Ceisteanna Parlaiminte

Passport Services

Éamon Ó Cuív

138. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs when a passport will issue to a person (details supplied); the reason for the delay in processing this application given the fact that it is a renewal application; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29279/23]

Rural Schemes

Éamon Ó Cuív

748. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the contact her Department has had in the past six months with the owners of land on a mountain (details supplied) which is part of the pilot mountain access scheme; whether the terms of a possible indemnity scheme, indemnifying them against claims by hill walkers, have been discussed with them and draft insurance policies shown to them; the progress made in discussions; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29751/23]

Ferry Services

Éamon Ó Cuív

749. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development whether it is intended to tender for one or two ferry contracts to an island (details supplied) later in 2023; the consultation that will take place with the island community in relation to this; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29757/23]

Rural Schemes

Éamon Ó Cuív

750. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the contact her Department has had in the past six months with the owners of land on a mountain (details supplied) which is part of the pilot mountain access scheme; whether the terms of a possible indemnity scheme, indemnifying them against claims by hill walkers, have been discussed with them and draft insurance policies shown to them; the progress made in discussions; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29763/23]

Passport Services

Éamon Ó Cuív

148. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs when a decision will be made on an application for a passport in respect of siblings (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29015/23]

Environmental Policy

Éamon Ó Cuív

218. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the discussions he has had with his European Union counterparts in relation to the prosed EU law on nature restoration; the result of these discussions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28678/23]

Environmental Policy

Éamon Ó Cuív

219. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if a detailed land use survey has been carried out to calculate the effect of the proposed EU law on nature restoration up to 2050 on agriculture in Ireland and the amount of land currently in use for productive agriculture that would have to be rewilded or rewetted, including the geographic areas that would be most affected, under the proposed law; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28679/23]

Grant Payments

Éamon Ó Cuív

220. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the number of thatching grants paid by his Department in each of the past five years; the total cost of the scheme each year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28984/23]

Grant Payments

Éamon Ó Cuív

221. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the grant assistance available for rethatching vernacular houses; the conditions attached to receipt of the grant; the changes he proposes making to both the level of grant and the conditions in order to make it more affordable for people to protect this vital and irreplaceable part of our heritage; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28985/23]

Social Welfare Benefits

Éamon Ó Cuív

230. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Social Protection the qualification criteria for a person on a jobseeker's payment to go on an educational course and retain their payment; if it is intended to review these criteria to encourage more people on social welfare payments to go on educational courses; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [28996/23]

Covid-19 Pandemic Supports

Éamon Ó Cuív

293. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Health when a person (details supplied) who worked as a front-line worker in the health sector through the Covid pandemic, will receive their Covid Bonus payment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28994/23]

Foreign Birth Registration

Éamon Ó Cuív

39. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs when a decision will be made in respect of an application by a person (details supplied) for foreign birth registration; the reason for the delay in making a decision on said application; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28694/23]

Schools Building Projects

Éamon Ó Cuív

87. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Education when approval and funding will be given to a school (details supplied) for the provision of modular accommodation which is required to be in place for 30 August 2023; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [28780/23]

Prison Service

Éamon Ó Cuív

119. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Justice the number of prisoners in the prison system that are there on remand; the percentage this represents of the whole prison population; the steps taken through the provision of resources to reduce this number; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [28798/23]

Prison Service

Éamon Ó Cuív

120. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Justice the number of prisoners released on parole in each year since 2013; the average sentence served of these prisoners, including the number released to date this year and the average years served by them; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [28799/23]

Courts Service

Éamon Ó Cuív

121. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Justice the number of charged persons who are awaiting trial for criminal offences for more than two years, and for more than five years. [28800/23]

Prison Service

Éamon Ó Cuív

122. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Justice the number of persons on remand for more than two years; the extra resources being provided to the various services to ensure long remands are not a feature of the justice system; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [28801/23]

Island Communities

Éamon Ó Cuív

93. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the flexibilities provided for in the recently published Island Plan to ensure that issues of concern to islanders not addressed in the plan can be addressed in the next ten years; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [28335/23]

Island Communities

Éamon Ó Cuív

104. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the extra financial commitment to the funding provided to her Department annually for islands, underpinning the recent "Islands Plan" launched by her on 7 June 2023; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [28334/23]

Foreign Birth Registration

Éamon Ó Cuív

133. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs when a decision will be made in respect of an application for foreign birth registration (details supplied); the reason for the delay in making a decision on said application; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27485/23]

Passport Services

Éamon Ó Cuív

171. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs when a passport will issue to a child (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28556/23]

Passport Services

Éamon Ó Cuív

172. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs when passports will issue to siblings (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28557/23]

Schools Building Projects

Éamon Ó Cuív

502. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Education the financial allocation to a school (details supplied) for a new modular mainstream class and a new SEN base 1 unit; the next stage in the process; when approval will be given to go to construction; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27413/23]

Water Services

Éamon Ó Cuív

785. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage when it is intended to announce the rural water programme for 2023; the reason for the delay with this in view of the fact that nearly half the year has elapsed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28541/23]

Calafoirt agus Céanna

Éamon Ó Cuív

993. D'fhiafraigh Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív den Aire Talmhaíochta, Bia agus Mara cén uair a cheadófar airgead do Chomhairlí Áitiúla le h-aghaidh oibreacha mara ar chéibheanna beaga i mbliana; agus an ndéanfaidh sé ráiteas ina thaobh. [28555/23]

Departmental Contracts

Éamon Ó Cuív

1030. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth when payments long overdue will issue to a centre housing refugees from Ukraine (details supplied) in view of the fact that the contract with this provider states that they will be paid in advance monthly and they have not received payments for April, May and June 2023; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27416/23]

Departmental Contracts

Éamon Ó Cuív

1038. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth when payments for April, May and June will issue to an accommodation provider for Ukrainian refugees (details supplied); whether all outstanding queries raised with the supplier have been replied to; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27516/23]

Health Services

Éamon Ó Cuív

1275. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Health if he will detail the budget allocated to each hospital in the Saolta Hospital Group in 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022 and to date in 2023, in tabular form. [28283/23]

Ambulance Service

Éamon Ó Cuív

1332. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Health the progress made with the provision of a new ambulance base (details supplied); the reason for the delay with this; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28608/23]

Island Communities

Éamon Ó Cuív

1403. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the capital spend each year from the island-specific sub-head in the vote of her Department and Departments that have had responsibility for the islands since the year 2000, including the capital allocation for 2023; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [28367/23]

Health Services

Éamon Ó Cuív

30. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Health the action he intends on taking to speed up the delivery of smaller capital health projects and to simplify the processes laid down by his Department to do so, in view of the inordinate time it is taking to provide the new ambulance base in Recess, Connemara, the new community nursing unit in Clifden, Connemara, a new health centre in Inishbofin and a new permanent health centre in Árann, County Galway; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25487/23]

National Children's Hospital

Éamon Ó Cuív

71. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Health the input the Government and he will have into the naming of the new Children’s Hospital, Dublin, in view of the large amount of Exchequer funding involved in the project; if it is intended to propose that the new children’s hospital on the site of St. James’s Hospital would be named after Dr. Kathleen Lynn, in view of the pioneering work she did for children’s health; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25486/23]

Further and Higher Education

Éamon Ó Cuív

119. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if he intends on setting up a dedicated fund within his allocation to the Higher Education Authority to fund courses that would be taught through the medium of the Irish language, in order to ensure that it will be possible to fully implement the Official Languages Act 2003; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25488/23]

Third Level Education

Éamon Ó Cuív

127. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if it is intended to ensure a fair regional spread of new courses in pharmacy and veterinary medicine, in view of the Government’s commitments to balanced regional development; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25489/23]

Nursing Homes

Éamon Ó Cuív

352. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Health how the rates of payment to nursing homes under the nursing home subvention scheme are determined; the reason for the regional disparity between the different rates paid; the reason the rate of payment to HSE-owned nursing homes is considerably higher than to private nursing homes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26938/23]

Disability Services

Éamon Ó Cuív

52. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth he steps he taking to increase the number of full-time residential places available to persons with intellectual and-or physical disabilities, in view of the critical shortage of such places; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25485/23]

Disability Services

Éamon Ó Cuív

96. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the steps he is taking to ensure there are adequate respite services available to persons with intellectual and-or physical disabilities, in view of the crisis in respite services at present; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25484/23]

Passport Services

Éamon Ó Cuív

123. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs when a passport will issue to a person (details supplied); the reason for the delay in issuing said passport; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26050/23]

Social Welfare Benefits

Éamon Ó Cuív

460. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Social Protection when a decision on a review of a decision sought in relation to a carer's allowance refusal (details supplied) will issue; the reason for the delay with this; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [25879/23]

Harbours and Piers

Éamon Ó Cuív

574. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine when an extension will be sought to the current planning permission for the construction of a deep water pier at Ros a'Mhíl, which expires in July and where substantial works have already been carried out; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26294/23]

Harbours and Piers

Éamon Ó Cuív

575. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if it is his intention to sanction further works, within the present planning permission, at the deep-water pier in Ros a'Mhíl over those already approved; if so, when this will happen; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26295/23]

Parking Provision

Éamon Ó Cuív

576. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine when a meeting, as requested by the Aran Islands co-operatives, will be organised with them to discuss the operation of parking facilities for islanders at Ros a'Mhíl, where there are still outstanding issues and where a meeting has been sought for some considerable time; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26296/23]

Seirbhísí Farantóireachta

Éamon Ó Cuív

298. D'fhiafraigh Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív den Aire Forbartha Tuaithe agus Pobail cen fáth nach bhfuil coinníoll sna tairiscintí atá á lorg do sheirbhísí lastais go Inis Meáin go mbeadh sé mar choinníoll d’éinne a bheadh ag tairiscint leis an seribhís a chur ar fáil go mbeadh báid acu a bheadh feliúnach le húsáid a bhaint as Céibh an Chalaidh Mhóir agus go n-úsáidfí an chéibh sin ar a laghad aon uair nach féidir teacht chun céibhe ag an Céibh an Chóra nó an t-am ar fad de bharr an fascadh breise atá ag báid agus na daoine atá ag obair orthu nó ag fáil earraí ón mbád ag Céibh an Chalaidh Mhóir [25449/23]

Rural Schemes

Éamon Ó Cuív

82. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Social Protection the progress made with the review of the rural social scheme; when it will be completed; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24674/23]

Social Welfare Benefits

Éamon Ó Cuív

125. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Social Protection the number of social welfare recipients that were subject to means testing as a part of the assessment of their entitlement to a social welfare payment; the progress made with the review of means testing for all schemes that entail an element of means testing in them; when this review will be completed; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24673/23]

Passport Services

Éamon Ó Cuív

157. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs when a passport will issue to a person (details supplied); the reason the passport has not been issued to date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24967/23]

An tSeirbhís Chabhlaigh

Éamon Ó Cuív

193. D'fhiafraigh Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív den an Tánaiste agus Aire Cosanta an bhfuil i gceist filleadh ar an nós a bhí ann bád cabhlaigh de chuid na hÉireann a ainmniú i ndiaidh pearsa eagsúla as miotaseolaíocht dúchasach na hÉireann agus iad ag aunmniú an dá bhád cabhlaigh atá ceannaithe do na fórsai cosanta le gairid; agus an ndéanfaidh sé ráiteas ina thaobh. [24992/23]

Fire Service

Éamon Ó Cuív

446. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the steps being taken by him and his Department to avert the threatened strike by retained firefighters around the country; the contingency plans that are being put in place in the event that the strike proceeds in the view of the risk that such a strike would pose to many in society, and the vital and varied role of these firefighters; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24993/23]

Hospital Waiting Lists

Éamon Ó Cuív

890. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Health the number of people waiting as of 1 May 2023 or the nearest available date for an MRI scan in the Saolta University Hospital Group for various waiting periods, in tabular form (details supplied). [24903/23]

Hospital Waiting Lists

Éamon Ó Cuív

891. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Health the number of people waiting as of 1 May 2023 or the nearest available date for a CT scan in the Saolta University Hospital Group for various waiting periods, in tabular form (details supplied). [24904/23]

Hospital Waiting Lists

Éamon Ó Cuív

892. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Health the number of people waiting as of 1 May 2023 or the nearest available date for a bone scan in the Saolta University Hospital Group for various waiting periods, in tabular form (details supplied). [24905/23]

Hospital Waiting Lists

Éamon Ó Cuív

893. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Health the number of people waiting as of 1 May 2023 or the nearest available date for an angiogram in the Saolta University Hospital Group for various waiting periods, in tabular form (details supplied). [24906/23]

Hospital Waiting Lists

Éamon Ó Cuív

894. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Health the number of people waiting as of 1 May 2023 or the nearest available date for an electroencephalogram in the Saolta University Hospital Group for various waiting periods, in tabular form (details supplied). [24907/23]

Hospital Waiting Lists

Éamon Ó Cuív

895. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Health the number of people waiting as of 1 May 2023 or the nearest available date for cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) in the Saolta University Hospital Group for various waiting periods, in tabular form (details supplied). [24908/23]

Hospital Waiting Lists

Éamon Ó Cuív

896. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Health the number of people waiting as of 1 May 2023 or the nearest available date for an ultrasound scan in the Saolta University Hospital Group for various waiting periods, in tabular form (details supplied). [24909/23]

Hospital Waiting Lists

Éamon Ó Cuív

897. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Health the number of people waiting as of 1 May 2023 or the nearest available date for an electrocardiogram (ECG) in the Saolta University Hospital Group for various waiting periods, in tabular form (details supplied). [24910/23]

Scéimeanna Tacaíochta Gaeilge

Éamon Ó Cuív

58. D'fhiafraigh Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív den Aire Turasóireachta, Cultúir, Ealaíon, Gaeltachta, Spóirt agus Meán cad é an ráta íocaíochta a íocadh le teaghlaigh faoi Scéim na bhFoghlaimeoirí Gaeilge ó 1996 ar aghaidh; cad é an ráta íocaíochta atá ann i mbliana; líon na dteaghlach a choinnigh scoláirí sna blianta sin; an bhfuil tuarascáil faighte ag an Roinn go bhfuil laghdú tagtha ar líon na dteaghlach a bheidh a coinneáil scoláirí i mbliana; agus an ndéanfaidh sí ráiteas ina thaobh. [23196/23]

Scéimeanna Tacaíochta

Éamon Ó Cuív

62. D'fhiafraigh Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív den Aire Turasóireachta, Cultúir, Ealaíon, Gaeltachta, Spóirt agus Meán an bhfuil sé i gceist aici ardú breise eile a cheadú i mbliana do na teaghlaigh a choinníonn scoláirí faoi Scéim na bhFoghlaimeoirí Gaeilge leis an ráta íocaíochta a chur ar chomhréir leis an íocaíocht a bhí ann sa bhliain 2008, arna choigeartú don bhoilsciú ó shin le go mbeidh sé níos tarraingtí do theaghlaigh na scoláirí a choinneáil, agus á chur san áireamh go mbeidh an t-airgead ar fáil ag an Roinn de bharr laghdú ar líon na dtithe atá ag coinneáil Gaeilgeoirí; agus an ndéanfaidh sí ráiteas ina thaobh. [23195/23]

Housing Policy

Éamon Ó Cuív

153. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage whether it is intended to pay a higher grant rate under the croí cónaithe scheme to residents of islands who are renovating a house on our offshore islands, in view of the extra building costs on islands; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23199/23]

Road Projects

Éamon Ó Cuív

162. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage whether he or his Department have yet approved the method statements for the upgrade of the N59 road from Oughterard to Bun a’Choill in County Galway, which were last submitted to his Department in September 2022; the reason for the delay in doing this; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23200/23]

Foreign Birth Registration

Éamon Ó Cuív

180. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs when a decision will be made in respect of an application for foreign birth registration (details supplied); the reason for the delay in making a decision on said application; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23677/23]

Island Communities

Éamon Ó Cuív

477. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development if the development of second level education on the island of Inishbofin, County Galway will be included in the island policy to be announced soon in view of affording the young people on the island the maximum chance of getting as much as possible of their education there; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [23892/23]

Passport Services

Éamon Ó Cuív

6. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs when passports will issue to siblings (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23430/23]

United Nations

Éamon Ó Cuív

16. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence the number of United Nations peace missions that Ireland has taken part in since 1960; the number of times Ireland indicated it would offer troops for missions that did not go ahead due to the exercise of a veto at the UN by one of the Permanent Members of the UN Security Council; the member involved in each veto; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23467/23]

United Nations

Éamon Ó Cuív

17. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence the number of proposed United Nations peacekeeping missions since Ireland joined the UN that were supported by Ireland in the General Council of the UN and were ultimately blocked by a veto by a permanent member of the UN Security Council; the countries involved in each case; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23468/23]

School Admissions

Éamon Ó Cuív

89. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Education the arrangements that have been made to ensure a school place for all pupils who will be commencing second-level in an English-language school in the Oughterard, Moycullen and the Galway City West area of Galway; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [23386/23]

International Protection

Éamon Ó Cuív

200. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth when three overdue payments will be paid to an accommodation centre (details supplied) providing accommodation to Ukrainian refugees as the delay in payments outside of their contracted arrangements with his Department is causing severe financial hardship; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23443/23]

Departmental Funding

Éamon Ó Cuív

266. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development if officials from her Department will meet a delegation from an organisation (details supplied) to debrief them on the reason that their project for a remote working hub, which was supported by the delegation’s local authority, was not funded by her Department; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [23471/23]

Passport Services

Éamon Ó Cuív

142. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs when a passport will issue to a child (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22534/23]

Sports Funding

Éamon Ó Cuív

386. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media if a company limited by guarantee, whose primary purpose is the development of sports and leisure facilities in a local area, was eligible to apply under the last Capital Sports Programme; if the company will be entitled to apply under the forthcoming programme; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22540/23]

Traveller Accommodation

Éamon Ó Cuív

412. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage whether it is intended to re-open the caravan loan scheme in 2023; when it is likely this scheme will open, in view of the urgent need for such a scheme due to the unacceptable and inhumane conditions Travellers in substandard caravans are living in; whether any new scheme will be needs-based rather than as happened last year based on a very limited and inadequate number of replacement caravans being made available through each local authority; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22829/23]

Emergency Accommodation

Éamon Ó Cuív

562. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth when a payment will issue to a centre housing asylum seekers (details supplied) in view of the fact that the contract with this provider states that they will be paid in advance and that they have not yet received the April or May payment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22547/23]

Nursing Homes

Éamon Ó Cuív

616. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Health the rate of payment made to private nursing homes, under the nursing home subvention scheme (fair deal), broken down by health region, in tabular form; the reason for the disparity in payments in each region, if any; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22525/23]

Nursing Homes

Éamon Ó Cuív

617. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Health the rate of payment made to HSE nursing homes under the nursing home subvention scheme, broken down by health region, in tabular form; the reason for the disparity in payments in each region, if any; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22526/23]

Nursing Homes

Éamon Ó Cuív

618. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Health if a court challenge has been taken against the HSE, his Department, him or all three in relation to differentiated payments between private and HSE nursing homes under the nursing home subvention scheme (fair deal); if so, the stage this case is at; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22527/23]

Healthcare Policy

Éamon Ó Cuív

619. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Health whether there are discussions taking place about a new WHO international agreement that would oblige Ireland to follow a course set out by WHO in the event of another pandemic; whether it is intended to place any such agreement before Dáil Éireann for debate and ratification; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22528/23]

Healthcare Infrastructure Provision

Éamon Ó Cuív

620. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Health whether it is intended to appoint a project team to manage the development of the three major proposed health projects on the Newcastle Road site of GUH, namely the emergency department, women and children project, the replacement laboratories project and the cancer care centre, to ensure a co-ordinated development of the site; whether it is intended to progress with these three projects as speedily as possible in view of the urgent requirement that all three proceed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22533/23]

Passport Services

Éamon Ó Cuív

117. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs when a passport will issue (details supplied); the reason for the delay in issuing said passport given that the estimated date of issue is passed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22311/23]

Passport Services

Éamon Ó Cuív

121. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs when a decision will be made on a passport application by a person (details supplied), given there is an urgent need for this passport as the applicant is travelling on 9 May 2023; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21062/23]

Passport Services

Éamon Ó Cuív

122. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs when a decision will be made on an application for a passport by a person (details supplied), given there is an urgent need for this passport as the applicant is travelling on 12 May 2023 to take up work experience in Germany; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21064/23]

Traveller Accommodation

Éamon Ó Cuív

341. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the allocation put in place for 2022 and 2023 for the caravan loan pilot scheme nationally; the amount approved for each local authority; the spend to date for 2022 and 2023; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21419/23]

Traveller Accommodation

Éamon Ó Cuív

342. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if the review of the caravan loan pilot scheme has been completed; the process used to carry out the review; when the findings of the review will be published and a new scheme put in its place; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21420/23]

Fishing Industry

Éamon Ó Cuív

497. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the number of vessels decommissioned under the recent post-Brexit decommissioning scheme; the size of each vessel in length; the rated power of each in kilowatts; the tonnage of each; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21409/23]

Rail Network

Éamon Ó Cuív

27. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Transport if he has sought an update from Iarnród Éireann on the present state of the railway line from Claremorris to Collooney, including the length of the line that has existing track on it; the condition of the fencing on it; when the last clearance of growth off the line took place; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20618/23]

Rail Network

Éamon Ó Cuív

60. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Transport his plans to ensure the preservation of all disused railway lines in the ownership of Iarnród Éireann, where they have not already been legally given over for use as a greenway, as railway lines and to re-open them on a phased basis; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20617/23]

Business Supports

Éamon Ó Cuív

150. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Finance the reason the temporary business energy support scheme is based on the difference in electricity costs one year ago and not two years ago as the main increase in price occurred between early 2021 and early 2022 when they levelled off at their continuously high price; whether he intends to amend the scheme to deal with the ongoing high price of electricity in 2023; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20989/23]

Forbairt Calaí agus Céanna

Éamon Ó Cuív

291. D'fhiafraigh Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív den Aire Forbartha Tuaithe agus Pobail an bhfuil iarratas faighte ag a Roinn le scrúdú a dhéanamh ar oibreacha mara ag Céibh an Chóra, in Inis Meáin, má tá cé na hoibreacha atá i gceist agus an costas measta atá orthu; agus an ndéanfaidh sí ráiteas ina thaobh. [20988/23]

Northern Ireland

Éamon Ó Cuív

23. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs if he has raised concerns that there are Irish citizens in Northern Ireland on remand for over three years who were refused bail and are awaiting trial; if so, the response he received; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19770/23]

Northern Ireland

Éamon Ó Cuív

51. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs if he has raised concerns with the Northern Ireland and British authorities that there are Irish citizens there awaiting over eight years for a trial; if so, the response he received; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19771/23]

Electricity Grid

Éamon Ó Cuív

95. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the progress made to date in upgrading the Irish electricity transmission system to carry the proposed wind energy output, onshore and offshore, due to come on stream by 2023; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19772/23]

Energy Policy

Éamon Ó Cuív

99. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if he intends introducing legislation equalising the standing charge for domestic electricity between urban and rural areas; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19773/23]

Flood Risk Management

Éamon Ó Cuív

225. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform further to Parliamentary Question No. 44 of 9 November 2022, if the final flood maps and reports were published by the Office of Public Works for the Carnmore and Claregalway area, County Galway; if not, when they will be published; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20096/23]

Legislative Measures

Éamon Ó Cuív

130. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Justice when the Criminal Justice (Mutual Recognition of Custodial Sentences) Act 2023 will be fully commenced; if applications from Irish prisoners serving sentences in the UK will continue to be processed under the current transfer scheme, or if they will have to lodge a new application under the new transfer system; the anticipated average length of time it will take to process an application to completion; the steps that will be involved; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19843/23]

Rural Recreation Policy

Éamon Ó Cuív

104. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the progress made since 2008 in extending the mountain access scheme beyond Binn Shléibhe in Connemara and the MacGillycuddy Reeks; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [18200/23]

Island Communities

Éamon Ó Cuív

107. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development when the long-promised policy for the islands will be published; whether this policy will address the high costs of motoring for islanders many of whom have to maintain two cars, one on the island and one on the mainland; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [18288/23]

Foreign Birth Registration

Éamon Ó Cuív

132. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs when an application for a foreign birth registration will be processed (details supplied); the reason for the delay in processing the application; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19491/23]

Driver Test

Éamon Ó Cuív

185. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Transport the current average length of time that applicants wait for driving tests in each test centre in the country; the number of testers attached to each centre; the plans to increase the number of testers; the locations they will be based from; the extra funding approved by him for this purpose; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19215/23]

Social Welfare Schemes

Éamon Ó Cuív

355. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Social Protection how many people received the fuel allowance in each of the years 2020, 2021 and 2022; the cost of this scheme to the State in each of these years; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [19036/23]

Medical Cards

Éamon Ó Cuív

526. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Health how many people received a medical card in each of the years 2020, 2021 and 2022; and the cost of this scheme to the State in each of these years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19035/23]

Cancer Services

Éamon Ó Cuív

527. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Health the percentage of endoscopy capacity the BowelScreen programme has access to on a yearly basis; if this capacity varies per year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19037/23]