Questions and answers published after July 2012 can be viewed here. Viewing by Government Department is possible by term or specific dates from March 2016 onwards. Written answers are published as received from departments. To see parliamentary questions published before July 2012, search in Dáil debates.
Questions and answers for Dáil or Seanad term
Page 2 of 8
Tue, 17 May 2022
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Childcare Services
Joe O'Brien
557. Deputy Joe O'Brien asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth if he will consider a change in the rules of the national childcare scheme so that parents can receive a subsidy based on the hours they are paying for rather than the hours that their children are physically present in the childcare setting; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24804/22]
Thu, 28 Apr 2022
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Medical Aids and Appliances
Joe O'Brien
277. Deputy Joe O'Brien asked the Minister for Health the status of his plans to provide access to the Freestyle Libre flash glucose monitoring system to persons with diabetes over 21 years of age based on clinical need; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21548/22]
Tue, 26 Apr 2022
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Post Office Network
Joe O'Brien
283. Deputy Joe O'Brien asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the status of the planned report from the interdepartmental group on potential increased use of the post office network; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20209/22]
Tue, 26 Apr 2022
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Flexible Work Practices
Joe O'Brien
567. Deputy Joe O'Brien asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if his Department will update its guidance to public sector employers in relation to the temporary suspension of flexi-time arrangements; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20367/22]
Tue, 26 Apr 2022
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Consular Services
Joe O'Brien
756. Deputy Joe O'Brien asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the status of the case of a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20262/22]
Tue, 26 Apr 2022
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International Protection
Joe O'Brien
1134. Deputy Joe O'Brien asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the number of persons who previously entered the international protection process in 2022, presenting with a date of birth which would make them under 18 years of age but who are now living in IPAS accommodation and noted as not being unaccompanied minors following participation in the age assessment procedure by gender and nationalities in tabular form given that the outcome of age assessments is entirely a matter for Tusla. [20114/22]
Tue, 26 Apr 2022
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Health Services
Joe O'Brien
1789. Deputy Joe O'Brien asked the Minister for Health the status of the development of dedicated clinics and models of care for patients with long Covid; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20936/22]
Tue, 26 Apr 2022
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Food Industry
Joe O'Brien
1871. Deputy Joe O'Brien asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will provide an update on the development of the office of a National Food Ombudsman; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19820/22]
Tue, 5 Apr 2022
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International Protection
Joe O'Brien
555. Deputy Joe O'Brien asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the breakdown including by gender and nationality of the number of single persons who have entered the International Protection Process in 2022, presenting with a date of birth which would make them under 18 years of age at the time their case was opened but are living in International Protection Accommodation Services accommodation and noted as not being unaccompanied minors. [17947/22]
Wed, 30 Mar 2022
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National Oil Reserves Agency
Joe O'Brien
8. Deputy Joe O'Brien asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if the National Oil Reserves Agency will be requested to maintain a reserve supply of AdBlue for hauliers in the event of a major interruption in supply due to current events; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16845/22]
Wed, 30 Mar 2022
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Energy Prices
Joe O'Brien
22. Deputy Joe O'Brien asked the Minister for Transport if his attention has been drawn to the rapid increase in the price of AdBlue for hauliers in recent weeks and if steps can be taken to assist hauliers with this cost increase. [16841/22]
Tue, 22 Mar 2022
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Covid-19 Pandemic
Joe O'Brien
990. Deputy Joe O'Brien asked the Minister for Health if he has considered the recommendations of the International Covid Blood Cancer Coalition impact statement; if these will be implemented; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14634/22]
Tue, 22 Mar 2022
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Medicinal Products
Joe O'Brien
991. Deputy Joe O'Brien asked the Minister for Health if he will provide an update on the availability of Sotrovimab to immunocompromised patients here; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14635/22]
Tue, 22 Mar 2022
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Medicinal Products
Joe O'Brien
992. Deputy Joe O'Brien asked the Minister for Health if he will provide an update on the availability of Paxlovid to immunocompromised patients here; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14636/22]
Tue, 22 Mar 2022
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Medicinal Products
Joe O'Brien
993. Deputy Joe O'Brien asked the Minister for Health if he will provide an update on the availability of Evusheld to immunocompromised patients here; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14637/22]
Tue, 1 Mar 2022
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Food Waste
Joe O'Brien
188. Deputy Joe O'Brien asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if the possibility of a good Samaritan law, requiring retailers to donate food that would otherwise be disposed of to charity will be considered as part of the development of a draft national food waste prevention roadmap. [11702/22]
Thu, 24 Feb 2022
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Airport Security
Joe O'Brien
206. Deputy Joe O'Brien asked the Minister for Transport if his attention has been drawn to the delays that businesses in Dublin Airport are experiencing with the new enhanced background checking system and the impact that this is having on their ability to successfully recruit new staff; and his plans to address this issue. [10619/22]
Tue, 15 Feb 2022
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Defective Building Materials
Joe O'Brien
376. Deputy Joe O'Brien asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the supports that are available to homeowners effected by pyrite that are not eligible for the remediation scheme due to the damage to their home being assessed as grade 1. [8146/22]
Tue, 8 Feb 2022
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Pharmacy Services
Joe O'Brien
633. Deputy Joe O'Brien asked the Minister for Health if his attention has been drawn to difficulties pharmacies in north County Dublin have had in accessing supplies of epilim chronospheres medication; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5942/22]
Tue, 1 Feb 2022
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Work Permits
Joe O'Brien
198. Deputy Joe O'Brien asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the status of plans for the development of seasonal work permits. [4574/22]
Tue, 1 Feb 2022
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Food Industry
Joe O'Brien
845. Deputy Joe O'Brien asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the status of plans for a food ombudsman. [4573/22]
Thu, 27 Jan 2022
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Food Industry
Joe O'Brien
368. Deputy Joe O'Brien asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the number of County Dublin-based producers on the Food Producers Register; and the number of producers in each category as outlined in the registration form, such as, outdoor salad vegetables, indoor salad vegetables and soft fruit in tabular form. [3990/22]
Tue, 25 Jan 2022
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Environmental Policy
Joe O'Brien
680. Deputy Joe O'Brien asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if guidance on the legislation governing limitations on common ragwort, field thistle, spear thistle, broad-leaved dock and curled dock will be provided; and his plans to review these limitations given the value of these plants to Ireland's biodiversity and broader ecosystem. [2936/22]
Tue, 7 Dec 2021
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Covid-19 Pandemic Supports
Joe O'Brien
206. Deputy Joe O'Brien asked the Minister for Finance if consideration has been given to delaying the planned reduction in the employment wage subsidy scheme rates in December in view of a decline in hospitality bookings due to the increase in Covid-19 cases and the clear need to reduce social contacts; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [60178/21]
Thu, 2 Dec 2021
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Local Drugs Task Forces
Joe O'Brien
217. Deputy Joe O'Brien asked the Minister for Health the number of vacant community seats on the local and regional drugs task forces nationally; and if he will provide a list of the vacancies per area. [59635/21]
Tue, 30 Nov 2021
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Healthcare Infrastructure Provision
Joe O'Brien
586. Deputy Joe O'Brien asked the Minister for Health the status of the progression of a project in view of the fact that the HSE stated a year ago that Swords, County Dublin was a priority for the development of a new primary care centre and that a preferred provider was to be in place by spring 2021; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [58707/21]
Tue, 9 Nov 2021
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Citizenship Applications
Joe O'Brien
519. Deputy Joe O'Brien asked the Minister for Justice the current average processing times for applications for citizenship; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [54083/21]
Thu, 4 Nov 2021
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Covid-19 Pandemic
Joe O'Brien
357. Deputy Joe O'Brien asked the Minister for Health if consideration has been given to amending guidelines for asymptomatic close contacts of cases in school settings in relation to testing and isolation in view of increasing cases of Covid-19 nationally; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53797/21]
Tue, 2 Nov 2021
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National Maternity Hospital
Joe O'Brien
989. Deputy Joe O'Brien asked the Minister for Health the status of the negotiations around site ownership and governance of the planned new national maternity hospital; if a timeframe has been set for the completion of these negotiations; and if an alternative site is under consideration should this timeline not be met. [52777/21]
Tue, 2 Nov 2021
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Healthcare Policy
Joe O'Brien
1122. Deputy Joe O'Brien asked the Minister for Health if persons who have been diagnosed with myocarditis subsequent to receiving a vaccination for Covid-19 can apply to have their medical expenses reimbursed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53320/21]
Tue, 2 Nov 2021
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Healthcare Policy
Joe O'Brien
1123. Deputy Joe O'Brien asked the Minister for Health the supports available to persons who have been diagnosed with myocarditis subsequent to receiving a vaccination for Covid-19; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53321/21]
Wed, 20 Oct 2021
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Health Services
Joe O'Brien
226. Deputy Joe O'Brien asked the Minister for Health if he will consider including fibromyalgia as a specified condition under the long-term illness scheme; the reason it has not been recognised or included up until now; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51443/21]
Wed, 20 Oct 2021
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Cannabis for Medicinal Use
Joe O'Brien
260. Deputy Joe O'Brien asked the Minister for Health if he has examined the regulations and legislation that apply to cannabis use for medical conditions and palliative care having regard to the experience in Northern Ireland and Great Britain as set out in the Programme for Government; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51530/21]
Wed, 20 Oct 2021
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Cannabis for Medicinal Use
Joe O'Brien
261. Deputy Joe O'Brien asked the Minister for Health his plans to widen the strict criteria by which a patient can gain access to medicinal cannabis; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51532/21]
Tue, 19 Oct 2021
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Health Services Staff
Joe O'Brien
715. Deputy Joe O'Brien asked the Minister for Health the status of the recruitment of the remaining four epilepsy nurse specialist posts of six agreed in 2018 for the implementation of the Pregnancy Prevention Programme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50367/21]
Tue, 19 Oct 2021
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Covid-19 Pandemic
Joe O'Brien
850. Deputy Joe O'Brien asked the Minister for Health if he will provide an update on the removal of all restrictions for partners attending appointments with patients in maternity units; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51132/21]
Tue, 12 Oct 2021
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Hospital Staff
Joe O'Brien
547. Deputy Joe O'Brien asked the Minister for Health his plans to increase the number of neurology nurse specialists in Beaumont Hospital; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49481/21]
Wed, 6 Oct 2021
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National Cultural Institutions
Joe O'Brien
28. Deputy Joe O'Brien asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media the status of the planned transition of the National Symphony Orchestra to the National Concert Hall; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [48551/21]
Tue, 5 Oct 2021
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State Examinations
Joe O'Brien
380. Deputy Joe O'Brien asked the Minister for Education if she will consider a review of the scheme of reasonable accommodations at certificate examinations and consider broadening the current set of allowable reasonable accommodations with a view to making examinations a more accessible and equal experience for children with a disability. [47633/21]
Wed, 29 Sep 2021
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Flexible Work Practices
Joe O'Brien
246. Deputy Joe O'Brien asked the Minister for Health the details of the work underway to introduce blended working into the HSE in particular in CHO9 Dublin north central in a way that provides flexibility for workers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47030/21]
Tue, 28 Sep 2021
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Rail Network
Joe O'Brien
244. Deputy Joe O'Brien asked the Minister for Transport if a timeline for the completion of the DART+ coastal north project will be provided; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46081/21]
Wed, 22 Sep 2021
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Health Services
Joe O'Brien
238. Deputy Joe O'Brien asked the Minister for Health when the Sláintecare project on the development of a national diabetes register will recommence; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45547/21]
Tue, 21 Sep 2021
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Schools Building Projects
Joe O'Brien
356. Deputy Joe O'Brien asked the Minister for Education the reason a major school building project (details supplied) has been at stage 2b for nearly five years; if her attention has been drawn to the fact that this school has been in temporary accommodation, mainly prefabs, for more than 20 years; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [44540/21]
Tue, 27 Jul 2021
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Schools Building Projects
Joe O'Brien
986. Deputy Joe O'Brien asked the Minister for Education the reason for the delay in the beginning of a tendering process for a design team for the planned extension to a school (details supplied); the reason for the issues with the tendering process which has now stalled; and the measures she can take to ensure delivery of the extension in a timely manner. [40092/21]
Tue, 27 Jul 2021
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Unaccompanied Minors and Separated Children
Joe O'Brien
1344. Deputy Joe O'Brien asked the Minister for Justice the number of international protection applicants who presented as unaccompanied minors that have been age-disputed and subjected to an assessment by Tusla since the commencement of the International Protection Act 2015; the number deemed as adults and placed into direct provision; and the number deemed as minors and placed in the care of Tusla. [39473/21]
Tue, 27 Jul 2021
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Health Services
Joe O'Brien
1663. Deputy Joe O'Brien asked the Minister for Health if there is a legal basis for the refusal to accept referrals to the HSE for orthognathic surgery from private orthodontic practitioners; if the only referral method for public treatment for this procedure is through the HSE pathway; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34757/21]
Tue, 27 Jul 2021
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Medicinal Products
Joe O'Brien
2019. Deputy Joe O'Brien asked the Minister for Health the proposed establishment of an inquiry into the historical licensing and use of sodium valproate in Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36227/21]
Tue, 27 Jul 2021
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Covid-19 Pandemic
Joe O'Brien
2354. Deputy Joe O'Brien asked the Minister for Health the number of guests that will be permitted at wedding ceremonies and receptions in August 2021; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37479/21]
Tue, 27 Jul 2021
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Covid-19 Pandemic
Joe O'Brien
2533. Deputy Joe O'Brien asked the Minister for Health if citizens who have been fully vaccinated with one of the approved vaccines in a jurisdiction outside of the EU, for example, in the United States of America will be eligible to apply for the EU digital Covid Certificate upon return to Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38003/21]
Tue, 27 Jul 2021
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Covid-19 Pandemic
Joe O'Brien
2880. Deputy Joe O'Brien asked the Minister for Health if information can be provided on the planned reopening of children’s play activity and leisure centres; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39472/21]