Ceisteanna Parlaiminte

Covid-19 Pandemic Supports

Brendan Smith

37. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Finance if measures will be implemented as a matter of urgency from a VAT reduction and taxation perspective to assist the tourism and hospitality sector through the serious difficulties that have arisen due to the Covid-19 pandemic; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16303/20]

Value Added Tax

Brendan Smith

63. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Finance if he is considering a reduction in VAT on the hospitality and tourism sector in view of the adverse impact of Covid-19 on the sector; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16278/20]

Credit Unions

Brendan Smith

67. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Finance if detailed consideration will be given to the issues raised in correspondence (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16384/20]

Telecommunications Infrastructure

Brendan Smith

34. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the measures he will implement to ensure a necessary upgrade in the telecommunications infrastructure in areas such as counties Cavan and Monaghan; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16059/20]

Telecommunications Infrastructure

Brendan Smith

35. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the measures he will implement to ensure that all areas of counties Cavan and Monaghan will have access to high-speed broadband; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16060/20]

National Broadband Plan

Brendan Smith

116. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the status of the roll-out of broadband connection points in counties Cavan and Monaghan. [16077/20]

Enterprise Support Services

Brendan Smith

32. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation the measures he is taking to support small and medium enterprises in the Border region; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15793/20]

Covid-19 Pandemic Supports

Brendan Smith

74. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation if he will give consideration to the issues raised in correspondence (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15081/20]

Covid-19 Pandemic Supports

Brendan Smith

84. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation the measures he will implement to ensure that small businesses have access to loan schemes that were established due to Covid-19; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15845/20]

Greenways Provision

Brendan Smith

187. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport when a project (details supplied) will proceed to the next stage; if this proposed development will be prioritised in view of the cross-Border tourism potential; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14990/20]

Covid-19 Pandemic Supports

Brendan Smith

195. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if employment incentives will be made available to the tourism sector for a new or developing small enterprise; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15077/20]

Consumer Rights

Brendan Smith

258. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his plans to ensure that persons who paid for airline travel and in circumstances in which it is necessary to cancel such travel due to Covid-19 restrictions and quarantine requirements will have full refunds of the cost of the tickets; the engagement he has had to date with the airline carriers; if he will ensure that consumers receive fair treatment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15830/20]

Covid-19 Pandemic Supports

Brendan Smith

271. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if specific measures to assist the bus and coach sector will be included in the July stimulus package; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16118/20]

Public Procurement Contracts

Brendan Smith

322. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the likely timescale for the completion of the tender process for a project (details supplied); when the project is expected to go to construction; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14791/20]

Covid-19 Pandemic Supports

Brendan Smith

371. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht if specific funding will be provided for the arts sector due to the severe difficulties caused by the Covid-19 pandemic; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [15863/20]

Social and Affordable Housing

Brendan Smith

385. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government if the income eligibility limits for social housing in areas such as counties Cavan and Monaghan will be reviewed as a matter of urgency; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14643/20]

Brexit Preparations

Brendan Smith

453. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the preparations for a post-Brexit deal between the European Union and the United Kingdom; the measures in place specifically if no deal is reached; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15794/20]

Child Poverty

Brendan Smith

776. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection the measures to be implemented to offset the expected increase in child poverty levels in 2020 following on the loss of employment due to the Covid-19 pandemic; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [15775/20]

Local Improvement Scheme

Brendan Smith

798. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development if funding will be provided for the local improvement scheme in 2020; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [15846/20]

Maternity Leave

Brendan Smith

896. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the position regarding the request to have maternity benefit extended; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [15853/20]

Home Help Service

Brendan Smith

1266. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Health if additional financial resources will be provided for home support in 2020 in view of the delays in providing these essential supports for many eligible patients; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15849/20]

Covid-19 Pandemic

Brendan Smith

1319. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Health when day services for persons with disabilities will resume; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16111/20]

Departmental Programmes

Brendan Smith

5. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Taoiseach when a unit within his Department will be established to work towards a consensus on a shared island; and the overall remit of the unit. [14497/20]

Parking Provision

Brendan Smith

80. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if the parents of a child with a diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder and severe intellectual disability are entitled to a disabled parking permit; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14496/20]

Sports Capital Programme

Brendan Smith

135. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport when details of the sports capital programme will be announced; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14506/20]

Covid-19 Pandemic

Brendan Smith

137. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if specific programmes of support will be put in place as a matter of urgency to assist the tourism and hospitality sector through present challenges in view of the severe impact of Covid-19; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14541/20]

Primary Medical Certificates

Brendan Smith

187. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Finance his plans to improve the criteria for the primary medical certificate; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14535/20]

Local Authority Housing

Brendan Smith

321. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government if the funding available for local authorities for the voids programme will be increased for 2020; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14545/20]

Local Authority Housing

Brendan Smith

322. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government if the funding available to Cavan County Council for the Voids Programme will be increased in view of the need to bring vacant social houses back to habitable condition; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14547/20]

Schools Building Projects

Brendan Smith

469. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Education and Skills when the proposed building project for a school (details supplied) will proceed to the next stage; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14534/20]

CLÁR Programme

Brendan Smith

545. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the progress to date in reviewing the CLÁR programme; if there are plans to extend the areas; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14516/20]

Hospital Facilities

Brendan Smith

863. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Health if a project (details supplied) will be advanced to the next stage in view of the urgent need to provide much needed additional accommodation at this healthcare facility; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14495/20]

Value Added Tax

Brendan Smith

71. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Finance his plans to reduce VAT on the hospitality and tourism sector in view of the adverse impact of Covid-19 on the sector; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13525/20]

Covid-19 Pandemic

Brendan Smith

345. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation when guidelines and a time for reopening of business will issue to the beauty sector (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12688/20]

Hospital Facilities

Brendan Smith

547. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Health when the proposed additional accommodation will be provided in view of the increasing demand on facilities at Cavan General Hospital; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13523/20]

Domestic Violence Refuges Provision

Brendan Smith

781. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the progress in relation to the establishment of a refuge for victims of domestic abuse in counties Cavan and Monaghan; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13526/20]

Census of Population

Brendan Smith

6. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Taoiseach the preparations to date for the holding of a census in 2021. [12020/20]

Public Procurement Contracts

Brendan Smith

99. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if he will amend public procurement processes to ensure that small and medium enterprises are not disadvantaged in tendering for the provision of services to the State such as provisions for schools and other public services, in view of the fact that in recent years small enterprises have lost valuable business at local level due to more purchasing being centralised and resulting in some instances in products being sourced from outside this jurisdiction and a loss in revenue to the State; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12570/20]

School Staff

Brendan Smith

241. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Education and Skills if additional primary teaching posts will be sanctioned for the coming school year in circumstances in which the school enrolment will have reached the number required by September for an additional post and not have to wait for 12 months for sanction; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12475/20]

School Staff

Brendan Smith

242. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Education and Skills if an additional teaching post will be approved for the coming school year for a school (details supplied) that will have the required enrolment for this position by September 2020; if urgent consideration will be given to this request in view of the fact the school has the necessary classroom available at present and needs to have the pupil-teacher ratio reduced; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12476/20]

Maternity Leave

Brendan Smith

335. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Justice and Equality his plans to extend maternity leave; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12360/20]

Covid-19 Pandemic Supports

Brendan Smith

385. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation her plans to provide restart grant assistance to marts in view of additional costs that have arisen for such enterprises and the need to have a vibrant mart sector; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12471/20]

Covid-19 Pandemic

Brendan Smith

553. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Health when essential respite services will resume for children and adults in counties Cavan and Monaghan in view of the additional pressures on families due to cessation of such services arising from the Covid-19 pandemic; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12571/20]

Covid-19 Pandemic

Brendan Smith

562. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Health further to Parliamentary Question No. 424 of 9 June 2020 and comments by a person (details supplied) regarding the need to deal with the Covid-19 pandemic issues on an all-Ireland basis, the outcome of recent discussions he has had with members of the Northern Ireland Executive on this important issue; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12602/20]

Pigmeat Sector

Brendan Smith

612. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if additional resources will be provided to source new markets for pigmeat in view of the recent reduction in prices paid to pig farmers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12477/20]

Agriculture Schemes

Brendan Smith

614. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the specific details of the recently announced aid scheme for the beef sector; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12501/20]

Covid-19 Pandemic Supports

Brendan Smith

615. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine his plans to introduce a financial support package for the sheep sector due to the adverse impact of Covid-19 resulting in market instability and loss of income; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12502/20]

Covid-19 Pandemic Supports

Brendan Smith

647. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the specific financial programmes that will be introduced to assist the tourism and hospitality sector through the present difficulties due to Covid-19 and the future challenges in rebuilding such businesses, taking into account the importance of the sector for employment and the economy in each region; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12470/20]

Road Projects

Brendan Smith

725. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the position regarding the funding of the A5 major road project; the most recent discussions he has had with members of the Northern Ireland Executive regarding the need to progress this project; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12468/20]

Driver Test

Brendan Smith

726. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport further to Parliamentary Question No. 952 of 3 June 2020, the progress to date in having a resumption of driver lessons and driver tests; if the necessary preparations and systems are in place to enable the commencement of such necessary services; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12497/20]

Driver Test

Brendan Smith

733. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport when it is planned to resume driver theory tests in counties Cavan and Monaghan; the measures in place to date to facilitate the resumption of same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12540/20]

National Car Test

Brendan Smith

734. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport when NCT centres will reopen in counties Cavan and Monaghan; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12541/20]

Aviation Industry

Brendan Smith

739. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if the issues raised in correspondence (details supplied) in relation to aviation trade and tourism here will be given consideration; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12619/20]

State Pension (Contributory)

Brendan Smith

851. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection her plans to amend the regulations in relation to the State pension (contributory) with particular reference to persons whose insurance contributions were interrupted due to periods in receipt of farm assist; if the periods that persons were in receipt of farm assist can be credited for insurance purposes; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12467/20]

Covid-19 Pandemic Unemployment Payment

Brendan Smith

859. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection if she has given further consideration to the provision of a Covid-19 payment to persons who are on a reduced State pension (contributory) that have lost employment income due to Covid-19; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12608/20]

Northern Ireland

Brendan Smith

36. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the recent discussions he has had with members of the Northern Ireland Executive and with the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland regarding the need to introduce without further delay the victims payment scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11381/20]

Passport Services

Brendan Smith

37. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the level of passport services available at present; the timescale for a resumption of all passport services; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11382/20]

Brexit Negotiations

Brendan Smith

39. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade his views on the recent comments by the EU chief negotiator regarding Brexit and the need for the UK Government to honour the Northern Ireland protocol; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11607/20]

Health and Safety Inspections

Brendan Smith

288. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Education and Skills if his attention has been drawn to the situation at a school (details supplied); his views on whether the board of management of the school has a responsibility with regard to a health and safety report on the school which it has received; if the staffing levels in place at the school will not be reduced as a result of the school complying with its health and safety advice; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11489/20]

Special Educational Needs

Brendan Smith

298. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Education and Skills his plans to ensure that participation on the 2020 programme arising from the July provision will not be restricted to children attending special schools or special classes but will enable eligible students from any school to participate; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11591/20]

Covid-19 Pandemic

Brendan Smith

299. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Education and Skills when details will be published in relation to the reopening of primary and second level schools; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11592/20]

Special Educational Needs

Brendan Smith

300. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Education and Skills if additional resources will be provided in 2020 to support children with special needs at primary and second level education; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11593/20]

Northern Ireland

Brendan Smith

386. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Justice and Equality further to Parliamentary Question No. 350 of 11 November 2019, if there has been further progress in achieving a full and comprehensive investigation here and in Northern Ireland into the bombing in Belturbet, County Cavan, in December 1972 which caused the death of two young persons and injuries to many others; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11356/20]

Ministerial Meetings

Brendan Smith

470. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Health the discussions there have been with the Minister for Health in Northern Ireland on the development of tracing apps that would be compatible on all of the island of Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10476/20]

Covid-19 Pandemic

Brendan Smith

517. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Health the status of the establishment of voluntary tracing apps arising from Covid-19; the proposals relating to the working of such apps at EU level; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10414/20]

Health Screening Programmes

Brendan Smith

668. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Health the time frame for the commencement of cancer screening programmes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11354/20]

Disability Services Funding

Brendan Smith

669. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Health if additional funding will be provided in 2020 for a training centre (details supplied) in view of increasing demand for places; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11355/20]

Health Services Provision

Brendan Smith

675. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Health the status of the midwifery-led unit at Cavan General Hospital; if his attention has been drawn to a proposal to cease the service; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11383/20]

Maternity Services

Brendan Smith

676. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Health the status of the national maternity strategy; his plans to expand midwifery-led units nationwide; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11384/20]

National Broadband Plan

Brendan Smith

800. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the projected roll-out of the national broadband plan in 2020 in County Monaghan; the areas that will benefit from the development; if his attention has been drawn to the urgent need to have the broadband infrastructure upgraded in many parts of County Monaghan due to increased demand for proper connectivity for households, businesses, community and public facilities; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11360/20]

Road Projects

Brendan Smith

877. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the funding that will be provided in 2020 towards the necessary upgrading of a road (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11359/20]

Covid-19 Pandemic Supports

Brendan Smith

878. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the specific financial programmes that will be introduced to assist the tourism and hospitality sector through the difficulties due to Covid-19 taking into account the importance of the sector for employment and the economy in each region; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11361/20]

EU Funding

Brendan Smith

879. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if tourism specific funding supports will be provided by the EU arising from the EU Tourism Ministers meeting in April 2020; if so, when such assistance will be available; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11362/20]

Aviation Industry

Brendan Smith

884. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his plans to ensure that persons who had paid for airline travel and in circumstances in which it is necessary to cancel such travel due to Covid-19 restrictions and quarantine requirements, will have full refunds of the cost of tickets; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11510/20]

Road Projects

Brendan Smith

887. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if additional funding will be allocated in 2020 towards a road upgrade project (details supplied) in view of the heavy volume of traffic on the road; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11602/20]

Childcare Services

Brendan Smith

919. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the capital funding that will be provided to assist in the provision of new and-or upgraded childcare accommodation to meet new requirements; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11379/20]

Childcare Services

Brendan Smith

920. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the funding that will be provided to assist in the provision of childcare by private and community childcare providers; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11380/20]

Covid-19 Pandemic Supports

Brendan Smith

1110. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the further developments regarding the need to provide adequate financial supports for the arts sector in view of the receipt of her correspondence of 30 April 2020 to this Deputy (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11492/20]

Covid-19 Pandemic Supports

Brendan Smith

1111. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht if full refunds will be made in respect of the cancellation of Gaeltacht courses in view of the cancellation of same for summer 2020; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11495/20]

Defence Forces Data

Brendan Smith

11. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the number of personnel that re-enlisted in the Permanent Defence Force since 1 April 2020; the areas of the Permanent Defence Force these personnel are serving in; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10240/20]

Defence Forces Strength

Brendan Smith

12. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the number of personnel serving in the Permanent Defence Force; his plans to bring personnel numbers to the approved establishment strength of 9,500; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10241/20]

Defence Forces Review

Brendan Smith

13. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the status of the high level Strengthening our Defence Forces – Implementation Plan; the progress to date in implementing the 15 projects identified in the plan; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10242/20]

Brexit Issues

Brendan Smith

32. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the discussions he has had with his UK counterpart following the publication by the UK Government of the approach to the Northern Ireland Protocol document; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10296/20]

Brexit Issues

Brendan Smith

33. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the outcome of the most recent discussions he has had with the EU Commission in relation to Brexit; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10297/20]

Brexit Issues

Brendan Smith

36. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the discussions he has had with members of the UK Government in relation to the need to honour the commitments it made in relation to the Protocol on Northern Ireland following the departure of the UK from the European Union; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10415/20]

Dental Services

Brendan Smith

329. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Health the progress to date in dealing with the issues outlined by an association (details supplied); if financial support will be provided to assist the sector due to the difficulties that have arisen as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9755/20]

Home Help Service

Brendan Smith

419. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Health his plans to increase home supports for 2020 in counties Cavan and Monaghan; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10342/20]

Drug and Alcohol Task Forces

Brendan Smith

420. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Health his plans to increase funding for programmes in 2020 (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10343/20]

Memoranda of Understanding

Brendan Smith

424. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Health the measures being implemented on an all-island basis following the agreement on a memorandum of understanding between his Department and the Department of Health in Northern Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10393/20]

Covid-19 Tests

Brendan Smith

425. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Health the capacity for testing for Covid-19; the average turnaround time for test results; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10394/20]

Covid-19 Pandemic

Brendan Smith

427. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Health if there will be an investigation into high levels of Covid-19 infection among healthcare workers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10401/20]

Common Agricultural Policy

Brendan Smith

491. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the details of the proposals he put to the EU Commission in relation to the need to increase the proposed budget for CAP post-2020; if he has outlined to the EU Agriculture Commissioner that the most recent budget proposals are not adequate; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10252/20]

GLAS Issues

Brendan Smith

492. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine when the GLAS scheme will reopen for applications; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10253/20]

GLAS Issues

Brendan Smith

493. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine his plans to extend GLAS pending the introduction of a new scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10254/20]

Beef Exports

Brendan Smith

495. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine when beef exports to China will resume; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10334/20]

Covid-19 Pandemic Supports

Brendan Smith

592. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the outcome of discussions he has had with representatives of the tourism and hospitality sector; the support programmes that will be put in place to assist the sector through the difficulties that have arisen due to the Covid-19 crisis; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10408/20]

Local Authority Funding

Brendan Smith

704. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government the measures he plans to implement to assist local authorities with their funding programmes due to the serious reduction that will occur in their income in 2020 due to the contraction in business activities; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10195/20]

Local Authority Funding

Brendan Smith

705. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government his plans to increase the rates of reimbursement for local authorities at a higher rate than originally announced due to the closure of businesses caused by Covid-19; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10196/20]

Defence Forces Recruitment

Brendan Smith

11. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence if the age limit for the Defence Forces cadetship competition will be increased as recommended by the Public Service Pay Commission and also discussed at the Oireachtas Joint Committee on Foreign Affairs and Trade, and Defence on 28 November 2019; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9258/20]

Brexit Negotiations

Brendan Smith

34. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the discussions he has had with the EU and the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland in relation to the establishment of an EU office in Belfast; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9220/20]