Parliamentary questions

Nursing Staff

Brendan Smith

605. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Health his plans to increase critical care capacity with particular reference to the recruitment and retention of critical care nurses; if he will give further consideration to a submission by an association (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7981/20]

Beef Industry

Brendan Smith

689. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine when the next meeting of the Beef Taskforce will take place; the issues to be discussed at the meeting; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7990/20]

Live Exports

Brendan Smith

691. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the boat capacity licensed to date for the export of live animals in 2020; if he is satisfied that this capacity is adequate; if not, the plans he has to licence additional capacity; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7999/20]

Electric Vehicles

Brendan Smith

728. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the progress that will be made in installing additional fast charging points for electric vehicles in County Cavan in 2020; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7804/20]

Electric Vehicles

Brendan Smith

729. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the progress that will be made in installing additional fast charging points for electric vehicles in County Monaghan in 2020; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7805/20]

Covid-19 Pandemic Supports

Brendan Smith

888. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the proposals she put forward at the recent EU meeting of youth ministers in respect of the need to provide additional supports to young persons through the youth sector; if the EU will provide funding to support the provision of vital services for young persons through these difficult times; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8070/20]

Covid-19 Pandemic Supports

Brendan Smith

889. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the additional funding that will be provided to the youth sector to support young persons particularly disadvantaged and vulnerable young persons during these difficult times; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8071/20]

Covid-19 Pandemic Supports

Brendan Smith

891. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs her plans to provide childcare for healthcare workers; her further plans to bring forward a suitable scheme without further delay; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8168/20]

Wildlife Control

Brendan Smith

1104. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht if her attention has been drawn to the concerns of an organisation (details supplied) and regional game councils in relation to the exclusion of wood pigeon from the derogation for June, July and August 2020; if her attention has been further drawn to the fact that the advice to farmers that fear serious damage to crops to apply for section 42 permits under the Wildlife Acts is not adequate due to delays that occur in the issue of such permits; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [7952/20]

Dublin-Monaghan Bombings

Brendan Smith

37. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he has had recent discussions with the UK Foreign Secretary and the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland on the need for the UK Government to respond positively to the unanimous requests of Dáil Éireann concerning the Dublin and Monaghan bombings of 1974; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6656/20]

Covid-19 Pandemic Supports

Brendan Smith

123. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Finance if a company which had some staff on the wage subsidy scheme who will be re-employed after 1 May 2020 will have their wage subsidy refunded; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6708/20]

School Accommodation Provision

Brendan Smith

346. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Education and Skills when long-standing proposals to provide additional permanent accommodation and upgrade existing accommodation at a school (details supplied) will be advanced to the next stage; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6661/20]

School Accommodation Provision

Brendan Smith

347. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Education and Skills when long-standing proposals to provide additional permanent accommodation and upgrade existing accommodation at a school (details supplied) will be advanced to the next stage; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6662/20]

School Accommodation Provision

Brendan Smith

348. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Education and Skills when proposals to provide additional permanent accommodation and upgrade existing accommodation at a school (details supplied) will be advanced to the next stage; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6663/20]

School Accommodation Provision

Brendan Smith

351. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Education and Skills if approval will issue at an early date in respect of a proposed building project for a school (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6685/20]

Schools Facilities

Brendan Smith

352. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Education and Skills when approval will issue in respect of the provision of new facilities at a school (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6686/20]

Special Educational Needs

Brendan Smith

353. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Education and Skills if it is proposed to have a July education programme in 2020; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6687/20]

Covid-19 Pandemic

Brendan Smith

687. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Health his plans to ensure that the Covid-19 pandemic issues will be addressed on an all-island basis to the best possible extent; the level of cooperation in place at present between the authorities here and in Northern Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5803/20]

Covid-19 Pandemic Supports

Brendan Smith

710. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Health If consideration will be given to the request of a representative association in relation to the need to provide additional support for a sector (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5957/20]

Covid-19 Pandemic Supports

Brendan Smith

812. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Health his plans to provide additional financial support for community pharmacies in view of difficulties facing this sector as outlined by a union (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7026/20]

Livestock Issues

Brendan Smith

906. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if urgent consideration will be given to the issues raised in correspondence from an association (details supplied) in view of the need to have marts functioning as much as possible with appropriate restrictions in place; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6660/20]

Poultry Industry

Brendan Smith

907. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will establish a compensation scheme in respect of the culling of poultry flocks which has resulted in huge losses for a number of poultry farmers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6689/20]

Covid-19 Pandemic Supports

Brendan Smith

908. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the specific proposals he put forward at the recent EU Agriculture and Fisheries Council in relation to the urgent need to provide adequate financial support for the farming sector in view of the additional difficulties that have arisen for different sectors due to Covid-19; the outcome of such discussions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6717/20]

Tourism Funding

Brendan Smith

1047. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he has had discussions with the banking sector in relation to the need to support the tourism and hospitality sector through the major difficulties that have arisen due to Covid-19; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6700/20]

Domestic Violence

Brendan Smith

1185. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection if she will put in place a short-term emergency rent supplement which would enable women and children in need of immediate relocation due to domestic violence to access safe housing for a period of three months or the duration of the Covid-19 national emergency in view of her responsibility for the co-ordination of the emergency Covid response to domestic, sexual and gender-based violence; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6733/20]

Domestic Violence

Brendan Smith

1186. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection if she will reconsider her decision not to facilitate access to emergency rent supplement which would enable women and children in need of immediate relocation due to domestic violence to secure safe housing for a period of three months or the duration of the Covid-19 national emergency; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6736/20]

Domestic Violence

Brendan Smith

1281. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection if she will reconsider her decision not to facilitate access to emergency rent supplement which would enable women and children in need of immediate relocation due to domestic violence to secure safe housing for a period of three months or the duration of the Covid-19 national emergency; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6735/20]

Local Authority Housing

Brendan Smith

1370. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government the funding allocated to Cavan County Council in respect of the housing voids programme in 2019; if an increased level of funding will be provided in 2020 in view of the urgent need to bring vacant local authority housing stock back to habitable use; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6683/20]

Building Control Management System

Brendan Smith

1371. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government his plans to implement the recommendations of the Joint Committee on the Environment, Culture and the Gaeltacht report on the title of architect published in 2013; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6702/20]

Waterways Ireland

Brendan Smith

1423. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the capital spending of her Department in 2019; the capital funding allocated to Waterways Ireland; the projects undertaken by Waterways Ireland with the allocation; the specific funding per project; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6535/20]

Third Level Staff

Brendan Smith

187. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Education and Skills the minimum number of contact and-or class hours each lecturer is obliged to undertake in each university and institute of technology; if he is satisfied that such hours are adequate; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4209/20]

Health Services Provision

Brendan Smith

511. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Health his plans regarding the appointment of much needed additional Parkinson’s nurse specialists in view of the fact there are only two such nurse specialists in the 25 counties outside Dublin; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4210/20]

Brexit Negotiations

Brendan Smith

45. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the status of Brexit negotiations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3693/20]

Brexit Negotiations

Brendan Smith

46. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the status of the implementation of the Irish Protocol; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3694/20]

Brexit Preparations

Brendan Smith

47. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the status of contingency planning for all Brexit scenarios including a no-deal Brexit; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3695/20]

Humanitarian Aid

Brendan Smith

48. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the position regarding the change of status to the EU-Turkey migration deal; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3696/20]

Brexit Negotiations

Brendan Smith

49. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the steps he and the European Union will take to protect the Irish fishing industry during the Brexit negotiations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3697/20]

Human Rights

Brendan Smith

50. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the outcome of discussions at recent EU Foreign Affairs Council meetings in relation to the persecution of Christians in many countries throughout the world; if he put forward a specific proposal; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3711/20]

Brexit Negotiations

Brendan Smith

52. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the outcome of the most recent discussions at the Foreign Affairs Council in relation to Brexit; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3878/20]

Brexit Negotiations

Brendan Smith

53. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the outcome of discussions at the General Affairs Council in relation to Brexit; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3879/20]

Illicit Trade

Brendan Smith

83. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Finance the estimated cost to the Exchequer on an annual basis of illegal trade in tobacco, drink and fuel products; the additional measures planned to counteract such illicit trade; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2927/20]

Illicit Trade

Brendan Smith

84. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Finance the additional measures he plans to implement to counteract illegal cross-Border trade in tobacco, drink and fuel products; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2928/20]

Insurance Costs

Brendan Smith

104. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Finance the measures he plans to implement to deal with exorbitant insurance costs affecting many sectors of the economy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3756/20]

Minor Flood Mitigation Works and Coastal Protection Scheme Funding

Brendan Smith

122. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if additional funding will be provided in 2020 to local authorities for the minor works scheme in view of increased incidents of flooding; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2930/20]

Minor Flood Mitigation Works and Coastal Protection Scheme Funding

Brendan Smith

123. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the schemes in counties Cavan and Monaghan that will benefit under the minor works scheme in 2020; the level of proposed expenditure on each scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2931/20]

School Services Staff

Brendan Smith

214. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Education and Skills his plans to implement measures to improve the employment conditions of school secretaries; when he plans to deal with the outstanding issues; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2929/20]

Brexit Supports

Brendan Smith

475. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation the uptake of all Brexit-related supports under the remit of her Department in tabular form; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [3699/20]

General Practitioner Services Provision

Brendan Smith

614. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Health the measures he plans to implement in respect of the difficulties in the recruitment and retention of general practitioners, with particular reference to rural practices; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2935/20]

Home Care Packages Provision

Brendan Smith

615. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Health if additional funding will be provided for home support and home support packages in counties Cavan and Monaghan in 2020, in view of the delays in providing such necessary supports; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2936/20]

Home Care Packages Provision

Brendan Smith

616. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Health his plans for the HSE to recruit persons to provide home support and home care packages directly on behalf of the HSE rather than outsourcing such services; his views on whether the lack of personnel is contributing to the delays in having home support provided for eligible patients; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2937/20]

Respite Care Services Provision

Brendan Smith

866. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Health if additional respite places for children and adults will be provided in counties Cavan and Monaghan in 2020; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3758/20]

Disability Services Funding

Brendan Smith

867. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Health if additional funding will be provided for a training centre (details supplied) in view of the increasing demand for additional places and the increase in costs over recent years in providing services; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3759/20]

Beef Industry

Brendan Smith

937. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the progress to date on implementing the measures agreed in August 2019 in discussions with stakeholders regarding the difficulties facing the beef sector; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2932/20]

Beef Industry

Brendan Smith

938. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the outcome of discussions at the recent beef task force meeting; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2933/20]

Beef Industry

Brendan Smith

939. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the measures he plans to implement to assist the beef sector in light of the inadequate returns to primary producers and the financial difficulties caused to many farmers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2934/20]

Agrifood Sector

Brendan Smith

969. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the latest data on the value of trade with the UK for agrifood products; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3698/20]

Common Agricultural Policy Negotiations

Brendan Smith

976. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the outcome of the most recent discussions at the EU Agriculture Council of Ministers on funding for CAP post-2020; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3753/20]

Common Agricultural Policy Negotiations

Brendan Smith

977. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the plans he put forward at recent EU Agriculture Council of Ministers meetings on the need to ensure there is no reduction in funding for CAP post-2020; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3754/20]

Fallen Animal Collection Scheme

Brendan Smith

978. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the progress to date on the proposals put forward by an association (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3755/20]

Mining Licences

Brendan Smith

1005. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment if issues raised in correspondence forwarded to his Department by members of the local community in an area (details supplied) will be taken fully into account in the processing of a prospecting licence application; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2956/20]

Tourism Funding

Brendan Smith

1047. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if grant aid is available towards the provision of tourist facilities (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2912/20]

Local Authority Housing Maintenance

Brendan Smith

1200. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government if additional funding will be provided in 2020 to local authorities for the housing voids programme in view of the need to eliminate delays in the allocation of vacant council houses; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2957/20]

Local Authority Housing Maintenance

Brendan Smith

1201. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government if additional funding will be allocated to Cavan County Council in 2020 for the housing voids programme to ensure the minimum delay in allocating vacant council houses which need upgrading; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2958/20]

Northern Ireland

Brendan Smith

89. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if legacy issues have been discussed as part of the negotiations in relation to the need to have the Assembly and Executive restored in Northern Ireland. [52767/19]

EU Meetings

Brendan Smith

116. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if Brexit was discussed at the most recent General Affairs Council; if so, the outcome of such discussions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53832/19]

Northern Ireland

Brendan Smith

117. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade when talks will resume with the UK Government and the political parties in Northern Ireland regarding the need to have the Northern Ireland Assembly and Executive restored; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53833/19]

EU Funding

Brendan Smith

138. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if European region development funding will be available to the northern and western region post-2020; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53699/19]

Flood Relief Schemes Funding

Brendan Smith

154. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if additional funding will be provided to Cavan County Council in 2020 for flood alleviation measures in view of increasing problems with flooding due to heavy rainfall; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53869/19]

Flood Relief Schemes Funding

Brendan Smith

155. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if additional funding will be provided to Monaghan County Council in 2020 for flood alleviation measures in view of increasing problems with flooding due to heavy rainfall; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53870/19]

Special Educational Needs Service Provision

Brendan Smith

191. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Education and Skills if additional educational facilities will be provided in 2020 (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53822/19]

Garda Investigations

Brendan Smith

211. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Justice and Equality further to Parliamentary Question No. 350 of 11 November 2019, 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 he will make a statement on the matter. [53683/19]

Local Enterprise Offices

Brendan Smith

237. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation the additional resources which will be provided to local enterprise offices in view of the recent OECD report; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [53804/19]

Health Services

Brendan Smith

325. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Health when the provision of new and upgraded accommodation at a health facility (details supplied) will progress to the next stage; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53702/19]

Healthcare Infrastructure Provision

Brendan Smith

326. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Health the status of 2020 projects (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53703/19]

Respite Care Services Provision

Brendan Smith

327. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Health when a healthcare facility (details supplied) will be operational; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53704/19]

Drug and Alcohol Task Forces

Brendan Smith

336. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Health his plans to increase funding in 2020 for the drug task forces in view of the increasing problems with drug abuse nationwide; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53824/19]

Hospital Services

Brendan Smith

339. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Health his plans to extend the provision of services at a health facility (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53834/19]

Wildlife Control

Brendan Smith

348. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if his attention has been drawn to the concerns in many areas in relation to the increase in the wild deer herd and the difficulties posed for farmers and motorists in rural areas; the measures he plans to implement to reduce the herd; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53697/19]

Common Agricultural Policy

Brendan Smith

349. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the provisions being made at EU level in relation to the funding of CAP from 2020 pending the completion of a new CAP programme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53720/19]

Common Agricultural Policy

Brendan Smith

350. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if the present funding levels for CAP will be maintained pending the completion of the new CAP programme post-2020; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53721/19]

Beef Exports

Brendan Smith

351. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the new markets projected to be open for beef exports in 2020; the estimated value of such markets on an annual basis; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53722/19]

Farm Costs

Brendan Smith

352. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine his plans to introduce grant aid to assist farmers with necessary land reclamation and on-farm drainage works in which ongoing farming activities are being hindered due to the increased rainfall over recent years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53723/19]

Waste Disposal Charges

Brendan Smith

377. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment when the long-promised payment of €75 will be introduced for persons with lifelong long-term medical incontinence to help meet the average annual cost of disposal of incontinence products; if arrangements are being made with the HSE to administer the scheme at local level; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53700/19]

Road Projects Status

Brendan Smith

404. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if adequate funding will be provided to a local authority in 2020 to ensure progress on the further planning and design of a road project (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53771/19]

Road Projects Status

Brendan Smith

405. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if funding will be provided in 2020 towards the necessary upgrading of a road (details supplied) in view of the very heavy volume of traffic; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53772/19]

Departmental Funding

Brendan Smith

408. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if specific funding programmes will be introduced to support the tourism and hospitality sector in the Border region due to the challenges that will arise for the sector due to Brexit; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53801/19]

Road Projects Status

Brendan Smith

409. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if specific funding for a road project (details supplied) will be provided to the local authority in 2020; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53802/19]

Local Improvement Scheme Funding

Brendan Smith

410. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will reintroduce specific funding for the local improvement scheme in 2020; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53825/19]

Recreational Facilities Provision

Brendan Smith

429. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development when new applications will be accepted under the CLÁR programme to assist in the provision of playground facilities and safety measures at schools; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53866/19]

Town and Village Renewal Scheme

Brendan Smith

431. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development if the provision of office or workspace is eligible for assistance under the town and village renewal scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53706/19]

Home Loan Scheme

Brendan Smith

470. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government his plans to improve the criteria for the home loan scheme particularly the requirement of a 10% deposit; if some provision can be made to lessen this demand for applicants that have a good track record in renting private property; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53827/19]

Wastewater Treatment

Brendan Smith

471. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government when the new grant scheme to upgrade domestic septic tanks will be introduced; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53828/19]

Tenant Purchase Scheme Data

Brendan Smith

472. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government when the review of the tenant purchase scheme will be finalised; his plans to improve the criteria of the scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53829/19]

Waterways Ireland Funding

Brendan Smith

475. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the capital funding allocated to Waterways Ireland for 2019; the projected expenditure at year end; the proposed allocation for 2020; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [53696/19]

Wildlife Conservation

Brendan Smith

476. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht if there has been a response from the REACH Committee of the European Union in relation to the documents submitted some time ago in view of the ongoing concerns of the regional game councils and farmers regarding the EU draft regulation on the use of lead in gunshot; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [53701/19]

Northern Ireland

Brendan Smith

3. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Taoiseach the outcome of the most recent discussions held with the UK Government and the political parties in Northern Ireland in relation to the need to have the Executive and Assembly restored in Northern Ireland. [52768/19]

Army Personnel

Brendan Smith

58. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence his plans to change the two-brigade structure of the Army; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52757/19]

Army Barracks

Brendan Smith

78. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence his plans to reconsider the barracks infrastructure of the Defence Forces; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52758/19]

School Accommodation

Brendan Smith

183. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Education and Skills when an application by a school (details supplied) for upgraded and additional accommodation will be approved; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52776/19]

School Accommodation

Brendan Smith

184. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Education and Skills when an application by a school (details supplied) for additional accommodation will be approved; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52777/19]