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 all sittings
Page 31 of 34
Tue, 24 Nov 2020
written
Sports Capital Programme
Darren O'Rourke
321. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media when the next call for applications for the sports capital grant is expected to issue; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [38645/20]
Tue, 24 Nov 2020
written
Covid-19 Pandemic Supports
Darren O'Rourke
322. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media the funding available to local soccer clubs that do not have and have never had gate receipts but that have been restricted in their fundraising efforts due to Covid-19 and find themselves excluded from some schemes of an organisation (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [38646/20]
Tue, 24 Nov 2020
written
European Court of Justice Rulings
Darren O'Rourke
329. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the steps he has taken and will take to address the findings of the Court of Justice of the European Union against Ireland regarding a windfarm (details supplied) in County Galway; the costs to the taxpayer in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37819/20]
Tue, 24 Nov 2020
written
Wind Energy Generation
Darren O'Rourke
330. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if his attention has been drawn to a recent peat slippage near a windfarm (details supplied) in County Donegal; the way in which this will be investigated and addressed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37840/20]
Tue, 24 Nov 2020
written
Local Authority Functions
Darren O'Rourke
400. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if his attention has been drawn to the fact that the review of the Meath County Development is being conducted to a large degree online due to Covid-19 restrictions; if he is satisfied that this is a legitimate and appropriate approach, particularly as it relates to the casting of votes by elected members; if he has received or issued advice in relation to the matter; if so, the details of same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38752/20]
Tue, 24 Nov 2020
written
School Accommodation
Darren O'Rourke
477. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Education if her attention has been drawn to the increased demand for secondary school places at a school (details supplied) as the school is at capacity and requires additional space in order to accommodate would-be 2021 first year students from the catchment area; the date on which funding will be allocated to allow school officials proceed with the erection of two temporary Portakabins prior to the commencement on works on a permanent building in the future; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [37877/20]
Tue, 24 Nov 2020
written
Maternity Services
Darren O'Rourke
790. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Health if consideration has been given to the establishment of a human milk bank here similar to a bank (details supplied) in County Fermanagh; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37875/20]
Thu, 19 Nov 2020
written
Waste Management
Darren O'Rourke
87. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the Government position on the disposing of waste in landfills; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37503/20]
Wed, 18 Nov 2020
written
Interdepartmental Committees
Darren O'Rourke
32. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Taoiseach the membership of the high-level technical group on international travel; the remit and responsibility of the group; the number of times the group has met; the advices it has given; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37298/20]
Wed, 18 Nov 2020
written
Bus Services
Darren O'Rourke
48. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Transport his plans to ensure public transport bus links are maintained between Dublin and Belfast in view of Bus Éireann’s decision to suspend the Dublin to Belfast bus route; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37191/20]
Wed, 18 Nov 2020
written
Bus Services
Darren O'Rourke
49. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Transport the estimated number of passengers that used bus transport links between Dublin and Belfast in 2019; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37192/20]
Tue, 17 Nov 2020
written
Care Services
Darren O'Rourke
739. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Health if his attention has been drawn to a case (details supplied); the lessons learned by the HSE; the improvements made to ensure the protection of residents in this and other facilities; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36404/20]
Thu, 12 Nov 2020
oral
Covid-19 Tests
Darren O'Rourke
1. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Transport his plans for Covid-19 testing facilities at ports and airports; the form of testing that will be used; the cost travellers will face; if it will be in place before Christmas; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35955/20]
Thu, 12 Nov 2020
oral
Driver Test
Darren O'Rourke
3. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Transport the way in which he plans to deal with the long waiting list of persons now waiting for a driver test and for driver licence appointments; if his attention has been drawn to the concerns of driver instructors regarding access to testing centre facilities; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35956/20]
Thu, 12 Nov 2020
oral
Trade Strategy
Darren O'Rourke
5. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Transport his views on whether the State should be involved in creating and expanding shipping routes directly to the Continent in preparation for Brexit; the engagements he has had to date with shipping companies on this issue; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35957/20]
Thu, 12 Nov 2020
written
Mechanically Propelled Vehicles
Darren O'Rourke
52. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Transport when he plans to legislate for the use of e-scooters as set out in the programme for Government; his views on whether this area needs regulation urgently to protect e-scooter users, pedestrians, cyclists, motorists and other road users; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35766/20]
Thu, 12 Nov 2020
written
Taxi Regulations
Darren O'Rourke
55. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Transport the status of his consultations with taxi representatives on reforms needed in the sector; if his attention has been drawn to the financial challenges facing drivers as a result of the current restrictions, with overhead costs such as taxi insurance, for example, still requiring payment despite many taxi drivers not working; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35768/20]
Thu, 12 Nov 2020
written
Covid-19 Pandemic Supports
Darren O'Rourke
81. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Transport the engagements he has held with travel agents and bus and coach operators to date to discuss State support for their severely impacted sectors; if he has engaged with his colleague, the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment, on extending access to existing supports such as the Covid restrictions support scheme, CRSS, to those sectors that fall under the remit of his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35767/20]
Thu, 12 Nov 2020
written
Misuse of Drugs
Darren O'Rourke
321. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Health the status of growing hemp for industrial purposes such as hempcrete construction; and his plans to change same. [35838/20]
Thu, 12 Nov 2020
written
Agriculture Industry
Darren O'Rourke
363. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the status of progress made on the commitment in the programme for Government to explore fully the potential for growing fibre crops such as hemp, considering whether these crops have a viable market. [35839/20]
Wed, 11 Nov 2020
written
Departmental Funding
Darren O'Rourke
39. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Environment, Climate and Communications the breakdown of the funding allocation for his Department for 2021, by project in tabular form. [35502/20]
Wed, 11 Nov 2020
written
Departmental Funding
Darren O'Rourke
49. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Transport the breakdown of the funding allocation for his Department for 2021, by project in tabular form. [35503/20]
Wed, 11 Nov 2020
written
Taxi Regulations
Darren O'Rourke
50. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Transport if he has consulted with taxi drivers on the BusConnects project; if taxis will be permitted to use existing and newly proposed bus lanes and quality bus corridors; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35555/20]
Wed, 11 Nov 2020
written
Taxi Licences
Darren O'Rourke
51. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Transport his views on whether the three-month taxi licence suspension introduced in 2020 was important to allow taxi drivers revert to social and domestic insurance when they are not working due to the pandemic, thereby saving on monthly insurance costs; his further views on the need for a similar suspension now to allow taxi drivers who are not working to reduce their overhead costs; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35556/20]
Wed, 11 Nov 2020
written
Covid-19 Pandemic
Darren O'Rourke
128. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Education the guidelines issued to teachers and schools on the social distancing requirements in classrooms in primary and post-primary schools; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [35557/20]
Tue, 10 Nov 2020
oral
Proposed Legislation
Darren O'Rourke
95. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Environment, Climate and Communications if his attention has been drawn to the concerns and suggestions brought forward by stakeholders and experts at the pre-legislative scrutiny meetings on the climate action and low carbon development (amendment) Bill at the Oireachtas Joint Committee on Climate Action; his plans to amend the Bill to take account of these concerns and suggestions to strengthen the Bill; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35129/20]
Tue, 10 Nov 2020
oral
Fuel Poverty
Darren O'Rourke
97. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Environment, Climate and Communications if the rolling out of green infrastructure, including smart meters, EV charging points and home retrofitting, have been subject to a human rights and equality impact assessment as required under section 42 of the Irish Human Rights and Equality Commission Act 2014; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35127/20]
Tue, 10 Nov 2020
written
Commission for Regulation of Utilities
Darren O'Rourke
154. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Environment, Climate and Communications if he plans to provide policy direction to the Commission for Regulation of Utilities to extend the moratorium on disconnections of gas and electricity past 1 December 2020 when the current moratorium is set to lapse; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35128/20]
Tue, 10 Nov 2020
written
Office of the Director of Corporate Enforcement
Darren O'Rourke
178. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the number of vacant positions in the Office of the Director of Corporate Enforcement as of 2 November 2020; the length of time each position has been vacant; the estimated cost of filling each of the posts; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35316/20]
Tue, 10 Nov 2020
written
Telecommunications Services
Darren O'Rourke
195. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Environment, Climate and Communications if his attention has been drawn to a community survey (details supplied) conducted in Gormanston, County Meath, regarding the lack of quality broadband in the area; the measures he is taking to improve broadband provision and quality in the area; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34721/20]
Tue, 10 Nov 2020
written
Environmental Regulations
Darren O'Rourke
231. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Environment, Climate and Communications the options available to local community groups that wish to have an independent assessment of noise conducted particularly as it might relate to industrial noise pollution; if the EPA or other authorities can assist with same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35305/20]
Tue, 10 Nov 2020
written
National Clean Air Strategy
Darren O'Rourke
232. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Environment, Climate and Communications the progress in delivering on the programme for Government commitment to publish a national clean air strategy and to develop a regional approach to air quality and noise enforcement; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35306/20]
Tue, 10 Nov 2020
written
Departmental Staff
Darren O'Rourke
285. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Transport the estimated full-year cost of recruiting three additional engineer and ship surveyors for his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35314/20]
Tue, 10 Nov 2020
written
Tax Code
Darren O'Rourke
297. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Finance if the increase in the carbon tax has been subject to a human rights and equality impact assessment as required under section 42 of the Irish Human Rights and Equality Commission Act 2014 with particular consideration for the vulnerability of members of the Travelling community to energy and transport poverty, particularly those living in very poor quality and or substandard housing and caravans; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35172/20]
Tue, 10 Nov 2020
written
Legislative Measures
Darren O'Rourke
389. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage his plans to reintroduce the emergency management and fire and public safety Bill; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35315/20]
Tue, 10 Nov 2020
written
Ministerial Meetings
Darren O'Rourke
405. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he has spoken to the ambassador of New Zealand to Ireland in the past three months; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35309/20]
Tue, 10 Nov 2020
written
Naval Service
Darren O'Rourke
415. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Defence if funding will be provided in 2021 for the construction of two additional berths for Naval Service vessels at the Naval Base, Haulbowline, County Cork; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35310/20]
Tue, 10 Nov 2020
written
Schools Refurbishment
Darren O'Rourke
471. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Education when refurbishment works will be finished on a school (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [35311/20]
Tue, 10 Nov 2020
written
Schools Refurbishment
Darren O'Rourke
472. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Education when refurbishment works will be finished on a school (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [35312/20]
Tue, 10 Nov 2020
written
Covid-19 Pandemic Supports
Darren O'Rourke
490. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Social Protection the financial supports in place or that will be put in place for a person experiencing long-term Covid-19 given the significant additional medical and other costs that will be incurred; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [34622/20]
Tue, 10 Nov 2020
written
Garda Equipment
Darren O'Rourke
644. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Justice the number of Garda public order unit vans attached to each Garda division as of 3 November 2020, in tabular form. [35308/20]
Tue, 10 Nov 2020
written
HSE Staff
Darren O'Rourke
757. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Health if funding will be provided for the recruitment of two additional full-time consultant geneticists for the HSE National Rare Disease Office; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35313/20]
Thu, 5 Nov 2020
written
Public Transport
Darren O'Rourke
79. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Transport the monitoring system in place for potential overcrowding issues on the DART service due to the reduction of capacity under level 5 of the living with Covid-19 plan; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34363/20]
Thu, 5 Nov 2020
written
Public Transport
Darren O'Rourke
80. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Transport if data is being collected to monitor if there is a need for extra DART and other transport services to facilitate social distancing under level 5 of the living with Covid-19 plan; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34364/20]
Thu, 5 Nov 2020
written
Tax Reliefs
Darren O'Rourke
100. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Finance the amount of tax revenue forgone through tax reliefs related to forestry by income tax, corporation tax, capital gains tax, value added tax, gift and inheritance tax, stamp duty and other relevant tax relief in each of the years 2010 to 2019 and to date in 2020, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34416/20]
Thu, 5 Nov 2020
written
Tax Reliefs
Darren O'Rourke
101. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Finance if the analysis and reasoning behind the tax reliefs in the forestry sector will be provided; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34417/20]
Thu, 5 Nov 2020
written
Forestry Sector
Darren O'Rourke
340. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine his views on the report FRL 2021-2015: Ireland, a National Forestry Accounting Plan published by his Department showing forestry is a net source of CO2; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34418/20]
Tue, 3 Nov 2020
written
Energy Data
Darren O'Rourke
252. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Environment, Climate and Communications the number of domestic gas and electricity disconnections for failure to pay a bill in each month to date in 2020; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32739/20]
Tue, 3 Nov 2020
written
Ministerial Functions
Darren O'Rourke
271. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Environment, Climate and Communications the number of times he has used his power under section 10A of the Electricity Regulation Act 1999; the area of policy direction that was given to the Commission each time; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33413/20]
Tue, 3 Nov 2020
written
Consumer Rights
Darren O'Rourke
275. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Environment, Climate and Communications the legislative protections in place to ensure customers who are having difficulties with the customer service received from their broadband or phone provider are properly addressed; the recourse consumers have if they are unsatisfied with the way in which their complaint is handled; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33759/20]
Tue, 3 Nov 2020
written
Commission for Communications Regulation
Darren O'Rourke
277. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Environment, Climate and Communications the number of complaints made to the Commission for Communications Regulation in 2019 by the name of the company in respect of which the complaint was lodged; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33901/20]
Tue, 3 Nov 2020
written
Commission for Communications Regulation
Darren O'Rourke
278. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Environment, Climate and Communications the number of complaints made to the Commission for Communications Regulation in 2019 by the type of complaint lodged; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33902/20]
Tue, 3 Nov 2020
written
Commission for Regulation of Utilities
Darren O'Rourke
279. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Environment, Climate and Communications the number of complaints made to the Commission for Regulation of Utilities in 2019 by the name of the company in respect of which the complaint was lodged; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33903/20]
Tue, 3 Nov 2020
written
Commission for Regulation of Utilities
Darren O'Rourke
280. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Environment, Climate and Communications the number of complaints made to the Commission for Regulation of Utilities in 2019 by the type of complaint lodged; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33904/20]
Tue, 3 Nov 2020
written
National Car Test
Darren O'Rourke
361. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Transport the reason NCT certificates were backdated to the original date of an appointment when two appointments were necessary due to faults with NCT testing equipment and the second appointment was delayed due to the closure of testing centres; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33760/20]
Tue, 3 Nov 2020
written
Driver Test
Darren O'Rourke
362. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Transport the reason driver theory tests have been suspended under level 5 restrictions when many theory test centres are already well equipped to deal with applicants in a safe manner given the separation of desks and individual cubicles; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33761/20]
Tue, 3 Nov 2020
written
Driver Test
Darren O'Rourke
363. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Transport the number of persons waiting for a driver theory test by the number of weeks waiting; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33762/20]
Tue, 3 Nov 2020
written
Driver Test
Darren O'Rourke
364. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Transport the waiting times per driver test centre; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33763/20]
Tue, 3 Nov 2020
written
Driver Test
Darren O'Rourke
365. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Transport the number of persons waiting on a driver test by county; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33764/20]
Tue, 3 Nov 2020
written
Driver Test
Darren O'Rourke
366. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Transport the number of driver testers that are currently employed; the number employed in 2019; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33765/20]
Tue, 3 Nov 2020
written
Driver Test
Darren O'Rourke
367. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Transport the number of driver instructors currently operating; the number that were operating in 2019; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33766/20]
Tue, 3 Nov 2020
written
Covid-19 Pandemic
Darren O'Rourke
368. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Transport if he has introduced legislation that makes it mandatory to wear face coverings in taxis as a safety precaution against Covid-19; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33767/20]
Tue, 3 Nov 2020
written
Covid-19 Pandemic Supports
Darren O'Rourke
394. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Finance if he will make the CRSS scheme available to private bus operators; if he has had discussions with the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment in relation to same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33768/20]
Tue, 3 Nov 2020
written
Covid-19 Pandemic
Darren O'Rourke
1173. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Health the number of cases of Covid-19 transmission that have been identified as having taken place in gyms and swimming pools in each month to date 2020; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32522/20]
Tue, 3 Nov 2020
written
Mental Health Policy
Darren O'Rourke
1433. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Health the way in which the additional funding announced in budget 2021 for mental health will be allocated in tabular form; the amount that will be provided to organisations (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33758/20]
Wed, 21 Oct 2020
written
Employment Rights
Darren O'Rourke
17. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the redundancy situation regarding travel agency workers whose employer may not be insolvent, but in view of the cash flow problems in the sector may have to make some staff redundant; the impact workers who have been placed on various State income support schemes or who have already been temporarily laid off earlier in 2020 could have on this; if he will provide clarity in this area for workers in this sector; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31888/20]
Wed, 21 Oct 2020
written
Driver Test
Darren O'Rourke
40. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Transport if driver instructors are considered essential workers under level 4 of the Plan for Living with Covid-19; if driver tests can take place under level 4; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31889/20]
Wed, 21 Oct 2020
written
Child Detention Centres
Darren O'Rourke
194. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Children, Disability, Equality and Integration if he is satisfied that Oberstown Children Detention Campus is implementing and adhering to the best Covid-19 practices; the procedures in place to protect children and staff; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31965/20]
Tue, 20 Oct 2020
written
Greenhouse Gas Emissions
Darren O'Rourke
141. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Environment, Climate and Communications his views on the distinct characteristics of biogenic methane as mentioned in a report (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31154/20]
Tue, 20 Oct 2020
written
Budget 2021
Darren O'Rourke
147. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Environment, Climate and Communications the details of the retrofit plans announced in budget 2021 including the target completions, the total budget, the source of this funding and the cost per house; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31480/20]
Tue, 20 Oct 2020
written
Covid-19 Pandemic Supports
Darren O'Rourke
405. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Social Protection the weekly income taxi drivers can earn in addition to claiming the pandemic unemployment payment, in light of the collapse of their industry; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [31478/20]
Tue, 20 Oct 2020
written
Covid-19 Pandemic Supports
Darren O'Rourke
406. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Social Protection the income support schemes of which taxi drivers can avail; the new schemes that were announced in budget 2021; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [31479/20]
Tue, 20 Oct 2020
written
Road Traffic Offences
Darren O'Rourke
531. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Justice further to Parliamentary Question No. 191 of 15 September 2020, the number of cases prosecuted and e-scooters confiscated in each of the years 2018, 2019 and to date in 2020 for illegal use of e-scooters on public roads and in public places; if she will provide a breakdown of same on a six-month basis, that is, January to June and July to December 2019; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [31456/20]
Thu, 15 Oct 2020
written
Warmer Homes Scheme
Darren O'Rourke
101. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Environment, Climate and Communications further to Parliamentary Question No. 191 of 6 October 2020, if he will provide a breakdown of the over 8,000 homes on the scheme waiting list by county; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30843/20]
Thu, 15 Oct 2020
written
School Transport
Darren O'Rourke
201. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Education the number of applicants for the school bus transport scheme for the 2018-19, 2019-20 and 2020-21 academic years, by the categories of concessionary and eligible. [30844/20]
Thu, 15 Oct 2020
written
Early Years Sector
Darren O'Rourke
228. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Children, Disability, Equality and Integration if his attention has been drawn to the staffing crisis in the early years sector in County Meath; the steps he is taking to address same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30845/20]
Thu, 15 Oct 2020
written
Hospital Waiting Lists
Darren O'Rourke
288. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Health the date on which a person (details supplied) will receive a hospital appointment. [30849/20]
Tue, 13 Oct 2020
written
Energy Prices
Darren O'Rourke
44. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Environment, Climate and Communications if he has contacted electricity and gas providers in relation to proposed increases in prices during the Covid-19 pandemic; the providers he has made contact with; the outcome of these discussions; his views on not increasing energy prices during the Covid-19 pandemic; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29962/20]
Tue, 13 Oct 2020
written
Public Service Obligation Levy
Darren O'Rourke
45. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Environment, Climate and Communications if his attention has been drawn to the impact the large increase in the PSO will have on electricity customers during the Covid-19 pandemic in view of the fact hundreds of thousands of persons are already struggling financially. [29963/20]
Tue, 13 Oct 2020
written
Irish Language
Darren O'Rourke
117. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media if her attention has been drawn to the findings of a study (details supplied) and its follow-up reports; the steps she is taking to address the linguistic emergency in intergenerational transmission of Irish and its use in social networks; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30284/20]
Tue, 13 Oct 2020
written
Gaeltacht Policy
Darren O'Rourke
175. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he is satisfied that local authorities are compliant with the statutory imperative pursuant to a section of an Act (details supplied) that county development plans for counties containing a Gaeltacht area must include objectives for the promotion of Irish as the community language of the Gaeltacht; if this objective is assessed; if so, the way in which it is assessed; the results of same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30285/20]
Tue, 13 Oct 2020
written
Gaeltacht Policy
Darren O'Rourke
176. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage his plans to direct local authorities containing Gaeltacht areas to prohibit the building of housing estates in areas in which Irish is a community language, that is, areas designated A and B in a study pursuant to a section of an Act (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30286/20]
Tue, 13 Oct 2020
written
Gaeltacht Policy
Darren O'Rourke
177. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage his plans to provide by regulation under a section of an Act (details supplied) that each planning application for planning permission affecting land in the Gaeltacht be accompanied by a linguistic impact assessment prepared by an independent expert in sociolinguistics, language planning or both that must objectively prove that the proposed development will increase the use of Irish relative to English locally; his views in respect of the assertion that the use of letters of support by current or former elected representatives for assessment by planning consultants with no language planning qualifications are insufficient and unsatisfactory; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30287/20]
Tue, 13 Oct 2020
written
Gaeltacht Policy
Darren O'Rourke
178. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage his plans pursuant to section 31 of the Planning and Development Act 2000 to direct that in the case of a person with long-established links to a part of an electoral division within a Gaeltacht area, the linguistic impact assessment not be determinative for a one-off house on land in that electoral division to which that person has had the freehold title for over five years, but that planning permission granted contain a condition to prevent the occupation of the house by non-Irish speaking household other than the person to whom permission was granted; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30288/20]
Tue, 13 Oct 2020
written
Gaeltacht Policy
Darren O'Rourke
179. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage his plans pursuant to section 31 of the Planning and Development Act 2000 to direct that persons who establish by means of assessment under the objective of a university a B2 level of fluency in spoken Irish be deemed to have local housing needs for the purpose of a planning permission application in a Gaeltacht area and that this be the sole measure of language ability used; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30289/20]
Tue, 13 Oct 2020
written
Gaeltacht Policy
Darren O'Rourke
180. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage his plans pursuant to section 31 of the Planning and Development Act 2000 to direct that the percentage of holiday homes in an electoral division within a Gaeltacht area not exceed 10% of the housing stock of that electoral division and in cases in which it does exceed 10%, that planning permission applications that would increase the number of holiday homes be refused; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30290/20]
Thu, 8 Oct 2020
written
Rail Network
Darren O'Rourke
87. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Transport if the initial studies as agreed in the NDP on the proposed railway line from Derry to Dublin have been commissioned; if he has spoken to the Department of Infrastructure in Northern Ireland in relation to any potential proposal; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29301/20]
Thu, 8 Oct 2020
written
Bus Services
Darren O'Rourke
88. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Transport if he will work with his counterparts in the Stormont Executive to develop sustainable and fair pricing structures for cross-Border bus services; if his attention has been drawn to the fact that bus ticket offers vary significantly depending on the place of departure, between Derry and Dublin for example; his views on whether the price should be the same regardless of the location a bus departs from; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29304/20]
Thu, 8 Oct 2020
written
Rail Network
Darren O'Rourke
89. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Transport his views on whether an all-island approach to future rail provision is essential; if he has engaged with the Department for Infrastructure in Northern Ireland to discuss this; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29305/20]
Thu, 8 Oct 2020
written
Brexit Negotiations
Darren O'Rourke
155. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the status of the latest discussions that have taken place with the UK Government on the ongoing dispute over the ownership of Lough Foyle; the discussions that have taken place recently in this regard in terms of Brexit; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29302/20]
Thu, 8 Oct 2020
written
Harbours and Piers
Darren O'Rourke
321. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine his plans to continue to work with Donegal County Council and Foyle Port on their proposals to develop the Greencastle Harbour; if he has spoken with his counterpart in the Stormont Executive regarding collaboration in terms of developing Lough Foyle; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29303/20]
Tue, 6 Oct 2020
written
Warmer Homes Scheme
Darren O'Rourke
191. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Environment, Climate and Communications if it is the case that works on the SEAI warmer home scheme were suspended or are suspended due to Covid-19; the number of homes affected; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28793/20]
Tue, 6 Oct 2020
written
Public Transport
Darren O'Rourke
195. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Transport the amount of current Exchequer funding provided for 2019 and forecast to be provided for 2020 and 2021 for the provision of public transport via the National Transport Authority, NTA; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28124/20]
Tue, 6 Oct 2020
written
Public Service Obligation Services
Darren O'Rourke
196. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Transport if the emergency designation of five strategic maritime routes as PSO routes for a period of three months will be extended; if so, the Exchequer funding provided for 2020; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28125/20]
Tue, 6 Oct 2020
written
Departmental Expenditure
Darren O'Rourke
231. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Transport further to Parliamentary Question No. 319 of 29 September 2020, the total amount of additional Covid-related Exchequer expenditure for 2021 for his Department; if he will provide a breakdown by line items of this additional expenditure; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28701/20]
Tue, 6 Oct 2020
written
Gaeltacht Policy
Darren O'Rourke
338. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the criteria which apply regarding the sale and allocation of new houses and housing developments in Gaeltacht areas to ensure the Irish language is maintained and protected in these areas; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28360/20]
Tue, 6 Oct 2020
written
Gaeltacht Policy
Darren O'Rourke
339. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if it is compulsory in all Gaeltacht areas that a language impact assessment accompany planning applications for new housing developments; the way in which such an impact assessment should be prepared; the legislation, regulations and guidelines which informs same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28361/20]
Tue, 6 Oct 2020
written
Agriculture Industry
Darren O'Rourke
795. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the financial supports available for farmers that wish to start snail farming; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28506/20]
Thu, 1 Oct 2020
written
Airport Policy
Darren O'Rourke
80. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Transport the monitoring or oversight that occurs of aircraft arriving from abroad into airports owned by private persons or companies here; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27848/20]
Thu, 1 Oct 2020
written
Airport Policy
Darren O'Rourke
81. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Transport further to Parliamentary Question No. 120 of 28 July 2020, if he will undertake to collate the data from now on to ensure that his attention is drawn to the number of private jets operating here in view of the significant impact they have on the environment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27849/20]