Ceisteanna Parlaiminte

School Staff

Darren O'Rourke

53. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Education how many permanent teaching posts are currently unfilled for the 2023-24 school year; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17030/24]

School Staff

Darren O'Rourke

54. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Education how many fixed-term teaching posts are currently unfilled for the 2023-24 school year; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17031/24]

School Staff

Darren O'Rourke

55. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Education how many maternity leave positions are currently unfilled for the 2023-24 school year; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17032/24]

School Staff

Darren O'Rourke

56. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Education the collective number of unused substitute days for the 2022-23 school year; the resulting saving in wages; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17033/24]

School Staff

Darren O'Rourke

57. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Education how many teachers are expected to retire in the next five months, by 8 September 2024; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17034/24]

School Staff

Darren O'Rourke

58. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Education how many unqualified teachers are currently working in the primary education system; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17035/24]

Environmental Policy

Darren O'Rourke

73. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if there are plans to issue an ocean environment policy statement; if so, what this statement will incorporate; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17012/24]

Cabinet Committees

Darren O'Rourke

2. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Taoiseach when the Cabinet committee on environment and climate change will next meet. [8950/24]

Schools Building Projects

Darren O'Rourke

87. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Education to provide an update on the building programme for a school (details supplied); when construction will commence; when the school will be notified with an update; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [16227/24]

Schools Building Projects

Darren O'Rourke

118. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Education to provide an update on the building programme for a school (details supplied); when construction will commence; when the school will be notified with an update; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [16228/24]

Trade Data

Darren O'Rourke

129. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Taoiseach to report on the levels of exports to Israel in 2020, 2021, 2022; 2023 and to date in 2024 and if there has been any change in the level of agricultural exports since 7 October 2023. [16030/24]

Official Travel

Darren O'Rourke

140. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs If he plans to visit Turkey in 2024. [16279/24]

Energy Policy

Darren O'Rourke

159. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications to provide an update on the energy storage policy for Ireland; if there are plans to alter EirGrid’s market systems in order to allow that energy storage asset to trade in the market; the reason that the participation of energy storage assets is restricted in EirGrid’s market systems; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16110/24]

Energy Policy

Darren O'Rourke

160. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications to provide up update on co-located projects; how he plans to address the barriers that currently exist; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16111/24]

Energy Policy

Darren O'Rourke

161. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if he has plans to establish investment frameworks for long-duration energy storage; to report on progress on long-duration energy storage in Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16112/24]

Energy Policy

Darren O'Rourke

162. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications to provide an update on the Electricity Storage Policy Framework; if he expects that this will be published in Q2 this year; how he plans to ensure that the regulatory structure delivers high standards of safety and environmental standards; what international standards will be followed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16113/24]

Energy Policy

Darren O'Rourke

163. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications to provide an update on the Electricity Storage Policy Framework; if the safety standards will take account of the international recognised NFPA 855 (2023) in which all battery cells to conform with UL9540a specifications and testing (including second-life batteries) and be up to date in regard to NFPA, EPRI and independent experts in the field; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16114/24]

Energy Policy

Darren O'Rourke

164. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if he is aware of the development of a large battery storage facility at Shankill, Cavan (108mw); what measures have been put in place to address safety concerns of local residents (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16117/24]

Energy Policy

Darren O'Rourke

172. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications further to Parliamentary Question Nos. 132 and 133 of 21 March 2024, which body will have a safety regulatory remit when it comes to energy storage; if he expects the CRU or the Health and Safety Authority to hold this responsibility following the conclusion of a review (details supplied); where or to whom concerns about the safety of energy storage should be addressed; who currently holds this responsibility; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16250/24]

Departmental Expenditure

Darren O'Rourke

173. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the percentage of the Capital Budget for his Department that has been spent in Quarter 1 of 2024. [16288/24]

Departmental Budgets

Darren O'Rourke

186. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence the percentage of the Capital Budget allocation for his Department that has been spent in Quarter 1 of 2024. [16286/24]

Air Corps

Darren O'Rourke

187. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence if funding will be secured for the replacement of the eight Pilatus PC-9M aircraft within the Air Corps; and the estimated lifespan of this type of aircraft. [16287/24]

Legislative Process

Darren O'Rourke

205. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Transport the current status of the railway safety amendment Bill; and when this Bill will move to the next stage. [16274/24]

Departmental Communications

Darren O'Rourke

220. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Finance If he has spoken with his Australian counterpart to date in 2024. [16272/24]

Departmental Data

Darren O'Rourke

247. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform the amount that the OPW received from allowing Iveagh Gardens to be used as a summer concert venue. [16284/24]

Trade Data

Darren O'Rourke

260. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the level of trade between Taiwan and Ireland in 2022 and 2023, in tabular form. [16281/24]

Special Educational Needs

Darren O'Rourke

286. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Education to provide an outline of special education teacher allocation for schools and how it is determined; to provide a breakdown of the average number of hours per capita in each county in 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023 and to date in 2024, in tabular form; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [16033/24]

Special Educational Needs

Darren O'Rourke

287. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Education if he will report on the special education teacher allocation for schools; the breakdown of the average number of hours allocated per capita in each school in Meath in 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023 and in 2024 to date, in tabular form; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [16034/24]

Departmental Schemes

Darren O'Rourke

303. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Education the number of applications for funding under the emergency works scheme being processed within her Department as of 5 April 2024. [16273/24]

Public Sector Staff

Darren O'Rourke

376. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media the number of WTE staff by job title working in the marketing Department of Fáilte Ireland as of 8 April 2024; the number of WTE staff vacancies, by job title within this Department; and when each of those vacancies will be filled, in tabular form. [16280/24]

Departmental Data

Darren O'Rourke

462. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Social Protection the number of PPS numbers issued in Ireland from 1 January 2023 to 31 March 2024; and the breakdown, by nationality that each of the PPS numbers was issued to, in tabular form. [16282/24]

Social Welfare Rates

Darren O'Rourke

463. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Social Protection the estimated cost if the maximum rate of disability allowance rate increased to €242.50 per week. [16283/24]

An Garda Síochána

Darren O'Rourke

509. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Justice the number of gardaí who successfully completed the van/personal carrier course in 2022, 2023 and to-date in 2024, in tabular form; and the duration of this course. [16285/24]

Departmental Data

Darren O'Rourke

698. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Health the number of skull base surgeries performed at Beaumont Hospital in 2023 and to-date in 2024, in tabular form. [16275/24]

Mental Health Services

Darren O'Rourke

699. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Health the number of 24-hour-staffed community mental health residences within CHO8; and if all of those facilities meet the requirements of the HSE Design for Mental Health Guidelines. [16276/24]

Health Services Staff

Darren O'Rourke

700. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Health the number of WTE consultant neurosurgeons at Beaumont Hospital in 2022, 2023 and to-date in 2024, in tabular form. [16277/24]

Housing Policy

Darren O'Rourke

17. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage when he expects the review into the differential rent scheme for local authority housing support will conclude; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15685/24]

Planning Issues

Darren O'Rourke

55. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage what is the legislative, statutory and regulatory framework for the provision of public green space in urban areas; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15686/24]

Active Travel

Darren O'Rourke

103. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Transport to outline the oversight of Active Travel spend; the role of his Department, NTA, local authority and others in same; the initial cost estimate of the Ashbourne R135 Cycle Network Design in Ashbourne, County Meath; the cost to date and the expected full cost at completion; the original expected date for completion of this project and the expected date for completion now; the way responsibility for cost overruns and delays are handled; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15925/24]

Legislative Process

Darren O'Rourke

12. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Finance the status of the Future Ireland Fund and Infrastructure, Climate and Nature Fund Bill 2024; the reason for restricting access to the climate and nature fund until 2026; the process by which projects may apply for the fund; the expected timeline for decision-making and the intervals at which funds can be applied for or if they will be on a rolling basis; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15183/24]

Climate Action Plan

Darren O'Rourke

16. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Finance his views on whether tax policy on luxury emissions can play a more active role in incentivising climate action; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15184/24]

Energy Conservation

Darren O'Rourke

72. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he is aware of the recently released report; (details supplied); his views on the recommendation there was a need for increased funding for the energy renovation of social housing and AHBs; if he plans to increase funding for the retrofitting of social housing and AHBs; if he has plans to include AHBs in his Department’s efforts to retrofit the social housing stock rather than the One Stop Shop scheme run by SEAI; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15628/24]

Housing Provision

Darren O'Rourke

73. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage to report on housing targets as they pertain to Meath and his plans to increase housing availability there; to report on the availability on social housing in Meath and progress to meet targets for social housing in Meath and if his plans to increase this; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15629/24]

Departmental Data

Darren O'Rourke

67. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications to provide a breakdown of all current taskforces under his Department’s remit, in tabular form; to report on the objectives and progress of each taskforce; if he plans to set up any additional taskforces; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13750/24]

Energy Conservation

Darren O'Rourke

73. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications to provide a breakdown of the average cost to retrofit, per SEAI scheme, in 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023 and 2024, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13923/24]

Energy Conservation

Darren O'Rourke

74. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications to provide a breakdown of the average cost to upgrade to a BER B2, per SEAI scheme, in 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023 and 2024, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13924/24]

Energy Conservation

Darren O'Rourke

75. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications to provide a breakdown of the average cost to upgrade to a BER B2 as part of the SEAI scheme in 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023 and in 2024, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13927/24]

Renewable Energy Generation

Darren O'Rourke

76. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications to provide a breakdown of the projected/estimated targets for solar PV in 2025, 2026, 2027, 2028, 2029 and 2030; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13928/24]

Energy Conservation

Darren O'Rourke

77. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications to provide a breakdown of the average cost to install a heat pump, per SEAI scheme, in 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023 and in 2024, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13929/24]

Energy Conservation

Darren O'Rourke

78. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications to provide a breakdown in of the number of heat pumps that were installed, per SEAI scheme, in 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023 and in 2024, in tabular form; to provide a breakdown of heat pump installation targets, per SEAI scheme, in 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023 and 2024, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13930/24]