Questions and answers published after July 2012 can be viewed here. Viewing by Government Department is possible by term or specific dates from March 2016 onwards. Written answers are published as received from departments. To see parliamentary questions published before July 2012, search in Dáil debates.
Questions and answers for Dáil or Seanad term
Page 3 of 21
Wed, 14 Feb 2024
written
Departmental Data
Patrick Costello
127. Deputy Patrick Costello asked the Minister for Education for a breakdown of children excluded from school, and the reason, for both residential and other types of care. [7072/24]
Wed, 14 Feb 2024
written
Departmental Data
Patrick Costello
128. Deputy Patrick Costello asked the Minister for Education how many section 29 appeals have been taken on behalf of children refused admission in 2023; the results of these appeals; and what educational provision has been made for the children where the appeals have not been upheld. [7074/24]
Wed, 14 Feb 2024
written
Education Welfare Service
Patrick Costello
129. Deputy Patrick Costello asked the Minister for Education if an EWO been assigned to children currently in State care but excluded from school. [7075/24]
Wed, 14 Feb 2024
written
Education Welfare Service
Patrick Costello
130. Deputy Patrick Costello asked the Minister for Education where an EWO has been assigned specifically to residential care, if they work on a case by case basis or if there is a larger strategic plan being implemented for this role; and what are the goals in this special assignment. [7076/24]
Wed, 14 Feb 2024
written
Departmental Data
Patrick Costello
131. Deputy Patrick Costello asked the Minister for Education in relation to the recently released numbers by TESS relating to prolonged school attendance issues, how many of these children are under Tusla care. [7078/24]
Wed, 14 Feb 2024
written
Children in Care
Patrick Costello
172. Deputy Patrick Costello asked the Minister for Education if her Department has agreed to a duty of cooperation with the Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth and Tusla in the provision of education for children in care, as drafted by the new additions to the Child Care Act 1991. [7077/24]
Wed, 14 Feb 2024
written
Animal Welfare
Patrick Costello
260. Deputy Patrick Costello asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will introduce legislation to ban fox, hare and mink hunting; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6777/24]
Wed, 14 Feb 2024
written
Disability Services
Patrick Costello
291. Deputy Patrick Costello asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the number of children who have been refused admission in 2023 for residential and other types of care, in tabular form; and the reasons they were refused admission . [7073/24]
Wed, 14 Feb 2024
written
Children in Care
Patrick Costello
292. Deputy Patrick Costello asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth how many children currently in special emergency care provision, such as unregulated hotels, are having their education maintained/are in school. [7079/24]
Wed, 14 Feb 2024
written
Mental Health Services
Patrick Costello
293. Deputy Patrick Costello asked the Minister for Health if he will include CAMHS under the regulation provisions of the Mental Health Act 2001. [6677/24]
Wed, 14 Feb 2024
written
Health Services
Patrick Costello
310. Deputy Patrick Costello asked the Minister for Health further to Parliamentary Question No. 523 of 30 January 2024, the risks and benefits of GnRHa alone for adults, and what sort of patients would choose this treatment from the National Gender Services. [6843/24]
Wed, 14 Feb 2024
written
Health Services
Patrick Costello
311. Deputy Patrick Costello asked the Minister for Health further to Parliamentary Question No. 525 of 30 January 2024, how many referrals the National Gender Service's referral process triaged as "New Gender Clinic" in 2023. [6844/24]
Wed, 14 Feb 2024
written
Health Services
Patrick Costello
312. Deputy Patrick Costello asked the Minister for Health further to Parliamentary Question No. 526 of 30 January 2024, if the National Gender Service believes the that use of GnRHa makes cisgender children transgender. [6845/24]
Wed, 14 Feb 2024
written
Health Services
Patrick Costello
313. Deputy Patrick Costello asked the Minister for Health further to Parliamentary Question No. 526 of 30 January 2024, which clinical studies show that gender non-conforming children largely turn out to be cisgender in adolescence, and if the National Gender Service believe this represents the current best evidence for the outcomes for pre-pubertal transgender children. [6846/24]
Wed, 14 Feb 2024
written
Health Services
Patrick Costello
314. Deputy Patrick Costello asked the Minister for Health further to Parliamentary Question No. 528 of 30 January 2024, the reason the National Gender Service's endocrine guidelines emphasise that high hormone concentrations elevate the risks of thromboembolic and liver disease. [6847/24]
Wed, 14 Feb 2024
written
Health Services
Patrick Costello
315. Deputy Patrick Costello asked the Minister for Health further to Parliamentary Question No. 528 of 30 January 2024, why the National Gender Service requires regular hormone concentration blood tests for its own patients given that it listed no harms or benefits for them, and if these could be cut as a cost saving measure. [6848/24]
Wed, 14 Feb 2024
written
Health Services
Patrick Costello
316. Deputy Patrick Costello asked the Minister for Health further to Parliamentary Question No. 528 of 30 January 2024, if the National Gender Service is aware that under EU Directive 2011/24, there is no requirement for EU telehealth services to be regulated in Ireland as they are considered to be provided, and thus regulated in the doctor's country. [6849/24]
Wed, 14 Feb 2024
written
Health Services
Patrick Costello
317. Deputy Patrick Costello asked the Minister for Health if he is aware of a recent report (details supplied) that the National Gender Service's waiting list now exceeds a decade; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6850/24]
Tue, 13 Feb 2024
written
Departmental Data
Patrick Costello
218. Deputy Patrick Costello asked the Minister for Transport further to Parliamentary Question Nos. 68 and 69 of 7 February 2024, in what quarter of 2024 there will be an agreement on the sharing of collision data; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6584/24]
Tue, 13 Feb 2024
written
Road Safety
Patrick Costello
219. Deputy Patrick Costello asked the Minister for Transport for a detailed update in relation to the implementation of the actions across the seven safe system priority intervention areas outlined in Phase 1 Action Plan: 2021-2024 of the Road Safety Strategy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6585/24]
Tue, 13 Feb 2024
written
Work Permits
Patrick Costello
257. Deputy Patrick Costello asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment further to Parliamentary Question No. 146 of 7 February 2024, how many applications for a general employment permit for a mechanic role have been submitted in 2023 and 2024; how many have been awarded in 2023 and 2024; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6583/24]
Tue, 13 Feb 2024
written
Broadcasting Sector
Patrick Costello
362. Deputy Patrick Costello asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media how the Exchequer funding model for public sector broadcasting could operate in Ireland; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6068/24]
Tue, 13 Feb 2024
written
Regeneration Projects
Patrick Costello
388. Deputy Patrick Costello asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he will meet with residents of Oliver Bond House and the Robert Emmet Community Development Project in relation to the recent report on respiratory conditions for residents in the complex; and the proposed redevelopment and timeline for the same. [6142/24]
Thu, 8 Feb 2024
written
Passport Services
Patrick Costello
132. Deputy Patrick Costello asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs the efforts made to ensure that Irish passport cards are compatible with e-gates in other European and EEA states; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5775/24]
Thu, 8 Feb 2024
written
Naval Service
Patrick Costello
146. Deputy Patrick Costello asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence if his Department has been contacted by local authorities interested in acquiring the decommissioned naval vessel, LÉ Éithne, to be turned into a naval or maritime museum; if so, to provide an update on these requests; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5884/24]
Thu, 8 Feb 2024
written
Naval Service
Patrick Costello
147. Deputy Patrick Costello asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence if his Department has carried out a feasibility study in relation to proposals to turn the decommissioned naval vessel, LÉ Éithne, into a naval or maritime museum; if so, to provide an update on same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5885/24]
Thu, 8 Feb 2024
written
Naval Service
Patrick Costello
148. Deputy Patrick Costello asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence for an update of LÉ Éithne; the stumbling blocks that were identified preventing it being turned into a naval or maritime museum as suggested by many local authorities and port companies; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5881/24]
Thu, 8 Feb 2024
written
Naval Service
Patrick Costello
149. Deputy Patrick Costello asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence for an update on the future of the decommissioned LÉ Ciara and LÉ Orla; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5882/24]
Thu, 8 Feb 2024
written
Naval Service
Patrick Costello
150. Deputy Patrick Costello asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence to outline in detail the process that is carried out when considering how to dispose of former naval vessels; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5883/24]
Thu, 8 Feb 2024
written
Rental Sector
Patrick Costello
218. Deputy Patrick Costello asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the average wait time for a Residential Tenancies Board mediation session after application and the subsequent wait time for a dispute session when mediation ends in no resolution. [5851/24]
Thu, 8 Feb 2024
written
Naval Service
Patrick Costello
219. Deputy Patrick Costello asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he will ensure in the future that historically significant vessels, such as LÉ Éithne and the Naomh Éanna, will be evaluated and feasibility studies carried out by his Department to consider potential heritage options are fully considered before any decisions about their future are made; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5886/24]
Thu, 8 Feb 2024
written
Planning Issues
Patrick Costello
223. Deputy Patrick Costello asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage for a breakdown in tabular form of the number of staff, and their grade currently, employed within An Bord Pleanála, highlighting if they are employed on a part-time or full-time basis; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5935/24]
Thu, 8 Feb 2024
written
Planning Issues
Patrick Costello
224. Deputy Patrick Costello asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage for a breakdown in tabular form of the number of vacant staffing positions and their grade within An Bord Pleanála; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5936/24]
Thu, 8 Feb 2024
written
International Protection
Patrick Costello
284. Deputy Patrick Costello asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth further to Parliamentary Question No. 334 of 25 January 2024, if he intends to expand use of section 5 of the Child Care Act 1991 to overcome lack of informed consent which impedes care for a separated child seeking international protection; if his Department is exploring amending provisions related to statutory care orders to give clear policy direction that allows for a separated child seeking international protection to be brought into care in the absence of informed consent; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5815/24]
Wed, 7 Feb 2024
written
Climate Change Policy
Patrick Costello
29. Deputy Patrick Costello asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if he will provide an update on the timeline for publication of a public consultation on the National Adaptation Framework; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5001/24]
Wed, 7 Feb 2024
written
Road Traffic Accidents
Patrick Costello
68. Deputy Patrick Costello asked the Minister for Transport if he will direct the Road Safety Authority to release road safety collision data for the Crumlin Road area; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5134/24]
Wed, 7 Feb 2024
written
Road Traffic Accidents
Patrick Costello
69. Deputy Patrick Costello asked the Minister for Transport to clarify whether the Road Safety Authority is able to release local area-specific collision data, as it has previously been stated that the RSA cannot provide this data due to GDPR concerns, but an alternative view has also been expressed (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5135/24]
Wed, 7 Feb 2024
written
Work Permits
Patrick Costello
146. Deputy Patrick Costello asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if his Department will include mechanics on the critical skills given the urgent need to help expedite the roll-out of BusConnects. [5425/24]
Wed, 7 Feb 2024
written
Referendum Campaigns
Patrick Costello
261. Deputy Patrick Costello asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage for a timeline on the referendum on the right to housing. [5228/24]
Wed, 7 Feb 2024
written
Housing Provision
Patrick Costello
262. Deputy Patrick Costello asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage for a timeline on a deposit protection scheme. [5229/24]
Wed, 7 Feb 2024
written
Social Welfare Code
Patrick Costello
294. Deputy Patrick Costello asked the Minister for Social Protection if she will consider increasing the minimum income threshold for working people in receipt of disability allowance; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [5031/24]
Wed, 7 Feb 2024
written
Social Welfare Code
Patrick Costello
295. Deputy Patrick Costello asked the Minister for Social Protection if she will consider increasing the minimum income threshold for people in receipt of disability allowance if their spouse, civil partner or cohabitant works; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [5032/24]
Wed, 7 Feb 2024
written
Social Welfare Code
Patrick Costello
296. Deputy Patrick Costello asked the Minister for Social Protection her views on whether it is appropriate that persons in receipt of disability allowance can lose their allowance as a result of marriage or cohabitation, thus increasing their reliance on their partner; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [5033/24]
Wed, 7 Feb 2024
written
Social Welfare Code
Patrick Costello
297. Deputy Patrick Costello asked the Minister for Social Protection if she will consider allowing persons in receipt of disability allowance to not take into account the cost of their monthly rent when doing disability allowance means test assessment; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [5034/24]
Wed, 7 Feb 2024
written
International Protection
Patrick Costello
325. Deputy Patrick Costello asked the Minister for Justice how her Department evaluates and determines whether a country of origin is deemed to be safe; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4988/24]
Thu, 1 Feb 2024
written
Bus Services
Patrick Costello
41. Deputy Patrick Costello asked the Minister for Transport to address the gaps in bus service emerging in the Chapelizod area of Dublin. [4429/24]
Thu, 1 Feb 2024
written
Local Authorities
Patrick Costello
167. Deputy Patrick Costello asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the number of fines issued for dog-fouling in each local authority area in the past ten years, and to date in 2023, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4686/24]
Thu, 1 Feb 2024
written
Local Authorities
Patrick Costello
168. Deputy Patrick Costello asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications his plans to tackle the scourge of dog fouling across the country; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4689/24]
Thu, 1 Feb 2024
written
School Enrolments
Patrick Costello
255. Deputy Patrick Costello asked the Minister for Education if her Department has completed an assessment of the projected requirement of school places for September 2024 in the Greystones and Kilcoole area of County Wicklow; if those numbers are available; if a plan has been put in place to ensure that every child has a local secondary school place for September; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4776/24]
Thu, 1 Feb 2024
written
School Transport
Patrick Costello
260. Deputy Patrick Costello asked the Minister for Education further to Parliamentary Question No.246 of 25 January 2024, if her Department will engage with Dublin Bus in talks to pursue a similar scheme to Bus Éireann to provide free travel for children, given the costs incurred by parents living in the city and the increased benefits in terms of school attendance and reducing private transport use in the city. [4848/24]
Thu, 1 Feb 2024
written
Prison Service
Patrick Costello
314. Deputy Patrick Costello asked the Minister for Justice how many inspections of the Dóchas Centre have been carried out since 2019 by the Office of Inspector of Prisons; how many reports have been published; how many have not; the nature of any reports not published; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4654/24]
Thu, 1 Feb 2024
written
Child and Family Agency
Patrick Costello
348. Deputy Patrick Costello asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth to provide a list of private residential service providers used by Tusla in 2023. [4746/24]
Thu, 1 Feb 2024
written
Control of Dogs
Patrick Costello
392. Deputy Patrick Costello asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the number of full-time and part-time dog wardens in each local authority area in the past ten years, in tabular form; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4688/24]
Wed, 31 Jan 2024
written
Dublin Bus
Patrick Costello
20. Deputy Patrick Costello asked the Minister for Transport if he will instruct the NTA to ensure the Dublin Bus route 74 will serve Crumlin village or, in lieu of this, to expedite the proposed 82 route. [4420/24]
Wed, 31 Jan 2024
written
Housing Policy
Patrick Costello
71. Deputy Patrick Costello asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if his Department has received and examined the report 'Respiratory Health in Oliver Bond House', launched last week; its analysis of the findings of the report and what specific measures his Department is taking (in both the short and long term) to alleviate the negative health consequences of living in Oliver Bond House; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4668/24]
Wed, 31 Jan 2024
written
Housing Policy
Patrick Costello
72. Deputy Patrick Costello asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if his Department will ensure there is a community centre within the geographic bounds of the regenerated Oliver Bond House complex. [4671/24]
Wed, 31 Jan 2024
written
Housing Policy
Patrick Costello
73. Deputy Patrick Costello asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if his Department will ensure the publication of a report by independent engineers commissioned by DCC in 2021 in relation to conditions in the Oliver Bond House complex. [4672/24]
Wed, 31 Jan 2024
written
Housing Policy
Patrick Costello
74. Deputy Patrick Costello asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage to advise whether it would have been possible for Dublin City Council to apply for Stage 2 Approvals recently rather than full Stage 1 approvals in relation to the Oliver Bond House regeneration; and to provide a timeline for the full project. [4673/24]
Wed, 31 Jan 2024
written
Housing Policy
Patrick Costello
75. Deputy Patrick Costello asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage to provide funding for a housing officer function to be delivered by a local community organisation in relation to the regeneration of the Oliver Bond House complex. [4674/24]
Wed, 31 Jan 2024
written
Education Welfare Service
Patrick Costello
131. Deputy Patrick Costello asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the number of education welfare officers across the State, broken down by local area office, for 2022 and 2023. [4478/24]
Wed, 31 Jan 2024
written
Education Welfare Service
Patrick Costello
132. Deputy Patrick Costello asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the number of vacancies for education welfare officers across the State, broken down by local area office. [4479/24]
Wed, 31 Jan 2024
written
Education Welfare Service
Patrick Costello
133. Deputy Patrick Costello asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the number of children supported by Tusla’s education welfare service in 2022 and 2023, broken down by local area office. [4480/24]
Wed, 31 Jan 2024
written
Education Welfare Service
Patrick Costello
134. Deputy Patrick Costello asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the number of referrals to the education welfare service relating to children in care of the state for 2022 and 2023 broken down by local area office. [4481/24]
Tue, 30 Jan 2024
written
Human Rights
Patrick Costello
124. Deputy Patrick Costello asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs Ireland's position in relation to military operations conducted by the Pakistani state in Balochistan and the alleged human rights abuses being carried out; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3642/24]
Tue, 30 Jan 2024
written
European Union
Patrick Costello
131. Deputy Patrick Costello asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs to outline the specific areas in which Ireland could enact sanctions unilaterally on other countries or individuals, without breaching European Union agreements or legal frameworks; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4068/24]
Tue, 30 Jan 2024
written
Foreign Policy
Patrick Costello
132. Deputy Patrick Costello asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs for an update in relation to Ireland pushing for the EU to impose a travel ban and asset freeze on violent settlers; the reason for the difference between settlers, violent or non-violent, given that Dáil Éireann recognises Israeli settlements as the "de facto annexation" of Palestinian land; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4069/24]
Tue, 30 Jan 2024
written
Driver Test
Patrick Costello
183. Deputy Patrick Costello asked the Minister for Transport if he will direct the RSA to implement a cancellation list in all of its driving testing centres; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3759/24]
Tue, 30 Jan 2024
written
Electric Vehicles
Patrick Costello
195. Deputy Patrick Costello asked the Minister for Transport further to Parliamentary Question No. 301 of 17 January 2024 (details supplied), if the plan referenced includes keeping regular non-rapid charging points which many batteries on older model EVs are not equipped for. [4048/24]
Tue, 30 Jan 2024
written
Legislative Measures
Patrick Costello
412. Deputy Patrick Costello asked the Minister for Justice if she will conduct a health impact assessment of the proposed sale of alcohol bill; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [3940/24]
Tue, 30 Jan 2024
written
Disability Services
Patrick Costello
476. Deputy Patrick Costello asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth how many vacancies in each of the CDNT teams across the country; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3914/24]
Tue, 30 Jan 2024
written
Health Services
Patrick Costello
523. Deputy Patrick Costello asked the Minister for Health if he will outline the clinical purpose of the National Gender Service having nine adults on GnRHa alone as referenced in a 2022 report (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3892/24]
Tue, 30 Jan 2024
written
Health Services
Patrick Costello
524. Deputy Patrick Costello asked the Minister for Health if he will outline the National Gender Service's views on progesterone therapy and the medical literature which underpins this; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3893/24]
Tue, 30 Jan 2024
written
Health Services
Patrick Costello
525. Deputy Patrick Costello asked the Minister for Health if he will outline the gender services whose assessment is considered sufficient to avoid having to repeat an initial assessment by the National Gender Service; the number of referrals to the National Gender Service which did not have to repeat an initial assessment in 2023; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3894/24]
Tue, 30 Jan 2024
written
Health Services
Patrick Costello
526. Deputy Patrick Costello asked the Minister for Health if he will outline the evidence to support a claim by the National Gender Service on a recent television programme (details supplied) that prior to the use of blockers, most gender non-conforming children through puberty became comfortable with their bodies and assigned gender; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3895/24]
Tue, 30 Jan 2024
written
Health Services
Patrick Costello
527. Deputy Patrick Costello asked the Minister for Health if he will outline the National Gender Service's views on the exploratory or questioning model of care, as referenced on a recent television programme (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3896/24]
Tue, 30 Jan 2024
written
Health Services
Patrick Costello
528. Deputy Patrick Costello asked the Minister for Health if he will outline the National Gender Service's views on the harms and benefits of monitoring the hormone concentrations of people accessing transgender services; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3897/24]
Thu, 25 Jan 2024
written
Middle East
Patrick Costello
31. Deputy Patrick Costello asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs given the latest repeated rejection by the Israeli government of Palestinian statehood and the statement by Prime Minister Netanyahu that all territory west of the Jordan River would be under Israeli control, and if the minister will recognise now that state of Palestine. [3226/24]
Thu, 25 Jan 2024
written
Energy Policy
Patrick Costello
117. Deputy Patrick Costello asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if he will amend the energy credit scheme to address the gap where those who are not on social welfare and who have moved into a previously vacant house have not been able to get the energy credit due to the property being designated low usage. [3345/24]
Thu, 25 Jan 2024
written
Telecommunications Services
Patrick Costello
136. Deputy Patrick Costello asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications whether he will direct the Commission for Communications Regulation to review the use of inflation-linked mid-contract price rises by phone and broadband companies; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2767/24]
Thu, 25 Jan 2024
written
Public Transport
Patrick Costello
200. Deputy Patrick Costello asked the Minister for Transport if he will liaise with the TFI and Dublin Bus to ensure that all literature, both hard copy and electronic, classifies child leap cards as covering the age range of 5-18, in line with the UN Convention on the rights of the child which define a child as being aged 18 and below (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3607/24]
Thu, 25 Jan 2024
written
Children in Care
Patrick Costello
241. Deputy Patrick Costello asked the Minister for Education to comment on the CSO dataset 'Educational Attendance and Attainment of Children in Care, 2018 - 2023' published recently; to outline how her Department is responding to the gaps identified for children in care in education; if her Department intends to further research this area; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [3511/24]
Thu, 25 Jan 2024
written
School Transport
Patrick Costello
246. Deputy Patrick Costello asked the Minister for Education if her Department will liaise with the relevant authorities to introduce a school pupils' free travel scheme bus pass, similar to the free travel scheme for adults, recognising that children in rural areas can avail of free travel, but not those in urban areas; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [3609/24]
Thu, 25 Jan 2024
written
Social Welfare Code
Patrick Costello
282. Deputy Patrick Costello asked the Minister for Social Protection if her Department will liaise with the relevant authorities to introduce a school pupils free travel scheme bus pass, similar to the free travel scheme for adults, recognising that children in rural areas can avail of free travel, but not those in urban areas; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [3608/24]
Thu, 25 Jan 2024
written
Proposed Legislation
Patrick Costello
318. Deputy Patrick Costello asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth to provide an update on the drafting of amendments to the Health Act 2007 that will transfer the registration and inspection functions for non-statutory children's residential centres from Tusla to HIQA; if the necessary amendments will be included in the Child Care (Amendment) Bill 2024 or the Health (Amendment) (No. 2) Bill 2024 as a miscellaneous provision; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3510/24]
Thu, 25 Jan 2024
written
Care Services
Patrick Costello
332. Deputy Patrick Costello asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth if his Department is planning to develop an overarching national strategy on alternative care which would include workforce and placement planning and interagency needs to meet the current and future needs of the care system in Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3507/24]
Thu, 25 Jan 2024
written
Proposed Legislation
Patrick Costello
333. Deputy Patrick Costello asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth if he plans to establish a National Child Care Act Advisory Committee prior to the passing of the Child Care (Amendment) Bill 2024; what preparatory work is ongoing in terms of scoping the issues for the Committee's workplan before it is established; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3508/24]
Thu, 25 Jan 2024
written
Legislative Measures
Patrick Costello
334. Deputy Patrick Costello asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth if he intends to update provisions of the Child Care Act 1991 to include clear arrangements for a model of care for separated children seeking international protection; if he believes the overuse of sections 4 and 5 in these cases is sufficient given these children often do not meet the criteria for either on entering care; if he plans to further review the 1991 Act in this regard; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3509/24]
Wed, 24 Jan 2024
written
Heritage Sites
Patrick Costello
97. Deputy Patrick Costello asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform the reason why Kilmainham Gaol has moved from a seven to five day a week opening hours; when this last took place (excluding closures for national holidays and pandemic related reasons); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3157/24]
Wed, 24 Jan 2024
written
Heritage Sites
Patrick Costello
98. Deputy Patrick Costello asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform the number of tour guides who formerly worked in Kilmainham Gaol, on both seasonal and permanent contracts, who are now working in other OPW heritage sites. [3158/24]
Wed, 24 Jan 2024
written
Heritage Sites
Patrick Costello
99. Deputy Patrick Costello asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform given the recruitment issues for guiding staff in heritage sites, as evidenced by multiple seasonal calls in 2023, if his Department will move to a model which ensures that the majority of guiding staff, that is those below head guide/supervisor levels are employed on a full time basis in sites which are open year round such as Kilmainham Gaol. [3159/24]
Wed, 24 Jan 2024
written
School Funding
Patrick Costello
114. Deputy Patrick Costello asked the Minister for Education further to Parliamentary Question No. 680 of 17 January 2024, when the next round of applications will open; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [3166/24]
Wed, 24 Jan 2024
written
School Funding
Patrick Costello
115. Deputy Patrick Costello asked the Minister for Education further to Parliamentary Question No. 680 of 17 January 2024, the reason all applicants were given equal weighting in the lottery, regardless of DEIS status or not. [3167/24]
Wed, 24 Jan 2024
written
National Monuments
Patrick Costello
133. Deputy Patrick Costello asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage given the recent announcement that exhumations are to take place in Mountjoy Prison to recover the remains of executed prisoners buried on site, if his Department will commence, as per its powers under the National Monuments Acts, a similar scheme of exhumations to take place at Kilmainham Gaol. [3104/24]
Wed, 24 Jan 2024
written
Legislative Programme
Patrick Costello
157. Deputy Patrick Costello asked the Minister for Justice why the historical disregard legislation is absent from the spring legislative programme; and the timeline for the introduction of legislation for this Programme for Government legislation. [3099/24]
Wed, 24 Jan 2024
written
Sentencing Policy
Patrick Costello
159. Deputy Patrick Costello asked the Minister for Justice what measures have been taken to reduce the number of people serving a custodial sentence of 12 months or less in line with the priority commitment since the publication of the Review of Policy Options for Prison and Penal Reform in August 2022; and if any measures were taken, if these measures have resulted in any reduction. [3116/24]
Tue, 23 Jan 2024
written
Departmental Data
Patrick Costello
273. Deputy Patrick Costello asked the Minister for Education to provide, in tabular form, a list of second-level education institutions aided by her Department whose fee status has changed from fee-charging to non fee-charging since 2000, indicating the year the school entered the free scheme, the school's roll number and the school planning area in each case. [2435/24]
Tue, 23 Jan 2024
written
Departmental Data
Patrick Costello
274. Deputy Patrick Costello asked the Minister for Education to provide, in tabular form, a list of second-level education institutions aided by her Department whose school gender has changed from girls to mixed since 2000, indicating the year the school began admitting boys, and the school's roll number and planning area in each case. [2436/24]
Tue, 23 Jan 2024
written
Departmental Data
Patrick Costello
275. Deputy Patrick Costello asked the Minister for Education to provide, in tabular form, a list of second-level education institutions aided by her Department whose school gender has changed from boys to mixed since 2000, indicating the year the school began admitting girls, and the school's roll number and planning area in each case. [2437/24]
Tue, 23 Jan 2024
written
Departmental Data
Patrick Costello
276. Deputy Patrick Costello asked the Minister for Education to provide, in tabular form, a list of second-level education institutions aided by her Department whose ethos or religion has changed from catholic to interdenominational or multidenominational since 2000, indicating the year the school changed its ethos, and the school's roll number and planning area in each case. [2438/24]
Tue, 23 Jan 2024
written
Departmental Data
Patrick Costello
313. Deputy Patrick Costello asked the Minister for Education to provide, in tabular form, a list of second level education institutions aided by her Department, indicating the school roll number and school planning area in each case. [3072/24]