Ceisteanna Parlaiminte

Covid-19 Pandemic Supports

Éamon Ó Cuív

164. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Social Protection the current number of claimants on the pandemic unemployment payment; the steps she plans taking to ensure that workers in the sectors of the economy that will be slowest to recover from the Covid-19 crisis are protected from a sudden change in the payment; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [34173/21]

Energy Policy

Éamon Ó Cuív

193. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if it is planned to provide incentives such as low-interest loans or other incentives to businesses to encourage them to invest in the offshore renewable energy business; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35763/21]

Taxi Licences

Éamon Ó Cuív

202. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Transport if he plans to amend the law to allow taxi drivers have licensed taxi vehicles that are up to 12 years old in view of the financial difficulties caused by the Covid-19 crisis; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35756/21]

Planning Issues

Éamon Ó Cuív

215. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage when the assessment on the imperative reasons of overriding public interest planning for Galway Port recommended by An Bord Pleanála to him and referred by him to the Department of Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media as part of a statutory process for consideration and recommendation will be completed and a response issued to his Department.; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35605/21]

Rights of Way

Éamon Ó Cuív

216. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he plans to extend the period of time by which all rights of way must be registered given the disruption caused by Covid-19; if so, when the relevant provision will be made for this; the extension he proposes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35761/21]

Direct Provision System

Éamon Ó Cuív

327. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the number of persons in direct provision; the number of these living in independent living units with facilities to cook their own food; if an open and fair complaints procedure has been put in place; the other reforms carried out to the system in the past year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35755/21]

International Protection

Éamon Ó Cuív

328. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the accommodation arrangements made for applicants for international protection in County Galway who are working as front-line workers during the Covid-19 pandemic; if he is satisfied that this accommodation is suitable to them taking into account the work they are doing; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35764/21]

Prison Service

Éamon Ó Cuív

355. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Justice when she plans to publish the three-day monitoring report on operations in the Dóchas centre submitted to her office in August 2020; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [35758/21]

Prison Service

Éamon Ó Cuív

356. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Justice the status of the investigation report under section 31(2) of the Prisons Act 2007 that was due to be submitted to her by the Office of the Prison Inspectorate in December 2020; if she has received this report yet; if so, when it will be published; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [35759/21]

Prison Service

Éamon Ó Cuív

357. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Justice the number of Covid-19 thematic reports received by her office from the Inspector of Prisons; the date she received them; if she intends plans to publish them; if so, when; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [35760/21]

Proposed Legislation

Éamon Ó Cuív

358. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Justice when she plans to publish the criminal justice (mutual recognition of custodial sentences) Bill which is on the priority legislation list for publishing this term; if this Bill will facilitate the transfer of prisoners to and from the UK as well as to and from the EU; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [35762/21]

Aquaculture Industry

Éamon Ó Cuív

511. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he plans to provide extra resources to the Aquaculture Licences Appeals Board to ensure that appeals are heard expeditiously; the number of appeals at present under consideration by the Board; the number of these that have been on hand by the Board for more than one year; the number on hand for more than six months; the length of time the oldest appeal to the Board is on hand; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35757/21]

Community Development Projects

Éamon Ó Cuív

390. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development if it is planned in the forthcoming round of the Leader Programme 2023-2027 to have a dedicated LAG as before, administering the island Leader programme; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [35071/21]

Island Communities

Éamon Ó Cuív

391. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development when was it announced that the Government is developing a ten-year island development plan; the progress made with the plan to date; when it is hoped to publish and implement same; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [35072/21]

Island Communities

Éamon Ó Cuív

392. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development if she plans to increase the State contribution to community service projects on the islands to cover the full minimum wage and the employer’s PRSI in view of the difficulty on the islands in attracting a large local income stream; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [35074/21]

Mental Health Services

Éamon Ó Cuív

458. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Health when child and family psychology services will recommence in Galway city west, Oughterard and Moycullen; the reason for the significant delay in issuing appointments for the service; the steps he will take to tackle the extensive waiting list for the service to ensure that children and families will be issued with appointments as a matter of urgency; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26888/21]

Covid-19 Paindéim

Éamon Ó Cuív

524. D'fhiafraigh Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív den Aire Sláinte an gcuirfear vaicsín malairteach seachas vaicsin (sonraí tugtha) ar fáil do dhaoine idir 60 agus 70 bliain d’aois mar tá stair slainte acu de fadhbanna croí agus téachtán fola; má chuirfear, an bealach is ceart do dhuine mar sin iarratas a dhéanamh ar mhalairt vaicsín; agus an ndéanfaidh sé ráiteas ina thaobh. [27254/21]

Covid-19 Paindéim

Éamon Ó Cuív

525. D'fhiafraigh Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív den Aire Sláinte cé méid duine atá sa tír de réir an príomh oifig staidrimh idir 60 bliain d’aois agus 70 bliain d’aois; and líon acu sin atá tar éis vaicsin a fháil go dáta in aghaidh Covid-19 nó atá tar éis clárú dó; an plean atá ann spreagadh a thabhairt don chuid eile acu an vaicsin a ghlacadh; agus an ndéanfaidh sé ráiteas ina thaobh. [27255/21]

Covid-19 Pandemic

Éamon Ó Cuív

527. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Health if volunteers working at the Covid-19 vaccination centres will be vaccinated along with all other workers considered essential to the vaccination programme; if not, the reason therefor; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27258/21]

Departmental Schemes

Éamon Ó Cuív

30. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the reason for the delay in announcing reforms to the tenant purchase (incremental scheme) 2014; when this will happen; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33862/21]

Housing Provision

Éamon Ó Cuív

87. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage when it is intended to implement changes to the income eligibility to apply for social housing to ensure those who are working and are on low incomes are eligible for social housing in view of the fact that at present prices it is impossible for them to get mortgages to buy houses on the open market; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33861/21]

Oideachas trí Ghaeilge

Éamon Ó Cuív

302. D'fhiafraigh Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív den Aire Oideachais cén plé a bhí aici le hoifigigh a Roinne agus leis an Aire Breisoideachais agus Ardoideachais, Taighde, Nuálaíochta agus Eolaíochta maidir leis an mbaol a bheadh ann don pholasaí oideachais Gaeltachta má chuirfear curaclaim Ghaeilge na hArdteistiméireachta T1 agus T2 ar fáil, mar atá molta, agus mura mbeadh marcanna bónais curtha ar fáil as ucht cúrsa T1 a dhéanamh, mar aitheantas ar an ualach breise a bheadh ar dhaltaí a thabharfadh faoi shonraíocht churaclaim T1 do Ghaeilge na hArdteistiméireachta; agus an ndéanfaidh sí ráiteas ina thaobh. [34074/21]

Oideachas trí Ghaeilge

Éamon Ó Cuív

303. D'fhiafraigh Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív den Aire Oideachais an bhfuil sé i gceist go mbeidh sonraíocht churaclaim T1 do Ghaeilge na hArdteistiméireachta ar fáil do dhaltaí a fhreastalaíonn ar scoileanna a fheidhmíonn trí Bhéarla; agus an ndéanfaidh sí ráiteas ina thaobh. [34075/21]

Oideachas trí Ghaeilge

Éamon Ó Cuív

359. D'fhiafraigh Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív den Aire Breisoideachais agus Ardoideachais, Taighde, Nuálaíochta agus Eolaíochta an bhfuil a Roinn i mbun comhráití le Cumann Ollscoileanna na hÉireann, leis an Údarás um Ardoideachas agus leis an Lár-Oifig Iontrála maidir le marcanna bónais a chur ar fáil do dhaltaí a roghnóidh an tsonraíocht churaclaim T1 do Ghaeilge na hArdteistiméireachta atá á moladh faoi láthair; agus an ndéanfaidh sé ráiteas ina thaobh. [34073/21]

Covid-19 Pandemic

Éamon Ó Cuív

267. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Health when an indicative date will be given for the reopening of outdoor funfairs to the public given that the threat of Covid-19 is reduced somewhat and as the operators will need a considerable lead in time to prepare for such a reopening and as these involve outdoor activities; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26045/21]

An Teanga Gaeilge

Éamon Ó Cuív

117. D'fhiafraigh Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív den Aire Turasóireachta, Cultúir, Ealaíon, Gaeltachta, Spóirt agus Meán cén uair a bheidh leasaithe do Chéim na Tuarascála de Bhille na dTeangacha Oifigiúla (Leasú), 2019 réidh le foilsiú; agus an ndéanfaidh sí ráiteas ina thaobh. [33188/21]

Broadcasting Sector

Éamon Ó Cuív

124. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media if she plans to carry out a comprehensive reform as to the way the television licence fee and other Exchequer funding is distributed to broadcasters for public service broadcasting; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [33189/21]

National Development Plan

Éamon Ó Cuív

5. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Transport if he intends including the western rail corridor from Athenry to Claremorris as a project in the forthcoming revised national development plan, NDP; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31517/21]

National Development Plan

Éamon Ó Cuív

71. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Transport the rail projects in Connacht included in the current NDP; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31518/21]

Earcaíocht san Earnáil Phoiblí

Éamon Ó Cuív

104. D'fhiafraigh Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív den Aire Caiteachais Phoiblí agus Athchóirithe an bhfuil sé i gceist aige dlús a chur le hearcú tuilleadh státseirbhíseach chuig an státseirbhís, a bhfuil cumas acu oibriú tríd an dá theanga oifigiúil, á chur forálacha an Bhille leasaithe Teangacha Oifigiúla atá faoi bhráid an Oireachtais faoi láthair san áireamh; agus an ndéanfaidh sé ráiteas ina thaobh. [31515/21]

National Development Plan

Éamon Ó Cuív

165. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform when it is intended to announce the details of the revised National Development Plan; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31516/21]

Ports Policy

Éamon Ó Cuív

212. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Transport if his attention has been drawn to the fact that the Port of Dublin is not accepting container trains to and from the west of Ireland; if, he plans speaking to the board and management of the port in relation to this matter in view of the fact that container trains are the most environmentally efficient way of carrying these goods; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32673/21]

Tax Code

Éamon Ó Cuív

233. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Finance the reason persons in receipt of the carer's tax credit who have a small income, including the carer's allowance are not allowed the extra €26,300 income at 20% which is normally allowed for two married persons or persons in a civil partnership who have two incomes thus diluting the benefit of the carer's tax credit considerably; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32672/21]

Covid-19 Pandemic

Éamon Ó Cuív

394. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Justice when religious services will recommence in prisons given vaccines are being rolled out and social distancing is possible; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [32671/21]

Waste Management

Éamon Ó Cuív

48. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the steps being taken to eliminate the use of one-off plastics; if it is planned to legislate to ban the use of one-off plastics either immediately or on a phased basis; the barriers to doing this; the progress made in this regard in the past year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32317/21]

Veterinary Services

Éamon Ó Cuív

243. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the progress made in ensuring that various animal remedies that were available up to now without a prescription from a veterinary surgeon will still be available at competitive prices after the EU regulation requiring them to be prescribed by a veterinary surgeon comes into force here; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32319/21]

EU Funding

Éamon Ó Cuív

62. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Finance the estimated net contribution Ireland will make to EU funds in 2021; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31513/21]

Universal Social Charge

Éamon Ó Cuív

101. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Finance the estimated cost to the Exchequer of not charging any USC on the first €13,000 of assessable income; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31514/21]

Local Authorities

Éamon Ó Cuív

620. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if it is planned to reform the way central government supports local government as a result of the decision to allow local authorities to retain 100% of the revenue from the local property tax; if the new funding mechanism for local authorities will contain open, fair and transparent measures to allocate funding to those authorities that will need funding; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31472/21]

Local Authorities

Éamon Ó Cuív

621. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he will be seeking extra funding to fund local authorities in 2022 in view of the recent decisions on the retention by local authorities to the full amount of the local property tax they collect; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31473/21]

Passport Services

Éamon Ó Cuív

665. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs when it is intended that that Passport Express services will resume; if his attention has been drawn to the serious impact the delay in resuming this service is having on passport applicants who are required to submit documentation in support of their applications; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31319/21]

Assisted Decision-Making

Éamon Ó Cuív

988. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth when the Assisted Decision-Making (Capacity) Act 2015 will be fully implemented; when the decision support service will be established; the reason that this Act has not been fully commenced six years after enactment; the timeline for commencing each section of the Act not already commenced; the sections involved; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31476/21]

Parole Boards

Éamon Ó Cuív

1149. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Justice the number of recommendations made to her by the Parole Board in 2021; the number in which she accepted the recommendations of the Board; the number in which they were amended or rejected; the reason in the cases in which they were amended or rejected for doing so; the number still awaiting decision; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [31474/21]

Covid-19 Pandemic Supports

Éamon Ó Cuív

26. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the estimated loss of employment in the productive sectors of the economy due to the Covid-19 pandemic; the steps he plans taking to stimulate employment in the productive sectors of the economy post-Covid-19; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29214/21]

Covid-19 Pandemic Supports

Éamon Ó Cuív

32. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the details and estimated cost of all schemes being operated by his Department to mitigate the effects on businesses due to Covid-19 during the first half of 2021; the estimated cost for the second half of 2021; the length of time he expects there will be a need for such supports to businesses; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29213/21]

Prison Service

Éamon Ó Cuív

151. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Justice the number of prisoners transferred in and out of this jurisdiction under transfer of prisoners provisions; the number of applications on hand at present that have not yet been adjudicated on by country; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27627/21]

Parole Boards

Éamon Ó Cuív

164. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Justice when it is planned to commence the provisions setting up the Parole Board on a statutorily independent basis and to transfer decisions on granting parole to the board; if it is planned that decisions will be made before this date on all recommendations made by the Parole Board to her up to that date; the number of recommendations on hand in her Department at present awaiting Ministerial decision; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27626/21]

Trade Data

Éamon Ó Cuív

209. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the details of the monthly exports and imports in terms of value to and from Great Britain in each of the first five months of 2019, 2020 and 2021, in tabular form; the significant changes that have place during this three year period; the steps he plans to take to stimulate trade from Ireland to Great Britain further; the barriers to this; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30383/21]

Trade Data

Éamon Ó Cuív

210. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the monthly exports and imports in terms of value to and from Northern Ireland for each of the first five months of 2019, 2020 and 2021, in tabular form; the significant changes that have taken place during this three year period; the steps he plans to take to stimulate trade from Ireland to Northern Ireland further; the barriers to this; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30384/21]

Trade Data

Éamon Ó Cuív

243. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Transport the increase or decrease by volume and value of goods imported from Britain through Dublin Port and Rosslare Europort to date in 2021 compared to 2019 and 2020, in tabular form; the reason for this change; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30385/21]

Trade Data

Éamon Ó Cuív

244. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Transport the increase or decrease by volume and value of goods exported to Britain through Dublin Port and Rosslare Europort to date in 2021 compared to 2019 and 2020, in tabular form; the reason for this change; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30386/21]

Earcaíocht san Earnáil Phoiblí

Éamon Ó Cuív

253. D'fhiafraigh Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív den Aire Caiteachais Phoiblí agus Athchóirithe cé mhéid duine a bhí cáilithe agus a cuireadh ar an bpainéal Oifigeach Feidhmmeannach sa státseirbhís (Comórtas 2019) a bhí cáilithe oibriú i nGaeilge; an lion acu siúd a tairrgíodh post sa státshéirbhís dóibh go dáta; an dáta faoin a dtiocfaidh deireadh leis an bpainéal áirithe seo; agus an ndéanfaidh sé ráiteas ina thaobh. [30376/21]

Earcaíocht san Earnáil Phoiblí

Éamon Ó Cuív

254. D'fhiafraigh Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív den Aire Caiteachais Phoiblí agus Athchóirithe an líon Oifigeach Feidhmiúcháin a bheadh cáilithe le n-oibriú trí Ghaeilge a fostaíodh sa státsheirbhís le bliain anuas; agus an ndéanfaidh sé ráiteas ina thaobh. [30377/21]

Child Abuse

Éamon Ó Cuív

300. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Education the arrangements in place to pay redress to persons who were abused as children in schools in the past in line with rulings in the case of a person (details supplied); the amount paid out to date in compensation; if applications for compensation are being still accepted; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30378/21]

School Accommodation

Éamon Ó Cuív

301. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Education when a decision will be made on an appeal against a decision not to provide additional accommodation for a school (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30387/21]

Fishing Industry

Éamon Ó Cuív

354. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will consider reinstating capacity lost by fishermen since the beginning of the first lockdown in March 2020 and giving an additional 12 months to them from the date of reinstatement to use this capacity in view of the disruption caused by Covid-19, when getting advice and contacting and meeting the Sea Fishing Boat Licencing Authority was difficult; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30374/21]

Fishing Industry

Éamon Ó Cuív

355. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the total fishing boat capacity allocated to Ireland under the Common Fisheries Policy; the amount of such capacity that is active at present; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30375/21]

Rural Recreation Policy

Éamon Ó Cuív

357. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development if it is possible to combine funding paid for projects under the outdoor recreation scheme measures 1, 2 and 3 with work carried out by the rural social scheme, community employment and Tús schemes in order to maximise the effect of these projects and to keep costs to a minimum; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30379/21]

Public Procurement Contracts

Éamon Ó Cuív

358. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the steps she plans taking to reduce the amount of bureaucracy and cost associated with tenders for projects under €200,000 which are sought by her Department or by agencies on behalf of her Department; the discussions she or her Department have had with the Office of Public Procurement on this matter; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30380/21]

Rural Recreation Policy

Éamon Ó Cuív

359. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development if she is considering increasing the maximum grant aid under the outdoor recreation scheme measures 2 and 3 to 90% in view of the difficulty of obtaining matching funding for such projects; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30381/21]

National Broadband Plan

Éamon Ó Cuív

93. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the number of premises connected to date under the roll-out of the National Broadband scheme; the number of premises surveyed to date; when details of the projected roll-out area by area will be available for all premises covered by the scheme; the projected cost of the National Broadband scheme for the next 20 years; the projected completion date of roll-out; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29203/21]

Renewable Energy Generation

Éamon Ó Cuív

129. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the expected increase in renewable energy generation in 2021; the expected increase between now and 2030; the actions being taken to achieve this; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29204/21]

Water Services

Éamon Ó Cuív

347. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the amount paid from the Exchequer to Irish Water, that is, current and capital each year since its inception up to the end of 2020; the provision in the estimate for 2021 for Irish Water; the estimated provision of funding over the next five years to allow it deal with the critical under investment in public water and wastewater services in the past; if Irish Water has confirmed to him that it has the necessary approvals from the Commission for Regulation of Utilities to allow it to proceed with its investment plans; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29797/21]

Covid-19 Pandemic Supports

Éamon Ó Cuív

41. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth if he plans to provide further funding to an organisation (details supplied) in 2021 in view of the effects of the Covid-19 on the organisation and the need to facilitate young persons engaging in activities as Covid-19 recedes and restrictions are lifted; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27606/21]

Mental Health Services

Éamon Ó Cuív

94. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the additional programmes being supported by his Department to assist with mental health issues amongst young adults particularly in view of the mental health effects of Covid-19; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27607/21]

Common Agricultural Policy

Éamon Ó Cuív

272. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he plans to pursue a policy of 100% convergence of the value of entitlements for farm schemes by 2027 in view of the fact that the only basis for different values being assigned to entitlements for farm schemes is the amount of grants paid to farmers in each of the years 2001 to 2003 and that a very significant number of entitlements have been transferred since; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28955/21]

Common Agricultural Policy

Éamon Ó Cuív

273. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he plans introducing a limit on the maximum farm grants that would be payable to farmers under the forthcoming CAP programme; if so, the conditions that will attach to same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28956/21]

Common Agricultural Policy

Éamon Ó Cuív

274. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he plans to ensure there is a direct relationship between the rates of payment under the ANC scheme and the natural constraint on production of different types of land under the forthcoming CAP; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28957/21]

Common Agricultural Policy

Éamon Ó Cuív

275. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the steps he plans taking to ensure that as much of the grants payable to farmers under the forthcoming CAP will remain with the farmer and that compliance costs will be kept to a minimum in view of the income challenges faced by the agriculture sector; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28958/21]

Road Projects

Éamon Ó Cuív

5. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development if it is planned to provide a second tranche of funding for LIS roads in 2021; the discussions she has had with the Department of Transport in relation to possible co-funding of this programme by that Department; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27880/21]

Departmental Programmes

Éamon Ó Cuív

46. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development her plans to expand the community service programme to ensure that more persons who are distant from the labour force get an opportunity of gainful employment and to stimulate new social enterprises; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27881/21]

Driver Test

Éamon Ó Cuív

113. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Transport if theory test centres are currently open; if the processing of the backlog of theory test application forms on hand has commenced; if so, the estimated time it will take to clear these backlogs; if not, when it is planned to open them and resume full service; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27748/21]

Driver Licences

Éamon Ó Cuív

141. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Transport if he plans to introduce legislation to extend the duration of learner driver permits in view of the delay in driving tests; if so, when this will occur given it is urgent that learner drivers are permitted to continue driving within the law; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27931/21]

Covid-19 Pandemic Unemployment Payment

Éamon Ó Cuív

423. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Social Protection the formal procedure in place for setting up a recovery plan over a period of time in respect of substantial Covid pandemic unemployment overpayments; the length of time customers have to repay the overpayment; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [28264/21]

Agriculture Industry

Éamon Ó Cuív

47. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if an analysis has been carried out by his Department on the relationship between the value of entitlements and stocking density on livestock farms; if so, the result of this analysis; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26488/21]

Harbours and Piers

Éamon Ó Cuív

73. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he plans sanctioning the building of a deep-water pier in Ros a’ Mhíl soon in order that it can be built before the planning for the pier runs out in 2023; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26489/21]

Irish Language

Éamon Ó Cuív

82. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if he plans to provide ring-fenced funding for the provision of additional courses in third level colleges in cases in which the tuition would be through the medium of Irish to ensure there will be sufficient persons available with third level qualifications to meet the likely requirements of the Official Languages (Amendment) Bill 2019; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25445/21]

Research Funding

Éamon Ó Cuív

152. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if he plans to increase the proportion of dedicated research funds that are provided annually towards blue skies research to ensure that Ireland attracts and retains top scientists in the country; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25446/21]

Scrúduithe Stáit

Éamon Ó Cuív

272. D'fhiafraigh Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív den Aire Oideachais an mbeidh dátaí na harteiste a chuireann isteach ar an scrúdú Ard Teiste i mbliana agus a roghnaíonn an dá rogha idir gráid réamh-meastach agus an scrúdú a shuí in don an ceann is fearr de na torthaí a roghnú ábhar ar ábhar nó an mbeidh orthu rogha a dhéanamh idir an dá thoradh iomlán sa scrúdú iomlán; agus an ndéanfaidh sí ráiteas ina thaobh. [27259/21]

Prison Service

Éamon Ó Cuív

337. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Justice if a person from this State and serving a prison sentence in Northern Ireland can apply under the Transfer of Sentenced Persons Act 1995 to serve the prison sentence in this jurisdiction; the conditions under which such an application can be made; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27251/21]

Prison Service

Éamon Ó Cuív

338. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Justice if a person who is Irish and lives ordinarily in Northern Ireland and is serving a prison sentence in Northern Ireland can apply under the Transfer of Sentenced Person Act 1995 to serve the prison sentence in this jurisdiction on the basis of their Irish citizenship; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27252/21]

Departmental Schemes

Éamon Ó Cuív

396. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development if it is her plan to increase the proposed funding of LIS roads and CLÁR projects in cases in which there are suitable projects on hand in local authorities at present; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27264/21]

Community Employment Schemes

Éamon Ó Cuív

95. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Social Protection the number of places approved for the community employment scheme and the Tús scheme nationally; the number of participants on these schemes, respectively; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [25422/21]

Covid-19 Pandemic Unemployment Payment

Éamon Ó Cuív

144. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Social Protection the number of recipients of the pandemic unemployment payment at the start of each month in 2021; the projected numbers predicted to be on the scheme on 1 June 2021 and 1 July 2021; if it is planned to continue with this scheme after this date; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [25423/21]

Fishing Industry

Éamon Ó Cuív

412. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if progress has been made in resolving the dispute in relation to Irish fishing boats accessing the waters around Rockall; the negotiations that have taken place in relation to this matter; the parties to the negotiations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26373/21]

Apprenticeship Programmes

Éamon Ó Cuív

613. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the reason that SOLAS is insisting that apprenticeship examinations are held on site in colleges in 2021 when other third-level examinations are been held remotely; if medical advice was obtained by SOLAS in relation to this policy; if he is satisfied that this policy does not pose a risk by bringing students back on campus for the duration of the examinations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25735/21]

Forestry Sector

Éamon Ó Cuív

693. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the number of felling licences granted for timber felling in each month in the first four months of 2021 compared to the same period in 2020; the volume and hectares of timber involved in each case; the reason that felling licences issued in 2021 were for less hectares and volume than in 2020; the further steps being taken to issue licences more quickly in view of the backlog of applications awaiting approval and the severe shortage of processed timber on the market at present; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25595/21]

Forestry Sector

Éamon Ó Cuív

694. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the reason the area within which forestry licences must be screened for appropriate assessment has been increased to 15km from 3km; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25596/21]

Community Development Projects

Éamon Ó Cuív

729. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development if her Department is accepting applications for new community services projects at present from disadvantaged communities; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [25736/21]

Island Communities

Éamon Ó Cuív

739. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development if her attention has been drawn to the deep dissatisfaction on Clare Island in relation to the proposed ferry contract both in regard to the level of service proposed and the scoring system proposed for the tender competition; if she is willing to meet a delegation from the island as a matter of urgency to discuss this matter and if necessary subsequently to re-tender the contract; if not, if she will to make arrangements for senior officials to meet the islanders instead; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26284/21]

Island Communities

Éamon Ó Cuív

740. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development if she plans to visit Clare Island in the near future to see at first hand the challenges facing the island; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26285/21]

Island Communities

Éamon Ó Cuív

741. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development if it is planned to build an all-weather pier at Roonagh pier which acts as a mainland port for ferries to islands off the coast in view of the number of sailings each year that cannot land at the pier; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26286/21]

Island Communities

Éamon Ó Cuív

742. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the daily number of Department contracted sailings to islands (details supplied); the reason for the differences in the frequency of services to different islands and the factors used to arrive at this frequency; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26287/21]

Defence Forces

Éamon Ó Cuív

13. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Defence the progress made to date in resolving the low pay issue in the Defence Forces which is making it difficult to retain personnel; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24962/21]

Oideachas trí Ghaeilge

Éamon Ó Cuív

123. D'fhiafraigh Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív den Aire Oideachais cén dearcadh atá aici faoin moladh go mbeidh dhá chúrsa Gaeilge ann don Ard-Teist, T1 agus T2, agus go mbeidh T1 níos iomláine agus níos dúshlánaí ná T2 ach nach mbeidh aon mharcanna bónais as T1 a dhéanamh ná aon bhuntáiste; agus an ndéanfaidh sí ráiteas ina thaobh. [24964/21]

Oideachas trí Ghaeilge

Éamon Ó Cuív

142. D'fhiafraigh Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív den Aire Oideachais an bhfuil sé i gceist aici beartas don oideachas trí Ghaeilge, taobh amuigh den Ghaeltacht, a fhoilsiú; agus an ndéanfaidh sí ráiteas ina thaobh. [24965/21]

Ambulance Service

Éamon Ó Cuív

449. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Health when the report promised by the National Ambulance Service at a virtual meeting with public representatives recently into the optimum location for a further ambulance deployment base in Connemara, County Galway and the type of base that would be required will be completed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25374/21]

Ports Policy

Éamon Ó Cuív

72. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Transport if it is planned to restore the status of Galway as a national port for the purposes of accessing national and EU funds to develop the port in view of the recommendation by an Bord Pleanála to the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage to grant imperative reasons of overriding public importance planning permission for the construction by a company (details supplied) of a new port; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24809/21]

Ports Policy

Éamon Ó Cuív

73. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Transport if he plans to nominate Galway port for inclusion by the EU as a Ten-T port; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24810/21]

Schools Building Projects

Éamon Ó Cuív

163. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Education when a decision will be made on an application made by a school under the summer works programme 2016 for improved and safer outdoor playground areas at a school (details supplied); the reason for the delay with the decision; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24957/21]