Questions and answers published after July 2012 can be viewed here. Viewing by Government Department is possible by term or specific dates from March 2016 onwards. Written answers are published as received from departments. To see parliamentary questions published before July 2012, search in Dáil debates.
Questions and answers for Dáil or Seanad term
Page 4 of 33
Wed, 22 Nov 2023
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Social Welfare Payments
Patricia Ryan
110. Deputy Patricia Ryan asked the Minister for Social Protection if, with regard to applications for carer’s allowance benefit, she will clarify the reason people already in receipt of another social welfare payment are cut off from receiving that payment immediately from the date of their application for the carer’s allowance, as carer’s allowance applications are currently taking a minimum of 12 weeks to process, with applicants being advised to apply for supplementary welfare allowance in the interim, which is itself taking a minimum of six weeks to process; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [51553/23]
Wed, 22 Nov 2023
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Hospital Transfers
Patricia Ryan
229. Deputy Patricia Ryan asked the Minister for Health to set out the precise terms and conditions applying to the new HSE policy on discharging elderly patients from hospitals to nursing homes; and if the elderly person’s (and their family’s) wishes will be taken into account where the transfer place may be clinically appropriate, but may not be preferable or convenient to the elderly person or their family, or if the needs of the person on a trolley will supersede all the above. [51551/23]
Wed, 22 Nov 2023
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Hospital Transfers
Patricia Ryan
230. Deputy Patricia Ryan asked the Minister for Health to set out the precise terms and conditions applying to the new HSE policy on discharging elderly patients from hospitals to nursing homes; and if the elderly person’s (and their family’s) wishes will be taken into account where the transfer place may be clinically appropriate, but may not be preferable or convenient to the elderly person or their family, or if the needs of the person on a trolley will supersede all the above. [51552/23]
Wed, 22 Nov 2023
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Primary Care Services
Patricia Ryan
231. Deputy Patricia Ryan asked the Minister for Health with regard to the saxenda injection and the prescription/testing process for same, to clarify what procedural/approval procedures are in place for GPs/primary care centres with regard to test analyses/approval of the suitability of possible candidates for injection of the drug saxenda; if a consultation process with all doctors in a GPs/primary care centre is required before approval/suitability for the injection is given (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51554/23]
Wed, 22 Nov 2023
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Primary Care Services
Patricia Ryan
232. Deputy Patricia Ryan asked the Minister for Health to provide an update on primary healthcare nursing staff levels and numbers of patients covered, including public health nurses, in the south Kildare area, with particular emphasis on rural areas, the distances required to be covered by each PHN, and the individual PHN’s ability to attend to rural patients; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51555/23]
Wed, 22 Nov 2023
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General Practitioner Services
Patricia Ryan
233. Deputy Patricia Ryan asked the Minister for Health his views on GP services in the south Kildare area, the availability of those services generally and the length of time it is taking for those people trying to source and secure GP services in south Kildare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51556/23]
Wed, 22 Nov 2023
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Mental Health Services
Patricia Ryan
234. Deputy Patricia Ryan asked the Minister for Health if he will intervene in the matter of a young person (details supplied). [51557/23]
Wed, 22 Nov 2023
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Hospital Staff
Patricia Ryan
235. Deputy Patricia Ryan asked the Minister for Health the number of job offers which have been withdrawn as a result of memorandums (details supplied), by grade, for Naas General Hospital, County Kildare, in tabular form; the number of headcount posts; and the WTE to which these relate. [51559/23]
Wed, 22 Nov 2023
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Health Services Staff
Patricia Ryan
236. Deputy Patricia Ryan asked the Minister for Health the number of posts removed from profile as a result of memorandums (details supplied), by grade, for CHO7, in tabular form; the number of headcount posts and the WTE to which these relate; the number which were new posts; the number which were replacement posts or vacant posts; and the number which were related to absence/leave cover. [51560/23]
Wed, 22 Nov 2023
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Hospital Transfers
Patricia Ryan
237. Deputy Patricia Ryan asked the Minister for Health if, with regard to the proposed transfer of 68 elderly residents from units in Cherry Orchard Hospital, Dublin, to Bartra nursing home in Clondalkin, he will clarify the reason 68 vulnerable elderly residents in Cherry Orchard Hospital (many in receipt of palliative/end of life care or with advanced cognitive issues) have, in November last, received urgent notice they are being relocated en masse to another nursing home facility In Clondalkin by 20 November 2023, that that notice was given inconsistently or in some cases not at all, and the decision taken by the HSE without consultation with residents’ families; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51561/23]
Wed, 22 Nov 2023
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Hospital Transfers
Patricia Ryan
238. Deputy Patricia Ryan asked the Minister for Health if, with regard to the HSE’s proposed moving of 68 very vulnerable residents with complex care needs from Cherry Orchard Hospital to an alternative nursing home in Clondalkin, he will clarify how the decision to transfer them was made, in the absence of consultation with either residents affected or their families; if any consideration was taken to establish whether any other, less distressing/disruptive alternative was available on the hospital campus, to minimise the stress and trauma this move would cause to these very vulnerable people, many of whom suffer from cognitive difficulties, have very complex care needs and/or are in receipt of palliative/end-of-life care. [51562/23]
Wed, 22 Nov 2023
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Hospital Transfers
Patricia Ryan
239. Deputy Patricia Ryan asked the Minister for Health if, with regard to the transfer of 68 very vulnerable elderly and frail residents from Cherry Orchard Hospital on foot of an ‘urgent evacuation’, he will clarify if he or his Department were aware that the HSE was made fully aware by HIQA of the issues surrounding the current ‘urgent evacuation’, at the end of June 2021, yet no works were commenced/undertaken in the intervening two-and-a-half years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51563/23]
Wed, 22 Nov 2023
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Hospital Transfers
Patricia Ryan
240. Deputy Patricia Ryan asked the Minister for Health if, with regard to the ‘urgent evacuation’ of 68 vulnerable residents from Cherry Orchard Hospital, he will explain in detail, giving dates, of when the agreement between the HSE and Bartra to accept transfer of the 68 residents, specifically with reference to the date of the notice of that transfer as given, inconsistently, to the affected residents and their families; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51564/23]
Wed, 15 Nov 2023
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Water Services
Patricia Ryan
96. Deputy Patricia Ryan asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if, with regard to the water main in Allen, County Kildare, which is continually bursting, he can enquire what can be done to prevent these re-occurring bursts, and to ensure that any repair done is completed with a view to being of a permanent nature, or if a complete replacement is required. [50092/23]
Wed, 15 Nov 2023
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Departmental Funding
Patricia Ryan
127. Deputy Patricia Ryan asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth what measures he can take to prevent the closure and loss of an important resource (details supplied), or what alternative funding, if any, is available. [50093/23]
Tue, 14 Nov 2023
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Schools Building Projects
Patricia Ryan
227. Deputy Patricia Ryan asked the Minister for Education to clarify what is to be done with a premises (details supplied) now that the new school has been built and is up and running, as there has been considerable interest expressed by local groups seeking to use it for other purposes. [50008/23]
Tue, 14 Nov 2023
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Heritage Sites
Patricia Ryan
278. Deputy Patricia Ryan asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if the Hill of Allen can be included on the Register of Historic Monuments; if the option of bringing the site into public ownership can be explored; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50009/23]
Tue, 14 Nov 2023
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Healthcare Infrastructure Provision
Patricia Ryan
279. Deputy Patricia Ryan asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if, with regard to the housing units on the grounds of a site (details supplied), he will clarify when funding will be allocated to Kildare County Council to refurbish these properties; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50010/23]
Tue, 14 Nov 2023
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Sports Facilities
Patricia Ryan
474. Deputy Patricia Ryan asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth what measures, if any, are in place for the provision of space/venues for sports and fitness activities for those with intellectual disabilities in Kildare, as groups which provide such activities are having problems sourcing suitable venues, and are experiencing difficulty in providing this essential service (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50007/23]
Tue, 14 Nov 2023
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Health Services Waiting Lists
Patricia Ryan
604. Deputy Patricia Ryan asked the Minister for Health the number of children currently waiting for an eye specialist/optician appointment in each CHO area, in tabular form; the reason there is a delay in such appointments being allocated; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50011/23]
Tue, 14 Nov 2023
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Mental Health Services
Patricia Ryan
605. Deputy Patricia Ryan asked the Minister for Health the current number of beds in Lakeview Mental Health Facility in Naas, County Kildare; how many are currently occupied/available; if he can investigate why people seriously in need of mental health treatment were turned away in recent days; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50012/23]
Tue, 14 Nov 2023
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Mental Health Services
Patricia Ryan
606. Deputy Patricia Ryan asked the Minister for Health the current number of beds for child and adolescent mental health in CHO 7; and where they are located. [50013/23]
Tue, 14 Nov 2023
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Mental Health Services
Patricia Ryan
607. Deputy Patricia Ryan asked the Minister for Health if he will provide clarification on why Laois Mental Health Services have not been able to fill the vacant post of psychotherapist; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50014/23]
Thu, 9 Nov 2023
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Health Services
Patricia Ryan
29. Deputy Patricia Ryan asked the Minister for Health the level of additional core expenditure for new developments, excluding funding for carryover and otherwise maintaining existing levels of service, which has been allocated to CHO7 for 2024; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48994/23]
Thu, 9 Nov 2023
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Departmental Expenditure
Patricia Ryan
66. Deputy Patricia Ryan asked the Minister for Health the level of additional core expenditure for new developments, excluding funding for carryover and otherwise maintaining existing levels of service, which has been allocated to the Cancer Strategy for 2024; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48995/23]
Wed, 8 Nov 2023
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Hospital Facilities
Patricia Ryan
114. Deputy Patricia Ryan asked the Minister for Health the number of hospice care/palliative care beds in CHO7; and the location of each. [48883/23]
Wed, 8 Nov 2023
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Covid-19 Pandemic Supports
Patricia Ryan
115. Deputy Patricia Ryan asked the Minister for Health if the pandemic payment has been approved for the nurses in the Blood Transfusion Service, who worked at the frontline in patient-facing roles throughout the pandemic; the reason for the delay; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48885/23]
Wed, 8 Nov 2023
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Home Care Packages
Patricia Ryan
116. Deputy Patricia Ryan asked the Minister for Health if he will investigate the concerning circumstances where a homecare package applied for in October 2022, has not yet been processed for a person (details supplied), and where family members have not been able to get through to the HSE department. [48887/23]
Wed, 8 Nov 2023
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Departmental Funding
Patricia Ryan
144. Deputy Patricia Ryan asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development how much of the €5 million allocated to the blue ways tourism fund that has been drawn down in Kildare south; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [48882/23]
Wed, 25 Oct 2023
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Business Supports
Patricia Ryan
77. Deputy Patricia Ryan asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the criteria for the grant for 50% of rates back for local businesses, as announced in budget 2024; and the opening date for applications for same. [46979/23]
Wed, 25 Oct 2023
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Enterprise Policy
Patricia Ryan
84. Deputy Patricia Ryan asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the plans the Government has for employment and industry incentives in the south Kildare region, specifically, Monasterevin, Rathangan and Athy. [46975/23]
Wed, 25 Oct 2023
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Local Authorities
Patricia Ryan
104. Deputy Patricia Ryan asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the reason, when retrofitting old council housing with more efficient air-to-water heating systems, the council did not replace windows and doors with energy-efficient ones, resulting in higher heating costs for tenants due to heat loss through inefficient windows and doors; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46973/23]
Wed, 25 Oct 2023
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Local Authorities
Patricia Ryan
115. Deputy Patricia Ryan asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the reason social housing tenants applying for adaptation grants-works are being told by Kildare County Council there is no money remaining for these works; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46971/23]
Wed, 25 Oct 2023
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Heritage Sites
Patricia Ryan
116. Deputy Patricia Ryan asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the plans, if any, the Government has to purchase the property and lands at Moore Abbey, Monasterevin, in the interests of heritage and local tourism; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46974/23]
Wed, 25 Oct 2023
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Apprenticeship Programmes
Patricia Ryan
202. Deputy Patricia Ryan asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the number of apprenticeships instituted in south Kildare since 2019; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46976/23]
Wed, 25 Oct 2023
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Further and Higher Education
Patricia Ryan
205. Deputy Patricia Ryan asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if, with regard to the now vacant old St. Paul's Community School building in Monasterevin, County Kildare, he will give consideration to its possible suitability for use as a centre for apprenticeships and-or further education courses. [46977/23]
Wed, 18 Oct 2023
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Departmental Data
Patricia Ryan
114. Deputy Patricia Ryan asked the Minister for Finance the number of mortgages, previously classed as performing loans, which have fallen into arrears since the beginning of the interest rate increases to date; and how many of those were the subject of previous restructuring, split/shelved portion mortgages or previous alternative payment arrangements. [45713/23]
Wed, 18 Oct 2023
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Business Supports
Patricia Ryan
139. Deputy Patricia Ryan asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment how many applications were received for the temporary business energy support scheme from its inception to its closure on 30 September 2023; and the sum total granted to applicants from the fund. [45710/23]
Wed, 18 Oct 2023
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Business Supports
Patricia Ryan
140. Deputy Patricia Ryan asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the details and eligibility criteria of the new small businesses energy support scheme as announced in Budget 2024. [45711/23]
Wed, 18 Oct 2023
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Disadvantaged Status
Patricia Ryan
165. Deputy Patricia Ryan asked the Minister for Education the measures she will put in place to address the serious situation faced by a DEIS school (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [45714/23]
Wed, 18 Oct 2023
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Housing Provision
Patricia Ryan
194. Deputy Patricia Ryan asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage how many affordable homes have been delivered, by county in 2020, 2021, 2022, and to date in 2023, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45715/23]
Wed, 18 Oct 2023
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Disability Services
Patricia Ryan
278. Deputy Patricia Ryan asked the Minister for Health can he give a full update on the completion of the day care centre in Monasterevin; and a timeline on a projected opening date for same. [45712/23]
Wed, 18 Oct 2023
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Disabilities Assessments
Patricia Ryan
279. Deputy Patricia Ryan asked the Minister for Health the measures he will take to address issues in relation to children, already previously assessed for autism, but due to errors identified in those assessments, are now required to be reassessed (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45716/23]
Wed, 18 Oct 2023
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Medical Cards
Patricia Ryan
280. Deputy Patricia Ryan asked the Minister for Health the reason the medical cards of children under seven years coming up as invalid at GP surgeries, when they are still well within their expiry date, causing considerable expense, as in the case of the parent of the child (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45717/23]
Wed, 11 Oct 2023
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Departmental Data
Patricia Ryan
78. Deputy Patricia Ryan asked the Minister for Finance the number of family home mortgages that are now in the hands of vulture funds in 2023; how many of those mortgages are/were the subject of alternative payment arrangements or split/shelved portion mortgages prior to them being sold to vulture funds, by county, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44473/23]
Wed, 11 Oct 2023
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Energy Conservation
Patricia Ryan
137. Deputy Patricia Ryan asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the Government target for the number of houses to be retrofitted in County Kildare; how many of that target number have been retrofitted to date; and how many are in the pipeline for retrofitting in the foreseeable future. [44468/23]
Wed, 11 Oct 2023
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National Monuments
Patricia Ryan
138. Deputy Patricia Ryan asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he will clarify if the Hill of Allen is on the Public Monuments Register; if not, whether the Government plans to speak with all relevant stakeholders to examine the opportunity for the State to take ownership of very important key landmark in County Kildare, which is associated with St. Brigid. [44469/23]
Wed, 11 Oct 2023
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Departmental Functions
Patricia Ryan
139. Deputy Patricia Ryan asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he or the Government have plans to establish a distinct unit to operate together across both his Department and the Department of Health to provide for a joint plan to ensure the provision of age friendly independent and supported living environments, given the increasing aging population; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44472/23]
Wed, 11 Oct 2023
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Home Care Packages
Patricia Ryan
238. Deputy Patricia Ryan asked the Minister for Health the urgent measures he will take to address the serious matter of home care hours and full homecare packages being granted, but not being fulfilled, due to no staff being available to resulting in a person (details supplied); when the care package will be fulfilled; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44470/23]
Wed, 11 Oct 2023
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Nursing Homes
Patricia Ryan
239. Deputy Patricia Ryan asked the Minister for Health if he has plans in place for the residents of a nursing home (details supplied) which is due to close imminently; if he liaised with the HSE to find a suitable property; the plan that is in place; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44471/23]