Parliamentary questions

Apprenticeship Programmes

Éamon Ó Cuív

271. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Education and Skills the arrangements being made for final year apprentices to enable them to complete their 12 weeks college training as soon as possible to ensure that their apprenticeships are not extended unnecessarily; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11247/20]

Foirne Scoile

Éamon Ó Cuív

272. D'fhiafraigh Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív den Aire Oideachais agus Scileanna an mbeidh cead ag scoil (sonraí tugtha) an ceathrú múinteoir a choinneáil sa scoil más rud é go mbeidh idir 76 scoláire agus 80 scoláire ar an rolla an bhliain seo chugainn, de bharr an ghá a bheidh ann scoláirí a choinneáil scartha óna chéile de thairbhe Covid-19, toisc go bhfuil na seomraí ranga sa scoil an-bheag agus toisc nach bhfuil halla ná seomra ilúsáide ar bith sa scoil; agus an ndéanfaidh sé ráiteas ina thaobh. [11252/20]

Foirne Scoile

Éamon Ó Cuív

273. D'fhiafraigh Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív den Aire Oideachais agus Scileanna an bhfuil sé i gceist aige cead a thabhairt do scoileanna a chaillfidh múinteoir ranga de bharr titim sa tinreamh do scoilbhliain 2020/2021 an múinteoir sin a choinneáil, de bharr an ghá a bheidh ann scaradh sóisialta a chleachtadh i scoileanna agus chun an iomarca brú a sheachaint i seomraí ranga; agus an ndéanfaidh sé ráiteas ina thaobh. [11253/20]

Covid-19 Pandemic

Éamon Ó Cuív

301. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Education and Skills if students and teachers will be required to wear personal protective equipment due to Covid-19 once primary and secondary schools are reopened; if so, if he anticipates that there will be a tendering process in place for providing same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11603/20]

Covid-19 Pandemic Supports

Éamon Ó Cuív

436. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation the reason State guaranteed loans for working capital during the Covid-19 pandemic are being charged at over 4% interest when funding can be borrowed by the banks and the State at nominal interest rates; if consideration has been given to reducing these rates in the interest of stimulating and assisting business through this difficult time; the reason for the high rates of interest; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11245/20]

Health Services Staff

Éamon Ó Cuív

471. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Health the number of personnel recruited in February, March, April and May 2020, respectively, to the HSE due to the Covid-19 pandemic who were working in nursing homes and care homes immediately prior; the steps taken to ensure that nursing homes and care homes had at the time adequate resources to fill vacancies arising; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10477/20]

Covid-19 Pandemic

Éamon Ó Cuív

472. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Health the number of recorded deaths from Covid-19 and recorded cases of infection of retired religious personnel who were or are living in religious communities or in religious-specific care or retirement homes; if steps were taken to protect the large number of elderly religious living in such settings; if steps were taken, when they were taken; the extra assistance that was given with their care; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10478/20]

Dental Services

Éamon Ó Cuív

473. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Health the assistance which will be given to dentists to aid them with the extra costs of providing PPE and other costs associated with reopening after Covid-19; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10479/20]

Covid-19 Pandemic

Éamon Ó Cuív

474. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Health the discussions he has had with his ministerial colleagues on the effect the Covid-19 pandemic is having on public services; the arrangements being made to ensure that all staff who cannot work efficiently remotely return to work in their offices; the protocols being put in place to ensure this can be done safely; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10480/20]

Covid-19 Pandemic

Éamon Ó Cuív

518. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Health the number of Covid-19 cases detected to date among residents in direct provision centres; the number of centres that these occurred in; if the residents of such centres were subsequently tested for Covid-19 in addition to the staff; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10209/20]

Covid-19 Pandemic

Éamon Ó Cuív

519. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Health the discussions he has had on a controlled reduction of social distancing from 2 m to 1 m; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10212/20]

Agriculture Schemes

Éamon Ó Cuív

757. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if a replacement payment will be provided for an agricultural payment made some time ago to a person (details supplied) which was never cashed; if so, when the payment will be made; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11249/20]

Trading Online Voucher Scheme

Éamon Ó Cuív

776. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment his plans to provide sufficient funds to the local enterprise boards and Údarás na Gaeltachta to meet all the qualifying demands for the trading online voucher scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11254/20]

Covid-19 Pandemic Supports

Éamon Ó Cuív

872. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the consideration given to making a substantial restart grant available to the hotel industry based on 100% of the 2019 rates paid by the hotels in view of the very large rates paid by most hotels and the fact that hotels will not be operating at full capacity for a long time to come due to Covid-19 regulations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11242/20]

Covid-19 Pandemic Supports

Éamon Ó Cuív

873. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he has received an application for once-off funding from a business (details supplied) to enable it to reopen in 2020; if so, when a decision will be made on the application; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11244/20]

Carer's Allowance

Éamon Ó Cuív

992. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection when a decision will be made in respect of a carer’s allowance appeal by a person (details supplied); the reason for the delay in making a decision on the appeal; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [10857/20]

Redundancy Payments

Éamon Ó Cuív

1012. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection her plans to extend the redundancy scheme moratorium for as long as the restrictions including social distance restrictions exist; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11246/20]

Covid-19 Pandemic Supports

Éamon Ó Cuív

1100. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht if she has received a submission from a group (details supplied) for special assistance to deal with the effects in the short and medium-term of the Covid-19 pandemic on the very important events industry; when the consideration of the submission will be completed and decisions made on it; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11248/20]

Scéimeanna Tacaíochta Gaeilge

Éamon Ó Cuív

1101. D'fhiafraigh Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív den Aire Cultúir, Oidhreachta agus Gaeltachta an bhfuil sé i gceist aici íocaíocht a dhéanamh leis na mná a bhí ag coinneáil mic léinn meánscoile ar na hoileáin i leith na tréimhse idir Mí an Mhárta agus deireadh na scoilbhliana agus suas go dtí an tréimhse sin, mar a dhéanfar leis na mná tí a choinníonn scoláirí faoi Scéim na bhFoghlaimeoirí Gaeilge; agus an ndéanfaidh sí ráiteas ina thaobh. [11250/20]

Covid-19 Pandemic

Éamon Ó Cuív

1102. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht when she will publish the Arts Council survey of artists and the report on the impact of Covid-19 on Irish artists which she received in April 2020 from the Arts Council; the urgent action she plans to take on foot of these reports; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11251/20]

International Bodies

Éamon Ó Cuív

27. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the contribution made by Ireland to the World Health Organisation in 2019; the increase in funding being made available to the organisation in 2020; if this relates to additional services to be provided to Ireland in relation to the Covid-19 pandemic; the amount of the contribution that will now be payable by Ireland to the WHO in 2020; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10210/20]

Maternity Leave

Éamon Ó Cuív

211. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if he is considering temporarily extending the period of paid maternity leave in view of the ongoing uncertainty regarding the availability of childcare and the other disruption caused by the Covid-19 pandemic; if this will require amending primary legislation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10219/20]

Direct Provision System

Éamon Ó Cuív

237. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the number of persons in direct provision centres at present by country of origin; the number in direct provision on 1 January 2019 and 1 January 2020, respectively; the steps being taken to reduce this number by a speedier assessment process; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10220/20]

Courts Service

Éamon Ó Cuív

238. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the discussions he has had with the Courts Service to ensure speedier hearings of court cases in relation to asylum and immigration in the courts and in particular cases involving judicial review proceedings relating to asylum; the results of such discussions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10221/20]

Immigration Data

Éamon Ó Cuív

239. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the number of persons in direct provision that have been given permission to remain under a stamp 4 visa; the reason these persons are not afforded housing in the community; the steps being taken to provide them with housing; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10222/20]

Asylum Applications

Éamon Ó Cuív

240. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the number of persons that sought asylum here in each of the years 2010 to 2019 and to date in 2020, by country of origin; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10223/20]

Immigration Data

Éamon Ó Cuív

241. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the number of applications by asylum seekers given a final decision on their cases in each year since 2010; the number of these applications that resulted in refugee status being granted; the number of cases that resulted in subsidiary protection being granted; the number that resulted in humanitarian leave to remain being granted; the number refused; the number of persons deported; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10224/20]

Covid-19 Pandemic Supports

Éamon Ó Cuív

386. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Health the steps being taken by the HSE to inform retailers of wigs and hairpieces of the additional headwear grant available to medical card holders that cannot attend wig fittings during the Covid-19 pandemic; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10102/20]

Health Screening Programmes

Éamon Ó Cuív

443. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Health when screening for cervical cancer, particularly for those with a history of cervical cell changes, will recommence; if a risk assessment has been carried out in relation to delaying these tests; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10466/20]

Cancer Services

Éamon Ó Cuív

444. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Health when BreastCheck will recommence, particularly for those in the higher-risk category; if a risk assessment has been carried out in relation to delaying these tests; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10467/20]

Disabilities Assessments

Éamon Ó Cuív

445. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Health when a child (details supplied) will now be assessed under the schools list; the arrangements in place to provide these assessments as a priority for children that lost out in such circumstances; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10468/20]

Maternity Services

Éamon Ó Cuív

446. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Health the steps taken throughout the Covid-19 pandemic to facilitate the safe face-to-face attendance when appropriate by women that are pregnant for regular check-ups and if necessary, treatment with their general practitioner and also with relevant consultants; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10469/20]

Covid-19 Pandemic

Éamon Ó Cuív

447. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Health his plans to appoint a person to conduct an independent inquiry as to the way in which the issue of protecting patients in nursing homes from Covid-19 was handled from a date (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10470/20]

Harness Racing Industry

Éamon Ó Cuív

487. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the reason horse trotting racing, that is, harness racing behind closed doors is not being permitted to start at the same time as horse racing due to Covid-19; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10199/20]

Common Agricultural Policy

Éamon Ó Cuív

488. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the amount of funding allocated to Ireland under the present Common Agricultural Policy; the estimated amount of funding that will be allocated to Ireland out of the total fund of €391 billion recently announced for the CAP 2010-2027; if under the forthcoming CAP, there will be further increased allocations to the countries in the east of the European Union; the effect this will have on Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10200/20]

Agriculture Scheme Data

Éamon Ó Cuív

489. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the number of participants in the AEOS and GLAS schemes in each year to date since AEOS was introduced; his plans to open a new environmental scheme in 2020 to replace GLAS or allowing those that have left GLAS and AEOS to re-join GLAS while the new CAP is being decided on; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10215/20]

Rural Development Programme

Éamon Ó Cuív

490. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the amount provided for in the Rural Development Programme 2014-2020 for GLAS and TAMS respectively; the amount expended to date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10216/20]

Covid-19 Pandemic Supports

Éamon Ó Cuív

521. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment his plans to make assistance available to voluntary community radio stations to support them during the Covid-19 pandemic in view of the vital information role they play in their communities keeping persons in touch in this time of social isolation; the reason they were not included in the previous announcement in relation to commercial and national radio broadcasters on 9 April 2020; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10208/20]

Departmental Reports

Éamon Ó Cuív

583. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport when he plans to publish the report on the western rail corridor from Athenry to Claremorris prepared by a company (details supplied); the reason for the delay in publishing the report; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10203/20]

Tourism Industry

Éamon Ó Cuív

584. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport when the Tourism Recovery Task Force will issue its report and recommendations; when a package will be announced to assist this sector of the economy; the number of members on the task force representing the industry itself; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10207/20]

Covid-19 Pandemic Supports

Éamon Ó Cuív

585. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the supports he plans for the restaurant sector, including reduced VAT, business interruption grants and so on in order to ensure the survival of the sector; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10212/20]

Early Childhood Care and Education

Éamon Ó Cuív

600. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs her plans to introduce changes to the ECCE scheme to provide all year round funding for those involved in the provision of ECCE services rather than the 183 days funding as at present similar to that for teachers and other persons engaged in the education sector, particularly to ensure the viability of providing such services after the Covid-19 pandemic; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [10204/20]

Local Improvement Scheme

Éamon Ó Cuív

627. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the number of county councils that have provided a list of roads for approval under the LIS allocation for 2020; the counties involved; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10217/20]

LEADER Programmes

Éamon Ó Cuív

628. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the allocation by LAG for projects under the present Leader programme; the amount allocated to date by each; the amount spent to date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10218/20]

Covid-19 Pandemic Unemployment Payment

Éamon Ó Cuív

672. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection if the pandemic unemployment payment will continue as long as social distancing and other restrictions are in place for those employed in businesses impacted by these restrictions in order to ensure income stability; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [10198/20]

Illness Benefit

Éamon Ó Cuív

673. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection her plans to extend the enhanced illness benefit for more than two weeks to those that cannot return to work due to the Covid-19 pandemic and the fact that they have a serious underlying condition that precludes them returning to work; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [10243/20]

Planning Issues

Éamon Ó Cuív

706. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government if he will consider amending the Planning and Development Act 2000 (Exempted Development) (No. 2.) Regulations 2019, SI No. 235 of 2019, to exempt from the requirement of getting a new planning permission all those properties that have been used for the purposes of tourism accommodation for five years prior to 2019 and in circumstances (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10201/20]

Local Authority Members

Éamon Ó Cuív

707. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government when a report (details supplied) will be published; the reason for the delay in publishing the report; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10202/20]

Defence Forces Representative Organisations

Éamon Ó Cuív

9. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence if an application has been received from a union (details supplied) for permission to affiliate to another organisation; if so, when the application was received; 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. [9169/20]

Value Added Tax

Éamon Ó Cuív

94. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Finance if he will consider raising the threshold over which companies are required to register for VAT from €35,000 to €50,000 to reduce the cost of administration for small businesses; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9172/20]

Education and Training Provision

Éamon Ó Cuív

145. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Education and Skills when provision will be made for Safe Pass courses which have been suspended due to the Covid-19 pandemic for returning emigrants and new entrants to enable them become involved in construction work; if the course can be organised in a way that would respect social distance; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9177/20]

State Examinations

Éamon Ó Cuív

238. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Education and Skills the arrangements being made in the new measures regarding the leaving certificate in 2020 for students who are studying a subject for the leaving certificate outside the school system and for those, some of whom are repeating their leaving certificate, who are not attending a school establishment during this academic year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8943/20]

Special Educational Needs

Éamon Ó Cuív

269. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Education and Skills when full details of the way in which the July provision of services for children with severe and profound intellectual disabilities will operate in 2020 will be announced; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9173/20]

Special Educational Needs

Éamon Ó Cuív

270. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Education and Skills if the early re-opening of special schools for children with severe and profound disabilities will be allowed in view of the challenges faced by the parents of children with severe and profound disabilities and the small numbers involved in each classroom of special schools; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9174/20]

Covid-19 Pandemic

Éamon Ó Cuív

271. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Education and Skills if he has had discussions with the outdoor adventure and activity centre sector (details supplied) in view of the cancellation of most activities and events in adventure centres in 2020 to ensure they survive the effects of the Covid-19 pandemic; if he has considered providing a deposit guarantee to the sector; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9179/20]

Maternity Leave

Éamon Ó Cuív

327. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if he is considering extending maternity leave for mothers of newborn babies on a temporary basis in view of the effects of Covid-19 on society in general and particularly on crèches and childcare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8948/20]

Refugee Resettlement Programme

Éamon Ó Cuív

373. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the number of applications received from potential community sponsors in the county and city of Galway respectively, under the community sponsorship Ireland scheme; the number that have received refugees to date; the number approved as community sponsors and undergoing training; the number awaiting approval; the name of each group; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9168/20]

Legislative Programme

Éamon Ó Cuív

412. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation if legislation prepared by her Department will be required to implement the new measures announced recently to help businesses recover from the effects of the Covid-19 pandemic; the progress made to date in drafting this legislation; when it is hoped to publish same; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8939/20]

Covid-19 Pandemic Supports

Éamon Ó Cuív

413. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation when the details of the restart fund for micro and small business of €250 million will be available; the reason the scheme was announced before application forms and details were available; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8951/20]

Covid-19 Pandemic

Éamon Ó Cuív

468. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation the discussions she has had to date with the events industry (details supplied); her plans for the sector to be represented through an organisation on task forces set up or being set up to spearhead the recovery; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [9170/20]

Covid-19 Pandemic Supports

Éamon Ó Cuív

469. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation her plans to reopen the business continuity voucher scheme to enable further companies and businesses to reopen after the Covid-19 pandemic and to help companies and businesses to adapt to the new circumstances after the pandemic; the cost of the scheme to date; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [9171/20]

Covid-19 Pandemic

Éamon Ó Cuív

626. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Health the extra steps and measures put in place to deal with mental health needs of prisoners in view of the extra restrictions in place to protect the prison population from Covid-19; the extra resources made available in this regard; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8135/20]

Covid-19 Pandemic

Éamon Ó Cuív

635. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Health if he will consider amending the Roadmap for Reopening Society and Business to enable restaurants co-located in public houses and operating under public house drink licences to open as restaurants with sit-down service only with meals (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8940/20]

Home Care Packages

Éamon Ó Cuív

636. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Health if it is planned to introduce a statutory home care scheme to support the elderly at home (details supplied); if he has had discussions with the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection on improving the carer’s benefit and carer's allowance scheme conditions and payments; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8947/20]

Hospitals Building Programme

Éamon Ó Cuív

637. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Health when it is planned to open the new rehabilitation hospital in Dún Laoghaire in view of the long waiting list of patients waiting to access the facility as a consequence of Covid-19; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8949/20]

Tourism Policy

Éamon Ó Cuív

846. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the details of the recently announced scheme to back a new refund credit note scheme for tour operators and travel agents; if this applies equally to tour operators based here that bring tourists here and are now being asked to refund deposits and tour operators and travel agents based here that organise holidays abroad; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8950/20]

Tourism Funding

Éamon Ó Cuív

926. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport when a package of support will be announced for the hospitality and tourism sector; the elements that will be included in this package; if he has had discussions with the Minister for Health in relation to opening hotels on a limited occupancy basis at the same time as restaurants; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8941/20]

Córas Iompair Éireann

Éamon Ó Cuív

927. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if the CIÉ group of companies have consulted with him in relation to the plan by CIÉ tours to cut the number of tours for 2021 by 50%; if he has expressed concern in relation to the effect this will have on many tourist locations nationally; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8952/20]

Covid-19 Pandemic Supports

Éamon Ó Cuív

941. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he or his officials have had discussions with representatives of the bus, coach and chauffeur sectors to develop a package of supports for the sector which will be impacted for a long time by the Covid-19 pandemic (details supplied); if not, his plans to organise such discussions and put a package of supports in place; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9175/20]

Aviation Industry

Éamon Ó Cuív

942. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he or his officials have had discussions with airlines based here in relation to the Covid-19 induced crisis in the airline business; if assistance has been sought by the airlines; if the airlines have indicated an intention to scale back their operations here particularly to and from airports other than Dublin; if they indicated if they plan changing the working conditions of staff as well as downsizing; if they sought assistance, financial or otherwise from his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9178/20]

Covid-19 Pandemic Supports

Éamon Ó Cuív

1047. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development when decisions will be made under the community and voluntary stability scheme; the number of applications received; the value of the applications; the amount available for the grants; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9176/20]

Money Advice and Budgeting Service

Éamon Ó Cuív

1108. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection if discussions are taking place to close an office (details supplied); when a decision will be made on this matter; if she has issued a direction to the board regarding its duty to provide services in the Irish language to the Gaeltacht community from offices in Gaeltacht areas; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8945/20]

Property Registration Authority

Éamon Ó Cuív

1198. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government when an application for a boundary change lodged with the Property Registration Authority submitted by persons (details supplied) in County Galway will be finalised; the reason for the delay in finalising the application in view of the fact the application has been lodged since 2019 and has been with the mapping team for some considerable time; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8910/20]

Protected Disclosures

Éamon Ó Cuív

1200. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government when a final decision will be made on a protected disclosure (details supplied); the reason for the delay; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8946/20]

Oideachas Gaeltachta

Éamon Ó Cuív

1283. D'fhiafraigh Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív den Aire Cultúir, Oidhreachta agus Gaeltachta cén uair a fhógrofar pacáiste cúnaimh dúnadh Coláistaí Gaeilge mná tí agus pobail de bharr nach mbeidh na Coláistí Gaeilge ar oscailt I mbliaina; an fáth go bhfuil an oiread moille ar an gcoinneadh; ar chuir sí mbeanran faoi bhráid an rialtais faoin ábhar seo; agus an ndéanfaidh sí ráiteas ina thaobh. [8942/20]

Oideachas Gaeltachta

Éamon Ó Cuív

1284. D'fhiafraigh Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív den Aire Cultúir, Oidhreachta agus Gaeltachta an bhfuil i gceist teacht i gcabhair ar na hallaí agus aiseanna pobail a bheidh thíos ó thaobh ioncaim dhe leis an gcinneadh gan aon choláistí Gaeilge a bheith ann I mbliana; agus an ndéanfaidh sí ráiteas ina thaobh. [8953/20]

Prisoner Health

Éamon Ó Cuív

369. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if an up-to-date risk assessment has been carried out in respect of managing the risk of Covid-19 entering the prison system and at the same time reducing the negative impact of these measures in the medium term on prisoners and prison life; if plans are in place to ensure sufficient capacity for quarantining within the prison system; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8131/20]

Prisoner Health

Éamon Ó Cuív

370. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the reduction in the prison population needed to ensure that there are adequate facilities available to deal with a possible outbreak of Covid-19 in the prison system; the criteria being used to determine Covid-19-related early releases to reduce overcrowding in the prison system; if this is purely risk based; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8132/20]

Prisoner Welfare

Éamon Ó Cuív

371. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the steps taken to ensure in the absence of visits to prisons due to the Covid-19 pandemic that prisoners have continued access to their families by way of phone and video calls; if the enhanced facilities have been extended to all prisoners; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8133/20]

Prisoner Health

Éamon Ó Cuív

372. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the steps being taken as part of the Roadmap for Reopening Society and Business to ease the restrictions in prisons due to the Covid-19 pandemic on a phased basis; if a roadmap in this regard has been published; if so, the location of same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8134/20]

Court Procedures

Éamon Ó Cuív

373. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Justice and Equality his plans to expedite the introduction of the part of the Courts and Civil Law (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill 2017 that relates to statements of truth, as outlined under head 12 of the general scheme of the Bill as published, in view of the urgency of facilitating continued business without compromising the health and safety of persons in view of the recent Covid-19 pandemic and the need for the possibility to make and take such statements remotely using modern technology; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8136/20]

Medical Aids and Appliances

Éamon Ó Cuív

604. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Health the reason different rates of funding are being paid in respect of wigs and hairpieces to medical card holders residing in different areas in the country; if a breakdown of funding based on each local authority area will be provided; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7980/20]

Abortion Services Provision

Éamon Ó Cuív

621. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Health when the temporary measures he introduced as part of his response to the Covid-19 pandemic in relation to doctors being allowed to prescribe abortion pills after a teleconference with a patient rather than a physical visit, as required heretofore, will be rescinded in view of the reduction of pressure of work on general practitioners in recent weeks and the assurance by general practitioners to all patients that it is safe to visit their general practitioner; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8125/20]

Abortion Services Provision

Éamon Ó Cuív

622. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Health the medical advice given to him before he changed the regulations in relation to the need for a physical visit to a doctor before abortion pills could be prescribed, which he said was in response to the changed circumstances due to Covid-19; who gave this advice; whether he is willing to publish the advice given to him on this matter; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8126/20]

Covid-19 Pandemic Supports

Éamon Ó Cuív

693. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine his plans to introduce a grant similar to the restart grant for livestock marts that had to close during the Covid-19 crisis or were impacted by a 25% reduction in turnover to assist them out of the crisis caused by the pandemic in view of the fact marts are not eligible for the scheme announced by the Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation, as they are a high turnover-low margin business; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8127/20]

Covid-19 Pandemic Supports

Éamon Ó Cuív

842. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if consideration is being given to providing special support to the small public service vehicle tourism sector due to the fact that the industry has come to a standstill for the 2020 tourism season and will only make a slow recovery in 2021; the measures in place to sustain this vital link in the tourism chain over the medium term; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8130/20]

Child Abuse

Éamon Ó Cuív

890. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs her plans to set up a public enquiry into an organisation (details supplied) in view of the publication of a report to establish the facts formally, including an examination of the actions of staff and volunteers and to make recommendations for change; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8129/20]

Carer's Allowance

Éamon Ó Cuív

992. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection the reason a carer's allowance appeal lodged by a person (details supplied) within 21 days of a decision of a review request is not being accepted; her plans to change the law to ensure that the Appeals Office must accept an appeal within 21 days of the final decision after a review has been turned down; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [7945/20]

Redundancy Payments

Éamon Ó Cuív

1011. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection her plans to amend the law suspending the right of workers to claim redundancy payments to exclude from the law workers whose employers have had a liquidator appointed by the High Court and that are therefore closed permanently; if so, when is it planned to amend same; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8128/20]

Student Universal Support Ireland

Éamon Ó Cuív

230. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Education and Skills if students that wish to pursue a postgraduate course in the United Kingdom or in other EU countries but are permanently resident here are eligible for assistance under the normal conditions of the SUSI scheme; if not, the reason postgraduate students are not afforded the same assistance as undergraduate students; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6128/20]

Prisoner Data

Éamon Ó Cuív

491. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the number of prisoners in the prison system; the number of these sharing cells; the reduction in the number of prisoners sharing cells since the start of the Covid-19 pandemic; and the further steps proposed to be taken to reduce this number in order to reduce the risk of a large scale outbreak of Covid-19 in the prison system. [6808/20]

Prisoner Data

Éamon Ó Cuív

492. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the number of prisoners let out on temporary release or on community return since the beginning of the Covid-19 pandemic compared to the same period in 2019; the number of prisoners currently in prison serving sentences that have less than six months left to run; if consideration has been given to giving these temporary release to reduce the overcrowding in prisons in view of the experience with this disease to date in congregated settings and the risk it poses to prisoners and staff alike; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6809/20]

Departmental Correspondence

Éamon Ó Cuív

493. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Justice and Equality when a reply will issue to correspondence (details supplied) sent to him on 25 April 2020 in view of the urgent need for a detailed reply before a certain date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6810/20]

Proposed Legislation

Éamon Ó Cuív

638. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation if legislation prepared by her Department will be required to implement the new measures announced recently to help businesses recover from the effects of the Covid-19 pandemic; the progress made to date in drafting this legislation; when it is hoped to publish same; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6806/20]

Agriculture Scheme Appeals

Éamon Ó Cuív

837. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if a review lodged by a person (details supplied) in County Galway in respect of an overclaim assessed against them is under consideration; if so, when a decision will be made on this review in view of the serious effect Covid-19 is having on the person's income and the importance of farm payments being issued to farmers in a timely manner as a result of the impact Covid-19 is having on livestock prices; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5569/20]

Felling Licences

Éamon Ó Cuív

856. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine when a decision will be issued on a felling licence application submitted in May 2018 by a person (details supplied) in County Galway; the reason for the delay in making a decision in relation to the application despite assertions made by them that they expected the new procedures being put in place early in the year to process such applications would impact positively on the current backlog; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5898/20]

Agriculture Schemes

Éamon Ó Cuív

883. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the overclaim assessed against a farmer (details supplied) in County Galway; the penalty imposed by scheme and scheme years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6180/20]

Legislative Measures

Éamon Ó Cuív

1187. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection when a new Bill must be passed by the Houses of the Oireachtas to facilitate the continued payment of social welfare payments at their current rates of payment; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6804/20]

Maternity Benefit

Éamon Ó Cuív

1280. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection the benefits for which a person (details supplied) who is due to go on maternity leave in July 2020 and is at present on jobseeker's allowance can apply; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6732/20]

Maternity Benefit

Éamon Ó Cuív

1282. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection the benefits available to mothers who are due to go on maternity leave and will not be entitled to maternity benefit due to the fact they work seasonally and will not be in insurable employment up to the day of their maternity leave due to Covid-19 and who are not entitled to the Covid-19 payment as a result of not being working on the relevant dates; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6773/20]