Cork North-Central — week of Mon, 23 Feb

What your Cork North-Central TDs did this week

Mon, 23 Feb – 1 Mar 2026 · 5 TDs · 4 bills voted on · 356 questions · 0 new lobbying filings

Votes this week

International Protection Bill 2026

2026-02-25 · 6 votes · Govt (Justice)

A bill to provide for the entry into, and presence in, the State of persons seeking international protection, while having regard also to the power of the Executive in relation …

full description

A bill to provide for the entry into, and presence in, the State of persons seeking international protection, while having regard also to the power of the Executive in relation to these matters; to give effect to Directive (EU) 2024/1346 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 14 May 2024 laying down standards for the reception of applicants for international protection (recast); to give further effect to Regulation (EU) 2024/1347 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 14 May 2024 on standards for the qualification of third-country nationals or stateless persons as beneficiaries of international protection, for a uniform status for refugees or for persons eligible for subsidiary protection and for the content of the protection granted; to give further effect to Regulation (EU) 2024/1348 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 14 May 2024 establishing a common procedure for international protection in the Union and repealing Directive 2013/32/EU; to give further effect to Regulation (EU) 2024/1350 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 14 May 2024 establishing a Union Resettlement and Humanitarian Admission Framework, and amending Regulation (EU) 2021/1147; to give further effect to Regulation (EU) 2024/1351 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 14 May 2024 on asylum and migration management; to give further effect to Regulation (EU) 2024/1358 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 14 May 2024 on the establishment of ‘Eurodac’ for the comparison of biometric data in order to effectively apply Regulations (EU) 2024/1351 and (EU) 2024/1350 of the European Parliament and of the Council and Council Directive 2001/55/EC and to identify illegally staying third country nationals and stateless persons and on requests for the comparison with Eurodac data by Member States’ law enforcement authorities and Europol for law enforcement purposes; to give further effect to Regulation (EU) 2024/1359 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 14 May 2024 addressing situations of crisis and force majeure in the field of migration and asylum and amending Regulation (EU) 2021/1147; to give further effect to the Convention relating to the Status of Refugees done at Geneva on the 28th day of July 1951 and the Protocol relating to the Status of Refugees done at New York on the 31st day of January 1967; to provide for the gathering of information from applicants for international protection; to provide for the removal from the State of certain persons; to provide for the establishment of a body to be known as An Binse um Achomhairc i dtaobh Tearmainn agus Filleadh or, in the English language, as the Tribunal for Asylum and Returns Appeals and to provide for its functions; to provide for the establishment of a body to be known as Oifig an Phríomh-Chigire Nósanna Imeachta Teorann um Thearmann or, in the English language, as the Office of the Chief Inspector of Asylum Border Procedures and to provide for its functions; to amend, or repeal certain provisions of, the International Protection Act 2015; to amend the Irish Nationality and Citizenship Act 1956, the Immigration Act 1999, the Illegal Immigrants (Trafficking) Act 2000, the Immigration Act 2004 and certain other enactments; and to provide for related matters.

An amendment to the bill · motion failed 53–88

Voted for 2 Ken O'Flynn · Thomas Gould

Voted against 1 Eoghan Kenny

Did not vote 2 Colm Burke · Pádraig O'Sullivan

An amendment to the bill · motion failed 46–98

Voted for 2 Ken O'Flynn · Thomas Gould

Voted against 2 Colm Burke · Eoghan Kenny

Did not vote 1 Pádraig O'Sullivan

An amendment to the bill · motion failed 67–79

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

Voted against 2 Colm Burke · Pádraig O'Sullivan

An amendment to the bill · motion failed 61–78

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

Voted against 2 Colm Burke · Pádraig O'Sullivan

An amendment to the bill · motion failed 63–75

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

Voted against 2 Colm Burke · Pádraig O'Sullivan

The motion · motion passed 74–65

Voted for 2 Colm Burke · Pádraig O'Sullivan

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

Commission on the Future of the Family Farm Bill 2024

2026-02-25 · 2 votes · Sinn Féin PMB

A bill to establish a body to be known, in the Irish language, as An Coimisiún um Thodhchaí na Feirme Teaghlaigh or, in the English language, as the Commission on the Future of …

full description

A bill to establish a body to be known, in the Irish language, as An Coimisiún um Thodhchaí na Feirme Teaghlaigh or, in the English language, as the Commission on the Future of the Family Farm; to define its functions; and to provide for matters connected therewith.

An amendment to the bill · motion passed 74–64

Voted for 2 Colm Burke · Pádraig O'Sullivan

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

The motion · motion passed 75–65

Voted for 2 Colm Burke · Pádraig O'Sullivan

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

Expanding Access to General Practitioner Care

2026-02-25 · 1 vote

An amendment to the bill · motion failed 65–76

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

Voted against 2 Colm Burke · Pádraig O'Sullivan

An tOrd Gnó - Order of Business

2026-02-24 · 1 vote

The week's Dáil business schedule · motion passed 79–65

Voted for 2 Colm Burke · Pádraig O'Sullivan

Voted against 2 Eoghan Kenny · Ken O'Flynn

Did not vote 1 Thomas Gould

Colm Burke — Fine Gael 9 votes · 20 questions · 0 new lobbying returns

Questions asked 20 total

Finance 5 questions
- 2026-02-24 Deputy Colm Burke asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance the annual increases in the retail price of the most popular price category MPPC for a 20-pack of cigarettes since 2014; the portion of the increase related to taxes; the portion of the increase due to price rises by the tobacco industry, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14788/26]
- 2026-02-24 Deputy Colm Burke asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance the number of persons successfully prosecuted for tobacco and or cigarette smuggling in 2024, 2025 and to date in 2026, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14789/26]
- 2026-02-24 Deputy Colm Burke asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance the number of summary and indictable convictions secured in 2024, 2025, and to date in 2026, for the evasion of tobacco excise duty and illegal selling of illicit tobacco, in addition to the total money collected in these years from associated fines; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14790/26]
- 2026-02-24 Deputy Colm Burke asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance the resources he is allocating to Revenue; the new or improved enforcement actions being taken to combat illicit tobacco smuggling; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14791/26]
- 2026-02-24 Deputy Colm Burke asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance how effective the new regulations introduced in November 2025 that strengthen rules relating to the amount of duty-paid tobacco products an individual can bring into Ireland from another European Union (EU) Member State have been in reducing the number of non-Irish duty paid cigarettes in Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14792/26]
Health 4 questions
- 2026-02-24 Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for Health whether the Government has examined the feasibility of introducing in Ireland a "generational smoking ban" (that is a permanent prohibition on the sale of tobacco products to persons born on or after a specified year), similar to that proposed in the UK Tobacco and Vapes Bill 2024-2025; whether she considers such a measure will be legally and constitutionally permissible in Ireland having regard to EU law (including Directive 2014/40/EU on tobacco products and relevant internal market rules) and domestic law; the legal advice or analysis that has been undertaken or commissioned by her Department; the legislative changes which will be required to give effect to such a measure; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14151/26]
- 2026-02-24 Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for Health the level of funding provided for tobacco cessation services from 2015 to 2025, and to date in 2026; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14793/26]
- 2026-02-24 Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for Health the funding which has been provided to establish the vaping and nicotine use prevention campaign; if annual funding will be made available to it; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14794/26]
- 2026-02-24 Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for Health the plans her Department has to establish a stop vaping service, modelled on the successful QUITLINE service, to support individuals quit e-cigarettes and other novel nicotine products; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14795/26]
Justice 3 questions
- 2026-02-24 Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration if a visa application (details supplied) has been received; the status of the application; when a decision will be reached in view of the urgency and circumstances of the applicants; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14345/26]
- 2026-02-24 Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration the reason an application was rejected (details supplied); if consideration would be given to reviewing the case; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15169/26]
- 2026-02-25 Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration when a citizenship application will be completed, in view that it is 20 months since the application (details supplied) was first lodged; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15223/26]
Social 3 questions
- 2026-02-26 Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for Social Protection if consideration will be given to the introduction of a support payment for those who are required to take leave due to a miscarriage or early pregnancy loss; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15524/26]
- 2026-02-26 Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for Social Protection if consideration has been given to introducing a pay-related maternity benefit; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15525/26]
- 2026-02-26 Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for Social Protection if he will consider awarding domiciliary care allowance to a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16087/26]
Climate 2 questions
- 2026-02-24 Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment if consideration will be given to the inclusion of new-build properties in the current solar PV grant, in view of the fact that those building new homes do not qualify for this grant and taking into account that most new builds are run exclusively on electricity only with homes being expensive to run and solar energy would offset these running costs; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14760/26]
- 2026-02-24 Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment to provide an update on progress made to date by his Department in relation to the National Biomethane Strategy, in particular regarding the development of centralised planning guidelines for suitable locations for biomethane and biogas plants; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14759/26]
Transport 2 questions
- 2026-02-26 Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for Transport when the next tranche of the Safe Routes to School Programme will be announced; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15461/26]
- 2026-02-26 Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for Transport to provide an update on the progress to date in relation to the N/M20 Limerick to Cork motorway project; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15462/26]
Education 1 question
- 2026-02-24 Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for Education and Youth to ensure a person (details supplied) will be provided with special school bus transport, in view that the pupil was in receipt of transport and was notified that the route will not operate from 19 January 2026 until further notice; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [15005/26]

Eoghan Kenny — Labour Party 10 votes · 8 questions · 0 new lobbying returns

Questions asked 8 total

Education 7 questions
- 2026-02-24 Deputy Eoghan Kenny asked the Minister for Education and Youth the number of SNAs employed at the end of each month since September 2025; and the current number of funded vacant positions; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [15003/26]
- 2026-02-24 Deputy Eoghan Kenny asked the Minister for Education and Youth the current number of WTE SNA positions funded for the school year 2025/2026; and the total number that will be available from September 2026 for school year 2026/2027; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [15004/26]
- 2026-02-25 Deputy Eoghan Kenny asked the Minister for Education and Youth to provide a list of the 194 schools set to have their SNA provision cut under the SNA Review; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [15234/26]
- 2026-02-25 Deputy Eoghan Kenny asked the Minister for Education and Youth the number of appeals by individual schools at either primary, secondary or special school level in each of the past three years to the National Council for Special Education in relation to SNA allocation to schools; the number of appeals which succeeded in increased provision; the number which were unsuccessful, by year, in tabular form; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [15316/26]
- 2026-02-25 Deputy Eoghan Kenny asked the Minister for Education and Youth to confirm following the pause on the review of the allocation of SNA resources when further clarity will be provided to schools for the next school year, if she will confirm if schools that have been allocated increased resourcing will receive those; the steps she will take to address the serious concerns for schools that have been told they are losing SNAs; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [15317/26]
- 2026-02-25 Deputy Eoghan Kenny asked the Minister for Education and Youth to provide a list of schools that have been informed they are losing SNAs in the next school year; the number they will lose; to provide a list of all schools informed of the allocation of increased resources for the next school year; the additional support provided, in tabular form; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [15318/26]
- 2026-02-26 Deputy Eoghan Kenny asked the Minister for Education and Youth if her Department and the NCSE will engage with persons (details supplied) to ensure an appropriate school place is provided; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [15716/26]
Health 1 question
- 2026-02-25 Deputy Eoghan Kenny asked the Minister for Health if a HSE property (details supplied) is being considered for sale or lease; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [15233/26]

Ken O'Flynn — Independent Ireland 10 votes · 291 questions · 0 new lobbying returns

Questions asked 291 total

Health 145 questions
- 2026-02-24 Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Health the total amount currently held by the HSE in patient private property accounts in respect of deceased or untraced former service users; the amount held for more than one year, five years and ten years respectively; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14217/26]
- 2026-02-24 Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Health the total amount of funds held in patient private property accounts in each of the past ten years; the amount identified as belonging to deceased service users in each year; and the amount repaid to estates in each of those years. [14218/26]
- 2026-02-24 Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Health the statutory or regulatory basis under which the HSE holds and administers patient private property accounts; the legislative provisions governing unclaimed funds in such accounts; and whether any time limit applies before such funds are transferred or extinguished. [14219/26]
- 2026-02-24 Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Health the policy framework governing the identification and tracing of next-of-kin or legal representatives where funds remain in patient private property accounts following the death of a service user; whether a national tracing protocol exists; and if she will outline same. [14220/26]
- 2026-02-24 Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Health the oversight arrangements in place within her Department in respect of the governance of patient private property accounts; whether these accounts are subject to regular internal audit and Comptroller and Auditor General review; and the date of the most recent audit. [14221/26]
- 2026-02-24 Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Health whether interest accrues on funds held in patient private property accounts; if so, the amount of interest that is treated; and whether interest forms part of the estate upon repayment. [14222/26]
- 2026-02-24 Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Health whether the HSE publishes an annual statement detailing the value of funds held in patient private property accounts; and whether she will consider introducing a publicly accessible register of unclaimed funds to assist families in identifying entitlements. [14223/26]
- 2026-02-24 Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Health the number of incidents of seclusion, physical restraint and other restrictive interventions recorded in each child and adolescent mental health services inpatient unit in each of the years 2023, 2024 and 2025; whether trauma-informed training is mandatory for all clinical and support staff in these units; if not, the reason it is not mandatory; the total funding allocated to trauma-informed education nationally over the same period; and whether she is satisfied that the current level of training and resourcing is sufficient to reduce coercive practices in CAMHS inpatient settings. [14439/26]
- 2026-02-24 Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Health whether trauma-informed educational interventions such as those evaluated in a child and adolescent inpatient mental health unit are being rolled out nationally across CAMHS units; and if not, the plans that are in place to do so. [14440/26]
- 2026-02-24 Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Health the number of beds at the Central Mental Hospital in Portrane and other National Forensic Mental Health Service (NFMHS) facilities that remain unavailable due to staffing or operational delays, and the reasons why they are not yet operational; the average waiting time for transfer and the number of individuals who have waited over 12 months in inappropriate prison settings; the impact of the January 2026 suspension of “therapeutic bail” on the waiting list and on the timely access to hospital care for minor offenders; whether she is satisfied that current staffing, resourcing, and operational arrangements are sufficient to protect the safety and wellbeing of prisoners with acute mental health needs; and the concrete timeline for opening all remaining beds and fully addressing the backlog of transfers. [14441/26]
- 2026-02-24 Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Health whether Trauma Informed Practice (TIP) training is currently mandatory for all staff in Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS) inpatient and outpatient units; the total number of CAMHS staff who have received TIP training nationally to date; the way TIP is embedded in HSE operational guidelines, care planning, and Mental Health Commission inspection frameworks; the number of senior TIP leads appointed in each Community Healthcare Organisation (CHO) to oversee implementation and monitor outcomes; the evidence which exists that TIP has reduced the use of coercive interventions, such as restraint and seclusion; the national plan in place to ensure consistent implementation across all CAMHS services; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14490/26]
- 2026-02-24 Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Health if the current tender process for season 2026/2027 will not be delayed by her or cancelled; the reason she would not consider the creation of a “Pathfinder” programme, as developed for the temporary usage of monoclonal antibody in RSV for the past two seasons (details supplied). [14554/26]
- 2026-02-24 Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Health whether she has sought or received any audit, validation, or data quality assurance reports concerning the accuracy of Patient Experience Time data used to record emergency department waiting times; the date of the most recent such review; whether error rates or data reliability concerns have been formally quantified; and if she will outline the governance framework in place to ensure the accuracy, validation, and publication standards of emergency department waiting time data at national and hospital level. [14671/26]
- 2026-02-24 Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Health whether her Department has considered directing the Health Service Executive to publish disaggregated emergency department waiting time bands beyond 24 hours on a hospital-by-hospital basis; whether any policy decision has been taken not to publish such granular data; and the basis on which she satisfies herself that current reporting arrangements provide sufficient transparency regarding extended emergency department waits. [14672/26]
- 2026-02-24 Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Health whether her Department has issued any central written policy, circular, internal guidance note, or governance framework applicable across all line units concerning the oversight, compliance, and safeguarding obligations of non-statutory bodies funded directly by her Department, excluding bodies funded through or overseen by the HSE; and if so, to provide the title, date of issue, and confirmation as to whether such guidance remains in force. [14674/26]
- 2026-02-24 Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Health what formal mechanisms exist at Secretary General or Management Board level to ensure consistency of governance, reporting, and compliance standards across different departmental line units when administering direct funding to non-statutory bodies; whether such oversight arrangements are documented; and whether any consolidated compliance report is prepared at departmental level. [14675/26]
- 2026-02-24 Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Health the statutory, contractual, or policy basis her Department requires non-statutory bodies that are not aegis bodies of the Department to operate in line with the Code of Practice for the Governance of State Bodies; whether any internal legal advice was obtained regarding the applicability of that Code to such bodies; and whether any formal determination was made as to its legal status in this context. [14676/26]
- 2026-02-24 Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Health whether her Department conducts documented risk assessments prior to awarding direct funding to non-statutory bodies; whether a standardised risk assessment template is used; and whether such assessments are subject to review by the Department’s Internal Audit Unit. [14677/26]
- 2026-02-24 Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Health in the absence of an internal audit or evaluation since 2020 of the adequacy of governance and oversight arrangements for non-statutory bodies funded directly by her Department, if any review is now planned; and, if so, to state the anticipated timeframe and scope. [14678/26]
- 2026-02-24 Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Health the capital cost of the extension at Heather House, Cork University Hospital; the date construction was completed; the date on which the additional 19 high-dependency beds were certified as physically ready for use; and the planned date for operational opening [14685/26]
- 2026-02-24 Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Health the total number of funded beds at Heather House; the number currently operational; the number temporarily or permanently closed; and the reasons for any non-operational capacity [14686/26]
- 2026-02-24 Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Health whether recruitment approval has been granted for staffing of the 19-bed high-dependency unit at Heather House; the number of WTE posts required; the number filled; and the timeline for full staffing [14687/26]
- 2026-02-24 Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Health when HIQA registration was sought for the new high-dependency unit at Heather House; whether any conditions or compliance issues were raised; and the expected date of regulatory approval [14688/26]
- 2026-02-24 Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Health whether the HSE’s activity-based funding, diagnosis related group (DRG) systems, or other service-line costing methodologies allow for the estimation of aggregate expenditure on pain-medicine outpatient services and interventional pain procedures at national or regional level; whether such aggregate estimates have been compiled in the past five years; and if she will publish any such analyses. [14709/26]
- 2026-02-24 Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Health whether her Department has assessed whether the absence of programme-level expenditure analysis for high-prevalence chronic conditions, including chronic pain, is consistent with public financial management standards and performance-based budgeting principles; whether any review of this matter has been undertaken since 2020; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14710/26]
- 2026-02-24 Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Health whether her Department has conducted any formal review, risk assessment, or governance oversight exercise since 1 January 2024 specifically concerning systemic governance, patient-safety risk indicators, or organisational controls at Children’s Health Ireland; if so, to state the date of each such review, the division of her Department responsible, and whether a written record was produced. [14725/26]
- 2026-02-24 Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Health if her Department has not conducted any formal review of governance or patient-safety risk indicators at Children’s Health Ireland since 1 January 2024, to state the reason no such review has been undertaken at Departmental level. [14726/26]
- 2026-02-24 Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Health whether her Department maintains a centralised internal register, inventory, or tracking mechanism recording reviews, audits, investigations, or independent reports concerning Children’s Health Ireland; if so, to state when it was last updated; and if not, to confirm that no such centralised register exists within her Department. [14727/26]
- 2026-02-24 Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Health whether her Department relies exclusively on HSE-established structures, including the CHI Improvement Steering Group, for oversight of governance and patient-safety risks at Children’s Health Ireland; and to outline the formal reporting arrangements between that Group and her Department. [14728/26]
- 2026-02-24 Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Health the total number of referrals made to Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services in 2023 to 2025 and to-date in 2025, nationally and by CHO area; the number and percentage of those referrals that were not accepted for service, nationally and by CHO area; whether suicidal ideation and/or self-harm risk are recorded as coded data fields within CAMHS referral systems; if so, the number of referrals not accepted where suicidal ideation and/or self-harm risk was indicated; if not, the way in which the HSE monitors safeguarding risks associated with referrals not accepted for service; whether a face to face or direct clinical assessment of the child is undertaken prior to a decision not to accept a referral; the written clinical governance and risk escalation protocols that apply when a referral is not accepted; and the alternative care pathway formally communicated to families and referring GPs in such cases [14904/26]
- 2026-02-24 Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Health the number of children currently awaiting CAMHS assessment; the number waiting over three months, six months, and 12 months; whether the HSE records adverse incidents, emergency department presentations, or suicide attempts involving children while awaiting CAMHS; whether children on waiting lists are subject to periodic clinical review; and the safeguarding protocols in place for children categorised as routine referrals [14905/26]
- 2026-02-24 Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Health the State funded or HSE-funded training programmes which are currently available to general practitioners in the assessment and management of suicidal ideation and self-harm in children and adolescents; whether her Department or the HSE maintains data on GP participation in such training; the number of general practitioners who have completed suicide prevention training, including organisations (details supplied) or equivalent programmes in the past five years; whether the adequacy of GP training supports in managing child and adolescent suicidal presentations has been formally reviewed in view of pressures on CAMHS; and whether consideration is being given to the establishment of a formal specialist CAMHS consultation or advice line to support GPs managing high-risk youth presentations [14906/26]
- 2026-02-24 Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Health the number of CAMHS referrals involving children with autism spectrum disorder in 2023 to 2025 and to-date in 2026; the acceptance and rejection rates of such referrals; the policy governing the allocation of mental health versus disability services for children with dual diagnoses; and whether a shared care protocol exists between CAMHS and disability services [14907/26]
- 2026-02-24 Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Health the number of approved CAMHS posts versus filled posts by discipline; the vacancy rates; the number of teams operating below recommended staffing levels; the number of complaints received by the HSE regarding CAMHS in the past three years; whether an independent audit of referral rejection practices has been conducted; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14908/26]
- 2026-02-26 Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Health the incremental cost-effectiveness ratio, cost per QALY gained, time horizon applied, and discount rate used in the full health technology assessments conducted by the National Centre for Pharmacoeconomics in respect of tirzepatide for type 2 diabetes mellitus and weight management; and whether lifetime modelling assumptions were applied in either assessment. [15811/26]
- 2026-02-26 Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Health whether the health technology assessments conducted in respect of tirzepatide included modelling of downstream healthcare cost offsets arising from reductions in incidence of type 2 diabetes; cardiovascular events; hospital admissions; and obesity-related complications; and to provide the percentage reductions assumed in each case within the base-case analysis. [15812/26]
- 2026-02-26 Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Health the projected gross and net annual budget impact, and five-year cumulative budget impact, of reimbursement of tirzepatide for weight management under the current eligibility criteria outlined by the HSE; and the estimated eligible patient population used in the budget impact model. [15813/26]
- 2026-02-26 Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Health whether one-way or probabilistic sensitivity analyses were conducted as part of the pharmacoeconomic evaluations of tirzepatide and semaglutide; and if so, the key variables identified as having the greatest impact on cost-effectiveness outcomes. [15814/26]
- 2026-02-26 Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Health the reasons for the duration between commissioning and completion of the full health technology assessment of tirzepatide for type 2 diabetes; and whether her Department has conducted any review of timelines in the medicines assessment process since 2023. [15815/26]
- 2026-02-26 Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Health whether the provision of direct Exchequer funding by her Department to any non-statutory body is conditional upon the recipient maintaining a formally adopted safeguarding policy; a designated safeguarding officer; written mandatory reporting procedures in respect of safeguarding concerns; compliance with obligations under the Children First Act 2015 where applicable; and periodic certification or attestation of safeguarding compliance to her Department; the statutory, contractual or administrative basis for any such requirements; the monitoring and verification mechanisms operated by her Department to ensure compliance; and whether any funding has been suspended, withheld, reduced or subject to clawback in the past five years on grounds of safeguarding non-compliance. [15846/26]
- 2026-02-26 Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Health whether her Department maintains a central register or consolidated oversight framework identifying all non-statutory bodies in receipt of direct Exchequer funding; whether that register records safeguarding compliance status, including the existence of safeguarding policies, designated safeguarding officers and reporting procedures; whether her Department requires annual safeguarding compliance declarations from such bodies; and if she will provide the number of directly funded non-statutory bodies in each of the years 2022, 2023, 2024 and 2025, together with details of any compliance reviews, audits or inspections undertaken by her Department in respect of safeguarding governance during that period. [15847/26]
- 2026-02-26 Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Health whether she has received the completed report of the expert clinical group examining the implications for Ireland of the Cass Review; on what date it was received by her Department or the HSE CEO; whether she has requested a copy; whether she intends to publish the report in full; if not, the statutory or policy basis for withholding publication; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [15848/26]
- 2026-02-26 Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Health the formal interim clinical governance framework, written safeguards, or ministerial policy directions are currently in force governing the provision of gender-related healthcare services to children and adolescents pending completion of the updated National Model of Care; whether any elements of clinical practice have been paused, amended or restricted during this interim period; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [15849/26]
- 2026-02-26 Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Health whether her Department or the HSE has approved or mandated a national data collection framework, minimum dataset, or outcome monitoring system for gender identity services for children and young people; if not, when such a framework will be introduced; and how clinical outcomes, adverse events and long-term follow-up are currently monitored at national level. [15850/26]
- 2026-02-26 Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Health whether a formal methodological review, evidence appraisal, or structured policy evaluation of international clinical guidance, including the WPATH Standards of Care, was undertaken between 2018 and 2023 prior to adoption or application within Irish healthcare services; if so, to provide the title and date of such review; and if not, to explain the basis upon which those standards informed Irish clinical practice. [15851/26]
- 2026-02-26 Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Health the date on which the expert clinical group report examining the implications for Ireland of the Cass review was submitted to the HSE chief executive officer; whether the report has been furnished to her Department; whether she has received or reviewed the report; whether she intends to publish the report in full; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [15852/26]
- 2026-02-26 Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Health the formal interim clinical governance arrangements, safeguards, or policy instructions currently apply to gender healthcare services for children and adolescents pending completion of the updated national Model of Care; whether any written direction, circular, or instruction has issued since publication of the Cass review; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [15853/26]
- 2026-02-26 Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Health to specify the statutory authority, national clinical guideline, or formally approved policy framework under which gender healthcare services for minors are currently delivered within the public health system; the date on which that framework was approved; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [15854/26]
- 2026-02-26 Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Health whether her Department has approved a national dataset, reporting framework, or outcome measurement standard for gender identity services provided to children and adolescents; if not, when such a framework is expected to be established; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [15855/26]
- 2026-02-26 Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Health to outline the formal methodology used by her Department and the HSE when evaluating international clinical guidance prior to consideration or incorporation into national healthcare policy; whether that methodology was applied in respect of the WPATH Standards of Care between 2018 and 2023; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [15856/26]
- 2026-02-26 Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Health whether any formal clinical risk assessment, patient safety review, or governance audit has been undertaken since publication of the final Cass review in respect of gender healthcare services for children and adolescents; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [15857/26]
- 2026-02-26 Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Health whether, under the Health Service Executive National Service Plan 2026 approved by her, her Department requires the HSE to collect, retain and report to the Department the number and percentage of clinical status 1 purple and red emergency calls in which the ambulance response time exceeded 30 minutes, 45 minutes, 60 minutes and 90 minutes in each of the years 2023, 2024 and 2025; if such reporting is not currently mandated, whether she will amend the 2026 or subsequent National Service Plan to require same; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [15858/26]
- 2026-02-26 Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Health whether, in the exercise of its statutory oversight of the Health Service Executive under the Health Act 2004, receives or requests data on the single longest recorded ambulance response time for clinical status 1 purple and red calls in each month nationally and by HSE region; if not, whether she considers the absence of such governance reporting compatible with effective patient safety oversight; and whether she will direct that such data be formally reported to her Department. [15859/26]
- 2026-02-26 Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Health whether it is Departmental policy that an ambulance response exceeding 60 minutes to a clinical status 1 purple or red emergency call does not, of itself, constitute a notifiable patient safety incident under the HSE Incident Management Framework; the policy basis for that position; and whether she will review that policy in the context of her statutory responsibility for patient safety and quality governance. [15860/26]
- 2026-02-26 Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Health whether her Department has, since 1 January 2023, received any aggregated report, briefing, risk register entry, or governance submission identifying delayed ambulance response as a contributory factor in patient harm or adverse outcomes; the number of such instances recorded; and whether her Department has conducted any formal policy review arising from those findings. [15861/26]
- 2026-02-26 Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Health whether her Department receives regional disaggregated performance data for clinical status 1 purple and red emergency calls as part of the annual Service Plan governance framework; whether her Department undertakes structured comparative analysis of response performance between HSE regions; and the specific policy directives issued by her since 2023 to address identified regional inequities in emergency ambulance response times. [15862/26]
- 2026-02-26 Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Health whether her Department or the HSE has undertaken any analysis of mortality, morbidity, or adverse clinical outcomes for clinical status 1 Purple or Red emergency calls stratified by response time bands (0–19 minutes, 20–30 minutes, 31–45 minutes, 46–60 minutes, and over 60 minutes) during the period 2023 to date; if so, to provide details of the findings; and if not, whether she will direct that such outcome-based analysis be conducted and published. [15863/26]
- 2026-02-26 Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Health whether the National Ambulance Service records the number of clinical status 1 Purple and Red emergency calls where the response time exceeds 30 minutes, 45 minutes, and 60 minutes; if so, to provide the total number in each category for each of the past three years; and if not, the policy rationale for not capturing such data within the State’s emergency performance framework. [15864/26]
- 2026-02-26 Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Health whether her Department has issued any policy guidance defining the circumstances in which prolonged ambulance response times constitute patient safety incidents; whether delays exceeding 60 minutes in life-threatening emergencies are automatically reviewed under the HSE Incident Management Framework; and if not, the governance basis for excluding such delays from mandatory safety review. [15865/26]
- 2026-02-26 Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Health the approved whole-time equivalent staffing target for the National Ambulance Service for each year 2023 to 2026 under the NAS Workforce Plan; the actual WTE achieved in each year; the variance between target and actual; and the measures being taken to close the current capacity deficit (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [15866/26]
- 2026-02-26 Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Health whether her Department conducts formal comparative analysis of ambulance response performance between HSE regions; whether any equity standard exists to ensure consistent life-threatening emergency response across regions; and the corrective mechanisms triggered where sustained regional underperformance is identified. [15867/26]
- 2026-02-26 Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Health how long the National Ambulance Service has operated above NASCAP Level 1 since 2022; the total number of days spent at Levels 2 and 3 in each of the past three years; and whether the Department considers a prolonged state of escalation compatible with stable emergency service governance. [15868/26]
- 2026-02-26 Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Health whether a national policy exists within the National Ambulance Service requiring that a life-threatening emergency call be allocated to the next available ambulance within a fixed time window, including a 90-second allocation protocol; when this policy was introduced; the clinical or operational rationale underpinning it; and whether she has reviewed its impact on resource efficiency and regional coverage. [15871/26]
- 2026-02-26 Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Health the number of occasions in each of the past three years where an ambulance assigned to a life-threatening emergency call was dispatched from outside the county in which the incident occurred; the average travel distance and time in such cases; and whether her Department has assessed the impact of long-distance dispatch on local ambulance availability. [15872/26]
- 2026-02-26 Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Health the number of instances in each of the past three years where an ambulance dispatched to a life-threatening emergency call travelled more than 20 minutes, 30 minutes, or 45 minutes before being stood down due to reassignment; whether such redeployments are reviewed for resource efficiency and patient safety impact; and whether national guidelines exist governing maximum travel before stand-down. [15873/26]
- 2026-02-26 Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Health whether her Department or HSE has undertaken any cost-benefit or efficiency analysis of the current national dispatch model, including fuel expenditure, crew time utilisation, overtime costs, and opportunity cost arising from cross-regional dispatch and stand-down; and if so, to provide details. [15878/26]
- 2026-02-26 Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Health whether any formal clinical risk assessment has been conducted in relation to the National Ambulance Service dispatch model where units are assigned across regions under a time-based allocation protocol; whether this model has been benchmarked against alternative international dispatch systems; and whether any review is planned. [15875/26]
- 2026-02-26 Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Health whether her Department monitors instances where rural or peripheral areas are temporarily left without local ambulance cover due to cross-regional dispatch under national allocation protocols; the frequency of such occurrences in the past three years; and the safeguards in place to mitigate exposure risk in those areas. [15876/26]
- 2026-02-26 Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Health whether the 90-second allocation protocol forms part of the HSE Enterprise Risk Register; whether it has been subject to independent audit or review since 2020; and whether she is satisfied that the current dispatch framework balances speed of allocation with geographic efficiency and sustained regional capacity. [15877/26]
- 2026-02-26 Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Health further to Parliamentary Question No. 315 of 11 February 2025, and noting that the National Centre for Pharmacoeconomics completed a full health technology assessment of tirzepatide for the treatment of adults with insufficiently controlled type 2 diabetes mellitus on 9 February 2026, and for weight management on 3 December 2025, whether she has been notified of the completion of those assessments; the month in 2026 in which the HSE senior leadership team is scheduled to consider each application for pricing and reimbursement; whether any internal target decision date has been set by her Department or the HSE; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [15874/26]
- 2026-02-26 Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Health whether her Department or the HSE has prepared or received any gross and net budget impact analysis in respect of the proposed reimbursement of tirzepatide and semaglutide for diabetes and weight management indications; the estimated annual gross cost to the Exchequer in each of the first five years of potential reimbursement; any estimated downstream cost offsets relating to reduced incidence of type 2 diabetes complications, cardiovascular disease or renal failure; and whether specific provision has been made within Vote 38 for 2026 to accommodate any such reimbursement decision. [15879/26]
- 2026-02-26 Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Health the estimated number of adults nationally who meet the clinical eligibility thresholds outlined in the completed HTAs for tirzepatide for diabetes and weight management indications; the estimated number of adolescents who would meet the subpopulation criteria proposed for semaglutide reimbursement; whether her Department has been advised of projected uptake rates; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [15880/26]
- 2026-02-26 Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Health whether her Department has undertaken any comparative assessment of the timeframe from marketing authorisation to reimbursement decision for GLP-1 receptor agonists in Ireland relative to other EU Member States; whether she considers the current pharmacoeconomic assessment and negotiation timeline proportionate to the scale of the public health burden posed by obesity and type 2 diabetes; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [15881/26]
- 2026-02-26 Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Health whether formal commercial negotiations between the HSE Corporate Pharmaceutical Unit and the relevant marketing authorisation holders in respect of tirzepatide and semaglutide are currently active; whether any price proposal has been received following completion of the HTA processes; whether any budget ceiling or access cap has been set as a matter of Departmental policy; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [15882/26]
- 2026-02-26 Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Health whether her Department has approved, directed, agreed to, or otherwise authorised any performance reporting methodology under the Health Service Executive National Service Plan whereby clinical status 1 purple or red emergency ambulance calls with response times exceeding 60 minutes are excluded, truncated, capped, or otherwise omitted from published National Ambulance Service key performance indicators; if so, to state the date on which such methodology was adopted, the approving authority within her Department, the governance or policy document under which it operates, and whether she is satisfied that such an approach provides full transparency in respect of life-threatening emergency response performance; and if no such methodology exists, to confirm explicitly that all clinical status 1 purple and red calls, irrespective of response duration, are included in the denominator of published performance indicators and to outline the publication methodology applied. [15888/26]
- 2026-02-26 Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Health whether the current National Ambulance Service key performance Indicator (KPI) framework, including the absence of any maximum response time thresholds for clinical status 1 purple and red calls, has been formally approved, endorsed or noted by her Department; the date on which the current KPI framework was last reviewed by her Department; and whether any review of the scope of those KPIs is currently underway. [15889/26]
- 2026-02-26 Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Health whether the Department of Health Enterprise Risk Management Framework identifies prolonged ambulance response times for life-threatening emergencies as a strategic or operational risk; if so, the risk rating currently assigned; and if not, whether she will require that this risk be formally assessed and recorded. [15891/26]
- 2026-02-26 Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Health whether any internal Departmental briefings, submissions, memoranda or governance reviews since 2020 have considered the question of whether emergency ambulance response times exceeding 60 minutes should be classified or recorded as patient safety incidents; and if so, to outline the conclusions reached. [15892/26]
- 2026-02-26 Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Health the number of occasions in 2025 on which the National Ambulance Service operated at NASCAP level 3; the duration in days of each such period; whether any escalation to level 4 was considered; and the formal reporting mechanism by which such escalation levels are notified to her Department. [15893/26]
- 2026-02-26 Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Health whether her Department has undertaken or commissioned any comparative review of international ambulance service performance governance frameworks, including the use of outlier response time reporting, since 2018; and if so, to provide the title and date of such review and the principal findings. [15894/26]
- 2026-02-26 Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Health further to Parliamentary Question No. 1121 of 7 February 2026,to provide a detailed implementation schedule for each recommendation contained in the Emerging Health Threats Steering Group (ESG) Report published in October 2024, including for each recommendation; the decision taken by her Department; the approving authority, the decision date; the accountable division; the current implementation status; and the planned completion date. [15895/26]
- 2026-02-26 Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Health further to Parliamentary Question No. 1121 of 7 February 2026, to list all funding approvals issued by her Department arising from the ESG Report since October 2024, including for each approval; the programme title; vote and subhead; amount approved for each financial year; whether the funding is current or capital, the approval date, and the body receiving the funding. [15896/26]
- 2026-02-26 Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Health the governance and reporting arrangements to Government in respect of the Health Threats Advisory Committee established in 2025, including its terms of reference, reporting frequency, the senior official accountable within her Department, and the dates of meetings held to date. [15897/26]
- 2026-02-26 Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Health the governance, statutory or administrative basis, and reporting structure of the cross-departmental One Health Oversight Committee established in 2025, including the Departments formally represented and the number of meetings held to date. [15898/26]
- 2026-02-26 Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Health further to Parliamentary Question No. 1121 of 7 February 2026, to provide the approved governance structure, staffing complement, procurement route, budget allocation, and expected operational commencement date for the Evidence Synthesis Hub for Health Emergency Preparedness. [15899/26]
- 2026-02-26 Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Health the current stage of development of the National Health Threats Preparedness Plan; including the responsible Division; the anticipated publication date; whether draft Heads have been prepared; and whether the Plan will be placed on a statutory footing. [15900/26]
- 2026-02-26 Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Health further to Parliamentary Question No. 1121 of 7 February 2026, to list the pandemic preparedness simulation exercises that have taken place since 2022; including the date; organising authority; participating State bodies, whether an after-action report was completed, and whether any such reports were submitted to her Department. [15901/26]
- 2026-02-26 Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Health the key performance indicators her Department uses to monitor national preparedness for emerging health threats; the date each indicator was first adopted; and the most recent reporting date for each indicator to the Minister. [15902/26]
- 2026-02-26 Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Health the governance framework within her Department for oversight of the Public Only Consultant Contract since its introduction in March 2023; including the responsible Division; the senior accountable official, the reporting frequency; and the titles and dates of any oversight reports received by her since that date. [15903/26]
- 2026-02-26 Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Health the key performance indicators and outcome measures used by her Department to assess whether the objectives of the Public Only Consultant Contract are being met; and to provide the baseline date and most recent reporting date for each such indicator. [15904/26]
- 2026-02-26 Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Health whether her Department has issued any formal reporting requirements, policy directions, or data specifications to the HSE in relation to monitoring consultant working patterns under the Public Only Consultant Contract since March 2023, and to provide the date and title of each such direction. [15905/26]
- 2026-02-26 Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Health whether her Department has commissioned, received, or reviewed any audit, evaluation, or value-for-money assessment of the Public Only Consultant Contract since its introduction, and if so, to provide the title, authoring body, and completion date of each such assessment. [15906/26]
- 2026-02-26 Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Health what interim monitoring or assurance mechanisms her Department relies upon where complete hospital-group-level reporting of consultant evening, weekend and public holiday hours is not available, and to state the date on which each such mechanism commenced. [15907/26]
- 2026-02-26 Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Health whether her Department receives, on a scheduled and recurring basis, written reports from the Health Service Executive specifically relating to gender identity services provided to persons under 18 years of age; if so, the frequency of such reports; the categories of data included, including activity levels, waiting list numbers, safeguarding notifications, adverse incidents and clinical outcomes; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [15918/26]
- 2026-02-26 Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Health whether her Department has required the Health Service Executive to provide any dedicated safeguarding assurance report, audit report, or governance review relating specifically to gender identity services for minors since 1 January 2020; if so, the date of each such report and whether it has been reviewed at Secretary General or Corporate Governance Committee level; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [15919/26]
- 2026-02-26 Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Health whether the Department has established any formal oversight framework, reporting template, performance dashboard, or key performance indicators specific to gender identity services for persons under 18 years of age; and if not, whether she intends to establish such a framework. [15920/26]
- 2026-02-26 Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Health whether her Department maintains a formal monitoring or compliance framework to assess the timeliness and completeness of responses provided by bodies under her aegis to Parliamentary Questions and other formal requests from Members of the Oireachtas; and if so, the nature of that framework and the office responsible for maintaining it. [15921/26]
- 2026-02-26 Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Health whether her Department has recorded, since 1 January 2023, any concerns, warnings, or internal assessments regarding the adequacy or timeliness of responses provided by Children’s Health Ireland to Members of the Oireachtas; and if so, the number of such recorded instances and the governance actions taken. [15922/26]
- 2026-02-26 Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Health whether decisions relating to the publication or non-publication of reports concerning Children’s Health Ireland are recorded in writing within her Department; whether a central register of such decisions is maintained; and the grade or office responsible for oversight of such publication decisions. [15923/26]
- 2026-02-26 Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Health whether her Department applies standardised criteria, guidance, or written policy when determining whether reports concerning bodies under her aegis should be published; and if so, to provide the title and date of such policy. [15924/26]
- 2026-02-26 Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Health whether her Department has established, approved, or required any national key performance indicators relating to recruitment clearance timelines across the six health regions established under Sláintecare; if not, whether this represents a deliberate policy decision; and the governance rationale for not applying national clearance benchmarks in a devolved regional recruitment structure. [15947/26]
- 2026-02-26 Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Health to specify the statutory provision, regulation, circular, or formal policy instrument under which elective procedures without medical indication are authorised within the public hospital system; and to confirm whether any formal legal advice has been obtained by her Department regarding the permissibility of allocating publicly funded hospital resources to such procedures. [15976/26]
- 2026-02-26 Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Health whether her Department has conducted, commissioned, or received any review assessing whether decisions by the six HSE health regions to authorise elective procedures without medical indication are applied consistently nationwide; and if she will provide details of any such review. [15977/26]
- 2026-02-26 Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Health whether her Department has conducted any assessment of the impact on waiting lists, theatre utilisation, or paediatric surgical capacity arising from the allocation of theatre time to elective procedures undertaken without medical indication; and if she will publish any such assessment. [15978/26]
- 2026-02-26 Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Health to state under which programme headings, service plans, or budget subheads expenditure on elective procedures undertaken without medical indication is recorded; whether such expenditure is separately identifiable within Departmental or HSE accounts; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [15979/26]
- 2026-02-26 Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Health whether her Department has conducted any internal policy or distributional analysis of the impact of maintaining current medical card income thresholds for persons aged 70 years and over following the 2025 State Pension increase; if so, the date of such analysis; whether the findings were submitted to her for decision; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [15980/26]
- 2026-02-26 Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Health whether her Department sought advice from the ESRI in relation to the projected distributional impact of increasing medical card income thresholds for persons aged 70 years and over by €10 per week in line with the 2025 State pension increase; whether a policy recommendation was made to her arising from that modelling exercise; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [15981/26]
- 2026-02-26 Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Health whether any consideration was given in Budget 2026 to adjusting medical card income thresholds for persons aged 70 years and over in line with pension increases; whether this option was costed by her Department; and if she will outline the policy rationale for maintaining existing thresholds. [15982/26]
- 2026-02-26 Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Health whether her Department has assessed the number of persons aged 70 years and over whose income exceeds the Department of Social Protection State Pension by less than €20 per week and who are therefore at potential risk of medical card ineligibility under current thresholds; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [15983/26]
- 2026-02-26 Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Health the number of External Governance Reviews undertaken pursuant to Sections 38 and 39 of the Health Act 2004 between 2022 and 2024 that identified material financial, governance, procurement, safeguarding or internal control deficiencies; the number in each year that resulted in enhanced monitoring arrangements, revised service level agreements, funding conditions or restrictions, recovery of funds, suspension or withholding of payments; and if she will provide a breakdown by category of action taken. [15984/26]
- 2026-02-26 Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Health the number of External Governance Reviews commenced between 2022 and 2024 that remain open; the average duration of review completion; and whether any review has resulted in referral to internal audit, external audit, or An Garda Síochána. [15985/26]
- 2026-02-26 Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Health whether all non-statutory bodies in receipt of direct HSE funding, including those in receipt of less than €3 million annually, are subject to a structured governance review cycle; and if not, the criteria used to determine inclusion or exclusion. [15986/26]
- 2026-02-26 Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Health whether summary findings of External Governance Reviews are published; and if not, the reasons for the absence of public transparency in respect of governance findings in publicly funded bodies. [15987/26]
- 2026-02-26 Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Health the total number of apprentices employed by the Health Service Executive in 2025 and projected for 2026 in (a) social work, (b) social care work, and (c) dietetics; and if she will provide a breakdown by programme and year of intake. [16010/26]
- 2026-02-26 Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Health the total gross expenditure incurred by the Health Service Executive in 2025 and the projected expenditure for 2026 in respect of apprenticeship programmes in social work, social care work, and dietetics, including salary costs, academic costs, employer PRSI, and any grant income received from the National Apprenticeship Office; and if she will provide a programme-level breakdown. [16011/26]
- 2026-02-26 Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Health whether her Department has approved any workforce planning model or projection which quantifies the projected staffing shortfall to 2030 in social work, social care work, and dietetics; if so, to provide the projected shortfall figures by year; and how current apprenticeship intake levels align with those projections. [16012/26]
- 2026-02-26 Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Health whether any formal policy decision has been taken to fund apprenticeship expansion in the health and social care professions without a dedicated subhead or ring-fenced allocation within the Vote for the Health Service Executive; and the governance rationale for funding apprenticeship costs from within existing service budgets. [16013/26]
- 2026-02-26 Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Health whether any evaluation has been undertaken by her Department to assess the value-for-money and workforce impact of the Level 9 Social Work apprenticeship programme since its commencement; if so, to provide details of the methodology and findings; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [16014/26]
- 2026-02-26 Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Health to provide a current hospital-by-hospital list of all publicly funded chronic pain management services; to specify in respect of each hospital whether a dedicated multidisciplinary chronic pain service is in operation; to detail the disciplines available within each service, including pain medicine consultants, psychology, physiotherapy, occupational therapy and nursing; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [16015/26]
- 2026-02-26 Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Health to provide, by HSE Health Region, the average waiting time and the longest waiting time for a first outpatient appointment in a publicly funded chronic pain service as of the most recent available date; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [16016/26]
- 2026-02-26 Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Health the number of patients, by Health Region, referred outside their region of residence in the past 24-months due to the absence of a local chronic pain service or insufficient local capacity; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [16017/26]
- 2026-02-26 Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Health the total number of approved consultant posts in the specialty of Pain Medicine and Consultant Anaesthesiologist with a special interest in Pain Medicine; the number currently filled on a whole-time equivalent basis; the number vacant; the duration of each vacancy; and the recruitment measures in place to address same. [16018/26]
- 2026-02-26 Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Health whether all publicly funded chronic pain services operate in accordance with a nationally approved clinical model mandating multidisciplinary care; if not, to identify which services do not meet such standards; and the timeframe for compliance. [16019/26]
- 2026-02-26 Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Health whether, following publication of the final Cass Review into gender identity services for children and young people in the United Kingdom, her Department conducted any formal policy review of the continued referral of minors from Ireland to NHS gender identity services under the Treatment Abroad Scheme; if so, to provide the date, terms of reference, and outcome of that review; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [16025/26]
- 2026-02-26 Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Health whether her Department sought or obtained independent clinical advice, evidence appraisal, or risk assessment regarding the appropriateness of continuing referrals of minors to NHS gender identity services following the Cass Review; and if she will outline the governance framework under which such advice was considered. [16026/26]
- 2026-02-26 Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Health whether any revised safeguarding guidance, policy circular, or written direction has been issued by her Department to the HSE concerning referral pathways for children and young people to gender identity services abroad since publication of the Cass Review; and if she will provide details of any such direction. [16027/26]
- 2026-02-26 Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Health the number of minors referred from Ireland to NHS gender identity services under the Treatment Abroad Scheme in each of the years 2023, 2024, 2025 and to date in 2026; the total expenditure incurred in each year; and the policy basis upon which such referrals continue to be authorised. [16029/26]
- 2026-02-26 Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Health whether the evaluation of the iPain Centre pilot at Beaumont Hospital has been completed; the date on which it was finalised; whether the evaluation has been submitted to her Department; whether she will publish the evaluation report in full; the total Sláintecare Integration Innovation Fund allocation provided to the project over its three-year pilot period; the current annualised cost of the service; and the policy decision taken, if any, regarding the continuation, mainstreaming, or national rollout of community-based chronic pain programmes arising from that pilot. [16030/26]
- 2026-02-26 Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Health whether her Department has approved or endorsed any maximum acceptable waiting time threshold for access to primary care occupational therapy services; whether a waiting period of up to 39 weeks is considered clinically appropriate at national level; and if she will outline the evidence, clinical guidance, or policy framework underpinning that position. [16031/26]
- 2026-02-26 Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Health whether she accepts that operating a service at 75% of funded ceiling constitutes a failure of workforce planning at departmental level; and the specific corrective actions that have been mandated by her Department in response. [16032/26]
- 2026-02-26 Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Health whether her Department has approved a workforce planning model quantifying the additional whole-time-equivalent occupational therapy posts required in Cork South-West primary care services to achieve a maximum waiting time of 12-weeks for adults and children; and if she will provide the number of additional posts identified under that model. [16034/26]
- 2026-02-26 Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Health whether the Health Service Executive has submitted, in 2024 or 2025, a formal funding request to her Department seeking approval for additional occupational therapy whole-time-equivalent posts in Cork South-West primary care services; if so, the number of posts requested, the estimated annual cost, and the decision taken by her Department on that request. [16035/26]
- 2026-02-26 Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Health whether her Department has set a policy standard for maximum waiting times in adult and paediatric primary care occupational therapy services; whether 12-weeks remains the intended benchmark; and if not, the revised benchmark now accepted by her Department. [16036/26]
- 2026-02-26 Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Health the funded whole-time-equivalent ceiling for occupational therapy posts in Cork South-West primary care services for each of the years 2022, 2023, 2024 and 2025; the actual whole-time-equivalent staffing level in each of those years; and the variance between funded ceiling and actual staffing. [16037/26]
- 2026-02-26 Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Health whether her Department has conducted or commissioned any assessment of the impact of primary care occupational therapy waiting times exceeding 39-weeks on child development outcomes and adult rehabilitation; and if she will provide details of any such assessment. [16038/26]
- 2026-02-26 Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Health whether her Department or the Health Service Executive maintains data on medical card refusal rates disaggregated by age cohort; if so, whether she will provide the refusal rate for applicants aged 70 years and over in each of the years 2020 to 2025; and if not, the reason such data is not maintained. [16039/26]
- 2026-02-26 Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Health the gross and net weekly income thresholds applicable to applicants aged 70 years and over for a full medical card in each of the years 2020 to 2025; whether any interim administrative adjustments, circulars, or guidance notes altered the application of those thresholds during that period; and if she will provide copies of any such policy directions. [16040/26]
- 2026-02-26 Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Health whether her Department currently receives routine, standardised reports from the Health Service Executive on gender identity services for minors, including referral numbers, waiting list numbers, assessment outcomes, numbers progressing to medical intervention, and associated expenditure; if so, the frequency and format of such reporting; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [16053/26]
- 2026-02-26 Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Health the specific safeguarding and clinical governance standards that currently apply to gender identity services for minors pending the completion of the new Model of Care; whether these standards require full psychiatric assessment, comprehensive developmental history, screening for autism spectrum conditions, and documented differential diagnosis prior to consideration of any medical intervention; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [16054/26]
- 2026-02-26 Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Health whether any internal audit, clinical audit, external review, or governance assessment has been conducted since 2020 in respect of gender identity services provided to minors, including referrals abroad where applicable; if so, to provide the date and high-level findings of such reviews; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [16055/26]
- 2026-02-26 Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Health what national dataset currently exists for the purposes of planning, oversight and evaluation of gender identity services for minors; whether this dataset captures referral source,diagnostic profile, co-morbidities, intervention pathway, outcomes, and costs; whether any data gaps have been formally identified by her Department; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [16056/26]
- 2026-02-26 Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Health the total annual expenditure incurred by the Health Service Executive in respect of gender identity services for minors in each year since 2020, including domestic services, overseas referrals, and ancillary supports; whether expenditure is subject to specific budget ceilings or value-for-money review; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [16057/26]
- 2026-02-26 Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Health whether her Department receives routine comparative reports from the HSE detailing recruitment clearance timelines, vacancy duration metrics, and regional variance across the six Health Regions; if so, the frequency and format of such reports; and if she will confirm whether these metrics are reviewed at Departmental Corporate Governance Committee level [16171/26]
- 2026-02-26 Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Health whether any assessment has been undertaken by her Department of the potential impact of the absence of nationally standardised recruitment clearance timelines on workforce shortages, service capacity, and patient access; and if she will outline any measures being considered to ensure consistent, transparent recruitment performance measurement at national level. [16172/26]
- 2026-02-26 Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Health the devolution of recruitment autonomy to the six health regions under Sláintecare is reconciled with the constitutional principle of ministerial accountability to Dáil Éireann in circumstances where no national clearance benchmarks apply; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [16173/26]
Transport 32 questions
- 2026-02-24 Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Transport whether he has undertaken any review of the adequacy of statutory seizure powers under the Road Traffic Acts and related legislation in addressing the misuse of scrambler bikes and quad bikes in urban areas; and whether legislative amendment is under consideration [14605/26]
- 2026-02-24 Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Transport whether additional legislative reform, funding allocations or policy measures are planned to strengthen enforcement tools and deterrent provisions relating to the unlawful use of mechanically propelled vehicles in public spaces [14606/26]
- 2026-02-24 Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Transport the current status of the N20 Cork to Limerick road improvement scheme; the stage the project has reached under the Transport Infrastructure Ireland project lifecycle; the total estimated capital cost as most recently assessed; the amount of funding allocated to the scheme in 2026 and projected for 2027 and 2028 under the National Development Plan; the anticipated timeline for completion of route selection, statutory approvals and land acquisition; the projected commencement date for construction; and whether the project remains designated as a strategic inter-urban priority within national transport policy. [14673/26]
- 2026-02-24 Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Transport to publish the detailed statistical analysis carried out by the Road Safety Authority concerning scramblers involved in fatal and serious injury collisions on public roads over the past five years, including a year-by-year breakdown of serious injuries and fatalities, age profile of drivers and injured parties, and geographic distribution; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14689/26]
- 2026-02-24 Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Transport whether his Department has conducted or commissioned any formal trend analysis of the increase in serious injuries involving scramblers on public roads between 2022 and 2025; what policy conclusions have been drawn from that analysis; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14690/26]
- 2026-02-24 Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Transport whether his Department has examined the legislative and policy implications of extending the statutory remit of the Road Safety Authority to enable the collection and publication of data on serious injuries and fatalities involving mechanically propelled vehicles in public places other than public roads, including parks, housing estates and green spaces; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14691/26]
- 2026-02-24 Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Transport the statutory provision under which he proposes to introduce regulations to prohibit the use of scramblers in public places; whether he is satisfied that the enabling power is sufficient to support a total prohibition; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14692/26]
- 2026-02-24 Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Transport whether draft regulations concerning the prohibition of scramblers in public places have been circulated to An Garda Síochána, the Road Safety Authority or any other stakeholder for consultation; and if he will outline the consultation process and timeline. [14693/26]
- 2026-02-24 Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Transport whether his Department has reviewed the effectiveness of section 30 of the Road Traffic Act 2004 in preventing the supply of mechanically propelled vehicles to persons under 16 years of age; whether enforcement data has been analysed to assess compliance levels; and whether amendments are under consideration to strengthen retailer obligations. [14694/26]
- 2026-02-24 Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Transport to outline the proposed financial penalties to be applied to seized scramblers under the forthcoming regulations; whether a regulatory impact assessment has been conducted regarding deterrent effect. [14695/26]
- 2026-02-24 Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Transport to state, in respect of each major transport infrastructure project commenced in the past five years and requiring environmental impact assessment, the date on which environmental impact assessment scoping formally commenced, the date on which the environmental impact assessment report was finalised for submission to An Coimisiún Pleanála, and the total duration in months between those dates; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14729/26]
- 2026-02-24 Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Transport to state the average duration in months of Environmental Impact Assessment processes for major transport infrastructure projects commenced in each of the past five years, and to provide the equivalent average duration for Appropriate Assessment processes over the same period; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14730/26]
- 2026-02-24 Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Transport whether his Department has undertaken any internal review, audit, benchmarking exercise, or performance assessment of environmental assessment timelines for major transport infrastructure projects in the past five years; if so, to provide details of the findings; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14731/26]
- 2026-02-24 Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Transport the statutory or administrative timeframes applicable to Environmental Impact Assessment and Appropriate Assessment processes for major transport infrastructure projects, to state whether those timeframes have been consistently met in each of the past five years, and to detail any instances of delay beyond prescribed timeframes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14732/26]
- 2026-02-24 Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Transport the minimum educational and professional qualifications required for vehicle inspectors employed at National Car Testing centres; the duration and content of their initial training programme; whether this training is externally accredited; and the body responsible for certifying inspectors prior to conducting independent inspections [15064/26]
- 2026-02-24 Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Transport the total number of quality assurance audits conducted on NCT inspection decisions in 2024 and to date in 2026; the percentage of inspections subject to secondary review; and the rate at which initial fail decisions were overturned on formal appeal in each of those years. [15065/26]
- 2026-02-24 Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Transport whether NCT inspectors are subject to performance metrics relating to throughput, efficiency, or statistical failure rates; if so, to outline the nature of those metrics; and whether any incentives or penalties are attached to inspection outcomes. [15066/26]
- 2026-02-24 Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Transport the oversight mechanisms exercised by the Road Safety Authority over the NCT contractor in respect of inspection consistency and inspector training standards; and whether any contractual penalties, compliance notices, or remedial directions have been issued in the past three years. [15067/26]
- 2026-02-24 Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Transport whether the Department or the Road Safety Authority has conducted any variance analysis of pass and fail rates across individual NCT centres; and whether the Minister will publish centre-by-centre statistical data for 2023, 2024 and 2025. [15068/26]
- 2026-02-24 Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Transport the current contract value of the NCT operator; the duration of the contract; and the date on which the next competitive procurement process is scheduled to commence. [15069/26]
- 2026-02-26 Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Transport whether any post-implementation review has been conducted by his Department of the Road Traffic Act 2024 provisions relating to graduated penalty points; whether an impact assessment was undertaken prior to enactment regarding proportionality and licence disqualification risk; and if he will publish any such assessment. [16041/26]
- 2026-02-26 Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Transport whether his Department conducted modelling or analysis on the projected increase in licence disqualifications arising from the interaction between reduced statutory speed limits and the graduated penalty points framework; and if he will provide details of same. [16042/26]
- 2026-02-26 Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Transport whether consideration has been given to introducing a lower-tier administrative margin for minor excess speeding of 1–5 km/h above the posted limit, including the option of warnings or reduced penalty points; and if he will outline the policy position of his Department on such a tier. [16043/26]
- 2026-02-26 Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Transport the policy rationale for permitting the accumulation of multiple sets of penalty points arising from a single incident under the Road Traffic Act 2024; whether any cap on cumulative points from a single roadside detection was considered; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16044/26]
- 2026-02-26 Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Transport whether his Department has examined the road safety regimes of other EU Member States that differentiate penalty thresholds by road type, including urban, rural and motorway classifications; whether any comparative analysis was undertaken prior to introducing the current graduated system; and if he will publish any such analysis. [16045/26]
- 2026-02-26 Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Transport whether any review has been initiated by his Department into the proportionality of mandatory disqualification periods under roadside drug testing legislation where no observable impairment is recorded; and whether amendments to incorporate impairment-based assessment or judicial discretion are under consideration. [16046/26]
- 2026-02-26 Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Transport whether his Department has examined the introduction of accredited driver awareness or rehabilitation programmes as an alternative to penalty points for minor offences; and if he will outline any proposals in this regard. [16047/26]
- 2026-02-26 Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Transport whether his Department requires the National Transport Authority to collect and report vandalism data for public transport infrastructure on a county-by-county or local authority basis; if not, the policy rationale for permitting exclusively national-level reporting; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16048/26]
- 2026-02-26 Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Transport the total annual expenditure incurred by the National Transport Authority in each of the past five years in respect of vandalism-related repair and replacement costs for bus shelters; whether this expenditure is reported to his Department in aggregated or disaggregated form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16049/26]
- 2026-02-26 Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Transport whether key performance indicators or contractual provisions within the national bus shelter contract include targets relating to vandalism frequency, asset durability, or cost containment; and if he will provide details of any such oversight mechanisms. [16050/26]
- 2026-02-26 Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Transport whether his Department has undertaken or commissioned any cost-benefit analysis comparing standard laminated glass panels with alternative vandal-resistant materials for bus shelters; and if he will outline the conclusions of any such analysis. [16051/26]
- 2026-02-26 Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Transport whether local authorities are provided with incident-level or location-specific data in respect of vandalism to bus shelters within their administrative areas; and if not, whether the Minister considers the absence of such local reporting consistent with transparency and value-for-money principles. [16052/26]
Social 19 questions
- 2026-02-24 Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Social Protection the number of persons in receipt of disability allowance in each of the years 2020 to 2025 and to date in 2026. [14087/26]
- 2026-02-24 Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Social Protection when the eligibility criteria for disability allowance was last reformed; and when an additional illness or medical condition was last included for the purpose of broadening the qualifying criteria. [14088/26]
- 2026-02-24 Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Social Protection if his Department has a clearly defined and published set of criteria for qualifying for disability allowance; and if so, if he will provide details of those criteria. [14089/26]
- 2026-02-25 Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Social Protection the legal classification of payments made to athletes under the international carding scheme administered by Sport Ireland; whether such payments are treated as employment income, self-employment income, or non-insurable grants for the purposes of PRSI and social insurance legislation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15635/26]
- 2026-02-25 Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Social Protection whether athletes in receipt of the international carding scheme funding are regarded as employees of Sport Ireland or of the State for any statutory purpose; whether any employer PRSI contributions are paid in respect of such athletes; the PRSI class, if any, applied to those in receipt of funding; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15636/26]
- 2026-02-25 Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Social Protection whether athletes entering the international carding scheme are formally advised that participation does not give rise to insurable employment contributions for the purposes of jobseeker’s benefit, illness benefit or the State contributory pension; whether written guidance is provided on the long-term social insurance implications of participation; and if he will furnish a copy of such guidance.; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15637/26]
- 2026-02-25 Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Social Protection whether his Department has undertaken any review, legal opinion, actuarial assessment or policy analysis since 2015 regarding the social insurance status of athletes supported under the international carding scheme; the dates of any such reviews; and whether he intends to initiate a review of social protection coverage for elite athletes representing the State. [15638/26]
- 2026-02-25 Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Social Protection whether payments made to athletes under Sport Ireland’s international carding scheme constitute insurable employment under the Social Welfare Consolidation Act 2005; and if she will clarify the PRSI status of such payments. [15640/26]
- 2026-02-25 Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Social Protection whether participation in the international carding scheme gives rise to credited contributions for the purposes of jobseeker’s benefit, illness benefit or the State contributory pension; and if she has assessed the long-term pension impact on athletes whose primary income during their competitive careers derives from such funding. [15641/26]
- 2026-02-25 Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Social Protection the number of applications for jobseeker’s benefit refused since 2016 where the applicant’s primary prior income derived from elite sports participation supported by State high-performance funding; and the grounds on which such refusals were made. [15642/26]
- 2026-02-25 Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Social Protection whether consideration has been given to providing credited PRSI contributions, a special insurance class, or an alternative statutory mechanism to ensure social protection coverage for athletes representing the State at elite level; and whether any interdepartmental discussions have taken place in this regard. [15643/26]
- 2026-02-26 Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Social Protection the number of clients classified as beneficiaries of temporary protection who were referred to the National Employment Service and Local Area Employment Services in each of the years 2022, 2023, 2024, 2025 and to date in 2026; the number of such clients who secured employment; the number who sustained employment for at least 6 months and 12 months respectively; and the corresponding figures for all other clients referred during the same period [15833/26]
- 2026-02-26 Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Social Protection the total actual expenditure incurred in respect of all clients referred to the National Employment Service and Local Area Employment Services in each of the years 2022, 2023, 2024, 2025 and to date in 2026; and the proportion of that expenditure attributable to beneficiaries of temporary protection in each year [15834/26]
- 2026-02-26 Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Social Protection the average actual cost per client referred to the National Employment Service and Local Area Employment Services in each of the years 2022, 2023, 2024, 2025 and to date in 2026; the average cost per client classified as a beneficiary of temporary protection; and the average cost per client not so classified. [15835/26]
- 2026-02-26 Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Social Protection whether the contractual payment structure for providers under the National Employment Service and Local Area Employment Services differs in respect of beneficiaries of temporary protection compared to other clients; whether payment triggers, milestone payments or outcome payments vary by cohort; and if he will provide details of same. [15836/26]
- 2026-02-26 Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Social Protection whether his Department has estimated the reduction in welfare expenditure arising from beneficiaries of temporary protection securing sustained employment through the National Employment Service or Local Area Employment Services; the estimated increase in income tax and PRSI receipts attributable to such employment; and whether any cost-benefit or value-for-money assessment has been conducted in this regard. [15837/26]
- 2026-02-26 Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Social Protection the average duration in receipt of a jobseeker’s payment prior to referral to contracted employment services for beneficiaries of temporary protection; the equivalent duration for all other jobseekers; and whether any differential activation pathway applies. [15838/26]
- 2026-02-26 Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Social Protection whether additional supports, including English language training, translation assistance or tailored integration measures, are funded within the National Employment Service and Local Area Employment Services in respect of beneficiaries of temporary protection; and the total cost of such supports since 2022 [15839/26]
- 2026-02-26 Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Social Protection whether any formal review, audit, performance evaluation or value-for-money assessment has been undertaken since 2022 in respect of referrals of beneficiaries of temporary protection to contracted employment services; and if he will provide the title and completion date of any such review. [15840/26]
Children 18 questions
- 2026-02-24 Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality whether her Department formally reviewed the 2023 University College Dublin report on sexual exploitation risks for children in residential and emergency care; the status of its recommendations (including how many were accepted, implemented or remain outstanding); the policy or regulatory changes which have been made in response; whether national policy on absconding from care includes mandatory consideration of sexual exploitation risk; and the ministerial briefings or actions which have arisen since 2021 in relation to links between absconding and sexual exploitation. [15730/26]
- 2026-02-24 Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality whether her Department has prepared a formal implementation plan, action tracker, or recommendation matrix in response to the 2023 University College Dublin report entitled “Protecting Against Predators: A Scoping Study on the Sexual Exploitation of Children and Young People in Ireland”; if so, the date on which it was approved; whether it assigns responsibility, timelines, and measurable outputs; and if she will publish the document.. [14717/26]
- 2026-02-24 Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality to provide a numbered breakdown of each recommendation contained in the 2023 University College Dublin report on sexual exploitation risks in residential and emergency care; to state, in respect of each recommendation, whether it has been accepted in full, accepted in principle, rejected, or remains under consideration; the implementation status of each; and the reason any recommendation has not yet been implemented. [14718/26]
- 2026-02-24 Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality whether a formal cross-departmental or inter-agency oversight group was established to coordinate the State response to the 2023 University College Dublin report; if so, the date of establishment, its chairing authority, the Departments and agencies represented, the number of meetings held to date, and whether minutes or progress reports are maintained by her Department. [14719/26]
- 2026-02-24 Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality whether compliance with any policy or procedural changes arising from the 2023 University College Dublin report is subject to formal monitoring or audit; whether such monitoring forms part of a centrally approved governance framework within her Department; and to outline the performance indicators or reporting mechanisms used to assess implementation. [14720/26]
- 2026-02-24 Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality whether her Department or Tusla maintains a data architecture capable of linking duration of time spent in State care with post-18 outcomes including housing stability, educational attainment, employment status and engagement with aftercare services; whether such linkage is currently operational; and if not, whether the absence of such linkage has been formally recorded as a governance or accountability gap. [14721/26]
- 2026-02-24 Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality whether a unique identifier or integrated administrative dataset exists that would permit longitudinal tracking of care leavers across Departments and agencies; if not, whether legislative or policy changes are under consideration to enable such integration; and the timeline for any such proposal. [14722/26]
- 2026-02-24 Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality whether her Department intends to publish an annual outcomes dashboard for young people leaving State care, including cohort-based analysis by length of time spent in care; and if not, the reason such reporting is not currently provided. [14723/26]
- 2026-02-26 Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality whether her Department formally requires Tusla, under the oversight agreement or any governance framework, to provide annual or periodic age-disaggregated statistical data on applications for emergency care orders under section 13 of the Child Care Act 1991, including a specific category for children under one year of age; and if not, whether she will consider introducing such a reporting requirement [15821/26]
- 2026-02-26 Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality whether emergency child removal decisions under sections 12 and 13 of the Child Care Act 1991 are explicitly identified within Tusla’s corporate risk register as a governance or systemic risk category; whether the Tusla board reports trend analysis on such removals to her Department; and if she will outline the reporting mechanism involved [15823/26]
- 2026-02-26 Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality whether Tusla’s internal audit function, or any external audit process since 2018, has examined evidential thresholds, proportionality standards, or quality assurance mechanisms in relation to section 13 emergency care order applications; and whether any reports or recommendations were made available to her Department [15824/26]
- 2026-02-26 Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality whether any national policy guidance approved, noted or overseen by her Department requires Tusla to apply disability-informed assessment protocols, reasonable accommodation standards, or specialist procedural safeguards when child protection proceedings involve a parent with a diagnosed autism spectrum condition or intellectual disability; and if she will outline the relevant framework [15826/26]
- 2026-02-26 Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality whether she has, at any time since 2013, issued a general policy direction under section 8 of the Child and Family Agency Act 2013 in relation to evidential standards, proportionality assessment, or quality assurance in emergency child removal cases; and whether she is considering issuing such a direction [15827/26]
- 2026-02-26 Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality the total Exchequer expenditure in each of the years 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024 and to date in 2025 on placements purchased from privately operated children’s residential centres; the proportion this represented of total residential care expenditure in each year.; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [15841/26]
- 2026-02-26 Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality whether her Department maintains a formal risk register entry relating to reliance on privately operated children’s residential centres; if so, the risk categorisation and mitigation measures identified; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [15842/26]
- 2026-02-26 Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality whether the Oversight Agreement or Performance Framework between her Department and Tusla requires the formal notification to the Department of governance, safeguarding or regulatory compliance concerns relating to privately operated children’s residential providers funded by the State; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [15843/26]
- 2026-02-26 Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality whether her Department maintains or receives a consolidated annual report aggregating safeguarding, compliance, or regulatory concerns relating to privately operated children’s residential centres funded in whole or in part by the Exchequer; and if not, whether she intends to establish such a reporting mechanism in the interests of governance transparency and value-for-money oversight. [15844/26]
- 2026-02-26 Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality the contractual governance, audit, and performance reporting requirements are imposed at Departmental policy level on Tusla in respect of its procurement and funding of privately operated residential care providers; and whether these requirements have been reviewed since 2020. [15845/26]
Justice 13 questions
- 2026-02-24 Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration whether capital or reform funding allocated to justice-sector digital modernisation projects includes performance, reporting or data standardisation conditions; and, if so, to provide details of those conditions [14600/26]
- 2026-02-24 Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration whether his Department has undertaken any governance, reform, or value-for-money review of data interoperability and reporting standards across justice-sector bodies, including the Courts Service, An Garda Síochána and the Central Statistics Office, for the purpose of structured reporting on economically significant offences such as insurance fraud; and if so, to outline the findings [14609/26]
- 2026-02-24 Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration whether it is Departmental policy or practice that Ministers are not provided with the substance of correspondence that may constitute a protected disclosure; if so, the legal basis for such a policy; and whether, where correspondence is subsequently determined not to be a protected disclosure, the Minister is then provided with the content of that correspondence. [14352/26]
- 2026-02-24 Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration how the statutory suspending authority functions of a Minister are exercised in circumstances where correspondence raising serious allegations is not provided to the Minister on the basis that it may constitute a protected disclosure; and whether any guidance exists to ensure that the Minister’s discretion is not unintentionally fettered in such situations [14353/26]
- 2026-02-24 Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration what procedures and timelines apply to internal reviews of protected disclosure assessment decisions within the Department; whether there are target timeframes for completion; and how procedural fairness is ensured for reporting persons during such reviews [14354/26]
- 2026-02-24 Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration whether he has engaged at policy level with the Courts Service regarding the standardisation of offence classification and structured reporting of prosecutions and convictions for the purpose of criminal justice policy evaluation; and whether legislative amendment to the Courts Service Act 1998 is under consideration in this regard [14601/26]
- 2026-02-24 Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration whether the adequacy of data capture, offence classification, and structured reporting across the criminal justice system has been assessed within his Department; and if so, to outline any reform measures under consideration [14602/26]
- 2026-02-24 Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration whether he considers the current absence of centrally reportable conviction and sentencing data for offences under the Civil Liability and Courts Act 2004 compatible with evidence-based criminal justice policy development; and whether legislative or administrative reform is under consideration in this regard [14604/26]
- 2026-02-25 Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration the reason an international protection applicant who had threatened the life of a female staff member at an IPAS facility, was not detained or deported, but moved to another IPAS facility (details supplied), potentially putting the safety of staff members and local residents at risk; and the measures that have been put in place to protect other residents and locals in this situation.; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15324/26]
- 2026-02-25 Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration the procedures in place to apprehend and detain an international protection applicant who has been removed from one facility due to violence or the threat of violence against a staff member or resident, and who does not present himself at his new accommodation, as per instructions from the IPAS mobility team. [15325/26]
- 2026-02-25 Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration to provide details of any formal policy, protocol, or funding allocation in place to support the mental wellbeing of jurors following service in trials involving graphic, violent, or otherwise traumatic evidence; whether data is collected on juror wellbeing or post-trial distress; and if he will commit to reviewing the need for structured psychological supports for jurors exposed to traumatic material in the course of their civic duty. [15452/26]
- 2026-02-26 Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration the date on which the working Group established to advise on the appropriate indexation rate for Periodic Payment Orders submitted its final report to his Department; the date on which he approved, in principle or otherwise, the recommendations of that Working Group; the date on which formal drafting instructions were issued to the Office of the Parliamentary Counsel in respect of the regulations required to give effect to section 51I of the Civil Liability Act 1961, as amended, relating to the indexation of Periodic Payment Orders; whether the drafting of those regulations has been completed; whether the draft regulations have been circulated to the Department of Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform, the State Claims Agency, or any other public body for consultation or financial assessment, and if so, the dates of such circulation; the specific reasons the anticipated Q4 2025 timeline for signature and commencement of the regulations was not achieved; the revised and specific timeline by which he now intends to sign and commence the regulations required to make the Periodic Payment Order framework fully operational; whether any fiscal, actuarial or public expenditure considerations have contributed to the delay in finalising or commencing the regulations. [15917/26]
- 2026-02-26 Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration whether he has issued any policy direction, guidance, or formal interdepartmental coordination framework since 1 January 2025 concerning safeguarding disclosure or re-vetting arrangements in the early years sector; whether such coordination has been formalised through memorandum, circular, or agreed protocol at Government level; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15964/26]
Culture 12 questions
- 2026-02-24 Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport further to Parliamentary Question Nos. 372 to 377 of 12 February 2026, in respect of the 2.1% pension increase request for members of the Eircom superannuation defined benefit pension scheme received by his Department on 8 August 2025 with effect from 1 July 2025, the date on which advice was formally requested from NewERA; the date on which NewERA submitted its report; the date on which the matter was placed before him for decision; whether he has made a determination; if no determination has been made, the specific steps outstanding; whether the proposal has been submitted to the Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation for consent and, if so, on what date; the current location of the file within the approval chain; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14711/26]
- 2026-02-24 Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport to set out, in respect of pension increases under the Eircom Superannuation Defined Benefit Pension Scheme, the legal and scheme basis upon which members who retired before January 1984 receive different pension increase outcomes from those who retired after that date; to identify the specific Rule, statutory instrument, or legislative provision under which this distinction operates; to state whether his Department has undertaken any equality, pensions law, or constitutional assessment of this differential treatment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14712/26]
- 2026-02-24 Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport to set out the decision framework applied by him when determining whether to authorise pension increases under section 10 of the Eircom Superannuation Scheme Rules, including whether consideration is given to CPI or inflation indices, public service pay policy benchmarks, actuarial sustainability of the scheme, exchequer affordability, and parity considerations with comparable legacy public service schemes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14713/26]
- 2026-02-24 Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport to specify the statutory or administrative basis under which NewERA provides advice in respect of pension increases payable under the Eircom Superannuation Defined Benefit Pension Scheme, given that Eir is neither a State body nor a designated NewERA body; to state whether any formal service level agreement, memorandum of understanding, or written protocol governs this advisory role; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14714/26]
- 2026-02-24 Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport whether the 2.1% pension increase requested with effect from 1 July 2025, if approved at a later date, will be paid retrospectively to that effective date; to state whether any estimate has been made of the accrued Exchequer liability arising from delay; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14715/26]
- 2026-02-24 Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport to state whether any review of the continued operation of section 46(4) of the Postal and Telecommunications Act 1983, as amended, has been conducted since 2004; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14716/26]
- 2026-02-25 Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport the number of athletes supported under each tier of the international carding scheme in each year from 2016 to 2025 inclusive; the average duration of support per athlete; and the total annual expenditure under the scheme in each year. [15639/26]
- 2026-02-26 Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport whether, in light of the proposal by RTÉ to amend regulation 20 of the RTÉ superannuation scheme to permit scheme and trustee expenses to be met from scheme assets, he will now seek independent legal advice regarding the compatibility of such an amendment with trust law principles, pensions legislation and her statutory oversight role under section 91 of the Broadcasting Act 2009; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15883/26]
- 2026-02-26 Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport the estimated annual financial impact, as advised to her Department or by NewERA, of the proposed amendment to regulation 20 of the RTÉ superannuation scheme; the categories of expenditure envisaged; whether any retrospective charging of costs to scheme assets has been proposed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15884/26]
- 2026-02-26 Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport whether the proposal to amend regulation 20 of the RTÉ superannuation scheme has been formally submitted to the Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation for consent; if not, the stage currently reached in the statutory approval process; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15885/26]
- 2026-02-26 Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport whether, as part of his oversight responsibilities in respect of RTÉ superannuation schemes, his Department has engaged with or received any correspondence from the Pensions Authority concerning the proposed amendment to regulation 20 of the RTÉ superannuation scheme in the past five years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15886/26]
- 2026-02-26 Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport whether his Department has issued, or intends to issue, any policy guidance to RTÉ regarding the protection of pension scheme assets from being used, directly or indirectly, to offset operational or legacy costs of the broadcaster; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15887/26]
Foreign 11 questions
- 2026-02-26 Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade further to Parliamentary Question No.189 of 19 February 2026, and reply that her Department has “no affiliation with the referenced website” includes confirmation that, since 1 January 2015, her Department has not received or responded to correspondence from any entity operating under the name ‘Diplomat.ie’; her Department has not held meetings, whether in person or virtual, with any representative of such entity; has not provided any funding, grant assistance, sponsorship, procurement payment, or other financial support to such entity or any associated legal person; and has not authorised any individual associated with that entity to act in any diplomatic, consular, trade, advisory, representative, or quasi-diplomatic capacity on behalf of the State. [15703/26]
- 2026-02-26 Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade whether her Department calculates, or can calculate from grant financial reports held by her Department, the aggregate proportion of Ireland’s total Official Development Assistance in each of the years 2022, 2023 and 2024 that was retained by implementing partners for programme support costs, overhead, administration, consultancy, or management charges; and if so, to provide the proportion for each year. [15704/26]
- 2026-02-26 Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if her Department does not currently calculate a blended effective overhead rate across total Official Development Assistance expenditure, the reason this metric is not produced, the accounting or data constraints that prevent it, and the steps she will take to enable publication of such a rate for each of the years 2022, 2023 and 2024 [15705/26]
- 2026-02-26 Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade for each of the years 2022, 2023 and 2024, a breakdown of Ireland’s core contributions to multilateral organisations by recipient organisation and amount, and to state for each organisation the standard programme support cost rate, indirect cost recovery rate, or equivalent administrative levy applied to core resources, as published by the organisation or applied contractually, and the estimated euro value associated with that rate for Ireland’s contribution in each year [15706/26]
- 2026-02-26 Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade whether her Department holds, for each of the years 2022, 2023 and 2024, a schedule of programme support cost rates, indirect cost recovery rates, or equivalent charges applied by multilateral partners to Ireland-funded expenditure, including where Ireland provides earmarked contributions, and if so, to provide that schedule and the total estimated euro value of such charges in each year. [15707/26]
- 2026-02-26 Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade to provide by grant scheme under Ireland’s Official Development Assistance programme, the benchmarks, ceilings, or reference ranges applied to headquarters administration, programme quality costs, consultancy, or other indirect costs in each of the years 2022, 2023 and 2024; and to specify the control mechanism used to verify compliance in each scheme, including financial reporting requirements and verification checks [15708/26]
- 2026-02-26 Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade in respect of her statement that generic thresholds are not applied, to set out the criteria used by her Department to decide when benchmarks or ceilings for administrative costs are applied at grant level; and to provide the number of grants approved in each of the years 2022, 2023 and 2024 which had an explicit administrative or overhead ceiling attached, and the number which did not. [15709/26]
- 2026-02-26 Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade whether any funded programme in each of the years 2022, 2023 and 2024 was assessed by her Department, at appraisal stage or during financial review, as having an administrative, overhead, consultancy, or programme support cost ratio outside what her Department considered reasonable for the relevant scheme or context; and if so, to provide the number of such instances in each year and the corrective action taken in each case, including revised budgets, conditions imposed, suspension, or non-payment. [15710/26]
- 2026-02-26 Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade to provide the number of instances in each of the years 2022, 2023 and 2024 in which funding provided under Ireland’s Official Development Assistance programme was subject to financial correction, recovery, suspension, withholding, or clawback arising from audit findings, evaluation findings, expenditure verification, or ineligible expenditure determinations, excluding fraud cases already reported separately; and to provide the total monetary value involved in each year. [15711/26]
- 2026-02-26 Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade whether her Department maintains a central register of recoveries, suspensions, withheld payments, financial corrections, and clawbacks across all Official Development Assistance schemes; if so, when the register was last updated; and whether she will publish an annual summary showing counts and values by scheme for 2022, 2023 and 2024. [15712/26]
- 2026-02-26 Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade in respect of Official Development Assistance reported as part of Ireland’s national contribution to the European Union development cooperation budget, to set out for each of the years 2022, 2023 and 2024 the proportion of Ireland’s national contribution categorised as ODA-eligible, the Department unit responsible for that calculation, and the documents or data sources used to support the figure reported to the OECD Development Assistance Committee. [15713/26]
Public Expenditure 10 questions
- 2026-02-24 Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation to outline any legislative, regulatory, or administrative reforms currently under consideration or in development to reduce delays in Environmental Impact Assessment and Appropriate Assessment stages for major transport infrastructure projects, and to provide indicative timelines for the introduction of any such reforms; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14733/26]
- 2026-02-26 Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation whether, following the removal of ministerial approval at Approval Gate 2 under the revised Infrastructure Guidelines, his Department has introduced or will introduce enhanced reporting requirements to Ministers or to Dáil Éireann in respect of material scope changes, procurement strategy alterations, or emerging cost pressures arising between Approval Gate 1 and Approval Gate 3; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15908/26]
- 2026-02-26 Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation whether his Department conducted any analysis of cost escalation occurring between Approval Gate 2 and Approval Gate 3 under the previous approval framework; the average percentage increase in estimated project costs at that stage over the past five years; and whether that analysis informed the decision to remove ministerial approval at Gate 2. [15909/26]
- 2026-02-26 Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation whether the advice provided by the Major Projects Advisory Group in 2025 concerning the removal of ministerial approval at Approval Gate 2 will be published; and if not, the reason for that decision. [15910/26]
- 2026-02-26 Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation whether his Department has conducted any time-based analysis of the duration between, submission of major infrastructure project proposals to a Minister or Cabinet committee and, formal ministerial or Cabinet decision; if so, to provide the average, median and range of decision intervals for the years 2022, 2023, 2024 and 2025; and if no such analysis has been undertaken, whether he will commit to conducting one in 2026. [15911/26]
- 2026-02-26 Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation whether the July 2025 Stakeholder Engagement and Emerging Themes Report or any related departmental analysis included quantitative modelling attributing proportions of overall project delay to, statutory planning processes, judicial review, procurement procedures, departmental appraisal and approval stages, and ministerial or Cabinet decision-making; and to provide any such breakdown. [15912/26]
- 2026-02-26 Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation the average duration of each stage of the Public Spending Code appraisal and approval process for major capital projects exceeding €100 million for the years 2022 to 2025 inclusive; and to indicate which stage accounted for the longest cumulative delay across projects during that period. [15913/26]
- 2026-02-26 Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation whether his Department has assessed the impact of Cabinet committee scheduling frequency on the progression of major infrastructure projects requiring political approval; whether any backlog or queuing analysis has been undertaken; and if he will provide details of such analysis. [15914/26]
- 2026-02-26 Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation the number of major infrastructure projects which had completed statutory planning consent were, at any point during 2022 to 2025 inclusive, awaiting ministerial or Cabinet approval for funding or progression; and to provide the average duration of such waiting periods. [15915/26]
- 2026-02-26 Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation whether his Department has benchmarked Ireland’s ministerial and central approval timelines for major infrastructure projects against comparable EU member states; and to provide the findings of any such benchmarking. [15916/26]
Further and Higher Education 9 questions
- 2026-02-24 Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science in respect of the “Build Back Home” advertising campaign in 2024 and 2025:to state the procurement route used for each element of the campaign, including creative development, production, media planning and media buying; to confirm whether an Office of Government Procurement framework agreement was used; and if so, to identify the relevant framework reference; to provide the name of each supplier appointed, the contract start and end dates, the contract value awarded to each; to provide the eTenders reference number and contract award notice details for each contract; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14705/26]
- 2026-02-24 Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science to provide, in euro terms, the total media expenditure per channel for the “Build Back Home” campaign in 2024 and 2025 respectively, including digital audio, social media, outdoor, digital display and video; to reconcile the percentage breakdown provided in his previous reply for 2025, where the channel split exceeds 100%; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14706/26]
- 2026-02-24 Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science whether a post-campaign evaluation, value-for-money assessment, cost-benefit analysis, or internal review was completed in respect of the “Build Back Home” advertising campaign in 2024 and 2025; if so, to provide the date completed, the author, the methodology used, and the principal findings; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14707/26]
- 2026-02-24 Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science to set out the evidential basis and methodology used by his Department to describe the “Build Back Home” campaign as having had a contributory effect on increases in the construction workforce, the specific CSO series and tables relied upon; the definitions used by the Department for “All Construction Workforce” and “Housing Construction Workforce”;whether any modelling, attribution analysis, or counterfactual assessment was conducted; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14708/26]
- 2026-02-26 Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the total capital allocation approved to date for the National Demonstration Park for Modern Methods of Construction at Mount Lucas; the amount drawn down to date; whether a formal Stage 1 and Stage 2 approval under the Capital Works Management Framework was completed prior to commencement of enabling groundworks; and if he will provide the dates on which such approvals were granted. [16020/26]
- 2026-02-26 Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the current status of the performance and evaluation framework for the National Demonstration Park for Modern Methods of Construction; the date on which the framework is expected to be formally approved; whether draft metrics have been agreed by the Project Advisory Group; and whether the framework will be published. [16021/26]
- 2026-02-26 Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the baseline data identified for measuring the impact of the National Demonstration Park for Modern Methods of Construction; the specific quantitative target indicators to be used in assessing uptake of MMC in public housing delivery, training throughput, and cost and time efficiencies; and if he will provide the numerical targets adopted. [16022/26]
- 2026-02-26 Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the policy rationale for commencing capital works on the National Demonstration Park for Modern Methods of Construction prior to finalisation of the performance and evaluation framework; whether a written risk assessment was undertaken in relation to this sequencing decision; and if so, whether he will provide details. [16023/26]
- 2026-02-26 Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the reporting structures applicable to the National Demonstration Park for Modern Methods of Construction, including the frequency of reporting to his Department; whether performance data will be laid before the Oireachtas; and whether the Project Advisory Group minutes are recorded and retained for audit purposes. [16024/26]
Housing 8 questions
- 2026-02-24 Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage whether a formal decision was taken at Department level to cease centralised data collection and monitoring of the Room for a Student – Local Authority Tenancies Scheme after December 2024; the date on which that decision was made; whether the decision was recorded in writing; and the governance basis upon which that decision was taken [14681/26]
- 2026-02-24 Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage whether any written impact assessment, performance review, or evaluation report was prepared prior to the cessation of central monitoring of the Room for a Student – Local Authority Tenancies Scheme; and, if so, whether he will publish or provide the title and date of any such document. [14682/26]
- 2026-02-24 Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage whether his Department holds any current aggregate national participation figure for the Room for a Student – Local Authority Tenancies Scheme for the period after December 2024; and, if not, the mechanism by which he satisfies himself that the scheme remains operational and effective across all local authority areas. [14683/26]
- 2026-02-24 Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage whether his Department has undertaken any behavioural or financial analysis of the impact of treating income earned under the Room for a Student – Local Authority Tenancies Scheme as reckonable for differential rent purposes; and whether any policy review of that provision is currently under consideration [14684/26]
- 2026-02-26 Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage whether, prior to the commencement of the Room for a Student – Local Authority Tenancies Scheme on 1 December 2023, his Department prepared any policy modelling, capacity assessment or impact analysis of potential participation levels among local authority tenants; whether such analysis informed Cabinet approval; and whether he will provide the aggregate findings [16002/26]
- 2026-02-26 Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the total number of applications received, approved and paid under the vacant property refurbishment grant scheme since its commencement; the total amount of public expenditure disbursed under the scheme to date. [15809/26]
- 2026-02-26 Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage in respect of approved and paid applications under the Vacant Property Refurbishment Grant Scheme the number and percentage of recipients who were Irish citizens; the number and percentage of recipients who were citizens of another EU Member State; the number and percentage of recipients who were non-EU citizens; whether the Department or local authorities collect data on the length of legal residence in the State of grant recipients at the time of application; whether the Department collects or verifies information on prior income tax or PRSI contributions in the State as part of the eligibility or compliance process; whether tax clearance certification is required prior to approval or payment;(g) whether any assessment is carried out regarding an applicant’s previous contribution to the Exchequer before public monies are disbursed; and if the information requested is not centrally collated, the data that is available and whether consideration has been given to enhancing reporting transparency in respect of the scheme. [15810/26]
- 2026-02-26 Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage whether his Department has undertaken any formal governance review of the Room for a Student – Local Authority Tenancies Scheme since its commencement on 1 December 2023; whether any briefing was prepared by his Department regarding scheme performance relative to projected uptake; and whether any policy modifications are under consideration arising from that review. [15968/26]
Education 6 questions
- 2026-02-24 Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Education and Youth whether the Interdepartmental Group established to examine the issue of historic child sexual abuse in primary and secondary schools has completed its work; if so, the date on which its report or recommendations were furnished to her; whether Government has considered the report; whether a formal decision has been taken regarding the establishment of a redress scheme for survivors of historic child sexual abuse in primary and secondary schools; and the current timeline, for legislative or administrative action in this regard. [14679/26]
- 2026-02-24 Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Education and Youth whether she is satisfied that the State’s current legal and administrative framework provides an effective remedy for survivors of historic child sexual abuse in primary and secondary schools; whether the Government has undertaken an assessment of the State’s obligations arising from the judgment of the European Court of Human in a case (details supplied) in the context of survivors who do not fall within existing redress schemes; whether any formal review has been carried out to determine if additional legislative or administrative measures are required to ensure compliance with Articles 3 and 13 of the European Convention on Human Rights; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14680/26]
- 2026-02-26 Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Education and Youth to publish in full the current national criteria, weighting factors, assessment instruments and decision thresholds used by the National Council for Special Education in determining annual Special Needs Assistant allocations to primary schools; and to confirm whether any amendments, recalibrations or procedural changes were introduced for the 2026/27 review cycle. [15925/26]
- 2026-02-26 Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Education and Youth the number of primary schools notified of a reduction of two or more Special Needs Assistant posts for the 2026/27 school year prior to the decision to pause the review process; and to provide a county-by-county breakdown of same. [15926/26]
- 2026-02-26 Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Education and Youth the total whole-time equivalent Special Needs Assistant allocation to primary schools in County Cork for the 2024/25, 2025/26 and 2026/27 school years respectively; and to confirm whether the 2026/27 figure reflects the position before or after the pause of the review process. [15927/26]
- 2026-02-26 Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Education and Youth whether a formal impact assessment, equality screening, child rights assessment, financial analysis or cost modelling exercise was conducted prior to issuing Special Needs Assistant reduction notifications for the 2026/27 school year; and, if so, to provide the title, date of completion and authoring body of each such assessment. [15928/26]
Defence 5 questions
- 2026-02-26 Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Defence the projected strength of the Permanent Defence Forces for each of the years 2026, 2027 and 2028, broken down by Army, Naval Service and Air Corps; and the projected inductions and projected discharges underpinning those projections. [15686/26]
- 2026-02-26 Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Defence the methodology used to calculate the “turnover rate of approximately 7.6% in 2025”; the numerator and denominator used; and the turnover rate for each service separately in each of the years 2020 to 2025, [15687/26]
- 2026-02-26 Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Defence whether her Department maintains a unit-cost model for recruitment and training of General Service Recruits; and if so, the most recent estimated cost per recruit by service and by cost heading. [15688/26]
- 2026-02-26 Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Defence the estimated fiscal impact on the Defence Vote of recruits discharged by purchase within 90 days of induction in each of the years 2020 to 2025. [15689/26]
- 2026-02-26 Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Defence the distribution of the planned strength of 11,500 personnel across the Army, Naval Service and Air Corps; and the date by which this target is planned to be achieved. [15690/26]
Finance 3 questions
- 2026-02-24 Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance whether any proposal to introduce continuous, real-time, or expanded withholding tax reporting obligations beyond existing statutory arrangements would require primary legislation approved by the Houses of the Oireachtas [14607/26]
- 2026-02-24 Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance whether it is Government policy that any expansion of withholding tax reporting obligations will proceed only by way of primary legislation; and whether draft legislative heads or policy proposals are under preparation relating to expanded or real-time withholding tax reporting requirements [14608/26]
- 2026-02-26 Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance whether his Department has undertaken any analysis of the impact of Capital Acquisitions Tax Group A thresholds on the intergenerational transfer of residential rental property; whether consideration has been given to index-linking the Group A threshold to the residential property price Index or other inflation measure; whether any assessment has been carried out as to whether current Capital Acquisitions Tax arrangements contribute to the disposal of residential rental properties prior to inheritance; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15929/26]

Pádraig O'Sullivan — Fianna Fáil 8 votes · 15 questions · 0 new lobbying returns

Questions asked 15 total

Health 6 questions
- 2026-02-24 Deputy Pádraig O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Health if she will provide the HSE rehabilitation services lists and costs, on an in-patient basis and, separately, in an outpatient basis (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14179/26]
- 2026-02-24 Deputy Pádraig O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Health if her Department will reimburse the full cost of the treatment abroad scheme in-lieu of The National Rehabilitation Hospital being unable to provide for outpatient rehabilitation services in a timely manner, where the service is one that the HSE provides in Ireland and the fee charged is below the €194 cap; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14180/26]
- 2026-02-24 Deputy Pádraig O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Health if she will provide a breakdown of the sources of referrals to the National Rehabilitation Hospital including referrals from specific hospitals and units; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14181/26]
- 2026-02-24 Deputy Pádraig O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Health if all patients that receive treatment abroad under the treatment abroad scheme are eligible for care packages such as assigned carers and other supports the same as those that received rehabilitation treatment through The National Rehabilitation Hospital (NRH); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14182/26]
- 2026-02-24 Deputy Pádraig O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Health if she will outline the steps to ensure that an organisation (details supplied) continues to be supported into the future, given its role in delivering oral health prevention programmes for vulnerable groups across Ireland; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14989/26]
- 2026-02-24 Deputy Pádraig O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Health if she recognises the importance of the oral health prevention programmes delivered by an organisation (details supplied) in DEIS primary schools, work with the traveller community and with Men’s Sheds; and if she will outline whether additional funding or resources will be made available to enable the foundation to expand its work with children in DEIS schools, and other vulnerable groups particularly in areas of high need; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14990/26]
Climate 2 questions
- 2026-02-24 Deputy Pádraig O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment in view of the EPA's 2025 projection that Ireland is likely to miss its 2030 emission reduction targets, the specific, accelerated measures his Department is implementing in 2026 to bridge the gap between projected emissions and the legally binding 51% reduction target; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14425/26]
- 2026-02-24 Deputy Pádraig O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment with the introduction of the Renewable Heat Obligation (RHO) in 2026, the measures being taken to ensure that the required indigenous biomethane supply is developed in tandem to avoid placing further upward pressure on consumer energy prices; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14426/26]
Transport 2 questions
- 2026-02-26 Deputy Pádraig O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Transport if he will provide a timeline for the delivery of Bus Connects Cork, as it is running behind schedule; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15663/26]
- 2026-02-26 Deputy Pádraig O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Transport if he will provide a firm date for the rollout of contactless cards payments across the Cork bus fleet, to match services in other regions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15664/26]
Taoiseach 1 question
- 2026-02-24 Deputy Pádraig O'Sullivan asked the Taoiseach when the Cabinet committee on health will next meet. [69862/25]
Defence 1 question
- 2026-02-24 Deputy Pádraig O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Defence to provide an update on the progress of a project (details supplied); when the ship will be delivered following a proposed public tender competition for a multi-role vessel; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [15153/26]
Justice 1 question
- 2026-02-24 Deputy Pádraig O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration the number of prosecutions there have been under “Coco’s Law” annually, since its introduction into Irish law in February 2021; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14917/26]
Enterprise 1 question
- 2026-02-26 Deputy Pádraig O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment if he will reform the work permit regulations concerning the visa process for non-EEA dental nurses allowing them to practise in the jurisdiction; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15759/26]
Housing 1 question
- 2026-02-26 Deputy Pádraig O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage his response to concerns (details supplied) regarding changes in residential tenancy laws; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16128/26]

Thomas Gould — Sinn Féin 9 votes · 22 questions · 0 new lobbying returns

Questions asked 22 total

Education 4 questions
- 2026-02-24 Deputy Thomas Gould asked the Minister for Education and Youth the reason her Department have not responded to the project building team of a school (details supplied) since May 2025; and whether she is aware that their current lease expires in 2027. [14168/26]
- 2026-02-25 Deputy Thomas Gould asked the Minister for Education and Youth whether her Department has received an offer from the HSE for a building beside a school (details supplied); and whether it will accept this offer, given the school's need for additional space. [15220/26]
- 2026-02-25 Deputy Thomas Gould asked the Minister for Education and Youth the reason a school (details supplied) was refused additional SNA support given an increase in the needs profile of the school. [15232/26]
- 2026-02-25 Deputy Thomas Gould asked the Minister for Education and Youth the number of SENOs in Cork; and the number currently absent from work on a leave of absence or illness leave, by area, in tabular form. [15379/26]
Transport 4 questions
- 2026-02-25 Deputy Thomas Gould asked the Minister for Transport the funding assigned to the M20 project in 2026. [15225/26]
- 2026-02-25 Deputy Thomas Gould asked the Minister for Transport the updated timeline for the completion of the M20 project; the current status of the project; and when it entered this status. [15226/26]
- 2026-02-26 Deputy Thomas Gould asked the Minister for Transport for an update on the Northern Ring Road and his plans to reduce congestion in Cork city. [14271/26]
- 2026-02-26 Deputy Thomas Gould asked the Minister for Transport whether Bus Éireann in Cork currently have a full cohort of drivers. [14270/26]
Climate 3 questions
- 2026-02-24 Deputy Thomas Gould asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment whether State-owned electricity companies are required to report gross profit percentages or sums to him. [14263/26]
- 2026-02-24 Deputy Thomas Gould asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment the role his Department has taken in relation to the fish kill incident in the River Blackwater. [14264/26]
- 2026-02-25 Deputy Thomas Gould asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment the reason grant applications for reverse vending machines have been closed; and whether grants will reopen for new businesses wishing to take part in this scheme. [15300/26]
Health 3 questions
- 2026-02-24 Deputy Thomas Gould asked the Minister for Health for an update on the sale of a facility (details supplied). [14500/26]
- 2026-02-24 Deputy Thomas Gould asked the Minister for Health for an update into the review of usage of the old library building on St. Mary's Road in Cork. [14501/26]
- 2026-02-24 Deputy Thomas Gould asked the Minister for Health the number of buildings currently vacant owned by the HSE in Cork; the addresses of these buildings; and their current status, in tabular form. [14502/26]
Social 3 questions
- 2026-02-25 Deputy Thomas Gould asked the Minister for Social Protection the actions taken to improve retention and uptake of work for disabled employees and entrepreneurs. [12461/26]
- 2026-02-26 Deputy Thomas Gould asked the Minister for Social Protection the percentage of domiciliary carer's allowance rejections that were overturned on appeal in Cork in 2025. [14269/26]
- 2026-02-26 Deputy Thomas Gould asked the Minister for Social Protection the timeline for the abolition of the carer's means test. [14268/26]
Justice 2 questions
- 2026-02-24 Deputy Thomas Gould asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration the average processing time for section 60 licences for school transport, by county. [14153/26]
- 2026-02-24 Deputy Thomas Gould asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration the number of section 60 licences issued in Cork in 2025, the number of applications made and the longest time from application to approval. [14156/26]
Children 2 questions
- 2026-02-24 Deputy Thomas Gould asked the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality the process for a person currently awaiting assessment of need once they turn 18. [14961/26]
- 2026-02-24 Deputy Thomas Gould asked the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality whether an assessment of need that commences when a person is 17, but has not concluded, can continue once they turn 18. [14960/26]
Foreign 1 question
- 2026-02-26 Deputy Thomas Gould asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade for an update on an application for a passport (details supplied). [15783/26]