Dublin South-West — week of Mon, 17 Mar

What your Dublin South-West TDs did this week

Mon, 17 Mar – 23 Mar 2025 · 5 TDs · 1 bill voted on · 127 questions · 0 new lobbying filings

Votes this week

An tOrd Gnó - Order of Business

2025-03-19 · 1 vote

The week's Dáil business schedule · motion passed 84–69

Voted for 2 Colm Brophy · John Lahart

Voted against 3 Ciarán Ahern · Paul Murphy · Seán Crowe

Ciarán Ahern — Labour Party 1 vote · 57 questions · 0 new lobbying returns

Questions asked 57 total

Children 22 questions
- 2025-03-19 Deputy Ciarán Ahern asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the number of persons who have registered user profiles on the mother and baby institutions payment scheme application portal since the launch of the scheme to date, regardless of whether the user has proceeded with an application; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11246/25]
- 2025-03-19 Deputy Ciarán Ahern asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the number of applications made to the mother and baby institutions payment scheme since the launch of the scheme to date; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11247/25]
- 2025-03-19 Deputy Ciarán Ahern asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the number of persons that have requested a review of the notice of determination on their application to the mother and baby institutions payment scheme since the launch of the scheme to date; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11248/25]
- 2025-03-19 Deputy Ciarán Ahern asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the number of persons that have appealed the decision of a review of the notice of determination on their application to the mother and baby institutions payment scheme since the launch of the scheme to present; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11249/25]
- 2025-03-19 Deputy Ciarán Ahern asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the number of notice of determination reviews in respect of applications to the mother and baby institutions payment scheme that have been made because the office of the chief deciding officer has determined that the applicant has spent insufficient time in an institution; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11250/25]
- 2025-03-19 Deputy Ciarán Ahern asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the number of appeals disputing a review of a notice of determination on an application to the mother and baby institutions payment scheme that have been made because the office of the chief deciding officer has determined that the applicant has spent insufficient time in an institution; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11251/25]
- 2025-03-19 Deputy Ciarán Ahern asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the number of notice of determination reviews on applications to the mother and baby institutions payment scheme that have been made because the office of the chief deciding officer has determined that the applicant is not a relevant person; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11252/25]
- 2025-03-19 Deputy Ciarán Ahern asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the number of appeals disputing a review of a notice of determination on an application to the mother and baby institutions payment scheme that have been made because the office of the chief deciding officer has determined that the applicant is not a relevant person; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11253/25]
- 2025-03-19 Deputy Ciarán Ahern asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the number of notice of determination reviews on applications to the mother and baby institutions payment scheme that have been made because the office of the chief deciding officer has determined that the applicant is not entitled to a general payment or a work related payment; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11254/25]
- 2025-03-19 Deputy Ciarán Ahern asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the number of appeals disputing a review of a notice of determination on an application to the mother and baby institutions payment scheme that have been made because the office of the chief deciding officer has determined that the applicant is not entitled to a general payment or a work-related payment; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11255/25]
- 2025-03-19 Deputy Ciarán Ahern asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the number of notice of determination reviews on applications to the mother and baby institutions payment scheme that have been made because the office of the chief deciding officer has determined that the applicant is not eligible for the provision without charge of health services to him or her; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11256/25]
- 2025-03-19 Deputy Ciarán Ahern asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the number of appeals disputing a review of a notice of determination on an application to the mother and baby institutions payment scheme that have been made because the office of the chief deciding officer has determined that the applicant is not eligible for the provision without charge of health services to him or her; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11257/25]
- 2025-03-19 Deputy Ciarán Ahern asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the number of notice of determination reviews on applications to the mother and baby institutions payment scheme that have been made because the office of the chief deciding officer has determined that the applicant is not entitled to a health support payment; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11258/25]
- 2025-03-19 Deputy Ciarán Ahern asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the number of appeals disputing a review of a notice of determination on an application to the mother and baby institutions payment scheme that have been made because the office of the chief deciding officer has determined that the applicant is not entitled to a health support payment; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11259/25]
- 2025-03-19 Deputy Ciarán Ahern asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the number of notice of determination reviews on applications to the mother and baby institutions payment scheme that have resulted in a change to the notice of determination; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11260/25]
- 2025-03-19 Deputy Ciarán Ahern asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the number of appeals disputing a review of a notice of determination on an application to the mother and baby institutions payment scheme that have resulted in a change to the outcome of the review; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11261/25]
- 2025-03-19 Deputy Ciarán Ahern asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the number of notice of determination reviews on applications to the mother and baby institutions payment scheme that have resulted in no change to the notice of determination; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11262/25]
- 2025-03-19 Deputy Ciarán Ahern asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the number of appeals disputing a review of a notice of determination on an application to the mother and baby institutions payment scheme that have resulted in no change to the outcome of the review; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11263/25]
- 2025-03-19 Deputy Ciarán Ahern asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth if she will amend the Mother and Baby Institutions Payment Scheme Act 2023, to allow all applicants to request a review of their notice of determination and to appeal the decision of that review; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11264/25]
- 2025-03-19 Deputy Ciarán Ahern asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth if, in light of the fact that section 19(1) of the Mother and Baby Institutions Payment Scheme Act 2023 states that ‘a person who considers that he or she is a relevant person may make an application…to the Chief Deciding Officer’, she will instruct the office of the chief deciding officer to amend the mother and baby institutions payment scheme application portal to allow any person who considers that they are a relevant person to make an application to the scheme; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11265/25]
- 2025-03-19 Deputy Ciarán Ahern asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth if she has considered amending the childminding services regulations 2024 to allow childminders employ assistants, or have emergency cover, for incidents in which the childminder is unavoidably occupied such as for medical appointments or illness; if not, the reasons why; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11956/25]
- 2025-03-19 Deputy Ciarán Ahern asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth to list the functions, roles and services carried out and delivered by Civil Service or State agency workers; the cost to the State of each contract since the implementation of the Building Momentum public service agreement, in tabular form; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12436/25]
Environment 15 questions
- 2025-03-19 Deputy Ciarán Ahern asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the projected total capital cost of the strategic gas reserve; the estimated annual operating cost; to outline the future mechanism for recouping the costs of the facility; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10928/25]
- 2025-03-19 Deputy Ciarán Ahern asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the projected annual additional cost on a domestic natural gas bill to fund the provision of a strategic gas reserve; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10929/25]
- 2025-03-19 Deputy Ciarán Ahern asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if he has been provided with estimates of the amount by which the standing charge for a domestic natural gas bill will increase in order to fund the provision of a strategic gas reserve; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10930/25]
- 2025-03-19 Deputy Ciarán Ahern asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the total volume of natural gas used in Ireland in each year since 2016, in tabular form; to provide a breakdown of the volume used for electricity generation, household and business use; the projected volume requirement for each of the next five years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10931/25]
- 2025-03-19 Deputy Ciarán Ahern asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the estimated additional volume requirement of natural gas for electricity generation and data centres for each of the next ten years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10932/25]
- 2025-03-19 Deputy Ciarán Ahern asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications when he will identify the location for a floating strategic gas reserve; the agency that will be responsible for securing planning permission and operating the facility; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10933/25]
- 2025-03-19 Deputy Ciarán Ahern asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the conditions he intends to apply to the source of the natural gas stored in any strategic gas reserve; if it will be filled from the existing network through the interconnector or use an LNG carrier to refuel/refill the facility; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10934/25]
- 2025-03-19 Deputy Ciarán Ahern asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications how many electricity and gas customers were in arrears on their energy bills based on the most recently available figures; if he will outline what reporting his Department receives on those in arrears; how the most recent figures compare to those from the same date in 2024 and 2023 respectively; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11237/25]
- 2025-03-19 Deputy Ciarán Ahern asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications when he projects the first new offshore renewable wind energy to become available on the grid; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11239/25]
- 2025-03-19 Deputy Ciarán Ahern asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications how much new gas-fired electricity generation will be added to the grid in 2025; how much was added in 2024 and if he will provide a breakdown by project; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11240/25]
- 2025-03-19 Deputy Ciarán Ahern asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications how much natural gas was used respectively by data centres and large industrial processes respectively in 2024; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11241/25]
- 2025-03-19 Deputy Ciarán Ahern asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the amount of electricity storage available on the grid; the plan to add more over the next five years; if he will confirm if pumped hydro storage is included; to outline the current location of electricity storage facilities; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11242/25]
- 2025-03-19 Deputy Ciarán Ahern asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications to list the functions, roles and services that were carried out and delivered by civil service or State agency workers; the cost to the State of each contract since the implementation of the Building Momentum public service agreement, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12440/25]
- 2025-03-19 Deputy Ciarán Ahern asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if he will engage with Electric Ireland on poor communication levels with businesses regarding power outage; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12744/25]
- 2025-03-19 Deputy Ciarán Ahern asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if he will engage with Uisce Éireann on poor communication levels with businesses regarding water outages; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12745/25]
Transport 7 questions
- 2025-03-19 Deputy Ciarán Ahern asked the Minister for Transport if he is satisfied that the price of a train ticket from Cork to Dublin is double that of a train ticket from Galway to Dublin, despite there only being a difference of around 40 km in the length of the journey; if an assessment of train fares has recently been carried out by his Department; if that assessment will be made available; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10606/25]
- 2025-03-19 Deputy Ciarán Ahern asked the Minister for Transport for an update regarding pension increases for retired CIÉ workers under the 1951 scheme who have received no increases to their pension since 2008; if he intends to discuss the matter with the CIÉ board; if he will meet with the retired CIÉ workers representative organisation [details supplied]; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10607/25]
- 2025-03-19 Deputy Ciarán Ahern asked the Minister for Transport to list the functions, roles and services carried out and delivered by Civil Service or State agency workers; the cost to the State of each contract since the implementation of the Building Momentum public service agreement, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12451/25]
- 2025-03-19 Deputy Ciarán Ahern asked the Minister for Transport the properties owned by Córas Iompair Éireann; their current use status, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12747/25]
- 2025-03-19 Deputy Ciarán Ahern asked the Minister for Transport the amount paid in consultancy fees to date by his Department, Transport Infrastructure Ireland, the Sustainable Energy Authority Ireland and the National Transport Authority for the Zero Emissions Vehicles Ireland initiative; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12748/25]
- 2025-03-19 Deputy Ciarán Ahern asked the Minister for Transport if he is satisfied that the National Transport Authority is sufficiently staffed to deliver on the numerous transport projects that are deemed necessary for Ireland to meet its transport emissions reduction targets; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12749/25]
- 2025-03-19 Deputy Ciarán Ahern asked the Minister for Transport the amount paid by the National Transport Authority in consultancy fees in each of the past five years, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12750/25]
Housing 6 questions
- 2025-03-19 Deputy Ciarán Ahern asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he is satisfied that under Part L 1.3.4 of the current Building Regulations, which covers building envelope permeability, and it is stated that air pressure testing “should” be carried out on all dwellings on all development sites rather than “must”, if he believes air pressure testing should be mandatory on all dwellings; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11001/25]
- 2025-03-19 Deputy Ciarán Ahern asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if all dwellings built in 2023 and 2024 were tested by certified air pressure testers; if not, the percentage of dwellings tested; the guarantees those who have purchased dwellings that were not tested that air permeability is to the correct levels; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11002/25]
- 2025-03-19 Deputy Ciarán Ahern asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the course of action that should be taken by those who have purchased a dwelling that does not comply with Building Regulations regarding air permeability because air pressure testing was not carried out in the first instance despite Part L 1.3.4.4 of the Building Regulations stating it should be; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11003/25]
- 2025-03-19 Deputy Ciarán Ahern asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the reason air pressure tests are not linked to the MPRN, like the BER, to ensure all dwellings are tested; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11004/25]
- 2025-03-19 Deputy Ciarán Ahern asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the means by which he will encourage and incentivise local authorities to deliver a greater focus and budget on nature restoration; and the enforcement measures available should local authorities not comply with their obligations in this regard. [11930/25]
- 2025-03-19 Deputy Ciarán Ahern asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage to list the functions, roles and services that were carried out and delivered by civil service or State agency workers; the cost to the State of each contract since the implementation of the Building Momentum public service agreement, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12445/25]
Education 3 questions
- 2025-03-19 Deputy Ciarán Ahern asked the Minister for Education to list the functions, roles and services that were carried out and delivered by civil service or State agency workers; the cost to the State of each contract since the implementation of the Building Momentum public service agreement, in tabular form; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12438/25]
- 2025-03-20 Deputy Ciarán Ahern asked the Minister for Education the number primary and secondary schools in Tallaght that have expressed an interest in opening a specialist class in the 2024/2025 academic year; the number of these applications that were accepted and refused; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [13105/25]
- 2025-03-20 Deputy Ciarán Ahern asked the Minister for Education the number of schools in Tallaght that were approached by the National Council for Special Education to open a specialist class; the percentage of those schools that declined; and if her Department can provide insight into the reasons given for these refusals. [13106/25]
Health 2 questions
- 2025-03-19 Deputy Ciarán Ahern asked the Minister for Health if given the Labour Court Recommendation 22780 which awarded pay parity for medical scientists with biochemists, and which was implemented with the national wage agreement on the 1 January 2024, including for the pensions of those who retired after that date, she will take steps ensure that parity of pension entitlements is applied to medical scientists who retired prior to that date; if not, why not; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11006/25]
- 2025-03-20 Deputy Ciarán Ahern asked the Minister for Health if the commitments made in the 2020 Programme for Government regarding the implementation of an informed consent model of care for hormone replacement therapy, simplifying the process for 16 and 17 year old trans people to acquire a gender recognition certificate, and ensuring that Government bodies use a trans or non-binary individual’s correct pronouns remain the policy and ambition of the current Government; if the current Government has watered down its commitments towards trans and non-binary people given the lack of attention they are paid in the 2025 Programme for Government when compared with the 2020 Programme for Government; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12966/25]
Public Expenditure 1 question
- 2025-03-19 Deputy Ciarán Ahern asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform to list the functions, roles and services that were carried out and delivered by civil service or State agency workers; the cost to the State of each contract since the implementation of the Building Momentum public service agreement, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11569/25]
Further and Higher Education 1 question
- 2025-03-19 Deputy Ciarán Ahern asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science to list the academic scholarship programmes available to Palestinian students in each of Ireland’s higher education institutions; the funding available for each programme; the amount of spaces available and occupied in each programme; and the qualifying criteria for each programme, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10748/25]

Colm Brophy — Fine Gael 1 vote · 0 questions · 0 new lobbying returns

John Lahart — Fianna Fáil 1 vote · 15 questions · 0 new lobbying returns

Questions asked 15 total

Education 5 questions
- 2025-03-19 Deputy John Lahart asked the Minister for Education if she will facilitate a meeting, as requested in correspondence to her office on 4 March 2025, between the principals of schools (details supplied) and senior officials of her Department as a matter of urgency to find a solution to the schools’ crisis financial situation; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [10840/25]
- 2025-03-19 Deputy John Lahart asked the Minister for Education her views on progress in fulfilling the commitment made by the previous Government to build a replacement of a school (details supplied) which is 50 years old this year; to outline where the project is at present; the reason for the delay in commencing works; and if she will commit to a timeline for completion. [10973/25]
- 2025-03-19 Deputy John Lahart asked the Minister for Education the measures being considered to support children with special educational needs who are unable to attend mainstream or special schools due to severe anxiety, ASD, or other related conditions; if there are plans to expand long-term online learning options beyond temporary home tuition schemes; if consideration will be given to developing structured, accredited online education pathways for these students to ensure they have access to qualifications and future opportunities; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11622/25]
- 2025-03-19 Deputy John Lahart asked the Minister for Education when a decision will be made on the additional schools accommodation application submitted by a school (details supplied) for the expansion of special needs classes; when funding will be allocated for the project; and the expected timeline for completion. [11943/25]
- 2025-03-19 Deputy John Lahart asked the Minister for Education if immediate funding will be provided for a full building survey of a school (details supplied) to assess serious health and safety concerns affecting students and staff; if her Department will engage directly with the school and the NCSE to find an urgent solution, including potential temporary or alternative accommodation if required; if she will commit to visiting the school to observe the conditions first-hand; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11981/25]
Finance 2 questions
- 2025-03-19 Deputy John Lahart asked the Minister for Finance if he will clarify the assertion by the Revenue Commissioners that the Finance Act 2022 inadvertently created a loophole allowing employers to make unlimited, tax-free contributions to employee PRSAs, contrary to the policy's original intent, resulting in significant tax avoidance by a small cohort of companies, when the majority of company directors utilised it to effectively back-fund their pensions before retirement; the reason the rule was not simply made subject to a minimum service requirement or aligned with the rules governing occupational pension schemes; how does the rule address pension regulations in line with current Government policy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10592/25]
- 2025-03-19 Deputy John Lahart asked the Minister for Finance to explain significant changes in budget 2025 to the tax relief annual contribution limits for PRSAs; if the identification by the Revenue Commissioners be outlined where 125 companies had each transferred at least €100,000 into individual PRSAs to exploit generous tax reliefs, with 17 of these cases involving contributions exceeding €500,000, and some surpassing €1.3 million within a single year; how many of the cases involved non-principal family members with less than one year’s service, and company directors with more than 5 years’ service; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10744/25]
Rural 2 questions
- 2025-03-19 Deputy John Lahart asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development for a list of men’s sheds in Dublin south west. [10976/25]
- 2025-03-19 Deputy John Lahart asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development to outline whether the Government intends to reinstate the annual men’s sheds grants of up to €3000 per shed per year for the next five years; if he is considering allocating resources to an organisation (details supplied) for the provision of essential services on the ground, on a regional basis to ensure the good governance, continued development and sustainability of men’s sheds; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10977/25]
Housing 2 questions
- 2025-03-20 Deputy John Lahart asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage If there are plans to increase funding for the housing adaptation grant for council tenants who require urgent home adaptations to make their living conditions more suitable to their needs; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12941/25]
- 2025-03-20 Deputy John Lahart asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the measures being taken to enhance support services and accessibility to emergency accommodation for homeless families; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12940/25]
Justice 2 questions
- 2025-03-20 Deputy John Lahart asked the Minister for Justice to provide an update on the Garda numbers of Tallaght and Rathfarnham Garda stations, for the years 2023, 2024 and 2025, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12943/25]
- 2025-03-20 Deputy John Lahart asked the Minister for Justice considering the challenges faced by non-EU family members seeking emergency visitor visas in urgent circumstances, such as family bereavement, if there are plans to review the current processing procedures to ensure that genuinely urgent cases are facilitated as swiftly as possible; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12942/25]
Enterprise 1 question
- 2025-03-19 Deputy John Lahart asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the options available to a person (details supplied) to remain working longer within the private sector; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10724/25]
Agriculture 1 question
- 2025-03-19 Deputy John Lahart asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will consider the appointment of an animal welfare director, as it is obvious that there is a considerable public appetite for such a public position now and the most energetic agencies tend to be individuals and NGOs; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10771/25]

Paul Murphy — People Before Profit-Solidarity 1 vote · 50 questions · 0 new lobbying returns

Questions asked 50 total

Health 9 questions
- 2025-03-19 Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Health if she has read the consultant report relating to operations at Cappagh and Temple Street hospitals (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [10655/25]
- 2025-03-19 Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Health if she is aware of the allegation that monetary gain may be a factor in the number of operations; and if there are plans in place to widen the scope of the review into operations at Cappagh and Temple Street hospitals (details supplied). [10656/25]
- 2025-03-19 Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Health if, in relation to the report on the consultant report relating to operations at Cappagh and Temple Street hospitals, she is aware of whistleblower concerns that this has been going on much longer than the two-year timeframe of the current review; and whether there are plans in place to look at earlier periods (details supplied). [10657/25]
- 2025-03-19 Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Health if, in relation to the report on the consultant report relating to operations at Cappagh and Temple Street hospitals, any further osteotomies were performed at either Cappagh or Temple Street after the delivery of the report (details supplied). [10658/25]
- 2025-03-19 Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Health if she is aware of the numerous cases of children with scoliosis who have faced various challenges with appointments postponed, changed, delayed or cancelled at the last minute; how the Minister will address this; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [10755/25]
- 2025-03-19 Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Health if she will instruct her Department to urgently recruit a speech therapist for the Ballyboden primary care centre; if she will add additional resources to clear the current backlog; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [10864/25]
- 2025-03-19 Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Health if she is aware that numerous people have had their health insurance claims rejected in relation to Lyme disease; if she will instruct her Department to investigate the matter and ensure those suffering from Lyme disease receive the treatment they need; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [10885/25]
- 2025-03-19 Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Health if she is aware of the delays regarding the free hormone replacement therapy scheme, which was announced in Budget 2025 and was due to begin in January 2025; when this will be made available; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11652/25]
- 2025-03-19 Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Health if she is aware of the understaffing in the healthcare system, specifically in terms of mental-health support, leaving some waiting for services for extended periods of time; if she will instruct her Department to address this issue; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12035/25]
Children 8 questions
- 2025-03-19 Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth if she is aware of the disparity in quality to child welfare services between different regions of the country; if she will instruct her Department to provide a plan for solving this disparity; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [10839/25]
- 2025-03-19 Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth if she is aware of the eight women and 20 children residing in the grounds of a nursing home (details supplied) who have been told to leave their accommodation by mid-March 2025; if she will ensure they are placed in appropriate accommodation in the community in which they have been living; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11199/25]
- 2025-03-19 Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth if her attention has been drawn to the fact that an IPAS in Newbridge was closed with only 24 hours’ notice to residents; the reason this was done; if the building will be repurposed or continue to function as an IPAS centre in future; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11454/25]
- 2025-03-19 Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth to provide detailed information on applications for assessment of needs (AON) in Louth; the number of applications received; the number rejected; the number not started yet or have not received a final report; the number of occupational therapy and ASD assessments needed for the AON that were outsourced to private providers, by age group, in the past three years; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12141/25]
- 2025-03-19 Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth if she will commission an independent report into the death of a person (details supplied) under the care of an organisation given that the report commissioned by the organisation made no finding of liability or failure in duty of care despite that later, as a result of a civil action, the organisation admitted liability. [12871/25]
- 2025-03-20 Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the number of referrals to the national special care referrals committee per month, over the previous 24 months. [12963/25]
- 2025-03-20 Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth whether any guidance was given to social work teams to reduce the number of referrals made to the national special care referrals committee. [12964/25]
- 2025-03-20 Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth if a firm (details supplied) is going to use a property to accommodate and care for unaccompanied minors. [13018/25]
Housing 6 questions
- 2025-03-19 Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he is aware of the delays to some interim remediation scheme pathfinder projects due to a requirement to re-tender for contractors; how he will address it; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10745/25]
- 2025-03-19 Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he is aware of the fact that State funds have been made available to numerous private businesses under the built heritage investment scheme 2025; if he will provide justification for providing funds to seemingly profitable businesses; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11143/25]
- 2025-03-19 Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage when he will introduce a deposit protection scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12637/25]
- 2025-03-19 Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage when he will introduce minimum BER standards for the private rented sector and for social housing; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12638/25]
- 2025-03-20 Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he will increase funding for the tenant in situ scheme to meet demand; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12670/25]
- 2025-03-20 Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he will abolish the restrictions on the tenant in situ scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12671/25]
Education 4 questions
- 2025-03-19 Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Education if she is aware of the trouble families in Saggart are facing with transport to school (details supplied); if she will instruct his Department to investigate this matter and ensure children in the area have adequate transport to school; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11379/25]
- 2025-03-19 Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Education if her attention has been drawn to the case of a child (details supplied) who has autism and is yet to receive a school placement; if she will instruct her Department to ensure this child has a place by September 2025; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11897/25]
- 2025-03-19 Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Education if a school (details supplied) will still receive funding if the school proceeds with installing modular buildings for a special class. [11931/25]
- 2025-03-20 Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Education the number of special classes each primary and post-primary school has; if they have requested a new special class or classes; and the number of children who have applied for special classes in each school. [13004/25]
Taoiseach 3 questions
- 2025-03-19 Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Taoiseach when the Cabinet committee on climate action, environment and energy will next meet. [9492/25]
- 2025-03-19 Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Taoiseach to report on his attendance at the informal EU leaders' retreat on 3 February. [9493/25]
- 2025-03-19 Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Taoiseach if he will report on his recent attendance at the commemoration for the liberation of Auschwitz. [9494/25]
Transport 3 questions
- 2025-03-19 Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Transport if he is aware of cases of bus drivers refusing passengers with foldable bikes from their routes, as foldable bikes are permitted on buses; if he will instruct his Department to investigate all such cases and provide guidance for such passengers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10790/25]
- 2025-03-19 Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Transport if his attention has been drawn to the excessive waiting times experienced by people trying to get their driving licenses; if he will instruct his Department to take the necessary steps to cut waiting times; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11958/25]
- 2025-03-19 Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Transport to instruct his Department to make the driving licence renewal process easier and more transparent due to the trouble certain Irish citizens are having with renewing their driving licences after being abroad for a number of years, even when providing required documentation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12231/25]
Enterprise 3 questions
- 2025-03-19 Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if his Department is aware that asbestos sheets had been used for the construction of the (details supplied), and if the Department will have these sheets removed in a safe manner. [10743/25]
- 2025-03-19 Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if he will set out a detailed pathway for the transposition of the Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive into Irish law; the timeline and steps in relation to same; which Government Departments will be involved; and if it will include a public consultation process. [11459/25]
- 2025-03-19 Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment regarding the European Commission’s Omnibus Simplification Package published on 26 February 2025, his views on re-opening the Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive, which risks diluting key human rights and environmental protections for victims of corporate abuse; and if he will commit to expediting the transposition and implementation of the directive into Irish law. [11460/25]
Justice 3 questions
- 2025-03-19 Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Justice if he will instruct his Department to examine issues surrounding the naturalisation process (details supplied); if reforms will be made to simplify the process for those applying; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11506/25]
- 2025-03-20 Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Justice the action he will take to address overcrowding, inhumane treatment and the systemic failure of rehabilitation services revealed in the latest report by the Office of the Inspector of Prisons; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12672/25]
- 2025-03-20 Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Justice if he will legislate to stop the use of counselling notes in sexual assault cases; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12673/25]
Agriculture 3 questions
- 2025-03-19 Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will instruct his Department to amend the Animal Health and Welfare Act 2013 in order to ban the transport of cats and dogs in the boots of cars; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10740/25]
- 2025-03-19 Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he is aware of horses being put in subpar conditions in Limerick city, which has led to the deaths of these animals; his plans to address this matter; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11125/25]
- 2025-03-19 Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine , further to Parliamentary Question No. 1095 of 22 January 2025, if he will provide a breakdown of the amounts paid to hunts by Horse Racing Ireland that is prize money, administration grants and so on; the number of point-to-point race meetings and races that are covered by the funding; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11133/25]
Finance 2 questions
- 2025-03-19 Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Finance if he is aware of instances of persons having marriage tax credits claimed during their separation being recouped following the finalisation of their divorce, given that persons are still married during the period of separation; if he will instruct his Department to end this recouperation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11437/25]
- 2025-03-19 Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Finance following changes to how flat rate expense tax credit can be claimed, the number of taxpayers to date that have applied to have their flat rate expenses reinstated; the numbers in each staff category; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11615/25]
Foreign 1 question
- 2025-03-19 Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs if he is aware of the humanitarian crisis in the Democratic Republic of Congo; if he will instruct his Department to work with international partners to help bring an end to it; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12285/25]
Environment 1 question
- 2025-03-19 Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if he is aware of the case of homeowners (details supplied) who have come into dispute with a contractor, hired by the SEAI as part of the warmer home upgrade, with their warmer homes upgrade now being under threat; if he will instruct his Department to investigate this and similar disputes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11457/25]
Defence 1 question
- 2025-03-19 Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence if it remains the case that Ireland will not be procuring military equipment or defence equipment or contracts with Israeli entities (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11472/25]
Tourism 1 question
- 2025-03-19 Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media if he will ensure that in any arrangement made with the Executive in the north regarding the funding of Foras na Gaeilge that the core funding of the community groups and the head organisations will be able to be funded by any additional money provided by either Government, and that any new funding from one Government will not be limited to new projects only. [11187/25]
Further and Higher Education 1 question
- 2025-03-19 Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if he is aware of the fact that certain students have had their €1,000 fee refund revoked due to them attending class remotely; if he will instruct his Department to ensure that these refunds are reinstated; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11435/25]
Public Expenditure 1 question
- 2025-03-20 Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform if the OPW will take an initiative to clean up and showcase a recognised national monument (details supplied). [13012/25]

Seán Crowe — Sinn Féin 1 vote · 5 questions · 0 new lobbying returns

Questions asked 5 total

Education 3 questions
- 2025-03-19 Deputy Seán Crowe asked the Minister for Education if her attention has been drawn to the ongoing challenges regarding a school (details supplied) accessing a sports capital grant and correspondence sent to her Department from the Archdiocese querying financial costs incurred by primary schools when undertaking a sports capital grant; if Department’s officials have responded to this matter; and if the Minster can provide clarity to both parties. [11208/25]
- 2025-03-19 Deputy Seán Crowe asked the Minister for Education the number of schools, primary and post-primary, in the Dublin south west area that expressed an interest in opening a specialist class in the past 2024-2025 academic year; the number of those applications that were refused; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12594/25]
- 2025-03-19 Deputy Seán Crowe asked the Minister for Education the number of schools, primary and post-primary, in the Dublin south west area that were approached by the National Council for Special Education to open a specialist class; the number of schools that declined; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12595/25]
Children 1 question
- 2025-03-19 Deputy Seán Crowe asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the vacancy rate of each CDNT in the CHO7 as a percentage of WTEs; the vacant posts in each of those CDNTs by job title, in tabular form; and to specify any of those posts which do not currently have approval to be filled. [11962/25]
Health 1 question
- 2025-03-19 Deputy Seán Crowe asked the Minister for Health the date by which the free HRT scheme will be commenced; the reasons the commitment of a roll out in January 2025 was missed; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [10779/25]