Quiet week — no questions filed or new lobbying returns.
Hildegarde Naughton — Fine Gael
0 votes ·
0 questions ·
0 new lobbying returns
Quiet week — no questions filed or new lobbying returns.
John Connolly — Fianna Fáil
0 votes ·
31 questions ·
0 new lobbying returns
Questions asked31 total
Education6 questions
2026-03-18Deputy John Connolly asked the Minister for Education and Youth the actions her Department is taking to increase the number of specific speech and language disorder / developmental language disorder special classes, given the Taoiseach’s recent comments (details supplied) in Dáil Éireann recognising the strong outcomes associated with such classes and his commitment to engage with the Minister of State for Special Education on the matter; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [18732/26]
2026-03-18Deputy John Connolly asked the Minister for Education and Youth if she will address the serious concerns raised regarding the implementation of the new Senior Cycle Science Assessment and Accreditation of Learning Components (AACs), including the absence of sample AAC reports, the lack of marking schemes for sample written examination papers, insufficient clarity on project requirements, disparity of science and IT resources across schools, and the impact of these deficiencies on students and teachers (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [20035/26]
2026-03-18Deputy John Connolly asked the Minister for Education and Youth for an update on the building project for a school (details supplied) a post primary project categorised as an extension and refurbishment; the progress made to date; the forthcoming stages in the project lifecycle; the expected timelines for those stages; and the estimated cost range for the project; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [20705/26]
2026-03-18Deputy John Connolly asked the Minister for Education and Youth the position regarding the building project for a primary school project (details supplied) categorised as a new school building; the progress achieved to date; the forthcoming stages of the project lifecycle; the expected timelines for those stages; and the estimated cost range for the project; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [20706/26]
2026-03-18Deputy John Connolly asked the Minister for Education and Youth for an update on the building project for a school (details supplied) project type categorised as an extension; the progress to date; the next stages of the project lifecycle; the expected timelines for those stages; and the estimated cost range for the project; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [20707/26]
2026-03-18Deputy John Connolly asked the Minister for Education and Youth the current status of the building project for a school (details supplied), a post primary school project categorised as an extension; the progress made to date; the stages that will follow in the project lifecycle; the expected timelines for those stages; and the estimated cost range for the project; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [20708/26]
Children5 questions
2026-03-18Deputy John Connolly asked the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality the current number of registered early learning and care places available in Galway City (details supplied), by age category, zero to one year, one to two years, and two to five years; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [20246/26]
2026-03-18Deputy John Connolly asked the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality whether her Department holds data on the number of children currently on waiting lists for early learning and childcare services in Galway City (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [20247/26]
2026-03-18Deputy John Connolly asked the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality the specific measures her Department is taking to address the shortage of early learning and care places for children under two years of age in Galway City (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [20248/26]
2026-03-18Deputy John Connolly asked the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality whether Galway City is being considered as a priority location for the development of the planned State led early learning and childcare services announced by her Department (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [20249/26]
2026-03-18Deputy John Connolly asked the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality the timeline families in Galway city can reasonably expect regarding the expansion of childcare capacity in the area, particularly for children under two years of age (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [20250/26]
Health4 questions
2026-03-18Deputy John Connolly asked the Minister for Health the number of procedures that were cancelled by management at University Hospital Galway in 2025; the nature of the procedures cancelled; the reason for the cancellations, in tabular form; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [18464/26]
2026-03-18Deputy John Connolly asked the Minister for Health the number of procedures that were cancelled by medical consultants at University Hospital Galway in 2025; the nature of the procedures cancelled; the reason for the cancellations, in tabular form; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [18465/26]
2026-03-18Deputy John Connolly asked the Minister for Health the protocol within University Hospital Galway to be followed in the cancellation of procedures; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [18466/26]
2026-03-18Deputy John Connolly asked the Minister for Health the specific actions being taken to ensure that the HSE recognises and responds to the time-critical nature of Friedreich’s ataxia in the ongoing price negotiations for Skyclarys (Omaveloxolone); the way in which the commitments contained within the National Rare Disease Strategy 2025–2030 and the 2026 IPHA Framework Agreement, including the 180-day decision timeline, are being applied in this case to avoid further delays in access to treatment for patients (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [19731/26]
Rural4 questions
2026-03-18Deputy John Connolly asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht the position regarding the Inis Oírr Pier Redevelopment project; the progress made to date; the forthcoming stages of the project lifecycle and the expected timelines for their completion; and the estimated cost range for the project; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20673/26]
2026-03-18Deputy John Connolly asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht the position regarding the Ionad Oideachais agus Óige Indreabhán; the progress made to date; the forthcoming stages of the project lifecycle and the expected timelines for completion; and the estimated cost range for the project; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20674/26]
2026-03-18Deputy John Connolly asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht the position regarding the Islands Minor Capital Works Programme in Galway West constituency; the progress made under the programme; the forthcoming phases and expected timelines for delivery; and the estimated cost range associated with the programme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20675/26]
2026-03-18Deputy John Connolly asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht the position regarding Údarás na Gaeltachta capital works and business supports programme in Galway West constituency; the progress made under the programme; the forthcoming programme stages and expected timelines for delivery; and the estimated cost range associated with the programme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20676/26]
Transport3 questions
2026-03-18Deputy John Connolly asked the Minister for Transport whether he can provide the waiting list timeline in respect of each test centre in County Galway, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18337/26]
2026-03-18Deputy John Connolly asked the Minister for Transport in view of the Tánaiste's explicit commitment in Dáil Éireann on 5 March 2026 (details supplied), if he will provide clarity on the delivery timeline and capital funding arrangements for the Dublin Road Bus Corridor in Galway, in light of the National Transport Authority's confirmation that it cannot commit to advancing the project due to uncertainty regarding its capital budget for 2026; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20235/26]
2026-03-18Deputy John Connolly asked the Minister for Transport in view of the Tánaiste's explicit commitment in Dáil Éireann on 5 March 2026 (details supplied) the expected provision of funding for the expansion and enhancement of bus services in Galway, including improvements to the 424 service; the reason the National Transport Authority stated that it can not provide commitments due to the absence of a defined 2026 budget; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20236/26]
Climate2 questions
2026-03-18Deputy John Connolly asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment if he will address the concerns raised by charter boat operators regarding the proposed three fish bag limit for recreational pollock fishing; the assessment his Department has carried out on the economic impact of this measure on small, tourism dependent charter operators and coastal communities who catch an annual 120 tonnes of pollock per year, as identified by the IFI recreational angling survey, out of a new total allowable of over 3000 tonnes; if he will confirm the financial assistance, mitigation supports or transition measures that are being considered for charter businesses whose viability may be threatened by the proposed restrictions; if his Department has examined the feasibility of allocating a defined 120 tonne allowance for the charter sector within Ireland's overall pollock management obligations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20516/26]
2026-03-18Deputy John Connolly asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment whether applicants must complete BER assessments pre and post works following applications for SEAI warmer home grant; the change that is required in the BER rating to ensure that the grant application is successful; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18468/26]
Enterprise2 questions
2026-03-18Deputy John Connolly asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment if he will confirm whether the State has formally designated the Intellectual Property Office of Ireland as the national competent authority for the purposes of implementing Regulation (EU) 2023/2411 on geographical indication protection for craft and industrial products; the measures that have been taken to inform and support producers in applying for GI status (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19520/26]
2026-03-18Deputy John Connolly asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment the current status and expected timeline for the progression of the Protection of Employees (Employers' Insolvency) (Amendment) Bill 2025 (Bill No. 28 of 2025); the anticipated date for its completion of remaining Seanad Éireann stages; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20204/26]
Culture2 questions
2026-03-18Deputy John Connolly asked the Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport the number of consultant orthodontists and specialist orthodontists currently working in the public dental service in each RHA; the number of whole-time equivalent posts in each RHA; the number of vacancies and posts filled on a temporary or agency basis; the current waiting list for orthodontic assessment and treatment in each RHA; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20696/26]
2026-03-18Deputy John Connolly asked the Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport the position regarding a project (details supplied); the progress made to date; the expected timelines for completion; and the estimated cost range for the project; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20696/26]
Housing1 question
2026-03-18Deputy John Connolly asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he will provide clarity on the application of current planning regulations governing the installation of solar PV panels on non-domestic structures, such as agricultural sheds; if he is aware that the requirement for a 500 mm clearance at both the top and bottom of panels can dramatically reduce the number of panels that may legally be installed, thereby rendering many rural renewable-energy projects financially unviable and ineligible for grant support; if he will review these regulations, originally designed for dwellings, with a view to ensuring that rural outbuildings are not subjected to disproportionate constraints; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19872/26]
Justice1 question
2026-03-18Deputy John Connolly asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration the position regarding the Galway Courthouse refurbishment project under the remit of the Courts Service; the progress made to date; the forthcoming stages of the project lifecycle; the expected timelines for those stages; the estimated cost range for the project; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20751/26]
Further and Higher Education1 question
2026-03-18Deputy John Connolly asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the projects located within the Galway West constituency that are being funded under the Public Private Partnership (PPP) Programme, the Higher Education PPP (HEPPP) Programme, the Technological Sector Strategic Projects Programme (TSSPP), the Higher Education Strategic Infrastructure Programme (HESIP), and the Infrastructure Upgrade and Refurbishment Programme; to provide an overview each project with the progress made to date; the forthcoming stages in the project lifecycle; the expected timeline for completion; and the estimated cost range of the project or programme, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20746/26]
Mairéad Farrell — Sinn Féin
0 votes ·
20 questions ·
0 new lobbying returns
Questions asked20 total
Climate8 questions
2026-03-18Deputy Mairéad Farrell asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment the action his Department is taking to legislatively protect invasive/non-native bream (Abramis brama) stocks in Lough Mask under the Conservation of and Prohibition on Sale of Coarse Fish Bye-law (No. 806) 2006, considering the expansion of bream culling operations on the lake by Inland Fisheries Ireland this calendar year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20229/26]
2026-03-18Deputy Mairéad Farrell asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment the reason his Department did not publish, on 24 February 2026, the full submission received from the Lough Corrib Pike Research & Control Group for the public consultation on the draft Wild Salmon and Sea Trout Tagging Scheme (Amendment) Regulations 2025 & Conservation Measures for the 2026 Season, given the context that said submission was summarised and catalogued by his Department along with 325 other submissions in an initial Public Consultation Report; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20710/26]
2026-03-18Deputy Mairéad Farrell asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment the reason his Department has not provided any grants or financial aid to the Federation of Irish Salmon and Sea Trout Anglers (FISSTA) through the Angling Consultative Council of Ireland (ACCI)/Angling Advisory Group (AAG) since April 2021; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20712/26]
2026-03-18Deputy Mairéad Farrell asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment the reason a probability threshold of 85% was initially chosen as a datum governing Lough Corrib SAC for the draft Wild Salmon and Sea Trout Tagging Scheme (Amendment) Regulations 2025 & Conservation Measures for the 2026 Season given that a baseline of 75% has been a core scientific standard since 2007; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20713/26]
2026-03-18Deputy Mairéad Farrell asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment if he will publish a specific timetable for the development of a management plan for the Great Western Lakes, particularly Lough Corrib in County Galway; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20715/26]
2026-03-18Deputy Mairéad Farrell asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment if his departmental officials continue to legislatively conserve invasive/non-native roach (Rutilus rutilus) under the Conservation of and Prohibition on Sale of Coarse Fish Bye-law (No. 806) 2006 in Lough Melvin SAC considering their continued population growth as referenced in an Inland Fisheries Ireland (IFI) fish survey report published on 12 February 2026; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20716/26]
2026-03-18Deputy Mairéad Farrell asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment if his departmental officials will continue to legislatively conserve invasive/non-native pike (Esox lucius) under the Conservation of Pike Bye-Law (No. 809) 2006 in Aughrusbeg Lough SAC, Connemara, County Galway considering their recent anthropogenic introduction as referenced in an Inland Fisheries Ireland (IFI) fish survey report published on 12 February 2026; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20717/26]
2026-03-19Deputy Mairéad Farrell asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment if his attention has been drawn to the concerns conveyed by the operators of charter boats about the three-bag limit on pollock planned for this year; and if he and his Department will engage with the sector to address those concerns. [21009/26]
Health4 questions
2026-03-18Deputy Mairéad Farrell asked the Minister for Health the steps being taken to ensure that the HSE recognises and responds to the time-critical nature of Friedreich’s ataxia during the current price negotiations for skyclarys; the way in which the commitments, which are outlined in the National Rare Disease Strategy 2025–2030, and the 2026 IPHA Framework Agreement (which aims for a 180-day decision timeline), are being applied in this case to prevent further delays in addressing this clear unmet need; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [19096/26]
2026-03-18Deputy Mairéad Farrell asked the Minister for Health the number of dieticians WTEs employed at the dedicated bariatric service for medical only patients at Galway University Hospital; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [20593/26]
2026-03-19Deputy Mairéad Farrell asked the Minister for Health if her attention has been drawn to the additional pressure put on radiographer practice tutors as a result of the Government’s decision to increase the number of student radiographers without the HSE increasing the number of practice tutors; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [21089/26]
2026-03-19Deputy Mairéad Farrell asked the Minister for Health the total number of specimen pod containers presently available and in service at Galway University Hospital which are used as part of hospital's internal pneumatic tube system for bloods and other patient samples; if she plans to carry out an audit of the numbers of said containers at the site; if she will provide details of when such an audit last took place; if she is aware of the chronic lack of such items at GUH and the risks this poses to patient safety; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [21332/26]
Transport2 questions
2026-03-18Deputy Mairéad Farrell asked the Minister for Transport the current cost of a high capacity coach that is suitable for rural bus routes, if he will provide funding to the NTA to purchase a sufficient number of these coaches to serve bus routes in County Galway that are currently struggling with capacity issues, in particular route 424; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19214/26]
2026-03-19Deputy Mairéad Farrell asked the Minister for Transport if there is a mechanism to prioritise rescheduling a person's driving test if there is a close family bereavement; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20983/26]
Housing2 questions
2026-03-18Deputy Mairéad Farrell asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the reason Lough Corrib was never added to the protected area register under the EU Water Framework Directive (WFD); the timeline for this oversight to be rectified; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20718/26]
2026-03-18Deputy Mairéad Farrell asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the measures his Department is implementing so that Lough Corrib and the Corrib River in County Galway can achieve a 'High Ecological Status' as referenced in the EU Water Framework Directive (WFD); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20719/26]
Social1 question
2026-03-18Deputy Mairéad Farrell asked the Minister for Social Protection the specific nutritional standards mandated by his Department under the School Meals Programme; the way in which compliance with those standards are monitored at supplier level; the auditing or oversight mechanisms currently in place; if there is a formal mechanism for parents and schools to raise concerns about the food provided to their children; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18475/26]
Further and Higher Education1 question
2026-03-18Deputy Mairéad Farrell asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if his Department has made changes to funding to the Galway-Roscommon ETB for Adult English language classes; if he is aware of cuts to the number of Adult Education Teachers working in the Galway-Roscommon ETB network and how many teaching roles have been cut; if he is aware of cuts to classes available within the Galway-Roscommon ETB network; whether these cuts were a result of funding cuts; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19283/26]
Justice1 question
2026-03-19Deputy Mairéad Farrell asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration to provide an update on the work of his Department to support survivors of domestic abuse; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20909/26]
Agriculture1 question
2026-03-19Deputy Mairéad Farrell asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine for an update regarding funding for piers in Connemara; when Galway County Council will be notified regarding same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20926/26]