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 7 of 34
Thu, 13 Jul 2023
written
Tax Code
Michael Lowry
277. Deputy Michael Lowry asked the Minister for Finance if he will consider a reduction in the rate of VAT for music and live entertainment performers (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34837/23]
Thu, 13 Jul 2023
written
School Transport
Michael Lowry
378. Deputy Michael Lowry asked the Minister for Education concerning a school transport renewal application for a family (details supplied) as to the reason behind the rejection and refusal of their application for the school bus service to a school for the school year 2023/2024; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [35244/23]
Thu, 13 Jul 2023
written
Community Development Projects
Michael Lowry
504. Deputy Michael Lowry asked the Minister for Social Protection to address an urgent matter concerning Tipperary Community Services Centre in Tipperary town (details supplied); if assistance will be provided to find a solution to this pressing issue, given the urgency of same; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [35299/23]
Tue, 11 Jul 2023
written
Visa Agreements
Michael Lowry
120. Deputy Michael Lowry asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs if progress has been made on establishing an E3 visa agreement between Ireland and the United States; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34314/23]
Tue, 11 Jul 2023
written
School Accommodation
Michael Lowry
266. Deputy Michael Lowry asked the Minister for Education if her Department has received and reviewed urgent correspondence from a school (details supplied) regarding a critical situation it is facing in terms of providing adequate classroom and teaching accommodation for incoming first-year and their current students in September 2023; if, taking into account the urgency of the situation, she will provide the necessary assistance the school and outline what measures and support will be provided to the school to address its current accommodation crisis; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [33569/23]
Tue, 11 Jul 2023
written
Legislative Measures
Michael Lowry
482. Deputy Michael Lowry asked the Minister for Justice to provide clarification regarding her awareness of the concerns expressed by an organisation (details supplied) regarding the forthcoming the Gambling Regulation Bill 2022; if she will provide details on what actions she intends to undertake in order to address the concerns put forth by this registered charity; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [33734/23]
Tue, 11 Jul 2023
written
Departmental Programmes
Michael Lowry
485. Deputy Michael Lowry asked the Minister for Justice when an application (details supplied) will be finalised and permission granted; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [33765/23]
Thu, 6 Jul 2023
written
Social Welfare Appeals
Michael Lowry
265. Deputy Michael Lowry asked the Minister for Social Protection if she can confirm the duration it takes to receive a decision from the Appeals Office regarding applications for carer's allowance and disability allowance that are refused and subsequently appealed; if she is aware of the hardship and stress experienced by individuals during the lengthy waiting period for an appeal decision (details supplied); the additional resources she will provide to the Appeals Office to reduce the waiting times for an appeal decision; if she will review the current issues with supplementary welfare allowance refusals; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [33211/23]
Wed, 5 Jul 2023
written
Tax Code
Michael Lowry
77. Deputy Michael Lowry asked the Minister for Finance regarding the proposed increase in VAT to 13.5 % for the hospitality sector (details supplied) if he will give a commitment to maintain the current 9% VAT rate; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32903/23]
Wed, 5 Jul 2023
written
Wildlife Regulations
Michael Lowry
107. Deputy Michael Lowry asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage further to Parliamentary Question No. 362 of 20 June 2023, if he will provide a precise list of "key stakeholders" and other “organisations of interest within the game shooting fraternity” that have been invited to engage the National Parks and Wildlife Service as part of the review and public consultation process; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32947/23]
Wed, 5 Jul 2023
written
Social Welfare Appeals
Michael Lowry
139. Deputy Michael Lowry asked the Minister for Social Protection to confirm the qualifications of the officers and staff within her Department who are responsible for medically assessing applications for carer's allowance and disability allowance; if she will clarify whether the staff members who review the medical reports of these applications on appeal hold a more senior medical qualification from those who initially assess and reject the original application (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [33181/23]
Tue, 4 Jul 2023
written
Community Development Projects
Michael Lowry
732. Deputy Michael Lowry asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development if he will provide an update on the community services programme, which aims to encourage operational employment in the community sector; if June 2023 is still the targeted deadline for announcing successful recipients; if she will give serious and honest consideration to an application by an organisation (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [32830/23]
Wed, 28 Jun 2023
written
Environmental Policy
Michael Lowry
103. Deputy Michael Lowry asked the Minister for Social Protection if, regarding the proposed auto-enrolment scheme for pensions and the potential allocation of funds to investments in fossil fuel exploration or extraction, she will take into consideration the recommendation put forth by the Oireachtas Committee on Social Protection, Community Development and the Islands to ensure that these funds are not invested in fossil fuels (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [31557/23]
Tue, 27 Jun 2023
written
Foreign Birth Registration
Michael Lowry
88. Deputy Michael Lowry asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs when a foreign birth registration will be processed for a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30544/23]
Tue, 27 Jun 2023
written
Public Sector Pensions
Michael Lowry
119. Deputy Michael Lowry asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications when the agreed pension increase for An Post pensioners will be paid (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30792/23]
Tue, 27 Jun 2023
written
Transport Costs
Michael Lowry
156. Deputy Michael Lowry asked the Minister for Transport if he will increase the current age range of the young adult Leap card from 19 to 23 to 19 to 26 years, as is the situation in the majority of European nations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30528/23]
Tue, 27 Jun 2023
written
Schools Building Projects
Michael Lowry
294. Deputy Michael Lowry asked the Minister for Education the status of a building project at a school (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30542/23]
Tue, 27 Jun 2023
written
School Funding
Michael Lowry
322. Deputy Michael Lowry asked the Minister for Education the status of an ICT grant for a school (details supplied); if this school will be given an allocation of ICT funding for 2022-2023; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [31205/23]
Tue, 27 Jun 2023
written
Grant Payments
Michael Lowry
601. Deputy Michael Lowry asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth if he will give a facility (details supplied) specific information regarding the reasons it was denied funding through the building blocks improvement grant 2023; if he will inform applicants of the results of his review of their appeal for the building blocks improvement grant 2023; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31189/23]
Tue, 27 Jun 2023
written
Departmental Strategies
Michael Lowry
610. Deputy Michael Lowry asked the Minister for Health if he will ensure the prompt implementation of the 2% pay increase for all public nurses (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31191/23]
Tue, 27 Jun 2023
written
Health Services
Michael Lowry
686. Deputy Michael Lowry asked the Minister for Health the reason a person (details supplied) has not been called for a procedure in University Hospital Waterford; if they can obtain the procedure through the treatment purchase scheme, the cross-Border directive or the treatment abroad scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30875/23]
Tue, 27 Jun 2023
written
Health Services
Michael Lowry
687. Deputy Michael Lowry asked the Minister for Health the reason a person (details supplied) has not yet been called for a procedure in University Hospital Limerick; if they can obtain the procedure through the treatment purchase scheme, the cross-Border directive or the treatment abroad scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30887/23]
Tue, 27 Jun 2023
written
Third Level Education
Michael Lowry
778. Deputy Michael Lowry asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if he will report on a series of key aspects related to the ongoing review and the upcoming Research and Innovation Bill, 2023 and the ongoing review of PhDs in Ireland, with particular attention given towards the status of PhDs (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30512/23]
Thu, 22 Jun 2023
written
Departmental Schemes
Michael Lowry
163. Deputy Michael Lowry asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if he will provide clarification on the reasons an applicant (details supplied) to the warmer homes scheme was refused funding for new windows; if the applicant's urgent medical needs were taken into consideration during the assessment process by the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland; what specific criteria or guidelines are followed by the SEAI when evaluating applications which may need window replacements under the warmer homes scheme; if there are any provisions or exceptions in place to accommodate applicants with urgent medical needs, especially when it pertains to improving indoor air quality, insulation and overall living conditions; in light of the applicant's urgent medical needs, what alternative solutions or recommendations can be provided to ensure their health and well-being are adequately addressed within the framework of the warmer homes scheme, as it is crucial to understand the rationale behind the refusal and to ascertain if appropriate consideration was given to the applicant's urgent medical requirements; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30283/23]
Thu, 22 Jun 2023
written
Education Policy
Michael Lowry
241. Deputy Michael Lowry asked the Minister for Education if she will provide an overview of the objectives and scope of the pilot programme of counselling supports in primary schools (details supplied); how many primary schools will be selected to participate in the pilot; the criteria that will be used for their selection; the specific supports and resources that will be provided to the schools taking part in the pilot; if there will be any specialised training or professional development opportunities offered to school staff to enhance their ability to identify and address students' mental health needs effectively; the measures that will be put in place to monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of the pilot programme; if she will review correspondence from a concerned primary school principal; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30277/23]
Tue, 20 Jun 2023
written
Schools Building Projects
Michael Lowry
323. Deputy Michael Lowry asked the Minister for Education further to Parliamentary Question No. 376 of 28 March 2023, the status of a school construction project (details supplied) in Thurles, County Tipperary; when the building projects will receive full and final approval; when the necessary funding will be released; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29509/23]
Tue, 20 Jun 2023
written
Wildlife Regulations
Michael Lowry
361. Deputy Michael Lowry asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage to provide an update on the review of the game bird open seasons Order; if he will provide an update on the progress of meetings held between key stakeholders and the National Parks and Wildlife Service, as well as a list of any potential changes or recommendations that have emerged from the review and public consultation process; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29181/23]
Tue, 20 Jun 2023
written
Wildlife Regulations
Michael Lowry
362. Deputy Michael Lowry asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage concerning the review of the game bird open seasons Order, if he will provide a list of key stakeholders and other organisations of interest within the game shooting fraternity that have been invited to engage the National Parks and Wildlife Service as part of the review and public consultation process; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29182/23]
Tue, 20 Jun 2023
written
Departmental Schemes
Michael Lowry
475. Deputy Michael Lowry asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if applications for the native woodland conservation scheme in situations pertaining to the conversion of existing conifer forest to native woodland must be lodged with the Forestry Service before the clear felling or final harvesting of commercial sitka spruce takes place; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29260/23]
Thu, 15 Jun 2023
written
Climate Change Policy
Michael Lowry
92. Deputy Michael Lowry asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications for the Government's strategy for mitigating the effects of climate change and promoting sustainable development; if he will elaborate on the key policies and measures being implemented in Ireland to achieve the country's climate goals, particularly in the areas of the farming sector, transport, renewable energy, carbon reduction and fostering a green economy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28785/23]
Thu, 15 Jun 2023
written
State Examinations
Michael Lowry
207. Deputy Michael Lowry asked the Minister for Education the measures being taken to address the issue regarding the recent Leaving Certificate maths exam paper 1, given that concerns have been expressed by teachers and students about the wording and structure of the Leaving Certificate maths exam paper, which has caused confusion and uncertainty among students who sat the exam, to ensure fairness for all affected students; how impacted students will be accommodated in terms of grading and assessment; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [28999/23]
Thu, 15 Jun 2023
written
Departmental Policies
Michael Lowry
242. Deputy Michael Lowry asked the Minister for Justice further to Parliamentary Question Nos. 400 and 401 of 18 May 2023, when she plans to publish both the research report and the policy paper following the public consultation on the issue of parental alienation as part of the Justice Plan 2022 on her Department’s website; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [28934/23]
Wed, 14 Jun 2023
written
Recycling Policy
Michael Lowry
48. Deputy Michael Lowry asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if he will review correspondence from a person (details supplied) which expresses the concerns that the deposit return scheme will have on their small brewery business; the steps he will take to address these concerns; if he will be elaborating on any support mechanisms or mitigating measures that are being considered to assist small businesses in adapting to the scheme while minimising any potential adverse effects on their operations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28693/23]
Wed, 14 Jun 2023
written
Pharmacy Services
Michael Lowry
164. Deputy Michael Lowry asked the Minister for Health concerning the review of fees that pharmacies receive from the State for the State drug payment schemes; if he is aware that the current fees agreement that pharmacies receive for the schemes, is due to be reviewed before the end of June 2023; if he will provide an update on the progress of the review; the reasons for the lack of engagement with an organisation (details supplied) thus far; what engagement has taken place between him, the HSE, and the organisation regarding this matter; if he will provide details on the Government's commitment to ensuring a fair and sustainable fee structure that supports the vital role of pharmacies in delivering healthcare services to the public; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28771/23]
Tue, 13 Jun 2023
written
Electric Vehicles
Michael Lowry
317. Deputy Michael Lowry asked the Minister for Transport if he will outline his involvement to date with Tipperary County Council in the advancement of EV charging infrastructure for County Tipperary; if EV charging infrastructure will be installed in Templemore, County Tipperary; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28415/23]
Tue, 13 Jun 2023
written
Fiscal Policy
Michael Lowry
391. Deputy Michael Lowry asked the Minister for Finance the Government's plans and policies for economic growth and fiscal stability; if he can explain the strategies being pursued to attract foreign investment, support small businesses, and create long-term job opportunities; if he will provide details on any recent tax reforms or incentives aimed at promoting economic development and addressing income inequality; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28546/23]
Tue, 13 Jun 2023
written
Departmental Strategies
Michael Lowry
472. Deputy Michael Lowry asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the Government's strategies and initiatives to promote economic growth, innovation and job creation in Ireland; the steps being taken to attract foreign investment, support local businesses and develop a skilled workforce; if he will provide details on the Government's plans to promote entrepreneurship, trade, and ensure a thriving and inclusive economy for the benefit of all citizens; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28548/23]
Tue, 13 Jun 2023
written
Work Permits
Michael Lowry
473. Deputy Michael Lowry asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the Government's approach to work permits in Ireland, specifically the current guidelines and procedures for obtaining work permits for foreign nationals seeking employment opportunities in the country; if he will provide details on any recent developments or initiatives aimed at reviewing the critical skills occupations list, streamlining the work permit application process, and addressing labour market needs, given that the country is now considered to be at full employment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28553/23]
Tue, 13 Jun 2023
written
State Examinations
Michael Lowry
486. Deputy Michael Lowry asked the Minister for Education if she will require the State Examination Commission to use and distribute dyslexia-friendly exam papers to all dyslexic students sitting their Junior and Leaving Certificate examinations, regardless of their reasonable accommodations at State examinations (RACE) status; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27236/23]
Tue, 13 Jun 2023
written
Schools Building Projects
Michael Lowry
487. Deputy Michael Lowry asked the Minister for Education if she will provide an update on the building project of a school (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27250/23]
Tue, 13 Jun 2023
written
Education Policy
Michael Lowry
618. Deputy Michael Lowry asked the Minister for Education her efforts to enhance the quality of education in Ireland; the steps being taken to improve students' digital literacy skills, promote inclusive education and assist teachers in adapting to changing educational needs; the initiatives and policies in these areas that are being implemented; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [28545/23]
Tue, 13 Jun 2023
written
Housing Policy
Michael Lowry
786. Deputy Michael Lowry asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the Government's approach to addressing Ireland's housing crisis; the measures being taken to increase affordable housing options, alleviate homelessness and ensure sustainable urban development; the progress in these areas; the upcoming initiatives aimed at addressing the housing challenges faced by individuals and communities across the country; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28547/23]
Tue, 13 Jun 2023
written
An Garda Síochána
Michael Lowry
936. Deputy Michael Lowry asked the Minister for Justice the resources allocated to An Garda Síochána; the Government's planned investments aimed at ensuring that An Garda Síochána has adequate resources and a modern Garda fleet of vehicles to effectively carry out their duties in maintaining law and order, preventing crime and protecting the safety of communities across Ireland; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [28563/23]
Tue, 13 Jun 2023
written
Animal Slaughtering
Michael Lowry
994. Deputy Michael Lowry asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will provide an update on his efforts to protect Ireland's ritual (religious) slaughter practices in order that the meat industry can continue to supply meat to the Jewish and Islamic religious faiths in Ireland and throughout Europe (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28558/23]
Tue, 13 Jun 2023
written
Agriculture Supports
Michael Lowry
995. Deputy Michael Lowry asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the Government's efforts to promote sustainable agriculture, ensure food security, and support rural farmers in Ireland; the initiatives and policies being implemented to improve environmental stewardship, promote sustainable farming practises, and assist farmers in adopting sustainable and climate-resilient agricultural methods; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28559/23]
Tue, 13 Jun 2023
written
Disease Management
Michael Lowry
1116. Deputy Michael Lowry asked the Minister for Health when a clinical care programme will be implemented to meet the requirements of patients with lung fibrosis; the resources that will be allocated to its implementation and delivery; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27184/23]
Tue, 13 Jun 2023
written
Covid-19 Pandemic Supports
Michael Lowry
1225. Deputy Michael Lowry asked the Minister for Health further to Parliamentary Question No. 176 of 10 May 2023, in relation to long-Covid and providing financial support for HSE personnel suffering from long-term-Covid illness and unable to work; if his Department has looked at all available options to support staff who are unable to return to work, given that the current scheme is due to end on 30 June this year; the additional financial support that will be offered to such staff; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27987/23]
Tue, 13 Jun 2023
written
Health Services
Michael Lowry
1322. Deputy Michael Lowry asked the Minister for Health the efforts being made to reduce medical treatment wait times, improve healthcare infrastructure, and ensure equitable healthcare provision across County Tipperary; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28544/23]
Tue, 13 Jun 2023
written
Rural Schemes
Michael Lowry
1390. Deputy Michael Lowry asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development further to Parliamentary Question No. 1620 of 21 March 2023, if she will provide an update on the RRDF Project funding for Cahir, County Tipperary; when the local authority will be able to draw down funds and begin work on the town centre renovation, car park, and library projects in Cahir; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27198/23]
Wed, 31 May 2023
written
State Examinations
Michael Lowry
64. Deputy Michael Lowry asked the Minister for Education the reason that her Department and the State Examinations Commission do not allow for extra examination time to be offered to students with dyslexia through the reasonable accommodations at State examinations (RACE) scheme; if she is aware of the recent campaign by an organisation (details supplied) that is supporting the need for RACE to be offered to students with dyslexia; if she agrees that continuing to deny these students RACE puts them at a disadvantage when sitting State examinations; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26487/23]