Parliamentary questions

Cabinet Committee Meetings

Brendan Howlin

3. Deputy Brendan Howlin asked the Taoiseach the Cabinet committee that discusses agricultural matters; and when it last met. [52727/19]

Cabinet Committees

Brendan Howlin

8. Deputy Brendan Howlin asked the Taoiseach the Cabinet committee that discusses environmental matters; and when it last met. [52732/19]

Ministerial Travel

Brendan Howlin

10. Deputy Brendan Howlin asked the Taoiseach the policy regarding the use of the Government jet in his Department. [51614/19]

EU Issues

Brendan Howlin

12. Deputy Brendan Howlin asked the Taoiseach his views on the EU reform proposals that the President of France is seeking to implement. [51615/19]

Northern Ireland

Brendan Howlin

35. Deputy Brendan Howlin asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the actions he has taken to encourage the reconvening of the Northern Ireland Assembly; if he has called for new elections to help restart devolution in Northern Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53482/19]

Cabinet Committee Meetings

Brendan Howlin

8. Deputy Brendan Howlin asked the Taoiseach the Cabinet committee at which policy discussions on drug gangs take place; and when it last met. [52728/19]

European Council Meetings

Brendan Howlin

9. Deputy Brendan Howlin asked the Taoiseach if he will report on his plans for official trips abroad over the next six months. [50155/19]

European Council Meetings

Brendan Howlin

14. Deputy Brendan Howlin asked the Taoiseach if he will report on his attendance at the December 2019 European Council meeting. [52729/19]

Ministerial Transport

Brendan Howlin

76. Deputy Brendan Howlin asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence if he will report on his use of the Government jet to date in 2019. [50046/19]

Remote Area Boarding Grant

Brendan Howlin

165. Deputy Brendan Howlin asked the Minister for Education and Skills the reason for the delay in awarding a remote area grant to a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52600/19]

Respite Care Services Funding

Brendan Howlin

425. Deputy Brendan Howlin asked the Minister for Health if additional funding will be provided for respite in the 2020 budget allocation to a care centre (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53077/19]

Greenways Funding

Brendan Howlin

598. Deputy Brendan Howlin asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the capital expenditure of his Department from 1 January 2019 to date under the heading of E7 Greenways; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52928/19]

Fuel Allowance Applications

Brendan Howlin

699. Deputy Brendan Howlin asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection the status of an application for fuel allowance by a person (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [52957/19]

Cabinet Committee Meetings

Brendan Howlin

3. Deputy Brendan Howlin asked the Taoiseach when the Cabinet committee on infrastructure last met; and when it is next expected to meet. [50153/19]

National Economic and Social Council

Brendan Howlin

7. Deputy Brendan Howlin asked the Taoiseach if he will report on the work of his Department with the National Economic and Social Council. [50154/19]

Civil Service Renewal Plan

Brendan Howlin

96. Deputy Brendan Howlin asked the Taoiseach the way in which his Department provides collective leadership to the Civil Service renewal programme. [51616/19]

Taoiseach's Meetings and Engagements

Brendan Howlin

97. Deputy Brendan Howlin asked the Taoiseach if he or his officials have met political leaders from Northern Ireland regarding the Northern Ireland Assembly. [51617/19]

Cabinet Committee Meetings

Brendan Howlin

98. Deputy Brendan Howlin asked the Taoiseach the Cabinet committee that discusses agricultural matters; and when it last met. [51618/19]

Forensic Science Ireland Laboratory

Brendan Howlin

132. Deputy Brendan Howlin asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform further to Parliamentary Question No. 176 of 15 October 2019, if the contract has been awarded; if so, when the contractors will be on site; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52103/19]

Data Centres

Brendan Howlin

133. Deputy Brendan Howlin asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform further to Parliamentary Question No. 141 of 12 November 2019, if tenders have now been invited for the project; if so, the closing date for receipt of tenders; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52107/19]

Schools Building Projects Status

Brendan Howlin

147. Deputy Brendan Howlin asked the Minister for Education and Skills further to Parliamentary Question No. 183 of 19 November 2019, if the accommodation brief has been finalised; if so, the details of same; when a design team will be appointed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52094/19]

School Enrolments

Brendan Howlin

148. Deputy Brendan Howlin asked the Minister for Education and Skills further to Parliamentary Question No. 182 of 19 November 2019, if an application for temporary accommodation has been lodged to deal with the shortage of school places for September 2020; if so, when a decision will be made on the application; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52095/19]

Schools Site Acquisitions

Brendan Howlin

149. Deputy Brendan Howlin asked the Minister for Education and Skills further to Parliamentary Question No. 154 of 12 November 2019, if there has been further progress in resolving the technical considerations; if a joint meeting has been held between his Department, Kildare County Council and the landowner to develop a framework and masterplan for the site; when a design team will be put in place for the project; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52096/19]

Schools Building Projects Status

Brendan Howlin

150. Deputy Brendan Howlin asked the Minister for Education and Skills further to Parliamentary Question No. 169 of 17 September 2019, if authorisation has issued to invite tenders for the project; if so, when tenders will be invited; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52098/19]

Schools Building Projects Status

Brendan Howlin

151. Deputy Brendan Howlin asked the Minister for Education and Skills further to Parliamentary Question No. 170 of 17 September 2019, if approval has now issued for the invitation of tenders for the project; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52099/19]

Schools Building Projects Status

Brendan Howlin

152. Deputy Brendan Howlin asked the Minister for Education and Skills further to Parliamentary Question No. 172 of 17 September 2019, if the accommodation brief has been finalised; if so, the details of same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52100/19]

Schools Building Projects Status

Brendan Howlin

153. Deputy Brendan Howlin asked the Minister for Education and Skills further to Parliamentary Question No. 153 of 12 November 2019, the number of tenders received for the building project by the closing date of the end of November 2019; the estimated time it will take to review the tenders and award a contract; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52101/19]

Schools Building Projects Status

Brendan Howlin

154. Deputy Brendan Howlin asked the Minister for Education and Skills further to Parliamentary Question No. 156 of 12 November 2019, when work will be completed on the project in view of the fact a contractor is now on site; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52102/19]

Schools Building Projects Status

Brendan Howlin

155. Deputy Brendan Howlin asked the Minister for Education and Skills further to Parliamentary Question No. 96 of 24 October 2019, if a definitive date for completion of phase 1 of the project has been given; when phase two will be completed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52104/19]

Schools Building Projects Status

Brendan Howlin

156. Deputy Brendan Howlin asked the Minister for Education and Skills further to Parliamentary Question No. 95 of 24 October 2019, if stage one has been completed; if stage 2A has commenced; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52108/19]

School Accommodation Provision

Brendan Howlin

157. Deputy Brendan Howlin asked the Minister for Education and Skills further to Parliamentary Question No. 175 of 17 September 2019, if approval has issued for the provision of additional mainstream and specialist accommodation for the school; if so, the details of the accommodation approved; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52109/19]

Garda College

Brendan Howlin

165. Deputy Brendan Howlin asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the planned dates for attestation of probationary gardaí at Templemore in 2020; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52105/19]

Landfill Sites

Brendan Howlin

265. Deputy Brendan Howlin asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment further to Parliamentary Question No. 533 of 17 September 2019, if tenders have now been invited for the project; the closing date for receipt of tenders; the number of contractors invited to tender; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52097/19]

Sports Funding

Brendan Howlin

277. Deputy Brendan Howlin asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport further to Parliamentary Question No. 165 of 26 September 2019, when the projects that will be grant aided under the large-scale sport infrastructure fund will be announced; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52106/19]

Citizens' Assembly

Brendan Howlin

2. Deputy Brendan Howlin asked the Taoiseach when the Citizens’ Assembly on gender equality will meet. [50048/19]

Cabinet Committees

Brendan Howlin

11. Deputy Brendan Howlin asked the Taoiseach the Cabinet committee that addresses matters relating to Palestine and Israel. [51613/19]

Disablement Benefit

Brendan Howlin

377. Deputy Brendan Howlin asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection when a person (details supplied) will receive an appointment date for a medical examination for their disablement benefit claim; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [50683/19]

Fuel Allowance Eligibility

Brendan Howlin

401. Deputy Brendan Howlin asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection the reason an application for the fuel allowance by a person (details supplied) has been refused; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [50878/19]

Commissions of Investigation Expenditure

Brendan Howlin

1. Deputy Brendan Howlin asked the Taoiseach if he will report on the projected costs of the Commission of Investigation into the Irish Bank Resolution Corporation, IBRC. [47365/19]

British-Irish Council

Brendan Howlin

2. Deputy Brendan Howlin asked the Taoiseach if he will report on his attendance at the 33rd British-Irish Council. [48539/19]

Departmental Functions

Brendan Howlin

8. Deputy Brendan Howlin asked the Taoiseach if he will report on the work of the parliamentary liaison unit. [48733/19]

Physical Education Facilities

Brendan Howlin

108. Deputy Brendan Howlin asked the Minister for Education and Skills if he will review the policy of not including general purpose and physical education rooms in existing schools in the capital plan; his views on whether physical education is an essential part of the school curriculum; his further views on whether the challenge of childhood obesity is one of the most significant health challenges being faced; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50437/19]

Biotechnology Industry

Brendan Howlin

3. Deputy Brendan Howlin asked the Taoiseach if he will report on the role of his Department in implementing the bio-economy framework. [50047/19]

Departmental Staff Data

Brendan Howlin

8. Deputy Brendan Howlin asked the Taoiseach if he will report on the work of the EU and Northern Ireland affairs section of his Department. [48732/19]

Schools Building Projects Status

Brendan Howlin

207. Deputy Brendan Howlin asked the Minister for Education and Skills the position regarding the school building project at a school (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49936/19]

Illness Benefit Applications

Brendan Howlin

584. Deputy Brendan Howlin asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection the status of an illness benefit payment in respect of a person (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [50093/19]

Electoral Reform

Brendan Howlin

2. Deputy Brendan Howlin asked the Taoiseach if he will provide a progress report on the work of the interdepartmental group on the security of Ireland’s electoral process and disinformation. [47364/19]

Supports to Former Taoisigh

Brendan Howlin

7. Deputy Brendan Howlin asked the Taoiseach if he will report on the supports provided by his Department to former taoisigh. [48730/19]

Taoiseach's Meetings and Engagements

Brendan Howlin

9. Deputy Brendan Howlin asked the Taoiseach if he will report on his most recent engagement with the DUP. [48731/19]

Community Enhancement Programme

Brendan Howlin

3. Deputy Brendan Howlin asked the Taoiseach if he will report on the Dublin inner city forum. [47362/19]

Citizens' Assembly

Brendan Howlin

5. Deputy Brendan Howlin asked the Taoiseach if he has responded to the open letter seeking dialogue on the constitutional future of the island of Ireland. [47363/19]

Garda Reform

Brendan Howlin

7. Deputy Brendan Howlin asked the Taoiseach if he will report on the work of the policing reform implementation programme office in his Department. [46453/19]

Services for People with Disabilities

Brendan Howlin

135. Deputy Brendan Howlin asked the Minister for Health if his attention has been drawn to the reduction in available service hours at a centre (details supplied) for persons with an intellectual disability; if sufficient funds will be provided to ensure full service is supplied to clients of the service; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48351/19]

Disability Allowance Applications

Brendan Howlin

240. Deputy Brendan Howlin asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection the status of an application for a disability allowance in respect of a person (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [48330/19]

Public Sector Pensions Legislation

Brendan Howlin

102. Deputy Brendan Howlin asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform further to Parliamentary Question No.150 of 12 November 2019, if the question of the clear unfair anomaly between former public servants taking up employment again in the public sector against those that take up employment in the private sector will be addressed; his views on whether it is a positive disincentive for such persons, many of whose skills are still sought in the public sector, for them to take up employment there; his plans to address the issue; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47973/19]

EU Meetings

Brendan Howlin

4. Deputy Brendan Howlin asked the Taoiseach if he will report on his recent discussion with the President of the European Council. [46454/19]

School Enrolments

Brendan Howlin

182. Deputy Brendan Howlin asked the Minister for Education and Skills if his attention has been drawn to the shortage of school places in a school (details supplied) for September 2020; if his attention has been further drawn to the fact that places are not available for children living in Kilcock, County Kildare; the steps he will take to remedy the matter and ensure there are sufficient places available for children in Kilcock attending the school; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47345/19]

Schools Building Projects Status

Brendan Howlin

183. Deputy Brendan Howlin asked the Minister for Education and Skills when a design team will be put in place to progress the architectural planning for a school (details supplied) in view of the decision by KWETB to agree in principle that the permanent school can be located at a campus; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47347/19]

Orthodontic Services Waiting Lists

Brendan Howlin

387. Deputy Brendan Howlin asked the Minister for Health when a person (details supplied) that was placed on the orthodontic waiting list for treatment four years ago will receive treatment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47342/19]

Healthcare Infrastructure Provision

Brendan Howlin

388. Deputy Brendan Howlin asked the Minister for Health further to Parliamentary Question No. 351 of 17 September 2019, the steps the HSE has taken to ensure that tender documents are being prepared to enable the new endoscopy unit and other services at Naas General Hospital, County Kildare to proceed to tender in 2020; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47344/19]

Dental Services

Brendan Howlin

389. Deputy Brendan Howlin asked the Minister for Health if he will review his decision not to include the refurbishment of the Celbridge health centre dental clinic, Celbridge, County Kildare in the HSE Capital Plan 2020-2023 in view of the serious implications it has for children that have to try and access services in Maynooth and Naas, County Kildare (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47346/19]

Services for People with Disabilities

Brendan Howlin

392. Deputy Brendan Howlin asked the Minister for Health if funding to a care centre (details supplied) will be increased in order that services can be extended to support those with multiple sclerosis; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47407/19]

Road Improvement Schemes

Brendan Howlin

548. Deputy Brendan Howlin asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if consultants have been appointed for the provision of technical advisory services to progress the planning and design work on the proposed M4 Maynooth to Leixlip road improvement scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47343/19]

Taoiseach's Meetings and Engagements

Brendan Howlin

3. Deputy Brendan Howlin asked the Taoiseach if he has spoken with the UK Prime Minister since 29 October 2019. [46450/19]

Cabinet Committee Meetings

Brendan Howlin

12. Deputy Brendan Howlin asked the Taoiseach when the Cabinet committee on the economy will next meet. [46452/19]

Climate Change Adaptation Plans

Brendan Howlin

18. Deputy Brendan Howlin asked the Taoiseach if he will report on progress on the Climate Action Plan 2019; and the role of his Department in the delivery of same. [45465/19]

Commissions of Investigation

Brendan Howlin

84. Deputy Brendan Howlin asked the Taoiseach the projected costs in regard to the Commission of Investigation into IBRC. [46455/19]

Cabinet Committee Meetings

Brendan Howlin

4. Deputy Brendan Howlin asked the Taoiseach when the Cabinet Committee on Social Policy and Public Services last met. [46448/19]

Cabinet Committee Meetings

Brendan Howlin

9. Deputy Brendan Howlin asked the Taoiseach when the Cabinet committee on Security will next meet. [45466/19]

Programme for Government Implementation

Brendan Howlin

11. Deputy Brendan Howlin asked the Taoiseach when the next progress report on the Programme for a Partnership Government will be published. [46449/19]

Data Centres

Brendan Howlin

141. Deputy Brendan Howlin asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the number of expressions of interest received from contractors for the construction of the State data centre, Backweston, Celbridge, County Kildare, by the closing date of 11 October 2019; if tenders have now been invited; if so, the closing date for receipt of same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46037/19]

Public Sector Pensions Legislation

Brendan Howlin

150. Deputy Brendan Howlin asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform his views on whether there is an anomaly in the treatment of pensions of retired public servants taking up employment again in the public service and those who take up employment in the private sector; his plans to amend the Public Service Pensions (Single Scheme and Other Provisions) Act 2012 to address the anomaly; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46546/19]

Schools Building Projects Status

Brendan Howlin

152. Deputy Brendan Howlin asked the Minister for Education and Skills further to Parliamentary Question No. 172 of 17 September 2019, if the accommodation brief has been finalised; if so, the details of same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46029/19]

Schools Building Projects Status

Brendan Howlin

153. Deputy Brendan Howlin asked the Minister for Education and Skills further to Parliamentary Question No. 97 of 24 October 2019, the closing date for receipt of tenders; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46030/19]

Schools Site Acquisitions

Brendan Howlin

154. Deputy Brendan Howlin asked the Minister for Education and Skills further to Parliamentary Question No. 173 of 17 September 2019, if there has been further progress in resolving the technical considerations; if a design team will be put in place for the project; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46031/19]

Schools Building Projects Status

Brendan Howlin

155. Deputy Brendan Howlin asked the Minister for Education and Skills further to Parliamentary Question No. 170 of 17 September 2019, if approval has now issued for the invitation of tenders for the project; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46032/19]

Schools Building Projects Status

Brendan Howlin

156. Deputy Brendan Howlin asked the Minister for Education and Skills further to Parliamentary Question No. 84 of 26 September 2019, if the letter of acceptance has issued to the preferred contractor; if so, when the contractor will go on site; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46035/19]

Schools Building Projects Status

Brendan Howlin

157. Deputy Brendan Howlin asked the Minister for Education and Skills further to Parliamentary Question No. 169 of 17 September 2019, if authorisation has issued to invite tenders for the project; if so, when tenders be invited; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46036/19]

School Staff

Brendan Howlin

158. Deputy Brendan Howlin asked the Minister for Education and Skills when the position of replacement principal will be advertised for a school (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46038/19]

Regional Development Initiatives

Brendan Howlin

281. Deputy Brendan Howlin asked the Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation further to Parliamentary Question No. 303 of 17 September 2019, when construction will commence on the project; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [46039/19]

Palliative Care for Children

Brendan Howlin

377. Deputy Brendan Howlin asked the Minister for Health if he is satisfied with the provision of palliative care facilities in the south-east; his views on the lack of paediatric palliative care; if his attention has been drawn to the case of a person (details supplied); if appropriate paediatric palliative care will be made available in the future to children facing the same challenges; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46502/19]

Landfill Sites

Brendan Howlin

435. Deputy Brendan Howlin asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment further to Parliamentary Question No. 533 of 17 September 2019, if tenders have now been invited for the project; if so, the closing date for receipt of tenders; the number of contractors invited to tender; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46034/19]

Government Information Service

Brendan Howlin

3. Deputy Brendan Howlin asked the Taoiseach the number of staff employed in the Government Information Service, GIS; and the communications budget for 2019. [43185/19]

Brexit Preparations

Brendan Howlin

4. Deputy Brendan Howlin asked the Taoiseach the number of staff in his Department working on Brexit preparedness. [43186/19]

School Transport Eligibility

Brendan Howlin

83. Deputy Brendan Howlin asked the Minister for Education and Skills if the provision of school transport is under consideration for a person (details supplied); if so, when the outcome will be decided; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45668/19]

Cabinet Committee Meetings

Brendan Howlin

2. Deputy Brendan Howlin asked the Taoiseach when the Cabinet committee on infrastructure last met. [43183/19]

Seanad Reform

Brendan Howlin

64. Deputy Brendan Howlin asked the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government if he will report on the work of the Seanad reform implementation group and progress on implementing the recommendations. [43187/19]

VAT Rate Application

Brendan Howlin

126. Deputy Brendan Howlin asked the Minister for Finance the expected yield from increasing VAT on food supplements from 0% to 13.5%; the reason this policy change was not announced or included on the documentation published on budget day; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44509/19]

VAT Rate Application

Brendan Howlin

127. Deputy Brendan Howlin asked the Minister for Finance if his decision to apply VAT to food supplements will be irreversible; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44510/19]

Budget Measures

Brendan Howlin

128. Deputy Brendan Howlin asked the Minister for Finance the measures included in the Finance Bill 2019 that will result in additional revenue for the Exchequer in 2020 that were not announced on budget day, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44511/19]

Schools Building Projects Status

Brendan Howlin

211. Deputy Brendan Howlin asked the Minister for Education and Skills the status of the building project for a school (details supplied); the status of the issues in relation to the tendering process; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44403/19]

Services for People with Disabilities

Brendan Howlin

521. Deputy Brendan Howlin asked the Minister for Health the number of adults with an intellectual disability in County Wexford that are on the waiting list for residential care; the average waiting time for same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44567/19]

Services for People with Disabilities

Brendan Howlin

522. Deputy Brendan Howlin asked the Minister for Health if the necessary funds will be made available to an organisation in order that it can provide full-time residential care to a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44568/19]

Airport Charges

Brendan Howlin

930. Deputy Brendan Howlin asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the reason for the recommendation by the Commission for Aviation Regulation to reduce the passenger levy at Dublin Airport by 20%; the estimated lesser amount the levy would recoup in the period 2020 to 2024 compared to retaining the current level of passenger levy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44876/19]

Childcare Services Staff

Brendan Howlin

984. Deputy Brendan Howlin asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs her views on whether there is a staffing crisis in the childcare sector; the steps she is taking to address same; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [44513/19]

Illness Benefit Applications

Brendan Howlin

1047. Deputy Brendan Howlin asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection the status of an application for illness benefit in respect of a person (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [44577/19]

Illness Benefit Applications

Brendan Howlin

1092. Deputy Brendan Howlin asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection the status of an application for illness benefit by a person (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [45132/19]

Cancer Services Provision

Brendan Howlin

163. Deputy Brendan Howlin asked the Minister for Health if resources will be provided to the oncology unit in Wexford General Hospital (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43879/19]

Taoiseach's Meetings and Engagements

Brendan Howlin

6. Deputy Brendan Howlin asked the Taoiseach if he will report on his meeting with the Swedish Prime Minister. [41981/19]

Taoiseach's Meetings and Engagements

Brendan Howlin

7. Deputy Brendan Howlin asked the Taoiseach if he will report on his meeting with the Danish Prime Minister. [41982/19]