Parliamentary questions

Hospital Services

Richard O'Donoghue

166. Deputy Richard O'Donoghue asked the Minister for Health the number of operations and treatments that were cancelled in University Hospital Limerick in 2021; when these appointments will be rescheduled; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5481/22]

Work Permits

Richard O'Donoghue

31. Deputy Richard O'Donoghue asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if his attention has been drawn to the issue of work permits that businesses paid for in January 2020 prior to the Covid-19 pandemic to bring staff into Ireland but the person did not enter Ireland due to the pandemic and the money was never refunded; if this money is refundable to these businesses; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3829/22]

Covid-19 Pandemic

Richard O'Donoghue

57. Deputy Richard O'Donoghue asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if he will reconsider the groups of persons who will receive the once-off €1,000 payment to make it available to all persons who worked on the front-line in different sectors during the Covid-19 pandemic who all helped to keep the country running; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3828/22]

School Curriculum

Richard O'Donoghue

113. Deputy Richard O'Donoghue asked the Minister for Education if her attention has been drawn to the lack of sex education available in schools; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [3830/22]

Legal Aid

Richard O'Donoghue

507. Deputy Richard O'Donoghue asked the Minister for Justice the cost of the provision of criminal free legal aid and civil free legal aid in County Limerick in each of the years 2016 to 2021; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [3462/22]

Trade Data

Richard O'Donoghue

303. Deputy Richard O'Donoghue asked the Minister for Finance the number of litres of white diesel, green diesel, kerosene and petrol that were imported here in 2019, 2020 and to 30 November 2021; the number of tonnes of coal and briquettes that were imported here in 2019, 2020 and to 30 November 2021; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [63371/21]

State Examinations

Richard O'Donoghue

785. Deputy Richard O'Donoghue asked the Minister for Education if discussions are expected to give clarity to both leaving and junior certificate students if they can have the choice between predictive grades or sit the written exam given that it is causing a lot of stress to students as they do not know the situation; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1293/22]

Apprenticeship Programmes

Richard O'Donoghue

1159. Deputy Richard O'Donoghue asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science when construction apprentices can expect to complete their apprenticeships (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1149/22]

Hospital Overcrowding

Richard O'Donoghue

1441. Deputy Richard O'Donoghue asked the Minister for Health the actions that will be put in place to reduce the number of patients on trolleys in emergency departments; if his attention has been drawn to the fact that University Hospital Limerick has the highest number of patients on trolleys it is causing stress and concern to both patients and staff; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [63266/21]

Covid-19 Pandemic

Richard O'Donoghue

1669. Deputy Richard O'Donoghue asked the Minister for Health the position regarding the issuing of Covid recovery certificates to persons if they are unable to obtain a PCR test and have recovered from Covid-19 due to the delay in PCR testing; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1294/22]

Farm Inspections

Richard O'Donoghue

1970. Deputy Richard O'Donoghue asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if flexibility will be given in relation to sheep inspections during the busy lambing months given the welfare issues regarding the moving of heavy in-lamb or recently lambed ewes (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1151/22]

Covid-19 Pandemic Supports

Richard O'Donoghue

91. Deputy Richard O'Donoghue asked the Minister for Finance if he will re-examine the figures in respect of the EWSS with regard to the hotel and hospitality sectors (details supplied). [62659/21]

State Examinations

Richard O'Donoghue

373. Deputy Richard O'Donoghue asked the Minister for Education if discussions are expected to bring forward the date that the leaving certificate results will be issued given that it is too late for students intending to study abroad when offers need to be validated no later than 31 August 2022 (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [62424/21]

Covid-19 Pandemic

Richard O'Donoghue

497. Deputy Richard O'Donoghue asked the Minister for Health if discussions are expected to give clarity to persons who ,due to medical reasons, are unable to have the vaccination and therefore do not have a Covid-19 certificate to gain access to various places; if a negative antigen test will give them right of access; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [62425/21]

Covid-19 Tests

Richard O'Donoghue

299. Deputy Richard O'Donoghue asked the Minister for Health the action he will take regarding the refunding of the cost of PCR and antigen tests for persons returning to Ireland have been incurring since the rule was introduced on 30 November 2021 which is causing a lot of stress and financial burden to persons that are fully vaccinated; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [60908/21]

Covid-19 Pandemic Supports

Richard O'Donoghue

52. Deputy Richard O'Donoghue asked the Minister for Finance if discussions are expected to reinstate the employment wage subsidy scheme for the businesses that are being hit with cancellations which is causing loss of revenue due to new restrictions been introduced owing to the increase in Covid-19 numbers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [60872/21]

State Examinations

Richard O'Donoghue

84. Deputy Richard O'Donoghue asked the Minister for Education if discussions are expected to give clarity to third year and sixth year students as to the type of State exam structure that will be in place for the June 2022 exams given that they are facing the pre-exams in early spring and it is of concern to students, parents and teachers; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [60873/21]

Covid-19 Pandemic Supports

Richard O'Donoghue

176. Deputy Richard O'Donoghue asked the Minister for Health if discussions are expected to reinstate the temporary assistance payment scheme in the face of the high levels of transmission of Covid-19 across the community and the advent of the Christmas period; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [60874/21]

Work Permits

Richard O'Donoghue

46. Deputy Richard O'Donoghue asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the reason for the slow issuing of work permits for the hospitality sector seeking workers from abroad; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [59417/21]

Covid-19 Pandemic

Richard O'Donoghue

121. Deputy Richard O'Donoghue asked the Minister for Education if her attention has been drawn to the fact that parents are expressing concerns in relation to the mental health impact that the wearing of masks will have on children and the future impact it will have on society (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [59416/21]

Covid-19 Pandemic

Richard O'Donoghue

204. Deputy Richard O'Donoghue asked the Minister for Health if his attention has been drawn to the fact that parents are expressing concerns in relation to the mental health impact the wearing of masks will have on children and the future impact it will have on society (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [59415/21]

School Staff

Richard O'Donoghue

115. Deputy Richard O'Donoghue asked the Minister for Education if her attention has been drawn to the lack of substitute teachers in schools; if it is possible to bring trainee teachers in to relieve the issue; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [58028/21]

Climate Action Plan

Richard O'Donoghue

116. Deputy Richard O'Donoghue asked the Minister for Education the timeframe for the commencement of the energy retrofit for schools built prior to 2008 to deliver on the Climate Action 2030 targets; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [58029/21]

Covid-19 Pandemic

Richard O'Donoghue

224. Deputy Richard O'Donoghue asked the Minister for Health if discussions are expected that persons attending the gym, hairdressers and beautician should show proof of their EU Digital COVID Certificates as many persons working in these industries are expressing concern; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [58027/21]

Community Care

Richard O'Donoghue

293. Deputy Richard O'Donoghue asked the Minister for Health the locations in which the 96 community healthcare networks across Ireland in addition to the establishment of specialist community teams for older persons and those with chronic conditions as per the enhanced community care programme. [56589/21]

Bus Services

Richard O'Donoghue

67. Deputy Richard O'Donoghue asked the Minister for Transport the details of the subsidies provided to Bus Éireann and all other public bus services annually in each of the years 2018 to 2021. [56534/21]

Social Media

Richard O'Donoghue

119. Deputy Richard O'Donoghue asked the Minister for Education if her attention has been drawn to the high volume of primary school children being bullied on social media and the lack of education surrounding the issue; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [56535/21]

School Equipment

Richard O'Donoghue

268. Deputy Richard O'Donoghue asked the Minister for Health if his attention has been drawn to the lack of defibrillators in schools; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [56536/21]

Defibrillators Provision

Richard O'Donoghue

304. Deputy Richard O'Donoghue asked the Minister for Education if her attention has been drawn to the number of schools in the country that do not have defibrillators near or in the school; if there are trained personnel in the schools who can use these defibrillators; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [55238/21]

Emergency Departments

Richard O'Donoghue

344. Deputy Richard O'Donoghue asked the Minister for Health if alternative arrangements can be made available in the community in view of the fact that emergency departments in hospitals are seeing a surge in elderly persons presenting themselves to the departments for various non-Covid-19 related health issues; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [55239/21]

Hospital Facilities

Richard O'Donoghue

345. Deputy Richard O'Donoghue asked the Minister for Health the position regarding the lack of stroke facilities in hospitals; if a strategy is being put in place to alleviate this issue; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [55240/21]

Forestry Sector

Richard O'Donoghue

263. Deputy Richard O'Donoghue asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the financial supports that will be given to encourage landowners back into forestry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [54789/21]

Forestry Sector

Richard O'Donoghue

72. Deputy Richard O'Donoghue asked the Minister for Finance if landowners with trees that need immediate solutions will be entitled to tax deductions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [54776/21]

Tax Code

Richard O'Donoghue

235. Deputy Richard O'Donoghue asked the Minister for Finance if discussions are expected to give VAT and taxation incentives to encourage landowners back into forestry in order to contribute to the Climate Action Plan. [54777/21]

Covid-19 Pandemic

Richard O'Donoghue

299. Deputy Richard O'Donoghue asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media the reason persons under 18 years of age are unable to play basketball if they are unvaccinated. [53993/21]

Driver Licences

Richard O'Donoghue

221. Deputy Richard O'Donoghue asked the Minister for Transport the position regarding the waiting time for driver theory tests and driving tests in Limerick city and county; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53713/21]

Rights of People with Disabilities

Richard O'Donoghue

315. Deputy Richard O'Donoghue asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth if his attention has been drawn to the fact that persons with Down syndrome do not have the necessary mechanism to access their rights; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53714/21]

Cannabis for Medicinal Use

Richard O'Donoghue

986. Deputy Richard O'Donoghue asked the Minister for Health if his attention has been drawn to the number of persons in Ireland that need to take PCBD 110 oil prescribed by their consultants for their illness (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52774/21]

Covid-19 Pandemic

Richard O'Donoghue

987. Deputy Richard O'Donoghue asked the Minister for Health if his attention has been drawn to the of the number of persons that are unable to get vaccinated due to medical complications and are unable to obtain an EU Digital COVID Certificate to enable them to access premises that require same; if allowances can be made for these persons; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52775/21]

Nitrates Usage

Richard O'Donoghue

1253. Deputy Richard O'Donoghue asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the reason there is a ban on protected urea coming in from Russia (details supplied). [53217/21]

Hospital Staff

Richard O'Donoghue

298. Deputy Richard O'Donoghue asked the Minister for Health if his attention had been drawn to the lack of neurology nurses at University Hospital Limerick in view of the fact that there are only three nurses in the unit that requires eight nurses; his plans to alleviate the problem; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51762/21]

Bus Éireann

Richard O'Donoghue

123. Deputy Richard O'Donoghue asked the Minister for Education if his attention has been drawn to fact that Bus Éireann will not allow drivers over 70 years of age to drive (details supplied);; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [51645/21]

State Examinations

Richard O'Donoghue

144. Deputy Richard O'Donoghue asked the Minister for Education if discussions are expected in the near future to give clarity as to the structure leaving certificate students will be encountering in 2022 (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [51646/21]

Income Inequality

Richard O'Donoghue

169. Deputy Richard O'Donoghue asked the Minister for Social Protection if her attention has been drawn to the fact that there are persons that have no income of their own due to the fact that they are unable to work due to illness or disability or are stay at home parents (details supplied);; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [51644/21]

Social Welfare Rates

Richard O'Donoghue

170. Deputy Richard O'Donoghue asked the Minister for Social Protection if she is satisfied with the €5 increase given to social welfare recipients; her views on whether it is acceptable given the increase in the prices of goods in all sectors and the impact it will have on these persons already under pressure financially; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [51647/21]

Work Permits

Richard O'Donoghue

251. Deputy Richard O'Donoghue asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if he will address concerns by farmers that factories are advising pig farmers that they may be unable to process their pigs as they are unable to source staff. [51171/21]

National Broadband Plan

Richard O'Donoghue

100. Deputy Richard O'Donoghue asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if he will address the lack of broadband in parts of rural Ireland which is making remote working extremely difficult; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50017/21]

Social Welfare Benefits

Richard O'Donoghue

150. Deputy Richard O'Donoghue asked the Minister for Social Protection if the allowance for electricity units for the elderly and persons claiming such entitlements can be increased due to planned increases from energy suppliers; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [50019/21]

Hospital Overcrowding

Richard O'Donoghue

219. Deputy Richard O'Donoghue asked the Minister for Health if his attention has been drawn to the overcrowding and the lack of beds at UHL Limerick; his plans to alleviate the problem (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50016/21]

Mental Health Policy

Richard O'Donoghue

220. Deputy Richard O'Donoghue asked the Minister for Health if his attention has been drawn to the increase in the number of persons that are seeking mental health support and taking medication for such issues in the knowledge that this medication is highly addictive; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50018/21]