Parliamentary questions

Urban Regeneration and Development Fund

Éamon Ó Cuív

115. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage when the next tranche of projects to be announced under the second call of the urban regeneration and development fund 2020 will be announced; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7701/21]

Childcare Services

Éamon Ó Cuív

215. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth if he plans to make terms of pay and conditions a condition of receipt of funding in the preschool crèche and early years services in view of the significant investment being made by his Department in the sector; his plans to ensure that increased funding will be available to the sector to make childcare affordable while ensuring workers have good working conditions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7702/21]

Student Accommodation

Éamon Ó Cuív

225. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if he or his Department has had discussions with University of Limerick on its policy of not offering refunds to students who cannot use their on-campus accommodation due to Covid-19; if his attention has been drawn to the hardship this is causing students, many of whom have also lost the part-time work they engaged in, and many of whose parents have also seen a decrease in income due to Covid 19; if he or his Department has had these discussions, the result of same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7732/21]

International Protection

Éamon Ó Cuív

240. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Justice the number of persons who sought international protection in 2020; the number of applications for international protection on hand on 1 January 2020; the number on hand on 1 January 2021; the number of applications brought to a finality in 2020; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [7694/21]

Alcohol Pricing

Éamon Ó Cuív

282. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Health the details of analysis carried out for his Department on the introduction of minimum pricing for alcohol products given his concerns that its introduction here without a similar introduction in Northern Ireland could impact cross-Border trade (details supplied); if the result of this analysis has been published; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7695/21]

Dental Services

Éamon Ó Cuív

283. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Health the reason medical card patients are currently not being seen for emergency medical dental treatment; when emergency dental treatment will be available for medical card holders; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7704/21]

Medical Cards

Éamon Ó Cuív

284. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Health the reason a person (details supplied) is being asked to provide a notice of assessment of form 11 tax return in order to process their medical card application when the PCRS has been furnished with a statement of liability in respect of their form 12 submission showing a trading loss; the reason the application is not being processed given that official documentary evidence from the Revenue Commissioners in the form of a statement of liability has been furnished in order to process same; if he will acknowledge the documentary evidence that has been furnished to the client registration unit showing a trading loss and process the application; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7705/21]

Covid-19 Pandemic

Éamon Ó Cuív

288. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Health if all dentists will be eligible to participate in the roll-out of the Covid 19 vaccine or if it will be limited to dentists with a contract with the HSE or who are members of an organisation (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7728/21]

Fishing Industry

Éamon Ó Cuív

356. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the steps he plans to take in EU fishery discussions now and into the future to ensure that Ireland gets a proper and equitable share of Ireland’s maritime natural fish resources, particularly an equitable share of migratory and straddling fish stocks that breed, spawn, feed and grow in Irish waters as defined by international law; if he will seek to have the principle of zonal attachment applied to the share-out of these stocks in Irish waters; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7809/21]

Covid-19 Pandemic Supports

Éamon Ó Cuív

358. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development when the additional funding of €10 million announced before Christmas 2020 for the Covid-19 emergency fund for community and voluntary groups will be rolled out; if there will be a new application process for this funding; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [7698/21]

Departmental Expenditure

Éamon Ó Cuív

359. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the carry-over of unspent capital from 2020 to 2021 approved by the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform for her Department; the Departmental subheads to which this applies; the amount in each case; the reason the capital was not spent in 2020; the steps being taken to ensure there will not be a similar underspend in 2021; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [7729/21]

Scoileanna Lán-Ghaeilge

Éamon Ó Cuív

391. D'fhiafraigh Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív den Aire Oideachais cén uair a dhéanfar faomhadh ar iarratas ón bhForas Pátrúnachta ar Ghaelcholáiste a bhunú i nDún Dealgan chun go mbeidh deis i mbliana glacadh le daltaí sa chéad rang mheánscoile ó Ghaelscoil Dhún Dealgan agus ó scoileanna eile sa cheantar; agus an ndéanfaidh sí ráiteas ina thaobh. [6335/21]

Community Employment Schemes

Éamon Ó Cuív

525. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Social Protection if persons participating on a community employment scheme or due to commence a scheme can be self-employed in any capacity, not necessarily in fishing or farming; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [7391/21]

Agriculture Scheme Eligibility

Éamon Ó Cuív

977. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the arrangements in place to ensure there are an adequate supply of accredited green certificate in agriculture courses available for all applicants in all regions due to the unprecedented demand for same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6361/21]

Rail Network

Éamon Ó Cuív

40. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Transport the process he plans to follow in considering the report on the future of the western rail corridor; when it is likely that this process will be brought to a conclusion; if his attention has been drawn to the fact that Galway County Council in a pre-emptive move has sought tenders for the preparation of a feasibility study for a greenway from Athenry to Milltown in which it clearly states the preferred option is to put it on the existing railway line along this route; if he plans to request that the council defer this study while he is considering the report on the western rail corridor; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6326/21]

Covid-19 Pandemic Supports

Éamon Ó Cuív

50. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Finance when the temporary wage subsidy scheme commenced; the date on which a decision was made that this payment would be liable to tax and USC; the date legislation was passed giving effect to this decision; the reason employers were not instructed to tax this payment at source; the total tax due to the Revenue Commissioners as a result; if his attention has been drawn to the fact that many employers were not aware that this payment was taxable and therefore only topped up employees’ salaries or wages to the previous level while on this payment, thus now leaving them with an effective cut in net take-home pay for this period; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6202/21]

Covid-19 Pandemic

Éamon Ó Cuív

74. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if all house building projects due for completion by 31 January 2021 and not completed will be allowed continue work to completion in view of the continued lock down under level 5 of Covid-19 restrictions and the critical shortage of houses; if other projects whose completion date would have fallen due in February 2021 will be allowed to recommence building to completion at this stage; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6207/21]

Local Authority Functions

Éamon Ó Cuív

81. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage further to Parliamentary Question No. 101 of 28 January 2021, if he plans consulting with the local authority and members of the Houses of the Oireachtas representing Galway city and county in relation to the proposed merger of Galway city and county councils before proceeding with the review promised in his reply; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6204/21]

Oideachas trí Ghaeilge

Éamon Ó Cuív

119. D'fhiafraigh Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív den Aire Oideachais cén dul chun cinn a dhéanfar ar an bpleanáil don Pholasaí don Oideachas Lán-Ghaeilge in 2021, bunaithe ar fhreagra ar cheist pharlaiminteach a fuair mé le déanaí (sonraí tugtha); cén uair a thosófar ar an bpleanáil sin; an mbeidh dul i gcomhairle poiblí ann i mbliana faoi dhréacht-pholasaí oideachais don earnáil seo; an mbeidh sí ag déanamh ráiteas faoin gcur chuige a bhainfidh leis an bpróiseas seo go luath; agus an ndéanfaidh sí ráiteas ina thaobh.
[6244/21]

Oideachas trí Ghaeilge

Éamon Ó Cuív

120. D'fhiafraigh Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív den Aire Oideachais ós rud é go bhfuil an phleanáil don Pholasaí don Oideachas Lán-Ghaeilge le tosú in 2021, an bhfuil sé i gceist aici an Polasaí don Oideachas Lán-Ghaeilge a bheith mar chuid de Ráiteas Straitéise na Roinne Oideachais, 2021-2023; agus an ndéanfaidh sí ráiteas ina thaobh. [6249/21]

Refugee Status

Éamon Ó Cuív

135. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the number of persons that applied for refugee status, subsidiary protection or humanitarian leave to remain for the first time in 2020 and were subsequently housed in direct provision; the number of persons that had their case processed to completion and left direct provision in 2020; the number in direct provision on 1 January 2020; the number in direct provision on 1 January 2021; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6205/21]

Mother and Baby Homes Inquiries

Éamon Ó Cuív

141. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the steps taken to implement speedily the decisions of Government following the publication of the Commission on Mother and Baby Homes report; the progress on each decision to date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6206/21]

Calafoirt agus Céanna

Éamon Ó Cuív

258. D'fhiafraigh Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív den Aire Talmhaíochta, Bia agus Mara cén uair a bheidh an chéad chlár caipitil d’fhorbairtí ar na calafoirt iascaigh eile á réiteach agus á fhoilsiú; agus cé mhéad bliain a chlúdófar leis an gclár seo; cén uair a tháinig deireadh leis an gclár deiridh; agus an ndéanfaidh sé ráiteas ina thaobh. [6198/21]

Calafoirt agus Céanna

Éamon Ó Cuív

260. D'fhiafraigh Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív den Aire Talmhaíochta, Bia agus Mara cén uair atá sé i gceist ag a Roinn comharthaí a chur suas agus an ché a mharcáil le péint bhuí ag treorú paisinéirí maidir leis na coinníollacha sláinte poiblí a bhaineann le scaradh sóisialta ag an gcalafort paisinéirí i Ros a Mhíl; agus an ndéanfaidh sé ráiteas ina thaobh. [6203/21]

Walks Scheme

Éamon Ó Cuív

269. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development if walkways approved for entry into the way marked way walkways scheme in 2020 will receive their first payment for maintenance in 2021; if so, the month it is projected they will receive payment; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6208/21]

Driver Test

Éamon Ó Cuív

97. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Transport when a person (details supplied) will be issued with a heavy goods vehicles driver test appointment; if this case will be expedited; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5152/21]

Driver Licences

Éamon Ó Cuív

99. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Transport if the NDLS will grant an extension of time to a person (details supplied) in respect of a driver license renewal pending their appointment with the immigration services in order to receive their GNIB card; if the difficulties that have arisen due to the Covid-19 pandemic will be taken into account and the extension of time granted to allow the person sufficient time to be provided with a GNIB card; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5155/21]

Driver Test

Éamon Ó Cuív

100. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Transport when heavy goods vehicle driver tests will recommence; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5156/21]

Covid-19 Pandemic

Éamon Ó Cuív

113. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Transport if learner permits which are due for renewal during this period of public health restrictions will be extended until restrictions are lifted; if so, the extended period proposed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5461/21]

State Examinations

Éamon Ó Cuív

377. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Education when the results of the leaving certificate held in November 2020 will be available; the reason for the delay in finalising same; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [5607/21]

Childcare Services

Éamon Ó Cuív

478. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the circumstance in which an essential worker must continue to pay for childcare even if he or she is not using it at present during the level 5 lockdown; the reason for same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5311/21]

Primary Medical Certificates

Éamon Ó Cuív

841. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Health the number of primary medical certificate applications at hand at present; the number of applications waiting to be assessed; if the applications are being processed in date order; the number of applications that have been processed in the past four months by county; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5756/21]

Vehicle Registration Tax

Éamon Ó Cuív

50. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Finance his plans to exempt vehicles used for mountain rescue financed by voluntary donations and small grants from VRT; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4814/21]

Covid-19 Pandemic Supports

Éamon Ó Cuív

51. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Finance if he plans widening the scope of the Covid restrictions support scheme to cover more businesses and to increase the payment to ensure as many businesses as possible survive the Covid-19 crisis in view of the continuing lock down and the effect of same on businesses; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4823/21]

Covid-19 Pandemic Supports

Éamon Ó Cuív

52. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Finance if he plans to extend the wage subsidy scheme to the end of 2021 in view of the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic and the effect it is having particularly on the tourism industry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4824/21]

Insurance Costs

Éamon Ó Cuív

54. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Finance the steps he is taking to reduce the overall cost of insurance particularly liability insurance both employers and public; if his attention has been drawn to the fact that, for example, the quotes for insurance of jarveys of tourist horse and traps has gone up by over 200% in the past two years making it prohibitively expensive for persons in this line of business to insure their seasonal businesses; when the effect of the steps he is taking to create more competition in the market and reduce prices will be seen on the ground; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4865/21]

Tax Treaties

Éamon Ó Cuív

61. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Finance the details of the procedures and inspections in place with regard to the double taxation treaty of 1995 between Ireland and Israel since 1967 to ensure that companies established in illegal settlements, persons residing in illegal settlements occupied by Israel since 1967, all economic activities being carried out there and persons living elsewhere but earning income from these settlements, cannot benefit in any way from the provisions of this treaty; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4926/21]

Mortgage Lending

Éamon Ó Cuív

64. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Finance if he has discussed the issue of banks refusing to allow the drawdown of approved mortgage home loans of persons who have an approved contract with a developer because some of their income is coming from the employment wage subsidy scheme with either the banks or the Central Bank ; the result of these discussions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4967/21]

Proposed Legislation

Éamon Ó Cuív

90. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage when the planning and development and nature conservation (heritage) functions Bill will be published; if it will contain provisions dealing with substitute consent rising from a recent Supreme Court case that urgently needs addressing; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4647/21]

Local Authority Boundaries

Éamon Ó Cuív

101. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he plans to extend the city council boundaries to include part or all the area at present in the County Council functional area covered by the Galway Metropolitan Strategic Plan in view of the rejection by the Houses of the Oireachtas of the plan to initiate a plan to eventually amalgamate Galway City Council and Galway County Council; if he plans to progress with this matter before the adoption of these plans in view of the ongoing review of both the Galway City plan and Galway County; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4813/21]

Commercial Rates

Éamon Ó Cuív

102. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he plans to extend the moratorium on rates for businesses affected by the Covid-19 pandemic to the end of 2021; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4825/21]

Building Regulations

Éamon Ó Cuív

106. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the steps he has taken to ensure that all cladding materials used in the building industry for insulation and so no, do not pose a fire risk particularly in the context of the retrofit programmes being pursued here in view of the Grenfell disaster in the UK; the discussions he has had with the Minister for Communications, Climate and Environment on the issue; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4898/21]

Planning Issues

Éamon Ó Cuív

108. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he plans to provide an interim solution to the long delay in granting exempted status to the installation of solar photovoltaic rooftop panels on schools and community buildings; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4910/21]

Planning Issues

Éamon Ó Cuív

109. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he plans to amend the regulations pertaining to the installation of solar photovoltaic rooftop panels on houses and businesses; if so, when he plans to do so; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4911/21]

Home Loan Scheme

Éamon Ó Cuív

116. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the steps he will take to ensure that applicants for the Rebuilding Ireland home loan scheme are not being stopped from drawing down approved loans due to the fact they are temporarily on the employment wage subsidy scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4966/21]

Foreign Birth Registration

Éamon Ó Cuív

132. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the number of applications for citizenship currently being processed by his Department; the number of applications that have been finalised in 2020; the reason for the long delays in processing citizenship applications; his plans to speed up this process; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4864/21]

Commemorative Medals

Éamon Ó Cuív

137. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Defence if a War of Independence medal was issued in relation to a person (details supplied); if so, the person to whom was it issued; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4845/21]

Oideachas Gaeilge

Éamon Ó Cuív

154. D'fhiafraigh Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív den Aire Oideachais cén uair atá i gceist aici Beartas Náisiúnta um Oideachas lán-Ghaeilge a fhoilsiú mar atá geallta i gClár an Rialtais; agus an ndéanfaidh sí ráiteas ina thaobh. [4821/21]

Parental Leave

Éamon Ó Cuív

188. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth when it is planned to introduce the increase in parental leave from two to five weeks promised in Budget 2021; the reason for the delay; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4844/21]

Prisoner Welfare

Éamon Ó Cuív

211. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Justice when the terms of reference and the structure of a cross-agency taskforce to consider the mental health and addiction challenges of those in prison following on from the Council of Europe committee on the prevention of torture report, will be finalised and the task force will be set up; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4815/21]