Ceisteanna Parlaiminte

Hospital Facilities

Brian Stanley

603. Deputy Brian Stanley asked the Minister for Health the current status of the respiratory assessment unit at Midlands Regional Hospital, Portlaoise; the current update on the project; and if a contract has been signed. [8169/23]

Hospital Facilities

Brian Stanley

604. Deputy Brian Stanley asked the Minister for Health the works planned for the maternity unit at Midlands Regional Hospital, Portlaoise; and the stage that works are at. [8170/23]

Hospital Facilities

Brian Stanley

605. Deputy Brian Stanley asked the Minister for Health the works planned for the paediatric unit at Midlands Regional Hospital, Portlaoise; and the stage that works are at. [8171/23]

Hospital Facilities

Brian Stanley

606. Deputy Brian Stanley asked the Minister for Health the works planned at Midlands Regional Hospital, Portlaoise or currently ongoing; and the overall budget allocation for capital works at the hospital. [8172/23]

Dental Services

Brian Stanley

166. Deputy Brian Stanley asked the Minister for Health the progress that has been made in putting in place the dental treatment services scheme in County Offaly. [7742/23]

Dental Services

Brian Stanley

172. Deputy Brian Stanley asked the Minister for Health progress has been made in the past six months on the reinstating the school dental scheme in County Laois. [7741/23]

Restorative Justice

Brian Stanley

356. Deputy Brian Stanley asked the Minister for Justice for an update on his work to create awareness and availability of restorative justice at all stages of the criminal justice system as committed to in the Review of Policy Options for Prison and Penal Reform 2022-2024; if there is a timeline for the publication of policy proposals on this; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8036/23]

Health Services

Brian Stanley

358. Deputy Brian Stanley asked the Minister for Health the plans his Department has to re-instate mobility allowance or a replacement payment for same. [8024/23]

Revenue Commissioners

Brian Stanley

235. Deputy Brian Stanley asked the Minister for Finance if the Revenue Commissioners' counter service will be reinstated in Athlone; and if, a counter service is available at any other office of the Revenue Commissioners. [5476/23]

Housing Schemes

Brian Stanley

112. Deputy Brian Stanley asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if there is any provision in the recently announced scheme for defective apartments for those families who have had to vacate uninhabitable apartments and secure other accommodation. [5147/23]

Housing Schemes

Brian Stanley

112. Deputy Brian Stanley asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if the Croí Cónaithe (cities) project has a limit on the total value of subsidy it will provide to successful applicants per unit. [3582/23]

Housing Schemes

Brian Stanley

130. Deputy Brian Stanley asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he will outline the projected total budget allocation available to the Croí Cónaithe (cities) project in 2023, 2024 and 2025; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3581/23]

Departmental Bodies

Brian Stanley

98. Deputy Brian Stanley asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he will provide an update on the work of the unencumbered mortgage departmental working group; the number of times this group has meet in 2022 and to date in 2023; the terms of reference of this working group; and the membership of this working group. [3609/23]

Health Services Staff

Brian Stanley

484. Deputy Brian Stanley asked the Minister for Health the number of occupational therapists employed in the adult community services in County Laois; the number of vacancies that exist; and his plans to recruit additional occupational therapists; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2706/23]

Health Services Staff

Brian Stanley

485. Deputy Brian Stanley asked the Minister for Health the number of occupational therapists employed in the adult community services in County Offaly; the number of vacancies that exist; his plans to recruit additional occupational therapists; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2707/23]

Industrial Development

Brian Stanley

48. Deputy Brian Stanley asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the number of IDA visits with potential employers to each county in the years 2021 and 2022. [1792/23]

Energy Conservation

Brian Stanley

65. Deputy Brian Stanley asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the total number of homes that have been deep retrofitted since 1 January 2022. [63288/22]

Energy Conservation

Brian Stanley

66. Deputy Brian Stanley asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the estimated number of homes that still require wall and roof insulation. [63289/22]

Renewable Energy Generation

Brian Stanley

114. Deputy Brian Stanley asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the plans his Department has to support community or co-operative anaerobic digester plants. [1647/23]

Electric Vehicles

Brian Stanley

257. Deputy Brian Stanley asked the Minister for Transport the number of EV charging points owned by the ESB in each quarter of 2020, 2021 and 2022. [1646/23]

Tax Reliefs

Brian Stanley

352. Deputy Brian Stanley asked the Minister for Finance if his attention has been drawn the fact the changes to the benefit-in-kind taxation applicable from 1 January 2023 now mean some middle-income earners have had their benefit-in-kind more than double; and if he will request his senior officials to re-examine the new criteria. [1596/23]

Protected Disclosures

Brian Stanley

1090. Deputy Brian Stanley asked the Minister for Justice the current status of the protected disclosure made by a person (details supplied). [63802/22]

Disability Services

Brian Stanley

1417. Deputy Brian Stanley asked the Minister for Health the counties in CHO 8 which have an ‘access officer’ assigned to oversee and ensure that those with a disability have easy access to all services. [1166/23]

Hospital Facilities

Brian Stanley

1468. Deputy Brian Stanley asked the Minister for Health the date for the opening of the 12 step-down beds in Abbeyleix Hospital, County Laois, for the use of patients who have been discharged from acute hospitals. [1384/23]

Care Services

Brian Stanley

1474. Deputy Brian Stanley asked the Minister for Health if an assurance will be given that the day care centre at Abbeyleix Hospital will remain on the site where it is operating successfully. [1394/23]

Hospital Admissions

Brian Stanley

1582. Deputy Brian Stanley asked the Minister for Health the total number of persons who attended the emergency department at Portlaoise Hospital in 2022; and the monthly breakdown of same. [1788/23]

Hospital Admissions

Brian Stanley

1583. Deputy Brian Stanley asked the Minister for Health the total number of patients attending each of the emergency departments in the State in 2021 and 2022. [1789/23]

Hospital Staff

Brian Stanley

1642. Deputy Brian Stanley asked the Minister for Health when the senior dietitians that were promised on 24 June 2022 for the diabetic clinic at Portlaoise Hospital will be appointed; if he will further confirm that funding is in place to fund these posts; the stage that recruitment is at; and the likely timeline to have them in place. [1948/23]

Agriculture Industry

Brian Stanley

1850. Deputy Brian Stanley asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if his Department has any strategy or plans to assist with the redevelopment of the sugar beet industry. [1648/23]

Tax Exemptions

Brian Stanley

203. Deputy Brian Stanley asked the Minister for Finance if he will remove land that has been actively farmed from liability for the vacant zoned land tax; and if his Department is reviewing this. [62907/22]

Industrial Development

Brian Stanley

73. Deputy Brian Stanley asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the actions that the Government and his Department are taking to address the regional imbalance with FDI investment and employment. [62028/22]

Industrial Development

Brian Stanley

91. Deputy Brian Stanley asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if his Department’s senior officials had discussions with the IDA regarding the lack of progress in counties Laois and Offaly in therms of the location of multinational companies in the region. [62029/22]

Prison Service

Brian Stanley

512. Deputy Brian Stanley asked the Minister for Justice if he will provide details of the criteria for the awarding of medals of merit to the staff of the Irish Prison Service. [62047/22]

Prison Service

Brian Stanley

513. Deputy Brian Stanley asked the Minister for Justice if similar criteria apply to awarding medals of merit to prison staff as in the case of An Garda Síochána; and if not, if she will explain the rationale. [62048/22]

Prison Service

Brian Stanley

514. Deputy Brian Stanley asked the Minister for Justice if she will outline the procedures for the dismissal of a staff member of the prison service, in particular, if she will state the person or body that should issue the notice; and the records and copies of documents of dismissals that are kept by her Department. [62050/22]

Primary Care Centres

Brian Stanley

308. Deputy Brian Stanley asked the Minister for Health if he will address the need for primary care centres in Portlaoise; and if he will outline his plans, if any, in this regard. [61421/22]

Healthcare Infrastructure Provision

Brian Stanley

309. Deputy Brian Stanley asked the Minister for Health if he will provide a progress report on plans for a major extension of, and recruitment for, the health centre in Mountrath, County Laois. [61422/22]

Restorative Justice

Brian Stanley

6. Deputy Brian Stanley asked the Minister for Justice the plans there are to roll-out restorative programmes through the court system. [60546/22]

Community Employment Schemes

Brian Stanley

338. Deputy Brian Stanley asked the Minister for Social Protection if the Government is actively engaging with community employment scheme supervisors regarding pay and conditions; and, if so, when the process is due to be completed. [60200/22]

Crime Prevention

Brian Stanley

470. Deputy Brian Stanley asked the Minister for Justice if her Department will undertake a comprehensive review of economic crime, financial fraud and scamming given the increased prevalence of economic crime arising online and through digital technology, and its growing threat to consumers; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [47355/22]

Social Welfare Code

Brian Stanley

116. Deputy Brian Stanley asked the Minister for Social Protection when the threshold increase for the working family payment will come into effect. [59079/22]

Social Welfare Code

Brian Stanley

122. Deputy Brian Stanley asked the Minister for Social Protection her plans to introduce unemployment benefit based upon the previous employment income of a person. [59078/22]

Broadcasting Charge

Brian Stanley

81. Deputy Brian Stanley asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media if she will consider removing the broadcasting levy that is paid by independent radio stations; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [58187/22]

Diplomatic Representation

Brian Stanley

329. Deputy Brian Stanley asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if his Department has plans to introduce an embassy in Palestine. [57872/22]

Diplomatic Representation

Brian Stanley

330. Deputy Brian Stanley asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the number of times that he has met with the Palestinian ambassador to date in 2022. [57873/22]

Grant Payments

Brian Stanley

423. Deputy Brian Stanley asked the Minister for Social Protection if she will review the cost-of-living measures to include participants who attend the National Learning Network and who are in receipt of the introduction skills training scheme allowance. [57357/22]

Tax Code

Brian Stanley

163. Deputy Brian Stanley asked the Minister for Finance if he will reconsider the proposed changes to section 6 of the Finance Act 2019 regarding benefit-in-kind, given that the changes will impact negatively on many low and middle-income workers. [57166/22]

Social Welfare Benefits

Brian Stanley

217. Deputy Brian Stanley asked the Minister for Social Protection if she will make provision for those on illness benefit to receive a double week's payment in December 2022, and for them to be included in the cost-of-living measures introduced by the Government to alleviate some of the inflationary pressures [57191/22]

Tax Credits

Brian Stanley

115. Deputy Brian Stanley asked the Minister for Finance if he will introduce a refundable tax credit equivalent to one month’s rent for struggling renters in budget 2023 in light of deepening unaffordability in the rental sector; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47356/22]

National Broadband Plan

Brian Stanley

43. Deputy Brian Stanley asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if his Department’s position on the National Broadband Plan has changed or whether it remains the same (details supplied); his views on the failure of the National Broadband Plan to meet its targets; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48206/22]

Foreign Direct Investment

Brian Stanley

11. Deputy Brian Stanley asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the level of engagement that exists between his Department and the IDA to improve foreign direct investment in the midlands; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53829/22]

Foreign Direct Investment

Brian Stanley

56. Deputy Brian Stanley asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the actions that his Department is taking to ensure that there is a reasonable spread of foreign direct investment across the State. [53828/22]

Community Development Projects

Brian Stanley

97. Deputy Brian Stanley asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development if her Department has conducted any examination or reviews into the benefits of the community wealth-building model as a template for rural and community development. [53840/22]

Community Development Projects

Brian Stanley

125. Deputy Brian Stanley asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development if her Department is working with any county councils to develop the economic model of community wealth-building which has been successful in Ayrshire, Scotland and Preston, England. [53839/22]

Domestic Violence

Brian Stanley

47. Deputy Brian Stanley asked the Minister for Justice if she will outline the expected completion date for the procurement process and opening date of the domestic violence refuge accommodation centre in County Laois. [51841/22]

Domestic Violence

Brian Stanley

74. Deputy Brian Stanley asked the Minister for Justice if she will outline the budget allocated for the provision of a domestic violence refuge accommodation centre in County Laois. [51840/22]

Dental Services

Brian Stanley

129. Deputy Brian Stanley asked the Minister for Health if he will outline the 2022 budgets for the dental treatment services scheme, school dental scheme and the public PRSI-based scheme in CHO8. [52179/22]

Dental Services

Brian Stanley

166. Deputy Brian Stanley asked the Minister for Health the 2022 budgets for the dental treatment services scheme, school dental scheme and the public PRSI-based scheme in counties Laois and Offaly. [52180/22]

Assisted Human Reproduction

Brian Stanley

220. Deputy Brian Stanley asked the Minister for Health the timeline for the IVF funding to be made available; and the criteria for acceptance. [52108/22]

School Transport

Brian Stanley

428. Deputy Brian Stanley asked the Minister for Education if she will review the current system for designating catchment areas for the school transport services to factor in an element of feeder schools being taken into consideration. [51349/22]

School Transport

Brian Stanley

429. Deputy Brian Stanley asked the Minister for Education if she will ensure all pupils who had a concessionary ticket in previous years for school transport are facilitated in the current school year. [51350/22]

Healthcare Infrastructure Provision

Brian Stanley

775. Deputy Brian Stanley asked the Minister for Health the status of the building project at St. Vincent’s Hospital, Mountmellick, County Laois; and the projected timescale for it to be up to total planned capacity. [51555/22]

State Examinations

Brian Stanley

98. Deputy Brian Stanley asked the Minister for Education the reason for the delay with the issuing of the 2022 Junior Certificate results; and when the results will be made available to students. [50666/22]

Social Welfare Benefits

Brian Stanley

184. Deputy Brian Stanley asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the way that the electricity credit will be paid to those in multi-developments, for example, apartment blocks and mobile home sites, when there is one meter with a MPRN. [49741/22]

Covid-19 Pandemic

Brian Stanley

629. Deputy Brian Stanley asked the Minister for Health when a person (details supplied) who worked in the frontline as an unpaid trainee in the child psychology and disability services during Covid and who has received no reimbursement to date, will receive payment. [49520/22]

Covid-19 Pandemic

Brian Stanley

630. Deputy Brian Stanley asked the Minister for Health when a person (details supplied) who worked in the frontline as an unpaid trainee in the child psychology and disability services during Covid and who has received no reimbursement to date, will receive payment. [49520/22]

Public Procurement Contracts

Brian Stanley

105. Deputy Brian Stanley asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform his Department's plans in relation to encouraging the implementation of social and green clauses in public procurement contracts across the State; and if he will provide an example of the action his Department has taken to increase the use of these clauses. [48207/22]

Covid-19 Pandemic Supports

Brian Stanley

561. Deputy Brian Stanley asked the Minister for Health when agency workers in the health services and those employed as frontline workers in private nursing homes will receive the €1,000 pandemic bonus payment. [47880/22]

Covid-19 Pandemic Supports

Brian Stanley

565. Deputy Brian Stanley asked the Minister for Health if the funding for payment of the €1,000 pandemic bonus payment has been transferred to the accounts of private nursing homes and the accounts of agencies in the health sector; and if so, the date that the transfer took place. [47890/22]

Taxi Regulations

Brian Stanley

99. Deputy Brian Stanley asked the Minister for Transport if he will change the rule that when a taxi-car or people-carrier has more than one owner, it cannot be used as a taxi beyond ten years. [47794/22]

Housing Policy

Brian Stanley

61. Deputy Brian Stanley asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage his views on raising the income thresholds for social housing in County Offaly. [47232/22]

Housing Provision

Brian Stanley

66. Deputy Brian Stanley asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the number of completed and commenced construction social housing units in counties Laois and Offaly in 2021 and 2022. [47233/22]

Energy Policy

Brian Stanley

175. Deputy Brian Stanley asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the actions that are being taken to encourage additional production of wood pellets in view of the fact that the supply of pellets is reduced and the retail price is at an all-time high [46470/22]

Hospital Services

Brian Stanley

316. Deputy Brian Stanley asked the Minister for Health when a centre (details supplied) which has been recently renovated will be reopened; and when the residents will be transferred back to the centre. [46429/22]

Departmental Data

Brian Stanley

12. Deputy Brian Stanley asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the number of homes deep retrofitting to date in 2022. [46241/22]

Renewable Energy Generation

Brian Stanley

158. Deputy Brian Stanley asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the status of the development of the biomass industry here; and the involvement of his Department. [46242/22]

Disability Services

Brian Stanley

1790. Deputy Brian Stanley asked the Minister for Health the number of children in CHO 8 who are currently waiting to access the child disability network team in the region; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43059/22]

Health Services

Brian Stanley

1792. Deputy Brian Stanley asked the Minister for Health the number of children in CHO8 who are currently awaiting access to occupational therapy, speech and language therapy, physiotherapy and psychology services; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43063/22]

Covid-19 Pandemic Supports

Brian Stanley

1822. Deputy Brian Stanley asked the Minister for Health when the pandemic bonus payment will be paid to a person (details supplied). [43176/22]

Social Welfare Schemes

Brian Stanley

87. Deputy Brian Stanley asked the Minister for Social Protection if her Department will consider expanding the qualifying criteria for the working family payment scheme. [38131/22]

Cost of Living Issues

Brian Stanley

102. Deputy Brian Stanley asked the Minister for Social Protection the cost-of-living supports that her Department is providing households which do not receive the working family payment scheme. [38130/22]

Prison Service

Brian Stanley

447. Deputy Brian Stanley asked the Minister for Justice the procedure for the nomination of prison officers who may have distinguished themselves through their actions to be considered for a merit award; and the nominating person or body for a merit award; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [38355/22]

Emergency Departments

Brian Stanley

91. Deputy Brian Stanley asked the Minister for Health if he will provide an update on the future of the 24-hour status of the accident and emergency unit in Portlaoise hospital given the situation regarding Navan hospital. [37480/22]

Hospital Facilities

Brian Stanley

142. Deputy Brian Stanley asked the Minister for Health the timeline for when all of the beds in Abbeyleix Hospital will be brought into use; and when the day care centre in the same facility will be fully operational. [37479/22]

Covid-19 Pandemic

Brian Stanley

782. Deputy Brian Stanley asked the Minister for Health when the agency staff in Portlaoise Hospital will receive the Covid bonus payment given that all other staff in the facility that were entitled to it have received it. [37055/22]

Departmental Meetings

Brian Stanley

91. Deputy Brian Stanley asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the number of occasions on which he or his Department have met with representatives from the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation in 2019, 2020, 2021 and to date in 2022; and to outline the purpose of those meetings. [36538/22]

Departmental Meetings

Brian Stanley

92. Deputy Brian Stanley asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if his Department has held any meetings with representatives of the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation to discuss potential membership. [36539/22]

Defence Forces

Brian Stanley

330. Deputy Brian Stanley asked the Minister for Defence if any of the soldiers at Portlaoise prison who opened fire on 18 May 1988 were awarded a medal or subjected to disciplinary procedures. [36044/22]

Prison Service

Brian Stanley

538. Deputy Brian Stanley asked the Minister for Justice to list any awards issued to prison staff involved in apprehending prisoners attempting to escape from Portlaoise prison in the years 1983 to 1989. [36041/22]

Prison Service

Brian Stanley

539. Deputy Brian Stanley asked the Minister for Justice if there are any files being withheld for national security reasons that relate to the attempted escape of a prisoner on 18 May 1988 at Portlaoise prison. [36042/22]

Prison Service

Brian Stanley

540. Deputy Brian Stanley asked the Minister for Justice to provide a prison officer (details supplied) with a copy of his dismissal notice. [36043/22]

Departmental Schemes

Brian Stanley

15. Deputy Brian Stanley asked the Minister for Transport if the criteria to qualify for a disabled persons parking permit will be reviewed as there are a number of medical conditions that do not qualify for these permits such as Chron's disease. [34856/22]

Fire Service

Brian Stanley

257. Deputy Brian Stanley asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the progress that is being made by the Fire Services National Oversight and Implementation Group on the survey of retained firefighters; and if the improvements that are needed in terms and conditions will be expedited as soon as possible. [33865/22]

Hospital Services

Brian Stanley

397. Deputy Brian Stanley asked the Minister for Health if there are plans to restart the children’s ophthalmic clinic in Portlaoise Hospital as at present parents have to arrange transport to get their children to the nearest clinic which is in Athlone. [33257/22]

Health Services Staff

Brian Stanley

398. Deputy Brian Stanley asked the Minister for Health when the frontline health workers with Locum Link will receive the one-off Covid bonus payment. [33266/22]

Covid-19 Pandemic

Brian Stanley

438. Deputy Brian Stanley asked the Minister for Health if he will ensure that there is a provision in Budget 2023 to fund multidisciplinary clinics in all counties to provide treatment and care for persons suffering with long-Covid. [33453/22]

Regulatory Bodies

Brian Stanley

31. Deputy Brian Stanley asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the timeframe for the establishment of the marine area regulatory authority [32853/22]

Regulatory Bodies

Brian Stanley

32. Deputy Brian Stanley asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if his Department has considered the appointment of an officer to the Maritime Area Planning Authority. [32854/22]

Energy Prices

Brian Stanley

81. Deputy Brian Stanley asked the Taoiseach the analyses that has been conducted on the cost of energy per household as a proportion of household income from 1992 to 2022,in tabular form. [31783/22]

Renewable Energy Generation

Brian Stanley

85. Deputy Brian Stanley asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the amount of electricity generated from renewable sources in each year since 2012 to date in 2022 as a proportion of overall demand. [31784/22]