Ceisteanna Parlaiminte

Sports Funding

Brendan Smith

13. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media the progress to date in rolling out the most recently announced sports capital programme; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [16979/24]

Tourism Policy

Brendan Smith

47. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media the measures that will be implemented to assist the tourism sector meet additional business costs through initiatives of her own Department or through the agencies under the remit of her Department and if she will make a statement on the matter. [16978/24]

Cabinet Committees

Brendan Smith

16. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Taoiseach when the Cabinet committee on the economy and investment will next meet. [14157/24]

Schools Building Projects

Brendan Smith

353. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Education if any grant-aid is available towards improvement works at primary schools (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [16617/24]

Development Contributions

Brendan Smith

37. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if the current temporary waiver of development contributions and the refund scheme for Uisce Éireann water and wastewater connection charges will be extended; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15719/24]

Housing Policy

Brendan Smith

57. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage when the income eligibility limits for social housing in areas such as Cavan and Monaghan will be increased; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15718/24]

School Meals Programme

Brendan Smith

154. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Social Protection if a school will be included in a programme (details supplied) with effect from September 2024; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [15805/24]

State Pensions

Brendan Smith

97. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Social Protection if she will bring forward amending legislation to address the anomaly whereby retrospective payment to pension claimants is limited to six months, even though her Department has been in possession of all the facts relating to the claimants' eligibility from the date of pension application; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [15712/24]

Forestry Sector

Brendan Smith

974. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the schemes available at present to compensate farmers who have suffered substantial losses due to ash dieback; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14254/24]

Defence Forces

Brendan Smith

31. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence if, in view of the lack of an Army barracks in the central Border area, if further consideration will be given to the re-opening of Dún Uí Néill, Cavan, as an Army barracks; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13121/24]

Defence Forces

Brendan Smith

50. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence if further consideration will be given to the re-opening of Dún Uí Néill Barracks, Cavan, as a forward operating base as that region has a long land border with a neighbouring jurisdiction, and taking into account that in the past the presence locally of Army personnel played a very important role in the security of this State; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13122/24]

Road Network

Brendan Smith

75. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Transport if he will ensure that additional funding will be provided to Cavan County Council and Monaghan County Council for much-needed improvement works to the non-national road network in 2024; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13262/24]

Road Network

Brendan Smith

90. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Transport views on the commitment in the Programme for Government to maintain the existing road network to a high standard and fund safety improvements; if he will ensure that additional funding will be provided to local authorities for the non-national road network in 2024, taking in to account the urgent requirement for additional investment due to the very substantial increase in costs that have arisen over recent years in road maintenance products and construction work; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13261/24]

Northern Ireland

Brendan Smith

128. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs if he has raised with the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland the interim report of Operation Kenova with particular reference to the actions of the British agent in the IRA which caused so many tragedies and loss of life; if he has expressed concern about the failure to pursue prosecutions for deplorable actions detailed in this report; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13540/24]

Cross-Border Co-operation

Brendan Smith

129. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs the measures that will be implemented to grow even further and strengthen the all-Ireland economy following the very welcome growth in cross-Border trade since 1998; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13541/24]

Defence Forces

Brendan Smith

149. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence the numbers enlisted in the Permanent Defence Forces at present; the proposals, if any, to have substantial recruitment and the timescale for increasing personnel in the Army; Air Corps and Naval Service; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13501/24]

Defence Forces

Brendan Smith

150. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence the progress to date in implementing the Report of the Commission on Defence Forces; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13502/24]

Defence Forces

Brendan Smith

151. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence the programme of improvement works that will be undertaken this year at Army barracks throughout the country; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13503/24]

Financial Services

Brendan Smith

183. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Finance the measures in place to protect customers from the actions of vulture funds, particularly homeowners whose mortgages are with such entities; his views on the need to ensure adequate access for such mortgage holders to greater protections through statutory agencies; if he proposes to implement additional measures; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13542/24]

Financial Services

Brendan Smith

184. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Finance if he proposes to introduce additional measures to assist mortgage holders who are under financial pressures due to increased interest rates; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13543/24]

Work Permits

Brendan Smith

194. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the proposals, if any, there are to improve the visa criteria for the farming and agri-food sector, in view of the shortage of workers in some areas; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13489/24]

Enterprise Support Services

Brendan Smith

195. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment when additional financial provision will be introduced to assist local authorities, particularly those councils with a small rates base, to develop enterprise centres, as such workspaces are of extreme importance in enabling the establishment and growth of small businesses; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13490/24]

Social Media

Brendan Smith

216. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media the progress to date in introducing measures to counteract misinformation, disinformation and abuse on social media platforms; if additional measures are proposed, when same will be introduced; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [13491/24]

Universal Basic Income

Brendan Smith

217. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media the number in receipt of the artists’ basic income scheme; if the workings of this scheme have been reviewed; the proposals, if any, there are to extend this scheme; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [13492/24]

Legislative Measures

Brendan Smith

254. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Justice if it is proposed to introduce a standalone offence in relation to the spiking of drinks, in view of the serious repercussions of such deplorable behaviour and the effects on victims; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [13478/24]

An Garda Síochána

Brendan Smith

255. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Justice the number of Garda stations operational in Cavan/Monaghan at present; when Bawnboy Garda station will be reopened as announced by Government previously; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [13479/24]

Dublin-Monaghan Bombings

Brendan Smith

256. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Justice the progress to date in an investigation (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [13494/24]

Legislative Measures

Brendan Smith

257. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Justice if she is aware of the concerns of sporting clubs and other community groups which run small-scale lotteries and is generally their main fundraiser in relation to the effects of the new legislation concerning betting regulations and gambling laws; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [13495/24]

Disability Services

Brendan Smith

272. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the progress to date in improving services (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13510/24]

Disability Services

Brendan Smith

273. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the progress to date in improving services (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13511/24]

Further and Higher Education

Brendan Smith

332. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the proposals, if any, there are to increase capacity and availability of courses in digital forensics, in view of the threats to society posed by the proliferation of misinformation through social media platforms and the need to tackle such abuses; if his Department is funding research into such issues; if so, the type of research; if it is in collaboration with other agencies; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13483/24]

Further and Higher Education

Brendan Smith

333. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the current position regarding a proposed building project (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13484/24]

Cross-Border Co-operation

Brendan Smith

334. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the progress to date in intensifying co-operation on a cross-Border and all-Ireland basis in further education; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13485/24]

Further and Higher Education

Brendan Smith

335. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the additional places proposed to be in place for the next academic year in medicine, nursing and other healthcare professions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13486/24]

Programme for Government

Brendan Smith

4. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Taoiseach if he will provide an update on the programme for Government. [9335/24]

Broadband Infrastructure

Brendan Smith

100. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if he will give consideration to the issues outlined in correspondence concerning prices for broadband and mobile network services (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12092/24]

School Costs

Brendan Smith

479. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Education if she is aware that despite reduced pupil teacher ratios and increased capitation grants, many schools are finding it difficult to manage given the level of cost inflation that they have to deal with; if she is further aware that schools are looking at dramatically reducing their expenditure, impacting essential school services and extra-curricular activities; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12539/24]

Departmental Policies

Brendan Smith

29. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs his proposals for further discussions with the British foreign secretary and the secretary of state for Northern Ireland on the need for the British government to respond positively and without further delay to the unanimous requests of Dáil Éireann regarding the Monaghan and Dublin bombings of May 1974; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11117/24]

Departmental Policies

Brendan Smith

35. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs if there has been any recent substantive response from the British authorities in relation to the unanimous motions passed by Dáil Éireann concerning the Dublin and Monaghan bombings of 1974; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11118/24]

Post Office Network

Brendan Smith

88. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if there are proposals to expand the range of services available through the post office network; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11122/24]

National Broadband Plan

Brendan Smith

108. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the progress to date with the roll out of the National Broadband Plan throughout County Cavan; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11121/24]

European Union

Brendan Smith

300. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the proposals he has put forward to the European Commission in relation to the need to reduce the regulatory burden on farmers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11375/24]

Social Welfare Benefits

Brendan Smith

120. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Social Protection are insurance contributions carried over to persons who are foster parents and not in employment outside the home; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [10916/24]

Social Welfare Benefits

Brendan Smith

121. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Social Protection if persons who are foster parents are eligible for contributions to be included under the homemaker’s scheme for pension purposes; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [10917/24]

National Economic and Social Council

Brendan Smith

12. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Taoiseach if he will report on the work of the National Economic and Social Council, a statutory agency operating under the aegis of his Department. [9021/24]

Tax Code

Brendan Smith

234. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Finance if he will review the tax treatment of statutory sick leave payments made by employers in order that they are not subject to the deductions such as USC that the State avoids it when it pays illness benefit to employees; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10707/24]

Departmental Correspondence

Brendan Smith

256. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if he will give urgent and detailed consideration to the issues outlined in correspondence from a business group (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10696/24]

Social Welfare Benefits

Brendan Smith

459. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Social Protection if she will review the tax treatment of statutory sick leave payments made by employers in order that they are not subject to the deductions such as USC that the State avoids it when it pays illness benefit to employees; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [10706/24]

General Practitioner Services

Brendan Smith

15. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Health if he will outline the measures being implemented to increase the number of GPs practising in rural Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9717/24]

General Practitioner Services

Brendan Smith

20. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Health the measures being implemented to recruit and retain more GPs in rural practices; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9716/24]

Youth Services

Brendan Smith

101. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the financial allocation in 2024 for youth services; if this funding will enable the roll out of additional services; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9727/24]

Youth Services

Brendan Smith

124. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the total financial allocation from his Department in 2023 for youth services; if any new services were established during the course of 2023; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9726/24]

Domestic Violence

Brendan Smith

240. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Justice the up-to-date position regarding the provision of a refuge centre in counties Cavan and Monaghan for victims of domestic abuse; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [9745/24]

Disability Services

Brendan Smith

255. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the number of persons with disabilities that received home support hours in CHO1 and CHO2 in 2023 respectively; the number of persons with disabilities in 2023 that received personal assistance hours in CHO1 and CHO2 in 2023, respectively; the total number of hours provided in each category in CHO1 and CHO2 in 2023, respectively; the target number of hours for each category in CHO1 and CHO2 in 2024, respectively; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9521/24]

Vehicle Registration Tax

Brendan Smith

103. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Transport the specific motor taxation requirements for vehicles registered in other jurisdictions but belonging to residents in this jurisdiction and in use here; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8787/24]

Insurance Coverage

Brendan Smith

136. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Finance if vehicles registered and insured in other countries have full insurance cover in this jurisdiction; the countries, if any, with which Ireland has mutual recognition of motor vehicle insurance cover; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8786/24]

Employment Rights

Brendan Smith

170. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the deductions payable by employers when they make a statutory sick payment to an employee; the reason these differ from those payable by the State under illness benefit; if he will amend statutory sick pay criteria to align them with illness benefit in relation to PRSI, USC and employer’s PRSI deductions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8621/24]

Departmental Meetings

Brendan Smith

51. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will report on his attendance at a meeting (details supplied). [1697/24]

Active Travel

Brendan Smith

111. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Transport the current position regarding a request by a local authority for the provision of facilities (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8552/24]

Road Projects

Brendan Smith

113. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Transport if he will ensure that adequate funding is allocated to a local authority in 2024 to advance proposed road projects (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8566/24]

Road Projects

Brendan Smith

114. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Transport the level of funding that will be provided for a project (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8569/24]

North-South Ministerial Council

Brendan Smith

229. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the issues he proposes to progress at a sectoral level through the work of the North-South Ministerial Council; if meetings will be held at an early date under the auspices of the council; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8392/24]

Family Resource Centres

Brendan Smith

256. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the proposals to provide a new service (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8491/24]

General Practitioner Services

Brendan Smith

299. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Health if he will ensure that a health service will be restored to its former level (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8617/24]

Cross-Border Co-operation

Brendan Smith

2. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Taoiseach if he will report on his attendance at the third shared island forum; and the priorities under the shared island initiative in 2024. [7791/24]

Agriculture Supports

Brendan Smith

122. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the schemes available to compensate farmers who have suffered substantial losses due to ash dieback; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8125/24]

Disability Services

Brendan Smith

131. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth when a respite centre for adults will be provided in County Monaghan; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8188/24]

Disability Services

Brendan Smith

132. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth when a respite centre for children will be provided in County Monaghan; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8189/24]

Disability Services

Brendan Smith

133. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth when a respite centre for adults will be provided in County Cavan; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8190/24]

Disability Services

Brendan Smith

134. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth when a respite centre for children will be provided in County Cavan; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8191/24]

General Practitioner Services

Brendan Smith

177. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Health if he will ensure that a service is restored to its former level at an early date (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8344/24]

National Security

Brendan Smith

4. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Taoiseach if he will develop a national security strategy and functioning security agency to deal with future security events. [7792/24]

Northern Ireland

Brendan Smith

17. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Taoiseach to report on his recent discussion with Prime Minister Sunak. [5226/24]

An Garda Síochána

Brendan Smith

405. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Justice when Bawnboy Garda station in County Cavan will be reopened, as decided in 2017; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [7478/24]

Tourism Industry

Brendan Smith

11. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media the proposals, if any, she has to meet with her counterpart in the Northern Ireland Executive in relation to the opportunities to develop further the tourism industry on an all-Ireland basis; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6907/24]

Artists' Remuneration

Brendan Smith

25. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media the proposals, if any, she has to extend the basic income artists’ scheme to more artists; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6908/24]

Housing Policy

Brendan Smith

111. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he will ensure that a review of income eligibility limits for social housing will be carried out at an early date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6904/24]

Housing Policy

Brendan Smith

145. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he will amend, at an early date, the criteria pertaining to the assessment of means for eligibility for social housing and exclude payments under the working family payment scheme which is available for some low paid workers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6903/24]

Further and Higher Education

Brendan Smith

407. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if he will give detailed consideration to all the issues outlined in correspondence (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7129/24]

Business Supports

Brendan Smith

123. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment when details of the increased cost of business scheme grant will be announced; the number of businesses eligible for this scheme in Cavan and in Monaghan; if his Department has engaged with local authorities in relation to this scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7100/24]

Business Supports

Brendan Smith

124. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the measures that will be introduced to assist small and medium enterprises with increased costs; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7101/24]

Business Supports

Brendan Smith

125. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if specific measures will be introduced to assist small and medium enterprises in the hospitality sector with increased costs; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7102/24]

Social Welfare Code

Brendan Smith

245. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Social Protection if she will amend statutory sick pay criteria to align it with illness benefit in relation to PRSI, USC and employer’s PRSI; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [7092/24]

Enterprise Support Services

Brendan Smith

31. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the level of supports that are available to local authorities and community groups for the development of enterprise centres or workspace; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5732/24]

Enterprise Support Services

Brendan Smith

50. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if he will ensure that additional supports will be provided to local authorities and community groups to develop enterprise centres or workspace; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5733/24]

Flood Relief Schemes

Brendan Smith

122. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform to outline the funding schemes under the remit of his Department that are available to assist local authorities with minor drainage schemes to alleviate flooding problems; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5734/24]

Cross-Border Co-operation

Brendan Smith

128. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform the outcome of recent discussions with the authorities in Northern Ireland in relation to flooding problems in Cavan and Fermanagh caused by the River Erne; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5735/24]

Job Creation

Brendan Smith

184. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the level of employment created to date since the jobs announcement in 2019; the level of State funding provided to a company (details supplied) to create employment; the up-to-date position regarding this development; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5778/24]

Road Network

Brendan Smith

26. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Transport if he will ensure a substantial increase in funding for the non-national road network for counties Cavan and Monaghan for 2024; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4616/24]

Road Network

Brendan Smith

44. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Transport if funding for the non-national road network will be increased for 2024; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4617/24]

Tax Code

Brendan Smith

102. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Finance if it is proposed to amend the VAT refund regulations as applicable to farmers to ensure the continuation of the system that existed up to recently; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4624/24]

Tax Code

Brendan Smith

147. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Finance if he will ensure that the concerns of farmers in relation to changes to VAT refunds are given urgent and detailed consideration; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4623/24]

Housing Policy

Brendan Smith

288. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he will amend the criteria pertaining to the assessment of means for eligibility for social housing and exclude payments under the working family payment which is available for some low paid workers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4895/24]

Vacant Properties

Brendan Smith

289. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the funding available for the Voids Programme for 2024 and when allocations will be made to local authorities for this year's programme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4896/24]

Agriculture Schemes

Brendan Smith

340. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if all eligible applicants under tranche 2 of ACRES will be accepted on to the scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4903/24]

Road Network

Brendan Smith

194. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Transport if he will approve a funding application made to his Department in respect of essential improvement works (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3910/24]

Northern Ireland

Brendan Smith

53. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs if he has discussed with the political parties in Stormont the potential of the Shared Island initiative to fund cross border projects to benefit communities North and South; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3329/24]

Departmental Funding

Brendan Smith

56. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs the range of projects that can be funded under his Department's Reconciliation Fund; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3330/24]

Telecommunications Infrastructure

Brendan Smith

131. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if he is satisfied that an adequate programme of upgrading and enabling smaller telephone exchanges which are particularly important to rural communities is being undertaken in view of the importance of this infrastructure in enhancing broadband coverage; if he has had communication with the relevant provider(s) concerning this important issue; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3338/24]

Broadband Infrastructure

Brendan Smith

139. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if he will ensure that an adequate broadband service is provided to an area (details supplied) as households and businesses in that community are concerned about the lack of such coverage at present and the difficulties in conducting day to day business; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3337/24]