Parliamentary questions

Agri-Environment Options Scheme

Noel Grealish

881. Deputy Noel Grealish asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if the AEOS scheme is to be extended; if not, the scheme being introduced in its place; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36252/20]

LEADER Programmes

Noel Grealish

914. Deputy Noel Grealish asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the way in which LEADER projects are to be funded through 2021 to 2023 given that no funding has been provided for new LEADER projects in 2021, no funding has been identified for the delivery and administration of the LEADER programme for 2021 and no interim national rural development plan has been announced for the period 2021 to 2023; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [36254/20]

Primary Medical Certificates

Noel Grealish

309. Deputy Noel Grealish asked the Minister for Finance further to Parliamentary Question No. 266 of 29 September 2020, the number of persons waiting for primary medical certificates; when the scheme will be back up and running; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34746/20]

Social and Affordable Housing

Noel Grealish

379. Deputy Noel Grealish asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if a person relinquishes all interest in a family home can they be allocated a social house; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34747/20]

Road Safety Authority

Noel Grealish

36. Deputy Noel Grealish asked the Minister for Transport if there are parking facilities provided at the RSA testing centre at Carnmore, Oranmore, County Galway; if so, the number of dedicated vehicle parking places; if not, if parking facilities will be provided; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34103/20]

Credit Unions

Noel Grealish

46. Deputy Noel Grealish asked the Minister for Finance the number of staff in the registry of credit unions by division of units within the registry; the way in which this has changed since the commencement of the Credit Union and Co-operation with Overseas Regulators Act 2012; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34118/20]

Garda Stations

Noel Grealish

47. Deputy Noel Grealish asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if the Garda station in Spiddal, County Galway will be refurbished and provided with updated facilities; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34119/20]

Residential Property Sales

Noel Grealish

110. Deputy Noel Grealish asked the Minister for Justice her plans to reform the conveyancing process in view of the delays being encountered of up to ten weeks; and the steps her Department is taking to address the problem. [34104/20]

Residential Property Sales

Noel Grealish

111. Deputy Noel Grealish asked the Minister for Justice her plans to reform the conveyancing process in view of the number of property sales failures that have happened as a result of Covid-19; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [34105/20]

Residential Property Sales

Noel Grealish

112. Deputy Noel Grealish asked the Minister for Justice her plans to reform the conveyancing process in view of the many cases of gazumping and gazundering in the residential property market. [34106/20]

Residential Property Sales

Noel Grealish

113. Deputy Noel Grealish asked the Minister for Justice if her attention has been drawn to a recent survey (details supplied) which reveals that 79% of auctioneers are experiencing conveyancing delays from the time a property is deemed sale agreed to when the sale eventually closes; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [34107/20]

Covid-19 Pandemic

Noel Grealish

1094. Deputy Noel Grealish asked the Minister for Health the Government’s plan or strategy to facilitate the return of office workers to city centres for the next 12 months. [32204/20]

Covid-19 Pandemic

Noel Grealish

1114. Deputy Noel Grealish asked the Minister for Health if holistic therapists who are providing reflexology and massage therapy for a range of different health needs and different ages are considered essential workers under guidelines; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33713/20]

Covid-19 Pandemic

Noel Grealish

27. Deputy Noel Grealish asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if he will respond to the concerns of office workers by indicating the best safety precautions that they and their employers can put in place to mitigate contraction while in their offices; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32196/20]

Harbours and Piers

Noel Grealish

263. Deputy Noel Grealish asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the funding available from his Department for the restoration and maintenance of piers; the process for applying for funding; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31885/20]

Cabinet Committees

Noel Grealish

121. Deputy Noel Grealish asked the Taoiseach the detail of each Cabinet Committee; the membership of the committees; the committees that have met to date; and the committees that have not met. [30841/20]

Road Projects

Noel Grealish

148. Deputy Noel Grealish asked the Minister for Transport the proposals in place for upgrading the junctions at which they intersect with roads (details supplied); if funding was provided to Transport Infrastructure Ireland for works in relation to the design or upgrade of these junctions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31237/20]

Financial Services Regulation

Noel Grealish

199. Deputy Noel Grealish asked the Minister for Finance the date on which providers of hire purchase agreements and personal contract plan agreements will be authorised and fully regulated by the Central Bank and subject to the requirements of the consumer protection code 2012; the steps necessary to achieve same including if legislation is needed; the reason hire purchase and personal contract plan agreements have not been subjected to the same stringent regulation that applies to banks and credit unions in view of the fact that they have been in existence for over 20 years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30954/20]

Property Tax

Noel Grealish

232. Deputy Noel Grealish asked the Minister for Finance the number of properties in County Galway, excluding Galway city, currently exempt from paying local property tax; the financial loss to the Exchequer annually due to this exemption; the number of properties in County Galway, excluding Galway city, not paying property tax for which they are liable; the financial loss to the Exchequer as a result of this; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31509/20]

Office of Public Works

Noel Grealish

247. Deputy Noel Grealish asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if the Office of Public Works is the competent authority with responsibility for the River Friars at Newtownsmith, County Galway; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31508/20]

Social and Affordable Housing

Noel Grealish

276. Deputy Noel Grealish asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the legislation that underpins the policy whereby a person with an interest in a former family home can avail of social housing supports, for example, housing assistance payment, HAP, and rental accommodation scheme, RAS, but can never be allocated social housing; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31236/20]

Proposed Legislation

Noel Grealish

58. Deputy Noel Grealish asked the Minister for Transport the status of the Road Traffic (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill; when he expects the Bill to be published; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29749/20]

Cabinet Committees

Noel Grealish

93. Deputy Noel Grealish asked the Minister for Finance if the special Cabinet committee on insurance reform has met to date; the membership of the committee; the brief of the committee; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29748/20]

Probate Applications

Noel Grealish

386. Deputy Noel Grealish asked the Minister for Justice the last time a personal application was accepted by the Probate Office; the current post-Covid-19 wait time for personal applications; if personal application interviews are currently being conducted face to face, online or over the phone; if not, when the Probate Office will reopen for personal applications; the various fees charged for personal and law firm applications; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29750/20]

Covid-19 Pandemic

Noel Grealish

489. Deputy Noel Grealish asked the Minister for Health the reason yoga studios cannot open under level 3 Covid-19 restrictions (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29921/20]

Covid-19 Pandemic

Noel Grealish

543. Deputy Noel Grealish asked the Minister for Health the membership of the National Public Health Emergency Team and its associated subgroups; if membership details have changed since the publication of the second edition of the National Public Health Emergency Team governance structures document on 26 June 2020; and if so, the members involved in such changes [30226/20]

Insurance Industry

Noel Grealish

256. Deputy Noel Grealish asked the Minister for Finance the status of current or pending legislation outlawing dual or differential pricing in the insurance market; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28139/20]

Social Insurance

Noel Grealish

196. Deputy Noel Grealish asked the Minister for Social Protection if persons who were paid the pandemic unemployment payment will receive a PRSI credit for their time on the payment similar to the credit awarded to those in receipt of other social welfare payments; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27745/20]

Covid-19 Pandemic Supports

Noel Grealish

158. Deputy Noel Grealish asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the policy responses and targeted supports for digital transformation that will salvage businesses and jobs in the events sector in recognition that this industry generates €3.5 billion for the economy annually, €850 million from the export market and supports 35,000 full-time equivalent employees and noting the collapse of in-person business events and a shift to virtual platforms; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26276/20]

Covid-19 Pandemic Supports

Noel Grealish

159. Deputy Noel Grealish asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if there will be a policy response that will allow the events sector to scale up using State agency supports that manufacturers, processors and online businesses currently avail of, in view of the substantial contribution of the business events sector to the Exchequer; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26277/20]

Covid-19 Pandemic Supports

Noel Grealish

160. Deputy Noel Grealish asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment his plans to provide financial support to assist the business events industry in its recovery in view of the devastating impact Covid-19 and subsequent lockdowns and restrictions has had on same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26278/20]

Covid-19 Pandemic Supports

Noel Grealish

161. Deputy Noel Grealish asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if an assessment will be made of the potential long-term economic effect of the Covid-19 outbreak on business events industry; and the steps taken to date to assist the recovery of the sector. [26279/20]

Covid-19 Pandemic Supports

Noel Grealish

162. Deputy Noel Grealish asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the policy responses and targeted supports for the retail sector in order that consumer spending can return to pre-Covid-19 levels in view of the 292,000 jobs dependent on retail; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26282/20]

Covid-19 Pandemic Supports

Noel Grealish

163. Deputy Noel Grealish asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if further stimulus plans will be introduced targeting the retail and hospitality sector, in view of the significant reduction in turnover and the closure of many; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26283/20]

Covid-19 Pandemic Supports

Noel Grealish

164. Deputy Noel Grealish asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the steps he will take in budget 2021 to support the small and medium enterprise sector; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26284/20]

Primary Medical Certificates

Noel Grealish

264. Deputy Noel Grealish asked the Minister for Finance if primary medical certificate applications are still being accepted and processed; if not, the reason therefor; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27203/20]

Primary Medical Certificates

Noel Grealish

266. Deputy Noel Grealish asked the Minister for Finance if primary medical certificate applications are still being accepted and processed; if not, the reason therefor; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27329/20]

Covid-19 Pandemic

Noel Grealish

267. Deputy Noel Grealish asked the Minister for Finance if his attention has been drawn to data from the Central Bank showing total savings of €120 billion held by households; his plans to introduce stimulus measures to help release this money into local economies to help the retail and hospitality sectors which have been acutely affected by the Covid-19 pandemic; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26280/20]

Covid-19 Pandemic Supports

Noel Grealish

268. Deputy Noel Grealish asked the Minister for Finance his views on whether a stimulus package targeted at the retail and hospitality sectors is required; his further views on a proposal from business representative groups to give each adult over 18 years of age a gift card of a predetermined monetary value in order to boost consumer spending to reboot the economy; his views on such a proposal; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26281/20]

Covid-19 Pandemic Supports

Noel Grealish

352. Deputy Noel Grealish asked the Minister for Media, Tourism, Arts, Culture, Sport and the Gaeltacht the policy responses and targeted supports for the hospitality sector in order that consumer spending can return to pre-Covid-19 levels in view of the up to 250,000 people employed in hospitality; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26282/20]

Special Educational Needs

Noel Grealish

438. Deputy Noel Grealish asked the Minister for Education the status of the case of a child (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26285/20]

Dental Services

Noel Grealish

762. Deputy Noel Grealish asked the Minister for Health if additional funding for PPE is being provided to dental practices that cater for medical card patients; if his attention has been drawn to the fact that some dental practices are refusing to take medical card patients as they have not received adequate PPE; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26286/20]

Maternity Services

Noel Grealish

865. Deputy Noel Grealish asked the Minister for Health when fathers will be allowed to attend prenatal appointments and births of their children; if this is a Departmental directive; if it is a decision by each health group; the rationale for this decision; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26703/20]

Animal Slaughtering

Noel Grealish

1031. Deputy Noel Grealish asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the percentage of the overall kill of cattle in the previous three years up to the end of August 2020 that came from feedlots [27205/20]

Animal Slaughtering

Noel Grealish

1035. Deputy Noel Grealish asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the percentage of cattle slaughtered for the previous three years up to the end of August 2020 that came from factory owned feedlots; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27330/20]

Animal Slaughtering

Noel Grealish

1036. Deputy Noel Grealish asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the percentage of the overall kill of cattle for the previous three years up to the end of August 2020 that came from feedlots; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27331/20]

School Transport

Noel Grealish

79. Deputy Noel Grealish asked the Minister for Education the details of the new school transport allowance which is payable to parents of children who are eligible for school transport but do not use this school transport due to Covid-19 concerns; when this allowance will be payable; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24294/20]

State Examinations

Noel Grealish

408. Deputy Noel Grealish asked the Minister for Education the reason the algorithm used to calculate students grades did not respect the teachers' assessments of students grades, particularly in private colleges in which students have a much closer relationship with teachers, thereby giving teachers a better understanding of the students abilities; the reason grind schools have had their grades reduced more than other schools; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [23542/20]

State Examinations

Noel Grealish

409. Deputy Noel Grealish asked the Minister for Education if students who transferred to a different school after their junior certificate had their junior certificate grades assessed as part of their leaving certificate grades calculation in view of the fact that this cohort of students are being treated unfairly and differently to the rest of the students; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [23543/20]

Local Authority Funding

Noel Grealish

96. Deputy Noel Grealish asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if the €1 million emergency injection which was announced on 11 October 2019 was allocated to Galway County Council; if it has not been allocated to address the immediate funding shortfall, the purpose of same; the reason for the delay in allocating this funding; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23256/20]

Property Tax

Noel Grealish

97. Deputy Noel Grealish asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the way in which changes to local property tax will benefit County Galway further to a statement by the Minister of State with special responsibility for local government and planning on 11 October 2019 to that effect; the details of the changes to the tax in view of the fact that County Galway is the second biggest county in Ireland and has the second lowest funding per capita; when these changes will take place; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23257/20]

Rental Sector

Noel Grealish

396. Deputy Noel Grealish asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the provision being introduced to penalise tenants that have refused to pay rent while seeking the safeguard of emergency legislation on not terminating their lease and leaving a property; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21111/20]

Probate Applications

Noel Grealish

810. Deputy Noel Grealish asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the wait time for personal applications to the Probate Office; if there are differing wait times for applications from legal firms; when the Probate Office last accepted a personal application; the status of the promised review of the probate system which was to be completed by the end of 2017; when the recommendations of the review will be implemented; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [18888/20]

Covid-19 Pandemic Supports

Noel Grealish

155. Deputy Noel Grealish asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the supports, subsidies and emergency funding measures given to Dublin Bus and Bus Éireann; the date on which the supports were given; the further supports planned; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16863/20]

Schools Building Projects

Noel Grealish

103. Deputy Noel Grealish asked the Minister for Education and Skills the stages involved in the school building process; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [16326/20]

Schools Building Projects

Noel Grealish

104. Deputy Noel Grealish asked the Minister for Education and Skills the status of the new school building for schools (details supplied); if funding has been allocated for the construction of the school; the timescale for completion of the project; when the new school will be handed over; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [16327/20]

Road Projects

Noel Grealish

136. Deputy Noel Grealish asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the start date for the commencement of the construction of the J14 link road and Bracken Link Road, Sandyford; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14747/20]

Road Projects

Noel Grealish

137. Deputy Noel Grealish asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if the tender process for the construction of the J14 link road and Bracken link road, Sandyford, has been completed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14748/20]

Road Projects

Noel Grealish

138. Deputy Noel Grealish asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if the appointment of contractors for the construction of the J14 link road and Bracken link road, Sandyford, has been completed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14749/20]

Motor Tax

Noel Grealish

199. Deputy Noel Grealish asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if there is legislation or policy to allow driving schools that had parked up vehicles for a number of months during lockdown to claim a refund on motor tax paid for that period of time; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15096/20]

School Transport

Noel Grealish

536. Deputy Noel Grealish asked the Minister for Education and Skills if refunds will be given for school transport which was paid in advance for the 2019-20 academic year; if school transport costs will be reduced for the forthcoming academic year in view of the fact that school transport was paid for but not used after 12 March 2020; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14752/20]

Wage Subsidy Scheme

Noel Grealish

154. Deputy Noel Grealish asked the Minister for Finance the estimated number of taxpayers in receipt of the temporary wage subsidy scheme who will have an additional tax, USC and or PRSA liability as a result of the tax at the end of 2020; the average amount liable; the number of taxpayers on the pandemic unemployment payment who are projected to have an additional tax, USC and or PRSA liability at the end of 2020 as a result of receiving same; the average amount liable; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13820/20]

Summer Works Scheme

Noel Grealish

441. Deputy Noel Grealish asked the Minister for Education and Skills if funding will be allocated following an appeal under the summer works scheme for urgent playground resurfacing for a school (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14251/20]

Health Services Staff

Noel Grealish

795. Deputy Noel Grealish asked the Minister for Health the number of posts vacant in CHO2; the number of vacant posts in the Saolta Hospital Group; the breakdown of the vacant posts; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14250/20]

School Transport

Noel Grealish

130. Deputy Noel Grealish asked the Minister for Education and Skills the consultation that has taken place between her Department and the school bus transportation sector regarding school transport in September 2020; the dates of all correspondence in this regard; the issues discussed; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12829/20]

Teaching Council of Ireland

Noel Grealish

131. Deputy Noel Grealish asked the Minister for Education and Skills if she will work with the Teaching Council to ensure that newly qualified teachers that were completing the Droichead programme are not disadvantaged by the sudden closure of schools in March 2020; if she will work with the Teaching Council to ensure that Droichead completion is accepted by the Teaching Council if principals are satisfied to sign off on same; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12831/20]

Citizenship Ceremonies

Noel Grealish

299. Deputy Noel Grealish asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if she will consider online citizenship ceremonies for naturalised citizens in view of the fact regular citizenship ceremonies cannot take place; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [13026/20]

Medicinal Products

Noel Grealish

401. Deputy Noel Grealish asked the Minister for Health if versatis pain patches are prescribed under the GMS scheme for conditions other than shingles; the other conditions these patches are prescribed for; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12832/20]

Legislative Measures

Noel Grealish

877. Deputy Noel Grealish asked the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government if there is a more accurate description of the reserved function referenced in section 109 of the Housing Act 1966 listed in a more recent Act; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12830/20]

Tax Data

Noel Grealish

57. Deputy Noel Grealish asked the Minister for Finance the cost in income tax foregone of income tax relief granted in 2019 on superannuation contributions, excluding the additional superannuation contribution paid by public service employees to public service and statutory occupational pension schemes in that year; the cost in income tax foregone of income tax relief granted in 2019 under section 790CA Taxes Consolidation Act 1997 on additional superannuation contributions paid by public service employees in that year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9890/20]

Public Sector Pensions

Noel Grealish

89. Deputy Noel Grealish asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the number of public service pensioners and the average pension before tax deductions, excluding those receiving spouse’s and children’s pensions; the proportion of current public service pensioners under 65 years of age; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9889/20]

Covid-19 Pandemic Supports

Noel Grealish

266. Deputy Noel Grealish asked the Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation if the restart grant for small businesses is open to golf clubs that are privately owned and operated through limited companies; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [9801/20]

Covid-19 Pandemic

Noel Grealish

353. Deputy Noel Grealish asked the Minister for Health if a person in the business of furniture repair, who works alone, which entails calling to persons' homes, is permitted to recommence this work on 8 June 2020 under phase 2 of the Roadmap for Reopening Society and Business; the type of PPE required for this type of business; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9905/20]

Covid-19 Pandemic Supports

Noel Grealish

623. Deputy Noel Grealish asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the schemes or grants available for community and voluntary groups, for example, active retirement groups which have experienced a significant loss of income in view of the fact meetings can no longer take place due to the Covid-19 crisis; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9793/20]

Special Educational Needs

Noel Grealish

208. Deputy Noel Grealish asked the Minister for Education and Skills if the July provision will be provided in a school-based setting for children with severe and profound intellectual disabilities; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8798/20]

Company Liquidations

Noel Grealish

432. Deputy Noel Grealish asked the Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation the steps being taken to help persons (details supplied) secure redundancy packages; the efforts made to determine ownership of the Irish website and stock; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8510/20]

Disabilities Data

Noel Grealish

604. Deputy Noel Grealish asked the Minister for Health the number of children who have a severe or profound disability; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8797/20]

Covid-19 Pandemic Unemployment Payment

Noel Grealish

1070. Deputy Noel Grealish asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection if a person who was laid off due to the Covid-19 pandemic can continue to remain on the pandemic unemployment payment despite the person's employer reopening in order that the person can continue to provide essential childcare in the family home in view of the fact crèches, schools and other childcare facilities remain closed; the steps being taken to help families in this situation; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8511/20]

Covid-19 Pandemic Unemployment Payment

Noel Grealish

1071. Deputy Noel Grealish asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection the options available in terms of social welfare support to a person who is in receipt of the pandemic unemployment payment and can only return to self-employment on a part-time basis; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8512/20]

Covid-19 Pandemic Unemployment Payment

Noel Grealish

1085. Deputy Noel Grealish asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection the steps being taken to allow persons who were in the process of changing jobs when the national shutdown commenced but were not actually on the payroll of their new company to avail of the pandemic unemployment payment, many of whom had a full employment history; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8631/20]

State Examinations

Noel Grealish

206. Deputy Noel Grealish asked the Minister for Education and Skills the way in which the predictive grading system will work for leaving certificate students that are currently home schooled; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7719/20]

Maternity Leave

Noel Grealish

309. Deputy Noel Grealish asked the Minister for Justice and Equality his plans to extend maternity benefit and maternity leave on a temporary basis in view of the difficulties experienced by new mothers in sourcing childcare and returning to work during the Covid-19 pandemic; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7517/20]

Covid-19 Pandemic

Noel Grealish

553. Deputy Noel Grealish asked the Minister for Health the phase under which speech and language and occupational therapists can reopen under the Roadmap for Reopening Society and Business; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7518/20]

Health Services Staff

Noel Grealish

582. Deputy Noel Grealish asked the Minister for Health the reason some posts in the HSE are confined to staff employed in the HSE, Tusla or other defined agencies despite the fact that better qualified and more suitable persons may apply from outside the defined organisations but are not considered for the posts; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7775/20]

Driver Test

Noel Grealish

812. Deputy Noel Grealish asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport when he plans to resume driver tests particularly for those persons that urgently require a test in order take-up employment and require a full licence or a bus or truck licence; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7720/20]

Driver Test Centres

Noel Grealish

813. Deputy Noel Grealish asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if there are parking facilities provided at the RSA testing centre at Carnmore, Oranmore, County Galway; if so, the number of vehicle parking places dedicated; if not, if parking facilities will be provided; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7721/20]

Shannon Airport Facilities

Noel Grealish

814. Deputy Noel Grealish asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the steps he will take to ensure that Shannon Airport is not downgraded and that when regular scheduled flights resume, a company (details supplied) continues to operate services from the airport to ensure that a service is provided on the western seaboard; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7722/20]

Burial Grounds

Noel Grealish

893. Deputy Noel Grealish asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development if new schemes have been announced to provide funding to community groups maintaining cemeteries no longer able to carry out maintenance due to social distancing requirements and that can no longer fundraise or raise funds through donations in the community to pay contractors; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7295/20]

Passport Applications

Noel Grealish

28. Deputy Noel Grealish asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the date the passport office will recommence the processing of routine passport applications; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5703/20]

Insurance Coverage

Noel Grealish

54. Deputy Noel Grealish asked the Minister for Finance if further engagement has been or is planned to be taken with the insurance industry regarding insurance cover for businesses required to close during the Covid-19 emergency; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5922/20]

Commencement of Legislation

Noel Grealish

81. Deputy Noel Grealish asked the Minister for Finance the stages required in order to commence the Consumer Insurance Contracts Act 2019; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5921/20]

State Examinations

Noel Grealish

250. Deputy Noel Grealish asked the Minister for Education and Skills the effect the school profiling element will have on a student's grade; the way in which fairness will be achieved in the national standardisation process in situations in which a student is attending a lower ranking school but may be a high achiever and would have performed well in a written examination but may have their results downgraded as part of the national standardisation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6238/20]

Workplace Safety

Noel Grealish

568. Deputy Noel Grealish asked the Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation her plans for ensuring compliance with the inevitable strict rules that will have to be put in place when persons return to work; her views on whether a dedicated compliance person in organisations above a certain size would be beneficial to ensure that new practices and habits are adhered to; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [5923/20]

Covid-19 Pandemic Unemployment Payment

Noel Grealish

1232. Deputy Noel Grealish asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection her plans to backdate the Covid-19 pandemic unemployment payment for persons who were unemployed as a result of the pandemic but did not receive their payment for a number of weeks; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6061/20]

Emergency Accommodation Provision

Noel Grealish

1318. Deputy Noel Grealish asked the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government the contact details in his Department for the section taking inquiries from accommodation providers who wish to provide emergency accommodation for Covid-19 related cases; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5702/20]

Social and Affordable Housing

Noel Grealish

1354. Deputy Noel Grealish asked the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government the criteria for repayment of proceeds following the sale of an affordable home by a person who had originally purchased this home from a local authority; if the same repayment rules apply for each local authority; if solicitors and auctioneers fees can be deducted before the repayment amount is calculated; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6307/20]

Social and Affordable Housing

Noel Grealish

1355. Deputy Noel Grealish asked the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government the capital grants provided to Galway City Council in 2018 and 2019, respectively, under the social housing investment programme to assist in the construction and renewal of social rented accommodation for persons and families who have been assessed as in need of housing support under categories (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6308/20]

Social and Affordable Housing

Noel Grealish

1356. Deputy Noel Grealish asked the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government the status of the construction and renewal of social rented accommodation for persons and families who have been assessed as in need of housing support under categories (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6309/20]

Covid-19 Pandemic

Noel Grealish

1407. Deputy Noel Grealish asked the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht if she will consider the Roadmap for Reopening Society and Business for the practice of classical ballet as proposed by an organisation (details supplied); the phase they will be able to re-open at; her views on same; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6239/20]

Ambulance Service

Noel Grealish

493. Deputy Noel Grealish asked the Minister for Health the status of an ambulance base proposed for Maam Cross, County Galway, which was agreed by the National Ambulance Service and is awaiting HSE approval; the timeframe for a decision on the ambulance base; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4164/20]