Ceisteanna Parlaiminte

Corporate Governance

Catherine Connolly

11. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if his attention has been brought to a recently published report (details supplied) which outlined that over half of the 50 largest companies in the Irish economy scored 30% or less on corporate uptake of the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5479/24]

Export Controls

Catherine Connolly

27. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the number of dual-use export licence applications in respect of end-users in Israel approved by his Department since 7 October 2023; the value of same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5477/24]

Regional Development

Catherine Connolly

30. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment further to Parliamentary Question No. 18 of 23 November 2023, the status of the implementation of the west regional enterprise plan to 2024; the date of all meetings to-date of the steering group; to provide an update on the most recent meeting of the steering group; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5481/24]

Departmental Priorities

Catherine Connolly

37. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment further to Parliamentary Question No. 45 of 23 November 2023, for an update on his Department’s engagement with the Department of Foreign Affairs with a view to developing a new business and human rights action plan and implementation body; the number of meetings held to-date by the stakeholder forum; the dates of same; the terms of reference of the stakeholder forum; the expected timeline for the new national plan on business and human rights; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5478/24]

Work Permits

Catherine Connolly

71. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment further to Parliamentary Question No. 17 of 23 November 2023, for an update on plans to remove dental nurses from the ineligible occupation list; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5480/24]

Flood Relief Schemes

Catherine Connolly

105. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform further to Parliamentary Question No. 27 of 28 November 2023, the status of the review by the Coirib go Cósta steering group of the draft revised programme incorporating the additional scope for the Coirib go Cósta flood relief scheme; the timeline for the publication of the revised project programme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5487/24]

Flood Relief Schemes

Catherine Connolly

110. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform the expected timeline for the next public consultation day for the Coirib go Cósta flood relief scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5488/24]

Middle East

Catherine Connolly

134. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs the reason a US military aircraft (details supplied) was permitted to land and refuel at Shannon airport on 1 February 2024; to clarify the steps that were taken to ensure that this aircraft was not involved in US military operations in support of the Israeli attacks in Gaza; to clarify what steps were taken to check what this aircraft was delivering to Ramstein air base; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5992/24]

Middle East

Catherine Connolly

135. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs the reason a US military aircraft (details supplied) was permitted to land and refuel at Shannon airport on 1 February 2024; to clarify the steps that were taken to ensure that this aircraft was not involved in US military operations in support of the Israeli attacks in Gaza; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5993/24]

Flood Relief Schemes

Catherine Connolly

129. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform the projected cost of the revised Coirib go Cósta flood relief scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5474/24]

White Papers

Catherine Connolly

149. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment for an update on the implementation of the white paper on enterprise; the status of the second update report; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5471/24]

Departmental Reports

Catherine Connolly

150. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the timeline for the publication of his Department’s report into the impact of recent policy changes on businesses; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5472/24]

Work Permits

Catherine Connolly

151. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment further to Parliamentary Question No. 74 of 22 November 2023, the status of the report by the Implementation Group to address the recommendations of the March 2022 Department of Justice Report on the Review of the Atypical Working Scheme for non-EEA Crew in the Irish Fishing Fleet; the timeline for the publication of the report; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5473/24]

International Protection

Catherine Connolly

348. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Justice the number of applicants for international protection who have been called for their personal interview under section 35 of the International Protection Act 2015 while awaiting accommodation from IPAS since the Government announced that it would no longer be able to guarantee accommodation for single male applicants; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [5216/24]

Domestic, Sexual and Gender-based Violence

Catherine Connolly

350. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Justice the status of the board of the new Domestic, Sexual and Gender-Based Violence Agency; the progress to-date on appointing members to the board; the timeline for when the board will be in place; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [5271/24]

Coroners Service

Catherine Connolly

368. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Justice when the report following the public consultation on reform of the Coroner’s Service in Ireland will be published; the number of submissions received to ‘consultation part 1’ and ‘consultation part 2'; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [5492/24]

Park-and-Ride Facilities

Catherine Connolly

53. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Transport further to Parliamentary Question No. 6 of 30 November 2023, the status of the roll-out of park and ride in Galway city; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4380/24]

Public Transport

Catherine Connolly

61. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Transport further to Parliamentary Question 41 of 30 November 2023, the status of the feasibility study for light rail in Galway, which is being undertaken as part of the development of the Galway Metropolitan Area Transport Strategy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4381/24]

Housing Schemes

Catherine Connolly

110. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Finance further to Parliamentary Question No. 82 of 23 November 2023, his plans for the phasing out of the help-to-buy scheme; his plans in the interim to increase the minimum mortgage LTV to 80%, as recommended in a report (details supplied), and the timeline for same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4282/24]

Primary Medical Certificates

Catherine Connolly

142. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Finance further to Parliamentary Question No. 91 of 23 November 2023, for an update on the Disabled Drivers Medical Board of Appeal; to clarify if appeal hearings have recommenced to-date, and if not, the timeline for same; the number of people currently on the appeal hearing list; the expected timeline for the clearing of the backlog of appeals; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4382/24]

Dental Services

Catherine Connolly

146. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Health the details of his engagement with an organisation (details supplied) with regard to issues around the availability of dental services for persons with disabilities who are medical card holders; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4363/24]

Dental Services

Catherine Connolly

147. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Health his plans for an audit of all dental services in Ireland to ascertain the level of medical card holders in their patient lists; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4364/24]

Dental Services

Catherine Connolly

148. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Health the number of dentists in Galway who have signed up to provide dental care for medical card holders under the dental treatment services scheme; the number who have signed up nationwide; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4365/24]

Dental Services

Catherine Connolly

149. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Health the number of dentists who left the dental treatment services scheme, where they had been providing dental care to medical card patients in Galway; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4366/24]

Dental Services

Catherine Connolly

150. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Health his plans to ensure that all medical card holders can access dental health care; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4367/24]

Island Communities

Catherine Connolly

97. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development further to Parliamentary Question No. 30 of 14 November 2023, the status of the monitoring committee for the implementation of the new policy for the islands; the terms of reference of the committee; the membership of the committee; the number of meetings held to-date and the dates of same; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [3980/24]

Island Communities

Catherine Connolly

99. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development further to Parliamentary Question No. 23 of 14 November 2023, for an update on the work of the steering committee tasked with monitoring progress on the development of the piers on Inis Oírr and Inis Meáin; the date of the next meeting; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [3981/24]

Middle East

Catherine Connolly

30. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs his plans to formally recognise the state of Palestine, as per the commitment in the Programme for Government; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3332/24]

Middle East

Catherine Connolly

36. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs his plans for Ireland to support South Africa's case against Israel under the Genocide Convention at the International Court of Justice; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3331/24]

Climate Change Policy

Catherine Connolly

105. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications further to Parliamentary Question 10 of 16 November 2023, the details of any engagement his Department, or bodies under the aegis of his Department, has had with Galway City and County Councils to date in 2024 with regard to the development of their local authority climate action plans, and in particular the preparation of their decarbonising zones; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3399/24]

Renewable Energy Generation

Catherine Connolly

122. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the date on which the export tariff phase of the small-scale renewable energy support scheme will be launched; to outline the supports that will be available to community projects under the SRESS; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3398/24]

Climate Change Policy

Catherine Connolly

123. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications his plans for the Government to endorse the call for a fossil fuel non-proliferation treaty; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3401/24]

Renewable Energy Generation

Catherine Connolly

145. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the status of the development of the roadmap by the Regional Assemblies to assist with developing a Regional Renewable Electricity Strategy for each region; the timeline for the publication of the roadmap; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3402/24]

Energy Policy

Catherine Connolly

146. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the status of the review by the CRU of gas and electricity connection policies for new large energy users; for details of any engagement he or his Department has had with the CRU in the carrying out of the review; the timeline for the completion of the review and publication of the new decisions on the rules for future gas connections of large energy users; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3400/24]

Family Law Cases

Catherine Connolly

296. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Justice further to Parliamentary Question No. 538 of 23 May 2023, the timeline for the full commencement of the Mediation Act 2017; the timeline for the establishment of the mediation council; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [3564/24]

Legal Aid

Catherine Connolly

297. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Justice the current waiting times for mediation in the law centres run by the Legal Aid Board; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [3565/24]

Mother and Baby Homes

Catherine Connolly

339. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth further to Parliamentary Question No. 1352 of 17 February 2024, the steps to be taken by a person to have their application to the mother and baby institutions payment scheme given priority by reason of their age or their health; if a procedure is in place to facilitate such requests in advance of the opening of the scheme given the passage of time since its announcement; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3562/24]

Middle East

Catherine Connolly

59. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs his plans to advocate at EU level for the suspension of trade with Israel, in light of its ongoing actions in Gaza; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3403/24]

Middle East

Catherine Connolly

60. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs for an update on his engagement at EU level with a view to securing a ceasefire in Gaza; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3404/24]

Ukraine War

Catherine Connolly

61. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs further to Parliamentary Question No. 244 of 30 November 2023, the details of Ireland’s financial and in-kind assistance to Ukraine since February 2022; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3405/24]

Middle East

Catherine Connolly

62. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs further to Parliamentary Question No. 131 of 7 November 2023, the steps he has taken to ensure the safe passage of Irish citizens from the occupied Palestinian territories, including those family members and dependents who do not hold Irish passports; the steps he has taken to ensure safe passage for family members and dependents of Irish citizens from the occupied Palestinian territories, in cases where the Irish citizen is not physically with them; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3406/24]

Middle East

Catherine Connolly

63. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs the details of Ireland’s financial and in-kind assistance to Palestine since October 2023; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3407/24]

Just Transition

Catherine Connolly

72. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications further to Parliamentary Question No. 83 of 28 September 2023, for an update on the work of the Just Transition Taskforce; if he has received any interim reports from the taskforce to-date; if he has received the final report of the taskforce; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3319/24]

Climate Change Policy

Catherine Connolly

73. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications further to Parliamentary Question No. 84 of 28 September 2023, the status of the development of the updated long-term strategy on greenhouse gas emissions reductions; the timeline for the publication of the updated strategy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3320/24]

Departmental Inquiries

Catherine Connolly

215. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Health for an update regarding the appointment of an independent chairperson to the sodium valproate inquiry; when he expects the chairperson to be appointed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3302/24]

Departmental Inquiries

Catherine Connolly

216. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Health the status of the inquiry into the historical licencing and prescribing of sodium valproate; the timeline for the inquiry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3303/24]

Ukraine War

Catherine Connolly

59. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence further to Parliamentary Question No. 65 of 21 November 2023, the total military aid given by the EU to Ukraine since February 2022, and the details of the contribution given by Ireland to date; the details of the contribution given by Ireland towards common costs of the EU military assistance mission in support of Ukraine; the details of any contributions or donations made by the Defence Forces to Ukraine to date since February 2022, and any contributions or donations planned; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2755/24]

Tribunals of Inquiry

Catherine Connolly

78. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence further to Parliamentary Question No. 78 of 21 November 2023, the status of the tribunal of inquiry to examine the effectiveness of the complaints process in the Defence Forces; the timeline for same; to clarify if the tribunal will examine allegations of abuse in respect of which formal complaints were not made; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2754/24]

Defence Forces

Catherine Connolly

152. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence his plans for the Defence Forces to participate in any overseas missions currently precluded by the neutrality protection provided by the triple lock; the details of any proposals received or made in this regard; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2762/24]

Export Controls

Catherine Connolly

243. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment further to Parliamentary Question No. 250 of 28 November 2023, to which no reply has been provided to date, the details of all export licences under the various categories of the Control of Exports (Goods and Technology) Order that have been approved and are currently in existence for export of goods to Israel; the number that fell within the scope of Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) 2018/1922; the type of export licence issued in each instance; if his Department has been made aware of exemptions from licensing requirements by exporters; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2718/24]

Wind Energy Generation

Catherine Connolly

351. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if a planning permission application is required where a windfarm owner seeks to renew wind turbines and extend the life of the windfarm through the installation of new generators or turbine propellor blades; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2657/24]

Organic Farming

Catherine Connolly

466. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the name and location of all salmon farm sites in Ireland currently certified as organic; if any salmon farm sites either lost their organic certification or if any operators voluntarily withdrew from the organic certification bodies since 1 January 2022 to date in 2024; if so, to outline the details of same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2420/24]

Mother and Baby Homes

Catherine Connolly

526. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth further to Parliamentary Question Nos. 135 of 14 December 2023 and 65 of 7 November 2023, when the mother and baby institutions redress scheme will be open for applications; the timeline for when payments will be made; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2719/24]

Child Protection

Catherine Connolly

528. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the steps taken and planned following the publication of a report (details supplied); if a report has issued from his Department further to the publication of this report; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2761/24]

Hospital Facilities

Catherine Connolly

42. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Health further to Parliamentary Question No. 1288 of 7 November 2023, for an update on the development of the new elective hospital in Merlin Park; the status of the development of the pre-tender business case; the expected timeline for the project to proceed through Stage 2 of the Public Spending Code; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1956/24]

Hospital Inspections

Catherine Connolly

47. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Health what engagement he or his Department have had with University Hospital Galway in relation to the deficits identified, including relating to bed capacity and staffing in senior positions, in the HIQA inspection report dated 16 February 2023 (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1955/24]

Further and Higher Education

Catherine Connolly

103. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science further to Parliamentary Question No. 137 of 19 October 2023, the status the proposed new further education college in Galway city; if the preliminary business case has been completed and submitted to SOLAS to date; if the design team has been appointed to date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1954/24]

Student Accommodation

Catherine Connolly

109. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science further to Parliamentary Question No. 126 of 19 October 2023, for a breakdown of the number of new affordable student accommodation units to be built and the number of units to be leased, in partnership with the University of Galway under the short-term activation measure; if he will provide an update on the construction of affordable student accommodation in Galway; the funding allocated to the University of Galway for the construction of new units under the short-term activation measure; the funding allocated to the University of Galway for the leasing of units under the short-term activation measure; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1953/24]

Public Transport

Catherine Connolly

155. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Transport the details of any analysis carried out or commissioned by his Department, or bodies under the aegis of his Department, into the adequacy of rail services on the Athenry to Galway route; his plans to provide more frequent rail services on this route; his plans to put in place additional carriages on trains on this route; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2268/24]

Middle East

Catherine Connolly

13. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs if the Government sought internal legal advice from the Office of the Attorney General or otherwise, in regard to Israel's actions in Gaza and its obligations under the Genocide Convention at any time since 7 October 2023. [1886/24]

Military Aircraft

Catherine Connolly

289. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Transport if an aircraft (details supplied) was approved to carry weapons or munitions or US soldiers through Shannon Airport; the reason(s) such aircraft are permitted to refuel at Shannon airport on their way to the Middle East while war crimes are being committed in Gaza; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1668/24]

International Protection

Catherine Connolly

1335. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the number of vulnerable international protection applicants who had an appointment with an IPAS social worker to date in 2023, broken down by age bracket, gender, and type of vulnerability; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [56698/23]

Mother and Baby Homes

Catherine Connolly

1352. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the details of any engagement he has had with survivors’ groups since the announcement of the mother and baby institutions payment scheme; if his Department keeps a record of the number of former residents of mother and baby institutions, and in particular the number who have passed away since the announcement of the payment scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [56813/23]

International Protection

Catherine Connolly

1355. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the number of IPAS referrals to an independent medical referee in 2022 and to date in 2023; the outcomes of those assessments, broken down by age bracket, gender, and type of vulnerability; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [56842/23]

Child and Family Agency

Catherine Connolly

1356. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the number of separated or unaccompanied children who underwent an eligibility assessment for Tusla services to date in 2023; the number of those who were deemed ineligible for Tusla services; the number who underwent a second eligibility assessment; the number who were deemed eligible for Tusla services after a second assessment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [56843/23]

Child and Family Agency

Catherine Connolly

1357. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the percentage of separated or unaccompanied children who have an allocated social worker, broken down by age, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [56844/23]

Community Care

Catherine Connolly

1804. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Health further to Parliamentary Question No. 51 of 9 November 2023, the details of any recruitment process underway to increase staffing levels in the Áras Mhic Dara community nursing unit in Carraroe to facilitate the use of all available beds in the unit; the number of beds currently operational in the unit; the number of beds currently closed in the unit; the number of beds currently in use in the unit; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1959/24]

Healthcare Infrastructure Provision

Catherine Connolly

1805. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Health further to Parliamentary Question No. 72 of 9 November 2023, if the SAR/PBC for the new emergency department, women and children’s block at University Hospital Galway has been approved by the HSE to-date; the expected timeline for it to proceed to pre-tender stage; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1960/24]

Care Services

Catherine Connolly

1806. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Health if his attention has been brought to a report (details supplied); his plans to address regional inequalities in access to long-term residential care; the details of any analysis carried out by his Department into the impact of the increase in private equity financed operators in Ireland’s long-term residential care sector; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1961/24]

Departmental Bodies

Catherine Connolly

33. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine further to Parliamentary Question No. 78 of 26 October 2023, for an update on the work of the wool council; if the €30,000 in Departmental funding has been drawn down to date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [55641/23]

Fisheries Protection

Catherine Connolly

47. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine further to Parliamentary Question No. 204 of 16 November 2023, the status of plans for the introduction of measures to protect the sprat fishery, which is concentrated within the six-nautical-mile zone; if he has received the updated scientific advice from the Marine Institute and Bord Iascaigh Mhara to date; his plans for the publication of this advice; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [55642/23]

Mother and Baby Homes

Catherine Connolly

110. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth further to Parliamentary Question No. 1493 of 11 September 2023, if the negotiation process between the expert negotiator and religious orders, with regard to contributing to the mother and baby institutions redress scheme, has been completed to date; if not, the expected timeline for the conclusion of the negotiation process; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [55650/23]

Mother and Baby Homes

Catherine Connolly

135. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth further to Parliamentary Question No. 65 of 7 November 2023, when the mother and baby institutions redress scheme will be open for applications; the timeline for when payments will be made; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [55649/23]

School Transport

Catherine Connolly

278. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Education the reasoning behind the exclusion of persons over 70 years of age from driving buses under the school transport scheme; the engagement she or her Department have had with Bus Éireann with a view to increasing the age limit, particularly in light of the ongoing shortage of bus drivers for the school transport scheme; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [55930/23]

School Transport

Catherine Connolly

279. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Education the measures underway to reinstate school transport route F6313 as a matter of urgency, in light of the impact that the loss of service is having on the students concerned, and on their families, who are required to make a 100km round trip to school twice per day; the details of any engagement she or her Department have had with the families concerned, particularly with a view to providing alternative transport for the children; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [55931/23]

Middle East

Catherine Connolly

7. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs the number of Irish citizens currently in Gaza; the steps being taken by his Department to assist them in exiting Gaza; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [55518/23]

Middle East

Catherine Connolly

163. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Justice if she is aware of the number of people currently in Gaza who have permission to remain in Ireland, or who have visas to live, study or work in Ireland; the steps being taken by her Department to assist them in exiting Gaza; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [55519/23]

Policing Authority

Catherine Connolly

73. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Justice the terms of reference of the review she requested of the Policing Authority around public order policing and related issues, following the recent riots in Dublin. [55086/23]

Legislative Reviews

Catherine Connolly

78. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Justice further to Parliamentary Question No. 23 of 11 October 2023, the status of the independent review of part 4 of the Criminal Law (Sexual Offences) Act 2017; the status of the recruitment process to replace the individual who had previously been engaged to carry out the study; if the new person has been appointed; the timeline for the completion of the review; the timeline for the publication of the final report; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [55087/23]

Seaweed Harvesting

Catherine Connolly

416. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage further to Parliamentary Question No. 382 of 4 July 2023, to provide a copy of the site investigation report. [54920/23]

Local Authorities

Catherine Connolly

5. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage further to Parliamentary Question No. 126 of 9 November 2023, what engagement he or his Department has had with the Galway social housing task force regarding the issues raised in the task force chairperson's report on progress to end-2022 since that report was received by his Department; the details of any engagement he or his Department has had with the task force in 2023 on the availability of properties to rent in Galway within standard and-or discretionary HAP limits; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [54386/23]

Rental Sector

Catherine Connolly

37. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if his attention has been drawn to the Residential Tenancies Board Rent Index Report Q2 2023, which showed that Galway City had the largest annual increase in average rents for new tenancies in any city in Ireland at 12.7%; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [54201/23]

Gaeltacht Policy

Catherine Connolly

85. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the timeline for the publication of the draft planning guidelines for Gaeltacht areas; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [54200/23]

Industrial Disputes

Catherine Connolly

115. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Social Protection the status of plans to close the pay gap between Tús supervisors and CE supervisors; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [54184/23]

Departmental Consultations

Catherine Connolly

149. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Social Protection her plans to extend the public consultation deadline on the Green Paper on disability reform; the number of submissions received to-date; the expected timeline for the consideration of all submissions; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [54183/23]

Military Aircraft

Catherine Connolly

174. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Transport the grounds on which aircraft on contract to the US military transportation command are being allowed by his Department to transit through Shannon Airport and through Irish airspace on their way to and from supporting wars in Ukraine and the Middle East, including Israeli bombardment of Gaza; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [54354/23]

Military Aircraft

Catherine Connolly

175. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Transport if his Department approved the transport of US soldiers, weapons or munitions on aircraft (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [54355/23]

Citizenship Ceremonies

Catherine Connolly

270. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Justice if, in light of recent events in Dublin city, additional security measures will be considered for upcoming citizenship ceremonies; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [54359/23]

State Bodies

Catherine Connolly

107. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if the final report of the External Scoping Exercise into certain matters pertaining to An Bord Pleanála by a person (details supplied) has been completed to-date; the details of any interim reports provided to-date; the timeline for the publication of the final report; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [54205/23]

Planning Issues

Catherine Connolly

108. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the status of the review by his Department of resources for the planning sector; the status of the development of the related ministerial action plan; the timeline for the publication of the action plan; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [54206/23]

Housing Policy

Catherine Connolly

109. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the status of the development of the new rural housing guidelines; the timeline for the publication of the new guidelines; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [54207/23]

Údarás na Gaeltachta

Catherine Connolly

68. D'fhiafraigh Deputy Catherine Connolly den Aire Turasóireachta, Cultúir, Ealaíon, Gaeltachta, Spóirt agus Meán maidir le Cheist Pharlaiminte 45678/23, cén dul chun cinn atá déanta maidir leis an obair athbhreithniúcháin atá déanta ag Údarás na Gaeltachta i ndáil leis na córais agus an cur chuige atá i ngníomh ag an Údarás chun tacú le cur chun cinn na Gaeilge sna cliantchuideachtaí agus i ndáil leis na bealaí ina ndéantar an t-ábhar a bhaineann leo a riar; chun a iarraidh uirthi soiléiriú a thabhairt ar na moltaí atá tagtha as an obair athbhreithniúcháin; chun a fhiafraí di cén dul chun cinn atá déanta maidir leis an scéim nua tacaíochta forbartha; agus an ndéanfaidh sí ráiteas ina thaobh. [53611/23]

Pleanáil Teanga

Catherine Connolly

73. D'fhiafraigh Deputy Catherine Connolly den Aire Turasóireachta, Cultúir, Ealaíon, Gaeltachta, Spóirt agus Meán maidir le Cheist Pharlaiminte 45680/23, cé mhéad limistéar pleanála teanga nach bhfuil oifigeach pleanála teanga fostaithe iontu faoi láthair; chun a iarraidh uirthi soiléiriú a thabhairt ar an anailís atá faoi chaibidil ag an Roinn maidir leis an ábhar seo; agus an ndéanfaidh sí ráiteas ina thaobh. [53610/23]

Departmental Funding

Catherine Connolly

75. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media further to Parliamentary Question No. 37 of 19 October 2023, for a status update on the drawdown of the €1 million in Galway 2020 legacy funding; the amount drawn down to-date; for a breakdown of where any funds drawn down to-date have been allocated; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [53607/23]

Údarás na Gaeltachta

Catherine Connolly

81. D'fhiafraigh Deputy Catherine Connolly den Aire Turasóireachta, Cultúir, Ealaíon, Gaeltachta, Spóirt agus Meán maidir le Ceist Pharlaiminte 45986/23, soiléiriú a thabhairt ar an bplean atá tagtha as an obair athbhreithniúcháin atá déanta ag Údarás na Gaeltachta faoin bpunann iomlán mhaoine atá aige agus ar na féidearthachtaí forbartha atá ann; soiléiriú a thabhairt ar na hacmhainní airgeadais a bheidh ag teastáil chun an plean a chur i gcrích; agus an ndéanfaidh sí ráiteas ina thaobh. [53608/23]

Údarás na Gaeltachta

Catherine Connolly

97. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media the details of any engagement she or her Department has had with Údarás na Gaeltachta in relation to the provision of housing on lands and property owned by the Údarás, and in particular the provision of public housing; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [53609/23]

Middle East

Catherine Connolly

138. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs given that the International Criminal Court is engaged in an active investigation of the situation in Palestine, including an investigation into war crimes and crimes against humanity, and given Ireland's political and financial support for the Court's work, if there are any plans to communicate advisories to Irish citizens and residents who may be serving or volunteering in the Israel Defence Forces on the potential legal consequences and individual criminal liability that could arise under both Irish and international criminal law from their conduct in the course of such service or volunteering; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53774/23]

Middle East

Catherine Connolly

140. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs the steps taken to ensure that a US navy aircraft (details supplied) was not transporting US soldiers or military materials for delivery to Israel; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53820/23]

Culture Policy

Catherine Connolly

281. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media further to Parliamentary Question No. 37 of 19 October 2023, the details of the performance delivery agreement between her Department and Galway Culture Company, which was signed in June 2023; if the agreement it publicly available; if not, her plans to publish it; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [53627/23]

Culture Policy

Catherine Connolly

282. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media further to Parliamentary Question No. 37 of 19 October 2023, and the performance delivery agreement, the dates of all bilateral meetings on progress against milestones under the PDA that have taken place to-date between her Department and Galway Culture Company; her plans to publish the minutes of the meetings; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [53628/23]