Ceisteanna Parlaiminte

Employment Rights

Bríd Smith

93. Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment how he is ensuring that workers in the technology sector facing redundancies are protected; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17048/24]

Employment Rights

Bríd Smith

115. Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment his plans to improve job quality and pay in the childcare sector; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17046/24]

Legislative Process

Bríd Smith

122. Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if he will ensure the Industrial Relations (Provisions in Respect of Pension Entitlements of Retired Workers) Bill 2021 will progress through Committee Stage; if not, how he will ensure the rights of retired workers are protected when their pensions are being altered; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17047/24]

Fire Safety

Bríd Smith

67. Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he will provide, in tabular form, the apartment blocks and duplexes in Dublin South-Central currently eligible for the interim remediation scheme for the funding of emergency fire safety defect works; when the legislation to support the remediation of defects in apartments and duplexes will be introduced; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16786/24]

Cabinet Committees

Bríd Smith

9. Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Taoiseach when the Cabinet committee on environment and climate change will meet next. [15185/24]

Cabinet Committees

Bríd Smith

18. Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Taoiseach when the Cabinet committee on the economy and investment will next meet. [15186/24]

Taoiseach's Meetings and Engagements

Bríd Smith

26. Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Taoiseach if he will report on his attendance at the recent Munich Security Conference. [15187/24]

Tax Exemptions

Bríd Smith

236. Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Finance if he plans to provide a pre-registration VAT exempt status for qualified and accredited members of an organisation (details supplied) and seek to rectify the inequities arising from the delay in establishing the statutory register; if he accepts that this proposal aligns with established practices and ensures that fair treatment prevails in the interim; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16688/24]

Employment Rights

Bríd Smith

266. Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if he will provide an update on the next ERO pay increase for security officers who remain the lowest paid sector and who have had just one incremental pay increase in almost five years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16758/24]

Pensions Reform

Bríd Smith

457. Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Social Protection the reason the Automatic Enrolment Retirement Savings System Bill 2024 (No.22 of 2024) has ignored the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Social Protection, Community and Rural Development and the Islands' pre-legislative scrutiny recommendation number 15, which states that the investment funds be prohibited from investing in fossil fuels or the arms industry (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [16047/24]

Social Welfare Eligibility

Bríd Smith

484. Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Social Protection if a person who is self-employed and has made sufficient contributions to qualify for a State pension (contributory) when reaching 66 years of age, could retire from their occupation at 65 years and claim jobseeker's benefit for the year before reaching 66 years in the same way as other workers can under present legislation; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [16539/24]

Greyhound Industry

Bríd Smith

548. Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the current status of the 4,822 non-coursing greyhounds who were registered on Rásaíocht Con Éireann's RCETS at microchipping stage, but who have never been raced on an RCE-licensed track (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16181/24]

Student Unions

Bríd Smith

757. Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if he is aware that a students’ union (details supplied) recently launched a petition calling for the Government to provide free period products in all higher education institutions, which has now almost 3,000 signatures; if he will commit to increasing funding in this area; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16323/24]

Vacant Properties

Bríd Smith

74. Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he will use compulsory purchase vacant and derelict properties to address the worsening homelessness crisis; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15713/24]

School Staff

Bríd Smith

449. Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Education if she is aware of the significant delays in processing teachers’ service papers from abroad and the impact on teachers who have returned to teach in Ireland; if she will acknowledge the welcome return of much-needed teachers but concede to the fact that the higher cost of living and exorbitant rents, especially in Dublin and other cities, puts huge financial pressure on teachers who are placed on step 1 of the pay scale while they wait for their prior service papers to be processed; if there are any plans to speed up the process and/or if there are ways in which to expedite particular cases (details supplied), especially in areas that urgently need teachers; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14208/24]

Social Welfare Payments

Bríd Smith

768. Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Social Protection if there are plans to increase the current grant of €3,000 to cover costs such as flooring and white goods to help families moving out of homeless accommodation into new-build social homes which are often completely bare, in light of the increases in costs around the provision and installation of flooring, white goods etc.; if she will acknowledge that this amount is no longer adequate to provide the necessary items for families often leaving homelessness with nothing; if she will consider raising this grant substantially; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14402/24]

Live Exports

Bríd Smith

1031. Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine further to Parliamentary Question No. 260 of 21 March 2024, to detail the two consignment of cattle shipped to Israel specifically when these shipments were made; the number of cattle involved and the private entity that arranged it; to further clarify if Department officials inspected these consignments; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14977/24]

Hospital Facilities

Bríd Smith

1108. Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth if he will provide a formal report on how it is known that asbestos is present in the Royal City of Dublin Hospital building (details supplied); and if there are other defects with the building. [14296/24]

Disease Management

Bríd Smith

1463. Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Health if he is aware of the long waiting lists to access the HIV preventative drug PrEP for those who cannot afford to obtain it privately or via the drug payment scheme; if there are plans to improve public access; if so, if he will outline these plans and provide a timeframe for same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14691/24]

Live Exports

Bríd Smith

260. Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if cattle are still being exported to Israel from Ireland; if so, how this is appropriate, given that the people of Gaza are being starved and face famine; if the Government has any intention of halting the export of cattle and other foodstuffs to Israel in the face of impending famine in Gaza; if he accepts that this is seen by many as putting money before the lives of Gazans who are being slaughtered daily; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13488/24]

Hospital Waiting Lists

Bríd Smith

276. Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Health if he is aware that there are currently very long delays in obtaining an appointment for a blood test at the Mater Hospital, with reports of nine weeks to be seen by a phlebotomist; his plans to address these delays, given the importance of blood tests in early health interventions; the reason for the delays; the timeframe for their significant reduction; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13297/24]

Health Services

Bríd Smith

281. Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Health if he is aware of the lack of developmental screening for children in the Dublin 8, 10, 12 and 20 areas, and that parents are being sent questionnaires in place of screenings; if he will acknowledge that this is not an appropriate replacement for face-to-face developmental screenings with trained professionals and that parents often feel unequipped to be able to administer and/or interpret these questionnaires; if he will further accept that early identification and intervention is crucial for addressing developmental issues and that the current situation may have serious implications for children who do not receive these important developmental checks; the issues in terms of recruitment of public health nurses; the steps being taken to address this; when parents in these areas will have these necessary developmental screenings by PHNs resumed for their children; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13349/24]

Middle East

Bríd Smith

55. Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs if he is aware of the case of a person (details supplied), a Palestinian lawyer and human rights defender, who was arrested by Israeli forces on 19 January 2024, and whose detention has been strongly condemned by Front Line Defenders and the International Observatory of Lawyers at Risk; if he will raise their case at the highest diplomatic and political level in an effort to secure their earliest release; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12011/24]

Schools Building Projects

Bríd Smith

362. Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Education if she will acknowledge the impact that operating out of temporary accommodation for a prolonged period of time has placed on the children/young people, families and teachers at a school (details supplied); if she will also acknowledge the demonstrated need and urgency for the commencement of a permanent ETSS in Dublin 6 and that planning permission was granted almost two years ago; if she will commit to the immediate construction of the building following the conclusion of the tender process this year and if she will take steps to ensure that there are no further project delays, while at all times keeping the school community updated of all progress and developments; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11685/24]

Greyhound Industry

Bríd Smith

989. Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the number of non-coursing greyhounds that participated in at least one official trial whose year of birth was 2021 as recorded on RCETS, and the number of non-coursing greyhounds that participated in at least one official trial whose year of birth was 2022 as recorded on RCETS; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12099/24]

Greyhound Industry

Bríd Smith

990. Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the number of non-coursing greyhounds that completed one or more races on an RCE licensed track whose year of birth was 2021 as recorded on RCETS; the number of non-coursing greyhounds that completed one or more races on an RCE licensed track whose year of birth was 2022 as recorded on RCETS; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12100/24]

Greyhound Industry

Bríd Smith

991. Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the number of non-coursing greyhounds exported after completing at least one official trial, but before having completed a race on an RCE licensed track whose year of birth was 2021 as recorded on RCETS; the number of non-coursing greyhounds exported after completing at least one official trial, but before having completed a race on an RCE licensed track whose year of birth was 2022 as recorded on RCETS; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12101/24]

Greyhound Industry

Bríd Smith

992. Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the number of non-coursing greyhounds rehomed before completing at least one official trial whose year of birth was 2021 as recorded on RCETS; the number of non-coursing greyhounds rehomed before completing at least one official trial whose year of birth was 2022 as recorded on RCETS; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12102/24]

Greyhound Industry

Bríd Smith

993. Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the number of non-coursing greyhounds rehomed after completing at least one official trial, but before having completed a race on an RCE licensed track, whose year of birth was 2021 as recorded on RCETS; the number of non-coursing greyhounds rehomed after completing at least one official trial, but before having completed a race on an RCE licensed track whose year of birth was 2022 as recorded on RCETS; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12103/24]

Employment Rights

Bríd Smith

212. Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the actions he is taking to protect workers' rights in the technology sector who are currently experiencing mass layoffs, specifically silent layoffs; the way in which he will ensure that companies are not able to circumvent collective redundancy laws by continuously dismissing employees to avoid consultation period with the workers and the Minister (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11230/24]

Immigration Policy

Bríd Smith

283. Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Justice if she will consider the plight of persons (details supplied) following the expiration of their visas in April; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11258/24]

Natural Gas Grid

Bríd Smith

115. Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if he will clarify how the safety and security risks associated with a floating storage and regasification unit compare to the safety and security risks associated with geological storage of natural gas; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10142/24]

Natural Gas Grid

Bríd Smith

116. Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if he will outline the measures that will be taken to prevent the import and use of fracked gas in Ireland’s energy systems should a floating storage and regasification unit be leased; how it would be verified that imported gas has not come from fracked sources; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10143/24]

Citizenship Applications

Bríd Smith

482. Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Justice if she will clarify what the delay is in issuing newly naturalised Irish citizens with citizenship certificates; if she will investigate the delay in the case of a person (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [10199/24]

Nursing Homes

Bríd Smith

794. Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Health if changes to the fair deal scheme legislation are being considered to prevent a spouse denying or delaying their spouse's access to necessary full-time nursing home care; the progress in this area; if and when these changes will come into effect; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10804/24]

Dublin Airport Authority

Bríd Smith

126. Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Transport the position of the Dublin Airport Authority in relation to negotiations with taxi driver representative associations; if the authority has a position of refusing to recognise or consult representative associations of drivers who work in the airport; if so, if such a stance is compatible with Government policy on the rights of workers to be represented by trade unions and representative organisations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9174/24]

Bus Services

Bríd Smith

127. Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Transport the timeframe for the introduction of BusConnects routes in the Crumlin area, specifically the proposed 82 route which is to replace the current 83 service; the proposed frequency of the new 82 route; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9178/24]

Employment Rights

Bríd Smith

177. Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment in cases in which a worker is not under the provisions of the new statutory sick scheme for workers because they are deemed to be in an employer scheme which is more beneficial, if such workers now effectively have six waiting days before they can access social protection payments; if employers that operate such sick schemes have any legal obligation to pay a worker for days four, five and six under current legislation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9179/24]

Social Welfare Eligibility

Bríd Smith

316. Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Social Protection in cases in which a worker is not under the provisions of the new statutory sick scheme for workers because they are deemed to be in an employer scheme which is more beneficial, if such workers now effectively have six waiting days before they can access social protection payments; if employers that operate such sick schemes have any legal obligation to pay a worker for days four, five and six under current legislation; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [9180/24]

Public Procurement Contracts

Bríd Smith

345. Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Justice if she plans to establish an owners’ management companies regulator on an interim non-statutory basis with its operations funded by a levy on OMCs; the steps she will take to guarantee impeccable governance and transparency in this regard; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8931/24]

Asylum Applications

Bríd Smith

354. Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Justice if he will compassionately examine an asylum application by a person (details supplied) and expedite a decision, given the extreme urgency of the situation; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [9189/24]

Disabilities Assessments

Bríd Smith

419. Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth if he will investigate the delay in providing an assessment of need for a child (details supplied) who urgently needs it completed to access the services they require; if he can provide advice for the parent in the interim; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8721/24]

Mental Health Services

Bríd Smith

556. Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Health if he is aware that a programme designed to help and support people with ADHD has been unexpectedly cut by the HSE (details supplied); the reason funding was cut; if he will consider sanctioning the funding in order that this important work can be resumed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9005/24]

Health Services Staff

Bríd Smith

591. Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Health if any former CEOs, senior management or HR staff from Our Lady's Hospice and Care Services received exit payments on leaving the organisation since January 2019; if the organisation informed him or other Government bodies of such packages; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9177/24]

Citizenship Ceremonies

Bríd Smith

197. Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Justice how many citizenship ceremonies are planned for 2024, and the expected months for citizenship ceremonies this year; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8426/24]

Taoiseach's Meetings and Engagements

Bríd Smith

3. Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Taoiseach to report on the meeting of the World Economic Forum in Davos. [2804/24]

Citizens' Assembly

Bríd Smith

9. Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Taoiseach the expected timeline for the citizens' assemblies committed to in the programme for Government. [4036/24]

Bus Services

Bríd Smith

48. Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Transport if he will heed the call of local residents and act to restore a bus service between the Armagh Road, Cashel Road and Clonard Road areas and Crumlin Cross; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4412/24]

Legislative Programme

Bríd Smith

4. Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Taoiseach if he will provide an update on the legislative programme. [4299/24]

Housing Policy

Bríd Smith

87. Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he agrees that appropriate community infrastructure should be included within the geographic bounds of a regenerated Oliver Bond House and that this would not affect Dublin City Council’s ability to honour any prior arrangements regarding the delivery of community services in the wider area; the steps he will take to ensure that this will be accommodated within the regenerated Oliver Bond complex; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4560/24]

Housing Policy

Bríd Smith

88. Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he is aware of Robert Emmet CDP’s 2021 ‘Environmental Conditions in Oliver Bond House’ report and an independent engineer's report commissioned by DCC, and the very recently launched ‘Respiratory Health Among Residents of Oliver Bond House’, all of which highlight and outline the significant issues in the complex; if he will acknowledge that the ameliorative works required to bring conditions in the complex up to a BR Rating of C3 will cost €4.3 million, in light of the current conditions being in breach of residents’ right to a healthy and habitable environment; if his Department will commit to covering this cost under their existing maintenance or capital budget should DCC be unable to meet these costs; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4561/24]

Housing Policy

Bríd Smith

89. Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he will clarify if it would have been possible for DCC to apply for Stage 2 approvals recently rather than full Stage 1 Approvals, and what would have been required for this to happen; if he will make inquiries to ascertain if there are any internal difficulties that DCC is facing with progressing regeneration projects in a timely and appropriate manner and offer support to DCC if there are any issues related to resourcing;; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4562/24]

Housing Policy

Bríd Smith

90. Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he will consider making funding available for a housing officer function to be delivered by a local community organisation; if he will acknowledge that this function would have ten key separate KPIs and that this proposal can be provided to him at his request; if he will signal his support for such a proposal and make funding available to DCC to disburse to a relevant community organisation for this purpose under circular N11/2007 issued by his Department to County Councils entitled ‘Policy Framework for Regeneration of Local Authority Estates’; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4563/24]

International Protection

Bríd Smith

128. Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth if in relation to the provision of accommodation for those seeking international protection, he will take steps to ensure that training for new accommodation providers is not only provided but rigorously applied and tested as much as possible; is he aware that while experienced accommodation providers know the supports and services that are available, there are reports that new providers do not and will he acknowledge that these gaps must be addressed by ensuring appropriate training; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4465/24]

International Protection

Bríd Smith

129. Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth if he is aware that at IPAS accommodation in Inchicore, food vouchers for Tesco are distributed but that there is only a Tesco Express in that area which is limited and expensive; if he will direct the changing of food vouchers to another supplier as the accommodation provider is happy to do so upon his instruction; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4466/24]

International Protection

Bríd Smith

130. Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth if he will provide all Members of Dáil Éireann with the contract that is provided to new IPAS accommodation providers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4467/24]

Citizens' Assembly

Bríd Smith

176. Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Health if the Citizens' Assembly's final report on older people was ever referred back to the Houses of the Oireachtas for consideration; if not, the reason; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4521/24]

Cabinet Committees

Bríd Smith

12. Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Taoiseach when the Cabinet committee that deals with disability will next meet. [4300/24]

Cabinet Committees

Bríd Smith

18. Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Taoiseach to provide an update on Housing for All. [2803/24]

Community Development Projects

Bríd Smith

88. Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development if she will outline the total funding for local community development committees for each of the past five years; if she will commit to significantly increasing it this year; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4009/24]

Community Development Projects

Bríd Smith

103. Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development if she is satisfied with the level of resources available to local community development committees; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4010/24]

Joint Labour Committees

Bríd Smith

244. Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment to clarify when he expects to sign the next Joint Labour Committee Employment Regulation Order, JLC ERO, into law; if he will report on his meeting with the JLC ERO body on 26 January 2024 to go through submission in the WRC; and if he accepts that six months have now elapsed since the signing of the last JLC ERO on 4 September 2023; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4148/24]

Abortion Services

Bríd Smith

539. Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Health if he is aware of recent protests outside of Limerick Maternity Hospital and their impact on women attending the hospital for terminations; if he is also aware that this is still happening in other areas where women need to access healthcare; if he will give a clear indication of when the Health (Termination of Pregnancy Services) (Safe Access Zones) Bill 2023 will complete the legislative process and recognise the urgency and necessity of its enactment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3995/24]

European Council

Bríd Smith

5. Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Taoiseach to report on the December European Union Council meeting. [2802/24]

Electricity Grid

Bríd Smith

125. Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if he will investigate a potential anomaly around a person’s (details supplied) ineligibility for current electricity credits because the house’s MPRN is designated a low-usage account; if he will ensure that those who may be missing out on the credits will have them applied as soon as possible; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2621/24]

Greyhound Industry

Bríd Smith

475. Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he believes that the current method of replacing owners names with the wording 'GRI-SALES' on a greyhound's page on the Greyhound Racing Ireland website is to conceal the export of Irish greyhounds to countries where there are inadequate animal welfare protection laws as in the case of greyhounds (details supplied) and if he considers this to be a sufficiently rigorous level of traceability for Irish greyhounds; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2605/24]

Greyhound Industry

Bríd Smith

476. Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine how a greyhound (details supplied) is accounted for in RCETS considering that their last race in Ireland was 31 March 2023 at Shelbourne greyhound track; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2606/24]

Greyhound Industry

Bríd Smith

477. Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine how an Irish greyhound (details supplied) is accounted for in RCETS considering that their last race in Ireland was 15 September 2023 at Tralee greyhound track; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2607/24]

State Examinations

Bríd Smith

189. Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Education if she will consider reinstating the adjustments given to students completing the Leaving Certificate politics and society examination until 2022 (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2282/24]

Middle East

Bríd Smith

16. Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs the reason Ireland is not submitting the names and details of the families of Palestinian-Irish citizens for exit from Gaza as other countries have done, including the USA, Canada, Australia, Norway, France, the Netherlands, Austria, Belgium, and many others; if he will acknowledge that while these family members are not Irish citizens, their lives are endangered by lack of medication, food and clean water in addition to relentless bombing; if he will acknowledge that they will be accommodated by their family members here, and will not be a burden on the State; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [56429/23]

Middle East

Bríd Smith

24. Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will intervene to help secure the release of three persons (details supplied) who were kidnapped by the Israeli army on 13 December 2023; if he will acknowledge their work with traumatised children living in the Jenin refugee camp and how necessary their work is; if he is aware that the IDF took 100 persons from the camp and killed four young people on the same day and that three of the hospitals in Jenin were surrounded by Israeli tanks; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [56695/23]

Tax Credits

Bríd Smith

337. Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Finance if renters in unregistered tenancies will remain ineligible for the rent tax credit; if he will acknowledge that those in precarious rental arrangements may risk losing their tenancy if they challenge their landlord; if he will recognise that those in this position often are on low incomes and would particularly benefit from the scheme, yet based on eligibility criteria remain locked out of the scheme; if he plans to address this, in order that those who need the credit most will be included in future; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [57330/23]

Public Sector Pensions

Bríd Smith

383. Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform if any decision has been made or if any discussions have taken place with his Department that would see the current linkage between the salaries of serving members of An Garda Síochána and retired members being altered in any way; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [56855/23]

Traveller Accommodation

Bríd Smith

779. Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage further to Parliamentary Question Nos. 392 and 393 of 12 December 2023, if he will confirm that Dublin City Council has provided the additional information sought in relation to a funding application for temporary improvement works previously carried out in response to the hepatitis A outbreak to his Department on 5 December 2023; if he will confirm that funding will now be furnished to Dublin City Council in respect of this work; when a decision will be made in respect of funding for the additional temporary work that is to be carried out in response to the outbreak of hepatitis A; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [57230/23]

Healthcare Policy

Bríd Smith

1592. Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Health the number of ministerial licence applications and MCAP applications have been made by clinics (details supplied); what products are available from these clinics; which products are available under MCAP and covered for reimbursement; when the MCAP review report is expected; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [57098/23]

Exports Growth

Bríd Smith

37. Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if any consideration or study was undertaken by his Department or any other Department in relation to his recent trip to Korea and the proposed expansion of beef exports, in reference to the climate impact of such an expansion; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51600/23]

General Practitioner Services

Bríd Smith

509. Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Health if he will provide information regarding the talks between his Department and the Revenue Commissioners to rectify the problematic issues caused by proposed changes to tax laws for GP group practices; (details supplied); if he will outline the outcome of these talks; if GPs concerns will be allayed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [56189/23]

Special Educational Needs

Bríd Smith

214. Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth when the much-needed therapists for ASD children at a school (details supplied) will be in place; when a nurse will be recruited for the school, given that some children cannot attend a full day at school due to the lack of a nurse; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [55674/23]

Bus Services

Bríd Smith

228. Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Transport if he is aware of recent changes to bus routes in the Dublin 12 area and the cancellation of some routes; whether there has been an increase in scheduled bus departures and in bus-carrying capacity as a result of these changes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [55252/23]

Bus Services

Bríd Smith

229. Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Transport if he will seek an explanation from the NTA for the decision to remove services from parts of Crumlin under the new BusConnects plans, and the decision to leave residents in Ballyfermot with no direct link to the Rathmines area; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [55253/23]

Traveller Accommodation

Bríd Smith

392. Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage to confirm when a decision about supplying Dublin City Council with funding for the upgrade of the bays in Labre Park will be made; if he will acknowledge that this upgrade has been promised since the outbreak of Hepatitis A on the site in January 2021 and that after this outbreak in which numerous children and adults were hospitalised, the HSE and the Ombudsman for children were given a commitment that the work to address the poor living conditions would be carried out; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [54629/23]

Traveller Accommodation

Bríd Smith

393. Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he is aware that although some work was carried out in Labre Park, half the site is still living in conditions akin to that experienced in developing countries and that this negates the work that has been carried out, as everyone living in Labre Park is still exposed to the risk of Hepatitis A and many other viruses; if he will outline the steps he will take in relation to this; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [54630/23]

Industrial Disputes

Bríd Smith

485. Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Social Protection if she will clarify the reason tripartite talks between her Department, ILDN and Tús co-ordinators have been cancelled repeatedly by a principal officer (details supplied); when urgently needed talks will resume to address the 15% disparity in pay between Tús and CE supervisors, who have been eager to resolve this disparity for the past 18 months; if she will acknowledge the work that Tús supervisors do in supporting essential community services and its similarity to the work of CE supervisors; if she will recognise that a proposed deadline of 8 December 2023 is imminent and that further industrial action is likely in the event of a failure to engage immediately and fully; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [54867/23]

Middle East

Bríd Smith

118. Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Justice what schemes are available to Palestinians who are now Irish citizens for their families in Gaza to be evacuated to join them in Ireland; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [53927/23]

Middle East

Bríd Smith

119. Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Justice if there are plans to assist families in Gaza to be evacuated from the region to join their families already living here; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [53928/23]

Departmental Data

Bríd Smith

156. Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the number of children currently on the waiting list to be seen by the Children’s Disability Network team in counties Carlow and Kilkenny; the length of time they have been waiting; the number of vacancies on the CDNT currently; if the recent HSE staff embargo means that these vacancies are not being advertised to be filled and/or will not be filled until the embargo is lifted; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [54198/23]

Property Management Companies

Bríd Smith

376. Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Justice if she will clarify what exactly "a reasonable timeframe" means in the context of the Property Services (Regulation) Act 2011 (Minimum Standards) Regulations 2020 (S.I. No. 564 of 2020) (details supplied); what a client should do in the event that their communications are not being replied to; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [53385/23]

Medicinal Products

Bríd Smith

482. Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Health if he will clarify why there is a shortage of the ADHD treatment medication tyvense; if he will acknowledge the impact the scarcity of this medication is having on people who are prescribed it, especially children with autism and ADHD, who without the drug are unable to go to school, function at home or have quality of life; if he will outline the steps he is taking to secure a regular and consistent supply of the medication and indicate when this will happen so that patients and parents do not have to make huge efforts every month to try to obtain it; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52969/23]

Pension Provisions

Bríd Smith

42. Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if he plans to bring forward any proposals that address the rights of retired workers in relation to having representation rights concerning their occupational pensions in light of his recent rejection of the proposal to grant retired workers the right to take cases to the WRC in relation to same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51599/23]

Trade Data

Bríd Smith

43. Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if he can detail the total volume and value in euro of Ireland's exports to and imports from the state of Israel; the categories of products exported and imported; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51602/23]

Trade Relations

Bríd Smith

47. Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment his views on proposals to restrict and ban goods originating from illegal settlements in the West Bank; if his Department can provide any figures for the volume of such goods and their value of same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51603/23]

Trade Missions

Bríd Smith

67. Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment in relation to his recent trip to Korea and proposals for further data centres in this State, if he or his Department officials discussed the State’s energy crisis with his Korean counterparts; if the drain on the State’s energy system from the current number of data centres here was outlined or discussed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51601/23]

Hospital Appointments Status

Bríd Smith

224. Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Health if he will investigate the significant delay at CHI Crumlin’s nephrology/urology department in responding to a GP’s repeated request for an appointment for a child (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50304/23]

Health Services

Bríd Smith

236. Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Health if he will clarify if HIQA has ordered an urgent evacuation of 68 elderly patients from Cherry Orchard hospital; if he is aware that there was no consultation with families in advance of a decision that will impact on 68 people and their families; if alternative accommodation can be arranged on campus to minimise disruption; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50368/23]

Departmental Policies

Bríd Smith

237. Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Health if it would be considered a conflict of interest if an ex-HIQA inspector became a director of a private nursing home; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50369/23]

Traveller Accommodation

Bríd Smith

90. Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage to summarise his Department`s actions on exploring difficulties Travellers might have in opening and retaining social housing applications; if he acknowledges that his Department has given a commitment on this matter as part of the National Traveller and Roma Inclusion Strategy/NTRIS (Action 130); the steps his Department has undertaken on this matter since 2017; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50052/23]

Planning Issues

Bríd Smith

91. Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage in relation to his Department`s circular (Housing 09/2023 - PL 01/2023) to all local authorities regarding his mandatory moratorium on Part 8 planning approvals, if he will clarify what monitoring procedures his Department has put in place to ensure that this moratorium and its circular will be treated as mandatory by local authorities; how many Traveller-specific developments are being pursued under the terms of the circular; if he will provide a breakdown, per local authority, on the Traveller developments pursued; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50053/23]

Disability Services

Bríd Smith

410. Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth if he will clarify why there is currently only one part-time social worker at the children’s disability network team on Armagh Road, Crumlin, Dublin 12; if he is aware that this situation is causing a serious backlog for children with special needs requiring services; if he will clarify what the staffing level should be and when this will be met; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49312/23]

Child and Family Agency

Bríd Smith

440. Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth to provide an update on progress in the extraction of information on St. Gerard's home from the larger Saint Patrick's Guild file received by Tusla in 2017 following a statement in January 2021 that St Gerard's records were 'not fully processed' at that time; if he confirm if the extraction of records relating to St. Gerard's is still ongoing; what proportion of the larger St Patrick's Guild file has now been processed; what has been discovered to date; what the projected timeframe is for completion of this work, when a full disclosure of the results of this work is expected; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49655/23]

Mental Health Services

Bríd Smith

578. Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Health to outline what is currently being done to address discrimination against autistic children in mental health services; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49855/23]