Parliamentary questions

Further and Higher Education

Rose Conway-Walsh

89. Deputy Rose Conway-Walsh asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science his plans to improve the working conditions for PhD researchers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26992/21]

Institutes of Technology

Thomas Pringle

90. Deputy Thomas Pringle asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the plans in place for development at Letterkenny Institute of Technology, LYIT; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26714/21]

Taoiseach's Meetings and Engagements

Alan Kelly

1. Deputy Alan Kelly asked the Taoiseach if he will report on his most recent engagements with the President of the European Commission. [21940/21]

Taoiseach's Meetings and Engagements

Richard Boyd Barrett

2. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Taoiseach if he will report on his most recent engagements with the President of the European Commission. [24250/21]

Taoiseach's Meetings and Engagements

Bríd Smith

3. Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Taoiseach if he will report on his most recent engagements with the President of the European Commission. [24253/21]

Taoiseach's Meetings and Engagements

Paul Murphy

4. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Taoiseach if he will report on his most recent engagements with the President of the European Commission. [24256/21]

Taoiseach's Meetings and Engagements

Mary Lou McDonald

5. Deputy Mary Lou McDonald asked the Taoiseach if he will report on his recent engagements with other European heads of government. [23893/21]

Taoiseach's Meetings and Engagements

Neale Richmond

6. Deputy Neale Richmond asked the Taoiseach if he will report on his attendance at the EU social summit in Porto. [26071/21]

Taoiseach's Meetings and Engagements

Mick Barry

7. Deputy Mick Barry asked the Taoiseach if he will report on his most recent engagements with the President of the European Commission. [26141/21]

An Garda Síochána

Mary Lou McDonald

8. Deputy Mary Lou McDonald asked the Taoiseach if he will report on the policing reform implementation programme office based in his Department. [23894/21]

An Garda Síochána

Alan Kelly

9. Deputy Alan Kelly asked the Taoiseach if he will report on the work of the policing reform implementation programme office in his Department. [26234/21]

An Garda Síochána

Bríd Smith

10. Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Taoiseach if he will report on the policing reform implementation programme office based in his Department. [26247/21]

An Garda Síochána

Richard Boyd Barrett

11. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Taoiseach if he will report on the policing reform implementation programme office based in his Department. [26506/21]

An Garda Síochána

Paul Murphy

12. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Taoiseach if he will report on the policing reform implementation programme office based in his Department. [26512/21]

An Garda Síochána

Mick Barry

13. Deputy Mick Barry asked the Taoiseach if he will report on the policing reform implementation programme office based in his Department. [26519/21]

Departmental Bodies

Mary Lou McDonald

14. Deputy Mary Lou McDonald asked the Taoiseach if he will report on the work of the housing, infrastructure and digital unit of his Department. [23895/21]

Departmental Bodies

Alan Kelly

15. Deputy Alan Kelly asked the Taoiseach if he will report on the work of the economic division of his Department. [24643/21]

Departmental Bodies

Mary Lou McDonald

16. Deputy Mary Lou McDonald asked the Taoiseach if he will report on the work of the economic development unit of his Department. [25543/21]

Departmental Bodies

Richard Boyd Barrett

17. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Taoiseach if he will report on the work of the housing, infrastructure and digital unit of his Department. [26241/21]

Departmental Bodies

Richard Boyd Barrett

18. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Taoiseach if he will report on the work of the economic division of his Department. [26242/21]

Departmental Bodies

Paul Murphy

19. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Taoiseach if he will report on the work of the housing, infrastructure and digital unit of his Department. [26244/21]

Departmental Bodies

Paul Murphy

20. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Taoiseach if he will report on the work of the economic division of his Department. [26245/21]

Departmental Bodies

Bríd Smith

21. Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Taoiseach if he will report on the work of the housing, infrastructure and digital unit of his Department. [26248/21]

Departmental Bodies

Bríd Smith

22. Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Taoiseach if he will report on the work of the economic division of his Department. [26249/21]

Departmental Bodies

Cian O'Callaghan

23. Deputy Cian O'Callaghan asked the Taoiseach if he will report on the housing, infrastructure and digital unit of his Department. [26500/21]

Departmental Bodies

Alan Kelly

24. Deputy Alan Kelly asked the Taoiseach when the Cabinet committee on housing last met and will next meet. [26501/21]

Departmental Bodies

Gino Kenny

25. Deputy Gino Kenny asked the Taoiseach if he will report on the work of the housing, infrastructure and digital unit of his Department. [26515/21]

Departmental Bodies

Mick Barry

26. Deputy Mick Barry asked the Taoiseach if he will report on the work of the housing, infrastructure and digital unit of his Department. [26520/21]

Departmental Bodies

Cian O'Callaghan

27. Deputy Cian O'Callaghan asked the Taoiseach when the Cabinet committee on housing last met. [26689/21]

Programme for Government

Richard Boyd Barrett

1. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Taoiseach the status of the programme for Government. [21779/21]

Programme for Government

Alan Kelly

2. Deputy Alan Kelly asked the Taoiseach if he will report on the status of the programme for Government. [23207/21]

Programme for Government

Mary Lou McDonald

3. Deputy Mary Lou McDonald asked the Taoiseach if he will report on the status of the programme for Government. [25951/21]

Programme for Government

Mick Barry

4. Deputy Mick Barry asked the Taoiseach the status of the programme for Government. [26518/21]

Vaccination Programme

Alan Kelly

5. Deputy Alan Kelly asked the Taoiseach the membership and terms of reference of the vaccine roll-out group chaired by the Secretary General of his Department. [21938/21]

Vaccination Programme

Richard Boyd Barrett

6. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Taoiseach the membership and terms of reference of the vaccine roll-out group chaired by the Secretary General of his Department. [24662/21]

Vaccination Programme

Bríd Smith

7. Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Taoiseach the membership and terms of reference of the vaccine roll-out group chaired by the Secretary General of his Department. [24665/21]

Vaccination Programme

Paul Murphy

8. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Taoiseach the membership and terms of reference of the vaccine roll-out group chaired by the Secretary General of his Department. [24668/21]

Vaccination Programme

Mick Barry

9. Deputy Mick Barry asked the Taoiseach the membership and terms of reference of the vaccine roll-out group chaired by the Secretary General of his Department. [26139/21]

Vaccination Programme

Mary Lou McDonald

10. Deputy Mary Lou McDonald asked the Taoiseach the membership and terms of reference of the vaccine roll-out group chaired by the Secretary General of his Department. [25952/21]

Taoiseach's Meetings and Engagements

Alan Kelly

11. Deputy Alan Kelly asked the Taoiseach if he will report on his recent engagements with church leaders. [21939/21]

Taoiseach's Meetings and Engagements

Richard Boyd Barrett

12. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Taoiseach if he will report on his recent engagements with church leaders. [24249/21]

Taoiseach's Meetings and Engagements

Bríd Smith

13. Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Taoiseach if he will report on his recent engagements with church leaders. [24252/21]

Taoiseach's Meetings and Engagements

Paul Murphy

14. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Taoiseach if he will report on his recent engagements with church leaders. [24255/21]

Taoiseach's Meetings and Engagements

Mick Barry

15. Deputy Mick Barry asked the Taoiseach if he will report on his recent engagements with church leaders. [26140/21]

Employment Support Services

Claire Kerrane

67. Deputy Claire Kerrane asked the Minister for Social Protection if she will provide an update on the tender for local employment services; the length of time the tendering process will be open for applications; if the terms of reference will include changes to the current model of employment services from a cost-met model to a cost bid model; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26485/21]

Departmental Schemes

Denis Naughten

68. Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Social Protection if she will reintroduce the mortgage interest supplement; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26490/21]

Covid-19 Pandemic Unemployment Payment

Claire Kerrane

69. Deputy Claire Kerrane asked the Minister for Social Protection if there are plans to cease the pandemic unemployment payment by the end of June, as set out in the 2021 further Revised Estimate; if so, the plans in place for persons in receipt of the payment who will not, or are unable to, return to employment over the coming months; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26486/21]

Employment Support Services

Carol Nolan

70. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Social Protection if she plans to continue using the services provided by Turas Nua and Seetec for the operation of the JobPath scheme; if she will consider alternative service providers; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26483/21]

Social Welfare Payments

Claire Kerrane

71. Deputy Claire Kerrane asked the Minister for Social Protection if she will consider taking steps in the next budget to begin increasing core social welfare payments to meet the minimum essential standard of living to ensure that those relying on social welfare supports are protected from poverty; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26487/21]

Covid-19 Pandemic Unemployment Payment

Peadar Tóibín

72. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Social Protection the number of persons in receipt of the pandemic unemployment payment; and the monthly breakdown of spending on the payment since the start of the pandemic. [26146/21]

Covid-19 Pandemic Unemployment Payment

Cathal Crowe

76. Deputy Cathal Crowe asked the Minister for Social Protection the number of persons in County Clare currently in receipt of the pandemic unemployment payment; the number of persons in County Galway currently in receipt of the payment; the number in each county who were in receipt of the payment on the same date in April 2021; the number of persons in each county who have received the payment since the introduction of the payment; the total expenditure on such payments in each county over that time; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26258/21]

Covid-19 Pandemic Unemployment Payment

Joe Flaherty

78. Deputy Joe Flaherty asked the Minister for Social Protection the number of persons in County Longford currently in receipt of the pandemic unemployment payment; the number of persons in County Westmeath currently in receipt of the payment; the number in each county who were in receipt of the payment on the same date in April 2021; the number of persons in each county who have received the payment since the introduction of the payment; the total expenditure on such payments in each county over that time; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26276/21]

Covid-19 Pandemic Unemployment Payment

Jennifer Murnane O'Connor

79. Deputy Jennifer Murnane O'Connor asked the Minister for Social Protection the number of persons in County Carlow currently in receipt of the pandemic unemployment payment; the number of persons in County Wexford currently in receipt of the payment; the number in each county who were in receipt of the payment on the same date in April 2021; the number of persons in each county who have received the payment since the introduction of the payment; the total expenditure on such payments in each county over that time; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26270/21]

State Pensions

John Lahart

80. Deputy John Lahart asked the Minister for Social Protection the status of the commitment to benchmark pension rates to salaries and inflation, as contained in the Roadmap for Social Inclusion 2020-2025; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26252/21]

Covid-19 Pandemic Unemployment Payment

Bernard Durkan

82. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Social Protection the number of persons who have indicated their intention to withdraw from Covid-19 support payments and return to work; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26153/21]

Covid-19 Pandemic Unemployment Payment

John McGuinness

83. Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Social Protection the number of persons in County Kilkenny currently in receipt of the pandemic unemployment payment; the number of persons in County Waterford currently in receipt of the payment; the number in each county who were in receipt of the payment on the same date in April 2021; the number of persons in each county who have received the payment since the introduction of the payment; the total expenditure on such payments in each county over that time; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26269/21]

Covid-19 Pandemic Supports

Bernard Durkan

84. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Social Protection the extent to which her Department anticipates a reduction in Covid-19 support payments to be replaced by employment; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26152/21]

Covid-19 Pandemic Unemployment Payment

Willie O'Dea

86. Deputy Willie O'Dea asked the Minister for Social Protection the number of persons in County Limerick currently in receipt of the pandemic unemployment payment; the number in receipt of the payment on the same date in April 2021; the number of persons in County Limerick who have received the payment since its introduction; the total expenditure on such payments in County Limerick over that time; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26260/21]

Covid-19 Pandemic Unemployment Payment

Seán Haughey

87. Deputy Seán Haughey asked the Minister for Social Protection the number of persons in County Dublin currently in receipt of the pandemic unemployment payment; the number in receipt of the payment on the same date in April 2021; the number of persons in County Dublin who have received the payment since its introduction; the total expenditure on such payments in County Dublin over that time; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26266/21]

Fuel Poverty

Claire Kerrane

96. Deputy Claire Kerrane asked the Minister for Social Protection if she has considered extending the fuel allowance payment period for 2021 particularly in relation to the serious financial difficulties many households are experiencing regarding making utility payments during this winter season and in view of the allowance being extended in 2020; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26155/21]

Covid-19 Pandemic Unemployment Payment

James Lawless

102. Deputy James Lawless asked the Minister for Social Protection the number of persons in County Kildare currently in receipt of the pandemic unemployment payment; the number of persons in County Wicklow currently in receipt of the payment; the number in each county who were in receipt of the payment on the same date in April 2021; the number of persons in each county that have received the payment since the introduction of the payment; the total expenditure on such payments in each county over that time; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26275/21]

Social Welfare Benefits

Claire Kerrane

111. Deputy Claire Kerrane asked the Minister for Social Protection if consideration will be given to extending maternity benefit eligibility to women who have not built up the required PRSI contributions prior to the birth of their baby and the possibility of providing a partial rate maternity benefit in these cases; the financial support that can be made available to women returning to Ireland who have lived in countries which do not have bilateral agreements on maternity benefits with the State; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26176/21]

Covid-19 Pandemic Unemployment Payment

Dara Calleary

113. Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Minister for Social Protection the number of persons in County Mayo currently in receipt of the pandemic unemployment payment; the number of persons in County Roscommon currently in receipt of the payment; the number in each county who were in receipt of the payment on the same date in April 2021; the number of persons in each county that have received the payment since the introduction of the payment; the total expenditure on such payments in each county over that time; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26256/21]

Covid-19 Pandemic Unemployment Payment

Barry Cowen

116. Deputy Barry Cowen asked the Minister for Social Protection the number of persons in County Offaly currently in receipt of the pandemic unemployment payment; the number of persons in County Laois currently in receipt of the payment; the number in each county who were in receipt of the payment on the same date in April 2021; the number of persons in each county that have received the payment since the introduction of the payment; the total expenditure on such payments in each county over that time; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26272/21]

Covid-19 Pandemic Unemployment Payment

Marc MacSharry

118. Deputy Marc MacSharry asked the Minister for Social Protection the number of persons in County Sligo currently in receipt of the pandemic unemployment payment; the number of persons in County Leitrim currently in receipt of the payment; the number in each county who were in receipt of the payment on the same date in April 2021; the number of persons in each county that have received the payment since the introduction of the payment; the total expenditure on such payments in each county over that time; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26281/21]

Covid-19 Pandemic Unemployment Payment

Jackie Cahill

127. Deputy Jackie Cahill asked the Minister for Social Protection the number of persons in County Tipperary currently in receipt of the pandemic unemployment payment; the number in receipt of the payment on the same date in April 2021; the number of persons in County Tipperary who have received the payment since its introduction; the total expenditure on such payments in County Tipperary over that time; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26265/21]

Covid-19 Pandemic Unemployment Payment

Michael Moynihan

142. Deputy Michael Moynihan asked the Minister for Social Protection the number of persons in County Cork currently in receipt of the pandemic unemployment payment; the number of persons in County Kerry currently in receipt of the payment; the number in each county who were in receipt of the payment on the same date in April 2021; the number of persons in each county that have received the payment since the introduction of the payment; the total expenditure on such payments in each county over that time; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26262/21]

Covid-19 Pandemic Unemployment Payment

Niamh Smyth

558. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Social Protection the number of persons in County Cavan currently in receipt of the pandemic unemployment payment; the number of persons in County Monaghan currently in receipt of the payment; the number in each county who were in receipt of the payment on the same date in April 2021; the number of persons in each county that have received the payment since the introduction of the payment; the total expenditure on such payments in each county over that time; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26278/21]

Defence Forces

John Brady

1. Deputy John Brady asked the Minister for Defence the reviews that have taken place to date of the 1994 Defence Forces service contracts, which have contributed to the retention crisis in the Defence Forces. [25008/21]

European Defence Capabilities

Gary Gannon

2. Deputy Gary Gannon asked the Minister for Defence if he or his official have had discussions on Irish troops participating in the proposed European rapid reaction force. [25148/21]

European Defence Capabilities

John Brady

3. Deputy John Brady asked the Minister for Defence the discussions that have taken place at EU level regarding the further militarisation of the EU leading towards the creation of an EU army. [25009/21]

Defence Forces

Jim O'Callaghan

5. Deputy Jim O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Defence when the report on the review of mandatory retirement ages for Defence Forces officers will be published; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24895/21]

Military Honours

John Brady

6. Deputy John Brady asked the Minister for Defence the progress to date by the independent review group set up to investigate and make recommendations on the battle of Jadotville. [25004/21]

Defence Forces

Bríd Smith

8. Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Defence the timeframe for the work of the commission on defence to be completed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25107/21]

Departmental Properties

Cathal Berry

9. Deputy Cathal Berry asked the Minister for Defence his plans for the remaining residential properties owned by his Department in Orchard Park, Curragh; if he plans to hand over the estate to Kildare County Council; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24607/21]

Defence Forces

Niamh Smyth

10. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Defence when the commission on defence will complete its work; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24903/21]

Air Corps

Cathal Berry

11. Deputy Cathal Berry asked the Minister for Defence if he is still committed to the Air Corps having a role in search and rescue; his views on whether the Air Corps should be tasked to undertake this role in the same way as it was tasked to provide the emergency aeromedical service and Garda air support unit service; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24605/21]

Defence Forces

Paul McAuliffe

12. Deputy Paul McAuliffe asked the Minister for Defence the progress to date on the commission on the Defence Forces; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24889/21]

Defence Forces

Éamon Ó Cuív

13. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Defence the progress made to date in resolving the low pay issue in the Defence Forces which is making it difficult to retain personnel; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24962/21]

Defence Forces

Barry Cowen

15. Deputy Barry Cowen asked the Minister for Defence the status of the commission on defence. [24910/21]

Military Honours

Catherine Connolly

16. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Defence the status of the work of the independent review group that was established to examine the events at Jadotville in September 1961; if he has received a copy of the group's interim report, which was due by 31 March 2021; when the interim report will be published; the timeline for when the group’s work will conclude; when the final report will be published; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25090/21]

Defence Forces

Sorca Clarke

18. Deputy Sorca Clarke asked the Minister for Defence if he and his Department will engage with an organisation (details supplied) and other representative bodies in the Defence Forces on pay and conditions for serving members, many of whom are experiencing a housing crisis while living on or close to the poverty line; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25111/21]

Defence Forces

Ruairí Ó Murchú

30. Deputy Ruairí Ó Murchú asked the Minister for Defence when the commission on the future of the Defence Forces report will be published; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25079/21]

Defence Forces

Aindrias Moynihan

41. Deputy Aindrias Moynihan asked the Minister for Defence the status of the independent commission on the Defence Forces that was sanctioned on 15 December 2020; the areas on which the commission is focusing its inquiries; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25113/21]

Defence Forces

Gino Kenny

43. Deputy Gino Kenny asked the Minister for Defence the progress of the commission of the future of the Defence Forces; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24872/21]

Defence Forces

Bernard Durkan

50. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Defence the extent to which any outstanding issues in regard to pay and conditions in the Defence Forces have been resolved; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24968/21]

Departmental Schemes

Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire

63. Deputy Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire asked the Minister for Education the steps she has taken to remove disincentives for staff volunteering to facilitate the summer provision and DEIS summer programmes. [25042/21]

Covid-19 Pandemic Supports

Bríd Smith

64. Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Education the arrangements that will made to cater for the children in families who have members with serious underlying conditions and who remain unvaccinated against Covid-19 and therefore are forced to keep their children from schools at present; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24602/21]

School Curriculum

Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire

65. Deputy Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire asked the Minister for Education her views on the current position that the religious ethos of a school can impact the relationships and sexuality education, RSE, curriculum being taught in that school; and the legislative changes she will make to ensure the RSE programme is uniform, age appropriate and fully inclusive across all schools. [25043/21]

Psychological Assessments

Denis Naughten

66. Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Education her plans to increase the number of educational psychological assessments allocated to primary schools through the National Educational Psychological Service, NEPS; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24786/21]

School Staff

Richard O'Donoghue

67. Deputy Richard O'Donoghue asked the Minister for Education if she will review schools that require a teacher appointed for September 2021 in circumstances (details supplied). [24600/21]

Special Educational Needs

Alan Dillon

68. Deputy Alan Dillon asked the Minister for Education the details of the funding available to schools for the development or enhancement of facilities for special education; and if funding programmes such as the minor works scheme could be expanded for the improvement of special education facilities. [24784/21]

State Examinations

Denis Naughten

69. Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Education the steps she is taking to specifically support the leaving certificate class of 2022; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [23966/21]

Pupil-Teacher Ratio

Denis Naughten

71. Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Education her plans to address large classes in primary schools; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [23964/21]

Schools Building Projects

Jackie Cahill

72. Deputy Jackie Cahill asked the Minister for Education the status of each large-scale school building project in County Tipperary; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [25064/21]

State Examinations

Bernard Durkan

73. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Education the extent to which she expects the leaving certificate examinations to proceed as planned in the current year; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24967/21]

School Transport

Denis Naughten

75. Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Education her plans for the school transport service in September 2021; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [23965/21]

Special Educational Needs

Alan Dillon

77. Deputy Alan Dillon asked the Minister for Education the number of additional special class teachers in 2021; the number of additional special class places that the additional recruitment has provided; and if speech and language therapists, among others, are being directly recruited by the National Council for Special Education, NCSE. [24785/21]

Defence Forces

Bernard Durkan

276. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Defence the extent to which issues in respect of pay and conditions in the Defence Forces are resolved or are in the course thereof; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4469/21]

Commissions of Investigation

Alan Kelly

1. Deputy Alan Kelly asked the Taoiseach if he will report on the cost to date of commissions of investigation under the direction of his Department. [23209/21]