Parliamentary questions

Flood Prevention Measures

Noel Grealish

41. Deputy Noel Grealish asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if there are plans to develop a flood defence scheme in Claddagh, Galway city from the Claddagh to Grattan Park; if so, the details of this flood defence plan; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21065/21]

Hospital Appointments Status

Noel Grealish

180. Deputy Noel Grealish asked the Minister for Health when cataract surgery will be carried out for a person (details supplied) at University Hospital Limerick; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21066/21]

Paediatric Services

Noel Grealish

181. Deputy Noel Grealish asked the Minister for Health the number of children that have a diagnosis of juvenile arthritis; the number of children that have a diagnosis of other autoimmune diseases; the number of full-time paediatric consultants available to provide care for these children; the number of children waiting for a first appointment with a paediatric consultant rheumatologist; the average waiting time; his plans to recruit additional paediatric consultant rheumatologists; the status of same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21069/21]

Transport Infrastructure Provision

Noel Grealish

307. Deputy Noel Grealish asked the Minister for Transport if he will give permission for an emergency temporary pedestrian footbridge across the Owenriff River, Oughterard to ensure pedestrian safety particularly for the 600 schoolchildren who traverse the river daily across a narrow bridge without footpaths; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18328/21]

Social and Affordable Housing

Noel Grealish

681. Deputy Noel Grealish asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the engagement he has had with lending institutions regarding the new affordable housing scheme; the engagement held in relation to the clawback; the discussions that have taken place regarding the economic implications and viability for institutions of lending under this scheme given the 30% equity which is held by the Government and in view of the current difficulties persons are experiencing in accessing mortgages under the housing (incremental purchase) scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18388/21]

Ambulance Service

Noel Grealish

1767. Deputy Noel Grealish asked the Minister for Health the reason there is a discrepancy between grades of staff within the National Ambulance Service and the grades of paramedic and advanced paramedic (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18915/21]

Health Services Provision

Noel Grealish

1796. Deputy Noel Grealish asked the Minister for Health if there are financial supports available for IVF treatments; the timeline for the possible introduction of a publicly funded IVF programme in view of the fact that Ireland is the only country in Europe without such a scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18994/21]

Medical Aids and Appliances

Noel Grealish

928. Deputy Noel Grealish asked the Minister for Health the reason diabetes care such as continuous glucose monitoring sensors are covered under the long-term illness scheme given that flash glucose meters are more compatible for at-risk patients during the Covid-19 pandemic; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16612/21]

Medical Aids and Appliances

Noel Grealish

929. Deputy Noel Grealish asked the Minister for Health the costs per unit of continuous glucose monitoring sensors which are available under the long-term illness scheme; the efforts he has made to explore other more cost-efficient products; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16613/21]

Patient Safety

Noel Grealish

930. Deputy Noel Grealish asked the Minister for Health the efforts he has made to introduce a safer method of monitoring diabetes patients who are an at-risk category during the Covid-19 pandemic. [16614/21]

Tax Code

Noel Grealish

490. Deputy Noel Grealish asked the Minister for Finance his plans to change inheritance tax laws for unmarried long-term cohabiting couples who are currently considered as strangers to give them the same tax status as married couples and those in civil partnerships; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15386/21]

Vaccination Programme

Noel Grealish

1337. Deputy Noel Grealish asked the Minister for Health the number of front-line healthcare workers in group two of the vaccine allocation programme; the number of healthcare workers in group six of the vaccine allocation programme; the number of each group that have received their vaccine to date; the reason healthcare workers in group six that are receiving the vaccine ahead of those in groups three to five; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13975/21]

Medicinal Products

Noel Grealish

1755. Deputy Noel Grealish asked the Minister for Health the actions he plans to take for patients under the individual licensing system to provide a pathway to funding at source as they continue to suffer a significant financial burden to pay upfront for their prescribed medicine given that patients within the compassionate access programme will be funded at source for products from a company (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15323/21]

Hospital Staff

Noel Grealish

1786. Deputy Noel Grealish asked the Minister for Health the position regarding the recruitment of the main lead paediatric pain consultant in Children’s Health Ireland given that children in chronic pain have now been without a full-time pain consultant care service for over 16 months (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15435/21]

Hospital Staff

Noel Grealish

1787. Deputy Noel Grealish asked the Minister for Health the reason the multidisciplinary pain team roles that have been filled for the past three months are not seeing patients; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15436/21]

Paediatric Services

Noel Grealish

1788. Deputy Noel Grealish asked the Minister for Health the waiting list for children seeking new appointments and repeat appointments at a paediatric chronic pain clinic; if the waiting list is open or closed to new referrals; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15437/21]

National Car Test

Noel Grealish

254. Deputy Noel Grealish asked the Minister for Transport the reason that persons, who had NCT tests due before 28 March 2020, were not given a four-month extension on their NCT validity despite the fact that they could not secure tests in NCT centres for a number of months thus resulting in some drivers having only seven to eight months NCT certificate validity after testing; the reason the four-month extension was not granted across the board in view of the exceptional circumstances at the time; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13304/21]

Schools Administration

Noel Grealish

405. Deputy Noel Grealish asked the Minister for Education her plans to ensure that a standardised amount of homeschooling online hours are provided by each school given that schools are not fully reopening for a number of weeks and there is a risk of future closures; if there are currently checks on schools to ensure that remote learning is being delivered to children; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11082/21]

School Transport

Noel Grealish

411. Deputy Noel Grealish asked the Minister for Education if she will publish the names of the representatives appointed to the school transport review steering group; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11160/21]

Covid-19 Pandemic Unemployment Payment

Noel Grealish

529. Deputy Noel Grealish asked the Minister for Social Protection her plans to allow claims of the pandemic unemployment payment by those who were in the process of changing jobs prior to the initial lockdown in March 2020 in circumstances in which they had a full working history but were not working on the relevant date of 6 March 2020 following a decision in May 2020 to pay arrears of the pandemic unemployment payment to those who may have not received payment for a number of weeks in which they were out of work due to the Covid-19 pandemic; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11081/21]

Visa Agreements

Noel Grealish

361. Deputy Noel Grealish asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs his views on whether the Government must step up its efforts to ensure passage of the E3 visa Bill through the US Congress (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10141/21]

Inland Fisheries

Noel Grealish

34. Deputy Noel Grealish asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the person or body that has responsibility for inland fisheries here considering the launch on 27 January 2021 of a new policy roadmap for inland fisheries by his Department; if all existing inland fisheries legislation that is applicable to lacustrine special areas of conservation, SACs, will be correctly aligned with the EU habitats and water framework Directives under this new roadmap; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9165/21]

Driver Licences

Noel Grealish

69. Deputy Noel Grealish asked the Minister for Transport if he will address the case of a person (details supplied) regarding a driver licence; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9164/21]

Covid-19 Pandemic Supports

Noel Grealish

2. Deputy Noel Grealish asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the status of plans to assist businesses such as takeaway food services from restaurants and businesses that are already registered providers of the stay and spend scheme and their consumers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7504/21]

National Broadband Plan

Noel Grealish

18. Deputy Noel Grealish asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if a detailed map and timeline for the roll-out of the national broadband scheme will be provided; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7836/21]

Driver Licences

Noel Grealish

48. Deputy Noel Grealish asked the Minister for Transport if there is a delay in the processing of driver licence renewals for both full and provisional licence holders; the average delay; the steps being taken to address a backlog, given the problems it is causing for persons waiting for their new licences; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7835/21]

Covid-19 Pandemic Supports

Noel Grealish

65. Deputy Noel Grealish asked the Minister for Finance his plans to extend the largely unused stay and spend scheme to include takeaway food services from restaurants and businesses that are already registered providers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7504/21]

Driver Test

Noel Grealish

111. Deputy Noel Grealish asked the Minister for Transport the number of driver test examiners; the number of driver tests passed and failed in 2020; the age of those least likely to hold a full driver licence in any given year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6455/21]

Córas Iompair Éireann

Noel Grealish

112. Deputy Noel Grealish asked the Minister for Transport the reason there has been no increase in CIÉ pensions since 2008; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6456/21]

Schools Building Projects

Noel Grealish

406. Deputy Noel Grealish asked the Minister for Education when a new school building will be provided for a school (details supplied) to replace the current dilapidated facilities; the timeline for the provision of a replacement school as promised to school representatives at a meeting on 10 December 2020; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6454/21]

Fines Data

Noel Grealish

684. Deputy Noel Grealish asked the Minister for Justice the number of persons who failed to pay fines imposed by the courts since the commencement of the Fines (Payment and Recovery) Act 2014; the number that had an attachment order, a recovery order or community service order made against them as a result; the number of persons imprisoned for failure to pay such fines by year; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [7394/21]

Fines Data

Noel Grealish

685. Deputy Noel Grealish asked the Minister for Justice the value and number of unpaid fines in each of the years 2013 to 2020; the value and number of fines imposed by the courts in each of the years; the steps being taken to recover unpaid fines; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [7395/21]

Fines Data

Noel Grealish

686. Deputy Noel Grealish asked the Minister for Justice the offence categories in respect of which fines were imposed by the courts in each of the years 2016 to 2020; the offence categories in respect of which fines were imposed but were not paid in the same period by the number and value in each case; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [7396/21]

Bench Warrants

Noel Grealish

687. Deputy Noel Grealish asked the Minister for Justice the number of bench warrants issued in 2019 and 2020; the number outstanding in this regard; the effect the Covid-19 pandemic has had on the execution of warrants; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [7397/21]

Road Traffic Offences

Noel Grealish

174. Deputy Noel Grealish asked the Minister for Justice the number of cars seized under the learner driver provisions of the Road Traffic (Amendment) Act 2018, known as the Clancy amendment, since its introduction in December 2018, by year and county; the number of persons convicted of the offence of allowing an unaccompanied learner or an unlicensed person to drive their vehicle by year and county; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6054/21]

Help-To-Buy Scheme

Noel Grealish

163. Deputy Noel Grealish asked the Minister for Finance his plans to extend the help-to-buy scheme into 2022; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4990/21]

Home Repossessions

Noel Grealish

188. Deputy Noel Grealish asked the Minister for Finance the number of home repossession cases taken by banks and equity funds due to mortgage arrears in the past 12 months; the number of cases which were refused; the number which were successful; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5388/21]

Legislative Measures

Noel Grealish

279. Deputy Noel Grealish asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the changes made to section 28 of the Planning and Development Act 2000 to give effect to the Flemish decree following the European Court of Justice Ruling in 2013 and the ministerial guidelines; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5397/21]

Compulsory Purchase Orders

Noel Grealish

294. Deputy Noel Grealish asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if local authorities can use compulsory purchase orders, CPOs, to purchase burial grounds given that it is the responsibility of local authorities to provide burial grounds; the criteria for which this process can be used; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5616/21]

Covid-19 Pandemic Supports

Noel Grealish

418. Deputy Noel Grealish asked the Minister for Social Protection if she will consider a temporary change in the conditions for participants on community employment schemes by granting an additional year to current participants who cannot undertake a training programme due Covid-19 restrictions and given the difficulties experienced by scheme operators in recruiting new participants during this time; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [5363/21]

Parental Leave

Noel Grealish

459. Deputy Noel Grealish asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth when the extension of parental leave from two weeks to five weeks will be legislated for; when parents can apply for five weeks parental leave; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4989/21]

Home Repossessions Rate

Noel Grealish

573. Deputy Noel Grealish asked the Minister for Justice the number of home repossession cases in the courts system in the past 12 months; if the number of such cases before the courts has increased or decreased since May 2020 (details supplied); the number of refusals to allow repossession; the number of successful applications; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [5387/21]

Health Services Provision

Noel Grealish

878. Deputy Noel Grealish asked the Minister for Health the date for the finalisation of the HSE review of the FreeStyle Libre flash glucose monitoring system in view of the prevailing public health situation and HSE advice that if diabetes patients become infected with Covid-19 they are more at risk of serious complications; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5919/21]

Health Services Provision

Noel Grealish

879. Deputy Noel Grealish asked the Minister for Health the number of applications that have been made to the HSE for access to the FreeStyle Libre flash glucose monitoring devices other than children and young adults four to 21 years of age by consultant endocrinologists or a member of their team in each of the years 2017 to 2020; the number of applications that were deemed successful in each year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5920/21]

Driver Test

Noel Grealish

119. Deputy Noel Grealish asked the Minister for Transport the way in which he plans to address the backlog of driver tests; the actions that can be taken for persons who are waiting months for a test and cannot avail of public transport due to a lack of availability in their area; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3869/21]

Healthcare Infrastructure Provision

Noel Grealish

688. Deputy Noel Grealish asked the Minister for Health the progress on the provision of new orthopaedic theatre facilities at Merlin Park Hospital, Galway; the extent of current theatre facilities and the facilities planned; the reason for the delay in providing the additional theatre space since the reduction in existing theatre facilities three and a half years ago; the timeframe for the start of construction and completion; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3697/21]

Hospital Waiting Lists

Noel Grealish

689. Deputy Noel Grealish asked the Minister for Health the average waiting times for persons on the waiting list for inpatient and outpatient treatment as orthopaedic patents at Merlin Park Hospital, Galway; and the longest time persons have been on the waiting lists. [3698/21]

Hospital Waiting Lists

Noel Grealish

690. Deputy Noel Grealish asked the Minister for Health the steps he will take to reduce the outpatient waiting lists for orthopaedic treatment at Merlin Park Hospital, Galway; and if he will take steps to ensure patients can be treated in other hospitals in view of the fact that the number of persons waiting for treatment for over 18 months has more than doubled in the past year. [3696/21]

Covid-19 Pandemic Supports

Noel Grealish

332. Deputy Noel Grealish asked the Minister for Social Protection if persons can claim the pandemic unemployment payment or a portion of the payment; if not, if another payment can be introduced for working parents who are classified as essential workers but cannot work from home and must leave work or reduce their hours of work in order to provide essential childcare while schools are closed; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2198/21]

Third Level Education

Noel Grealish

402. Deputy Noel Grealish asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if he will consider reducing the 800-hour practice placement requirement, given that the Covid-19 pandemic has made it more difficult for social care and other students to secure unpaid practice placements in social care and other appropriate settings; if he will consider a partial refund of fees; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2611/21]

Medicinal Products

Noel Grealish

447. Deputy Noel Grealish asked the Minister for Health when dupilumab will be available under the general medical services, GMS, and drugs payment schemes for patients with moderate to severe eczema; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2199/21]

Covid-19 Tests

Noel Grealish

455. Deputy Noel Grealish asked the Minister for Health the current status of a community Covid-19 assessment hub for Galway; the timeframe for the opening of such a hub; if there are delays; if so, the cause of these delays; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2229/21]

IDA Ireland

Noel Grealish

16. Deputy Noel Grealish asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment his plans to secure enterprise for the west side of Galway city, particularly the IDA Ireland zoned lands in Knocknacarra, Galway; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44668/20]

Bus Services

Noel Grealish

121. Deputy Noel Grealish asked the Minister for Transport his plans to address the significant cash flow pressures that private bus operators are experiencing and are likely to continue to experience over 2021 (details supplied). [44989/20]

Driver Licences

Noel Grealish

183. Deputy Noel Grealish asked the Minister for Transport if a person who lives six months in Ireland and six months in the UK each year and has businesses in both countries is required to transfer his or her UK driving licence for an Irish licence post Brexit; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1477/21]

Road Projects

Noel Grealish

188. Deputy Noel Grealish asked the Minister for Transport the status of the N6 Galway city ring road; the stage the project is at; the next stages in the process; when a decision is likely to be made; the year funding is likely to be allocated for the project; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1618/21]

Departmental Staff

Noel Grealish

250. Deputy Noel Grealish asked the Minister for Finance the names and positions of the individual departmental representatives on the Inter-Departmental Pensions Reform and Taxation Group; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1617/21]

Tourism Industry

Noel Grealish

293. Deputy Noel Grealish asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media the financial supports that Fáilte Ireland will provide to the coach tourism sector; and if funding will be allocated from the €55 million business continuity scheme designed to support strategic businesses in the sector. [44987/20]

Tourism Industry

Noel Grealish

294. Deputy Noel Grealish asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media her plans to support coach tourism in 2021 in view of the fact that the sector is responsible for attracting two million international tourists to Ireland each year. [44988/20]

Tourism Industry

Noel Grealish

295. Deputy Noel Grealish asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media her plans to address the significant cash flow pressures that businesses in the coach tourism are experiencing and are likely to continue to experience over 2021 (details supplied). [44989/20]

Tourism Industry

Noel Grealish

296. Deputy Noel Grealish asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media if she has made representations to Fáilte Ireland in respect of the need for coach tourism to be supported under the €55 million in business continuity scheme designed for strategic tourism businesses; and the status of the request for financial support. [44990/20]

Home Loan Scheme

Noel Grealish

364. Deputy Noel Grealish asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the part of the Housing (Rebuilding Ireland Home Loans) Regulations 2018 that precludes a person who is in the very early stages of a construction project; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1728/21]

School Transport

Noel Grealish

420. Deputy Noel Grealish asked the Minister for Education the status of the payment of a special transport grant for a person (details supplied), which was approved in February 2020; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [44667/20]

Special Educational Needs

Noel Grealish

453. Deputy Noel Grealish asked the Minister for Education the criteria a school must meet to start an ASD class; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [44991/20]

Covid-19 Pandemic

Noel Grealish

607. Deputy Noel Grealish asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth if essential workers who work from home can avail of childcare services under the current level 5 restrictions, given the possible ambiguity in two separate sources (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1811/21]

Public Sector Pay

Noel Grealish

745. Deputy Noel Grealish asked the Minister for Health the steps he has taken to help ensure pay restoration for employees in the remaining 250 organisations that employ section 39 workers and have not received pay restoration to date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44830/20]

Fishing Industry

Noel Grealish

1150. Deputy Noel Grealish asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the criteria used to give priority to 140 fishing boats to fish in UK waters from the 1 January 2021 over the 1,900 Irish registered fishing boats; the reason these boats were chosen; if all fishing boats were considered equally; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1474/21]

Fishing Industry

Noel Grealish

1151. Deputy Noel Grealish asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the reason the mackerel quota cannot be divided fairly to all Irish fishing boats; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1475/21]

Fishing Industry

Noel Grealish

1152. Deputy Noel Grealish asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the reason first preference was given to priority pelagic vessels tier 1 and tier 2 and vessels in relevant POs to fish in UK fishing waters given that POs only represent a minority of Irish fishing boats; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1476/21]

Covid-19 Pandemic

Noel Grealish

167. Deputy Noel Grealish asked the Minister for Education if she will consider amending the current public health Covid-19 guidance to ensure that the HSE informs school principals of positive Covid-19 cases, regardless of parental consent, to help protect teachers and other students in the school; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [43630/20]

Dental Services

Noel Grealish

282. Deputy Noel Grealish asked the Minister for Health if there is an appeals process under the HSE orthodontic treatment scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43631/20]

Planning Issues

Noel Grealish

267. Deputy Noel Grealish asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the number of planning applications received by each local authority in each of the past three years; the number of staff employed in each local authority to deal specifically with planning applications; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42897/20]

School Transport

Noel Grealish

338. Deputy Noel Grealish asked the Minister for Education the basis on which private operators are selected for the provision of school transport; the calculation of rates offered based on the €135 million allocation from her Department; the methodology applying to the overall selection criteria; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [43275/20]

Hospital Waiting Lists

Noel Grealish

487. Deputy Noel Grealish asked the Minister for Health the number of patients waiting for pain relief treatment at University Hospital Galway, by outpatients and inpatients; the number of years on waiting list and age profile; the longest length of time a patient has been on the waiting list; the steps he plans to take to deal with the inordinately long waiting times for pain relief in Galway; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42899/20]

Hospital Waiting Lists

Noel Grealish

488. Deputy Noel Grealish asked the Minister for Health the number of patients waiting for pain relief treatment at each hospital; the average length of time spent on the waiting list in each case; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42900/20]

Hospital Staff

Noel Grealish

489. Deputy Noel Grealish asked the Minister for Health the number of permanent consultant posts currently filled nationally; the number of permanent consultant posts which are currently not filled on a permanent basis; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42901/20]

Hospital Staff

Noel Grealish

490. Deputy Noel Grealish asked the Minister for Health the number of permanent consultant posts which are currently unfilled nationally; the number of such posts which are filled on a temporary, locum or agency basis, respectively; the number which are vacant, by area; if they are at hospital level or community level; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42902/20]

Hospital Staff

Noel Grealish

491. Deputy Noel Grealish asked the Minister for Health the number of permanent consultant posts currently unfilled in the Saolta University Health Care Group, by hospital and specialty; the number of such posts which are filled on a temporary, locum or agency basis, respectively; the number which are vacant; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42903/20]

Hospital Staff

Noel Grealish

492. Deputy Noel Grealish asked the Minister for Health the number of permanent consultant posts currently unfilled in the CHO 2 area, by specialty; the number of such posts which are filled on a temporary, locum or agency basis, respectively; the number which are vacant; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42904/20]

Hospital Staff

Noel Grealish

493. Deputy Noel Grealish asked the Minister for Health the number of permanent consultant posts which have been unfilled; the length of time the post has been unfilled; the speciality and area; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42905/20]

Hospital Staff

Noel Grealish

494. Deputy Noel Grealish asked the Minister for Health when the currently unfilled permanent consultant posts will be filled; the number planned to be permanently filled in each of the next three years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42906/20]

LEADER Programmes

Noel Grealish

690. Deputy Noel Grealish asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development further to Parliamentary Question No. 914 of 17 November 2020, if the details of the transitional programme of funding for Leader projects has been finalised; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [43371/20]

Legislative Measures

Noel Grealish

253. Deputy Noel Grealish asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage when the promised legislation for exemptions for planning permission for rooftop solar installations will be introduced in Dáil Éireann; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42634/20]

Covid-19 Pandemic

Noel Grealish

81. Deputy Noel Grealish asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media if wedding music can be allowed under the current restrictions (details supplied); if she will provide clarify on same; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [42205/20]

Special Educational Needs

Noel Grealish

113. Deputy Noel Grealish asked the Minister for Education the reason there are no national standardisation of procedures or governance in relation to the treatment of special needs children in schools; if there are inspectors dedicated to inspecting special needs services in schools; the reason her Department is not in a position to recommend programmes in cases in which it has been recommended that an IT device is best suited to teach a particular child; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [42234/20]

Covid-19 Pandemic

Noel Grealish

194. Deputy Noel Grealish asked the Minister for Health the public health rationale for the reason wedding bands had previously been allowed under level 3 restrictions but are not allowed currently under level 3 restrictions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42206/20]

Health Services

Noel Grealish

197. Deputy Noel Grealish asked the Minister for Health when the Sligo scheme for cataract treatment will be rolled out to the rest of the country; the time-frame for same given that it was committed to in the Programme for Government; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42233/20]

Enterprise Support Services

Noel Grealish

98. Deputy Noel Grealish asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the supports including financial grants available to small and medium sized Irish businesses to help them grow their business online including assistance to purchase equipment and training assistance to upskill staff; the supports that could be availed of by local media outlets such as newspapers and radio stations to boost their online sales and support employment in the industry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41840/20]

Enterprise Ireland

Noel Grealish

99. Deputy Noel Grealish asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if media organisations that have listenership abroad and readers who consume Irish media abroad qualify for Enterprise Ireland grants on the basis that they are exporting a service, journalism that is consumed abroad and to help them grow that business; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41843/20]

Legislative Measures

Noel Grealish

108. Deputy Noel Grealish asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the changes that were made to the Inland Fisheries (Amendment) Bill 2017 without going through pre-legislative scrutiny which was waived for this Bill; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41845/20]

Road Improvement Schemes

Noel Grealish

157. Deputy Noel Grealish asked the Minister for Transport if funding will be provided for urgent safety works on the N83 at which two minor roads, the L7102 and L6210 join the N83 (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41924/20]

Small and Medium Enterprises

Noel Grealish

194. Deputy Noel Grealish asked the Minister for Finance the supports including financial grants available to small and medium sized Irish businesses to help them grow their business online including assistance to purchase equipment and training assistance to upskill staff; the supports that could be availed of by local media outlets such as newspapers and radio stations to boost their online sales and support employment in the industry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41841/20]

Small and Medium Enterprises

Noel Grealish

257. Deputy Noel Grealish asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media the supports including financial grants available to small and medium-sized Irish businesses to help them grow their business online including assistance to purchase equipment and training assistance to upskill staff; the supports that could be availed of by local media outlets such as newspapers and radio stations to boost their online sales and support employment in the industry; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [41842/20]

Legislative Measures

Noel Grealish

304. Deputy Noel Grealish asked the Minister for Justice if consultation will take place with stakeholders before the commencement date of the Gaming and Lotteries (Amendment) Act 2019; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [40835/20]

Legislative Measures

Noel Grealish

305. Deputy Noel Grealish asked the Minister for Justice the way in which section 4(1) in conjunction with section 9 of the Gaming and Lotteries (Amendment) Act 2019 will operate for both land-based and online providers of gaming services; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [40836/20]

Legislative Measures

Noel Grealish

306. Deputy Noel Grealish asked the Minister for Justice the progress of the Gambling Control Bill 2013; when it is likely to come before Dáil Éireann for debate; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [40837/20]

Health Services

Noel Grealish

319. Deputy Noel Grealish asked the Minister for Health the status of the case of a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40838/20]

Medicinal Products

Noel Grealish

333. Deputy Noel Grealish asked the Minister for Health if xolair is available under the drugs payment scheme; if not, the cost of a 450mg injection dose; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40839/20]

Aquaculture Regulation

Noel Grealish

387. Deputy Noel Grealish asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if his Department is correct in stating that the 1.65 million wild wrasse recorded as taken from Irish waters to eat the lice on Ireland’s salmon farms between May 2015 and November 2019 are culled after use, that this culling is supervised, the moralities transported and rendered and so recorded as the producer (details supplied) has stated that the surviving wrasse are released into the wild; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40840/20]

Aquaculture Regulation

Noel Grealish

388. Deputy Noel Grealish asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if it is the position of his Department that the recorded removal of over 1.65 million wrasse between May 2015 and November 2019 to eat the lice on Ireland’s salmon farms will have no direct or indirect effect on any marine ecosystem including those protected species and habitats under the Habitats Directive, Birds Directive and any other relevant European directives; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40841/20]