Parliamentary questions

Just Transition

Darren O'Rourke

108. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications to report on the work of the just transition taskforce; how many times the taskforce has met since it was established; who sits on the taskforce; what is the estimated timeline for delivery for a just transition commission; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9976/24]

Recycling Policy

Darren O'Rourke

118. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if he could provide an update on the planned introduction of specific packaging formats and product targets, for example for beverage and food cartons, as committed to in Ireland’s Waste Action Plan for a Circular Economy under Ireland’s progression to attaining EU packaging, recovery, and recycling targets; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10166/24]

Schools Building Projects

Darren O'Rourke

307. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Education for an update on the phase 2 build at a school (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [10333/24]

Tourism Policy

Darren O'Rourke

342. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media to provide a breakdown of all grants made by her Department to tourism bodies and tourism companies in each of the years 2022 and 2023, including the value and reason for each grant, in tabular form; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [10157/24]

Tourism Policy

Darren O'Rourke

343. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media if, following the cessation of the Food Tourism Strategy 2018 – 2023, her Department or any tourism bodies under the aegis of her Department have plans for the development and implementation of a new Food Tourism Strategy; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [10158/24]

Just Transition

Darren O'Rourke

507. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine further to Parliamentary Question No. 27 of 14 December 2023, to report on the work of the just transition commission, specifically in relation to the recommendation of the National Economic and Social Council; if a decision has been made regarding the establishment of an implementation group for climate transition in agriculture; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9977/24]

Mental Health Services

Darren O'Rourke

9. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Health the number of psychologists employed by CAMHS in the Meath area; the number of psychologists working in CAMHS in the Meath area; the size of the waiting list for access to CAMHS services in the Meath area; the average time waiting to secure an appointment with a psychologist in the Meath area; the average waiting time to access CAMHS services in the Meath area in 2020 to 2024, inclusive, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9553/24]

Climate Action Plan

Darren O'Rourke

32. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Health the work his Department is conducting to tackle, mitigate and adapt to the impact of climate change on the health sector; to report on any delayed actions that his Department is leading on as part of the climate action plan 2023; what proportion are complete and what proportion are delayed; if any are still outstanding from the 2021 climate action plan; the expected timeline for delivery for all delayed actions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9554/24]

Disability Services

Darren O'Rourke

102. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth to report on respite for children and adults with disabilities in County Meath; if he will provide an update on plans to increase respite for children and adults with disabilities in County Meath; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9569/24]

Early Childhood Care and Education

Darren O'Rourke

114. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth if he will report on childcare services in County Meath; the number of childcare places available in the county; the length of the average waiting list; to report on any planned measures to increase these places; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9570/24]

Schools Building Projects

Darren O'Rourke

196. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Education for an update on the school building programme at a school (details supplied) in County Meath; when works will commence and be completed; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [9854/24]

Schools Building Projects

Darren O'Rourke

197. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Education for an update on the school building programme at a school (details supplied) in County Meath; when works will commence and be completed; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [9855/24]

Legislative Programme

Darren O'Rourke

4. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Taoiseach if he will provide an update on the legislative programme. [8949/24]

Education and Training Provision

Darren O'Rourke

19. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if he is aware of recent reports (details supplied) that highlight critical skills and labour gaps in order to meet our 2030 targets as part of Ireland's energy transition; the corrective measures he will take in order to fill these gaps; the timeline for delivery; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8986/24]

Climate Action Plan

Darren O'Rourke

32. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if he will report on the delayed actions his Department is leading on as part of the Climate Action Plan 2023; the proportion that have been completed and delayed, respectively; if any are still outstanding from the Climate Action Plan 2021; the expected timeline for delivery for all delayed actions; the estimated emissions impact of delayed actions; the impact on carbon budgets; the measures he is taking to mitigate these impacts and make up any possible shortfalls; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8987/24]

Recycling Policy

Darren O'Rourke

74. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications further to Parliamentary Question No. 68 of 14 February 2024 (details supplied), the accessibility of the deposit return scheme; if any disability advocacy organisations were consulted on the accessibility of the deposit return scheme in advance of its roll-out; the formation of the consultative group to ensure concerns are heard and addressed; when this group was formed and how many times it has met; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8679/24]

Greenhouse Gas Emissions

Darren O'Rourke

75. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the progress made to develop carbon capture and storage technologies in Ireland; if any private companies are carrying out CCS in Ireland; how CCS is regulated and monitored if carried out by private companies; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8701/24]

Climate Change Policy

Darren O'Rourke

76. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the work the Government is undertaking to prepare for a potential collapse in the Atlantic meridional overturning circulation; what representations the Government has made regarding the EU’s preparations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8708/24]

Aviation Industry

Darren O'Rourke

104. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Transport his views regarding licensing issues for airline pilots and the current wait times for responses from the Irish Aviation Authority (details supplied); if he is aware of concerns that this is posing safety risks; if he has engaged with the Irish Aviation Authority on this; the measures he is taking to address these concerns; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8792/24]

Driver Test

Darren O'Rourke

117. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Transport the steps he is taking to address delays for driving tests; the number of tests that were cancelled, broken down by quarter in 2020, 2021, 2022 and 2023, in tabular form; what measures a person (details supplied) can take to ensure they are able to take a test as soon as possible; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9056/24]

Primary Medical Certificates

Darren O'Rourke

143. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Finance the backlog in the appeals process for the primary medical certificate (details supplied) in 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023 and to date in 2024, broken down by county, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8836/24]

Public Sector Pay

Darren O'Rourke

287. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage further to Parliamentary Question No. 99 of 22 November 2023, if a review of SI No. 216/2004 and Circular letter LG(P) 06/09 as they relate to retained fire fighters is underway; the way in which this review will consider the fact that calls are not guaranteed income; when this review will be completed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9192/24]

Primary Medical Certificates

Darren O'Rourke

511. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Health further to Parliamentary Questions Nos. 84, 89, 94, 96, 113, 131 and 148 of 24 November 2023, regarding a case (details supplied) as it related to the primary medical certificate and the disabled drivers and passengers scheme, the alternative supports that are in place until the planned review takes place; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8835/24]

Probate Applications

Darren O'Rourke

9. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Justice in regard to delays in probate, what the current waiting time is; how many cases are on a waiting list in 2020, 2021, 2023 and 2024 to date, in tabular form; the average wait time in 2020, 2021, 2023 and 2024 to date, in tabular form; what measures she plans to address this; if there are plans to reopen the office to the public; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8339/24]

An Garda Síochána

Darren O'Rourke

25. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Justice to provide a breakdown on the number of Garda officers, by rank, attached to all Meath East Garda stations in 2020, 2021, 2022 and 2023, in tabular form; the number of Garda officers who retired from Meath East Garda stations in 2020, 2021, 2022 and 2023, in tabular form; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8340/24]

Climate Action Plan

Darren O'Rourke

61. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine about the delayed actions his Department is leading on as part of the climate action plan 2023; the proportion that are complete and the proportion that are delayed; if any are still outstanding from the 2021 climate action plan; the expected timeline for delivery for all delayed actions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8337/24]

Wildlife Protection

Darren O'Rourke

90. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine what efforts his Department is making to ensure farmers are incentivised to create and maintain habitats on farms under the Common Agricultural Policy strategic plan and the rural development plan. [8338/24]

Departmental Bodies

Darren O'Rourke

139. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications to provide an update on the Energy Poverty Steering Group; how many times it has met since its inception; to provide a breakdown of departments and agencies that were present at each meeting; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7819/24]

Departmental Bodies

Darren O'Rourke

140. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications to report on the work of the Energy Poverty Steering Group; to what extend the group has evaluated the various SEAI retrofitting schemes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7820/24]

Mother and Baby Homes

Darren O'Rourke

471. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth when the enhanced medical card will be issued regarding the redress scheme proposed for mother and baby home survivors; the eligibility criteria that will apply; the treatments and services it will cover; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7424/24]

Hospital Appointments Status

Darren O'Rourke

522. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Health when a person in County Meath (details supplied) will get an appointment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7423/24]

Medical Cards

Darren O'Rourke

614. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Health if he is aware of delays some cancer patients are facing when getting a medical card; what measures he is taking to address these delays; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7776/24]

Renewable Energy Generation

Darren O'Rourke

71. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he will report on the decarbonisation of the social housing stock; what progress has been made to retrofit the social housing stock; if there are plans to establish a dedicated programme to install solar PV on the social housing stock; what engagement has his Department had with industry in order to decarbonise the social housing stock most quickly and effectively; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6829/24]

Wind Energy Guidelines

Darren O'Rourke

135. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he will report on progress on the draft wind energy guidelines; when he expects the draft guidelines will be published; the expected timeframe for publication of finalised deadlines; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6830/24]

Recycling Policy

Darren O'Rourke

68. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if he is aware of concerns that the deposit return scheme will discriminate against those with disabilities; how he plans to mitigate these concerns; if he will consider requesting that the CCPC conduct an examination of the roll-out of the scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6709/24]

Diplomatic Representation

Darren O'Rourke

137. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs if there are plans to open a new Consulate General Office in Cape Town, South Africa. [6156/24]

Diplomatic Representation

Darren O'Rourke

138. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs the dates in 2023 and to-date in 2024 on which he or his officials spoke with the Irish Consul General in Sydney, in tabular form. [6157/24]

State Bodies

Darren O'Rourke

363. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media when the chairperson position in the Arts Council will be filled; and the length of time this position has been vacant for. [6160/24]

Tourism Industry

Darren O'Rourke

364. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media if she will attend the next EU tourism ministers meeting. [6161/24]

Departmental Staff

Darren O'Rourke

431. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Social Protection the number of WTE accountants working in her Department in 2021, 2022, 2023 and to-date in 2024, in tabular form. [6154/24]

Departmental Data

Darren O'Rourke

432. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Social Protection the number of appeals received by the social welfare appeals office, per month in 2023, in tabular form. [6155/24]

Departmental Staff

Darren O'Rourke

461. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Justice the number of WTE staff, by grade, working in the citizenship division of her Department as of 6 February 2024; the number of vacancies within this division, by grade; and when these vacancies will be filled, in tabular form. . [6152/24]

Health Services

Darren O'Rourke

567. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Health the number of electroencephalographic machines in use currently at the Mater Hospital. [6158/24]

Health Services

Darren O'Rourke

568. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Health the number of WTE staff members required to sufficiently staff an ophthalmology department within model 4 Hospitals. [6159/24]

Mental Health Services

Darren O'Rourke

569. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Health the budget allocated to CAMHS as a percentage of the health budget for each of the years 2021 to 2024, in tabular form. [6162/24]

Mental Health Services

Darren O'Rourke

570. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Health the budget allocated to CAMHS as a percentage of the health budget for each of the years 2021 to 2024, in tabular form. [6163/24]

Climate Action Plan

Darren O'Rourke

19. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the delayed actions that his Department is leading on as part of the climate action plan 2023; the proportion that are complete and the proportion that are delayed; if any are still outstanding from the 2021 climate action plan; the expected timeline for delivery for all delayed actions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5668/24]

Energy Conservation

Darren O'Rourke

33. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the progress to develop an approach to the retrofit of the commercial stock as outlined in the climate action plan; the progress on the commercial built action roadmap; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5667/24]

Climate Action Plan

Darren O'Rourke

91. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform about delayed actions that his Department is leading on as part of the climate action plan 2023; what proportion are complete and what proportion are delayed; if any are still outstanding from the 2021 climate action plan 2021; the expected timeline for delivery for all delayed actions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5679/24]

National Development Plan

Darren O'Rourke

106. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform about the national development plan; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5680/24]

Renewable Energy Generation

Darren O'Rourke

136. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if he will consider outlining the renewable electricity support scheme and offshore renewable electricity support scheme auctions to take place between now and 2030; the dates they will take place; how they will be sequenced; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5809/24]

Wind Energy Generation

Darren O'Rourke

137. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if he will report on the progress of the designated maritime area plans for offshore wind to date; if there are plans for a designated maritime area plan for the west coast; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5811/24]

Wind Energy Generation

Darren O'Rourke

138. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the means through which designated maritime area plans are being identified; the timeline for completion; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5812/24]

Energy Policy

Darren O'Rourke

139. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the initiatives his Department is taking to increase the number of energy customers to adopt a smart tariff; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5818/24]

Energy Conservation

Darren O'Rourke

140. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if he gathers data on the number of households that are on a smart tariff following completion of a retrofit as part of the SEAI’s schemes; if so, the proportion, that are on a smart tariff following a retrofit for 2020, 2021, 2022 and 2023, in tabular form; if measures are used to encourage households that have had a retrofit of their homes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5819/24]

Climate Action Plan

Darren O'Rourke

142. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications about delayed actions that his Department is leading on as part of the climate action plan 2023, what proportion are complete and what proportion are delayed; if any are still outstanding from the 2021 climate action plan; what is the expected timeline for delivery for all delayed actions; what is the estimated emissions impact of delayed actions; what is the impact on carbon budgets; what measures he is taking to mitigate these impacts and make up any possible shortfalls; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5909/24]

Energy Conservation

Darren O'Rourke

143. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the work his Department is doing to ensure that Ireland will meet its 2030 target of 500,000 dwellings to B2 BER status 2030; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5680/24]

Climate Action Plan

Darren O'Rourke

221. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the delayed actions that his Department is leading on as part of the Climate Action Plan 2023; the proportion that have been completed; the proportion that are delayed; if any are still outstanding from the 2021 Climate Action Plan; the expected timeline for delivery for all delayed actions; the estimated emissions impact of delayed actions; the impact on carbon budgets; what measures he is taking to mitigate these impacts and make up any possible shortfalls; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5905/24]

Climate Action Plan

Darren O'Rourke

272. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the delayed actions that his Department is leading on as part of the Climate Action Plan 2023; the proportion that are have been completed; the proportion that are delayed; if any are still outstanding from the 2021 Climate Action Plan; the expected timeline for delivery for all delayed actions; the estimated emissions impact of delayed actions; the impact on carbon budgets; what measures he is taking to mitigate these impacts and make up any possible shortfalls; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5904/24]

Climate Change Policy

Darren O'Rourke

34. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if he is aware that Ireland has dropped six places on the climate change performance and is now 43rd amongst 63 countries; to report on the factors to that contributed to Ireland falling down the list; what steps he is taking to improve Ireland's performance; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5255/24]

Energy Conservation

Darren O'Rourke

39. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications to report on the findings by the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine study of the warmth and wellbeing pilot scheme; if a report has been published or will be published in the future; how the finding of the study will inform the SEAI retrofitting scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5430/24]

Departmental Schemes

Darren O'Rourke

40. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications further to Parliamentary Question Nos. 168 and 169 of 25 January 2024, his views on the particular cases in questions and whether or not they are eligible payment for the microgeneration support scheme (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5466/24]

Public Transport

Darren O'Rourke

57. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Transport in relation to the proposals to introduce later opening hours for pubs and clubs; what work has his Department carried out to assess the potential impact on night time transport; what plans have been put in place to address its potential impact; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4980/24]

Departmental Data

Darren O'Rourke

205. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Education further to Parliamentary Question No. 687 of 17 January 2024, the funding provided per fee paying school for 2020, 2021, 2022 and 2023; if she is aware of funding to fee-paying schools from other Government Departments; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [5470/24]

Covid-19 Pandemic

Darren O'Rourke

549. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Health the reason care assistants working during the Covid pandemic with an organisation (details supplied) nationwide have been excluded from payment of the special recognition payment, despite doing the same work as all the other healthcare professionals who received the payment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5465/24]

Bus Services

Darren O'Rourke

21. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Transport if he is aware of the deteriorating public bus services in County Meath; the level of bus cancellations; how he plans to improve these services; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4448/24]

Climate Action Plan

Darren O'Rourke

57. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Transport if he will report on the Climate Action Plan for 2023 in respect of the transport sector; what actions are still outstanding from 2023; the timeline for delivery of these delayed actions; how he thinks delayed actions will impact on rising emissions in the sector; his plans to address rising emissions in the sector; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4449/24]

Fiscal Policy

Darren O'Rourke

99. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Finance about the actions outlined in Ireland’s Sustainable Finance Roadmap; the progress to date to implement same; what engagement has been carried out at EU and international levels by him and his Department as outlined in the 2023 climate action plan; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4482/24]

European Investment Bank

Darren O'Rourke

146. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Finance the progress to date to promote opportunities for the European Investment Bank to invest in relevant climate projects in Ireland; if a working group has been established; how many times the working group has met; if will he report on these meetings; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4483/24]

Climate Action Plan

Darren O'Rourke

26. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Finance the progress to date to consider a number of reforms to the taxation system under relevant tax heads from an environmental perspective as outlined in the climate action plan 2023; what, if any reforms have been made; what is the environmental impact of these reforms; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4484/24]

Energy Usage

Darren O'Rourke

139. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the number of households availing of smart tariffs in 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023 and 2024, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3705/24]

Energy Usage

Darren O'Rourke

140. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the number of households availing of smart tariffs in 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023 and 2024, broken down by county, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3706/24]

Data Centres

Darren O'Rourke

143. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the number and location of islanded data centres currently operating. [3740/24]

Data Centres

Darren O'Rourke

144. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the number and location of islanded data centres proposed but not yet operating. [3741/24]

Energy Conservation

Darren O'Rourke

152. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications further to Parliamentary Question Nos. 55, 59, 60, 72, 92 and 93 of 17 January 2024, the process that is followed if the post BER rating of a retrofit completed remains the same or is downgraded; if there is an established procedure to follow up with the contractor and or homeowner; if there are any penalties for the contractor; if these procedures are the same across all SEAI schemes; what oversight is performed when contractors carry out a retrofit where post BER rating remains the same or is downgraded; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3850/24]

Illegal Dumping

Darren O'Rourke

153. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the amount of illegal dumping, broken down by local authority, in 2020, 2021, 2022 and 2023, in tabular form,; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3903/24]

Energy Conservation

Darren O'Rourke

154. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications further to Parliamentary Question Nos. 58, 59, 60, 82 and 92 of 17 January 2024, the reasons that pre-and post BER ratings of properties retrofitted as part of the SEAI’s warmer homers scheme are not available for thousands of properties; the steps he is taking to address this; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3904/24]

Energy Conservation

Darren O'Rourke

155. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications what assessments are carried out to assess BER rating pre and post-retrofit across SEAI schemes; if these are standardised across all schemes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3905/24]

Waste Management

Darren O'Rourke

156. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications what proportion of households have their waste collected, broken down by local authority, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3911/24]

Illegal Dumping

Darren O'Rourke

157. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the level of illegal dumping in 2020, 2021, 2022 and 2023, broken down by local authority, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3912/24]

Departmental Policies

Darren O'Rourke

241. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment his views on the 'right to repair' measures as set out in the European Commission Circular Economy Action Plan; if his Department will implement any of the proposals contained within; what is the progress to establish right to repair measures in Ireland; what preparations his Department is making; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3843/24]

Middle East

Darren O'Rourke

19. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs about the situation in Palestine; what legal advice he sought before deciding not to join South Africa's case at the ICJ; about progress on the occupied territories Bill; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3344/24]

Climate Change Policy

Darren O'Rourke

44. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs what progress has been made to scale up climate financing through existing channels; what new funding initiatives are planned and/ or underway; what plans there are to enhance reporting on the gender responsiveness of Ireland's climate financing; if official 2023 figures have been submitted to the EU; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3343/24]

Energy Prices

Darren O'Rourke

88. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications about the ongoing high cost of energy in Ireland, his plans to identify underlying factors for this; his further plans to address them; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3487/24]

Environmental Schemes

Darren O'Rourke

90. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications about heat pumps, what solutions are available for those whose homes are not suitable or who cannot afford heat pump installation; if biofuel boilers in the residential sector are being considered as part of the solution; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3488/24]

Energy Usage

Darren O'Rourke

93. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if he is aware of EirGrid’s recent warning that capacity deficits have been identified in the ten years to 2032; what steps he is taking to address the structural features of the electricity market which contributed to the electricity market crisis as noted in the recently published McCarthy report; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3414/24]

Departmental Schemes

Darren O'Rourke

99. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications with regard to the warmer homes scheme whether the eligibility criteria is sufficient to ensure the most vulnerable have access to the scheme; how are the poorest, coldest homes identified and targeted; if there are plans to expand the eligibility criteria of the scheme to include those on invalidity pensions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3416/24]

Recycling Policy

Darren O'Rourke

112. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications with regard to the deposit return scheme; what measures he has taken to ensure that the retail sector is sufficiently prepared; what measures he is taking to ensure that the scheme is accessible; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3417/24]

Renewable Energy Generation

Darren O'Rourke

126. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if he is aware of growing concerns of industry that Ireland’s renewable energy targets are unlikely to be achieved; what measures he is taking to address the identified key barriers to progress; if he is aware of the recent report from the European Commission that Ireland’s share of energy consumption from renewables is the lowest level in the EU 27; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3415/24]

Energy Policy

Darren O'Rourke

147. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications to report on the progress of the small-scale renewable support scheme; what additional supports are available to renewable energy communities; what measures his Department is taking to address the difficulties that renewable energy communities are facing including connecting to the grid; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3413/24]

Departmental Schemes

Darren O'Rourke

168. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications about the microgeneration scheme, and if he is aware of concerns of some customers that they will have to wait until at least 2025 to participate despite already having the investment. [3515/24]

Departmental Schemes

Darren O'Rourke

169. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications about the microgeneration scheme and the following case (details supplied); if he plans any measures to speed up this process; if delays will be compensated or any additional supports provided; if there are any alternatives for this business; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3516/24]

Special Educational Needs

Darren O'Rourke

224. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Education how she plans to respond to a judgment (details supplied); what guidance she received in preparing this planned response; what guidance has been provided to schools on the back of the ruling; if she has engaged with the NSCE on the back of this ruling; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [3459/24]

Special Educational Needs

Darren O'Rourke

225. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Education about the assessment of children with special needs; if she is aware of concerns around the devolution of the legislative responsibility to schools; what stakeholders she engaged with; if she will report on these interactions; what factors led to the decision to devolve responsibility; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [3460/24]

School Staff

Darren O'Rourke

226. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Education the number of unfilled permanent teaching positions in primary schools for the 2020-2021, 2021-2022, 2022-2023 and 2023-2024 school years, broken down by county, in tabular form; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [3461/24]

School Staff

Darren O'Rourke

227. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Education the number of unfilled permanent teaching positions in post-primary schools for the 2020-2021, 2021-2022, 2022-2023 and 2023-2024 school years, broken down by county, in tabular form; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [3462/24]

School Staff

Darren O'Rourke

228. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Education the number of unfilled fixed term teaching positions in post-primary schools for the 2020-2021, 2021-2022, 2022-2023 and 2023-2024 school years, broken down by county, in tabular form; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [3463/24]

School Staff

Darren O'Rourke

229. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Education the number of unfilled fixed term teaching positions in primary schools for the 2020-2021, 2021-2022, 2022-3023 and 2023-3024 school years, broken down by county in tabular form; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [3464/24]

School Staff

Darren O'Rourke

230. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Education the number of unfilled maternity cover teaching positions in primary schools for the 2020-2021, 2021-2022, 2022-2023 and 2023-2024 school years, broken down, by county, in tabular form; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [3465/24]

School Staff

Darren O'Rourke

231. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Education the number of unfilled maternity cover teaching positions in post-primary schools for the 2020-2021, 2021-2022, 2022-2023 and 2023-2024 school years, broken down by county, in tabular form; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [3466/24]