024
written
Emergency Accommodation
Fergus O'Dowd
136. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth to provide an update on the current discussions within his Department in respect of the dual use proposal for accommodation services within a hotel (details supplied) in Drogheda considering it is the only remaining hotel of scale in the town of Drogheda, the largest town in the country. [9523/24]
Thu, 29 Feb 2024
oral
Direct Provision System
Fergus O'Dowd
141. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth to provide an update on the current discussions within his Department with regard to the long-term plans to deal for dealing with those arriving in the country seeking protection; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9551/24]
Thu, 29 Feb 2024
written
Special Educational Needs
Fergus O'Dowd
184. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Education to respond to concerns raised by school (details supplied) in respect of the cut to SET resources in terms of the impact it will have on the overall ability of the school to provide appropriate special education to pupils in need; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [9779/24]
Thu, 29 Feb 2024
written
International Protection
Fergus O'Dowd
260. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth to provide details on queries relating to international protection accommodation services for international protection applicants and Ukrainian refugees (details supplied) [9780/24]
Wed, 28 Feb 2024
written
Electric Vehicles
Fergus O'Dowd
23. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Transport if any consideration has been given to extending the low emissions vehicle toll incentive since it ceased at the end of December to continue to incentivise the transition to EVs; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9545/24]
Wed, 28 Feb 2024
written
Education and Training Boards
Fergus O'Dowd
50. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Education to provide an update on the progress of the proposed LMETB headquarters location (details supplied); to indicate if any funding request have been received to progress the plans to the next stage, if so when, can he also indicate when they expect any further progress to be made with targeted timelines provided; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [9599/24]
Wed, 28 Feb 2024
written
Departmental Contracts
Fergus O'Dowd
111. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth if the contract that was signed between his Department and the D Hotel in Drogheda to provide accommodation services from March included any cooling off period in the contract in which one or both parties can examine, renegotiate or cancel the contract as agreed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9601/24]
Wed, 28 Feb 2024
written
Departmental Contracts
Fergus O'Dowd
112. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth if any contracts signed between his Department and providers of international protection accommodation services have been cancelled within a cooling off period over the years 2020 to date; if so how many; the reasons for each; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9603/24]
Wed, 28 Feb 2024
written
Institutes of Technology
Fergus O'Dowd
198. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if he can comment or advise on the best route for intellectual disability students in Dundalk Institute of Technology under St John of God Hospital (details supplied) who have been faced with serious placement obstacles; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9546/24]
Tue, 27 Feb 2024
written
Housing Provision
Fergus O'Dowd
289. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the total cost to date of the modular units built on State-owned lands itemised, by cost per unit and by location; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9216/24]
Tue, 27 Feb 2024
written
Victim Support Services
Fergus O'Dowd
364. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Justice if he will respond to and his views on a press release from an organisation (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [9370/24]
Tue, 27 Feb 2024
written
Medical Aids and Appliances
Fergus O'Dowd
523. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Health to detail any changes in available public funding for wigs or hairpieces and post-mastectomy products; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8911/24]
Thu, 22 Feb 2024
written
Special Educational Needs
Fergus O'Dowd
137. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Education to respond to concerns raised by persons (details supplied) in respect of the SET provision; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8460/24]
Thu, 22 Feb 2024
written
Parental Leave
Fergus O'Dowd
188. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Social Protection to respond to concerns raised in correspondence (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8442/24]
Thu, 22 Feb 2024
written
Parental Leave
Fergus O'Dowd
249. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth to respond to concerns raised in correspondence (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8440/24]
Wed, 21 Feb 2024
written
Regional Assemblies
Fergus O'Dowd
106. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he will reconsider his local government ministerial nomination to the Eastern and Midland Regional Assembly in view of recent matters (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8388/24]
Wed, 21 Feb 2024
written
Care of the Elderly
Fergus O'Dowd
166. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Health if he will respond to the issues raised in the Alliance of Age Sector NGOs report: Taking Stock (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8238/24]
Tue, 20 Feb 2024
written
Driver Licences
Fergus O'Dowd
185. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Transport if he will consider reviewing a proposal (details supplied) further in relation to driver licence exchange agreement with the USA, considering the precedent which has already been agreed with Canada,; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7962/24]
Tue, 20 Feb 2024
written
Media Sector
Fergus O'Dowd
330. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media if he will address a matter raised in correspondence (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [7995/24]
Tue, 20 Feb 2024
written
Local Authorities
Fergus O'Dowd
343. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage further to Parliamentary Question No. 228 of 8 February 2024, if he has the power to appoint an independent, competent and appropriate person to enquire into the issue and report back to him directly on the issues (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7529/24]
Tue, 20 Feb 2024
written
Departmental Schemes
Fergus O'Dowd
364. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Social Protection to respond to urgent concerns raised from the local deaf community (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [7425/24]
Tue, 20 Feb 2024
written
Health Service Executive
Fergus O'Dowd
526. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Health if he will seek information on whether the audit tool as referenced in a response from the HSE (details supplied) has been completed and put in place by the national dementia office; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7439/24]
Thu, 15 Feb 2024
written
Road Tolls
Fergus O'Dowd
169. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Transport to respond to concerns raised by a person (details supplied) in respect of the ongoing and frustrating campaign to remove the M1 tolls which consistently causes serious congestion in the largest town of Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7178/24]
Tue, 13 Feb 2024
written
Disability Services
Fergus O'Dowd
187. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Transport to respond to concerns raised by a local organisation and service users (details supplied) in respect of the difficulty in securing disability-adapted taxis in County Louth; what measures are being, or could be, considered to increase the number of disability-friendly taxi units in County Louth; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6435/24]
Tue, 13 Feb 2024
written
Rail Network
Fergus O'Dowd
202. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Transport if a response will issue to queries raised in correspondence (details supplied) in respect of InterCity rail price increases; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6233/24]
Tue, 13 Feb 2024
written
Mortgage Interest Rates
Fergus O'Dowd
233. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Finance the measures and supports that are being considered to help alleviate the devastating pressure being exerted on homeowners who have been moved or are tied to vulture fund lenders, where in some cases they are paying over 10% interest; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6282/24]
Tue, 13 Feb 2024
written
Departmental Projects
Fergus O'Dowd
415. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage for an update on the narrow water bridge project, including projected timelines and funding amounts for the long-awaited project; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6509/24]
Tue, 13 Feb 2024
written
Referendum Campaigns
Fergus O'Dowd
529. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth if a response will issue to queries raised in correspondence (details supplied) in respect of the upcoming referendum; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6238/24]
Tue, 13 Feb 2024
written
Mental Health Services
Fergus O'Dowd
611. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Health if he will respond to concerns and details raised by a group (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6614/24]
Thu, 8 Feb 2024
written
Local Authorities
Fergus O'Dowd
228. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he will comment on concerns raised in correspondence (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6022/24]
Thu, 8 Feb 2024
written
Health Services
Fergus O'Dowd
325. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Health his views on concerns raised (details supplied) in respect of the ongoing issues for children awaiting limb reconstruction; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5888/24]
Wed, 7 Feb 2024
written
Sports Funding
Fergus O'Dowd
218. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media if she can seek assistance for Irish Ice Hockey for their upcoming trip to the Scotiabank junior hockey tournament in Nova Scotia, Canada in April (details supplied); if the Minister can enquire or advise if any funding would be available to assist the organisation; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4929/24]
Wed, 7 Feb 2024
written
Departmental Contracts
Fergus O'Dowd
558. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Health to seek information from the management of all acute hospitals as to whether third party companies are contracted to provide medical consultation, advice, reading of scans and so on, outside of normal working hours, where consultants are already employed and on call for the same acute hospital; if so, the reasons for same; if a lack of IT systems are to blame for such an occurrence; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5540/24]
Thu, 1 Feb 2024
written
Ports Policy
Fergus O'Dowd
27. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Transport to provide an update on any discussion within his Department in respect of the ongoing and urgent need to remove the Hebble Dredge from the River Boyne in Drogheda following its original sinking in 2022; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4441/24]
Thu, 1 Feb 2024
written
Driver Test
Fergus O'Dowd
32. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Transport if he and his Department can ensure that any and all resources are provided to ensure that an appropriate site is found to recommence driver testing in Drogheda, which is the largest town in Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4440/24]
Thu, 1 Feb 2024
written
Tax Rebates
Fergus O'Dowd
114. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Finance the ways that he is making processes easier for coeliacs to claim tax rebates, with particular consideration to the increasing cost of gluten-free foods which is hitting those on marginal incomes hardest; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4445/24]
Thu, 1 Feb 2024
written
Tax Code
Fergus O'Dowd
149. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Finance if he is considering any further easing of VAT rates for retrofitting or renewable energy works or products for domestic purposes, to assist homeowners in reducing reliance on energy providers in what is a crippling energy crisis; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4444/24]
Thu, 1 Feb 2024
written
Pension Provisions
Fergus O'Dowd
242. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform when he expects to make a final decision on the ESB pensions increase request received in January; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4831/24]
Wed, 31 Jan 2024
written
School Meals Programme
Fergus O'Dowd
93. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Social Protection her plans to address the needs of coeliac diagnosed children with regard to the ever-growing and welcome roll-out of the school meals programme; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4404/24]
Wed, 31 Jan 2024
written
Health Services
Fergus O'Dowd
169. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Health if any consideration has been given to providing a national screening programme for coeliac disease, similar to that of the Italian system where they included a screening programme for one- to 17 year-olds for coeliac disease into their national legislation in late 2023 (details supplied), with consideration that Ireland has one of the highest incidence rates of coeliac disease in the world [4426/24]
Tue, 30 Jan 2024
written
Departmental Policies
Fergus O'Dowd
150. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if any consideration has been given to the introduction of a DNA strategy to address the issue of dog fouling across the country; if he will fund such a strategy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3802/24]
Tue, 30 Jan 2024
written
Haulage Industry
Fergus O'Dowd
187. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Transport to comment on a health initiative concept for haulage drivers (details supplied) and advise on the best way to progress such a concept; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3868/24]
Tue, 30 Jan 2024
written
European Union
Fergus O'Dowd
246. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if he will provide an update on the discussions that have taken place with member states in respect of the EU steel safeguarding tariff; whether the measures are set to continue in 2024; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4165/24]
Tue, 30 Jan 2024
written
Housing Schemes
Fergus O'Dowd
315. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he will consider, as part of the review of the croí cónaithe scheme, adding farm buildings to the eligible list of buildings, as many old farm buildings are no longer suitable for modern-day agricultural practices and are being left abandoned as they serve little or no purpose (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3654/24]
Tue, 30 Jan 2024
written
Defective Building Materials
Fergus O'Dowd
319. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage to seek engagement with the Housing Agency in respect of a person’s pyrite concerns (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3761/24]
Tue, 30 Jan 2024
written
Health Services
Fergus O'Dowd
516. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Health if he will urgently review a case (details supplied) where a person has been denied HSE assistance despite their significant requirements and diagnosis of FND; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3854/24]
Tue, 30 Jan 2024
written
Nursing Homes
Fergus O'Dowd
551. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Health to outline the details of his Department’s/HSE analysis on the safe staffing and skill mix of nurses and others working in nursing homes, public and private and in care homes; to give an update on findings and recommendations to date; when the final analysis will be completed and published; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4128/24]
Thu, 25 Jan 2024
written
Nuclear Safety
Fergus O'Dowd
51. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs to provide an update on discussions held with UK counterparts regarding recent reported safety issues at the Sellafield nuclear facility; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3142/24]
Thu, 25 Jan 2024
written
Northern Ireland
Fergus O'Dowd
55. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs to outline recent efforts by him and his Department to assist in re-establishing the Northern Ireland Executive; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3141/24]
Thu, 25 Jan 2024
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Energy Policy
Fergus O'Dowd
109. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications to provide a full update on his previous commitment in providing a mechanism for full time residents in mobile homes to access the much needed electricity credits, which to date has not been facilitated; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3144/24]
Thu, 25 Jan 2024
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Nuclear Safety
Fergus O'Dowd
142. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications to provide a full update on discussions that have taken place with UK counterparts on the recent leaks at the magnox swarf storage silo in Sellafield; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3143/24]
Thu, 25 Jan 2024
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Renewable Energy Generation
Fergus O'Dowd
166. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications to outline plans to make available much needed low interest loans for households who wish to migrate to solar panel installations but who cannot afford to do so at present; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3449/24]
Thu, 25 Jan 2024
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Medical Inquiries
Fergus O'Dowd
346. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Health for an update regarding the sodium valproate inquiry; the reason a chairperson has not been appointed to date; when he expects the chairperson to be in place and for the inquiry to begin; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3424/24]
Thu, 25 Jan 2024
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Health Services
Fergus O'Dowd
347. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Health to respond to proposals and concerns from a person (details attached) with respect to the severe difficulties in accessing diagnosis assessments; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3448/24]
Thu, 25 Jan 2024
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Departmental Data
Fergus O'Dowd
356. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Health the total number of children and their average waiting time, on speech and language therapy waiting lists across all CHOs, sub-divided in tabular form, by county and by local HSE designated service area; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3520/24]
Thu, 25 Jan 2024
written
Departmental Data
Fergus O'Dowd
357. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Health the total number of children and their average waiting time, on speech and language therapy waiting lists across all CHOs, sub divided in tabular form by county, and by local HSE designated service area, across the years 2016 to date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3521/24]
Tue, 23 Jan 2024
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Road Safety Authority
Fergus O'Dowd
182. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Transport to provide a full update from the Road Safety Authority on the need to progress a new temporary or permanent driving test centre for Drogheda, County Louth, the largest town in Ireland; if, considering the unacceptable driving test wait times in the Louth and east Meath area, he will seek full clarification on the list of sites which have been assessed since the decision was taken to close the temporary site in March 2023; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2783/24]
Tue, 23 Jan 2024
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Housing Policy
Fergus O'Dowd
340. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage to provide on update on the Programme for Government commitment to embed ageing in place options for older people into the planning system, since the establishment of the Government; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2465/24]
Tue, 23 Jan 2024
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Programme for Government
Fergus O'Dowd
554. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Health to provide on update on the programme for Government commitment to ensure that older people who are at greater risk of fuel poverty and the respiratory illnesses associated with air pollution be prioritised in climate action and climate-mitigation plans, since the establishment of the Government; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2464/24]
Tue, 23 Jan 2024
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Care of the Elderly
Fergus O'Dowd
570. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Health if he will provide an update on the progression and the timeline for the establishment of a commission on care for older people and the establishment of a commissioner for ageing and older people; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2454/24]
Tue, 23 Jan 2024
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Healthcare Policy
Fergus O'Dowd
571. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Health to provide an update on the expansion of community-based care, bringing it closer to home, in line with the Sláintecare Implementation plan since the establishment of the current Government; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2455/24]
Tue, 23 Jan 2024
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Mental Health Policy
Fergus O'Dowd
572. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Health to provide on update on the Programme for Government commitment to develop and increase access to talk therapies and improve access to specialist expertise, when it is required, in line with Sharing the Vision – a Mental Health Policy for Everyone, across each of the CHO areas, since the establishment of the Government; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2456/24]
Tue, 23 Jan 2024
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Social Isolation
Fergus O'Dowd
573. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Health to provide on update on the Programme for Government commitment to develop a plan aimed at tackling loneliness and isolation, particularly among older people, as outlined in the Roadmap for Social Inclusion, across each of the CHO areas, since the establishment of the Government; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2457/24]
Tue, 23 Jan 2024
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Nursing Homes
Fergus O'Dowd
574. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Health to provide on update on the Programme for Government commitment to further support the nursing homes support scheme (the fair deal) to provide assistance when staying at home may no longer be an option, since the establishment of the Government; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2458/24]
Tue, 23 Jan 2024
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Nursing Education
Fergus O'Dowd
575. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Health to provide on update on the Programme for Government commitment to ensure that no nursing homes support scheme resident is charged for services they do not use, since the establishment of the Government; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2459/24]
Tue, 23 Jan 2024
written
Nursing Homes
Fergus O'Dowd
576. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Health to provide on update on the Programme for Government commitment to ensure that the best possible safeguards are in place to protect our friends and family in nursing homes, since the establishment of the Government; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2460/24]