Parliamentary questions

Agriculture Schemes

Mattie McGrath

377. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if a machine (details supplied) will be included as a matter of priority under the current tillage machinery scheme under the TAMS II grant-aid scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35164/21]

Driver Test

Mattie McGrath

110. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Transport the number of theory tests that have been cancelled by Prometric since the resumption of theory tests in total and per test centre; the number of theory tests cancelled at Clonmel theory test centre each day since 8 June 2021; the number of tests carried out at Clonmel theory test centre since 8 June 2021; the number of tests that have been cancelled for July 2021; the reason for such cancellations; the numbers of tests carried out per test centre since the resumption of tests on 8 June 2021; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34528/21]

Covid-19 Pandemic

Mattie McGrath

475. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Health the current position regarding Newcastle Community Health Centre, Clonmel, County Tipperary which has been closed since the beginning of Covid-19; the plans to reopen the health centre; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26675/21]

Health Services

Mattie McGrath

476. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Health if he will carry out an audit on the levels of PPE equipment being supplied to nursing homes; the cost of PPE provided to nursing homes to date; if some nursing homes are now stockpiling and giving away PPE as they have been over supplied (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26695/21]

Housing Schemes

Mattie McGrath

4. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the amount provided by his Department to Tipperary County Council for 2020 in respect of housing supports (details supplied). [34133/21]

Covid-19 Pandemic

Mattie McGrath

442. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Health if he will consider including persons that are fully vaccinated with a vaccine (details supplied) to the list of those exempt from mandatory hotel quarantine; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26404/21]

Vaccination Programme

Mattie McGrath

263. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Health the status of the introduction of ethically-produced vaccines to Ireland that are developed without the use of foetal cell lines; the efforts being made to introduce such vaccines to allow those who have a conscientious objection to the use of vaccines which have been developed using foetal cell lines; the status of a vaccine (details supplied) which has been ethically produced being approved; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26035/21]

Driver Test

Mattie McGrath

183. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Transport the reason that theory tests in Clonmel, County Tipperary have continued to be cancelled into July 2021 as in the case of a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33081/21]

Special Educational Needs

Mattie McGrath

350. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Education if the certificate in inclusive school support, the national training programme for SNAs by UCD, will be accredited. [32921/21]

School Transport

Mattie McGrath

396. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Education further to Parliamentary Question No. 137 of 16 June 2021, the efforts that will be made to ensure that no child will be left without school transport for the new school term in September 2021 considering the review into the school transport system is not due to completed until later in 2021; the efforts that can be made to speed up the review considering it is almost two years since the review was first announced; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [33506/21]

Covid-19 Pandemic

Mattie McGrath

594. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Health the cost of a PCR test; the list of all laboratories processing PCR tests; the level of funds received by each laboratory to date for the processing of PCR tests; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25859/21]

Covid-19 Pandemic

Mattie McGrath

614. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Health if his Department or another Department is funding antigen tests for use by private industries; if so, the industries that have received funding for such tests; the level of funding provided; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25854/21]

Covid-19 Pandemic

Mattie McGrath

616. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Health the position on the use of antigen tests; his views on comments made by some members of NPHET in relation to the sale and use of same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25858/21]

Road Network

Mattie McGrath

229. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Transport if the level of funding awarded to Tipperary County Council will be increased ahead of the next three year roadworks programme in order to assist the Council’s roads development to promptly improve the road network which has been ranked as 29th out of 31 local authorities by the National Oversight and Audit Commission for road condition. [30932/21]

Cabinet Committees

Mattie McGrath

33. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Taoiseach when the Cabinet Committee on Covid-19 last met. [32240/21]

Artists' Remuneration

Mattie McGrath

105. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media the status of the implementation of the Arts Recovery Task Force recommendation that the Government pilot a universal basic income scheme for a three year period in the arts, culture, audio-visual and live performance and events sectors; the supports being put in place to support individuals in the arts and entertainment sector; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [32285/21]

School Transport

Mattie McGrath

137. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Education the status of the review of the school transport scheme; when the steering group will complete its review; the frequency with which it has met; if the school transport system will be renewed before the start of the new school year; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [32278/21]

Road Network

Mattie McGrath

245. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Transport if the level of funding awarded to Tipperary County Council will be increased ahead of the next three year roads works programme in order to assist the Council’s roads development to promptly improve the road network which has been ranked as 29th out of 31 local authorities by the National Oversight and Audit Commission for road condition. [30932/21]

Covid-19 Pandemic

Mattie McGrath

547. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media the way in which the cultural and sporting events selected to run as pilot events were selected; the selection criteria; the reason there was no application process for similar venues that are ready and prepared to run such events to apply to be considered as pilot events; the reason no venues outside of the main population centres, main event centres were selected; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [32058/21]

Local Authorities

Mattie McGrath

323. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the amount provided by his Department to Tipperary Council in 2020 in respect of housing supports (details supplied). [29352/21]

Local Authorities

Mattie McGrath

454. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Social Protection the amount provided by her Department to Tipperary County Council in 2020 in respect of rent supplement. [29353/21]

Agriculture Schemes

Mattie McGrath

534. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine further to Parliamentary Question No. 987 of 24 November 2020, if he has evidence of such endorsement (details supplied). [29433/21]

Agriculture Schemes

Mattie McGrath

535. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine further to Parliamentary Question No. 996 of 11 May, if the single farm payment is attached to the land in cases in which force majeure does not apply (details supplied). [29434/21]

Agriculture Schemes

Mattie McGrath

536. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine further to Parliamentary Question No. 997 of 11 May, the reason payment entitlements under the single payments scheme were not attached to specific land in cases in which the land in question is specific (details supplied). [29435/21]

Agriculture Schemes

Mattie McGrath

537. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine further to Parliamentary Question No. 997 of 11 May, the reason payment entitlements under the single payments scheme were not attached to specific land in cases in which the land in question is specific (details supplied). [29436/21]

Agriculture Schemes

Mattie McGrath

538. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if the single farm payment belongs on the land of the lessor in circumstances (details supplied); and if he can interfere with a lease contract freely entered into and decide that the value of the single payment data is the property of the lessee in spite of the contract. [29437/21]

Driver Licences

Mattie McGrath

84. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Transport the reason learner permits have not been extended when most learner drivers have been unable to complete their EDT or sit their driver tests; the reason these learner drivers now have to pay €35 to renew their licence while they wait for the full resumption of driver lessons and tests; if he will have this matter reconsidered; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28480/21]

Departmental Schemes

Mattie McGrath

73. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the amount of grant funding paid out under the warmer homes scheme in 2020 and to date in 2021 to homeowners in County Tipperary; the amount paid for buildings which are not privately owned homes during the same period; the average waiting period for an application under the scheme; the reason for the increase in waiting time; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27698/21]

Vehicle Testing

Mattie McGrath

100. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Transport the numbers of NCT failures per test centre; the main reasons for failure; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27588/21]

Driver Test

Mattie McGrath

110. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Transport the number of theory tests that have been carried out since March 2020; the level of payments made to a company (details supplied) for the operation of the theory test service since March 2020; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27699/21]

Driver Test

Mattie McGrath

111. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Transport the number of candidates that took a driving test in both test centres in Clonmel, County Tipperary from January to April 2021; the pass rate in both centres; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27700/21]

Driver Test

Mattie McGrath

112. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Transport the reason that theory tests cannot currently operate; the reason that theory tests are still being cancelled; if a company (details supplied) has carried out a risk assessment on all of the test centres which have sufficient social distancing and screening to allow tests to proceed; the efforts being made to immediately reduce the waiting lists for theory tests; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27701/21]

Covid-19 Pandemic

Mattie McGrath

221. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media if there is an application process or established criteria to be considered following the recent announcement in relation to considering proposals on the holding of a limited number of pilot live events for arts, culture, sport and live entertainment indoor and outdoor; if so, the person or body to which expressions of interest should be submitted to; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27667/21]

Local Authorities

Mattie McGrath

122. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the breakdown of funding under the multi-annual funding programme to proceed with the taking-in-charge of estates to every country in each of the past five years; the funding that has been provided to Tipperary County Council for the taking-in-charge of estates over the past five years; the number of bids from each country that have been refused funding over the past five years; the number of estates with applications to be taken-in-charge by Tipperary County Council; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26831/21]

Irish Water

Mattie McGrath

358. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the amount Irish Water has received in State funding per annum since its foundation in 2014; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26403/21]

Defence Forces

Mattie McGrath

4. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Defence his plans to purchase a military jet aircraft for the Defence Forces to assist troops returning from overseas duties and also assist with duties at home. [25173/21]

Coast Guard Service

Mattie McGrath

61. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Transport the plans that are in place to remove the Irish Coast Guard all weather search and rescue helicopter from Waterford; the reason for this proposal; if he will ensure that the Irish Coast Guard search and rescue helicopter will be retained in Waterford; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24765/21]

Vaccination Programme

Mattie McGrath

210. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Health the number of persons that have commenced the vaccine recruitment process; the average length of time from completion of the vaccinator recruitment form to allocation to a vaccinator position; the numbers of persons recruited through the recruitment process that have now have their first vaccine; the number of HSE personnel that have been diverted from HSE roles to vaccinator roles; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24727/21]

Covid-19 Pandemic

Mattie McGrath

251. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Health the current position in relation to drive-through events such as bingo and charity events and so on; if they are currently permissible; if not, the reason, given that there is no health risk in circumstances in which participants are required to stay in their car and it is an important social outlet for persons; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24848/21]

School Transport

Mattie McGrath

470. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Education the progress of the steering group in reviewing the school transport scheme which excludes thousands of students from school transport each year. [24284/21]

Agriculture Schemes

Mattie McGrath

996. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if Article 46(2) of Regulation 1782/2003 means that the single farm payment entitlement cannot be separated from the land in cases in which the land is being leased (details supplied); and if not, the meaning of same. [24484/21]

Agriculture Schemes

Mattie McGrath

997. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if Article 33 of Regulation (EC) 1782/2003 means that the single farm payment scheme is attached to the land in cases (details supplied); and if not the meaning of same. [24485/21]

Road Network

Mattie McGrath

31. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Transport if Transport Infrastructure Ireland will allow a review of planning permissions on a case by case basis rather than continuing with a six-kilometre sterilisation of lands adjoining the N24; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23456/21]

Home Loan Scheme

Mattie McGrath

59. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the number of approvals and rejections of applications of the Rebuilding Ireland home loan scheme by each local authority including the reasoning for same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23305/21]

Covid-19 Pandemic

Mattie McGrath

161. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Health if he will publish the medical and scientific evidence available to him to justify the reason a hotel restaurant is safer than that of a regular restaurant or gastropub when hotel restaurants are allowed to reopen on 2 June 2021 but other restaurants will not reopen in July; the medical and scientific reasoning for same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23318/21]

Defence Forces

Mattie McGrath

355. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Defence the reason a person (details supplied) in the Defence Forces did not receive the 1916 centenary commemorative medal after serving in the Defence Forces for 37 years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23269/21]

Home Schooling

Mattie McGrath

402. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Education the position in relation to the rights of parents to homeschool their children; the manner in which a parent can commence homeschool education; if there have been changes to home-schooling regulations in relation to Covid-19; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [23272/21]

Vaccination Programme

Mattie McGrath

543. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Health the number of adverse effects reported following Covid-19 vaccination to date; the types of adverse effects reported; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22743/21]

Covid-19 Pandemic

Mattie McGrath

546. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Health the number of persons who have appealed against the mandatory hotel quarantine; the reason for the appeal; the number of appeals that have been successful; the number of appeals that have been refused; the reasons for refusal; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22751/21]

Covid-19 Pandemic

Mattie McGrath

548. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Health the reason an exemption to the mandatory hospital quarantine cannot be allowed for those attending the funeral of an immediate family member on compassionate grounds; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22755/21]

Covid-19 Pandemic Supports

Mattie McGrath

350. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media the reason traditional or wet pubs are not included in the outdoor dining scheme; if this exclusion will be reconsidered; the grant supports that will be made available to allow pubs to carry out similar works; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [21381/21]

Covid-19 Pandemic Supports

Mattie McGrath

402. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media the financial supports available for churches that on the instruction of the Government have closed and have moved services online at significant cost; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22100/21]

Covid-19 Pandemic

Mattie McGrath

912. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Health the cost of the pop-up walk-in Covid-19 test centres by test centre; the locations they are or have been in operation; the way in which the locations are selected; the number that have been tested in each test centre; the number of positive tests found in each test centre; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21380/21]

Covid-19 Pandemic

Mattie McGrath

1037. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Health if evidence from other jurisdictions has been examined in cases in which outdoor hospitality has remained open throughout tight restrictions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21994/21]

Local Authority Services

Mattie McGrath

1061. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Health the position in relation to the use and availability of public toilets run by both the local authorities and businesses; if businesses are allowed to operate their public toilets at this time; if not, the proposals he has for the availability of public toilets given the lack of same is a major issue particularly for those with health problems; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22095/21]

Covid-19 Pandemic

Mattie McGrath

1069. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Health the reason those who have been fully vaccinated against Covid-19 with an alternative vaccine (details supplied) to those currently available in the EU are obliged to undertake mandatory hotel quarantine; the reason they will not be accepted in Ireland if these vaccines which have been approved by their country of residence and are approved by the WHO; if he has evidence that such vaccines do not work to suggest that they are not being accepted in the exclusions to mandatory hotel quarantine; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22124/21]

Covid-19 Pandemic

Mattie McGrath

1077. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Health if he will request the HSE and the National Cancer Control Programme to collect and collate all data relating to the number of serious diagnoses made following delayed screening procedures in order that the full data on the impact of the Covid-19 restrictions will be made known (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22200/21]

Covid-19 Pandemic

Mattie McGrath

1080. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Health if travel to a different country for a medical appointment or medical reasons is reasonable grounds for travel; if such action is allowed in law; if a person should be fined for same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22204/21]

Covid-19 Pandemic Supports

Mattie McGrath

1183. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the financial supports available for churches that on the instruction of the Government have closed and have moved services online at significant cost; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22101/21]

Commissions of Investigation

Mattie McGrath

134. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Taoiseach the reason the timeframe for the NAMA Commission of Investigation was extended until 30 September 2021. [18717/21]

Mortality Rates

Mattie McGrath

138. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Taoiseach the reason Ireland has failed to submit excess mortality figures from 2020 to Eurostat; and if the excess mortality rates for 2020 are available and will be published. [19354/21]

Departmental Funding

Mattie McGrath

252. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the estimated amount of State funding provided by his Department to An Taisce each year for the past five years; if he has concerns regarding An Taisce’s remit and ability to cause huge delays to developments of significant importance to the farming community in the south east; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19287/21]

Public Service Obligation Levy

Mattie McGrath

255. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the percentage of passthrough charges that are payable to the Government in the form of the PSO levy; the amount the Government has received from the PSO levy and passthrough charges from the energy suppliers since the beginning of Covid-19 restrictions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19379/21]

National Broadband Plan

Mattie McGrath

269. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if the roll-out of fibre broadband will be accelerated; if so, the plan for the acceleration; and the new predicted completion date. [19736/21]

Departmental Funding

Mattie McGrath

500. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Finance the estimated amount of State funding provided to An Taisce every year for the past five years; the categories under which such funding has been provided; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19285/21]

Mortgage Lending

Mattie McGrath

533. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Finance if his attention has been drawn to the fact that the banks are not allowing customers to draw down approved mortgages in cases in which their employers are on the employment wage subsidy scheme even in cases in which the customer in question is still working full-time and not in receipt of the pandemic unemployment payment (details supplied); if he will engage with the banking institutions to address the issue; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20668/21]

Civil Service

Mattie McGrath

543. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform when the panel for the Irish language executives in the Civil Service is expected to be cleared; the length of time an applicant on the panel will be expected to wait before being offered a position; the efforts being made to increase the number of jobs in the Irish language sector in Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18330/21]

Office of Public Works

Mattie McGrath

730. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the steps he will take to ensure that a protected structure of historical, social and architectural significance is not allowed to fall into further disrepair (details supplied); the role the OPW has to ensure this important building is maintained and preserved; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19275/21]

Departmental Expenditure

Mattie McGrath

731. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the level of State funding provided by his Department to An Taisce every year for the past five years; the categories under which such funding has been provided; the amount of funding provided to An Taisce which has been used by the body for legal challenges against planning applications; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19286/21]

Planning Guidelines

Mattie McGrath

732. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the reason An Taisce is a prescribed body in the planning process; the membership and directorship of An Taisce; if he has concerns regarding its remit and ability to cause huge delays to developments of significant importance to the farming community in the south east based on ideological grounds; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19289/21]

Housing Policy

Mattie McGrath

767. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if grant-aid is available to support families to construct a granny flat for older members of their families to prolong and prevent their admission to care homes or hospitals; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19775/21]

Covid-19 Pandemic

Mattie McGrath

1031. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Education if the wearing of face coverings in classrooms is mandatory or voluntary; if exemptions exist; and if so, the details of same. [19463/21]

Student Grant Scheme

Mattie McGrath

1267. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the number of third-level students who are not in receipt of a SUSI grant and received the €250 once-off Covid-19 payment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18318/21]

Student Universal Support Ireland

Mattie McGrath

1268. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science his views on whether it is fair that SUSI recipients of the Covid student support payment are specifically exempt from tax however the non-SUSI payment is considered as income for tax purposes for non-SUSI recipients. [18319/21]

Student Universal Support Ireland

Mattie McGrath

1269. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if he will provide further clarification on a matter (details supplied); the students classified as the majority; and the basis on which a student is considered tax liable. [18320/21]

Mental Health Policy

Mattie McGrath

1451. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Justice the process for the selection of the chairperson of the new mental health task force; the names of the other members; the breakdown in costs for the running of the task force; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [19774/21]

Covid-19 Pandemic

Mattie McGrath

1537. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Health the legal basis under which student nurses who have refused a Covid-19 vaccine have been informed they will not qualify as a general nurse without taking the vaccine; if the Covid-19 vaccine is mandatory; the legal basis for making this vaccine mandatory for students; his views on whether this decision breaches a student’s right to refuse certain medical treatment or their right not to be put under undue pressure to receive a vaccination against their will; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18170/21]

Covid-19 Pandemic

Mattie McGrath

1575. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Health the strategy for exiting lockdown restrictions; the level of patients in hospital and in intensive care units that is required to allow further easing of restrictions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18300/21]

Covid-19 Pandemic

Mattie McGrath

1729. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Health if HIQA has or plans on re-examining the emerging evidence regarding the efficacy of ivermectin as a prophylactic and treatment for Covid-19; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18818/21]

Covid-19 Pandemic

Mattie McGrath

1756. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Health if he will immediately reconsider easing restrictions on outdoor gatherings, outdoor activities and outdoor hospitality services in view of the recent data from the HSPC on the low incidence rates from outdoor gathering; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18902/21]

Mortality Rates

Mattie McGrath

1781. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Health his views on the level of excess mortality within nursing homes between January and February 2020; if an independent inquiry will be carried out to investigate the huge surge in deaths in nursing homes during this time; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18959/21]

Covid-19 Pandemic

Mattie McGrath

1939. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Health the position in relation to whether an Irish citizen returning here in difficult circumstances, humanitarian grounds for example if a family member is dying or has died has to undergo 14 days mandatory hotel quarantine if a negative PCR test can be supplied; if, and the way in which an Irish citizen can apply for an exemption; the procedure in place for citizens to get an exemption to the MHQ; if he will confirm whether or not someone who has been vaccinated has to undergo MHQ; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19350/21]

Covid-19 Pandemic

Mattie McGrath

2117. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Health the way in which the appeals process operates in relation to mandatory hotel quarantine; the appeals officer in this regard; if a further appeal is possible in the event a person is not satisfied with an appeal outcome; the grounds on which an appeal will be allowed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19898/21]

Covid-19 Pandemic

Mattie McGrath

2129. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Health the position regarding public services which remain restricted while at level 5 in view of the new roadmap for reopening the country which refers to the loosening of restrictions on specific dates rather than the move to new levels; his views on whether it can be reasonably argued that the country remains at level 5 when a number of restrictions have been lifted; if the previous roadmap to living with Covid-19 is still in use; if so, when he expects a move to the lower levels; when all essential public services which are currently closed as a result of being at level 5 will reopen; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19925/21]

Covid-19 Pandemic

Mattie McGrath

2130. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Health when maternity hospital visitor restrictions will be lifted; the continued justification of restricting a partners access; if he will review the matter urgently especially considering the lower levels of patients with Covid-19 in hospitals; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19926/21]

Vaccination Programme

Mattie McGrath

2131. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Health the vaccine that has been provided to student nurses; if it is still the position of his Department and the HSE to force student nurses to take a Covid-19 vaccine if they want to continue their studies given the change in guidelines in relation to a vaccine (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19927/21]

Palliative Care Services

Mattie McGrath

2182. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Health the private nursing homes in Carrick-on-Suir, County Tipperary that have agreed to provide palliative care beds to the HSE if required following the closure of a nursing home (details supplied). [20048/21]

Vaccination Programme

Mattie McGrath

2402. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Health if a person who is in the 65 to 69 years of age cohort and is uncomfortable receiving a vaccine (details supplied) can opt out of this cohort and wait until an alternative vaccine comes available at a later date; if a person who chooses not to receive the vaccine will be prohibited from receiving another vaccine at any other stage; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20701/21]

Health Insurance

Mattie McGrath

2404. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Health his views on whether the lifetime community rating for health insurance can be examined on a case by case basis given that in some cases the amount the customer is paying more to the State between the rating and the Government levy than the cost of the premium for the cover; if he will review the manner in which the lifetime community rating is calculated by reducing the number of years over 34 years of age that a loading is applied; his views on whether there is justification for such a large levy being placed on such policies; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20710/21]

Covid-19 Pandemic

Mattie McGrath

2408. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Health if a person who has been fully vaccinated must quarantine; the reason a person who has been fully vaccinated would be expected to quarantine; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20739/21]

Beekeeping Industry

Mattie McGrath

2448. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the measures his Department is taking to protect the native Irish honey bee that is under significant health threats as a result of the high levels of bees being imported into the country; the efforts he is taking to prevent the native bee from being destroyed and to have it protected as a native and rare species to be preserved; the protections his Department is putting in place as a result of the large increase in bee imports in 2020 which is up 327% on 2019; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18349/21]

EU Regulations

Mattie McGrath

2482. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine further to Parliamentary Question No. 358 of 16 December 2020, if he will clarify and address matters in relation to the Court of Auditors Report dated 22 December 2006 referenced (details supplied). [18984/21]

Covid-19 Pandemic

Mattie McGrath

55. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Finance if he will place a quantifiable monetary value on the direct social and economic costs of the ongoing lockdown strategy on the Irish economy; if he will outline its highly destructive impacts on unprecedented levels of unemployment and the collapse of the small business sector; and if he will ensure that taxpayers will not be forced to pay for same through higher taxes after the pandemic has passed. [16757/21]

Driver Test

Mattie McGrath

307. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Transport when driver theory test services will resume; the reason theory test offices cannot continue to operate at reduced capacity; the number of theory tests that have been cancelled with level 5 restrictions; the efforts that will be made to clear the backlog being created as a result of full cancellation of theory tests; when further theory test categories will be made available online; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17459/21]

Vehicle Registration Tax

Mattie McGrath

384. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Finance the VRT payable on a vehicle (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17261/21]

Departmental Schemes

Mattie McGrath

472. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if renovation grants are available to restore properties in rural areas. [16688/21]

Passport Data

Mattie McGrath

534. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs when the Passport Office will resume full services; the efforts that will be made to reduce the backlog of applications waiting to be processed; the number of passports being processed weekly since 1 January 2021; the number of passports waiting to be processed; the reason the Passport Office cannot continue to operate to process passport applications which are a right of each citizen; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17458/21]

Apprenticeship Programmes

Mattie McGrath

763. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the reason SOLAS has changed the policy for apprentice electricians who are now required to resit their course for a further period until the end of May or June 2021 having already sat their block for weeks online; the reason SOLAS is now requiring them to sit a further block having done this block online; the reason SOLAS has prevented them from sitting their exams online which were due to be held in mid-March 2021; if he will review this policy to ensure that these apprentices are not being held back or delayed as a result of having sat their course online; if these apprentices will be allowed sit their exams online without delay; if other immediate arrangements will be made to allow them to sit their exams to allow them return on-site without delay (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17405/21]

Covid-19 Pandemic

Mattie McGrath

969. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Health the reason prescriptions are again required to be collected weekly, after being changed to monthly collections at the beginning of the Covid-19 pandemic. [16689/21]

Mental Health Services

Mattie McGrath

1135. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Health the status of the mental health crisis house in Clonmel, County Tipperary, which was due to go to tender in quarter 1 of 2021; when the tender process is expected to be completed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17333/21]