Parliamentary questions

Health Services

Fergus O'Dowd

577. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Health to provide on update on the Programme for Government commitment to increase the number of specialist palliative care beds countrywide over the five years of government, ensuring that there will be a hospice serving every region in the country, since the establishment of the Government; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2461/24]

Health Services

Fergus O'Dowd

578. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Health to provide on update on the Programme for Government commitment to support community specialist palliative home care teams in all HSE areas, fund designated homecare packages, and resource specialist palliative care provided in hospices, since the establishment of the Government; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2462/24]

Health Services

Fergus O'Dowd

579. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Health to provide on update on the Programme for Government commitment to increase resources for the children’s palliative care programme since the establishment of the Government; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2463/24]

Health Services

Fergus O'Dowd

580. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Health the actions being taken by his Department to deliver transgender health services in Ireland; if his Department has considered the 'informed consent' model; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2466/24]

Home Care Packages

Fergus O'Dowd

581. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Health if he will provide an update on the expected timelines on the establishment of a new statutory home support scheme; how he plans to scope and plan for such a scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2472/24]

Hospital Admissions

Fergus O'Dowd

582. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Health to provide a progress update on the expansion of community intervention teams to prevent unnecessary hospital admissions and to support the timely discharge of patients to their homes, since the establishment of the Government; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2473/24]

Care of the Elderly

Fergus O'Dowd

583. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Health to provide on update on the Programme for Government commitment on the target of community services assigning a case manager for older people with chronic conditions to assist them with accessing the care they need, since the establishment of the Government; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2474/24]

Care of the Elderly

Fergus O'Dowd

584. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Health to provide on update on the Programme for Government commitment on the development of the role of advanced nurse practitioners in older person services and chronic disease management, since the establishment of the Government; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2475/24]

Health Services

Fergus O'Dowd

585. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Health to provide on update on the Programme for Government commitment on the development and targeted expansion and availability of step-down facilities across each of the CHO areas, since the establishment of the Government; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2476/24]

Health Services

Fergus O'Dowd

586. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Health to provide on update on the Programme for Government commitment to develop and support eHealth and the increased use of assistive technologies, supporting people to live independently, across each of the CHO areas, since the establishment of the Government; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2477/24]

Programme for Government

Fergus O'Dowd

587. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Health to provide on update on the Programme for Government commitment to develop and deliver a ‘carers guarantee’ proposal that will provide a core basket of services to carers across the country, regardless of where they live, across each of the CHO areas, since the establishment of the Government; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2478/24]

Cybersecurity Policy

Fergus O'Dowd

134. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications to comment on safety and cyber concerns raised in an article (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2101/24]

Health Services

Fergus O'Dowd

292. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth if she will seek a full update from the HSE on much-needed plans to establish a community neuro-rehabilitation team in CHO8 area; if he will provide a timeline for same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2253/24]

Nursing Homes

Fergus O'Dowd

309. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Health if he will provide an update on plans to address and cease unfair additional charges being applied to medical card holders in nursing homes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2174/24]

Air Quality

Fergus O'Dowd

129. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if he will provide an update on the required establishment of dedicated resources within regional lead authorities to provide co-ordination, expertise and advice to ensure enforcement of the new air-quality regulations nationwide, further to the €500,000 awarded to local authorities to support targeted enforcement campaigns; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1757/24]

Road Projects

Fergus O'Dowd

304. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Transport to provide a full update on the funding requirements and allocations required to advance the N2 Ardee to Carrickmacross road project; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2049/24]

Road Projects

Fergus O'Dowd

305. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Transport to provide an update on TII roads funding for 2024; the reason for the delay in announcing the final allocations; when he expects the announcement to be made; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2078/24]

Architectural Heritage

Fergus O'Dowd

404. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform if he will provide an update on proposed developments at the Oldbridge site; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1758/24]

School Funding

Fergus O'Dowd

604. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Education if a response will issue to concerns raised on the application of the STEM grants nationwide (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1180/24]

Swimming Pools

Fergus O'Dowd

710. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media further to Parliamentary Question No. 336 of 23 May 2023, and following the ongoing interest in providing a full-time, permanent pool in the Ardee area, if she will outline when the pop-up pool might be available to Ardee in 2024; if any discussions have taken place between her Department and Louth County Council in respect of the provision of a new pool for the Ardee/mid Louth area; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1117/24]

Departmental Schemes

Fergus O'Dowd

826. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage to provide an update on the report carried out on the housing adaptation grants for older people and people with a disability; when the report will be published and available to review [1553/24]

Housing Schemes

Fergus O'Dowd

831. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he plans to further expand the croí cónaithe vacant dwelling scheme in 2024 to include more eligible properties that would add to housing supply, including the possible reduction of vacancy criteria from two years to one year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1695/24]

Fire Stations

Fergus O'Dowd

835. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the status of the new fire station in Dunleer, County Louth; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1760/24]

Public Sector Pay

Fergus O'Dowd

890. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Social Protection the expected timelines for pay parity claims for Tús supervisors; if he will respond to concerns raised in correspondence (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [56875/23]

Weather Events

Fergus O'Dowd

1176. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine further to Parliamentary Question No. 406 of 21 November 2023, if there are plans to expand the scheme to include sectors such as farming and so on due to the lack of any other funding supports in such weather events; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [56455/23]

Wildlife Conservation

Fergus O'Dowd

1248. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine to seek advice from his officials as to whether there are any suitable sites that they may be aware of under their remit that could possibly house this vital wildlife organisation, which continues to struggle to find a suitable site for its important work on the East coast (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1159/24]

Emergency Departments

Fergus O'Dowd

1468. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Health to provide the full details of the escalation protocol at the emergency department of UHL; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [56397/23]

Emergency Departments

Fergus O'Dowd

1469. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Health with respect to the escalating emergency in UHL to provide the criteria required to activate the escalation policy; how many patients were admitted; how many patients are awaiting treatment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [56398/23]

Emergency Departments

Fergus O'Dowd

1470. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Health with respect to the escalating emergency in UHL, if the criteria for escalation was met in the emergency department at UHL on 17 and 18 December 2022; if the escalation protocol was activated on the night of 17 and 18 December 2022 at the hospital; if the escalation protocol was implemented; if not, the reason; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [56399/23]

Emergency Departments

Fergus O'Dowd

1471. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Health with respect to the escalating emergency in UHL, UHL's recommended ratio of nursing staff to patients in the emergency department; the recommended doctor to patient ratio in the emergency department, that is, the number of nurses and doctors, respectively to the number of patients; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [56400/23]

Emergency Departments

Fergus O'Dowd

1472. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Health with respect to the escalating emergency in UHL, the figures on the nursing staff and doctors on duty in the emergency department on 17 and 18 December 2022; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [56401/23]

Departmental Correspondence

Fergus O'Dowd

1560. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Health to review correspondence from a person (details supplied) and seek advice on what supports might be available for them in this difficult situation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [56882/23]

Vaccination Programme

Fergus O'Dowd

1571. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Health if he plans to introduce a free shingles vaccination scheme for older adults to protect them from what can be a debilitating illness; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [57004/23]

Healthcare Policy

Fergus O'Dowd

1580. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Health if he expects ozempic to be added to the GMS list for weight loss; the reason the drug is not available under the drug payments, considering the considerable impact it is having on weight and the associated positive effect it is having on health, thus reducing the long term requirement for other services linked to obesity and weight problems; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [57047/23]

Departmental Schemes

Fergus O'Dowd

1724. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Health further to the publication of the report carried out by the Economic and Social Research Institute (details supplied) if further consideration has been given to the provision of a capitation grant or low-interest loan scheme for small- to medium-sized nursing homes to meet the cost of required upgrades/building works in order to satisfy HIQA regulations, where that nursing home can show that it does not have the capacity to meet the financial requirements on same, and where there is a clear and identified need for beds in the area in question; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1554/24]

Health Services

Fergus O'Dowd

1725. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Health if he will provide the details of the total number of primary school pupils who are currently awaiting to have their in-school eye, hearing and dental checks, by each CHO area in each of the years 2010 to date; the recommended and targeted age for each of the relevant checks; what improvements are being considered to clear the backlogs in this area, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1564/24]

Hospital Facilities

Fergus O'Dowd

1737. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Health when he expects the new St. Marys Hospital in Drogheda to be fully operational; if the HSE moratorium has impacted on the progress of the facility; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1623/24]

Budget 2024

Fergus O'Dowd

1858. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science to outline the achievements to date with respect to making third level easier for medical graduates to succeed in Ireland following Budget 2024; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1463/24]

Rural Schemes

Fergus O'Dowd

1875. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development if she will seek an update on the long-awaited and much-delayed Ardee Castle redevelopment, funded through the rural regeneration and redevelopment fund; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1759/24]

Social Welfare Benefits

Fergus O'Dowd

155. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Social Protection to outline her Department's response to the results of a recent survey of palliative care nurses by an organisation (details supplied) which found that many terminal cancer patients were dying in cold homes which they could not afford to heat; and if she will extend the household benefits package, the fuel allowance payment and the additional needs payment to persons with a cancer diagnosis, as recommended by the organisation. [55818/23]

Nuclear Plants

Fergus O'Dowd

178. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications his views on the concerns raised in a recent article published in a newspaper on 5 December 2023 (details supplied) in respect of the Sellafield power plant and the potential risk to the public; when his Department learned of this risk; the actions taken by his Department since; if he will provide the relevant dates and any other information related to the matter; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [55308/23]

Road Tolls

Fergus O'Dowd

236. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Transport to respond to concerns raised by a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [55359/23]

International Protection

Fergus O'Dowd

676. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth what measures are being proposed to remove the significant administrative delays with respect to available sites and premises that are ready to provide IPAS accommodation but are waiting for final fire officer sign offs and so on; if private fire safety specialist firms can be contracted to sign off such sites in order to reduce the back log and pressure on local fire officers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [54703/23]

International Protection

Fergus O'Dowd

677. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth if he will seek confirmation from IPAS, 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. [54704/23]

Environmental Policy

Fergus O'Dowd

161. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications how he intends on making eco-friendly products such as laundry products more affordable and accessible in Ireland over the coming years, considering that many people currently accessing such products are ordering from abroad; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [54369/23]

Air Quality

Fergus O'Dowd

38. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if the EPA has any future plans to expand the monitoring of permanent air quality testing systems on site in Drogheda south; if not, the reason why; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53926/23]

Road Projects

Fergus O'Dowd

54. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Transport the status of funding for the Ardee by-pass; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [54029/23]

School Enrolments

Fergus O'Dowd

80. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Education further to the publication of the most recent Census figures, if she will provide information on the possible review of school place requirements in County Louth; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [54027/23]

Housing Provision

Fergus O'Dowd

91. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the number of housing commencements in Louth and Meath to date in 2023; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53959/23]

Legislative Measures

Fergus O'Dowd

94. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage to respond to concerns raised by a union (details supplied) in respect of the Planning and Development Bill 2022; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [54025/23]

Fire Stations

Fergus O'Dowd

95. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the status of the new fire station in Dunleer, County Louth; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [54026/23]

Home Help Service

Fergus O'Dowd

157. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Health if he will provide an update on the expected timelines on the establishment of a new statutory home support scheme; how he plans to scope and plan for such a scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53920/23]

Health Services

Fergus O'Dowd

171. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Health the total funding provided to each of the CHOs from 2016 to date with consideration of the highest population increase being in the CHO8 area (details supplied); if he is ensuring that the highest increased funding levels are being delivered in this catchment to meet the exponential demand; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [54009/23]

Library Projects

Fergus O'Dowd

210. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development to provide an update on the progress which has been made with regard to the purchase of the old Bank of Ireland building in Dunleer to house a new library for the growing area; when she expects the works to be completed at the site; when the new library is expected to open; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [54028/23]

Bus Services

Fergus O'Dowd

188. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Transport if he will outline the increased investment being made on LocalLink services in counties Louth and Meath, including future plans for such extension; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53914/23]

Rail Network

Fergus O'Dowd

189. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Transport if any further consideration has been given since the publication of the draft all-island rail strategy to extending services to include passenger services along the existing Navan-Drogheda rail line, thereby providing a rail link to Dublin from Navan in a relatively inexpensive and fast manner; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53915/23]

Flood Risk Management

Fergus O'Dowd

210. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform to provide a full update on the delivery of the CFRAM scheme for County Louth and east Meath further to the most recent flooding events in the area; the current timelines for the delivery of the projects; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53896/23]

Mother and Baby Homes

Fergus O'Dowd

459. 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. [53316/23]

Early Childhood Care and Education

Fergus O'Dowd

464. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth to respond to concerns raised in correspondence (details supplied) in respect of the core funding model; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53390/23]

Health Services

Fergus O'Dowd

592. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Health to respond to concerns raised (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53691/23]

Health Services Staff

Fergus O'Dowd

608. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Health to detail the total number of vacant posts, by grade, for Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital in Drogheda, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53777/23]

Health Strategies

Fergus O'Dowd

609. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Health as part of Government’s response to drug intimidation, if the full-time recommended role for the drug-related intimidation and violence engagement programme has been progressed, and if it has been affected by the recent moratorium announced within the Health Service; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53781/23]

Community Care

Fergus O'Dowd

610. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Health for an update on the site plan at the St. Mary's hospital in Drogheda, including more detailed plans of the proposed enhanced community care facility; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53782/23]

Departmental Schemes

Fergus O'Dowd

198. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment to respond to queries raised by a person (details supplied) following the most recent flooding event; to outline the supports in place; if the emergency flood relief scheme can be accessed in such circumstances; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51672/23]

National Car Test

Fergus O'Dowd

145. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Transport if he will consider changing the policies in respect of NCT certification, in that any vehicle which passes an NCT should receive a minimum of 12 months roadworthiness from the date of any given test, which will reduce waiting times; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50741/23]

Road Projects

Fergus O'Dowd

156. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Transport if he will provide an update on the discussions which have taken place with Meath County Council in respect of progressing the proposed Julianstown bypass which aims to deal with the relentless congestion experienced in the village and separately, the Julianstown traffic calming scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51027/23]

Legislative Measures

Fergus O'Dowd

178. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Finance to respond to urgent concerns raised by GPs (details supplied) in respect of tax changes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51013/23]

Departmental Schemes

Fergus O'Dowd

406. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if there will be any funding available for agricultural related flooding (details supplied); the supports that are in place; if the emergency flood relief scheme can be accessed in such circumstances; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50984/23]

Dental Services

Fergus O'Dowd

122. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Finance further to Parliamentary Question No. 172 of 26 September 2023, if he will provide further details to queries (details supplied) with absolute clarification; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50298/23]

Social Welfare Code

Fergus O'Dowd

169. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Social Protection to respond to concerns raised in respect of the carers allowance (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [50405/23]

Housing Schemes

Fergus O'Dowd

58. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Finance to review concerns raised by a person in respect of the situation of single applicants (details supplied) and their struggles accessing the help to buy scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50217/23]

Industrial Development

Fergus O'Dowd

68. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment to provide an update on the masterplan for the IDA land bank in Killally, Dundalk; when he expects to see progress on this project and the long-term objectives of the site; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50264/23]

Mortgage Interest Rates

Fergus O'Dowd

98. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage to address concerns raised in correspondence (details supplied); if he can provide advice on the best way forward; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50132/23]

Departmental Correspondence

Fergus O'Dowd

154. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform if he will respond to concerns raised in correspondence (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49662/23]

Business Supports

Fergus O'Dowd

173. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment when he expects the details of the increased cost of business grant to be published; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49838/23]

Social Welfare Benefits

Fergus O'Dowd

284. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Social Protection to respond to concerns raised by a person (details supplied) in respect of the current timeline for the implementation of the extension of child benefit to 18 year olds; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [49324/23]

Departmental Schemes

Fergus O'Dowd

412. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth to provide an update on when he expects a motorised transport grant and mobility allowance scheme to be introduced since its abolishment in 2013; what supports are currently available for low-income households to purchase disability-adapted vehicles, notwithstanding the available primary medical certificate tax rebates; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49344/23]

Rail Network

Fergus O'Dowd

26. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Transport to respond to concerns raised about the efficacy of the rail services on the northern line (details supplied); if he can engage with Irish Rail to ensure that these issues are addressed into the future; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48904/23]

Defective Building Materials

Fergus O'Dowd

53. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage to seek advice for a person (details supplied) in respect of the very concerning condition of their home; if he will outline what schemes or processes are available in such a circumstance; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48910/23]

Flood Risk Management

Fergus O'Dowd

343. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform if, further to the second serious flooding incident that occurred in east Meath since September, which has destroyed many homes, he will seek an urgent update on discussions between the OPW and Meath County Council in respect of additional flood works required and plans going forward; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47439/23]

School Transport

Fergus O'Dowd

498. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Education if a response will issue to a school transport case (details supplied), despite the case being submitted on four separate occasions; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [47978/23]

Housing Policy

Fergus O'Dowd

659. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage to respond to concerns raised (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48154/23]

Social Insurance

Fergus O'Dowd

735. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Social Protection to respond to concerns and proposals (details supplied) relating directly to the introduction of a temporary abolition of pay-related social insurance (PRSI) for lower earning workers in 2024, 2025 and 2026 which is a matter for her; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [47921/23]

An Garda Síochána

Fergus O'Dowd

833. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Justice to detail how a perception test (details supplied) is applied to An Garda Síochána; and if he will provide details of same. [48187/23]

Childcare Services

Fergus O'Dowd

979. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth if he is aware of any funding strands that might be available to creches which are unfinished and need capital works/investment in order to complete and open to the public and meet the incredible demand in the sector; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47420/23]

Healthcare Policy

Fergus O'Dowd

1340. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Health if, further to World Stroke Day, he will provide a full update on the funding requirements and overall implementation plans for the National Stroke Strategy; if he will respond to the concerns raised in correspondence (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48622/23]

Special Educational Needs

Fergus O'Dowd

180. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Education further to Parliamentary Question No. 55 of 2 February 2023, if she will review the further response received (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [47116/23]

Health Services Staff

Fergus O'Dowd

273. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Health to urgently review the decision to embargo the hiring of new genomic resource associate roles as previously committed to in the implementation of the National Genetics and Genomics Strategy (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47117/23]

Business Supports

Fergus O'Dowd

82. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if he will respond to concerns and proposals raised in correspondence (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46882/23]

Planning Issues

Fergus O'Dowd

110. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the average time taken for An Bord Pleanála decisions from the date an appeal is lodged in each of the years 2019 to 2022 and to date in 2023, in tabular form; the projected average timescales for decisions in 2024; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46872/23]

Budget 2024

Fergus O'Dowd

490. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth if he will provide clarity with regard to the Government commitment in budget 2024 to deliver 22 million hours of home support; to confirm the exact funding being provided for the sector in 2024 and the total increase from the 2023 allocation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46652/23]

Education Policy

Fergus O'Dowd

112. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science his plans to support staff and students of further and higher education who are parents, in order to make education more accessible those returning or continuing education; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45544/23]

Education and Training Boards

Fergus O'Dowd

158. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science to provide an update on current and future development plans for the Drogheda Institute for Further Education; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45543/23]

Nursing Homes

Fergus O'Dowd

349. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Health to provide further detail on the internal HSE TAPS audit; the date it was received by the HSE, Minister and Department; to make a full copy of the results and recommendations of this audit available; when he intends to publish the final audit; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45927/23]

Third Level Staff

Fergus O'Dowd

377. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the work his Department is carrying out to address precarious employment in higher education as identified in a report (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45924/23]

National Minimum Wage

Fergus O'Dowd

136. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment his views on concerns raised by a small company (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45604/23]

Business Supports

Fergus O'Dowd

138. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment his views on concerns raised by a start-up company (details supplied) in view of the Budget announcements; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45654/23]

Mortality Rates

Fergus O'Dowd

271. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Health if he will seek details from his Department on the total number of deaths from causations (detail supplied) from 2014 to 2021; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45608/23]

Enterprise Policy

Fergus O'Dowd

205. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment to respond to concerns raised by the Restaurants Association of Ireland (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45189/23]

School Transport

Fergus O'Dowd

257. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Education to provide an update in respect of school bus transport for a person (details supplied), as a response has not been received from Bus Éireann directly yet. [45203/23]