Parliamentary questions

Domestic, Sexual and Gender-based Violence

Jennifer Murnane O'Connor

40. Deputy Jennifer Murnane O'Connor asked the Minister for Justice to provide an update on the provision of refuge spaces to underserved areas under the zero tolerance strategy. [17546/24]

Domestic, Sexual and Gender-based Violence

Jennifer Murnane O'Connor

41. Deputy Jennifer Murnane O'Connor asked the Minister for Justice to provide an update on the provision of a women’s refuge in County Carlow. [17545/24]

An Garda Síochána

Peadar Tóibín

42. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Justice the number of times she has met with the Garda Commissioner since she took office. [17651/24]

Immigration Policy

David Stanton

43. Deputy David Stanton asked the Minister for Justice further to Parliamentary Questions Nos. 11 and 26 of 22 February 2024, her Department's progress with regard to granting spouses or partners of those working in Ireland under intra-company transfer employment permits the necessary permission to gain access to the labour market; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17711/24]

National Development Plan

Verona Murphy

47. Deputy Verona Murphy asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform to report on the national development plan priorities for enhanced regional accessibility in the south east; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16344/24]

State Properties

Cathal Crowe

51. Deputy Cathal Crowe asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform his plans for the State-owned unit 153 in Shannon Business Park, County Clare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15647/24]

Departmental Expenditure

Michael Moynihan

53. Deputy Michael Moynihan asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform the estimated cost of all means tested payments and supports in 2024; if any Departments are seeking to expand such payments by revision of such tests; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17778/24]

Departmental Expenditure

Richard Bruton

56. Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform if he has considered the extent of unclaimed benefits across different Government programmes; if he would consider establishing a cross-government initiative to better promote take-up of these schemes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15267/24]

Public Sector Pensions

Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire

62. Deputy Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform to discuss the differing pension entitlements that exist for members of An Garda Síochána based on joining the force pre- or-post 1995. [7917/24]

Public Sector Pay

Robert Troy

63. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform the efficiencies to be achieved under the new public sector pay deal; how these are to be measured; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17794/24]

Public Sector Staff

Jennifer Murnane O'Connor

64. Deputy Jennifer Murnane O'Connor asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform when he will be bringing forward legislation to increase the mandatory retirement age for certain public sector workers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17648/24]

State Properties

Cathal Crowe

65. Deputy Cathal Crowe asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform if his Department has plans to upgrade the State-owned motor taxation office in Shannon, County Clare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15646/24]

Heritage Sites

Darren O'Rourke

66. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform to report on progress to retrofit traditional and historical buildings; if district heating will play a role; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17705/24]

National Development Plan

Richard Boyd Barrett

67. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform whether the national development plan has sufficiently considered and is adequately resourced to deliver community and cultural amenities and services needed to accompany increased residential construction and housing demand; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17861/24]

Flood Risk Management

Ruairí Ó Murchú

68. Deputy Ruairí Ó Murchú asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform the progress made to date in 2024 in relation to the CFRAM scheme for County Louth; the current timelines for the delivery of the projects; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17789/24]

Flood Risk Management

Darren O'Rourke

69. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform to report on the progress of the OPW in assessing the impact of climate change on flooding and flood risk assessment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17706/24]

Heritage Projects

Patrick Costello

70. Deputy Patrick Costello asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform the status of the works being carried out at the Magazine Fort in the Phoenix Park; and the timeline for completion and its opening as a visitor site. [17835/24]

Heritage Sites

Patrick Costello

71. Deputy Patrick Costello asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform the efforts his Department is making to liaise with An Garda Síochána regarding policing of road speed within the Phoenix Park. [17834/24]

National Development Plan

Matt Carthy

72. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform if he will report on the delivery of national development plan projects in County Monaghan. [17713/24]

State Properties

Rose Conway-Walsh

73. Deputy Rose Conway-Walsh asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform if there is a plan or strategy in place for the Office of Public Works to reduce the reliance on leased properties; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17730/24]

Flood Relief Schemes

David Stanton

74. Deputy David Stanton asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform to outline the progress made to date with respect to flood relief schemes for Castlemartyr and Mogeely, County Cork; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15630/24]

Flood Relief Schemes

Aindrias Moynihan

75. Deputy Aindrias Moynihan asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform the up-to-date position on flood relief plans (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17784/24]

Coastal Erosion

Éamon Ó Cuív

76. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform the progress made to date with the survey of coastal erosion damage on Inishbofin Island; when a decision will be made on funding necessary works there, including the reinstatement of Roisin Pier (east end); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17768/24]

An Garda Síochána

Niamh Smyth

77. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform the progress on the new Garda station in Bailieborough and if there is an estimated completion date. [8319/24]

Flood Risk Management

Claire Kerrane

78. Deputy Claire Kerrane asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform to provide an update on the OPW’s response to ongoing flooding and rising waters at Lough Funshinagh, County Roscommon. [17597/24]

Public Expenditure Policy

Bernard Durkan

79. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform the extent to which he continues to identify best practice in respect of public expenditure and reform, having regard to prevailing economic trends; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15402/24]

Office of the Comptroller and Auditor General

Rose Conway-Walsh

80. Deputy Rose Conway-Walsh asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform if he has engaged with the Office of the Comptroller and Auditor General on the potential of extending his remit to cover commercial public bodies in a dual-audit capacity in order to ensure greater oversight and accountability; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17729/24]

Flood Relief Schemes

Pádraig O'Sullivan

81. Deputy Pádraig O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform if he will provide an update on the lower Lee flood relief scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15531/24]

Flood Risk Management

Claire Kerrane

82. Deputy Claire Kerrane asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform to provide an update on the emergency solution for ongoing flooding and rising waters at Lough Funshinagh, County Roscommon. [17596/24]

Flood Risk Management

Robert Troy

83. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform the action being taken to strengthen flood defences in Athlone; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17795/24]

Flood Relief Schemes

Aindrias Moynihan

84. Deputy Aindrias Moynihan asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform when a flood defence scheme (details supplied) will advance; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17785/24]

Flood Relief Schemes

James O'Connor

85. Deputy James O'Connor asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform if his Department is considering increasing investment in flood relief schemes in 2024 and 2025 to expedite the delivery of necessary schemes as a means of preventing major flooding events in urban communities; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15765/24]

Departmental Budgets

Pauline Tully

86. Deputy Pauline Tully asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform if the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage has made an application to his Department for increased funding in budget 2025 for the repair and maintenance of local and regional roads; if he will increase the funding for allocation to the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage in budget 2025 for the repair and maintenance of local and regional roads; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17850/24]

Flood Risk Management

Éamon Ó Cuív

87. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform the criteria in terms of cost benefit used to assess flood mitigation works in areas subject to coastal flooding; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17769/24]

Capital Expenditure Programme

Thomas Gould

88. Deputy Thomas Gould asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform if his Department has received communication from the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth requesting additional funding for capital projects for childcare in Cork. [15679/24]

Public Services Provision

Richard Bruton

89. Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform the initiatives he plans to promote better planning to promote a longer and more fruitful retirement, across all of government, harnessing technology, promoting optimal choices of accommodation and adapting existing services to the new requirements. [15266/24]

Court Accommodation

Michael Moynihan

90. Deputy Michael Moynihan asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform the discussions his Department has had with the Courts Service in relation to the courthouse in Kanturk; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17777/24]

Flood Risk Management

Rose Conway-Walsh

91. Deputy Rose Conway-Walsh asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform the impact construction inflation has had on the cost of delivering flood protection projects; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17728/24]

Trade Data

Seán Sherlock

92. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Taoiseach the amount of exports to Israel in the months of February and March 2024, by value and type of export, in tabular form. [17299/24]

Trade Data

Seán Sherlock

93. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Taoiseach the amount of imports from Israel in 2023 and to date in 2024, by value and type of export, in tabular form. [17300/24]

Ministerial Appointments

Carol Nolan

94. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Taoiseach the reasons for his decision to appoint two joint chiefs of staff to his office; the reason one chief of staff was not sufficient; and how decisions will be made on a day-to-day basis. [17234/24]

Office of Director of Public Prosecutions

Pa Daly

95. Deputy Pa Daly asked the Taoiseach the increases that have been made to funding to the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions for the years 2020 to 2024. [17250/24]

Cabinet Committees

Ivana Bacik

96. Deputy Ivana Bacik asked the Taoiseach his views on the new Cabinet committee on disability; and if the Minister for Health will sit on the new committee. [17897/24]

Passport Services

James Lawless

97. Deputy James Lawless asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs to examine an issue (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17436/24]

Passport Services

Niamh Smyth

98. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs when a passport will issue to a person (details supplied). [17467/24]

Passport Services

Robert Troy

99. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs the reason that a recently naturalised applicant’s birth certificate (details supplied) cannot be accepted by his Department as part of their passport application when it was accepted by the Department of Justice as part of their approved naturalisation application. [17488/24]

Foreign Birth Registration

Peadar Tóibín

100. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will expedite an application for foreign birth registration from a parent who is an Irish citizen (details supplied); and provide a reason as to the delay in processing the registration. [17698/24]

Diplomatic Representation

Matt Carthy

101. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs the embassies and missions within north Africa; the ambassadors accredited to north African states whereby no mission is present in a state; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17770/24]

Departmental Meetings

Matt Carthy

102. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will report on his engagements with the government of Algeria; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17771/24]

Diplomatic Representation

Matt Carthy

103. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs if he has considered opening an embassy in Algeria; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17772/24]

Humanitarian Aid

Matt Carthy

104. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs the humanitarian assistance Ireland has provided to Algeria to support and assist refugees from Western Sahara; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17773/24]

Departmental Budgets

Paul Donnelly

105. Deputy Paul Donnelly asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs the budget allocation for the Emigrant Support Programme in each of the years 2022, 2023 and 2024, in tabular form. [17808/24]

Passport Services

Éamon Ó Cuív

106. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs when a decision will be made in relation to a passport application (details supplied); the reason for the delay in issuing same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17813/24]

Passport Services

James Lawless

107. Deputy James Lawless asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs if a passport application (details supplied) will be expedited; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17959/24]

Passport Services

Paul McAuliffe

108. Deputy Paul McAuliffe asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs if a passport application (details supplied) can be examined as the applicant did not receive the email despite the notification on the tracker for application. [17968/24]

Military Aircraft

Catherine Connolly

109. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs further to Parliamentary Question No. 132 of 16 April 2024, to clarify the steps taken to ensure that US Air Force C17 Globemaster aircraft number 08-8021 was not carrying weapons or munitions when it travelled through Shannon Airport on 10 April 2024 and landed in Tel Aviv, Israel, on 11 April 2024, and was further tracked flying over Israel, Jordan and Egypt on 13 and 15 April 2024; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17984/24]

European Court of Human Rights

Peadar Tóibín

110. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will include the murder of a person (details supplied) in the current case being taken against the British government in the European Court of Human Rights. [17994/24]

EU Membership

Michael Moynihan

111. Deputy Michael Moynihan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs his position on Türkiye becoming a member of the European Union; his views on the human rights situation in the country; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18045/24]

Inland Fisheries

Pádraig Mac Lochlainn

112. Deputy Pádraig Mac Lochlainn asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications to outline what role Inland Fisheries Ireland plays regarding the by-catch in relation to bass, sea trout, salmon, kelts and salmon smolts; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18012/24]

Waste Management

Richard Bruton

113. Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if a scheme has been established whereby persons with medical conditions that result in the generation of high volumes of waste can get relief on their waste charges; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17332/24]

Broadband Infrastructure

Michael Ring

114. Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications to investigate the reason NBI sought approval for the erection of a pole directly in front of a person's house (details supplied); the reason NBI did not seek an alternative location; if the cable could have been brought underground like the cables from this person's house onwards; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17342/24]

Departmental Schemes

Sorca Clarke

115. Deputy Sorca Clarke asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications to provide details of the number of SEAI warmer homes applications received in the past three years for County Longford; and the number of these applications that were approved, in tabular form. [17420/24]

Departmental Schemes

Mairéad Farrell

116. Deputy Mairéad Farrell asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if he will provide an update on the new retrofitting home loan scheme; the date it is expected to launch; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17443/24]

Departmental Schemes

Richard Bruton

117. Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the number of energy upgrades undertaken in each of the past five years under the free (warmer homes) scheme; the distribution by the intensity of upgrade; and if he will indicate the extent of the waiting list for this scheme. [17478/24]

Fuel Poverty

Pádraig O'Sullivan

118. Deputy Pádraig O'Sullivan asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the steps taken by his Department and agencies under the remit of his Department (ESV, ESB Networks, EirGrid, CRU, SEAI) to use surplus renewable energy to tackle fuel poverty; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17491/24]

Renewable Energy Generation

Darren O'Rourke

119. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications to provide an update on the SRESS; when he expects details of the scheme to be announced; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17492/24]

Fuel Poverty

Marc MacSharry

120. Deputy Marc MacSharry asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the steps he and his Department have taken in the past 12 months to use surplus renewable energy to help reduce energy poverty; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17506/24]

Fuel Poverty

Marc MacSharry

121. Deputy Marc MacSharry asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications what steps ESB, SEAI, EirGrid and the Commission for Regulation of Utilities have taken in the past 12 months to use surplus renewable energy to help reduce energy poverty; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17507/24]

Departmental Schemes

Claire Kerrane

122. Deputy Claire Kerrane asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the current number of people, by county, approved for the warmer homes scheme and awaiting initial assessment; and the number awaiting works, in tabular form. [17566/24]

Departmental Schemes

Claire Kerrane

123. Deputy Claire Kerrane asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the number of applications received under the warmer homes scheme in 2022, 2023 and to date in 2024, with the number of those approved, refused and completed, in tabular form. [17567/24]

Departmental Schemes

Claire Kerrane

124. Deputy Claire Kerrane asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the current waiting times for people applying for the warmer homes scheme, for the initial assessment and the works. [17568/24]

State Bodies

Claire Kerrane

125. Deputy Claire Kerrane asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the number of staff working in the warmer homes section of the SEAI; if additional staff and resources have been allocated; and, if so, when and how. [17569/24]

Special Areas of Conservation

Noel Grealish

126. Deputy Noel Grealish asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications when the inland fisheries division within the Minister’s Department is introducing new secondary legislation such as by-laws, ministerial orders, regulations, etc., that affect special areas of conservation; to clarify if responsibility for implementing the appropriate assessment process under the EU Habitats Directive lies with the inland fisheries division or Inland Fisheries Ireland, which is the statutory body; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17583/24]

Grant Payments

John McGuinness

127. Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the process in place to check the standard of work carried out by contractors where an SEAI grant is being paid; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17630/24]

Broadband Infrastructure

Jennifer Whitmore

128. Deputy Jennifer Whitmore asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if he is aware that the connection of high-speed broadband to Glendalough (details supplied) is facing an additional delay to July 2025; the reason for this additional delay; whether the connection of the Glendalough area can be expedited; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17634/24]

Climate Action Plan

Thomas Gould

129. Deputy Thomas Gould asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications whether payments have been made in Cork city under the community climate action plan. [17674/24]

Water Pollution

Darren O'Rourke

130. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the preparations his Department is making to ensure there are adequate measures in place to mitigate the risk of toxic water run-off as part of the development of the energy storage policy framework due to be published in quarter 2 of this year; what work his Department has done to mitigate the risk; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17762/24]

Departmental Staff

Paul Donnelly

131. Deputy Paul Donnelly asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the number of WTE attachés with responsibility for cybersecurity from his Department based at the Irish Permanent Representation to the EU in 2023 and to date in 2024, in tabular form; and if this number will be further increased this year. [17796/24]

Air Quality

Richard Bruton

132. Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if wood products are permitted to be burned in urban areas; and if they are subject to particular conditions nationally or under local by-laws. [17883/24]

Air Quality

Richard Bruton

133. Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if air quality standards apply to emissions from household burning outside of the bans on certain products that are in place; and the procedures for monitoring air quality that may be associated with such uses. [17887/24]

Fuel Oil Specifications

David Stanton

134. Deputy David Stanton asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications to outline his policy with respect to the development and utilisation of hydrotreated vegetable oil in Ireland; the amount currently being used nationally; his projections for the future use of HVO; the timescales for same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17902/24]

EU Directives

Duncan Smith

135. Deputy Duncan Smith asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the exact nature and current status with regard to the European Commission’s announcement of 24 January 2024 that it was sending Ireland a formal notice (INFR(2024)0071) for failing to transpose Directive (EU) 2022/2380 amending Directive 2014/53/EU (‘the Radio Equipment Directive’); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17904/24]

Greenhouse Gas Emissions

Peadar Tóibín

136. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the exact value of fines that will be paid to the European Union if Ireland fails to reach the targets set for emissions reduction by 2030. [17925/24]

EU Directives

Ivana Bacik

137. Deputy Ivana Bacik asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the exact nature and current status of the European Commission’s announcement of 24 January 2024 that it was sending Ireland a formal notice (INFR(2024/0072) for failing to transpose Directive (EU) 2023/958 amending Directive 2003/87/EC regarding aviation’s contribution to the Union’s economy-wide emission reduction target and the appropriate implementation of a global market-based measure; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17927/24]

EU Directives

Ivana Bacik

138. Deputy Ivana Bacik asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the exact nature and current status of the European Commission’s announcement of 24 January 2024 that it was sending Ireland a formal notice (INFR(2024/0073) for failing to transpose Directive (EU) 2023/959 amending Directive 2003/87/EC establishing a system for greenhouse gas emission allowance trading within the Union and Decision (EU) 2015/1814 concerning the establishment and operation of a market stability reserve for the Union's greenhouse gas emission trading system; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17928/24]

Departmental Offices

Darren O'Rourke

139. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the status of the work of the climate action regional offices; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17936/24]

Post Office Network

Ivana Bacik

140. Deputy Ivana Bacik asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if the disposal of public assets through the sale of An Post offices is consistent with his Department’s policy. [18129/24]

Departmental Schemes

Ivana Bacik

141. Deputy Ivana Bacik asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications his plans to introduce a non-profit district heating scheme in Ireland; and his plans to transition existing schemes to a non-profit model. [18130/24]

Commemorative Plaques

Patrick Costello

142. Deputy Patrick Costello asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence further to Parliamentary Question No. 653 of 18 January 2023, if an update will be provided. [17311/24]

Defence Forces

James Lawless

143. Deputy James Lawless asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence to examine a query regarding the retirement age in the Defence Forces (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17343/24]

Defence Forces

Sorca Clarke

144. Deputy Sorca Clarke asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence if he will outline, in relation to the ongoing investigation into historic abuse allegations in the Defence Forces, how those who now wish to engage in the process for the first time can do so; and if legal representation is required. [17348/24]

Departmental Expenditure

Sorca Clarke

145. Deputy Sorca Clarke asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence his Department's capital underspend, if any, in 2023; and his Department's projected spend in 2024. [17418/24]

Air Accident Investigations

Catherine Murphy

146. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence the number of unpublished military air accident investigation reports that exist covering the years 1990 to date in 2024. [17604/24]

Defence Forces

Seán Sherlock

147. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence his further plans to increase the retirement age for members of the Defence Forces and the Reserve Defence Force beyond the current age limit; when will the age be increased to 62 years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17684/24]

Defence Forces

Matt Carthy

148. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence the mechanisms by which a person who is court martialled may have their rank reinstated; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17756/24]

Defence Forces

Matt Carthy

149. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence if authorisation from the Department if necessary for serving members of the Defence Forces to sit on the board of security organisations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17757/24]

Departmental Reviews

Patrick Costello

150. Deputy Patrick Costello asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence for an update in relation to the strategic defence review and provide a timeline on the publication of this review; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18008/24]

Traffic Management

Jennifer Whitmore

151. Deputy Jennifer Whitmore asked the Minister for Transport if there are plans to deal with increased capacity for traffic at Bray train station in light of BusConnects proposals for the area; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17306/24]

Rail Network

Jennifer Whitmore

152. Deputy Jennifer Whitmore asked the Minister for Transport for an update on the progress of the assessment for the reopening of Avoca train station; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17307/24]

Rail Network

Jennifer Whitmore

153. Deputy Jennifer Whitmore asked the Minister for Transport if he has been informed of the allocation of new carriages coming on stream in 2024; if carriages will be allocated to Wicklow line services; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17308/24]