Ceisteanna Parlaiminte

Middle East

Catherine Connolly

156. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs if he agrees that Ireland has a duty under the UN Genocide Convention to prevent genocide; if any assessment has been carried out as to whether there is a serious risk that genocide is being committed by Israel in Gaza; if so, the outcomes as a result of such an assessment; what action the Government now proposes to take in view of the very serious and worsening situation in Gaza; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51732/23]

Military Aircraft

Catherine Connolly

20. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs the purpose for which a military plane (details supplied) flew across Ireland en route to Gander from Nottingham; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51197/23]

Middle East

Catherine Connolly

21. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs the number of Irish-Israeli dual citizens currently in Israel; the number currently in the occupied Palestinian territories, specifically the number in the West Bank, including East Jerusalem; of those, the number who have their habitual residence there; the number in the Gaza Strip; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51319/23]

Middle East

Catherine Connolly

22. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs if, given the indications of wide-spread violations of international humanitarian law being committed by Israeli forces in the Gaza Strip, and in light of the IDF's widespread commission of war crimes related to Israel's settlement regime in the occupied West Bank, and illegally annexed East Jerusalem and the Syrian Golan Heights, Ireland has communicated advisories to Irish citizens and residents of Ireland who may be serving or volunteering in the IDF on the potential legal consequences and individual criminal liability that would arise under Irish criminal law (Geneva Conventions Act 1962 and International Criminal Court Act 2006) for any of their acts or omissions in the course of their service or volunteering; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51321/23]

Work Permits

Catherine Connolly

74. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the status of the report by the Implementation Group to address the recommendations of the March 2022 Department of Justice Report on the Review of the Atypical Working Scheme for non-EEA Crew in the Irish Fishing Fleet; the timeline for the publication of the report; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51379/23]

Ukraine War

Catherine Connolly

65. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence the total military aid given by the EU to Ukraine since February 2022, and the details of the contribution given by Ireland to-date; the details of the contribution given by Ireland towards common costs of the EU military assistance mission in support of Ukraine; the details of any contributions or donations made by the Defence Forces to Ukraine to-date since February 2022, and any contributions or donations planned; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50891/23]

Defence Forces

Catherine Connolly

78. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence the status of the Tribunal of Inquiry to examine the effectiveness of the complaints process in the Defence Forces; the timeline for same; the status of the terms of reference of the tribunal; the details of his engagement in the past month with a group (details supplied) with regard to the concerns they have raised over the terms of reference; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50890/23]

Renewable Energy Generation

Catherine Connolly

5. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications further to Parliamentary Question No. 72 of 28 September 2023, and subsequent follow-up, the details of the analysis carried out by his Department regarding the operation of the community-led category in RESS 1 and RESS 2, and in particular the challenges faced by community-led energy projects; the details of the analysis behind the decision to discontinue the community-led category in RESS 3 and to provide support instead under the small-scale renewable energy support scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50115/23]

Climate Change Policy

Catherine Connolly

10. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications further to Parliamentary Question No. 108 of 15 June 2023 , the details of any engagement his Department, or bodies under the aegis of his Department, has had with Galway City and County Councils in 2023 with regard to the development of their local authority climate action plans, and in particular the preparation of their decarbonising zones; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50116/23]

Fisheries Protection

Catherine Connolly

204. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine further to Parliamentary Question No. 92 of 26 October 2023, for an update on plans for the introduction of measures to protect the sprat fishery, which is concentrated within the six-nautical-mile zone; when he expects to receive the updated scientific and economic advice from the Marine Institute and Bord Iascaigh Mhara on trawling within the six-nautical-mile zone; the details of any interim measures planned to protect the sprat fishery until a new policy is put in place; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50329/23]

Middle East

Catherine Connolly

19. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs what engagement he has had at EU level with a view to securing a ceasefire in Gaza; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50121/23]

Ukraine War

Catherine Connolly

34. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence further to Parliamentary Question No. 125 of 3 October 2023, for an update on Ireland's involvement in the EU Military Assistance Mission in support of Ukraine; the number of Defence Forces personnel deployed to the mission to date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50122/23]

Island Communities

Catherine Connolly

23. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development further to Parliamentary Question No. 62 of 26 September 2023, for an update on the work of the steering committee tasked with monitoring progress on the development of the piers on Inis Oírr and Inis Meáin; if the minutes taken in respect of the meetings are published; the date of the next meeting; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [49664/23]

Cabinet Committees

Catherine Connolly

30. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development further to Parliamentary Question No. 4 of 26 September 2023, the status of the monitoring committee for the implementation of the new policy for the islands; the terms of reference of the committee; the membership of the committee; the number of meetings held to date and the dates of same; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [49665/23]

Office of Public Works

Catherine Connolly

152. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform if, following a request to the OPW that the gates at Meelick and Lusma on 6, 10 and 12 July be opened in order to enable the river to flow freely, it was not until 15 July, being nine days after the initial request, that the gates were opened leading to devastating flooding in the Shannon Callows from Athlone to Meelick; the reason for the delay in opening the gates; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49644/23]

Fisheries Protection

Catherine Connolly

277. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if his attention has been drawn to reports of recent trawling activity by large vessels (details supplied) in and around the Glengarriff Special Area of Conservation site 00090; the details of any permits provided to these vessels to fish in and around the Glengarriff SAC site; the details of any appropriate assessment carried out to ensure that this pair trawling activity observed on 12 October 2023 and 8 November 2023 would not significantly disturb or endanger the species for which the site was designated, or that it would not have other significant impacts on the SAC and protected species such as harbour porpoises and common dolphins which hunt sprat; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49975/23]

Naturalisation Applications

Catherine Connolly

342. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Justice when a person (details supplied) who attended their citizenship ceremony on 2 October 2023 will receive their certificate and have their passport returned, given the Department commits to issuing certificates of naturalisation via registered post within two weeks; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [49797/23]

Fisheries Protection

Catherine Connolly

402. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine further to Parliamentary Question No. 92 of 26 October 2023, if his attention has been drawn to reports of recent trawling activity by large vessels (details supplied) in and around the Glengarriff Special Area of Conservation site 00090; the details of any permits provided to these vessels to fish in and around the Glengarriff SAC site; the details of any appropriate assessment carried out to ensure that this pair trawling activity observed on 12 October 2023 and 8 November 2023 would not significantly disturb or endanger the species for which the site was designated, or that it would not have other significant impacts on the SAC and protected species such as harbour porpoises and common dolphins which hunt sprat; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49976/23]

Child and Family Agency

Catherine Connolly

411. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth if the extraction of records relating to St. Gerard's from the larger Saint Patrick's Guild file received by Tusla in 2017 is still ongoing; what proportion of the larger Saint Patrick's Guild file has now been extracted; the findings to date; the projected timeline for the completion of this work; when a full disclosure of the results of this work will be made available; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49333/23]

Nursing Homes

Catherine Connolly

5. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Health his plans to carry out an audit of the provision of long-term residential care for older persons in Galway city and county provided by HSE West, to include an assessment of the number of beds vacant in each facility, the number of people on waiting lists in each facility and the average wait times; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48549/23]

Community Care

Catherine Connolly

51. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Health the details of any recruitment process underway to increase staffing levels in the Áras Mhic Dara community nursing unit in Carraroe to facilitate the use of all available beds in the unit; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48473/23]

Healthcare Infrastructure Provision

Catherine Connolly

72. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Health further to Parliamentary Question No. 46 of 21 September 2023, the status of the examination by the HSE of the completed SAR/PBC for the new emergency department, women and children’s block at University Hospital Galway; if the HSE has completed the examination to date; the timeline for the delivery of the new emergency department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48434/23]

Local Authorities

Catherine Connolly

126. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he has responded to date to the Galway Social Housing Taskforce Chairperson’s Report on Progress to end-2022; the details of any engagement between his Department, Galway City Council and Galway County Council with regard to resolving the staff retention issues highlighted in the report; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48428/23]

Housing Schemes

Catherine Connolly

148. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if his attention has been drawn to a report (details supplied), which found that only 27 properties were available within standard/discretionary HAP limits nationwide, the lowest number recorded across the 31 such reports carried out to date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48429/23]

Military Aircraft

Catherine Connolly

170. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs if a British RAF surveillance aircraft (details supplied) was authorised to fly along the west coasts of Donegal and Mayo within Irish territorial waters on 3 November; if so, when and why approval was given for this flight, given that it is likely that this aircraft was on an intelligence gathering mission, in contravention of Irish Government prohibition on such flights by foreign military aircraft; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49127/23]

Scéimeanna Teanga

Catherine Connolly

225. D'fhiafraigh Deputy Catherine Connolly den Aire Turasóireachta, Cultúir, Ealaíon, Gaeltachta, Spóirt agus Meán cé mhéad teaghlach a chothaigh scoláirí an samhradh seo faoi Scéim na bhFoghlaimeoirí Gaeilge agus atá fós ag fanacht ar íocaíochtaí faoin scéim; cén céatadán de na teaghlaigh a chothaigh scoláirí faoin scéim an samhradh seo agus atá fós ag fanacht ar íocaíochtaí faoin scéim; cén uair a gheobhaidh siad íocaíocht; soiléiriú a thabhairt ar aon athbhreithniú atá ar siúl ag a Roinn maidir leis an scéim; agus an ndéanfaidh sí ráiteas ina thaobh. [49254/23]

Middle East

Catherine Connolly

19. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs if, in view of the devastating consequences of the ongoing conflict in Israel and the occupied Palestinian territories, he will instruct Ireland's representative at the United Nations to initiate a uniting for peace initiative in accordance with Resolution 377 of 3 February 1950 to call for an emergency session of the General Assembly to discuss a permanent and sustainable ceasefire and the lifting of the blockade on Gaza; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49003/23]

Mother and Baby Homes

Catherine Connolly

65. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth further to Parliamentary Question No. 1492 of 11 September 2023, when the mother and baby institution redress scheme will be open for applications; the timeline for when payments will be made; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48449/23]

Direct Provision System

Catherine Connolly

73. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth his plans for the implementation of each of the three recommendations in the special report by the Ombudsman for Children, “Safety and Welfare of Children in Direct Provision” (October 2023); the timeline for implementation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48454/23]

Middle East

Catherine Connolly

131. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs the steps he has taken to ensure the safe passage of Irish citizens from the occupied Palestinian territories, including those family members and dependants who do not hold Irish passports; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48778/23]

Middle East

Catherine Connolly

132. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs his intentions for Ireland to act as a broker of resolution to the causes of the conflict in the occupied Palestinian territories and Israel; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48779/23]

Middle East

Catherine Connolly

133. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs his views on the prospect of violence spreading into a regional conflict in the area; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48780/23]

Military Aircraft

Catherine Connolly

229. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Transport further to Parliamentary Question No. 185 of 24 October 2023, whether any steps were taken to establish if an aircraft (details supplied) was transporting US soldiers and/or weapons or munitions while travelling from the USA to the Persian Gulf, as this aircraft was on contract to the US military using US Transportation Command call sign CMB504 and was likely to be on a mission to support the Israeli attacks on Gaza, and on its return journey to the USA it landed at US Naval Air Station Jacksonville; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47696/23]

Transport Costs

Catherine Connolly

230. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Transport the reason two train stations, Balbriggan and Skerries, have been excluded from the TFI 90-minute €2-ticket scheme, resulting in an inequity for many commuters travelling to Dublin city centre (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47707/23]

Enterprise Policy

Catherine Connolly

405. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if it has been brought to his attention that approximately 100 engineers have recently come to Ireland from Israel to work with Intel; if it is the case that Israel is to be a key partner in the development of Ireland's weapons industry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47945/23]

Legislative Measures

Catherine Connolly

668. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage pursuant to section 9 of the Land Development Agency Act 2021, the details of any reports he has received to date from the Land Development Agency or a subsidiary DAC with regard to progress towards achieving the purposes of the Act; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48427/23]

International Protection

Catherine Connolly

787. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Justice her plans to extend the 2001 Temporary Protection Directive to Palestinian nationals living in Gaza, the West Bank and East Jerusalem; the representations she has made at EU level in this regard; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [48777/23]

International Protection

Catherine Connolly

881. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Justice the current contractual arrangements for the appointment or provision of translators throughout the international protection process, in particular with regard to translators for oral appeal hearings; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [48772/23]

International Protection

Catherine Connolly

882. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Justice if her Department is aware of current difficulties encountered by applicants, solicitors-barristers for applicants, IPO presenting officers and International Protection Appeals Tribunal members with the standard of translators provided and appointed; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [48773/23]

International Protection

Catherine Connolly

883. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Justice the number of complaints raised in relation to translators and translation services in the international protection process since 2020; the stages within the IP process at which these complaints have been raised; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [48774/23]

International Protection

Catherine Connolly

884. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Justice if her Department has sought any improvements at any stage from translation service providers on foot of any complaint; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [48775/23]

International Protection

Catherine Connolly

885. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Justice the number of oral appeal hearings that have been adjourned or rescheduled due, in full or in part, to poor-quality translators; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [48776/23]

Wildlife Protection

Catherine Connolly

899. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine his views on the correspondence he has received in relation to the use of the snare "body restraint", which is causing untold suffering to Ireland's protected badger population (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47705/23]

Direct Provision System

Catherine Connolly

1069. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the timeline for the introduction of a payment equivalent to child benefit for all children in the international protection process, as promised in the White Paper to End Direct Provision and to Establish a New International Protection Support Service; the estimated cost of same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48432/23]

Direct Provision System

Catherine Connolly

1070. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth further to Parliamentary Question No. 69 of 4 July 2023, the status of the review of the projected timelines for the implementation of the White Paper to end direct provision and establish a new international protection support service; if the review has been completed to date; the timeline for the publication of the review; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48433/23]

Primary Care Centres

Catherine Connolly

1279. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Health further to Parliamentary Question No. 1046 of 20 September 2023, the status of the development of a primary care centre on Inisbofin; the status of the land transfer and if it has concluded to date; the expected timeline for the development of the primary care centre; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48437/23]

Hospital Facilities

Catherine Connolly

1288. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Health further to Parliamentary Question No. 1921 of 11 September 2023, if he will provide an update on the development of the new elective hospital in Merlin Park; the status of the development of the pre-tender business case, including the Draft Project Brief and Draft Procurement Strategy; the timeline for when he expects the project to complete Stage 2 of the Public Spending Code; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48435/23]

Acht na dTeangacha Oifigiúla

Catherine Connolly

1309. D'fhiafraigh Deputy Catherine Connolly den Aire Sláinte an aithníonn sé na deacrachtaí atá roimh chainteoirí dúchais Ghaeilge i gcóras sláinte a chaitheann leo amhail is go bhfuil Béarla acu, cén obair atá ar bun ag a Roinn le cinntiú go bhfreastalófar ar riachtanais na gcainteoirí sin ag gach céim den chóras sláinte; agus an ndéanfaidh sé ráiteas ina thaobh. [48531/23]

Acht na dTeangacha Oifigiúla

Catherine Connolly

1310. D'fhiafraigh Deputy Catherine Connolly den Aire Sláinte an bhfuil an t-ainm fearainn moleanbh.ie nó a chomhionann ceannaithe ag an Roinn nó ag Feidhmeannacht na Seirbhíse Sláinte le cinntiú go mbeidh an suíomh mychild.ie agus an t-ábhar a ghabhann leis ar fáil go hiomlán trí Ghaeilge don phobal; agus an ndéanfaidh sé ráiteas ina thaobh. [48532/23]

Vacant Properties

Catherine Connolly

28. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform the number of vacant properties in the OPW property portfolio; the number of these which require refurbishment in order to be brought back into use; the status of plans for any such refurbishment; his plans to develop a strategy for the repurposing of these vacant buildings for public housing or community use; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46981/23]

Flood Risk Management

Catherine Connolly

38. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform further to Parliamentary Question No. 38 of 27 June 2023, the status of the review of the programme for the Coirib go Cósta flood relief scheme; if the additional flood relief works have been scoped and agreed to date; when the revised project programme will be published; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46980/23]

Departmental Bodies

Catherine Connolly

78. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine further to Parliamentary Question No. 10 of 13 July 2023, if he will provide an update on the work of the wool council; if the €30,000 in departmental funding has been drawn down to date; the plans to provide additional funding or support to the wool council; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46983/23]

Fisheries Protection

Catherine Connolly

92. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine further to Parliamentary Question No. 43 of 13 July 2023, if he will provide an update on plans for the introduction of measures to protect the sprat industry, which is concentrated within the six-nautical-mile zone; if he has received the updated scientific and economic advice from the Marine Institute and Bord Iascaigh Mhara on trawling within the six-nautical-mile zone; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46984/23]

National Development Plan

Catherine Connolly

75. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform further to Parliamentary Question No. 33 of 27 June 2023, the status of the independent evaluation of national development plan priorities and capacity; if the work has been received by his Department; the timeline for publication of the evaluation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47052/23]

Office of Public Works

Catherine Connolly

76. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform further to Parliamentary Question No. 96 of 15 November 2022, the details of any analysis carried out by his Department into the impact of the ongoing rise in rental prices on the cost of the rented portion of the OPW's office accommodation portfolio; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47053/23]

Social Welfare Code

Catherine Connolly

53. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Social Protection the details of any engagement between her Department and the Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration, and Youth with regard to the introduction of a payment equivalent to child benefit for all children in the international protection process, as promised in the White Paper to End Direct Provision and to Establish a New International Protection Support Service; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [46451/23]

Departmental Communications

Catherine Connolly

68. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Social Protection the details of any engagement between her Department and disabled persons organisations and disability organisations in the development of the Green Paper on Disability Reform; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [46452/23]

Military Aircraft

Catherine Connolly

185. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Transport if an aircraft (details supplied) which was on contract to the US military, was authorised to carry weapons or munitions through Shannon Airport; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46715/23]

Údarás na Gaeltachta

Catherine Connolly

5. D'fhiafraigh Deputy Catherine Connolly den Aire Turasóireachta, Cultúir, Ealaíon, Gaeltachta, Spóirt agus Meán maidir le Ceisteanna Parlaiminte Uimhreacha 67 den 13 Iúil agus 385 den 20 Meán Fómhair, soiléiriú a thabhairt ar an athbhreithniú atá faoi chaibidil ag Údarás na Gaeltachta faoin bpunann iomlán maoine atá aige agus faoi na féidearthachtaí forbartha atá ann; an bhfuil an taighde críochnaithe; soiléiriú a thabhairt ar an bplean ag eascairt as an taighde sin agus ar na hacmhainní airgeadais a bheidh ag teastáil chun an plean a chur i gcrích; soiléiriú a thabhairt ar shonraí na teagmhála a bhí ag an Aire leis an Údarás maidir leis na hábhair sin; agus an ndéanfaidh sí ráiteas ina thaobh. [45986/23]

Acht na Gaeltachta

Catherine Connolly

9. D'fhiafraigh Deputy Catherine Connolly den Aire Turasóireachta, Cultúir, Ealaíon, Gaeltachta, Spóirt agus Meán maidir le Ceist Pharlaiminte Uimh. 98 den 13 Iúil 2023, cén dul chun cinn atá déanta maidir leis an obair athbhreithniúcháin ar na chéad 10 bplean teanga a ceadaíodh faoi Acht na Gaeltachta, 2012; agus an ndéanfaidh sí ráiteas ina thaobh. [45677/23]

Culture Policy

Catherine Connolly

37. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media further to Parliamentary Question No. 130 of 12 July 2023, and as per the Performance Delivery Agreement between her Department and Galway Culture Company; the number of quarterly reporting meetings held to date with all public funders of Galway Culture Company, and the dates of same; if minutes are taken and published in respect of these meetings; the details of any management reports received by her Department to date from Galway Culture Company; the status of the drawdown of the €1 million in Galway 2020 legacy funding; the amount drawn down to date; the details of where any funds drawn down have been allocated; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [45679/23]

Scéimeanna Teanga

Catherine Connolly

62. D'fhiafraigh Deputy Catherine Connolly den Aire Turasóireachta, Cultúir, Ealaíon, Gaeltachta, Spóirt agus Meán soiléiriú a thabhairt maidir le Scéim Labhairt na Gaeilge; cén uair a bheidh an scéim i bhfeidhm; agus an ndéanfaidh sí ráiteas ina thaobh. [45676/23]

Pleanáil Teanga

Catherine Connolly

64. D'fhiafraigh Deputy Catherine Connolly den Aire Turasóireachta, Cultúir, Ealaíon, Gaeltachta, Spóirt agus Meán cé mhéad limistéar pleanála teanga nach bhfuil oifigeach pleanála teanga fostaithe iontu faoi láthair; soiléiriú ar an anailís atá faoi chaibidil ag an Roinn maidir leis an ábhar sin; agus an ndéanfaidh sí ráiteas ina thaobh. [45680/23]

Údarás na Gaeltachta

Catherine Connolly

67. D'fhiafraigh Deputy Catherine Connolly den Aire Turasóireachta, Cultúir, Ealaíon, Gaeltachta, Spóirt agus Meán maidir le Ceist Pharlaiminte Uimh. 88 den 13 Iúil 2023, cén dul chun cinn atá déanta maidir leis an obair athbhreithniúcháin atá idir lámha ag Údarás na Gaeltachta i ndáil leis na córais agus leis an gcur chuige atá i ngníomh ag an Údarás faoi láthair chun tacú le cur chun cinn na Gaeilge sna cliantchuideachtaí agus i ndáil leis na bealaí ina ndéantar an t-ábhar a bhaineann leo a riar; cathain a fhoilseofar toradh na hanailíse; cén dul chun cinn atá déanta maidir leis an scéim phíolótach; agus an ndéanfaidh sí ráiteas ina thaobh. [45678/23]

Student Accommodation

Catherine Connolly

126. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science for an update on the funding for the construction of affordable student accommodation in Galway, announced in November 2022; to clarify if the State will own or partially own the units, once built; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45734/23]

Further and Higher Education

Catherine Connolly

137. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science further to Parliamentary Question No. 111 of 21 September 2023, for a status update on the proposed new further education college in Galway city; the status of the development of the preliminary business case; if it has been completed and returned to date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45733/23]

Schools Building Projects

Catherine Connolly

189. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Education the timeline for when the promised modular building to accommodate the ASD unit at a school (details supplied) with be delivered and operational; the details of any engagement her Department has had with the property management company in this regard; the details of any engagement her Department has had with the school management and parent representatives with regard to the delay in delivering the promised modular building; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [45849/23]

Naturalisation Applications

Catherine Connolly

246. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Justice in light of the current backlog in citizenship applications, her plans to allow for the taking of declarations and undertakings in naturalisation applications other than in citizenship ceremonies, as provided for in the Courts and Civil Law (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2023; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [45812/23]

Student Accommodation

Catherine Connolly

298. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the status of the development of the long-term policy approach to support the construction of student accommodation; the expected timeline for the publication of the policy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45735/23]

School Facilities

Catherine Connolly

22. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Education the details of any engagement her Department has had with the Department of Environment, Climate and Communications with regard to the promised multi-annual scheme to provide photovoltaic panels in schools; the details of the scheme; the status of the roll-out of the scheme; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [45050/23]

School Transport

Catherine Connolly

41. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Education the status of the review of the school transport scheme; if she has received the completed review to date; the timeline for the publication of the review; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [45049/23]

Departmental Expenditure

Catherine Connolly

301. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the state expenditure on long-term leasing in each of the years 2015 to 2022, and to date in 2023, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44647/23]

Departmental Bodies

Catherine Connolly

424. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the type of advice being sought and the purpose of a tender (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44917/23]

Work Permits

Catherine Connolly

7. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the details of any review carried out by his Department with regard to removing dental nurses from the ineligible list of occupations for employment permits; his plans to review same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44204/23]

Corporate Governance

Catherine Connolly

14. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment further to Parliamentary Question No. 51 of 29 June 2023, for a status update on his Department's engagement with the Department of Foreign Affairs with a view to developing a new business and human rights action plan and implementation body; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44203/23]

Work Permits

Catherine Connolly

27. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the details of any engagement he has had with an organisation (details supplied) with regard to addressing the shortage of dental nurses and dentists; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44206/23]

White Papers

Catherine Connolly

49. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment further to Parliamentary Question No. 85 of 11 May 2023, for an update on the implementation of the white paper on enterprise; the details of the first update report, which was scheduled for Q3 2023; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44207/23]

Regional Development

Catherine Connolly

63. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment further to Parliamentary Question No. 60 of 29 June 2023, for an update on the implementation of the West Regional Enterprise Plan to 2024; for a status update on the development of the BIA Innovator Campus; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44205/23]

Citizenship Applications

Catherine Connolly

7. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Justice the measures undertaken by her Department to reduce citizenship application processing times, particularly in respect of applications submitted in 2021 and 2022; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [43951/23]

Legislative Reviews

Catherine Connolly

23. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Justice further to Parliamentary Question No. 49 of 11 July 2023, the status of the independent review of part 4 of the Criminal Law (Sexual Offences) Act 2017, which was due for completion by the end of 2022; the status of the recruitment process to replace the individual who had previously been engaged to carry out the study, and if the new person has been appointed; if the Minister has received the completed report to-date; the expected timeline for the publication of the final report; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [43950/23]

Work Permits

Catherine Connolly

81. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment further to Parliamentary Question No. 51 of 29 June 2023, the number of employment permits issued in respect of non-EEA home care workers since the start of January 2023; the number of applications refused; the number of applications pending; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44242/23]

Middle East

Catherine Connolly

14. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs further to his recent visit to Israel/Palestine, if he can confirm several reports that the Israeli Government refused his request to visit Palestinian towns in Area C of the West Bank; if he was given a reason for this refusal, and if he accepts the explanation given; if he agrees that the areas in question are not part of Israel but illegally occupied; if this rejection by Israel significantly reduced his capacity to see and experience the effects of the illegal occupation in areas where schools have recently been destroyed and residents have been forced to flee because of settler attacks; if he regards this denial of access as a further rebuff to the international community by Israel; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44083/23]

Middle East

Catherine Connolly

15. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs further to his recent visit to Israel/Palestine, if he planned or attempted to visit Ein Samiya in Area C of the West Bank, where, according to reports from the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs, schools were destroyed in August and Palestinian residents were forced to flee following attacks from illegal settlers; if he had any engagement with Israeli authorities with regard to a visit to this area, and what the result of these discussions was; if he feels that the policy of the Israeli authorities with regard to the role of the international community has changed since the new Israeli Government was formed; what his plans are now to address the deteriorating situation in the occupied Palestinian territory; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44084/23]

Visa Agreements

Catherine Connolly

370. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Justice further to Parliamentary Question No. 183 of 12 July 2023, the number of approvals and negative decisions made to date under the Afghan Admission programme; the number of applicants who have been informed that their applications were not eligible under the terms of the programme; the number of visas which have been issued to beneficiaries of the programme; the timeline for when all applications to the programme will be processed; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [43978/23]

Citizenship Applications

Catherine Connolly

374. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Justice the status of a citizenship application (details supplied); when a decision is likely to issue, in light of the fact that the application was made over two years ago; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [44049/23]

Park-and-Ride Facilities

Catherine Connolly

35. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Transport further to Parliamentary Question No. 410 of 11 September 2023, for a status update on the rollout of park-and-ride in Galway city; for an update on the site location analysis; the expected timeline for the rollout of park-and-ride in the identified areas; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42976/23]

Public Transport

Catherine Connolly

69. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Transport further to Parliamentary Question No. 247 of 25 July 2023, for a status update on the feasibility study on light rail in Galway; the expected timeline for the public consultation on the draft Galway metropolitan area transport strategy; the expected timeline for the completed updated strategy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42977/23]

Tax Reliefs

Catherine Connolly

91. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Finance further to Parliamentary Question No. 137 of 22 June 2023, the status of the disabled drivers medical board of appeal; the details of any engagement between his Department and the National Rehabilitation Hospital with regard to resolving issues which led to the withdrawal of its services in February 2023; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42980/23]

Housing Schemes

Catherine Connolly

100. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Finance further to Parliamentary Question No. 55 of 9 May 2023, his plans for the phasing out of the help-to-buy scheme; the details of any planned changes to the criteria of the scheme in the interim; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42981/23]

Human Rights

Catherine Connolly

45. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs his views on a report (details supplied) by the UN special rapporteur on the promotion and protection of human rights and fundamental freedoms while countering terrorism; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42927/23]

Human Rights

Catherine Connolly

46. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs what representations he has made to the Government of the United States of America to close the detention facilities at Guantánamo Bay; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42928/23]

Human Rights

Catherine Connolly

47. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs what engagement he has had with his EU and UN counterparts on the issue of the closure of the detention facilities at Guantánamo Bay; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42929/23]

Human Rights

Catherine Connolly

48. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs the steps being taken to support the humanitarian resettlement of those arbitrarily detained at Guantánamo Bay, in particular the 16 cleared detainees who remain at Guantánamo; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42930/23]

Tax Credits

Catherine Connolly

96. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Finance his plans to include compliance with the Copyright and Related Rights Act 2000, as well as the EU copyright directive, as a specified requirement in order to avail of the section 481 tax credit, in line with recommendation 8 of the May 2023 Report on Section 481 - Film Tax Credit by the Committee on Budgetary Oversight; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42941/23]

Tax Credits

Catherine Connolly

97. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Finance the details of any engagement between his Department and the Department of Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht and Sport and Media with regard to the establishment of a stakeholder forum, in line with recommendation 14 of the May 2023 Report on Section 481 - Film Tax Credit by the Committee on Budgetary Oversight; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42942/23]

Film Industry

Catherine Connolly

123. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media the details of any engagement between her Department and the Department of Finance with regard to the establishment of a stakeholder forum, in line with recommendation 14 of the May 2023 Report on Section 481 - Film Tax Credit by the Committee on Budgetary Oversight; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [42918/23]

Foreshore Issues

Catherine Connolly

134. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if a foreshore licence was required for the survey activity referred to in marine notices Nos. 46 and 47 of 2023; if so, to provide the details of same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42873/23]

Further and Higher Education

Catherine Connolly

236. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science his plans to raise the PhD stipend level to €25,000 per year, as recommended in the National Review of State Supports for PhD Researchers: First Report (May 2023); the details of any analysis carried out by his Department with regard to the implementation of this recommendation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42998/23]

Defence Forces

Catherine Connolly

112. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence the status of the terms of reference for the judge-led tribunal of inquiry to examine the effectiveness of the complaints processes in the Defence Forces into workplace issues relating to discrimination, bullying, harassment, sexual harassment and sexual misconduct; the timeline for the publication of the terms of reference; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42546/23]

Ukraine War

Catherine Connolly

125. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence further to Parliamentary Question No. 12 of 16 May 2023, to provide an update on Ireland's involvement in the EU Military Assistance Mission in support of Ukraine; the number of Defence Forces personnel deployed to the mission to date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42547/23]