Parliamentary questions

Ambulance Service

Mattie McGrath

699. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Health if he will carry out a review into the operation of the National Ambulance Service; the locations of the call-outs that all County Tipperary-based ambulances have been tasked to call out to in the past three months; the number of ambulances based in the county on a daily basis; the average length of time for an ambulance to arrive at its call-out location; the current operational arrangements for county-based ambulances to respond within their county; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6260/22]

Ambulance Service

Mattie McGrath

700. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Health the efforts that have been taken by the National Ambulance Service to avoid call centres directing long distance callouts to teams which are nearing the end of their shift; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6261/22]

Ambulance Service

Mattie McGrath

701. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Health the number of National Ambulance Staff based in County Tipperary in each of the past five years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6262/22]

Legislative Reviews

Mattie McGrath

708. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Health the reason he and his Department in all public utterances and statements refer to the position of chair, of the three-year review of the abortion law, as the independent chair given that no other Government appointed chairpersonships are continually referred to in the same way. [6285/22]

Pension Provisions

Mattie McGrath

30. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the status of the consultation process as provided for in response to the Industrial Relations (Provisions in Respect of Pension Entitlements of Retired Workers) Bill 2021; if he plans to engage with the network of retired workers organisations on this matter; when this consultation process will take place; the form this consultation process will take; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5280/22]

Television Licence Fee

Mattie McGrath

44. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media the number of television licences that have not been paid; the number of legal proceedings initiated by An Post in the past two years; the number of persons charged for non-payment of a television licence; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [5283/22]

Legislative Reviews

Mattie McGrath

146. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Health if the failure to publish the e-tender for the chair of the review of the Health (Regulation of Termination of Pregnancy) Act 2018 contrary to assurances made to the Oireachtas Joint Committee on Health on 8 December 2021 was a decision taken by his Department; and if not, if it was an oversight. [5295/22]

Legislative Reviews

Mattie McGrath

147. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Health the date the research component of the three-year review of the Health (Regulation of Termination of Pregnancy) Act 2018 led by a person (details supplied) was commissioned by his Department. [5296/22]

Covid-19 Pandemic

Mattie McGrath

148. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Health the position with regard to mask wearing in churches; if masks are still required; the relevant statutory instrument specifically citing churches as having a requirement for mask wearing; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5299/22]

Covid-19 Pandemic

Mattie McGrath

149. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Health the position with regard to mask wearing in schools; the relevant statutory instrument signed by him specifically citing this requirement; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5300/22]

School Transport

Mattie McGrath

59. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Education the progress made by the steering group in reviewing the school transport scheme; the changes that have been made to the scheme to date; and if the group has examined the possibility of issuing school bus tickets earlier than at present, for example in July, which would allow for concessionary tickets to be processed before the school term resumes in order that parents can make alternative travel arrangements if necessary. [5182/22]

Data Centres

Mattie McGrath

230. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications his views on the recent report carried out by the Commission for Regulation of Utilities on the use of energy by data centres, and the potential threat to security of energy supplies here; the actions he proposes to take to improve the security of energy supplies; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4418/22]

Water Services

Mattie McGrath

335. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the reason the report commissioned by the Commission for Regulation of Utilities of the Eastern and Midlands Water Supply Project due to be finalised in late 2019 has not been finished; if the report has been finished, the reason it has not been published; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4416/22]

Prison Service

Mattie McGrath

603. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Justice if she will establish an inquiry into alleged instances of bullying and intimidation across the Irish Prison Service; the supports she will put in place to support those who make protected disclosures and continue to feel intimidated and threatened as a result of making a protected disclosure; if she will meet with a number of whistle-blowers to discuss these issues which are being experienced across the Irish Prison Service; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4578/22]

Abortion Services

Mattie McGrath

809. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Health if the failure to publish the e-tender for the chair of the review of the Health (Regulation of Termination of Pregnancy) Act 2018 contrary to assurances made to the Oireachtas Joint Committee on Health on 8 December 2021 was a decision taken by his Department or was an oversight; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5095/22]

Abortion Services

Mattie McGrath

810. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Health the date that the research component of the three-year review of the Health (Regulation of Termination of Pregnancy) Act 2018 led by a person (details supplied) was commissioned by his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5096/22]

Agriculture Schemes

Mattie McGrath

831. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if grant funding schemes are available to farmers to help meet the costs of river erosion prevention measures; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4425/22]

Coast Guard Service

Mattie McGrath

196. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Transport his plans to remove the Irish Coast Guard all-weather search and rescue helicopter from Waterford; the reason for this proposal; if he will ensure that the Irish Coast Guard search and rescue helicopter will be retained in Waterford; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3089/22]

Coast Guard Service

Mattie McGrath

197. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Transport the number of rescues carried out by Rescue 117 per year for the past five years; the number of rescues carried out by all other Irish Coast Guard bases per year for the past five years; if the response times per rescue are available; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3090/22]

Coast Guard Service

Mattie McGrath

198. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Transport the reason that the pre-qualification questionnaire published on E-Tenders for the new Coast Guard Aviation Service does not specify the number of bases and their locations; his plans to reduce the number of bases; the reason the number of Irish Coast Guard bases that will be reduced; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3091/22]

State Examinations

Mattie McGrath

366. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Education if provisions will be put in place for students who may be unable to sit their mock examinations and State examinations due to having been deemed a close contact. [2962/22]

Covid-19 Pandemic

Mattie McGrath

590. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Health his plans to cease the use of the EU Digital COVID Certificate; the timeline for the lifting of domestic restrictions related to the use of the certificate; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3139/22]

Driver Test

Mattie McGrath

192. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Transport when driving instructors will be permitted to access the RSA national test centres as they continue to be locked out in the cold for almost two years; the reason with the reopening of most sections of society the RSA testing centres are not fully reopened to driving instructors (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [63065/21]

Rail Network

Mattie McGrath

225. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Transport the current status of the all-island Strategic Rail Review; if the review will be seeking public submissions; when the review is expected to be finalised; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1062/22]

Local Authorities

Mattie McGrath

446. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage when the legislation was introduced for the appointment of chief executives in county councils throughout Ireland; if it was binding on all counties; if there was subsequent legislation for the same purpose which was only applicable to separate county councils such as Tipperary, Limerick and Waterford; if a special case was made for any or all three counties; and if so, the details of same. [62986/21]

Departmental Schemes

Mattie McGrath

908. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Social Protection the reason the back to education allowance is not payable to those completing a masters degree, masters in education with the exception of a professional masters in education in primary education given the current pressures for teachers; if this will be reconsidered and the current position of same. [1061/22]

Health Services

Mattie McGrath

1355. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Health if due cognisance was given to the implications of the removal of the words committing medical practitioners to make every effort to preserve the life of the baby when amending section 48 the 8th Edition of the Guide to Professional Conduct and Ethics for Registered Medical Practitioners published by the Medical Council as it relates to informing medical practitioners’ actions when dealing with cases in which babies survived abortions and were born alive. [62983/21]

Health Services

Mattie McGrath

1356. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Health the way information arising from calls to the HSE MyOptions service is recorded; the way records are kept by the counsellors; and the way this information is stored. [62984/21]

Health Services

Mattie McGrath

1357. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Health the processes followed in relation to the disposal and internment of human remains arising from the operation of the Health (Regulation of the Termination of Pregnancy) Act 2018. [62985/21]

Departmental Contracts

Mattie McGrath

1453. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Health the details of the contracts his Department and the HSE have entered into with private suppliers and companies relating to Covid-19 since March 2020; the purpose of each contract; the cost of each contract; if the contract went to tender; if contract has been fulfilled; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [63299/21]

Departmental Contracts

Mattie McGrath

1456. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Health the process engaged by his Department when entering into contracts which have not been subject to tender issued related to Covid-19 since March 2020 and January 2021 to date; the parties involved; if legal contracts have been drawn up and signed in all cases; if hard copies of all contracts have been retained; the data retention policy in relation to such contracts; if details of all contracts are retained and available to Dáil Éireann for transparency and accountability; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [63306/21]

Hospital Facilities

Mattie McGrath

1483. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Health if clarity will be provided on the future of the long stay beds at a facility (details supplied); if a commitment will be provided with regard to the future of these beds for 2022 and beyond; the funding being provided to ensure the future of the long stay beds; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [63376/21]

General Practitioner Services

Mattie McGrath

1546. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Health the status of plans to extend free general practitioner care to all children under eight years of age; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [63564/21]

Covid-19 Pandemic

Mattie McGrath

1584. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Health the way in which a person who has a positive antigen test and fails to get a PCR test within a reasonable timeframe can apply for and receive a recovery certificate; if proof of a positive antigen test will be accepted to issue a recovery certificate similar to the manner in which positive antigen tests are being accepted for social welfare payments; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1029/22]

Hospital Admissions

Mattie McGrath

1593. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Health the number of persons attending acute hospitals with strokes, blood clots and for emergency cardiac care in 2021 and in the previous five years, respectively; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1058/22]

Health Services

Mattie McGrath

1777. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Health the number of cases of myocarditis and pericarditis that have been diagnosed in 2021 and per year for the preceding five years in Irish hospitals; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1787/22]

Covid-19 Pandemic

Mattie McGrath

1790. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Health the reason the management of EU Digital COVID Certificates is being managed by the Revenue Commissioners rather than the Department of Health; the reason a PPS number is required for receipt of a recovery certificate; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1836/22]

Vaccination Programme

Mattie McGrath

1791. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Health the status of the establishment of a vaccine injury compensation fund specifically relating to Covid-19 vaccine injuries; when this fund will be made available to assist those suffering from adverse effects; the details of the application process; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1839/22]

Vaccination Programme

Mattie McGrath

1797. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Health the reason that NPHET is considering the introduction of mandatory vaccination given that the Taoiseach has informed Dáil Éireann that mandatory vaccination will not be introduced in Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1854/22]

Vaccination Programme

Mattie McGrath

1817. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Health the full criteria for determining if a patient in an intensive care unit is fully vaccinated, partially vaccinated or unvaccinated, respectively; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1935/22]

Vaccination Programme

Mattie McGrath

1818. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Health if the automated robotic process used by the HSE to determine vaccine status does not find a match with a particular patient, are they automatically considered to be unvaccinated based on the criteria set out in the latest HSPC report on vaccination status; if it is possible that some patients in ICU listed as unvaccinated were in fact vaccinated; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1936/22]

Vaccination Programme

Mattie McGrath

1819. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Health if he will immediately release the data for the numbers hospitalised and in ICU to date in 2022 based on their vaccination status; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1937/22]

Thalidomide Victims Compensation

Mattie McGrath

1885. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Health if he will meet with a group (details supplied) without further delay; if he will provide a date for this meeting as a matter of urgency; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2282/22]

Regeneration Projects

Mattie McGrath

2058. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the reason Tipperary town was unsuccessful in its application under the recently announced rural regeneration development fund; if her Department will meet with Tipperary town officials to discuss the project; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1850/22]

Regeneration Projects

Mattie McGrath

2059. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development if she will clarify the full qualifying criteria for the Urban Regeneration and Development Fund and Rural Regeneration and Development Fund within her Department; if towns can apply under both schemes regardless of their size; the way these applications are appraised and prioritised; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1853/22]

Covid-19 Pandemic

Mattie McGrath

329. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Education if she will publish the risk assessment which was carried out by her Department prior to the introduction of new guidance mandating mask wearing for children in primary school from third class; the date this risk assessment was carried out; the interaction and consultation between schools, parents and boards of managements on the matter; the evidence upon which this policy is based; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [60308/21]

Covid-19 Pandemic

Mattie McGrath

330. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Education the legal basis on which a school can refuse entry to a child for non-wearing of a mask as suggested in her Department’s latest guidance; if her Department will take liability for any litigation brought to the courts by any student who is refused entry to a school based on a mandatory guideline; if the school board of management will be responsible for defending its decision to refuse a child entry to school; the assistance that will be provided to the schools in such instances in which they are threatened with litigation for refusing a child entry to a school; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [60309/21]

Covid-19 Pandemic

Mattie McGrath

331. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Education the latest HIQA advice which is available to her Department on the matter of mask wearing for primary school-aged children; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [60310/21]

Covid-19 Pandemic

Mattie McGrath

332. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Education the studies and consideration that her Department has undertaken in relation to the potential psychological impacts of mask wearing in school settings; if she will publish the studies relied upon by her Department in issuing mandates on mask wearing for primary school-aged children; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [60311/21]

Domestic Violence

Mattie McGrath

401. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the number of children who were taken into State care from domestic violence shelters given that 3% of mandated reports on child protection and welfare came from managers of domestic violence shelters from January to August 2021; the names of the shelters involved; and the number taken from each shelter for each of the years 2016 to 2020 and to date in 2021. [59951/21]

Children in Care

Mattie McGrath

402. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the number of children who were removed directly from homeless hubs and emergency accommodation and placed in State care in each of the years 2016 to 2020 and to date in 2021. [59952/21]

Vaccination Programme

Mattie McGrath

552. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Health the options available in circumstances in which a person who is medically unable to receive a particular vaccine (details supplied) for their booster programme; if other previously approved vaccines will be made available in circumstances in which a person cannot receive the only vaccines available as part of the booster programme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [60086/21]

Covid-19 Pandemic

Mattie McGrath

556. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Health the reason new guidelines state that antigen tests will be accepted for travel into Ireland only from those who are fully vaccinated and exclude those who hold an EU Digital COVID Certificate as a result of recovery from Covid-19; if his attention has been drawn to the fact that the State’s own guidance on travel to Ireland, published on www.gov.ie, acknowledges that it may sometimes not be possible to present a negative RT-PCR result due to a persistently positive RT-PCR test following recovery; the reason, when the HSE’s guidance accepts that those who have recovered may not be able to receive a negative PCR, a negative antigen test cannot be accepted from those who have recovered and hold an EU Digital COVID Certificate; if his attention has been drawn to the fact that antigen tests have been accepted across Europe for all passengers, including vaccinated, unvaccinated and recovered; the reason the Government is subjecting the recovered to the extra expense of a PCR test when an antigen test would be more accurate in their case; the reason, when the HSE accepts that the recovered are immune for a period of nine months and hold an EU Digital COVID Certificate for a period of six months, they cannot be treated in the same manner as the vaccinated and allowed to take antigen tests for travel into Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [60097/21]

Covid-19 Pandemic

Mattie McGrath

94. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Health his plans to extend the certificate of recovery from six to nine months to reflect HIQA’s latest advice to NPHET to extend the period of presumptive immunity from six to nine months post-infection; and if not, the reason a certificate of recovery and immunity only lasts for six months when studies show that the period of immunity lasts for nine months. [59765/21]

Courts Service

Mattie McGrath

135. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the number of section 47 reports that were ordered in each of the district courts in each of the years 2016 to 2020 and to date in 2021. [59671/21]

Covid-19 Tests

Mattie McGrath

169. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Health when his Department will allow the use of antigen tests for entry to facilities which require an EU Digital COVID Certificate similar to the system across Europe; and the reason antigen tests are not being permitted for use as entry to facilities. [59766/21]

Water Services

Mattie McGrath

239. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage when an updated memorandum of understanding between Irish Water and each local authority relating to the taking-in-charge of residential developments, standalone infrastructure, water treatment plants and wastewater treatment plants which are excluded from the taking in charge process will be issued (details supplied); when such infrastructure will be included in the taking in charge process; when an agreement will be put in place between local authorities and Irish water in relation to the transfer of this type of infrastructure to enable local authorities to proceed with the taking in charge of estates; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [58489/21]

Housing Schemes

Mattie McGrath

261. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he will increase the social housing income limits for County Tipperary as a matter of urgency to bring them in line with neighbouring counties and to reflect the general rent increases nationwide; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [58902/21]

Social Welfare Benefits

Mattie McGrath

391. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Social Protection if a person in receipt of or who is applying for a social welfare payment is obliged to get a Public Services Card given that an investigation is currently underway by the Data Protection Office which is focusing on the use of the public service identity dataset and other systems linked to the card such as single customer view and MyGovID; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [58535/21]

Covid-19 Pandemic

Mattie McGrath

545. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Health if he will extend the period of presumptive immunity from six to nine months post-Covid-19 infection given HIQAs latest advice to NPHET; if the certificate of recovery will also be extended from six to nine months to reflect HIQAs position; if not, the reason a certificate of recovery and immunity only lasts for six months given that studies show that the period of immunity lasts for nine months; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [58467/21]

Covid-19 Pandemic

Mattie McGrath

546. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Health if the figures on the period of presumptive immunity from Covid-19 are being collated for those who have recovered from Covid-19 and therefore have presumed natural immunity following HIQAs latest study; if these levels of immunity are being considered in the formulation of policy decisions regarding Covid-19; if information is being collated on the number of unvaccinated persons who have presumed natural immunity and on the number of unvaccinated persons who have recovered from Covid-19; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [58468/21]

Medicinal Products

Mattie McGrath

548. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Health if HIQA has approved the use of the new Covid-19 antiviral pill (details supplied) which has been given emergency use authorisation by the European Medicines Agency; if the HSE plans to roll-out the use of this drug; the cost of this drug; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [58473/21]

State Examinations

Mattie McGrath

98. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Education if a decision has been made regarding leaving certificate 2022; and if students will have the option of predictive grading or sitting the exams given that students and teachers are anxious to know. [57839/21]

Covid-19 Pandemic

Mattie McGrath

168. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Health when early treatments for Covid-19 patients will be made available to Irish citizens; if the Department will run an awareness campaign in relation to the importance of vitamin D and other health measures that citizens can take to improve their health during the winter period; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [57649/21]

Vaccination Programme

Mattie McGrath

190. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Health further to Parliamentary Question No. 492 of 12 October 2021, the details of persons identified as people of trust to act as ambassadors for the vaccine; the numbers of ambassadors identified; the names of all ambassadors; if these ambassadors received payment from either the HSE, his Department or a company (details supplied) on behalf of his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [57760/21]

Vaccination Programme

Mattie McGrath

191. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Health further to Parliamentary Question No. 492 of 12 October 2021, the exact date that his Department engaged a company (details supplied); if he will provide all documentation in relation to the contract; the reason it was not possible to put this contract out to tender given that Ireland was at least 10 months into the Covid-19 pandemic and the sense of urgency was not; the number of weekly meetings held; if the minutes of all meetings can be made available particularly in circumstances in which Members of the Houses of the Oireachtas were mentioned; the reason this contract was on 8 October 2021; the details of the final engagement with the company; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [57761/21]

Vaccination Programme

Mattie McGrath

198. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Health if he plans to introduce a redress scheme to support healthcare staff who have suffered adverse reactions following vaccination or who have suffered from Covid-19 and who have been left unable to work; the avenues of support that are available to such staff; the number of staff that have been redeployed to other services due to being unable to carry out their usual duties due to health concerns; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [57796/21]

Commemorative Events

Mattie McGrath

259. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media if further funding will be made available for commemorative activities in 2022 and 2023 to mark the final phase of the Decade of Centenaries; when such funding will be made available to communities that are planning commemoration projects; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [57058/21]

Covid-19 Pandemic

Mattie McGrath

703. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Health the point at which a person will be considered unvaccinated in circumstances in which they receive two vaccines and do not receive the third vaccine; if they can continue to use a Covid-19 pass; the point at which these passes will expire; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [57573/21]

Defence Forces

Mattie McGrath

246. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Defence the policy position adopted by his Department with respect to the repurposing of decommissioned Army barracks; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [56771/21]

Covid-19 Pandemic

Mattie McGrath

266. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media the legislation on which the Covid-19 guidelines governing Sport Ireland and all indoor sports are based; the section that states that non-vaccinated parents are not permitted to enter, spectate and-or supervise their children participating in underage indoor sports; the guidelines that are in place to ensure sufficient safeguarding practices are in place in circumstances in which parents are prevented from entering a facility in which their child is participating in an indoor sport; if a parent can be prevented from entering a facility in which their child is participating; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [55787/21]

Covid-19 Pandemic

Mattie McGrath

536. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Health if he will outline the view of NPHET on the rising infection rate in County Waterford which remains the highest Covid-19 infection rate in the country for a number of weeks while the county has the highest vaccination rate in the country; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [55675/21]

Covid-19 Pandemic

Mattie McGrath

537. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Health if it is policy to minimise transmission of Covid-19 or to achieve a 100% vaccination rate; if it is to minimise transmission of Covid-19, the reason free antigen testing has been rolled out to only the vaccinated; if a policy to minimise transmission should include the roll out of antigen testing for use by all persons in a variety of settings similar to the situation across many European Union countries; his views on whether the policy of pushing vaccination over the use of antigen testing is failing given the high levels of transmission presently within a highly vaccinated society; his plans to change or review the current policies; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [55680/21]

Hospital Services

Mattie McGrath

543. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Health the details of the proposed plans by HSE facilities to demand all accompanying partners attending maternity hospitals to provide proof of vaccination; if it is proposed that they not be permitted for the birth of the child in circumstances in which they cannot provide proof of vaccination; the legislation under which such provisions are made; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [55694/21]

Vaccination Programme

Mattie McGrath

546. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Health the status of the establishment of a vaccine injury compensation fund; when this fund will be made available to assist those suffering from adverse effects; the details of the application process; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [55699/21]

Health Services Staff

Mattie McGrath

591. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Health the position in relation to the shortage of neurology nurses nationwide; the position in relation to University Hospital Waterford and University Hospital Limerick for same; the efforts being made to provide for the required number of neurology nurses; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [55813/21]

Covid-19 Pandemic

Mattie McGrath

306. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media the position relating to the requirement for Covid-19 vaccination passports for participation in underage team sports; if he will direct all national sporting organisations to ensure that no child is discriminated against and prevented from participating in their chosen sport; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [54189/21]

National Treatment Purchase Fund

Mattie McGrath

582. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Health if children awaiting psychology services can be supported to attend private services with support from the national treatment purchase fund; if not, if he will put a system in place to allow those waiting in excess of three months to attend private services that are covered by the HSE in order to avoid delays for those who cannot pay from being left behind, many of whom have waited in excess of one year for services; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [54130/21]

Covid-19 Pandemic

Mattie McGrath

593. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Health his proposals to allow those who, on medical grounds, are not fully vaccinated to be allowed to fully participate in society; if he will introduce an exemption to the current Covid-19 restrictions, on health grounds; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [54241/21]

Vaccination Programme

Mattie McGrath

594. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Health the options that are available to persons to receive a booster vaccine in circumstances in which a person received a vaccine (details supplied) and is medically unable to receive another one; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [54243/21]

Office of the Attorney General

Mattie McGrath

46. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Taoiseach the full extent of the special and exceptional arrangements made by the Government to facilitate the appointment of the new Attorney General in June 2020, which allowed for the continuation of private litigation while at the same time serving as Attorney General. [49071/21]

Office of the Attorney General

Mattie McGrath

47. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Taoiseach the full extent of the level of private litigation engaged in by the serving Attorney General during his time in office; the timelines involved; and if any of the case outcomes are still awaited. [49072/21]

Ministerial Staff

Mattie McGrath

49. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Taoiseach the full number of advisers employed by him or his office; the respective roles of each; the salary paid to each adviser; and the background to the recruitment process used for hiring. [49073/21]

Insurance Industry

Mattie McGrath

88. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Finance the efforts being made to reduce the cost of insurance for returning Irish emigrants who are penalised due to time spent abroad; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53419/21]

Local Authorities

Mattie McGrath

94. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the number of successful bids submitted by Tipperary County Council under the national taking in charge initiative; the number of bids submitted by Tipperary County Council; the status of the current bids; when a decision will be made on the current bids submitted; the outcome of same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53416/21]

Patent Applications

Mattie McGrath

101. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the current processing time for first-time passport applications for children in cases in which an application is taking significantly longer than the estimated processing time; the efforts that are being taken to reduce these lengthy delays; the number of such applications waiting longer than the estimated processing time; the overall number of passport applications waiting to be processed by the passport office; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53446/21]

Children in Care

Mattie McGrath

130. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the number of children taken into care using voluntary care agreements for each of Tusla’s 17 service areas; the duration of these agreements; and the number of children taken into care under these agreements that have been returned to their birthmothers in each of the years 2016 to 2020 and to date in 2021. [53462/21]

Children in Care

Mattie McGrath

131. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the legislative position in relation to reunification plans; the number of children taken into care in each of Tusla’s 17 service areas that currently have a reunification plan; and the number of children who do not. [53463/21]

Children in Care

Mattie McGrath

132. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the reason Tusla does not collate data on new-born babies under two weeks old who have been taken into State care; if he will introduce mandatory measures for the collation of this data; and his views on the removal of new-borns from their birthmothers, even when they are being breastfed. [53465/21]

Children in Care

Mattie McGrath

133. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth further to Parliamentary Question No. 326 of 7 October 2021, the reason Tusla service areas in south central areas of Dublin and counties Waterford, Wexford, Cork, Galway and Roscommon had above average numbers taken into State care according to data released by Tusla; and the reason the Galway, Roscommon service area increased the number of children going into State care from 2016 to 2020. [53466/21]

Hospital Services

Mattie McGrath

145. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Health when cardiac rehabilitation will resume in Nenagh General Hospital; the length of time this service has been absent from Nenagh General Hospital; the urgent efforts that are being made to restore this service; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53439/21]

Covid-19 Tests

Mattie McGrath

153. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Health when antigen testing will be rolled out as an option for access to indoor dining and indoor events; the reason for delays in implementing antigen testing; the efforts that were made to be prepared for the scenario when Covid-19 restrictions have been extended; if his attention has been drawn to the concerns of an organisation (details supplied) in relation to the lack of antigen testing and the serious human rights and equality concerns that this presents; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53471/21]

Mental Health Services

Mattie McGrath

159. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Health the status of the mental health crisis house in Clonmel, County Tipperary; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53549/21]

Covid-19 Pandemic

Mattie McGrath

160. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Health if data pertaining to the number of hospital-acquired Covid-19 infections and the number who are in hospital for medical issues other than Covid-19 but who subsequently test positive for Covid-19 can be published weekly; if not, the reason; if this data is available; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53550/21]

Covid-19 Pandemic

Mattie McGrath

867. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Health the number of deaths by Covid-19 each month to date in 2021; the vaccination status of all of the deceased; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52279/21]

Covid-19 Pandemic

Mattie McGrath

868. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Health the number of patients hospitalised in each month to date in 2021 with Covid-19; the vaccination status of each; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52280/21]

Health Services

Mattie McGrath

971. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Health the number of persons attending acute hospitals with strokes, blood clots and for emergency cardiac care from January 2021 to September 2021; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52716/21]

Departmental Contracts

Mattie McGrath

61. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Taoiseach the amount spent by his Department to date in 2021 for Covid-19 public communications activities; the recipients of the funds allocated; the services provided; and the tendering processes undertaken to ensure optimal value for money in tabular form. [51382/21]

Departmental Communications

Mattie McGrath

235. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Taoiseach the amount of funds spent by his Department to date in 2021 for Covid-19 public communications activities; and if he will provide a comprehensive breakdown of the funds allocated in tabular form to including the recipients of the funds allocated, the services provided and the tendering processes undertaken to ensure optimal value for money. [50683/21]

Road Projects

Mattie McGrath

311. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Transport the expected timeline for completion of the inner relief road Thurles, County Tipperary linking Slievenamon Road to the Mill Road; if funding is in place for same; if a route been finalised; and if all land required has been secured. [50386/21]