Parliamentary questions

Vaccination Programme

Catherine Connolly

1797. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Health further to Parliamentary Question No. 844 of 31 March 2021, the progress of the vaccine injury compensation scheme for the Covid-19 vaccine; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18337/23]

Direct Provision System

Catherine Connolly

27. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth further to Parliamentary Question No. 85 of 9 February 2023, the status of the review of projected timelines for the implementation of the White Paper to end direct provision and to establish a new international protection support service; his plans to publish the outcomes of the review; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15740/23]

Direct Provision System

Catherine Connolly

30. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the status of the programme for Government commitment to end direct provision; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15741/23]

Further and Higher Education

Catherine Connolly

84. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science further to Parliamentary Question No. 66 of 14 February 2023, if he will provide a status update on the proposed new further education college in Galway city; the status of the development of the preliminary business case; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15752/23]

Apprenticeship Programmes

Catherine Connolly

95. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if he will provide details of any engagement he has had with the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine with a view to further expanding apprenticeships in the agricultural sector, for example, in the wool sector; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15753/23]

Child and Family Agency

Catherine Connolly

234. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth if it is the case that that any child with a moderate or severe or profound disability who is in crisis must first go through the Tusla child protection criteria, relating to reasonable grounds or thresholds, in order to be considered for residential funding; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15836/23]

Nursing Education

Catherine Connolly

282. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Health the timeline for the payment of the enhanced travel and subsistence scheme for student nurses and midwives in years one to three of their training, whereby each will receive €500 per year; the details of the Departmental circular outlining the details of the enhanced scheme; the number of payments that have been made to date under the enhanced scheme; the number of such payments outstanding; the reason for any delays in making the payments; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15816/23]

Social Welfare Schemes

Catherine Connolly

82. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Social Protection further to Parliamentary Question No. 56 of 9 February 2023, the status of the development of the straw-man proposal for the restructuring of long-term disability payments; the timeline for the public consultation; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [15173/23]

School Meals Programme

Catherine Connolly

141. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Social Protection further to Parliamentary Question No. 53 of 9 February 2023, the status of the examination of the final report of the review of the school meals programme; when the final report will be published; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [15172/23]

Direct Provision System

Catherine Connolly

534. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth further to Parliamentary Question No. 443 of 14 February 2023, and his deferred response of 10 March 2023 by way of email, if the contracted capacity of each individual centre will be provided as requested; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15389/23]

Immigration Status

Catherine Connolly

599. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Justice the number of persons granted stamp 4 permission to remain under the categories, by Ministerial discretion, under exceptional measure, by exceptional circumstance, and on the basis of an Irish born/citizen child, in tabular form; if he will provide the data for each of the years from 2017 to 2022 for people who came through the international protection process, and for those who did not come through the international protection process (details supplied). [15417/23]

International Protection

Catherine Connolly

600. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Justice the way in which international protection applicants can access legal aid when they apply for international protection; if he is aware of delays experienced by international protection applicants in accessing legal aid; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15418/23]

International Protection

Catherine Connolly

601. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Justice the number of cultural mediators employed at the International Protection Office; to outline their role and remit; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15419/23]

Defence Forces

Catherine Connolly

30. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence further to Parliamentary Question No. 17 of 2 February 2023, when the independent assessment (details supplied) will be published; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13642/23]

Defence Forces

Catherine Connolly

33. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence further to Parliamentary Question No. 61 of 2 February 2023, when the final report of the independent review to examine the effectiveness of the policies, systems and procedures in place for dealing with bullying, harassment, discrimination, sexual harassment and sexual assault in the Defence Forces, will be published; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13641/23]

Special Educational Needs

Catherine Connolly

119. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Education further to Parliamentary Question No. 128 of 2 February 2023, her plans to publish the Department’s review of the summer programme; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [13644/23]

Forbairt na Gaeilge

Catherine Connolly

129. D'fhiafraigh Deputy Catherine Connolly den Aire Oideachais maidir le Ceist Pharlaiminte Uimh. 145 den 11 Feabhra 2023, soiléiriú a thabhairt ar an dul chun cinn atá déanta maidir leis an bplean chun beartas cuimsitheach don Ghaeilge sa chóras oideachais, idir leibhéal an oideachais réamhscoile agus leibhéal an oideachais do mhúinteoirí, a fhorbairt agus a fhoilsiú; cathain a fhoilseofar an beartas nua; agus an ndéanfaidh sí ráiteas ina thaobh. [13643/23]

Middle East

Catherine Connolly

88. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will provide details of his bilateral engagement to-date in 2023 with his Israeli counterpart with regard to the ongoing demolition and seizure of Palestinian property in the Occupied Palestinian Territories; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13635/23]

Ukraine War

Catherine Connolly

126. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs further to Parliamentary Question No. 105 of 31 January 2023, if he will provide an update on Ireland's efforts at EU and UN levels to stop the war in Ukraine; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13636/23]

Fire Service

Catherine Connolly

402. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the details of plans for the implementation of the recommendations of the report Retained Fire Services in Ireland: A Review of Recruitment and Retention and the Future Sustainability of Service Delivery, which was published in December 2022; the status of the implementation of the recommendations of the report; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12349/23]

Ukraine War

Catherine Connolly

601. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence , further to Parliamentary Question No. 21 of 24 November 2022, if he will provide an update on Ireland's involvement in the European Union Military Assistance Mission Ukraine, EUMAM Ukraine; the status of plans for the training of Ukrainian soldiers on EU soil; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13699/23]

Schools Building Projects

Catherine Connolly

686. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Education if she will provide details, including the location, of the 58 school building projects due to go to tender or construction in 2023 that are reported to be on hold due to funding issues (details supplied); the engagement her Department has had with the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform with a view to addressing this issue; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [13041/23]

Education Schemes

Catherine Connolly

775. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Education the status of the Gaeltacht school recognition scheme; the number of schools recognised to-date as Gaeltacht schools under the scheme; the locations of same; the expected timeline for the recognition of schools under the scheme; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [13697/23]

Legislative Measures

Catherine Connolly

776. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Education the status of the Education (Student and Parent Charter) Bill 2019; the expected timeline for the enactment of the legislation; the reason for the delay in enacting the legislation; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [13698/23]

National Archives

Catherine Connolly

902. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth further to Parliamentary Question No. 195 of 5 May 2022, when the archive of the McAleese commission will be transferred to the National Archives; the steps he is taking to ensure this happens without delay; if the transfer will include an instruction to publish; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12553/23]

International Protection

Catherine Connolly

909. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the supports and services offered to international protection applicants who are not offered material reception conditions when requesting them; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12697/23]

International Protection

Catherine Connolly

910. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth if international protection applicants are entitled to the daily expenses allowance or any other payment or support if they are not given material reception conditions; the way in which they can access that payment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12698/23]

International Protection

Catherine Connolly

911. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth if international protection applicants accommodated at a location (details supplied) are entitled to the daily expenses allowance or any payment or support; the way in which they can access that payment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12699/23]

Direct Provision System

Catherine Connolly

959. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth further to Parliamentary Question No. 443 of 14 February 2023, and the provision of the information by email, if the contracted capacity of each centre can be provided as requested; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13325/23]

Domestic Violence

Catherine Connolly

1046. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Justice if he will provide details of the number of domestic violence refuge spaces in each county, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12339/23]

An Teanga Gaeilge

Catherine Connolly

1051. D'fhiafraigh Deputy Catherine Connolly den Aire Dlí agus Cirt an bhfuil taifead á choinneáil ar líon na mbreithiúna a bhfuil sé ar a gcumas acu cás a éisteacht trí Ghaeilge, agus miondealú ar an taifead sin de réir leibhéal Cúirte agus de réir ceantair, agus cad é an líon breithiúna a bhfuil an cumas sin acu sna cúirteanna sin atá ag freastal ar cheantair Ghaeltachta. [12364/23]

Hospital Services

Catherine Connolly

1458. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Health his plans to carry out a review of the HSE acute care active performance management system, as recommended in the 2022 Spending Review Report, Hospital Performance: An Analysis of HSE Key Performance Indicators; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13578/23]

Fishery Harbour Centres

Catherine Connolly

1593. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine with regard to the permit parking arrangements at Ros an Mhíl Fishery Harbour Centre for persons whose normal place of residence is on the Aran Islands, the consideration that has been given to the inclusion of vehicles taxed as “motor caravans”, particularly if they are the applicant’s only means of transport on the mainland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13861/23]

Fishery Harbour Centres

Catherine Connolly

1594. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the reason vehicles taxed as motor caravans are not included under the permit parking arrangements at Ros an Mhíl Fishery Harbour Centre for persons whose normal place of residence is on the Aran Islands; if he will provide details of the policy underpinning the exclusion of such vehicles; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13863/23]

Inshore Fisheries

Catherine Connolly

12. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine further to Parliamentary Question No. 181 of 8 December 2022, the status of the programme for Government commitment to ensure that inshore waters are protected for smaller fishing vessels and that pair trawling will be prohibited within the 6-mile nautical limit; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11811/23]

Common Fisheries Policy

Catherine Connolly

25. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the status of the implementation of Article 17 of the Common Fisheries Policy; the details of any engagement he has had with an organisation (details supplied) with regard to their recent call for the full implementation of Article 17; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11812/23]

Mortgage Resolution Processes

Catherine Connolly

117. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage for details of the cost to date of the mortgage to rent scheme; if he will provide a breakdown of the funding provided to the scheme in each of the years since 2012, in tabular form; if any analysis has been carried out into the amount of money paid out by approved housing bodies and the approved private company in the purchasing of homes under the scheme; if any analysis has been carried out into the amount of money paid to approved housing bodies and the approved private company in rent under the scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11813/23]

Housing Provision

Catherine Connolly

118. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage further to Parliamentary Question No. 85 of 26 January 2023, if he has received the report in respect of 2021 and 2022 to date from the Galway Social Housing Task Force; if so, if he will provide a copy of same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11814/23]

Child Protection

Catherine Connolly

281. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth if he will clarify whether child protection assessments are carried out in respect of all referrals of children to HSE Disability Services; if he will provide details of any analysis carried out by his Department on the operation of the HSE Disability Services referral system in the cases of children, particularly regarding the engagement between the HSE and Tusla during the child protection assessment process; if his attention has been drawn to delays in the delivery of HSE Disability Services to children as a result of delays in the carrying-out of child protection assessments by Tusla; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12040/23]

Disability Services

Catherine Connolly

326. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Health his plans to expand public healthcare services for children with disabilities, with a view to decreasing the use of private providers in this area; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12050/23]

Housing Policy

Catherine Connolly

112. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the details of any analysis carried out by his Department into the operation of the choice-based letting system; what measures are in place to assist older persons and persons with disabilities in accessing the system, particularly in local authority areas in which the online choice based system is used; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11938/23]

Planning Issues

Catherine Connolly

113. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage further to Parliamentary Question No. 90 of 26 January 2023, the status of the development of the promised section 28 guidelines for planning in Gaeltacht areas; the status of the screening assessments; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11939/23]

Agriculture Supports

Catherine Connolly

278. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine further to Parliamentary Question No. 163 of 8 December 2022, the status of the establishment of the wool council; if the promised €30,000 for initial set-up costs has been drawn down to date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11952/23]

Departmental Bodies

Catherine Connolly

76. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Finance further to Parliamentary Question No. 240 of 24 January 2023, the status of the Disabled Drivers Medical Board of Appeal; the details of the body that will provide the facilities and secretarial service, in light of the recent decision by the National Rehabilitation Hospital to cease its involvement with the scheme; the timeline for when the appeals process will recommence; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11107/23]

Tax Reliefs

Catherine Connolly

128. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Finance further to Parliamentary Question No. 121 of 24 January 2023, his plans for the phasing out of the help-to-buy scheme; the timeline for same; the details of any analysis carried out by his Department into the impact of the scheme on the price of new houses in 2022; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11106/23]

Social Welfare Benefits

Catherine Connolly

451. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Social Protection further to Parliamentary Question Nos. 313 and 314 of 27 September 2022, her plans to extend the free travel scheme to persons with an epilepsy diagnosis; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11548/23]

Healthcare Policy

Catherine Connolly

681. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Health the reason the HSE has ceased funding under the treatment abroad scheme for young persons suffering from brittle bone disease who have been undergoing treatment abroad in the UK for many years, as in a particular case (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11603/23]

Rail Network

Catherine Connolly

54. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Transport further to Parliamentary Questions Nos. 33 of 10 November 2022 and 81 of 19 January 2023, the status of the preparations for carrying out the promised feasibility study of light rail in Galway; the timeline for the feasibility study; the status of the specialist team tasked with assisting the National Transport Authority in the updating of the Galway Transport Strategy; the membership of the specialist team; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10377/23]

Park-and-Ride Facilities

Catherine Connolly

66. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Transport further to Parliamentary Question Nos. 6 of 10 November 2022 and 47 of 19 January 2023, the progress to date on the roll-out of park-and-ride facilities in Galway; the details of any engagement he has had with the park-and-ride development office relating to the Draft Park and Ride Strategy: Galway City and Environs, and in particular with a view to ensuring the delivery of park-and-ride on the western side of the city as a matter of urgency; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10376/23]

Flood Risk Management

Catherine Connolly

110. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform further to Parliamentary Question No. 131 of 19 January 2023, the status of the review of the programme for the Coirib go Cósta flood relief scheme; the status of the revised programme; if it has been completed to date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10372/23]

EU Funding

Catherine Connolly

113. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform the engagement he has had with a group (details supplied) on its call for a stimulus package for the Northern and Western Region, as well as increased capital investment in the region’s infrastructure assets, in view of the classification of the region by EU bodies as a “region in transition” and a “lagging region”; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10373/23]

Irish Language

Catherine Connolly

62. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform further to Parliamentary Question No. 116 of 15 November 2022, the status of his Department's work to date on the implementation of the Official Languages (Amendment) Act 2021; if he will provide an update on his Department's role on the Irish Languages Services Advisory Committee, particularly in relation to the preparation of the national plan to increase the provision of services through Irish and survey the number of Irish speakers employed by the public service; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10383/23]

School Staff

Catherine Connolly

101. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Education her plans to provide for student teachers to be paid for the hours they work while on placement; the details of any analysis carried out by her Department in this regard; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [10384/23]

Direct Provision System

Catherine Connolly

134. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth further to Parliamentary Question No. 443 of 14 February 2022, if the information can now be provided; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10448/23]

Residency Permits

Catherine Connolly

147. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Justice his plans to reduce the €300 annual fee for renewals of Irish residence permit cards for non-EEA students in view of the ongoing cost-of-living crisis; the details of any analysis carried out by his Department in this regard; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10396/23]

Residency Permits

Catherine Connolly

148. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Justice what, if any, fees apply for the replacement of a lost or stolen Irish residence permit card; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10397/23]

Climate Action Plan

Catherine Connolly

60. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications further to Parliamentary Question No. 119 of 15 December 2022, the status of the promised statutory guidelines for the implementation of local authority climate action plans, which will include the guidelines for the implementation of the local authority decarbonisation zones; the timeline for the publication of the statutory guidelines; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9910/23]

Local Authorities

Catherine Connolly

61. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if he will provide details of any analysis carried out by his Department with regard to carrying out a pilot project for local authority decarbonisation zones, in advance of the national roll-out of local authority decarbonisations zones, so that the results of the pilot project could feed into the national roll-out; if he will provide details of any engagement he or his Department has had with the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage in this regard; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9835/23]

Departmental Reviews

Catherine Connolly

82. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the status of the Government’s review of energy security; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9837/23]

Climate Change Policy

Catherine Connolly

89. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications further to Parliamentary Question No. 19 of 8 November 2022, the details of any engagement he has had since November 2022 with Galway City and County Councils with regard to supporting and promoting efforts at local government level on climate action; the details of any engagement he has had since November 2022 with the Atlantic Seaboard North CARO; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9836/23]

Energy Conservation

Catherine Connolly

100. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications further to Parliamentary Question No. 126 of 8 November 2022, the status of the heat and built environment delivery task force; if the task force has met to date; the membership of the task force; the terms of reference of the task force; if minutes are taken in respect of meetings of the task force; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9838/23]

Departmental Schemes

Catherine Connolly

110. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications further to Parliamentary Question No. 91 of 15 December 2022, if he will clarify if the community category will be continued for RESS 3; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9839/23]

Emergency Accommodation

Catherine Connolly

437. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the number of international protection applicants currently accommodated in a facility (details supplied); of this number, the number of children under the age of eighteen years; the average length of stay of those children under the age of eighteen years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9614/23]

Island Communities

Catherine Connolly

5. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development further to Parliamentary Question No. 401 of 19 January 2023, the date on which the new policy for the islands will be published; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [9410/23]

Offshore Islands

Catherine Connolly

15. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development further to Parliamentary Question No. 401 of 19 January 2023, the date on which the new policy for the islands will be published; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [9083/23]

Harbours and Piers

Catherine Connolly

18. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development further to Question No. 320 of 14 December 2022, if she will provide an update on the development of Caladh Mór pier on Inis Meáin; if her Department has received the draft business case to date; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [9084/23]

Departmental Funding

Catherine Connolly

36. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development further to Parliamentary Question No. 321 of 14 December 2022, the status of the 2023 community centres investment fund which will be targeted for new build community centres; the details of the funding that will be allocated to new build community centres under the scheme; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [9086/23]

Offshore Islands

Catherine Connolly

41. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development further to Parliamentary Question No. 401 of 19 January 2023, the status of the examination of the draft Islands policy by her Department; when she expects to bring the approved policy before Government; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [9082/23]

Harbours and Piers

Catherine Connolly

42. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development further to Parliamentary Question No. 319 of 14 December 2022, if she will provide an update on the development of the pier on Inis Oírr; the status of the CPO process; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [9085/23]

Enterprise Policy

Catherine Connolly

74. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if he will provide details of the plan for the implementation of the White Paper on Enterprise 2022-2030, including a detailed timeline with key milestones; the details of the plans, under the White Paper, to support indigenous enterprises; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9165/23]

Work Permits

Catherine Connolly

96. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the number of employment permits issued in respect of non-EEA home care workers since the changes in December 2022 to the employment permits system for workers from outside the EEA to address skills shortages in the home care sector; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9167/23]

Enterprise Support Services

Catherine Connolly

100. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if he will provide details of the grants and supports available from his Department to assist persons with disabilities in establishing, building and sustaining their own businesses; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9091/23]

Departmental Bodies

Catherine Connolly

123. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment further to Parliamentary Question No. 83 of 13 December 2022, the status of the cross-departmental group, co-chaired by his Department, to oversee implementation of the transition from the atypical scheme for non-EEA crew in the Irish fishing fleet to the employment permits scheme; the terms of reference of the group; the membership of the group; the number of times the group has met to date; if minutes are taken in respect of the group's meetings; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9092/23]

Human Rights

Catherine Connolly

147. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment further to Parliamentary Question No. 123 of 13 December 2022, if he will provide a status update on his Department's engagement with the Department of Foreign Affairs with a view to developing a new action plan on business and human rights and to advancing effective action in this area; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9166/23]

Middle East

Catherine Connolly

217. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will provide details of his priority discussions with his European Union counterparts at the Foreign Affairs Council in January 2023 on the situation of the occupied Palestine territory, as referenced in a recent Parliamentary Question reply; if there were any outcomes as a result of these discussions; the further steps he intends to take in this regard; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9405/23]

Middle East

Catherine Connolly

218. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs in the context of his recent reply concerning the illegal Israeli occupation of Palestinian territory, how he proposes that the international community should practically support the Palestinian Authority in its recourse to legal and political responses to the occupation; the role he envisages for civil society in this regard; the action that has been taken by Ireland's European Union partners to impede the further development of illegal settlements; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9406/23]

Trade Agreements

Catherine Connolly

38. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment further to Parliamentary Question No. 112 of 13 December 2022, if he will provide a status update on his engagement at WTO and European Union level on the proposal to extend the 17 June 2022 decision of the WTO on the TRIPS agreement to cover Covid-19 therapeutics and diagnostic tests; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9089/23]

Income Inequality

Catherine Connolly

39. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment pursuant to the programme for Government 2020, the status of plans for a universal basic income pilot in the lifetime of the Government; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9090/23]

Legislative Process

Catherine Connolly

196. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Justice further to Parliamentary Question No. 1091 of 18 January 2023, the status of the drafting of the criminal justice (sexual offences and human trafficking) Bill 2022; when he expects to publish the Bill; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8981/23]

International Agreements

Catherine Connolly

197. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Justice further to Parliamentary Question No. 1091 of 18 January 2023, the legislative changes required in order for Ireland to fully ratify the optional protocol to the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child on the Sale of Children, Child Prostitution and Child Pornography; the expected timeline for Ireland to ratify the optional protocol; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8982/23]

Caiteachas Gaeilge agus Gaeltachta

Catherine Connolly

87. D'fhiafraigh Deputy Catherine Connolly den Aire Turasóireachta, Cultúir, Ealaíon, Gaeltachta, Spóirt agus Meán an bhfuil i gceist aici Ciste Caipitil agus Bonneagair a bheidh dírithe go sonrach ar na Gaeltachtaí a chur ar fáil; agus an ndéanfaidh sí ráiteas ina thaobh. [8514/23]

Culture Policy

Catherine Connolly

96. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media further to Parliamentary Question No. 8 of 26 January 2023, the status of the legacy framework arising from Galway 2020; when the framework will be published; if she will provide a detailed breakdown of how the remaining €1 million from her Department’s contribution to Galway 2020 will be spent; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8510/23]

Culture Policy

Catherine Connolly

98. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media if she will clarify the process whereby artists and artistic and cultural groups in Galway city and county can access funding under the remaining €1 million from her Department’s contribution to Galway 2020 under the legacy programme; the amount of the remaining €1 million that will be allocated specifically to projects by artists and artistic and cultural groups; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8511/23]

Coláistí Samhraidh

Catherine Connolly

102. D'fhiafraigh Deputy Catherine Connolly den Aire Turasóireachta, Cultúir, Ealaíon, Gaeltachta, Spóirt agus Meán maidir le Ceist Pharlaiminte 3701/23, cén dul chun cinn atá déanta maidir leis an athbhreithniú ar chás na gcoláistí samhraidh; an bhfuil gasra oibre bunaithe ag a Roinn; agus an ndéanfaidh sí ráiteas ina thaobh. [8512/23]

Údarás na Gaeltachta

Catherine Connolly

104. D'fhiafraigh Deputy Catherine Connolly den Aire Turasóireachta, Cultúir, Ealaíon, Gaeltachta, Spóirt agus Meán maidir le Ceist Pharlaiminte 3700/23, cén dul chun cinn atá déanta maidir leis an tríú gné den obair athbhreithniúcháin atá idir lámha ag Údarás na Gaeltachta maidir leis na córais agus leis an gcur chuige atá á gcur i ngníomh ag an Údarás faoi láthair chun tacú le cur chun cinn na Gaeilge sna cliantchuideachtaí agus maidir leis na bealaí ina ndéantar an t-ábhar a bhaineann leo a riaradh; agus an ndéanfaidh sí ráiteas ina thaobh. [8513/23]

An Coimisinéir Teanga

Catherine Connolly

269. D'fhiafraigh Deputy Catherine Connolly den Aire Turasóireachta, Cultúir, Ealaíon, Gaeltachta, Spóirt agus Meán maidir le Ceist Phairliminte 3699/23, soiléiriú a thabhairt ar stádas an fheachtais earcaíochta maidir le Coimisinéir Teanga nua a cheapadh; agus an ndéanfaidh sí ráiteas ina thaobh. [8506/23]

State Pensions

Catherine Connolly

492. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Social Protection her plans to raise the maximum weekly rate of the State pension by €11 to keep up with inflation, as advocated for by an organisation (details supplied); the estimated cost of same; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8858/23]

Departmental Programmes

Catherine Connolly

584. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Justice further to Parliamentary Question No. 407 of 4 May 2022, when the external review of the Immigration Investor Programme will be published; the reason underpinning the decision to discontinue the programme; the status of all applications in respect of which a decision to approve or reject has yet to be made; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8746/23]

Legislative Reviews

Catherine Connolly

22. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Justice further to Parliamentary Question No. 34 of 6 December 2022, the status of the independent review of part IV of the Criminal Law (Sexual Offences) Act 2017; when the review will be published; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7230/23]

Domestic Violence

Catherine Connolly

47. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Justice the status of the roll-out of the promised additional refuge spaces, pursuant to the third national strategy on domestic, sexual and gender-based violence; the number of additional refuge spaces provided to date under the strategy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7229/23]

Healthcare Infrastructure Provision

Catherine Connolly

101. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Health the status of plans for a new model 4 hospital in Galway; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7237/23]

Hospital Facilities

Catherine Connolly

129. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Health further to Parliamentary Question Number 29 of 8 December 2022, the status of the examination by his Department of the strategic assessment report regarding the new emergency department at University Hospital Galway; if the SAR examination has been completed to date; if the SAR has been submitted to the Department of Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform for review; the expected timeline for the proposal to be developed into a preliminary business case; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7238/23]

Further and Higher Education

Catherine Connolly

66. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science further to Parliamentary Question No. 116 of 1 December 2022, the status of the proposed new further education college in Galway city; the status of the development of the preliminary business case; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6945/23]

Apprenticeship Programmes

Catherine Connolly

97. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science for details of any engagement he has had with the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage with regard to increasing the uptake of apprenticeships in construction-related trades; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6946/23]

Covid-19 Pandemic

Catherine Connolly

109. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if the views of his Department have been provided to the Department of Social Protection regarding the recognition of long Covid as an occupational illness; if not, the reason therefor, in view of the fact that a failure to act in this regard is leaving long Covid sufferers who contracted Covid while working on the front line during the pandemic in unacceptable limbo (details supplied). [7274/23]

Departmental Meetings

Catherine Connolly

230. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage further to Parliamentary Question No. 313 of 31 January 2023, the date of the establishment of the Cross Sectoral Working Group; the number of meetings; and dates of same, held in 2022 and to date in 2023; if minutes are taken in respect of these meetings; the terms of reference of the working group; the membership of the working group; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6547/23]

Defence Forces

Catherine Connolly

297. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence if his attention was drawn to a court case (details supplied); the contention made therein that the Defence Forces have been carrying out duties at Shannon Airport without legal authority; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6572/23]

Teacher Training

Catherine Connolly

311. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Education if she will provide details of any analysis carried out by her Department with a view to addressing the shortage of home economics teachers; the consideration that has been given to provide grants for teachers to upskill in this subject; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6533/23]

Teacher Training

Catherine Connolly

347. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Education her plans to meet with a group (details supplied) with regard to the proposed changes to professional development courses for teachers; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6953/23]

Teacher Training

Catherine Connolly

348. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Education if she will provide details of any analysis carried out by her Department with regard to the proposed changes to professional development courses for teachers; if she will provide details of any impact assessment carried out in this regard; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6954/23]