Parliamentary questions

Trading Online Voucher Scheme

Peter Burke

769. Deputy Peter Burke asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the amount allocated to LEOs for the trading online voucher scheme; if the scheme is close to capacity in counties Longford and Westmeath; if further funding will be allocated should there be more demand for the scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10664/20]

State Bodies

Peter Burke

836. Deputy Peter Burke asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if a property (details supplied) is owned by CIÉ; and if so, if the property is for sale. [10807/20]

Home School Community Liaison Scheme

Peter Burke

909. Deputy Peter Burke asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs if a solution has been provided for a school (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11042/20]

Covid-19 Pandemic

Peter Burke

129. Deputy Peter Burke asked the Minister for Education and Skills if arrangements for the return to national schools in September 2020 are in place; and when the boards of managements will receive details of same in view of the fact they will need to receive this information in advance in order to make adequate preparations. [9854/20]

Special Educational Needs

Peter Burke

143. Deputy Peter Burke asked the Minister for Education and Skills if an additional year or term of school will be provided to those that attend a special school for their secondary education and that missed the extensive learning and training that happens towards the end of the year to prepare students for work or finishing school; if the extension of enrolment conditions for persons over 18 years of age can be widened further than those listed in the letter sent to schools on 11 March 2020 due to the inability to complete this end of school training; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10019/20]

Work Permits

Peter Burke

273. Deputy Peter Burke asked the Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation her plans to release additional horticulture or similar employment permits; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [9771/20]

Motor Tax

Peter Burke

543. Deputy Peter Burke asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will review motor tax policy by which the car of a person is outside their parent’s house since lockdown and they are 180km away and unable to access the car due to restrictions of non-essential travel; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9752/20]

Community Employment Schemes

Peter Burke

640. Deputy Peter Burke asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection if a contract will be extended for a person (details supplied). [9719/20]

Covid-19 Pandemic

Peter Burke

642. Deputy Peter Burke asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection if the period of exclusion to claim redundancy due to temporary lay-off and or short time during Covid-19 is due to be extended beyond 31 May 2020; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [9769/20]

Disability Allowance

Peter Burke

651. Deputy Peter Burke asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection if an appeal by a person (details supplied) will be expedited in view of the circumstances; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [9915/20]

Summer Works Scheme

Peter Burke

175. Deputy Peter Burke asked the Minister for Education and Skills the status of a summer works scheme application by a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8513/20]

Education and Training Provision

Peter Burke

176. Deputy Peter Burke asked the Minister for Education and Skills if SOLAS will make provision for persons whose Safe Pass cards expired in February 2020 who may have not had an opportunity to renew cards due to booking lead-in time and whose cards are invalid; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8514/20]

School Staff

Peter Burke

211. Deputy Peter Burke asked the Minister for Education and Skills if a teacher will be retained in a school (details supplied) in County Mayo due to the difficulties caused by the Covid-19 pandemic. [8815/20]

Enterprise Support Services

Peter Burke

425. Deputy Peter Burke asked the Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation the supports available for businesses which set up in 2020 and did not receive a commercial rates invoice from the local authority in respect of the restart grant; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8295/20]

Mental Health Services

Peter Burke

548. Deputy Peter Burke asked the Minister for Health the free mental health supports in place for young persons in counties Longford and Westmeath during the Covid-19 pandemic; if an organisation (details supplied) has engaged with his Department or the HSE in relation to the establishment of a service in the counties similar to those in places such as County Offaly; if so, if funding will be provided for such a service; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8472/20]

Cross-Border Health Initiatives

Peter Burke

589. Deputy Peter Burke asked the Minister for Health if a person (details supplied) is eligible for cross border directive funding through the HSE. [8667/20]

Covid-19 Pandemic

Peter Burke

643. Deputy Peter Burke asked the Minister for Health if there is need for more Covid-19 contact tracing officers; if those in the private sector or without work can apply for same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9060/20]

Departmental Funding

Peter Burke

816. Deputy Peter Burke asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment if there is a grant (details supplied) available from his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8817/20]

Driver Licences

Peter Burke

863. Deputy Peter Burke asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the measures being taken to plan for the reopening of the National Driver Licence Service; when the centres will reopen for customers who require licences urgently; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8353/20]

Childcare Services

Peter Burke

999. Deputy Peter Burke asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs if her Department will be recommending that childcare will be carried out through a pod system; if so, if she will increase the ECCE to cover additionally incurred wages; if childcare providers will be encouraged to rent or buy modular buildings to facilitate such a method of childcare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8523/20]

Childcare Services

Peter Burke

1000. Deputy Peter Burke asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs her views on whether planning issues will arise from childcare providers having to extend their capacity through portacabins or modular buildings; if her Department has examined planning exemptions that may be necessary to provide swift solution for parents that need childcare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8524/20]

Land Development Agency

Peter Burke

1191. Deputy Peter Burke asked the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government if he will address matters regarding a project (details supplied); the details of the project; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8737/20]

Dental Services

Peter Burke

58. Deputy Peter Burke asked the Minister for Finance the supports being put in place for professionals such as dentists that are often sole traders, many of whom have had no income or business since mid-March 2020 due to a lack of PPE; if the Revenue Commissioners will withhold tax bills from dentists for the time being; if supports can be provided to get such businesses back open; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7350/20]

State Examinations

Peter Burke

192. Deputy Peter Burke asked the Minister for Education and Skills the way in which a secondary student that does five subjects through school and two outside of school will have predicted grades for the two additional subjects when they do the subjects independently and autonomously; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7596/20]

School Staff

Peter Burke

234. Deputy Peter Burke asked the Minister for Education and Skills if the decision to redeploy a teacher (details supplied) in a school will be reviewed in view of the circumstances; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7860/20]

State Examinations

Peter Burke

235. Deputy Peter Burke asked the Minister for Education and Skills if his Department has reviewed the possibility of those that choose to sit the leaving certificate in 2020 being permitted to attend college in 2020 if Covid-19 were to significantly stabilise; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7866/20]

State Examinations

Peter Burke

236. Deputy Peter Burke asked the Minister for Education and Skills the timeline for the processing of calculated grades, appeals and resits to allow for planning by students and teachers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7867/20]

Third Level Admissions

Peter Burke

237. Deputy Peter Burke asked the Minister for Education and Skills if students that sit the HPAT in 2020 can use their grade for entry into college in 2021, thus avoiding the associated stress and cost; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7868/20]

Special Educational Needs

Peter Burke

283. Deputy Peter Burke asked the Minister for Education and Skills if clarity will be provided in relation to the July provision due to the urgent need being experienced by children with disabilities due to the closing of schools and related supports; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8087/20]

Special Educational Needs Staff

Peter Burke

284. Deputy Peter Burke asked the Minister for Education and Skills if he has considered the use of SNA staff to provide the July provision in view of the willingness of many SNAs to provide this support and the high levels of training and experience many SNAs have with children with disabilities in particular; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8088/20]

Special Educational Needs Staff

Peter Burke

285. Deputy Peter Burke asked the Minister for Education and Skills if clarity will be provided on the proposed redeployment of SNAs to provide remote support to children with disabilities; if this is happening in counties Westmeath and Longford; the number of SNAs that have signed up for the scheme; if the scheme is mandatory or opt in; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8089/20]

Maternity Leave

Peter Burke

306. Deputy Peter Burke asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if he will consider extending maternity leave if the crèches and childcare facilities do not have the capacity to take on young children due to Covid-19 restrictions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7145/20]

Covid-19 Pandemic

Peter Burke

390. Deputy Peter Burke asked the Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation if she has considered the effect large essential retailers opening their drapery and clothes sections will have on smaller retail units that are not permitted to open until 8 June 2020 at the earliest; if certain sized retailers can apply to open earlier than this date; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [7393/20]

Covid-19 Pandemic

Peter Burke

436. Deputy Peter Burke asked the Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation if pubs that always sold food and tea and coffee can operate during phase 3 of the Roadmap for Reopening Society and Business without a restaurant licence if they can guarantee strict social distancing and hygiene measures will be in place; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [7602/20]

Covid-19 Pandemic

Peter Burke

534. Deputy Peter Burke asked the Minister for Health the supports being put in place for dentists; if the HSE will provide appropriate PPE for all dentists, including those that are treating adults; if he has considered the financial issues that apply at present for dentists that cannot trade and may not be in a position to operate in the coming weeks; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7349/20]

Departmental Staff

Peter Burke

141. Deputy Peter Burke asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform his plans to relocate civil servants who commute long distances to work using the bus or train that run the risk of infecting vulnerable members of their household on their return; if remote working can be put in place in all Departments; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5713/20]

State Examinations

Peter Burke

297. Deputy Peter Burke asked the Minister for Education and Skills if clarity will be provided for students who are repeating the leaving certificate in a new school and that are doing core subjects outside of school (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6432/20]

Direct Provision System

Peter Burke

431. Deputy Peter Burke asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the status of a centre (details supplied) under the aegis of his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5574/20]

Court Orders

Peter Burke

433. Deputy Peter Burke asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if guidance will be provided on the operation of a court order during the Covid-19 outbreak (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5576/20]

Departmental Funding

Peter Burke

442. Deputy Peter Burke asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if a reply will issue to an organisation (details supplied) regarding the refusal of a scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6064/20]

Covid-19 Pandemic

Peter Burke

531. Deputy Peter Burke asked the Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation if she has considered allowing phased opening of shopping centres with a small number of outlets opening gradually, beginning with the smaller shops; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [5580/20]

Covid-19 Pandemic

Peter Burke

559. Deputy Peter Burke asked the Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation if she has engaged with cinema operators in relation to concerns regarding the unphased reopening of their industry (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [5760/20]

Covid-19 Pandemic

Peter Burke

643. Deputy Peter Burke asked the Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation if guidance will be provided to those doing one on one consultations, such as personal trainers, on when they will be permitted to resume these sessions; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6849/20]

Health and Social Care Professionals

Peter Burke

748. Deputy Peter Burke asked the Minister for Health if he will direct CORU to provide clarity and a solution for those participating in placement hours as part of their accreditation process (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6241/20]

Health Services Access

Peter Burke

799. Deputy Peter Burke asked the Minister for Health when podiatrists will be permitted to resume services to clients; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6858/20]

Departmental Strategies

Peter Burke

917. Deputy Peter Burke asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment his views on a commitment (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6066/20]

Broadband Service Provision

Peter Burke

932. Deputy Peter Burke asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment if he will request an update from a company (details supplied) regarding roll-out times; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6221/20]

Community Development Projects

Peter Burke

1170. Deputy Peter Burke asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development if he is considering ways to fund many rural and community organisations whose programmes and funding have been cut due to the cancellation of programmes through Covid-19 such as an organisation (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6065/20]

Planning Issues

Peter Burke

1347. Deputy Peter Burke asked the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government if his Department will consider reintroducing planning permission processes in certain limited circumstances; if he has considered the use of libraries as part of the process due to the fact that libraries are to reopen soon and persons could make an appointment to view ongoing applications in a similar manner to the way in which the public routinely make appointments to view active planning permissions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6086/20]

Defence Forces Personnel

Peter Burke

5. Deputy Peter Burke asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the way in which he plans to reverse the retention issues in the Defence Forces and the issue of skilled and experienced officers leaving the Army; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4077/20]

Defence Forces Personnel

Peter Burke

6. Deputy Peter Burke asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence if he has examined the possibility of extending contracts past 50 years of age for members of the Defence Forces; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4079/20]

Defence Forces Personnel

Peter Burke

8. Deputy Peter Burke asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence his plans to address specific non-pensionable issues such as age extension across the rank spectrum; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4148/20]

Departmental Expenditure

Peter Burke

10. Deputy Peter Burke asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the estimated cost to the Vote of his Department if the rate of employer PRSI was increased to 15.75% for the portion of salaries over €100,000; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4699/20]

Departmental Expenditure

Peter Burke

31. Deputy Peter Burke asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the estimated cost to the vote of his Department if the rate of employer PRSI was increased to 15.75% for the portion of salaries over €100,000; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4703/20]

Consular Services

Peter Burke

34. Deputy Peter Burke asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if an application for a certificate by a person (details supplied) will be expedited; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4876/20]

Tax Credits

Peter Burke

56. Deputy Peter Burke asked the Minister for Finance the estimated number of persons that would be impacted by the removal of tax credits from individual incomes above €140,000 tapered at a rate of 2.5% for every €1,000 above €100,000; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4179/20]

Departmental Offices

Peter Burke

108. Deputy Peter Burke asked the Minister for Finance if there are vacancies in the offices of his Department at a location (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5485/20]

Defence Forces Remuneration

Peter Burke

121. Deputy Peter Burke asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if he has examined the possibility of creating a pay commission for the Defence Forces; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4080/20]

Departmental Expenditure

Peter Burke

135. Deputy Peter Burke asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the estimated cost to the Vote of his Department if the rate of employer PRSI was increased to 15.75% for the portion of salaries over €100,000; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4760/20]

Departmental Expenditure

Peter Burke

229. Deputy Peter Burke asked the Minister for Education and Skills the estimated cost to the Vote of his Department if the rate of employer PRSI was increased to 15.75% for the portion of salaries over €100,000; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4700/20]

Private Schools

Peter Burke

259. Deputy Peter Burke asked the Minister for Education and Skills the level of financial subsidies paid to private schools; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4907/20]

Schools Building Projects Status

Peter Burke

271. Deputy Peter Burke asked the Minister for Education and Skills the status of an application by a school (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4997/20]

Schools Building Projects Status

Peter Burke

276. Deputy Peter Burke asked the Minister for Education and Skills the status of an application by a school (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5031/20]

Departmental Offices

Peter Burke

320. Deputy Peter Burke asked the Minister for Education and Skills if there are vacancies in the offices of his Department at a location (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5484/20]

Departmental Expenditure

Peter Burke

374. Deputy Peter Burke asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the estimated cost to the Vote of his Department if the rate of employer PRSI was increased to 15.75% for the portion of salaries over €100,000; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4706/20]

Refugee Resettlement Programme

Peter Burke

377. Deputy Peter Burke asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if a person (details supplied) will be appropriately relocated; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4804/20]

Leave to Remain

Peter Burke

379. Deputy Peter Burke asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if leave to remain will be granted to persons (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4853/20]

Departmental Offices

Peter Burke

428. Deputy Peter Burke asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if there are vacancies in the offices of his Department at a location (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5489/20]

Departmental Offices

Peter Burke

447. Deputy Peter Burke asked the Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation if there are vacancies in the offices of her Department at a location (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [5492/20]

Nursing Homes Support Scheme

Peter Burke

486. Deputy Peter Burke asked the Minister for Health if he will address a matter regarding the case of a person (details supplied). [4129/20]

Departmental Expenditure

Peter Burke

647. Deputy Peter Burke asked the Minister for Health the estimated cost to the Vote of his Department if the rate of employer PRSI was increased to 15.75% for the portion of salaries over €100,000; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4704/20]

Departmental Offices

Peter Burke

896. Deputy Peter Burke asked the Minister for Health if there are vacancies in the offices of his Department at a location (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5490/20]

Departmental Expenditure

Peter Burke

920. Deputy Peter Burke asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the estimated cost to the Vote of his Department if the rate of employer PRSI was increased to 15.75% for the portion of salaries over €100,000; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4694/20]

Departmental Offices

Peter Burke

955. Deputy Peter Burke asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if there are vacancies in the offices of his Department at a location (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5493/20]

Departmental Expenditure

Peter Burke

993. Deputy Peter Burke asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the cost to the Vote of his Department if the rate of employer PRSI was increased to 15.75% for the portion of salaries over €100,000; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4697/20]

Departmental Offices

Peter Burke

1018. Deputy Peter Burke asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment if there are vacancies in the offices of his Department at a location (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5488/20]

Departmental Expenditure

Peter Burke

1053. Deputy Peter Burke asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the estimated cost to the Vote of his Department if the rate of employer PRSI was increased to 15.75% for the portion of salaries over €100,000; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4708/20]

Rural Transport Programme

Peter Burke

1056. Deputy Peter Burke asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will amend the rural transport scheme to allow increased utilisation for students living outside the terms of the scheme (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4908/20]

Departmental Offices

Peter Burke

1070. Deputy Peter Burke asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if there are vacancies in the offices of his Department at a location (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5494/20]

Departmental Expenditure

Peter Burke

1108. Deputy Peter Burke asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the estimated cost to the Vote of her Department if the rate of employer PRSI was increased to 15.75% for the portion of salaries over €100,000; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4696/20]

Departmental Offices

Peter Burke

1130. Deputy Peter Burke asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs if there are vacancies in the offices of her Department at a location (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [5491/20]

Social Insurance

Peter Burke

1152. Deputy Peter Burke asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection the estimated impact on the public pay bill by the introduction of a 15.75% rate of employer's PRSI on portion of salaries over €100,000; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4180/20]

Departmental Expenditure

Peter Burke

1183. Deputy Peter Burke asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection the estimated cost to the Vote of her Department if the rate of employer PRSI was increased to 15.75% for the portion of salaries over €100,000; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4701/20]

Illness Benefit Eligibility

Peter Burke

1186. Deputy Peter Burke asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection her plans in place for self-employed persons to receive illness benefit. [4811/20]

Departmental Offices

Peter Burke

1212. Deputy Peter Burke asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection if there are vacancies in the offices of her Department at a location (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [5497/20]

Departmental Expenditure

Peter Burke

1272. Deputy Peter Burke asked the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government the estimated cost to the vote of his Department if the rate of employer PRSI was increased to 15.75% for the portion of salaries over €100,000; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4705/20]

Local Authority Housing Provision

Peter Burke

1283. Deputy Peter Burke asked the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government the estimated cost of delivering 20,000 public homes annually; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4906/20]

Departmental Offices

Peter Burke

1304. Deputy Peter Burke asked the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government if there are vacancies in the offices of his Department at a location (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5495/20]

Departmental Expenditure

Peter Burke

1326. Deputy Peter Burke asked the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the estimated cost to the vote of her Department if the rate of employer PRSI was increased to 15.75% for the portion of salaries over €100,000; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4698/20]

Direct Provision Data

Peter Burke

416. Deputy Peter Burke asked the Minister for Justice and Equality his plans to locate a direct provision centre at a location (details supplied). [3555/20]

Covid-19 Pandemic Supports

Peter Burke

1052. Deputy Peter Burke asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if the option of allowing prospective tourists to countries infected with Covid-19 to cancel their holidays and receive a refund from their travel agent has been considered; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3063/20]

State Pension (Non-Contributory) Applications

Peter Burke

1147. Deputy Peter Burke asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection the status of an application by a person (details supplied). [3066/20]