Questions and answers published after July 2012 can be viewed here. Viewing by Government Department is possible by term or specific dates from March 2016 onwards. Written answers are published as received from departments. To see parliamentary questions published before July 2012, search in Dáil debates.
Questions and answers for Dáil or Seanad term
Page 5 of 8
Tue, 3 Nov 2020
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Greyhound Industry
Joe O'Brien
1518. Deputy Joe O'Brien asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if greyhound racing will be permitted to continue to take place at level 5 of the national framework for living with Covid-19; the rationale for this decision; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32779/20]
Tue, 3 Nov 2020
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Pigmeat Sector
Joe O'Brien
1540. Deputy Joe O'Brien asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the reason a record of premature deaths in the pig industry is not kept by his Department; the number of inspections that are typically made to each pig farm per annum; if these are unannounced visits; and the reason there are no figures available for the age of pigs which are exported live. [33681/20]
Tue, 3 Nov 2020
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Pigmeat Sector
Joe O'Brien
1541. Deputy Joe O'Brien asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the cost of a typical course of antibiotics on a typical pig farm; the illnesses that these medications are designed to either treat or prevent; the comparative figure in percentage terms of antibiotic use within a free range or organic pig farm as opposed to a factory farm; the specific animal welfare interventions that are in place to improve overall animal health and thereby reduce the need to use antibiotics; the reason antibiotic use data has been received from only 121 herds of interest out of approximately 350 that are required to submit data; and the penalties that exist for producers that fail to submit this data. [33682/20]
Tue, 3 Nov 2020
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Agriculture Industry
Joe O'Brien
1542. Deputy Joe O'Brien asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the plans he will put in place to support the development of a high-welfare, outdoor-reared pig and poultry sector as set out in the programme for Government; the timeline on such developments; the expected outcomes in terms of animal welfare; the amount in percentage terms that the pig industry contributes to greenhouse emissions; and if the measurement takes into account imported feed. [33683/20]
Tue, 3 Nov 2020
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Animal Feedstuffs
Joe O'Brien
1543. Deputy Joe O'Brien asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if plastic fragments are permitted in animal feed; the percentage of plastic that is in animal feed; his plans to introduce regulations to ensure all plastic is removed from animal feed; and his views on the health implications of ingesting plastic for both animals and humans that consume the meat from these animals. [33684/20]
Thu, 22 Oct 2020
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Covid-19 Pandemic Supports
Joe O'Brien
60. Deputy Joe O'Brien asked the Minister for Finance if travel agents will be eligible to apply to the recently announced CRSS scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32182/20]
Thu, 22 Oct 2020
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Covid-19 Pandemic Supports
Joe O'Brien
61. Deputy Joe O'Brien asked the Minister for Finance if businesses in the events, exhibition and conference industries will be eligible to apply for the recently announced CRSS scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32183/20]
Thu, 22 Oct 2020
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Irish Aid
Joe O'Brien
86. Deputy Joe O'Brien asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if his attention has been drawn to the unfolding humanitarian crisis in northern Sudan which is a consequence of recent flooding; if the State has plans to render humanitarian relief via Irish Aid to the effected flood victims; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32181/20]
Thu, 22 Oct 2020
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Schools Site Acquisitions
Joe O'Brien
107. Deputy Joe O'Brien asked the Minister for Education the status of efforts to secure a permanent site for a school (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [32241/20]
Tue, 20 Oct 2020
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Pigmeat Sector
Joe O'Brien
781. Deputy Joe O'Brien asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the percentage of sows in the intensive pig sector here that die prematurely or have to be put down prematurely due to sickness or other causes. [31032/20]
Tue, 20 Oct 2020
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Pigmeat Sector
Joe O'Brien
782. Deputy Joe O'Brien asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the reason sows are prematurely euthanised; and the percentage for each reason stated. [31033/20]
Tue, 20 Oct 2020
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Pigmeat Sector
Joe O'Brien
783. Deputy Joe O'Brien asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the reason sows die prematurely; if statistical data is recorded and kept by his Department on these premature deaths; and the measures being put in place to prevent premature death in sows in the intensive system. [31034/20]
Tue, 20 Oct 2020
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Pigmeat Sector
Joe O'Brien
784. Deputy Joe O'Brien asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the measures his Department plans to take during the lifetime of this Government to reduce the emissions from the intensive pig industry; and if he will provide financial and other supports to assist and enable existing piggeries to convert to an extensive system of pig production in view of the overall policy to reduce CO2 emissions. [31035/20]
Thu, 15 Oct 2020
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Trade Missions
Joe O'Brien
75. Deputy Joe O'Brien asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the number of trade or related missions to Saudi Arabia and Bahrain since 2016 in cases in which at least one official or Minister from his Department attended. [30717/20]
Thu, 15 Oct 2020
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Human Rights
Joe O'Brien
155. Deputy Joe O'Brien asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs his views on the human rights situation in Saudi Arabia and Bahrain; his plans to raise these issues as part of membership of the UN Security Council; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30718/20]
Thu, 15 Oct 2020
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School Enrolments
Joe O'Brien
173. Deputy Joe O'Brien asked the Minister for Education the number of pupils in primary schools in the Malahide, Portmarnock and Kinsealy areas; the number of pupils in post-primary schools in the same areas; her plans to expand the number of primary and post-primary places; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30651/20]
Thu, 15 Oct 2020
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Pupil-Teacher Ratio
Joe O'Brien
195. Deputy Joe O'Brien asked the Minister for Education her plans to reduce class sizes as outlined in the programme for Government; and if there are additional allocations in budget 2021 to progress the reduction of class sizes. [30809/20]
Thu, 15 Oct 2020
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Special Educational Needs Staff
Joe O'Brien
196. Deputy Joe O'Brien asked the Minister for Education her plans to invest in special needs assistants as committed to in the programme for Government; and if there have been allocations in budget 2021 to progress this aim. [30810/20]
Thu, 15 Oct 2020
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National Educational Psychological Service
Joe O'Brien
197. Deputy Joe O'Brien asked the Minister for Education her plans to increase the capacity of the NEPS; and if there were additional allocations in budget 2021 to progress same. [30812/20]
Thu, 15 Oct 2020
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National Broadband Plan
Joe O'Brien
198. Deputy Joe O'Brien asked the Minister for Education her plans to ensure that all primary school children have adequate IT access in order that they can avail of home-based or blended learning should the Covid-19 pandemic require a further closure of schools. [30813/20]
Thu, 15 Oct 2020
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Covid-19 Pandemic
Joe O'Brien
272. Deputy Joe O'Brien asked the Minister for Health his plans to carry out research as to the reason Covid-19 infection rates are higher in poorer areas of the greater Dublin area. [30765/20]
Tue, 13 Oct 2020
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Citizens' Assembly
Joe O'Brien
7. Deputy Joe O'Brien asked the Taoiseach when the citizens' assembly on drug use will be convened; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29282/20]
Thu, 8 Oct 2020
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Special Educational Needs
Joe O'Brien
190. Deputy Joe O'Brien asked the Minister for Education if data exists or an assessment has been conducted on the need for an ASD unit in a school (details supplied). [29313/20]
Tue, 6 Oct 2020
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EU Directives
Joe O'Brien
327. Deputy Joe O'Brien asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the details of fines issued to the State under Annex V of the European Habitats Directive regarding the conservation of the Irish hare, lepus timidus hibernicus; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28130/20]
Thu, 1 Oct 2020
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Covid-19 Pandemic Supports
Joe O'Brien
99. Deputy Joe O'Brien asked the Minister for Finance if the Revenue Commissioners will be instructed to conduct an audit and review of the operation of the temporary wage subsidy and employment wage subsidy schemes in a company (details supplied) in view of reports from employees that they have been in receipt of pay below the minimum mandated by the schemes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27979/20]
Wed, 30 Sep 2020
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Mortgage Lending
Joe O'Brien
64. Deputy Joe O'Brien asked the Minister for Finance if discussions have been undertaken with a group (details supplied) on an extension of the mortgage moratorium on behalf of mortgage holders in Dublin in view of the increased public health restrictions in the county and associated reduction in economic activity; if so, the status of the talks; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27415/20]
Wed, 30 Sep 2020
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Schools Building Projects
Joe O'Brien
148. Deputy Joe O'Brien asked the Minister for Education if the proposed extension project for a school (details supplied) will include provision for an ASD unit; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27670/20]
Wed, 30 Sep 2020
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Pigmeat Sector
Joe O'Brien
263. Deputy Joe O'Brien asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the number of piglets that had their teeth clipped or grinded in each of the years 2017 to 2019; the percentage of the overall piglet numbers these represent; and the reason given by producers for carrying out the procedure. [27410/20]
Wed, 30 Sep 2020
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Pigmeat Sector
Joe O'Brien
264. Deputy Joe O'Brien asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the number of pigs that had their tail docked in each of the years 2017 to 2019; the percentage of the overall piglet numbers these represent; and the reason given by producers for carrying out the procedure. [27411/20]
Wed, 30 Sep 2020
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Pigmeat Sector
Joe O'Brien
265. Deputy Joe O'Brien asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the breakdown of the different antibiotics administered to pigs in the pig industry in each of the years 2017 to 2019; the level of antibiotic used in the pig industry; the measures being put in place by his Department to reduce the use of antibiotics in the industry; and the research carried out by his Department on the long-term effects on the human population of antibiotic use in pigs. [27412/20]
Wed, 30 Sep 2020
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Pigmeat Sector
Joe O'Brien
266. Deputy Joe O'Brien asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the number of pigs that have been exported live to date in 2020; the age of the majority of pigs, that is, over 75%, that were exported live; the countries to which they were exported; the number by each country; and the reason pigs are being exported live. [27413/20]
Thu, 24 Sep 2020
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Mental Health Services
Joe O'Brien
235. Deputy Joe O'Brien asked the Minister for Health if his attention has been drawn to the inequalities that exist between professional psychology doctoral training courses; and if there are plans to address this by funding both the educational and counselling psychology doctoral courses in line with clinical psychology doctorates. [26040/20]
Thu, 24 Sep 2020
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Mental Health Services
Joe O'Brien
236. Deputy Joe O'Brien asked the Minister for Health if his attention has been drawn to the inequalities that exist between professional psychology doctoral training courses regarding mental health and older persons; and if there are plans to address this by funding both the educational and counselling psychology doctoral courses in line with clinical psychology doctorates. [26041/20]
Thu, 24 Sep 2020
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Mental Health Services
Joe O'Brien
237. Deputy Joe O'Brien asked the Minister for Health the status of the establishment of a national psychology placement office; when this is likely to be completed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26042/20]
Tue, 15 Sep 2020
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Coastal Protection
Joe O'Brien
306. Deputy Joe O'Brien asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform further to Parliamentary Question No. 115 of 9 September 2020, the membership of the interdepartmental group on managing coastal change; when it met first; the regularity with which it proposes to meet; when it expects to have a strategy published; and if the group will consider the way in which to offer families alternative homes or compensatory measures if their homes become uninhabitable in the near future. [24056/20]
Tue, 15 Sep 2020
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European Council Meetings
Joe O'Brien
374. Deputy Joe O'Brien asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs his plans to assist refugees affected by the fire in the Moria refugee camp on Lesbos, Greece; and if he will raise the issue at the EU Foreign Affairs Council meeting on 21 September 2020. [23991/20]
Tue, 15 Sep 2020
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Covid-19 Pandemic
Joe O'Brien
461. Deputy Joe O'Brien asked the Minister for Education the instructions provided by her Department to schools in respect of outdoor breaks for students under the Covid-19 response plan for safe reopening of primary and special schools particularly in the event of inclement weather; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24057/20]
Tue, 15 Sep 2020
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Disease Management
Joe O'Brien
672. Deputy Joe O'Brien asked the Minister for Health if all new diagnoses of hepatitis C here are immediately being referred to the highly successful treatment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23402/20]
Tue, 15 Sep 2020
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Disease Management
Joe O'Brien
673. Deputy Joe O'Brien asked the Minister for Health his views on whether Ireland is on track to eliminate hepatitis C by 2030 as per the WHO commitment given by Ireland. [23403/20]
Tue, 15 Sep 2020
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Medicinal Products
Joe O'Brien
766. Deputy Joe O'Brien asked the Minister for Health the status of the establishment of an independent inquiry to investigate the historical licensing and use of sodium valproate here; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23872/20]
Tue, 15 Sep 2020
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Hospital Data
Joe O'Brien
767. Deputy Joe O'Brien asked the Minister for Health the number of families that have received consultations with the genetics service in Our Lady’s Hospital, Crumlin, to establish if their child or children have been affected by exposure to sodium valproate in utero; the number of diagnoses of foetal anticonvulsant syndrome, foetal valproate spectrum disorder and foetal valproate syndrome that have been recorded as a result of these consultations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23873/20]
Tue, 15 Sep 2020
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Health Services Provision
Joe O'Brien
768. Deputy Joe O'Brien asked the Minister for Health the arrangements in place for families with a positive diagnosis of foetal anticonvulsant syndrome to access care pathways and community supports that were developed by the valproate response project team by the HSE in 2018 and 2019; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23874/20]
Wed, 9 Sep 2020
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Flood Relief Schemes
Joe O'Brien
115. Deputy Joe O'Brien asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if the OPW has a policy and strategy for dealing with family homes that become permanently uninhabitable due to flooding or coastal erosion. [22756/20]
Wed, 9 Sep 2020
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Middle East
Joe O'Brien
143. Deputy Joe O'Brien asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs his plans to ensure that Ireland uses its international influence, especially among the EU Foreign Affairs Council, to end a blockade of necessary medical supplies from reaching Gaza in view of the news that there are over 400 confirmed cases of Covid-19 in Gaza; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22803/20]
Tue, 8 Sep 2020
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Special Educational Needs
Joe O'Brien
617. Deputy Joe O'Brien asked the Minister for Education the status of plans for an extension to a school (details supplied) which will provide for an ASD unit. [22396/20]
Tue, 8 Sep 2020
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School Costs
Joe O'Brien
840. Deputy Joe O'Brien asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science his views on the campaign of an organisation (details supplied) for a reduction in school fees; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22100/20]
Tue, 8 Sep 2020
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Citizenship Ceremonies
Joe O'Brien
910. Deputy Joe O'Brien asked the Minister for Justice further to Parliamentary Question No. 640 of 7 July 2020, the timeline for the commencement of virtual citizenship ceremonies in view of the recent completion of a successful trial of same; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [21558/20]
Tue, 8 Sep 2020
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Health Services Staff
Joe O'Brien
992. Deputy Joe O'Brien asked the Minister for Health if consideration has been given to providing a monetary bonus to healthcare workers (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21108/20]
Tue, 8 Sep 2020
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Covid-19 Pandemic
Joe O'Brien
1344. Deputy Joe O'Brien asked the Minister for Health if his attention has been drawn to the report by HIQA on the impact of wearing face masks and the recommended need to complete more quality research on their impact; and if he will consider discussing this issue at the Special Committee on Covid-19 Response with the acting Chief Medical Officer and the NPHET. [22263/20]
Tue, 8 Sep 2020
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Covid-19 Pandemic
Joe O'Brien
1345. Deputy Joe O'Brien asked the Minister for Health when the expert report on the impact of Covid-19 and the responses by health officials on nursing homes will be released to the public and debated by the Special Committee on Covid-19 Response; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22264/20]