Ceisteanna Parlaiminte

Schools Building Projects

Éamon Ó Cuív

109. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Education and Skills the reason tenderers for building projects are being requested to provide a quotation for possible Covid-19 related disruptions and compliance on building projects in view of the fact the rules and regulations regarding Covid-19 are changing constantly according to changes in the suppression of the illness; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12706/20]

Citizenship Status

Éamon Ó Cuív

276. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the number of persons granted citizenship in each year of the past five years at the absolute discretion of the Minister based on their ancestors having strong ties to Ireland; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12707/20]

Prison Visiting Regulations

Éamon Ó Cuív

333. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the reason visits to prisons are only recommencing on 20 July 2020 when visits to other institutions are being allowed from 29 June 2020; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [13630/20]

Covid-19 Pandemic Supports

Éamon Ó Cuív

347. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation the reason small businesses which were employing two or three persons and are reopening now as a start up on a self-employed basis with no employees are not eligible for the restart grant; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12709/20]

Covid-19 Pandemic

Éamon Ó Cuív

376. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Health when an announcement will be made in relation to the timing of the lifting of the quarantine arrangements for those coming here to afford certainty to persons planning to come here for work and pleasure and those intending to go abroad; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12701/20]

Covid-19 Pandemic

Éamon Ó Cuív

559. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Health the reason churches and other places of worship irrespective of size are being restricted to allowing only 50 attendees over the coming weeks; the reason the number allowed does not relate to the size of the church and to general social distancing rules; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13631/20]

Common Agricultural Policy

Éamon Ó Cuív

576. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the steps he has taken to change the proposed objective in the new CAP 2021-2027 relating to GAEC2 from appropriate protection of wetland and peatland to retention and maintenance of the area of permanent grassland on farmed peatlands and wetlands, in view of the definition of strictly protected areas and the proposed quantity of them as outlined in the EU biodiversity strategy published on the 20 May 2020 and the definition of strict nature reserves in the International Union for Conservation of Nature categories; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12702/20]

National Car Test

Éamon Ó Cuív

658. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the reason persons that attended for the NCT before the Covid-19 lockdown and could not get the lift test done at the time due to the failure of the NCT company to provide it are now being charged €28 for the lift test; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12710/20]

National Car Test

Éamon Ó Cuív

659. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the reason a person (details supplied) was charged €28 for the NCT lift test in view of the fact it could not be taken originally due to faulty NCT equipment and having passed the rest of the NCT they could not rebook the test within 30 days of the original test due to Covid-19 lockdown measures; the steps he will take to rectify the matter; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12711/20]

Covid-19 Pandemic Unemployment Payment

Éamon Ó Cuív

800. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection if consideration has been given to the introduction of a pandemic employment payment for persons that can establish they have a pattern of seasonal work, particularly in the hospitality sector for the duration of the time they normally work each year; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12700/20]

State Pension (Contributory)

Éamon Ó Cuív

852. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection when a decision will be made on an increase for a qualified adult State pension (contributory) application submitted by a person (details supplied); the reason for the delay in making a decision on the application in view of the fact that this application is ongoing for at least one year; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [13462/20]

Covid-19 Pandemic

Éamon Ó Cuív

911. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht when it is planned to permit general travel to the offshore islands in view of the fact that phase 5 of the opening of the country has been brought forward to phase four of the Roadmap for Reopening Society and Business; the reason for the delay in making an announcement; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12703/20]

Hospital Appointments Status

Éamon Ó Cuív

406. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Health when a date for surgery in respect of a spinal operation will be issued to a person (details supplied); the reason for the multiple cancellations of dates issued for the surgery over the last number of years; if he will take into account that the person is on a high-risk list; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11673/20]

Dental Services

Éamon Ó Cuív

409. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Health when a date for surgery in respect of teeth extraction will be issued to a person (details supplied); if he will take into account the exceptional circumstances in this case; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11700/20]

State Pension (Contributory)

Éamon Ó Cuív

839. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection when a decision will be made on an increase for a qualified adult State pension (contributory) appeal submitted by a person (details supplied); the reason for the delay in making a decision on the appeal; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12167/20]

Carer's Allowance

Éamon Ó Cuív

842. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection when a decision will be made on a carer’s allowance application by a person (details supplied) in County Galway; the reason for the delay in making a decision on the application; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12314/20]

Covid-19 Pandemic Supports

Éamon Ó Cuív

99. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Finance his plans to extend the temporary wage subsidy scheme to seasonal tourism businesses particularly in rural and coastal areas that close for the winter season each year and normally operate from 17 March or Easter each year until either the end of October or Christmas and are not eligible for the scheme under its present rules in order to ensure regional equity; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11241/20]

Value Added Tax

Éamon Ó Cuív

100. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Finance if he will reintroduce a lower VAT rate for the foreseeable future for the tourism industry in order to stimulate the industry which has been hit severely by the Covid-19 pandemic; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11243/20]

Covid-19 Pandemic

Éamon Ó Cuív

154. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if further funding has been sought for 2020 by An Garda Síochána due to the Covid-19 pandemic; if so, when a decision will be made on the request; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11240/20]

Schools Building Projects

Éamon Ó Cuív

211. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Education and Skills the progress made in relation to an application for a new purpose fit building by a school (details supplied); if his attention has been drawn to the fact that the current school building is in very poor condition on health and safety grounds; if this application is being given urgent consideration in view of the right children have to an education in a safe and secure environment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10746/20]

Schools Refurbishment

Éamon Ó Cuív

263. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Education and Skills when prefabricated buildings that have been decommissioned on health and safety grounds will be removed from a school (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11176/20]

Apprenticeship Programmes

Éamon Ó Cuív

271. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Education and Skills the arrangements being made for final year apprentices to enable them to complete their 12 weeks college training as soon as possible to ensure that their apprenticeships are not extended unnecessarily; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11247/20]

Foirne Scoile

Éamon Ó Cuív

272. D'fhiafraigh Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív den Aire Oideachais agus Scileanna an mbeidh cead ag scoil (sonraí tugtha) an ceathrú múinteoir a choinneáil sa scoil más rud é go mbeidh idir 76 scoláire agus 80 scoláire ar an rolla an bhliain seo chugainn, de bharr an ghá a bheidh ann scoláirí a choinneáil scartha óna chéile de thairbhe Covid-19, toisc go bhfuil na seomraí ranga sa scoil an-bheag agus toisc nach bhfuil halla ná seomra ilúsáide ar bith sa scoil; agus an ndéanfaidh sé ráiteas ina thaobh. [11252/20]

Foirne Scoile

Éamon Ó Cuív

273. D'fhiafraigh Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív den Aire Oideachais agus Scileanna an bhfuil sé i gceist aige cead a thabhairt do scoileanna a chaillfidh múinteoir ranga de bharr titim sa tinreamh do scoilbhliain 2020/2021 an múinteoir sin a choinneáil, de bharr an ghá a bheidh ann scaradh sóisialta a chleachtadh i scoileanna agus chun an iomarca brú a sheachaint i seomraí ranga; agus an ndéanfaidh sé ráiteas ina thaobh. [11253/20]

Covid-19 Pandemic

Éamon Ó Cuív

301. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Education and Skills if students and teachers will be required to wear personal protective equipment due to Covid-19 once primary and secondary schools are reopened; if so, if he anticipates that there will be a tendering process in place for providing same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11603/20]

Covid-19 Pandemic Supports

Éamon Ó Cuív

436. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation the reason State guaranteed loans for working capital during the Covid-19 pandemic are being charged at over 4% interest when funding can be borrowed by the banks and the State at nominal interest rates; if consideration has been given to reducing these rates in the interest of stimulating and assisting business through this difficult time; the reason for the high rates of interest; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11245/20]

Health Services Staff

Éamon Ó Cuív

471. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Health the number of personnel recruited in February, March, April and May 2020, respectively, to the HSE due to the Covid-19 pandemic who were working in nursing homes and care homes immediately prior; the steps taken to ensure that nursing homes and care homes had at the time adequate resources to fill vacancies arising; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10477/20]

Covid-19 Pandemic

Éamon Ó Cuív

472. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Health the number of recorded deaths from Covid-19 and recorded cases of infection of retired religious personnel who were or are living in religious communities or in religious-specific care or retirement homes; if steps were taken to protect the large number of elderly religious living in such settings; if steps were taken, when they were taken; the extra assistance that was given with their care; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10478/20]

Dental Services

Éamon Ó Cuív

473. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Health the assistance which will be given to dentists to aid them with the extra costs of providing PPE and other costs associated with reopening after Covid-19; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10479/20]

Covid-19 Pandemic

Éamon Ó Cuív

474. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Health the discussions he has had with his ministerial colleagues on the effect the Covid-19 pandemic is having on public services; the arrangements being made to ensure that all staff who cannot work efficiently remotely return to work in their offices; the protocols being put in place to ensure this can be done safely; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10480/20]

Covid-19 Pandemic

Éamon Ó Cuív

518. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Health the number of Covid-19 cases detected to date among residents in direct provision centres; the number of centres that these occurred in; if the residents of such centres were subsequently tested for Covid-19 in addition to the staff; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10209/20]

Covid-19 Pandemic

Éamon Ó Cuív

519. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Health the discussions he has had on a controlled reduction of social distancing from 2 m to 1 m; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10212/20]

Agriculture Schemes

Éamon Ó Cuív

757. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if a replacement payment will be provided for an agricultural payment made some time ago to a person (details supplied) which was never cashed; if so, when the payment will be made; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11249/20]

Trading Online Voucher Scheme

Éamon Ó Cuív

776. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment his plans to provide sufficient funds to the local enterprise boards and Údarás na Gaeltachta to meet all the qualifying demands for the trading online voucher scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11254/20]

Covid-19 Pandemic Supports

Éamon Ó Cuív

872. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the consideration given to making a substantial restart grant available to the hotel industry based on 100% of the 2019 rates paid by the hotels in view of the very large rates paid by most hotels and the fact that hotels will not be operating at full capacity for a long time to come due to Covid-19 regulations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11242/20]

Covid-19 Pandemic Supports

Éamon Ó Cuív

873. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he has received an application for once-off funding from a business (details supplied) to enable it to reopen in 2020; if so, when a decision will be made on the application; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11244/20]

Carer's Allowance

Éamon Ó Cuív

992. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection when a decision will be made in respect of a carer’s allowance appeal by a person (details supplied); the reason for the delay in making a decision on the appeal; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [10857/20]

Redundancy Payments

Éamon Ó Cuív

1012. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection her plans to extend the redundancy scheme moratorium for as long as the restrictions including social distance restrictions exist; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11246/20]

Covid-19 Pandemic Supports

Éamon Ó Cuív

1100. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht if she has received a submission from a group (details supplied) for special assistance to deal with the effects in the short and medium-term of the Covid-19 pandemic on the very important events industry; when the consideration of the submission will be completed and decisions made on it; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11248/20]

Scéimeanna Tacaíochta Gaeilge

Éamon Ó Cuív

1101. D'fhiafraigh Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív den Aire Cultúir, Oidhreachta agus Gaeltachta an bhfuil sé i gceist aici íocaíocht a dhéanamh leis na mná a bhí ag coinneáil mic léinn meánscoile ar na hoileáin i leith na tréimhse idir Mí an Mhárta agus deireadh na scoilbhliana agus suas go dtí an tréimhse sin, mar a dhéanfar leis na mná tí a choinníonn scoláirí faoi Scéim na bhFoghlaimeoirí Gaeilge; agus an ndéanfaidh sí ráiteas ina thaobh. [11250/20]

Covid-19 Pandemic

Éamon Ó Cuív

1102. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht when she will publish the Arts Council survey of artists and the report on the impact of Covid-19 on Irish artists which she received in April 2020 from the Arts Council; the urgent action she plans to take on foot of these reports; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11251/20]

International Bodies

Éamon Ó Cuív

27. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the contribution made by Ireland to the World Health Organisation in 2019; the increase in funding being made available to the organisation in 2020; if this relates to additional services to be provided to Ireland in relation to the Covid-19 pandemic; the amount of the contribution that will now be payable by Ireland to the WHO in 2020; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10210/20]

Maternity Leave

Éamon Ó Cuív

211. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if he is considering temporarily extending the period of paid maternity leave in view of the ongoing uncertainty regarding the availability of childcare and the other disruption caused by the Covid-19 pandemic; if this will require amending primary legislation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10219/20]

Direct Provision System

Éamon Ó Cuív

237. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the number of persons in direct provision centres at present by country of origin; the number in direct provision on 1 January 2019 and 1 January 2020, respectively; the steps being taken to reduce this number by a speedier assessment process; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10220/20]

Courts Service

Éamon Ó Cuív

238. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the discussions he has had with the Courts Service to ensure speedier hearings of court cases in relation to asylum and immigration in the courts and in particular cases involving judicial review proceedings relating to asylum; the results of such discussions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10221/20]

Immigration Data

Éamon Ó Cuív

239. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the number of persons in direct provision that have been given permission to remain under a stamp 4 visa; the reason these persons are not afforded housing in the community; the steps being taken to provide them with housing; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10222/20]

Asylum Applications

Éamon Ó Cuív

240. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the number of persons that sought asylum here in each of the years 2010 to 2019 and to date in 2020, by country of origin; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10223/20]

Immigration Data

Éamon Ó Cuív

241. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the number of applications by asylum seekers given a final decision on their cases in each year since 2010; the number of these applications that resulted in refugee status being granted; the number of cases that resulted in subsidiary protection being granted; the number that resulted in humanitarian leave to remain being granted; the number refused; the number of persons deported; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10224/20]

Covid-19 Pandemic Supports

Éamon Ó Cuív

386. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Health the steps being taken by the HSE to inform retailers of wigs and hairpieces of the additional headwear grant available to medical card holders that cannot attend wig fittings during the Covid-19 pandemic; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10102/20]

Health Screening Programmes

Éamon Ó Cuív

443. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Health when screening for cervical cancer, particularly for those with a history of cervical cell changes, will recommence; if a risk assessment has been carried out in relation to delaying these tests; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10466/20]

Cancer Services

Éamon Ó Cuív

444. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Health when BreastCheck will recommence, particularly for those in the higher-risk category; if a risk assessment has been carried out in relation to delaying these tests; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10467/20]

Disabilities Assessments

Éamon Ó Cuív

445. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Health when a child (details supplied) will now be assessed under the schools list; the arrangements in place to provide these assessments as a priority for children that lost out in such circumstances; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10468/20]

Maternity Services

Éamon Ó Cuív

446. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Health the steps taken throughout the Covid-19 pandemic to facilitate the safe face-to-face attendance when appropriate by women that are pregnant for regular check-ups and if necessary, treatment with their general practitioner and also with relevant consultants; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10469/20]

Covid-19 Pandemic

Éamon Ó Cuív

447. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Health his plans to appoint a person to conduct an independent inquiry as to the way in which the issue of protecting patients in nursing homes from Covid-19 was handled from a date (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10470/20]

Harness Racing Industry

Éamon Ó Cuív

487. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the reason horse trotting racing, that is, harness racing behind closed doors is not being permitted to start at the same time as horse racing due to Covid-19; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10199/20]

Common Agricultural Policy

Éamon Ó Cuív

488. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the amount of funding allocated to Ireland under the present Common Agricultural Policy; the estimated amount of funding that will be allocated to Ireland out of the total fund of €391 billion recently announced for the CAP 2010-2027; if under the forthcoming CAP, there will be further increased allocations to the countries in the east of the European Union; the effect this will have on Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10200/20]

Agriculture Scheme Data

Éamon Ó Cuív

489. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the number of participants in the AEOS and GLAS schemes in each year to date since AEOS was introduced; his plans to open a new environmental scheme in 2020 to replace GLAS or allowing those that have left GLAS and AEOS to re-join GLAS while the new CAP is being decided on; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10215/20]

Rural Development Programme

Éamon Ó Cuív

490. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the amount provided for in the Rural Development Programme 2014-2020 for GLAS and TAMS respectively; the amount expended to date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10216/20]

Covid-19 Pandemic Supports

Éamon Ó Cuív

521. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment his plans to make assistance available to voluntary community radio stations to support them during the Covid-19 pandemic in view of the vital information role they play in their communities keeping persons in touch in this time of social isolation; the reason they were not included in the previous announcement in relation to commercial and national radio broadcasters on 9 April 2020; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10208/20]

Departmental Reports

Éamon Ó Cuív

583. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport when he plans to publish the report on the western rail corridor from Athenry to Claremorris prepared by a company (details supplied); the reason for the delay in publishing the report; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10203/20]

Tourism Industry

Éamon Ó Cuív

584. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport when the Tourism Recovery Task Force will issue its report and recommendations; when a package will be announced to assist this sector of the economy; the number of members on the task force representing the industry itself; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10207/20]

Covid-19 Pandemic Supports

Éamon Ó Cuív

585. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the supports he plans for the restaurant sector, including reduced VAT, business interruption grants and so on in order to ensure the survival of the sector; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10212/20]

Early Childhood Care and Education

Éamon Ó Cuív

600. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs her plans to introduce changes to the ECCE scheme to provide all year round funding for those involved in the provision of ECCE services rather than the 183 days funding as at present similar to that for teachers and other persons engaged in the education sector, particularly to ensure the viability of providing such services after the Covid-19 pandemic; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [10204/20]

Local Improvement Scheme

Éamon Ó Cuív

627. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the number of county councils that have provided a list of roads for approval under the LIS allocation for 2020; the counties involved; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10217/20]

LEADER Programmes

Éamon Ó Cuív

628. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the allocation by LAG for projects under the present Leader programme; the amount allocated to date by each; the amount spent to date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10218/20]

Covid-19 Pandemic Unemployment Payment

Éamon Ó Cuív

672. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection if the pandemic unemployment payment will continue as long as social distancing and other restrictions are in place for those employed in businesses impacted by these restrictions in order to ensure income stability; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [10198/20]

Illness Benefit

Éamon Ó Cuív

673. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection her plans to extend the enhanced illness benefit for more than two weeks to those that cannot return to work due to the Covid-19 pandemic and the fact that they have a serious underlying condition that precludes them returning to work; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [10243/20]

Planning Issues

Éamon Ó Cuív

706. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government if he will consider amending the Planning and Development Act 2000 (Exempted Development) (No. 2.) Regulations 2019, SI No. 235 of 2019, to exempt from the requirement of getting a new planning permission all those properties that have been used for the purposes of tourism accommodation for five years prior to 2019 and in circumstances (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10201/20]

Local Authority Members

Éamon Ó Cuív

707. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government when a report (details supplied) will be published; the reason for the delay in publishing the report; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10202/20]

Defence Forces Representative Organisations

Éamon Ó Cuív

9. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence if an application has been received from a union (details supplied) for permission to affiliate to another organisation; if so, when the application was received; when a decision will be made on the application; the reason for the delay in making a decision on the matter; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9169/20]

Value Added Tax

Éamon Ó Cuív

94. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Finance if he will consider raising the threshold over which companies are required to register for VAT from €35,000 to €50,000 to reduce the cost of administration for small businesses; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9172/20]

Education and Training Provision

Éamon Ó Cuív

145. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Education and Skills when provision will be made for Safe Pass courses which have been suspended due to the Covid-19 pandemic for returning emigrants and new entrants to enable them become involved in construction work; if the course can be organised in a way that would respect social distance; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9177/20]

State Examinations

Éamon Ó Cuív

238. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Education and Skills the arrangements being made in the new measures regarding the leaving certificate in 2020 for students who are studying a subject for the leaving certificate outside the school system and for those, some of whom are repeating their leaving certificate, who are not attending a school establishment during this academic year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8943/20]

Special Educational Needs

Éamon Ó Cuív

269. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Education and Skills when full details of the way in which the July provision of services for children with severe and profound intellectual disabilities will operate in 2020 will be announced; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9173/20]

Special Educational Needs

Éamon Ó Cuív

270. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Education and Skills if the early re-opening of special schools for children with severe and profound disabilities will be allowed in view of the challenges faced by the parents of children with severe and profound disabilities and the small numbers involved in each classroom of special schools; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9174/20]

Covid-19 Pandemic

Éamon Ó Cuív

271. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Education and Skills if he has had discussions with the outdoor adventure and activity centre sector (details supplied) in view of the cancellation of most activities and events in adventure centres in 2020 to ensure they survive the effects of the Covid-19 pandemic; if he has considered providing a deposit guarantee to the sector; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9179/20]

Maternity Leave

Éamon Ó Cuív

327. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if he is considering extending maternity leave for mothers of newborn babies on a temporary basis in view of the effects of Covid-19 on society in general and particularly on crèches and childcare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8948/20]

Refugee Resettlement Programme

Éamon Ó Cuív

373. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the number of applications received from potential community sponsors in the county and city of Galway respectively, under the community sponsorship Ireland scheme; the number that have received refugees to date; the number approved as community sponsors and undergoing training; the number awaiting approval; the name of each group; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9168/20]

Legislative Programme

Éamon Ó Cuív

412. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation if legislation prepared by her Department will be required to implement the new measures announced recently to help businesses recover from the effects of the Covid-19 pandemic; the progress made to date in drafting this legislation; when it is hoped to publish same; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8939/20]

Covid-19 Pandemic Supports

Éamon Ó Cuív

413. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation when the details of the restart fund for micro and small business of €250 million will be available; the reason the scheme was announced before application forms and details were available; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8951/20]

Covid-19 Pandemic

Éamon Ó Cuív

468. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation the discussions she has had to date with the events industry (details supplied); her plans for the sector to be represented through an organisation on task forces set up or being set up to spearhead the recovery; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [9170/20]

Covid-19 Pandemic Supports

Éamon Ó Cuív

469. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation her plans to reopen the business continuity voucher scheme to enable further companies and businesses to reopen after the Covid-19 pandemic and to help companies and businesses to adapt to the new circumstances after the pandemic; the cost of the scheme to date; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [9171/20]

Covid-19 Pandemic

Éamon Ó Cuív

626. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Health the extra steps and measures put in place to deal with mental health needs of prisoners in view of the extra restrictions in place to protect the prison population from Covid-19; the extra resources made available in this regard; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8135/20]

Covid-19 Pandemic

Éamon Ó Cuív

635. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Health if he will consider amending the Roadmap for Reopening Society and Business to enable restaurants co-located in public houses and operating under public house drink licences to open as restaurants with sit-down service only with meals (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8940/20]

Home Care Packages

Éamon Ó Cuív

636. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Health if it is planned to introduce a statutory home care scheme to support the elderly at home (details supplied); if he has had discussions with the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection on improving the carer’s benefit and carer's allowance scheme conditions and payments; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8947/20]

Hospitals Building Programme

Éamon Ó Cuív

637. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Health when it is planned to open the new rehabilitation hospital in Dún Laoghaire in view of the long waiting list of patients waiting to access the facility as a consequence of Covid-19; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8949/20]

Tourism Policy

Éamon Ó Cuív

846. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the details of the recently announced scheme to back a new refund credit note scheme for tour operators and travel agents; if this applies equally to tour operators based here that bring tourists here and are now being asked to refund deposits and tour operators and travel agents based here that organise holidays abroad; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8950/20]

Tourism Funding

Éamon Ó Cuív

926. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport when a package of support will be announced for the hospitality and tourism sector; the elements that will be included in this package; if he has had discussions with the Minister for Health in relation to opening hotels on a limited occupancy basis at the same time as restaurants; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8941/20]

Córas Iompair Éireann

Éamon Ó Cuív

927. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if the CIÉ group of companies have consulted with him in relation to the plan by CIÉ tours to cut the number of tours for 2021 by 50%; if he has expressed concern in relation to the effect this will have on many tourist locations nationally; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8952/20]

Covid-19 Pandemic Supports

Éamon Ó Cuív

941. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he or his officials have had discussions with representatives of the bus, coach and chauffeur sectors to develop a package of supports for the sector which will be impacted for a long time by the Covid-19 pandemic (details supplied); if not, his plans to organise such discussions and put a package of supports in place; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9175/20]

Aviation Industry

Éamon Ó Cuív

942. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he or his officials have had discussions with airlines based here in relation to the Covid-19 induced crisis in the airline business; if assistance has been sought by the airlines; if the airlines have indicated an intention to scale back their operations here particularly to and from airports other than Dublin; if they indicated if they plan changing the working conditions of staff as well as downsizing; if they sought assistance, financial or otherwise from his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9178/20]

Covid-19 Pandemic Supports

Éamon Ó Cuív

1047. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development when decisions will be made under the community and voluntary stability scheme; the number of applications received; the value of the applications; the amount available for the grants; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9176/20]

Money Advice and Budgeting Service

Éamon Ó Cuív

1108. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection if discussions are taking place to close an office (details supplied); when a decision will be made on this matter; if she has issued a direction to the board regarding its duty to provide services in the Irish language to the Gaeltacht community from offices in Gaeltacht areas; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8945/20]

Property Registration Authority

Éamon Ó Cuív

1198. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government when an application for a boundary change lodged with the Property Registration Authority submitted by persons (details supplied) in County Galway will be finalised; the reason for the delay in finalising the application in view of the fact the application has been lodged since 2019 and has been with the mapping team for some considerable time; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8910/20]

Protected Disclosures

Éamon Ó Cuív

1200. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government when a final decision will be made on a protected disclosure (details supplied); the reason for the delay; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8946/20]

Oideachas Gaeltachta

Éamon Ó Cuív

1283. D'fhiafraigh Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív den Aire Cultúir, Oidhreachta agus Gaeltachta cén uair a fhógrofar pacáiste cúnaimh dúnadh Coláistaí Gaeilge mná tí agus pobail de bharr nach mbeidh na Coláistí Gaeilge ar oscailt I mbliaina; an fáth go bhfuil an oiread moille ar an gcoinneadh; ar chuir sí mbeanran faoi bhráid an rialtais faoin ábhar seo; agus an ndéanfaidh sí ráiteas ina thaobh. [8942/20]

Oideachas Gaeltachta

Éamon Ó Cuív

1284. D'fhiafraigh Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív den Aire Cultúir, Oidhreachta agus Gaeltachta an bhfuil i gceist teacht i gcabhair ar na hallaí agus aiseanna pobail a bheidh thíos ó thaobh ioncaim dhe leis an gcinneadh gan aon choláistí Gaeilge a bheith ann I mbliana; agus an ndéanfaidh sí ráiteas ina thaobh. [8953/20]

Prisoner Health

Éamon Ó Cuív

369. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if an up-to-date risk assessment has been carried out in respect of managing the risk of Covid-19 entering the prison system and at the same time reducing the negative impact of these measures in the medium term on prisoners and prison life; if plans are in place to ensure sufficient capacity for quarantining within the prison system; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8131/20]

Prisoner Health

Éamon Ó Cuív

370. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the reduction in the prison population needed to ensure that there are adequate facilities available to deal with a possible outbreak of Covid-19 in the prison system; the criteria being used to determine Covid-19-related early releases to reduce overcrowding in the prison system; if this is purely risk based; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8132/20]

Prisoner Welfare

Éamon Ó Cuív

371. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the steps taken to ensure in the absence of visits to prisons due to the Covid-19 pandemic that prisoners have continued access to their families by way of phone and video calls; if the enhanced facilities have been extended to all prisoners; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8133/20]