Ceisteanna Parlaiminte

Fisheries Protection

Catherine Connolly

47. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine further to Parliamentary Question No. 204 of 16 November 2023, the status of plans for the introduction of measures to protect the sprat fishery, which is concentrated within the six-nautical-mile zone; if he has received the updated scientific advice from the Marine Institute and Bord Iascaigh Mhara to date; his plans for the publication of this advice; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [55642/23]

Mother and Baby Homes

Catherine Connolly

110. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth further to Parliamentary Question No. 1493 of 11 September 2023, if the negotiation process between the expert negotiator and religious orders, with regard to contributing to the mother and baby institutions redress scheme, has been completed to date; if not, the expected timeline for the conclusion of the negotiation process; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [55650/23]

Mother and Baby Homes

Catherine Connolly

135. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth further to Parliamentary Question No. 65 of 7 November 2023, when the mother and baby institutions 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. [55649/23]

School Transport

Catherine Connolly

278. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Education the reasoning behind the exclusion of persons over 70 years of age from driving buses under the school transport scheme; the engagement she or her Department have had with Bus Éireann with a view to increasing the age limit, particularly in light of the ongoing shortage of bus drivers for the school transport scheme; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [55930/23]

School Transport

Catherine Connolly

279. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Education the measures underway to reinstate school transport route F6313 as a matter of urgency, in light of the impact that the loss of service is having on the students concerned, and on their families, who are required to make a 100km round trip to school twice per day; the details of any engagement she or her Department have had with the families concerned, particularly with a view to providing alternative transport for the children; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [55931/23]

Middle East

Catherine Connolly

7. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs the number of Irish citizens currently in Gaza; the steps being taken by his Department to assist them in exiting Gaza; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [55518/23]

Middle East

Catherine Connolly

163. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Justice if she is aware of the number of people currently in Gaza who have permission to remain in Ireland, or who have visas to live, study or work in Ireland; the steps being taken by her Department to assist them in exiting Gaza; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [55519/23]

Policing Authority

Catherine Connolly

73. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Justice the terms of reference of the review she requested of the Policing Authority around public order policing and related issues, following the recent riots in Dublin. [55086/23]

Legislative Reviews

Catherine Connolly

78. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Justice further to Parliamentary Question No. 23 of 11 October 2023, the status of the independent review of part 4 of the Criminal Law (Sexual Offences) Act 2017; the status of the recruitment process to replace the individual who had previously been engaged to carry out the study; if the new person has been appointed; the timeline for the completion of the review; the timeline for the publication of the final report; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [55087/23]

Seaweed Harvesting

Catherine Connolly

416. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage further to Parliamentary Question No. 382 of 4 July 2023, to provide a copy of the site investigation report. [54920/23]

Local Authorities

Catherine Connolly

5. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage further to Parliamentary Question No. 126 of 9 November 2023, what engagement he or his Department has had with the Galway social housing task force regarding the issues raised in the task force chairperson's report on progress to end-2022 since that report was received by his Department; the details of any engagement he or his Department has had with the task force in 2023 on the availability of properties to rent in Galway within standard and-or discretionary HAP limits; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [54386/23]

Rental Sector

Catherine Connolly

37. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if his attention has been drawn to the Residential Tenancies Board Rent Index Report Q2 2023, which showed that Galway City had the largest annual increase in average rents for new tenancies in any city in Ireland at 12.7%; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [54201/23]

Gaeltacht Policy

Catherine Connolly

85. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the timeline for the publication of the draft planning guidelines for Gaeltacht areas; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [54200/23]

Industrial Disputes

Catherine Connolly

115. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Social Protection the status of plans to close the pay gap between Tús supervisors and CE supervisors; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [54184/23]

Departmental Consultations

Catherine Connolly

149. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Social Protection her plans to extend the public consultation deadline on the Green Paper on disability reform; the number of submissions received to-date; the expected timeline for the consideration of all submissions; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [54183/23]

Military Aircraft

Catherine Connolly

174. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Transport the grounds on which aircraft on contract to the US military transportation command are being allowed by his Department to transit through Shannon Airport and through Irish airspace on their way to and from supporting wars in Ukraine and the Middle East, including Israeli bombardment of Gaza; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [54354/23]

Military Aircraft

Catherine Connolly

175. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Transport if his Department approved the transport of US soldiers, weapons or munitions on aircraft (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [54355/23]

Citizenship Ceremonies

Catherine Connolly

270. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Justice if, in light of recent events in Dublin city, additional security measures will be considered for upcoming citizenship ceremonies; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [54359/23]

State Bodies

Catherine Connolly

107. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if the final report of the External Scoping Exercise into certain matters pertaining to An Bord Pleanála by a person (details supplied) has been completed to-date; the details of any interim reports provided to-date; the timeline for the publication of the final report; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [54205/23]

Planning Issues

Catherine Connolly

108. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the status of the review by his Department of resources for the planning sector; the status of the development of the related ministerial action plan; the timeline for the publication of the action plan; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [54206/23]

Housing Policy

Catherine Connolly

109. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the status of the development of the new rural housing guidelines; the timeline for the publication of the new guidelines; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [54207/23]

Údarás na Gaeltachta

Catherine Connolly

68. D'fhiafraigh Deputy Catherine Connolly den Aire Turasóireachta, Cultúir, Ealaíon, Gaeltachta, Spóirt agus Meán maidir le Cheist Pharlaiminte 45678/23, cén dul chun cinn atá déanta maidir leis an obair athbhreithniúcháin atá déanta ag Údarás na Gaeltachta i ndáil leis na córais agus an cur chuige atá i ngníomh ag an Údarás 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; chun a iarraidh uirthi soiléiriú a thabhairt ar na moltaí atá tagtha as an obair athbhreithniúcháin; chun a fhiafraí di cén dul chun cinn atá déanta maidir leis an scéim nua tacaíochta forbartha; agus an ndéanfaidh sí ráiteas ina thaobh. [53611/23]

Pleanáil Teanga

Catherine Connolly

73. D'fhiafraigh Deputy Catherine Connolly den Aire Turasóireachta, Cultúir, Ealaíon, Gaeltachta, Spóirt agus Meán maidir le Cheist Pharlaiminte 45680/23, cé mhéad limistéar pleanála teanga nach bhfuil oifigeach pleanála teanga fostaithe iontu faoi láthair; chun a iarraidh uirthi soiléiriú a thabhairt ar an anailís atá faoi chaibidil ag an Roinn maidir leis an ábhar seo; agus an ndéanfaidh sí ráiteas ina thaobh. [53610/23]

Departmental Funding

Catherine Connolly

75. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media further to Parliamentary Question No. 37 of 19 October 2023, for a status update on the drawdown of the €1 million in Galway 2020 legacy funding; the amount drawn down to-date; for a breakdown of where any funds drawn down to-date have been allocated; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [53607/23]

Údarás na Gaeltachta

Catherine Connolly

81. D'fhiafraigh Deputy Catherine Connolly den Aire Turasóireachta, Cultúir, Ealaíon, Gaeltachta, Spóirt agus Meán maidir le Ceist Pharlaiminte 45986/23, soiléiriú a thabhairt ar an bplean atá tagtha as an obair athbhreithniúcháin atá déanta ag Údarás na Gaeltachta faoin bpunann iomlán mhaoine atá aige agus ar na féidearthachtaí forbartha atá ann; soiléiriú a thabhairt ar na hacmhainní airgeadais a bheidh ag teastáil chun an plean a chur i gcrích; agus an ndéanfaidh sí ráiteas ina thaobh. [53608/23]

Údarás na Gaeltachta

Catherine Connolly

97. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media the details of any engagement she or her Department has had with Údarás na Gaeltachta in relation to the provision of housing on lands and property owned by the Údarás, and in particular the provision of public housing; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [53609/23]

Middle East

Catherine Connolly

138. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs given that the International Criminal Court is engaged in an active investigation of the situation in Palestine, including an investigation into war crimes and crimes against humanity, and given Ireland's political and financial support for the Court's work, if there are any plans to communicate advisories to Irish citizens and residents who may be serving or volunteering in the Israel Defence Forces on the potential legal consequences and individual criminal liability that could arise under both Irish and international criminal law from their conduct in the course of such service or volunteering; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53774/23]

Middle East

Catherine Connolly

140. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs the steps taken to ensure that a US navy aircraft (details supplied) was not transporting US soldiers or military materials for delivery to Israel; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53820/23]

Culture Policy

Catherine Connolly

281. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media further to Parliamentary Question No. 37 of 19 October 2023, the details of the performance delivery agreement between her Department and Galway Culture Company, which was signed in June 2023; if the agreement it publicly available; if not, her plans to publish it; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [53627/23]

Culture Policy

Catherine Connolly

282. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media further to Parliamentary Question No. 37 of 19 October 2023, and the performance delivery agreement, the dates of all bilateral meetings on progress against milestones under the PDA that have taken place to-date between her Department and Galway Culture Company; her plans to publish the minutes of the meetings; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [53628/23]

Culture Policy

Catherine Connolly

283. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media further to Parliamentary Question No. 37 of 19 October 2023, and the Performance Delivery Agreement, the dates of all quarterly reporting meetings that have taken place to-date between Galway Culture Company and the public funders; the details of the public funders included in these quarterly meetings; the plans to publish the minutes of the meetings; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [53629/23]

Acht na Gaeltachta

Catherine Connolly

284. D'fhiafraigh Deputy Catherine Connolly den Aire Turasóireachta, Cultúir, Ealaíon, Gaeltachta, Spóirt agus Meán maidir le Cheist Pharlaiminte Uimh. 9 an 19 Deireadh Fómhair 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; cathain a thosófar an obair athbhreithniúcháin ar na bpleananna eile; agus an ndéanfaidh sí ráiteas ina thaobh. [53630/23]

Park-and-Ride Facilities

Catherine Connolly

6. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Transport further to Parliamentary Question No. 35 of 5 October 2023, the status of the roll out of park-and-ride in Galway city; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52832/23]

Public Transport

Catherine Connolly

41. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Transport further to Parliamentary Question No. 69 of 5 October 2023, the status of the feasibility study on light rail in Galway, which is being undertaken as part of the development of the Galway Metropolitan Area Transport Strategy; the details of the engagement between the National Transport Authority and local groups in the development of the draft strategy, and in particular the feasibility study on light rail; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52833/23]

School Enrolments

Catherine Connolly

83. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Education if she will provide a map of the catchment area for a school (details supplied), given that a number of local residents have been unable to get places in the school despite living in close proximity to the school; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [52862/23]

School Admissions

Catherine Connolly

123. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Education what engagement she or her Department has had with post-primary schools in Galway with a view to implementing a common application system along the lines of the Limerick Area Post-Primary Schools Common Application System; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [52863/23]

Official Travel

Catherine Connolly

212. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will report on his most recent visit to Israel/Palestine; if he made a request to visit Gaza; if any such request was granted or refused; the reasons given for any refusal; the reason he did not visit Gaza on this trip; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52856/23]

Middle East

Catherine Connolly

219. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs his plans to call for a comprehensive international arms embargo to be placed on Israel; the details of any engagement he has had at EU and UN level in this regard; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50113/23]

Middle East

Catherine Connolly

242. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs his plans to formally recognise the state of Palestine, as per the commitment in the programme for Government; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50114/23]

Ukraine War

Catherine Connolly

244. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs the details of Ireland's financial and in-kind assistance to Ukraine since February 2022; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52857/23]

Social Welfare Benefits

Catherine Connolly

415. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Social Protection if recipients of the disablement pension and the unemployability supplement are entitled to receive the winter 2023 and January 2024 cost-of-living bonus payments; if not, the reason for same; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [53102/23]

School Transport

Catherine Connolly

74. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Education if her attention has been brought to the shortage of bus contractors and drivers available to provide the school transport service in parts of Galway, and in particular on bus route 5060, which has left up to 50 families without school transport since September 2023; the engagement she or her Department have had with Bus Éireann with a view to resolving this situation; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [52865/23]

School Transport

Catherine Connolly

75. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Education further to Parliamentary Question No. 41 of 17 October 2023; the timeline for the publication of the final report of the review of the school transport scheme; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [52866/23]

School Staff

Catherine Connolly

76. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Education further to Parliamentary Question No. 713 of 18 January 2023; the status of plans to establish a new system of redeployment for post-primary teachers, whereby teachers wishing to relocate could retain their permanent and CID status; the details of any engagement her Department has had in this regard in 2023 with teacher representative groups; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [52867/23]

Oideachas trí Ghaeilge

Catherine Connolly

77. D'fhiafraigh Deputy Catherine Connolly den Aire Oideachais maidir le Ceist Pharlaiminte Uimh. 150 an 29 Iúil 2023, an dtabharfaidh sí soiléiriú ar an dul chun cinn atá déanta maidir leis an bplean chun beartas cuimsitheach don Ghaeilge sa chóras oideachais, idir leibhéal an oideachais réamhscoile agus leibhéal an oideachais do mhúinteoirí, a fhorbairt agus a fhoilsiú; cathain a fhoilseofar an beartas nua; agus an ndéanfaidh sí ráiteas ina thaobh. [52868/23]

School Funding

Catherine Connolly

78. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Education what analysis her Department has carried out into the different approaches to funding, and any disparities that may arise as a result, between ETB Irish-medium secondary schools and voluntary sector schools; what engagement she has had with the ETB sector in 2023 in this regard; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [52869/23]

Flood Risk Management

Catherine Connolly

27. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform further to Parliamentary Question No. 38 of 26 October 2023, the status of the review by the Coirib go Cósta steering group of the draft revised programme for the Coirib go Cósta flood relief scheme; the timeline for the publication of the revised project programme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52247/23]

Flood Risk Management

Catherine Connolly

61. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform the details of his Department’s plan for assisting the recovery of communities in County Galway impacted by recent flooding, with regard to flood relief measures, flood defences and climate adaptation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52248/23]

Middle East

Catherine Connolly

90. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs when it was agreed to permit Israeli security personnel to be located on the premises of Dublin Airport in order to screen passengers intending to travel on El Al flights from Dublin to Tel Aviv; if similar arrangements are in place for any other sovereign nations’ security or intelligence personnel in addition to those of the United States; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52012/23]

Export Controls

Catherine Connolly

250. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment for details of all export licences under the various categories of the Control of Exports (Goods and Technology) Order that have been approved and are currently in existence for export of goods to Israel; the number that fell within the scope of Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) 2018/1922; the type of export licence issued in each instance; if his Department has been made aware of exemptions from licencing requirements by exporters; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52529/23]

Airport Security

Catherine Connolly

408. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Justice when it was agreed to permit Israeli security personnel to be located on the premises of Dublin Airport in order to screen passengers intending to travel on El Al flights from Dublin to Tel Aviv; if similar arrangements are in place for any other sovereign nations’ security or intelligence personnel in addition to those of the United States; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [52011/23]

Work Permits

Catherine Connolly

17. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment further to Question No. 7 of 12 October 2023, the status of the review by his Department of the eligibility of occupations appearing on the critical skills occupations list and the ineligible occupations list for employment permits; his plans to remove dental nurses from the ineligible occupations list; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51383/23]

Regional Development

Catherine Connolly

18. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment further to Parliamentary Question No. 63 of 12 October 2023, the status of the implementation of the west regional enterprise plan to 2024; for a status update on the implementation of action 7.2 to "develop initiative to encourage emergence of 'born sustainable, born circular' start-ups”; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51391/23]

Departmental Priorities

Catherine Connolly

45. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment further to Parliamentary Question No. 14 of 12 October 2023, the 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; the status of the business and human rights stakeholder forum, and if it has been re-convened to date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51389/23]

Trade Relations

Catherine Connolly

54. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the details of any engagement he has had with the Minister for Foreign Affairs regarding the human rights considerations that may arise from the issuing of dual-use export licences in respect of end-users in Israel, particularly in light of Israel’s actions in Gaza since 7 October 2023; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51392/23]

White Papers

Catherine Connolly

77. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment further to Parliamentary Question No. 49 of 12 October 2023, for an update on the implementation of the white paper on enterprise; the details of the first update report; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51390/23]

Housing Schemes

Catherine Connolly

82. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Finance further to Parliamentary Question No. 100 of 5 October 2023, his plans for the phasing out of the help-to-buy scheme; the details of the analysis underpinning the decision to extend the scheme to the end of 2025; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51364/23]

Primary Medical Certificates

Catherine Connolly

91. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Finance further to Parliamentary Question No. 91 of 5 October 2023, if he will provide an update on the Disabled Drivers Medical Board of Appeal; when he expects the appeals process to re-commence; the expected timeline for the clearing of the backlog; what analysis his Department carried out into the reasons for the difficulty in recruiting the new board, as evidenced by the fact that it took four expression-of-interest campaigns in 18 months to fill the positions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51363/23]

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]