Parliamentary questions

Middle East

Matt Carthy

51. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs the undertakings secured from Israel during a meeting in October 2022 regarding the renewal of the EU-Israel Association agreement in relation to human rights; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3272/24]

Ukraine War

Matt Carthy

52. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will report on the aid provided by Ireland to Ukraine in 2023 and that allocated under Budget 2024; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3273/24]

Foreign Conflicts

Matt Carthy

53. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will report on the efforts of the Irish Government and his engagements with his European counterparts regarding alleviating civil strife and humanitarian crisis in the Democratic Republic of Congo; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3274/24]

Foreign Conflicts

Matt Carthy

54. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will report on his engagement with the Colombian Minister for Defence regarding Irelands support for the Colombian peace process; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3275/24]

Military Neutrality

Matt Carthy

49. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence the timeframe in which he intends to bring forward proposals to remove the triple lock neutrality protection; when he expects the legislation to be enacted; and which missions he envisages the Defence Forces participating in from which they are currently preluded. [2988/24]

Defence Forces

Matt Carthy

50. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence the number of members that left the Army, Naval Service and Air Corps in 2023; the number of new members recruited to each; the current membership of the Defence Forces; and the projected numbers by year-end 2024. [2989/24]

Defence Forces

Matt Carthy

55. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence the current number of Defence Forces members posted to the United Nations Disengagement Observer Force, UNDOF, peacekeeping mission in the Golan Heights; the current timeframe for the withdrawal of the Defence Forces' infantry group from this mission; the number of Defence Forces personnel who will remain posted to this mission thereafter; and if he will consider reviewing the decision to withdraw from this important mission. [2734/24]

National Security

Matt Carthy

67. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence if he will report on the acquisition of primary radar; the proposed timeframe in which a contract will be agreed; and the proposed timeline in which a system will be operational. [2730/24]

Tribunals of Inquiry

Matt Carthy

74. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence if he will report on his engagements with stakeholders regarding the establishment of a tribunal of inquiry arising from abuses allegations brought to public attention by Women of Honour group; the timeframe within which he expects the tribunal to commence its work and complete its final report; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2732/24]

Defence Forces

Matt Carthy

88. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence the number of members of the Israeli Defence Forces, by year, that have trained in the Irish Military College since 2008; the training received; and if Israeli Defence Forces members will be permitted to avail of such training in the future considering that forces’ ongoing participation in the assault on the Occupied Palestinian Territory. [2729/24]

Defence Forces

Matt Carthy

90. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence the progress made implementing the Working Time Directive; if agreement has been reached between civilian and military management regarding the scope of duties which will fall within the Directive; and the timeframe in which a heads of Bill will be published. [2733/24]

Official Engagements

Matt Carthy

115. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will report on the visit of Chinese premier Li Qiang to Ireland, including the itinerary of the visit, the engagements Government held with the premier, the issues raised by Government at those engagements and the human rights issues that were raised by the Government; the issues raised by the Chinese delegation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2965/24]

Disability Services

Matt Carthy

533. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth when a person (details supplied) will receive the urgent overnight respite care they and their family need; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2881/24]

Hospital Services

Matt Carthy

34. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Health further to Parliamentary Question No. 10 of 9 November 2023, the exact level of additional core expenditure for new developments, excluding funding for carryover and otherwise maintaining existing levels of service, which has been allocated to Monaghan Hospital for 2024. [1957/24]

Hospital Equipment

Matt Carthy

53. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Health further to Parliamentary Question No. 508 of 5 December 2023, which centre the two CT scanners and one MRI scanner are based in within the Cavan and Monaghan Hospital group; if a request has been made for additional MRI or CT scanners to be located at Monaghan Hospital; and the status of any such request. [1958/24]

Research and Development

Matt Carthy

97. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science his views on the ongoing membership of Israel in Horizon Europe; and if he has sought suspension of Israel's membership or receipt of funds through Horizon arising from ongoing breaches of international humanitarian law in the Occupied Palestinian Territories including the targeting and destruction of institutes of higher education in Gaza. [1939/24]

Further and Higher Education

Matt Carthy

112. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if he will report on collaboration between Irish institutes of higher education with counterparts in Israel. [1938/24]

Defence Forces

Matt Carthy

139. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence the process that would be involved should Ireland decide to re-establish a Defence Forces infantry group to the UNDOF UN Peace Keeping mission in the Golan Heights; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2212/24]

Defence Forces

Matt Carthy

140. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence further to Parliamentary Question No. 207 of 11 September 2023, the status of the review of the conciliation and arbitration scheme for the PDF; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2213/24]

Defence Forces

Matt Carthy

141. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence the status of the Commission on the Future of the Defence Forces to establish an office of veterans' affairs; the funding that has been budgeted for this purpose for 2024; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2214/24]

Defence Forces

Matt Carthy

142. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence the current number of officers, non-commissioned officers and privates in the First Line Reserve; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2215/24]

Defence Forces

Matt Carthy

143. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence the number of applications to join the First Line Reserve received in 2023; the numbers within that have been enlisted; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2216/24]

Defence Forces

Matt Carthy

144. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence the current timeframe for the implementation of the Working Time Directive within the Defence Forces; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2217/24]

Housing Schemes

Matt Carthy

210. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he intends to further review the social housing income thresholds; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2218/24]

Citizenship Applications

Matt Carthy

249. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Justice the status of the citizenship application of a person (details supplied); when the person will be invited to attend a citizenship ceremony; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2211/24]

Organic Farming

Matt Carthy

282. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the status of a 2023 organic farming scheme payment to an organic farmer (details supplied); when it is expected to be paid; and if he will make a statement on the mater. [2235/24]

Nuclear Safety

Matt Carthy

11. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will report on his recent engagements with the British government; if he has engaged with the British government regarding reported safety issues at the Sellafield nuclear facility; if he discussed this matter with the British Foreign Secretary when they met on 13 December 2023; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [56805/23]

Middle East

Matt Carthy

12. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs in light of statements from members of the Israeli government that they will not allow for the establishment of a Palestinian state; if he will now honour the Programme for Government commitment to recognise the State of Palestine; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [56806/23]

Citizenship Applications

Matt Carthy

15. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will report on his engagements with the Minister for Justice in relation to developing new guidelines in relation to the requirements for Irish association applications for citizenship based on Irish descent or association; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [56424/23]

Human Rights

Matt Carthy

19. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs if he has raised concerns regarding human rights violations in Bahrain, including the detention of political prisoners and conditions in prisons, directly with Bahraini authorities; if he has raised these issues at UN, EU or other multilateral level; and if he will make a statement on the current situation in Bahrain. [56517/23]

Middle East

Matt Carthy

28. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will report on his efforts to ensure safe passage out of Gaza for an Irish-Palestinian person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [56809/23]

Middle East

Matt Carthy

52. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs if he sought legal advice before deciding that Ireland would not participate in the ICJ case in respect of Israel; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2028/24]

Nuclear Plants

Matt Carthy

53. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if he will report on the most recent visit of officials from his Department and the Environmental Protection Agency to the Sellafield nuclear facility; their findings; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [56807/23]

Maritime Jurisdiction

Matt Carthy

147. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence if he will report on the presence of a Russian submarine positioned directly outside the entrance of Cork harbour; how he was alerted to the presence of same; the engagements he had on same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [56420/23]

Maritime Safety

Matt Carthy

148. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence if he will report on the project for the enhancement of subsea awareness capabilities; the timeframe in which related equipment will be acquired; the budget allocated for same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [56421/23]

Naval Service

Matt Carthy

149. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence the proposals to ensure that Irish Naval Service ships are equipped with sonar equipment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [56422/23]

Defence Forces

Matt Carthy

153. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence if he will report on the implementation of the Working Time Directive in the Defence Forces; if he will list the duties which civilian and military management are engaged in with regard to determining which of those may fall within or outside of the derogation from the Working Time Directive, post its application to the Defence Forces; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [56804/23]

Defence Forces

Matt Carthy

167. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence if he will report on the acquisition of primary radar; the timeframe in which he intends contracts to be agreed and equipment acquired and installed; the expected cost; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1941/24]

Diplomatic Representation

Matt Carthy

168. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence the timeline in which he intends to bring forward proposals to establish a network of military attaches comprised of Defence Forces personnel to serve in Irish diplomatic missions abroad; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1942/24]

Defence Forces

Matt Carthy

169. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence the current number of permanent members within the Army, Air Corps and Naval Service; the corresponding number for each January in each of the years 2010-2023, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1943/24]

Defence Forces

Matt Carthy

170. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence the current number of members in the Reserve Defence Forces and the Naval Reserve; the corresponding number for each January in each of the years 2010-2023, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1944/24]

Road Projects

Matt Carthy

171. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Transport the progress that has been made on the N2 Ardee to Castleblayney Road scheme in 2023; the progress that is expected in 2024; the timeframe in which he envisaged this project to be completed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [56303/23]

Road Projects

Matt Carthy

172. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Transport the progress that has been made on the N2 Clontibret to the Border Road scheme in 2023; the progress that is expected in 2024; the timeframe in which he envisaged this project to be completed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [56304/23]

Trade Promotion

Matt Carthy

409. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the reason the Irish trade office in Taiwan was previously closed; if there are plans to reopen such a trade office in Taiwan; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [56347/23]

Trade Data

Matt Carthy

410. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the level of imports and exports between Ireland and Taiwan; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [56383/23]

Trade Promotion

Matt Carthy

411. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment his proposals to develop the trading relationship between Ireland and Taiwan; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [56384/23]

Industrial Development

Matt Carthy

416. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment further to Parliamentary Question No. 171 of 14 November 2023, if the referenced ‘small number of full time workers employed on site’ (details supplied) is greater or less than the eight full time workers employed on site’ as referenced in the previous Parliamentary Question No. 244 of 20 September 2023; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [56796/23]

Industrial Development

Matt Carthy

417. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment further to Parliamentary Question No. 171 of 14 November 2023, if there has been any update on the recipes that have been submitted by the company (details supplied) for approval; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [56797/23]

Industrial Development

Matt Carthy

418. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment further to Parliamentary Question No. 244 of 20 September 2023, if there have been any further engagements by his Department or associated State agencies with the owners or management of a factory (details supplied); when it is now expected that the factory will move to trial production stage as referenced in the previous response; the current number of employees at the factory; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [56798/23]

Special Educational Needs

Matt Carthy

472. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Education the proposals to provide an ASD/early intervention unit at primary schools in Monaghan town; whether such units will be available in the town by the beginning of the next school year; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [56386/23]

Special Educational Needs

Matt Carthy

473. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Education the reason enrolment for special education classes in some instances does not open until February of each year, while other classes open enrolment a year in advance; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [56387/23]

Schools Building Projects

Matt Carthy

474. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Education further to Parliamentary Question Nos. 218 of 10 October 2023 and 464 of 7 November 2023, when the review of the Stage 2A report will be completed in respect of the application by a school (details supplied) regarding the proposed permanent extension; if she will expedite this review; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [56388/23]

Schools Building Projects

Matt Carthy

475. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Education if she is aware of the serious health and safety concerns, the issues of leaks and the associated structural and electrical hazards, arising from the current state of the building at a school (details supplied); if she will ensure that the necessary building works are approved and accelerated; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [56389/23]

Special Educational Needs

Matt Carthy

688. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Education if there is a proposal to establish a special school in County Monaghan; the current status of any such proposal; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2002/24]

Special Educational Needs

Matt Carthy

689. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Education the primary and secondary schools in County Monaghan have special class/es and the number of children facilitated at each; the primary and secondary schools where it is proposed to establish new special classes and the number of children that will be facilitated at each, in tabular form; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2003/24]

Citizenship Applications

Matt Carthy

1000. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Justice if she will report on the work of developing new guidelines in relation to the requirements for Irish association applications for citizenship based on Irish descent or associations; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [56426/23]

Citizenship Applications

Matt Carthy

1001. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Justice the options available to achieve the required three-year residency for a citizen of the United States who wishes to obtain Irish citizenship through descent or Irish associations; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [56427/23]

Citizenship Applications

Matt Carthy

1002. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Justice the number of times the discretion available to her office under section 16 of the Irish Nationality and Citizenship Act 1956, as amended, to waive the statutory conditions in certain circumstances, including where the applicant is of Irish descent or Irish associations (defined as related through blood, affinity or adoption to a person who is or is entitled to be an Irish citizen), by year, since 2013, in tabular form; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [56428/23]

Nuclear Plants

Matt Carthy

1032. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Justice if she will report on the visit by members of An Garda Síochána to the Sellafield nuclear facility in 2004; their findings; if the gardaí were invited or sought access in that instance; if there have been subsequent visits; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [56808/23]

An Garda Síochána

Matt Carthy

1148. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Justice the number of gardaí stationed in Irish diplomatic missions abroad, by rank and mission; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1945/24]

Beef Sector

Matt Carthy

1192. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he has requested that an organisation (details supplied) suspend the proposed new cattle indexes pending a proper consultation and engagement with affected farmers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [56518/23]

Agriculture Schemes

Matt Carthy

1193. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the number of ACRES recipients in each county; the number within each county who received their payments in November and December 2023; the number in each county whose payments were delayed until 2024, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [56519/23]

Departmental Data

Matt Carthy

1303. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the number of children from counties Cavan and Monaghan that were referred to a service (details supplied) for respite who were subsequently excluded from the service in each month since January 2020; the number in each month that had commenced the service before being excluded; the number from each month that were offered alternative respite supports that matched the hours and days provided in the service; the average timeframe for this alternative to be provided, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [56279/23]

Childcare Services

Matt Carthy

1394. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth if he has any proposals to assist children providers who have difficulty in delivering the carer to child ratios in their settings and therefore have to deny some children places at their facility; if he will consider allowing students or apprentices to form part of the carer ratio; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [57384/23]

Mental Health Services

Matt Carthy

1478. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Health if there is a clinical nurse manager in place at Carrickmacross Adult Mental Health Services or if it is a position shared across centres; if there was previously a clinical nurse manager in place to this specific site; if so, when this was changed; if there are plans to put in place a clinical nurse manager at Carrickmacross Adult Mental Health Services; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [56414/23]

Mental Health Services

Matt Carthy

1479. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Health the WTE staff of different grades and positions currently in place at the Carrickmacross adult mental health services; the corresponding figures for January 2020, January 2021, January 2022 and January 2023, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [56415/23]

Mental Health Services

Matt Carthy

1480. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Health the mental health services in place at each relevant care centre in County Monaghan; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [56416/23]

Mental Health Services

Matt Carthy

1481. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Health the average waiting times for first appointment at each mental health centre in County Monaghan; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [56417/23]

Hospital Services

Matt Carthy

1574. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Health if he proposes to reduce or abolish the charges applicable to patients who directly present to minor injuries units; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [57007/23]

Ambulance Service

Matt Carthy

1575. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Health the circumstances in which ambulances are permitted to take patients to the minor injuries unit at Monaghan Hospital, rather than an emergency department in another hospital; the number of times that an ambulance has taken patients to Monaghan Hospital in each applicable month in 2023; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [57008/23]

Ambulance Service

Matt Carthy

1576. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Health the number of times in each month in 2023 that the National Ambulance Service utilised a helicopter to transport a patients from locations in County Monaghan, by each hospital; the number brought to each hospital in each month to which patients were presented; the average time in each month within which the helicopter ambulance arrived on scene from the original call to the ambulance service, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [57009/23]

Hospital Procedures

Matt Carthy

1577. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Health further to Parliamentary Question No. 507 of 5 December 2023, the number of patients that received a CT scan in 2023 at Cavan Hospital with addresses in each applicable county; the number of patients that received a MRI scan in 2023 at Cavan Hospital with addresses in each applicable county; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [57010/23]

Hospital Waiting Lists

Matt Carthy

1578. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Health the number of people awaiting appointments to secure a CT scan at Cavan Hospital; the number awaiting appointments to secure an MRI scan at Cavan Hospital; the average waiting time in each instance, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [57011/23]

Departmental Data

Matt Carthy

1628. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Health the number of presentations in each month in 2023 to the minor injuries unit at Monaghan Hospital, in tabular form; the corresponding number for each month in 2020, 2021 and 2022; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1034/24]

Hospital Equipment

Matt Carthy

1629. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Health the estimated cost, capital and current, required to bring a CT scanner to Monaghan Hospital; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1035/24]

Hospital Equipment

Matt Carthy

1630. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Health the estimated cost, capital and current, required to bring an MRI scanner to Monaghan Hospital; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1036/24]

Ambulance Service

Matt Carthy

1750. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Health the number of call-outs by the National Ambulance Service to patients located in County Monaghan during 2023, in tabular form; the number therein whereby an ambulance arrived 1)within 10 minutes 2) between 10 and 20 minutes 3) within 20 and 30 minutes 4) within 30 and 40 minutes 5) within 40 and 50 minutes 6) within 50 minutes and 1 hour 7) within 1 to 1.5 hours 8) within 1.5 to 2 hours 9) within 2 and 3 hours 10) within 3 and four hours 11) over four hours; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1720/24]

Hospital Facilities

Matt Carthy

1751. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Health the public hospitals that currently provide wi-fi access for patients and visitors and his proposals to ensure that all public hospitals offer this service; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1724/24]

Hospital Facilities

Matt Carthy

1752. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Health if he will ensure that wi-fi access is provided for patients and visitors attending Monaghan Hospital; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1725/24]

Hospital Facilities

Matt Carthy

1753. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Health if he will ensure that wi-fi access is provided for patients and visitors attending Cavan Hospital; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1726/24]

Covid-19 Tests

Matt Carthy

1754. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Health if antigen tests that test for both Covid and flu will be made available to members of the public; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1727/24]

Research and Development

Matt Carthy

1854. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if he proposes to develop a research agreement with Taiwan, similar to that agreed by Lithuania; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1181/24]

Forestry Sector

Matt Carthy

30. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the amount of land afforested in 2020, 2021, 2022, and to date in 2023; the Government target for forestry licence output in 2023; the number of licences issued; the number of afforestation licences issued in 2023; the total hectarage of land licensed for new afforestation in 2023; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [55510/23]

Beef Sector

Matt Carthy

42. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the number of farmers participating in suckler beef support schemes in 2020; the number participating currently; his proposals to improve participation; and the impact he believes recent beef index changes will have on suckler farmers. [55509/23]

International Protection

Matt Carthy

92. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the process of public and community engagement and consultation his Department undertakes in advance of establishing or approving a centre or building for the purpose of emergency protection for people seeking international protection. [55507/23]

Disability Services

Matt Carthy

132. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the current capacity of respite care in counties Cavan and Monaghan for children with disabilities; the number of children provided with respite care each week in these counties; and his proposals to increase this capacity. [55508/23]

International Protection

Matt Carthy

467. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the premises in County Monaghan that currently house international protection applicants; the number of men, women and children housed in each premises; if there are proposals to expand the capacity at any premises, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [55851/23]

Diplomatic Representation

Matt Carthy

3. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs the current status of our diplomatic relationship with Iran; the recent engagements he and the Government have had with representatives of Iran; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [55487/23]

European Council

Matt Carthy

4. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will seek an exchange of views on the situations, including conflict and humanitarian crises, in the Horn of Africa, Sudan and the Democratic Republic of Congo at the next meeting of the Foreign Affairs Council of the European Council; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [55488/23]

Middle East

Matt Carthy

5. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs if he agrees with the statement of European Union Lead Spokesperson on Foreign Affairs and Security Policy (details supplied), of 31 October 2023, that the violence perpetrated by illegal settlers in the West Bank amounts to terrorism; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [55489/23]

Diaspora Issues

Matt Carthy

6. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs the supports available to members of the diaspora who wish to set up Gaelscoileanna abroad; if he has engaged with his Cabinet colleagues with regard to the co-ordination of such supports; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [55490/23]

Naval Service

Matt Carthy

21. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence the number of Naval Service vessels in service in March 2023; the number acquired and brought into service since then; the number decommissioned; the number mothballed, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [55689/23]

Ukraine War

Matt Carthy

22. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence if he will report on the activities of members of the Irish Defence Forces in Ukraine; the training and assistance they are providing; the mission or missions they are deployed as a part of; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [55693/23]

Ukraine War

Matt Carthy

23. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence the nature of the weapons training being provided by the Irish Defence Forces in Ukraine; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [55694/23]

Agriculture Supports

Matt Carthy

193. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the number of farmers in receipt of a basic payment in Monaghan in the years 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022 and 2023; the average payment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [55687/23]

Food Industry

Matt Carthy

194. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if the Agri-Food Regulator will be operational by years end; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [55688/23]

Inquiry into the Death of Mr. Shane O'Farrell

Matt Carthy

64. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Justice if she will now establish an independent public inquiry into the death of a person (details supplied), as previously agreed by both Houses of the Oireachtas. [55095/23]

An Garda Síochána

Matt Carthy

70. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Justice the number of gardaí in Cavan Monaghan who have retired or resigned in 2023; and the number of new recruits whom have been assigned to these counties in 2023. [55096/23]

Military Aircraft

Matt Carthy

89. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs his role in the oversight in the stop-off of any military personnel or equipment at Irish ports or airports; if any such stop-off has included personnel or equipment on route to Israel or Palestine since 7 October 2023; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [54617/23]

Departmental Data

Matt Carthy

96. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs the international organisations or posts for which his Department are responsible for the Irish Government being a nominating body; when any such position is next due to be filled; when any were last filled, and by who, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [54729/23]