Parliamentary questions

Care Services

Niamh Smyth

268. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Health the reason a person (details supplied) is waiting so long for HSE funding for long-term care; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51580/21]

Horticulture Sector

Niamh Smyth

314. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the status of the findings of the working group established by his Department to examine the peat supply issue to the horticultural sector in the wake of the peat harvesting cessation on Bord na Móna bogs; the way in which he plans to deal with this issue in the short-term to protect those involved in the horticultural trade; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51483/21]

Horticulture Sector

Niamh Smyth

315. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the measures he will introduce as a matter of urgency to ensure that there is an adequate supply of domestic peat for the mushroom and horticulture sector; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51484/21]

Horticulture Sector

Niamh Smyth

316. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if it will be ensured that the concerns of the mushroom and horticulture sector in relation to the harvesting of horticultural peat are addressed in view of the importance of peat for that sector; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51486/21]

Health Strategies

Niamh Smyth

158. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Health the additional funding being provided for the National Maternity Strategy in 2022; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50614/21]

Health Services

Niamh Smyth

229. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Health the details of the Budget 2022 package for women’s health; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50613/21]

Hospital Appointments Status

Niamh Smyth

714. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Health the reason a person (details supplied) is waiting so long for an ophthalmology operation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50360/21]

Forestry Sector

Niamh Smyth

942. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if there are plans going forward to look at the system of issuing licences for thinning and clearfell in forestry (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51243/21]

Rural Schemes

Niamh Smyth

41. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the number of playgrounds funded under the CLÁR scheme in each county both through community organisations and through schools. [49905/21]

Rural Schemes

Niamh Smyth

52. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development if the next round of CLÁR funding will allow primary schools to apply for funding to develop playgrounds on their school grounds that can also be used by the wider public; the reason such developments have been excluded from the past two rounds of the programme; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [49904/21]

Community Development Projects

Niamh Smyth

236. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the status of the development of the new Leader programme for the period 2023-2027; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [50163/21]

Apprenticeship Programmes

Niamh Smyth

23. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the plans in place to promote the take-up of new apprenticeships by more women, migrants, persons with disabilities and mature applicants; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49811/21]

Third Level Education

Niamh Smyth

51. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the current and planned developments regarding implementation of the Framework for Consent in Higher Education Institutions: Safe, Respectful, Supportive and Positive: Ending Sexual Violence and Harassment in Irish Higher Education Institutions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49812/21]

Insurance Industry

Niamh Smyth

109. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Finance the reason a person (details supplied) cannot get insurance due to their age; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50003/21]

Dental Services

Niamh Smyth

218. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Health the reason a person (details supplied) is waiting so long for a referral to the public dentist in Cavan General Hospital; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50011/21]

Hospital Appointments Status

Niamh Smyth

224. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Health the reason a person (details supplied) cannot get a hip operation; the reason for the delay; the reason the hospital has no record of an appointment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50053/21]

Broadband Infrastructure

Niamh Smyth

39. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the reason a person (details supplied) has been waiting so long for high-speed broadband in their area; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49113/21]

Passport Services

Niamh Smyth

217. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the reason a person (details supplied) is waiting so long on a passport. [49484/21]

Education and Training Boards

Niamh Smyth

297. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Education the number of buildings being rented by the CMETB in County Cavan; the address of each building; and the cost to rent these per annum. [49681/21]

School Transport

Niamh Smyth

311. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Education the reason the journey time of a person (details supplied) to school is taking so long; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [49882/21]

Education Policy

Niamh Smyth

392. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if a report has been submitted to his Department regarding a new campus for Cavan Institute, Cathedral Road, Drumalee, County Cavan; and if the plans are advanced. [49680/21]

Hospital Waiting Lists

Niamh Smyth

604. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Health the reason a person (details supplied) is still waiting for an angiogram; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49661/21]

Domestic Violence

Niamh Smyth

13. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Social Protection the measures taken to assist domestic violence victims to access rent supplement; the number of persons accessing the payment, by county; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [48639/21]

Employment Support Services

Niamh Smyth

69. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Social Protection the progress on the implementation of the Pathways to Work 2021-2025 national employment services strategy; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [48638/21]

Direct Provision System

Niamh Smyth

109. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the progress regarding the implementation of the White Paper to end direct provision; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48698/21]

Departmental Reports

Niamh Smyth

158. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the status of the work of the Anti-Racism Committee; when he expects the final report to be published; the actions he will undertake in response to the report; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48697/21]

Financial Services

Niamh Smyth

74. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Social Protection her views on whether credit unions and other financial institutions should be allowed the option of accepting the public services card as one of a number of possible identification documents when opening an account; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [48414/21]

Employment Schemes

Niamh Smyth

75. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Social Protection the reason she is proceeding to a new model of local employment service delivery; the cost basis on which the new model will be delivered; the relevant technical and previous experience necessary for a potential tender applicant; the proposed timeline for the process; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [48415/21]

Childcare Services

Niamh Smyth

84. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth his proposals to improve childcare provision under the national childcare scheme for children whose parents are not working or in education or training; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48416/21]

Early Childhood Care and Education

Niamh Smyth

85. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth if his attention has been drawn to the fact that there is only one intake per year for the ECCE scheme and that some children can only avail of one year due to their birth date; his plans to return to two intakes per year to ensure an equitable system; if not, the reason; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48417/21]

Hospital Waiting Lists

Niamh Smyth

146. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Health the reason a person (details supplied) is waiting so long for an operation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48532/21]

Departmental Schemes

Niamh Smyth

171. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the reason a person (details supplied) has not received the full payment to their genetic scheme application; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48471/21]

Arts Policy

Niamh Smyth

7. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media the plans in place or proposed to encourage diversity within the arts; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [47924/21]

Arts Policy

Niamh Smyth

10. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media the measures that will be taken to place the arts at the centre of local communities for children; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [47923/21]

Artists' Remuneration

Niamh Smyth

248. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media the timeframe in place or proposed for rolling out the basic income scheme for artists. [35109/21]

School Accommodation

Niamh Smyth

399. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Education the primary and post-primary schools approved for additional accommodation, including temporary accommodation; the stage they are currently at in counties Cavan and Monaghan; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [47845/21]

School Transport

Niamh Smyth

417. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Education the reason a person (details supplied) is still waiting on a school bus; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [48261/21]

Social Welfare Appeals

Niamh Smyth

445. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Social Protection the reason a person (details supplied) has been waiting so long for their carer’s allowance appeal; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [47733/21]

Passport Services

Niamh Smyth

66. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs when the public offices of the Passport Office in Dublin and Cork will reopen in order that persons can make an appointment to submit a passport application in person; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46780/21]

Northern Ireland

Niamh Smyth

70. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the outcome of the most recent discussions he has had with the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland in relation to the proposals put forward by the British Government concerning a Troubles-related amnesty; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46781/21]

Hospital Appointments Status

Niamh Smyth

190. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Health the reason a person (details supplied) is waiting so long for a hospital appointment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46877/21]

Planning Issues

Niamh Smyth

106. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he plans to legislate to grant a further extension to planning permissions for residential housing delayed by Covid-19 and by building supply issues; if he has estimated the numbers of such permissions due to expire without completion in 2021; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46345/21]

Housing Policy

Niamh Smyth

151. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage when income eligibility limits for social housing will be increased in counties Cavan and Monaghan given existing limits are low and unrealistic; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46346/21]

EU Programmes

Niamh Smyth

311. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if he will report on the PEACE PLUS cross-Border EU programme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46666/21]

School Transport

Niamh Smyth

467. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Education the reason a person (details suppled) had to pay for school transport given that Bus Éireann informed them that it did not have a bus for three days. [46545/21]

Social Welfare Schemes

Niamh Smyth

501. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Social Protection the reason a person (details supplied) is waiting so long on illness benefit enhancements; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [46268/21]

Covid-19 Pandemic

Niamh Smyth

612. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Health if a person (details supplied) can obtain a Covid-19 vaccination certificate in Ireland after being vaccinated in Northern Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45997/21]

Primary Care Services

Niamh Smyth

616. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Health the reason a person (details supplied) cannot get an appointment for a primary care certificate; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46027/21]

Hospital Appointments Status

Niamh Smyth

768. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Health the reason a person (details supplied) cannot get an operation; the reason for the long delay to be called for same; the reason the allocated hospital has no record of their appointment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46534/21]

Capital Expenditure Programme

Niamh Smyth

42. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if he will report on capital expenditure to date in 2021; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45493/21]

Departmental Expenditure

Niamh Smyth

60. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the estimated overall level of Covid-19 related public expenditure that he anticipates in 2022; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45492/21]

Special Educational Needs

Niamh Smyth

108. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Education her plans to improve supports for children with special needs and to ensure that such supports are put in place in a timely manner and eliminate delays in sanctioning posts; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [45434/21]

School Transport

Niamh Smyth

174. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Education when it is proposed to increase school bus capacity in view of the difficulties that have occurred for many families in having school transport provided for their children; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [45433/21]

Driver Test

Niamh Smyth

198. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Transport the reason a person (details supplied) cannot renew a driver licence; the reason they must sit all their driving lessons and test again; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45812/21]

Citizenship Applications

Niamh Smyth

307. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Justice the reason a person (details supplied) is waiting so long for citizenship; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [45811/21]

Departmental Reports

Niamh Smyth

317. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Health if he will request the Health Service Executive to include the maintenance and upkeep of an AED register in the report that the HSE has commissioned on Out of Hospital Cardiac Arrest Strategy of Ireland (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45768/21]

Disabilities Assessments

Niamh Smyth

343. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Health the reason a person (details supplied) has been waiting so long for an assessment of need appointment. [45857/21]

Departmental Strategies

Niamh Smyth

110. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Education the details of the development of a new digital strategy for schools and measures in place to further support digital online learning for primary and secondary schools; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [45747/21]

School Management

Niamh Smyth

111. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Education her plans to develop new measures to support school leadership; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [45748/21]

Childcare Services

Niamh Smyth

135. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the proposals he has to improve childcare provision under the national childcare scheme for children whose parents are not working or in education or training; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45462/21]

Hospital Appointments Status

Niamh Smyth

219. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Health the reason a person (details supplied) is waiting so long for a hospital appointment in Navan Hospital; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45516/21]

Housing Schemes

Niamh Smyth

9. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Finance if consideration will be given to extending the help-to-buy incentive until 31 December 2022. [44723/21]

Vacant Properties

Niamh Smyth

28. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Finance if he will consider introducing a financial incentive for first-time buyers who intend purchasing a vacant property; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44724/21]

Teaching Council of Ireland

Niamh Smyth

386. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Education the reason a person (details supplied) is waiting on a Teaching Council number; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [45113/21]

Pension Provisions

Niamh Smyth

406. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Social Protection the reason a person (details supplied) cannot have an invalidity pension awarded to them; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [44731/21]

Primary Medical Certificates

Niamh Smyth

652. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Health the reason a primary medical certificate for a person (details supplied) is being delayed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45141/21]

Primary Medical Certificates

Niamh Smyth

653. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Health the reason a primary medical certificate for a person (details supplied) is being delayed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45142/21]

Driver Test

Niamh Smyth

176. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Transport if a driving test will be expedited for a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44265/21]

Brexit Supports

Niamh Smyth

91. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if the new Brexit impact loan scheme will reopen for applications. [43846/21]

Cybersecurity Policy

Niamh Smyth

131. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment his plans to upgrade the IT systems of his Department and bodies under his remit with a view to maximise the protection against cyber criminals. [43845/21]

Employment Support Services

Niamh Smyth

650. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Social Protection if she will address a matter (details supplied) regarding schemes under the remit of her Department; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [41425/21]

Social Welfare Schemes

Niamh Smyth

675. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Social Protection if persons living alone over the age of 80 years receive an increased living alone allowance; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [41941/21]

Hospital Waiting Lists

Niamh Smyth

1283. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Health the reason a person (details supplied) is waiting so long for surgery; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42354/21]

Farm Safety

Niamh Smyth

28. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the value his Department places on farm safety; the new initiatives he plans to introduce to counter the loss of life as a result of farm accidents and to reduce the number of serious injuries from same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40250/21]

Broadband Infrastructure

Niamh Smyth

80. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications when County Cavan will avail of high-speed broadband throughout the entire county. [40357/21]

Environmental Policy

Niamh Smyth

81. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if he will lift the restrictions on peat harvesting for 2021 to avoid a shortage of supply in 2021 and to reduce the further importation of peat from abroad; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40362/21]

Broadband Infrastructure

Niamh Smyth

84. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the reason a person (details supplied) cannot get broadband at their home; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40530/21]

Post Office Network

Niamh Smyth

100. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the financial and structural plans being considered and that are in place to protect rural post offices and to keep the fabric of rural Ireland intact; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40739/21]

Driver Test

Niamh Smyth

187. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Transport the reason a person (details supplied) is waiting for a driver test; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39590/21]

Driver Test

Niamh Smyth

207. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Transport the reason a person (details supplied) is waiting so long for their theory test; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39859/21]

Driver Test

Niamh Smyth

211. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Transport the reason a person (details supplied) is waiting so long for their driver theory test; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39951/21]

Driver Test

Niamh Smyth

212. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Transport the reason a person (details supplied) is waiting so long for a driver theory test; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39997/21]

Driver Test

Niamh Smyth

229. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Transport the specific actions he has taken to address the deficiencies in the provision of the driver theory test; if his Department has met the company involved in delivering the test to discuss the problems; the sanctions his Department plans to take for the poor delivery of the contract; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40364/21]

Driver Test

Niamh Smyth

239. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Transport the reason a person (details supplied) is waiting for a driver theory test; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40490/21]

National Car Test

Niamh Smyth

241. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Transport the pass rate at each NCT test centre for the most recent annual report; the reason for the variation in pass rates between centres; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40525/21]

Driver Test

Niamh Smyth

242. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Transport the number of persons awaiting a driving test in the RSA Cavan driving test centre; the number of weeks candidates are waiting; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40553/21]

Driver Test

Niamh Smyth

243. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Transport the daily opening and closing times for the driving test centre in County Cavan; and the time span in which applicants are notified of cancellations (details supplied). [40572/21]

National Car Test

Niamh Smyth

252. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Transport his plans for the introduction of the new criteria for the NCT; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40745/21]

Driver Test

Niamh Smyth

257. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Transport the reason a person (details supplied) is waiting so long for a driving test; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40834/21]

Tax Code

Niamh Smyth

385. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Finance if the help to buy scheme will continue into 2022 (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40282/21]

Covid-19 Pandemic Supports

Niamh Smyth

541. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media if she will consider introducing a second live performance support scheme in 2021 given that some businesses were not aware that they were eligible to apply for the scheme; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [40539/21]

Arts Policy

Niamh Smyth

543. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media the planning made for the introduction of a universal basic income for all artists; when it will commence; the persons in the art world that can avail of it; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [40571/21]

Housing Provision

Niamh Smyth

680. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the number of vacant and derelict housing units across the country; the plans that are pending to regenerate these buildings for housing purposes and to improve the environmental look of towns and villages; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40283/21]

Rental Sector

Niamh Smyth

681. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the number of complaints that have been investigated by the Residential Tenancies Board over the past 12 months; the number of complaints that were upheld; the nature of these complaints; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40284/21]

Rental Sector

Niamh Smyth

682. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the ratio of determinations made by the Residential Tenancies Board in the past two years in favour of tenant or landlord; the implication for renting going forward; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40287/21]

Local Authorities

Niamh Smyth

683. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he plans for local authorities to support persons with a disability by approving a second housing building loan for persons with a disability; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40302/21]

Housing Provision

Niamh Smyth

704. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the number of houses that have been allocated to persons in County Cavan since March 2021; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40527/21]

Health Service Executive

Niamh Smyth

1011. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Education the steps being taken to resolve the issue of medical cards not being accepted for payment on school transport routes due to the recent cyberattack on the HSE; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [40478/21]

Schools Administration

Niamh Smyth

1012. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Education the supports and information made available to schools to deal with suspected and confirmed cases of domestic abuse; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [40480/21]

State Examinations

Niamh Smyth

1013. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Education if she plans to have calculated grades in 2022 as well as an examination in view of the enormous disruption to students' school life in the senior cycle and in view of the two year nature of the leaving certificate course; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [40481/21]