Ceisteanna Parlaiminte

Defence Forces Reserve

Brendan Smith

25. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Defence the enrolment in the Reserve Defence Force; the proposals for recruitment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29127/20]

Mental Health Services

Brendan Smith

286. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Health if additional resources will be provided for mental health services in counties Cavan and Monaghan; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29479/20]

National Broadband Plan

Brendan Smith

36. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Environment, Climate and Communications if he will consider the issues raised by a local authority (details supplied) on infrastructure; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29216/20]

Local Authority Housing

Brendan Smith

33. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if it will be ensured that substantial financial provision is made for the voids programme in 2021 due to the valuable and important work being undertaken under the programme in 2020 and the need to make further progress in this area; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28448/20]

Social and Affordable Housing

Brendan Smith

65. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage when the review of income eligibility limits for social housing will be finalised; if it will be ensured that limits for areas such as counties Cavan and Monaghan will be improved as a matter of urgency due to the unrealistic limits applicable at present; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28447/20]

Undocumented Irish in the USA

Brendan Smith

109. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he had discussions during his recent visit to the United States on the difficulties facing the undocumented Irish; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28450/20]

Dublin-Monaghan Bombings

Brendan Smith

135. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the outcome of recent discussions he has had with the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland and the UK Foreign Secretary on the Dublin-Monaghan bombings of 1974 and the need for a full investigation with access to UK files and papers pertaining to the atrocities; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28449/20]

Post Office Network

Brendan Smith

188. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Environment, Climate and Communications if he will give consideration to the recommendations in the report prepared for an organisation (details supplied) in relation to the need to provide an annual public service obligation for the post office network of €17 million; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28671/20]

Covid-19 Pandemic Supports

Brendan Smith

493. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Social Protection the supports that will be provided to assist persons that have to take time off work to self-isolate in cases in which a family member living in the same household awaits a Covid-19 test result; if her attention has been drawn to the fact that at present some persons have to take annual leave or may receive no income in respect of such days not in work; if her attention has been further drawn to the fact that the present necessary and appropriate self-isolation is causing financial difficulties for some persons and families, particularly for those on lower incomes; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [28632/20]

Jobseeker's Benefit

Brendan Smith

528. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Social Protection further to Parliamentary Question No. 547 of 22 September 2020, if this jobseeker’s benefit application will be approved with effect from 30 March 2020, in view of the fact the application meets the criteria of the scheme for payment from that date; if this application will be finalised without further delay; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [28625/20]

Covid-19 Pandemic Supports

Brendan Smith

13. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Media, Tourism, Arts, Culture, Sport and the Gaeltacht if specific funding will be provided for the events and entertainment industry due to the ongoing and adverse impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on the sector and the resultant loss of employment; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27422/20]

Covid-19 Pandemic Supports

Brendan Smith

46. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Media, Tourism, Arts, Culture, Sport and the Gaeltacht if further urgent consideration will be given to the detailed requests of the events and entertainment industry for adequate financial support for the sector in view of the very severe and ongoing impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on the sector and the loss of employment; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27423/20]

Mental Health Services

Brendan Smith

287. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Health if he will address the need for additional investment in mental health services in budget 2021 (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27840/20]

Covid-19 Tests

Brendan Smith

247. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Health if testing for Covid-19 at designated centres such as meat factories and direct provision centres is compulsory for all personnel; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27587/20]

Banking Sector

Brendan Smith

34. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Finance if he has had discussions with a company (details supplied) in relation to the need to retain a bank and its network of branches here; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26774/20]

Banking Sector

Brendan Smith

79. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Finance his plans to have discussions with a company (details supplied) in relation to retain a bank and its network of branches here; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26775/20]

Garda Stations

Brendan Smith

103. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the progress to date in carrying out refurbishment works at the Garda station in Bawnboy, County Cavan, to enable it to reopen as announced by the Department of Justice and Equality some time ago; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26729/20]

Flood Prevention Measures

Brendan Smith

133. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if additional funding will be provided in 2021 for flood mitigation works that are undertaken by local authorities with particular reference to the need to approve projects in counties Cavan and Monaghan; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26730/20]

Sports Facilities

Brendan Smith

373. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Media, Tourism, Arts, Culture, Sport and the Gaeltacht if funding will be provided to a voluntary organisation (details supplied) in respect of the ongoing costs of providing a sports and recreation facility; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27339/20]

Education Policy

Brendan Smith

436. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Education if consideration will be given to issues raised by an organisation (details supplied) regarding the need to provide additional funding for primary education in the context of budget 2021; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26949/20]

Education Policy

Brendan Smith

481. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Education if consideration will be given to issues raised by an organisation (details supplied) relating to the need to provide additional funding for primary education in the context of budget 2021; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26950/20]

Early Years Sector

Brendan Smith

596. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Children, Disability, Equality and Integration if he will consider the issues raised in correspondence (details supplied) in relation to early education; and if additional funding will be provided in Budget 2021 for the sector. [26845/20]

Early Years Sector

Brendan Smith

597. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Children, Disability, Equality and Integration if he will consider the issues raised in correspondence (details supplied) in relation to early education; if additional funding will be provided in Budget 2021 for the sector; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26857/20]

Early Years Sector

Brendan Smith

619. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Children, Disability, Equality and Integration if consideration will be given to matters raised in correspondence by a person (details supplied) in relation to early education; if additional funding will be provided in Budget 2021 for the sector; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26841/20]

Departmental Correspondence

Brendan Smith

1020. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if consideration will be given to the issues raised (details supplied) by a local authority in relation to correspondence issued by his Department to farmers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26964/20]

Agriculture Industry

Brendan Smith

1034. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will give detailed consideration to the issues raised in a 2021 Budget Submission by an Association (details supplied); if the concerns of the sector which will be adversely affected by the Covid-19 pandemic and Brexit will be addressed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27290/20]

Road Projects

Brendan Smith

25. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Transport if funding will be provided in 2021 for the upgrading of a road (details supplied) in view of its strategic importance in counties Cavan and Monaghan; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25681/20]

Covid-19 Pandemic

Brendan Smith

89. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Transport if adequate checks are taking place at airports and ports in relation to dealing with the Covid-19 pandemic; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26263/20]

Garda Stations

Brendan Smith

104. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the timescale for the reopening of Bawnboy Garda station, County Cavan; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26198/20]

Garda Stations

Brendan Smith

109. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the timescale for the refurbishment or upgrading of a Garda station (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26215/20]

Animal Diseases

Brendan Smith

300. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will ensure that suitably qualified persons, licensed merchant stores and veterinary pharmacies will be able to continue the prescribing and supply of anthelmintics; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26213/20]

Banking Sector

Brendan Smith

65. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Finance if he has had discussions with a bank (details supplied) in relation to reports regarding the possible closure of another bank here which would result in the closure of 88 branches, the loss of 2,500 jobs and would further reduce banking competition; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25860/20]

Covid-19 Pandemic

Brendan Smith

208. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Health if urgent consideration will be given to issues raised in correspondence (details supplied) concerning the difficulties in delivering health services; and if assistance will be provided to the sector as promised by his predecessor; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25856/20]

Free Travel Scheme

Brendan Smith

31. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Social Protection if she will engage with the private bus operators and the National Transport Authority with a view to applying the free-travel scheme on all publicly licensed bus routes; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [25065/20]

State Pension (Contributory)

Brendan Smith

43. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Social Protection her plans to introduce a total contributions approach in relation to the assessment of a person’s contributory pension entitlements; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [25066/20]

North-South Interconnector

Brendan Smith

86. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Climate Action and Communication Networks if his Department plans to engage with communities in counties Cavan, Monaghan and Meath along the route of the proposed North South Interconnector; if his attention has been drawn to the fact that there is widespread opposition to the proposal to put the transmission cables overground in the event of the project proceeding; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25143/20]

National Broadband Plan

Brendan Smith

99. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Climate Action and Communication Networks the areas of County Cavan which will have broadband infrastructure upgraded in 2020 in view of recent reports that the county is to be prioritised for the rollout of the National Broadband Plan; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25037/20]

Fuel Poverty

Brendan Smith

156. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Climate Action and Communication Networks the status of an ESRI report regarding fuel poverty due to be published; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25152/20]

Covid-19 Pandemic

Brendan Smith

301. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Media, Tourism, Arts, Culture, Sport and the Gaeltacht if she will give urgent consideration to the issues (details supplied) raised regarding a sector that has been adversely affected by the Covid-19 pandemic; if adequate financial support will be provided to enable this sector reopen to the safest extent possible and protect employment; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [25212/20]

Jobseeker's Payments

Brendan Smith

547. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Social Protection when a jobseeker’s benefit application will be approved for a person (details supplied); if this application will be finalised without further delay as it meets with the criteria of the scheme; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [25523/20]

Social Welfare Eligibility

Brendan Smith

561. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Social Protection if urgent consideration will be given to issues raised in correspondence (details supplied) concerning entitlements for employees of a company (details supplied); if it will be ensured that such applications are processed and approved without delay; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [25558/20]

Covid-19 Pandemic

Brendan Smith

886. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if there is a requirement to have a deep clean carried out in a meat processing facility in which staff members have had a positive Covid-19 test; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25223/20]

Vacant Properties

Brendan Smith

16. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Community and Rural Development and the Islands if specific measures will be introduced to assist in the upgrading of vacant premises to provide living accommodation in smaller towns and villages in rural communities in view of the fact such investment could contribute substantially to the regeneration of these communities; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24334/20]

Sports Capital Programme

Brendan Smith

99. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Media, Tourism, Arts, Culture, Sport and the Gaeltacht when details of the next sports capital programme will be announced; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24592/20]

Schools Building Projects

Brendan Smith

126. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Education when a proposed building project (details supplied) will proceed to the next stage; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24604/20]

School Facilities

Brendan Smith

127. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Education the progress to date in respect of the provision of new facilities at a school (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24606/20]

Forestry Sector

Brendan Smith

235. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the measures he will implement to deal with delays in felling forestry which is causing serious problems for the timber industry and shortage of supplies for other sectors; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24594/20]

Brexit Issues

Brendan Smith

61. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the outcome of the most recent discussion he has had with his British counterpart in relation to the Withdrawal Agreement with particular reference to the Protocol on Ireland/Northern Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24431/20]

Brexit Issues

Brendan Smith

62. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the outcome of the most recent discussions he has had with parties in the Northern Ireland Executive in relation to Brexit; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24432/20]

Covid-19 Pandemic

Brendan Smith

46. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Health if there will be changes to the memorandum of understanding with Northern Ireland in respect of Covid-19; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23690/20]