Mon, 16 Mar – 22 Mar 2026 · 5 TDs · 0 bills voted on · 77 questions · 1 new lobbying filings
Kevin Boxer Moran — Independent
0 votes ·
0 questions ·
0 new lobbying returns
Quiet week — no questions filed or new lobbying returns.
Micheál Carrigy — Fine Gael
0 votes ·
3 questions ·
0 new lobbying returns
Questions asked3 total
Health2 questions
2026-03-18Deputy Micheál Carrigy asked the Minister for Health the steps being taken to ensure the HSE considers the "time-critical" nature of Friedreich's Ataxia during the current price negotiations for Skyclarys; the way in which the commitments 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 to this specific case, to prevent further delays in addressing the 'unmet need'. [18666/26]
2026-03-18Deputy Micheál Carrigy asked the Minister for Health the specific steps being taken to ensure the HSE considers the 'time-critical' nature of FA during the current price negotiations for Skyclarys; the way in which the commitments 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 to this specific case, to prevent further delays in addressing the unmet need (details supplied [19693/26]
Transport1 question
2026-03-18Deputy Micheál Carrigy asked the Minister for Transport for an update from the NTA on the promised pilot of a bus service from Annacotty-to-Annacotty Business Park; the expected start for the pilot; and update from the NTA on plans to increase the Castleconnell to Limerick City service. [20137/26]
Peter Burke — Fine Gael
0 votes ·
0 questions ·
1 new lobbying return
New lobbying1 return
The Association of Farm & Forestry Contractors in Ireland (FCI) LtdPublic Expenditure and Reform
Follow Up - Immediate Government Action Required: Diesel Price Crisis Impacting Farm & Forestry Contractors
Robert Troy — Fianna Fáil
0 votes ·
10 questions ·
0 new lobbying returns
Questions asked10 total
Health6 questions
2026-03-18Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Health the position regarding the price negotiations on the approval of Skyclarys for the treatment of Friedreich’s Ataxia; the specific steps that are being taken to ensure the HSE considers the time critical nature of Friedreich’s ataxia during the current price negotiations. [19639/26]
2026-03-18Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Health if the commitments 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 price negotiations for Skyclarys in the treatment of Freidreich’s ataxia. [19640/26]
2026-03-18Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Health if she will confirm the HSE plans for the part-time dental services based at the primary care centre, Kilbeggan, County Westmeath; if the HSE is withdrawing this service; and if so, the updated service plans that will be put in place. [20571/26]
2026-03-18Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Health if an autism assessment for a child (details supplied) will be expedited. [20923/26]
2026-03-18Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Health if it can be ensured that an autism assessment is scheduled for a child (details supplied) as soon as possible.; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [20945/26]
2026-03-19Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Health the steps being taken by her Department to address the concerns (details supplied) which have been raised by Practice Tutor Radiographers within the HSE. [21159/26]
Education3 questions
2026-03-18Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Education and Youth if the Special Transport Grant is available to young adult service users who are no longer in school (details supplied). [20036/26]
2026-03-18Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Education and Youth if provision can be made to allow a pupil (details supplied) to repeat sixth class as the pupil in question will only be aged 11 on enrolling at secondary school. [20157/26]
2026-03-18Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Education and Youth if she will ensure additional funding is allocated to a school project (details supplied). [20226/26]
Culture1 question
2026-03-18Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport if he will provide the up to date position with regard to An Post pensions; to provide a clear timeline on when the 7% increase to An Post pensions will be implemented. [20775/26]
Sorca Clarke — Sinn Féin
0 votes ·
64 questions ·
0 new lobbying returns
Questions asked64 total
Health36 questions
2026-03-18Deputy Sorca Clarke asked the Minister for Health the current timeline for completion and opening of the eating disorder unit, including key milestones and expected date of operational readiness at the psychiatric facility in Roscommon; the overall budget allocation for the unit and for the wider psychiatric facility; the proposed staffing model, including the total number of staff roles allocated to the eating disorder unit; the breakdown of staff by discipline; the number of new posts to be created versus redeployed existing staff; the recruitment and retention plans; whether multi-disciplinary specialist eating disorder services (inpatient and outpatient follow-up) will be integrated with community supports; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [18554/26]
2026-03-18Deputy Sorca Clarke asked the Minister for Health to outline the current status of the reimbursement application for skyclarys (omaveloxolone) for the treatment of Friedreich’s ataxia; if she will provide a detailed update of ongoing engagement between the HSE and the manufacturer; and the way in which the commitments contained within the National Rare Disease Strategy 2025–2030 are being applied in this case, particularly in respect of timely and equitable access to licensed orphan medicines for patients with rare and ultra-rare conditions. [18960/26]
2026-03-18Deputy Sorca Clarke asked the Minister for Health the way in which the agreed timelines under the IPHA Framework Agreement 2026, including the stated 180-day decision target for reimbursement applications are being adhered to in the case of skyclarys, given that more than 570 days have elapsed since the initial application was submitted in August 2024. [18961/26]
2026-03-18Deputy Sorca Clarke asked the Minister for Health if she will acknowledge concerns that Ireland continues to rank comparatively low in Europe for access to orphan medicines; the steps being taken to improve access rates; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [18962/26]
2026-03-18Deputy Sorca Clarke asked the Minister for Health if she is aware that 76 newly qualified paramedics within the National Ambulance Service, who have completed the BSc (Hons) in Paramedic Studies through University College Cork and secured registration with the Pre-Hospital Emergency Care Council, have been issued with 16-week extensions to their Specific Purpose Contracts rather than being transitioned to permanent employment; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [18981/26]
2026-03-18Deputy Sorca Clarke asked the Minister for Health the rationale for extending Specific Purpose Contracts where the stated purpose of those contracts has now been fulfilled; if legal advice was sought regarding the appropriateness of using the same contractual mechanism after the original purpose has been achieved; the reason this cohort is being treated differently to previous graduating cohorts of paramedics who, upon successful completion of Year 3 and registration with PHECC, transitioned directly from Specific Purpose Contracts to permanent posts within the National Ambulance Service; if she will confirm that no paramedic within this cohort will experience a break in service or interruption to pay or employment status arising from the timing of these contract extensions; and the steps being taken to ensure continuity of employment during rostered shifts. [18982/26]
2026-03-18Deputy Sorca Clarke asked the Minister for Health To ask the Minister for Health if her Department or the HSE has issued guidance to local management within NAS regarding the notice period provided to these paramedics, particularly in circumstances where some staff reportedly received notice only days before contract expiry. [18983/26]
2026-03-18Deputy Sorca Clarke asked the Minister for Health whether a workforce planning assessment has been conducted to determine the operational need for permanent paramedic posts within NAS, having regard to sustained service demand and existing staffing pressures. [18984/26]
2026-03-18Deputy Sorca Clarke asked the Minister for Health the assurances that can be provided to paramedics regarding a clear and timely pathway to permanent employment; if she will intervene to ensure transparency and fairness in how this matter is resolved. [18985/26]
2026-03-18Deputy Sorca Clarke asked the Minister for Health if her attention has been drawn to the supply shortages affecting atropine eye drops used in the treatment of progressive myopia in children; the steps being taken to ensure continued access to this treatment; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [19150/26]
2026-03-18Deputy Sorca Clarke asked the Minister for Health the number of people on waiting lists for home care support in Longford and Westmeath, in tabular form. [19347/26]
2026-03-18Deputy Sorca Clarke asked the Minister for Health the number of people on waiting lists for home care support per county, in tabular form; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [19348/26]
2026-03-18Deputy Sorca Clarke asked the Minister for Health the number of persons currently on waiting lists for specialist eating disorder assessment and treatment; the waiting times involved; the breakdown by RHA, age group and service type (CAMHS and adult services); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [19432/26]
2026-03-18Deputy Sorca Clarke asked the Minister for Health the number of specialist eating disorder teams currently operating in the State; their locations; the population catchment of each team; and whether all teams envisaged under the national Model of Care for Eating Disorders have been established and a list of teams that are operational. [19433/26]
2026-03-18Deputy Sorca Clarke asked the Minister for Health the number of approved and filled posts within specialist eating disorder services, including consultant psychiatrists, psychologists, dietitians, nurses and therapists; the number of vacant posts; and the steps being taken to address staffing shortages. [19434/26]
2026-03-18Deputy Sorca Clarke asked the Minister for Health the number of public inpatient beds available for the treatment of eating disorders nationally; the location of those beds; the number of admissions in each of the past five years; and the number of patients treated abroad through the treatment abroad scheme due to lack of domestic capacity. [19435/26]
2026-03-18Deputy Sorca Clarke asked the Minister for Health the progress made in implementing the Model of Care for Eating Disorders since its publication; the funding allocated to its implementation to date; and the timeline for full implementation. [19436/26]
2026-03-18Deputy Sorca Clarke asked the Minister for Health the number of children and adolescents currently receiving treatment for eating disorders through Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services; the waiting times for access to treatment; and the number of urgent referrals in the past five years. [19437/26]
2026-03-18Deputy Sorca Clarke asked the Minister for Health the number of patients receiving specialist eating disorder treatment in each RHA; and the measures being taken to address regional inequalities in access to services; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [19438/26]
2026-03-18Deputy Sorca Clarke asked the Minister for Health whether national outcome data is collected in relation to eating disorder treatment; if so, the recovery rates, relapse rates and treatment completion rates recorded in the past five years; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [19439/26]
2026-03-18Deputy Sorca Clarke asked the Minister for Health the number of persons with eating disorders who have been approved for treatment abroad in each of the past five years due to a lack of specialist services in the State; the countries where treatment was provided; and the cost to the Exchequer. [19440/26]
2026-03-18Deputy Sorca Clarke asked the Minister for Health the annual funding allocated to eating disorder services in each of the past five years; the projected funding for 2027; and whether additional funding is planned to expand services. [19441/26]
2026-03-18Deputy Sorca Clarke asked the Minister for Health when a child (details supplied) will be given an appointment for a psychologist and an occupational therapist in the primary care centre in Longford. [19457/26]
2026-03-18Deputy Sorca Clarke asked the Minister for Health to provide each vacant or unfilled post in primary care centres in County Longford, in tabular form. [19458/26]
2026-03-18Deputy Sorca Clarke asked the Minister for Health to provide each vacant or unfilled post in primary care centres in County Westmeath, in tabular form. [19459/26]
2026-03-18Deputy Sorca Clarke asked the Minister for Health the number of persons on the waiting list for cataract surgery at the Mater Hospital; and the average waiting times for this type of procedure. [20023/26]
2026-03-18Deputy Sorca Clarke asked the Minister for Health the number of capital projects submitted to HSE estates for Longford from acute, primary, community and so on over the past three years; and the status of each project, in tabular form. [20024/26]
2026-03-18Deputy Sorca Clarke asked the Minister for Health the current vacancies by job title, at Balbriggan Community Mental Health Team; and when will each of those vacancies be filled, in tabular form. [20025/26]
2026-03-18Deputy Sorca Clarke asked the Minister for Health the number of WTE gastroenterologist registrars based at St James's Hospital as of 10 March 2026, in tabular form. [20026/26]
2026-03-18Deputy Sorca Clarke asked the Minister for Health 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 she will make a statement on the matter. [20480/26]
2026-03-18Deputy Sorca Clarke asked the Minister for Health the number of patients currently awaiting cardiac surgery in each hospital providing cardiac surgical services; the average waiting time in each hospital; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [20481/26]
2026-03-18Deputy Sorca Clarke asked the Minister for Health the number of cardiac surgery procedures cancelled or deferred due to bed or intensive care capacity constraints in each cardiac surgery centre, in the past five years; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [20482/26]
2026-03-18Deputy Sorca Clarke asked the Minister for Health the number of patients currently on waiting lists for day case procedures in hospitals operated by the Health Service Executive, broken down by hospital and by length of time waiting less than three months; three to six months; six to twelve month; more than twelve months; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [20483/26]
2026-03-18Deputy Sorca Clarke asked the Minister for Health the number of scheduled day procedures that were cancelled or postponed in hospitals operated by the Health Service Executive in each of the past three years; the reasons for these cancellations, including staffing shortages, bed capacity, theatre capacity or equipment availability; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [20484/26]
2026-03-18Deputy Sorca Clarke asked the Minister for Health the number of persons currently on the waiting list for admission to the Central Mental Hospital; the average length of time each person has been waiting for admission; the number of persons awaiting admission broken down by gender; the average and longest waiting time for admission; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [20836/26]
2026-03-19Deputy Sorca Clarke asked the Minister for Health the current waiting times for patients to begin cancer treatment; the number of people on waiting lists for cancer related surgeries; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [21303/26]
Transport10 questions
2026-03-18Deputy Sorca Clarke asked the Minister for Transport if his attention has been drawn to the TFI Child (5–8) Leap Card which is currently not being accepted on the MU1 and MU2 town bus services in Mullingar; if he will clarify the reason for this; the timeline for when the free travel scheme for children aged 5–8 will be operational on these routes; and the steps being taken by the National Transport Authority to ensure that new local bus services are fully integrated with national ticketing schemes from their commencement. [18381/26]
2026-03-18Deputy Sorca Clarke asked the Minister for Transport if he is aware that the men’s bathrooms in Tullamore train station have been closed since Covid-19 and that the disabled bathrooms do not meet minimum requirements; the steps his Department will take to address this issue; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19064/26]
2026-03-18Deputy Sorca Clarke asked the Minister for Transport for an update in relation to the proposed second platform in Clara train station, County Offaly; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19065/26]
2026-03-18Deputy Sorca Clarke asked the Minister for Transport for an update in relation to the proposed works on Spollanstown Bridge, Tullamore, County Offaly; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19066/26]
2026-03-18Deputy Sorca Clarke asked the Minister for Transport if he will provide an update on the status of the proposed reopening of the Mullingar–Athlone railway line; the extent to which the project is being examined following its inclusion in the All-Island Strategic Rail Review; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19121/26]
2026-03-18Deputy Sorca Clarke asked the Minister for Transport whether his Department, the National Transport Authority or Iarnród Éireann plans to undertake a detailed feasibility study or cost-benefit analysis on the reopening of the Mullingar–Athlone rail line; the timeline for any such study; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19122/26]
2026-03-18Deputy Sorca Clarke asked the Minister for Transport the steps being taken to ensure the former Mullingar–Athlone rail corridor and associated railway lands are preserved for potential future rail use; and if there are any proposals to repurpose or alter sections of the alignment. [19123/26]
2026-03-18Deputy Sorca Clarke asked the Minister for Transport whether his Department has examined the potential impact of reopening the Mullingar–Athlone rail line on commuting patterns to Technological University of the Shannon in Athlone from towns along the Dublin–Sligo line including Mullingar, Longford, Edgeworthstown, Enfield, Kilcock and Maynooth. [19125/26]
2026-03-18Deputy Sorca Clarke asked the Minister for Transport the number of occasions in each of the past five years on which Luas services were delayed due to road traffic collisions or incidents involving other vehicles on sections of the network where the Luas operates on street with general traffic; the average duration of such delays; the locations where these incidents most frequently occur; the measures being taken by Transport Infrastructure Ireland and the operator to minimise disruption to Luas services arising from road traffic collisions; and whether consideration has been given to providing additional segregation or priority measures to prevent Luas trams being delayed by general traffic. [20839/26]
2026-03-19Deputy Sorca Clarke asked the Minister for Transport if his Department has considered a driver licence exchange agreement between Ireland and the United States to allow Irish citizens returning home with full US licences to exchange them for an Irish licence; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21371/26]
Education6 questions
2026-03-18Deputy Sorca Clarke asked the Minister for Education and Youth if she will provide an update on the status of a school building (details supplied). [18382/26]
2026-03-18Deputy Sorca Clarke asked the Minister for Education and Youth the number of pupils enrolled in Irish-medium education at primary level and post primary level in Longford-Westmeath, in tabular form; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [18726/26]
2026-03-18Deputy Sorca Clarke asked the Minister for Education and Youth to provide an update in relation to the proposed new school building at a school (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [19063/26]
2026-03-18Deputy Sorca Clarke asked the Minister for Education and Youth if her attention has been drawn to children in the Tullamore/Killina pilot online schools admission system who are being accepted to school in Killina but advised that they will have to charter a private bus due to the nearest school rule; if the Minister will consider eliminating the 'nearest school' rule for schools in the Tullamore/Killina pilot online schools admission system; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [19464/26]
2026-03-18Deputy Sorca Clarke asked the Minister for Education and Youth when construction of the promised new school building for a school (details supplied) will commence; and if she will provide a clear timeline for the delivery of the project. [19939/26]
2026-03-18Deputy Sorca Clarke asked the Minister for Education and Youth the number of schools in the Longford-Westmeath constituency that have received approval for a new school building but where construction has not yet commenced; and if she will provide a list of those schools; and the current status of each project.; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [20022/26]
Foreign2 questions
2026-03-18Deputy Sorca Clarke asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the number of occasions in 2025 and to-date in 2026 where the Irish Ambassador based in Madrid has met formally with the Mayor of Madrid, in tabular form. [20032/26]
2026-03-18Deputy Sorca Clarke asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the amount of funding received by organisations (details supplied) from Government funding in the past ten years. [20253/26]
Housing2 questions
2026-03-18Deputy Sorca Clarke asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if Clara fire station, County Offaly will be included in the new priority fire service infrastructural projects 2026-2030, given the inadequacy of the existing very old building which is not fit for purpose; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19067/26]
2026-03-18Deputy Sorca Clarke asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage whether his Department has assessed the potential role of reopening the Mullingar–Athlone rail line in supporting housing delivery and compact growth in towns and villages along the corridor, including Moate, Streamstown and Castletown Geoghegan. [19124/26]
Justice2 questions
2026-03-18Deputy Sorca Clarke asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration the number of marked Garda roads policing vans in the fleet as of 10 March 2026; if he will provide same figures as of 31 March 2022, in tabular form.; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20029/26]
2026-03-18Deputy Sorca Clarke asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration the number of Gardaí within Meath-Westmeath division that have completed each level of public order training as of 6 March 2026, in tabular form. [20030/26]
Children2 questions
2026-03-18Deputy Sorca Clarke asked the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality whether the access and inclusion model (AIM) will be extended to include children under three years of age from the commencement of the 2026/2027 programme year, including those who are not participating in the ECCE programme; the plans, funding allocations or timelines in this regard; whether consideration is being given to aligning AIM Level 7 support hours, currently capped at six additional hours per day, with the nine-hour maximum available under the National Childcare Scheme (NCS); whether this disparity will be addressed for the 2026/2027 programme year; when the rules and operational guidance for the 2026/2027 programme year will be published, to allow service providers to plan appropriately for September 2026 enrolments; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [18774/26]
2026-03-18Deputy Sorca Clarke asked the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality the number of WTE speech and language therapists, by grade that were filled at Springfield CDNT as of 10 March 2026; and the average waiting times for an appointment with the SLT. [20031/26]
Rural2 questions
2026-03-18Deputy Sorca Clarke asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht the number of WTE qualified accountants working within his Department as of 10 March 2026, in tabular form. [20027/26]
2026-03-18Deputy Sorca Clarke asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht the projects that were funded under the outdoor recreation infrastructure scheme in Longford in 2025 and to-date in 2026, in tabular form. [20028/26]
Climate1 question
2026-03-18Deputy Sorca Clarke asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment the capital budget allocation for his Department in 2025 and 2026, in tabular form. [20034/26]
Social1 question
2026-03-18Deputy Sorca Clarke asked the Minister for Social Protection the names of external cleaning companies that have a contract with his Department to provide cleaning services within the Department to-date in 2026, in tabular form. [20033/26]