Cork North-Central — week of Mon, 3 Nov

What your Cork North-Central TDs did this week

Mon, 3 Nov – 9 Nov 2025 · 5 TDs · 3 bills voted on · 437 questions · 2 new lobbying filings

Votes this week

Finance Bill 2025

2025-11-05 · 10 votes · Govt (Finance)

A bill to provide for the imposition, repeal, remission, alteration and regulation of taxation, of stamp duties and of duties relating to excise and otherwise to make further pr…

full description

A bill to provide for the imposition, repeal, remission, alteration and regulation of taxation, of stamp duties and of duties relating to excise and otherwise to make further provision in connection with finance; and to provide for related matters.

An amendment to the bill · motion failed 4–5

Voted against 1 Colm Burke

Did not vote 4 Eoghan Kenny · Ken O'Flynn · Pádraig O'Sullivan · Thomas Gould

The motion · motion passed 5–4

Voted for 1 Colm Burke

Did not vote 4 Eoghan Kenny · Ken O'Flynn · Pádraig O'Sullivan · Thomas Gould

The motion · motion passed 6–3

Voted for 1 Colm Burke

Did not vote 4 Eoghan Kenny · Ken O'Flynn · Pádraig O'Sullivan · Thomas Gould

An amendment to the bill · motion failed 4–5

Voted against 1 Colm Burke

Did not vote 4 Eoghan Kenny · Ken O'Flynn · Pádraig O'Sullivan · Thomas Gould

The motion · motion passed 6–4

Voted for 1 Colm Burke

Did not vote 4 Eoghan Kenny · Ken O'Flynn · Pádraig O'Sullivan · Thomas Gould

The motion · motion passed 6–4

Voted for 1 Colm Burke

Did not vote 4 Eoghan Kenny · Ken O'Flynn · Pádraig O'Sullivan · Thomas Gould

The motion · motion passed 8–2

Voted for 1 Colm Burke

Did not vote 4 Eoghan Kenny · Ken O'Flynn · Pádraig O'Sullivan · Thomas Gould

An amendment to the bill · motion failed 4–6

Voted against 1 Colm Burke

Did not vote 4 Eoghan Kenny · Ken O'Flynn · Pádraig O'Sullivan · Thomas Gould

An amendment to the bill · motion failed 4–6

Voted against 1 Colm Burke

Did not vote 4 Eoghan Kenny · Ken O'Flynn · Pádraig O'Sullivan · Thomas Gould

An amendment to the bill · motion failed 4–6

Voted against 1 Colm Burke

Did not vote 4 Eoghan Kenny · Ken O'Flynn · Pádraig O'Sullivan · Thomas Gould

Electricity (Supply) (Amendment) Bill 2025: Committee and Remaining Stages

2025-11-05 · 2 votes

An amendment to the bill · motion failed 61–72

Voted for 3 Eoghan Kenny · Ken O'Flynn · Thomas Gould

Voted against 2 Colm Burke · Pádraig O'Sullivan

The motion · motion passed 93–41

Voted for 3 Colm Burke · Eoghan Kenny · Pádraig O'Sullivan

Voted against 2 Ken O'Flynn · Thomas Gould

Education (Affordable School Uniforms Bill) 2025

2025-11-05 · 2 votes

An amendment to the bill · motion passed 72–62

Voted for 2 Colm Burke · Pádraig O'Sullivan

Voted against 3 Eoghan Kenny · Ken O'Flynn · Thomas Gould

The motion · motion passed 72–62

Voted for 2 Colm Burke · Pádraig O'Sullivan

Voted against 3 Eoghan Kenny · Ken O'Flynn · Thomas Gould

Colm Burke — Fine Gael 14 votes · 47 questions · 0 new lobbying returns

Questions asked 47 total

Health 22 questions
- 2025-11-04 Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for Health the steps her Department has taken following the final report on the inclusion health framework (details supplied) which was submitted earlier in spring 2025; the further actions she and her Department plan to take on this report; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [57774/25]
- 2025-11-04 Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for Health the number of people on the drug payments scheme who are in receipt of insulin; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [59661/25]
- 2025-11-04 Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for Health the reasons 917 applicants were not approved for reimbursement support for CGM sensors between 1 December 2023 and 31 December 2024; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [59662/25]
- 2025-11-04 Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for Health if she will expedite the provision of braces to a child (details supplied), as the family were informed it would be 5.5 years before they would receive this; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [60158/25]
- 2025-11-04 Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for Health to confirm whether a child (details supplied) could apply for funding under the National Treatment Purchase Fund in order to get braces; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [60159/25]
- 2025-11-04 Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for Health to confirm the actions her Department is taking in order to reduce dental waiting times for children on public patient lists; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [60160/25]
- 2025-11-04 Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for Health if there will be funding opportunities for dental schools in Cork and Dublin to undertake primary research into the area of oral heath for schoolchildren; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [60162/25]
- 2025-11-04 Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for Health if consideration will be given to putting an accredited Autologous stem cell transplant centre in place in Cork University Hospital; as persons with cancers such as multiple myeoloma in Cork are required to travel to Galway for this treatment at a very difficult time; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [60187/25]
- 2025-11-05 Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for Health to outline the number of new medicines which were submitted to the NCPE in each year between 2015 and 2025; and the number of these new medicines that were non-oncology orphan medicinal products, in tabular form; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [60301/25]
- 2025-11-05 Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for Health to outline the number of non-oncology orphan medicinal products which were referred to the HSE Drugs Group by the NCPE in each year between 2015 and 2025; and to provide a breakdown of the number of successful, negative and pending reimbursement decisions for such products, in tabular form; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [60302/25]
- 2025-11-05 Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for Health the average length of time taken for non-oncology orphan medicines to receive a final reimbursement decision from the HSE Drugs Group after the submission of a pricing application by a manufacturer, in tabular form; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [60303/25]
- 2025-11-05 Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for Health the number of non-oncology orphan medicines which were approved by the HSE drugs group in each year from 2015 to 2025 and which did not satisfy the QALY threshold for cost-effectiveness, in tabular form; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [60304/25]
- 2025-11-05 Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for Health the number of new medicines which were submitted to the NCPE in each year between 2015 and 2025; to provide a breakdown of the number of these new medicines that were non-oncology orphan medicinal products, in tabular form; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [60305/25]
- 2025-11-05 Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for Health the number of non-oncology orphan medicinal products which were referred to the HSE drugs group by the NCPE in each year between 2015 and 2025; to provide a breakdown of the number of successful, negative and pending reimbursement decisions for such products, in tabular form; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [60306/25]
- 2025-11-05 Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for Health the average length of time taken for non-oncology orphan medicines to receive a final reimbursement decision from the HSE drugs group after the submission of a pricing application by a manufacturer, in tabular form; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [60307/25]
- 2025-11-06 Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for Health further to Parliamentary Question No. 846 of 14 October 2025, the action her Department and the HSE are taking in view of the statement of the Chief Operation Officer of St James’s Hospital (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [60524/25]
- 2025-11-06 Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for Health further to Parliamentary Question No. 846 of 14 October 2025, the action her Department and the HSE are taking in view of the statement of the Chief Operation Officer of St James’s Hospital (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [60525/25]
- 2025-11-06 Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for Health the action being taken by her Department and the HSE to deal with the alarming increase in paediatric TB cases occurring since 2017, with the age-specific incidence rate for children having risen from 0.8 in 2023 to 1.3 in 2024, in particular taking in to account that the number of TB cases in children under one year of age in 2024 equalled the total cases from the previous ten years combined; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [60526/25]
- 2025-11-06 Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for Health the action her Department and the HSE are taking to deal with the challenges which the Irish Mycobacterial Reference Laboratory at St James’s Hospital is facing, which supports TB diagnosis nationally, is now at full capacity and unable to meet the growing demand for rapid diagnostics, especially for drug-resistant TB; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [60527/25]
- 2025-11-06 Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for Health the action the Department and the HSE are taking in view of the fact that Ireland is not on track to meet WHO End TB Strategy targets, and current resourcing falls short of national guidelines requiring immediate assessment of suspected TB cases; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [60528/25]
- 2025-11-06 Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for Health the action her Department and the HSE are taking to deal with the rising incidence of TB which increased by over 30% in 2024, with a fourfold rise in MDR-TB cases and a significant increase in paediatric TB; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [60529/25]
- 2025-11-06 Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for Health the action her Department and the HSE are taking to deal with the capacity issues in dealing with TB cases, in view of the fact that emergency reviews have doubled from 2023 to 2024, which said reviews are used to prevent hospital admissions and to start treatment urgently thus preventing onward transmission; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [60530/25]
Defence 6 questions
- 2025-11-05 Deputy Colm Burke asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence the measures being taken to improve recruitment and retention within the Defence Forces in light of the €145 million increase in defence funding in Budget 2026; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [60423/25]
- 2025-11-05 Deputy Colm Burke asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence the way in which the Reserve Defence Forces will benefit from the increased financial support provided in Budget 2026; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [60424/25]
- 2025-11-05 Deputy Colm Burke asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence if he will provide an update on the supports and funding for Defence Force veterans and their dependents as outlined in Budget 2026; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [60425/25]
- 2025-11-05 Deputy Colm Burke asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence the role the Defence Forces will play in supporting EU defence cooperation initiatives during Ireland’s presidency of the council of the European Union in 2026; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [60426/25]
- 2025-11-06 Deputy Colm Burke asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence if he will outline the way in which Ireland will balance its policy of military neutrality with increased engagement in EU defence co-operation during its 2026 EU Presidency; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [60416/25]
- 2025-11-06 Deputy Colm Burke asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence if he will provide an update on improvements to pay and conditions for members of the Permanent Defence Force arising from the €485 million allocation for defence pay in budget 2026; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [60415/25]
Transport 5 questions
- 2025-11-04 Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for Transport the action his Department is taking to reduce the incidence of graffiti at a location (details supplied), in view that this reoccurring issue in the area; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [57789/25]
- 2025-11-04 Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for Transport the action his Department is taking to reduce the waiting time for driving test appointments at a test centre (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [57808/25]
- 2025-11-04 Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for Transport the action his Department is taking to improve bus services in Cork city, in particular the route 207 service, given frequently recurring issues with the reliability of this service, including cancelled and late buses; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [59355/25]
- 2025-11-04 Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for Transport if there are plans for an additional call for the Safe Routes to School Programme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [59995/25]
- 2025-11-04 Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for Transport the action his Department is taking to expand active travel projects in County Cork, in particular funding for active travel infrastructure in schools; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [59996/25]
Education 4 questions
- 2025-11-04 Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for Education and Youth to provide an update in relation to the school transport pilot scheme, in particular in relation to the evaluation of 14 pilot projects undertaken in the 2024-2025 school year; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [59700/25]
- 2025-11-04 Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for Education and Youth to provide an update on progress made to date in relation to the introduction of e-ticketing as part of the school transport scheme; if this will be introduced in the 2026-2027 school year; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [59699/25]
- 2025-11-04 Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for Education and Youth the action her Department is taking to tackle recruitment challenges of bus drivers under the school transport scheme; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [59739/25]
- 2025-11-04 Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for Education and Youth the status of an application under the additional accommodation scheme by a school (details supplied); when a decision will be made on whether it will progress from stage 2A; when the senior engineers comment will be delivered; that serious consideration would be given to approving progression to the next phase; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [59984/25]
Social 3 questions
- 2025-11-04 Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for Social Protection if the auto-enrolment pension will be classified as an occupational pension; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [57778/25]
- 2025-11-04 Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for Social Protection if he will revise the fee paid to dentists holding contracts under the dental treatment benefit scheme; the status of these plans; the timeframe for implementation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [58675/25]
- 2025-11-04 Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for Social Protection the status of an application for a non-contributory pension for a person (details supplied); when a decision is likely to be reached; if serious consideration will be given to awarding this pension due to their means; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [59046/25]
Foreign 2 questions
- 2025-11-04 Deputy Colm Burke asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade for an update on the European Union’s plans to improve the competitiveness of the region for the bio-pharmaceutical sector, in view of recent policy developments in the United States; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [57792/25]
- 2025-11-04 Deputy Colm Burke asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the co-ordination taking place within the European Union to improve the competitiveness of the European Union, in order to ensure Ireland can remain a world leader in life sciences; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [57793/25]
Climate 2 questions
- 2025-11-06 Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment if consideration will be given to the provision of a solar PV grant for new build properties (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [60399/25]
- 2025-11-06 Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment for an update on the business energy upgrade scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50831/25]
Justice 1 question
- 2025-11-04 Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration when a citizenship application will be completed given it is 30 months since the application for a person (details supplied) was first lodged; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [58234/25]
Agriculture 1 question
- 2025-11-04 Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the number of non-productive investment applications received under the ACRES and ACRES-CP schemes for 2023 to date in 2025, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [58139/25]
Children 1 question
- 2025-11-04 Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality if she will consider granting inclusion for a centre (details supplied) in the Family Resource Centre Programme funding which was announced in Budget 2026 for ten additional family resource centres, in view of the fact there is no family resource centre in the northern side of Cork City; if she is aware that no centre in Cork was included under the most recent round of applications, and also taking into consideration the work that this group is doing; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [58678/25]

Eoghan Kenny — Labour Party 4 votes · 84 questions · 0 new lobbying returns

Questions asked 84 total

Education 19 questions
- 2025-11-04 Deputy Eoghan Kenny asked the Minister for Education and Youth for an update on the roll out and funding of DEIS plus, as of November 2025; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [59395/25]
- 2025-11-04 Deputy Eoghan Kenny asked the Minister for Education and Youth the amount of money that has been granted per school for ICT equipment for the school year 2025-26; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [59397/25]
- 2025-11-04 Deputy Eoghan Kenny asked the Minister for Education and Youth if there will be an increase in the capitation grant for secondary level schools; the cost to the exchequer of the €50 increase in capitation grant for primary schools; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [59399/25]
- 2025-11-04 Deputy Eoghan Kenny asked the Minister for Education and Youth if she plans to conduct a review of the school transport scheme; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [59398/25]
- 2025-11-04 Deputy Eoghan Kenny asked the Minister for Education and Youth the plans she has to recruit 1,717 special needs assistants and 860 special education teachers announced in Budget 2026; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [59400/25]
- 2025-11-04 Deputy Eoghan Kenny asked the Minister for Education and Youth for an update on school building and extension projects in Cork north central, including Gaelscoileanna and DEIS schools; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [59028/25]
- 2025-11-04 Deputy Eoghan Kenny asked the Minister for Education and Youth if additional supports will be provided for students with special educational needs in Cork city schools; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [59029/25]
- 2025-11-04 Deputy Eoghan Kenny asked the Minister for Education and Youth for an update on the delivery of new classrooms for schools in Cork north central; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [59030/25]
- 2025-11-04 Deputy Eoghan Kenny asked the Minister for Education and Youth to provide an update on the provision of special education classes in Mallow schools; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [59031/25]
- 2025-11-04 Deputy Eoghan Kenny asked the Minister for Education and Youth her plans to upgrade school buildings in the northside of Cork city that are over 50 years old; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [59032/25]
- 2025-11-04 Deputy Eoghan Kenny asked the Minister for Education and Youth the measures being taken to address the shortage of secondary teachers in key subjects such as maths and science; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [59033/25]
- 2025-11-04 Deputy Eoghan Kenny asked the Minister for Education and Youth her plans to expand DEIS status to additional schools in areas of disadvantage; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [59034/25]
- 2025-11-04 Deputy Eoghan Kenny asked the Minister for Education and Youth to outline progress on reducing class sizes at primary level; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [59035/25]
- 2025-11-04 Deputy Eoghan Kenny asked the Minister for Education and Youth to confirm the timeline for full roll out of the free schoolbook scheme at post-primary level; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [59036/25]
- 2025-11-04 Deputy Eoghan Kenny asked the Minister for Education and Youth regarding the RACE Scheme for 2026, to outline the details behind the extra time pilot, including which candidates will be included in the pilot, the amount of extra time they will receive and when these details will be provided to schools, considering the closing date for reactivation and new applications is 21 November for Leaving Certificate students. [59764/25]
- 2025-11-04 Deputy Eoghan Kenny asked the Minister for Education and Youth for an update on the establishment of the committee for a root and branch review of the workload being placed on teachers; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [60182/25]
- 2025-11-04 Deputy Eoghan Kenny asked the Minister for Education and Youth for an update on establishment of a sub committee on the use of AI in our schools, as per the senior cycle redevelopment support measures; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [60183/25]
- 2025-11-04 Deputy Eoghan Kenny asked the Minister for Education and Youth for an update on the ring fenced SEN hours, as agreed in the ring fenced senior cycle redevelopment support measures; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [60184/25]
- 2025-11-04 Deputy Eoghan Kenny asked the Minister for Education and Youth if she has signed off on a circular in relation to one year CID; if not, when she plans on doing so; if those who entered into a school this year will be entitled to a one year CID; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [60185/25]
Housing 17 questions
- 2025-11-04 Deputy Eoghan Kenny asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the status of funding applications by Cork City and Cork County Councils for social and affordable housing developments in the Cork north central constituency; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [58973/25]
- 2025-11-04 Deputy Eoghan Kenny asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if there are plans to increase funding to Cork County Council to address vacancy and dereliction in towns such as Mallow and Blackpool; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [58974/25]
- 2025-11-04 Deputy Eoghan Kenny asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage for an update on the allocation of resources for the repair and leasing scheme in Cork North Central, particularly in the areas of Mayfield and Farranree. [58975/25]
- 2025-11-04 Deputy Eoghan Kenny asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage when funding will be approved for the regeneration of older housing estates in Cork North Central, including Knocknaheeny, Farranree and Mayfield; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [58976/25]
- 2025-11-04 Deputy Eoghan Kenny asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage to provide an update on the number of vacant and derelict properties identified in Mallow; and the progress which has been made in bringing them back into use under the Vacant Homes Action Plan. [58977/25]
- 2025-11-04 Deputy Eoghan Kenny asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he will consider expanding the croí cónaithe scheme to cover small towns like Mallow and Fermoy where housing vacancy remains high. [58979/25]
- 2025-11-04 Deputy Eoghan Kenny asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if his Department will provide ring-fenced funding for Cork County Council to deliver affordable housing developments on publicly owned land in the Mallow area. [58980/25]
- 2025-11-04 Deputy Eoghan Kenny asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the measures being taken to ensure fair and timely allocation of affordable homes delivered through approved housing bodies; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [58981/25]
- 2025-11-04 Deputy Eoghan Kenny asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage to provide updated national targets for social housing completions for 2025; and to detail if they will be met. [58982/25]
- 2025-11-04 Deputy Eoghan Kenny asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he will review the effectiveness of the first home scheme and the help-to-buy scheme in enabling middle-income earners to purchase homes in high-cost regions. [58983/25]
- 2025-11-04 Deputy Eoghan Kenny asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the measures being taken to ensure that local authorities can recruit sufficient staff to deliver housing targets under Housing for All. [58984/25]
- 2025-11-04 Deputy Eoghan Kenny asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the supports available for families living in emergency accommodation in Cork city; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [59001/25]
- 2025-11-04 Deputy Eoghan Kenny asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage for an update on the retrofitting programme for local authority housing in Cork city and county, particularly in older estates in Cork North-Central; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [59019/25]
- 2025-11-04 Deputy Eoghan Kenny asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if funding will be made available to Cork City Council for retrofitting older housing estates in Cork north central as part of the Energy Efficiency Retrofit Programme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [59022/25]
- 2025-11-04 Deputy Eoghan Kenny asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage in view of planning exemptions introduced in 2022, the number of those exempted dwellings for which material changes were made for the purposes of providing accommodation; if they are subject to enforcement by local authorities; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [60179/25]
- 2025-11-04 Deputy Eoghan Kenny asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if the review of planning exemptions introduced in 2022 will be completed by year end 2025; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [60180/25]
- 2025-11-04 Deputy Eoghan Kenny asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage his views on whether the planning exemptions introduced in 2022 have been successful; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [60181/25]
Transport 14 questions
- 2025-11-04 Deputy Eoghan Kenny asked the Minister for Transport if he will provide an update on the progress of the Mallow commuter rail service and the potential for increased frequency to Cork city; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [59007/25]
- 2025-11-04 Deputy Eoghan Kenny asked the Minister for Transport if funding has been allocated to improve safety and active travel infrastructure on the N20 between Mallow and Cork; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [59008/25]
- 2025-11-04 Deputy Eoghan Kenny asked the Minister for Transport for an update on pedestrian and cycling infrastructure funding allocations to Cork City Council and Cork County Council for 2025; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [59009/25]
- 2025-11-04 Deputy Eoghan Kenny asked the Minister for Transport the plans to increase the frequency of train services between Mallow and Cork city to support commuters and reduce car dependency; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [59010/25]
- 2025-11-04 Deputy Eoghan Kenny asked the Minister for Transport to confirm if active travel projects in Cork’s northside including Blackpool and Ballyvolane will be funded in 2025; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [59011/25]
- 2025-11-04 Deputy Eoghan Kenny asked the Minister for Transport when safety improvement works will be carried out on the N20 corridor through Mallow town; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [59012/25]
- 2025-11-04 Deputy Eoghan Kenny asked the Minister for Transport the progress in extending suburban rail services northward to serve areas like Blarney and Monard; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [59013/25]
- 2025-11-04 Deputy Eoghan Kenny asked the Minister for Transport if he will ensure that Cork city and county receive a fair allocation of funding under the National Sustainable Mobility Policy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [59014/25]
- 2025-11-04 Deputy Eoghan Kenny asked the Minister for Transport for an update on the delivery of BusConnects Cork; the expected timeframe for the northside of the city; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [59015/25]
- 2025-11-04 Deputy Eoghan Kenny asked the Minister for Transport if the N20 Cork–Limerick project will include a rail alternative as part of the appraisal process; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [59016/25]
- 2025-11-04 Deputy Eoghan Kenny asked the Minister for Transport the projected carbon savings from the National Development Plans transport projects; whether modal share targets for public transport are on track; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [59017/25]
- 2025-11-04 Deputy Eoghan Kenny asked the Minister for Transport for an update on plans to roll out a single integrated ticketing system for all public transport operators; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [59018/25]
- 2025-11-04 Deputy Eoghan Kenny asked the Minister for Transport if he has met with Bus Éireann to discuss the service provision of bus routes in Cork city; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [59771/25]
- 2025-11-04 Deputy Eoghan Kenny asked the Minister for Transport is he is aware of the ongoing issues with the 207 bus route in Cork city, and consistent issues with the provision of the service; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [59772/25]
Health 11 questions
- 2025-11-04 Deputy Eoghan Kenny asked the Minister for Health for an update on CAMHS appointment for child (details supplied); if the appointment will be expedited; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [58443/25]
- 2025-11-04 Deputy Eoghan Kenny asked the Minister for Health for an update on plans for expanded health services at Mallow General Hospital, including the re-establishment of 24-hour emergency cover; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [58986/25]
- 2025-11-04 Deputy Eoghan Kenny asked the Minister for Health the steps being taken to reduce waiting times for primary care services in Cork North-Central, particularly mental health and dental services; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [58987/25]
- 2025-11-04 Deputy Eoghan Kenny asked the Minister for Health her plans to improve ambulance response times in the North Cork region; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [58988/25]
- 2025-11-04 Deputy Eoghan Kenny asked the Minister for Health her plans for enhancing services at Mallow General Hospital, including diagnostic and outpatient services; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [58989/25]
- 2025-11-04 Deputy Eoghan Kenny asked the Minister for Health the steps being taken to address staffing shortages at Cork University Hospital; the impact of those steps on waiting times for patients from Cork north central; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [58990/25]
- 2025-11-04 Deputy Eoghan Kenny asked the Minister for Health her plans to reopen or expand the number of community mental health teams serving the north side of Cork city; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [58991/25]
- 2025-11-04 Deputy Eoghan Kenny asked the Minister for Health her plans to open a new primary care centre in Blackpool or Mayfield; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [58992/25]
- 2025-11-04 Deputy Eoghan Kenny asked the Minister for Health if her Department is reviewing the future funding model for public hospitals to ensure equitable access to care across regions; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [58995/25]
- 2025-11-04 Deputy Eoghan Kenny asked the Minister for Health the Government’s plans to expand access to GP care in under-served urban and rural areas; if incentives for new GP practices are being considered; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [58996/25]
- 2025-11-04 Deputy Eoghan Kenny asked the Minister for Health the timeframe for full implementation of Sláintecare’s community-based care model; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [58997/25]
Enterprise 9 questions
- 2025-11-04 Deputy Eoghan Kenny asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment for an update on IDA and Enterprise Ireland investment plans in Cork north central and the Mallow area; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [59037/25]
- 2025-11-04 Deputy Eoghan Kenny asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment the supports available for small and medium enterprises affected by high commercial rents in Cork city; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [59038/25]
- 2025-11-04 Deputy Eoghan Kenny asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment the steps which are being taken to attract new enterprise and investment to Mallow and to the north Cork region; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [59039/25]
- 2025-11-04 Deputy Eoghan Kenny asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment the supports available for small businesses in Cork city struggling with rising energy and insurance costs; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [59040/25]
- 2025-11-04 Deputy Eoghan Kenny asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment if Enterprise Ireland is supporting any start-up hubs or co-working spaces in Cork north central; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [59041/25]
- 2025-11-04 Deputy Eoghan Kenny asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment to provide an update on implementation of the living wage; if it will be mandatory for public procurement contracts; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [59042/25]
- 2025-11-04 Deputy Eoghan Kenny asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment if his Department will review the operation of the national minimum wage to ensure that it keeps pace with inflation and cost-of-living pressures; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [59043/25]
- 2025-11-04 Deputy Eoghan Kenny asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment the way in which his Department is ensuring decent work and fair pay in new green and tech industries; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [59044/25]
- 2025-11-04 Deputy Eoghan Kenny asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment to provide an update on the living wage roadmap; the measures being taken to ensure compliance among public contractors; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [59045/25]
Children 6 questions
- 2025-11-04 Deputy Eoghan Kenny asked the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality to confirm whether Cork north central will benefit from the roll out of additional community neuro-rehabilitation services; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [58993/25]
- 2025-11-04 Deputy Eoghan Kenny asked the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality her Department’s strategy to reduce waiting lists for children’s disability services nationally; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [58994/25]
- 2025-11-04 Deputy Eoghan Kenny asked the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality if a family resource centre is being considered for a centre (details supplied) in the recent funding announcement of 10 new Family Resource Centres in Budget 2026; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [58999/25]
- 2025-11-04 Deputy Eoghan Kenny asked the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality for an update on childcare service capacity in Cork North Central; if additional funding will be provided to support community childcare providers; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [59000/25]
- 2025-11-04 Deputy Eoghan Kenny asked the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality the timeline for full implementation of the universal childcare subsidy; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [59003/25]
- 2025-11-04 Deputy Eoghan Kenny asked the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality the way in which her Department will ensure equitable funding between community and private childcare providers; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [59004/25]
Climate 5 questions
- 2025-11-04 Deputy Eoghan Kenny asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment the supports available for small businesses in Mallow and surrounding areas to improve energy efficiency and reduce carbon emissions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [59020/25]
- 2025-11-04 Deputy Eoghan Kenny asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment the means by which his Department will support community-led renewable energy cooperatives over the next three years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [59023/25]
- 2025-11-04 Deputy Eoghan Kenny asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment for an update on the Government’s Just Transition Plan for workers affected by the move away from fossil fuels; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [59024/25]
- 2025-11-04 Deputy Eoghan Kenny asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment if he will consider additional funding for community energy projects led by local co-operatives; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [59026/25]
- 2025-11-04 Deputy Eoghan Kenny asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment the number of kilometres squared that are designated as marine protected areas (MPAs); if further proposals will be submitted to OSPAR for further designations of MPAs within Ireland’s EEZ; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [59765/25]
Public Expenditure 1 question
- 2025-11-04 Deputy Eoghan Kenny asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation for an update of any flood relief works taking place in Cork county and city; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [59021/25]
Culture 1 question
- 2025-11-04 Deputy Eoghan Kenny asked the Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport for an update on the roll out of the National Broadband Plan in rural parts of North Cork including Grenagh, Carrignavar, Mourneabby and Burnfort; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [59025/25]
Justice 1 question
- 2025-11-04 Deputy Eoghan Kenny asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration if his Department is engaging with Cork County Council regarding integration supports for asylum seekers and refugees in Mallow; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [59002/25]

Ken O'Flynn — Independent Ireland 4 votes · 277 questions · 1 new lobbying return

Questions asked 277 total

Health 70 questions
- 2025-11-04 Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Health to provide clarity on a matter relating to the Irish Blood Transfusion Service's individual donor risk assessment policy (details supplied). [58557/25]
- 2025-11-04 Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Health further to Parliamentary Question No. 845, of 30 September 2025, to provide a breakdown of the gender affirmation surgeries funded abroad by category (male-to-female, female-to-male, non-binary, or other); and to indicate the number of individuals in each category who have received funding in the past five years. [58815/25]
- 2025-11-04 Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Health further to Parliamentary Question No. 845 of 30 September 2025, to confirm the age range of individuals who have received HSE funding for gender affirmation surgery abroad, including the number of individuals under 18, between 18–25, and over 25 years of age. [58816/25]
- 2025-11-04 Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Health further to Parliamentary Question No. 845 of 30 September 2025, the process through which individuals are assessed and approved for HSE funding for gender affirmation surgery abroad, including which specialists or multidisciplinary teams are involved and whether the HSE independently diagnoses gender dysphoria or relies on external assessments. [58817/25]
- 2025-11-04 Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Health further to Parliamentary Question No. 845 of 30 September 2025, whether the HSE recognises gender dysphoria as a medical or scientific condition; and the diagnostic criteria or international guidelines on which this recognition is based. [58818/25]
- 2025-11-04 Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Health further to Parliamentary Question No. 845, of 30 September 2025, the aftercare supports which are provided to individuals who undergo gender affirmation surgery abroad under HSE funding, including post-surgical follow-up, psychological supports, and ongoing medical treatment. [58819/25]
- 2025-11-04 Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Health further to Parliamentary Question No. 845 of 30 September 2025, the protocols which are in place for individuals who later regret or reverse their decision to undergo gender affirmation surgery, including whether the HSE provides medical or psychological support in such cases and if reversal or reconstructive procedures are funded. [58820/25]
- 2025-11-04 Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Health further to Parliamentary Question No. 845 of 30 September 2025, if an independent review or audit of the HSE’s overseas gender affirmation surgery programme has been undertaken, and if not, whether the Minister will commission one to evaluate clinical outcomes, patient satisfaction, and long-term impacts. [58821/25]
- 2025-11-04 Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Health further to Parliamentary Question No. 845 of 30 September 2025, the criteria used by the HSE to assess eligibility for funding gender affirmation surgery abroad; and the grounds on which an application may be refused. [58822/25]
- 2025-11-04 Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Health further to Parliamentary Question No. 845 of 30 September 2025, whether individuals whose applications for HSE funding for gender affirmation surgery abroad have been refused are provided with written reasons for the decision; and if they are informed of their right to appeal. [58823/25]
- 2025-11-04 Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Health further to Parliamentary Question No. 845 of 30 September 2025, the appeal process available to individuals whose applications for HSE funding for gender affirmation surgery abroad have been refused, including the number of appeals submitted and the number subsequently overturned. [58814/25]
- 2025-11-04 Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Health further to Parliamentary Question No. 845 of 30 September 2025, if there is a standardised clinical review or multidisciplinary panel within the HSE that determines refusals for gender affirmation surgery funding; and the professional backgrounds of those involved in such decisions. [58824/25]
- 2025-11-04 Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Health further to Parliamentary Question No. 845 of 30 September 2025, whether any applications for gender affirmation surgery funding abroad have been refused on the basis of age, psychological readiness, co-existing mental health conditions, or lack of medical evidence; and to provide details on the way in which such determinations are made. [58825/25]
- 2025-11-04 Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Health further to Parliamentary Question No. 845 of 30 September 2025, if individuals who are refused HSE funding for gender affirmation surgery abroad are offered alternative supports within Ireland, such as counselling, hormone therapy, or local surgical referral pathways. [58826/25]
- 2025-11-04 Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Health further to Parliamentary Question No. 845 of 30 September 2025, the age profile of service users who have undergone gender-affirming surgery through the Transgender Adult Service; the age of the youngest service user since the relevant legislation was introduced; and the age of the oldest service user. [58827/25]
- 2025-11-04 Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Health further to Parliamentary Question No. 845 of 30 September 2025, the assessment process in place for service users prior to being approved for gender-affirming procedures; the aftercare supports provided following such procedures; and whether service users are required to pay for the assessment process or aftercare services. [58828/25]
- 2025-11-04 Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Health further to Parliamentary Question No. 845 of 30 September 2025, the percentage of the total cost of gender-affirming surgery that is covered by the Transgender Adult Service. [58829/25]
- 2025-11-04 Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Health the rationale for restricting the free contraception scheme to women aged 17–35; if she will outline the evidence base used to determine these age limits; and if she will set out a timeline for the scheme’s extension to all women. [59163/25]
- 2025-11-04 Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Health whether a cost–benefit analysis has been undertaken to assess the financial and public health impact of extending the free contraception scheme to all women, including those aged 36 and above. [59164/25]
- 2025-11-04 Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Health if she has sought legal or equality advice regarding whether the current age restrictions on the free contraception scheme could constitute age discrimination under equality legislation. [59165/25]
- 2025-11-04 Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Health if her Department has undertaken an equality impact assessment under the public sector equality and human rights duty in relation to the free contraception scheme; if she will outline the outcome of that assessment; and if she will address concerns that the current age-based eligibility criteria may constitute indirect discrimination on the grounds of age or gender under the Equal Status Acts. [59166/25]
- 2025-11-04 Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Health if her Department has examined whether restricting access to free contraception to women aged 17–35 is compatible with the Equal Status Acts and the public sector equality and human rights duty. [59167/25]
- 2025-11-04 Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Health the total number of funded but unfilled HSE posts nationwide as of the latest date available, broken down by grade and region, and the number of such posts in the South/South-West Hospital Group, in view of reports indicating that more than 6,500 positions remain vacant despite allocated funding. [59633/25]
- 2025-11-04 Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Health the measures being taken to expedite the recruitment and appointment of staff to approved but unfilled HSE posts, particularly in Cork and the wider Munster region, where hospitals and community services report persistent staffing shortages. [59634/25]
- 2025-11-04 Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Health the number of approved 2024 HSE staff posts which have been filled to date; and the proportion of those recruited on permanent, temporary, or agency contracts. [59635/25]
- 2025-11-04 Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Health the average time taken between the sanctioning of a HSE post and the formal appointment of a successful candidate; and the reforms being implemented to reduce these delays. [59636/25]
- 2025-11-04 Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Health if her Department has conducted any assessment of the impact of ongoing HSE staffing vacancies on waiting lists, emergency department pressures, and community health services; and if she will publish the findings of any such assessment. [59637/25]
- 2025-11-04 Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Health if she will consider introducing a dedicated regional recruitment and retention initiative for the South/South-West Hospital Group to address chronic vacancy levels and ensure equitable staffing across the State. [59638/25]
- 2025-11-04 Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Health the total amount of Exchequer funding allocated for HSE pay and staffing in 2024; the amount drawn down to date; and the proportion of that funding which remains unspent due to unfilled posts. [59639/25]
- 2025-11-04 Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Health if she will provide a breakdown of the unspent HSE pay allocation, by hospital group and community health organisation, specifying the value of salary funding returned or deferred as a result of staff vacancies. [59640/25]
- 2025-11-04 Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Health whether any portion of the funding allocated for unfilled HSE posts in 2024 was re-purposed for non-pay expenditure; and if so, to provide details of those transfers, and the justification for each. [59641/25]
- 2025-11-04 Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Health if her Department has carried out an audit of unfilled HSE posts that have remained vacant for more than six months; and if she will publish the findings of that audit, including financial implications for the Exchequer. [59642/25]
- 2025-11-04 Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Health the estimated financial cost of reliance on agency or locum staff to cover long-term HSE vacancies, compared with the cost of filling those positions on a permanent basis. [59643/25]
- 2025-11-04 Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Health whether her Department has set any performance targets for the HSE regarding recruitment timelines, vacancy reduction or utilisation of approved pay funding; and how progress toward those targets is being monitored. [59644/25]
- 2025-11-04 Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Health the average waiting time for an individual to be seen by an occupational therapist in Cork following a referral from a general practitioner; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [59776/25]
- 2025-11-04 Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Health if staffing levels are adequate at a facility (details supplied); the average waiting time for a service user to be assessed; the average waiting time for a service user to be assigned an addiction counsellor; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [59777/25]
- 2025-11-04 Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Health the number of patients treated at Mallow General Hospital medical assessment unit from January 2024 to date in 2025; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [59810/25]
- 2025-11-04 Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Health whether the LGBTQI+ strategy includes provisions for individuals who have de-transitioned; if so, the specific supports and services being offered to this group; and if not, the steps being taken to ensure that the needs of de-transitioners are considered and addressed in future policy developments. [59876/25]
- 2025-11-04 Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Health if her Department has undertaken any review or assessment of current practices in Ireland regarding the care, support, and guidance provided to children experiencing gender dysphoria, in light of the findings of the Cass Review in England, which recommended an abundance of caution; and the steps being taken to ensure that Irish practice in both HSE services and schools is evidence-based, prioritises child safeguarding, considers long-term outcomes including detransition cases, and provides balanced information to children and families. [59885/25]
- 2025-11-04 Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Health whether the LGBTQI+ strategy includes provisions for individuals who have de-transitioned; if so, the specific supports and services are being offered to this group; and if not, the steps being taken to ensure that the needs of de-transitioners are considered and addressed in future policy developments. [59887/25]
- 2025-11-04 Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Health the steps her Department is taking to ensure that Irish healthcare prioritises evidence-based, safeguarded, and transparent approaches for children's wellbeing given the Cass Review (England) (details supplied). [59888/25]
- 2025-11-04 Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Health what review, if any, the Health Service Executive has undertaken in relation to the findings and recommendations of the Cass Review on gender identity services for children and young people in the United Kingdom; if that review identified any implications for the provision of similar services in Ireland; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [59889/25]
- 2025-11-04 Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Health what review the HSE has undertaken of the Cass Review's conclusions on gender identity services for children and young people; the actions that have been taken or are planned to align Irish practices with the evidence-based recommendations arising from that review; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [59890/25]
- 2025-11-04 Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Health if she has reviewed the findings of the Cass Review in England, which concluded that an abundance of caution is required in the treatment and support of children experiencing gender distress; and the steps being taken in Ireland to ensure that similar caution, evidence-based practice, and appropriate clinical oversight are applied in services provided to children experiencing gender dysphoria. [59891/25]
- 2025-11-04 Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Health if she is aware of reports from individuals who have de-transitioned after undergoing medical interventions for gender dysphoria (details supplied); and the steps being taken to ensure that Irish children and their families are fully informed of these risks, and that Irish healthcare practices follow an abundance of caution and evidence-based safeguards in line with international findings. [59892/25]
- 2025-11-04 Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Health if all persons residing in Ireland under temporary protection from Ukraine are automatically issued medical cards; if there is any means-testing applied; the way in which this entitlement compares with the eligibility criteria for Irish citizens; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [59893/25]
- 2025-11-04 Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Health if she considers it fair and consistent with Irish and EU law that persons residing in Ireland under temporary protection from Ukraine are automatically issued medical cards, while Irish citizens are required to meet a means test; if any legal advice has been sought on whether this differential treatment constitutes discrimination on grounds of nationality or residence status; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [59894/25]
- 2025-11-04 Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Health if she will review the policy under which temporary protection recipients automatically receive medical cards, with a view to ensuring that taxpayers who have contributed to the health system are given equitable access to medical cards; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [59895/25]
- 2025-11-04 Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Health the total annual cost to the Exchequer of issuing medical cards to persons under temporary protection from Ukraine; the expected duration of this policy; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [59896/25]
- 2025-11-04 Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Health if her Department has reviewed current practices regarding the care, support and guidance provided to children experiencing gender dysphoria, in light of the Cass Review in England (details supplied); and the steps being taken to ensure that parents are fully informed of toolkit contents, that balanced, evidence-based information is provided to children and that child safeguarding and parental rights are fully upheld in healthcare. [59897/25]
- 2025-11-04 Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Health if she is aware of research and evidence, including the book "Trans" by Helen Joyce, which outlines the theoretical underpinnings of gender identity theory and reports harm experienced by thousands internationally; and the steps being taken to ensure that healthcare services provide evidence-based, balanced information, that children and families are fully informed of potential risks and that child safeguarding and parental rights are prioritised. [59898/25]
- 2025-11-04 Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Health if her Department has reviewed current practices regarding the care, support, and guidance provided to children experiencing gender dysphoria, in light of the Cass Review in England (details supplied); the steps being taken to ensure that parents are fully informed of toolkit contents, that balanced, evidence-based information is provided to children, and that child safeguarding and parental rights are fully upheld; and how potential conflicts of interest are managed where Ministers or TDs may have personal or financial connections, including a spouse with financial interests in pharmaceutical companies producing puberty blockers or a child who is gender-affirmed, to ensure that policy decisions are transparent, evidence-based, and free from undue influence. [59899/25]
- 2025-11-04 Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Health the steps her Departments is taking in light of the findings of the Cass Review in England (details supplied). [59900/25]
- 2025-11-06 Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Health when her Department intends to complete the review of national policy governing the use of medications issued under special licence, as recommended by the Cork city coroner in December 2024; the expected date for finalisation of new protocols on hospital administration and clinician supervision; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [60516/25]
- 2025-11-06 Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Health if her Department has directed the HSE to issue interim guidance or a temporary clinical protocol governing the administration, supervision and recording of special-licence medications in hospitals pending the completion of a full policy review; if she will publish that guidance; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [60517/25]
- 2025-11-06 Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Health the number of patients currently in receipt of medications under special licence in Ireland; the number of such patients admitted to hospital in each of the past five years; and the measures being taken to ensure their medication administration is governed by clear and consistent protocols nationwide. [60518/25]
- 2025-11-06 Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Health if she will publish the correspondence dated 17 December 2024 from the Cork City Coroner concerning the inquest into the death of a person (details supplied) together with her Department’s formal written response; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [60519/25]
- 2025-11-06 Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Health the number and location of public hospitals currently providing specialist chronic pain management clinics in each regional health area; the average waiting time for a first appointment at each clinic; the number of clinics or sessions cancelled in each of the past three years; and if she will set target ratios of chronic pain clinics per 100,000 population under the forthcoming model of care for pain. [60730/25]
- 2025-11-06 Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Health the number of consultant anaesthetists or pain medicine specialists employed in the HSE; the number of vacant posts; the HSE’s projected staffing requirements to meet demand identified by TILDA 2025; and whether specific funding has been ring-fenced to expand the pain management workforce in 2026. [60731/25]
- 2025-11-06 Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Health the total HSE expenditure on chronic pain management services in each of the past five years; the budget allocation for community-based non-pharmacological pain interventions (physiotherapy, CBT, mindfulness, graded exercise programmes, and so on); and whether dedicated funding for chronic pain services will be included in the 2026 HSE Service Plan. [60732/25]
- 2025-11-06 Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Health the proportion of persons over 65 years-of-age currently accessing pain management services; the steps being taken to identify and support older adults living with untreated chronic pain; and whether her Department plans to introduce an older persons pain management strategy aligned with Sláintecare’s integrated-care objectives. [60733/25]
- 2025-11-06 Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Health the publication timeline for the Model of Care for Pain being developed by the National Clinical Programme for Anaesthesia; whether an implementation budget and performance metrics have been agreed; and the way in which the model of care will be integrated into primary care networks and community hubs. [60734/25]
- 2025-11-06 Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Health whether the HSE plans to include chronic pain prevalence and treatment indicators in the Health Performance Overview datasets from 2026 onwards; and if not, the rationale for the omission given that one-third of older adults report chronic pain (TILDA 2025). [60735/25]
- 2025-11-06 Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Health given the ongoing dispute regarding governance and financial systems in voluntary hospitals, the current timeline for full implementation of the HSE integrated financial management system across all funded hospitals; the sanctions for non-compliance; the monthly metrics being collected on compliance and patient outcomes; the expected savings from eliminating duplicate systems; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [60765/25]
- 2025-11-06 Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Health the number of emergency department patients left on trolleys for over 12 hours in each of the past six months, by hospital; and the steps being taken to prevent a winter overcrowding crisis. [60821/25]
- 2025-11-06 Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Health if he has received reports, correspondence or internal assessments since 1 January 2025 concerning emergency department overcrowding at Mercy University Hospital Cork; if he is satisfied that patient numbers, waiting times and triage conditions at the facility meet national emergency care standards; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [60852/25]
- 2025-11-06 Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Health the current cleaning and infection control schedule in place at the Mercy University Hospital emergency department; the number of full-time and contracted cleaning staff assigned to the department during daytime and nighttime hours; and the date of the most recent deep-clean audit or environmental hygiene inspection overseen by her Department. [60853/25]
- 2025-11-06 Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Health the specific patient welfare measures mandated in emergency departments under HSE policy, including the provision of seating, refreshments, and pain relief for patients awaiting assessment beyond two hours; and whether she is satisfied that these minimum standards are being enforced at the Mercy University Hospital. [60854/25]
- 2025-11-06 Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Health the number of reported security or public order incidents recorded within the Mercy University Hospital emergency department in each of the past three years; the measures in place to protect staff and patients; and whether additional security staffing or Garda liaison has been requested by hospital management. [60855/25]
- 2025-11-06 Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Health if she has commissioned or received any recent reports on stress, burnout, or workplace safety among nursing and support staff at the Mercy University Hospital emergency department; if he is satisfied that staffing ratios are adequate; and the steps being taken to retain and support front-line workers in that setting. [60856/25]
Justice 40 questions
- 2025-11-04 Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration if he will consider establishing a national awareness campaign to address the impact of violent pornography on young people’s understanding of intimacy and relationships, as part of the National Strategy on Domestic, Sexual and Gender-Based Violence 2022–2026. [59949/25]
- 2025-11-04 Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration if persons from Ukraine residing in Ireland under temporary protection who have entered employment remain eligible for full state-provided accommodation and associated supports; the criteria applied to determine continued eligibility where income is being earned; the total cost to the Exchequer to date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [59950/25]
- 2025-11-04 Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration the Government’s plans to review the current temporary protection arrangements for persons from Ukraine; the timeframe for proposed changes; the length of time the State plans to continue funding full accommodation and related supports at current levels, given the cost to the taxpayer; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [59951/25]
- 2025-11-04 Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration if his Department conducts any oversight, audit, or verification of eligibility for State-provided accommodation and supports for persons from Ukraine residing in Ireland under the Temporary Protection Directive, particularly where individuals have entered employment; and if he will provide details of any reviews, compliance checks, or cost assessments undertaken to date. [59964/25]
- 2025-11-04 Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration to outline the reporting obligations of higher education institutions and private colleges in respect of non-EEA students holding study visas; the means by which institutions are required to notify the Department of Justice, Home Affairs and Migration or immigration service delivery where a student withdraws, fails to attend, or ceases to meet visa conditions; and the amount of such information that is monitored and enforced to ensure compliance. [60125/25]
- 2025-11-04 Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration if his Department has undertaken any audit or compliance review of reporting practices among education providers enrolling international students; and if measures are in place to ensure accurate data-sharing between institutions and the Department of Justice, Home Affairs and Migration. [60126/25]
- 2025-11-04 Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration in light of the recent violent disruption outside a hotel housing asylum seekers in Dublin (Citywest Hotel) and the serious implications for accommodation, public order and community confidence, the current national and regional accommodation capacity figures for asylum seekers and pending decisions, broken down by county; the criteria used to select accommodation sites and the consultation process with local authorities and communities; the additional supports (financial, policing, integration programmes) are being provided to the host communities in counties such as Cork; and what steps are in place to prevent similar unrest in future. [58420/25]
- 2025-11-04 Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration if IPAS centres are subject to the same notification and consultation requirements as other developments under the Planning Acts (details supplied). [59209/25]
- 2025-11-04 Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration given recent reports of serious disturbances outside asylum accommodation in the Dublin region, and criticism of Ireland’s implementation of immigration and asylum-policy controls, if he will provide the number of incidents recorded in 2024-25 where asylum-accommodation centres experienced public order disturbances; an assessment of the number of residents in surrounding communities that registered formal complaints about accommodation placement, safety or local consultation; and the specific measures in place, or planned, to ensure that local communities, including in Cork, are consulted and supported when such centres are established. [59226/25]
- 2025-11-04 Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration if IPAS centres are subject to the same notification and consultation requirements as other developments under the Planning and Development Acts 2000 and 2025 and Planning and Development Acts 2024 and 2025. [59233/25]
- 2025-11-04 Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration in light of the applicable provisions of the Integration and Reception (Transfer of Departmental Administration and Ministerial Functions) Order 2025 (S.I. No. 159 of 2025), if an environmental impact assessment, or an appropriate assessment of the then proposed development, as required by section 4(4) of the Planning and Development Act 2000, was conducted by the former Minister of Department for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth (details supplied); and since 1 May 2025 the Department of Justice, Home Affairs and Migration in respect of each and every IPAS centre constructed to date on the basis of such IPAS centres being deemed exempt from the requirement to obtain planning permission under Class 20F of Part 1 to Schedule 2 of the Planning and Development Regulations 2001 to 2025 (as inserted by Planning and Development (Exempted Development) (No. 4) Regulations 2022 (S.I. No. 605 of 2022) and amended by the Planning and Development (Exempted Development) (No. 4) Regulations 2023 (S.I. No. 376 of 2023)). [59234/25]
- 2025-11-04 Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration the number of civilian staff employed by An Garda Síochána in the wider Cork area; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [59804/25]
- 2025-11-04 Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration to set out, for each Garda district serving the Cork North-Central Dáil constituency, the number of sworn gardaí assigned on the last day of each year from 2019 to 2024 and on the most recent date available in 2025, in both headcount and whole-time equivalent terms; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [59813/25]
- 2025-11-04 Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration to provide, for each Garda district serving the Cork North-Central Dáil constituency, the number of sworn gardaí newly assigned to those districts in each year from 2019 to 2025 to date, identifying those assigned on first posting on attestation and those transferred in from other divisions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [59814/25]
- 2025-11-04 Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration to detail, for each Garda district serving the Cork North-Central Dáil constituency, the number of sworn gardaí who left those districts in each year from 2019 to 2025 to date, disaggregated by reason (retirement, resignation, dismissal, transfer to another division, death in service); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [59815/25]
- 2025-11-04 Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration to provide the sanctioned strength for sworn gardaí versus the actual strength on the latest date available in 2025, for each Garda district serving the Cork North-Central Dáil constituency, and the net change in actual strength since 1 January 2024; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [59817/25]
- 2025-11-04 Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration further to previous replies on Garda resources, to provide the net recruitment balance for each Garda district serving the Cork North-Central Dáil constituency in 2024 and 2025 to date, defined as new assignments and transfers in minus retirements, resignations, dismissals and transfers out; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [59818/25]
- 2025-11-04 Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration if he will outline the measures being taken to address the growing link between gender-based violence and the widespread exposure of children and young people to violent or degrading online pornography; whether his Department is coordinating with the Department of Education and Youth and the Department of Children, Disability and Equality to introduce early, evidence-based education on consent, respect, and healthy relationships; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [59930/25]
- 2025-11-04 Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration the specific actions being taken to address the relationship between exposure to violent online pornography and the prevalence of gender-based violence; if his Department is working with Coimisiún na Meán to strengthen age verification and content moderation under the Online Safety and Media Regulation Act; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [59931/25]
- 2025-11-04 Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration if persons residing in Ireland under international protection or temporary protection who are convicted of a crime and sentenced to a custodial term are entitled to continue residing in the State once the sentence has been served; the legal basis for this entitlement; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [59934/25]
- 2025-11-04 Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration if persons under international protection or temporary protection who are serving custodial sentences are allowed to continue processing their applications to remain in the State while in prison; if any measures are in place to facilitate access to documentation, interviews, or legal representation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [59935/25]
- 2025-11-04 Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration the criteria under which international protection or temporary protection status can be revoked or refused to persons who have committed crimes while residing in Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [59936/25]
- 2025-11-04 Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration if persons residing in Ireland under international protection or temporary protection are permitted to travel to their country of origin or to other countries while their protection status is in place; the rules and limitations on such travel; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [59937/25]
- 2025-11-04 Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration if travel by persons under international protection or temporary protection to their country of origin could affect their protection status or eligibility for State supports; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [59938/25]
- 2025-11-04 Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration how his Department verifies or monitors travel undertaken by persons under international protection or temporary protection; if there have been cases where such travel has raised concerns about the legitimacy of the protection claim; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [59939/25]
- 2025-11-04 Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration if persons under international protection or temporary protection who travel abroad continue to be entitled to State supports, including accommodation, while away; and his views on the fairness and cost to the taxpayer. [59940/25]
- 2025-11-04 Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration in view of the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade travel advise warning Irish citizens, particularly women, about safety and security risks in certain countries, how the Government reconciles allowing entry and residence for individuals from those countries, including asylum seekers with the advice given to its own citizens; and if he will clarify the rationale behind this apparent policy inconsistency. [59941/25]
- 2025-11-04 Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration to detail the total annual cost of providing free legal services to asylum seekers and persons seeking international protection through the Refugee Legal Service under the Legal Aid Board; the source of this funding; if he will outline how this expenditure is justified when many Irish citizens are unable to access similar free legal representation for issues such as housing, family law, or consumer matters; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [59942/25]
- 2025-11-04 Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration the number of asylum seekers or persons seeking international protection who received free legal advice or representation through the Legal Aid Board, in each of the past five years; and the total expenditure on same in each year. [59943/25]
- 2025-11-04 Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration if he has considered extending similar access to free legal representation for Irish citizens facing significant personal, housing, or social challenges, in the interest of equality of access to justice. [59944/25]
- 2025-11-04 Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration the extent to which the EU, or other international funding, contributes to the cost of legal services provided to asylum seekers; and if his Department will provide a breakdown of national versus external funding sources. [59945/25]
- 2025-11-04 Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration the total annual cost of providing free legal services to asylum seekers and persons seeking international protection through the Refugee Legal Service under the Legal Aid Board; the source of this funding; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [59946/25]
- 2025-11-04 Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration the number of asylum seekers and persons seeking international protection who have received free legal advice or representation through the Legal Aid Board in each of the past five years; the total expenditure in each of those years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [59947/25]
- 2025-11-04 Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration if EU or other international funding contributes to the cost of legal services provided to asylum seekers; the proportion of national versus external funding; if he will consider extending similar access to free legal representation for Irish citizens who face significant social, housing, or family-related legal challenges, to ensure equality of access to justice; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [59948/25]
- 2025-11-04 Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration to outline the systems currently in place to monitor compliance with departure conditions for non-EEA nationals who enter the State on student visas; how his Department determines whether such individuals have left the State on expiry of their permission to remain; whether his Department is developing an exit-tracking or data-sharing mechanism to confirm physical departures; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [60127/25]
- 2025-11-06 Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration the number of persons and family units who have availed of the enhanced voluntary return scheme since its introduction on 28 September 2025, by nationality, family composition, and stage of the international protection process at which they opted for return; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [60767/25]
- 2025-11-06 Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration the safeguards in place to ensure that offers under the enhanced voluntary return scheme are not coercive in nature; the consultations or feedback received from non-governmental organisations, including organisation (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [60768/25]
- 2025-11-06 Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration the total expenditure to date on the enhanced voluntary return scheme, including payments to participants and administrative costs incurred through the International Organization for Migration; the projected full-year cost if current uptake levels continue; and the alternative policy measures under consideration if participation remains low; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [60769/25]
- 2025-11-06 Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration the number of Gardaí currently assigned to community policing and night patrols in the Shandon, Blarney Street, and north city centre areas; and the recorded number of public-order and anti-social behaviour incidents in the past six months. [60824/25]
- 2025-11-06 Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration the current number of Gardaí attached to Ballincollig Garda Station. [60825/25]
Education 33 questions
- 2025-11-04 Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Education and Youth her current position on gender identity education in primary schools, in light of statements made by the former Minister for Children (details supplied) that primary school children should be educated about what it means to be transgender and that children under 16 might have pathways to self-declare their gender identity; and the steps Departments have taken since that time. [59886/25]
- 2025-11-04 Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Education and Youth the reason national schools have been repeatedly closed for elections over the past two years, despite alternative community halls being available in areas (details supplied). [57979/25]
- 2025-11-04 Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Education and Youth the current policy of her Department regarding Garda vetting for volunteers in school-based Parent Associations, in particular volunteers who assist with activities such as school discos, parties, trips or other events outside normal classroom teaching; whether these activities are deemed “relevant work or activities” with children under the terms of the National Vetting Bureau (Children and Vulnerable Persons) Acts 2012 to 2016 and require a vetting disclosure; whether her Department intends to review the existing circulars/guidance, for example Circular 0031/2016, to ensure child safety in the context of non-teaching/parent volunteer roles; the planned updates to guidance for schools; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [58807/25]
- 2025-11-04 Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Education and Youth the number of applications received for the academic year for transport for children with additional needs; and the number that have been processed, by county, in tabular form. [59803/25]
- 2025-11-04 Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Education and Youth if her Department has issued guidance to schools regarding the use of preferred pronouns and names for children identifying as transgender; if parents or guardians are required to be informed or consulted before such changes are made; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [59858/25]
- 2025-11-04 Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Education and Youth if her Department has reviewed the available clinical evidence relating to social transition in children, including the use of preferred pronouns and names in schools; and the safeguarding measures which are in place to ensure that school practices are consistent with evidence-based child welfare standards. [59859/25]
- 2025-11-04 Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Education and Youth the guidance which is provided to teachers on the use of gender pronouns in the classroom; the way in which her Department ensures that teachers are not placed in positions of conflict or undue influence in matters relating to a child's gender identity; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [59860/25]
- 2025-11-04 Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Education and Youth the guidance or direction her Department provides to primary and secondary schools regarding the use of bathrooms and changing rooms by pupils who identify as transgender; whether schools are required to allow a child to use the facilities corresponding to their gender identity where gender-neutral options do not exist; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [59861/25]
- 2025-11-04 Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Education and Youth the way in which schools are being supported to balance respect for all students with safeguarding responsibilities and parental rights in cases where a child requests to use a different name or pronoun; her Departments current policy on this issue; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [59862/25]
- 2025-11-04 Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Education and Youth if her Department will ensure that teaching materials on gender identity presented in schools include balanced information reflecting both the experiences of those who have transitioned and those who later detransition; and the oversight mechanisms which are in place to safeguard children from one-sided or ideologically driven materials in the classroom. [59863/25]
- 2025-11-04 Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Education and Youth if she will review school curriculum materials and textbooks that discuss transgender or non-binary identities to ensure that a balanced and evidence-based perspective is presented, including information on individuals who later detransition and the potential long-term and irreversible effects of medical or social transition; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [59864/25]
- 2025-11-04 Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Education and Youth if she has reviewed the findings of a review (details supplied) which recommended an abundance of caution in the approach to gender-questioning children; and the way in which her Department is ensuring that Irish schools adopt a balanced, evidence-based approach to gender identity issues in line with child safeguarding and wellbeing principles. [59865/25]
- 2025-11-04 Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Education and Youth the way in which her Department ensures that guidance on gender identity in schools is balanced and evidence-based; the person or body accountable if a child introduced to gender dysphoria or related ideology later experiences regret or detransition-teachers, school boards, patrons, or her Department; the support or recourse which is available to families, both immediately and in the long-term; and the way in which school curricula and toolkits respect parental rights, safeguarding, and children's long-term wellbeing. [59866/25]
- 2025-11-04 Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Education and Youth the steps being taken to ensure that all curriculum content, school toolkits, and guidance on gender identity are balanced, evidence-based, and child-safeguarding focused, in view of the findings of a review (details supplied) and increasing reports of detransition; the way in which her Department ensures teachers and schools do not unintentionally promote ideology over evidence; the person or body accountable should a child later experience regret or harm-teacher, school board, patron, or her Department; and the way in which parents are informed, supported, and protected in such cases, including where social media has influenced a child's beliefs. [59867/25]
- 2025-11-04 Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Education and Youth if her Department has reviewed the HSE Busy Bodies booklet, which is distributed to 5th and 6th class pupils as part of the SPHE curriculum, in particular the sections referencing gender identity; whether parents were consulted before this content was included; the way in which her Department ensures that educational materials provided by external agencies, such as the HSE, are age-appropriate, evidence-based, and free from ideological bias; and if she will commit to a full review of this material in light of ongoing public concern about gender-related teaching content in primary schools. [59868/25]
- 2025-11-04 Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Education and Youth the way in which her Department ensures that all guidance provided to teachers, including marking schemes and curriculum toolkits, prioritises balanced, evidence-based education, reflects the broad interests of pupils, and respects child safeguarding and parental rights; and the steps her Department is taking to ensure that curriculum content, school programmes, and exam marking schemes are evidence-based, historically and culturally accurate, and free from undue ideological influence. [59869/25]
- 2025-11-04 Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Education and Youth the way in which the National LGBTIQ+ Inclusion Strategy Action Plan 2025-2026, which states that bullying of LGBTIQ+ young people will be prevented and addressed through the implementation of Cineáltas, will be monitored and evaluated; the specific measures, training, or curricular materials being introduced in schools under this objective; whether parents were consulted on the content or approach; and the way in which her Department ensures that such initiatives remain balanced, age-appropriate, and in line with child safeguarding and parental rights. [59870/25]
- 2025-11-04 Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Education and Youth the budget allocation for the implementation of Cineáltas under the National LGBTIQ+ Inclusion Strategy Action Plan 2025-2026; which schools, staff, or external agencies are responsible for delivering the programme; the oversight, monitoring, and evaluation mechanisms in place to ensure the initiative is age-appropriate, evidence-based, and respects parental rights; and the way in which her Department ensures that funds are used transparently and effectively to prevent and address bullying in schools. [59871/25]
- 2025-11-04 Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Education and Youth if her Department has undertaken any review or assessment of current practices in Ireland regarding the care, support, and guidance provided to children experiencing gender dysphoria, in light of the findings of the Cass Review in England, which recommended an abundance of caution; and the steps being taken to ensure that Irish practice in both HSE services and schools is evidence-based, prioritises child safeguarding, considers long-term outcomes including detransition cases, and provides balanced information to children and families. [59873/25]
- 2025-11-04 Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Education and Youth what steps are being taken to implement the findings of the National LGBTIQ+ Inclusion Strategy 2024-2028 consultation, which highlighted the need for measures (details supplied). [59874/25]
- 2025-11-04 Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Education and Youth her current position on gender identity education in primary schools, in light of statements made by the former Minister for Children (details supplied) that primary school children should be educated about what it means to be transgender and that children under 16 might have pathways to self-declare their gender identity; and the steps Departments have taken since that time. [59875/25]
- 2025-11-04 Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Education and Youth when the updated relationship and sexuality education curriculum will be fully implemented across all post-primary and primary schools; if the new programme will explicitly address issues of consent, pornography, and digital respect; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [59877/25]
- 2025-11-04 Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Education and Youth the steps her Department is taking in view of the Cass Review (England) (details supplied); the measures being taken to ensure that Irish healthcare and education practices are evidence-based, fully safeguarded, and transparent, that parents are fully informed, and that child wellbeing and long-term outcomes are prioritised. [59878/25]
- 2025-11-04 Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Education and Youth if her Department has reviewed current practices in Ireland regarding the care, support, and guidance provided to children experiencing gender dysphoria, in view of the Cass Review in England (details supplied). [59879/25]
- 2025-11-04 Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Education and Youth the information that is provided to parents of pupils regarding the use of gender-neutral bathrooms and changing rooms, and the accommodation of pupils who identify as transgender; whether parents are consulted or informed when such accommodations are made; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [59880/25]
- 2025-11-04 Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Education and Youth if her Department has reviewed current practices in Ireland regarding the care, support, and guidance provided to children experiencing gender dysphoria, in view of the Cass Review in England (details supplied). [59881/25]
- 2025-11-04 Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Education and Youth if she is are aware of research and evidence (details supplied) which outlines the theoretical underpinnings of gender identity theory and reports harm experienced by thousands internationally; and the steps being taken to ensure that Irish healthcare services and schools provide evidence-based, balanced information, that children and families are fully informed of potential risks, and that child safeguarding and parental rights are prioritised. [59882/25]
- 2025-11-04 Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Education and Youth the policies or guidance her Department has issued to schools regarding the recognition and facilitation of identity trends or subcultures among pupils; the way in which schools are advised to balance these trends with parental involvement and child welfare; whether any funding or curriculum support is provided to schools in relation to these trends; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [59883/25]
- 2025-11-04 Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Education and Youth the steps her Department is taking to ensure that Irish healthcare and education practices prioritise evidence-based, safeguarded, and transparent approaches for children's wellbeing in view of the Cass Review (England) (details supplied); and the steps being taken to ensure that parents are fully informed of programme content, that it is implemented with parental oversight, and that all school programmes, healthcare practices, and curriculum materials are balanced, evidence-based, and in line with child safeguarding principles. [59884/25]
- 2025-11-04 Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Education and Youth if her Department has conducted any condition assessment, structural survey, or capital review of the Mayfield Sports Complex in Cork City, which was established in 1975 under a joint Departmental and local authority agreement; if she will publish any such reports; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [60139/25]
- 2025-11-04 Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Education and Youth if her Department remains a financial stakeholder or co-funder of the Mayfield Sports Complex under the original 1975 partnership agreement between the then Department of Education and Cork Corporation; if she will confirm whether this agreement remains in force; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [60140/25]
- 2025-11-04 Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Education and Youth the amount of funding allocated to Mayfield Sports Complex in each of the past ten years; the purposes for which such funding was provided; and if she will outline any future capital investment planned for the facility. [60141/25]
- 2025-11-04 Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Education and Youth if her Department will consider a dedicated capital grant or inclusion in the 2026 school-community sports infrastructure programme for the refurbishment and redevelopment of Mayfield Sports Complex in light of its age, DEIS location, and community importance; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [60142/25]
Housing 20 questions
- 2025-11-04 Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if his Department will engage with a park (details supplied) in County Cork, to provide short-term financial assistance or promotional support following its closure arising from avian influenza restrictions; the existing support mechanisms for regional tourism assets affected by such events; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [59256/25]
- 2025-11-04 Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he will consider the establishment of a contingency fund or emergency assistance scheme to support non-commercial tourism, educational, and conservation institutions, such as a park (details supplied) when closures are imposed for public or animal-health reasons; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [59257/25]
- 2025-11-04 Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he is aware that the structure of first-time buyer supports, including the help-to-buy scheme and the first home scheme, effectively restricts first-time buyers to the purchase of new-build properties; if he accepts that this limitation disadvantages buyers in regional towns where second-hand housing stock is more readily available and often more affordable; if he will acknowledge the evidence that these schemes have contributed to price inflation in new developments; and if he will consider extending eligibility for such supports to include the purchase of existing homes, particularly in areas where the supply of second-hand housing is strong but affordability remains a barrier. [58583/25]
- 2025-11-04 Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if section 9 of the Planning and Development Act 2024 has been commenced by ministerial order, and if not, the reason for this. [59207/25]
- 2025-11-04 Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the statutory basis upon which S.I. No. 376 of 2023 was made; and if the Attorney General advised that the regulation complied with Article 15.2.1° of the Constitution. [59208/25]
- 2025-11-04 Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage whether his Department has conducted a comparative analysis of Ireland’s housing stock per capita versus other EU countries, in view of recent commentary highlighting that Ireland has among the lowest housing availability per person in Europe; and if he will publish this data annually. [59221/25]
- 2025-11-04 Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the reforms planned to reduce the timelines for planning application decisions for major housing and infrastructure. [59222/25]
- 2025-11-04 Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage whether his Department has reviewed the governance structures of housing delivery agencies to ensure they are aligned with measurable output targets, rather than process-based metrics; and if so, the details of that review. [59223/25]
- 2025-11-04 Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the reason the remainder of the Planning and Development Act 2024 has not yet been commenced, by way of ministerial order pursuant to section 1(3) of the said Act, and in particular section 9 (Exempted Development) thereof. [59228/25]
- 2025-11-04 Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if his Department (details supplied) ever consulted with the former Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth prior to making the Planning and Development (Exempted Development) (No. 4) Regulations 2022 (S.I. No. 605 of 2022) and the Planning and Development (Exempted Development) (No. 4) Regulations 2023 (S.I. No. 376 of 2023) as required by section 4(5) of the Planning and Development Act 2000; and if so, the outcome of these consultations; if a copy of the relevant inter-department correspondence will be provided together with the minutes of all such meetings. [59229/25]
- 2025-11-04 Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage to set out the precise legal and factual basis upon which the Planning and Development (Exempted Development) (No. 4) Regulations 2022 (S.I. No. 605 of 2022) and the Planning and Development (Exempted Development) (No. 4) Regulations 2023 (S.I. No. 376 of 2023) were made; the submissions received and by whom on the matter. [59230/25]
- 2025-11-04 Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if his Department (details supplied) ever took legal advice from the Attorney General prior to making the Planning and Development (Exempted Development) (No. 4) Regulations 2022 (S.I. No. 605 of 2022) and the Planning and Development (Exempted Development) (No. 4) Regulations 2023 (S.I. No. 376 of 2023); and if so, if the Attorney General advised that such regulations, as promulgated under section 4(2) of the Planning and Development Act 2000, would not contravene the requirements of Article 15.2.1° of the Constitution. [59231/25]
- 2025-11-04 Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if his Department has conducted or commissioned any review of the operation or impacts of the Planning and Development (Exempted Development) (No. 4) Regulations 2023 (S.I. No. 376 of 2023), which removed the requirement for planning permission for certain developments providing accommodation for persons seeking international protection; if he will provide the findings of any such review; and if he intends to amend or revoke these regulations. [59652/25]
- 2025-11-04 Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if his Department has sought or obtained legal advice on whether the exemption from normal planning procedures for accommodation centres for international protection applicants is compatible with Ireland’s obligations under the UNECE Aarhus Convention, particularly regarding the public’s right to information and participation in environmental decision-making. [59654/25]
- 2025-11-04 Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if his Department is considering legislation to permit retention planning applications for sites currently used as accommodation centres that may not have obtained appropriate planning permission, having regard to recent case law (details supplied). [59655/25]
- 2025-11-04 Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if his Department has held any consultations with the Department of Children, Equality and Disability regarding the planning status, safety certification or long-term use of buildings converted to accommodate persons seeking international protection under the 2023 exempted development regulations; and if he will publish any memoranda or guidance arising from those consultations. [59656/25]
- 2025-11-04 Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he intends to bring forward amending legislation to ensure that the development or material change of use of any structure or land for the accommodation of international protection applicants shall be subject to the normal planning process under the Planning and Development Act 2000; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [59657/25]
- 2025-11-04 Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage whether Cork City Council has submitted an application under the energy efficiency upgrade programme phase 2, or any successor scheme, for the retrofit of social housing units at Glenamoy Lawn and Árd Bhaile in Cork city; if so, to state the date on which the application was submitted, the total funding sought and when a decision is expected on the application; and if no application has yet been made, to outline the reasons for the delay, and whether discussions have taken place between his Department and Cork City Council in relation to progressing such an application. [59780/25]
- 2025-11-04 Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if Cork City Council has submitted, or intends to submit, an application under the Urban Regeneration and Development Fund or any other local government funding mechanism for the refurbishment or redevelopment of Mayfield Sports Complex; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [60145/25]
- 2025-11-06 Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the number of residential units nationwide which failed to reach completion in 2025 despite receiving planning permission; the estimated value of inactivated permissions; and the measures being taken to expedite delivery in areas of acute demand such as Cork North-Central. [60820/25]
Finance 18 questions
- 2025-11-04 Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Finance if the Central Bank of Ireland has engaged with the Financial Conduct Authority in the United Kingdom regarding a banking group's (details supplied) potential exposure of approximately €400 million arising from the UK motor-finance redress scheme; if his Department has been briefed on the projected impact on the Group's capital adequacy and profitability; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [57920/25]
- 2025-11-04 Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Finance if his Department has assessed the implications for the Exchequer of a banking group's (details supplied) reported provision of up to €400 million in respect of the UK motor-finance redress scheme, particularly regarding potential effects on corporation-tax receipts and any dividend payments to the State as a shareholder; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [57921/25]
- 2025-11-04 Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Finance the mechanisms in place for cooperation between the Central Bank of Ireland and the UK Financial Conduct Authority in circumstances where Irish-regulated banks are subject to enforcement or redress proceedings in the United Kingdom; and if he is satisfied that sufficient information-sharing exists to safeguard Irish financial-system stability. [57922/25]
- 2025-11-04 Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Finance if the Central Bank of Ireland has undertaken a review of commission-linked car-finance arrangements in the domestic Irish market similar to those under investigation by the UK Financial Conduct Authority; if so, the findings which have emerged; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [57923/25]
- 2025-11-04 Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Finance if he will request, under Section 33AK of the Central Bank Act 1942, a report from the Central Bank of Ireland on Irish banks' exposure to overseas redress or compensation schemes; and if he will consider publishing a summary of the report to promote transparency and maintain market confidence. [57924/25]
- 2025-11-04 Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Finance if his Department is monitoring the fiscal impact of major banking-sector provisions, including banking groups (details supplied) estimated €400 million exposure to the UK motor-finance redress scheme, on overall budgetary forecasts and the medium-term fiscal framework; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [57925/25]
- 2025-11-04 Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Finance the total current liabilities of the State, including contingent and off-balance-sheet liabilities such as public sector pension obligations, State guarantees and the borrowings of semi-State bodies, in addition to the general Government debt; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [59720/25]
- 2025-11-04 Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Finance the methodology used by his Department to calculate general Government debt; to outline the categories of liabilities which are excluded from that measure; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [59722/25]
- 2025-11-04 Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Finance if he will publish, alongside each annual Budget and Stability Programme Update, a consolidated schedule of contingent liabilities and public sector pension obligations to give a full picture of the State’s long-term financial exposure; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [59723/25]
- 2025-11-04 Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Finance to list all current State guarantees and indemnities in place for semi-State bodies, special-purpose vehicles and public-private partnership projects, including the maximum contingent exposure in each case; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [59726/25]
- 2025-11-04 Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Finance if the liabilities of the Housing Finance Agency, the Land Development Agency, the Strategic Banking Corporation of Ireland and similar entities are included in the calculation of the general Government debt; if not, to state the aggregate borrowing levels of those entities; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [59727/25]
- 2025-11-04 Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Finance if he will request the Irish Fiscal Advisory Council or the National Treasury Management Agency to produce an annual whole-of-Government balance sheet consolidating all known and contingent liabilities of the State; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [59729/25]
- 2025-11-04 Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Finance if his Department has conducted an assessment of the potential impact on Ireland’s credit rating and debt-servicing costs were contingent liabilities to be fully recognised in the national balance sheet; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [59730/25]
- 2025-11-04 Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Finance if his Department has carried out stress-tests or scenario modelling to assess the State’s fiscal capacity to absorb contingent liabilities in the event of an economic downturn; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [59731/25]
- 2025-11-04 Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Finance the amount of revenue raised through capital gains tax (CGT) for the financial year ending 2024; and the percentage of the total taxation revenue CGT represented for the same period. [59958/25]
- 2025-11-05 Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Finance given the recent completion of the State’s investment recovery in AIBGroup €390million returned, the final accounting position on the bank bailout including all direct and contingent costs; the amount of the funds that are earmarked for regional investment or will be returned to the Exchequer; and the assessment that has been made as to how Cork-based businesses and regional development programmes might benefit from this release of fiscal head-room. [60376/25]
- 2025-11-06 Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Finance in relation to the excise on e-liquid commencing on 1 November 2025, the expected annual revenue, the assumptions used on price elasticity and switching to illicit supply; the schedule of evaluation to assess impacts on smoking and vaping prevalence by age cohort; the ring-fencing of proceeds for cessation supports; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [60766/25]
- 2025-11-06 Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Finance if he has reviewed the recent remarks by the former Central Bank Governor (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [60860/25]
Transport 17 questions
- 2025-11-04 Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Transport if his Department has conducted any assessment comparing the average annual cost of home electric vehicle (EV) charging in Ireland with other EU member states, including Spain; the estimated average cost per annum for an Irish EV owner charging primarily at home, based on current residential electricity tariffs; the factors contributing to Ireland's higher domestic charging costs compared to countries such as Spain, including supply tariffs, standing charges and off-peak availability; and the measures being considered to ensure home charging remains affordable and does not deter EV uptake among Irish motorists. [58393/25]
- 2025-11-04 Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Transport in view of Ireland’s forthcoming EU presidency and the Government’s recent briefing to cabinet on visiting EU and non-EU heads of state, if he will provide the planned regional infrastructure investments linked to the presidency year (including in Cork), by county; the details of the way in which these investments will align with the national climate-resilience agenda; and the mechanism by which regional areas will be guaranteed equitable benefit rather than national-seat concentration. [58918/25]
- 2025-11-04 Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Transport for an update on the progression of the Cork to Limerick motorway (M20); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [59811/25]
- 2025-11-04 Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Transport if he will clarify the current legal and administrative arrangements which allow persons from Ukraine residing in Ireland under temporary protection to drive vehicles without payment of motor tax or without an up-to-date national car test; the rationale for these exemptions; the expected duration of same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [59954/25]
- 2025-11-04 Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Transport the number of Ukrainian-registered vehicles currently operating in the State; the estimated number that have not undergone NCT testing; and the measures being taken to ensure road safety and equitable treatment of all motorists. [59955/25]
- 2025-11-06 Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Transport if he is aware of the recent resignations of senior executives at a company (details supplied) in October 2025 and any other departures since April 2024; if he will outline the reasons given for each resignation, any associated settlement or severance agreements, and his assessment of their impact on the company’s operational stability and corporate governance; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [60595/25]
- 2025-11-06 Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Transport to publish the most recent internal and external audit reports for a company (details supplied) for the period April 2024 to October 2025; if any findings were made in relation to financial irregularities, governance weaknesses, or unapproved expenditure; the corrective measures which have been taken by his Department in light of the reported 8% fall in operating profit for 2024 despite increased turnover, including any connection between these figures and costs associated with the seized vessel MV Matthew; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [60596/25]
- 2025-11-06 Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Transport to set out the full process followed for the appointment of a person (details supplied) in November 2024; if an open competition was conducted in accordance with public appointments protocols; whether any board member declared a conflict of interest; the consideration given by his Department to issues raised in the ongoing High Court proceedings taken by former CEO; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [60597/25]
- 2025-11-06 Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Transport to provide a breakdown of all funding allocated to a company (details supplied) since April 2024, including the €38.4 million Connecting Europe Facility grant, €99 million announced in Budget 2025 for offshore renewable energy port expansions, €88.5 million for the Ringaskiddy container terminal, and the €6 million tender for Tivoli terminal renovations; to outline progress, timelines, and cost variances; the financial oversight mechanisms his Department has in place to ensure value for money; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [60598/25]
- 2025-11-06 Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Transport to provide a record of all communications, meetings, and correspondence between his Department (including those held by former Minister Eamon Ryan TD and any Ministers of State) and a company (details details) since April 2024, particularly in relation to financial performance, project governance, offshore renewable infrastructure, and Irish Port Safety Week; if his Department has expressed any concerns to the company about governance, accounting, or management practices; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [60599/25]
- 2025-11-06 Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Transport to provide a detailed report on a company (details supplied) 2025 cruise operations, including the total number of vessel calls (90 in Cork and 13 in Bantry Bay), total passenger throughput (over 170,000), estimated economic contribution to the Cork region, and any plans to expand cruise infrastructure in 2026; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [60600/25]
- 2025-11-06 Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Transport if he has sought or received a full list of the current members of the Board of a company (details supplied) together with details of their corporate directorships, shareholdings, or external business interests; if all such interests have been declared in accordance with the Code of Practice for the Governance of State Bodies; if any potential or actual conflicts of interest have been identified or investigated in respect of any board member or their immediate family; if he is fully satisfied that no such conflicts presently exist; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [60601/25]
- 2025-11-06 Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Transport the total expenditure by a company (details supplied) on legal services and related professional advice since November 2023, including payments for legal representation of individual executives or board members, fees associated with protected disclosures, costs relating to non-disclosure agreements, settlements, or independent legal advice to employees or directors; the number of law firms or barristers engaged either directly or indirectly by the company in that period; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [60602/25]
- 2025-11-06 Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Transport regarding the ongoing Cork Area Commuter Rail Programme, for a detailed update on the station upgrade works at Mallow, including tendering status, contract award date, projected start and completion dates; the total budget allocated and the amounts spent to date; the number and cost of temporary bus-replacement transfers between Mallow and Cork Kent Station that have been required in the current calendar year; and the measures being taken to ensure the project proceeds without further delays thereby delivering improved rail capacity and accessibility for Cork North-Central constituents. [60823/25]
- 2025-11-06 Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Transport to provide an update on the upgrade works planned for Mallow railway station under the Cork Area Commuter Rail Programme; the reasons for the latest delay in tender publication; the new expected tender and construction timelines; the total approved budget; the amounts drawn down to date; and the measures being taken by his Department to prevent further slippage in delivery of this key regional transport investment. [60899/25]
- 2025-11-06 Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Transport the specific accessibility upgrades which are included in the Mallow station redevelopment project; whether provision has been made for lifts, step-free access, improved lighting, and passenger safety infrastructure; the current compliance status with accessibility standards; and the expected completion date for these works. [60900/25]
- 2025-11-06 Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Transport the number of train services affected by the delayed Mallow station upgrade; the cost and duration of temporary replacement bus services in 2025; the estimated financial impact on commuters; and whether compensation or service-credit schemes are being considered to support regular passengers affected by the delays. [60901/25]
Foreign 13 questions
- 2025-11-04 Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he will provide a detailed breakdown of the original budget approved for the construction and fit-out of Ireland House, Tokyo, in 2018; and the current projected final cost, including itemised expenditures on land, construction and fit-out (details supplied). [57854/25]
- 2025-11-04 Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the primary causes of the €12 million overrun for the construction and fit-out of Ireland House, Tokyo; the extent to which rising construction costs in Tokyo, changes in project scope, design alterations, or unforeseen site conditions contributed to same (details supplied). [57855/25]
- 2025-11-04 Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade his views on whether the Ireland House, Tokyo project still delivers value for money for Irish taxpayers, particularly those in constituencies such as Cork North-Central with strong export interests in Japan (details supplied); and the way in which this aligns with the strategic objectives of the "Global Ireland 2025" initiative. [57856/25]
- 2025-11-04 Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if any contractual or procurement procedures were modified during the construction or fit-out phases of Ireland House, Tokyo; if so, the specific changes that were made; and the reason (details supplied). [57857/25]
- 2025-11-04 Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the estimated annual operating cost of Ireland House, Tokyo compared to the previous leased embassy facilities; and the way in which these costs will impact his Department’s budget for supporting trade promotion in key markets such as Japan. [57858/25]
- 2025-11-04 Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the measures his Department has implemented to prevent further cost escalations and ensure robust oversight of public funds for Ireland House, Tokyo and future overseas capital projects. [57859/25]
- 2025-11-04 Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he will provide a detailed breakdown of the original budget approved for Ireland House, Tokyo, in 2018, including allocations for land, construction and fit-out, alongside the current projected final cost (details supplied). [57863/25]
- 2025-11-04 Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the primary drivers of the €12 million overrun for Ireland House Tokyo, including the impact of rising construction costs in Tokyo, changes in project scope, design modifications, or unforeseen site conditions; and his views on the project’s value for money for Irish taxpayers, particularly those in export-driven constituencies such as Cork North-Central, where businesses rely on DFA-supported trade promotion in Japan, Ireland’s largest Asian trading partner (details supplied). [57864/25]
- 2025-11-04 Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the contractual or procurement procedures altered during the construction or fit-out phases of Ireland House Tokyo; the specific changes and their cost implications; and the estimated annual operating cost of Ireland House Tokyo compared to the previous leased embassy facilities (details supplied). [57865/25]
- 2025-11-04 Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade given the commentary in a newspaper (details supplied) that debates on Irish unity must account for identity and cultural plurality, the way in which he plans to engage minority identity communities in any future unity frameworks; the progress that has been made on updating the Government's cross-Border consultative mechanisms to ensure inclusive representation; the role Cork-based constituencies, with diaspora and cultural links, have in shaping national policy on identity, unity and constitutional change; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [58424/25]
- 2025-11-04 Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade as we prepare to assume the Presidency of the Council of the European Union in 2026, if he will outline thematic priorities that have been agreed by Government for the Presidency, with particular reference to regional development, green transition and digital governance; the means by which Cork and the Munster region will be integrated into Presidency-linked deliverables, such as regional summits, pilot projects and EU funding calls; and the mechanisms being put in place to ensure that the benefits of the Presidency are evenly distributed beyond Dublin and the eastern region, to areas such as Cork and the wider south west. [59194/25]
- 2025-11-04 Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade in view of Ireland’s formal request for clarity from the European Commission regarding its partial suspension proposal of the EU-Israel Association Agreement, if he will provide a full assessment of how any such Commission decision might affect Irish export/import trade flows, especially in the agri-food sector; the projected diplomatic and reputational implications for Ireland among EU member states; and the mechanisms in place to protect Irish business interests during the decision process. [59645/25]
- 2025-11-04 Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade given the recent condemnation of the strikes in Gaza by the Government and the increasing visibility of Ireland in international humanitarian diplomacy, to outline the full cost-assessment of Ireland’s humanitarian support commitments (bilateral and via multilateral agencies) for 2026; and the means by which his Department intends to engage with private-sector Irish firms (including Cork-based businesses) on potential ripple-effects in trade, sanctions or reputational risk. [60135/25]
Enterprise 13 questions
- 2025-11-04 Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment if he has examined the reported decline in overseas visitor demand, and concerns regarding our reputation as a tourism destination, as cited in the recent IBEC experience economy survey; and the steps his Department is taking to restore international competitiveness in the sector. [59629/25]
- 2025-11-04 Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment if his Department has undertaken any assessment of the decline in business confidence within our experience economy, as identified in the latest IBEC sentiment survey; and if he will outline the supports being considered to stabilise employment levels in this sector. [59626/25]
- 2025-11-04 Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment the measures his Department is taking to address the impact of sustained inflation, labour policy changes and wage pressures on hospitality and tourism-related enterprises, which employ over 330,000 people nationwide. [59628/25]
- 2025-11-04 Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment in view of the newly identified opportunity from the EU-India trade deal for Irish spirits exports, the targeted supports (grants, trade-missions, market-intelligence) that are being made available by his Department for Irish exporters, and specifically for medium and small-sized enterprises in Cork, to capitalise on this opportunity; and the timeline his Department has set for the first Cork-based business mission to India. [60137/25]
- 2025-11-06 Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment the actions his Department is taking, in coordination with the Department of Climate, Energy and the Environment, to ensure that a level playing field between Irish retailers who comply with environmental regulations and foreign online sellers who do not; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [60581/25]
- 2025-11-06 Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment if he or his officials have held discussions with major online marketplaces operating in Ireland regarding their role in collecting or remitting environmental compliance fees on behalf of third-party sellers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [60582/25]
- 2025-11-06 Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment the coordination mechanisms which exist between his Department, the Department of Climate, Energy and the Environment, and the Competition and Consumer Protection Commission to address unfair competition in the retail sector arising from distance sellers outside the State who are not meeting Irish environmental obligations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [60583/25]
- 2025-11-06 Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment the impact assessment conducted on the Budget 2026 VAT and excise increases for small independent retailers; and if he will commit to suspending these measures pending review of their effect on employment and business viability. [60822/25]
- 2025-11-06 Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment the specific supports or protections which are available to self-employed contractors and franchisees affected by the receivership of a company (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [60847/25]
- 2025-11-06 Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment if his Department has been in contact with the receiver appointed to a company (details supplied) regarding outstanding payments owed to drivers and route owners; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [60848/25]
- 2025-11-06 Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment if he will consider extending access to the insolvency payments scheme to dependent contractors and franchise operators in cases where companies enter receivership, given that current legislation excludes many from wage protection; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [60849/25]
- 2025-11-06 Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment the number of workers, franchisees, and subcontractors known to be affected by the receivership of a company (details supplied); if he will provide an estimate of unpaid entitlements or sums owed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [60850/25]
- 2025-11-06 Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment if he will instruct the Workplace Relations Commission or the Labour Court to examine whether a company's (details supplied) operating model constituted dependent employment under Irish law; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [60851/25]
Taoiseach 9 questions
- 2025-11-04 Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Taoiseach given the commentary in a newspaper (details supplied) that debates on Irish unity must account for identity and cultural plurality, the way in which he plans to engage minority identity communities in any future unity frameworks; the progress that has been made on updating the Government's cross-Border consultative mechanisms to ensure inclusive representation; and the role Cork-based constituencies, with diaspora and cultural links, have in shaping national policy on identity, unity and constitutional change. [58423/25]
- 2025-11-04 Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Taoiseach the current status of the Government’s commitment to establish a Cork city centre taskforce, as publicly referenced by him and by officials of his Department earlier in 2025; and the progress, that has been made to date in establishing this taskforce. [59281/25]
- 2025-11-04 Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Taoiseach the date on which his Department last met with Cork City Council or other stakeholders regarding the creation of the Cork city centre taskforce; and if he will publish the minutes or action points arising from that meeting. [59282/25]
- 2025-11-04 Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Taoiseach if a chairperson, secretariat or terms of reference have been designated for the proposed Cork city centre taskforce; and if not, the reason for the delay in appointing these. [59283/25]
- 2025-11-04 Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Taoiseach if funding has been earmarked within his Department’s 2025 or 2026 estimates for the establishment and operation of the Cork city centre taskforce; and if so, the amount allocated. [59284/25]
- 2025-11-04 Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Taoiseach if he remains committed to ensuring that the Cork city centre taskforce will be operational within 100 days of the next Dáil term; and the timeline for its creation, first meeting, and publication of an initial work programme. [59285/25]
- 2025-11-04 Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Taoiseach the main objectives proposed for the Cork city centre taskforce; the way in which it will coordinate with existing urban regeneration, business support, and enterprise initiatives in Cork city; and if he will ensure that its remit includes direct consultation with local businesses, residents, and elected representatives. [59286/25]
- 2025-11-04 Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Taoiseach if his Department has examined models used for city-centre regeneration in other jurisdictions, such as the Limerick Twenty Thirty DAC or the Dublin City Centre Taskforce, when designing the Cork initiative; and if those learnings will be published. [59287/25]
- 2025-11-04 Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Taoiseach if he will commit to publishing a quarterly update on the progress toward the establishment of the Cork city centre taskforce, including stakeholder engagement, budgetary provision, and measurable outcomes. [59288/25]
Culture 9 questions
- 2025-11-04 Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport if his Department has been consulted on proposed changes to the oversight structure or governance framework of RTÉ following the recent discovery of additional irregular payments; and if he will support reforms to bring RTÉ fully under the remit of the Comptroller and Auditor General for all financial operations. [59253/25]
- 2025-11-04 Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport if provision has been made within the National Development Plan or any capital allocation framework for the renewal or redevelopment of community sports facilities established under 1970s-era Department of Education partnerships, including Mayfield Sports Complex in Cork; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [60147/25]
- 2025-11-04 Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport if he has been informed by RTÉ of any newly identified payment irregularities or unauthorised disbursements uncovered in recent internal audits; the total value of such payments; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [59249/25]
- 2025-11-04 Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport if he has received the most recent audit report from a company (details supplied) into RTÉ’s financial practices; the findings of that report regarding unvouched payments or irregular contractor arrangements; and when it will be published. [59250/25]
- 2025-11-04 Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport the specific financial oversight measures his Department has implemented to ensure that RTÉ’s public funds and commercial income are properly accounted for in view of recent revelations about further irregular payments. [59251/25]
- 2025-11-04 Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport if he will consider directing a full independent forensic audit of RTÉ’s accounts, including freelance and contractor payments, to restore public confidence in governance and transparency. [59252/25]
- 2025-11-04 Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport if his Department has held discussions with representative bodies such as IBEC and Fáilte Ireland regarding the need for targeted interventions to support experience economy operators ahead of 2026. [59630/25]
- 2025-11-04 Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport if she will consider providing emergency maintenance or capital funding for Mayfield Sports Complex, Cork City, under the Sports Capital and Equipment Programme or other departmental schemes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [60143/25]
- 2025-11-04 Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport if her Department will assess Mayfield Sports Complex for inclusion in the next Sports Capital and Equipment Programme in view of its role in delivering swimming, athletics, and martial arts training to schools and community users; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [60144/25]
Climate 7 questions
- 2025-11-04 Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment in view of Ireland’s forthcoming EU presidency and the Government’s recent briefing to cabinet on visiting EU and non-EU heads of state, if he will provide the planned regional infrastructure investments linked to the presidency year (including in Cork), by county; the details of the way in which these investments will align with the national climate-resilience agenda; and the mechanism by which regional areas will be guaranteed equitable benefit rather than national-seat concentration. [58917/25]
- 2025-11-04 Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment in view of the recent figures showing that 1.2milliontonnes, 42percent, of municipal waste is being exported, and that Ireland is at risk of missing its 2025 recycling targets, if he will provide a breakdown of waste exports in 2024 and to date in 2025, by county, including the volume from CorkCity and CorkCounty; the principal reasons for outsourcing (cost, capacity, facility location) and the impact on regional processing infrastructure; and the steps being taken to invest in local/regional waste-processing facilities (including in Munster), so as to reduce reliance on exports and strengthen the domestic circular-economy. [59193/25]
- 2025-11-06 Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment if his Department has assessed the economic impact on domestic retailers arising from the non-compliance of overseas distance sellers with Irish environmental producer responsibility obligations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [60580/25]
- 2025-11-06 Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment if he has undertaken or commissioned any assessment of the level of non-compliance by distance sellers and online retailers located outside the State with Irish environmental producer responsibility and recycling obligations; the estimated scale of financial losses to national compliance schemes arising from such non-compliance; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [60575/25]
- 2025-11-06 Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment if his Department has examined the feasibility of introducing a pay-on-behalf system, similar to those operating in France, Germany, Spain and Italy, whereby online marketplaces are required to collect and remit environmental compliance fees on behalf of non-registered third-party sellers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [60576/25]
- 2025-11-06 Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment the enforcement and monitoring mechanisms currently in place to ensure that all online and distance sellers, regardless of location, contribute fairly to environmental compliance and recycling schemes in Ireland; the number of enforcement actions or penalties issued since 2023; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [60577/25]
- 2025-11-06 Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment if his Department intends to bring forward proposals before 2026 to strengthen environmental compliance for distance sellers and online marketplaces; the expected timeline for consultation with compliance schemes and the retail sector; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [60578/25]
Public Expenditure 6 questions
- 2025-11-04 Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation the most recent actuarial valuation of the total public sector pension liability; the projected annual cost of meeting those obligations over the next thirty years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [59724/25]
- 2025-11-04 Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation the way in which potential conflicts of interest are managed where elected representatives may have personal or financial connections relevant to policy on gender affirming care for children; and in particular, the safeguards that are in place to ensure that policy decisions are evidence based, transparent and free from undue influence where a Minister may have a spouse with financial interests in a pharmaceutical company producing puberty blockers or a Minister may have a child who is gender affirmed. [59915/25]
- 2025-11-04 Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation to outline the protocols in place to identify and manage potential conflicts of interest when a member of the Government, including Ministers, has personal or familial connections that may intersect with policy areas under their responsibility (details supplied). [59916/25]
- 2025-11-06 Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation further to reports of proposed emergency planning powers for critical national infrastructure, the specific statutory provisions under consideration; the criteria by which a project would qualify; the proposed oversight and reporting arrangements to the Houses of the Oireachtas; the independent environmental and cost-benefit appraisal that would still be required; if a sunset clause and post-project review mechanism will apply; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [60764/25]
- 2025-11-06 Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation if he has been informed by the Houses of the Oireachtas Commission that the recent public tender for the recording, broadcasting and archival services for Dáil Éireann and Seanad Éireann closed on 10 October 2025 without receiving any valid tenders; the total estimated contract value; and his views on the implications for service continuity and expenditure oversight. [60784/25]
- 2025-11-06 Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation if his Department will review procurement guidelines and contract design in respect of the Houses of the Oireachtas Service to ensure future tenders attract sufficient competition; and his views on lessons learned from this tender process. [60787/25]
Social 6 questions
- 2025-11-04 Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Social Protection if he will examine the feasibility of introducing a targeted PRSI rebate or similar relief to offset the rising wage and operating costs being reported by experience economy employers. [59627/25]
- 2025-11-04 Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Social Protection if persons residing in Ireland under international protection or temporary protection who apply for an exceptional needs payment are subject to verification of declared means, including any assets, income or bank accounts held outside of Ireland; if such checks are carried out in practice; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [59959/25]
- 2025-11-04 Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Social Protection the number of exceptional needs payments that have been approved for persons residing in Ireland under international protection or temporary protection since 2022; the total value of these payments; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [59960/25]
- 2025-11-04 Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Social Protection if persons residing in Ireland under temporary protection from Ukraine are eligible to apply for carer’s payment; if applications from such persons are subject to the normal means test; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [59961/25]
- 2025-11-04 Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Social Protection where persons residing in Ireland under temporary protection from Ukraine apply for carer’s payment, the way in which means, savings, or assets held outside of Ireland are assessed; if there are mechanisms to verify assets in foreign bank accounts; the way in which this assessment is comparable to the way Irish citizens are means-tested; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [59962/25]
- 2025-11-04 Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Social Protection if persons from Ukraine residing in Ireland under the temporary protection directive who have entered employment remain eligible for income supports such as child benefit, jobseeker’s payments, or supplementary welfare supports; the criteria used to determine continued eligibility where income is earned; and if his Department has undertaken any review to ensure that supports are aligned with employment status and income thresholds. [59963/25]
Children 6 questions
- 2025-11-04 Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality the steps she will take, in light of Budget 2026's allocation of €3.2 million to expand the Family Resource Centre (FRC) Programme by ten additional centres nationwide bringing the total to 136 and given that none of the five FRCs funded in Budget 2025 were allocated to Cork city, to ensure that one of these new centres is prioritised for the northside of Cork city, where there is currently no FRC provision despite high levels of deprivation across three of the city's four RAPID areas, and where a family centre (details supplied) which is the sole active applicant from this region remains under active consideration by Tusla; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [58448/25]
- 2025-11-04 Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality if consideration will be given to introducing a formal pension entitlement or long-term social protection provision for foster carers, recognising their years of dedicated service in providing full-time care and support to children in State care; if her Department has undertaken any review or consultation regarding the financial and social security challenges faced by foster carers upon retirement; if she will engage with the Minister for Social Protection to explore mechanisms for pension credits or contributory entitlements to reflect the nature and duration of foster care work; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [59830/25]
- 2025-11-04 Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality the number of children currently in the care of Tusla; the number of children who were in the care of Tusla from 2020 to 2024, by year, in tabular form; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [60000/25]
- 2025-11-04 Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality the number of children currently in the care of Tusla who are placed with foster parents; the number of such children who were placed with foster parents from 2020 to 2024, by year, in tabular form; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [60001/25]
- 2025-11-04 Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality the longest period of time that a child has been in foster care under the care of Tusla; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [60002/25]
- 2025-11-04 Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality the number of adoptions that have been facilitated by Tusla from 2020 to 2024, by year, in tabular form; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [60003/25]
Further and Higher Education 4 questions
- 2025-11-04 Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science following the announcement of Ireland's associate membership of the European Organisation for Nuclear Research, CERN, the estimated level of additional funding and resource commitment Ireland will make over the next five years; the mechanisms by which regions outside Dublin for example, Munster-Cork will participate or bid for collaborative research funding; and the way in which he intends to translate high-end research membership into tangible local employment, innovation clusters and retention of talent in regions such as Cork. [58422/25]
- 2025-11-04 Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the total amount expended to date on the advertising campaign described in the media as costing nearly €450,000 to entice Irish construction workers abroad to return home, including a breakdown of expenditure by market (United States, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and the United Kingdom); the number of workers who have returned to Ireland as a direct result of this campaign, and the number of workers who registered interest or engagement through the campaign’s online portal or contact point; a breakdown of those returning by country of origin and by trade or occupation within the construction sector, such as bricklayer, site engineer, carpenter, or electrician; the evidence available of any net economic benefit to the Exchequer arising from this campaign in terms of increased tax revenue, PRSI contributions, or measurable additions to housing-related construction employment; whether an evaluation or review of the cost-effectiveness of this campaign has been conducted; and if so, if he will provide a summary of findings and state whether the campaign will continue or be redesigned. [60120/25]
- 2025-11-04 Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science having regard to reports that nearly €450,000 was spent on a campaign to attract Irish construction workers home from abroad, the number of those workers that have actually taken up employment in Ireland as a result of the campaign; the criteria being used by his Department to measure the campaign’s success or return on investment, and the date by which a full evaluation will be completed; whether he accepts that the continuing shortage of construction workers, despite this expenditure, indicates that the campaign has not delivered value for money; and whether consideration will be given to reallocating such funding to domestic training and retention schemes. [60121/25]
- 2025-11-04 Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if an assessment was undertaken of the opportunity cost of spending nearly €450,000 on advertising to attract emigrant workers, rather than on upskilling or retention initiatives for those already working in Ireland; if a cost-benefit or return-on-investment analysis was completed before the campaign’s launch, and if so, whether he will publish the summary findings; the total number of workers targeted by the campaign, the number who returned to work in Ireland, and the cost per successful returnee; and whether any measurable increase has occurred in the domestic construction workforce that can be attributed directly to this campaign. [60122/25]
Defence 3 questions
- 2025-11-04 Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence the number of cases currently pending against his Department from former and serving members of the Defence Forces in relation to the use of a drug (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [59785/25]
- 2025-11-04 Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence the total amount his Department has spent to date on legal costs, settlements, and compensation to former and current members of the Defence Forces in relation to cases concerning the use of a drug (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [59786/25]
- 2025-11-05 Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence the Government’s current strategy for aligning Irish defence and maritime security policy with its international obligations, ensuring that infrastructure in Cork including marine cables, ports, ship-yards is resilient in the face of hybrid threats; and the strategy for communicating clearly to citizens and businesses how this evolving posture affects regional risk and opportunities (details supplied). [60377/25]
Agriculture 3 questions
- 2025-11-04 Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will provide emergency financial support to a park (details supplied) in County Cork, following its temporary closure due to confirmed cases of avian influenza; the supports available to protect animal welfare, retain staff and sustain operational costs during the biosecurity shutdown; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [59255/25]
- 2025-11-04 Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine given the reported near-finalisation of the UK-EU sanitary and phytosanitary (SPS) agreement and the outstanding concern over checks on goods entering Northern Ireland, if he will outline the current volume and value of agri-food goods exported from Munster/Cork into Northern Ireland or Great Britain that are subject to SPS checks; the number of exporters in the Cork region that have reported increased administrative burden or costs due to SPS/trade-check friction in the past 12months; and the means by which the Government intends to support exporters in Cork to leverage any reduction in checks once the SPS deal is implemented. [59646/25]
- 2025-11-04 Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine with the forthcoming enforcement of the EUDR in January2026 and the ongoing UK-EU SPS/trade negotiations, if he will provide the latest number of agrifood exporters in Cork (and Munster) directly impacted by SPS paperwork or checks; the awareness-raising programmes conducted by the Department in Cork since January2025; and the number of firms that have applied for supports/compensation in relation to regulatory transition burdens. [60136/25]

New lobbying 1 return

Drury Health
- Request for meeting to discuss the role of insourcing in reducing waiting lists in the health service.

Pádraig O'Sullivan — Fianna Fáil 4 votes · 25 questions · 0 new lobbying returns

Questions asked 25 total

Climate 4 questions
- 2025-11-04 Deputy Pádraig O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment the means by which the Government is supporting investment in energy storage to complement wind generation and ensure supply stability; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [58543/25]
- 2025-11-04 Deputy Pádraig O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment the plans in place to accelerate offshore wind development to meet the 2030 targets and diversify our renewable portfolio; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [58544/25]
- 2025-11-06 Deputy Pádraig O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment if he will provide an update on the work of the Accelerating Renewable Electricity Taskforce and the development of a policy framework to ensure a regional balance and distribution of renewable power; the funding allocated to the taskforce, and drawn down; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [60035/25]
- 2025-11-06 Deputy Pádraig O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment for an update on private wires policy; the timeline for delivery; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [60034/25]
Public Expenditure 4 questions
- 2025-11-04 Deputy Pádraig O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation if there is a possibility of traders using the grounds at a facility in Cork (details supplied); what plans there are to develop tourist/café/trader culture there; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [58538/25]
- 2025-11-04 Deputy Pádraig O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation to provide an update on each ongoing and proposed flood relief scheme in Cork city and county, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [58602/25]
- 2025-11-05 Deputy Pádraig O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation the progress to date under national strategic outcome 9 of the National Development Plan 2021-2030; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [58716/25]
- 2025-11-05 Deputy Pádraig O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation the progress to date under national strategic outcome 10 of the National Development Plan 2021-2030; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [58717/25]
Education 3 questions
- 2025-11-04 Deputy Pádraig O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Education and Youth for an update on staffing issues in a school (details supplied) in County Cork; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [58318/25]
- 2025-11-04 Deputy Pádraig O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Education and Youth the progress of repurposing works at the new special school site (details supplied) in County Cork; to provide an estimated timeline for completion; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [58317/25]
- 2025-11-04 Deputy Pádraig O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Education and Youth for an update on a school project (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [59291/25]
Culture 3 questions
- 2025-11-04 Deputy Pádraig O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport the means by which the Government will ensure sustained and increased investment in Gaelic games infrastructure, particularly in rural and underserved communities, to maximise their social and economic impact; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [58545/25]
- 2025-11-04 Deputy Pádraig O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport the strategies that are in place to promote Gaelic games more widely, both domestically and internationally, as a cultural and economic asset, especially in light of their contribution to tourism and local economies; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [58546/25]
- 2025-11-04 Deputy Pádraig O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport if the Government will commit to integrating Gaelic games more formally into national health, education and community development policies, given their role in promoting physical activity, social cohesion and youth engagement; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [58547/25]
Health 3 questions
- 2025-11-04 Deputy Pádraig O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Health the safeguards in place to ensure that genomic services uphold the highest ethical standards, particularly regarding informed consent, data privacy, equitable access and the potential for incidental findings, while expanding access to genetic testing and personalised medicine; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [58548/25]
- 2025-11-04 Deputy Pádraig O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Health the steps being taken to ensure a life changing prostate cancer medication (details supplied) will be made available to medically suitable patients; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [58715/25]
- 2025-11-04 Deputy Pádraig O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Health if there are plans for a treatment facility in Cork (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [59337/25]
Transport 2 questions
- 2025-11-04 Deputy Pádraig O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Transport when applications will open for the Safe Routes to School Programme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [59571/25]
- 2025-11-04 Deputy Pádraig O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Transport the steps being taken to establish a reciprocal ‘drivers’ licence exchange agreement with the USA; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [59572/25]
Defence 2 questions
- 2025-11-06 Deputy Pádraig O'Sullivan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence the measures being taken to strengthen our cyber defence capabilities; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [59446/25]
- 2025-11-06 Deputy Pádraig O'Sullivan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence for an update on the national maritime security strategy; the timeframe for delivery of the strategy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [59445/25]
Housing 1 question
- 2025-11-04 Deputy Pádraig O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if greater protections will be considered for buyers (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [59848/25]
Social 1 question
- 2025-11-04 Deputy Pádraig O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Social Protection whether the permanent cost of disability payment, inclusive of older adults, been assessed for the 2027 Budget; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [58554/25]
Justice 1 question
- 2025-11-04 Deputy Pádraig O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration if Teachta Dála will be allowed to contribute to the new community safety partnerships that are replacing joint policing committees; if meetings have been held in Cork city northeast and Cork city northwest; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [60036/25]
Children 1 question
- 2025-11-04 Deputy Pádraig O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality if she will consider the need for a family resource centre in north Cork city; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [58611/25]

Thomas Gould — Sinn Féin 4 votes · 4 questions · 0 new lobbying returns

Questions asked 4 total

Education 2 questions
- 2025-11-04 Deputy Thomas Gould asked the Minister for Education and Youth if he is aware that Bus Éireann is failing to respond to representations made by elected members and parents regarding special school transport. [51723/25]
- 2025-11-05 Deputy Thomas Gould asked the Minister for Education and Youth if she is aware that a school (details supplied) will be down a teaching post despite increased admission numbers for the next school year. [60229/25]
Housing 2 questions
- 2025-11-04 Deputy Thomas Gould asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage to report on the derelict sites levies levied, collected, owed and cumulatively owed; the number of sites CPOed in the previous 12 months; the number of sites for which a levy was applied; the total value of sites on the register; and the number of sites on their register on 31 December 2024 and to date in 2025, by local authority, in tabular form. [58131/25]
- 2025-11-05 Deputy Thomas Gould asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the options available to a person whose property has been valued above a threshold for the mortgage to rent scheme but is facing repossession. [60230/25]