Parliamentary questions

Hospital Services

Éamon Ó Cuív

142. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Health the steps he has taken to provide resources to the HSE to reduce waiting time for pain management services; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33537/20]

National Broadband Plan

Éamon Ó Cuív

239. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Environment, Climate and Communications the number of properties passed to date as part of the roll-out of the national broadband scheme; the number of broadband connections made; the number of properties surveyed to date in relation to this scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33637/20]

Driver Test

Éamon Ó Cuív

353. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Transport the arrangements being made to ensure that those who had been given a date for a theory test in order to apply for a provisional licence and who have since had the test deferred due to the level 5 restrictions will get priority when tests recommence; if applicants will be entitled to a refund for tests deferred at less than five days' notice by the National Driver Licence Service; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33639/20]

Aviation Policy

Éamon Ó Cuív

354. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Transport the discussions he or his officials have had with the airline industry to ensure speedy refunds for cancelled or diverted flights by airlines to their customers in accordance with law, particularly in view of the large State employment subsidies being paid to the airline companies; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33640/20]

Fáilte Ireland

Éamon Ó Cuív

557. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media the reason cafés, without alcohol licences, were excluded from a recent scheme funded by her Department for which her Department provided €26 million through Bord Fáilte; if it is planned to provide further funding for such restaurants or to extend the scheme to include such restaurants; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [33924/20]

Adoption Data

Éamon Ó Cuív

973. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the steps he will take to ensure that both natural parents and adoptees can more easily access their children or parents, as the case may be; if extra funding is to be provided for tracing services in this regard; his plans to introduce legislation to transfer the responsibility for this work to a standalone State agency; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33638/20]

Covid-19 Pandemic

Éamon Ó Cuív

1178. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Health if there is a legal obligation on persons to wear face coverings when entering retail businesses; if not, his plans to introduce such an obligation; if so, the proposed penalties for same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32535/20]

Health Services

Éamon Ó Cuív

1427. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Health when an appointment will issue to the parents of a child (details supplied) who is availing of early intervention services in County Galway; the reason for the delay in issuing an appointment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33735/20]

Vaccination Programme

Éamon Ó Cuív

1472. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Health the steps he will take to ensure all medically-vulnerable persons with serious underlying conditions in the CHO2 area will have access to the flu vaccine; the reason for the extreme shortage of the vaccine at present; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33925/20]

Areas of Natural Constraint Scheme

Éamon Ó Cuív

1490. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the reason farmers who inadvertently omit to tick the ANC box on their online BPS application form are being penalised when it is clear that the land is in an area of natural constraint; the reason they are not allowed to correct such omissions without penalty, particularly as many are not over familiar with filling out applications online; his plans to remedy this situation to avoid farmers in areas of severe natural constraint losing their ANC payments in such circumstances; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32354/20]

Felling Licences

Éamon Ó Cuív

1562. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the number of felling licences issued by his Department and by the independent appeals committee, respectively in each week in September and October 2020; the volume of timber involved each week; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33920/20]

Felling Licences

Éamon Ó Cuív

1563. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the number of extra staff, including ecologists appointed to both his Department and the Independent Appeals Committee to deal with the backlog of applications for licences and appeals; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33921/20]

Felling Licences

Éamon Ó Cuív

1564. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the number of extra members appointed to the Independent Appeals Committee dealing with forestry licences following recent legislation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33922/20]

Felling Licences

Éamon Ó Cuív

1565. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the progress made in the past month to ensure that the timber mills will have sufficient raw material of saw log over the coming six months; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33923/20]

National Broadband Plan

Éamon Ó Cuív

1591. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the progress made to date in rolling out the broadband connection points under the national broadband scheme contracted out by her Department; the locations of the broadband connection points provided to date; the locations still waiting on these promised points; the date they will be all provided; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [33636/20]

Prison Building Programme

Éamon Ó Cuív

20. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Justice her plans to provide a women's open centre along the lines of Shelton Abbey or Loughan House for female prisoners on the grounds of equality; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30914/20]

Garda Stations

Éamon Ó Cuív

24. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Justice the number of Garda stations that do not have at least full-time Garda allocated to them; the number of Garda stations that do not have a regular opening time; if the Garda authorities have sought further resources so that these stations can be manned; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30913/20]

Parking Regulations

Éamon Ó Cuív

37. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Transport his plans to increase the fines for cars parked obstructively in order to block bus, cycle lanes and footpaths from their planned uses due to the danger involved; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32172/20]

Sports Funding

Éamon Ó Cuív

75. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media when the funding announced mid-year for swimming pools will be open by an organisation (details supplied) for applications; the discussions she has had with the organisation relation to the delay in making this funding available; her plans in providing extra funding for this purpose in 2021; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [32171/20]

Defence Forces Personnel

Éamon Ó Cuív

90. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Defence the complex legal, operational and management concerns in relation to an organisation affiliation to a representative body (details supplied); if he or his Department have outlined these concerns in detail to the organisation; if it responded to the concerns; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32184/20]

Medicinal Products

Éamon Ó Cuív

187. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Health the reason that a drug (details supplied) is not eligible for a refund under the drug refund scheme is not available free to those with a medical card or is not included under the eligible drugs covered under the long-term illness scheme; if this matter is under consideration as it is an approved drug for dispensing; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32173/20]

Town and Village Renewal Scheme

Éamon Ó Cuív

211. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development if there will be further approvals under the town and village accelerated measure round 3 scheme; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [32168/20]

Departmental Schemes

Éamon Ó Cuív

212. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the schemes announced by her Department seeking applications for funding in which no announcements have yet been made in relation to approvals; when approvals will issue under the schemes; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [32169/20]

Departmental Funding

Éamon Ó Cuív

213. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the total capital and current allocation to her Department in 2020; the amount spent to date by both; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [32170/20]

Homeless Persons Supports

Éamon Ó Cuív

114. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the breakdown of Covid-19 related homeless services expenditure in 2020 by each local authority that will be reimbursed; when these reimbursements will take place; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31931/20]

Apprenticeship Programmes

Éamon Ó Cuív

199. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the arrangements being put in place to hold online courses for apprentices in lieu of the 12 week courses in colleges normally attended by them, particularly for those near the end of their apprenticeships; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31850/20]

Traveller Community

Éamon Ó Cuív

51. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Children, Disability, Equality and Integration the steps he is taking to ensure that the Traveller community enjoys real equality in society here; the programmes his Department has in place to promote equality for this community; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30910/20]

Childcare Services

Éamon Ó Cuív

66. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Children, Disability, Equality and Integration his plans to make special arrangements in relation to the funding of crèches on offshore islands to ensure they are viable with a small number of children attending due to the smaller populations on islands; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30909/20]

Student Accommodation

Éamon Ó Cuív

93. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if he has had discussions with the third level institutions in relation to refunds of rent to students that rented on-campus accommodation and now find that all or most of their courses will be delivered online for the foreseeable future due to the Covid-19 crisis and that this accommodation will not be needed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30911/20]

Covid-19 Pandemic

Éamon Ó Cuív

96. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the discussions he had with the Minister for Health and the Chief Medical Officer in August and September 2020 before a decision was made that third level colleges would reopen on campus; if a full risk analysis was carried out of the risks involved given that these reopenings would bring a large number of students together from many parts of the country thus increasing dramatically the risk of spread nationwide if any students became infected; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30912/20]

Road Improvement Schemes

Éamon Ó Cuív

152. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Transport when official notification from his Department will issue to an organisation (details supplied) in regard to a grant under the jobs stimulus funding for active travel and climate change adaptation measures; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31647/20]

Brexit Issues

Éamon Ó Cuív

233. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Finance the reason it is planned to limit VAT rebate under the retail export scheme for international visitors, non-EU, to purchases over €175 as part of the Brexit omnibus Bill; if post Brexit it will be possible to have different rules applying to UK tourists compared to other non-EU states; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31533/20]

National Monuments

Éamon Ó Cuív

262. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the progress made in designing, tendering and doing further works at Nos. 14-17 Moore Street in order that they are ready for opening to a limited amount of visitors at a time post Covid-19; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31534/20]

Stádas Scoile

Éamon Ó Cuív

333. D'fhiafraigh Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív den Aire Oideachais cad iad na critéir le haghaidh stádas meanscoile “scoil bheag” a bhaint amach; agus an ndéanfaidh sí ráiteas ina thaobh. [31122/20]

Stádas Scoile

Éamon Ó Cuív

334. D'fhiafraigh Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív den Aire Oideachais cén fáth a bhfuil stádas “scoil bheag” ag roinnt scoileanna faoi chúram Bhord Oideachais agus Oiliúna na Gaillimhe agus Ros Comáin (GRETB) a bhfuil suas le 165 scoláire ag freastal orthu agus nach bhfuil an stádas sin ag roinnt scoileanna eile a bhfuil cuid acu i bhfad níos lú ná iad (sonraí tugtha); agus an ndéanfaidh sí ráiteas ina thaobh. [31123/20]

Community Employment Schemes

Éamon Ó Cuív

430. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Social Protection the number of places available on community employment schemes nationwide; the number of participants on the schemes at present; the number of vacancies on the schemes; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [31653/20]

Medical Cards

Éamon Ó Cuív

752. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Health when the income eligibility levels for qualification for a medical card for those over 70 years of age will be increased as was provided for in legislation passed by the Houses of the Oireachtas in July 2020; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31655/20]

Forestry Grants

Éamon Ó Cuív

776. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine when a decision will be made on a forestry application lodged by a person (details supplied) in County Mayo; the reason for the delay in making a decision on the application; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31005/20]

Covid-19 Pandemic Supports

Éamon Ó Cuív

822. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development when a decision will be made on an application (details supplied) under the Covid-19 stability fund 2020; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [31646/20]

Covid-19 Pandemic Supports

Éamon Ó Cuív

12. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the steps he intends taking to support trade, enterprise and employment during the current pandemic, particularly in those sectors worst hit by Covid-19; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30261/20]

Covid-19 Pandemic Supports

Éamon Ó Cuív

36. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the reason the closing date for the original restart grant was brought forward three weeks without warning; if in view of the severity of the ongoing Covid-19 restrictions, he will ensure that all eligible businesses will be paid both the restart grant and the restart plus grant; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30262/20]

Covid-19 Pandemic Supports

Éamon Ó Cuív

115. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Transport the supports he plans to put in place for the licensed limousine sector in view of the medium-term outlook for the sector due to Covid-19 and its effect on the limousine trade (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30823/20]

Freedom of Information

Éamon Ó Cuív

140. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media the date on which a freedom of information request (details supplied) sent to her Department on 2 September 2020 will be replied to; the reason for the delay; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30807/20]

Covid-19 Pandemic Unemployment Payment

Éamon Ó Cuív

220. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Social Protection her plans to amend the law to allow persons who are on the pandemic unemployment payment and likely to be so for some time to retain their pandemic unemployment payments while attending a one-year post-leaving certificate or university course to improve their employability or to retrain; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30822/20]

Cúirteanna Dúiche

Éamon Ó Cuív

246. D'fhiafraigh Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív den Aire Dlí agus Cirt an bhfuil aon rún aici an dlí a athrú de bharr breithiúnas cúirte a rialaigh nach raibh cumhacht ag na Cúirteanna Dúiche ordú a thabhairt chun ordú athshealbhaithe ar shealúchas a chur i bhfeidhm; agus an ndéanfaidh sí ráiteas ina thaobh. [30869/20]

Covid-19 Pandemic

Éamon Ó Cuív

285. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Health the arrangements that have been made to move patients with suspected Covid-19 from islands in order to cause minimum risk of infecting others; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30824/20]

School Transport

Éamon Ó Cuív

60. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Education the extra funding that will be made available to Bus Éireann to ensure all second level post-primary pupils have access to school transport in compliance with the new guidelines on social distancing on buses; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30259/20]

Ministerial Meetings

Éamon Ó Cuív

83. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Education if she will have a virtual meeting with parents from Inishbofin Island, County Galway, to discuss creative possibilities to provide post-primary education on the island; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30260/20]

Insurance Coverage

Éamon Ó Cuív

124. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Finance the steps being taken by his Department to ensure that taxi insurers are willing to insure a suitably qualified second driver on the policies issued to taxi drivers; if discussions have taken place between his officials and the insurance companies in this regard; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30533/20]

Office of Public Works

Éamon Ó Cuív

127. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform when a detailed reply will issue to a letter sent to him relating to the OPW (details supplied); the reason for the delay in the reply; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30523/20]

Swimming Pool Programme

Éamon Ó Cuív

132. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media her plans to provide extra funding for municipal swimming pools to keep them open in view of the effect Covid-19 is having on their income and their importance socially and medically; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30527/20]

Swimming Pool Programme

Éamon Ó Cuív

133. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media if all of the €2.5 million provided by her to support the reopening of swimming pools has been allocated; the organisations that were approved funding; the amount allocated to each one; the amount of funding expended to each to date; her plans to make further funding available to support swimming pools in view of the continued Covid-19 crisis and restrictions; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30538/20]

Planning Issues

Éamon Ó Cuív

134. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage his plans to alter the duration of planning permissions in view of the Covid-19 pandemic in 2020 and the effect it has had on the building industry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30829/20]

Social and Affordable Housing

Éamon Ó Cuív

138. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the date on which he plans to increase the eligible income limits in respect of social housing; if his attention has been drawn to the fact that persons whot are solely dependent on social welfare are being removed from the social housing waiting lists on income grounds; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30433/20]

Wildlife Protection

Éamon Ó Cuív

140. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the steps being taken to protect corncrakes and skylarks on the island of Inishturbot, County Galway, from the predation of rats in view of the fact these are rare and protected species; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30535/20]

National Monuments

Éamon Ó Cuív

141. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage his plans to reconstitute the ministerial Moore Street advisory committee; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30536/20]

Trade Union Recognition

Éamon Ó Cuív

147. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Defence if an application has been received from a union for permission to affiliate to a body (details supplied); if so, when a decision will be made on the application; the reason for the delay in making a decision on the matter; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30537/20]

State Examinations

Éamon Ó Cuív

182. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Education when a detailed reply will issue to a query raised with her office on 14 November 2019 (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30534/20]

State Pension (Contributory)

Éamon Ó Cuív

220. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Social Protection when a decision will be made on an increase for a qualified adult State pension (contributory) for a person (details supplied); the reason for the delay in making the decision; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30426/20]

Seirbhíse Buiséadaithe agus Comhairle Airgid

Éamon Ó Cuív

227. D'fhiafraigh Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív den Aire Coimirce Sóisialaí cé na céimeanna atá sí ag dul a ghlacadh lena chinntiú go gcoinneofar oifig de chuid na Seirbhíse Buiséadaithe agus Comhairle Airgid ar oscailt ar an gCeathrú Rua de bharr gurb í an oifig sin an t-aon cheann atá in ann freastal i nGaeilge ar an bpobal Gaeltachta i gConamara agus atá lonnaithe sa nGaeltacht; agus an ndéanfaidh sí ráiteas ina thaobh. [30530/20]

Visa Applications

Éamon Ó Cuív

245. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Justice her plans to extend visitor visas to Ireland again due to the continued worldwide Covid-19 crisis; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30531/20]

Covid-19 Pandemic

Éamon Ó Cuív

277. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Health if yoga classes are permitted under level 3 lockdown; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30525/20]

National Lottery Funding

Éamon Ó Cuív

278. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Health when a decision will be made on an application by an organisation (details supplied) for lottery funding from the HSE; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30529/20]

Covid-19 Tests

Éamon Ó Cuív

279. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Health the locations in which laboratory testing of Covid-19 samples are taking place in the State; the number of tests analysed by each laboratory in September 2020; if laboratories are using qualified scientists with medical scientific qualifications to do this analysis; if so, the reason other suitably qualified scientists are not employed for this work; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30539/20]

Forestry Grants

Éamon Ó Cuív

292. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the reason for the decision on a forestry application by a person (details supplied); the reason forestry was not approved on the land; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30524/20]

Fishing Licences

Éamon Ó Cuív

293. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if licences for fishing vessels that are due to expire or expired in September 2020 will be extended to the end of 2020 due to the lack of fishing opportunity in 2020 due to Covid-19 and collapsed markets; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30526/20]

Scéimeanna Rannach

Éamon Ó Cuív

294. D'fhiafraigh Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív den Aire Talmhaíochta, Bia agus Mara cén uair a íocfar na deontais BSC, Greening agus ANC le feirmeoir (sonraí tugtha) do 2020; an chúis leis an moill leis na híocaiochtaí seo; agus an ndéanfaidh sé ráiteas ina thaobh. [30532/20]

Community Services Programme

Éamon Ó Cuív

307. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development her plans to provide supplementary funding to projects funded under the community services programme in 2020 due to the fall in their income owing to Covid-19; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30528/20]

Driver Test

Éamon Ó Cuív

65. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Transport his plans to ensure the Road Safety Authority has enough resources to appoint sufficient driver testers to deal with the six-month waiting list of applications for driver tests; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29836/20]

Coast Guard Service

Éamon Ó Cuív

79. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Transport the progress made to date in providing a permanent Irish Coast Guard facility in north Connemara at the site of the airstrip at Cluain Leacht an Abba, An Cloigeann; the reason for the delay; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30310/20]

Primary Medical Certificates

Éamon Ó Cuív

97. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Finance his plans to ensure that processing of applications for primary medical certificates for tax relief available to disabled drivers will recommence following a decision of the Supreme Court; his plans to introduce new legislation or a statutory instrument as a result of the judgement; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29835/20]

Covid-19 Tests

Éamon Ó Cuív

475. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Health the reason a response has not issued from the HSE to Parliamentary Question No. 1241 of 8 September 2020; the protocols in place between his Department and the HSE to ensure timely replies to parliamentary questions referred to the HSE; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29795/20]

Health Screening Programmes

Éamon Ó Cuív

559. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Health the steps he is taking to clear the backlog of BreastCheck screening appointments; if appointments will be expedited; his plans to make BreastCheck screening in private hospitals free for persons waiting for screening and utilise all available resources in the interim; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30301/20]

Defence Forces Remuneration

Éamon Ó Cuív

22. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Defence the reason NCOs who commenced service after 1994 in the Defence Forces and who are in receipt of technical pay for specialist functions are required to retire at 50 years of age; the reason these personnel do not receive a pension until they are 60 years of age; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28222/20]

Tenant Purchase Scheme

Éamon Ó Cuív

34. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage when he plans to amend the terms and conditions of the Tenant (Incremental) Purchase Scheme 2016; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28223/20]

Planning Issues

Éamon Ó Cuív

60. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage when his Department will issue a circular to planning authorities arising from the Flemish decree judgment of the European Court; the effect this judgment will have on Irish planning practice; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28224/20]

Enterprise Ireland

Éamon Ó Cuív

159. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if he will authorise Enterprise Ireland to release some funds granted under the disruptive technologies programme to companies such as a company (details supplied) without the venture private capital being in place first in view of the impact of Covid-19 on the venture capital markets; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28572/20]

Urban Regeneration and Development Fund

Éamon Ó Cuív

350. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage when decisions will be made on applications made to the urban regeneration and development fund 2020; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28573/20]

Election Monitoring Missions

Éamon Ó Cuív

396. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if Ireland is sending observers to monitor elections under the auspices of the OSCE this year; if not, the reason therefor; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28566/20]

Medicinal Products

Éamon Ó Cuív

704. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Health the steps he will take to ensure greater use in prescribing generic and biosimilar medicines; the estimated extra saving envisaged next year by the increased use; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28568/20]

Health Services

Éamon Ó Cuív

745. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Health when CAR T-cell therapy will be available here; when he expects it will be approved for reimbursement; the arrangements that are currently being worked on in relation to facilities for the therapy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28766/20]

Town and Village Renewal Scheme

Éamon Ó Cuív

812. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development when decisions will be made under the town and village accelerated measures round 3 scheme; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [28567/20]

Ministerial Responsibilities

Éamon Ó Cuív

6. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Media, Tourism, Arts, Culture, Sport and the Gaeltacht the steps she plans to take to ensure the long-term survival of the tourism, arts, culture and sport sectors here in view of the serious effects the Covid-19 pandemic is having on society; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26626/20]

Caiteachas Gaeilge agus Gaeltachta

Éamon Ó Cuív

40. D'fhiafraigh Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív den Aire Meán, Turasóireachta, Ealaíon, Cultúir, Spóirt agus Gaeltachta céard iad na tosaíochtaí beartais atá aici i leith na Gaeilge don bhliain seo romhainn; cá mhéad airgead atá ar fáil aici i mbliana don Ghaeilge agus don Ghaeltacht; agus an ndéanfaidh sí ráiteas ina thaobh. [26627/20]

Prisoner Welfare

Éamon Ó Cuív

251. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Justice if she has expressed concern to the Irish Prison Service about conditions in the Dóchas Centre for female prisoners in Dublin as outlined in a report to the prison authorities by one of the prison chaplains; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27996/20]

Maternity Services

Éamon Ó Cuív

383. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Health his plans to ensure partners can attend appointments and births with women who are expecting babies to provide them with support at this very important time for couples; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27995/20]

Agriculture Scheme Appeals

Éamon Ó Cuív

400. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if farmers (details supplied) can appeal a decision on land eligibility to the independent agriculture appeals office; if they will be paid their BPS, greening, ANC and GLAS grants based on the findings of his Department while the appeal is ongoing; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27978/20]

Na hOileáin amach ón gCósta

Éamon Ó Cuív

401. D'fhiafraigh Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív den Aire Talmhaíochta, Bia agus Mara an bhfuil i gceist aige ardú a chu ar an íocaiocht ANC do na hoileáin amach ón gcosta i mbliana de bharr an costas mór breise a thit ar fheilmeoirí na n-oileán i mbliana a raibh orthu beathú beithíoch a thabhairt isteach de bharr an triomach a bhí ar na hoileáin agus an fhadhb a bhí ag feilmeoirí ar na hoileáin beithigh a dhíol amach ó na hoileáin de bharr srianta Covid-19; agus an ndéanfaidh sé ráiteas ina thaobh. [27997/20]

Garda Strength

Éamon Ó Cuív

203. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Justice the increase or decrease in qualified Garda numbers since 1 January 2016; when the next recruitment campaign for An Garda Síochána will take place; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27447/20]

Banking Sector

Éamon Ó Cuív

37. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Finance the effect the reclassification of future Covid-related payment breaks as non-performing loans would have on the capitalisation requirements of the banks and subsequently on their ability to lend money at competitive rates; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26625/20]

Covid-19 Pandemic Supports

Éamon Ó Cuív

70. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Finance the effect the recent European Banking Authority advice in relation to Covid-19-related payments breaks is likely to have on those whose businesses or personal incomes continue to be affected by the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic; if he has had discussions with the banks operating here in relation to this matter; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26624/20]

Civil Service

Éamon Ó Cuív

126. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the number of civil servants recruited with a competence to do their business both through Irish and English in each of the past five years to date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26475/20]

Departmental Staff

Éamon Ó Cuív

132. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the number of requests on hand from his Department and from State agencies under the aegis of his Department for approval to increase staff levels; the number of public and civil servants in total involved in these requests; the method by which decisions are made on the requests; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26474/20]

Departmental Staff

Éamon Ó Cuív

178. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the number of requests on hand from his Department and from State agencies under the aegis of his Department for approval to increase staff levels; the number of public and civil servants in total involved in these requests; the method by which decisions are made on the requests; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26474/20]

Departmental Staff

Éamon Ó Cuív

205. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Environment, Climate and Communications the number of requests on hand from his Department and from State agencies under the aegis of his Department for approval to increase staff levels; the number of public and civil servants in total involved in these requests; the method by which decisions are made on the requests; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26474/20]

Departmental Staff

Éamon Ó Cuív

259. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Transport the number of requests on hand from his Department and from State agencies under the aegis of his Department for approval to increase staff levels; the number of public and civil servants in total involved in these requests; the method by which decisions are made on the requests; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26474/20]

Departmental Staff

Éamon Ó Cuív

311. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Finance the number of requests on hand from his Department and from State agencies under the aegis of his Department for approval to increase staff levels; the number of public and civil servants in total involved in these requests; the method by which decisions are made on the requests; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26474/20]

Public Sector Staff

Éamon Ó Cuív

350. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the steps he is taking to encourage greater mobility within the wider public service; the progress made in 2018 and 2019 to achieve same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27326/20]

Departmental Staff

Éamon Ó Cuív

409. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the number of requests on hand from his Department and from State agencies under the aegis of his Department for approval to increase staff levels; the number of public and civil servants in total involved in these requests; the method by which decisions are made on the requests; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26474/20]

Departmental Staff

Éamon Ó Cuív

424. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the number of requests on hand from his Department and from State agencies under the aegis of his Department for approval to increase staff levels; the number of public and civil servants in total involved in these requests; the method by which decisions are made on the requests; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26474/20]