Parliamentary questions

Educational Disadvantage

Michael Lowry

79. Deputy Michael Lowry asked the Minister for Education the reason a school (details supplied) was not awarded DEIS status, given that DEIS status was already secured by the town’s two other secondary schools; when DEIS status will be awarded to the school; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [23096/24]

School Accommodation

Michael Lowry

274. Deputy Michael Lowry asked the Minister for Education the assistance being offered to a school (details supplied); when will this school be provided with an update and funding for these reconfiguration works; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22341/24]

School Funding

Michael Lowry

287. Deputy Michael Lowry asked the Minister for Education if correspondence from the management and principal of a school (details supplied) will be reviewed; if she will address the points raised; how she plans to address and resolve the serious financial situation and challenges this school and other national schools are facing; if she and her Department will engage directly with the management and principal of the school; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22476/24]

School Funding

Michael Lowry

324. Deputy Michael Lowry asked the Minister for Education if she will review correspondence from the management and principal of a school (details supplied); if she will address the points raised; how she plans to address and resolve the serious financial situation and challenges this school and other national schools are facing; if she and her Department will engage directly with the management and principal of the school; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22961/24]

Special Educational Needs

Michael Lowry

325. Deputy Michael Lowry asked the Minister for Education to provide an update on what steps are being taken to address the urgent concerns raised by the staff of a school (details supplied); if she can ensure these concerns will be addressed promptly to provide the necessary resources and services to special schools like this one; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22963/24]

Special Educational Needs

Michael Lowry

326. Deputy Michael Lowry asked the Minister for Education further to Parliamentary Question No. 313 of 14 May 2024, if she can review additional details (details supplied); if the Minister can provide assurance that these concerns will be addressed and confirm that this child will receive an ASD primary school place for the 2024-25 academic year; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22966/24]

Early Childhood Care and Education

Michael Lowry

499. Deputy Michael Lowry asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the funding or grants that can be obtained and provided to a playschool (details supplied); if the Department will contact this school and provide assistance to them; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22420/24]

Mental Health Services

Michael Lowry

578. Deputy Michael Lowry asked the Minister for Health to provide an update on the current situation at the child and adolescent mental health services at Nenagh Health an Centre, County Tipperary, where there is currently no occupational therapist is in place (details supplied); the status of the recruitment process for this position; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22462/24]

Road Safety

Michael Lowry

113. Deputy Michael Lowry asked the Minister for Transport to provide an update on the progress being made to improve a dangerous and busy junction on the outskirts of Thurles, County Tipperary, given that Turtulla Cross and this section of the N62 has been the location of a number of serious and fatal occurrences over the years; what safety works and junction redesign can be carried out at this junction on the N62 to improve safety for all road users; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21915/24]

National Parks and Wildlife Service

Michael Lowry

194. Deputy Michael Lowry asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage for an update on the timeline for the establishment of the nature advisory council, as recommended in the 2021 strategic review of the National Parks and Wildlife Service; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22297/24]

Wildlife Conservation

Michael Lowry

195. Deputy Michael Lowry asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the way he plans to ensure rural interests such as those of farmers and game clubs are fully included in discussions and consultations regarding future policy on hunting and conservation, including discussions and consultations at ministerial-level meetings; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22298/24]

Special Educational Needs

Michael Lowry

313. Deputy Michael Lowry asked the Minister for Education if she will provide assistance to a person (details supplied) regarding the ongoing issue pertaining to this child’s ability to obtain an ASD primary school place for the 2024/2025 academic year; the steps being taken by her Department to address the issues highlighted; if she will confirm that this child will receive an ASD primary school place for the 2024/2025 academic year; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [21510/24]

Departmental Programmes

Michael Lowry

329. Deputy Michael Lowry asked the Minister for Education to explain the recent budget cuts to the national school summer programme, known as the July provision, which supports students with complex needs (details supplied); if she will outline, given that only a third of primary schools are offering this programme, the steps that are being taken to encourage wider participation and ensuring that the reduced budget does not deter schools from participating in the national school summer programme; if she will outline plans to address this disparity and ensure equal opportunities; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [21662/24]

School Accommodation

Michael Lowry

331. Deputy Michael Lowry asked the Minister for Education for an update on the application for additional accommodation submitted by a school (details supplied) in November 2023; if the Department has considered the request for a new mainstream classroom and accommodation for this new autism class, given the significant demand indicated by the National Council for Special Education and the willingness of the board of management to facilitate such classes; if the Department can provide a timeline for the approval process, considering the urgency expressed by the school due to the approaching end of term and the need to plan for new classes and appoint a contractor for the necessary works; if the Minister will expedite the approval process to alleviate the concerns of the school and the board; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [21682/24]

Early Childhood Care and Education

Michael Lowry

503. Deputy Michael Lowry asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth if he will provide an update on the level of funding available to private ECCE preschool providers; if he plans to review the funding allocation within this sector; if he is aware of requests for an increase in ECCE rates, in line with inflation from such private ECCE preschool providers (details supplied); his views on whether the level of funding is sufficient; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21207/24]

Disability Services

Michael Lowry

264. Deputy Michael Lowry asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth f he will provide an update on an application submitted in October 2023 to the children’s disability fund by an organisation (details supplied); when the organisation will receive a decision on its application; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21056/24]

School Funding

Michael Lowry

199. Deputy Michael Lowry asked the Minister for Education if she will provide assistance to a school (details supplied) regarding the payment of the 2024 ancillary grant and information that was forwarded to schools on Friday, 26 April 2024; the steps being considered to address the issues highlighted; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [20455/24]

School Accommodation

Michael Lowry

205. Deputy Michael Lowry asked the Minister for Education if assistance can be provided to a school (details supplied) regarding the ongoing issue pertaining to this school's accommodation needs; what steps are being considered to address the issues highlighted; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [20495/24]

School Staff

Michael Lowry

208. Deputy Michael Lowry asked the Minister for Education if she will provide assistance to a person (details supplied) regarding their ongoing issue pertaining to the supplementary panel for the 2023/24 school year under the terms of Circular 0074/2022; the reason this teacher was denied panel rights; what steps are being considered to address the issues highlighted; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [20528/24]

School Accommodation

Michael Lowry

212. Deputy Michael Lowry asked the Minister for Education if she will provide assistance to a school in Tipperary regarding the ongoing issue pertaining to their accommodation needs for an additional ASD classroom; if she is aware that the delay in providing this additional accommodation has resulted in a number of children being denied an ASD place for September 2024 (details supplied); what steps are being considered to address the issues highlighted; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [20613/24]

School Accommodation

Michael Lowry

235. Deputy Michael Lowry asked the Minister for Education if she will provide assistance to a school (details supplied); if she is aware that the delay in providing this additional accommodation will result in a large number of children being forced to be educated in overcrowded classrooms for September 2024; if she will expedite the processing of this school’s DES re: R1 Form on health and safety grounds; if she will ensure that all steps and processes are being considered to address the accommodation issues highlighted; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [20881/24]

School Meals Programme

Michael Lowry

320. Deputy Michael Lowry asked the Minister for Social Protection to confirm the status of an application for the school meals programme (details supplied); the reason this school did not receive approval in the latest expansion of this initiative; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [20614/24]

Health Services

Michael Lowry

567. Deputy Michael Lowry asked the Minister for Health if he will address the issues highlighted by a person (details supplied); the steps being considered to address the issues highlighted; when the person will receive a detailed response; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20480/24]

Medical Aids and Appliances

Michael Lowry

586. Deputy Michael Lowry asked the Minister for Health if he will provide assistance to a person (details supplied) regarding the ongoing issue in relation to funding for a Trekinetic GTE wheelchair; the reason why this funding was denied despite the supporting medical information; what steps are being considered to address the issues highlighted; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20597/24]

School Transport

Michael Lowry

165. Deputy Michael Lowry asked the Minister for Education to provide an update on the current school transport system, specifically in relation to the situation faced by the parents of a school in Tipperary (details supplied); the measures being taken to address the concerns of these parents, who rely on the Bus Éireann school bus as an affordable transport option for their children, and who have expressed dissatisfaction with the proposed changes to the school transport scheme set to be implemented by 2030; what can be done to ensure these students have an appropriate and affordable transport option to their local secondary school; what steps are being considered to address these issues highlighted; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [20036/24]

Mining Industry

Michael Lowry

96. Deputy Michael Lowry asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if his Department will support the proposals concerning the Shallee Project and the development of facilities at Shallee Mine in Silvermines, County Tipperary; if he has been made aware of correspondence issued by email (details supplied) to his Department on 24 April 2024; if he will review the correspondence issued to his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19828/24]

Customs and Excise

Michael Lowry

126. Deputy Michael Lowry asked the Minister for Finance if he will postpone the planned introduction of the latest round of carbon tax increases for agricultural diesel from 1 May 2024 until 1 October 2024 (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19584/24]

Special Educational Needs

Michael Lowry

140. Deputy Michael Lowry asked the Minister for Education to provide details on the measures being taken to address the following concerns for teachers and special needs assistants injured at work; the current provision of immediate financial assistance available to cover medical bills and medications for teachers and SNAs who have been assaulted at work; if she will consider the extension of assault leave for teachers/SNAs to cover the entire duration of medically certified leave, as opposed to the current limit of three-six months; if she will establish a comprehensive support system for educators who have been injured at work; if her Department has completed a review of current policies and supports for schools and educators dealing with instances of extreme and frequent violent behaviours (details supplied); what steps are being considered to address these issues highlighted; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [19577/24]

Departmental Schemes

Michael Lowry

217. Deputy Michael Lowry asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine further to Parliamentary Question No. 475 of 20 June 2023, if he intends this to only apply in situations where the licence has not been actioned (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19746/24]

Departmental Schemes

Michael Lowry

218. Deputy Michael Lowry asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine when the climate resilient reforestation scheme will be launched; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19747/24]

Burial Grounds

Michael Lowry

332. Deputy Michael Lowry asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the measures that are in place to ensure consistent oversight of burial ground management practices across all local authorities; how frequently these measures are reviewed for effectiveness; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [19553/24]

Burial Grounds

Michael Lowry

333. Deputy Michael Lowry asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development given the critical role of burial ground management in public health and community welfare, if she will provide details of any existing national standards for these practices; if same do not exist, if she will provide an explanation for the absence; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [19554/24]

Burial Grounds

Michael Lowry

334. Deputy Michael Lowry asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development to provide insights into any known negative practices arising from the lack of standardisation in burial ground management across local authorities; the steps that are being considered to address these issues; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [19555/24]

Burial Grounds

Michael Lowry

335. Deputy Michael Lowry asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development how her Department ensures it maintains adequate knowledge and expertise about sector specific challenges in burial ground management to provide effective guidance and support to local authorities; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [19556/24]

Burial Grounds

Michael Lowry

336. Deputy Michael Lowry asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development if there is a formal mechanism for local authorities to report issues or challenges back to her Department concerning burial ground management and practices; if so, how this information is actioned to improve sector-wide practices; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [19557/24]

Social Welfare Eligibility

Michael Lowry

444. Deputy Michael Lowry asked the Minister for Social Protection to confirm the current status of the application for domiciliary care allowance in respect of an individual (details supplied) who was previously unsuccessful; to confirm if the diagnosis of 'Classic PKU - Non-Responsive to Kuvan' (Phenylketonuria) fulfils the qualifying medical criteria for payment of domiciliary care allowance, given that the child does not respond to Kuvan treatment and requires a very specific diet and continuous monitoring on a daily basis for a lifetime; the reason some parents of children diagnosed with this condition qualify for domiciliary care allowance, while others with the same diagnosis do not; to specifically clarify the reason that this applicant was unsuccessful in their application; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [18927/24]

Departmental Contracts

Michael Lowry

555. Deputy Michael Lowry asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth if he will provide information in relation to whether the provision of accommodation (details supplied) was scheduled to be delivered in four phases; if the owners will be offered an extension to their current contract when the initial 12-month period ends; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18778/24]

Primary Care Services

Michael Lowry

680. Deputy Michael Lowry asked the Minister for Health the current WTE posts filled and unfilled, respectively in south Tipperary primary care services, broken down by discipline for physiotherapy, occupational therapist, speech and language therapy, psychology, dietician, audiology and ophthalmology; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19010/24]

Health Services Waiting Lists

Michael Lowry

681. Deputy Michael Lowry asked the Minister for Health the steps that have been taken to reduce paediatric primary care wait lists in south Tipperary; if he will give a commitment to improve the waiting times for children waiting to access these much-needed appointments in 2024, many of whom are waiting over 12 months for an appointment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19011/24]

School Transport

Michael Lowry

209. Deputy Michael Lowry asked the Minister for Education if a school bus route which provides transport to a school (details suppled) will be adjusted and the route changed, in order that children living in a particular area can be collected outside of their home; the reasons previous correspondence to Bus Éireann on this matter have not received a reply; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [18679/24]

Flood Risk Management

Michael Lowry

222. Deputy Michael Lowry asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform if the OPW will provide new stacked timbers, known as stoplogs, or wooden panels known as flashboards, to a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17525/24]

School Accommodation

Michael Lowry

291. Deputy Michael Lowry asked the Minister for Education what assistance can be offered to a school (details supplied); when this school will be provided with a modular unit; the plans to increase the provision of ASD places in north Tipperary; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17551/24]

Special Educational Needs

Michael Lowry

292. Deputy Michael Lowry asked the Minister for Education the plans that are in place to increase the provision of ASD places in a school (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17552/24]

Departmental Consultations

Michael Lowry

436. Deputy Michael Lowry asked the Minister for Justice further to Parliamentary Question No. 330 of 27 February 2024, to confirm if officials in her Department have reviewed correspondence (details supplied); to confirm whether contact was made with representatives from a named association; if she will ensure that every effort will be made to rectify any possible irregularities at the earliest convenience, in order that this application can be processed and finalised; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17565/24]

Flood Relief Schemes

Michael Lowry

482. Deputy Michael Lowry asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he is aware that farmers along the Shannon Callows in Redwood, Ballyea and Ballymacegan, areas of County Tipperary who were greatly impacted by flooding over a minimum of six flood occurrences over the course of dates between 2 July 2023 and 29 September 2023, were not included in the recent compensation scheme; if he is taking steps to address this oversight; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17540/24]

Tax Exemptions

Michael Lowry

150. Deputy Michael Lowry asked the Minister for Finance to provide an update on the consideration of the VAT proposal submitted by an organisation (details supplied) in March 2024, which calls for the extension of VAT exemption to counsellors and psychotherapists in Ireland; what steps are being taken to address the issues raised by the IACP, including the low VAT turnover threshold, high compliance costs, and the burden of VAT on clients seeking mental health support; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17144/24]

Tax Exemptions

Michael Lowry

151. Deputy Michael Lowry asked the Minister for Finance to explain and provide clarity on the current discrepancies in VAT treatment between different professions in the mental health sector; what measures are being considered to ensure fair treatment and regulatory coherence; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17145/24]

Tax Exemptions

Michael Lowry

152. Deputy Michael Lowry asked the Minister for Finance to clarify the Government’s stance on an organisation’s (details supplied) call for a pre-registration VAT-exempt status for its qualified and accredited members; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17146/24]

Traveller Accommodation

Michael Lowry

212. Deputy Michael Lowry asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the amount of funding sought from his Department and the number of properties purchased by Tipperary County Council for Traveller-specific accommodation in 2023, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17116/24]

Traveller Accommodation

Michael Lowry

213. Deputy Michael Lowry asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the allocated funding provided to Tipperary County Council for Traveller-specific accommodation maintenance, repairs and upgrades in Traveller-specific accommodation in 2023, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17117/24]