Parliamentary questions

Paramilitary Groups

Éamon Ó Cuív

63. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Justice the views of the Government and her Department on the recommendation made by the Independent Reporting Commission in its Fifth and its Sixth Report, published in December 2023 “for an agreed formal process of Group Transition, involving direct engagement with the paramilitary groups themselves, to bring about disbandment”; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [55078/23]

Housing Policy

Éamon Ó Cuív

388. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the reason a higher HAP discretion is allowable in Dublin despite the enormous rent being sought in Galway, which has priced most new HAP tenants out of the market; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [54490/23]

Water Services

Éamon Ó Cuív

394. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage when the framework for the Multi-annual Rural Water Programme will be issued to Galway County Council; the reason for the delay; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [54667/23]

Cumarsáid Aireachta

Éamon Ó Cuív

19. D'fhiafraigh Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív den Aire Tithíochta, Rialtais Áitiúil agus Oidhreachta cén uair a fhoilseofar na treoirlínte pleanála don Ghaeltacht; an mbeidh forálacha speisialta do na hoileáin Ghaeltachta sna treoirlínte seo; agus an ndéanfaidh sé ráiteas ina thaobh. [54175/23]

Housing Schemes

Éamon Ó Cuív

32. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the number of applications received under the vacant homes scheme in each county to date; the number approved and the number where the grant has been paid; the total cost of the scheme to date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [54176/23]

Social Welfare Benefits

Éamon Ó Cuív

101. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Social Protection the number of applications received by the Department in each of the last five years for domiciliary care allowance; the number rejected each year; the reason for these rejections; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [54178/23]

Departmental Reports

Éamon Ó Cuív

137. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Social Protection the progress made with the report on means testing in the social welfare system; when it is hoped it will be published; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [54177/23]

Rail Network

Éamon Ó Cuív

173. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Transport the progress made with the provision of a passing loop at Oranmore to allow for more frequent services on the Galway to Athenry rail line; when it is hoped that work will commence on this project; when it is hoped it will be completed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [54352/23]

School Transport

Éamon Ó Cuív

207. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Education when the review into school transport commenced; when it will be completed; whether it is intended to publish the report; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [54382/23]

Prison Service

Éamon Ó Cuív

269. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Justice the reason for the large number of days that the school remained closed in Castlerea Prison this year up to 31 August 2023; the steps taken to rectify this; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [54353/23]

Scéimeanna Tacaíochta Gaeilge

Éamon Ó Cuív

72. D'fhiafraigh Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív den Aire Turasóireachta, Cultúir, Ealaíon, Gaeltachta, Spóirt agus Meán cén líon scoláirí a d’fhreastail ar chúrsaí faoi Scéim na bhFoghlaimeoirí Gaeilge in 2019, 2022 agus 2023; cén líon teaghlach a choinnigh scoláirí a bhí cláraithe leis an scéim do na blianta sin; cé mhéad airgead a d’íoc an Roinn amach leo sin gach bliain acu sin, leagus 2023 go dtí seo san áireamh; cén deontas in aghaidh na hoíche a bhí i gceist i ngach cás; agus an ndéanfaidh sí ráiteas ina thaobh. [53491/23]

Caiteachas Ranna

Éamon Ó Cuív

74. D'fhiafraigh Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív den Aire Turasóireachta, Cultúir, Ealaíon, Gaeltachta, Spóirt agus Meán cén t-ardú atá tagtha ar an méid airgid atá ar fáil do na míreanna Gaeltachta agus Gaeilge sna meastacháin do 2024, le hais 2023, a fógraíodh le gairid; an leor é sin le hobair na Gaeltachta agus na Gaeilge a chur i gcrích an bhliain seo chugainn; agus an ndéanfaidh sí ráiteas ina thaobh. [53490/23]

Passport Services

Éamon Ó Cuív

114. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs when a passport will issue to a person in County Galway (details supplied); the reason for the delay in issuing the said passport; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53298/23]

Passport Services

Éamon Ó Cuív

118. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs when passports will issue to siblings from County Galway (details supplied); the reason for the delay in issuing the passports; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53364/23]

Flood Risk Management

Éamon Ó Cuív

185. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Transport whether it is intended to provide extra roads funding in 2024 to the climate action fund for roads to help alleviate the problem of flooding on roads, particularly where in coastal regions with only one access road, where, due to rising tides, roads flood more frequently and for longer periods in periods of spring tides; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53824/23]

Flood Risk Management

Éamon Ó Cuív

186. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Transport whether it is intended to provide extra roads funding in 2024 to the climate action fund for roads to heighten and improve causeways to islands and other areas along the coast totally dependent on same to ensure they can withstand higher tides and more frequent storms; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53825/23]

Public Sector Pensions

Éamon Ó Cuív

187. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Transport if it is intended to provide funding through his Department to ensure the CIÉ 1951 Pension Scheme has sufficient funds to pay pension increases to CIÉ pensioners (details supplied); if not, if the pension scheme will be incorporated into the general public service scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53913/23]

Teagasc na Gaeilge

Éamon Ó Cuív

264. D'fhiafraigh Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív den Aire Oideachais briseadh síos a thabhairt ar an líon daoine a raibh díolúine acu ó fhoghlaim na Gaeilge sna blianta acadúla 2017-18, 2018-19, 2019-20, 2020-21, 2021-22 agus 2022-23 de réir rang sa bhunscoil agus de réir bliain san iar-bhunscoil, i.e. an líon daoine a raibh díolúine acu i Rang a 1, Rang a 2, Rang a 3, Rang a 4, Rang a 5 agus Rang a 6 sa bhunscoil agus an líon daoine a raibh díolúine acu sa 1ú Bhliain, sa 2ú Bliain, sa 3ú Bliain, san Idirbhliain, sa 5ú Bliain agus sa 6ú Bliain san iar-bhunscoil; chomh maith leis na cúiseanna ar bronnadh na díolúintí sin de réir rang sa bhunscoil agus de réir bliain san iar-bhunscoil; agus an ndéanfaidh sí ráiteas ina thaobh. [53827/23]

Teagasc na Gaeilge

Éamon Ó Cuív

265. D'fhiafraigh Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív den Aire Oideachais míniú a thabhairt ar an líon ard daltaí, 669 ndalta, ar bronnadh díolúine orthu sa scoilbhliain 2022-23 bunaithe ar na critéir nua i gCiorclán 0054/2022 lena ndéantar soláthar den chéad uair do dhaltaí a bhfuil leibhéal ard riachtanas iolrach agus leanúnach acu atá ina bhac suntasach ar rannpháirtíocht an dalta ina shaol nó ina saol foghlama agus scoile, agus á chur san áireamh go bhfuil sé ráite sa chiorclán nár chóir díolúine a bhronnadh ach i gcúinsí an-eisceachtúil; agus an ndéanfaidh sí ráiteas ina thaobh. [53828/23]

Teagasc na Gaeilge

Éamon Ó Cuív

266. D'fhiafraigh Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív den Aire Oideachais cén líon díolúintí ó staidéar na Gaeilge a ceadaíodh de réir gach iar-bhunscoile sna blianta acadúla 2017-18, 2018-19, 2019-20, 2020-21, 2021-22 agus 2022-23; agus an ndéanfaidh sí ráiteas ina thaobh. [53829/23]

Planning Issues

Éamon Ó Cuív

343. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the progress being made by the heritage section of his Department in ongoing discussions with Galway County Council in relation to the development of method statements relating to the upgrade of the N59 from Bunakill to Ougherard, in view of the planning condition placed on the planning permission by an Bord Pleanála in this regard; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53832/23]

Agriculture Schemes

Éamon Ó Cuív

441. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the arrangements that will be made to ensure those who are waiting for probate to be completed, which can take some time due to delays in the Probate Office, will be able to join ACRES; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53510/23]

Forestry Sector

Éamon Ó Cuív

450. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine whether in areas where there are populations of wild deer, extra grant aid will be provided under the forestry schemes to provide for the provision of deer fencing; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53834/23]

Rights of People with Disabilities

Éamon Ó Cuív

495. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth whether it is intended to ratify the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with a Disability, along with its Optional Protocol, and incorporate it into Irish law; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53841/23]

Departmental Programmes

Éamon Ó Cuív

640. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the reason for the delay in commencing the new SICAP programme in Galway to the end of March 2024; if his Department was in consultation with Galway County Council's LCDC on this matter; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [53513/23]

Departmental Programmes

Éamon Ó Cuív

641. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the number of bids sought for the delivery of the new SICAP programme; the number of contracts that have been now awarded; when the remaining bids will be examined and contracts awarded; the reason for the delay with the roll-out of this programme; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [53514/23]

Rail Network

Éamon Ó Cuív

21. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Transport the progress made in relation to the All-Ireland Strategic Rail Review; when it is intended to publish the final report; if, in light of the absence of an Executive in Northern Ireland, he intends implementing immediately the proposals that are totally within this jurisdiction; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52622/23]

Rail Network

Éamon Ó Cuív

61. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Transport if he intends sanctioning money immediately, as happened with the Limerick to Foynes line, to reopen the rail line from Athenry to Claremorris; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52623/23]

Housing Schemes

Éamon Ó Cuív

345. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage whether he intends increasing the HAP rent limits as due to the continuous increases in rents generally as many tenants are finding it impossible to find accommodation on the market at present; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52530/23]

Social Welfare Appeals

Éamon Ó Cuív

361. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Social Protection when an appeal for invalidity pension by a person (details supplied) will be processed and a decision made on it; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [52034/23]

Social Welfare Appeals

Éamon Ó Cuív

362. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Social Protection the number of applications for invalidity pension that are on appeal to the Social Welfare Appeals Office; the number that have been under consideration for one, two, three, four, five, six, seven, eight, nine, ten and 11 months or a year or more; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [52035/23]

General Practitioner Services

Éamon Ó Cuív

625. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Health when the freeze of a GP’s panel will be lifted to allow patients to transfer to and from the GP; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52317/23]

Medical Aids and Appliances

Éamon Ó Cuív

632. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Health the reason the rates of refund allowed for specialised spectacles for children in CHO 2 has been reduced, as this cutback is having a big impact on parents of low income whose children require expensive specialised spectacles; the amount of the savings that these cutbacks will accrue; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52378/23]

Passport Services

Éamon Ó Cuív

154. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs when a passport will issue to a person (details supplied); the reason for the delay in issuing said passport; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51677/23]

An Teanga Gaeilge

Éamon Ó Cuív

226. D'fhiafraigh Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív den Aire Turasóireachta, Cultúir, Ealaíon, Gaeltachta, Spóirt agus Meán cén chaoi a mheasfar a bhfuil an té a cheapfar mar Ard-Rúnaí nua ar an Roinn cumasach ar an ngnó a dhéanamh trí Ghaeilge; an bhfuil sé i gceist leas a bhaint as an Teastas Eorpach do theangacha mar chuid den phróiseas; má tá, cén leibhéal a bheidh le baint amach ag an té a cheapfar; agus an ndéanfaidh sí ráiteas ina thaobh. [51720/23]

An Teanga Gaeilge

Éamon Ó Cuív

227. D'fhiafraigh Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív den Aire Turasóireachta, Cultúir, Ealaíon, Gaeltachta, Spóirt agus Meán cén t-achar ama, tar éis an ceapachán a dhéanamh, a thabharfar d’Ard-Rúnaí nua na Roinne chun líofacht a bhaint amach sa Ghaeilge; cén caighdeán Gaeilge a bheidh le baint amach agus cén chaoi a mheasfar sin; an féidir a dheimhniú nach ndéanfar an ceapachán buan go mbainfear amach an caighdeán cuí; agus an ndéanfaidh sí ráiteas ina thaobh. [51721/23]

Health Service Executive

Éamon Ó Cuív

328. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Health what discussions he has had with the HSE to ensure queries raised by Deputies on behalf of constituents will be answered in adequate time; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51676/23]

Passport Services

Éamon Ó Cuív

96. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs when a decision will be made on an application for a passport (details supplied); the reason for the delay in issuing the passport; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50864/23]

Scéimeanna Teanga

Éamon Ó Cuív

269. D'fhiafraigh Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív den Aire Turasóireachta, Cultúir, Ealaíon, Gaeltachta, Spóirt agus Meán cén uair a íocfar deontas mhí Iúil agus mhí Lúnasa le duine i mo dháilcheantar (sonraí tugtha) faoi Scéim na bhFoghlaimeoirí Gaeilge; cén fáth a bhfuil moill leis an íocaíocht sin; agus an ndéanfaidh sí ráiteas ina thaobh. [50534/23]

Agriculture Schemes

Éamon Ó Cuív

408. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the number of TAMS applications currently on hand that are not processed by his Department; the length of time these applications are on hand, broken down by three-month intervals; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51023/23]

Departmental Programmes

Éamon Ó Cuív

613. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development when a decision will be made on the arrangements to deliver the next SICAP programme in County Galway; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [51101/23]

Departmental Programmes

Éamon Ó Cuív

614. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development when a decision will be made as to who will deliver the LEADER programme in County Galway; the allocation they will have, broken down between administration and projects; when the LEADER programme will be open to new applications; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [51102/23]

National Broadband Plan

Éamon Ó Cuív

14. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if it is his intention to enter into negotiations with National Broadband Ireland to ensure that all offshore islands are provided with a fibre connection to the mainland as part of the roll-out of the national broadband programme, to ensure equality of service for islanders in this vital service; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49996/23]

Wind Energy Generation

Éamon Ó Cuív

35. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the estimated increase of on-shore wind generation for all years, including 2023 to 2030, in line with our climate action targets; the steps being taken to ensure these targets will be met; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49995/23]

Bord na Móna

Éamon Ó Cuív

103. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications whether he will contact a body (details supplied) to whom he referred a Parliamentary Question for reply, if he will issue a reply, given the matter has been ongoing for some considerable time; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50422/23]

Scéimeanna Fostaíochta

Éamon Ó Cuív

147. D'fhiafraigh Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív den Aire Oideachais an mbeidh íocaíocht á déanamh le bunscoileanna as pá a d’íoc siad le rúnaithe ar threoir na Roinne do Shamhradh 2023 sular ghlac an Roinn freagracht as pá na rúnaithe bunscoile ar fad i Meán Fómhair 2023; agus más rud é go mbeidh, cén uair a dhéanfar an íocaíocht; agus an ndéanfaidh sí ráiteas ina thaobh. [50429/23]

Oibreacha Feabhsúcháin do Scoileanna

Éamon Ó Cuív

148. D'fhiafraigh Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív den Aire Oideachais an mbeidh deontas á íoc le bunscoileanna sa scoilbhliain 2023/2024 le haghaidh mionoibreacha; agus más rud é go mbeidh, cé mhéad a bheidh i gceist do gach scoil agus cén uair a íocfar é; agus an ndéanfaidh sí ráiteas ina thaobh. [50430/23]

Scéimeanna Fostaíochta

Éamon Ó Cuív

149. D'fhiafraigh Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív den Aire Oideachais an mbeidh deontas coimhdeach á íoc le bunscoileanna don scoilbhliain 2023/2024 chun íoc as rúnaithe suas go Meán Fómhair agus as glantóirí; cé mhéad a bheidh á íoc le gach scoil don scoilbhliain 2023/2024; cén uair a íocfar é; agus an ndéanfaidh sí ráiteas ina thaobh. [50431/23]

Covid-19 Paindéim

Éamon Ó Cuív

150. D'fhiafraigh Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív den Aire Oideachais an bhfuil deontas eile le cur in áit an deontais glantacháin Covid-19 de bharr na gcostas méadaithe atá ar scoileanna de bharr an ardaithe sa chostas maireachtála; agus an ndéanfaidh sí ráiteas ina thaobh. [50432/23]

Pleananna Oideachais

Éamon Ó Cuív

151. D'fhiafraigh Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív den Aire Oideachais an bhfuil sé i gceist sceideal na ndeontas reatha ar fad atá le híoc le bunscoileanna don scoilbhliain 2023/2024 a chur ar fáil ina dtaispeánfar méid gach deontais; cén uair a íocfar iad ionas gur féidir le bunscoileanna pleanáil cheart airgeadais a dhéanamh [50433/23]

Scéimeanna Rannacha

Éamon Ó Cuív

152. D'fhiafraigh Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív den Aire Oideachais cén ráta deontais caipitíochta a íocfar le bunscoileanna don scoilbhliain 2023/2024; cén uair a íocfar é; agus an ndéanfaidh sí ráiteas ina thaobh. [50434/23]

Prison Service

Éamon Ó Cuív

186. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Justice if she will provide a breakdown of the total current number of prisoners who have been convicted of a sexual offence, by prison and gender and age, in tabular form; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [50416/23]

Prison Service

Éamon Ó Cuív

187. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Justice if she will provide the number of prisoners committed under sentence for sexual offences each year from 2018 to present, in tabular form; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [50417/23]

Prison Service

Éamon Ó Cuív

188. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Justice if she will provide the number of prisoners committed for sexual offences who have completed the Building Better Lives programme over the past five years, in tabular form; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [50418/23]

Offshore Islands

Éamon Ó Cuív

17. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the progress made in the past ten years in providing improved pier facilities on islands and on mainland piers serving island ferries; the total amount of money that has been spent improving island serving piers in this time, broken down by year; the piers that have been upgraded; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [49616/23]

Island Communities

Éamon Ó Cuív

19. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the progress made in providing improved pier facilities on Inis Meáin and Inis Oírr; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [49617/23]

Wind Energy Generation

Éamon Ó Cuív

173. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the new wind energy onshore projects to come on stream this year; the amount of energy they will generate; the number of wind energy projects in the pipeline for coming on stream in each year until 2030; the total wind energy projects that received full planning in each of the past five years and to date in 2023; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49160/23]

Curaclam Scoile

Éamon Ó Cuív

218. D'fhiafraigh Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív den Aire Oideachais an mbeidh aon deontais nua bhreise ar fáil do bhunscoileanna le cúnamh a thabhairt dóibh deireadh a bheith acu leis an gcuraclam nua mata a mhúineadh; agus an ndéanfaidh sí ráiteas ina thaobh. [49149/23]

Pupil-Teacher Ratio

Éamon Ó Cuív

219. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Education if she will consider reducing the pupil teacher ratio further for three-teacher schools, with all schools with more than 40 pupils having three mainstream classroom teachers, in view of the difficulty in a two-teacher school with more than 40 pupils of teaching four classes simultaneously; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [49150/23]

Schools Amalgamation

Éamon Ó Cuív

220. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Education the number of small rural schools that have closed or amalgamated with a larger school each year in the past ten years, by county, in tabular form; the reason for these closures; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [49151/23]

Special Educational Needs

Éamon Ó Cuív

221. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Education if she is willing to make special arrangements for the 12 schools on offshore islands in relation to special education teachers as it is not possible for island schools to share hours with a mainland school and the difficulty in attracting teachers to work in such posts on a part-time basis; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [49152/23]

Special Educational Needs

Éamon Ó Cuív

222. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Education what arrangements are being made to ensure that there are sufficient places in all secondary schools in a city (details supplied) for children that require an ASD class as parents have already been made aware of a shortage of such places for the school year 2024/2025; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [49153/23]

Scéimeanna Teanga

Éamon Ó Cuív

223. D'fhiafraigh Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív den Aire Turasóireachta, Cultúir, Ealaíon, Gaeltachta, Spóirt agus Meán an bhfuil sé i gceist ardú deontais a thabhairt do na teaghlaigh a choinníonn scoláirí faoi Scéim na bhFoghlaimeoirí Gaeilge le haghaidh na bliana 2024 á chur san áireamh an t-ardú mór ar an gcostas maireachtála; agus an ndéanfaidh sí ráiteas ina thaobh. [49157/23]

Housing Schemes

Éamon Ó Cuív

240. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage to provide in tabular form the number of application received by county for the croí cónaithe vacant house grant; the number of approvals of a grant and the number of grants paid out; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49155/23]

Wastewater Treatment

Éamon Ó Cuív

241. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the changes proposed to be made to the wastewater systems grant for private properties (septic tanks grant); when these changes will become operable; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49156/23]

Social Welfare Benefits

Éamon Ó Cuív

263. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Social Protection when an appeal for carer’s allowance will be processed and a decision made on it; and if she will make a statement on the matter (details supplied). [49134/23]

Legislative Measures

Éamon Ó Cuív

276. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Justice when the Criminal Justice (Mutual Recognition of Custodial Sentences) Act 2023 will be fully implemented so that transfers of prisoners can take place from other EU states, from Britain and from Northern Ireland; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [49154/23]

International Agreements

Éamon Ó Cuív

312. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Health if there are new protocols or arrangements under discussion at the WHO in relation to dealing with future pandemics; when it is proposed that the final documents in relation to this will be agreed; whether in the event of Ireland signing this protocol or arrangement this country will then be legally obliged to follow instructions from the WHO as to how future pandemics would be handled here; whether it is Ireland's intention at present to sign up to such a protocol; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49148/23]

Health Services

Éamon Ó Cuív

313. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Health whether it is intended to appoint the President of the University of Galway or their nominee ex-officio to the Board of the new Health Region (HSE West and North West) Board in view of the close co-operation between the university and the health services particularly in research and education; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49158/23]

Clár Tógála Scoileanna

Éamon Ó Cuív

46. D'fhiafraigh Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív den Aire Oideachais cén uair a dhéanfar cinneadh ar iarratas ó bhunscoil (sonraí tugtha) le haghaidh Cóiríocht Scoile Bhreise (foirm ASA) a cuireadh chuig an Roinn tamall ó shin; agus an ndéanfaidh sí ráiteas ina thaobh. [49019/23]

Departmental Staff

Éamon Ó Cuív

47. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media why the recently advertised position of Secretary General for her Department does not require that applicants have a capacity to do their work in Irish as well as well as English, as this Department has responsibility for the Gaeltacht and Irish language, and there are Department offices where the main working language is Irish; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [48973/23]

General Practitioner Services

Éamon Ó Cuív

134. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Health whether it is intended to apply increases in line with the public pay agreements to general practitioners in receipt of DMO salaries going forward with also an element of retrospection, as these salaries have not been increased since the benchmarking pay increases of in 2008; whether such increases would also apply to retired GPs who have DMO salaries; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49005/23]

General Practitioner Services

Éamon Ó Cuív

136. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Health when adequate facilities for modern medicine will be provided at a health centre (details supplied) as this health centre lack the necessary space suitable for the wider range of services that are and will in the future need to be provided from rural health general practices; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49033/23]

Passport Services

Éamon Ó Cuív

97. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs when passports will issue to children (details supplied) who are siblings; the reason for the delay in issuing said passports; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47385/23]

Public Sector Pensions

Éamon Ó Cuív

259. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Transport what proposals he has to ensure that pensioners who were in the CIÉ and Bus Éireann pension schemes, and have not received an increase in their pension since 2008, receive such an increase in pension in line with the cost-of-living since 2008; whether the question of an Exchequer subvention to these schemes has been examined; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48269/23]

Bus Services

Éamon Ó Cuív

260. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Transport the steps he is taking to ensure there is an adequate bus service on the 419 bus route from Galway to Clifden and Letterfrack; the improvements that are planned for the service on the route particularly at peak traffic hours and late night services leaving Galway up to 11.00 pm to Clifden and Letterfrack; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48271/23]

Seirbhísí Iompair

Éamon Ó Cuív

261. D'fhiafraigh Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív den Aire Iompair cén uair a chuirfear tuilleadh seirbhísí bus, mar a gealladh i ráiteas a rinneadh faoi Connecting Ireland idir Gaillimh agus an Cheathrú, Leitir Mealláin agus Carna, agus á chur i gcuntas go mbíonn na busanna lán, mar a bhíonn siad go minic, agus go mbíonn orthu paisinéirí a fhágáil ina ndiaidh, an fáth go bhfuil moill leis sin; agus an ndéanfaidh sé ráiteas ina thaobh. [48277/23]

Tax Data

Éamon Ó Cuív

301. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Finance whether there are new proposals for treating the income of doctors who are in partnerships together; the details of these proposals and the reason for them; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47575/23]

Tax Credits

Éamon Ó Cuív

317. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Finance whether, in circumstances where a parent is in rented accommodation and has a son/daughter in third level education also renting in a different property, he intends increasing the maximum tax credit for renting to double the proposed limit of €750; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47842/23]

EU Funding

Éamon Ó Cuív

325. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Finance the annual contribution to the EU by the Exchequer in each of the past ten years, including an estimate of the contribution forecast for the whole of 2023; the income from the EU to the Exchequer in each of these years, including an estimate for this year; whether it is expected that Ireland's net contribution to the EU will increase in the coming ten years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48304/23]

Flood Risk Management

Éamon Ó Cuív

371. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform whether the OPW is aware of the need to alleviate flooding near a location (details supplied) by carrying out maintenance work on streams and culverts there; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48285/23]

Special Educational Needs

Éamon Ó Cuív

488. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Education her proposals to provide for full summer special provision in 2024 for children with severe and profound intellectual and or physical disabilities in view of their need for routine and their care needs; the discussions she has had with the minister for State with responsibility for disability in relation to this matter; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [47839/23]

Schools Building Projects

Éamon Ó Cuív

489. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Education the reason for the high turnover threshold of €1.5 million in order to qualify to tender for the tender entitled "Term Maintenance, Refurbishment and Upgrade construction Works to Educational Facilities in various regional and urban location (divided into lots and sub lots) within a National Framework", thus disqualifying a large number of small, highly competent small building firms from tendering and reducing the competition on the market, and thus raising prices; whether she intends revising these limits; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [47843/23]

Scoláireachtaí Gaeltachta

Éamon Ó Cuív

490. D'fhiafraigh Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív den Aire Oideachais cén fáth nach n-íoctar deontas le hábhair múinteoirí iar-bhunscoile, atá ag déanamh cláir oideachais tosaigh do mhúinteoirí, chun freastal ar chúrsaí Gaeilge sa Ghaeltacht, cé go bhfuil sé ar cheann de na roghanna atá ag ábhair mhúinteoirí chun a eispéireas tumoideachasúil sa Ghaeilge a chomhlíonadh don Chomhairle Mhúinteoireachta; agus an ndéanfaidh sí ráiteas ina thaobh. [47845/23]

School Accommodation

Éamon Ó Cuív

514. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Education the progress made in providing a modular classroom for a special class in a school (details supplied); when it is likely to be provided; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [48273/23]

Scéimeanna Tacaíochta

Éamon Ó Cuív

515. D'fhiafraigh Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív den Aire Oideachais an bhfuil i gceist aici an liúntas um múineadh trí Ghaeilge, a bhíodh á íoc le múinteoirí, le tabhairt ar ais de bharr na heaspa múinteoirí atá cáilithe chun múineadh trí Ghaeilge, agus d’fhonn spreagadh a thabhairt do thuilleadh múinteoirí a bheith cáilithe don obair seo; agus an ndéanfaidh sí ráiteas ina thaobh. [48278/23]

Scéimeanna Tacaíochta

Éamon Ó Cuív

516. D'fhiafraigh Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív den Aire Oideachais an bhfuil i gceist aici an liúntas Gaeltachta a bhíodh á íoc le múinteoirí a thabhairt a ais chun a aithint go bhfuil sé riachtanach go meallfar scoth na múinteoirí le múineadh i scoileanna lán-Ghaeilge sa Ghaeltacht; agus an ndéanfaidh sí ráiteas ina thaobh. [48279/23]

Scéimeanna Tacaíochta

Éamon Ó Cuív

517. D'fhiafraigh Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív den Aire Oideachais an bhfuil i gceist aici an liúntas teagaisc ar oileán a thabhairt ar ais de bharr an chostais maireachtála ard ar an hoileáin agus de bharr an ghá atá ann tuilleadh múinteoirí a mhealladh le cur isteach ar phoist ar oileáin; agus an ndéanfaidh sí ráiteas ina thaobh. [48280/23]

Scoileanna Gaeilge agus Gaeltachta

Éamon Ó Cuív

518. D'fhiafraigh Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív den Aire Oideachais an bhfuil i gceist aici cabhair speisialta bhreise a chur ar fáil do scoláirí ón Úcráin atá ag freastal ar scoileanna lán-Ghaeilge taobh amuigh, agus taobh istigh, den Ghaeltacht lena chinntiú go sealbhóidh siad an Ghaeilge chomh maith leis an mBéarla agus nach mbeidh tionchar diúltach acu ar theanga na scoile; agus an ndéanfaidh sí ráiteas ina thaobh. [48281/23]

Scoileanna Oileáin

Éamon Ó Cuív

519. D'fhiafraigh Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív den Aire Oideachais an bhfuil i gceist aici an líon múinteoirí breise atá ar fáil i meánscoileanna ar oileáin a mhéadú ó 1.5 múinteoir lánaimseartha (WTE) go 2 mhúinteoir lánaimseartha (WTE) mar atá geallta sa Pholasaí Oileánda, 2023-2033 a foilsíodh i mbliana; agus an ndéanfaidh sí ráiteas ina thaobh. [48282/23]

Scoileanna Gaeilge agus Gaeltachta

Éamon Ó Cuív

520. D'fhiafraigh Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív den Aire Oideachais an bhfuil i gceist aici an deontas Gaeilge agus dátheangachais a íoctar le meánscoileanna lán-Ghaeilge a leathnú amach do scoileanna ETB atá ag múineadh trí Ghaeilge; an fáth nach raibh an deontas sin ar fáil go dtí seo; agus an ndéanfaidh sí ráiteas ina thaobh. [48283/23]

Clár Tógála Scoileanna

Éamon Ó Cuív

521. D'fhiafraigh Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív den Aire Oideachais an bhfuil iarratas curtha isteach ag scoil (sonraí tugtha) ar dheontas airgid le seomra aclaíochta/ilúsáide a thógáil; cad é stádas an iarratais; cén uair a dhéanfar cinneadh air; agus an ndéanfaidh sí ráiteas ina thaobh. [48284/23]

Ceisteanna Craolacháin

Éamon Ó Cuív

584. D'fhiafraigh Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív den Aire Turasóireachta, Cultúir, Ealaíon, Gaeltachta, Spóirt agus Meán an bhfuil i gceist aici liúntas breise maoine caipitil a chur ar fáil go TG4 as seo go deireadh na bliana le ligean dóibh cur leis an obair iontach atá ar bun acu, ag tógáil san áireamh an €16.5 m breise reatha atá le cur ar fáil do RTÉ sa bhliain reatha; agus an ndéanfaidh sí ráiteas ina thaobh. [48250/23]

Natura 2000

Éamon Ó Cuív

661. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage when substitute consent is or is not required to rectify small non-compliances with planning in or near a Natura 2,000 site, particularly where the non-compliance does not materially affect the integrity of the Natura 2000 Site; whether it is intended to issue new guidelines to local authorities in relation to this matter due to the cost of applying for leave to apply for substitute consent and for substitute consent itself and also due to the perceived discrepancy between the Bord Pleanála's approach and local authorities approach to this issue and the delay of up to three years involved in getting decisions from the board on applications; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48272/23]

Housing Policy

Éamon Ó Cuív

662. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage whether it is intended to widen the eligibility criteria for the mortgage to rent scheme; when new guidelines are likely to issue; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48274/23]

Social Welfare Eligibility

Éamon Ó Cuív

759. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Social Protection if she intends increasing the upper threshold of €310 per week for entitlement to a qualified adult payment for social insurance-based schemes in the forthcoming social welfare Bill; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [48305/23]

State Pensions

Éamon Ó Cuív

760. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Social Protection the number, by each €10-per-week income band, of State pension (contributory) qualified adults in receipt of the total IQA allowance and of a tapered rate of qualified adult allowance where the qualified adult is 66 or over; whether she intends changing the way the increase for a qualified adult is calculated; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [48306/23]

State Pensions

Éamon Ó Cuív

761. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Social Protection the number, by each €10-per-week income band, of State pension (contributory) qualified adults in receipt of a tapered rate of qualified adult allowance where the qualified adult is aged under 66 years; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [48307/23]

Social Welfare Eligibility

Éamon Ó Cuív

762. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Social Protection the number of pensioners in receipt of a non-contributory State pension; the number of these that are receiving a reduced rate; the estimated cost to her Department of exempting the first €200 of self-employed income from the means test similar to regime that applies to employed income; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [48308/23]

Social Welfare Benefits

Éamon Ó Cuív

769. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Social Protection the reason that individuals on farm assist and fish assist continue to receive letters from her Department inviting them to attend recruitment fairs, as they believe they are in receipt of jobseeker's allowance; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [48485/23]