Ceisteanna Parlaiminte

Childcare Services

Colm Burke

1110. Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth if he will ringfence dedicated funding for the purposes of developing a coherent five-year plan to create a unified, publicly funded model of early years and school age care that incentivises the recruitment and retention of a graduate workforce, that is affordable and accessible for parents and crucially, places children's rights at its core (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11815/24]

Childcare Services

Colm Burke

1111. Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth to ensure that when a childcare setting indicates that it is going to close, it must first be signalled this within the Pobal Hive, by giving a minimum of three months' notice and six months if at all possible; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11816/24]

Childcare Services

Colm Burke

1112. Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth when a child care setting has confirmed with Pobal that it is to close, this will trigger a response from a Stakeholder Response Team (SRT); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11817/24]

Childcare Services

Colm Burke

1113. Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the steps he will take to ensure that when child care settings are at risk of closures, the Stakeholder Response Team (SRT) will work with a range of local agencies and others to devise a sustainable plan for the setting; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11818/24]

Disability Services

Colm Burke

1154. Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth what action his Department is taking to ensure a standardised rate of pay for the different types of home and community care providers, given that disability home support is not operated under an authorisation scheme, which indicates that providers of disability support are paid less than those who are providers of elderly home support, wherein these providers are not guaranteed the living wage or travel time; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12459/24]

Tobacco Control Measures

Colm Burke

1231. Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for Health who represented Ireland at the COP10/MOP3 global anti-tobacco conferences; what agenda items were priority for the Irish delegation; what are the outcomes of the conferences that can translate into tobacco policy or legislation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11631/24]

Tobacco Control Measures

Colm Burke

1232. Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for Health whether progress has been made on summarising the responses to the public consultation on further regulation of tobacco and nicotine inhaling products, whether pre-legislative scrutiny will be the next step of the legislative process; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11632/24]

Health Services Staff

Colm Burke

1245. Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for Health what steps have been taken to date to establish the grade of advanced practice physiotherapist, following his commitment to do so at a conference 2020 (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11700/24]

Health Services Staff

Colm Burke

1246. Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for Health if he will engage with the relevant bodies to conduct a review of the management structure for physiotherapists (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11701/24]

Hospital Staff

Colm Burke

1247. Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for Health if he will work with the relevant bodies to establish a defined career pathway for clinical physiotherapy tutors to include recognition of specialism and further to advance the establishment of clinical academic posts; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11702/24]

Hospital Staff

Colm Burke

1248. Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for Health if he will engage with the relevant bodies to restore the placement allowance for clinical staff providing physiotherapy students with clinical placements; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11703/24]

Health Services

Colm Burke

1484. Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for Health if he will include the vaccine for chickenpox in the childhood immunisation programme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12894/24]

Hospital Appointments Status

Colm Burke

1522. Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for Health when it is proposed to open a care facility (details supplied) where all the necessary works have been completed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13167/24]

Departmental Schemes

Colm Burke

1595. Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development if it is proposed to introduce a scheme that would help local authorities to put in place the necessary infrastructural changes in the older parts of cities and towns, for example, Blackpool in Cork, to fast track the rejuvenation of existing buildings and facilities; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12887/24]

EU Meetings

Colm Burke

16. Deputy Colm Burke asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs to report on his recent meeting of the foreign affairs ministers in Brussels; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10957/24]

Passport Services

Colm Burke

51. Deputy Colm Burke asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs what action his Department is taking to improve processing times of paper based renewal and first-time passport applications, in view that the current processing time is eight weeks, and in particular the efforts being made to fast-track applications where queries have been raised as this can often lead to extended delays in processing; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10956/24]

Rail Network

Colm Burke

194. Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for Transport to confirm when works will begin in respect of each of the new rail stations of Blarney/Stoneview, Monard, Blackpool/Kilbarry, Tivoli, Dunkettle, Carrigtwohill West, Water-Rock, Ballynoe under the Cork Area Commuter Rail Programme; when each will be opened and operational, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11421/24]

Social Welfare Benefits

Colm Burke

274. Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for Social Protection if the community ophthalmic services scheme standard eye examination contractors’ fee is now to be equal to the eye test fee payable to contractors under her Department’s optical benefit scheme; will the optical benefit scheme fee itself now be raised; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11301/24]

Agriculture Schemes

Colm Burke

299. Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine when an ACRES-CP payment will be issued to a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11297/24]

Departmental Policies

Colm Burke

306. Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth what action his Department is taking to expand and improve respite care services for individuals and families receiving home and community care support; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11309/24]

Disability Services

Colm Burke

316. Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth to confirm if his Department is actively coordinating with disability advocacy organisations and community groups to gather feedback from service users, and to ensure that there is a continuity of improvement in quality of disability home support services; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11315/24]

Disability Services

Colm Burke

317. Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth to outline in detail his Department’s strategy for promoting inclusivity and reducing stigma associated with disability home support services, aiming for a more supportive and understanding community and for these services to be utilised more by those who require these services; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11316/24]

Disability Services

Colm Burke

318. Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth to set out in tabular form the current waiting times for disability home support services across the different regions nationally, and what action his Department is taking to reduce these waiting times; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11317/24]

Disability Services

Colm Burke

319. Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth to confirm what measures are in place to ensure that individuals with disabilities and their families are actively involved in the planning and delivery of home support services to promote person-centered care; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11318/24]

Home Care Packages

Colm Burke

337. Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for Health to set out in tabular form the current waiting times for elderly home support services across the different regions nationally, and what action his Department is taking to reduce these waiting times; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11317/24]

Healthcare Policy

Colm Burke

363. Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for Health the proposed start date for the implementation of the proposals in the National Clinical Programme for Ophthalmology, and in particular the transfer of care of children aged 8+ years to local private optometrists; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11299/24]

Healthcare Policy

Colm Burke

364. Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for Health when the commitment to increase the fees payable to contractors for a standard eye examination under the Community Ophthalmic Services Scheme will occur; to clarify if this fee will now be equal to the eye test fee payable to contractors under the Department of Social Protection's optical benefit scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11300/24]

Health Services

Colm Burke

365. Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for Health to confirm what steps are being taken to ensure that home and community care services are responsive to the evolving healthcare needs of the aging population and the high waiting lists in Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11302/24]

Healthcare Policy

Colm Burke

366. Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for Health to clarify why the statutory scheme, which is essential for developing a homecare sector that is accessible, sustainable and accountable, has been delayed and the impact this delay has on society; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11303/24]

Health Services

Colm Burke

367. Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for Health to confirm what action his Department is taking in conjunction with local authorities and community organizations to strengthen the overall support system for individuals receiving home and community care; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11304/24]

Healthcare Policy

Colm Burke

368. Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for Health what action his Department is taking to ensure that the authorisation scheme 2023 is enough of an incentive to persuade more individuals to become homecare providers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11305/24]

Healthcare Policy

Colm Burke

369. Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for Health what action his Department is taking to ensure that the authorisation scheme 2023 continues to provide the necessary support to homecare workers in view that the scheme is successful in the sense that it funds the homecare workers travel time, however it fails to fund the necessary milage that is completed by the homecare worker; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11306/24]

Community Care

Colm Burke

370. Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for Health to provide details on any ongoing efforts being made by his Department to incorporate technology and innovation into home and community care services to improve efficiency and effectiveness; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11307/24]

Community Care

Colm Burke

371. Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for Health what action his Department is taking to ensure a standardised rate of pay for the different types of home and community care providers, in view that disability home support is not operated under an authorisation scheme, which indicates that providers of disability support are paid less than those who are providers of elderly home support, wherein these providers are not guaranteed the living wage or travel time; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11308/24]

Care Services

Colm Burke

372. Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for Health what initiatives are in place to enhance the coordination and integration of home and community care services with other healthcare providers to create a seamless patient experience; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11310/24]

Healthcare Policy

Colm Burke

373. Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for Health what action his Department is taking to recruit new home support providers, in view that the authorisation scheme has been proven to increase staff retention for home support providers but it has had no impact on the recruitment of new home support providers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11311/24]

Health Services

Colm Burke

374. Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for Health what action his Department is taking to address recruitment and retention challenges within the home and community care workforce to ensure a consistent and qualified staff; and if due consideration would be given to increasing the wages of homecare supporters in order to increase the number of individuals in this position; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11312/24]

Care Services

Colm Burke

375. Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for Health to outline in detail the steps being taken by his Department to prioritise and support informal caregivers who play a crucial role in home and community care; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11313/24]

Care Services

Colm Burke

376. Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for Health to confirm what impact if any the Independent Commission which is due to be formally established early this year will have on policy changes to the role of home and community care providers, in view that this Commission will examine the provision of health and social care services and supports for older people and make recommendations to the Government for their strategic development; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11314/24]

Forestry Sector

Colm Burke

145. Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine what supports are available to an organisation (details supplied) to ensure that their project can continue to thrive; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10973/24]

Rural Schemes

Colm Burke

58. Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development to provide an update on the allocation of funding for Cork city and county through the Leader Programme for applications made in 2023; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [10460/24]

Community Development Projects

Colm Burke

73. Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development to set out the total amount of money allocated to each project in the Cork area under community development programmes; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [10461/24]

Tax Reliefs

Colm Burke

215. Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for Finance if consideration will be given to providing tax relief to parents of children studying in third level education in the UK for both their fees and the cost of their rent in the form of accommodation relief, with appropriate limits; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10092/24]

State Properties

Colm Burke

244. Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform to set out in detail his Department's future proposals for the former Cork prison on the Rathmore Road, in particular the building and the site; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10681/24]

Housing Provision

Colm Burke

426. Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if consideration will be given to the development of social and affordable housing at the former Cork Prison on the Rathmore Road, given that this property has been vacant for eight years and the site could have the potential to deliver a substantial number of new homes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10682/24]

Social Welfare Appeals

Colm Burke

441. Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for Social Protection the status of an appeal by a person (details supplied); when a decision is likely to issue, given this has been pending for some time; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [10227/24]

Immigration Policy

Colm Burke

468. Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for Justice the action her Department is taking in conjunction with An Garda Síochána to reduce waiting times for an appointment for the first registration and renewal of immigration residence permissions for non-EU/EEA/UK nationals residing in Cork; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [9957/24]

Vaccination Programme

Colm Burke

639. Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for Health if the Department intends putting in place a vaccination programme for older adults to protect them from RSV; if same will be included in the National Immunisation Programme for the period September 2024 to March 2025; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10055/24]

Departmental Schemes

Colm Burke

809. Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development to confirm that a town and village renewal scheme 2021 grant can be reopened for a group (details supplied) who were awarded funding under the TVRS of approximately €50,000 but some pre-planning response monies of approximately €12,000 from this was not requested in error, as the grant is now closed and they are unable to draw down the pre-planning response monies which is required by them; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [10156/24]

Departmental Schemes

Colm Burke

821. Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development to confirm how much Cork city and county will be allocated under the 2023 town and village renewal scheme; when the full set of allocations will be announced; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [10476/24]

Healthcare Infrastructure Provision

Colm Burke

46. Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for Health what progress has been made in the delivery of the new surgical hub for Cork University Hospital; the up-to-date position with regard to the new elective hospital in Cork; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9699/24]

Medicinal Products

Colm Burke

60. Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for Health the Government's position in respect of the European Union's revision of pharmaceutical legislation given that EU Parliamentary Committee votes are expected in March 2024; if he supports proposals to reduce regulatory data protection for manufacturers; to outline the impact that such a reduction will have on patients; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9698/24]

Healthcare Infrastructure Provision

Colm Burke

298. Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for Health if he will issue planning guidelines in relation to the development of residential care homes and primary care centres to ensure that they are appropriately designed and located in areas with access to public transport and other amenities; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6953/24]

School Transport

Colm Burke

41. Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for Education when a child (details supplied) who has been approved for the special transport grant will be provided with school transport, in view that the child still has no transportation and urgently requires same; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [9432/24]

Childcare Services

Colm Burke

113. Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth if his Department will put the funding in place to enable the necessary renovation works to be carried out at a facility (details supplied) in order to make it safe for children, parents and teachers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9622/24]

Childcare Services

Colm Burke

114. Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth if, given there has been a reduction in the number of childcare facilities in the Churchfield area due to the closure of a facility (details supplied), the necessary funding would be provided to the new board of management to enable it to carry out the necessary work and for the centre to be reopened; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9623/24]

Obesity Levels

Colm Burke

139. Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for Health the number of people currently waiting on obesity clinic appointments since 2019 to 2023; and the average waiting time to access services once a referral has been made, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9454/24]

Obesity Levels

Colm Burke

140. Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for Health the number of children waiting on obesity clinic appointments, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9455/24]

Obesity Levels

Colm Burke

141. Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for Health the number of obesity clinics operational in the health service; and the number of consultants specialising in this area. [9456/24]

Obesity Levels

Colm Burke

142. Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for Health for an update on the implementation of the National Obesity Programme, given the impact obesity has on healthcare and health outcomes. [9457/24]

Obesity Levels

Colm Burke

143. Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for Health the number of bariatric surgeries carried out across Irish hospitals from 2019 to 2023, in tabular form. [9458/24]

Obesity Levels

Colm Burke

144. Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for Health the number of consultants working within the clinical speciality of obesity and bariatric surgery across the health service. [9459/24]

Disease Management

Colm Burke

171. Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for Health the total allocations for the chronic disease management programme since its establishment. [9610/24]

Disease Management

Colm Burke

172. Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for Health the number of patients currently being treated through the chronic disease management programme. [9611/24]

Disease Management

Colm Burke

173. Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for Health the number of GPs contracted to work through the chronic disease management programme. [9612/24]

Disease Management

Colm Burke

174. Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for Health the number of nurses contracted to work through the chronic disease management programme. [9613/24]

Disease Management

Colm Burke

175. Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for Health if he would consider including other conditions to the chronic disease management programme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9614/24]

Dental Services

Colm Burke

189. Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for Health the action taken by his Department to assist in the delivery of a new dental hospital for Cork in view of the fact that the current facility does not have the capacity to deliver the services required; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9689/24]

Primary Care Centres

Colm Burke

190. Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for Health the up-to-date position in respect of the delivery of a primary care centre for the Blarney area, in view of the fact that there has been a substantial increase in the population in the past 15 years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9690/24]

Primary Care Centres

Colm Burke

191. Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for Health the up-to-date position in respect of the delivery of a primary care centre for the Glanmire area in view of the fact that there has been a substantial increase in the population in the past 15 years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9691/24]

Dental Services

Colm Burke

192. Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for Health when a child (details supplied) who was urgently referred to St. Finbarr's Dental Hospital, Cork by St. Mary's Orthopaedic in December 2023 will receive an appointment with this service in view of the fact that it was marked an urgent case; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9694/24]

Community Development Projects

Colm Burke

204. Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the status of an organisation’s application (details supplied) to Pobal for funding for an additional full-time worker; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [9425/24]

Third Level Fees

Colm Burke

38. Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if he will consider putting in place a scholarship programme for radiation therapy students with a signed agreement that they would work for two years in the HSE once qualified, given that University College Cork has a two-year master's programme costing students €12,000 per annum; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9086/24]

Tobacco Control Measures

Colm Burke

150. Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for Finance the annual increases in the retail price of the most popular price category MPPC for a 20-pack of cigarettes since 2011; the portion of the increase related to taxes; the portion of the increase due to price rises by the tobacco industry, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9099/24]

Tobacco Control Measures

Colm Burke

151. Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for Finance the estimated revenue that would be raised annually if tobacco taxation were to be increased annually on a pro-rata basis so that all packs of 20 cigarettes cost at least €20 by 2025; and the estimated revenue that would be raised annually if an equivalent annual tobacco tax on roll-your-own cigarettes was introduced; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9100/24]

Illicit Trade

Colm Burke

152. Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for Finance the number of persons successfully prosecuted for tobacco and-or cigarette smuggling in 2022, 2023 and for the year to date in 2024, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9101/24]

Illicit Trade

Colm Burke

153. Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for Finance the resources he is currently allocating to the Revenue Commissioners and the new or improved enforcement actions that are being taken to combat illicit tobacco smuggling; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9102/24]

Schools Building Projects

Colm Burke

236. Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for Education when a review being undertaken by her Department in respect of a stage 2B submission will be finalised and the school (details supplied) contacted about the outcome of this review as it has been confirmed that it has been near completion for some time; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [9366/24]

Sports Funding

Colm Burke

239. Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media if she will consider providing support to a club (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [9237/24]

Social Welfare Eligibility

Colm Burke

310. Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for Social Protection if she will give due consideration to adding long Covid to the list of diseases for which workers who have the required number of PRSI contributions can claim occupational injuries benefit; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8921/24]

Naturalisation Applications

Colm Burke

350. Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for Justice when candidates who attended their citizenship ceremonies in October 2023 can expect to receive their certificates of naturalisation in view that it is now over 20 weeks since the ceremonies took place; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [9117/24]

Naturalisation Applications

Colm Burke

352. Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for Justice when candidates who attended their citizenship ceremonies in December 2023 can expect to receive their certificates of naturalisation in view that it is now over nine weeks since the ceremonies took place; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [9127/24]

Disability Services

Colm Burke

407. Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth if additional funding will be provided to a person (details supplied), given that their service needs have changed and will continue to change over time; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9338/24]

Hospital Admissions

Colm Burke

507. Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for Health the total number of inpatients admitted to Bantry General Hospital in 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022 and 2023; the average length of stay for each patient, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8806/24]

Hospital Admissions

Colm Burke

508. Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for Health the total number of outpatients who attended Bantry General Hospital in 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022 and 2023, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8807/24]

Covid-19 Pandemic Supports

Colm Burke

526. Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for Health if he will take the necessary steps to extend the temporary scheme of paid leave for public health service employees unfit for work post Covid infection as a matter of urgency in view of the fact the scheme is due to end on 31 March 2024; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8920/24]

Tobacco Control Measures

Colm Burke

568. Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for Health to provide data regarding the number of retail outlets registered to sell tobacco on the National Register of Tobacco retailers in 2023 and to date in 2024; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9092/24]

Tobacco Control Measures

Colm Burke

569. Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for Health if he has determined the annual fee to be set for retailers who wish to sell tobacco products or nicotine-inhaling products, as part of the recently enacted Public Health (Tobacco Products and Nicotine Inhaling Products) Act 2023; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9093/24]

Tobacco Control Measures

Colm Burke

570. Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for Health to provide an estimate of the revenue that would be raised annually if an annual €500 tobacco retailer licence fee per retail outlet was introduced; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9094/24]

Tobacco Control Measures

Colm Burke

571. Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for Health to provide an estimate of the revenue that would be raised annually if an annual €200 electronic cigarette retailer licence fee per retail outlet was introduced; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9095/24]

Departmental Data

Colm Burke

572. Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for Health the level of funding provided for tobacco cessation services per year from 2013 to 2023 and to date in 2024; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9096/24]

Departmental Data

Colm Burke

573. Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for Health the estimated annual cost of smoking to the State in terms of health spending; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9097/24]

Departmental Reports

Colm Burke

574. Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for Health if his Department will be commissioning an updated 2024 report assessing the economic cost of smoking, following on from the 2016 ICF international report; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9098/24]

Medicinal Products

Colm Burke

629. Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for Health the cost of medicines dispensed, with a breakdown of those which are still under patent and those off patent, for each of the years ending December 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022 and 2023, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9307/24]

Departmental Policies

Colm Burke

31. Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for Justice what action her Department is taking to improve access to alternative dispute resolution mechanisms, such as mediation and arbitration, as a means of resolving legal disputes outside of the courts system; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8272/24]

Exports Growth

Colm Burke

79. Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine to report on the resumption of beef exports to China following a recent diplomatic visit by the Chinese Premier in January 2024; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5646/24]

Agriculture Industry

Colm Burke

86. Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine what action his Department is taking to improve environmental sustainability on Irish farms, in particular in respect of soil health and nutrient management; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8372/24]

Schools Building Projects

Colm Burke

131. Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for Education to clarify why a school (details supplied) has been refused approval for an application under the emergency works programme for an urgent project to address a situation that is causing health and safety hazards to staff and children in this school; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8427/24]

Tax Reliefs

Colm Burke

59. Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for Finance if he will give due consideration to restoring the higher rate of tax relief for expenditure on GPs, consultants and prescriptions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8200/24]

Hospital Procedures

Colm Burke

158. Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for Health if he will invest in appropriate communication technologies to ensure that hospital e-discharges are delivered using Healthmail to support a standardised national approach to electronic discharges, such a change would dramatically improve patient care and improve efficiency both within hospitals and community settings; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8194/24]