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 1 of 20
Today, 23 May 2024
oral
Artificial Intelligence
Richard Bruton
8. Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if he has assessed the potential impact of artificial intelligence on the content of the jobs of those currently in the workforce, and the reskilling that may be necessary to ensure the capacity of workers to adapt; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23310/24]
Wed, 22 May 2024
written
Building Regulations
Richard Bruton
105. Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if there are any regulations which require that a multi-unit residential building should have adaptations made to make access more convenient for a resident with a disability; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23240/24]
Wed, 22 May 2024
written
State Pensions
Richard Bruton
114. Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Social Protection if he plans changes to the pension provision for people who because of the nature of their work have earlier retirement dates, in order that they do not have large fall in living standards when they step down from those roles. [23259/24]
Wed, 22 May 2024
written
Disability Services
Richard Bruton
137. Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth if he will outline the plans to develop new residential places for persons with a severe disability; and if, in particular, new developments will occur in a body (details supplied). [23265/24]
Tue, 21 May 2024
written
EU Regulations
Richard Bruton
95. Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Finance if he will indicate the plans for Ireland to adopt the European taxonomy in investment. [22784/24]
Tue, 21 May 2024
written
Banking Sector
Richard Bruton
99. Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Finance to review the recovery of funds invested in the rescue of the pillar banks during the financial crisis; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22783/24]
Tue, 21 May 2024
written
Rail Network
Richard Bruton
181. Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Transport if he will provide an update on his efforts to resolve the access problems at Clongriffin DART station whereby the access stairs and lift remain a source of huge frustration for local residents. [22408/24]
Tue, 21 May 2024
written
Transport Policy
Richard Bruton
182. Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Transport if he will outline the latest design thinking on mobility hubs; if a series of pilots could be quickly deployed ahead of the wider roll-out; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22409/24]
Tue, 21 May 2024
written
School Meals Programme
Richard Bruton
376. Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Social Protection if she would consider establishing a review of the possibility of including more fresh fruit and vegetables in the school meals programme; and to develop measures to minimise waste from uneaten food or containers; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22405/24]
Tue, 21 May 2024
written
Social Welfare Code
Richard Bruton
408. Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Social Protection whether a person in receipt of disability allowance, who receives a bequest, can have a trust established, which would be administered on their behalf to provide for long-term secure accommodation, instead of being immediately assessed under a means test; and if she will outline the conditions if any which would have to be met. [22808/24]
Tue, 21 May 2024
written
State Pensions
Richard Bruton
416. Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Social Protection if a foster carer of more than 20 years, but with less than 520 contributions, can access the new long-term carer's pension route to allow them access to a State pension in their own right and name; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22959/24]
Tue, 14 May 2024
written
Just Transition
Richard Bruton
69. Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications whether he has completed a review of the Just Transition process to date; what new elements are being considered in creating a legislative base for a Just Transition Commission; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21569/24]
Tue, 14 May 2024
written
Offshore Renewable Energy Development Plan
Richard Bruton
73. Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if he will outline the schedule for completing DMAPS for the different areas with potential for offshore wind projects; if he will outline the next steps on the first mapping completed for the south; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21568/24]
Tue, 14 May 2024
written
Public Sector Staff
Richard Bruton
248. Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform if he will outline the mileage rates paid for travel in the course of duties; if these rates have been adapted in view of rising costs; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21189/24]
Tue, 14 May 2024
written
Health Services Staff
Richard Bruton
592. Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Health if he has signed off on a WRC deal to increase the pay of care assistant workers in section 38 and section 39 organisations; if he will outline the terms of that deal and the progress made in issuing payments; whether further discussions regard a claim for parity with those directly employed is progressing; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21479/24]
Wed, 8 May 2024
written
Recycling Policy
Richard Bruton
82. Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if the requirement of having the deposit return logo on a can for recycling is really necessary if each item can be traced by the barcode alone; and if he will comment on the claim that this is an unnecessary restriction on trade. [20429/24]
Wed, 8 May 2024
written
Transport Policy
Richard Bruton
125. Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Transport the measures in place to promote shared vehicles or bikes; whether he has assessed international practice in this arena such as a tax credit, or other incentives to expand shared use of a fleet; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20426/24]
Wed, 8 May 2024
written
Social Welfare Code
Richard Bruton
310. Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Social Protection if her attention has been brought to the anomaly that public sector workers can work to 70 years of age but illness benefit cannot be claimed by those working beyond the age of 66 years; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [20433/24]
Wed, 8 May 2024
written
Departmental Policies
Richard Bruton
372. Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Justice if she can confirm whether a victim of a serious assault is entitled to be made aware of the release date of her attacker, where that attacker has been held in a mental health facility after the conviction as in a case (details supplied). [20427/24]
Wed, 8 May 2024
written
Departmental Regulations
Richard Bruton
426. Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the number of submissions from the respective stakeholders which have been received to date in respect of the draft regulations for the child-minding sector; if he is aware that some providers fear a very legalistic compliance approach from Tusla that might not appreciate the essence of care within a home setting compared to a business setting; and how he intends to proceed in finalising and introducing the new regime. [20251/24]
Wed, 8 May 2024
written
Disability Services
Richard Bruton
430. Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth if he will obtain a report from a service (details supplied) regarding their capacity to find placements for children completing their school years; and if any steps can be taken to ensure suitable placements and transport to the placement, where necessary. [20326/24]
Wed, 8 May 2024
written
Carer's Leave
Richard Bruton
450. Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth if he has considered extending unpaid leave to carers to take time off to undertake care needs, or to support employers in offering flexibility around such arrangements. [20430/24]
Wed, 8 May 2024
written
Health Strategies
Richard Bruton
508. Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Health to provide an update on the development of a national rare diseases strategy for Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20225/24]
Thu, 2 May 2024
written
Health Services
Richard Bruton
48. Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Health if he has considered broadening the scope of screening programmes to address more effectively the undetected treatable conditions, which if caught earlier would enhance health lives and reduce health costs; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19862/24]
Thu, 2 May 2024
written
Departmental Policies
Richard Bruton
71. Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Health if he will consider the merit of a broader mandate for the commission to cover positive ageing in the round instead of the narrow mandate of caring; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19861/24]
Thu, 2 May 2024
written
Public Expenditure Policy
Richard Bruton
79. Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform how his Department assesses demographic needs and the capital investments which it will require to be scheduled over the medium term; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19863/24]
Tue, 30 Apr 2024
oral
Childcare Services
Richard Bruton
87. Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth if he will outline the work carried out to date on the establishment of the childcare development agency; and if he will set out the milestones remaining to its full establishment. [19054/24]
Tue, 30 Apr 2024
oral
Childcare Services
Richard Bruton
88. Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth if he will provide an update on the unmet need for childcare places, the uptake of the new capital scheme which he has published and his future plans for the sector. [19053/24]
Tue, 30 Apr 2024
written
Tax Reliefs
Richard Bruton
233. Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Finance if he will review the apparent obligation on a care centre to become a registered charity in order to get tax relief for the use of a wheelchair bus, used to transport persons who themselves have primary certificates establishing their severe disability; and if he will devise a simpler route of access to this tax relief. [19040/24]
Tue, 30 Apr 2024
written
General Register Office
Richard Bruton
434. Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Social Protection if she is aware that the research room for the general records is now only open one day a week, down from five, which is considerably hampering research; and if she will consider arrangements to make it more accessible. [19415/24]
Thu, 25 Apr 2024
oral
Departmental Programmes
Richard Bruton
16. Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Social Protection if she has considered the scope for promoting engaging activities and positive health measures as a part of the welfare programmes promoted by her Department to the pensioners whom she supports with regular financial payments and occasional urgent need payments as part of a more joined-up approach to positive ageing. [18076/24]
Thu, 25 Apr 2024
written
Social Welfare Benefits
Richard Bruton
47. Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Social Protection if she has considered designing new initiatives to tackle under-claiming of benefits, which is widespread across her own Department and other agencies of Government. [18077/24]
Thu, 25 Apr 2024
oral
Agriculture Industry
Richard Bruton
61. Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will outline the potential of a carbon farming initiative in the transformation of the sustainability profile of the farming sector. [18080/24]
Thu, 25 Apr 2024
written
Food Industry
Richard Bruton
82. Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he has developed proposals within his area of responsibility which would fit with the ambition to deliver a circular economy initiative for the Irish food sector. [18081/24]
Thu, 25 Apr 2024
written
Inland Fisheries
Richard Bruton
127. Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if the review of the recent controversies within the Inland Fisheries Ireland has been completed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18534/24]
Thu, 25 Apr 2024
written
Recycling Policy
Richard Bruton
128. Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if he has set a date from which all sales of cans or PET bottles must have a deposit paid; if he has discussed with retailers whether products without the logo and bar code printed on the container can apply a deposit; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18591/24]
Tue, 23 Apr 2024
written
Departmental Expenditure
Richard Bruton
56. Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform if he has considered the extent of unclaimed benefits across different Government programmes; if he would consider establishing a cross-government initiative to better promote take-up of these schemes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15267/24]
Tue, 23 Apr 2024
written
Public Services Provision
Richard Bruton
89. Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform the initiatives he plans to promote better planning to promote a longer and more fruitful retirement, across all of government, harnessing technology, promoting optimal choices of accommodation and adapting existing services to the new requirements. [15266/24]
Tue, 23 Apr 2024
written
Waste Management
Richard Bruton
113. Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if a scheme has been established whereby persons with medical conditions that result in the generation of high volumes of waste can get relief on their waste charges; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17332/24]
Tue, 23 Apr 2024
written
Departmental Schemes
Richard Bruton
117. Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the number of energy upgrades undertaken in each of the past five years under the free (warmer homes) scheme; the distribution by the intensity of upgrade; and if he will indicate the extent of the waiting list for this scheme. [17478/24]
Tue, 23 Apr 2024
written
Air Quality
Richard Bruton
132. Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if wood products are permitted to be burned in urban areas; and if they are subject to particular conditions nationally or under local by-laws. [17883/24]
Tue, 23 Apr 2024
written
Air Quality
Richard Bruton
133. Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if air quality standards apply to emissions from household burning outside of the bans on certain products that are in place; and the procedures for monitoring air quality that may be associated with such uses. [17887/24]
Tue, 23 Apr 2024
written
Tax Exemptions
Richard Bruton
196. Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Finance the number of claimants of a tax exemption on renting a room up to €14,000. [17479/24]
Tue, 23 Apr 2024
written
Grant Payments
Richard Bruton
356. Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he will outline the number of grants issued by local authorities under each of the grants for older people, housing aid, mobility aid and adaptation grant in each of the past five years; and whether he has information on the extent of a waiting list for these schemes. [17477/24]
Tue, 23 Apr 2024
written
Housing Policy
Richard Bruton
358. Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the number of councils that offer a contribution scheme under which persons in homes too big for their needs can sell or offer the home to the council and, in return for a contribution from the proceeds of a sale, secure a council tenancy in a secure complex; and the number of homes that have been processed under this scheme in the past three years. [17499/24]
Tue, 23 Apr 2024
written
Tax Reliefs
Richard Bruton
399. Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Social Protection if she will indicate the number of claimants who are availing of the exemption from the means test of the renting of a room with revenue up to €14,000. [17480/24]
Tue, 23 Apr 2024
written
Medical Aids and Appliances
Richard Bruton
604. Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Health the most common technology aids provided under the medical appliances scheme offered by the HSE; the number sanctioned in each of the past three years; if an evaluation has been carried out on the effectiveness of such technologies to keep people independent in their own homes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17498/24]
Thu, 18 Apr 2024
written
Schools Building Projects
Richard Bruton
183. Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Education if she will outline the present status of the project to redevelop a school (details supplied), where many strains are being experienced in the existing facility; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17115/24]
Tue, 16 Apr 2024
written
Departmental Data
Richard Bruton
130. Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Taoiseach the distribution of retirees across the entire Irish workforce, by age of retirement; the difference of pattern among the self-employed and the rest; and their estimate of the number of persons at work aged 64, 65, 66, 67, 68, 69, and 70 or over. [15927/24]
Tue, 16 Apr 2024
written
Electric Vehicles
Richard Bruton
211. Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Transport if Zero Emission Vehicles Ireland has published proposals for a regional and local EV charging network; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16592/24]
Thu, 11 Apr 2024
written
Housing Policy
Richard Bruton
43. Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he has considered the provision of incentives towards the creation of safe secure living in town centres suitable for those seeking to rightsize and to gain access to homes where assisted living within the community could be facilitated; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15265/24]
Thu, 11 Apr 2024
written
Housing Schemes
Richard Bruton
92. Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the extent to which the scheme for promoting the sale of apartments to owner-occupiers has been taken up; and if he would consider simplifying its terms so that higher take-up can be achieved. [15264/24]
Thu, 11 Apr 2024
written
Pension Provisions
Richard Bruton
106. Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Finance if he has considered relaxing the rules on pension drawdown to permit drawdown for certain purposes which might contribute to positive ageing, such as home adaptations, installation of technology, or caring support; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15929/24]
Thu, 11 Apr 2024
written
Public Sector Staff
Richard Bruton
109. Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform the distribution of retirees from the public service, by age of retirement; and his estimate of the number of public servants at work aged 64, 65, 66, 67, 68, 69, and 70 or over. [15928/24]
Thu, 11 Apr 2024
written
School Funding
Richard Bruton
118. Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Education if she will assess the position of a school (details supplied) which lost out last year through the cancellation of the Covid grant, the IT grant and the minor works grant and fears that the IT grant will again not be paid, thereby undermining its funding position. [15791/24]
Thu, 11 Apr 2024
written
Housing Policy
Richard Bruton
150. Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage what policy tools have been put in place to support rightsizing of accommodation for those, particularly older people to move to a smaller home or to adapt their existing home into two residential units, releasing unneeded space upgrading the energy use and comfort of the home; and if he will indicate his estimate of the number of such moves which are being made annually. [15930/24]
Thu, 11 Apr 2024
written
Housing Policy
Richard Bruton
151. Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the directives which are in place requiring local authorities to make adequate provision for a positive environment to support a ageing population in their area; and whether any audit of the adequacy of planning policy to meet this challenge has been undertaken. [15931/24]
Thu, 11 Apr 2024
written
Housing Policy
Richard Bruton
152. Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he has set any target for the development of purpose-built housing for older people by the councils or Approved Housing Agencies, distinguishing the level of wrap-around service for those designated for people who require assisted living. [15932/24]
Thu, 11 Apr 2024
written
Health Services
Richard Bruton
257. Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Health if he will indicate the growth in the acute hospital budget in each year since 2000; and the growth in the budgets for primary care and for community care services over the same period. [15933/24]
Thu, 11 Apr 2024
written
Nursing Homes
Richard Bruton
258. Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Health what the lessons have been for public health policy of managing a pandemic in nursing home settings; and whether new protocols are being put in place to embed these lessons. [15934/24]
Thu, 11 Apr 2024
written
Legislative Measures
Richard Bruton
259. Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Health whether he has plans to implement safeguarding legislation of the sort advocated by the Law Reform Commission and others seeking reform in the area. [15935/24]
Wed, 10 Apr 2024
oral
Tax Code
Richard Bruton
5. Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Finance if he has considered how the tax system might make a better contribution towards adjustment to a longer and more fruitful retirement through supporting rightsizing, early release of pension savings in certain circumstances, more flexibility in continued working from employers, better recognition of family carers and in other ways; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15262/24]
Wed, 10 Apr 2024
written
Tax Credits
Richard Bruton
20. Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Finance if he has considered the extent of unclaimed tax allowances and other benefits; if he would consider establishing a cross-Government initiative to promote better take-up of such benefits; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15263/24]
Tue, 9 Apr 2024
written
Departmental Data
Richard Bruton
1. Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Taoiseach if he will indicate the life expectancy at birth and at age 65 in 1950, 1970, 1990, 2010 and the most recent year for which data is available. [13516/24]
Tue, 9 Apr 2024
written
Departmental Data
Richard Bruton
2. Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Taoiseach the numbers of people aged 65-74, 75-84, and 85+ in 2000, 2022, and projected for 2040, and the corresponding ratio each represents as a proportion of those of working age in those years. [13517/24]
Tue, 9 Apr 2024
written
Departmental Data
Richard Bruton
3. Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Taoiseach the ratio of those aged 65+ to the population of working age in each local authority. [13518/24]
Tue, 9 Apr 2024
written
Departmental Data
Richard Bruton
4. Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Taoiseach the numbers of people at work who have pension coverage beyond the social insurance pension, and the number who do not, distinguishing the pattern for male versus female workers, and for those aged under 50 years, and those 50+ years. [13519/24]
Tue, 9 Apr 2024
written
Departmental Data
Richard Bruton
5. Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Taoiseach the number of people aged 65-69, 70-74, and 75+ who are still in employment. [13520/24]
Tue, 9 Apr 2024
written
Schools Building Projects
Richard Bruton
525. Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Education the status of the planning for a new secondary school (details supplied), and if her Department has had an update on new developments under construction or in the pipeline which will drive pupil numbers. [14944/24]
Tue, 9 Apr 2024
written
Schools Building Projects
Richard Bruton
526. Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Education the status of the masterplan for the new build for a school (details supplied) in Swords; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14945/24]
Tue, 9 Apr 2024
written
Development Contributions
Richard Bruton
714. Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he has considered extending the deadline for the temporary waiver of development fees, as many applicants were unable to complete the process within the short timeframe given. [15376/24]
Tue, 9 Apr 2024
written
Social Welfare Payments
Richard Bruton
787. Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Social Protection if she has considered the costs for a homeless family being rehoused in unfurnished accommodation; whether the present ceiling of €3,000 for establishment costs adequately reflects the true cost of a family setting up home; and if she would consider establishing a higher limit. [14742/24]
Tue, 9 Apr 2024
written
Departmental Staff
Richard Bruton
1015. Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine whether his Department, where it mistakenly placed an employee on too high a PRSI deduction for a lengthy period, will repay the over-deduction over the full period; and if not, if the refund will only apply to the four year period for which the Department of Social Protection will make repayments. [14835/24]
Tue, 9 Apr 2024
written
National Treatment Purchase Fund
Richard Bruton
1468. Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Health if the NTPF has set out an activity plan for 2024 setting out the outpatient appointments, inpatient procedures and diagnostic evaluations and scopes that will be carried out in the course of the year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14708/24]
Tue, 9 Apr 2024
written
Health Services Staff
Richard Bruton
1534. Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Health if he has considered a Dublin premium for health workers where there is a high level of attrition from posts; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14943/24]
Thu, 21 Mar 2024
written
Defence Forces
Richard Bruton
22. Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence if he has undertaken an assessment of Ireland's defence vulnerabilities in light of the deteriorating defence situation in Europe. [13260/24]
Thu, 21 Mar 2024
written
Just Transition
Richard Bruton
136. Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the projects which have been funded to date from the Just Transition Fund in County Offaly; their scope and planned impact; the number of applications from the county; and their current status. [13544/24]
Thu, 21 Mar 2024
written
Just Transition
Richard Bruton
137. Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if he has reviewed the operation of the Just Transition Fund to date; the lessons which have been learnt; when it is intended to establish a Statutory Commission; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13545/24]
Thu, 21 Mar 2024
written
Public Transport
Richard Bruton
177. Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Transport the number, location and capacity of local link transport services; and his plans to grow this service. [13533/24]
Thu, 21 Mar 2024
written
Transport Policy
Richard Bruton
178. Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Transport if he has considered the possibility of creating a digital platform for people living in isolated areas where public service transport is not feasible to access rides either by volunteers or on a cost covering basis; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13534/24]
Thu, 21 Mar 2024
written
Road Network
Richard Bruton
179. Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Transport if he has reviewed the adequacy of the funding for regional and local roads in 2024; how it compares with last year; how need is measured; what measure he uses to establish relative need in different counties; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13546/24]
Thu, 21 Mar 2024
written
Tax Code
Richard Bruton
185. Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Finance if he is aware that “community gain” allocations under the process for developing renewal energy projects, is subject to income tax; and if he would consider altering its tax status or allowing a tax free amount, in order that it could become of greater value to the communities affected by these essential infrastructures for a net-zero world. [13548/24]
Thu, 21 Mar 2024
written
Public Sector Pensions
Richard Bruton
187. Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform the number of people who now have a public service or State body pension; and his projection for this number for 2030 and for 2040. [13521/24]
Thu, 21 Mar 2024
written
Public Sector Pensions
Richard Bruton
188. Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform the estimated proportion of income which would be necessary to set aside during each working year of a typical public servant in order to create an adequate actuarial fund to pay the prospective public service pension. [13522/24]
Thu, 21 Mar 2024
written
Public Sector Pensions
Richard Bruton
189. Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform the size of the fund that would be needed at retirement age to pay a prospective public service pension of €20,000 per year. [13523/24]
Thu, 21 Mar 2024
written
Swimming Pools
Richard Bruton
219. Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media if she is aware of the damage suffered to a swimming pool (details supplied); if he is considering setting aside a special fund to support swimming pools in forthcoming capital allocations; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [13547/24]
Thu, 21 Mar 2024
written
Housing Policy
Richard Bruton
235. Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the extent to which the actions in Housing Options for Our Ageing Population have been achieved; the areas in which achievements have fallen short of expectation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13535/24]
Thu, 21 Mar 2024
written
Housing Policy
Richard Bruton
236. Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if, based on the policy Housing Options for Our Ageing Population, data has been collected on the level and the growth of accommodation in the core categories required by an ageing population namely adapted family homes, dedicated homes for older people with varying degree of attendant services below the levels of more acute support requiring institutional care; and if he will indicate the baseline in 2018, and the additional provision since. [13536/24]
Thu, 21 Mar 2024
written
Housing Policy
Richard Bruton
237. Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the size of the stock of housing held by local authorities and Approved Housing Bodies dedicated to the accommodation of older people; how this has grown since 2010; and the size of the national waiting list for older persons accommodation. [13537/24]
Thu, 21 Mar 2024
written
Housing Policy
Richard Bruton
238. Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the proportion of the stock of housing held by local authorities and Approved Housing Bodies dedicated to the accommodation of older people, which has ancillary support services, and the numbers of homes with the various range of such supports. [13538/24]
Thu, 21 Mar 2024
written
Pension Provisions
Richard Bruton
244. Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Social Protection the target of income adequacy in old age; the contribution which she hopes that auto-enrolment will make to achieving that; and by what date she expects people retiring to have reached that target. [13551/24]
Thu, 21 Mar 2024
written
Money Advice and Budgeting Service
Richard Bruton
245. Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Social Protection the role, if any, which MABS plays in advising on pension and financial planning for old age; and if she has considered developing a programme in mid-career by MABS which would equip people to plan better for their retirement. [13552/24]
Thu, 21 Mar 2024
written
Social Welfare Code
Richard Bruton
246. Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Social Protection if her Department has systems for identifying and supporting more vulnerable carers, such as older parents caring for ageing children with disabilities, in order that extra supports could be developed in partnership with other Government agencies. [13553/24]
Thu, 21 Mar 2024
written
Home Help Service
Richard Bruton
316. Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Health the number of man hours allocated to provide home help and homecare services; and the number of persons receiving those services in 2000, 2010, 2020 and allocated for 2024. [13524/24]
Thu, 21 Mar 2024
written
Home Help Service
Richard Bruton
317. Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Health the steps necessary to be taken to put in place a national statutory homecare scheme; and the date on which he hopes to reach each milestone. [13525/24]
Thu, 21 Mar 2024
written
Home Help Service
Richard Bruton
318. Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Health if he has carried out an audit of the assistive technology that is now available to support care in the home; if he has assessed the feasibility in each case of supporting their use to better manage care in the home; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13526/24]
Thu, 21 Mar 2024
written
Health Services
Richard Bruton
319. Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Health the estimated proportion of consultations with GPs, with medical consultants, with nurse practitioners and with therapists which were conducted at their peak during Covid; the extent to which this has been sustained as practices have returned to normal; if he has undertaken a review to see whether such approaches should take a more prominent position in future care; and the barriers which may need to be overcome to achieve that. [13527/24]
Thu, 21 Mar 2024
written
Health Services
Richard Bruton
320. Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Health if he has conducted any census of carers to identify the circumstances of their care, their access to information and support, their age profile, and their capacity to continue; if he will indicate where the findings may be obtained; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13528/24]
Thu, 21 Mar 2024
written
Health Services
Richard Bruton
321. Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Health the performance reports which he receives on the HSE's enhanced community care initiatives and its component elements to illustrate its reach, its intensity and its impact; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13529/24]
Thu, 21 Mar 2024
written
Health Promotion
Richard Bruton
322. Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Health whether he has received reports on the evolution of the indicators in the Healthy Ireland Outcomes Framework instituted in 2018 to date; and whether the impact of Covid and the return to more normal conditions illustrates challenges for public policy in this area. [13530/24]