Parliamentary questions

School Staff

Richard Boyd Barrett

629. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Education and Skills the number of teachers and SNAs, respectively in employment funded by her Department by primary and secondary schools; the increase in funding she will allow to ensure that these numbers can be increased to ensure that class sizes can be reduced in order that schools can return in line with public health requirements; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [16792/20]

Covid-19 Pandemic Unemployment Payment

Richard Boyd Barrett

874. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection the details of and location in which guidelines in relation pandemic unemployment payment recipients leaving the country for holidays can be found; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [20543/20]

Covid-19 Pandemic Unemployment Payment

Richard Boyd Barrett

875. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection if she will consider changing the qualifying requirements for the pandemic unemployment payment for persons that are both self-employed and part-time workers in order that they can have their total income assessed rather than just the PAYE part; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [20545/20]

Cabinet Committees

Richard Boyd Barrett

5. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Taoiseach when the Cabinet committee on economic recovery and investment is set to next meet. [17243/20]

Covid-19 Pandemic Unemployment Payment

Richard Boyd Barrett

51. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection if she will report on the discussions she has had with regard to maintaining the pandemic unemployment payment for artists, performers, crew and event organisers in the arts, culture, music, live entertainment and events sectors as a basic minimum income over and above which these workers would be allowed earn some additional income without losing the payment until a full or substantial recovery to normal or near normal levels of employment and income earning opportunity return; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17396/20]

Employment Rights

Richard Boyd Barrett

94. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection the changes she plans to make to employment legislation to enhance the rights of workers facing mass redundancies in view of the closure of a company (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [15810/20]

National Car Test

Richard Boyd Barrett

121. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the recourse a person has that purchased a car with a recent NCT but subsequently found that the car was not roadworthy as the NCT certificate implied. [19533/20]

Covid-19 Pandemic

Richard Boyd Barrett

122. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will ensure that airlines will refund customers that are not travelling on booked flights as a result of health guidelines. [19538/20]

Covid-19 Pandemic Supports

Richard Boyd Barrett

132. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Finance the income supports he plans to put in place for taxi drivers and arts, music, event and live entertainment workers in the July stimulus in view of the fact that these categories of workers will not see their industry return to pre-Covid-19 pandemic levels of activity in the medium term; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19547/20]

Social and Affordable Housing

Richard Boyd Barrett

167. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government further to Parliamentary Question No. 325 of 7 July 2020, if a more proactive approach will be considered with regard to working with Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council to acquire an apartment block (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19543/20]

Social and Affordable Housing

Richard Boyd Barrett

168. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government the measures he plans to take to ensure the timely delivery of social and affordable housing at a site (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19545/20]

School Accommodation

Richard Boyd Barrett

204. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Education and Skills if a building (details supplied) will be refurbished and retrofitted in order that it can be used by local schools to provide extra space and classrooms to ensure that social distancing can be achieved; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [19542/20]

Covid-19 Pandemic Unemployment Payment

Richard Boyd Barrett

211. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection if she has requested that the pandemic unemployment payment be maintained as part of the July stimulus for artists, performers, crew and event organisers in the arts, culture, music, live entertainment and events sectors as a basic minimum income over and above which these workers would be allowed earn some additional income without losing the payment until a full or substantial recovery to normal or near normal levels of employment and income earning opportunity return; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17393/20]

Covid-19 Pandemic Unemployment Payment

Richard Boyd Barrett

212. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection if she has requested of the relevant Ministers that the pandemic unemployment payment be maintained as part of the July stimulus for artists, performers, crew and event organisers in the arts, culture music, live entertainment and events sectors as a basic minimum income over and above which these workers would be allowed earn some additional income without losing the payment until a full or substantial recovery to normal or near normal levels of employment and income earning opportunity return; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17696/20]

Covid-19 Pandemic Unemployment Payment

Richard Boyd Barrett

241. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection if the decision to reduce the pandemic unemployment payment for a person (details supplied) will be reviewed; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [19544/20]

Invalidity Pension

Richard Boyd Barrett

242. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection if the requirements will be revised for invalidity pension that includes a claimant having to have 48 contributions in the two years prior to applying if they have the other requirement of not less than 260 contributions in total (details supplied) and if she will make a statement on the matter. [19546/20]

Nursing Home Accommodation

Richard Boyd Barrett

350. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Health if his attention has been drawn to the fact that residents are being moved out of a nursing home even though no resident has contracted Covid-19 at the home; his views on the move; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19525/20]

Nursing Home Accommodation

Richard Boyd Barrett

351. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Health if his attention has been drawn to the most recent HIQA report into a nursing home (details supplied); his views on whether the recommendations of the report warrants closure; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19526/20]

Nursing Home Accommodation

Richard Boyd Barrett

352. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Health his plans for the site a nursing home (details supplied) is located on; if the State will benefit from the future use of the site; if so, the way in which it will benefit; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19527/20]

Nursing Home Accommodation

Richard Boyd Barrett

353. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Health if he will consider taking a nursing home (details supplied) into public ownership in view of the fact that 80% of the funding for the home comes from the State via the fair deal scheme and the disability grant; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19528/20]

Nursing Home Accommodation

Richard Boyd Barrett

354. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Health the future arrangements for vulnerable patients (details supplied) in view of the closure of a service on which they relied; the location to which they will be sent; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19529/20]

Nursing Home Accommodation

Richard Boyd Barrett

355. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Health the steps a religious order (details supplied) is planning to take regarding the land on which a nursing home is built; if his attention has been drawn by the HSE to plans to take over the land; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19530/20]

Nursing Home Accommodation

Richard Boyd Barrett

356. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Health his views on the takeover of a facility (details supplied) by the HSE in order to preserve the service and retain long-term jobs; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19531/20]

Cabinet Committees

Richard Boyd Barrett

2. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Taoiseach when the Cabinet committee on housing will next meet. [18562/20]

Cabinet Committees

Richard Boyd Barrett

5. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Taoiseach when the Cabinet Committee on the Environment and Climate Change will next meet. [18563/20]

Cabinet Committees

Richard Boyd Barrett

9. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Taoiseach when the Cabinet committee on education will next meet. [18564/20]

Covid-19 Pandemic

Richard Boyd Barrett

26. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the discussions he had with the NPHET with regard to the production of the green list; if he requested the advice that the expert advisory group provided to the NPHET in this regard; the reason he decided to proceed with a green list given that the clear advice from the NPHET was to discourage persons from foreign travel; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19030/20]

Covid-19 Pandemic

Richard Boyd Barrett

42. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the reason for creating a green list for travelling during Covid-19 in view of the fact the clear advice from the NPHET is to discourage all foreign travel; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18569/20]

Covid-19 Pandemic

Richard Boyd Barrett

47. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he will report on the discussions and or meetings he had with the airline industry with regard to the development of a green list; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18566/20]

National Public Health Emergency Team

Richard Boyd Barrett

52. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade his discussions and deliberations with the NPHET with regard to the development of the green list; the reason for going against this advice; if he requested the expert advice that the NPHET had received from the expert advisory group in this regard; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18565/20]

Middle East Peace Process

Richard Boyd Barrett

53. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the discussions he has had with his counterparts across Europe with regard to the plans of the Israeli state to annex parts of Palestine; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18568/20]

Covid-19 Pandemic

Richard Boyd Barrett

88. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation if he is considering changes to employment permits in view of Covid-19; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18949/20]

Covid-19 Pandemic

Richard Boyd Barrett

89. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation if he will grant a work permit to a person (details supplied) in view of their frontline role; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18950/20]

Driver Licences

Richard Boyd Barrett

189. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if there is a system by which a person that has amassed driver lessons or training hours in another country within the EU or France can have that time transferred to essential driver training hours here; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18852/20]

Film Industry

Richard Boyd Barrett

306. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht when film shoots and sets are permitted to resume work; if it will be 10 August 2020; if not, when; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [18853/20]

Covid-19 Pandemic

Richard Boyd Barrett

528. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Education and Skills her plans to increase the number of special needs assistants upon the return to school in September 2020 in view of the fact that the system of shared access of children with additional needs to an SNA, sometimes across several classrooms, will guarantee an increased transmission rate of Covid-19 specifically within a vulnerable group of children and young persons in addition to the wider school community; the number anticipated to meet the needs of social distancing for children with additional needs and their SNAs; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [18848/20]

School Staff

Richard Boyd Barrett

529. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Education and Skills the number of teachers, primary and secondary, respectively on secondment to the Professional Development Service for Teachers: if these teachers are to be redeployed back to education order to support social distancing and safe return to school; if so, the number; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [18849/20]

School Curriculum

Richard Boyd Barrett

530. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Education and Skills the curriculum changes being planned for the children and young persons of primary and secondary schools; if the Professional Development Service for Teachers is leading these plans; if not, the person or body responsible; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [18850/20]

State Examinations

Richard Boyd Barrett

531. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Education and Skills if the adjustment of grades by her Department for the leaving certificate calculated grades results include adjusting grades on the basis of gender and socio-economic demographics of students, schools, location, DEIS status or other considerations; if so, the methodology involved; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [18851/20]

Visa Applications

Richard Boyd Barrett

807. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if spousal visas are being issued for the wives and husbands of persons with Irish citizenship; if not, the reason for not doing so; if there are limitations caused by Covid-19 to the issuing of spousal visas; if so, the limitations; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [18854/20]

Prescriptions Charges

Richard Boyd Barrett

1032. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Health if the 50 cent reduction for medication and prescriptions charges has been delayed; if so, the reason; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18855/20]

Covid-19 Pandemic

Richard Boyd Barrett

1033. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Health the breakdown of new Covid-19 cases; the percentage of new cases with serious symptoms; the percentage of those new cases who have lost the sense of smell; the age breakdown and demographics for new cases in three-week intervals; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18856/20]

Health Services Access

Richard Boyd Barrett

1044. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Health the plans that will be put in place for the care of a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18902/20]

Covid-19 Pandemic Supports

Richard Boyd Barrett

15. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the additional funding she has requested in the July stimulus; the way in which she plans to allocate the stimulus to support those working in music, live entertainment and the events sector to sustain performers, crew and event organisers who are unable to recommence work or who will see the work and income available to them dramatically reduced as long as social distancing and public health restrictions remain; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17392/20]

Film Industry

Richard Boyd Barrett

32. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the number of trainees in the live action film sector who qualified and were accredited as a result of such training; the categories; the number of trainees who are now employees of film production companies in receipt of public funding; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17395/20]

Film Industry

Richard Boyd Barrett

33. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht if the Film Industry Stakeholder Forum will be convened which was recommended in 2018 by the Joint Committee on Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht to address disputes and issues in the industry (details supplied); if it will be ensured that all relevant stakeholders, particularly employers in receipt of public funding or tax reliefs and employees who have worked in the sector, are invited to attend and that stakeholders who refuse to attend will no longer receive public funding or support; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17394/20]

National Biodiversity Plan

Richard Boyd Barrett

104. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht if a complete report will be provided on plans to increase biodiversity nationwide over the next 12 months; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [16086/20]

Taoiseach's Meetings and Engagements

Richard Boyd Barrett

2. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Taoiseach if he will report on the discussions he has had with other heads of government since he assumed his position. [16788/20]

Taoiseach's Meetings and Engagements

Richard Boyd Barrett

3. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Taoiseach the matters he plans to raise at the European Council meeting. [16790/20]

Programme for Government

Richard Boyd Barrett

5. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Taoiseach the timeline for the implementation of the programme for Government. [16789/20]

Jobseeker's Allowance

Richard Boyd Barrett

451. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection if consideration is being given to altering the three month waiting period which applies to school leavers not going on to further education before applying for jobseeker’s allowance for young persons that cannot find work or part-time work during Covid-19 restrictions (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [16517/20]

Mortgage Lending

Richard Boyd Barrett

65. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Finance the actions he will take to prevent the practice of the banks to not let persons who are in receipt of the temporary wage subsidy scheme draw down already agreed mortgages; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16317/20]

Mortgage Interest Rates

Richard Boyd Barrett

66. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Finance the actions he will take to stop banks charging interest on Covid-19 mortgage breaks; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16318/20]

Third Level Costs

Richard Boyd Barrett

108. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Education and Skills if her attention has been drawn to the fact that University of Limerick student accommodation (details supplied) will only refund 50% of accommodation costs paid by parents for students who are now not required to be on campus next semester due to Covid-19; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [16367/20]

Proposed Legislation

Richard Boyd Barrett

115. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection her plans for legislation to allow partners of mothers in same sex couples that conceive via IUI or IVF treatment abroad to have their names added to the birth certificate; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [16366/20]

Covid-19 Pandemic Unemployment Payment

Richard Boyd Barrett

128. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection if the returns of a person (details supplied) will be reassessed; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [16364/20]

Coillte Teoranta

Richard Boyd Barrett

148. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will address a series of matters (details supplied) relating to Coillte; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16363/20]

Treatment Abroad Scheme

Richard Boyd Barrett

168. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Health if patients with ATTR amyloidosis can access the new treatment for the disease at a hospital (details supplied) under the cross-Border initiative or treatment abroad scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16365/20]

Energy Policy

Richard Boyd Barrett

39. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment his plans with regard to the LNG terminal in Shannon, County Clare, and the importation of fracked gas in general; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16085/20]

Employment Rights

Richard Boyd Barrett

46. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation his plans to safeguard the pay and rights of construction, cleaning and security workers affected by a recent High Court judgment (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15809/20]

Energy Efficiency

Richard Boyd Barrett

122. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the new measures he is planning for those who do not have sufficient financial resources, particularly those with a disability, to support them in the retrofit in view of the target to retrofit 500,000 houses; and if there are existing supports for persons on a disability outside the mainstream grants. [15469/20]

Covid-19 Tests

Richard Boyd Barrett

233. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his plans for Covid–19 testing within sporting clubs. [15470/20]

Covid-19 Pandemic

Richard Boyd Barrett

234. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will advise travel agents that are liable for refunding clients who have booked holidays but cannot travel due to public health advice in circumstances in which the airline and hoteliers will not refund, in view of the fact that flights are running and the agent will be out of pocket, jeopardising its business. [15472/20]

Covid-19 Pandemic Supports

Richard Boyd Barrett

308. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Finance the way in which those self-employed persons now on Covid-19 payments will be taxed in 2020 and into 2021; and the way in which their tax credits will be applied for this tax year and the next; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15417/20]

Vehicle Registration Tax

Richard Boyd Barrett

309. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Finance the methods by which VRT on imported cars are calculated; the mechanism there is for appeal in circumstances in which an error has clearly been made; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15474/20]

Covid-19 Pandemic Unemployment Payment

Richard Boyd Barrett

753. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection the consequences for those in receipt of the pandemic unemployment payment but accept short-term work for a day, several days or longer to maintain links with their pre-Covid-19 employment relationships and contracts; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [15413/20]

Covid-19 Pandemic Unemployment Payment

Richard Boyd Barrett

754. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection the consequences for those who accept work while on jobseeker's for the self-employed or jobseeker's for those who were in full employment but were let go at the onset of the Covid-19 crisis and the short-term work scheme; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [15414/20]

Covid-19 Pandemic Unemployment Payment

Richard Boyd Barrett

755. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection the process involved and timeline for reapplying for the pandemic unemployment payment after a person comes off same to accept short-term employment for a day to several days; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [15415/20]

Covid-19 Pandemic Unemployment Payment

Richard Boyd Barrett

756. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection if a system will be created by which those on the pandemic unemployment payment can accept sporadic work, declare it, offset that amount against the payment, yet retain the payment until such time as the live events sector and other sectors in prolonged Covid-19 shutdown return to normal; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [15416/20]

Visa Applications

Richard Boyd Barrett

952. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if the processing of family visit and spouse visas for those visiting loved ones here has returned to full functionality, that is, if they are being applied for and issued through the normal channels; if not, the estimated timeframe for returning to full functionality; if the time permitted for visits will be adjusted to account for 14 days of self-isolation; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [15723/20]

Employment Rights

Richard Boyd Barrett

10. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation the action he plans to take in view of the High Court ruling on SEOs recently; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13729/20]

Employment Rights

Richard Boyd Barrett

11. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation if he will introduce emergency legislation to ameliorate the impact from the recent High Court ruling on the SEO regarding electrician workers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13730/20]

Covid-19 Pandemic Supports

Richard Boyd Barrett

39. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation if taxi drivers will be allowed access to the various support schemes for SMEs from which they are currently excluded; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14566/20]

Broadcasting Sector

Richard Boyd Barrett

49. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment if he will consider the long-standing request of musicians and artists for broadcasters to be required to play a minimum of 40% of domestically produced music, drama and artistic output; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14567/20]

Aviation Industry

Richard Boyd Barrett

121. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the reason airlines, such as an airline (details supplied), are permitted to continue to sell airline tickets and run flights without refunding passengers when non–essential travel is advised against; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14281/20]

Taxi Regulations

Richard Boyd Barrett

138. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his views on the request of taxi drivers to give a two-year extension on the ten year rule for public service vehicles that are currently licensed in view of the financial impact on their industry as a result of Covid-19; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14563/20]

Taxi Regulations

Richard Boyd Barrett

139. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his views on the request of taxi representative groups for an immediate review of the sustainability of the industry, taxi numbers and the likely supply and demand issues over the coming period in view of the Covid-19 crisis; if he will consider a moratorium on the issuing of further PSV licences until the review is completed and the industry has recovered; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14565/20]

Mortgage Lending

Richard Boyd Barrett

145. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Finance the action he will take regarding the fact that many banks are refusing to allow persons in receipt of the temporary wage subsidy scheme who have been approved for mortgages to draw down those mortgages while in receipt of the subsidy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13731/20]

Wage Subsidy Scheme

Richard Boyd Barrett

189. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Finance if he will provide a tailored wage subsidy scheme for taxi drivers whose industry is facing long-term reductions in incomes as a result of Covid-19 until the sector fully recovers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14564/20]

Covid-19 Pandemic Supports

Richard Boyd Barrett

248. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht if she will agree to the requests of agencies (details supplied) to protect all local authority arts and entertainment arts related funding streams and budget for next year and not allow the impact of Covid-19 on this year's spending to reduce next year's budgets; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14562/20]

Covid-19 Pandemic Supports

Richard Boyd Barrett

266. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht if she will ask the Ministers for Social Protection, Enterprise, Trade and Employment, and Finance to respond to the request by those artists, workers and crew in the arts and live entertainment and their representative organisations to maintain the pandemic unemployment payment and the temporary wage subsidy scheme and to provide other supports and grants for those in that sector who, because of public health and social distancing requirements, have no prospect of a return to viability for the foreseeable future and to maintain those supports until full recovery in the sector is achieved; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14561/20]

Social and Affordable Housing

Richard Boyd Barrett

323. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government his plans for affordable housing including the cost of an affordable house; if he will provide an update on the plans for Shanganagh Castle site, including details of the cost of the affordable homes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14549/20]

Rental Sector

Richard Boyd Barrett

324. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government his plans to roll out cost rental housing; the way in which the allocation of these homes will work; the cost of the rents for these homes in particular the cost rental plans for the Enniskerry and Shanganagh Castle sites; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14550/20]

Rental Sector

Richard Boyd Barrett

325. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government his plans to provide the funds and work with Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council and or an approved housing body to purchase an apartment block (details supplied) in Dún Laoghaire in which ten apartments have been empty for three years and the other apartments that have tenants were served with eviction notices; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14551/20]

Social and Affordable Housing

Richard Boyd Barrett

326. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government if he will discuss with Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council and the Department of Education and Skills, the land which could be made available to the local authority on the eastern side of the county from the Department that would be suitable for housing when the Department takes over Georges Place for the planned Dún Laoghaire Educate Together permanent school; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14552/20]

Social and Affordable Housing

Richard Boyd Barrett

327. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government if he will ensure the ring-fencing of money for capital expenditure on housing in the event of the land at George’s Place in Dún Laoghaire being sold to the Department of Education and Skills; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14553/20]

Local Authority Rates

Richard Boyd Barrett

328. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government if he will ensure any shortfall in funding experienced by local authorities due to businesses being unable to pay their rates due to Covid-19 will be filled by his Department in order that this shortfall does not cause a reduction in local services. [14554/20]

Local Authority Rates

Richard Boyd Barrett

329. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government if he will provide a rates waiver for all theatres and live entertainment venues until they can reopen; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14562/20]

Human Rights

Richard Boyd Barrett

342. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the discussion he has had with his European counterparts regarding reports of evictions and demolition of more than 900 shacks in the municipality of eThekwini, Durban during the Covid-19 emergency; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14280/20]

Special Educational Needs

Richard Boyd Barrett

470. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Education and Skills the status of plans for the Red Door Special School in Dún Laoghaire; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14556/20]

Schools Building Projects

Richard Boyd Barrett

471. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Education and Skills her plans to commence the Educate Together in Dún Laoghaire; the discussions had with Dún Laoghaire Rathdown County Council with regards to the transfer of land for this school; if the potential of a land swap of land suitable for housing rather than a cash payment was discussed; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14557/20]

Covid-19 Pandemic Unemployment Payment

Richard Boyd Barrett

533. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection the number of persons in receipt of the pandemic unemployment payment for the weeks ending 5 June, 12 June, 19 June, 26 June and 3 July 2020, respectively; the numbers that have ceased receiving the payment with details of whether these were due to return to work or moving to another payment for another reason; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14555/20]

Covid-19 Pandemic

Richard Boyd Barrett

705. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Health if a reply will issue to correspondence from a person (details supplied) regarding the reopening of betting shops; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13924/20]

Disability Support Services

Richard Boyd Barrett

818. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Health if he will address a matter regarding the case of a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14307/20]

Covid-19 Pandemic

Richard Boyd Barrett

852. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Health if there is a difference in the advice given to social care residential homes and settings, specifically those residential care settings for elderly persons and nursing homes versus residential care settings for persons with a disability; the nature of the differences; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14446/20]

Covid-19 Pandemic

Richard Boyd Barrett

872. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Health the details of the recommendations regarding incoming and outgoing foreign travel in the context of Covid-19; the details of testing and tracing regimes at airports for those coming into the country; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14558/20]

Health Services Staff

Richard Boyd Barrett

873. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Health if he will ensure that nurses and midwives who were awarded a pay rise after the industrial action of spring 2019 are now in receipt of same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14559/20]

HSE Agency Staff

Richard Boyd Barrett

874. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Health the details of the agreement between his Department and a recruitment company (details supplied) and other recruitment agencies with regard to the Be On Call for Ireland initiative; the fee paid to the agency; the number of persons who were recruited; the nature of the contracts; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14560/20]

Value Added Tax

Richard Boyd Barrett

77. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Finance the reason gyms are paying a 9% VAT rate while yoga studios pay a 13.5% rate; the supports he will put in place to help yoga studios reopen in view of the reduction in class sizes that will be necessary to maintain physical distancing; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13644/20]

Employment Data

Richard Boyd Barrett

78. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Finance if he will provide a breakdown of the number of persons, earners and tax units who are self-employed and PAYE workers for each of the years 2016 to 2019 by the economic and industrial sector they were employed, income brackets (details supplied), the amount of tax paid in each earning and tax category; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13652/20]