Parliamentary questions

Employment Rights

Thomas Gould

70. Deputy Thomas Gould asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the date of the last four meetings of the Labour Employer Economic Forum subgroup on collective bargaining; the methods he is using to ensure workers' right to organise is developed in this State; and whether he intends to wait until the deadline of Article 4 of the EU directive before taking any action. [16994/24]

Employment Rights

Paul Murphy

71. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if he is planning any changes to the current statutory sick pay scheme; if paid sick leave days and the maximum sick leave pay will be affected; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17045/24]

Business Supports

Joe Flaherty

72. Deputy Joe Flaherty asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the number of businesses in counties Longford, Westmeath, Offaly and Laois, respectively, that have registered for the increased cost of business Grant to date; when payments under the grant will commence; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16881/24]

Business Supports

Niamh Smyth

73. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment for an update on the supports available to businesses with the rising cost of energy in running a business, particularly those in the hospitality sector, which has seen a number of closures recently. [16698/24]

Business Regulation

Pádraig O'Sullivan

74. Deputy Pádraig O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment his plans for a range of measures to reduce red tape and the administrative burden on business; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16940/24]

Work Permits

Christopher O'Sullivan

75. Deputy Christopher O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment what communication took place with the food processing sector around the introduction of the changes to the work permit legislation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17069/24]

Export Controls

Catherine Connolly

76. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment further to Parliamentary Question No. 27 of 8 February 2024, the number of dual-use export licence applications in respect of end-users in Israel approved by his Department since 7 October 2023; the value of same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16847/24]

Employment Rights

Darren O'Rourke

77. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if the number of statutory sick days will increase as per the timeline of seven days from January 2025 and ten days from January 2026; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16987/24]

Employment Rights

Louise O'Reilly

78. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment his views on the paper from a report by an organisation (details supplied) ‘Challenging Myths and Improving Working Conditions in a Strong Economy’. [16750/24]

Insurance Industry

James Lawless

79. Deputy James Lawless asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment his response to the Central Bank report that shows a large decrease in the cost of settling insurance claims through the Injuries Resolution Board; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16910/24]

Business Supports

Michael Moynihan

80. Deputy Michael Moynihan asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the number of businesses in counties Cork and Kerry, respectively, that have to date registered for the increased cost of business grant; when payments under the grant will commence; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16931/24]

Work Permits

Catherine Connolly

81. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment further to Parliamentary Question No. 341 of 20 March 2024, for an update on plans to remove dental nurses from the ineligible occupation list; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16846/24]

National Minimum Wage

Louise O'Reilly

82. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment his views on the possibility of the State providing supports for businesses in meeting their obligations as regards a living wage, where the business in question has taken a case to the Labour Court under section 41 of the National Minimum Wage Act 2000. [16751/24]

Artificial Intelligence

Jim O'Callaghan

83. Deputy Jim O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment his response to the recent approval of AI legislation by the European Parliament; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16888/24]

Business Supports

Thomas Gould

84. Deputy Thomas Gould asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if business in Cork have received payment under the increased cost of business scheme. [16993/24]

Business Supports

Marian Harkin

85. Deputy Marian Harkin asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the additional business supports, apart from the increased cost of business scheme, he is considering putting in place, particularly for SMEs to meet the increased cost of doing business; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17051/24]

Insurance Industry

Jim O'Callaghan

86. Deputy Jim O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment his response to the recent Supreme Court ruling in relation to the personal injuries guidelines; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16889/24]

Employment Rights

Pauline Tully

87. Deputy Pauline Tully asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if he is aware of a campaign (details supplied) being run by organisations; if he will meet with the four unions in relation to the campaign; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17019/24]

Employment Rights

Aindrias Moynihan

88. Deputy Aindrias Moynihan asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment his views on the Assessment of the Cumulative Impact of Proposed Measures to Improve Working Condition in Ireland; his plans for implementing the recommendations of this assessment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17028/24]

Business Supports

Jennifer Murnane O'Connor

89. Deputy Jennifer Murnane O'Connor asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the number of businesses in counties Carlow, Kilkenny, Wexford and Waterford that have registered to date for the increased cost of business, ICOB, grant; when payments under the grant will commence; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16879/24]

Regional Development

Jennifer Murnane O'Connor

90. Deputy Jennifer Murnane O'Connor asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if he will report on the implementation of the south-east regional enterprise plan; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16880/24]

Regional Development

Michael Moynihan

91. Deputy Michael Moynihan asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment for a report on the implementation of the south-west regional enterprise plan; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16932/24]

Enterprise Support Services

Fergus O'Dowd

92. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if he will meet with the local business community and stakeholders in Drogheda to discuss their significant concerns on employment and trade within the town of Drogheda, the largest town in the country; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16860/24]

Employment Rights

Bríd Smith

93. Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment how he is ensuring that workers in the technology sector facing redundancies are protected; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17048/24]

Business Supports

Holly Cairns

94. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the supports that will be make available for small businesses struggling with the increased cost of operating a business. [17042/24]

Poverty Data

Brian Stanley

95. Deputy Brian Stanley asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment his views on the scale of in-work-poverty, where, according to CSO data, the rate stands at 5.9%; and the role that a living wage plays in combatting this. [16835/24]

Farm Safety

Alan Dillon

96. Deputy Alan Dillon asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment for an update on the farm safety partnership; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8377/24]

Business Supports

Brendan Smith

97. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the progress to date in implementing the measures to assist businesses to meet additional costs, as announced in budget 2024; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16981/24]

Consumer Prices

Bernard Durkan

98. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the extent to which he and his Department continue to monitor the causes of inflation, both internal and external, and their effects on business, trade and enterprise; the efforts to date in identifying the causes of possible remedies, with particular reference to remedial action; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16934/24]

Business Supports

Pádraig O'Sullivan

99. Deputy Pádraig O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment when the first payments under the increased cost of business grant will issue; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16939/24]

Trade Data

Catherine Connolly

100. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the total value of Ireland’s imports from Israel since 7 October 2023; the total value of Ireland’s exports to Israel since 7 October 2023; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16848/24]

Enterprise Policy

Bernard Durkan

101. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the extent to which he continues to remain satisfied that any threats to enterprise, trade and employment continue to be adequately monitored in order to ensure provision is made, insofar as is possible, for both foreseen and unforeseen eventualities; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16933/24]

Business Supports

Catherine Connolly

102. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the steps being taken by his Department to assist businesses in Ireland to decarbonise, particularly in light of the findings of a report (details supplied) which found that 86% of businesses reported that they had no set commitments or targets in relation to carbon; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16849/24]

Business Supports

Brendan Smith

103. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the measures that will be implemented to assist businesses, particularly in the hospitality and retail sectors, and also small-scale manufacturing, to meet additional costs and protect employment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16980/24]

Business Supports

James Lawless

104. Deputy James Lawless asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the number of businesses in counties Kildare, Wicklow, Meath and Louth, respectively, that have registered for the increased cost of business grant to date; when payments under the grant will commence; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16883/24]

National Minimum Wage

Louise O'Reilly

105. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if he intends to bring forward new legislation to transpose the EU Directive on Adequate Minimum Wages; and if he will meet with four unions (details supplied) in relation to a campaign and the transposition of this directive. [16845/24]

Co-operative Sector

Louise O'Reilly

106. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment his views on whether employee-owned businesses and workers co-operatives offer a solution to succession crises, where they arise, among family-owned businesses; and if he will expedite the delivery of the co-operative societies Bill, inclusive of the recommendations of the Oireachtas Joint Committee on Enterprise, Trade, and Employment. [16753/24]

Business Supports

Niamh Smyth

107. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment what supports are in place for financial assistance by way of grants for the self-employed; what agencies offer these supports in counties Cavan and Monaghan; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16699/24]

Enterprise Support Services

Fergus O'Dowd

108. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if he will organise urgent meetings with officials within his Department to formulate a dedicated plan to provide employment in Drogheda, with consideration of the very significant number of workers commuting from the town daily; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16859/24]

Business Supports

Jackie Cahill

109. Deputy Jackie Cahill asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the number of businesses in counties Tipperary, Limerick and Clare, respectively, that have registered for the increased cost of business grant to date; when payments under the grant will commence; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16884/24]

Insurance Industry

Jackie Cahill

110. Deputy Jackie Cahill asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the status of the implementation of the Action Plan for Insurance Reform measures that fall under the remit of his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16885/24]

Business Supports

Mairéad Farrell

111. Deputy Mairéad Farrell asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment to provide the most up-to-date information regarding the increased cost of business scheme; if the scheme is open for applications; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16768/24]

Regional Development

Joe Flaherty

112. Deputy Joe Flaherty asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the status of the progress being made to acquire an IDA Ireland purpose-built facility in Longford town; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16882/24]

Insurance Industry

John Lahart

113. Deputy John Lahart asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if new mediation measures are providing a significant step change for resolving insurance claims nationwide; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16887/24]

Business Supports

Pearse Doherty

114. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if he will consider supports for businesses facing increased labour costs through the PRSI system; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17062/24]

Employment Rights

Bríd Smith

115. Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment his plans to improve job quality and pay in the childcare sector; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17046/24]

Employment Rights

Holly Cairns

116. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment his Department’s plans to implement the statutory sick pay scheme. [17043/24]

Business Supports

Cathal Crowe

117. Deputy Cathal Crowe asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if he will give positive consideration to introducing supports to struggling small and medium-sized businesses to meet the increased costs they are facing. [16694/24]

Referendum Campaigns

David Stanton

118. Deputy David Stanton asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment to outline the current situation with respect to the proposed referendum on the Unified Patent Court; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17004/24]

Referendum Campaigns

Ged Nash

119. Deputy Ged Nash asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment his position on the planned referendum on the United Patent Court ; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17053/24]

Business Supports

Darren O'Rourke

120. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment to report on progress on industrial heat decarbonisation; the supports available for industry to decarbonise; his plans to increase these supports; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16988/24]

National Minimum Wage

Brian Stanley

121. Deputy Brian Stanley asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the number of times the Labour Employer Economic Forum subgroup on collective bargaining has met in 2024; and if he can provisionally indicate when the action plan on collective bargaining coverage to be presented to the European Commission as part of its transposition of the EU directive on adequate minimum wages will be published. [16834/24]

Legislative Process

Bríd Smith

122. Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if he will ensure the Industrial Relations (Provisions in Respect of Pension Entitlements of Retired Workers) Bill 2021 will progress through Committee Stage; if not, how he will ensure the rights of retired workers are protected when their pensions are being altered; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17047/24]

Business Supports

John Lahart

123. Deputy John Lahart asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the number of businesses in each of the four Dublin local authority areas that have registered for the increased cost of business grant to date; when payments under the grant will commence; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16886/24]

Business Supports

David Stanton

124. Deputy David Stanton asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment to outline the current process with respect to applications for the increased cost of business grant; the number of applications received to date by each respective local authority; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17003/24]

Industrial Development

Robert Troy

125. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment for a update on the construction of an advanced manufacturing facility at Marlinstown, Mullingar; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17001/24]

Business Supports

Mairéad Farrell

126. Deputy Mairéad Farrell asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the steps he will take to address the cost of doing business in the State; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16193/24]

Industrial Development

Brendan Griffin

127. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if IDA Ireland still plans to proceed with providing a new advance technology facility at Kerry Technology Park in Tralee, County Kerry; the reason for the apparent lack of progress on the plan over the past four years; the current position; if the target in respect of this facility as set out in IDA Ireland's own plans will be met; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17022/24]

Brexit Issues

Bernard Durkan

128. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs the extent to which he and his Department continue to monitor difficulties experienced by Irish exporters arising from Brexit; the measures in place or proposed in respect of these issues; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17287/24]

Diplomatic Representation

Mairéad Farrell

129. Deputy Mairéad Farrell asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will provide the number of times the Irish ambassador to Israel has appeared on Israeli state TV and radio or written opinion pieces in Haretz in the past 12 months, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17093/24]

Middle East

Ivana Bacik

130. Deputy Ivana Bacik asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will report on his recent engagement with the United Nations special rapporteur on human rights in the West Bank and Gaza. []

Middle East

Matt Carthy

131. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs following the International Court of Justice setting 28 October 2024 as the deadline by which South Africa must submit its memorial in the case of South Africa v Israel taken under the Genocide Convention, if it is still the intention of the Government to refrain from submitting a declaration of intervention until after that point; if so, the timeframe thereafter in which he intends to submit such a declaration; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17155/24]

Diplomatic Representation

Carol Nolan

132. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs the cost to date of establishing the Embassy of Ireland in Islamabad; if these costs involved purchasing or leasing a new or existing building to accommodate the embassy; if the opening is still expected to take place in 2024; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17167/24]

Foreign Policy

John Paul Phelan

133. Deputy John Paul Phelan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs the reasons the Government is willing to recognise the independence of Palestine but not the independence of Taiwan; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17199/24]

Climate Change Policy

Jennifer Whitmore

134. Deputy Jennifer Whitmore asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if Ireland accepts the recent decision of the European Court of Human Rights in the Swiss climate case; if so, whether any policy changes will arise from that determination; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17137/24]

Climate Change Policy

Jennifer Whitmore

135. Deputy Jennifer Whitmore asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications to outline the rationale for Ireland intervening in the recently decided European Court of Human Rights Swiss climate case; the size of the legal team involved; the associated costs of that case; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17138/24]

Recycling Policy

Darren O'Rourke

136. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications further to Parliamentary Question No. 110 of 9 April 2024, to report on Ireland’s engagement rate with the deposit return scheme, compared with other similar schemes abroad at the stage of introduction; to provide a breakdown, in tabular form, of Ireland’s engagement in comparison with the other countries cited; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17129/24]

Climate Change Policy

Jennifer Whitmore

137. Deputy Jennifer Whitmore asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications what interaction he had with the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs in relation to Ireland's intervention in the European Court of Human Rights Swiss climate case; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17139/24]

Climate Change Policy

Jennifer Whitmore

138. Deputy Jennifer Whitmore asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if his Department will review the climate action plan to take into account the recent decision of the European Court of Human Rights in the Swiss climate case; his views on whether any policy changes will arise from that determination; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17140/24]

Departmental Reports

Denis Naughten

139. Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications further to the commitment given by his officials to the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Social Protection regarding when the final report of the independent analysis of the warmth and well-being scheme carried out by the London School of Tropical Medicine will be published; the reason for missing the latest publication deadline; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17200/24]

Heritage Sites

Mairéad Farrell

140. Deputy Mairéad Farrell asked the Minister for Transport to provide an update on the transfer of Dunguaire Castle to Galway County Council; when the process is expected to be complete; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17077/24]

Data Protection

Seán Sherlock

141. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Transport further to Parliamentary Question No. 25 of 28 February 2024, why GDPR was not given as a reason for data withholding, if it was known at the time of answer that GDPR was an issue; if so, from what date; and the reason it was not referenced. [17078/24]

Bus Services

Michael Healy-Rae

142. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Transport if a bus timetable could be adjusted (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17097/24]

Rail Network

Jennifer Whitmore

143. Deputy Jennifer Whitmore asked the Minister for Transport to detail which intercity rail services will be allocated the new railcar carriages; when they will be deployed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17141/24]

Rail Network

Jennifer Whitmore

144. Deputy Jennifer Whitmore asked the Minister for Transport when the first 95 electric and battery-electric carriages will be deployed; what services they will be deployed to; how decisions on deployment will be made; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17142/24]

Rail Network

Jennifer Whitmore

145. Deputy Jennifer Whitmore asked the Minister for Transport to provide an update on the electric DART service for Wicklow town; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17143/24]

Road Traffic Accidents

Carol Nolan

146. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Transport the number of deaths on Irish roads in each year from 2006 to date; the breakdown for each year, by age group and gender; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17233/24]

Road Safety

Brendan Griffin

147. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Transport the number of schools in County Kerry that applied for the safe routes to school scheme; the status of each application, in tabular form, outlining the schools whose programmes have been fully implemented, the planned completion dates, approved but no works commenced, and awaiting inclusion in the scheme; the number of schools completed to date that are classed as rural schools or are outside urban areas; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17238/24]

Bus Services

Bernard Durkan

148. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport if a bus service from Leixlip to Blanchardstown hospital can be facilitated or incorporated into current routes to facilitate elderly people from this area getting to and from medical appointments, who cannot always drive and may experience mobility issues; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17271/24]

Tax Code

Eoin Ó Broin

149. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for Finance if stamp duty is paid on any Part V, affordable housing fund turnkey purchase or CREL-funded turnkey purchase homes. [17190/24]

Tax Exemptions

Michael Lowry

150. Deputy Michael Lowry asked the Minister for Finance to provide an update on the consideration of the VAT proposal submitted by an organisation (details supplied) in March 2024, which calls for the extension of VAT exemption to counsellors and psychotherapists in Ireland; what steps are being taken to address the issues raised by the IACP, including the low VAT turnover threshold, high compliance costs, and the burden of VAT on clients seeking mental health support; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17144/24]

Tax Exemptions

Michael Lowry

151. Deputy Michael Lowry asked the Minister for Finance to explain and provide clarity on the current discrepancies in VAT treatment between different professions in the mental health sector; what measures are being considered to ensure fair treatment and regulatory coherence; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17145/24]

Tax Exemptions

Michael Lowry

152. Deputy Michael Lowry asked the Minister for Finance to clarify the Government’s stance on an organisation’s (details supplied) call for a pre-registration VAT-exempt status for its qualified and accredited members; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17146/24]

Illicit Trade

John Paul Phelan

153. Deputy John Paul Phelan asked the Minister for Finance the number of X-ray scanners used to detect illicit trade and smuggling at ports and airports; the number of dates on which they were deployed and used at individual named ports and airports in the State in 2023 and to date in 2024; and if it is planned to increase the number of X-ray scanners in use at ports and airports. [17172/24]

Illicit Trade

John Paul Phelan

154. Deputy John Paul Phelan asked the Minister for Finance the number of sniffers dogs being used to detect illicit trade and smuggling at ports and airports; the number of dates on which they were deployed and used at individual named ports and airports in the State in 2023 and to date in 2024; and if it is planned to increase the number of sniffers dogs in use at ports and airports. [17173/24]

Illicit Trade

John Paul Phelan

155. Deputy John Paul Phelan asked the Minister for Finance the number of staff and other resources being deployed and used at ports and airports to detect non-compliance by individuals with duty-free travel allowances; the number of inspections carried out at individual named ports and airports in the State in 2023 and to date in 2024; and if it is planned to increase the resources in use at ports and airports for this purpose. [17174/24]

Probate Applications

Robert Troy

156. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Finance the reason a spouse can only access €27,000 of a deceased spouse’s credit union savings and any remainder must go to probate; his views on whether this rule is fair when the spouse is clearly the next-of-kin and automatic beneficiary; and if he plans to review such rules in the short term. [17177/24]

Tax Reliefs

Brendan Griffin

157. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Finance if he has been approached by the Department of Transport to consider expanding the bike-to-school provision; if so, if an anticipated cost figure has been established; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17194/24]

Tax Exemptions

Violet-Anne Wynne

158. Deputy Violet-Anne Wynne asked the Minister for Finance if he has considered a proposal by an organisation (details supplied) for a pre-registration VAT exemption status for qualified and accredited members; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17227/24]

Public Sector Pensions

Pa Daly

159. Deputy Pa Daly asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform the additional current costs he anticipates will be involved in revising the Garda retirement age upward from 60 to 62 years. [17243/24]

State Properties

Jackie Cahill

160. Deputy Jackie Cahill asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform to consider and support the recommencement of children’s swimming lessons in Templemore Garda College’s swimming pool on Friday evenings, organised and managed by the community for the community, on a not-for-profit basis, following results of a survey conducted locally of parents in Templemore (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17102/24]

Coastal Erosion

Brendan Howlin

161. Deputy Brendan Howlin asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform if funding will be allocated in 2024 to address the ongoing serious coast erosion in Rosslare, County Wexford, and other coastal areas of the county; his plans to protect the coastline in these areas and the total funding allocated to this task; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17154/24]

Flood Risk Management

Brendan Griffin

162. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform if he will provide an update on a river flooding risk (details supplied); what solutions the local authority has proposed; if his Department will provide funding for the solutions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17235/24]

Trade Agreements

Pauline Tully

163. Deputy Pauline Tully asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment for an update on reported recent talks between the EU and the Mercosur group on a trade deal; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8380/24]

Work Permits

Michael Healy-Rae

164. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment when two work permits will be granted (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17091/24]

Business Supports

Bernard Durkan

165. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the extent to which he is aware of difficulties experienced by various sectors in the economy to obtain the necessary levels of staff; whether he has in mind specific action to address this issue, sector by sector; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17283/24]

Work Permits

Bernard Durkan

166. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the degree to which he has received communications from employers throughout the country who are experiencing difficulty in recruiting staff; if he is aware of the need for the expeditious process of work permit applications or the use of other methods in order to address the situation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17284/24]

Construction Industry

Bernard Durkan

167. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the extent to which he expects to meet any staff shortages in the construction sector, with particular reference to the need to meet such deficiencies in full in early date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17285/24]

Work Permits

Bernard Durkan

168. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the number of work permit-related visa applications currently awaiting process, with particular reference to various aspects of the economy particularly affected by staff shortages; the means by which he expects to address this issue in the short to medium term; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17286/24]

Enterprise Policy

Bernard Durkan

169. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the extent to which he and his Department continue to monitor each trade and industry, with a view to addressing any issues arising; whether he remains satisfied that adequate steps can be taken to address such issues in the short and medium term in a meaningful way; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17288/24]