What they're asking about 3,448 questions asked · 27 departments

• Health 560 questions

  • 2024-11-07 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Health if he will fast-track besremi reimbursement approval and call for an immediate reassessment of besremi by the NCPE given the current shortage of Pegasys; if he is aware that the NHS in England has approved besremi for interim use and that there is a clear precedent that could be followed to protect patient safety and continuity of care; his views on the case of a person (details supplied) who is desperate to secure besremi as an urgently needed treatment option; the measures they can take in the interim; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45517/24]
  • 2024-11-06 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Health if he will accept all of the recommendations of the National Radiation Therapist Review report; if he will commit to full implementation of the recommendations on adequate staffing levels to safeguard vital cancer services into the future; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45440/24]
  • 2024-10-15 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Health if there are plans to provide dialysis treatment in Wicklow soon to accommodate people from the areas of Wicklow and Wexford who have to travel to access treatment (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41400/24]
  • 2024-10-15 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Health if he is aware that medical card holders are regularly being charged for sick notes and other letters that were once provided free of charge by GPs; his views on this practice; if he plans to engage with GPs to ensure that those with medical cards are provided with doctor's letters without cost; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41461/24]
  • 2024-09-18 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Health if he intends to ban the use of commercial sunbeds, given that research has shown the increased likelihood of melanoma in those who use them; if he is aware that An Tánaiste has recently said they should be banned; the steps being taken to do so; to provide a timeframe for the ban; if there plans for a public awareness campaign as to the danger of using them in the interim; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35998/24]
  • 2024-09-09 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Health the stage reached in developing ADHD services for CH0 7t; if these services are now operational given it was stated that they would be by quarter 3 of 2023; the services that are now available; if further services are planned; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34351/24]
  • 2024-09-09 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Health if he will clarify when non-medical job opportunities at the new Children’s Hospital will be advertised so that local people can apply; will there be a reserve of positions for local people and will he indicate when and where the positions will be advertised; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35105/24]
  • 2024-09-09 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Health when a person (details supplied) who urgently needs surgery for a severe coronary issue will receive same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35610/24]
  • 2024-07-23 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Health if he is aware that the Expert Review Body on Nursing and Midwifery recommended that the CNM2 salary scale would be extended by the addition of one further scale point and the introduction of a long-service increment; if he is aware that to date this has not been applied to that grade; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31210/24]
  • 2024-07-23 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Health if he is aware of the vital role that clinical nurse midwife specialists play in the public health services; when they can expect recommended incremental pay increase; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31211/24]
  • 2024-06-11 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Health if he will clarify if the HSE owns the land at a location (details supplied); if there are any future plans for the land when the hospital is fully built; if so, what it may be used for; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24919/24]
  • 2024-05-02 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Health where on the campus of Cherry Orchard hospital the new coronary care unit will be located; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19977/24]
  • 2024-05-02 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Health if she will assure the families of residents on both willow and sycamore units in Cherry Orchard hospital, that neither unit will be used to facilitate a new service, other than its prior use as a nursing home care facility; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19978/24]
  • 2024-05-02 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Health the person or body that is currently undertaking the ongoing risk assessments of the 16 remaining residents’ rooms in Cherry Orchard hospital; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19979/24]
  • 2024-05-02 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Health to confirm the qualifications of the ongoing risk assessors to carry out this task with regard to health and safety; if the assessor also has another role at Cherry Orchard hospital in addition to their role of risk assessor; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19980/24]
  • 2024-04-23 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Health if he is aware that Ireland currently screens newborn babies for fewer diseases than 75% of EU member states; if he is aware that only one new test has been delivered in the intervening years since the establishment of the Newborn Screening Advisory Committee in 2019; if he will agree to a comprehensive newborn screening programme that is adequately resourced and ensures that babies born in Ireland are screened for the EU average of 18 conditions at a minimum; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17638/24]
  • 2024-04-23 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Health if a HSE worker who is currently employed at the grade of general dental surgeon: 1597, is eligible to run for local election; if there is a list of specific grades which are ‘designated by order of the Minister for Health and Children’; if so, to outline what they are; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17857/24]
  • 2024-04-09 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Health if he is aware of the long waiting lists to access the HIV preventative drug PrEP for those who cannot afford to obtain it privately or via the drug payment scheme; if there are plans to improve public access; if so, if he will outline these plans and provide a timeframe for same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14691/24]
  • 2024-03-21 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Health if he is aware that there are currently very long delays in obtaining an appointment for a blood test at the Mater Hospital, with reports of nine weeks to be seen by a phlebotomist; his plans to address these delays, given the importance of blood tests in early health interventions; the reason for the delays; the timeframe for their significant reduction; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13297/24]
  • 2024-03-21 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Health if he is aware of the lack of developmental screening for children in the Dublin 8, 10, 12 and 20 areas, and that parents are being sent questionnaires in place of screenings; if he will acknowledge that this is not an appropriate replacement for face-to-face developmental screenings with trained professionals and that parents often feel unequipped to be able to administer and/or interpret these questionnaires; if he will further accept that early identification and intervention is crucial for addressing developmental issues and that the current situation may have serious implications for children who do not receive these important developmental checks; the issues in terms of recruitment of public health nurses; the steps being taken to address this; when parents in these areas will have these necessary developmental screenings by PHNs resumed for their children; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13349/24]
  • 2024-03-05 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Health if changes to the fair deal scheme legislation are being considered to prevent a spouse denying or delaying their spouse's access to necessary full-time nursing home care; the progress in this area; if and when these changes will come into effect; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10804/24]
  • 2024-02-27 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Health if he is aware that a programme designed to help and support people with ADHD has been unexpectedly cut by the HSE (details supplied); the reason funding was cut; if he will consider sanctioning the funding in order that this important work can be resumed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9005/24]
  • 2024-02-27 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Health if any former CEOs, senior management or HR staff from Our Lady's Hospice and Care Services received exit payments on leaving the organisation since January 2019; if the organisation informed him or other Government bodies of such packages; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9177/24]
  • 2024-01-31 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Health if the Citizens' Assembly's final report on older people was ever referred back to the Houses of the Oireachtas for consideration; if not, the reason; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4521/24]
  • 2024-01-30 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Health if he is aware of recent protests outside of Limerick Maternity Hospital and their impact on women attending the hospital for terminations; if he is also aware that this is still happening in other areas where women need to access healthcare; if he will give a clear indication of when the Health (Termination of Pregnancy Services) (Safe Access Zones) Bill 2023 will complete the legislative process and recognise the urgency and necessity of its enactment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3995/24]
  • 2024-01-17 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Health the number of ministerial licence applications and MCAP applications have been made by clinics (details supplied); what products are available from these clinics; which products are available under MCAP and covered for reimbursement; when the MCAP review report is expected; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [57098/23]
  • 2023-12-14 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Health if he will provide information regarding the talks between his Department and the Revenue Commissioners to rectify the problematic issues caused by proposed changes to tax laws for GP group practices; (details supplied); if he will outline the outcome of these talks; if GPs concerns will be allayed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [56189/23]
  • 2023-11-30 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Health if he will clarify why there is a shortage of the ADHD treatment medication tyvense; if he will acknowledge the impact the scarcity of this medication is having on people who are prescribed it, especially children with autism and ADHD, who without the drug are unable to go to school, function at home or have quality of life; if he will outline the steps he is taking to secure a regular and consistent supply of the medication and indicate when this will happen so that patients and parents do not have to make huge efforts every month to try to obtain it; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52969/23]
  • 2023-11-16 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Health if he will investigate the significant delay at CHI Crumlin’s nephrology/urology department in responding to a GP’s repeated request for an appointment for a child (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50304/23]
  • 2023-11-16 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Health if he will clarify if HIQA has ordered an urgent evacuation of 68 elderly patients from Cherry Orchard hospital; if he is aware that there was no consultation with families in advance of a decision that will impact on 68 people and their families; if alternative accommodation can be arranged on campus to minimise disruption; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50368/23]
  • 2023-11-16 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Health if it would be considered a conflict of interest if an ex-HIQA inspector became a director of a private nursing home; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50369/23]
  • 2023-11-14 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Health to outline what is currently being done to address discrimination against autistic children in mental health services; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49855/23]
  • 2023-11-14 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Health if he will confirm if the current approach to launching the CAMHS hubs pilot be amended so that autistic children with a moderate to severe mental health issue will also have access on a par with their neurotypical peers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49856/23]
  • 2023-11-14 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Health if he will commit to the implementation of the Mental Health Commission’s 49 recommendations and take immediate action to address the discrimination against neurodivergent children and lack of service for children with intellectual disabilities; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49857/23]
  • 2023-10-17 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Health if, in light of the shortage of nurses, if the granting of NMBI nursing registration will be considered, after the successful completion of adaptation training or RCSI aptitude test, to those healthcare assistants with a nursing degree/diploma from their home country and who have been working in Ireland for at least two years; if he will acknowledge that most of those working as carers will qualify for Irish nursing registration if the NMBI accepts the English language qualifications prescribed by the UK's Nursing Authority for foreign nurses; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45164/23]
  • 2023-10-12 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Health if he is aware that due to a lack of staff that the Limekiln Lane Health Centre in Dublin 12 has cancelled all two-year-old developmental checks; if he will acknowledge the upset and distress this has caused to parents (details supplied); the steps that are being taken to restore these checks; the timeframe for their resumption; if he will provide an alternative option for parents to access these important developmental checks during this time; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44627/23]
  • 2023-10-11 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Health if there are any plans to trial the use of curved paddles (details supplied) in the carrying out of mammograms given the high number of women who report pain and/or discomfort during breast screening; if he will consider that this may help improve the numbers returning for subsequent mammograms; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44251/23]
  • 2023-10-10 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Health if he will review an application for funding under the Cross Border Directive and-or HSE reimbursement scheme (details supplied) with a view to granting the costs; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43470/23]
  • 2023-10-10 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Health if he, his Department and the HSE are aware of proposals to change the tax treatment of GMS income for GP partnerships (details supplied); if he or his Department was consulted on these proposed changes; if the HSE has examined the potential impact of these changes to the provision of GP care; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43974/23]
  • 2023-10-04 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Health if he will allocate funding in budget 2024 to extend the national treatment purchase fund to include timely assessment for both child and adult psychological services, as committed to in the programme for Government, and extend it to include occupational therapy, speech and language therapy and physiotherapy until backlogs are cleared; if he will fully fund the carer’s guarantee; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42872/23]
  • 2023-09-26 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Health if he will agree to the automatic provision of medical cards to people with a spinal cord injury based on certified medical needs, rather than means; if he will extend the review cycle for medical card holders with a spinal cord injury to ten years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41385/23]
  • 2023-09-11 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Health if he will clarify following the roll-out of the pilot medical cannabis access programme the number of patients who have gained access to medical cannabis through the programme; the number who have been reimbursed; the number who have been prescribed Epidyolex; the number who have gained access to medical cannabis during the same period via the ministerial licence route; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37885/23]
  • 2023-07-12 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Health if he intends to undertake a review of the fair deal scheme; if he will detail the precise terms of reference that would underwrite such a review; if he intends either within the context of such a review or independently of such a review to establish the level of charges that nursing home residents are incurring from their disposable income for daily service charges, medical services, transport to medical appointments, prescription fees and other daily incidentals; if he agrees that the depletion of the 20% of the assessable income retained by nursing homes residents after paying 80% of their assessable income for their nursing home care in this manner is placing an insupportable financial burden on nursing home residents; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34729/23]
  • 2023-07-11 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Health if a person (details supplied) has been approved for the €1,000 pandemic payment; when they will receive same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33481/23]
  • 2023-06-21 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Health if he is aware of protesters currently outside Limerick maternity hospital that are causing distress to people going to medical appointments, workers, local residents and so on; if he will clarify when exactly the safe access zone legislation will be in place; if he will respond immediately to the urgent need expressed by people trying to access healthcare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29913/23]
  • 2023-06-13 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Health if he has plans to establish a formal agreement to address the following: the pay disparity of Section 39 organisations; a multi-annual, sustainable funding model for voluntary organisations; a review of the out-of-date Health Act 2004, which does not reflect the reality and essential nature of services provided by Section 39 organisations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28132/23]
  • 2023-06-01 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Health if he can clarify the position in relation to a person carrying prescribed medicinal cannabis products from an another state, specifically in relation to Article 75 of the Schengen Implementing Convention, which states that it is permissible to transport drugs and psychotropic substances needed as part of medical treatment if the person concerned has a certificate issued by a competent authority; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26688/23]
  • 2023-06-01 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Health if he can detail any plans to review the criteria for medical card eligibility; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26687/23]
  • 2023-05-30 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Health if there are plans to include athletic therapy in the CORU regulation process and in the provision of HSE care services; when this will happen; the rationale for its exclusion to date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25550/23]
  • 2023-05-30 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Health the current status of the drug vyepti (details supplied), following its completion of the approval process; if he will acknowledge that there are many migraine sufferers who are resistant to current drugs available and who are desperate to access this new drug in an effort to relieve their pain; the proposed timeline for the drug to be available to those who need it; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25684/23]
  • …and 510 more questions on Health
• Transport 302 questions

  • 2024-10-17 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Transport if he is aware that the company (details supplied) recently awarded a lucrative contract of over €2 billion by the NTA to install ticketless operations on Irish public transport also has lucrative contracts in Israel; if his Department has examined if the company are complicit in terms of supporting Israel's apartheid separation policies through its toll road operations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42068/24]
  • 2024-10-17 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Transport if he can detail the costs of the contract awarded to a company (details supplied) for the proposed ticketless public transport system; to further detail what discussion his Department has had with the NTA on this project, and its costs; to clarify if he or his officials examined free public transport as an alternative to this costly project; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42040/24]
  • 2024-10-17 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Transport when free travel for children under nine years will commence; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42157/24]
  • 2024-10-16 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Transport if he is intending to introduce any legislative changes or measures to improve pay and working conditions in the Irish aviation sector; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30464/24]
  • 2024-05-30 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Transport the reason CIÉ retired workers have received no increase in their occupational pension since 2008; if the CIÉ board or management has discussed this or related pension issues with him or his Department officials; if increased funding of the CIÉ regular wages scheme by CIÉ has been considered to allow for a cost-of-living increase for these retired workers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24436/24]
  • 2024-05-30 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Transport his views on the removal of a bus service (details supplied) and the considerable difficulties this causes for older and disabled people; to clarify if there are any plans to resume a service in the area; if not, the alternative arrangements being made to address this gap; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24470/24]
  • 2024-05-28 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Transport the number of drivers directly employed by CIÉ tours; the number of drivers contracted by CIÉ tours to operate their services; the steps the company can take to ensure all drivers either directly employed or contracted abide by current regulations related to maximum working time driving and breaks and so on; if the NTA has any role in the implementation and enforcement of such regulations as they apply to transport sector and to the tourism sector specifically; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23948/24]
  • 2024-04-30 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Transport if he is aware of difficulties facing Dublin Bus and other transport providers in recruiting and retaining maintenance staff; the steps his Department is taking to ensure staff shortages do not hinder the roll out of BusConnects or plans to expand the bus transport system; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18749/24]
  • 2024-04-30 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Transport the staff numbers in maintenance and mechanics for Dublin Bus, Bus Éireann and a company (details supplied); the details of any shortages of staff in these areas; the plans by these companies to ensure that staff numbers in these key areas are filled; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18750/24]
  • 2024-04-30 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Transport if Dublin Bus, Bus Éireann and a company (details supplied) use directly employed labour in the maintenance of their bus fleet; the scale of these companies' use of contract labour or outside companies for the same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18751/24]
  • 2024-02-27 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Transport the position of the Dublin Airport Authority in relation to negotiations with taxi driver representative associations; if the authority has a position of refusing to recognise or consult representative associations of drivers who work in the airport; if so, if such a stance is compatible with Government policy on the rights of workers to be represented by trade unions and representative organisations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9174/24]
  • 2024-02-27 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Transport the timeframe for the introduction of BusConnects routes in the Crumlin area, specifically the proposed 82 route which is to replace the current 83 service; the proposed frequency of the new 82 route; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9178/24]
  • 2024-02-01 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Transport if he will heed the call of local residents and act to restore a bus service between the Armagh Road, Cashel Road and Clonard Road areas and Crumlin Cross; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4412/24]
  • 2023-12-12 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Transport if he is aware of recent changes to bus routes in the Dublin 12 area and the cancellation of some routes; whether there has been an increase in scheduled bus departures and in bus-carrying capacity as a result of these changes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [55252/23]
  • 2023-12-12 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Transport if he will seek an explanation from the NTA for the decision to remove services from parts of Crumlin under the new BusConnects plans, and the decision to leave residents in Ballyfermot with no direct link to the Rathmines area; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [55253/23]
  • 2023-11-07 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Transport the number permits his Department has issued to the US for transport of weapons via the Irish State in the years 2019 to 2023 inclusive; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47996/23]
  • 2023-09-26 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Transport if he can clarify what changes are proposed for the bus services in Crumlin, specifically routes 83, 17 and 18, and when they will be implemented; if he can detail the proposed replacement routes that the NTA is currently planning to introduce; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41446/23]
  • 2023-07-25 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Transport if he will detail the steps to be taken by the NTA to address the serious failures of bus route 60 to provide a reliable or sufficient bus service through lower Ballyfermot; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35866/23]
  • 2023-07-25 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Transport if he will provide details and timelines for BusConnects plans for Kildare Road, Dublin 12; if there are plans to liaise with local residents; if an opportunity to meet with concerned residents will be provided; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35885/23]
  • 2023-06-29 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Transport the number of journeys lost / failed to operate on the 150 Dublin Bus service as a result of driver shortages, failure to show or other reasons over the past year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31830/23]
  • 2023-06-22 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Transport if he is aware of and supports plans by the DAA to extend its operations; if his Department has had any discussion with the DAA about planned expansions and increases in aviation travel; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30117/23]
  • 2023-06-22 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Transport if he can detail the average number of passengers who have travelled on the new BusConnects route 60 since its introduction, per week or month; the passenger numbers for route 79 in the past three months of its operation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30121/23]
  • 2023-06-22 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Transport if his Department has examined any proposals around the use and possible banning of SUV private vehicles in city and urban areas; if he would support such a move; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30120/23]
  • 2023-06-22 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Transport if he can clarify the position of the Government in relation to investment in the western rail corridor; if he supports further investment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30119/23]
  • 2023-05-30 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Transport if he will clarify the guidelines or regulations, if any, that are issued by his Department or the National Transport Authority when liaising with schools involved in the ‘safe routes to school’ programme around the use of cargo bikes by parents to transport children; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25842/23]
  • 2023-05-16 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Transport if he can clarify whether the TFI Real Time information app will have the same coverage and scope as the current Dublin Bus app; if he will further clarify whether route-60 will have real-time information on the TFI app; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23140/23]
  • 2023-05-04 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Transport if he can detail any plans to provide funding for the installation of bike bunkers in urban areas; the funding that might be allocated to such schemes; if there are any plans to roll out such projects; if the recent withdrawal of plans by Dublin City Council can be reversed by Department policies aimed to encourage active travel; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20794/23]
  • 2023-05-04 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Transport his views on whether a report (details supplied) on free public transport is correct in its estimate of the impact of free public transport; the reason similar fare-free public transport schemes in other cities and regions have had a significantly greater impact than that suggested by the report; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20793/23]
  • 2023-05-04 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Transport if he can detail the position in relation to public transport companies hiring bus drivers; if shortages in staff are being addressed; the current number of staff shortages affecting Bus Éireann, Go Ahead and Dublin Bus; if he or his officials have had any discussion with these companies on plans to attract and retain staff, specifically in relation to improvements in pay and conditions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20796/23]
  • 2023-05-04 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Transport if he is aware that the ongoing collapse of bus services in the lower Ballyfermot area, specifically the Number 60 route, is driving people away from public transport options and undermining confidence in public transport; if he is further aware of the refusal of the NTA to revise its failed plans; the issues that have arisen with BusConnects in relation to similar withdrawn or reduced services in other areas; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20795/23]
  • 2023-03-30 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Transport the timeframe for commencement and completion of the DART+ South West project and its infrastructural works; if he will provide the details of the proposal for a station in Ballyfermot; the timeframe for the delivery of same; if Irish Rail has a dedicated liaison office to liaise with residents in areas such as Kylemore in Ballyfermot whose property may be affected by the works involved; if CPOs on gardens have been issued to these residents; if negotiation and consultation will take place with these residents ahead of any such CPO or proposed works; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15925/23]
  • 2023-03-30 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Transport if the authors of a report (details supplied) commissioned by the NTA on fare-fee public transport can provide a figure for CO2 emission savings from a 1% decline in car usage; and if the authors can provide a figure for the total reduction in kilometres travelled by car users as a result of a 1% decline in car usage. [15981/23]
  • 2023-03-30 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Transport the total cost of a report (details supplied) on fare-free public transport. [15982/23]
  • 2023-03-30 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Transport if he will itemise or detail the potential categories of internalised benefits that were not part of the report (details supplied) into fare-free public transport; the reason such benefits did not form part of the scope of the report; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15983/23]
  • 2023-03-28 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Transport if he will provide the cost of installing an electronic timetable with real-time arrival times at bus stops that currently only have a sign; the estimated cost of installing a roofed shelter at bus stops that currently only have a sign; if he will clarify the process for applying for both, for a particular bus stop; if he will outline his Department’s and Dublin Bus’s plans to install both across Dublin city and county over the coming year; if Dublin Bus will consider installing both at stop 2380, Cork Street and Ardee Street servicing routes towards the city, in the same fashion as the stop directly opposite going in the opposite direction; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15133/23]
  • 2023-03-21 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Transport if he will provide clarification in relation to the scheme aimed at encouraging taxi drivers to convert to EV vehicles; if the unintended consequence (details supplied) of extending licences for some vehicles as a Covid-related measure, is that vehicles and drivers that would have qualified for the EV grant may now lose out as a result of both of the Covid extension together with ongoing delays in getting EVs; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12235/23]
  • 2023-03-02 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Transport If he will examine the way the contracts for the national car testing system are awarded in light of the recent crisis at the NCT centres and the ongoing industrial relations issues at an organisation (details supplied) and the inability to retain and recruit suitably skilled staff; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10460/23]
  • 2023-03-02 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Transport if the Government intends to continue to implement reduced fares on public transport across the State; if any consideration has been given to extending that reduction or moving to providing fare-free public transport; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10461/23]
  • 2023-03-02 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Transport if he can clarify the proposed progressing of the BusConnects scheme for Dublin in the coming year, specifically if the NTA intends to push ahead with existing dates for implementation, given the difficulty transport companies concerned have in recruiting and retaining staff; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10458/23]
  • 2023-03-02 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Transport if he will intervene with the NTA in relation to the ongoing deterioration of bus services in Ballyfermot as a result of the introduction of the new BusConnects routes, specifically the collapse of services in Lower Ballyfermot as a result of the introduction of the new 60 route; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10457/23]
  • 2023-03-02 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Transport if he or his officials have been briefed on industrial relations issues at a company (details supplied) and proposed industrial action at the company; if he has any proposals to ensure disputes at the company do not arise as a result of lower levels of pay or conditions being imposed on drivers as a result of the way the NTA awards routes under the competitive tendering system; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10459/23]
  • 2023-03-01 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Transport the total number of scheduled weekly departures that will be provided as a result of the recently announced improvements in rural transport links; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10466/23]
  • 2023-02-22 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Transport if he will clarify the position of holders of free travel cards when using train services; the reason Irish Rail imposes a booking fee on some services; when this practice was first introduced; if the imposition of such fees undermines the concept of the free travel scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8995/23]
  • 2023-01-19 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Transport if he will instruct the NTA to meet with residents and representatives in the Ballyfermot area to discuss the service on the new G spine and specifically the collapse of services in the lower Ballyfermot area; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2375/23]
  • 2023-01-19 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Transport if the BusConnects proposals due to be introduced in Dublin in 2023 will face delays as a result of driver shortages; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2374/23]
  • 2023-01-19 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Transport if he will examine the impact current driver schedules, pay and rosters are having in the retention and recruitment of drivers in Dublin Bus, a company (details supplied) and Bus Éireann, which is resulting in frequent cancellation of services across the State; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2377/23]
  • 2023-01-19 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Transport if he will ensure the NTA does not award routes to companies on the basis of lower labour costs in the future under its competitive tendering processes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2378/23]
  • 2023-01-19 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Transport if the Government has formally abandoned targets for 1 million private electric vehicles on the roads by 2030; if so, the way he plans to reach the targets for cuts to emissions in transport; if he will re-examine proposals for free public transport in view of such a change in Government transport climate policies; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [62711/22]
  • 2023-01-18 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Transport the steps that his Department is taking to reduce the waiting time for driving tests; if he will acknowledge the difficulty that this is causing for those who need a full driving licence for work and or family reasons; if he will commit to ensuring that resources are deployed to bring down the waiting time for a test; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1314/23]
  • 2022-12-08 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Transport if he can clarify a previous statement in respect of the number of vehicles tested per day by car testers at NCT sites; if previously stated numbers of seven or eight per day were correct; if testers are in fact contracted to test two cars per hour during a ten-hour day; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [61482/22]
  • …and 252 more questions on Transport
• Education 263 questions

  • 2024-10-22 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Education if she plans to support the call by Education Equality for the Government to compel schools to confine religious faith formation and worship to a period outside core school hours, in order to uphold families’ human and constitutional rights to freedom of religion and belief, and to vindicate the rights of teachers who do not wish to indoctrinate children into a faith they do not themselves hold; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [42749/24]
  • 2024-10-01 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Education the number of special needs assistants and special needs teachers working under her Department; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [38923/24]
  • 2024-09-09 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Education the reason work on a school (details supplied), has not yet commenced despite a promised date of week beginning 19 August 2024; will she acknowledge the urgency and pressing need for this work to begin; to clearly outline what the delay is; when this vital work will start; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [35104/24]
  • 2024-07-02 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Education if she is aware of the situation regarding the ending of a shared access arrangement of a school hall between schools (details supplied); if an immediate solution will be provided to resolve the situation; her views on the fact that many of the children in the school have never had physical education indoors and this important part of the curriculum can only be delivered depending on the weather; the status of the construction of the new urgently-needed building; when it will be completed; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [28013/24]
  • 2024-05-29 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Education the status and expected starting time of works on the development of a new building for a school (details supplied); the reason for the delay with the project; if her Department has had talks with the builders or management at the school in relation to delays; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24375/24]
  • 2024-05-21 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Education if he is aware of the Inspire programme as an education support programme for vulnerable students (details supplied); if there are plans to extend this programme; the annual remuneration for an Inspire programme line manager; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22865/24]
  • 2024-05-08 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Education if, in belated recognition of the second interim report (section 5.14) and the final report (recommendations, page 5) as emphatic recommendations of the MBHCI, that former residents of the Westbank Orphanage in Greystones, County Wicklow, be included in the residential institutions redress scheme as an urgent matter of justice, fairness and healing for those affected; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [20376/24]
  • 2024-04-09 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Education if she is aware of the significant delays in processing teachers’ service papers from abroad and the impact on teachers who have returned to teach in Ireland; if she will acknowledge the welcome return of much-needed teachers but concede to the fact that the higher cost of living and exorbitant rents, especially in Dublin and other cities, puts huge financial pressure on teachers who are placed on step 1 of the pay scale while they wait for their prior service papers to be processed; if there are any plans to speed up the process and/or if there are ways in which to expedite particular cases (details supplied), especially in areas that urgently need teachers; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14208/24]
  • 2024-03-20 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Education if she will acknowledge the impact that operating out of temporary accommodation for a prolonged period of time has placed on the children/young people, families and teachers at a school (details supplied); if she will also acknowledge the demonstrated need and urgency for the commencement of a permanent ETSS in Dublin 6 and that planning permission was granted almost two years ago; if she will commit to the immediate construction of the building following the conclusion of the tender process this year and if she will take steps to ensure that there are no further project delays, while at all times keeping the school community updated of all progress and developments; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11685/24]
  • 2024-01-18 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Education if she will consider reinstating the adjustments given to students completing the Leaving Certificate politics and society examination until 2022 (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2282/24]
  • 2023-11-07 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Education if she will clarify when schools can expect to receive the schedule of grant payments; if she is aware that some schools are struggling to cover regular outgoings currently and are awaiting grant payments to do so; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [47679/23]
  • 2023-10-24 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Education if she will clarify whether the Teaching Council and the Department of Education have decided upon an alternative degree programme to substitute the BA in Montessori education from St. Nicholas Montessori College that currently enables teachers who do not have Irish to register under route 4 and take up permanent positions as special class and special education teachers; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [46697/23]
  • 2023-10-24 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Education if she will clarify the reason that the Teaching Council of Ireland will no longer recognise BA Honours graduates from St. Nicholas Montessori, prohibiting them from registering under route 4 of the Teaching Council from December 2023 (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [46696/23]
  • 2023-10-03 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Education if she will provide details of how the €500,000 funding that was made available in 2009 for a memorial to honour all survivors of all State-run industrial schools is to be used; if she will outline details of the proposed memorial; to provide a timescale for when it will be in place; if she will acknowledge that survivors are eager to see the plans for a memorial brought to fruition; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [42459/23]
  • 2023-07-25 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Education the number of places in secondary schools currently located in the Dublin 8 area; if she has plans to increase the current number of secondary school places in the area; the number of children resident in the area projected to progress from primary to secondary schools in 2023, 2024 and 2025; her plans to cater for all children unable to find a secondary school place in the area; her position on what constitutes an acceptable commuting distance and commuting time for school children obliged to travel outside Dublin 8 to attend secondary school; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [36017/23]
  • 2023-07-25 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Education if the free primary schoolbook scheme grant given to schools covers the costs of all schoolbooks; if parents can be asked to donate or pay any additional fee towards the costs of their child's schoolbooks; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [36977/23]
  • 2023-06-29 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Education if she will provide additional supports for parents who must purchase devices such as a tablets and so on, for the new school year; if her Department has plans to purchase centrally such devises on behalf of schools; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [31599/23]
  • 2023-06-27 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Education if she will provide an update on the status of the new school build for a school (details supplied) works for which you indicated in a previous Parliamentary Question reply to commence at the end of June 2023; the date for the commencement of this new build and the completion timeframe; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30946/23]
  • 2023-05-16 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Education if she can clarify, in relation to delays with certain school building projects, when a project is at the stage where a tender report is under review by her Department; if consideration is given during this review of the possibility of builders or other contractors pulling out of the project because of protracted delays; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22846/23]
  • 2023-05-09 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Education if she will urgently complete the stage 3 tender review currently with her Department (details supplied) and allow the school to progress the building programme as soon as possible; if she will acknowledge concerns about rising building costs affecting tenders meaning further delays for schools if tenders are not responded to quickly; if she will take into consideration that the disrepair of the prefabs in question is worsening daily including asbestos issues; when a decision will be forthcoming; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [21058/23]
  • 2023-04-18 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Education if she can clarify whether a school (details supplied) is among the schools affected by the stalled school building programme; if the approval letter from her Department for the proposed works at the school will be issued; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17135/23]
  • 2023-04-18 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Education if she is aware of the impact of her Department’s decision to stall a much-needed second prefab block installation at Riverview ETNS; if she will acknowledge that children with additional needs are being particularly impacted as a result of building delays with the ability to provide small group teaching and other necessary interventions being severely curtailed (details supplied); if she will reconsider the stalling of the second prefab block installation and take steps to deliver what was sanctioned as a matter of priority; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [16383/23]
  • 2023-03-28 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Education if she will clarify why the procurement process for a contractor for a school (details supplied) has been halted; if she will acknowledge the need for an ETSS in this area to accommodate the significant number of children who want to continue their education in an ETSS; if she will reconsider the stoppage on the procurement process and allow this necessary secondary school be progressed as soon as possible; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14659/23]
  • 2023-03-22 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Education if she will ensure that the scoping inquiry into historical sex abuse in schools will not be restricted to Roman Catholic religious orders; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14180/23]
  • 2023-03-21 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Education the status of the proposed funding of two schools (details supplied) in Dublin 4 and Dublin 6; when these facilities will be developed given that primary school children in the wider area may have no options to locate to co-educational multi-denominational facilities; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [13610/23]
  • 2023-02-15 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Education if she can clarify the policy of her Department in relation to the provision of free period products in secondary schools; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [7487/23]
  • 2023-02-08 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Education if the State, which funds private schools, has any input or control over their enrolment policy; if the practices reported at a school (details supplied) constitute a breach of State guidelines or are in keeping with present rules and criteria; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [5604/23]
  • 2023-02-02 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Education the discussions or arrangements that occur with her Department or local schools in cases in which children, as refugees or asylum seekers, in primary and secondary schools are moved, with little formal notice to the parents or staff involved; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [5246/23]
  • 2023-01-26 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Education the steps she is taking to ensure that young persons, especially in schools and colleges, are not exposed to indirect advertising by drinks companies; if she will ensure that an organisation (details supplied) is not permitted in secondary schools; if she will ensure that there is a prohibition on alcohol industry funded programmes in Irish secondary schools; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [3751/23]
  • 2023-01-25 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Education if clarification will be provided in relation to the proposed amalgamation of three secondary schools into one complex (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [3633/23]
  • 2023-01-18 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Education if her attention has been drawn to the fact that the tender process for the new build at a school (details supplied) has been delayed as a result of lowest bids being unable to fulfil their quotations; if her Department will speed-up the process following the acceptance of the third bid; the timeframe to move to the next phase of the process; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [63885/22]
  • 2023-01-18 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Education the amounts paid from her Department or other bodies funded by her Department to a company (details supplied) for services in the past two years; if these contracts have any provision for extra payments based on performances and so on; the way an employee who is assessed as fit to work by the company can appeal or seek alternative opinions; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [63902/22]
  • 2022-12-13 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Education if she supports the proposed restructuring of Tusla given the policy and finance remit of education welfare services sits in her Department; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [61674/22]
  • 2022-12-13 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Education if she has been consulted about proposed restructuring of educational welfare services within Tusla; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [61675/22]
  • 2022-12-13 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Education the way that her Department can ensure that the focus of educational welfare services remains on attendance, participation, retention if proposed restructuring by Tusla services goes ahead; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [61676/22]
  • 2022-12-13 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Education the way that she will ensure that her Department's funds remain targeted on the best educational outcomes for all young people if TESS is disbanded under Tusla restructuring proposals; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [61677/22]
  • 2022-12-07 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Education if she intends to conduct a review in the near future of the effectiveness of her Department’s payroll system in light of reported issues from teachers regarding difficulty having changes made or mistakes rectified in salaries; the reason it is taking so long to have salary issues addressed and the difficulties for teachers trying to communicate with her Department; if she will specifically investigate the issues reported by a deputy principal (details supplied) and ensure that the problems are rectified as soon as possible; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [61114/22]
  • 2022-12-07 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Education if separate funding streams are available to schools to help with the costs of providing tracksuits for pupils at primary school level; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [61272/22]
  • 2022-11-29 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Education if the correct pay scale will be applied to the salary of a teacher (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [59325/22]
  • 2022-11-08 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Education her views on matters raised in correspondence (details supplied) in relation to recent instructions to teachers and principals to conduct assessments of educational needs on behalf of the HSE under the AON process; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [55322/22]
  • 2022-10-19 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Education if her Department or the high-level working group, chaired by the Secretary General to examine the way in which the National Educational Psychological Services can best continue to recruit adequate numbers of suitably qualified staff, intend to meet or consult with an organisation (details supplied), to inform their interim recommendations in Q2 of 2023 regarding any other short-term measures required in advance of their final report to address supply issues of suitably qualified educational psychologists; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [52368/22]
  • 2022-10-19 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Education if her Department or the high-level working group, chaired by the Secretary General to examine the way in which the National Educational Psychological Services can best continue to recruit adequate numbers of suitably qualified staff, intend to meet or consult with an organisation (details supplied), to inform their interim recommendations in Q2 of 2023 regarding any other short-term measures required in advance of their final report to address supply issues of suitably qualified educational psychologists; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [52369/22]
  • 2022-10-19 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Education the number of educational psychologists who are currently employed by the Health Service Executive; if the HSE intends not to employ educational psychologists in primary care and CAMHS services moving forward, given that trainee educational psychologists were excluded from the new funding provided for professional psychology training introduced in Budget 2023; her plans, if any, to ensure the recruitment and retainment of suitably qualified educational psychologists; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [52372/22]
  • 2022-10-11 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Education if she will consider funding trainee educational and child psychologists in the same way that their trainee counselling psychologist colleagues are; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [49973/22]
  • 2022-10-11 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Education the number of educational and child psychologists currently working in NEPS; the number of vacancies for positions in the organisation; if consideration has been given by her Department to funding trainee educational and child psychologists during their unpaid placements in order to ensure these positions are filled and the required number of graduates are attained; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [49972/22]
  • 2022-10-11 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Education if she has been consulted about proposed restructuring of educational welfare services within Tusla; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [49891/22]
  • 2022-10-11 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Education if she supports the proposed restructuring of Tusla given that the policy and finance remit of education welfare services sits in her Department; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [49892/22]
  • 2022-10-05 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Education the details of any contracts or services procured by her Department with top security, including any that are subcontracted to top security; the value of such contracts since 2015 to date; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [48992/22]
  • 2022-10-04 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Education the details of plans to establish an ASD class in schools (details supplied) in Dublin 12; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [48355/22]
  • 2022-10-04 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Education the capital expenditure that has been incurred for the building, equipment and furnishing of post-primary schools in areas (details supplied); the expenditure for the acquisition of sites; the expenditure that has been incurred for the transportation to school of students attending schools in temporary locations during such building; the number of new and additional post-primary school places created; and the number new post-primary schools completed, respectively by county in each of the years 2011 to 2021 and to date in 2022, in tabular form.; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [48388/22]
  • …and 213 more questions on Education
• Housing 262 questions

  • 2024-10-17 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the reason a complex (details supplied) in Inchicore has still not had a surveyor visit although this was expected to happen in June as part of the fire remediation scheme; if he will acknowledge that apartment owners are not in a position to pay for this work despite an organisation’s pressure to do so with the promise that they will be reimbursed when funding has been allocated; to provide a timeframe for when funding will be made available for remediation works at this complex; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42177/24]
  • 2024-10-15 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage when the report on deposit protection systems will be published and the recommendations enacted; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40920/24]
  • 2024-09-18 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if, under section 26 of the Disability Act 2005, each public body is required to have an access officer; the number and which local authorities have employed local access officers to improve public services for people with disabilities; if she will encourage local authorities to fill these roles immediately; the way local authorities fund these roles; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36186/24]
  • 2024-06-20 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the measures being taken to protect a heritage site (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26593/24]
  • 2024-06-19 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the PSEHRD assessment his Department has undertaken regarding reported difficulties by Travellers to open housing applications and retain open application (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26399/24]
  • 2024-05-30 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he will grant the request of retired members of staff of Ordnance Survey Ireland to attend OSI HQ in Phoenix Park on 21 June 2024 (details supplied) as part of the OSI's 200-year anniversary; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24487/24]
  • 2024-05-02 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he is aware of a potential gap in the criteria in relation to the vacant/derelict property grant (details supplied); if he will investigate a case involving the protection and incorporation of a deteriorating 160 year old protected structure into a new dwelling with a view to the overturning a refusal of a vacant property grant; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19991/24]
  • 2024-05-01 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage to confirm where the legislation for the establishment of defects scheme for apartments and duplexes is currently at and to confirm when the draft legislation will be published; when he believes that OMCs will be able to apply for and receive funding for permanent remediation of defects; if he will commit to passing the legislation before the budget and if so, if he will clarify what financial allocation will be required for 2025; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19589/24]
  • 2024-04-17 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he will provide, in tabular form, the apartment blocks and duplexes in Dublin South-Central currently eligible for the interim remediation scheme for the funding of emergency fire safety defect works; when the legislation to support the remediation of defects in apartments and duplexes will be introduced; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16786/24]
  • 2024-04-11 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he will use compulsory purchase vacant and derelict properties to address the worsening homelessness crisis; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15713/24]
  • 2024-01-31 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he agrees that appropriate community infrastructure should be included within the geographic bounds of a regenerated Oliver Bond House and that this would not affect Dublin City Council’s ability to honour any prior arrangements regarding the delivery of community services in the wider area; the steps he will take to ensure that this will be accommodated within the regenerated Oliver Bond complex; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4560/24]
  • 2024-01-31 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he is aware of Robert Emmet CDP’s 2021 ‘Environmental Conditions in Oliver Bond House’ report and an independent engineer's report commissioned by DCC, and the very recently launched ‘Respiratory Health Among Residents of Oliver Bond House’, all of which highlight and outline the significant issues in the complex; if he will acknowledge that the ameliorative works required to bring conditions in the complex up to a BR Rating of C3 will cost €4.3 million, in light of the current conditions being in breach of residents’ right to a healthy and habitable environment; if his Department will commit to covering this cost under their existing maintenance or capital budget should DCC be unable to meet these costs; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4561/24]
  • 2024-01-31 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he will clarify if it would have been possible for DCC to apply for Stage 2 approvals recently rather than full Stage 1 Approvals, and what would have been required for this to happen; if he will make inquiries to ascertain if there are any internal difficulties that DCC is facing with progressing regeneration projects in a timely and appropriate manner and offer support to DCC if there are any issues related to resourcing;; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4562/24]
  • 2024-01-31 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he will consider making funding available for a housing officer function to be delivered by a local community organisation; if he will acknowledge that this function would have ten key separate KPIs and that this proposal can be provided to him at his request; if he will signal his support for such a proposal and make funding available to DCC to disburse to a relevant community organisation for this purpose under circular N11/2007 issued by his Department to County Councils entitled ‘Policy Framework for Regeneration of Local Authority Estates’; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4563/24]
  • 2024-01-17 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage further to Parliamentary Question Nos. 392 and 393 of 12 December 2023, if he will confirm that Dublin City Council has provided the additional information sought in relation to a funding application for temporary improvement works previously carried out in response to the hepatitis A outbreak to his Department on 5 December 2023; if he will confirm that funding will now be furnished to Dublin City Council in respect of this work; when a decision will be made in respect of funding for the additional temporary work that is to be carried out in response to the outbreak of hepatitis A; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [57230/23]
  • 2023-12-12 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage to confirm when a decision about supplying Dublin City Council with funding for the upgrade of the bays in Labre Park will be made; if he will acknowledge that this upgrade has been promised since the outbreak of Hepatitis A on the site in January 2021 and that after this outbreak in which numerous children and adults were hospitalised, the HSE and the Ombudsman for children were given a commitment that the work to address the poor living conditions would be carried out; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [54629/23]
  • 2023-12-12 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he is aware that although some work was carried out in Labre Park, half the site is still living in conditions akin to that experienced in developing countries and that this negates the work that has been carried out, as everyone living in Labre Park is still exposed to the risk of Hepatitis A and many other viruses; if he will outline the steps he will take in relation to this; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [54630/23]
  • 2023-11-15 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage to summarise his Department`s actions on exploring difficulties Travellers might have in opening and retaining social housing applications; if he acknowledges that his Department has given a commitment on this matter as part of the National Traveller and Roma Inclusion Strategy/NTRIS (Action 130); the steps his Department has undertaken on this matter since 2017; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50052/23]
  • 2023-11-15 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage in relation to his Department`s circular (Housing 09/2023 - PL 01/2023) to all local authorities regarding his mandatory moratorium on Part 8 planning approvals, if he will clarify what monitoring procedures his Department has put in place to ensure that this moratorium and its circular will be treated as mandatory by local authorities; how many Traveller-specific developments are being pursued under the terms of the circular; if he will provide a breakdown, per local authority, on the Traveller developments pursued; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50053/23]
  • 2023-11-09 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage what action is being taken by Government to combat the mass decline of insects and wildlife in Ireland; and how the Government plans to prevent their extinction. [34759/23]
  • 2023-10-04 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the number of houseboats currently moored on the Grand Canal, Royal Canal and Barrow navigation; if, in the event the revisions currently proposed to the canals by-laws by Waterways Ireland are adopted, he will outline the projected number of houseboats that will be permitted to moor on these canals; the projected number of current houseboat residents who will lose their homes; the contingency plans that have been made to provide housing for any existing houseboat residents rendered homeless under the new canal by-laws; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42858/23]
  • 2023-10-04 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the current mooring fees levied on houseboats moored on the Grand Canal, Royal Canal and Barrow navigation under the existing canals by-laws; if he will outline, in the event that the revisions currently proposed to the canals by-laws by Waterways Ireland are adopted, the mooring or houseboat permit fees that will be levied on houseboats; the percentage increase which this represents in mooring fees for individual houseboats; the justification for the introduction of such an unprecedented increase in fees under the new canal by-laws; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42859/23]
  • 2023-10-04 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he will consider commissioning a new consultation process in line with the Government’s Guide for Inclusive Community Engagement in Local Planning and Decision Making regarding Waterway Ireland’s proposed revisions to the canals by-laws, in light of the profound and highly disruptive changes which these revisions will effect to the housing security of existing houseboat dwellers, ranging from exponential increases in mooring and-or houseboat permit fees to eviction and homelessness on the Grand Canal, Royal Canal and Barrow navigation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42860/23]
  • 2023-09-11 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he and/or the NPWS is considering purchasing the Conor Pass site (details supplied) for the purposes of transforming it into a national park, which would be held in public ownership for the benefit of all; the precise status of plans to acquire the Conor Pass site; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37695/23]
  • 2023-09-11 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he will provide the number of applicants who have been removed from all local authority housing lists in the past 12 months; the number that were removed from all local authority housing lists because they began a HAP tenancy; the number that were removed without being added to the transfer list; how housing waiting list applicants are informed that they need to request the addition of their names to the transfer list following the acceptance of a HAP tenancy in order to remain on the housing list; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37884/23]
  • 2023-07-11 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage to clarify if an older couple with medical issues (details supplied) who have rented a three-bedroom property for the past ten years which the landlord has offered to Dublin City Council to purchase under the tenant in situ scheme can be approved for this scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33661/23]
  • 2023-07-11 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he will clarify whether the tenant in situ scheme includes properties in which tenants are considered overaccommodated (details supplied); if not, if he will provide details of the number of properties local authorities have refused to purchase on this basis; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33674/23]
  • 2023-07-06 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he can detail the number of people currently in emergency accommodation; the numbers who have been there for over 12 months; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33038/23]
  • 2023-07-06 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he can detail the number of purchases of properties by local authorities and approved housing bodies under the tenant-in-situ scheme to date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33068/23]
  • 2023-07-06 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the reason there is such a delay in providing Dublin City Council with the funds to complete the upgrade work that is so urgently needed in the Labre Park halting site; the reason there is a delay in providing the funds required to commence the regeneration of the Labre Park halting site; the cause of the delays in providing Dublin City Council with outstanding funds for work already carried out in respect of Traveller accommodation by Dublin City Council; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33356/23]
  • 2023-06-29 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage to detail the funding granted to local authorities from his Department for the retrofitting of local authority housing in each of the years since 2016; and the number of units affected, in tabular form. [31736/23]
  • 2023-06-29 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the amount of funding given by his Department to Dublin City Council for stage 1 capital appraisal approval for the regeneration of Oliver Bond House; the total amount of funding made available to DCC for this project; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31737/23]
  • 2023-06-29 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if funding from his Department for the regeneration of Oliver Bond House can be used to take intermediate measures to deal with damp and mould issues, including the replacement of single glazing in units there; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31738/23]
  • 2023-06-13 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if changes made by his Department now require a tenant to have resided in their home for ten years before accessing this scheme in relation to the tenant purchase scheme for local authority tenants, or if years previously spent on social housing supports, and so on, count towards this ten-year period; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27059/23]
  • 2023-06-13 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he or his Department have had any correspondence or discussion with officials from Northern Ireland in relation to defective slurry/effluent tanks built and operated in Northern Ireland which discharge into waterways feeding into the South; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27109/23]
  • 2023-06-13 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he can detail how compliance with EU nitrates directives and other environmental protection regulations are enforced or monitored along the Border counties when potential harmful discharges into waterways may be occurring in Northern Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27111/23]
  • 2023-06-13 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he can detail in the event of pollution and damage being caused to waterways in the Republic of Ireland from effluent originating in Northern Ireland the actions his Department or the State can take at EU level or with UK authorities; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27113/23]
  • 2023-06-13 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if a series of matters (details supplied) will be clarified in relation to the tenant in situ purchase scheme in cases in which a local authority is interested in purchasing a house that is for sale with tenants on social housing supports; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28105/23]
  • 2023-05-25 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he will clarify his Department’s position on four housing issues (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25393/23]
  • 2023-05-18 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he can clarify the measures that he intends to take in situations where a landlord or property owner is refusing to engage with councils or approved housing bodies on the sale of a property with in-situ tenants; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23479/23]
  • 2023-05-18 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he can outline his plans to address the crisis in elderly accommodation in the private rental market in light of a recent reports (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23480/23]
  • 2023-05-16 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he will clarify the position on defective building materials; the agency responsible for oversight in this area; if he will further clarify the protections that are available to new homeowners in terms of current house building; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22424/23]
  • 2023-04-25 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he is aware that a park (details supplied) has been promised regeneration since the first Traveller Accommodation Plan was introduced 23 years ago in 1999; the status of a funding application for the regeneration of the park which was made by Dublin City Council to his Department on 3 December 2022; if a response to DCC is imminent given that it is over 19 weeks since the application was submitted; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19061/23]
  • 2023-04-18 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the position in relation to the proposed scheme for defective apartments and remediation works needed; the timescale for implementation of this scheme; if residents of such apartments who face immediate demands for levies from management companies to fund needed safety works will be fully compensated for any outlay they face in the coming weeks; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17196/23]
  • 2023-04-18 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage when assessing income from earnings for access to a local authority social housing waiting list, if local authorities have the discretion to disregard one-off overtime earnings in any given year; if not, if such thresholds have no flexibility; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17648/23]
  • 2023-04-18 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he will clarify current income thresholds from earnings in relation to social housing waiting lists; when these thresholds became operational; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17649/23]
  • 2023-03-28 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage further to Parliamentary Question No. 494 of 21 March 2023, if he will provide more specific information on the existing internal complaints and appeals systems within local authorities, particularly in relation to appealing decisions regarding medical priority for housing applications; if he will consider implementing a standardised and transparent appeal mechanism at the national level to ensure consistency and fairness for all applicants seeking medical priority for housing support; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15248/23]
  • 2023-03-21 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he will clarify the reason there is no appeal mechanism for a parent to query a decision by their local authority to refuse an application for medical priority for housing as a result of a medical condition of their child; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13731/23]
  • 2023-03-09 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he can clarify the additional supports or arrangements that he has in place in terms of emergency provision of beds and accommodation for those persons who face eviction in April 2023; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11881/23]
  • 2023-03-08 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he will confirm whether a contract for security work at 90 North King Street from his Department has been awarded to a firm (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11971/23]
  • …and 212 more questions on Housing
• Justice 248 questions

  • 2024-10-15 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Justice if she will provide an update on the visa application for a person (details supplied) whose parents and siblings have lived in Ireland since 2021; if she will acknowledge and act on the fact that the person’s life is under constant threat; if she will take compassionate steps to grant the visa so the person can come to live in safety with their family; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [41303/24]
  • 2024-07-11 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Justice if it has been drawn to her attention the distress and hardship that much-needed migrant workers suffer as a result of not being able to bring their families to live with them; that the family reunion policy has been under review for the past 12 months, and this delay is compounding the distress of working migrants; if she will urgently examine the rules that prevent families being reunited with a view to abolishing the salary check and the waiting period to ensure that families can be united as soon as possible; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30619/24]
  • 2024-07-03 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Justice if, in light of the planned withdrawal of service by criminal law practitioners on several dates in July, she will move quickly to deliver an independent, meaningful, time-limited and binding mechanism to determine the fees paid to criminal barristers by the Director of Public Prosecutions and under the criminal justice (legal aid) scheme; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29236/24]
  • 2024-05-15 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Justice the number of people refused permission to enter Ireland via inbound flight in the past 12 months who subsequently applied for international protection, by nationality of applicants and month; the number refused permission to enter Ireland who were actually turned back with the airline that brought them in, in tabular form; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22116/24]
  • 2024-05-15 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Justice the number of international protection applications received in the past 12 months, by nationality of applicants and month, in tabular form; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22117/24]
  • 2024-05-15 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Justice how many people were granted refugee status, subsidiary protection and permission to remain the country in the past twelve months, by month, type of status granted and nationality, in tabular form; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22118/24]
  • 2024-05-14 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Justice if she is aware of the case of a person (details supplied) who has been forcibly displaced four times in Gaza after the building in which they lived was completely destroyed and whose parents and siblings in Ireland are desperate for the person to join them; if she and her Government colleagues will implement special measures in fast-tracking visa applications, similar to the fast-tracking of visa applications for Ukrainian refugees, for Palestinians who urgently want to join family here; if she will expedite the person’s visa application as a matter of priority; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [21623/24]
  • 2024-04-30 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Justice to provide, in tabular form, by month and nationality, the number of people who have been refused permission to land in the past 12 months; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [19048/24]
  • 2024-04-30 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Justice if she will clarify the reason a person (details supplied) who attended the citizenship ceremony at the National Concert Hall on 26 February 2024, has still not received their certificate eight weeks later; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [19052/24]
  • 2024-04-25 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Justice if there are plans to employ more staff or take additional steps to deal with the significant backlog of applications for visas, renewals and extensions that are taking a long time to process (details supplied); the steps her Department will take to reduce the unacceptable waiting times; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [18477/24]
  • 2024-03-07 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Justice if she will consider the plight of persons (details supplied) following the expiration of their visas in April; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11258/24]
  • 2024-03-05 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Justice if she will clarify what the delay is in issuing newly naturalised Irish citizens with citizenship certificates; if she will investigate the delay in the case of a person (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [10199/24]
  • 2024-02-27 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Justice if she plans to establish an owners’ management companies regulator on an interim non-statutory basis with its operations funded by a levy on OMCs; the steps she will take to guarantee impeccable governance and transparency in this regard; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8931/24]
  • 2024-02-27 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Justice if he will compassionately examine an asylum application by a person (details supplied) and expedite a decision, given the extreme urgency of the situation; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [9189/24]
  • 2024-02-22 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Justice how many citizenship ceremonies are planned for 2024, and the expected months for citizenship ceremonies this year; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8426/24]
  • 2023-12-06 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Justice what schemes are available to Palestinians who are now Irish citizens for their families in Gaza to be evacuated to join them in Ireland; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [53927/23]
  • 2023-12-06 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Justice if there are plans to assist families in Gaza to be evacuated from the region to join their families already living here; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [53928/23]
  • 2023-12-05 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Justice if she will clarify what exactly "a reasonable timeframe" means in the context of the Property Services (Regulation) Act 2011 (Minimum Standards) Regulations 2020 (S.I. No. 564 of 2020) (details supplied); what a client should do in the event that their communications are not being replied to; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [53385/23]
  • 2023-09-26 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Justice further to Parliamentary Question No. 1391 of 27 July 2021, if she will provide an update on the parental alienation research mentioned; if she will clarify how far advanced the research is; when the results will be published, given the urgency and number of families affected; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [41133/23]
  • 2023-09-11 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Justice if she has responded to a plea for compassionate and humanitarian support addressed to her from a Sudanese refugee who is now an Irish citizen (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [38636/23]
  • 2023-07-13 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Justice if there are plans to scrap the detaining of asylum seekers in Cloverhill Prison, or any prison, prior to deportation as soon as possible given that they have not committed a crime; her views on the criticism of this practice by the European Committee for the Prevention of Torture and Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment (CPT) and on two occasions by the UN Committee against Torture which found that a prison is by definition not a suitable place in which to detain someone who is neither suspected nor convicted of a criminal offence; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [34839/23]
  • 2023-07-12 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Justice if she will clarify if there are plans to amend section 19A of the Criminal Evidence Act 1992 as amended by section 39 of the Criminal Law (Sexual Offences) Act 2017 so that a sexually abused child or adult will not have their private counselling or therapy records made available to the accused abuser; if she will clarify the rationale for this section of the Act and outline the implications for victims; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [34453/23]
  • 2023-07-11 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Justice the number of applicants for international protection who have applied from Ukraine since the Russian invasion; if applicants who were not in Ukraine at the time of the invasion are accepted into the temporary protection to persons fleeing the war in Ukraine programme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25934/23]
  • 2023-07-06 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Justice if she will clarify if any of the 98 further women's refuge centres announced in priority locations by 2025 will be located in Carlow (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [33253/23]
  • 2023-06-27 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Justice when a prisoner is due for a release under the community return scheme as a result of a Ministerial order; if such an order can be delayed or stopped by the intervention of a third party as appears to have happened in the case of a person (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [31154/23]
  • 2023-05-25 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Justice if he will provide an update in relation to the case of a person (details supplied); the status and expected date for publication of the scoping report; the actions he intends to take; if he will clarify the reason for the ongoing delays in acting on the wishes of the person's family for a full public inquiry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25243/23]
  • 2023-05-23 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Justice if he will clarify when the familicide and domestic homicide review commissioned by the Government will be published; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24765/23]
  • 2023-05-16 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Justice if he can clarify, given the crisis in Sudan, the pathways that exist for family reunification for Irish citizens with family members still trapped in Sudan; the efforts being made to support the relatives and families still there; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22395/23]
  • 2023-05-11 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Justice if he has any plans to help evacuate the relatives of Irish citizens still trapped in Sudan; if the State will fast-track applications for family reunification or issue emergency visas to ensure family members can come to the State; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22304/23]
  • 2023-05-03 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Justice if the review (details supplied) of the effects of the Part 4 of the Criminal Law (Sexual Offences) Act 2020 has been published and laid before the Houses of the Oireachtas; if not, if he will clarify what the delay was, given that he has replied several times that the review was imminent; if he will now clarify the date for same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20425/23]
  • 2023-05-03 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Justice if he has plans to amend Article 19A of the Criminal Law (Sexual Offences) Act 2017, which allows for the provision of counselling therapy records of a victim of sexual abuse to be made available to the accused abuser; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20609/23]
  • 2023-04-27 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Justice further to Parliamentary Question No. 1097 of 21 March 2023, if the e-vetting of applicants for 2023 is being processed ahead of applicants for 2021 and 2022; the reason this is happening; the length of time the e-vetting process will take for 2021 and 2022 applicants; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20111/23]
  • 2023-04-18 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Justice if he can clarify, in cases where a Border Management Unit decides to refuse permission to an intending visitor to this State, and the visitor has all the appropriate documentation for such a visit, what rights to appeal or to question such decisions exists; how such refusals are recorded and documented; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17653/23]
  • 2023-04-18 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Justice if he can clarify the procedure in relation to decisions by the Border Management Unit to refuse permission to board for visitors intending to come into the State, specifically if the Garda National Immigration Bureau keeps a record of such refusals; the reason for such refusals; and if he will detail the number of such refusals in the last year. [17652/23]
  • 2023-04-18 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Justice if he is aware that gardaí are informing victims of racist abuse and attacks that An Garda Síochána cannot deal with such crime because of the lack of hate-speech laws in the State; if he can clarify that the Garda is aware and trained in current legislation when dealing with attacks on people that are compounded by racist motivation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17675/23]
  • 2023-03-29 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Justice if Carlow will have a women's refuge in place as promised in 2024; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15577/23]
  • 2023-03-21 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Justice if he can clarify when and if Ireland will ratify the UNCRC second optional protocol on children, child prostitution and child pornography; when and if the State will act on Article 19A, the provision dealing private counselling therapy records in relation to a victim of sexual abuse; if these are made available to the accused abuser; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12326/23]
  • 2023-03-21 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Justice the average processing times for citizenship applications (details supplied) in each of the years 2015 to date in 2023, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13617/23]
  • 2023-03-21 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Justice if applications for all stages of citizenships are dealt with in chronological order in relation to when applications are made; if he will clarify that no recent applications have been acknowledged or have been processed to the e-vetting stage ahead of older applications made previously; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13618/23]
  • 2023-02-16 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Justice if he intends to meet with the family of a person (details supplied) to discuss their concerns; if he can detail the progress on the scoping inquiry; if he will support a full independent inquiry into this case; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7654/23]
  • 2023-02-16 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Justice if he is aware of concerns expressed by advocates and human rights campaigners about the dangers of “fast tracking” asylum applications from supposedly “safe countries”, and that such procedures can lead to applicants being denied proper legal advice; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7655/23]
  • 2023-02-08 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Justice further to Parliamentary Question No. 472 of 30 November 2021, if he will clarify when the review will be made available; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5735/23]
  • 2022-12-07 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Justice further to Parliamentary Question No. 312 of 1 December 2022, if a series of matters (details supplied) in relation to same will be clarified; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [61286/22]
  • 2022-12-06 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Justice if she will clarify the position of those workers, many of whom are presently working in sectors suffering chronic shortages of staff, who are presently in the state on a G1 graduate visa, when their visa has or is due to expire and where their job would ordinarily require the position to be advertised and filled in line with the labour market needs test; if such workers remain in their employment; if their visa can be extended; if she will examine such extensions beyond the present time limits; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [60610/22]
  • 2022-12-06 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Justice if she will clarify the outcome of her meeting with the family of a person (details supplied); if she has considered their demand for an independent public inquiry into their death; if she can report on the status of the scoping inquiry; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [60611/22]
  • 2022-12-01 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Justice if she can clarify if the PSA must take account of EROs approved by the Houses of the Oireachtas in its regulating of private security firms; the penalties there are for noncompliance by private security firms of such regulation; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [59916/22]
  • 2022-12-01 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Justice if she will clarify the position of a person on a graduate visa 1G; if any restrictions are placed on such a visa holder when applying for jobs in the State; if they can seek an extension of the visa; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [60007/22]
  • 2022-11-08 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Justice the number of family reunification applications under the terms of the International Protection Act received by her Department in the past 12 months by month received in tabular form; if she will provide the number of decisions issued per month on family reunification for the same period; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [54984/22]
  • 2022-11-08 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Justice if her attention has been drawn to reports that there are persons who have lived for many years in Ireland who feel unfairly omitted from the recent regularisation scheme for undocumented persons; if she will acknowledge that there are those who have been living in Ireland for four years when their time in the asylum process and living as an undocumented person is added together, yet they were unable to apply for either strand of the scheme; if she will provide advice and hope to those in this position who are desperate to become regularised; if she will outline any plans to include such persons in another scheme or opportunity, in order that they do not get left behind; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [55540/22]
  • 2022-10-20 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Justice the progress to date in achieving the Istanbul Convention targets for refuge spaces for domestic violence victims; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [52422/22]
  • …and 198 more questions on Justice
• Social 196 questions

  • 2024-09-09 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Social Protection if she has plans to reintroduce the household benefits package for carers, many of whom are struggling to make ends meet, while carrying out invaluable work; if there are also plans to scrap means testing for those applying for carers allowance; if there are any further supports planned for those engaged in this important work; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [34097/24]
  • 2024-06-11 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Social Protection if a person (details supplied) who is self-employed and who was placed on the temporary Covid payment during the pandemic has an entitlement to jobseekers’ benefit payments, or to the State pension (contributory) at 66 given that contributions during the pandemic period were interrupted; to clarify the steps such person needs to take to ensure they do qualify for the State pension (contributory) at 66 in light of the interruption to contributions during the pandemic; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24617/24]
  • 2024-04-30 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Social Protection the available State supports for people with disabilities seeking work or already working; if she plans to improve supports; if there are proposals to change these supports in any way in the foreseeable future; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [18800/24]
  • 2024-04-16 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Social Protection the reason the Automatic Enrolment Retirement Savings System Bill 2024 (No.22 of 2024) has ignored the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Social Protection, Community and Rural Development and the Islands' pre-legislative scrutiny recommendation number 15, which states that the investment funds be prohibited from investing in fossil fuels or the arms industry (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [16047/24]
  • 2024-04-16 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Social Protection if a person who is self-employed and has made sufficient contributions to qualify for a State pension (contributory) when reaching 66 years of age, could retire from their occupation at 65 years and claim jobseeker's benefit for the year before reaching 66 years in the same way as other workers can under present legislation; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [16539/24]
  • 2024-04-09 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Social Protection if there are plans to increase the current grant of €3,000 to cover costs such as flooring and white goods to help families moving out of homeless accommodation into new-build social homes which are often completely bare, in light of the increases in costs around the provision and installation of flooring, white goods etc.; if she will acknowledge that this amount is no longer adequate to provide the necessary items for families often leaving homelessness with nothing; if she will consider raising this grant substantially; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14402/24]
  • 2024-02-27 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Social Protection in cases in which a worker is not under the provisions of the new statutory sick scheme for workers because they are deemed to be in an employer scheme which is more beneficial, if such workers now effectively have six waiting days before they can access social protection payments; if employers that operate such sick schemes have any legal obligation to pay a worker for days four, five and six under current legislation; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [9180/24]
  • 2023-12-12 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Social Protection if she will clarify the reason tripartite talks between her Department, ILDN and Tús co-ordinators have been cancelled repeatedly by a principal officer (details supplied); when urgently needed talks will resume to address the 15% disparity in pay between Tús and CE supervisors, who have been eager to resolve this disparity for the past 18 months; if she will acknowledge the work that Tús supervisors do in supporting essential community services and its similarity to the work of CE supervisors; if she will recognise that a proposed deadline of 8 December 2023 is imminent and that further industrial action is likely in the event of a failure to engage immediately and fully; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [54867/23]
  • 2023-10-26 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Social Protection the status of an application by a person (details supplied) for a disability allowance, which was submitted at the end of June 2023; if she will consider that the applicant cannot get a GP appointment or avail of services until the application is approved, and will ensure that a decision is delivered at the earliest; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [47079/23]
  • 2023-10-10 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Social Protection if there are plans to extend the fuel allowance to jobs initiative scheme participants in Budget 2024, given their very low income and struggles with spiralling cost of living; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [43468/23]
  • 2023-10-04 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Social Protection if she will commit to increasing the carer’s allowance income disregard from €750 to €1,000 for couples and from €350 to €500 for single carers, with subsequent increases in the following years. [42872/23]
  • 2023-10-04 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Social Protection if she will clarify if there are plans to provide an additional payment to those diagnosed with coeliac disease who have to follow a strict gluten free diet as prescribed by their doctor, and the substantial extra costs that entails when in receipt of a social welfare payment; if she will provide advice as to what those on State benefits/low incomes should do in these situations; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [43170/23]
  • 2023-09-11 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Social Protection if she has any plans to alter the provisions governing the free travel scheme as it applies to the provision of free travel passes to parents who are acting as joint carers for children with special needs; if she has any specific plans to introduce a shared travel pass scheme which would allow parents acting as joint carers to share the use of that travel pass in light of the day-to-day exigencies of their shared care responsibilities and the significant financial hardship that carers are already grappling with; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [37568/23]
  • 2023-09-11 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Social Protection if she can clarify her plans in relation to the proposed introduction of the total contributions approach (TCA) method of assessment for the State pension (contributory) as the only method of assessing an individual for the State pension (contributory); if she will consider retaining indefinitely the use of both the average assessment method and the TCA to assess D class (PRSI) public service workers for the State pension (contributory) in the interests of not disincentivising the valuable contribution which retired D class public service workers can make to the Irish economy and society as part-time workers in other sectors up to the age of 66; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [38370/23]
  • 2023-07-11 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Social Protection if a person has been receiving jobseekers' allowance for 18 months then applies for disability allowance, whether their jobseekers' allowance payment cease immediately; if not, if it continues until a decision regarding the disability allowance is issued; if there is a requirement for the person to apply for supplementary welfare allowance in the interim; if the disability allowance application is unsuccessful, the payment that the person reverts back to; if a person is awarded disability allowance and transitions from jobseekers' allowance, if this changes their eligibility for the Christmas bonus associated with long-term social welfare payments; if a person receiving disability allowance is permitted to participate in a part-time Springboard course or other ETB training options; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [33575/23]
  • 2023-07-06 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Social Protection the number of children who will receive a hot school meal in the new school term from September; and the number planned for the following year; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [31600/23]
  • 2023-06-29 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Social Protection if she is aware that the 2018 review of the Gender Recognition Act 2015 made several recommendations around the development of non-binary legal recognition; if she is further aware that in her report on the review, dated 26 November 2019, then-Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection (details supplied) stated that her Department had carried out an initial scoping exercise on the implications of non-binary recognition, that an interdepartmental group had been established to progress this issue, and that the group was due to complete its work by the end of 2020; if she will provide an update on the work of her Department towards non-binary legal recognition, or on the work of this interdepartmental group; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [31753/23]
  • 2023-06-27 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Social Protection if a person participating in the JobPath programme who declines to sign a consent form allowing Seetec to make contact with employers of perspective employers on their behalf, will be sanctioned or penalised in any way; how programme participants' personal data is stored, processed and shared; how this complies with Irish and EU data protection laws; if their data will be transferred out of Ireland to servers or software located in the UK or any other third-party entities; the safeguards that are in place to protect participants' data; what a participant is agreeing to when asked to sign the induction booklet; if this is mandatory under legislation; if it constitutes any form of a contract with Seetec that may affect their rights; if the participant will be sanctioned or penalised for refusing to sign; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [31298/23]
  • 2023-06-20 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Social Protection to clarify if a social welfare claimant selected for participation in a programme (details supplied) is obliged to sign a PPP; if they do not, if there can be any sanctions applied by her Department; if the claimant has the right to appeal such sanctions; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29640/23]
  • 2023-06-20 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Social Protection if she can clarify if Seetec have been awarded the contract for operating the JobPath programme; the costs of this award; the length of time the company will operate it; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29665/23]
  • 2023-06-13 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Social Protection if she will clarify if there is a limit on the amount of savings a person can have if they are to be successful in obtaining an additional needs payment; if she will clarify what this limit is; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27254/23]
  • 2023-05-30 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Social Protection if she can detail the supports that are available for a public sector employee diagnosed with a serious illness (details supplied) who does not qualify for any payments from their employer, the HSE, because of previous use of critical illness benefit, and who has paid PRSI contributions; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [25610/23]
  • 2023-05-23 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Social Protection the numbers of applicants to date in 2023 for exceptional needs payments, by category of the exceptional need (for example, energy bills, and so on); the number of those that were successful in receiving a payment; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24651/23]
  • 2023-05-23 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Social Protection the supports that are or will be available for older people facing higher energy bills, in particular, high gas bills; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24650/23]
  • 2023-05-23 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Social Protection if she is aware that people dependent on disability benefit are living significantly below the poverty line; the measures she will take to protect them against increases in the cost of living; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [15768/23]
  • 2023-05-16 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Social Protection if there are plans to increase the rate of pay for those working on jobs initiative schemes in light of significant increases in the cost of living, given that most of these workers are doing substantial work in their communities and are struggling to make ends meet; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [23082/23]
  • 2023-04-27 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Social Protection the progress made on proposed new legislation which would give workers who have been laid off a higher rate of jobseeker's allowance depending on their previous income in the period following their loss of employment; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [20146/23]
  • 2023-03-28 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Social Protection if she has any plans to increase welfare rates for those on disability payments in light of additional costs and rising cost-of-living pressures; if any consideration is being given to the provision of a universal non means-tested payment for those suffering from long-term disabilities; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [15453/23]
  • 2023-03-28 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Social Protection if she has made any provision for an increased budget for additional needs’ payments in light of the ending of the eviction ban and the likelihood of additional expenses being faced by people made homeless; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [15160/23]
  • 2023-03-28 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Social Protection if she has any plans to change the eligibility criteria for CE schemes to include persons in direct provision; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [15164/23]
  • 2023-03-28 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Social Protection if she will clarify that people in district heating systems who have faced large increases in their energy bills can access additional needs’ payments; if any instruction has been issued from her Department to community welfare officers in this regard; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [15162/23]
  • 2023-03-28 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Social Protection if she will clarify the last occasion when there was an increase in the energy part of the household benefit package; if she has any plans to raise this allowance in light of the ongoing energy crisis; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [15163/23]
  • 2023-03-28 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Social Protection if she will acknowledge the importance of encouraging young people to participate in the democratic process by becoming a registered voter; if she is aware of some of the difficulties young people have in trying to become a registered voter for the first time (details supplied); if there are plans to streamline the process to make it more accessible; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [15262/23]
  • 2023-03-08 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Social Protection if she will clarify in relation to periods spent on illness benefit, or on Covid supports, such as the temporary Covid-19 wage subsidy scheme and Covid illness benefit whether such periods count in terms of paid contributions in relation to calculating a person's contributory record for the purposes of the State pension and so on; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11963/23]
  • 2023-03-08 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Social Protection if she will clarify, where a dispute exists between an employee and an employer as to the status of the person regarding being self-employed or an employee, how such a dispute impacts the person's contributory record if it is subsequently found that the person has been incorrectly categorised as self-employed; if the period spent is calculated as a period of paid reckonable contributions for the purpose of calculating future benefits; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11965/23]
  • 2023-03-01 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Social Protection if she will clearly outline the rationale for the stopping of child benefit at the age of 18 years; if she will acknowledge that many children are still in full-time secondary education at this age and that their parents or guardians still rely on the payment to help with costs; if she will further acknowledge that in the current cost-of-living crisis, this presents significant financial difficulties for parents with schoolgoing children of 18 years and above; if there are plans to legislate for an increase in the age at which child benefit will cease; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [10523/23]
  • 2023-02-21 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Social Protection the number of women currently receiving State pension (contributory) but whose years out of the workforce as a homemaker prior to 1994 are not disregarded when working out the yearly average contributions for the pension. [8088/23]
  • 2023-02-21 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Social Protection the estimated number of affected persons who, due to their years as a homemaker prior to 1994, have not qualified for a State pension (contributory). [8089/23]
  • 2023-02-21 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Social Protection her proposals to remedy the discrimination suffered by homemakers whose time out of the workforce prior to 1994 is not taken into account, and who have not qualified for a State pension (contributory); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8090/23]
  • 2023-02-09 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Social Protection if she will provide details of the total allocation of extra funding to community welfare officers to deal with applicants for additional needs' payments; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6073/23]
  • 2023-02-09 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Social Protection the number of applications for additional needs payments to date in 2023; if she can clarify the number of these that have been rejected; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6074/23]
  • 2023-01-24 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Social Protection if her Department will immediately arrange a date to meet the WRC in relation to the pay claim that community employment supervisors and assistant supervisors have submitted through their respective unions; if her attention has been drawn to the fact that there have been no wage increases for these workers since 2008 and in view of the substantial increases in cost-of-living, these workers need an urgent wage increase; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [3171/23]
  • 2022-12-08 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Social Protection if she will provide details of any discussions or consultations that she has had with representatives of postmasters in relation to the huge workload expected by them in the coming weeks, especially in terms of paying double payments and fortnightly payments in the same week; if she will be holding meetings with any representatives to discuss other issues (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [61527/22]
  • 2022-12-01 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Social Protection if a person who qualifies for the fuel allowance will lose their entitlement to the allowance if they rent a room to a person who is not in receipt of any qualifying payment; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [59928/22]
  • 2022-12-01 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Social Protection if a person who is in receipt of the fuel allowance will lose the allowance if they rent a room and provide care to a person who is not in receipt of any qualifying social welfare payment; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [59929/22]
  • 2022-11-29 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Social Protection when the voucher scheme for users of Irish sign language to access free ISL and English interpreting for social, educational and cultural events and services including medical and other activities and the remote interpreting on demand service, will be permanently established; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [56934/22]
  • 2022-11-08 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Social Protection when she will publish the child maintenance review group report; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [55119/22]
  • 2022-11-08 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Social Protection if her Department has any plans to act upon the recommendations and findings, when published, of the child maintenance review group report; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [55120/22]
  • 2022-11-08 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Social Protection if the bonus payment for one-parent families will represent the full amount of the payment; if any maintenance payments usually made to the parent will be deducted from the bonus; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [55307/22]
  • 2022-10-20 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Social Protection if she will clarify the position of the local employment services in Clondalkin and Tallaght, specifically the reason that 39 staff have been made redundant; if this is a direct consequence of her Department tendering out of services in local employment; the local employment services that are currently available to unemployed people in this area; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [52619/22]
  • …and 146 more questions on Social
• Children 178 questions

  • 2024-10-23 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth if the planned legislation to preserve privately held records relating to Ireland’s institutional past will include financial records so that important information about money made from forced labour or the fees demanded from families of unjustly incarcerated women and children, or the forced export of children, is retained and available; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43452/24]
  • 2024-10-15 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth when he will implement the Government’s commitment to introducing an international protection child payment to children living in direct provision; to outline a timeframe for when this will happen; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41299/24]
  • 2024-07-02 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the estimated time for when a child (details supplied) will be in receipt of the speech therapy they urgently need following a recent diagnosis of level 2 autism; if early interventions are necessary to enable an autistic child to reach their fullest potential; if he will take steps to ensure this child receives the early interventions to help them do so; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28296/24]
  • 2024-06-19 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth if he plans to include an assessment on difficulties Travellers experience in accessing and retaining open housing applications in the new NTRIS currently being considered; if he will acknowledge that this is an outstanding issue in the current NTRIS since 2017; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26398/24]
  • 2024-06-11 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth his views on the case of a child (details supplied) who has been diagnosed with autism, a global speech delay and a developmental delay by a psychiatrist who advises early intervention and access to a range of therapies; if he is aware that parents are being told that there is a five-year waiting list for these services; if he will outline his plans to address this unacceptable delay and a timeframe for ensuring timely access to these much needed services; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25544/24]
  • 2024-05-28 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth if plans to accommodate people seeking international protection at a location (details supplied) include the provision of transport services in order that they are not isolated and can access other amenities or appointments elsewhere; to list all other proposed services that will be provided to the residents; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23717/24]
  • 2024-05-15 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth further to Parliamentary Questions Nos. 91 and 92 of 30 April 2024, if he is aware that the proposed draft childminding regulations represent a further bureaucratisation of a system that is already onerous for parents and service providers; if he is aware that childminders are reporting that these regulations are too extreme and will drive many of them out of childminding, creating a further dearth of places for parents already facing difficulties in securing care for their children; if he will scrap the current draft proposals with a view to consulting with and listening to childminders and parents’ concerns (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21964/24]
  • 2024-04-30 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth to outline his plans to increase childcare places; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19265/24]
  • 2024-04-30 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth if he will establish a publicly owned childcare service; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19266/24]
  • 2024-04-30 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth if he will abolish childcare fees in 2024; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19267/24]
  • 2024-04-30 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth to outline his accommodation plans for international protection applicant refugees; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19263/24]
  • 2024-04-23 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth if he will provide advice to the mother of a young child (details supplied) who has been on the waiting list for an assessment of need for almost eight months with no indication of when they will be assessed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17745/24]
  • 2024-04-09 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth if he will provide a formal report on how it is known that asbestos is present in the Royal City of Dublin Hospital building (details supplied); and if there are other defects with the building. [14296/24]
  • 2024-02-27 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth if he will investigate the delay in providing an assessment of need for a child (details supplied) who urgently needs it completed to access the services they require; if he can provide advice for the parent in the interim; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8721/24]
  • 2024-01-31 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth if in relation to the provision of accommodation for those seeking international protection, he will take steps to ensure that training for new accommodation providers is not only provided but rigorously applied and tested as much as possible; is he aware that while experienced accommodation providers know the supports and services that are available, there are reports that new providers do not and will he acknowledge that these gaps must be addressed by ensuring appropriate training; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4465/24]
  • 2024-01-31 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth if he is aware that at IPAS accommodation in Inchicore, food vouchers for Tesco are distributed but that there is only a Tesco Express in that area which is limited and expensive; if he will direct the changing of food vouchers to another supplier as the accommodation provider is happy to do so upon his instruction; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4466/24]
  • 2024-01-31 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth if he will provide all Members of Dáil Éireann with the contract that is provided to new IPAS accommodation providers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4467/24]
  • 2023-12-13 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth when the much-needed therapists for ASD children at a school (details supplied) will be in place; when a nurse will be recruited for the school, given that some children cannot attend a full day at school due to the lack of a nurse; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [55674/23]
  • 2023-12-06 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the number of children currently on the waiting list to be seen by the Children’s Disability Network team in counties Carlow and Kilkenny; the length of time they have been waiting; the number of vacancies on the CDNT currently; if the recent HSE staff embargo means that these vacancies are not being advertised to be filled and/or will not be filled until the embargo is lifted; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [54198/23]
  • 2023-11-14 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth if he will clarify why there is currently only one part-time social worker at the children’s disability network team on Armagh Road, Crumlin, Dublin 12; if he is aware that this situation is causing a serious backlog for children with special needs requiring services; if he will clarify what the staffing level should be and when this will be met; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49312/23]
  • 2023-11-14 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth to provide an update on progress in the extraction of information on St. Gerard's home from the larger Saint Patrick's Guild file received by Tusla in 2017 following a statement in January 2021 that St Gerard's records were 'not fully processed' at that time; if he confirm if the extraction of records relating to St. Gerard's is still ongoing; what proportion of the larger St Patrick's Guild file has now been processed; what has been discovered to date; what the projected timeframe is for completion of this work, when a full disclosure of the results of this work is expected; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49655/23]
  • 2023-10-24 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth if he is aware of a person (details supplied) with a disability who had been placed in a nursing home for a convalescent short-term stay, but who remains there 14-weeks later due to the lack of funding at their original residence to provide for a necessary member of night staff; if he will acknowledge that placing people in inappropriate settings at which their needs are not and cannot be met is in contravention of Article 19 of the UNCRPD; if he will commit to authorising the necessary funding in order that the person can return to their original community setting appropriate to their needs; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46202/23]
  • 2023-10-24 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth when a child (details supplied) with developmental delays and speech and language difficulties will be seen at a particular clinic, given the urgency of their needs; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46722/23]
  • 2023-10-03 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth if a company (details supplied) has signed up to the core funding model for childcare, and in doing so, agreed to freeze fees at 2021 levels; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42571/23]
  • 2023-10-03 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth if recent moves by a childcare provider (details supplied) are a breach of any undertaking given not to increase child care fees under the core funding model; if the attempt by the company to increase childcare fees for 2023/2024 by designating the previous year's (2022/2023) fees as an introductory fee represents a back-door way to increase fees; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42572/23]
  • 2023-07-25 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth when the list of successful applicants for the most recent strand B of the building blocks grant will be published; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35888/23]
  • 2023-07-25 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth if he will take steps to ensure that funding is released to provide full-time residential placement for a person with disabilities (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36538/23]
  • 2023-06-28 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth if he intends to hold any review of the workings of the Employment Equality Acts 1998-2015 or the Equality (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2015, specifically in relation to the rights of people with disabilities to take cases relating to workplace discrimination; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31465/23]
  • 2023-06-27 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the names and addresses of all successful and unsuccessful applicants, respectively in relation to the operation of the building block grant strand B for childcare providers; the number of unsuccessful applicants within Dublin broken down into postal code areas; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31146/23]
  • 2023-06-22 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the successful applicants from childcare facilities for the blocks grant strand B, by company name and geographical area, that is, either country or Dublin postal code, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30252/23]
  • 2023-06-20 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth if Pobal will provide details on the reasons a grant application was refused for a child care facility (details supplied) in Dublin 10; if an application for this grant can be made again or when it can be made; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29739/23]
  • 2023-06-15 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth if he will investigate the reason that an autistic person's home support hours have been reduced by an autism support service (details supplied); what process to appeal this reduction is open to the person affected; if this person's care plan can be unilaterally changed like this; if the HSE will ensure that their hours are reinstated with appropriate and necessary home support; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28933/23]
  • 2023-06-13 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth if he can detail the procedures and systems in place in the Citywest centre for IPO applicants, specifically in relation to a matter (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28078/23]
  • 2023-05-30 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the number of childcare providers that participated in the core funding scheme but have subsequently raised fees for services despite the commitment in the scheme not to (details supplied); if his Department has received any complaints about this practice; if any service provider has done so; if so, the penalties his Department apply to that provider; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26324/23]
  • 2023-05-30 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the number of refugees who have not been provided with accommodation since the change of policy announced on 24 January 2023; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26001/23]
  • 2023-05-30 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the supports that are available for people currently seeking international protection who are unaccommodated (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25933/23]
  • 2023-05-30 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth if he will change policy to ensure that all refugees will in future be provided with accommodation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26002/23]
  • 2023-05-30 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the current position in relation to the Programme for Government commitment to end the direct provision system; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26005/23]
  • 2023-05-18 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth further to Parliamentary Question Nos. 532 and 533 of 9 May 2023, if he can detail the steps his Department takes in cases where a service provider has beached the terms of the core funding agreement; If a company (details supplied) has broken the terms of core funding by imposing a charge on parents for afterschool/out-of-term services, regardless of whether parents use this service and by making payment of this charge a condition of the continued use of the regular service, where previously parents who did not avail of out-of-term afterschool hours were not charged; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23771/23]
  • 2023-05-09 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth if a company (details supplied) has signed up to the core funding model for childcare and in doing so agreed to freeze fees at 2021 levels. [21145/23]
  • 2023-05-09 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth if recent moves by a childcare provider (details supplied) are a breach of any undertaking not to increase child care fees under the core funding model; if the attempt by the company to charge parents for after-school fees while the child is out of school term represents a back-door way to increase fees; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21146/23]
  • 2023-04-27 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth if he can clarify the reason an application for the building blocks grant from (details supplied) was rejected; if such service providers have any right to appeal such decision; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20132/23]
  • 2023-04-27 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth if he can detail in relation to the building blocks grant scheme, the total number of applicants who applied for these supports; the number of applicants who failed to receive the grant; the number of successful applicants, in tabular form, per county council area; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20133/23]
  • 2023-03-30 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the measures his Department is taking to inform all public bodies of their immediate obligations under the convention to prioritise disabled persons' organisations in all consultations affecting disabled people; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15766/23]
  • 2023-03-30 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth if he will revisit his emergency accommodation policy published on 24 January that announced a pause in provision of emergency shelter to international protection adults arriving to Citywest; the number of international protection adults who are currently without accommodation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15764/23]
  • 2023-03-30 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth if he is aware that advocates for domestic violence sufferers are very critical of his failure to offer full pay to victims while out on leave; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15767/23]
  • 2023-03-30 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth what supports he will put in place for people with disabilities facing eviction after the lifting of the eviction ban this week; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15765/23]
  • 2023-03-30 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth if he will report on his plans for improving gender equality. [12865/23]
  • 2023-03-21 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth if he will acknowledge the huge work, support and solidarity shown by communities around the country in welcoming Ukrainians into their homes and wider communities; if he will listen to these voices of support and, in particular, a community group (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12638/23]
  • 2023-03-21 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth if, in light of the recent announcement that one in ten asylum seekers has no accommodation, there are plans to allow members of the public to offer a place to stay to those applying for asylum; if he envisages a payment to homeowners who provide accommodation similar to the accommodation recognition payment currently offered to people who provide a place for Ukrainian refugees; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12679/23]
  • …and 128 more questions on Children
• Taoiseach 167 questions

  • 2024-11-05 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Taoiseach to report on the work of his Department's shared island unit. [45002/24]
  • 2024-11-05 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Taoiseach to report on his visit to the United States and his meeting with President Biden. [45003/24]
  • 2024-06-18 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Taoiseach when the Cabinet committee on EU and international affairs will next meet. [23998/24]
  • 2024-06-12 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Taoiseach when the Cabinet committee on Northern Ireland will meet next. [23878/24]
  • 2024-06-12 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Taoiseach to report on his recent phone conversation with the Israeli President. [23879/24]
  • 2024-06-12 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Taoiseach to report on the recently published national reform programme 2024. [23999/24]
  • 2024-05-29 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Taoiseach what level of engagement his Department will have with the Dublin city centre task force. [23877/24]
  • 2024-05-29 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Taoiseach when the Cabinet committee that deals with defence will next meet. [21748/24]
  • 2024-05-28 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Taoiseach when the Cabinet Committee on Northern Ireland will meet next. [24030/24]
  • 2024-05-22 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Taoiseach if he will report on the Final Climate Action Plan 2023 progress report, published by his Department in March 2024. [22696/24]
  • 2024-05-22 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Taoiseach to report on any recent discussions he has had with other world leaders in connection with the ongoing Israeli-Palestinian conflict. [22697/24]
  • 2024-05-21 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Taoiseach when the Cabinet committee on migration, integration and Ukraine will meet next. [21747/24]
  • 2024-05-14 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Taoiseach to report on his attendance at the recent special meeting of the European Council. [20465/24]
  • 2024-05-14 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Taoiseach to report on his recent meeting with the President of the European Commission. [21746/24]
  • 2024-05-08 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Taoiseach to provide an update on the work of the child poverty and well-being programme office. [20463/24]
  • 2024-05-08 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Taoiseach to report on his recent conversation with the British Prime Minister. [20464/24]
  • 2024-04-16 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Taoiseach when the Cabinet committee on environment and climate change will meet next. [15185/24]
  • 2024-04-16 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Taoiseach when the Cabinet committee on the economy and investment will next meet. [15186/24]
  • 2024-04-16 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Taoiseach if he will report on his attendance at the recent Munich Security Conference. [15187/24]
  • 2024-02-14 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Taoiseach to report on the meeting of the World Economic Forum in Davos. [2804/24]
  • 2024-02-13 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Taoiseach the expected timeline for the citizens' assemblies committed to in the programme for Government. [4036/24]
  • 2024-01-31 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Taoiseach if he will provide an update on the legislative programme. [4299/24]
  • 2024-01-30 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Taoiseach when the Cabinet committee that deals with disability will next meet. [4300/24]
  • 2024-01-30 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Taoiseach to provide an update on Housing for All. [2803/24]
  • 2024-01-24 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Taoiseach to report on the December European Union Council meeting. [2802/24]
  • 2023-07-12 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Taoiseach for a report on his attendance at the European Council on 29 and 30 June 2023. [34014/23]
  • 2023-07-12 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Taoiseach to report on the progress of the public inquiry into nursing home deaths during Covid 19, which he promised in January 2023. [32555/23]
  • 2023-07-05 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Taoiseach when the Cabinet committee on housing will next meet. [32548/23]
  • 2023-07-04 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Taoiseach to list the total number of State apologies issued by his Department since 2011. [32546/23]
  • 2023-07-04 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Taoiseach when the Cabinet committee that deals with health will next meet. [32547/23]
  • 2023-06-21 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Taoiseach if he will report on the first progress report for the first quarter of 2023 of the climate action plan. [29546/23]
  • 2023-06-21 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Taoiseach when the Cabinet committee on economy and investment will next meet. [29547/23]
  • 2023-06-21 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Taoiseach if he will report on his attendance at the meeting of the European Political Community on 1 June 2023. [29548/23]
  • 2023-06-20 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Taoiseach when the Cabinet committee on Brexit and Northern Ireland will next meet. [29537/23]
  • 2023-06-20 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Taoiseach if he will report on the well-being framework for Ireland overseen by his Department [29538/23]
  • 2023-06-20 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Taoiseach if he will report on his Department’s public sector duty equality and human rights assessment. [29539/23]
  • 2023-06-14 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Taoiseach when the Cabinet committee on health is next due to meet. [28609/23]
  • 2023-06-13 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Taoiseach if he will report on his recent attendance at the Council of Europe. [26170/23]
  • 2023-06-13 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Taoiseach if he will report on the work of the Shared Island Dialogue all-island women's forum civic initiative. [28610/23]
  • 2023-05-24 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Taoiseach if he will report on the implementation of the high-level action plan for the report of the Commission on the Defence Forces. [24735/23]
  • 2023-05-24 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Taoiseach if he will report on the strategic goals of his Department’s Strategy Statement 2021-2023; and if he plans to update those goals. [24733/23]
  • 2023-05-24 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Taoiseach if he will provide an update on the work of the policing reform implementation programme office in his Department. [24734/23]
  • 2023-05-23 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Taoiseach when the Cabinet committee on children and education will next meet. [22823/23]
  • 2023-05-23 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Taoiseach if he will report on the work of the economic policy unit of his Department. [22824/23]
  • 2023-05-23 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Taoiseach when the Cabinet committee on a humanitarian response to Ukraine will next meet. [22825/23]
  • 2023-05-10 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Taoiseach when the Cabinet committee that deals with the circular economy will next meet. [19918/23]
  • 2023-05-10 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Taoiseach when the Cabinet committee on housing will next meet. [21536/23]
  • 2023-05-09 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Taoiseach if he will report on the work of the social policy and public service reform division of his Department. [21534/23]
  • 2023-05-09 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Taoiseach when the Cabinet committee on European Union and international affairs will next meet. [21535/23]
  • 2023-04-26 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Taoiseach if he will provide an update on the proposed child poverty unit in his Department. [19377/23]
  • …and 117 more questions on Taoiseach
• Environment 153 questions

  • 2024-10-15 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the steps he will take the address the legal weaknesses of the Government moratorium on liquefied natural gas infrastructure exposed by a recent High Court judgment. [41394/24]
  • 2024-10-15 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if he supports designating LNGs or data centres as strategic infrastructure (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41395/24]
  • 2024-03-05 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if he will clarify how the safety and security risks associated with a floating storage and regasification unit compare to the safety and security risks associated with geological storage of natural gas; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10142/24]
  • 2024-03-05 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if he will outline the measures that will be taken to prevent the import and use of fracked gas in Ireland’s energy systems should a floating storage and regasification unit be leased; how it would be verified that imported gas has not come from fracked sources; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10143/24]
  • 2024-01-23 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if he will investigate a potential anomaly around a person’s (details supplied) ineligibility for current electricity credits because the house’s MPRN is designated a low-usage account; if he will ensure that those who may be missing out on the credits will have them applied as soon as possible; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2621/24]
  • 2023-10-24 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if he will provide the total amount of gas supplied to data centres for 2021, 2022 and to date in 2023; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46216/23]
  • 2023-09-28 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if he or his officials in his Department have held any meetings with a company (details supplied) or any other individuals or companies representing another company in relation to the prospect off Corrib, also referred to as the Inishkea gas prospect since January 2022; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38747/23]
  • 2023-09-11 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if he will pursue the purchase by the State of the former briquette factory at Derrinlough and to allow for a full consultation with all stakeholders as to the future of the site, especially the Bord na Móna workers who were promised a just transition following the ending of production at this plant; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37591/23]
  • 2023-09-11 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if he will undertake to immediately halt the sale of the former Bord na Móna briquette factory and its 44.5 acre site in Derrinlough, County Offaly, in the interests of allowing time for a public consultation with all local and national stakeholders about how the site’s potential to deliver a Just Transition towards a low-carbon future in the midlands can be best realised; if he will undertake to launch such a public consultation process; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37618/23]
  • 2023-09-11 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if he will undertake to purchase the former Bord na Móna briquette factory and its 44.5 acre site in Derrinlough, County Offaly, in the interests of ensuring that both building and site remain in public ownership; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37619/23]
  • 2023-09-11 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications to detail his precise plans to ensure that the Government honours its commitment to deliver a Just Transition for the former employees of the Bord na Móna briquette factory in Derrinlough, County Offaly; the timescale for the delivery of this Just Transition plan; the budget allocated to its implementation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37620/23]
  • 2023-09-11 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if he is in agreement with calls to immediately halt the sale of the former Bord na Móna briquette factory and its 44.5 acre site in Derrinlough, County Offaly, in the interests of allowing time for a public consultation with all local and national stakeholders about how the distinct social, economic and cultural significance of this key site in Ireland’s industrial heritage and economic history can best be honoured and safeguarded for the future, and how the site’s potential to deliver a Just Transition towards a low-carbon future in the midlands can best be realised; if he will undertake to launch such a public consultation process; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37652/23]
  • 2023-07-25 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if he will clarify matters in relation to the SEAI fully-funded energy upgrades formerly the warmer homes scheme (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36975/23]
  • 2023-07-25 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the number and type of applications received by his Department under the Petroleum And Other Minerals Development Act 1960 for authorisations from existing licence holders for retention or renewal or the next stage progression of their licence in relation to petroleum exploration; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36976/23]
  • 2023-06-29 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if he can detail the funding streams under the remit of his Department that can be used or are available to local authorities for the retrofitting of social housing stock; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31734/23]
  • 2023-06-29 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications to detail the funding from his Department for the retrofitting of local authority housing units in each of the years since 2016; and the number of units affected, in tabular form. [31735/23]
  • 2023-06-21 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if he can detail what progress has been made on signing off on the promised pension increase for An Post workers; if he can further clarify the timeframe for same, given the length of time retired workers have been waiting; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30007/23]
  • 2023-06-15 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if he can detail the actions that the Climate Action Plan for 2024 will take that will address the projected overshoot in the first carbon budget identified in the Environmental Protection Agency projections; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28757/23]
  • 2023-06-15 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if he has plans to ensure the Commission for Regulation of Utilities will regulate the prices charged to consumers on district heating systems; if he has plans to change the current charging system that apply to district heating systems; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28759/23]
  • 2023-06-15 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if he will clarify when his Department will issue a money message or a reasoned response for the Petroleum and other Minerals Development (Climate Emergency) Amendment Bill; if he can clarify why this has taken his Department this length of time to issue; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28758/23]
  • 2023-05-30 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications when he will authorise the payment of pension increases due to postal workers since January 2022; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25658/23]
  • 2023-05-30 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the supports available for apartment complexes in terms of energy-efficiency upgrades, or access to the installation of solar panels and any other energy efficiency supports. [25764/23]
  • 2023-05-30 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if he can clarify whether the one stop shop system of retrofitting supports is applicable to apartment complexes or individual apartment owners; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25765/23]
  • 2023-05-25 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if his Department or any agency under the aegis of his Department has any responsibility to ensure the safety or environmental integrity of residents from the effects of construction works in their area; if the EPA has any statutory or legal role in ensuring construction works operate in a safe and environmentally appropriate manner (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25394/23]
  • 2023-05-23 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if he will clarify the responsibilities and duties of energy providers when dealing with and identifying vulnerable customers, including four particular aspects (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24600/23]
  • 2023-05-16 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if he will provide clarity on three issues concerning legislation (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23131/23]
  • 2023-04-27 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if he can clarify the position in respect of proposals to build a liquefied natural gas, LNG, terminal in the State; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20127/23]
  • 2023-04-27 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if he will clarify reports on the Government support for LNG of some sort in the State and specifically how such a proposal is compatible with the State's climate obligations and targets; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19782/23]
  • 2023-04-27 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if current Government policy which sees large tracts of the State licensed for mining for rare elements and minerals in order primarily to facilitate the electrification of the private car fleet is sustainable or environmentally sound; if any reappraisal of the one million EV targets would result in a changed policy with regard to licensing mining operations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19785/23]
  • 2023-04-27 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if he can detail proposals to increase the staff numbers and expertise working in the Commission for Regulation of Utilities specifically in order to deal with the administration of a proposed windfall energy tax on profits; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19786/23]
  • 2023-04-27 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if recent statistics released by the SEAI on retro fitting programmes are compatible with the targets for deep retro fitting previously announced by the Government; if he has any concerns on the nature of most of the work that has been carried out; if such work will result in any substantial or verifiable reduction in CO2 emissions from energy use; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19784/23]
  • 2023-04-27 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if he will explain the rationale for granting ten prospecting licences to an Australian mining corporation in east Mayo in view of the potential negative impacts this could have on water quality in the area. [19783/23]
  • 2023-04-18 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the total number of homes that had retrofit work undertaken supported by SEAI grants under the various schemes operated, in each of the years 2015 to 2022, and to date in 2023; the number of homes that as result of SEAI support reached a B2 BER in this period, in relation to recent figures which show over 27,000 homes retrofitted in 2022; and the energy rating achieved in those homes which did not reach the B2 rating, in tabular form. [16082/23]
  • 2023-03-30 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if he will detail all carbon credits purchased by the State or its agencies under any scheme since 2015 to date; if the CO2 equivalent totals of such credits and the monetary costs involved will be included; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15980/23]
  • 2023-03-21 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications when he expects to approve a proposed increase in the pension entitlements of An Post workers; if the S.I. to give effect to this will be ready soon; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12951/23]
  • 2023-03-21 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the reason his Department has not issued a money message or a reasoned response in relation to the Petroleum and Other Minerals Development (Amendment) (Climate Emergency Measures) Bill 2018 despite being requested to do so by the Bills Office in May 2022; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13602/23]
  • 2023-02-28 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if he can clarify the Government’s plan to deal with recent Environmental Protection Agency, EPA, figures that show increases in CO2 emissions in the State, and that Ireland is the worst performer in the EU, according to EUROSTAT data; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10335/23]
  • 2023-02-28 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if he will clarify the total amount of carbon credits purchased by the State since 2019 to date; the planned purchase for the coming period; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9970/23]
  • 2023-02-28 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if he has any concerns about the impact on the State’s climate targets from the recently announced plans by a major company to build another hyper-scale data centre in Dublin; if he has any plans to introduce a moratorium on such centres, given that this is additional to 16 confirmed cases of new data centres approved for connection to the national grid; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9971/23]
  • 2023-02-28 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if, in light of a recent report (details supplied) on global methane emissions, he has any plans to seek to reduce the State’s methane emissions from dairy and beef herds or from the potential impact from the recently approved gas-fired emergency generators or any future LNG proposals; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9968/23]
  • 2023-02-21 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications further to Parliamentary Question Nos. 93, 100, 107, and 108 of 15 December 2022 in relation to the regulation of district heating schemes and prices paid by residents, if the commercial tariff he mentioned is the reason that residents of DHS have faced such enormous rises in their energy bills; if this tariff is collected by the State, and if he can provide figures for the amounts collected by this tariff since 2019 to date; when the proposals to regulate the DHS sector will be enacted and if this will see controls on the prices of heat/energy for residents in such complexes; if such regulations are not imminent; if any action can be taken in relation to the commercial tariffs imposed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8389/23]
  • 2023-02-21 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if the passing of SI. 350/2022, and the new role the Commission of Regulation of Utilities in regulating district heating systems, will mean that the current commercial tariff levied on residents of such systems will be removed and a standard residential rate tariff applied instead; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8391/23]
  • 2023-02-21 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the commercial tariff applied to district heating systems; and the current standard residential tariff that is applied to gas users. [8392/23]
  • 2023-02-15 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if he will provide the timeframe for the publication of the revised wind energy development guidelines and the reason for the significant delay in publishing it; if the regulations will bring us up to EU norms with regard to distance to turbines and noise levels; whether the Government will continue to outsource the provision of renewable energy to foreign multinationals if it will establish a State-led, nationalised model of provision for wind energy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7488/23]
  • 2023-02-14 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if current or proposed protections from disconnections to heating and lighting supplies are applied in relation to district heating system residents; if the CRU will have any regulatory control over district heating systems in the near future; the number of residents and homes presently covered and supplied by district heating systems; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6994/23]
  • 2022-12-15 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if the Government supports the siting and building of LNG facilities in this State, specifically in Shannon and Cork in cases in which such facilities specify they will not use fracked gas; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [62709/22]
  • 2022-12-13 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the supports or arrangements that have been made to ensure that persons in rented accommodation who do not have a MRP number can get access to the electricity support grant; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [61642/22]
  • 2022-12-13 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if he will engage with the Commission for Regulation of Utilities in relation to the treatment of vulnerable users and the charging of these customers for meter readings. [61668/22]
  • 2022-12-07 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if he or his officials will meet with a student (details supplied) who has started a hunger and thirst strike over concerns relating the climate crisis in order to address the issues the student has raised; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [61103/22]
  • 2022-11-17 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the details of the issuance of an extended exploration licence to a company (details supplied); if this decision was subject to an analysis of the climate impacts of the potential extraction of fossil fuel in the field; if any analysis was carried out on the impact on Ireland’s climate targets and commitments under the Paris treaty; if he was given any legal advice that he was obliged to issue this licence; if any consideration was given to rejecting the application under the current terms and conditions of that licence; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [57152/22]
  • …and 103 more questions on Environment
• Finance 144 questions

  • 2024-10-24 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Finance if he will reconsider allowing the children of landlords registered with the Residential Tenancies Board (RTB) to claim the rent tax credit; if he will specifically refer to a case (details supplied); if he will explain the rationale for excluding this cohort; to indicate if there are plans to include this group in the future, or offer an exemption if the tenancy and landlord are RTB compliant; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43593/24]
  • 2024-05-28 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Finance if he will outline, given his powers to freeze, seize or otherwise impose restrictive measures on assets for the purpose of combating terrorism under the Criminal Justice (Terrorist Offences) Act 2005, and that the construction of settlements in the West Bank meets the definition of terrorist activity under that Act, as it is carried out with the intention of seriously destabilising or destroying the fundamental political, constitutional, economic or social structures of a state or an international organisation, the measures he intends to impose to prevent the financing of organisations carrying out terrorist activity in the West Bank; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23622/24]
  • 2024-04-16 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Finance if he plans to provide a pre-registration VAT exempt status for qualified and accredited members of an organisation (details supplied) and seek to rectify the inequities arising from the delay in establishing the statutory register; if he accepts that this proposal aligns with established practices and ensures that fair treatment prevails in the interim; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16688/24]
  • 2024-01-17 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Finance if renters in unregistered tenancies will remain ineligible for the rent tax credit; if he will acknowledge that those in precarious rental arrangements may risk losing their tenancy if they challenge their landlord; if he will recognise that those in this position often are on low incomes and would particularly benefit from the scheme, yet based on eligibility criteria remain locked out of the scheme; if he plans to address this, in order that those who need the credit most will be included in future; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [57330/23]
  • 2023-11-07 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Finance if he will consider establishing a national insurance company to cover the costs of flooding damage and other associated costs, especially when so many are currently unable to obtain insurance to protect against flooding damage; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47431/23]
  • 2023-10-17 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Finance the reason the purchase of second-hand homes by first-time buyers was not included in the help to buy scheme in Budget 2024; if he will commit to re-examining this position with a view to widening first-time buyers' opportunities to own their own home; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45002/23]
  • 2023-10-10 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Finance if he can detail the consultations his Department has had with GP representative groups regarding proposed changes to the tax treatment of GMS income, specifically the proposal to have this income declared as income by individual GPs who at present are in partnerships or have such income mandated to employers; if he can detail any research on the possible impact of this proposal in terms of tax revenue and impact on GP partnerships; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43975/23]
  • 2023-10-10 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Finance if his Department has a proposal to change the tax treatment of GP partnerships and their income from the GMS scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43976/23]
  • 2023-09-26 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Finance to provide details of the costs to the Exchequer each year, in tabular form for the diesel rebate scheme since its inception in 2013; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41141/23]
  • 2023-09-26 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Finance if there are any current schemes or plans to introduce schemes to help people who, due to serious medical illness and history of same, have failed to obtain mortgages from banks and other lending institutions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41326/23]
  • 2023-06-13 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Finance if his Department is aware of insurers writing to consumers on the issue of the danger of having homes underinsured, and so on; if the companies are now using the issue of potential underinsurance as a mechanism to reduce potential pay-outs to tenants for certain claims; if any regulatory authority under his Department has received any complaints or notification of this practice [27081/23]
  • 2023-06-13 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Finance if he can clarify (details supplied) in relation to the residential zoned land tax. [27918/23]
  • 2023-01-26 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Finance if community clubs and halls are eligible to apply for the temporary business energy support scheme; if he plans to provide specific supports for such facilities in dealing with the current energy price crisis; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3752/23]
  • 2023-01-24 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Finance his views on the growth in the number of millionaires in the State, identified in a recent report that showed the two richest people in the State have more wealth than the poorest 50% of the population; and his views on whether Government policy has driven or is responsible for this trend. [3106/23]
  • 2023-01-24 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Finance if he will re-examine the proposal for a wealth tax in Ireland in light of a recent export on wealth and inequality; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3105/23]
  • 2022-12-13 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Finance the number of complaints to the Ombudsman for Financial Services in the past three years; the number of these that were deemed ineligible for being out of date or time; if he can clarify whether complaints regarding the actions of banks and financial institutions to the Ombudsman are constrained by the date at which the incident and-or complaint arose; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [62266/22]
  • 2022-11-10 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Finance if he will clarify if firms who have returned a profit for the financial year ahead and that have applied for and received the temporary business energy support scheme, TBESS, will be required to return any amounts received from the State; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [55863/22]
  • 2022-11-10 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Finance if a full list of all companies applying for and receiving the temporary business energy support scheme will be published; when such information will be available; if the amounts claimed for each company will also be publicly available; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [55864/22]
  • 2022-11-08 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Finance if his Department is reconsidering allowing post offices to become community banks, permitting them to provide all financial services and facilities that banks currently do but with increased advantages and value for communities and ensuring the survival of these important service providers into the future; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [55463/22]
  • 2022-10-18 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Finance if his attention has been drawn to the €1,000 cost-of-living payment being made by two banks (details supplied) to their staff; if he will make inquiries as to the reason that staff of other banks are not being included in such a payment scheme; if he will encourage these financial institutions to follow suit; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51464/22]
  • 2022-10-13 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Finance if the names of the companies that access the temporary business energy support scheme will be published by his Department; the timeframe for same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50800/22]
  • 2022-10-05 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Finance the details of any contracts or services procured by his Department with top security, including any that are subcontracted to top security; the value of such contracts since 2015 to date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48997/22]
  • 2022-09-22 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Finance his plans, if any, to afford owners of defective apartment blocks built during the Celtic Tiger-era additional tax reliefs on the costs of redress which they face; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46238/22]
  • 2022-09-22 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Finance if he will examine changes to the tax rules affecting section 31E of the stamp duty legislation which are impacting schemes to help elderly persons remain in their homes when they experience financial difficulties (details supplied); his plans, if any, to exempt such products from the current rules; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46237/22]
  • 2022-09-15 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Finance the estimated revenue from an annual levy on the profits in the residential building sector, similar to the proposed levy in the UK in light of the Grenfell disaster, at rates of 5%, 10% and 15% respectively in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45305/22]
  • 2022-09-08 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Finance if he will examine the impact of changes in the Finance Act 2022 in relation to section 31E of the Stamp Duties Consolidation Act 1999 (as amended), which introduced an increased rate of 10% stamp duty on multiple purchases of housing units; the impact of this change on home reversion products which seek to help elderly persons remain in their home in situations in which they have fallen into mortgage arrears and so on; if he will consider amending the Act to allow for persons to continue to avail of such help and such products; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43837/22]
  • 2022-06-16 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Finance if he has studied a recent paper on wealth taxes and the problems with previous attempts by European Union states to introduce wealth taxes (details supplied); the plans he has in this regard for the coming period; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31246/22]
  • 2022-06-16 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Finance if property tax revenue for the individual electoral areas in each county are available or kept by his Department. [31657/22]
  • 2022-04-28 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Finance if the employment wage subsidy scheme will end for all recipients on 30 April 2022; the supports that will be available for any sector that continues to be affected by a downturn as a result of the pandemic; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21408/22]
  • 2022-03-22 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Finance if he will clarify the situation in relation to the home carers tax credit (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14917/22]
  • 2022-03-22 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Finance if, he will examine the current reimbursement rates (details supplied) for travel connected with business and work for employees given rising fuel costs; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14931/22]
  • 2022-02-16 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Finance the amount raised by the Exchequer in each of the years since 2010 by the application of VAT on home energy heating bills, that is, electricity and gas; the projected figures, if actual figures are not available, for VAT returns from the rising bills over recent months; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8583/22]
  • 2022-02-16 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Finance if Ireland will oppose or support proposals to include gas and nuclear projects in the EU taxonomy as suggested by the EU Commission; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8586/22]
  • 2022-02-15 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Finance if a business (details supplied) which diversified during the pandemic in an effort to remain solvent can access the employment wage subsidy scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8262/22]
  • 2021-12-09 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Finance if his attention has been drawn to the fact that the current Covid-19 surge and the cancellation of social events including travel have impacted heavily on many businesses and workers and that the reduction of wage supports recently has plunged many into extremely difficult financial situations; if he plans to fully restore these payments; if not, his plans to support those who will have dramatically reduced incomes as a result of public health advice and guidelines; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [60993/21]
  • 2021-06-15 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Finance if married couples are facing added difficulties in applying for mortgages from the main pillar banks as a result of the criteria used to calculate couples income; if such criteria are the bank’s own or derives from the Central Bank guidelines; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31804/21]
  • 2021-06-15 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Finance his plans to ensure that lending institutions take account of existing tenants' ability to meet current rental costs when assessing their mortgage applications given that couples are being denied mortgage applications for sums whose monthly repayments work out much lower than their current rents; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31805/21]
  • 2021-05-26 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Finance if companies (details supplied) have availed of the temporary wage subsidy scheme and the employment wage subsidy scheme; if access to the scheme will be re-examined in view of the refusal to recognise the rights of its employees to have their union recognised by the companies; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28550/21]
  • 2021-05-20 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Finance the number of applications for refunds of dividend withholding tax connected to the operation of real estate investment trusts and any other corporate bodies to which this is applicable since 2013; the amounts involved by year in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27301/21]
  • 2021-05-11 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Finance if he will consider allowing event catering companies that comply with all of the business eligibility criteria to access the Covid restrictions support scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24535/21]
  • 2021-05-05 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Finance if he will consider extending benefits or the staycation supports to owners of mobile homes that face annual fees but have been unable to access their home due to level 5 restrictions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22959/21]
  • 2021-05-05 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Finance if he will consider extending tax relief to owners of mobile homes that face annual fees but have been unable to access their home due to level 5 restrictions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22961/21]
  • 2021-03-31 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Finance the reason the Revenue Commissioners deduct tax refunds due to workers for medical expenses from outstanding amounts owed from the administration of the pandemic unemployment payment and temporary wage subsidy scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17189/21]
  • 2021-03-31 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Finance the reason workers are facing tax bills from the administration of the temporary wage subsidy scheme when the instruction to the employers was to top-up wages only to normal net amounts, effectively meaning a cut in gross pay and a saving to employers; if he will examine this position again in view of the fact that workers now facing tax bills received no improvement in their take home pay but are now presented with a tax bill; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17190/21]
  • 2021-03-24 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Finance if the code of conduct for mortgage arrears is a voluntary code; if not, if a regulatory body in the State will enforce its application; the mechanism the State has to ensure financial and corporate bodies abide by the code and engage with persons in arrears; his policy on dealing with threats to family homes as a result of such arears; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14186/21]
  • 2021-03-24 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Finance the number of persons who have filed domicile levy returns; the amount collected since commencement to date for which figures are available; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15187/21]
  • 2021-03-10 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Finance the number of successful applicants who have applied in each year of the operation of the help-to-buy scheme. [12887/21]
  • 2021-03-03 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Finance if the minimum allocation to the Horse and Greyhound Fund is bound by the wording of Part 3 section 12(4) of the Horse and Greyhound Racing Act 2001, which specifies an amount equivalent to the revenue from excise duty on off-course betting paid into the Exchequer in the preceding year or the year 2000 increased by reference to the consumer price index, whichever is the greater; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11739/21]
  • 2021-02-24 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Finance the discussion he has had with banks and lending institutions on a moratorium for mortgage holders, and other borrowers, affected by the Covid-19 crisis; the details of the outcome of these meetings; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9572/21]
  • 2021-02-24 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Finance if his attention has been drawn to the fact that banks and lending institutions may be penalising mortgage holders and other borrowers who avail of a moratorium in repayments specifically and that some are subsequently being refused access to certain services, are unable to change lender and are otherwise facing withdrawal of possible services as a result of the moratorium; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9573/21]
  • …and 94 more questions on Finance
• Communications 143 questions

  • 2020-07-30 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the way in which commitment to the sustainable development goals will be reflected in the 2020-25 strategy and work plan of his Department; his plans to monitor and report annually on the progress towards achieving the goals; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19699/20]
  • 2020-07-30 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment when a decision will be made on the five existing applications relating to licensing options and conversions to exploration licences under consideration by his Department in terms of oil and gas exploration; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19738/20]
  • 2020-07-30 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the details of progress in respect of the Just Transition Commissioner's progress reports' aim to develop community engagement through community workshops, which had been scheduled for April 2020 but was delayed due to the national and international restrictions due to Covid-19. [19986/20]
  • 2020-07-30 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the payments for services or goods by his Department to a company (details supplied) since 2015. [20771/20]
  • 2020-07-30 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the community and worker engagement process as set out for the midlands region, Bord na Móna workers and communities; the way in which the process is operating in view of Covid-19; his plans to advance community and worker engagement in respect of Bord na Móna and the just transition; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20976/20]
  • 2020-07-30 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment his views on whether the community engagement aspect of a just transition has been applied successfully in other jurisdictions; his plans to instigate some of the measures in the just transition plan for the midlands region; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20977/20]
  • 2020-07-30 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the status of the work of the midlands regional transition team; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20978/20]
  • 2020-07-30 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment if he will provide an update on the new citizens’ engagement model as mentioned in chapter 15 of the Climate Action Plan; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20979/20]
  • 2020-07-30 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment his plans for job creation and redeployment of Bord na Móna workers in the midlands; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20980/20]
  • 2020-07-15 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the details of all licences issued since 2016 for oil and gas exploration; the number and status of licences under consideration by his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15997/20]
  • 2020-07-15 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment when legislation will be moved to deal with the building of LNG terminals here; if this will cover each LNG proposal or just the importation of fracked gas; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15996/20]
  • 2020-06-16 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the funding allocated and available for the online voucher trading scheme for small businesses; his plans to increase available funding; if his attention has been drawn to problems in Dublin City Council areas with administering the scheme with businesses being refused or told the scheme is oversubscribed after they have completed the application process; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10879/20]
  • 2020-05-13 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment if he is satisfied with the resourcing of the office of the Just Transition Commissioner and team in terms of finance, budget and staffing; his views on whether the role which is part-time should be full-time; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4861/20]
  • 2019-12-05 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment his plans to reduce the level of waste tyres exported to India; if the Climate Action Plan 2019 or future plans will address the generation and treatment of such waste by-products in the motor industry; if ways of treating such waste here will be examined; if the disposal and environmental damage done by such waste in third party countries such as India can be examined; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51072/19]
  • 2019-11-28 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment if support for liquefied natural gas, LNG, projects that are destined to bring fracked gas imports from North America here will be reconsidered in view of the recent European Investment Bank, EIB, statement regarding the funding of fossil fuel infrastructure and projects; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49380/19]
  • 2019-11-28 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the meetings or discussions he has had with both Bord na Móna management and a person (details supplied) on the planned job losses at the company and the ending of peat harvesting; if the issue of negotiations with workers' representatives was discussed; if the issue of retraining workers affected was discussed or raised by him or his officials; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49390/19]
  • 2019-11-28 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the expenditure to date on the broadband tendering process; the costs associated with the competitive tendering process and subsequent legal and consultancy advice; and the breakdown of fees paid to external agencies. [49387/19]
  • 2019-11-28 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the estimated amount of carbon credits Ireland will need to purchase in 2020 in order to comply with its international obligations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49386/19]
  • 2019-11-28 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the SEAI allocation to local authorities for energy efficiency measures and retrofitting in social housing stock since 2010; and the planned spending by the SEAI on future energy efficiency measures in social housing units. [49388/19]
  • 2019-11-28 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment if he will address matters (details supplied) relating to the Corrib gas project and related infrastructure. [49471/19]
  • 2019-11-26 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the status of the work under way by his Department and the Attorney General to finalise a legally robust plan to implement a nationwide smoky coal ban; his plans to do so by regulation, amending legislation or primary legislation; if he will publish the advice on the issue; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48955/19]
  • 2019-11-13 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment if he or Bord na Móna plan to apply to the EU globalisation fund to aid in a just transition in Bord na Móna and elsewhere; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46849/19]
  • 2019-10-22 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the funding used for SEAI grants; and the number of persons and households that gained funding or access to grants in each of the years 2017, 2018 and to date in 2019 in categories (details supplied). [43166/19]
  • 2019-10-22 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment if the inclusion of the Shannon LNG project on the PCI list agreed on 4 October 2019 is the finalised list of PCI projects; if the decision for its inclusion on the PCI list has to be finally ratified; if so, when this decision will be made; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43246/19]
  • 2019-10-16 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment his plans to enhance fast charging points for electric vehicles in counties Cavan and Monaghan; the grants available to owners of service stations nationally to enable them to develop high speed 100 kWh electric car fast charging points at their service stations; the grant supports in place for persons who wish to introduce a charge point at their home; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42251/19]
  • 2019-10-10 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment his views on the inclusion of the Shannon LNG project on the projects of common interest list compiled in Brussels on 4 October 2019; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41393/19]
  • 2019-10-09 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment if funding for a project listed on the PCI list of the EU is discretionary; if not, if the State is obliged to provide funding having nominated the project for PCI status; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41327/19]
  • 2019-10-01 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the number of licences for oil and gas exploration issued in each of the past five years; if oil and gas exploration will be phased out in the Irish and Celtic Sea; if so, the date from which; and if no further oil exploration licenses will be available in the Atlantic sea. [39792/19]
  • 2019-09-25 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment his policy regarding the upcoming EU meeting to ratify the fourth list of projects of common interests; his plans to support the building of LNGs here; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38926/19]
  • 2019-09-17 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment if he has or is conducting a review into fuel poverty in accordance with the priority recommendation on page 48 (details supplied) of the 2019 report of the Oireachtas Joint Committee on Climate Action. [37063/19]
  • 2019-09-17 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the Department which is undertaking a review into fuel poverty in accordance with the priority recommendation on page 48 (details supplied) of the 2019 report of the Oireachtas Joint Committee on Climate Action; the groups or stakeholders the review has or is consulting; and when the review will be completed and circulated to members of the Houses of the Oireachtas. [37064/19]
  • 2019-07-23 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment his views on proposed gold mining in the Sperrin mountain region in Northern Ireland and its possible environmental impacts here; if he will raise the issue with the Northern Ireland authorities; and if he will raise the issue in a discussion with the relevant north-south intergovernmental bodies. [32220/19]
  • 2019-07-23 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the meetings or discussions he or his officials have had with groups (details supplied) and other groups or bodies in relation to the Petroleum and Other Minerals Developments (Amendment) (Climate Emergency Measures) Bill 2018 since January 2018. [32221/19]
  • 2019-07-23 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the progress made with a national survey of fuel poverty and those in need of supports as agreed by the Oireachtas Joint Committee on Climate Action. [32234/19]
  • 2019-07-23 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the petroleum licence applications currently under consideration by his Department. [32235/19]
  • 2019-07-23 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment his plans to legislate for changes in the planning regulations to provide for renewable energy projects offshore; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32236/19]
  • 2019-07-11 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the details or copies of all annual reports since 2010 sent to his Department by holders of a lease undertaking in respect of their efforts to establish commerciality of the relevant discovery. [30839/19]
  • 2019-07-11 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment further to Parliamentary Question No. 179 of 20 June 2019, if the application for a lease undertaken for a licence (details supplied) has been with his Department since October 2012; and the reason for the delay in deciding on this application. [30840/19]
  • 2019-07-11 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the progress or outcome of the tier 2 site investigation into an illegal dump (details supplied) in County Donegal; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31001/19]
  • 2019-07-11 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the cost to date of funding under the landfill remediation program for a site (details supplied) in County Donegal; and if the funding has conditions attached to it. [31002/19]
  • 2019-07-11 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment if he will instruct or advise the EPA to conduct further investigations into a site (details supplied) including water and soil testing to ascertain if there is toxic leakage into the surrounding water courses; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31003/19]
  • 2019-07-04 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment if all rental acreage fees paid to his Department fall due to be paid at the same time; if not, if this depends on the date of issue of the licence; and if the fees are paid in advance for the coming period or retrospectively. [28536/19]
  • 2019-07-04 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the budget for SEAI grants for improvements in home energy efficiency; and his plans to expand the budget in 2020. [28537/19]
  • 2019-07-04 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the applications for petroleum leases, undertakings and licences refused by his Department since 1995 to date; and if application fees were returned to the unsuccessful applicants. [28534/19]
  • 2019-07-04 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment when a decision will be made on outstanding applications for petroleum licences, leases and undertakings; and if in the event of refusal to grant a licence, it is practice to return application fees. [28533/19]
  • 2019-07-04 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the reason one application in relation to applications for lease undertakings is outstanding for a number of years; the reason for a such delay; and when a decision will be made. [28535/19]
  • 2019-06-25 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment if he has instigated, or will instigate, an independent audit regarding the amount of carbon emissions to be mitigated by the Climate Action Plan 2019 to tackle climate breakdown; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26433/19]
  • 2019-06-20 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment further to Parliamentary Question No. 180 of 13 June 2019, the details of the companies in two lease undertakings identified in his reply; the standard exploration licence the applications are related to; when an application for a lease undertaking was first made; and when his Department was first notified of a discovery at the site. [25980/19]
  • 2019-06-20 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment if the two lease undertakings identified in correspondence are for sites (details supplied); when these lease undertakings were first issued; and the licensing terms under which they were issued, that is, 1992 or 2007. [25981/19]
  • 2019-06-20 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment if he is considering an application for a lease undertaking at Hook Head under a site (details supplied); when the application was first made; and when a decision will be made. [25982/19]
  • …and 93 more questions on Communications
• Employment 137 questions

  • 2020-07-30 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection the amount of funds paid to all public transport operators for the provision and operation of the free travel scheme since 2015; and the amount paid to each operator in the past full year of operation in tabular form. [20749/20]
  • 2020-07-30 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection the number of social welfare recipients that have had payments stopped or reduced on foot of operations by social welfare inspectors at Dublin Airport since 2010; and the number of such operations at the airport by her officials since 2010. [20750/20]
  • 2020-07-30 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection the payments for services or goods by her Department to a company (details supplied) since 2015. [20775/20]
  • 2020-07-29 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection the number of applicants that were receiving the €350 Covid-19 pandemic unemployment payment that have had the amount reduced in recent weeks; and the total amount reduced. [19019/20]
  • 2020-07-29 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection the number of persons that have appealed the decision to reduce their €350 Covid-19 pandemic unemployment payment; the number that were successful; and the number awaiting a decision; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [19020/20]
  • 2020-07-29 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection if existing employment and company legislation will be examined to examine the steps which can be taken to aid workers such as those in a company (details supplied) facing mass redundancies; if emergency legislation will be introduced in line with recent suggestions by a union for a moratorium on such redundancies during the Covid-19 crisis; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [15811/20]
  • 2020-07-23 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection if persons on jobseeker's payment that go abroad for a holiday will have their payments affected in view of SI No. 242 of 2020; if the instrument applies to countries on the green list; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17912/20]
  • 2020-07-21 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection the situation in relation to a person who has been granted an Irish Research Council Government of Ireland Postgraduate Scholarship Programme in circumstances (details supplied); and the supports available for single parents in such circumstances. [16520/20]
  • 2020-07-14 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection her plans to introduce legislation to deal with situations in which companies or others engage in asset stripping of a firm in order to avoid their responsibility to their workforces, as in a case (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14769/20]
  • 2020-07-14 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection if she will meet workers of a company (details supplied); the steps she will take to ensure that stock or assets are not removed from the company's stores before the outcome of negotiations with workers' representatives on redundancy terms and possible future scenarios; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14770/20]
  • 2020-07-14 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection her plans for the JobPath scheme; when current contracts with providers Turas Nua and Seetec will expire; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14772/20]
  • 2020-07-07 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection if an applicant will automatically receive the greater of the two pensions in circumstances in which they received the details of their entitlements to both a non-contributory and contributory pension; and if they must specify which pension they will to avail of (details supplied). [13883/20]
  • 2020-06-30 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection the way in which a person (details supplied) that has total combined contributions here and in Germany that would yield a maximum State pension contributory here can lose out to the extent detailed; and her plans to alter the method of calculating such contributions to ensure such persons do not lose out in the future. [13193/20]
  • 2020-06-23 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection if she has been notified by a company (details supplied) of plans to make workers redundant; when her Department was notified; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12675/20]
  • 2020-06-16 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection her views on the decision by a company (details supplied) to lay off all its employees based here while continuing to operate in Ireland with employees based outside the State; her further views on its announcement that redundancy paid to employees will be only statutory entitlements; her further views on the lack of consultation with employees regarding the plans; if the company contacted or informed her of its plans; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [10902/20]
  • 2020-06-16 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection her views on the difficulties faced by persons in receipt of social welfare payments who do not have access to debit or credit cards and who are being refused service at some retail outlets as a result of Covid-19 measures which see some outlets refusing cash; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [10837/20]
  • 2020-06-16 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection her plans to deal with the situation of persons on low incomes who have no debit or credit card facilities and use cash only in the Covid-19 crisis in view of the fact many retailers are refusing to accept cash payment; if those on social protection payments will be facilitated with some form of access to cashless methods without incurring the costs associated with such banking facilities; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11487/20]
  • 2020-05-27 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection if she will provide the details of road passenger transport operators that received payments in respect of the acceptance of the free travel pass on their bus services; and the list of routes for which these operators received payment for 2019. [7432/20]
  • 2020-05-27 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection the estimated cost of extending maternity leave to all women currently on leave or who were on leave prior to the passing of the Emergency Measures in the Public Interest (Covid-19) Act 2020 for three months or until that legislation is revoked. [8122/20]
  • 2020-05-27 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection the reason for stopping the Covid-19 pandemic unemployment payment to residents in direct provision centres who lost their jobs as a result of the crisis; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8123/20]
  • 2020-05-27 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection the actions she plans to take regarding the closure of a business (details supplied); and if changes in legislation are planned to prevent employers taking similar actions in the months ahead specifically in respect of redundancy legislation and the provisions of the Protection of Employees (Fixed-Term Work) Act 2003. [8124/20]
  • 2020-05-20 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection the number of workers who have been placed on the wage subsidy scheme but also informed or have had to apply for supplementary welfare payments due to the fact that their earnings on the scheme are too low. [6155/20]
  • 2020-05-20 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection the number of persons who have applied for SWA since March 2020; and the number of those that are on the wage subsidy scheme. [6157/20]
  • 2019-12-05 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection her views on the recommendations by the Labour Relations Commission on pensions for community employment supervisors (details supplied); her further views on whether she is the funder referred to; her further views on whether the recommendations are being rejected; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [51071/19]
  • 2019-12-05 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection the situation in relation to the data collection exercise agreed by her Department in relation to the LCR19293 recommendation CE/JI Supervisors-Assistant Supervisors; the reason it included data from other categories not included in the LRC recommendation; if the data will be corrected to cover just the workers covered by the LCR recommendation; if the Community Sector High Level Forum will be convened in order to resolve the outstanding issues in relation to LCR19293; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [50793/19]
  • 2019-12-04 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection to set out the cost to date of the unrolling of the public services card; the reason possession of a card is mandatory for parents availing of the new child care scheme; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [50381/19]
  • 2019-11-05 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection if an increase will be made in the winter fuel allowance payment for Traveller families living in mobile homes or trailers. [44553/19]
  • 2019-11-05 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection if the winter fuel payment will be extended to Traveller families that are officially sharing accommodation. [44554/19]
  • 2019-10-23 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection the number of jobseekers who have entered the JobPath programme since its commencement; the number who faced sanctions from her Department in each year on foot of this interaction; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [43634/19]
  • 2019-10-23 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection if a review of the levels of energy poverty in the general population will be commenced; the number of applicants for the fuel allowance that were unsuccessful and refused in 2017, 2018 and to date in 2019; the reason for the refusals; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [43637/19]
  • 2019-10-23 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection if the suggested 30 cent increase in the national minimum wage will be implemented following a deal on Brexit, her plans to examine proposals for a living wage; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [43636/19]
  • 2019-10-23 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection the number of jobseekers under 25 years of age who are deemed to live independently; the way in which this is determined; and the number of such jobseekers that are expected to qualify for the full rate of jobseekers in the coming year following the recent budget 2020 announcement. [43633/19]
  • 2019-10-01 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection the way in which and the location the data contained on the public services card is stored; the companies used to store the data; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [39819/19]
  • 2019-09-25 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection if contracts for the provision of the JobPath programme will be renewed; and when a decision on the matter will be made. [38806/19]
  • 2019-09-25 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection the reason the JobPath provider Seetec is issuing notices to jobseekers detailing its policy on tackling radicalism; if jobseekers have been referred to her Department or An Garda Síochána in respect of same; the number of claimants that have been sanctioned or interviewed on foot of the concerns of Seetec relating to potential radicalisation risks; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [38794/19]
  • 2019-09-24 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection the amount spent on the roll-out and development of the public services card before and since October 2017 to date when the report by the Data Protection Commission into the card was initiated. [38607/19]
  • 2019-09-24 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection the number of public services cards issued before and since October 2017 to date when the report by the Data Protection Commission into the card was initiated [38608/19]
  • 2019-09-24 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection the amount spent on the roll-out and development of the public services card in the period before and since July 2018 to date. [38609/19]
  • 2019-09-24 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection the number of public services cards issued before and since July 2018 to date. [38610/19]
  • 2019-09-24 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection if a report is forthcoming from the Data Protection Commission regarding biometric data; and if so, when it will be published. [38611/19]
  • 2019-09-17 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection the funding provided for the free travel scheme from 2008 to date. [36996/19]
  • 2019-09-17 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection the way in which the free travel scheme fund has been distributed to specific transport companies from 2008 to date by company. [36998/19]
  • 2019-07-23 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection the number of staff employed in the special investigation unit; the staffing numbers in the unit since 2010; and the budget directed to the unit in each of the years since 2010. [31745/19]
  • 2019-07-23 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection the resources in the special investigation unit; and the resources allocated to each category of payment. [31746/19]
  • 2019-07-23 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection the number of staff employed as medical officers; and the budget directed to medical assessments for payments requiring a medical assessment. [31747/19]
  • 2019-07-23 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection the number of staff employed in the appeals section; the staffing numbers in the section since 2010; and the budget directed to appeals. [31748/19]
  • 2019-07-23 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection if she will address matters (details supplied) regarding the transfer of payments from post offices. [31843/19]
  • 2019-07-09 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection the estimated cost of extending the free travel scheme to persons that are visually impaired or blind and are unable to obtain a driver licence (details supplied). [29277/19]
  • 2019-07-09 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection the estimated cost of extending the workplace adaptation grant to those that are blind and vision impaired for a second year on community employment schemes. [29278/19]
  • 2019-07-09 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection the estimated cost of restoring the bereavement grant. [29432/19]
  • …and 87 more questions on Employment
• Agriculture 111 questions

  • 2024-06-25 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if his attention has been drawn to the work that an organisation (details supplied) carries out, and its desire to provide a much-needed national wildlife rehabilitation and teaching hospital and ancillary services; if he is aware that a suitable site was identified at St. Ita’s, and that the organisation had been working with Fingal County Council in this regard; if there are plans to allow the organisation to progress this important project; if not, whether he will commit to helping the organisation identify a suitable, accessible site and resource it to provide this much-needed hospital and services; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26948/24]
  • 2024-04-16 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the current status of the 4,822 non-coursing greyhounds who were registered on Rásaíocht Con Éireann's RCETS at microchipping stage, but who have never been raced on an RCE-licensed track (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16181/24]
  • 2024-04-09 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine further to Parliamentary Question No. 260 of 21 March 2024, to detail the two consignment of cattle shipped to Israel specifically when these shipments were made; the number of cattle involved and the private entity that arranged it; to further clarify if Department officials inspected these consignments; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14977/24]
  • 2024-03-21 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if cattle are still being exported to Israel from Ireland; if so, how this is appropriate, given that the people of Gaza are being starved and face famine; if the Government has any intention of halting the export of cattle and other foodstuffs to Israel in the face of impending famine in Gaza; if he accepts that this is seen by many as putting money before the lives of Gazans who are being slaughtered daily; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13488/24]
  • 2024-03-20 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the number of non-coursing greyhounds that participated in at least one official trial whose year of birth was 2021 as recorded on RCETS, and the number of non-coursing greyhounds that participated in at least one official trial whose year of birth was 2022 as recorded on RCETS; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12099/24]
  • 2024-03-20 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the number of non-coursing greyhounds that completed one or more races on an RCE licensed track whose year of birth was 2021 as recorded on RCETS; the number of non-coursing greyhounds that completed one or more races on an RCE licensed track whose year of birth was 2022 as recorded on RCETS; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12100/24]
  • 2024-03-20 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the number of non-coursing greyhounds exported after completing at least one official trial, but before having completed a race on an RCE licensed track whose year of birth was 2021 as recorded on RCETS; the number of non-coursing greyhounds exported after completing at least one official trial, but before having completed a race on an RCE licensed track whose year of birth was 2022 as recorded on RCETS; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12101/24]
  • 2024-03-20 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the number of non-coursing greyhounds rehomed before completing at least one official trial whose year of birth was 2021 as recorded on RCETS; the number of non-coursing greyhounds rehomed before completing at least one official trial whose year of birth was 2022 as recorded on RCETS; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12102/24]
  • 2024-03-20 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the number of non-coursing greyhounds rehomed after completing at least one official trial, but before having completed a race on an RCE licensed track, whose year of birth was 2021 as recorded on RCETS; the number of non-coursing greyhounds rehomed after completing at least one official trial, but before having completed a race on an RCE licensed track whose year of birth was 2022 as recorded on RCETS; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12103/24]
  • 2024-01-23 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he believes that the current method of replacing owners names with the wording 'GRI-SALES' on a greyhound's page on the Greyhound Racing Ireland website is to conceal the export of Irish greyhounds to countries where there are inadequate animal welfare protection laws as in the case of greyhounds (details supplied) and if he considers this to be a sufficiently rigorous level of traceability for Irish greyhounds; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2605/24]
  • 2024-01-23 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine how a greyhound (details supplied) is accounted for in RCETS considering that their last race in Ireland was 31 March 2023 at Shelbourne greyhound track; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2606/24]
  • 2024-01-23 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine how an Irish greyhound (details supplied) is accounted for in RCETS considering that their last race in Ireland was 15 September 2023 at Tralee greyhound track; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2607/24]
  • 2023-12-14 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if any consideration or study was undertaken by his Department or any other Department in relation to his recent trip to Korea and the proposed expansion of beef exports, in reference to the climate impact of such an expansion; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51600/23]
  • 2023-10-26 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine how many of the 12,483 non-coursing greyhounds born and registered with the Irish Coursing Club between 1 January 2021 and 31 December 2021 were registered to owners normally resident in the Republic of Ireland only (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47059/23]
  • 2023-10-26 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine how many of the 11,698 non-coursing greyhounds born and registered with the Irish Coursing Club between 1 January 2022 and 31 December 2022 were registered to owners normally resident in the Republic of Ireland only (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47060/23]
  • 2023-10-26 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the reason responsibility for the horse and greyhound racing industries transferred from the Department of Arts, Sport and Tourism to the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine, as provided for by Section 6(1) of the Ministers and Secretaries (Amendment) Act 1939 and Statutory Instrument No. 179 of 2010 - Horse and Greyhound Racing (Transfer of Departmental Administration and Ministerial Functions) Order 2010 - Statutory Instrument (S I) 179 of 2010 which came into operation on 1 May 2010; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47061/23]
  • 2023-10-26 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine to explain the discrepancy in figures given by Rásaíocht Con Éireann in relation to the number of non-coursing greyhounds registered at microchipping stage on the RCETS whose year of birth was 2022 (details supplied), bearing in mind that under existing legislation, all non-coursing greyhounds must be microchipped upon reaching 12 weeks of age; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47062/23]
  • 2023-07-25 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine to detail any funding or grant aid provided to the Dairy Council of Ireland since 2015 to date from his Department or the Government; the amounts spent by his Department or the Government in support of the processing and marketing of agricultural products, such as capital investment schemes since 2015; the amount of funding provided to Bord Bia since 2015; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35864/23]
  • 2023-07-25 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will detail the funding to the Dairy Council since 2015, in tabular form; to outline under the specific headings that this funding was dispersed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36345/23]
  • 2023-07-25 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine how he intends to interpret the text of Amendment 74 as adopted by the European Parliament on 12 July 2023 on the proposal for a regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council on nature restoration; if Amendment 74’s references to making the best use of market-based instruments and green budgeting tools will result in the approval of further sitka spruce plantations and the granting of further dairy subsidies; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36531/23]
  • 2023-07-13 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine whether his Department has funded campaigns by the National Dairy Council and Bord Bia about the supposed "sustainability" of Irish milk (details supplied); and whether he has concerns around these campaigns regarding climate disinformation or greenwashing, given the state of the climate and biodiversity crises. [35135/23]
  • 2023-07-13 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine his views on whether Bord Bia should be funding climate disinformation about the supposed 'sustainability' of Irish milk, given the state of the climate and biodiversity crises (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34761/23]
  • 2023-07-13 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine whether he will support a ban on coursing; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34760/23]
  • 2023-07-13 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine what action is being taken by Government to reduce emissions and prevent even further biodiversity loss in the context of extreme sea temperatures that have been seen this year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34758/23]
  • 2023-07-13 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine what action is being taken by Government to tackle the continued extreme deterioration of our water quality driven by increased nitrates and our industrial agriculture model; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34757/23]
  • 2023-07-13 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the number of non-coursing greyhounds who were microchipped and registered in the Irish Stud Book whose year of birth was 2021, reminding him that Rásaiocht Con Éireann has the power to request this information from the lrish Coursing Club under Section 26 (1) of the Greyhound lndustry Act 1958; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35284/23]
  • 2023-06-27 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the number of non-coursing greyhounds named on the RCETS to date who were born in 2021; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31370/23]
  • 2023-06-27 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the number of non-coursing greyhounds born in 2021 who were exported un-named to the UK or elsewhere; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31371/23]
  • 2023-06-27 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the number of non-coursing greyhounds who were microchipped and registered in the Irish stud book whose year of birth was 2021; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31372/23]
  • 2023-05-03 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine further to Parliamentary Question No. 474 of 8 February 2023, if an exclusion order against a named person (details supplied) remains in place; if it was in effect on 3 February 2023 when the person was photographed at Shelbourne Park Stadium with a representative of Greyhound Racing Ireland after their greyhound finished first in a race; if this constituted a breach of the exclusion order which prohibits the excluded individual from being on any greyhound track; if so, the action that will be taken; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20757/23]
  • 2023-02-08 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if allowing a named individual to enter a dog in a greyhound race in Shelbourne Park on 20 January 2023 while the individual is the subject of an exclusion order imposed by Rásaíocht Con Éireann for multiple serious doping offences undermines the integrity of the greyhound industry (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5696/23]
  • 2023-02-08 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the number of non-coursing stud greyhounds registered with the Irish Coursing Club in each of the years 2021 and 2022; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5697/23]
  • 2023-02-08 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the number of mating certificates for non-coursing dogs obtained from the Irish Coursing Club in each of the years 2021 and 2022; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5698/23]
  • 2023-02-08 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the number of non-coursing litters registered with the Irish Coursing Club in each of the years 2021 and 2022, in tabular form (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5699/23]
  • 2023-02-08 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the number of non-coursing dogs tattooed and microchipped with the Irish Coursing Club in each of the years 2021 and 2022; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5700/23]
  • 2023-02-08 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the number of naming forms for non-coursing dogs obtained from the Irish Coursing Club in each of the years 2021 and 2022; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5701/23]
  • 2023-02-08 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the number of non-coursing dogs named with the Irish Coursing Club in each of the years 2021 and 2022; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5702/23]
  • 2023-02-08 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the number of non-coursing dogs for whom markings were put on their identity book by the Irish Coursing Club in each of the years 2021 and 2022; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5703/23]
  • 2023-01-18 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the steps that are taken by his Department on foot of complaints or allegations around damage caused by herbicide or pesticide spraying on farms; if inspectors routinely take soil or water samples to test for the presence of chemical following such complaints; if this does not occur at present, if it would be considered in the future; the actions that are taken on foot of a specific allegation of crop and insect damage from spraying activities (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1277/23]
  • 2022-12-08 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he can detail any meetings or discussions that he or his Department have had with persons who have resigned from the Burren programme over concerns regarding the replacement scheme and fears that it could have negative impacts on the Burren landscape; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [61512/22]
  • 2022-12-08 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the way that the replacement scheme for the Burren programme will impact those 300 farmers currently in the programme; and if supports available will match the amounts available under the current Burren programme. [61513/22]
  • 2022-12-08 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine his views on a matter (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [61514/22]
  • 2022-11-10 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the number of individual greyhound owners and trainers who have been the subject of exclusion orders and banning orders since testing for prohibited substances commenced at Rásaíocht Con Éireann’s laboratory in Limerick; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [56010/22]
  • 2022-11-10 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the number of exclusion orders and banning orders issued by Rásaíocht Con Éireann currently in place; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [56011/22]
  • 2022-11-10 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the processes Rásaíocht Con Éireann has in place to ensure exclusion and-or banning orders are fully implemented and that those individuals who are the subject of same are prevented from attending greyhound tracks and-or racing dogs; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [56012/22]
  • 2022-11-10 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the number of positive tests that have been recorded since Rásaíocht Con Éireann started testing for prohibited substances at its laboratory in Limerick; if he will provide a breakdown of the categories for all positive tests; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [56013/22]
  • 2022-11-10 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the frequency with which Rásaíocht Con Éireann’s control committee has met, either in-person or remotely, for each of the years 2015 to 2021; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [56014/22]
  • 2022-10-25 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will provide an update on the UK-Australia beef trade deal and the effect that it will have on Ireland [53275/22]
  • 2022-10-25 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will provide an update on the way that Ireland’s agriculture sector will reach it’s emissions reductions goals [53277/22]
  • 2022-10-05 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the details of any contracts or services procured by his Department with top security, including any that are subcontracted to top security; the value of such contracts since 2015 to date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48987/22]
  • …and 61 more questions on Agriculture
• Enterprise 104 questions

  • 2024-07-11 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if he is planning to abolish sub-minimum wage rates in light of recent recommendations by the Low Pay Commission and the ESRI report; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30466/24]
  • 2024-07-11 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if he is aware of the recent threats by residential waste management companies to increase waste removal prices due to the loss of profits; if he is considering price controls or other measures to mitigate further increases in the cost of living; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30465/24]
  • 2024-07-11 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if he is planning further legislative changes to the minimum rates of pay and work conditions for security officers in the security industry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30467/24]
  • 2024-06-25 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if workers in the security industry are guaranteed pay rises, as per the employment regulation order (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26837/24]
  • 2024-06-13 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the actions the Government is considering in relation to the implementation of the adequate minimum wage Directive; if certain policy changes will be included (details supplied); the other policy changes being considered; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25806/24]
  • 2024-06-11 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment in relation to the Dublin Simon Community 100 bed health and addiction care facility located at Usher's Island, Dublin 8, if he can now confirm that the operational funding required will be in place before the opening of this critical and much needed development in Dublin city centre; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25118/24]
  • 2024-06-11 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if he has read the communication from an organisation (details supplied) regarding the delay in signing the new Employment Regulation Order for security officers; if he acknowledges that security officers are some of the most poorly paid workers in the State and are struggling to pay their bills as a result; if he will commit to signing the ERO immediately ensuring that security workers are granted the increase they are entitled to; if he will confirm when this will happen; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25528/24]
  • 2024-05-23 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if he is planning to delay the introduction of a living wage; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23305/24]
  • 2024-05-23 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if he is planning to issue grants to small and medium enterprises in the retail and hospitality sectors through the increased cost of business scheme based on their profitability; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23307/24]
  • 2024-05-23 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if he is planning to delay the expansion of the sick pay scheme to workers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23306/24]
  • 2024-04-18 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment how he is ensuring that workers in the technology sector facing redundancies are protected; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17048/24]
  • 2024-04-18 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment his plans to improve job quality and pay in the childcare sector; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17046/24]
  • 2024-04-18 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if he will ensure the Industrial Relations (Provisions in Respect of Pension Entitlements of Retired Workers) Bill 2021 will progress through Committee Stage; if not, how he will ensure the rights of retired workers are protected when their pensions are being altered; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17047/24]
  • 2024-04-16 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if he will provide an update on the next ERO pay increase for security officers who remain the lowest paid sector and who have had just one incremental pay increase in almost five years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16758/24]
  • 2024-03-07 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the actions he is taking to protect workers' rights in the technology sector who are currently experiencing mass layoffs, specifically silent layoffs; the way in which he will ensure that companies are not able to circumvent collective redundancy laws by continuously dismissing employees to avoid consultation period with the workers and the Minister (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11230/24]
  • 2024-02-27 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment in cases in which a worker is not under the provisions of the new statutory sick scheme for workers because they are deemed to be in an employer scheme which is more beneficial, if such workers now effectively have six waiting days before they can access social protection payments; if employers that operate such sick schemes have any legal obligation to pay a worker for days four, five and six under current legislation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9179/24]
  • 2024-01-30 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment to clarify when he expects to sign the next Joint Labour Committee Employment Regulation Order, JLC ERO, into law; if he will report on his meeting with the JLC ERO body on 26 January 2024 to go through submission in the WRC; and if he accepts that six months have now elapsed since the signing of the last JLC ERO on 4 September 2023; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4148/24]
  • 2023-11-23 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if he plans to bring forward any proposals that address the rights of retired workers in relation to having representation rights concerning their occupational pensions in light of his recent rejection of the proposal to grant retired workers the right to take cases to the WRC in relation to same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51599/23]
  • 2023-11-23 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if he can detail the total volume and value in euro of Ireland's exports to and imports from the state of Israel; the categories of products exported and imported; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51602/23]
  • 2023-11-23 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment his views on proposals to restrict and ban goods originating from illegal settlements in the West Bank; if his Department can provide any figures for the volume of such goods and their value of same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51603/23]
  • 2023-11-23 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment in relation to his recent trip to Korea and proposals for further data centres in this State, if he or his Department officials discussed the State’s energy crisis with his Korean counterparts; if the drain on the State’s energy system from the current number of data centres here was outlined or discussed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51601/23]
  • 2023-10-12 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the reason he has referred the Industrial Relations (Provisions in Respect of Pension Entitlements of Retired Workers) Bill 2021 to the Department of Social Protection, despite it being within his remit; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44424/23]
  • 2023-10-12 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if he will report on the lack of progress to date on the Industrial Relations (Provisions in Respect of Pension Entitlements of Retired Workers) Bill 2021, and the lack of alternative wording from his Department that would support the progression of the proposed Bill; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44422/23]
  • 2023-10-12 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the reason he has referred the Industrial Relations (Provisions in Respect of Pension Entitlements of Retired Workers) Bill 2021 to the Department of Social Protection; the particular areas he is seeking clarification on; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44425/23]
  • 2023-10-12 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if he will expedite progression of the proposed the Industrial Relations (Provisions in Respect of Pension Entitlements of Retired Workers) Bill 2021; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44423/23]
  • 2023-09-11 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if, in recognition of the significant delays with the security ERO and the recent lifting of the High Court injunction, he will commit to getting the new ERO signed off as soon as possible; if he will provide an indication of when this will be done; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37576/23]
  • 2023-07-25 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if he will detail his proposals in relation to the rights of retired workers' representatives to have greater access to the WRC or similar State arbitration bodies in the event of disputes relating to their occupational pension; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35865/23]
  • 2023-07-04 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if he is aware of the case of four workers (details supplied) who have been dismissed by a company for trade union activity; if he will meet with these workers and their representatives; if he has plans to introduce legislation to protect workers in these situations and strengthen the right to collective bargaining and trade union representation within the lifetime of the current Dáil; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32185/23]
  • 2023-06-29 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if he will detail any proposals or plans to deal with the issues regarding the representative rights of retired workers; if he will support the passage to Committee stage of the Industrial Relations (Provisions in Respect of Pension Entitlements of Retired Workers) Bill 2021; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31601/23]
  • 2023-06-29 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if he will bring forward or support new legislation in view of events at a company (details supplied) recently that will protect workers; his views on whether current legislation is sufficient to prevent abuses of workers in cases of examinership and so on; if his Department is investigating the actions of management at the company; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31602/23]
  • 2023-06-28 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the number of cases taken under disability grounds for discrimination under the Employment Equality Acts 1998-2015 to the Workplace Relations Commission in each of the years since 2015, in tabular form; the number of these cases that were adjudicated in favour of the complainant; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31462/23]
  • 2023-06-28 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if complainants taking cases under the grounds of discrimination in the workplace have access to any additional resources or supports in these cases; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31464/23]
  • 2023-06-21 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if he can detail the position in relation to the implementation of the security sector ERO, specifically, when the case will be heard in the High Court; the State's position on the current injunction against the ERO by some employers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30008/23]
  • 2023-06-21 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if he can clarify whether his officials will attend the next hearing of the High Court into the injunction taken by employers against the security sector ERO; if he has discussed this issue with his officials or legal team; if he has sought the advice of the Attorney General; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30124/23]
  • 2023-05-11 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if he is aware of recent actions by a company (details supplied) which are aimed at unilaterally changing the work contract of senior staff and separately the changing of hours and remuneration of delivery staff; if he will meet with worker representatives on foot of these moves to examine their concerns on the limitations of current legislation that governs protection of workers contracts and earnings; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22142/23]
  • 2023-04-27 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if his Department has been notified about proposed layoffs at a company (details supplied) in Dublin; if he will meet with representatives of the company in relation to these layoffs; the supports available for the workers facing redundancy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20145/23]
  • 2023-04-18 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment in relation to transfer of undertakings protection offered to workers who are changing employer as a result of such transfers, if current legislation guarantees that such workers being transferred to a new employer shall suffer no diminution of their pay or conditions in the first year after such a transfer takes place; if he can further clarify if TUPE legislation has any implications in situations where a company has won a State tender/contract and is now transferring its work to a new company; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16719/23]
  • 2023-04-18 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if a worker who has opted out of a company pension and receives an increase in salary instead is entitled to retain the same salary with a new employer under TUPE; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16908/23]
  • 2023-04-18 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the reason the regulations issued by the PSA have been altered to remove the previous clause in relation to adherence to EROs; if he will clarify his Departments legal strategy in relation to the current court case and legal action that has blocked the ERO in the security sector; if the State will, and is actively contesting the case by certain security companies; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17197/23]
  • 2023-02-23 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if he will support the progress to Committee Stage of the Industrial Relations (Provisions in Respect of Pension Entitlements of Retired Workers) Bill 2021; the proposals his Department has to enhance the representative rights of retired workers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9411/23]
  • 2023-02-23 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if his attention has been drawn to a recent survey (details supplied) showing that the vast majority of workers have not received wage rises in line with inflation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9251/23]
  • 2023-02-23 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if he will amend the Employment (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2018 to prevent employers from treating the upper range of banded hours as a cap when additional hours are being distributed (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9249/23]
  • 2023-02-23 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment his views on non-compliance by private security firms with the Employment Regulation Order for the security industry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9252/23]
  • 2023-02-23 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if he will abolish sub-minimum rates of pay for young workers and ensure that all workers receive at least the national minimum wage; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9250/23]
  • 2023-02-23 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if he will meet with representatives of workers of a supermarket chain (details supplied) who have been employed there since before 1998 and who have faced numerous attacks on their status by the company, including the refusal by the company to award them pay rises given to other staff; if he can clarify the protections that are presently in place or are planned by his Department to stop employers like the aforementioned company from targeting senior staff in this way; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9248/23]
  • 2022-12-13 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment further to Parliamentary Question No. 104 of 6 December 2022, his views on a matter (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [62017/22]
  • 2022-12-06 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment further to Parliamentary Question Nos. 160, 161, 163, 164 and 166 of 1 December 2022, the position of the person, who having secured full-time employment while on a G1 graduate visa, has now been informed they must fulfil the labour market needs test to secure a work permit which was not originally required when they applied for and secured the position; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [61037/22]
  • 2022-12-01 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if he will examine the case of a teacher (details supplied) who teaches an autism class in a school which has four other unfilled teaching posts due to a teacher shortage in which the person faces losing their position due to a refusal to issue a work permit to them; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [59914/22]
  • 2022-12-01 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if non-EU applicants can apply for positions advertised on a website (details supplied); if she plans to change current work permit legislation in relation to teaching positions given the current crisis in filling positions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [59915/22]
  • 2022-12-01 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if the case of a person (details supplied) who has been refused a work permit to continue working as an SNA will be examined; if any exceptional circumstances or discretion can be applied by his Department to allow this person to continue working in the school given the crisis in attracting and retaining staff in this sector and the difficulties faced by the school in replacing this person; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [59910/22]
  • …and 54 more questions on Enterprise
• Foreign 96 questions

  • 2024-06-12 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs if he has any plans to provide extra supports to students from Gaza, in light of the awful situation they and their families have endured and continue to face in Palestine (details supplied); if he will take extra steps to further support these students; the measures he can take in this regard; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25744/24]
  • 2024-06-11 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs if he is aware that at least 11 Palestinian graduates who came here to study on ICOS/Department of Foreign Affairs-/Irish Aid-sponsored scholarships have recently received a letter (details supplied); if he agrees that this is a poor choice of options, given the situation in Palestine; the reason the option to secure a two-year graduate work visa is not given to these Palestinian graduates as it is to their fellow overseas graduates; if he will commit to ensuring that this option is now extended to these graduates as a matter of priority; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25120/24]
  • 2024-05-21 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs his views on the findings of the 2024 UNFPA State of World Population Report (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22665/24]
  • 2024-04-30 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs if he is aware of the recent report that Irish protesters were told at a pro-Palestine protest camp in Berlin that they were not allowed to speak Irish by German police; if he agrees that this is an unacceptable development and infringes a person's right to speak a language of their choice and is a dangerous precedent to set; if he will clarify if this violates any article of the European Convention on Human Rights or any other legislation; if he intends to raise this matter with his German counterpart with a view to expressing his concerns that Irish citizens were instructed not to speak their national language and under which legislation was this ordered; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18937/24]
  • 2024-03-20 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs if he is aware of the case of a person (details supplied), a Palestinian lawyer and human rights defender, who was arrested by Israeli forces on 19 January 2024, and whose detention has been strongly condemned by Front Line Defenders and the International Observatory of Lawyers at Risk; if he will raise their case at the highest diplomatic and political level in an effort to secure their earliest release; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12011/24]
  • 2024-01-17 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs the reason Ireland is not submitting the names and details of the families of Palestinian-Irish citizens for exit from Gaza as other countries have done, including the USA, Canada, Australia, Norway, France, the Netherlands, Austria, Belgium, and many others; if he will acknowledge that while these family members are not Irish citizens, their lives are endangered by lack of medication, food and clean water in addition to relentless bombing; if he will acknowledge that they will be accommodated by their family members here, and will not be a burden on the State; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [56429/23]
  • 2024-01-17 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will intervene to help secure the release of three persons (details supplied) who were kidnapped by the Israeli army on 13 December 2023; if he will acknowledge their work with traumatised children living in the Jenin refugee camp and how necessary their work is; if he is aware that the IDF took 100 persons from the camp and killed four young people on the same day and that three of the hospitals in Jenin were surrounded by Israeli tanks; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [56695/23]
  • 2023-09-11 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs if he is aware that there does not appear to be a way for Members of the Oireachtas to contact the foreign births register section to make queries on behalf of their constituents; the contact phone number is for general queries but does not allow for specific application queries; if he is aware that there are applications submitted in early 2021 that still have not been dealt with fully; if he will provide an update on one such application (details supplied) and ensure that a pathway for public representatives to receive updates for constituents is provided; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37392/23]
  • 2023-06-27 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs if there are plans to change the system in relation to the witnessing of signatures on passport applications by a member of An Garda Síochána at local Garda stations; if he is aware that the process includes the recording of witnessing gardaí’s details in a log, which is then called upon by the Passport Office for verification; if he is also aware that it is not uncommon for an omission or a mistake to happen at this point, resulting in an often significant delay for the passport applicant through no fault of their own; if he will acknowledge the archaic and inconsistent nature of this step in the process; if he will provide details of the number of passport applications that are held up as a result of omissions or mistakes in witnessing signatures by members of An Garda Síochána; if he will outline any plans to update and/or streamline the signature witness process; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30817/23]
  • 2023-06-13 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will detail the progress made on reaching SDGs and on international aid; what the target is; and where we are at specifically in relation to, a Voluntary National Review on the SDGs, reaching 0.7% ODA/GNI with high-quality, poverty-focused overseas aid and climate financing; if the Government will address Irish civil society's five key recommendations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28114/23]
  • 2023-04-27 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will call in the Israeli ambassador to Ireland to establish the steps that are being taken in relation to the escalating violence by Israel on Palestinians; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19618/23]
  • 2023-03-30 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will provide an update on his efforts to secure the release of a person (details supplied) who is currently being held in an Iranian prison; if he is aware of the declining health of the person and the urgency this poses in terms of the person's release; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16009/23]
  • 2023-03-21 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs if he had any discussions on the impacts of Israel’s continued aggression and illegal occupation of Palestinian territory and its destabilising effects on the region during his recent trip to Lebanon; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5133/23]
  • 2023-01-31 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs if he is concerned about recent statements by the incoming Israeli Prime Minister, and their clear sanctioning of further illegal settlements and annexations in the West Bank; if he will raise this at EU and UN forums; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4397/23]
  • 2023-01-18 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs the steps that he is taking to stop the imminent expulsion and forced transfer of over 1,000 Palestinians, including 500 children, by the Israeli Government in clear violation of international law; if will he acknowledge that the forcible transfer of such people in Occupied Territories is a war crime under international law and that the UN and international, Israeli and Palestinian human rights organisation have called this a grave violation of the Fourth Geneva Convention; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2088/23]
  • 2022-11-15 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the way in which Ireland plans to engage with the IMF on its policy of austerity, with particular concern for the way that this policy is impacting on the public sector wage bills, education, especially girls' education and development outcomes in lower-income countries benefitting from Ireland's foreign aid; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [56669/22]
  • 2022-10-25 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs his views on a recent speech by a person (details supplied) in which they compared Europe to a garden and the world to a jungle; his views on whether these comments were inappropriate and insensitive; his plans to call for a retraction of same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52941/22]
  • 2022-10-06 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will request a meeting with Iranian representatives to express Ireland's outrage at the treatment and killing of protesters especially the many young women who have been killed in recent weeks; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49079/22]
  • 2022-10-06 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if recent statements and actions by the Government have resulted in a diminution of Ireland's policy of neutrality; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49080/22]
  • 2022-10-05 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the details of any contracts or services procured by his Department with top security, including any that are subcontracted to top security; the value of such contracts since 2015 to date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48999/22]
  • 2022-09-08 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will condemn Israel’s military raids on the offices of Palestinian human rights and civil society organisations as an internationally wrongful act; if he will summon the Israeli Ambassador to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and request that the Israeli military commander in the occupied West Bank be ordered to lift the closure order on offices of the Palestinian human rights organisations; if he will request the Israeli Minister of Defence to immediately rescind the terrorist designation on Palestinian human rights and civil society organisations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42905/22]
  • 2022-07-05 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the steps that a person can take in circumstances (details supplied) to obtain a passport; if the requirement to have used their surname for two years and or documents proving the new name usage is reasonable in cases in which an Irish citizen wants to travel in the interim; the options for this person who needs a passport to open a bank account in advance of attending college this autumn given the difficulties that they are now experiencing as a result of the name change; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36073/22]
  • 2022-06-28 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs his views in relation to an incident in Cork harbour recently and the arrival of a foreign warship to the harbour; if he will confirm that all laws and procedures were adhered to in relation to the arrival of such vessels in Ireland's territorial waters; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33944/22]
  • 2022-06-23 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs his views on Poland's abortion ban; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33169/22]
  • 2022-06-23 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if Ireland will use its place on the UN security council or call in the Israeli ambassador to raise the use of administrative detention by the Israeli state, and if it can specifically raise the hunger strike of two detainees (details supplied) who have been held in administrative detention; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32969/22]
  • 2022-06-14 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will raise the plight of two persons (details supplied) on hunger strike in Palestine at the United Nations General Assembly and with the Israeli authorities. [31003/22]
  • 2022-06-02 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the position in relation to the validity of a current passport, specifically if a passport is due to expire in the next month, if a trip within a European Union country takes place if a return ticket is produced for inspection; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28702/22]
  • 2022-05-31 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will meet the ambassador from India to express the Government’s outrage at recent and escalating calls by members and supporters of President Modi’s party in Haridwar and Delhi for the large-scale elimination of Muslims (details supplied); if he will use Ireland’s position on the United Nations Security Council to call for international sanctions against the Modi regime for encouraging such calls; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27466/22]
  • 2022-05-31 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will take immediate steps to put pressure on the Israeli government to halt the expulsion and forced transfer of over 1,000 Palestinians, which represents the largest expulsion and forced transfer of Palestinians to take place since the beginning of the Israeli military occupation of Palestine in 1967; if he will acknowledge that the United Nations and international, Israeli and Palestinian human rights organisations have called this a grave violation of the Fourth Geneva Convention and a possible war crime; if he will act with the urgency that is required to prevent this action; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27534/22]
  • 2022-05-11 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if there are plans to increase the number of staff answering passport telephone queries from members of the Houses of the Oireachtas in advance of the summer 2022 season given that it is already extremely difficult to get through to obtain information for persons who are experiencing delays in obtaining passports; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23540/22]
  • 2022-05-10 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if his attention has been drawn to a recent report in the media (details supplied) regarding a massacre and crime against humanity by Syrian military against civilians at Tadamon, Syria in 2013; if he will support efforts to raise the matter at international fora; if Ireland will use its position at the United Nations to highlight the massacre and support a campaign for justice for the victims of the massacre; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22889/22]
  • 2022-05-10 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will raise the issue of the ongoing use of Shannon Airport with United States authorities in view of recent court proceedings; and his views on the assertion expressed recently in court that the facilitation of the United States military at Shannon and the failure to inspect such traffic constitutes a breach of Ireland's obligations and status as a neutral country. [22890/22]
  • 2022-04-26 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will clarify the situation in relation to a person (details supplied); the steps that he has taken to assist in this case; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20147/22]
  • 2022-03-24 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if Ireland will support and advocate for an EU programme to grant refugee status to Tibetan people currently displaced from their homeland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15105/22]
  • 2022-03-24 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if Ireland will use its position on the United Nations Security Council to raise the situation of Palestinian residents in East Jerusalem neighbourhood of Sheikh Jarrah and the ongoing violations of human rights by the Israeli authorities; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15106/22]
  • 2022-03-22 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if Ireland will use its seat at the United Nations Security Council to raise the plight of the people of Tibet; if Ireland will specifically raise matters that have been raised in recent reports by an organisation (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14672/22]
  • 2022-02-08 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will provide information (details supplied) in relation to the gathering at his Department regarding the United Nations Security Council vote; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6249/22]
  • 2022-02-08 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the actions that are being taken to help the populace of Afghanistan as they continue to face the most horrendous conditions including starvation and extreme poverty with many resorting to selling body organs or children to secure food for their families; the actions that are being taken at European Union level to ensure immediate aid is delivered; the role that Ireland is playing in urging other nations to intervene; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6603/22]
  • 2022-01-27 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the means by which invitations were issued to attend the event in Iveagh House on 17 June 2020 to celebrate winning a seat on the United Nations Security Council; if there were children in attendance; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3924/22]
  • 2022-01-27 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the time the event in Iveagh House on 17 June 2020 finished; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3925/22]
  • 2022-01-19 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will take immediate steps to send urgent food aid to Afghanistan as eight million people currently face starvation; if he will, in view of the urgency of the situation, inform the Houses of the Oireachtas of the steps he will take in this regard; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [63335/21]
  • 2021-11-18 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he has had correspondence with the Irish Ambassador in Addis Ababa regarding the situation facing the Tigray in Ethiopia; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [56573/21]
  • 2021-11-18 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he has had an engagement with the European Union on the migrant situation in Belarus; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [56572/21]
  • 2021-10-19 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs his views on recent reports that the Ethiopian state used its national airline to ferry arms into Ireland during the conflict in Tigray in November 2020; and if the Ethiopian authorities will cooperate in any checks deemed necessary at Dublin Airport to ensure that no violation of international aviation laws on the carrying of arms on civil aircraft takes place in view of a recent UN report that found multiple and severe reports of alleged gross violations of human rights in that conflict. [50678/21]
  • 2021-09-09 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the date for the resumption of processing of applications for Irish citizenship via the foreign birth register which has been paused for the duration of the Covid-19 pandemic to date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41998/21]
  • 2021-07-27 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the timeframe for all backlogged applications for passports to be cleared; the emergency procedures in place for persons who must undertake travel to other countries but are affected by the current delays in passport application processing and by the delays in the registration of births as a result of the cyberattack; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39400/21]
  • 2021-07-27 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if Ireland will use its influence in the EU to ensure the Indian Government is aware of Ireland’s concern over its handling of the Covid-19 crisis in India and the high death toll there; if he will urge the EU to ensure that future trade deals and so on are contingent on vaccines been available to all citizens in India; if funds donated to a fund (details supplied) will be open for full scrutiny as to their dispersal and use; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39831/21]
  • 2021-07-14 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the way in which parents of newborn children who have been unable to register their child’s birth can travel with their child for essential reasons to other countries in the coming period; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30917/21]
  • 2021-06-24 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if in view of ongoing violence against Palestinian people by the Israeli state, he will reconsider Irish Israeli relations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33806/21]
  • 2021-06-24 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the actions the State will take as a result of the recent actions by the Hungarian Government in relation to LGBT rights; if he will express the solidarity of the State with the LGBT community in Hungary; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33807/21]
  • …and 46 more questions on Foreign
• Public 78 questions

  • 2023-01-18 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if the Public Appointments Service can adequately evaluate non-nationals applying for jobs in the public service who may have higher level qualifications such as level 9 and but not have an Irish Leaving Certificate; if any weight or account is presently taking by the PAS when looking at such applicants; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1256/23]
  • 2023-01-18 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if the PAS compiles any statistics on the recruitment levels of non-Irish nationals in the public service; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1257/23]
  • 2023-01-18 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if current employment practices of the PAS may be discriminating against highly educated non-Irish nationals in attaining employment opportunities in the public service, specifically in relation to the treatment of graduates from abroad without an Irish education background; if these practices are compatible with EU equality principles; if his Department has any plans to amend current employment practices in the PAS; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1258/23]
  • 2022-10-05 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the details of any contracts or services procured by his Department with top security, including any that are subcontracted to top security; the value of such contracts since 2015 to date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49003/22]
  • 2022-09-28 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if he will provide a breakdown of the total number of employees in the public service and Civil Service by earnings in specific increments (details supplied), in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47401/22]
  • 2022-09-28 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if he will clarify recent changes, if any, to the rights and procedures of retired civil and public sector workers to take cases to the pensions ombudsman; the rationale for these changes; if representative organisations were consulted ahead of the changes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47496/22]
  • 2022-06-16 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if public sector pay talks will form part of a wider process similar to previous social partnership agreements; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31247/22]
  • 2022-06-16 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if unclaimed National Lottery winnings are subject to any oversight or monitoring by the Government in terms of the way and when they are spent; if he has plans to revisit previous agreements on the issue with the winning contractor for the national Lottery; when the current contract expires; if there are plans on the future of the Lottery; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31248/22]
  • 2022-06-14 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform when he expects to make a decision on the proposed statutory instrument, S.I. that relates to the regular wages scheme of CIÉ workers; the expected timeline for signing-off on the proposed S.I.; the discussions and potential difficulties with the proposed S.I.; if his Department has held discussions with other bodies in relation to this; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30791/22]
  • 2022-05-17 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the estimated cost of including those who work in the homeless sector (details supplied) in the Covid-19 recognition scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24246/22]
  • 2022-03-01 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform further to a previous Parliamentary Question on the pension scheme of retired RTÉ employees that a decision on such schemes was not solely his responsibility, if Regulation 85 which specifies that a pension may be increased by such an amount as may be authorised from time to time by the Minister for Finance and if since the Department was split into two, if he has assumed the role and approved all subsequent changes to the RTÉ pension scheme; if this suggests that his Department does have sole responsibility; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11382/22]
  • 2022-03-01 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if he will clarify if the pensions schemes of former RTÉ employees and Dublin Port and Dock workers are subject to a veto in terms of a proposed rise in these pensions by his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11381/22]
  • 2022-02-17 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the position in relation to the RTÉ pension scheme; if he plans to sanction a rise for pensioners whose pensions have been frozen since 2008; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8950/22]
  • 2021-12-14 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the details of a tender issued for the provision of chairpersons of Government initiated reviews or bodies. [61700/21]
  • 2021-06-17 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if he plans to engage with trade union representatives advocating a four-day working week; if he will consider such a proposal for the civil and public sectors; if he has examined similar proposals in other jurisdictions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32214/21]
  • 2021-06-17 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the position in relation to remote working arrangements for civil servants and other public sector workers; if the results of the recent survey among civil servants in relation to remote working will be taken on board by his Department in the months ahead; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32213/21]
  • 2021-06-16 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform his plans to reverse the FEMPI cuts to the fees of barristers contracted by the State to defend and prosecute criminal law matters; the reason such fees have not reversed while other FEMPI cuts have been addressed; if he plans to meet barristers’ representatives; his views on the impact of these cuts on the operation of the State’s legal services; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32474/21]
  • 2021-06-15 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if bins located in St. Stephen’s Green and Iveagh Gardens are solar compactors; his views on reports that they are currently full in advance of a busy bank holiday weekend; if there are plans to address this; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31426/21]
  • 2021-06-03 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the full savings to the State from changes made to public sector pensions since 2009 to date including the savings from the public service pension reduction on pensioners and the pension related deduction and additional superannuation contribution on serving staff; and the full savings to the State in each year from contributions sought from other occupational schemes since 2009 to date as a result of the financial crisis or as a part of the FEMPI legislation in tabular form. [30328/21]
  • 2020-12-16 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform his plans to ensure pay restoration for section 39 workers in over 250 organisations who have not yet received pay restoration to date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43648/20]
  • 2020-12-10 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if professional fees are paid by his Department on behalf of employees; if so, the total number involved; and the amount of each fee. [42706/20]
  • 2020-11-18 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if he plans to change the rules of the RTÉ pension scheme, or other similar schemes, in view of fears that there may be an effective €30 million or €500,000 per annum raid of assets of the pension savings of retired RTÉ employees and in view of the fact in 2019 he refused a 1% pension increase; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37290/20]
  • 2020-11-03 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if he has plans in relation to the pension provisions for retirees of some categories of semi-State pension funds such as RTÉ that have not had a pension increase for 12 years and do not qualify for the State pension; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32474/20]
  • 2020-09-22 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the provisions for workers that have left or were in their final year of service in the public sector when the Public Service Superannuation (Age of Retirement) Act 2018 was passed to continue working in their positions; if workers aged 66 years of age and that were still working in their positions when this legislation was enacted can continue working in line with the new age limits in the Act; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24716/20]
  • 2020-07-30 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the payments for services or goods by his Department to a company (details supplied) since 2015. [20781/20]
  • 2019-12-11 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the funding and expenditure not spent by each Department and returned to the Exchequer in 2019. [51923/19]
  • 2019-12-05 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if he will meet with trade union representatives to discuss recent developments with the pension entitlements of community employment supervisors and related issues; his plans to convene the community sector high level forum to resolve outstanding matters relating to community employment supervisors and other workers' pension entitlements; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50791/19]
  • 2019-11-14 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if the escalating costs of the national children’s hospital will require changes to his budget projections or to promised capital expenditure; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46799/19]
  • 2019-11-14 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform his position on the pay of senior civil servants and the proposed review of same by the Public Service Pay Commission; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46801/19]
  • 2019-11-14 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform his role in selecting the chief procurement officer; if the CEO of the Office of Government Procurement will have a future role in the management of costs at the proposed new national children’s hospital; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46802/19]
  • 2019-11-14 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the estimated cost in one full year of providing funding for a pension scheme for community employment supervisors in line with a previous Labour Court recommendation of 2008 (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46803/19]
  • 2019-11-14 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the number of exceptions granted to the general pay caps in the public service, specifically for special advisors to Ministers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46800/19]
  • 2019-10-01 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if he will meet with representatives of retired public and semi-State workers (details supplied) to discuss their grievances about reductions and changes to their pension schemes in previous years which have not been fully restored ahead of the upcoming budget; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39615/19]
  • 2019-10-01 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the cost of honouring the Labour Court finding on the community employment scheme supervisors pension costs; if the ongoing issue on financing the pension rights of these workers will be resolved in the upcoming budget; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39614/19]
  • 2019-07-23 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if the FEMPI legislation has been completely revoked; if the declaration of a financial emergency has now ended; if he will lay further reports before the Houses of the Oireachtas on the issue of a financial emergency that underpinned the previous FEMPI legislation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32195/19]
  • 2019-07-23 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform his plans to meet with representatives of affected workers to discuss the issue relating to the pension entitlements of community supervisors; if he will make provisions in budget 2020 to fund the Labour Court judgment on the issue; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32196/19]
  • 2019-04-10 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if the measures and age extension in the Public Service Superannuation (Age of Retirement) Act 2018 will apply to semi-State workers going forward, specifically to employees at RTÉ; if there are proposals to extend the measure to other workers in other sectors; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16966/19]
  • 2019-04-04 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if he will examine the possibility of widening the applicability of the home care credit in the calculation of pension entitlements for retired workers, specifically workers in semi-State organisations and bodies such as the Central Bank, who may have no entitlement to State contributory pensions and whose workplace pensions are disadvantaged by the refusal of the semi-State employers to give credit to workers for years out of the workforce raising families; if the legislation can be amended to cover such workers and ensure all women who raise families are given home care credits in calculating their final pensions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15848/19]
  • 2019-04-04 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if legislation governing the pension entitlements of workers (details supplied) can be amended to allow women who raised families and took leave from their workplaces for those periods to avail of home care credits similar to those recently amended under the contributory pension scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15854/19]
  • 2019-03-05 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the proposed changes to the external workplace investigation service framework; the firms providing services; and the cost of such services since 2012. [10625/19]
  • 2019-03-05 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform his plans to remove members of a union (details supplied) from the provisions of the Public Service Stability Agreement 2018-2020; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10623/19]
  • 2019-03-05 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if the total amount of providing pension entitlements to community employment supervisors in line with the Labour Court proposal has been costed; if funding will be made available in the coming period to deal with the issue; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10622/19]
  • 2019-03-05 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the consequences for trade unions that are not covered by the Public Service Stability Agreement 2018-2020, specifically the loss of increments and proposed pay rises for non-covered public servants; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10621/19]
  • 2019-03-05 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the companies the public service can procure services from in the area of industrial relations and human resource support specifically for industrial relations investigations relating to disciplinary matters; and the costs of procuring these services since 2012. [10624/19]
  • 2019-01-29 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if the NPWS has investigated solutions other than culling to address the overpopulation of the Phoenix Park deer herd; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4268/19]
  • 2019-01-15 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if all sick leave is taken into consideration before sanctioning a due incremental pay rise for public sector employees; his plans to examine proposals that would treat work related illness or injury in a different way when calculating entitlements to future increments; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [54510/18]
  • 2018-12-18 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if he has set a cap of two years salary as a maximum in potential redundancy packages for affected workers in terms of proposed or future redundancies that may arise in the public sector; if this cap is being applied in other Departments; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52738/18]
  • 2018-12-06 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the changes made as a result of sick leave to the manner in which public servants avail of incremental pay increases since 2010; and the changes to rules governing sick leave and their impact on scheduled incremental pay increases in recent years. [51256/18]
  • 2018-12-06 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the changes, as a result of FEMPI or the Public Service Pay and Pensions Act 2017, regarding the impact that sick leave may have on the projected incremental pay levels of public servants. [51257/18]
  • 2018-11-27 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if the policy in relation to the delivery of public infrastructure to examine the long-term costs and benefits of the present reliance on private sector providers will be reviewed in view of recent issues with competitive tendering and public procurement; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49215/18]
  • …and 28 more questions on Public
• Defence 71 questions

  • 2024-05-16 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence if there are any immediate military threats to Irish security; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21889/24]
  • 2024-05-16 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence if he has received recent official requests from the European Commission to strengthen the Irish Defence Forces; if so, the reasons for doing so; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21890/24]
  • 2024-05-16 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence the specific issues he has with the triple lock system that need to be addressed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21888/24]
  • 2023-02-02 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence if he or other Ministers have sought or looked for legal advice in relation to Ireland's participation in EU battlegroups; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5134/23]
  • 2022-10-05 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Defence the details of any contracts or services procured by his Department with top security, including any that are subcontracted to top security; the value of such contracts since 2015 to date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48991/22]
  • 2022-01-26 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Defence the status of the inclusion of a person (details supplied) in the formation of the terms of reference for the review on Army sex abuse; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3952/22]
  • 2021-09-22 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Defence the number of females who have included family care issues among their stated reasons for seeking inter service transfers or discharge from the Naval Service over the past five years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45708/21]
  • 2021-09-22 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Defence the length of time it takes for a complaint of sexual assault to be dealt with currently in the Defence Forces; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45709/21]
  • 2021-09-22 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Defence if he will make provision to allow serving and retired male and female victims of sexual abuse, harassment and gender discrimination in the Defence Forces an opportunity to tell their experiences of abuse anonymously during the inquiry stage of the external commission that is being called for by a group (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45710/21]
  • 2021-05-13 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Defence the timeframe for the work of the commission on defence to be completed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25107/21]
  • 2021-03-03 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Defence his plans to ensure Defence Forces personnel fulfilling duties overseas and in areas with high levels of Covid-19 community transmissions will receive the vaccination before embarking on such duties; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11700/21]
  • 2020-12-10 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Defence if professional fees are paid by his Department on behalf of employees; if so, the total number involved; and the amount of each fee. [42696/20]
  • 2020-11-17 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Defence if he will accede to the request from an organisation (details supplied) to allow it to affiliate to a body; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37149/20]
  • 2020-10-13 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Defence the steps he is taking to deal with issues in the Defence Forces concerning allegations of sexual abuse, bullying and harassment of personnel; his plans to implement safeguards; his plans to establish investigations or inquiries into the allegations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30192/20]
  • 2020-10-08 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Defence his views on the issue of formal recognition of an organisation (details supplied) in order to represent the interests of Defence Forces personnel; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29109/20]
  • 2020-10-08 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Defence his plans for the commission for the future of the Defence Forces; the persons who will be on the board; if representatives of the Defence Forces personnel such as an organisation (details supplied) will be on the commission; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29106/20]
  • 2020-10-08 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Defence the value of all contracts for goods or services, including drone technology, purchased by the Defence Forces from Israel and Israeli-based firms to date in 2020; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29108/20]
  • 2020-10-08 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Defence his views on the proposal that an organisation (details supplied) join a union as an affiliate body; if the affiliation will be supported; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29107/20]
  • 2020-10-08 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Defence the number of persons recruited to the Defence Forces under the re-enlistment scheme announced in March 2020; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29105/20]
  • 2020-07-30 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Defence the payments for services or goods by his Department to a company (details supplied) since 2015. [20773/20]
  • 2020-07-21 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Defence if he has received correspondence relating to allegations of bullying and sexual harassment in the Defence Forces; his plans for a full inquiry into the complaints; and if he or his officials will meet with survivors of such abuse. [17323/20]
  • 2019-12-17 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence his plans to recognise representative associations for members of the Defence Forces; his plans to allow such bodies to join a union (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53015/19]
  • 2019-12-17 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the additional resources allocated to address low pay in the Defence Forces and the expected increases in pay across various grades in 2020. [53017/19]
  • 2019-11-07 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence if he will accept the affiliation of a union (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45762/19]
  • 2019-11-07 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the amount spent by the Defence Forces on Israeli-manufactured equipment and services in each of the years 2010 to 2018 and to date in 2019; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45764/19]
  • 2019-11-07 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the staffing levels of the Defence Forces; the recommended levels that should be operational; his plans to retain and recruit sufficient staff numbers in the coming period; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45763/19]
  • 2019-11-07 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the details of the proposed increases in pay and allowances for the Defence Forces personnel under the proposed deal from the Public Service Pay Commission; and the way in which this deal will stem the losses of personnel. [45760/19]
  • 2019-11-07 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the review mechanism in place under the Public Service Pay Commission pay proposals for the Defence Forces in the event that the changes do not result in the forces retaining or recruiting staff in sufficient numbers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45761/19]
  • 2019-09-24 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence if an amendment to the Industrial Relations Act 1990 will be supported in order to allow Defence Forces personnel the right to be represented by a representative organisation of their choice and have full access to the industrial relations machinery of the State; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38532/19]
  • 2019-09-24 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence if he will meet with representatives of the Defence Forces, specifically an organisation (details supplied), to discuss its campaign for representative rights in view of ongoing concerns on issues of pay, conditions and retention in the Defence Forces; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38533/19]
  • 2019-09-24 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence his plans to deal with the recruitment and retention crisis in the Defence Forces; his views on whether granting the right to representation including the right of bodies (details supplied) to join an organisation and have access to the industrial relations machinery of the State could help in dealing with the current crisis in the forces in terms of retention of members; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38534/19]
  • 2019-09-24 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence his views on whether the conciliation and arbitration scheme to address issues regarding the pay and conditions of Defence Forces personnel does not address or adequately deal with concerns of members of the Defence Forces; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38531/19]
  • 2019-09-24 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence if the medals being sought by the veterans and families of the siege of Jadotville will be awarded. [38359/19]
  • 2019-09-19 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence if the medals that are being sought by the veterans and families of the siege of Jadotville will be awarded. [37993/19]
  • 2019-02-26 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the estimated cost in the coming years of participation in PESCO related operations; and the capital costs related to procurement processes under PESCO. [9427/19]
  • 2019-01-17 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the details of the planned increase in defence spending for 2019 in all areas; the details of the increase planned to deal with issues of pay and work conditions suffered by Defence Forces members; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2005/19]
  • 2018-12-04 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the reason he has withdrawn from a promised arrangement to allow persons (details supplied) to purchase their homes; the arrangements he plans to put in place to secure the homes of these persons; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50214/18]
  • 2018-11-21 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the measures he is taking to deal with the crisis in the Defence Forces in respect of the retention and recruitment of staff, for example, the basic operations of the Naval Service in its fishery protection role; and if he will review the policy in respect of recognition of representative associations in the Defence Forces as a mechanism to deal with some aspects of this crisis. [48587/18]
  • 2018-11-21 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the amount of the budget in 2018 which will be taken by additional costs associated with PESCO related activities; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48393/18]
  • 2018-11-21 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence if he or his officials have met with representatives of a group (details supplied); the progress he has made in addressing the issues it has raised; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48390/18]
  • 2018-11-21 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the way in which the increase in the budget for his Department will be allocated; if this increase will deal with the working conditions and poor pay of members of the Defence Forces; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48392/18]
  • 2018-11-21 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence his plans to recommend that the Defence Forces representative associations have access to the industrial relations machinery of the State, including the Workplace Relations Commission, WRC, and Labour Court; his views on whether such access will assist with the crisis in staff retention and numbers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48394/18]
  • 2018-11-21 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence if Ireland's participation in PESCO is a breach of Ireland's neutrality in view of recent comments by EU leaders; if the view of other EU leaders that it is a step toward an EU army is shared by him; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48391/18]
  • 2018-10-03 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence his plans to deal with the outstanding issues of low pay across the Defence Forces; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40062/18]
  • 2018-07-24 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence if an audit of all external workplace investigations conducted by companies (details supplied) will be provided; the outcome regarding complaints against his Department; when the investigation will commence relating to an allegation against an employee, that is, the number of occasions on which a complaint was upheld against his Department by the investigators; and the number of occasions on which an investigation against an employee found grounds for disciplinary action. [35369/18]
  • 2018-05-15 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the value of contracts for goods or services from companies (details supplied) since 2010. [20850/18]
  • 2018-03-29 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the value of contracts for services awarded to a company (details supplied) by his Department since 2010, in tabular form; and the type of work undertaken by the company. [14626/18]
  • 2018-03-20 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the reason members of the Defence Forces who have served the country for more than 31 years face a reduction in their pension entitlements when they come to the age for drawing the State pension (contributory); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12618/18]
  • 2018-03-20 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the number of retired Defence Forces personnel with more than 31 years of service drawing a pension from the Defence Forces. [12619/18]
  • 2018-03-20 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the number of Defence Forces personnel over 66 years of age who have had reductions in the Army pension when they reach the age to draw the State pension (contributory). [12620/18]
  • …and 21 more questions on Defence
• Jobs 60 questions

  • 2017-07-06 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation if she will commission an investigation into work conditions in the film industry and the possible misuse of the trainee system to ensure that there are no breaches of employment laws including the Protection of Employees (Fixed Term Working) Act 2013; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [31846/17]
  • 2017-07-06 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation her views on whether the refusal of 40 security companies to pay the recent increase set by the ERO for the security industry undermines such orders; the steps she will take to ensure workers receive this increase; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [31847/17]
  • 2017-06-29 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation if her attention has been drawn to the widespread use of bogus self-employment contracts in the English language teaching industry alongside other practices such as dismissing workers at holiday periods; her plans to undertake an investigation into the employment practices among companies in this sector; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30410/17]
  • 2017-06-29 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation her plans to ensure companies in the security industry comply with the recent employment regulation order which raised the hourly wage rate to €11.05; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30411/17]
  • 2017-06-22 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation if her attention has been drawn to the fact that a number of companies in the security industry are refusing to pay the recently passed ERO increase for the industry; the action her Department plans to take to ensure this increase is complied with; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29279/17]
  • 2017-06-22 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation the monetary value of all work contracted out under the aegis of her Department to external agencies or consultancies for work completed or investigations undertaken in human resources and industrial relations including hiring and interviewing of staff, disciplinary procedures and workplace related issues such as allegations of bullying and so on or dignity at work issues in each of the years 2015 and 2016. [29341/17]
  • 2017-06-20 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation further to Parliamentary Question No. 378 of 23 May 2017, if she will provide the figures for all pension contributions made by public sector workers in each body under the aegis of her Department, excluding those in the Civil Service, including the pension levy, in each of the years 2010 to 2016 and to date in 2017. [26975/17]
  • 2017-06-20 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation further to Parliamentary Question No. 680 of 4 April 2017, if her attention has been drawn to the fact that a company (details supplied) does not recognise the trade union that represents the workers affected and instead claims that a works council based in Britain is the representative body; and if she will consider initiating a referral to the redundancy panel in relation to these redundancies should the workers concerned request this via their representative union in view of this fact. [28255/17]
  • 2017-05-30 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation the payments made by Enterprise Ireland under the headings of the beef fund, ESS, the community enterprise centre scheme and the community enterprise initiative scheme in each of the years 2010 to 2016. [25277/17]
  • 2017-05-30 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation further to Parliamentary Questions Nos. 213 and 214 of 23 March 2017, the amount in grants provided by Enterprise Ireland and the IDA to client companies that are among the Succeed in Ireland initiative companies credited with providing verified jobs; the amount provided for all companies that are in this scheme. [25281/17]
  • 2017-05-17 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation the monetary value of all work contracted out under the aegis of her Department to external agencies or consultancies for work completed or investigations undertaken in human resources and industrial relations, including hiring and interviewing of staff and so on; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [23958/17]
  • 2017-05-16 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation if she will consider supporting the Banded Hours Contract Bill 2016 currently undergoing scrutiny on Committee Stage rather than introducing a draft proposal of her own that seems to deal with the same issues of low hours and precarious hours contracts; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [23045/17]
  • 2017-05-16 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation the supports and grants given by the IDA and Enterprise Ireland to client companies since 2010; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [23046/17]
  • 2017-05-16 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation if her Department has been notified of proposed redundancies at a company (details supplied). [23063/17]
  • 2017-05-09 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation the criteria or instructions which are given to outside consultants in order to perform a given task (details supplied); and if a consultancy is asked to screen applicants for the position of clerical officer, if explicit criteria and qualifications are expressed to the consultants by her Department or other bodies such as the HSA. [21710/17]
  • 2017-05-09 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation the criteria used by her Department when deciding to use an outside agency or consultancy. [21711/17]
  • 2017-05-09 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation the number and specific details of prosecutions taken by her Department or the WRC on foot of complaints from employees for non-issuing of a contract of employment. [21739/17]
  • 2017-05-02 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation further to Parliamentary Question No. 345 of 5 April 2017, if her attention has been drawn to the fact that only 10% of cases from the Equality Tribunal have been appealed to the Labour Court (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [19175/17]
  • 2017-04-05 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation if her Department or the Workplace Relations Commission have conducted an analysis on the reason the Labour Court have overturned or varied 53% of adjudication officer decisions in 2016 (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [16934/17]
  • 2017-04-04 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation the value of work contracted out by her Department to an agency (details supplied); and the nature of that work. [16158/17]
  • 2017-04-04 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation the monetary value of all work undertaken by consultant firms for her Department; and the nature of that work. [16159/17]
  • 2017-04-04 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation if she is satisfied that data protection issues do not arise when work contracted out to a consultancy that involves departmental staff or possible recruitment of staff is involved; and the protections taken when outside agencies are involved in the recruitment process for public service work. [16160/17]
  • 2017-04-04 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation if she will examine the redundancies announced at a company (details supplied) under the Protection of Employment (Exceptional Collective Redundancies and Related Matters) Act 2007 and determine if these are carried out to replace the employees with workers on lower pay or less favourable terms and conditions; and if she will report on this matter. [16672/17]
  • 2017-03-23 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation if her attention has been drawn to the fact that a company (details supplied) is in receipt of numerous public contracts paid by the State in addition to a contract with a bank (details supplied) and is now planning to lay off 65 workers at its Dublin base and move these jobs abroad; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14456/17]
  • 2017-03-23 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation if she has had contact with a company (details supplied) that is planning 65 redundancies to its workforce in order to move part of its profitable operations to other countries; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14455/17]
  • 2017-03-23 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation if any of the companies verified by IDA Ireland as creating 527 jobs under the Succeed in Ireland initiative have received any other support from IDA Ireland or other State agency; and if so, the details of such support. [14733/17]
  • 2017-03-23 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation if any of the companies verified by IDA Ireland as creating 527 jobs under the Succeed in Ireland initiative are or have been client companies of IDA Ireland or Enterprise Ireland or any other State agency; and if so, the details of any supports provided by these agencies to these companies. [14734/17]
  • 2017-03-22 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation her views on the passing of the CETA trade deal by the EU and its implications for trade here; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8706/17]
  • 2017-02-09 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation her views on the fact the 100 jobs announced at a company (details supplied) in County Limerick will in fact be subject to much poorer employment conditions than those previously practised at the plant; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6200/17]
  • 2017-02-09 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation if, before welcoming any future announcement of new jobs created, she or her Department will investigate the actual working conditions and employment contracts of workers involved; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6201/17]
  • 2017-02-09 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation the provisions she has made in her jobs plan to ensure jobs created are not subject to precarious hours, bogus self employment, low hours or low pay; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6204/17]
  • 2017-02-09 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation the reason the commitment in the programme for Government to introduce legislation to safeguard workers against precarious and low-hours contracts is not on the priority list for legislation in this term of Dáil Éireann; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6202/17]
  • 2017-02-09 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation when her Department will make available the exact amount and type of aid made available to individual IDA Ireland and Enterprise Ireland client companies; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6203/17]
  • 2017-02-08 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation when she expects Dáil Éireann to discuss and vote on the trade deal CETA; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [3099/17]
  • 2017-01-17 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation if she has made contact with the owners or workers of a company (details supplied) in Dundalk to help avert redundancy. [41563/16]
  • 2017-01-17 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation if her attention has been drawn to the fact that one of the reasons given to workers for redundancies at a company (details supplied) is that the lease has run out on the current premises where work is being carried out; and, if this is the issue, whether she will request IDA Ireland to seek a suitable alternative premises for the company. [41564/16]
  • 2017-01-17 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation if IDA Ireland has been approached by any other company to inform them that they will be taking over a premises on the Finnabair industrial park in 2017. [41565/16]
  • 2016-12-08 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation her views on the CETA trade talks and their current status; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [36270/16]
  • 2016-11-03 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation the steps she will take to ensure that any company supported by her Department, or other State agency under her influence, that creates jobs in the coming period does not use schemes such as JobPath; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [33150/16]
  • 2016-11-03 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation if she will ensure that when her Department is recording job figures from IDA or Enterprise Ireland supported companies, that the numbers of such jobs that are supported by the Department of Social Protection, such as JobPath and so on, are separately reported; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [33002/16]
  • 2016-11-03 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation if she, her officials or any other State agency that she is aware of have been lobbied or approached by a company (details supplied) regarding the present regulations that govern the taxi industry; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [33000/16]
  • 2016-11-03 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation the funding that will be granted by IDA Ireland, Enterprise Ireland or other State agencies under the aegis of her Department to client supported companies in 2017; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [33003/16]
  • 2016-11-03 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation if she, her officials or any State agency that she is aware of have been lobbied or had representations made to them by any company or firm supported in any way by the IDA or Enterprise Ireland regarding the State's taxation regulations; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [33001/16]
  • 2016-11-03 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation her plans to ensure companies and firms that are in receipt of State support from the IDA, Enterprise Ireland or any other body comply with the industrial relations laws and protections afforded to workers; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [32999/16]
  • 2016-11-02 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation her views on the upcoming Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement and its implications for Ireland; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [31818/16]
  • 2016-10-04 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation the precise supports given by the IDA and any other State agency to a company (details supplied). [28046/16]
  • 2016-10-04 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation the financial support, if any, offered by the State to a company (details supplied). [28047/16]
  • 2016-10-04 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation the number of jobs her Department expects a company (details supplied) to provide here in 2017. [28048/16]
  • 2016-10-04 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation the general supports client-supported companies can expect from the IDA and any other State agency that fall under her Department's remit. [28049/16]
  • 2016-07-20 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation if she will take action to stop companies (details supplied) which are trying to usurp the countries labour machinery and laws that give basic protections to workers such as the Minimum Wage Act and so on. [22915/16]
  • …and 10 more questions on Jobs
• Further and Higher Education 50 questions

  • 2024-11-05 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the total number of alternative education establishments/settings (excluding Youthreach services) which operate outside of the traditional mainstream education system within the State; the geographical location of each setting; the criteria laid down for the establishment of an alternative education setting; the total number of students who reengage with the traditional mainstream education system; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43937/24]
  • 2024-10-22 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if he is aware that Department officials engaged with the Teachers Union of Ireland at the Workplace Relations Commission (WRC) on aligning the Youthreach programme with the second level school calendar year at their last discussion at the WRC in early June 2024; if there will be an outcome to the discussions within the lifetime of the current Dáil; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42748/24]
  • 2024-04-16 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if he is aware that a students’ union (details supplied) recently launched a petition calling for the Government to provide free period products in all higher education institutions, which has now almost 3,000 signatures; if he will commit to increasing funding in this area; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16323/24]
  • 2023-11-07 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if he agrees that adult education tutors do the same work as their permanent colleagues in the Further Education and Training Sector and should therefore have the same terms and conditions; if he will clarify when his Department will award a contract that offers adult education tutors parity with their permanent co-workers to reflect the importance of the work they do in communities across the country; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47274/23]
  • 2023-10-24 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science when the decision was made to stop Leaving Certificate programmes in VTOS centres throughout Ireland; the reason for the decision; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46296/23]
  • 2023-05-30 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the estimated cost of increasing the HEA contribution towards graduate entry medicine tuition fees by €5,000 and €10,000 per student, respectively based on the latest available student numbers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25552/23]
  • 2023-05-17 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science his views on a report (details supplied) which highlighted that one in four employees stating they suffered from moderate levels of burnout, vicarious trauma and moderate or high levels of “compassion fatigue”; if he will acknowledge the disparity between contracts for teachers and coordinators and managers of the organisation, with the former having clearly defined roles in terms of time, pay and conditions, while the organisation’s coordinators’ work is not specified in their contracts and their pay is lower; if he plans to examine this with a view to recognising the diversity of work that the organisation’s workers carry out; if he will consider establishing equivalent levels of pay, conditions and status as their secondary education, further education and training sector colleagues; if he will outline a timeframe for such a review; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23383/23]
  • 2023-04-18 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if he will provide details (details supplied) in relation to a research centre hosted by University College Dublin. [16712/23]
  • 2023-01-18 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if he will clarify in relation to the draft code of practice proposed for the ELE sector; if his Department or QQI will meet with private providers in advance of implementing any proposals (details supplied); if they will clarify any areas that may require explanation; and if he will clarify issues (details supplied). [1283/23]
  • 2022-12-08 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science further to Parliamentary Question No. 525 of 29 November 2022, if funding allocated to the student assistance fund can be used or applied for to help repeat students cover their fees and registration costs; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [61520/22]
  • 2022-12-06 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science further to Parliamentary Question No. 525 of 29 November 2022, if there are plans to allow students who have to repeat a year apply to the student assistance fund for help to cover fees in view of their exclusion from the reduced registration fees (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [60766/22]
  • 2022-12-01 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if he will examine the position of students who must repeat a year of their degree course; if he will ensure that they receive supports available to others such as the reduction in registration fees previously announced; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [59784/22]
  • 2022-11-29 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the reason that students who have to repeat a year during their degree course will not be able to avail of the reduced registration fees when doing so; the rationale for discriminating against repeat students like this who already face the added expenses involved in having to repeat such years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [58752/22]
  • 2022-10-05 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the details of any contracts or services procured by his Department with top security, including any that are subcontracted to top security; the value of such contracts since 2015 to date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48998/22]
  • 2022-09-08 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if he will intervene in a case affecting students enrolled in a degree course of a third level institution (details supplied) for applied social care for which students have recently been told will not be recognised by CORU; if his attention has been drawn to the impact that this will have on the current students; if his Department will examine any solutions to ensure that CORU recognises the qualification; if he will contact the college in order to seek a solution to this crisis; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43171/22]
  • 2022-09-08 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the supports that he intends to provide for students who fail to meet the SUSI criteria of being on a long-term social protection payments for maintenance grants; if he will consider changing current criteria which discriminates against many students who must work prior to commencing study; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43836/22]
  • 2022-05-19 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if he will examine the threshold of incomes that apply to SUSI applications; his plans to reverse recent changes which may exclude more students from accessing the grant; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25207/22]
  • 2022-05-19 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if he will detail any work his Department is undertaking to analyse the reason the numbers qualifying for SUSI grants has fallen over recent years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25206/22]
  • 2022-04-26 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if his attention has been drawn to the €112,000 debt write-off facilitated by SOLAS to a charity (details supplied); if such was discussed by SOLAS with his Department; if any concerns were raised on the matter; if he believes there should be a Garda investigation both into the collection of the funds by a charity in Waterford from two educational training boards and the spending of moneys by the charity; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20544/22]
  • 2022-03-29 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the position of trainees on further education and training courses provided in Education and Training Boards that have come off social welfare payments to attend such courses; if her attention has been drawn of trainees attending these courses having their payments reduced for various reasons to do with course attendance; the details of any deductions made to the core payments of such trainees while on ETB courses; the numbers of trainees affected in recent years and the amounts deducted; the role of her Department in implementing or confirming such deductions; the rights of trainees to appeal such deductions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16492/22]
  • 2022-02-22 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if a company (details supplied) was awarded the contract for provision of SafePass online for SOLAS; when the newly awarded contractor for online SafePass provision will begin online renewals for SafePass; if the same consumer cost savings available in the UK, currently £36, will be passed on to workers requiring online SafePass renewals here which currently cost €200; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9437/22]
  • 2021-12-16 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science his plans to resource Youthreach education amid a staffing crisis that is leaving the most vulnerable young persons at risk; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [62450/21]
  • 2021-12-16 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the reason Youthreach resource workers and co-ordinators are not paid as teachers even though they have the same duties and responsibilities, plus additional work in re-engaging those most in danger of being left behind educationally; if his attention has been drawn to the fact that the provision of this education is carried out over 226 days in comparison to normal school terms which amount to 167 days and that there is little opportunity for career or pay progression within the Youthreach sector; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [62451/21]
  • 2021-12-16 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the rationale for not extending similar pay and conditions to Youthreach education providers as other teachers; his views on whether Youthreach students are entitled to fully qualified teachers receiving the same pay and conditions and opportunities for career progression as their peers teaching in secondary schools; if his attention has been drawn to the fact that the recent crisis in substitute teachers makes it impossible to fill resource and substitute positions in Youthreach with appropriately qualified persons; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [62452/21]
  • 2021-12-16 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the position in relation to exams in NUI Galway; if his attention has been drawn to the fact that students are being forced to sit exams in venues without social distancing or ventilation; if his further attention has been drawn to the added stress and anxiety caused to students and staff that are fearful of catching and spreading the virus in exam situations without proper social distancing and ventilation measures; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [62429/21]
  • 2021-07-13 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the criteria used to determine the six indicators for the higher education access route; his views on whether the rigid application of same can further exclude poor students; the numbers of applicants refused this term; and the breakdown of refusals by each indicator used (details supplied) in tabular form. [37274/21]
  • 2021-07-08 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if it will be ensured that students who qualified for the pandemic unemployment payment can have €4,500 disregarded in line with the normal treatment of payments for holiday work or the employment wage subsidy scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36660/21]
  • 2021-07-08 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if the position of students who qualified for the pandemic unemployment payment and who now face cuts to their SUSI grant as a result of the additional reckonable income will be reviewed in view of the extraordinary difficulties faced by this cohort over the previous year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36661/21]
  • 2021-05-25 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the percentage of student accommodation that is publicly owned developments; the percentage of student accommodation that is privately owned developments; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28154/21]
  • 2021-05-13 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if he will consider the plight of students who sat exams in November 2020 by accommodating these students' course preferences ahead of the class of 2021 given the difficulties they faced, especially with some having had their calculated grades reduced; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25260/21]
  • 2021-05-13 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if, in the event that points needed are increased for third-level courses, he will make some arrangements for the class of 2020 who sat exams in November 2020 by facilitating their admission based on the 2020 points needed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25262/21]
  • 2021-05-12 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the status of progress towards the objectives of the student accommodation strategy in view of the disruption to the construction sector over 2020 and to date in 2021; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25143/21]
  • 2021-04-21 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if he has considered the plight of the English language education sector that has been decimated during the pandemic due to its reliance on international travel (details supplied); if much needed supports being provided will be extended until the sector has sufficiently recovered; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19533/21]
  • 2021-04-21 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if student nurses who were requested by the State to work during the first wave of Covid-19 in 2020 will be penalised by SUSI when their earnings are taken into account for the current academic year; if he can intervene in such cases; if he will amend the regulations that are facilitating the reduction in the grants available to student nurses; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20330/21]
  • 2021-03-24 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science further to Parliamentary Question No. 606 of 27 January 2021, the status and details of the outcome of engagement between CORU, education providers and the relevant stakeholders on the issue of alternatives to placements for social care students in 2021 in view of the public health restrictions which have impacted substantially on students’ ability to obtain and carry out placements; if his attention has been drawn to the stress and anxiety that this is causing to social care students; if he will take steps to ensure there is an appropriate solution provided as quickly as possible; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14880/21]
  • 2021-03-10 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if he will consider allowing first year college students who have particularly struggled during the pandemic to be permitted to repeat first year while retaining all SUSI grants; if he will acknowledge that some students have struggled with having to conduct their entire first year online and have been impacted negatively in terms of mental health and academic achievement; if he will examine the way in which students that are reliant on SUSI grants will be accommodated to repeat first year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12855/21]
  • 2021-02-24 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if he will intervene with the WWETB, Waterford Wexford Education and Training Board, to ensure that help is being provided to the new board of an organisation (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10192/21]
  • 2021-02-03 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science further to Parliamentary Question No. 288 of 21 January 2020, if his attention has been drawn to the fact that the inability of SOLAS to provide apprenticeship placements under current circumstances is resulting in delays of 15-plus months to apprentices receiving the necessary qualifications and that as a result their earnings are being severely affected (details supplied); if his attention has been further drawn to the fact that SOLAS is insisting on paying third-year apprentices the second-year rate of payment due to the delay in attaining the previous year's placements and qualifications; if he will request SOLAS to rectify this payment rate and ensure all third-year apprentices receive the hourly rate they are entitled to when on placements; the number of third-year apprentices in the various trades who are currently receiving lower rates of payment than they would ordinarily receive; his plans to address this loss of income for apprentices; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5722/21]
  • 2021-01-21 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if he will clarify the situation in relation to SOLAS courses in which there is a requirement for a work placement, for example, for electricians and other apprenticeships; if his attention has been drawn to a significant backlog in placements which means many apprentices are not progressing through their education as they should but are also incurring huge costs and loss of income; his plans to address these backlogs; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3427/21]
  • 2020-12-15 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science his plans to review the administration of the SUSI grant system to ensure the criteria used in allocating grants is fit for purpose in ensuring vulnerable low income students can avail of proper supports, specifically the use of criteria around qualifying payments for the special rate grant and the interpretation of 391 days and so on; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43217/20]
  • 2020-12-15 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if he will meet with representatives of construction workers to discuss the impact of recent price rises from the SOLAS administered safe pass scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43216/20]
  • 2020-12-15 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if, in relation to SUSI grants, a student who qualified for the special rate support grant in their first year on an undergraduate course can be subsequently removed from this rate if their parent comes off the qualifying payment (details supplied); if this can happen regardless of the household’s income, which continues to be under €24,500; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43286/20]
  • 2020-12-10 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if professional fees are paid by his Department on behalf of employees; if so, the total number involved; and the amount of each fee. [42702/20]
  • 2020-12-02 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the reason Solas has increased the price of the safe pass system that is required by all building workers; if he or his Department were informed by Solas that the fee for this pass would be increased by between 100% and 200%; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40571/20]
  • 2020-12-01 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if SUSI has access to records of payments for persons on qualifying payments such as jobseeker’s allowance and so on; if there is an issue with SUSI receiving such records and statements of payments from Intreo offices; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39783/20]
  • 2020-11-26 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the interpretation by SUSI of the requirement for a 391-day continuous period on a qualifying social protection payment; if this interpretation is the same as other Departments and agencies, that is, 56 weeks; if SUSI interprets this as 65 weeks; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39318/20]
  • 2020-11-24 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if SUSI, when calculating the period of time in which an applicant's parents must have been on jobseeker's benefit, has a threshold that states this period must be over 391 days but that when calculating this period only allot six days a week and that therefore the period must be a total of 65 calendar weeks; if so, if this method is unique to SUSI when calculating applicants’ eligibility criteria; if it is the practice of SUSI to cut off the payments of a student’s grant in 2020 if it discovers an error or possible error in the way in which it calculated the income of the parents in 2018 given that the year applicable is supposed to be the preceding year and cutting off students income can have huge and detrimental effects on students concerned; if SUSI communicates with students in a situation in which it has decided to stop the payment of a student grant for any reason; and if such communication allows for an appeal of that decision prior to the cessation of the grant payments. [37978/20]
  • 2020-09-09 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the reason recipients of the pandemic unemployment payment cannot be accepted for the Springboard programme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22968/20]
  • 2020-09-09 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the additional supports he plans to provide for mature students and others that are returning or commencing third level and further education courses in 2020 in view of the fact that many will be unable to access an income from employment or casual work in the current economic climate; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22969/20]
  • 2020-09-09 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if he will examine providing additional supports to those commencing third level and further education in 2020 that are currently on the pandemic unemployment payment or the wage subsidy scheme and are faced with the difficulty of trying to commence the courses with inadequate income supports; if the back to education scheme can be extended to those currently on employment supports that have little if any prospect of returning to normal employment in the coming period; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22970/20]
• Business 27 questions

  • 2020-07-30 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation the payments for services or goods by his Department to a company (details supplied) since 2015. [20769/20]
  • 2020-07-14 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation if he will meet with representatives of construction, contract cleaning and security workers to discuss the way in which to safeguard pay rates in these and other sectors in view of recent court rulings that could dramatically affect workers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15812/20]
  • 2020-07-07 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation the action he plans to take in view of the High Court ruling on sectoral employment orders, SEOs, recently; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13727/20]
  • 2020-07-07 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation if he will introduce emergency legislation to ameliorate the impact from the recent High Court ruling on the SEO regarding electrician workers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13728/20]
  • 2020-07-07 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation his plans to appeal the High Court decision on the electrical contractor's sectoral employment order; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13910/20]
  • 2020-06-03 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation if the WRC or other body will take action or investigate employers that are implementing unilateral pay cuts often while availing of the temporary wage subsidy scheme but insisting their employers work normal weekly hours, as a result of which is resulting in new hourly rates that are below the national minimum wage or agreed sectoral hourly rates; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8713/20]
  • 2020-05-20 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation her plans to ensure the HSA can carry out on-site inspections of workplaces as a result of complaints from workers over unsafe practices in regard to Covid-19; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [5969/20]
  • 2020-05-20 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation her plans to empower the HSA to close down workplaces that are in breach of Covid-19 safety guidelines and ensure the protection of employees; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [5970/20]
  • 2020-05-20 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation her views on cases in which workers are told their company is accessing the WSS and in which this results in a payment significantly below the PUP €350 or the regular jobseeker’s payment due to the fact the calculation is based on earnings for January and February 2020 and the workers concerned may have had little net earnings due to the fact their work is seasonal in nature; the remedy open to workers in this situation; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6154/20]
  • 2019-12-03 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation the number of cases heard at the Workplace Relations Commission in 2018 and to date in 2019; the number of adjudicators employed by the commission; the number of appeals to decisions of adjudicators; the time taken for cases to be heard; and her plans for the commission for the coming year. [43635/19]
  • 2019-12-03 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation the staff numbers at the WRC including adjudicators; the average time taken to have cases heard and appeals decided; and the number of cases heard in 2018 and to date in 2019. [50382/19]
  • 2019-05-14 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation if recent changes in the Employment (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2018 with regard to contracts of employment and so on will see extra resources allocated to the WRC to ensure compliance with the new laws and increased protections for workers affected; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [20567/19]
  • 2019-05-14 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation her plans to amend the Industrial Relations Act 1990 to ensure retired workers have representation at State arbitration services, especially in situations in which their pension schemes are affected by decisions taken by negotiations between employers and employees; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [15649/19]
  • 2019-04-11 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation the number of actions taken by the WRC enforcement section on foot of the refusal by an employer to fulfil an award made to an employee after a WRC hearing or an adjudication in each of the years 2016 to 2018. [16993/19]
  • 2019-04-11 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation the reason the WRC has decided not to take action to enforce its own findings in a case in which an employer claims they did not receive documentation regarding a hearing; if such defences by employers are routinely accepted by the WRC as a defence when an employer has lost a hearing adjudication decision; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [16994/19]
  • 2019-04-11 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation her plans to grant access to An Garda Síochána and other representative groups in the Defence Forces or those that represent retired employees access to the industrial relations machinery of the State under the Industrial Relations (Amendment) Act 2015; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [16989/19]
  • 2019-03-07 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation her plans to legislate to give workers the right to join a trade union and have the trade union of their choice recognised by their employer; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8006/19]
  • 2019-02-28 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation if she will review the implications for data protection legislation of a decision to share the Eircode data of waste disposal companies with other bodies; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [10072/19]
  • 2018-12-18 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation if a person with a stamp 3 visa whose partner has a stamp 4 visa can take up an offer of work here; if not, if the person must apply for a separate visa; and if so, the steps they should take in this regard. [52732/18]
  • 2018-06-20 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation if the Data Protection Commissioner is obliged to fully explain decisions his office takes on cases of alleged data protection breaches, specifically sections 2, 3, 4, 6, 7, 13, 21, 22, 29 and, consequently, section 30 in circumstances in which he decides to reclassify a complaint or recategorise sections 2, 4 and 6 only; and if she will request the Commissioner to do so in a case (details supplied). [26971/18]
  • 2018-06-20 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation the timeframe in which the Data Protection Commissioner will respond and act upon section 4 requests; the reason in a case (details supplied) the person initially raised the challenges in 2015 and made specific section 4 requests since April 2016 which is still ongoing; the circumstances in which an investigation under section 10 is necessary in relation to section 4 requests; and the reason section 10 was initiated to a section 4 request in the case. [26972/18]
  • 2018-06-20 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation if a full explanation will be forthcoming from the Data Protection Commissioner as to the reason enforcement of the Revenue Commissioners' Data Code per section 13 of the Acts has been obstructed in a case (details supplied). [26973/18]
  • 2018-06-20 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation when the investigation of a case (details supplied) will commence; and the timeframe to complete an investigation whereby there are no standards set out in either the legislation or customer service standards regarding the length of time it will take to complete an investigation. [26974/18]
  • 2018-06-20 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation the reason a person (details supplied) has recorded delays of 49 weeks between responses in relation to a case; and the reason no explanation has been provided by the Office of the Data Protection Commissioner. [26975/18]
  • 2018-05-15 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation the value of contracts for goods or services from companies (details supplied) since 2010. [20846/18]
  • 2018-03-29 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation the value of contracts for services awarded to a company (details supplied) by her Department since 2010, in tabular form; and the type of work undertaken by the company. [14622/18]
  • 2017-11-21 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation her views on whether the health and safety Acts need to be amended after Storm Ophelia in order that accidents commuting to and from work during severe weather conditions can be negated. [48909/17]
• Arts 25 questions

  • 2017-06-22 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage, Regional, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the monetary value of all work contracted out under the aegis of her Department to external agencies or consultancies for work completed or investigations undertaken in human resources and industrial relations including hiring and interviewing of staff, disciplinary procedures and workplace related issues such as allegations of bullying and so on or dignity at work issues in each of the years 2015 and 2016. [29332/17]
  • 2017-06-20 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage, Regional, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs if her attention has been drawn to film companies availing of section 481 relief that are recruiting workers as trainees on film sets but providing no training to these workers; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27565/17]
  • 2017-06-20 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage, Regional, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs her views on the loss of nests and food stores of birds and other wildlife caused by the recent gorse and heather fires that were started illegally in some mountain areas; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27567/17]
  • 2017-06-20 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage, Regional, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs if she will consider delaying the passage of the current Heritage Bill and commission a study of the impact of recent wild fires on wildlife in affected areas to ascertain the damage such burning will do to wildlife. [27568/17]
  • 2017-06-20 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage, Regional, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the impact she expects the funding for the action plan for rural development will have in the 300 towns and villages earmarked for this scheme; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27566/17]
  • 2017-06-20 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage, Regional, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs further to Parliamentary Question No. 378 of 23 May 2017, if she will provide the figures for all pension contributions made by public sector workers in each body under the aegis of her Department, excluding those in the civil service, including the pension levy, in each of the years 2010 to 2016 and to date in 2017. [26966/17]
  • 2017-05-30 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage, Regional, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs further to Parliamentary Questions Nos. 213 and 214 of 23 March 2017, the grants provided by Údarás na Gaeltachta to client companies that are among the Succeed in Ireland initiative companies credited with providing verified jobs; and the amount provided for all companies that are in this scheme. [25281/17]
  • 2017-05-23 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage, Regional, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs if his Department plans to issue authorisation for persons to enter onto private land in County Donegal or on islands off the coast of County Donegal to carry out the corncrake census; if her attention has been drawn to complaints that contractors to date in 2017 have broken the law in the construction of fences and so on without planning permission from Donegal County Council or permission from the NPWS and in contravention of the Wildlife Act which prohibits such work during the bird nesting season; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24130/17]
  • 2017-05-23 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage, Regional, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the way in which grants for persons to provide protection for corncrakes was dispersed by county in 2016 and to date in 2017; the reason most of these grants were allocated to counties Mayo and Donegal, in which most of these birds nest without adequate funding; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24131/17]
  • 2017-05-23 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage, Regional, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the pending fines or possible prosecutions against the State for breaches of EU wildlife protection law and destruction of protected habitats; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24132/17]
  • 2017-05-17 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage, Regional, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the monetary value of all work contracted out under the aegis of her Department to external agencies or consultancies for work completed or investigations undertaken in human resources and industrial relations, including hiring and interviewing of staff and so on; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [23951/17]
  • 2017-05-02 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage, Regional, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs if her attention has been drawn to illegal dumping at the Glenveagh National Park in an area situated within the park and opposite the staff entrance to the park; if such dumping is a breach of EU regulations, the Water Pollution Act or the Invasive Species Act; if her attention has been further drawn to the fact that this is taking place in a protected area and special area of conservation in addition to being in a national heritage area; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [20400/17]
  • 2017-05-02 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage, Regional, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs if she has received or sought a legal opinion on whether sections of the proposed Heritage Bill may contravene EU directives such as the birds and habitats directives, the European Communities (Birds and Natural Habitats) Regulations 2011, the European Union (Natural Habitats) Regulations SI 94/1997 or the Wildlife Amendment Act 2000; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [20401/17]
  • 2017-03-07 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage, Regional, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs if a formal request has been made to An Garda Síochána to investigate the loss of weapons and ammunition in the National Parks and Wildlife Service; and if she will ensure that any report on this issue will be made available to the public. [11716/17]
  • 2017-03-07 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage, Regional, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs if her attention has been drawn to an investigation by the National Parks and Wildlife Service regarding the loss of high-calibre weapons and ammunition from armouries in different parts of the country; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11715/17]
  • 2017-01-31 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage, Regional, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs if she or any representative from her Department has met and-or communicated with representatives from companies (details supplied) or Dublin City Council in the past 12 months with regard to the Dublin Central Carlton-Moore Street site; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4177/17]
  • 2017-01-31 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage, Regional, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs her views on whether the present resources allocated to the National Parks and Wildlife Service, NPWS, are sufficient to meet its remit to protect Ireland's wildlife and biodiversity; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4178/17]
  • 2016-11-29 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage, Regional, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs her views on the proposed sale of a letter from Pádraig Pearse; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [37213/16]
  • 2016-11-29 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage, Regional, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs if her attention has been drawn to recent evidence that suggests her previous statements that hare coursing was well regulated and avoided any harm to hares were mistaken; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [37214/16]
  • 2016-11-29 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage, Regional, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs her plans to safeguard the position and operation of the post office network and especially rural post offices; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [32207/16]
  • 2016-10-20 D'fhiafraigh Deputy Bríd Smith den Aire Ealaíon, Oidhreachta, Gnóthaí Réigiúnacha, Tuaithe agus Gaeltachta an bhfuil sí ag diúltú maoiniú a dhéanamh ar an bplean infheistíochta, a comhaontaíodh idir 80 grúpa Gaeilge agus Gaeltachta, Údarás na Gaeltachta agus Foras na Gaeilge san áireamh, ós rud é go bhfuil sé soiléir ón mbuiséad nach bhfuil na hacmhainní cuí á gcur ar fáil; agus an ndéanfaidh sí ráiteas ina thaobh. [31146/16]
  • 2016-10-20 D'fhiafraigh Deputy Bríd Smith den Aire Ealaíon, Oidhreachta, Gnóthaí Réigiúnacha, Tuaithe agus Gaeltachta an bhfuil sí sásta go mbeidh a thuilleadh ciorruithe ar scéimeanna Fhoras na Gaeilge in 2017 ós rud é nach ndearnadh aon mhéadú ar an maoiniú dóibh i mbuiséad 2017 agus gurb airde costais an bhliain seo chugainn nuair a chuirfear breisithe tuarastail foirne agus costais is airde trádála ginearálta san áireamh; agus an ndéanfaidh sí ráiteas ina thaobh. [31147/16]
  • 2016-07-07 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht how the State paid a sum of €5 million to purchase 14 to 17 Moore Street, Dublin 1, including details of the valuation process of the properties and details of recipients of said moneys; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [19852/16]
  • 2016-07-06 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht how the State paid a sum of €5 million to purchase Nos. 14 to 17 Moore Street, Dublin 1, including details of the valuation process of the properties and of the recipients of the said moneys. [20058/16]
  • 2016-07-06 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the provisions she has made to protect Sceilig Mhichíl, Contae Chiarraí, from damage during the filming there; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [15604/16]
• Rural 22 questions

  • 2024-01-30 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development if she will outline the total funding for local community development committees for each of the past five years; if she will commit to significantly increasing it this year; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4009/24]
  • 2024-01-30 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development if she is satisfied with the level of resources available to local community development committees; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4010/24]
  • 2023-01-26 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the supports that are available for community halls and clubs from her Department, especially in relation to energy costs and the current high energy costs incurred by many clubs and halls in keeping their facilities heated; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [3753/23]
  • 2023-01-18 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development if she intends to commit to the plans for a long-awaited community centre on the Tullow Road, Carlow; if her attention has been drawn to reports that the plans have been designed by the local authority and that a community consultation has taken place in an area that has one of the largest population densities in Carlow town and urgently requires proper amenities; if her attention has been drawn to the fact that the plans have been ready for almost a year; when the Government will commit to matching the necessary funding; when the funding will be released; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [63353/22]
  • 2022-10-05 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the details of any contracts or services procured by her Department with top security, including any that are subcontracted to top security; the value of such contracts since 2015 to date; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [49004/22]
  • 2021-03-03 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development if she will provide the necessary resources such as communications and an index for the Crowe report issued in December 2020 which the new board of Waterford Area Partnership is expected to respond to but which will require assistance in doing so. [11717/21]
  • 2021-02-24 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development if she will clarify the position regarding the conditions attached to interdepartmental assistance which demands the resignation of the board of an organisation (details supplied); and if a forced resignation is contrary to the protected disclosure legislation and in circumstances in which the whistleblower had been assured covers them by her Department. [10186/21]
  • 2021-02-24 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development if she will ensure that action is taken by her Department to support the new board of an organisation (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [10188/21]
  • 2021-02-24 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development if she will fully investigate a protected disclosure in relation to an organisation (details supplied); if she will allow an orderly timeframe for addressing the issues; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [10190/21]
  • 2021-02-24 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development if she will intervene with the relevant local authorities to ensure that help is being provided to the new board of an organisation (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [10191/21]
  • 2020-12-10 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development if professional fees are paid by her Department on behalf of employees; if so, the total number involved; and the amount of each fee. [42707/20]
  • 2020-11-03 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the action she has taken in relation to whistle-blower disclosures made to and regarding a matter (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [32393/20]
  • 2020-11-03 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development if an audit of an area (details supplied) took place in March 2020; and the actions that have been taken by the relevant authorities on foot of its findings. [32394/20]
  • 2020-11-03 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development if the appointment by the local authority of an external person to work with a body (details supplied) in relation to ongoing issues there has taken place; and the cost of this external assistance. [32395/20]
  • 2020-11-03 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development if a body (details supplied) was fined in 2015 by Pobal; the reason for this; and the actions taken by relevant bodies since to avoid a repetition of the actions that resulted in this fine. [32396/20]
  • 2020-07-30 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the payments for services or goods by her Department to a company (details supplied) since 2015. [20782/20]
  • 2019-02-26 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the status of the review of the local community and economic plans; and if there is scope for migrant integration actions to be added to the plans in the context of the requirement of action 52 of the National Migrant Integration Strategy. [9706/19]
  • 2018-07-24 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development if an audit of all external workplace investigations conducted by companies (details supplied) will be provided; the outcome of complaints against his Department; when the investigation will commence into an allegation against an employee, the number of occasions on which a complaint was upheld against his Department by the investigators; and the number of occasions on which an investigation against an employee found grounds for disciplinary action. [35374/18]
  • 2018-06-12 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the number of complaints received by the Charities Regulatory Authority about an exhibition (details supplied). [24395/18]
  • 2018-06-12 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the details of the appointment process of the 13 members of the Charities Regulatory Authority; when they were appointed; and when their position is due for renewal. [24398/18]
  • 2018-05-15 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the value of contracts for goods or services from companies (details supplied) since 2010. [20859/18]
  • 2018-03-29 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the value of contracts for services awarded to a company (details supplied) by his Department since 2010, in tabular form; and the type of work undertaken by the company. [14635/18]
• Tourism 22 questions

  • 2023-01-18 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media if her Department has met with representatives of artists affected by proposed development plans for Merrion Square which will severely impact their ability to display and show their works on the square. [2004/23]
  • 2022-10-25 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media if there are plans to host a reception for the Irish women’s football team following their success in getting to the World Cup finals; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [52944/22]
  • 2022-10-12 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media further to Parliamentary Question No. 138 of 5 October 2022, if funding from her Department to the National Aquatic Centre was used for services provided by an organisation (details supplied); if so, if she will provide the details; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [50461/22]
  • 2022-10-05 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media the details of any contracts or services procured by her Department with top security, including any that are subcontracted to top security; the value of such contracts since 2015 to date; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [49007/22]
  • 2022-09-29 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media if she will clarify her plans in relation to the current basic income for arts scheme; if applicants who were unsuccessful for the current scheme can reapply in the coming year; if any possible anomalies in the lottery system will be removed; if any assessment of artists' current income and circumstances such as risk of poverty will be taken into account concerning future plans for the scheme; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [47782/22]
  • 2022-03-24 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media the reason the National Aquatic Centre in Fingal does not provide any freely available drinking water for visitors and athletes competing or training at the centre; the reason only vended and costly bottled water is available; if she will raise this with the relevant authority; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [15642/22]
  • 2022-02-24 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media if a decision has been made by the Government in relation to alternative funding for public service broadcasting or the future of the television licence; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [10455/22]
  • 2022-02-24 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media her plans in relation to the television licence; if the collection of the licence fee will be moved from An Post; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [10454/22]
  • 2022-01-20 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media the role her Department can play in ensuring that a vital aspect of Dublin city's culture is preserved, restored and utilised for the benefit of the city and tourism in saving the Iveagh Market, Francis Street, from being totally destroyed due to neglect and legal interventions between Dublin City Council and persons (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2481/22]
  • 2021-10-12 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media the status of the proposed universal basic income pilot scheme for those working in the arts industry; when it will commence; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [49486/21]
  • 2021-05-20 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media if organisations that applied for stream 1 funding under the large scale sports infrastructure fund remain eligible for stream 2 funding even if their stream 2 funding applications were not submitted before the initial closing date of 17 April 2019; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27290/21]
  • 2021-05-20 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media her views on the proposed funding model for the Dalymount Park project which includes 15 million from the large scale sports infrastructure fund; if a stream 2 application has been submitted for this amount; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27291/21]
  • 2021-04-28 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media her plans for a universal basic income for artists; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [21963/21]
  • 2021-03-31 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media if she will clarify the position on providing a universal basic income to the arts community; the progress on the work of the arts and culture recovery task force; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17296/21]
  • 2021-02-25 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media the status of planned changes to the rules of a pension scheme (details supplied) and arrangements and the annual administration fees pertaining to the superannuation scheme, specifically the outcome of consideration of this issue by her Department, NewERA and the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [10753/21]
  • 2020-12-10 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media if professional fees are paid by her Department on behalf of employees; if so, the total number involved; and the amount of each fee. [42710/20]
  • 2020-11-03 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media if she plans to change the rules of the RTÉ pension scheme or similar schemes in view of fears that there may be an effective €30 million or €500,000 per annum raid of assets of the pension savings of retired RTÉ employees; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [32473/20]
  • 2020-10-13 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media if after ten years of reduced funding for Foras na Gaeilge she will provide an additional €4.5 million in budget 2021 to Foras na Gaeilge to fund the projects agreed by 80 Irish language and Gaeltacht groups; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29910/20]
  • 2020-10-13 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media if an additional €6 million will be provided to Údarás na Gaeltachta in its line budget to create jobs and contribute to language planning; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29911/20]
  • 2020-10-13 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media if an additional €910,000 will be provided for the Irish language community scheme, SPG, organised by Foras na Gaeilge to guarantee that groups have sufficient funding to coordinate the Irish language in their areas under the scheme and that other groups in various constituencies have the opportunity to join the scheme; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29912/20]
  • 2020-10-13 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media if she will establish a scholarship scheme as recommended in the investment plan agreed by 80 Irish language and Gaeltacht groups to assist disadvantaged school pupils to attend summer college courses in the Gaeltacht; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29913/20]
  • 2020-10-13 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media her views on whether investment should be made in Irish language centres in towns and cities nationally as has been done in Northern Ireland to give the language a focus in the community; if she will establish a fund to assist these centres to operate as recommended in the investment plan agreed by 80 Irish language and Gaeltacht groups; if the appropriate funding to fund such centres is included in budget 2021 for Foras na Gaeilge to distribute; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29914/20]
• Culture 21 questions

  • 2020-07-30 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the way in which commitment to the sustainable development goals will be reflected in the Strategy and Work Plan 2020-2025 of her Department; her plans to monitor and report annually on the progress towards achieving the goals; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [19700/20]
  • 2020-07-30 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the payments for services or goods by her Department to a company (details supplied) since 2015. [20772/20]
  • 2019-01-16 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the progress made on ensuring the Moore Street sites of national cultural and historic significance are safeguarded; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1753/19]
  • 2019-01-16 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the measures she will take to monitor the impact on wildlife and biodiversity of the extension to the periods for removing and cutting of hedgerows in 2019 contained in the Heritage Act 2018; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1752/19]
  • 2018-10-02 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht her views on reports that leading cultural institutions including the National Gallery, National Museum and Irish Museum of Modern Art that are funded by the State are engaged in the widespread use of hiring unpaid interns; the effect this will have on the art and cultural sector; if this practice has been approved; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [39809/18]
  • 2018-10-02 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the number of times she or her departmental officials have met with representatives of a company (details supplied) regarding the Moore Street site; her role and responsibilities in implementing the recommendations of the Moore Street, Securing History report published in March 2017. [39389/18]
  • 2018-06-21 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the number of development applications which have been referred to the NPWS, particularly in County Donegal, that have been returned with no comment on them; and if this may be a breach of both Irish and EU law. [27110/18]
  • 2018-05-15 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the value of contracts for goods or services from companies (details supplied) since 2010. [20849/18]
  • 2018-04-17 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the number of times planning applications have been referred to the National Parks and Wildlife Service, NPWS, for comment as a prescribed body under planning and development legislation since the introduction of the designated area tracking system within the NPWS. [16137/18]
  • 2018-04-17 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the number of planning application referrals to the National Parks and Wildlife Service, NPWS, since the introduction of the designated area tracking system, by county. [16138/18]
  • 2018-04-17 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the number of planning applications referrals that have been granted or returned with no comment by the National Parks and Wildlife Service, NPWS. [16139/18]
  • 2018-04-17 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the mechanism available to protect a priority habitat as defined in the habitats directive in view of the fact that the National Parks and Wildlife Service has ceased designating further special areas of conservation, SAC; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [16147/18]
  • 2018-03-29 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the value of contracts for services awarded to a company (details supplied) by her Department since 2010 in tabular form; and the type of work undertaken by the company. [14625/18]
  • 2018-03-20 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht if the possibility of the State purchasing a site (details supplied) in Dublin 12 will be examined; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12611/18]
  • 2018-02-28 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the number of times since the introduction of the development application tracking system in the National Parks and Wildlife Service, NPWS, that planning permission has been granted to develop a built structure in an area which is a designated area. [10334/18]
  • 2018-01-23 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the level of funding and future plans her Department has to fund specific projects in arts and heritage for the Traveller community; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [3079/18]
  • 2017-11-07 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the communications and meetings she and her Department have had in 2017 with the owners of a site (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [46425/17]
  • 2017-11-07 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the way in which the requirements regarding trainee recruitment under section 481 are enforced; the way in which the number of trainees per production are recorded; and the number of trainees hired under this scheme since 2010. [46749/17]
  • 2017-10-17 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht her views on statements made by Kerry County Council in the planning zoning document, Landscape Character Assessment of Kerry, that the majority of landscapes in north County Kerry are not important for scenery, tourism or recreation (details supplied). [43987/17]
  • 2017-10-17 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht her plans to call an inquiry into the landscape character assessment of Kerry and the related renewable energy strategy for County Kerry and planning zoning (details supplied). [43988/17]
  • 2017-10-17 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the number of unbuilt wind turbines that have live planning permission or permission granted but not yet used throughout the country by county. [43989/17]
• Public Expenditure 4 questions

  • 2024-01-17 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform if any decision has been made or if any discussions have taken place with his Department that would see the current linkage between the salaries of serving members of An Garda Síochána and retired members being altered in any way; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [56855/23]
  • 2023-11-07 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform if he will outline all policies and plans currently in train to deal with the inevitable and increasing impacts of flooding as a result of climate change; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47436/23]
  • 2023-05-30 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform if he can clarify in relation to a public sector worker (details supplied) who has suffered a critical illness and having returned to work, is diagnosed with a second, separate critical illness within months. [25609/23]
  • 2023-03-21 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform if he can clarify in relation to retired OPW workers, if these retired workers will receive a due pension increase; when this increase will be paid and the categories of retired workers affected; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13901/23]
• Media 3 questions

  • 2020-09-22 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Media, Tourism, Arts, Culture, Sport and the Gaeltacht if her attention has been drawn to the hardship and distress the Covid-19 restrictions have caused to those previously working in the live events sector; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24906/20]
  • 2020-09-22 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Media, Tourism, Arts, Culture, Sport and the Gaeltacht if she will consider granting funding to the live events sector proportionate to the funds allocated to the Arts Council in 2020 in recognition of the fact that the sector accounts for 90% of all tickets sold here; if the critical lack of grant funding to the sector will be acknowledged; if a commitment will be given to a ringfenced fund for businesses in the sector that can remain viable until restrictions are lifted; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24907/20]
  • 2020-09-22 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Media, Tourism, Arts, Culture, Sport and the Gaeltacht if a voice will be given to the commercial live events sector in the recently announced task force in order to represent the substantial needs of the live events community; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24908/20]
• Climate 1 question

  • 2020-09-15 Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Climate Action and Communication Networks the status of the commitment on page 36 of the programme for Government to end the issuing of new licences for exploration and extraction of gas on the same basis as the recent decision on oil exploration and extraction; the legislation that will be put forward in this regard; and the form it will take. [23788/20]