Parliamentary questions

School Accommodation

Steven Matthews

218. Deputy Steven Matthews asked the Minister for Education the steps she will take to ensure the temporary accommodation committed to for a school (details supplied) will be in place in advance of the new school year; if the basis for any delays for this project can be outlined; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [33223/23]

Budget Process

Steven Matthews

312. Deputy Steven Matthews asked the Minister for Health if his attention has been drawn to the Budget 2024 ask of an organisation (details supplied); if this can be considered under budgetary negotiations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33212/23]

Nursing Homes

Steven Matthews

583. Deputy Steven Matthews asked the Minister for Health the position regarding any discussions being held with representatives of the private nursing home sector regarding concerns related to the fair deal scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32193/23]

Renewable Energy Generation

Steven Matthews

107. Deputy Steven Matthews asked the Minister for Education the position regarding the roll-out of solar panels for all schools; if a timeline for the commencement of this project is available; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30782/23]

School Funding

Steven Matthews

142. Deputy Steven Matthews asked the Minister for Education the steps she will take to ensure increased year-on-year funding for the school pathfinder retrofitting project; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30783/23]

Schools Building Projects

Steven Matthews

240. Deputy Steven Matthews asked the Minister for Education the position regarding a new outdoor classroom for a school (details supplied); if this can be considered under funding allocations; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [31777/23]

Passport Services

Steven Matthews

17. Deputy Steven Matthews asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs if a passport application by a person (details supplied) will be reviewed and expedited; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31446/23]

Departmental Schemes

Steven Matthews

72. Deputy Steven Matthews asked the Minister for Education if a school (details supplied) could be considered for inclusion in the energy retrofit pathfinder programme; if this programme will be expanded to allow access for more schools; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [31480/23]

School Textbooks

Steven Matthews

78. Deputy Steven Matthews asked the Minister for Education the steps she will take to seek a reduction in the cost of schoolbooks at both primary and secondary school level including e-books; her views on the similar prices being affixed to both versions; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [31559/23]

Consumer Protection

Steven Matthews

273. Deputy Steven Matthews asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the actions his Department is undertaking to ensure that unregistered practitioners in a variety of trades are unable to advertise their services on websites (details supplied); if there has been any engagement with these websites on this issue; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30501/23]

Health Services

Steven Matthews

384. Deputy Steven Matthews asked the Minister for Health if his attention has been drawn to the end of a national HSE contract (details supplied); the efforts he is making to ensure there is no reduction in service for the counties impacted; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30411/23]

Departmental Reviews

Steven Matthews

399. Deputy Steven Matthews asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the position regarding the departmental review of PHDs; if he will provide a timeline for its publication; if his attention has been drawn to recent concerns raised by an organisation (details supplied) regarding the process; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30413/23]

Health Services

Steven Matthews

729. Deputy Steven Matthews asked the Minister for Health the position regarding a review of the community ophthalmic services medical treatment scheme; if he will request this process to be expedited in view of ongoing concerns related to reimbursement from medical professionals in this sector; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29814/23]

Passport Services

Steven Matthews

143. Deputy Steven Matthews asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs further to Parliamentary Question No. 117 of 30 May 2023, if the passport application can be expedited to rectify a series of clerical errors that will be detailed on the application file; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27764/23]

Passport Services

Steven Matthews

144. Deputy Steven Matthews asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs if a passport application by a person (details supplied) will be reviewed and expedited; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27770/23]

Passport Services

Steven Matthews

161. Deputy Steven Matthews asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs if a passport application by a person (details supplied) will be reviewed and expedited; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28143/23]

Road Safety

Steven Matthews

302. Deputy Steven Matthews asked the Minister for Transport if discussions are expected with the Road Safety Authority regarding upcoming safety campaigns; if a campaign to raise awareness of the dangers of tailgating and driving too close to fellow road users could be considered; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28050/23]

School Facilities

Steven Matthews

506. Deputy Steven Matthews asked the Minister for Education the position regarding temporary prefab classroom units for a school (details supplied); if she will confirm that they will be in place in advance of the coming school year; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27433/23]

Special Educational Needs

Steven Matthews

526. Deputy Steven Matthews asked the Minister for Education the position regarding a third ASD classroom for a school (details supplied), as recommended by the National Council for Special Education; if her attention has been drawn to the over-enrolment in the existing two ASD classrooms in this school; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27533/23]

Special Educational Needs

Steven Matthews

532. Deputy Steven Matthews asked the Minister for Education further to Parliamentary Question No. 65 of 31 May 2023, if her attention has been drawn to reports from school principals, teachers and SNAs alike that outline that in practice, the role of a teacher and SNA is broadly the same under home-based summer provision, contrary to her Department’s reply; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27586/23]

School Accommodation

Steven Matthews

571. Deputy Steven Matthews asked the Minister for Education the steps she will take to ensure the temporary accommodation committed to for a school (details supplied) will be in place in advance of the new school year; if the basis for any delays and changes in the proposals for this project can be outlined; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27939/23]

Derelict Sites

Steven Matthews

662. Deputy Steven Matthews asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the amount collected under the Derelict Sites Act 1990 as amended by each local authority in 2021 and 2022, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27238/23]

Housing Provision

Steven Matthews

700. Deputy Steven Matthews asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if his attention has been drawn to anomalies in the criteria for qualifying for cost-rental schemes administered through the LDA (details supplied); the potential knock-on implications for those paid an hourly rate or who work in the gig economy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27469/23]

Departmental Properties

Steven Matthews

935. Deputy Steven Matthews asked the Minister for Justice the position regarding the ownership of the small building at the rear of a courthouse (details supplied); if this is under the control of her Department; and if so, if it will be considered for community use through a leasing arrangement. [28497/23]

Pharmacy Services

Steven Matthews

1212. Deputy Steven Matthews asked the Minister for Health the position regarding a Departmental review of community pharmacy services; if he is currently engaging with an organisation (details supplied) on the concerns of community pharmacists; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27919/23]

Further and Higher Education

Steven Matthews

391. Deputy Steven Matthews asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the position regarding funding for a project (details supplied); if he will outline a timeline for a support framework to be put in place; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26849/23]

Departmental Data

Steven Matthews

22. Deputy Steven Matthews asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the number of home energy upgrades/retrofits supported by the Government in conjunction with SEAI in County Wicklow in the first quarter of 2023; if a breakdown, in tabular form of the work carried out will be provided; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26494/23]

Special Educational Needs

Steven Matthews

65. Deputy Steven Matthews asked the Minister for Education if her attention has been drawn to concerns regarding special needs assistant pay for home-based summer provision; if the basis for the discrepancy in pay between SNAs and teachers for doing broadly similar work could be outlined; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26498/23]

Passport Services

Steven Matthews

117. Deputy Steven Matthews asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs if a passport application by a person (details supplied) will be reviewed and expedited; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25730/23]

Mining Industry

Steven Matthews

150. Deputy Steven Matthews asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the position regarding any prospecting licences issued with respect to lithium extraction in an area (details supplied); if any mining licence applications have been submitted for this site to date; his views on the potential environmental impact of mining in this area; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26117/23]

Housing Schemes

Steven Matthews

377. Deputy Steven Matthews asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if his attention has been drawn to concerns related to the Croí Cónaithe grant funding creating additional legal charges for the loan applicant (details supplied); if engagement is ongoing with the main lenders; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25783/23]

Public Transport

Steven Matthews

203. Deputy Steven Matthews asked the Minister for Transport if his attention has been drawn to delays in the transfer of Leap card top-up stations to An Post; if the knock-on impact for those who choose only to use cash or do not have access to a smartphone have been considered; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24362/23]

Employment Rights

Steven Matthews

57. Deputy Steven Matthews asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if his attention has been drawn to the planned amendment to the rostering system for a company (details supplied) which has been criticised by trade unions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23267/23]

Renewable Energy Generation

Steven Matthews

78. Deputy Steven Matthews asked the Minister for Education the position regarding the roll-out of free solar panels to all schools; how the application process will be communicated to schools; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22663/23]

School Facilities

Steven Matthews

118. Deputy Steven Matthews asked the Minister for Education the steps she will take to ensure that the roll-out of free solar panels to all schools is expedited; if the necessary funding and Departmental infrastructure is in place; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22664/23]

Passport Services

Steven Matthews

152. Deputy Steven Matthews asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs if a passport application by a person (details supplied) will be reviewed and expedited; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22798/23]

Passport Services

Steven Matthews

153. Deputy Steven Matthews asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs if a passport application by a person (details supplied) will be reviewed and expedited; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22799/23]

State Examinations

Steven Matthews

350. Deputy Steven Matthews asked the Minister for Education if her attention has been drawn to calls from an organisation (details supplied) to allow students with dyslexia additional time in State exams including the Leaving and Junior Certificate exams; if this is under review; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [23134/23]

Health Service Executive

Steven Matthews

649. Deputy Steven Matthews asked the Minister for Health the steps he will take to repurpose disused and vacant HSE-owned buildings for community facilities or other uses; if his attention has been drawn to the high number of these properties in County Wicklow; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22655/23]

Health Service Executive

Steven Matthews

650. Deputy Steven Matthews asked the Minister for Health his views on the proposal from some local authorities to take up long-term leases on vacant and disused HSE-owned buildings, with a view to repurposing these buildings for community use; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22660/23]

Home Care Packages

Steven Matthews

681. Deputy Steven Matthews asked the Minister for Health the position regarding the new home care tender 2023; the reason for any delays to date; how they are being expedited; if he is committed to engaging with those operating in the home care sector on this issue; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22905/23]

Summer Economic Statement

Steven Matthews

13. Deputy Steven Matthews asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform if a report on the well-being framework will be included with the summer economic statement; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21433/23]

State Bodies

Steven Matthews

49. Deputy Steven Matthews asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform if additional funding can be considered to allow for further planning roles within An Bord Pleanála, all local authorities, the Office of the Planning Regulator amongst other State entities; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11516/23]

Rental Sector

Steven Matthews

331. Deputy Steven Matthews asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the position regarding the report by the Economic and Social Research Institute regarding the split-incentive problem, namely, that incentives to invest in energy efficiency upgrades are misaligned between landlords and tenants in the residential rental market; the expected timeline for completion of this report; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21257/23]

School Accommodation

Steven Matthews

152. Deputy Steven Matthews asked the Minister for Education the steps she will take to ensure the temporary accommodation committed to for a school (details supplied) will be in place for September 2023; if her attention has been drawn to a request from the five Wicklow Deputies for a meeting with senior officials responsible for this project; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [20350/23]

School Accommodation

Steven Matthews

157. Deputy Steven Matthews asked the Minister for Education if her attention has been drawn to a letter sent by this Deputy seeking an urgent meeting with senior Department officials responsible for the delivery of both temporary and permanent accommodation for multiple schools in Wicklow (details supplied); if she can confirm whether this meeting will take place; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [20366/23]

Schools Building Projects

Steven Matthews

179. Deputy Steven Matthews asked the Minister for Education the position regarding any school in County Wicklow currently part of the pathfinder scheme, at any stage of completion and that seeks to fully retrofit older school buildings; the details of the work being carried out in each case; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [20633/23]

School Accommodation

Steven Matthews

180. Deputy Steven Matthews asked the Minister for Education if her attention has been drawn to the accommodation needs for a school (details supplied); if this is under review by her Department; if the drawings and plans drawn up in 2010 for a new building within the school are still valid and actionable; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [20726/23]

School Funding

Steven Matthews

181. Deputy Steven Matthews asked the Minister for Education the options that are available for a school (details supplied) with regard to funding to provide an all-weather pitch within the school grounds; if any active applications from the school are under review in this regard; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [20727/23]

Climate Change Policy

Steven Matthews

139. Deputy Steven Matthews asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if he will report on the work his Department is doing to reduce emissions from the energy sector in the context of our climate action targets; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19150/23]

Job Losses

Steven Matthews

233. Deputy Steven Matthews asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the actions he will take regarding the layoff of Irish-based staff by a multinational company (details supplied) to ensure fairness in the redundancy process; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20008/23]

Legislative Measures

Steven Matthews

256. Deputy Steven Matthews asked the Minister for Education if her attention has been drawn to The Fair Employment (School Teachers) Bill passed in the Northern Ireland Assembly in March 2022; if similar legislation is under consideration by her Department for this jurisdiction; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [20010/23]

Legislative Measures

Steven Matthews

287. Deputy Steven Matthews asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if it is intended to replicate in the Draft Planning and Development Bill 2022 the provision of the current Planning and Development (Amendment) Act 2021 which in s.10(2) requires that the plan include objectives for the preservation of public rights of way which give access to seashore, mountain, lakeshore, riverbank or other place of natural beauty or recreational utility, given that s.51(2) of the draft Bill published by his Department includes these in a list of objectives which are optional but not mandatory; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19937/23]

Disability Services

Steven Matthews

147. Deputy Steven Matthews asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the position regarding a local community neurorehabilitation team for CHO6 to be based in Bray, County Wicklow; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19680/23]

Housing Provision

Steven Matthews

308. Deputy Steven Matthews asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the position regarding provisions put in place by his Department to action Part 2 Section 6(2) or the Affordable Housing Act 2021 in relation to arrangement for community-led housing organisations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18976/23]

Housing Schemes

Steven Matthews

309. Deputy Steven Matthews asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he will review the qualifying criteria for the ready-to-build scheme so as to include community-led housing projects; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18977/23]

Early Childhood Care and Education

Steven Matthews

473. Deputy Steven Matthews asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the position regarding any Departmental initiatives that seek to increase environmentally friendly practices in the early years sector, with a particular emphasis on promoting biodiversity; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19159/23]

Third Level Costs

Steven Matthews

503. Deputy Steven Matthews asked the Minister for Health the position regarding funding allocations for those pursuing doctorates in educational and child psychology at Mary Immaculate College and UCD; if his attention has been drawn to the inequity in funding when compared to similar doctorate courses (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18921/23]

Healthcare Policy

Steven Matthews

595. Deputy Steven Matthews asked the Minister for Health further to Parliamentary Question No. 1530 of 18 April 2023, if a timeline can be provided for the confirmed evaluation of the community ophthalmic services medical treatment scheme; if any basis for the delay to date in commencing this can be provided; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19456/23]

General Practitioner Services

Steven Matthews

388. Deputy Steven Matthews asked the Minister for Health the position regarding the roll-out of GP cards to include people on or below the median income as committed to under Budget 2023; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18799/23]

Passport Services

Steven Matthews

126. Deputy Steven Matthews asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs if a passport application by a person (details supplied) will be reviewed and expedited; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17185/23]

Bus Services

Steven Matthews

294. Deputy Steven Matthews asked the Minister for Transport if his attention has been drawn to requests from community groups in Arklow, County Wicklow regarding the demand for a looped bus service for the town; the position regarding this type of service under Connecting Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17188/23]

Bus Services

Steven Matthews

295. Deputy Steven Matthews asked the Minister for Transport if his attention has been drawn to requests from community groups in Wicklow town regarding the demand for a looped bus service for the town; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17190/23]

Education Welfare Service

Steven Matthews

534. Deputy Steven Matthews asked the Minister for Education the details regarding resources for educational welfare officers allocated to County Wicklow; if all posts are currently filled; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17205/23]

School Accommodation

Steven Matthews

540. Deputy Steven Matthews asked the Minister for Education the position regarding four temporary prefab classroom units for a school (details supplied); if they will be in place in advance of the coming school year; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17312/23]

School Management

Steven Matthews

634. Deputy Steven Matthews asked the Minister for Education if her attention has been drawn to a report written by a person (details supplied) in relation to religious ethos in schools coming into conflict with a teacher’s belief; if the recommendations of the report are being considered; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [16392/23]

Vacant Properties

Steven Matthews

703. Deputy Steven Matthews asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if his attention has been drawn to the report published by an organisation (details supplied) in relation to bringing vacant and derelict properties back into residential use; if he intends to review and ultimately action any of the recommendations contained therein; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16362/23]

Judicial Reviews

Steven Matthews

719. Deputy Steven Matthews asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the position regarding proposed amendments to Part 9 judicial reviews under the current draft of the Planning and Development Bill; how they differ from the existing rules; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16541/23]

Departmental Communications

Steven Matthews

750. Deputy Steven Matthews asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the position regarding an explanatory memo to be provided to the Oireachtas Committee on Housing, Local Government and Heritage in relation to the Planning and Development Bill 2022, broken down by section; the timeline for its completion; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16363/23]

Transport Infrastructure Ireland

Steven Matthews

776. Deputy Steven Matthews asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if his attention has been drawn to the lack of national funding allocated to local authorities to implement existing Noise Action Plans that includes recommendations on noise mitigation measures; if this is under consideration by his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17030/23]

Rights of Way

Steven Matthews

781. Deputy Steven Matthews asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage further to Parliamentary Question No. 150 of 30 March 2023, if he will outline in detail any changes to provisions in the draft Planning and Development Bill 2022 pertaining to public rights of way compared to the provisions in the current Planning and Development Act 2000; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17086/23]

Housing Policy

Steven Matthews

790. Deputy Steven Matthews asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the position regarding housing estates in urban areas that are not connected to the sewerage network; if any grant funding is being considered in this case; if existing rural programmes could be expanded to include any housing estate with a long-standing communal septic tank set-up; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17182/23]

Health Services Staff

Steven Matthews

1359. Deputy Steven Matthews asked the Minister for Health if his attention has been drawn to concerns of HSE-employed healthcare assistants from outside Ireland in relation to amendments in their QQI employment requirements, and a lack of clarity in relation to qualification comparisons from non-EU college courses; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16394/23]

Healthcare Policy

Steven Matthews

1402. Deputy Steven Matthews asked the Minister for Health if his attention has been drawn to a campaign (details supplied); the actions he is taking to address the concerns raised in relation to the diagnosis of rare conditions amongst others; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16548/23]

Healthcare Policy

Steven Matthews

1530. Deputy Steven Matthews asked the Minister for Health the position regarding a review of the community ophthalmic services medical treatment scheme; if he will request this process be expedited in light of ongoing concerns related to reimbursement from medical professionals in this sector; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17092/23]

Qualifications Recognition

Steven Matthews

1814. Deputy Steven Matthews asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science further to Parliamentary Question No. 550 of 28 March 2023, his views on whether there is sufficient engagement between his Department and professional bodies and third level institutions to ensure that consistency and fairness is applied to the conversion of professional and academic qualifications held by Ukrainian refugees to their Irish equivalent; if a one-stop shop could be established to assist this; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16756/23]

Rights of Way

Steven Matthews

150. Deputy Steven Matthews asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the position regarding any proposed amendments to public rights of way under the current draft of the planning and development Bill; how they differ from the existing rules; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15810/23]

Rail Network

Steven Matthews

71. Deputy Steven Matthews asked the Minister for Transport the position regarding plans for increased rail connectivity for Dublin Port; if his Department has carried out any assessment to include greater freight rail connectivity in the Port 3FM project; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15569/23]

Social Welfare Code

Steven Matthews

140. Deputy Steven Matthews asked the Minister for Social Protection if her attention has been drawn to cases where people in receipt of full disability allowance will see it revoked if they move out of their parental home to get married or to cohabit with their partner; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [15194/23]

Schools Building Projects

Steven Matthews

366. Deputy Steven Matthews asked the Minister for Education the position regarding a new school building for (details supplied); how updates are being communicated to school management; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14662/23]

Schools Building Projects

Steven Matthews

368. Deputy Steven Matthews asked the Minister for Education the position regarding a new school building for (details supplied); how updates are being communicated to school management; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14666/23]

Schools Building Projects

Steven Matthews

369. Deputy Steven Matthews asked the Minister for Education the position regarding a new school building for (details supplied); how updates are being communicated to school management; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14667/23]

Schools Building Projects

Steven Matthews

370. Deputy Steven Matthews asked the Minister for Education the position regarding a new school building for (details supplied); how updates are being communicated to school management; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14668/23]

Schools Building Projects

Steven Matthews

371. Deputy Steven Matthews asked the Minister for Education he position regarding a new school building for a school (details supplied); the timeline for its completion; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14675/23]

Qualifications Recognition

Steven Matthews

550. Deputy Steven Matthews asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the position regarding any initiatives targeted at assisting Ukrainian refugees to convert their employment qualification certificates or academic degrees to be recognised in an Irish context, and other measures that would assist in this regard; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15037/23]

Disability Services

Steven Matthews

296. Deputy Steven Matthews asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the position regarding a local community neurorehabilitation team for CHO7; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14387/23]

Special Educational Needs

Steven Matthews

161. Deputy Steven Matthews asked the Minister for Education if her attention has been drawn to the discrepancy in the assistive technology grant for students with hearing difficulties whereby only students with physical hearing impairments can qualify; this excludes those with non-physical auditory processing difficulties; can this grant be reviewed to include all students with a medically certified recommendation; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [13983/23]

School Accommodation

Steven Matthews

622. Deputy Steven Matthews asked the Minister for Education the position regarding the temporary accommodation committed to a school (details supplied); the timeline for the installation of same; if any remedial work is required on the prefab units; if her attention has been drawn to a meeting request from the five Wicklow TDs with senior officials responsible for this project; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12514/23]

Schools Building Projects

Steven Matthews

625. Deputy Steven Matthews asked the Minister for Education if her attention has been drawn to the confirmed delay of a new school building for a school (details supplied); the basis for this decision in the context of chronic secondary school place shortages in this area; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12552/23]

Early Childhood Care and Education

Steven Matthews

930. Deputy Steven Matthews asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the position regarding the First 5 Little Library Initiative; if a library book bag will be provided to every child starting school in 2023; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12978/23]

Environmental Policy

Steven Matthews

667. Deputy Steven Matthews asked the Minister for Health the position regarding the commitment to eliminate the use of all single-use plastic in HSE-operated canteens and other food service outlets; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11498/23]

Environmental Policy

Steven Matthews

668. Deputy Steven Matthews asked the Minister for Health if there is any consideration being given to the reduction in single-use plastic as part of his Department’s procurement policy for the HSE; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11499/23]

Environmental Policy

Steven Matthews

669. Deputy Steven Matthews asked the Minister for Health if he will take action regarding the level of single-use plastic in Ireland’s healthcare system; if any review of this has been carried out by his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11500/23]

Departmental Funding

Steven Matthews

61. Deputy Steven Matthews asked the Minister for Transport if he will consider establishing a fund for registered cancer support groups that would allow for the purchase of an electric vehicle, to be administered in a similar way to a scheme (details supplied) to transport clients to hospital appointments; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10268/23]

Hospital Charges

Steven Matthews

296. Deputy Steven Matthews asked the Minister for Health the position regarding hospital parking charges for groups (details supplied); if a free parking pass system will be considered that would reduce the financial burden on these voluntary groups; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10685/23]

Hospital Services

Steven Matthews

308. Deputy Steven Matthews asked the Minister for Health the position regarding the number of persons from County Wicklow currently undergoing dialysis treatment; if any review is ongoing into the potential to offer this treatment in a primary care setting; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10777/23]

Maternity Leave

Steven Matthews

131. Deputy Steven Matthews asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the position regarding a survey carried out by his Department that was sent to Members of the Houses of the Oireachtas in relation to the provision of maternity leave for Members (details supplied); if he will provide the parameters of the research and results; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10369/23]

Rural Schemes

Steven Matthews

722. Deputy Steven Matthews asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the position regarding a review of the CLÁR funding programme to expand the qualifying criteria to allow more rural groups to apply; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [10220/23]

Rural Schemes

Steven Matthews

723. Deputy Steven Matthews asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development further to Parliamentary Question No. 746 of 21 February 2023, if the CLÁR programme will be expanded to allow groups, including an organisation (details supplied) qualify for funding, due to its membership living in a variety of locations in County Wicklow. [10221/23]

Fire Safety

Steven Matthews

139. Deputy Steven Matthews asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if his attention has been drawn to significant wait periods to get a fire safety certificate from Wicklow County Council (details supplied) for completed building works; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9004/23]