Parliamentary questions

Defence Forces Personnel

Brendan Smith

238. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Defence if the provisions of paragraph 31(1) of Defence Forces Regulation R5 have ever been used to promote an Army Reserve officer commissioned after 1 October 2005; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36082/20]

Oireachtas Joint Committee Reports

Brendan Smith

352. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Health the progress to date on implementing the recommendations of the 2018 report by the Oireachtas Joint Committee on Health on foetal anti-convulsant syndrome; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36053/20]

Air Pollution

Brendan Smith

45. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Environment, Climate and Communications if specific financial resources will be allocated to local authorities to ensure that the ban on smoky coal is monitored and implemented due to the difficulties caused for some businesses arising from cross-Border trade in such products; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35755/20]

Direct Provision System

Brendan Smith

163. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth if his attention has been drawn to concerns about living conditions for residents in direct provision centres (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35561/20]

Brexit Supports

Brendan Smith

40. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if extra supports are being provided to businesses in Border counties in the context of Brexit; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35047/20]

North-South Interconnector

Brendan Smith

116. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Environment, Climate and Communications the plans his Department has to engage with communities along the route of the proposed north-south interconnector in counties Monaghan, Cavan and Meath; if his attention has been drawn to the fact that there is strong and widespread opposition in these communities to the proposal to put the transmission cables overground in the event of the project proceeding; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35078/20]

Telecommunications Services

Brendan Smith

134. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Environment, Climate and Communications his plans to introduce a public service obligation on mobile telecommunications providers to ensure that all areas of the country have adequate and proper mobile telephony coverage; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35079/20]

Carer's Allowance

Brendan Smith

526. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Social Protection if a person whose carer's allowance payment ceases 12 weeks following the death of the person being cared for is entitled to the pandemic unemployment payment when that person is unable to return to employment due to the Covid-19 pandemic; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [35254/20]

Livestock Issues

Brendan Smith

824. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will review the conditions applicable to mart sales at present and enable the presence of a limited number of buyers at the ringside, properly and appropriately spaced in accordance with public health regulations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35331/20]

Local Improvement Scheme

Brendan Smith

25. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the funding that will be provided for the local improvement scheme under the CLÁR programme in 2021; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [34155/20]

LEADER Programmes

Brendan Smith

37. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development if specific funding will be provided for new projects under the LEADER programme in 2021; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [34154/20]

Brexit Issues

Brendan Smith

70. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Environment, Climate and Communications if it will be ensured there will be no additional costs for persons resident here using mobile phones in any part of the island from 1 January 2021 due to the UK leaving the European Union; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34505/20]

Brexit Negotiations

Brendan Smith

140. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the outcome of the most recent discussions at EU level in relation to Brexit and the implementation of the withdrawal agreement and the Northern Ireland protocol; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34506/20]

Covid-19 Tests

Brendan Smith

166. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Education if she is satisfied that Covid-19 testing systems for primary and post-primary schools are adequate to ensure that no delays occur in providing such necessary services; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [34511/20]

Covid-19 Tests

Brendan Smith

334. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Health further to Parliamentary Question No. 256 of 21 October 2020, if healthcare workers and their families can be prioritised for rapid testing and results, including healthcare personnel working in the community to enable staff to return to work in an efficient manner as possible; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34507/20]

Agriculture Scheme Data

Brendan Smith

341. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the ANC and single farm payments issued to date to farmers in counties Cavan and Monaghan; the percentage of applicants still awaiting initial payments; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34517/20]

Covid-19 Pandemic

Brendan Smith

63. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he will give the issues outlined by a national association (details supplied) urgent consideration; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34142/20]

Local Development Companies

Brendan Smith

167. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the level of funding that will be provided for the 35 local development companies to prepare and deliver a two-year national rural development programme; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [34133/20]

Local Development Companies

Brendan Smith

168. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development if she will ensure that funding is provided for new projects under LEADER in 2021 in view of the importance of the programme for rural areas; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [34134/20]

Brexit Issues

Brendan Smith

35. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he has had discussions with his counterpart in the Northern Ireland Executive in relation to the difficulties that will face the agri-food sector on an all-Ireland basis post-Brexit; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33527/20]

Common Agricultural Policy

Brendan Smith

50. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the outcome of the most recent discussions at the EU Agriculture Council in relation to the funding of the CAP post-2020; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33526/20]

Covid-19 Pandemic

Brendan Smith

131. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Health the proposals being considered to intensify co-operation on an all-Ireland basis in relation to the introduction and implementation of restrictions such as those provided for in the National Framework for Living with Covid-19; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33479/20]

School Facilities

Brendan Smith

720. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Education if approval will be expedited in respect of the provision of additional facilities at a school (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [32516/20]

Oireachtas Joint Committee Recommendations

Brendan Smith

1049. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Justice if the recommendations of the Joint Committee on Justice and Equality on reform of the family law system have been considered; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [32358/20]

Oireachtas Joint Committee Recommendations

Brendan Smith

1050. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Justice if she will consider implementing recommendations 9, 11 and 36 of the report of the Joint Committee on Justice and Equality on reform of the family law system; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [32359/20]

Covid-19 Pandemic

Brendan Smith

1117. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Health if he is satisfied that An Garda Síochána has adequate powers to restrict the movements of persons who are ordinarily resident outside this jurisdiction in view of the restrictions on domestic travel in accordance with the national framework for living with Covid-19; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32022/20]

Dental Services

Brendan Smith

1345. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Health if further assistance will be given to help in the provision of health services (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33316/20]

Value Added Tax

Brendan Smith

66. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Finance if consideration will be given to the requests of the beauty sector to have the VAT rate reduced in view of the ongoing difficulties encountered by this industry, in the forthcoming Finance Bill; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32254/20]

National Childcare Scheme

Brendan Smith

133. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Children, Disability, Equality and Integration if additional funding will be provided to assist in the provision of afterschool childcare in which there are families with particular needs; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32261/20]

Road Projects

Brendan Smith

41. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Transport if funding will be provided to progress a project (details supplied) in 2021; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32062/20]

Banking Sector

Brendan Smith

66. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Finance further to Parliamentary Question No. 65 of 23 September 2020, the further contact that has been made with a financial institution (details supplied); the progress made to secure existing employment and retain the services provided by this financial institution nationally; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32040/20]

Childcare Services

Brendan Smith

196. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Children, Disability, Equality and Integration the provisions that are available to assist frontline workers with childcare needs during Covid-19; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32061/20]

Covid-19 Pandemic Supports

Brendan Smith

212. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the supports that will be provided to students to assist them with online and blended learning in which difficulties arise due to inadequate broadband telecommunications; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32074/20]

Covid-19 Tests

Brendan Smith

256. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Health if provision is made to prioritise Covid-19 testing for healthcare workers and their immediate family members in circumstances in which it is deemed necessary; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32037/20]

Departmental Schemes

Brendan Smith

256. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media when it is expected that details of a grant scheme will be announced (details supplied); the level of funding to be provided for the scheme nationally; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [31063/20]

Mother and Baby Homes Inquiries

Brendan Smith

444. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Children, Disability, Equality and Integration if he will have the issues raised in correspondence considered (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31054/20]

Enterprise Support Services

Brendan Smith

32. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if a programme of financial assistance will be made available for the development of digital hubs in smaller towns to assist in job creation at local level; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30590/20]

Brexit Supports

Brendan Smith

54. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if programmes of assistance will be made available to small and medium enterprises in the Border region that will be adversely affected by Brexit and that are heavily dependent on the Northern Irish and British markets as export destinations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30591/20]

Local Authority Funding

Brendan Smith

147. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he will consider issues raised in correspondence from a local authority (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30655/20]

School Staff

Brendan Smith

203. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Education if further consideration will be given to the issues raised in correspondence (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30861/20]

School Accommodation

Brendan Smith

48. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Education if an application in respect of a proposed building project at a school (details supplied) will proceed to the next stage without further delay; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30282/20]

School Accommodation

Brendan Smith

74. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Education when a proposed building project at a school (details supplied) will proceed to the next stage in view of the urgent need to upgrade existing accommodation and provide new accommodation; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30281/20]

School Accommodation

Brendan Smith

186. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Education if the approval of an application for additional permanent accommodation for a school (details supplied) will be expedited in view of the increase in enrolment at the school; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30560/20]

Disability Services Provision

Brendan Smith

577. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Health the timelines for the refurbishment of a health facility (details supplied); when services will resume at the facility; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30361/20]

Disability Services Provision

Brendan Smith

578. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Health if services will commence at an early date at a proposed health facility (details supplied); if the centre will be operational at an early date in view of the need to provide services in the area; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30362/20]

Defence Forces Reserve

Brendan Smith

8. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Defence the proposed enlistment number for the Reserve Defence Force for 2021; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29128/20]

Defence Forces Reserve

Brendan Smith

25. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Defence the enrolment in the Reserve Defence Force; the proposals for recruitment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29127/20]

Mental Health Services

Brendan Smith

286. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Health if additional resources will be provided for mental health services in counties Cavan and Monaghan; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29479/20]

National Broadband Plan

Brendan Smith

36. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Environment, Climate and Communications if he will consider the issues raised by a local authority (details supplied) on infrastructure; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29216/20]

Local Authority Housing

Brendan Smith

33. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if it will be ensured that substantial financial provision is made for the voids programme in 2021 due to the valuable and important work being undertaken under the programme in 2020 and the need to make further progress in this area; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28448/20]

Social and Affordable Housing

Brendan Smith

65. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage when the review of income eligibility limits for social housing will be finalised; if it will be ensured that limits for areas such as counties Cavan and Monaghan will be improved as a matter of urgency due to the unrealistic limits applicable at present; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28447/20]

Undocumented Irish in the USA

Brendan Smith

109. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he had discussions during his recent visit to the United States on the difficulties facing the undocumented Irish; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28450/20]

Dublin-Monaghan Bombings

Brendan Smith

135. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the outcome of recent discussions he has had with the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland and the UK Foreign Secretary on the Dublin-Monaghan bombings of 1974 and the need for a full investigation with access to UK files and papers pertaining to the atrocities; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28449/20]

Post Office Network

Brendan Smith

188. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Environment, Climate and Communications if he will give consideration to the recommendations in the report prepared for an organisation (details supplied) in relation to the need to provide an annual public service obligation for the post office network of €17 million; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28671/20]

Covid-19 Pandemic Supports

Brendan Smith

493. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Social Protection the supports that will be provided to assist persons that have to take time off work to self-isolate in cases in which a family member living in the same household awaits a Covid-19 test result; if her attention has been drawn to the fact that at present some persons have to take annual leave or may receive no income in respect of such days not in work; if her attention has been further drawn to the fact that the present necessary and appropriate self-isolation is causing financial difficulties for some persons and families, particularly for those on lower incomes; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [28632/20]

Jobseeker's Benefit

Brendan Smith

528. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Social Protection further to Parliamentary Question No. 547 of 22 September 2020, if this jobseeker’s benefit application will be approved with effect from 30 March 2020, in view of the fact the application meets the criteria of the scheme for payment from that date; if this application will be finalised without further delay; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [28625/20]

Covid-19 Pandemic Supports

Brendan Smith

13. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Media, Tourism, Arts, Culture, Sport and the Gaeltacht if specific funding will be provided for the events and entertainment industry due to the ongoing and adverse impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on the sector and the resultant loss of employment; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27422/20]

Covid-19 Pandemic Supports

Brendan Smith

46. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Media, Tourism, Arts, Culture, Sport and the Gaeltacht if further urgent consideration will be given to the detailed requests of the events and entertainment industry for adequate financial support for the sector in view of the very severe and ongoing impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on the sector and the loss of employment; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27423/20]

Mental Health Services

Brendan Smith

287. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Health if he will address the need for additional investment in mental health services in budget 2021 (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27840/20]

Covid-19 Tests

Brendan Smith

247. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Health if testing for Covid-19 at designated centres such as meat factories and direct provision centres is compulsory for all personnel; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27587/20]

Banking Sector

Brendan Smith

34. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Finance if he has had discussions with a company (details supplied) in relation to the need to retain a bank and its network of branches here; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26774/20]

Banking Sector

Brendan Smith

79. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Finance his plans to have discussions with a company (details supplied) in relation to retain a bank and its network of branches here; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26775/20]

Garda Stations

Brendan Smith

103. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the progress to date in carrying out refurbishment works at the Garda station in Bawnboy, County Cavan, to enable it to reopen as announced by the Department of Justice and Equality some time ago; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26729/20]

Flood Prevention Measures

Brendan Smith

133. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if additional funding will be provided in 2021 for flood mitigation works that are undertaken by local authorities with particular reference to the need to approve projects in counties Cavan and Monaghan; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26730/20]

Sports Facilities

Brendan Smith

373. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Media, Tourism, Arts, Culture, Sport and the Gaeltacht if funding will be provided to a voluntary organisation (details supplied) in respect of the ongoing costs of providing a sports and recreation facility; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27339/20]

Education Policy

Brendan Smith

436. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Education if consideration will be given to issues raised by an organisation (details supplied) regarding the need to provide additional funding for primary education in the context of budget 2021; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26949/20]

Education Policy

Brendan Smith

481. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Education if consideration will be given to issues raised by an organisation (details supplied) relating to the need to provide additional funding for primary education in the context of budget 2021; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26950/20]

Early Years Sector

Brendan Smith

596. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Children, Disability, Equality and Integration if he will consider the issues raised in correspondence (details supplied) in relation to early education; and if additional funding will be provided in Budget 2021 for the sector. [26845/20]

Early Years Sector

Brendan Smith

597. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Children, Disability, Equality and Integration if he will consider the issues raised in correspondence (details supplied) in relation to early education; if additional funding will be provided in Budget 2021 for the sector; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26857/20]

Early Years Sector

Brendan Smith

619. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Children, Disability, Equality and Integration if consideration will be given to matters raised in correspondence by a person (details supplied) in relation to early education; if additional funding will be provided in Budget 2021 for the sector; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26841/20]

Departmental Correspondence

Brendan Smith

1020. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if consideration will be given to the issues raised (details supplied) by a local authority in relation to correspondence issued by his Department to farmers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26964/20]

Agriculture Industry

Brendan Smith

1034. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will give detailed consideration to the issues raised in a 2021 Budget Submission by an Association (details supplied); if the concerns of the sector which will be adversely affected by the Covid-19 pandemic and Brexit will be addressed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27290/20]

Road Projects

Brendan Smith

25. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Transport if funding will be provided in 2021 for the upgrading of a road (details supplied) in view of its strategic importance in counties Cavan and Monaghan; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25681/20]

Covid-19 Pandemic

Brendan Smith

89. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Transport if adequate checks are taking place at airports and ports in relation to dealing with the Covid-19 pandemic; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26263/20]

Garda Stations

Brendan Smith

104. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the timescale for the reopening of Bawnboy Garda station, County Cavan; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26198/20]

Garda Stations

Brendan Smith

109. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the timescale for the refurbishment or upgrading of a Garda station (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26215/20]

Animal Diseases

Brendan Smith

300. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will ensure that suitably qualified persons, licensed merchant stores and veterinary pharmacies will be able to continue the prescribing and supply of anthelmintics; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26213/20]

Banking Sector

Brendan Smith

65. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Finance if he has had discussions with a bank (details supplied) in relation to reports regarding the possible closure of another bank here which would result in the closure of 88 branches, the loss of 2,500 jobs and would further reduce banking competition; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25860/20]

Covid-19 Pandemic

Brendan Smith

208. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Health if urgent consideration will be given to issues raised in correspondence (details supplied) concerning the difficulties in delivering health services; and if assistance will be provided to the sector as promised by his predecessor; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25856/20]

Free Travel Scheme

Brendan Smith

31. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Social Protection if she will engage with the private bus operators and the National Transport Authority with a view to applying the free-travel scheme on all publicly licensed bus routes; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [25065/20]

State Pension (Contributory)

Brendan Smith

43. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Social Protection her plans to introduce a total contributions approach in relation to the assessment of a person’s contributory pension entitlements; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [25066/20]

North-South Interconnector

Brendan Smith

86. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Climate Action and Communication Networks if his Department plans to engage with communities in counties Cavan, Monaghan and Meath along the route of the proposed North South Interconnector; if his attention has been drawn to the fact that there is widespread opposition to the proposal to put the transmission cables overground in the event of the project proceeding; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25143/20]

National Broadband Plan

Brendan Smith

99. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Climate Action and Communication Networks the areas of County Cavan which will have broadband infrastructure upgraded in 2020 in view of recent reports that the county is to be prioritised for the rollout of the National Broadband Plan; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25037/20]

Fuel Poverty

Brendan Smith

156. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Climate Action and Communication Networks the status of an ESRI report regarding fuel poverty due to be published; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25152/20]

Covid-19 Pandemic

Brendan Smith

301. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Media, Tourism, Arts, Culture, Sport and the Gaeltacht if she will give urgent consideration to the issues (details supplied) raised regarding a sector that has been adversely affected by the Covid-19 pandemic; if adequate financial support will be provided to enable this sector reopen to the safest extent possible and protect employment; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [25212/20]

Jobseeker's Payments

Brendan Smith

547. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Social Protection when a jobseeker’s benefit application will be approved for a person (details supplied); if this application will be finalised without further delay as it meets with the criteria of the scheme; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [25523/20]

Social Welfare Eligibility

Brendan Smith

561. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Social Protection if urgent consideration will be given to issues raised in correspondence (details supplied) concerning entitlements for employees of a company (details supplied); if it will be ensured that such applications are processed and approved without delay; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [25558/20]

Covid-19 Pandemic

Brendan Smith

886. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if there is a requirement to have a deep clean carried out in a meat processing facility in which staff members have had a positive Covid-19 test; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25223/20]

Vacant Properties

Brendan Smith

16. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Community and Rural Development and the Islands if specific measures will be introduced to assist in the upgrading of vacant premises to provide living accommodation in smaller towns and villages in rural communities in view of the fact such investment could contribute substantially to the regeneration of these communities; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24334/20]

Sports Capital Programme

Brendan Smith

99. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Media, Tourism, Arts, Culture, Sport and the Gaeltacht when details of the next sports capital programme will be announced; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24592/20]

Schools Building Projects

Brendan Smith

126. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Education when a proposed building project (details supplied) will proceed to the next stage; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24604/20]

School Facilities

Brendan Smith

127. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Education the progress to date in respect of the provision of new facilities at a school (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24606/20]

Forestry Sector

Brendan Smith

235. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the measures he will implement to deal with delays in felling forestry which is causing serious problems for the timber industry and shortage of supplies for other sectors; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24594/20]

Brexit Issues

Brendan Smith

61. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the outcome of the most recent discussion he has had with his British counterpart in relation to the Withdrawal Agreement with particular reference to the Protocol on Ireland/Northern Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24431/20]

Brexit Issues

Brendan Smith

62. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the outcome of the most recent discussions he has had with parties in the Northern Ireland Executive in relation to Brexit; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24432/20]

Covid-19 Pandemic

Brendan Smith

46. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Health if there will be changes to the memorandum of understanding with Northern Ireland in respect of Covid-19; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23690/20]

Covid-19 Pandemic

Brendan Smith

102. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Health the engagement he is undertaking with his Northern Ireland counterpart to intensify an all-Ireland approach to tackling Covid-19; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23689/20]

Common Agricultural Policy

Brendan Smith

128. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the position on funding for CAP post 2020; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23969/20]

Common Agricultural Policy

Brendan Smith

141. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the timescale for the completion of discussions on the future funding of CAP; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23970/20]

Garda Investigations

Brendan Smith

8. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Justice if there has been further progress in achieving a full and comprehensive investigation here and in Northern Ireland into the bombing in Belturbet, County Cavan, in December 1972, which caused the death of two young persons and injuries to many others; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22831/20]