DÁIL ÉIREANN

Dé Céadaoin, 29 Iúil, 2020 Wednesday, 29th July, 2020

CEISTEANNA QUESTIONS

36 DÁIL ÉIREANN 1401 Dé Céadaoin, 29 Iúil, 2020 Wednesday, 29th July, 2020

CEISTEANNA I gCOMHAIR FREAGRA Ó BHÉAL QUESTIONS FOR ORAL ANSWER

Chun an Taoisigh: To the Taoiseach.

1. To ask the Taoiseach when the Cabinet Committee on Social Affairs and Equality will next meet. — . [16888/20]

2. To ask the Taoiseach his plans for public services reform to be driven from his Department. — Mary Lou McDonald. [17249/20]

3. To ask the Taoiseach the Cabinet committee which addresses matters relating to justice. — Mary Lou McDonald. [17250/20]

4. To ask the Taoiseach when the Cabinet Committee on Social Affairs and Equality will meet. — Mary Lou McDonald. [18476/20]

5. To ask the Taoiseach when the Cabinet Committee on Economic Recovery and Investment is set to next meet. — . [17243/20]

6. To ask the Taoiseach when the Cabinet Committee on Economic Recovery and Investment will next meet. — Mary Lou McDonald. [17251/20]

7. To ask the Taoiseach when the Cabinet Committee on Economic Recovery and Investment will next meet. — Alan Kelly. [18556/20]

8. To ask the Taoiseach the time frame for establishment of the shared island unit; and the status of the process to date. — Ruairí Ó Murchú. [17264/20]

9. To ask the Taoiseach if he will report on the establishment of a unit within his Department to work towards a consensus on a shared island. — . [17957/20]

10. To ask the Taoiseach the status of the work of the international division of his Department. — Mary Lou McDonald. [18477/20]

11. To ask the Taoiseach the special measures he sought to reduce the burden on Ireland during the EU summit of leaders. — Mattie McGrath. [18478/20]

12. To ask the Taoiseach if he will report on the protocol and general division of his Department. — Alan Kelly. [18557/20]

13. To ask the Taoiseach his plans for legislation from his Department. — Alan Kelly. [18558/20]

P.T.O 1402

14. To ask the Taoiseach his plans to hold referendums in 2020 and 2021. — Alan Kelly. [18559/20]

15. To ask the Taoiseach when the Cabinet Committee on Brexit and Northern Ireland will next meet. — Alan Kelly. [18560/20]

16. To ask the Taoiseach when the Cabinet Committee on Europe last met; and when it is next expected to meet. — Alan Kelly. [18561/20]

CEISTEANNA AR SONRAÍODH UAIN DÓIBH QUESTIONS NOMINATED FOR PRIORITY

Chun an Aire Gnóthaí Fostaíochta agus Coimirce Sóisialaí: To the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection.

17. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection the number of persons including the self-employed that will face a loss in income as a result of reductions in the pandemic unemployment payment rate as outlined in the July stimulus; if the changes to payment rates were poverty proofed; and if she will make a statement on the matter. — . [19300/20]

18. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection her plans to extend the duration of community employment schemes due to Covid-19. — Sean Sherlock. [18550/20]

19. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection the status of the tendering process as part of the review of contracted public employment services; if there has been engagement between her Department and the JobPath providers to date in 2020; and if she will make a statement on the matter. — Claire Kerrane. [19301/20]

20. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection the steps she is taking to address the disproportionate impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on disadvantaged communities; if her attention has been drawn to calls from an organisation (details supplied) to establish a special Oireachtas committee on poverty and inequality; and if she will make a statement on the matter. — . [19337/20]

21. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection her plans to address the ongoing issue of 65 year old persons at retirement signing on for a jobseeker’s payment for one year; and if she will make a statement on the matter. — Claire Kerrane. [19302/20]

CEISTEANNA EILE OTHER QUESTIONS

Chun an Aire Gnóthaí Fostaíochta agus Coimirce Sóisialaí: To the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection.

22. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection if a person will be entitled to a State pension when they turn 66 years of age before a review is completed by the Commission on Pensions; and if she will make a statement on the matter. — . [17967/20]

23. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection if insurance contributions will be credited to farmers for pension purposes for the time they were in receipt of farm assist; and if she will make a statement on the matter. — Brendan Smith. [18806/20] 1403

24. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection her views on employees of a company (details supplied) seeking an enhanced redundancy package; if legislation and additional measures will be introduced giving effect to the Duffy Cahill report that will better protect the interests of workers in liquidation scenarios; and if she will make a statement on the matter. — Mick Barry. [15769/20]

25. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection the review she plans to carry out to the means testing of social welfare payments and payments under the community employment and RSS schemes to ensure that means testing is not acting as a disincentive to saving money or to the increasing of employed or self-employed income; and if she will make a statement on the matter. — Éamon Ó Cuív. [18538/20]

26. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection when the commission on pensions will be established; and if she will make a statement on the matter. — James Lawless. [18964/20]

27. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection if her attention has been drawn to the difficulties faced by lone parents in relation to child maintenance payments; if reform in the area will be a priority; if so, the timeline for such reforms; and if she will make a statement on the matter. — Claire Kerrane. [19007/20]

28. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection her plans to change the rules in relation to the treatment of savings for those on disability allowance; and if she will make a statement on the matter. — Éamon Ó Cuív. [18539/20]

29. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection the status of the back to school clothing and footwear allowance; if persons in receipt of the pandemic unemployment payment will be eligible to apply for the scheme; and if she will make a statement on the matter. — Jennifer Carroll MacNeill. [18809/20]

30. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection the time frame for the introduction of a pension auto-enrolment system; and if she will make a statement on the matter. — . [18961/20]

31. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection if an anomaly will be addressed in relation to the exclusion from the enterprise support grants eligibility criteria for the pandemic unemployment payment for trade operators that remained operating on an emergency call out basis during the pandemic thereby ensuring homes and businesses remained safe and secure. — . [19014/20]

32. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection the engagement she has had on pension rights for community employment supervisors. — Sean Sherlock. [18480/20]

33. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection if the practice of reviewing pandemic unemployment payments for the self-employed exclusively against their 2018 tax returns will be reviewed to allow for more up to date evidence of earnings for 2019 and 2020 to be taken into account. — Eoin Ó Broin. [19011/20]

34. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection the estimated number of workers that are ineligible for the pandemic unemployment payment and the wage subsidy payments but that have had at least 156 weeks of PRSI contributions since they first started working. — . [19021/20] P.T.O 1404

35. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection if persons in receipt of the pandemic unemployment payment will receive PRSI contributions in order that their future entitlements are not impacted; and if she will make a statement on the matter. — Kieran O’Donnell. [18797/20]

36. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection when she plans to introduce a system to enable persons to defer receipt of their State pension (contributory) on an annual basis. — . [18966/20]

37. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection if persons from the arts sector will be kept at the higher rate of the pandemic unemployment payment in view of the fact they cannot return to work until gigs and events are up and running; and if their average weekly earnings from 2019 can be used as the basis for the calculation of the payment; and if she will make a statement on the matter. — Louise O’Reilly. [19010/20]

38. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection if she has considered index linking social welfare supports in view of the publication of figures by an organisation (details supplied). — . [19025/20]

39. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection if the enhancement of the role of MABS has been examined to help families deal with unsecured household debt; if she has engaged with stakeholders on the issue of household debt arising from Covid-19; and if she will make a statement on the matter. — Claire Kerrane. [19004/20]

40. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection the average waiting times for various appeals in respect of schemes or payments run by her Department; her plans to reduce such waiting times thereby easing the stress on families; and if she will make a statement on the matter. — Bernard J. Durkan. [19009/20]

41. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection if she will consider allowing discretion on the 18.5 hours per week employment exemption under the carer’s allowance scheme in circumstances in which it has no impact on the level of care provided; and if she will make a statement on the matter. — . [18999/20]

42. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection if the duration of community employment schemes will be extended. — Sean Sherlock. [18483/20]

43. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection the steps she will take to replace the minimum wage with the living wage. — Louise O’Reilly. [15755/20]

44. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection if insurance contributions will be credited to farmers for pension purposes for the time they were in receipt of farm assist which caused a break in their insurance contributions records; and if she will make a statement on the matter. — Brendan Smith. [18805/20]

45. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection the role her Department will play in developing a new social contract with citizens; and if she will make a statement on the matter. — Jim O’Callaghan. [18969/20] 1405

46. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection the status of the reintroduction of the transitionary pension from 65 to 66 years of age as outlined in the Programme for Government; and if she will make a statement on the matter. — Niamh Smyth. [18471/20]

47. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection if her attention has been drawn to the fact that many trade workers that undertook emergency work during the Covid-19 pandemic have been locked out of supports as they return to work; and if she will make a statement on the matter. — Claire Kerrane. [19006/20]

48. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection her plans to change the eligibility criteria for community employment schemes. — Sean Sherlock. [18479/20]

49. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection the number of applicants for jobseeker’s benefit in 2020 that were ruled ineligible for not having had either 39 weeks of contributions in the past year or 26 weeks in each of the two proceeding years but that did have 156 weeks of contributions since they first started working. — Pa Daly. [19022/20]

50. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection the number of applicants for the pandemic unemployment payment that reported self-employed and PAYE income within the same year; and the number of applicants that were denied the full rate of the payment on that basis. — Gary Gannon. [19017/20]

51. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection if she will report on the discussions she has had with regard to maintaining the pandemic unemployment payment for artists, performers, crew and event organisers in the arts, culture, music, live entertainment and events sectors as a basic minimum income over and above which these workers would be allowed earn some additional income without losing the payment until a full or substantial recovery to normal or near normal levels of employment and income earning opportunity return; and if she will make a statement on the matter. — Richard Boyd Barrett. [17396/20]

52. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection the analysis that has been undertaken of the consequences of the decision not to extend the pandemic unemployment payment to those over 66 years of age that lost employment as a result of Covid-19; and if she will make a statement on the matter. — . [16304/20]

53. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection the ratio of persons aged 65 years of age and over in 2016 to the numbers aged between 25 and 64 years of age and to the numbers at work; her projection for these ratios in ten and twenty years’ time, respectively; and the implications for projected pension costs and the balance between spending and revenue in the social insurance fund. — . [17965/20]

54. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection if she has had discussions with the Minister of Media, Culture, Tourism and Gaeltacht regarding the need to protect artists, those working in the events business and musicians with a continuation of the higher Covid-19 payments until such time as the sector can recommence in full. — Aengus Ó Snodaigh. [18996/20]

55. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection her plans for persons on the Covid-19 rent supplement payment post 30 August 2020; and if an assurance will be given that no claimant will have their payment withdrawn in cases in which the consequence of the withdrawal would be to force them into rent arrears. — Eoin Ó Broin. [19012/20]

P.T.O 1406

56. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection when options for a pension solution for carers will be provided; and if she will make a statement on the matter. — . [18962/20]

57. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection her plans to review the age criteria for qualification for community employment schemes; and if she will make a statement on the matter. — Michael Moynihan. [18804/20]

58. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection if she will provide a training and education credit to the PRSI system similar to the homemakers’ credit to encourage upskilling; and if she will make a statement on the matter. — Denis Naughten. [18998/20]

59. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection the number of appeals received to [email protected] since the reduction of pandemic unemployment payment; the average response time; and if she will make a statement on the matter. — Paul McAuliffe. [19002/20]

60. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection the steps she will take to ensure that persons that are required to retire at 65 years of age do not have to sign on; and if she will make a statement on the matter. — . [18807/20]

61. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection if her attention has been drawn to the difficulties being experienced by mothers whose maternity leave is coming to an end at a time when childcare is unavailable and they are unable to return to work; the way in which she plans to address the matter; and if she will make a statement on the matter. — Claire Kerrane. [19003/20]

62. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection her plans to base the rate of payment of the pandemic unemployment payment on 2019 earnings rather than 2018 earnings; and if she will make a statement on the matter. — . [19039/20]

63. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection if the €350 per week pandemic unemployment payment rate will be maintained rather than reduced. — Paul Murphy. [19015/20]

64. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection the processing times for pandemic unemployment payment re-rate appeals and reviews; and if she will make a statement on the matter. — Pearse Doherty. [19040/20]

65. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection her plans to address the pension needs of community employment scheme supervisors; and if she will make a statement on the matter. — James Browne. [16786/20]

66. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection if she has met with community employment supervisors and or trade union representatives on the issue of their pension claim since her appointment as Minister; and if she will make a statement on the matter. — . [19013/20]

67. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection if measures have been taken to ensure that publicans that were due to reopen their establishments on 20 July 2020 can 1407 remain on the Covid-19 pandemic unemployment payment until 10 August 2020. — Thomas Gould. [18125/20]

68. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection his plans in respect of the provision of pensions for community employment supervisors; and if she will make a statement on the matter. — Catherine Connolly. [16767/20]

69. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection her plans to alter the eligibility criteria for payments to carers; and if she will make a statement on the matter. — Michael Moynihan. [18803/20]

70. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection if she will consider contacting organisations (details supplied) with the intention of re-establishing the Covid-19 hardship grant for cocooning persons over 70 years of age. — Thomas Gould. [18124/20]

71. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection if her Department is taking into consideration total taxable incomes for 2018 when reviewing the pandemic unemployment rate for persons or only PAYE income. — Paul McAuliffe. [18926/20]

72. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection her plans to make rent supplement more easily available to victims of domestic violence. — Jennifer Murnane O’Connor. [18973/20]

73. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection the steps she will take to protect artists, those working in the events business and musicians with a continuation of the higher Covid-19 payments until such time as the sector can recommence in full. — Aengus Ó Snodaigh. [18997/20]

74. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection the role of her Department in the July stimulus package; and if she will make a statement on the matter. — James O’Connor. [19037/20]

75. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection the degree to which special Covid-19 related payments are to continue or to be replaced by return to work incentives or other alternatives; and if she will make a statement on the matter. — Bernard J. Durkan. [19008/20]

76. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection the number of applicants that were receiving the €350 Covid-19 pandemic unemployment payment that have had the amount reduced in recent weeks; and the total amount reduced. — Bríd Smith. [19019/20]

77. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection the number of persons receiving the pandemic unemployment payment; the way in which the figure compares with the number receiving the payment at its peak; the steps that will be taken to support persons to move off the payment and return to work; and if she will make a statement on the matter. — Kieran O’Donnell. [18798/20]

78. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection the measures included in the July stimulus package to tackle youth unemployment and support young persons to return to the workforce; and if she will make a statement on the matter. — Jennifer Carroll MacNeill. [18810/20]

P.T.O 1408

79. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection if the Covid-19 pandemic unemployment payment will be included as a qualifying payment for the back to education allowance. — Sean Sherlock. [18481/20]

80. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection her plans to honour the 2008 Labour Court recommendation which stated that community employment supervisors should have access to a pension; and if she will make a statement on the matter. — Claire Kerrane. [19005/20]

81. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection the status of plans to set up a commission to review the pension age; if the details of same and clarity will be provided in relation to the matter; her plans in relation to same; and if she will make a statement on the matter. — Niamh Smyth. [18472/20]

82. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection her plans to increase the availability of back-to-work schemes; and if she will make a statement on the matter. — Alan Dillon. [18808/20]

83. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection the number of persons that have appealed the decision to reduce their €350 Covid-19 pandemic unemployment payment; the number that were successful; and the number awaiting a decision; and if she will make a statement on the matter. — Bríd Smith. [19020/20]

84. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection if an additional bank holiday will be introduced in 2020 as part of stimulus measures. — Mairéad Farrell. [16650/20]

85. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection if jobseeker’s benefits will be raised to the €350 per week pandemic unemployment payment rate rather than reducing the pandemic unemployment payment. — Paul Murphy. [19016/20]

86. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection her views on the recent report issued by the Irish Fiscal Advisory Council on the sustainability of future pension provision; and if she will make a statement on the matter. — Peter Fitzpatrick. [19026/20]

87. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection if she will consider basing the financial assessment for carer’s allowance on net income and not gross income in line with the assessment of earnings under carer’s benefit; and if she will make a statement on the matter. — . [19001/20]

88. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection her plans to increase the availability of activation and back-to-work schemes in order to support persons to return to work; and if she will make a statement on the matter. — . [18800/20]

89. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection if clarity will be provided on the status of persons over 66 years of age and the enterprise support grant (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. — Christopher O’Sullivan. [18549/20]

90. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection the status of the roll out of the school meals programme. — Sean Sherlock. [18482/20] 1409

91. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection her views on whether artists should be entitled to the full rate of the pandemic unemployment payment in view of the number of persons in the arts sector that have both PAYE and self-employed incomes which is a disadvantage to them for the payment in view of the fact these incomes cannot be combined for the same year and in further view of the fact that the sector will be impacted the longest by Covid-19. — Gary Gannon. [19018/20]

92. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection when the required amending legislation to postpone the rise in the qualifying age for the State pension up to 67 years of age due to take place in January 2020 will be published in order to comply with the commitment in the Programme for Government; and if she will make a statement on the matter. — Peter Fitzpatrick. [19023/20]

93. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection if social welfare supports will be introduced to help employers and employees retain jobs during the Covid-19 crisis (details supplied). — Peter Fitzpatrick. [19024/20]

94. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection the changes she plans to make to employment legislation to enhance the rights of workers facing mass redundancies in view of the closure of a company (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. — Richard Boyd Barrett. [15810/20]

95. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection if she will review the schools lunch programme with a view to expanding it throughout school holidays; and if she will make a statement on the matter. — Mark Ward. [17130/20]

CEISTEANNA LE hAGHAIDH FREAGRAÍ SCRÍOFA QUESTIONS FOR WRITTEN ANSWER Chun an Taoisigh: To the Taoiseach.

*96. To ask the Taoiseach the number of freedom of information requests being processed by his Department; the number that have had the deadline for reply extended; and the number at least one week, two weeks. one month and over one month overdue, respectively. — Mairéad Farrell. [19358/20]

Chun an Tánaiste agus Aire Gnó, Fiontar agus Nuálaíochta: To the Tánaiste and Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation.

*97. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation the supports and or financial assistance business owners (details supplied) that have been forced to cease trading as a result of Covid-19 can avail of; and if he will make a statement on the matter. — Catherine Murphy. [19340/20]

*98. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation the number of freedom of information requests being processed by his Department; the number that have had the deadline for reply extended; the number at least one week, two weeks. one month and over one month overdue, respectively; and if he will make a statement on the matter. — Mairéad Farrell. [19344/20]

P.T.O 1410

*99. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation his views on the crisis facing workers at an airline (details supplied) in terms of redundancies and job cuts; if he is considering measures to resolve the situation; if he has been in contact with management of the company in relation to the issue since workers voted; if he has spoken to workers and unions since then; if so, the outcome of the contacts; if an attempt was made by him to intervene in the matter; if his attention has been drawn to the impact the decision the company will have on families and localities; and if he will make a statement on the matter. — Martin Browne. [19389/20]

*100. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation if the IDA plans to provide property solutions in Drogheda, County Louth for potential foreign direct investment clients; if, as part of the five year strategy and capital development programme, the IDA plan to develop a new business park and advance facilities in the town with a particular reference to the northside of Drogheda in view of the fact the remaining IDA site at the Donore Road park will be occupied by a planned new data centre; and if he will make a statement on the matter. — . [19398/20]

*101. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation the number of applications received for the restart fund for micro and small businesses in County Wexford; the amount of funding allocated to the authority; the number of businesses in County Wexford that have received funding under the fund; and if he will make a statement on the matter. — . [19436/20]

*102. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation the number of applications for supports under the various schemes for businesses impacted by Covid-19 received from businesses in County Wexford; the number that have been processed to date; the number that have been successful; the amount that has been allocated to the businesses; the amount requested; and if he will make a statement on the matter. — Johnny Mythen. [19438/20]

*103. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation if supports for travel agencies will be provided as part of the July stimulus package; and if he will make a statement on the matter. — Jennifer Whitmore. [19442/20]

*104. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation the way in which the commitment of Ireland to the sustainable development goals will be reflected in the Strategy and Work Plan 2020 – 2025; the way in which progress towards achieving the goals will be monitored and reported annually; and if he will make a statement on the matter. — Jennifer Whitmore. [19447/20]

*105. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation the number of applicants have been received for the restart fund for micro and small businesses in Cork City Council; the amount allocated to the authority; the number of businesses in north central areas of County Cork that have received funding under the fund; and if he will make a statement on the matter. — Thomas Gould. [19490/20]

*106. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation the number of applications for supports under the various schemes for businesses impacted by Covid-19 that have been received from businesses in north central areas of County Cork; the number processed to date; the number that have been successful; the amount allocated to these businesses; the total value that was sought; and if he will make a statement on the matter. — Thomas Gould. [19492/20] 1411

Chun an Aire Cumarsáide, Gníomhaithe ar son na hAeráide agus Comhshaoil: To the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment.

*107. To ask the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the estimated cost of repairing water leaks in Dublin in view of the fact approximately 57% of water in Dublin is lost through leaks; and if he will make a statement on the matter. — Mattie McGrath. [19257/20]

*108. To ask the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the number of freedom of information requests being processed by his Department; the number that have had the deadline for reply extended; the number at least one week, two weeks. one month and over one month overdue, respectively; and if he will make a statement on the matter. — Mairéad Farrell. [19346/20]

*109. To ask the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the reason for intermittent access to broadband on the main street of (details supplied); when the issue will be addressed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. — Jennifer Whitmore. [19450/20]

*110. To ask the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment if he will provide the full text of his request to the Commission for the Communications Regulation on 13 February 2019 requesting a review of State fibre, the MANs and the eNet concessions; if he has received the report and recommendations sought from the commission in relation to his request or other interim advice; and if not, the date he expects to receive the report or interim report; and if he will make a statement on the matter. — Jennifer Whitmore. [19459/20]

Chun an Aire Iompair, Turasóireachta agus Spóirt: To the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport.

*111. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if his attention has been drawn to a charter aircraft registered here (details supplied) which flew from Benghazi, Libya to Washington United States of America via Shannon Airport on 24 June 2020; if there was no transfer of passengers between the aircraft which arrived in Dublin from Washington at 12.49am and another aircraft which departed Dublin for Benghazi at 2.10am on 26 June 2020 on the west apron of Dublin Airport; the number of passengers on board the flights; the purpose of their visit; if passengers passed through immigration and US pre-clearance at Shannon Airport; his views regarding such flights in the context of UN Security Council Resolution 1970 which applies an embargo on the supply of arms and military equipment to and from Libya; and if he will make a statement on the matter. — Mairéad Farrell. [19342/20]

*112. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the position regarding the processing of motor tax payments by An Post; and if he will make a statement on the matter. — James Browne. [19535/20]

*113. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if funding will be approved at an early date in respect of a feasibility study for a project (details supplied); if urgent consideration will be given to the application in view of the tourism potential of the proposed project; and if he will make a statement on the matter. — Brendan Smith. [19222/20]

*114. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if a bus route between Cork city centre to Kerrypike Clogheen, County Cork will be examined in view of the increase in population over the past number of years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. — . [19271/20]

P.T.O 1412

*115. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will consider proposals by travel agents (details supplied) to support the travel industry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. — Brendan Griffin. [19282/20]

*116. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the number of freedom of information requests being processed by his Department; the number that have had the deadline for reply extended; the number at least one week, two weeks. one month and over one month overdue, respectively; and if he will make a statement on the matter. — Mairéad Farrell. [19359/20]

*117. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if an appointment with the NDLS will be expedited for a person (details supplied); if the needs of the person will be examined; and if he will make a statement on the matter. — James Browne. [19373/20]

*118. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the position regarding the recommendations by the aviation taskforce; his plans to implement the recommendations of same; if there is a deadline by which the decision must be made; and if he will make a statement on the matter. — Martin Browne. [19390/20]

*119. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if a financial support mechanism will be provided for the bus and coach sector struggling to reopen due to the reduction in tourist numbers; the other supports that will be made available for the sector; and if he will make a statement on the matter. — Jennifer Whitmore. [19452/20]

*120. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the specific supports included in the July stimulus package for small coach operators in view of severe financial pressure being placed on these businesses; and if he will make a statement on the matter. — Denis Naughten. [19461/20]

*121. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the recourse a person has that purchased a car with a recent NCT but subsequently found that the car was not roadworthy as the NCT certificate implied. — Richard Boyd Barrett. [19533/20]

*122. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will ensure that airlines will refund customers that are not travelling on booked flights as a result of health guidelines. — Richard Boyd Barrett. [19538/20]

Chun an Aire Airgeadais: To the Minister for Finance.

*123. To ask the Minister for Finance if existing help-to-buy approvals which have not been drawn down will be eligible for the expanded figure announced in the July stimulus package; and if he will make a statement on the matter. — Jackie Cahill. [19463/20]

*124. To ask the Minister for Finance the tax expenditures and the cost of each to the Exchequer in each of the years 2017 to 2019 and to date in 2020, in tabular form. — Mairéad Farrell. [19220/20]

*125. To ask the Minister for Finance if an explanation will be provided of the working document circulated by the EU Commission to the European Parliament of 27 May 2020 SWD(2020) 98 (details supplied) which identified the recovery needs of Europe; the final debt liabilities that Ireland will be accountable for; and if he will make a statement on the matter. — Michael Fitzmaurice. [19255/20] 1413

*126. To ask the Minister for Finance the number of freedom of information requests being processed by his Department; the number that have had the deadline for reply extended; the number at least one week, two weeks. one month and over one month overdue, respectively; and if he will make a statement on the matter. — Mairéad Farrell. [19351/20]

*127. To ask the Minister for Finance the reason the rate of wage subsidy payment to an employee (details supplied) in County Kerry has been reduced; if the rate will be reviewed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. — Brendan Griffin. [19386/20]

*128. To ask the Minister for Finance if there has been communication between his Department and the major financial institutions to advocate on behalf of customers in the final stagesof drawdown of their mortgage that have been informed they cannot proceed due to the fact they have been placed on the temporary wage subsidy scheme by their employer; and if he will make a statement on the matter. — . [19395/20]

*129. To ask the Minister for Finance the way in which the commitment to gender and equality proofing will be reflected in the October Financial Strategy and Budget 2021; and if he will make a statement on the matter. — Jennifer Whitmore. [19448/20]

*130. To ask the Minister for Finance the way in which the public sector equality and human rights duty will be reflected in the October Financial Strategy and Budget 2021; and if he will make a statement on the matter. — Jennifer Whitmore. [19449/20]

*131. To ask the Minister for Finance the number of PAYE taxpayers issued with a tax refund in each of the past five years; the value of refunds in each year; the measures he is taking to ensure that taxpayers avail of tax reliefs; and if he will make a statement on the matter. — Denis Naughten. [19460/20]

*132. To ask the Minister for Finance the income supports he plans to put in place for taxi drivers, arts, music, event and live entertainment workers in the July stimulus in view of the fact that these particular categories of workers will not see their industry return to pre-Covid-19 pandemic levels of activity in the medium term; and if he will make a statement on the matter. — Richard Boyd Barrett. [19547/20]

Chun an Aire Caiteachais Phoiblí agus Athchóirithe: To the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform.

*133. To ask the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the public procurement contracts in excess of €10 million in which the final cost of the project exceeded the guaranteed maximum price in tabular form. — Mairéad Farrell. [19221/20]

*134. To ask the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the number of freedom of information requests being processed by his Department; the number that have had the deadline for reply extended; the number at least one week, two weeks. one month and over one month overdue, respectively; and if he will make a statement on the matter. — Mairéad Farrell. [19356/20]

Chun an Aire Cultúir, Oidhreachta agus Gaeltachta: To the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht.

*135. To ask the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the steps she plans to take to protect turf cutting for domestic use. — Brian Stanley. [19243/20] P.T.O 1414

*136. To ask the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht her plans for bogs to be cleared by special area of conservation and natural heritage area; and if she will list same. — Brian Stanley. [19244/20]

*137. To ask the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the assistance that will be put in place for venues (details supplied) which are vital for up and coming artists; and if she will make a statement on the matter. — Danny Healy-Rae. [19245/20]

*138. To ask the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the number of freedom of information requests being processed by her Department; the number that have had the deadline for reply extended; the number at least one week, two weeks. one month and over one month overdue, respectively; and if she will make a statement on the matter. — Mairéad Farrell. [19347/20]

*139. To ask the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht when the study on the prevalence of RHD2 in hares will be commenced; the scope of the research carried out; when she anticipates that results will be made available; and if she will make a statement on the matter. — Jennifer Whitmore. [19445/20]

*140. To ask the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the advice received from the NPWS in relation to the prevalence of RDH2 in rabbits and hares; if specific recommendations were made in relation to the licencing of capturing of hares; the text of those recommendations; and if she will make a statement on the matter. — Jennifer Whitmore. [19446/20]

Chun an Aire Tithíochta, Pleanála agus Rialtais Áitiúil: To the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government.

*141. To ask the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government further to Parliamentary Question No. 1193 of 3 June 2020, if the contracts of fire fighters that wish to remain in work until 60 years of age will be extended pending the implementation of the Workplace Relations Commission recommendation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. — Brendan Griffin. [19231/20]

*142. To ask the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government if his attention has been drawn to the fact that since the Supreme Court judgement Supreme Court Record No: 9/19, High Court Ruling: 2014/342 JR there is no valid route open to horticultural peat harvesters either through the planning or licencing processes to continue their business and maintain employment; and his plans to correct the matter. — Brian Stanley. [19258/20]

*143. To ask the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government the progress that has been made in the roll out of the cost to rental housing model in Counties Laois and Offaly. — Brian Stanley. [19259/20]

*144. To ask the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government if the cost to rental model in Counties Laois and Offaly will be rolled out. — Brian Stanley. [19260/20]

*145. To ask the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government the number of freedom of information requests being processed by his Department; the number that have had the deadline for reply extended; the number at least one week, two weeks. one month and over one month overdue, respectively; and if he will make a statement on the matter. — Mairéad Farrell. [19354/20] 1415

*146. To ask the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government if a review of the fire service is to be carried out by the National Directorate for Fire and Emergency Management similar to the one carried out by an external validation group in 2016; and if he will make a statement on the matter. — John Brady. [19362/20]

*147. To ask the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government if the report on the fire service published in 2016 by an external validation group entitled Local Delivery – National Consistency is to be reviewed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. — John Brady. [19363/20]

*148. To ask the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government if a list of the 2,000 void social housing units being targeted in the July stimulus package by local authority will be provided; if the €30million allocation is in addition to the capital allocation for social housing agreed in Budget 2020; and if not, if it is a reprofiling of existing capital funding from new build to void refurbishment in tabular form. — Eoin Ó Broin. [19379/20]

*149. To ask the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government the shovel ready projects being funded under the announced €30 million additional funding for Irish Water as part of the July stimulus package. — Eoin Ó Broin. [19380/20]

*150. To ask the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government the amount that has been made available for housing adaptation grants for older people in each of the years since 2016 to date; the amount that was availed of in each year by county; the amount remaining for the scheme in 2020; if funding will be affected due to the effects of the Covid-19 pandemic; and if he will make a statement on the matter. — Martin Browne. [19392/20]

*151. To ask the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government if his attention has been drawn to the concerns regarding the way in which funding is being provided for private nursing home admissions rather than providing 100% home adaptation grants that could assist persons to continue living in their own homes; his views on the cost benefits of providing 100% home adaptation grants as an alternative to avoidable nursing home admissions; his plans to introduce a 100% home adaptation grant; and if he will make a statement on the matter. — Martin Browne. [19393/20]

*152. To ask the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government the amount of funding allocated to Wexford County Council in order to deal with the impact of Covid-19; and if he will make a statement on the matter. — Johnny Mythen. [19429/20]

*153. To ask the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government the number of affordable homes built in County Wexford in each of the past five years; the amount planned for 2020; the funding allocated each year to the local authority to supply affordable housing; and if he will make a statement on the matter. — Johnny Mythen. [19430/20]

*154. To ask the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government the average length of time spent on the social housing list in County Wexford; his plans to reduce the times; the number on the social housing list in each of the past 12 months and each month to date in 2020; and if he will make a statement on the matter. — Johnny Mythen. [19431/20]

*155. To ask the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government the number of applicants for Rebuilding Ireland home loans in County Wexford; the number that have been successful; the number that have been refused; and if he will make a statement on the matter. — Johnny Mythen. [19432/20] P.T.O 1416

*156. To ask the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government the amount of funding allocated to each local authority under the Covid-19 support scheme for local authorities; the estimated deficit expected for each local authority in 2020; and if he will make a statement on the matter. — Johnny Mythen. [19433/20]

*157. To ask the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government if he has invited Wexford County Council to make an application for the vacant properties voids programme; if such an application has been submitted; the amount of funding he plans to allocate to the authority; the time frame for release of the funding; and if he will make a statement on the matter. — Johnny Mythen. [19434/20]

*158. To ask the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government the number of businesses in County Wexford that have had their rates waived; the number that have requested a waiver; and if he will make a statement on the matter. — Johnny Mythen. [19435/20]

*159. To ask the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government his plans to expand the criteria to protect more trees on private and public land; if he will issue a national directive to oblige counties to develop a tree management strategy; his further plans to develop a national tree plan to streamline tree preservation orders across each county; and if he will make a statement on the matter. — Jennifer Whitmore. [19454/20]

*160. To ask the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government the funding that has been allocated to Cork City Council in order to deal with the impact of Covid-19; and if he will make a statement on the matter. — Thomas Gould. [19483/20]

*161. To ask the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government the number of affordable homes that have been built in north central areas of County Cork in each of the past five years; the amount planned for 2020; the funding allocated each year to the local authority to supply affordable housing; and if he will make a statement on the matter. — Thomas Gould. [19484/20]

*162. To ask the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government the average length of time spent on the social housing list in north central areas of County Cork; his plans to reduce these times; the number on the social housing list for each of the past 12 months and each month of 2020 to date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. — Thomas Gould. [19485/20]

*163. To ask the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government the number of applicants for Rebuilding Ireland home loans from Cork City Council; the number that have been successful; the number refused; and if he will make a statement on the matter. — Thomas Gould. [19486/20]

*164. To ask the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government the amount of funding allocated to each local authority under the Covid-19 support scheme for local authorities; the deficit expected for each local authority in 2020; and if he will make a statement on the matter. — Thomas Gould. [19487/20]

*165. To ask the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government if he has invited Cork City Council to make an application for the vacant properties voids programme; if such an application has been submitted; the amount of funding his Department plans to allocate to the authority; the expected timeframe for release of the funding; and if he will make a statement on the matter. — Thomas Gould. [19488/20] 1417

*166. To ask the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government the number of businesses in north central areas of County Cork that have had their rates waived; the number that have requested a waiver; and if he will make a statement on the matter. — Thomas Gould. [19489/20]

*167. To ask the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government further to Parliamentary Question No. 325 of 7 July 2020, if a more proactive approach will be considered with regard to working with Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council to acquire an apartment block (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. — Richard Boyd Barrett. [19543/20]

*168. To ask the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government the measures he plans to take to ensure the timely delivery of social and affordable housing at a site (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. — Richard Boyd Barrett. [19545/20]

Chun an Aire Gnóthaí Eachtracha agus Trádála: To the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade.

*169. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the reason the Balearic and Canary islands were not included on the green list for travel in view of the fact their case numbers and direct access via flights from Ireland; and if they will be considered for inclusion in a review of the list. — Paul McAuliffe. [19233/20]

*170. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the number of freedom of information requests being processed by his Department; the number that have had the deadline for reply extended; the number at least one week, two weeks. one month and over one month overdue, respectively; and if he will make a statement on the matter. — Mairéad Farrell. [19352/20]

*171. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade his views on the escalating conflict on the Armenia and Azerbaijan border; and if he will make a statement on the matter. — Pa Daly. [19372/20]

*172. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the representations made by Ireland calling for an end to state sponsored oppression and persecution of Baháí citizens in Iran; and if he will make a statement on the matter. — Jennifer Whitmore. [19451/20]

Chun an Aire Cosanta: To the Minister for Defence.

*173. To ask the Minister for Defence the number of freedom of information requests being processed by his Department; the number that have had the deadline for reply extended; the number at least one week, two weeks. one month and over one month overdue, respectively; and if he will make a statement on the matter. — Mairéad Farrell. [19348/20]

*174. To ask the Minister for Defence the properties for sale from the Defence Forces property portfolio; and the properties that will be coming up for sale in the next number of months; and if he will make a statement on the matter. — . [19514/20]

Chun an Aire Oideachais agus Scileanna: To the Minister for Education and Skills.

*175. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the status of the Retention of Records Bill 2019; if she will consider reducing the sealing period; and if she will make a statement on the matter. — Paul McAuliffe. [19254/20]

P.T.O 1418

*176. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the number of children in each county on the waiting list for phycological assessment for educational needs in 2019 and to date in 2020, in tabular form; and if she will make a statement on the matter. — Pauline Tully. [19369/20]

*177. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills when the school bus routes for schools will be finalised in order that parents can start the application process for concessionary tickets; if his attention has been drawn to the level of uncertainty this is creating for families that are unsure of the transport arrangements for September 2020; and if she will make a statement on the matter. — Jennifer Whitmore. [19457/20]

*178. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills her plans to provide relief to third-level students that may lose deposits on student accommodation as a result of a switch to remote learning for the academic year 2020/2021; and if she will make a statement on the matter. — Jackie Cahill. [19242/20]

*179. Chun a fhiafraí den Aire Oideachais agus Scileanna cén uair a dhéanfar cinneadh maidir le conas a dháilfear pointí bónais i dtaca leis an gcúrsa Gaeilge úr atá á fhorbairt ag an gComhairle Náisiúnta Curaclaim agus Measúnachta (NCCA) chun a chinntiú go roghnóidh daltaí, cainteoirí dúchais agus siad súid a bhfuil Gaeilge líofa acu ach go háirithe, an cúrsa úr dúshlánach, mar chuid dá n-ábhair scrúdaithe don Ardteistiméireacht amach anseo. — Aengus Ó Snodaigh. [19252/20]

*180. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the way in which she will support the implementation of the National Autism Plan as set out in the Program for Government; and if she will make a statement on the matter. — Cian O’Callaghan. [19266/20]

*181. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills if additional hours and funding will be provided to school guidance counsellors to better support students returning to school for the 2020/2021 academic year; her views on the recommendations of the campaign formed by organisations (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. — Cian O’Callaghan. [19267/20]

*182. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the plans in place to provide resources, financial and staffing related to allow for the extra cleaning needed, substitution teachers to cover sick and other leave and PODs needed to provide for social distancing when schools reopen; if PPE will be required or recommended; if children over 13 years of age and adults will be required or advised to wear face masks; and if she will make a statement on the matter. — Cian O’Callaghan. [19268/20]

*183. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the status of visiting teachers under the public health provision for schools for September 2020 (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. — James O’Connor. [19269/20]

*184. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the number of freedom of information requests being processed by her Department; the number that have had the deadline for reply extended; the number at least one week, two weeks. one month and over one month overdue, respectively; and if she will make a statement on the matter. — Mairéad Farrell. [19349/20]

*185. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills if details of the academic year 2019/2020 class sizes are available; if not, the timeline for when they will be made available; and if she will make a statement on the matter. — Jennifer Whitmore. [19377/20] 1419

*186. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills if a child who must remain at home and partake in remote learning during the 2020/2021 year due to Covid-19 health concerns and has had access to an SNA for the past number of years will lose their SNA allocation if they cannot attend school; if they will have to reapply for an SNA allocation in the following school year; if not, if they will automatically retain their allocation from previous years; if the child can return to school, if they will be allowed to use their sensory equipment in the classroom such as pads and hand held devices which enable them to concentrate; if not, if they will be seen as a risk for the spread of Covid-19; and if she will make a statement on the matter. — Peadar Tóibín. [19381/20]

*187. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the appeal process for students that are not satisfied with their calculated leaving certificate grades on 7 September 2020 in view of recent clarification for those applying for the UCAS system on 11 September 2020; and if she will make a statement on the matter. — . [19382/20]

*188. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the number of children in each county on the waiting list for phycological assessment for educational needs in 2019 and to date in 2020, in tabular form; and if she will make a statement on the matter. — Pauline Tully. [19385/20]

*189. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills if she will consider increasing hours and or posts supported in schools for guidance counselling in view of the increased pressures on students as a result of Covid-19; and if supports will be particularly focused on children that may be at a disadvantage. — Richard Bruton. [19396/20]

*190. Chun a fhiafraí den Aire Oideachais agus Scileanna An bhfuil cinneadh déanta ag an Aire Oideachais maidir le marcanna bónais a thabhairt le haghaidh chúrsa Gaeilge nua na hArdteiste . — Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire. [19387/20]

*191. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the number of children in County Wexford awaiting an appointment with a NEPS psychologist; the number waiting less than 6, 6 to 12 and more than 12 months, respectively in tabular form; and if she will make a statement on the matter. — Johnny Mythen. [19427/20]

*192. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the amount of funding that will be allocated to schools in County Wexford in order to provide the necessary equipment and resources in order to re-open in September 2020; and if she will make a statement on the matter. — Johnny Mythen. [19428/20]

*193. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills further to Parliamentary Question No. 462 of 7 July 2020, if information is now available with regard to the impact of Covid-19 on the school building programme; the extent to which the programme will experience delays; the number of schools by county that will not have their school building programme finished in time for September 2020; and if she will make a statement on the matter. — Jennifer Whitmore. [19440/20]

*194. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the number of special units requested for County Wicklow in each of the past five years; the details of the schools that made these requests; the locations in which these units have been approved in the county; and if she will make a statement on the matter. — Jennifer Whitmore. [19458/20]

*195. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills if the plans to provide 10,000 third level students with devices to aid remote learning due to Covid-19 will be means tested; and if she will make a statement on the matter. — Jackie Cahill. [19464/20]

P.T.O 1420

*196. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the number of persons in north central areas of County Cork that are waiting for an appointment with a NEPS psychologist; the number that are waiting less than 6, 6 to 12 and more than 12 months, in tabular form; and if she will make a statement on the matter. — Thomas Gould. [19481/20]

*197. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the amount of funding that will be allocated to schools in north central areas of County Cork in order to provide the necessary equipment and resources in order to reopen in September 2020; and if she will make a statement on the matter. — Thomas Gould. [19482/20]

*198. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills if she will ensure that adequate supports are put in place for children with special needs to enable them to return to school when schools reopen; and if she will make a statement on the matter. — Brendan Smith. [19506/20]

*199. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills her plans to reopen primary and secondary schools; the measures which will be introduced to support this reopening; and if she will make a statement on the matter. — Michael Moynihan. [19519/20]

*200. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills her plans to ensure that school transport remains available for students with special educational needs in the coming school term; and if she will make a statement on the matter. — Michael Moynihan. [19520/20]

*201. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills if a pilot free book scheme will go ahead in 102 DEIS schools in September 2020; and if she will make a statement on the matter. — Michael Moynihan. [19521/20]

*202. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills if a grant for students to avail of information technologies announced on 22 July 2020 will be made available to students in further education. — Michael Moynihan. [19522/20]

*203. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills if guidance hours for schools will be increased in 2020 in view of the disruption to all second-level students and the increased need for student supports in particular incoming first and sixth-year students; and if she will make a statement on the matter. — Gary Gannon. [19539/20]

*204. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills if a building (details supplied) will be refurbished and retrofitted in order that it can be used by local schools to provide extra space and classrooms to ensure that social distancing can be achieved; and if she will make a statement on the matter. — Richard Boyd Barrett. [19542/20]

*205. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the training being provided to teachers in terms of social distancing and managing social distancing among children before the commencement of the school year; and if she will make a statement on the matter. — Colm Burke. [19548/20]

Chun an Aire Gnóthaí Fostaíochta agus Coimirce Sóisialaí: To the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection.

*206. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection the number of applications received for the enterprise support grant from businesses in County Wexford; the number that have been successful; and if she will make a statement on the matter. — Johnny Mythen. [19437/20] 1421

*207. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection the number of applications received for the enterprise support grant from businesses in north central areas of County Cork; the number of these that have been successful; and if she will make a statement on the matter. — Thomas Gould. [19491/20]

*208. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection if existing employment and company legislation will be examined to examine the steps which can be taken to aid workers such as those in a company (details supplied) facing mass redundancies; if emergency legislation will be introduced in line with recent suggestions by a union for a moratorium on such redundancies during the Covid-19 crisis; and if she will make a statement on the matter. — Bríd Smith. [15811/20]

*209. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection if she will respond to the request by performers and crew in the live entertainment industry to retain the pandemic unemployment payment; if other supports and grants will be provided for those in the sector that due to social distancing requirements are uncertain as to when they will return to work; and if she will make a statement on the matter. — Alan Dillon. [17247/20]

*210. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection the way in which she plans to prioritise and protect supports for lone parents; and if she will make a statement on the matter. — Paul McAuliffe. [18958/20]

*211. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection if she has requested that the pandemic unemployment payment be maintained as part of the July stimulus for artists, performers, crew and event organisers in the arts, culture, music, live entertainment and events sectors as a basic minimum income over and above which these workers would be allowed earn some additional income without losing the payment until a full or substantial recovery to normal or near normal levels of employment and income earning opportunity return; and if she will make a statement on the matter. — Richard Boyd Barrett. [17393/20]

*212. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection if she has requested of the relevant Ministers that the pandemic unemployment payment be maintained as part of the July stimulus for artists, performers, crew and event organisers in the arts, culture music, live entertainment and events sectors as a basic minimum income over and above which these workers would be allowed earn some additional income without losing the payment until a full or substantial recovery to normal or near normal levels of employment and income earning opportunity return; and if she will make a statement on the matter. — Richard Boyd Barrett. [17696/20]

*213. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection the progress to date in the determination of an appeal for a one parent family payment in the case of a person (details supplied); when the appeal will conclude; if an oral hearing will be required; and if she will make a statement on the matter. — Bernard J. Durkan. [19223/20]

*214. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection the progress to date in the determination of an application for rent supplement in the case of a person (details supplied); if the application will be expedited in view of the arrears accrued to date; and if she will make a statement on the matter. — Bernard J. Durkan. [19224/20]

*215. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection if the case of a person (details supplied) will be reviewed; and if she will make a statement on the matter. — James Lawless. [19232/20]

P.T.O 1422

*216. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection her plans to review the eligibility criteria for the Covid-19 payment (details supplied). — . [19250/20]

*217. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection the reason a person (details supplied) is on a reduced rate contributory pension; the options are available to them; and if she will make a statement on the matter. — Paul Kehoe. [19253/20]

*218. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection the reason social welfare offices cannot deal with payment anomalies that have arisen during the emergency Covid-19 pandemic unemployment payment until 10 August 2020 when the payment officially ceases; and her plans to extend the payment beyond 10 August. — Robert Troy. [19270/20]

*219. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection if supports will be instituted for self-employed persons whose incomes have been vastly depleted due to Covid-19 but are not eligible for the pandemic unemployment payment in view of the fact they are continuing to earn a reduced income; and if she will make a statement on the matter. — Colm Burke. [19275/20]

*220. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection if a person (details supplied) is entitled to receive support from her Department whilst their income is greatly reduced; and if she will make a statement on the matter. — Colm Burke. [19283/20]

*221. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection the way in which and or the method that will be used to calculate earnings in order to apply the pandemic unemployment payment to persons in view of the change in rates and tiers to the payment; and if she will make a statement on the matter. — Catherine Murphy. [19338/20]

*222. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection the number of freedom of information requests being processed by her Department; the number that have had the deadline for reply extended; the number at least one week, two weeks. one month and over one month overdue, respectively; and if she will make a statement on the matter. — Mairéad Farrell. [19350/20]

*223. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection if he will address the issue of a cut to the pandemic unemployment payment for a self-employed person (details supplied) that was of the view that their 2018 returns would result in a full payment; and if she will make a statement on the matter. — Jennifer Whitmore. [19455/20]

*224. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection the reason for the year 2018 being selected as the basis for calculation for the pandemic payment rate despite PAYE employees rates calculated over two timeframes and the higher value being taken into consideration; and if she will make a statement on the matter. — Jennifer Whitmore. [19456/20]

*225. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection the extent to which she remains satisfied regarding the adequacy of the budget for her Department to meet increased demand arising from Covid-19; and if she will make a statement on the matter. — Bernard J. Durkan. [19494/20]

*226. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection if she remains satisfied that waiting times in respect of appeals against decisions taken by her Department can be sufficiently reduced in order to eliminate potential hardship; and if she will make a statement on the matter. — Bernard J. Durkan. [19495/20] 1423

*227. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection the extent to which exceptional needs payments remain available to applicants in difficult circumstances that they had not anticipated; and if she will make a statement on the matter. — Bernard J. Durkan. [19496/20]

*228. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection the number of recipients of the non-contributory old age pension; the number of applications received in the past four years to date; and if she will make a statement on the matter. — Bernard J. Durkan. [19497/20]

*229. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection the extent to which appeals against the refusal of carer’s allowance can be expedited; and if she will make a statement on the matter. — Bernard J. Durkan. [19498/20]

*230. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection the number of persons in receipt of domiciliary care allowance; the number of applications on file awaiting a decision at present; the extent to which the process can be expedited; and if she will make a statement on the matter. — Bernard J. Durkan. [19499/20]

*231. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection if consideration will be given to community employment scheme participants that may wish to continue for an extra period of time in their employment in the context of Covid-19; and if she will make a statement on the matter. — Bernard J. Durkan. [19500/20]

*232. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection the extent to which Covid-19-related supports continue to be made available to eligible applicants nationally; and if she will make a statement on the matter. — Bernard J. Durkan. [19501/20]

*233. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection the extent to which bereavement grants or equivalent continue to be processed expeditiously; and if she will make a statement on the matter. — Bernard J. Durkan. [19502/20]

*234. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection the extent to which backlogs in respect of various headings and payments which may have arisen due to Covid-19 are being addressed; and if she will make a statement on the matter. — Bernard J. Durkan. [19503/20]

*235. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection if the case of applicants for the State pension (contributory) that fall short of the required number of contributions in order to qualify has been examined; if pro-rata payments will be considered in such cases in view of the fact that such contributors receive no benefit for their contributions; and if she will make a statement on the matter. — Bernard J. Durkan. [19504/20]

*236. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection the extent to which youth unemployment continues to be specifically targeted by way of ensuring the availability of maximum number of training places, internships, apprenticeships or temporary employment opportunities particularly within the context of Covid-19; and if she will make a statement on the matter. — Bernard J. Durkan. [19505/20]

*237. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection if a review of eligibility for child benefit will be undertaken in the case of a person (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. — Bernard J. Durkan. [19517/20]

P.T.O 1424

*238. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection if her attention has been drawn to persons experiencing more persistent and prolonged unemployment as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic that will be most affected by the decision to reduce the pandemic unemployment payment following the announcement of the July stimulus package; the supports that will be available to families in which their income drops substantially as a result of same; and if she will make a statement on the matter. — Martin Browne. [19532/20]

*239. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection the breakdown of spending of the €200 million investment in training and education, skills development, work placement schemes, recruitment subsidies and job search assistance measures; the amount that will be directed to the 35,000 additional places in further and higher education and the apprenticeship incentivisation scheme (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. — Rose Conway-Walsh. [19536/20]

*240. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection the increase seen or expected in the back to school allowance as a result of Covid-19; and if she will make a statement on the matter. — Rose Conway-Walsh. [19537/20]

*241. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection if the decision to reduce the pandemic unemployment payment for a person (details supplied) will be reviewed; and if she will make a statement on the matter. — Richard Boyd Barrett. [19544/20]

*242. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection if the requirements will revised for invalidity pension that includes a claimant having to have 48 contributions in the two years prior to applying if they have the other requirement of not less than 260 contributions in total (details supplied) and if she will make a statement on the matter. — Richard Boyd Barrett. [19546/20]

Chun an Aire Forbartha Tuaithe agus Pobail: To the Minister for Rural and Community Development.

*243. To ask the Minister for Rural and Community Development if her attention has been drawn to an article in a newspaper (details supplied); if no public funds provided to an organization by her Department were used to pay the award of €43,470 as outlined in the article; if an audit will be carried out in order to clarify the issue; if programs at the organisation will continue to receive funding; if not, if a public tender process will be considered going forward; and if she will make a statement on the matter. — Mattie McGrath. [19249/20]

*244. To ask the Minister for Rural and Community Development the number of freedom of information requests being processed by her Department; the number that have had the deadline for reply extended; the number at least one week, two weeks. one month and over one month overdue, respectively; and if she will make a statement on the matter. — Mairéad Farrell. [19357/20]

Chun an Aire Talmhaíochta, Bia agus Mara: To the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine.

*245. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine his plans to recruit an animal welfare investigator for County Mayo; and if he will make a statement on the matter. — Alan Dillon. [19230/20] 1425

*246. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if the horticulture sector will be supported; if the mushroom production and processing industry and all related food production entities will have continued access to Irish peat which is an essential raw material for their viability into the future; and if he will make a statement on the matter. — . [19239/20]

*247. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the number of freedom of information requests being processed by his Department; the number that have had the deadline for reply extended; the number at least one week, two weeks. one month and over one month overdue, respectively; and if he will make a statement on the matter. — Mairéad Farrell. [19343/20]

*248. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the progress made to date by the Beef Market Taskforce; the intended role of a Beef Ombudsman; the way in which the role of a same will be of potential benefit to producers; his plans to meet with meat processors and producers; and his views on the effectiveness of the taskforce in producing tangible benefits for beef farmers. — Martin Browne. [19391/20]

*249. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the funding provided in the July stimulus package for the development of Howth Middle Pier in Dublin; the details of the project; and if he will make a statement on the matter. — Seán Haughey. [19493/20]

Chun an Aire Leanaí agus Gnóthaí Óige: To the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs.

*250. To ask the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the number of freedom of information requests being processed by his Department; the number that have had the deadline for reply extended; the number at least one week, two weeks. one month and over one month overdue, respectively; and if he will make a statement on the matter. — Mairéad Farrell. [19345/20]

*251. To ask the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs if he will continue with an investigation or commission a further inquiry into the Tuam babies scandal; if so, if he has considered the use of DNA technology in such an investigation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. — Bríd Smith. [19388/20]

*252. To ask the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs if consideration has been given to providing assistance in the form of additional funding for resources and training to childcare providers to encourage them to continue taking on children under 12 months of age (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. — Alan Farrell. [19394/20]

*253. To ask the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs if his attention has been drawn to the fact that some crèches and childcare facilities are not taking children under the age of one due to Covid-19 which has resulted in parents being required to take unpaid leave from work to take care of their children; if support will be given to parents in such circumstances; and if he will make a statement on the matter. — Seán Haughey. [19397/20]

*254. To ask the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs if crèches are obliged to refund fees paid by parents for the two weeks there was no service since 17 March 2020; and if he will make a statement on the matter. — Jennifer Whitmore. [19439/20]

*255. To ask the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs when the Crowe report will be published and made available; the reason for the delay in publication to date despite the fact that it has been cited as a document that will inform decisions made regarding the childcare sector; and if he will make a statement on the matter. — Jennifer Whitmore. [19443/20]

P.T.O 1426

*256. To ask the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs if a costings process has been carried out on the provision of State-funded insurance for the childcare sector; if his Department has carried out a risk analysis; if so, the findings of same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. — Jennifer Whitmore. [19444/20]

*257. To ask the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs if he has responded to a request to meet with a group (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. — Gary Gannon. [19541/20]

Chun an Aire Dlí agus Cirt agus Comhionannais: To the Minister for Justice and Equality.

*258. To ask the Minister for Justice and Equality if she has responded to a request to meet with a group (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. — Gary Gannon. [19540/20]

*259. To ask the Minister for Justice and Equality the date upon which each direct provision centre or emergency accommodation centre contract expires. — . [20324/20]

*260. To ask the Minister for Justice and Equality if an application for citizenship by a person (details supplied) will be progressed to decision stage; and if she will make a statement on the matter. — . [19238/20]

*261. To ask the Minister for Justice and Equality if her attention has been drawn to a newspaper article (details supplied); when the audit by her Department referred to in the article was carried out; the findings of same; if the report will be published; if no public funds were used to pay the award of €43,470 as outlined in the article; the steps she will take to carry out a further audit to clarify the issue in view of the fact the audit was carried out before the payments were made; if she will continue funding the organisation to manage the community alert and text alert rebate programmes; if not, if she will consider opening the programmes to a competitive tender process; and if she will make a statement on the matter. — Mattie McGrath. [19251/20]

*262. To ask the Minister for Justice and Equality the date on which each direct provision centre or emergency centre contract expires. — Eoin Ó Broin. [19264/20]

*263. To ask the Minister for Justice and Equality when tourist visa applications from the Philippines will be considered by her Department; and if she will make a statement on the matter. — James Browne. [19274/20]

*264. To ask the Minister for Justice and Equality the responsibility of her Department for recording and monitoring passengers entering Ireland; the role her Department plays in relation to the passenger locator form and follow-up calls to passengers; the number and grade of staff allocated for this specific purpose; and if she will make a statement on the matter. — Róisín Shortall. [19277/20]

*265. To ask the Minister for Justice and Equality the number of freedom of information requests being processed by her Department; the number that have had the deadline for reply extended; the number at least one week, two weeks. one month and over one month overdue, respectively; and if she will make a statement on the matter. — Mairéad Farrell. [19355/20] 1427

*266. To ask the Minister for Justice and Equality the breakdown of the cost and number of refugees that have arrived here to date through the community sponsorship initiative. — Joe O’Brien. [19383/20]

*267. To ask the Minister for Justice and Equality if her attention has been drawn to the fact that LocalLink has refused a request to marginally alter their bus route to include direct provision residents in a centre (details supplied); if her Department provides transport provision for these residents; if not, the way in which it is expected that residents can travel to the next town to carry out their daily duties; and if she will make a statement on the matter. — Jennifer Whitmore. [19441/20]

Chun an Aire Sláinte: To the Minister for Health.

*268. To ask the Minister for Health if a Covid-19 testing system will be set up at airports here for persons returning from non-green list countries; and if he will make a statement on the matter. — Colm Burke. [19273/20]

*269. To ask the Minister for Health if an emergency helpline can be set up for carers of those with physical and intellectual disabilities to receive help in emergency situations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. — Neale Richmond. [19376/20]

*270. To ask the Minister for Health the role his Department has in controls at ports and airports in respect of contacting and monitoring travellers entering Ireland; the reason for the delay in his Department taking over this responsibility from the Department of Justice and Equality.; and if he will make a statement on the matter. — Róisín Shortall. [20866/20]

*271. To ask the Minister for Health when nurses offered permanent posts in Roscommon University Hospital in 2019 will be formally appointed; the reason for the delay; if an embargo on appointments has been in place; and if he will make a statement on the matter. — Denis Naughten. [19225/20]

*272. To ask the Minister for Health the number of staff appointed to each hospital in the Saolta Group in the period from March to July 2020; the posts they were appointed to; and if he will make a statement on the matter. — Denis Naughten. [19226/20]

*273. To ask the Minister for Health if deaths of homeless persons are collated nationally; if so, the body or agency that collates same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. — Thomas Gould. [19227/20]

*274. To ask the Minister for Health if deaths of homeless persons are collated in County Cork, specifically, by a body or agency similar to the Dublin Regional Homeless Executive; and if so, the details of the body or agency. — Thomas Gould. [19228/20]

*275. To ask the Minister for Health the number of homeless persons that have passed away in Cork city in each of the years 2010 to 2019 and to date in 2020, in tabular form. — Thomas Gould. [19229/20]

*276. To ask the Minister for Health if he will consider adding individual nations such as Scotland, Wales or dependencies such as the Isle of Man to the green list in view of the differing infection rates within the United Kingdom and the numerous transport links; and if he will make a statement on the matter. — Neale Richmond. [19234/20]

P.T.O 1428

*277. To ask the Minister for Health when State respite services are due to recommence; and if he will make a statement on the matter. — Jackie Cahill. [19237/20]

*278. To ask the Minister for Health if consideration has been given to allow partners to attend scans in maternity hospitals particularly the first scan at 12 weeks and anomaly scans when they take place; and If not, if maternity hospitals are being requested to make decisions on a case-by- case basis to allow partners to attend if the mother has had previously upsetting experience such as a scan ultimately disclosing the loss of a pregnancy. — Joe O’Brien. [19246/20]

*279. To ask the Minister for Health if his attention has been drawn to a shortage of diabetic nurse specialists in Connolly Hospital Blanchardstown; his plans to address the issue; and if he will make a statement on the matter. — Joe O’Brien. [19248/20]

*280. To ask the Minister for Health the status of the development of a new primary health care centre in Greystones, County Wicklow; the stage at which plans are at; the time frame for completion; and if he will make a statement on the matter. — John Brady. [19261/20]

*281. To ask the Minister for Health the status of the development of a new primary health care centre in Baltinglass, County Wicklow; the stage at which plans are at; and the time frame for completion; and if he will make a statement on the matter. — John Brady. [19262/20]

*282. To ask the Minister for Health his plans for the roll out of additional primary health care centres in County Wicklow; and if he will make a statement on the matter. — John Brady. [19263/20]

*283. To ask the Minister for Health the number of children diagnosed with autism and other behavioural conditions such as ADHD and so on in HSE CHO7 that are on the waiting list for the early bird programme, speech and language therapy, psychology and occupational therapy; the average length of time the children will be waiting on the lists for the services in the area; and the number of children on the waiting list. — Eoin Ó Broin. [19265/20]

*284. To ask the Minister for Health if children whose scheduled vaccines were cancelled during Covid-19 will receive them before the beginning of the 2020/2021 school year; if special clinics will be established to deal with the backlog; and if he will make a statement on the matter. — Colm Burke. [19276/20]

*285. To ask the Minister for Health the responsibility of his Department for recording and monitoring passengers entering Ireland; the role his Department plays in relation to the passenger locator form and follow-up calls to passengers; the number and grade of staff allocated for this specific purpose; and if he will make a statement on the matter. — Róisín Shortall. [19278/20]

*286. To ask the Minister for Health if an information technology literacy campaign will be introduced for the elderly to assist them to communicate with loved ones as a result of the changes brought about during Covid-19; and if he will make a statement on the matter. — Colm Burke. [19279/20]

*287. To ask the Minister for Health the number of children under 18 years of age that have an acquired brain injury; the person or body that records data on children with the injury; the national strategy for the rehabilitation of children with the injury; and if such a national strategy exists, the steps being taken to implement the strategy for children with same. — Paul Murphy. [19280/20] 1429

*288. To ask the Minister for Health if he will institute a campaign to assist young persons that have mental health challenges as a result of or exacerbated by Covid-19; and if he will make a statement on the matter. — Colm Burke. [19281/20]

*289. To ask the Minister for Health the provisions that have been made in the regulations which require persons to wear facemasks for those persons that for certifiable medical reasons are unable to wear facemasks. — Paul Murphy. [19339/20]

*290. To ask the Minister for Health when there will be a resumption of day and respite services for those with special needs and the day services provided by a service (details supplied) in County Cork; and if he will make a statement on the matter. — Colm Burke. [19341/20]

*291. To ask the Minister for Health the number of freedom of information requests being processed by his Department; the number that have had the deadline for reply extended; the number at least one week, two weeks. one month and over one month overdue, respectively; and if he will make a statement on the matter. — Mairéad Farrell. [19353/20]

*292. To ask the Minister for Health his plans for the elimination of HPV-related cancers; the strategies that will need to be implemented in the coming twelve months; and if he will make a statement on the matter. — . [19360/20]

*293. To ask the Minister for Health the number of persons under 65 years of age that are residing in public nursing homes nationally in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. — Colm Burke. [19364/20]

*294. To ask the Minister for Health the number of persons under 65 years of age that are residing in private nursing homes nationally in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. — Colm Burke. [19365/20]

*295. To ask the Minister for Health the number of children in each county on the waiting list for speech and language therapy in 2019 and to date in 2020, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. — Pauline Tully. [19366/20]

*296. To ask the Minister for Health the number of children in each county on the waiting list for occupational therapy in 2019 and to date in 2020, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. — Pauline Tully. [19367/20]

*297. To ask the Minister for Health the number of adults in each county on the waiting list for occupational therapy in 2019 and to date in 2020, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. — Pauline Tully. [19368/20]

*298. To ask the Minister for Health the policies and procedures in place regarding hospital car parking charges for healthcare workers during the Covid-19 pandemic; if the measures will return to normal; if so, when it will take place; the efforts made by his Department and the HSE to liaise with local authorities to ensure there are no charges, fees, clamping or fining of the cars of healthcare workers in cases in which they have to park on the street or otherwise do not have parking in hospital car parks; and if he will make a statement on the matter. — David Cullinane. [19370/20]

*299. To ask the Minister for Health the steps being taken to provide a fully resourced diabetes services at University Hospital Limerick for adults with type 1 diabetes; if plans are in place to

P.T.O 1430 employ a full-time dietician and an insulin pump nurse at the hospital; and if he will make a statement on the matter. — Colm Burke. [19371/20]

*300. To ask the Minister for Health the number of patients with type 1 diabetes attending the diabetes service at University Hospital Limerick; the waiting times for those with type 1 diabetes seeking appointments for the service; and if he will make a statement on the matter. — Colm Burke. [19375/20]

*301. To ask the Minister for Health if residential care will be granted to a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. — Neale Richmond. [19378/20]

*302. To ask the Minister for Health if the number of random Covid-19 tests that will be carried out at airports will be a fixed number or a minimum percentage of passengers; the manner of testing proposed; if passengers will be required to wait onsite for test results; if he has considered a similar protocol for each point of entry to the State; and if he will make a statement on the matter. — Brendan Griffin. [18545/20]

*303. To ask the Minister for Health the number of random Covid-19 tests that will be carried out at airports daily; if each passenger will be eligible for such tests including passengers from green zone countries; if the tests will be carried out at each airport; if similar tests will be carried out at seaports; and if he will make a statement on the matter. — Brendan Griffin. [18544/20]

*304. To ask the Minister for Health the decisions that were taken at the meeting of 17 July 2020 of the National Screening Advisory Committee in relation to expanding the blood spot screening programme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. — John Brady. [19399/20]

*305. To ask the Minister for Health the number of children and adults on the dental appointment waiting list in County Wexford; the average waiting time for appointments; and if he will make a statement on the matter. — Johnny Mythen. [19408/20]

*306. To ask the Minister for Health the number of children and adults on the orthodontic waiting lists in County Wexford; the average waiting time for appointments; the number waiting more than six months; and if he will make a statement on the matter. — Johnny Mythen. [19409/20]

*307. To ask the Minister for Health the number of persons waiting on the CAMHS waiting list in County Wexford; the average waiting time; the number waiting more than six months; and if he will make a statement on the matter. — Johnny Mythen. [19410/20]

*308. To ask the Minister for Health the number of children admitted to adult psychiatric units each year in 2018, 2019 and to date in 2020 in the CHO 5 area and the County Wexford area; and if he will make a statement on the matter. — Johnny Mythen. [19411/20]

*309. To ask the Minister for Health the way in which he plans to cease the practise of placing children in adult psychiatric units; and if he will make a statement on the matter. — Johnny Mythen. [19412/20]

*310. To ask the Minister for Health the out of hours mental health services for children and adults in County Wexford; his plans to expand the services; and if he will make a statement on the matter. — Johnny Mythen. [19413/20] 1431

*311. To ask the Minister for Health the number of persons waiting for homecare support in County Wexford; the number of hours allocated in each of the past 12 months in County Wexford; the average number of hours granted to each successful applicant; and if he will make a statement on the matter. — Johnny Mythen. [19414/20]

*312. To ask the Minister for Health the number of persons awaiting a colonoscopy in Wexford General Hospital; the number that have been waiting up to 30, 30 to 60, 60 to 90 and more than 90 days, respectively in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. — Johnny Mythen. [19415/20]

*313. To ask the Minister for Health the number of people awaiting an endoscopy procedure in Wexford General Hospital; the number of these that have been waiting up to 30, 30 to 60, 60 to 90 and more than 90 days, respectively in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. — Johnny Mythen. [19416/20]

*314. To ask the Minister for Health the number of vacancies at Wexford General Hospital; the grade of each vacancy; the length of time of the vacancy in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. — Johnny Mythen. [19417/20]

*315. To ask the Minister for Health the number of persons awaiting a needs assessment in CHO5; the number waiting less than 3, 3 to 6, 6 to 12 and more than 12 months, respectively in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. — Johnny Mythen. [19418/20]

*316. To ask the Minister for Health the number of persons awaiting a speech and language appointment in CHO5; the number that have been waiting less than 3, 3 to 6, 6 to 12 and more than 12 months, respectively in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. — Johnny Mythen. [19419/20]

*317. To ask the Minister for Health the number of persons awaiting an occupational therapy appointment in CHO5; the number who have been waiting less than 3, 3 to 6, 6 to 12 and more than 12 months, respectively in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. — Johnny Mythen. [19420/20]

*318. To ask the Minister for Health the number of persons awaiting a speech and language appointment in CHO5; the number that have been waiting less than 3 months; the number that have been waiting 3, 3 to 6, 6 to 12 and more than 12 months, respectively in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. — Johnny Mythen. [19421/20]

*319. To ask the Minister for Health the number of respite hours provided to families in County Wexford in each of the past 12 months; the number that have been provided each month since March 2020, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. — Johnny Mythen. [19422/20]

*320. To ask the Minister for Health the number of day care centres in County Wexford that have reopened; the number that will be reopened by September 2020; if there are centres that will not be in a position to reopen by September 2020; and if he will make a statement on the matter. — Johnny Mythen. [19423/20]

*321. To ask the Minister for Health the number of day care centres for persons with intellectual disabilities in County Wexford that have submitted applications for funding in order to reopen; the

P.T.O 1432 amount required; the amount allocated to date; the total amount that will be allocated; and if he will make a statement on the matter. — Johnny Mythen. [19424/20]

*322. To ask the Minister for Health the number of persons on the waiting list for ophthalmology in County Wexford; the average waiting time for an appointment in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. — Johnny Mythen. [19425/20]

*323. To ask the Minister for Health the number of persons in County Wexford waiting for an appointment for early intervention by therapy; the number that are waiting less than 6, 6 to 12 and more than 12 months, respectively in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. — Johnny Mythen. [19426/20]

*324. To ask the Minister for Health the details of accommodation hired during Covid-19 (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. — Michael Healy-Rae. [19462/20]

*325. To ask the Minister for Health the number of children and adults on the dental appointment waiting list in Cork city; the average waiting times for appointments; and if he will make a statement on the matter. — Thomas Gould. [19465/20]

*326. To ask the Minister for Health the number of children and adults on the orthodontic waiting lists in Cork city; the average waiting times for appointments; the number waiting more than six months; and if he will make a statement on the matter. — Thomas Gould. [19466/20]

*327. To ask the Minister for Health the number of persons waiting on the CAMHS waiting list in Cork city; the average waiting time; the number waiting more than six months; and if he will make a statement on the matter. — Thomas Gould. [19467/20]

*328. To ask the Minister for Health the number of persons that are waiting for homecare support in Cork city; the number of hours allocated in each of the past 12 months in Cork city; the average number of hours granted to each successful applicant; and if he will make a statement on the matter. — Thomas Gould. [19468/20]

*329. To ask the Minister for Health the number of persons awaiting a colonoscopy in the Mercy Hospital; the number waiting up to 30, 30 to 60, 60 to 90 and more than 90 days, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. — Thomas Gould. [19469/20]

*330. To ask the Minister for Health the number of persons awaiting an endoscopy in the Mercy Hospital; the number waiting up to 30, 30 to 60, 60 to 90 and more than 90 days, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. — Thomas Gould. [19470/20]

*331. To ask the Minister for Health the number of vacancies at the Mercy Hospital; the grade of each vacancy; the length of time of the vacancy in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. — Thomas Gould. [19471/20]

*332. To ask the Minister for Health the number of persons awaiting a needs assessment in the Mercy Hospital; the number waiting less than 3, 3 to 6, 6 to 12 and more than 12 months, respectively in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. — Thomas Gould. [19472/20]

*333. To ask the Minister for Health the number of persons awaiting a speech and language appointment in CHO4; the number waiting less than 3, 3 to 6, 6 to 12 and more than 12 months, 1433 respectively in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. — Thomas Gould. [19473/20]

*334. To ask the Minister for Health the number of persons awaiting an occupational therapy appointment in CHO4; the number waiting less than 3, 3 to 6, 6 to 12 and more than 12 months, respectively in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. — Thomas Gould. [19474/20]

*335. To ask the Minister for Health the number of respite hours provided to families in north central areas of County Cork over each of the past 12 months; the number provided in each month since March 2020; and if he will make a statement on the matter. — Thomas Gould. [19476/20]

*336. To ask the Minister for Health the number of day care centres in north central areas of County Cork that have now reopened; the number that will be reopened by September 2020; the number that will not be in a position to reopen by September 2020; and if he will make a statement on the matter. — Thomas Gould. [19477/20]

*337. To ask the Minister for Health the number of day care centres for persons with intellectual disabilities in north central areas of County Cork that have submitted applications for funding in order to reopen; the amount required; the amount allocated to date by his Department; the amount that will be allocated; and if he will make a statement on the matter. — Thomas Gould. [19478/20]

*338. To ask the Minister for Health the number of persons on the waiting list for ophthalmology in north central areas of County Cork; the average waiting time for an appointment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. — Thomas Gould. [19479/20]

*339. To ask the Minister for Health the number of persons in north central areas of County Cork that are waiting for an appointment for early intervention by therapy; the number that are waiting less than 6, 6 to 12 and more than 12 months, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. — Thomas Gould. [19480/20]

*340. To ask the Minister for Health the number of detoxification and rehabilitation treatment beds by region in each of the years 2010 to 2019 and to date in 2020, in tabular form. — Thomas Gould. [19507/20]

*341. To ask the Minister for Health if a drugs monitoring scheme for distribution of prescribed medicines has been implemented. — Thomas Gould. [19508/20]

*342. To ask the Minister for Health the funding available to prevent gambling addiction; the amount available to treat gambling addiction; and the number of publicly funded treatment places for those specifically suffering from a gambling addiction. — Thomas Gould. [19509/20]

*343. To ask the Minister for Health the number of publicly funded residential care homes for the elderly in Cork city in each of the years 2010 to 2019 and to date in 2020, in tabular form. — Thomas Gould. [19510/20]

*344. To ask the Minister for Health if a replacement service in the community will be opened due to the closure of dental clinics (details supplied). — Thomas Gould. [19511/20]

P.T.O 1434

*345. To ask the Minister for Health if he will ensure day and respite services will be restored for persons with a disability; and if he will make a statement on the matter. — Brendan Smith. [19512/20]

*346. To ask the Minister for Health when services including occupational therapy, speech and language therapy will resume for children with special needs and or a disability; and if he will make a statement on the matter. — Brendan Smith. [19513/20]

*347. To ask the Minister for Health if an application by a person (details supplied) for the treatment abroad scheme for referral to the NHS for treatment of sarcoidosis will be reviewed and expedited on compassionate grounds. — Thomas Gould. [19515/20]

*348. To ask the Minister for Health if the case of a child (details supplied) will be examined. — Paul McAuliffe. [19516/20]

*349. To ask the Minister for Health if the HSE Dublin north west early intervention and primary health care teams have access to dietetics and speech and language therapy services; and if he will make a statement on the matter. — Paul McAuliffe. [19518/20]

*350. To ask the Minister for Health if his attention has been drawn to the fact that residents are being moved out of a nursing home even though no resident has contracted Covid-19 at the home; his views on the move; and if he will make a statement on the matter. — Richard Boyd Barrett. [19525/20]

*351. To ask the Minister for Health if his attention has been drawn to the most recent HIQA report into a nursing home (details supplied); his views on whether the recommendations of the report warrants closure; and if he will make a statement on the matter. — Richard Boyd Barrett. [19526/20]

*352. To ask the Minister for Health his plans for the site a nursing home (details supplied) is located on; if the State will benefit from the future use of the site; if so, the way in which it will benefit; and if he will make a statement on the matter. — Richard Boyd Barrett. [19527/20]

*353. To ask the Minister for Health if he will consider taking a nursing home (details supplied) into public ownership in view of the fact that 80% of the funding for the home comes from the State via the fair deal scheme and the disability grant; and if he will make a statement on the matter. — Richard Boyd Barrett. [19528/20]

*354. To ask the Minister for Health the future arrangements for vulnerable patients (details supplied) in view of the closure of a service on which they relied; the location to which they will be sent; and if he will make a statement on the matter. — Richard Boyd Barrett. [19529/20]

*355. To ask the Minister for Health the steps a religious order (details supplied) is planning to take regarding the land on which a nursing home is built; if his attention has been drawn by the HSE to plans to take over the land; and if he will make a statement on the matter. — Richard Boyd Barrett. [19530/20]

*356. To ask the Minister for Health his views on the takeover of a facility (details supplied) by the HSE in order to preserve the service and retain long-term jobs; and if he will make a statement on the matter. — Richard Boyd Barrett. [19531/20] 1435

*357. To ask the Minister for Health when extra Parkinson’s nurses will be recruited in Leinster in view of the fact there is one nurse per 1,760 persons with the condition which is significantly less than in Northern Ireland or the United Kingdom; and if he will make a statement on the matter. — Neale Richmond. [19534/20]

CEISTEANNA, SEACHAS CEISTEANNA AR SONRAÍODH UAIN DÓIBH, I gCOMHAIR FREAGRA Ó BHÉAL DÉARDAOIN, 30 IÚIL, 2020 QUESTIONS, OTHER THAN QUESTIONS NOMINATED FOR PRIORITY, FOR ORAL ANSWER ON THURSDAY, 30 JULY, 2020

Chun an Aire Oideachais agus Scileanna: To the Minister for Education and Skills.

1. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the details of the proposed Citizen’s Assembly on education; the terms of reference for the assembly; when it is due to meet; and if she will make a statement on the matter. — Aodhán Ó Ríordáin. [19319/20]

2. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the additional resources that will be provided to schools such as a school (details supplied) which will lose one teacher as a result of a slight reduction in pupil numbers in September 2019 which now face arranging a return to school with at least two 35 pupil classes each from a variety of years; and if she will make a statement on the matter. — Bríd Smith. [19298/20]

3. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills her plans to address the shortage of teachers in post-primary schools. — Pádraig O’Sullivan. [19324/20]

4. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the supports being made available to the 39 schools that were directed to establish special classes; and if she will make a statement on the matter. — Jennifer Carroll MacNeill. [19404/20]

5. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the reason for the postponement in publishing the results of the leaving certificate 2020 in view of the fact schools have submitted their information regarding grading on schedule; and if she will make a statement on the matter. — Mick Barry. [19334/20]

6. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the steps being taken to advance the building project for a school (details supplied). — Brian Stanley. [18536/20]

7. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the status of the new building for a school (details supplied); the way in which special needs schools will operate when they reopen in view of to Covid-19; and if she will make a statement on the matter. — Niamh Smyth. [18473/20]

8. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills if the ERSI report Implications of the Covid-19 Pandemic for Policy in Relation to Children and Young People has been reviewed; her views on the implications for education; and if she will make a statement on the matter. — Pa Daly. [19285/20]

9. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the knock-on impact anticipated due to the delayed announcement of the leaving certificate results; and if she will make a statement on the matter. — Rose Conway-Walsh. [19287/20]

P.T.O 1436

10. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the steps that have been taken to establish a special school at a school (details supplied). — Aengus Ó Snodaigh. [19032/20]

11. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills her plans to ensure that young persons not in education, employment or training have appropriate options available to them to re-enter education; and if she will make a statement on the matter. — Michael Moynihan. [19328/20]

12. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the progress being made in securing a site for a school (details supplied); when the school will progress to a permanent home; and if she will make a statement on the matter. — Aindrias Moynihan. [16495/20]

13. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills her plans to significantly reduce class sizes in primary schools in view of the fact that Ireland has the highest-class sizes in Europe and the need for social distancing due to Covid-19. — Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire. [19307/20]

14. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills if detailed plans will be provided of the implementation of the commitment in the Programme for Government to develop inclusive and age-appropriate RSE and SPHE curricula across primary and post-primary levels, including an inclusive programme on LGBTI+ relationships and making appropriate legislative changes, if necessary. — Patrick Costello. [18119/20]

15. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills if she will consider allowing student teachers some days in August and September 2020 to assist teachers and schools in preparing for reopening in view of the fact they missed out on subbing days in May and June in 2020 in addition to valuable teaching experience in the classroom as school placements were cancelled in further view of the fact this would also benefit the school; and if she will make a statement on the matter. — Claire Kerrane. [19331/20]

16. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the details on her moves to regularise the employment rights of school secretaries in line with the demands of a union (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. — Aodhán Ó Ríordáin. [19320/20]

17. Chun a fhiafraí den Aire Oideachais agus Scileanna cathain atá sé i gceist aici beartas a fhoilsiú maidir le hoideachas trí Ghaeilge taobh amuigh den Ghaeltacht; agus an ndéanfaidh sí ráiteas ina thaobh. — Éamon Ó Cuív. [18540/20]

18. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the measures being taken to ensure the operation of the school transport service from 31 August 2020; and if she will make a statement on the matter. — Denis Naughten. [19035/20]

19. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the status of the proposed amalgamation of schools in Kanturk, County Cork. — Michael Moynihan. [19327/20]

20. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the way in which school transport will operate as schools reopen; if transport operators will be provided additional funding accordingly; and if she will make a statement on the matter. — Pearse Doherty. [19406/20]

21. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the provisions in place for immunocompromised students, parents, teachers, teachers that may have immunocompromised children and those that may live with immunocompromised persons; and if she will make a statement on the matter. — Jennifer Carroll MacNeill. [19403/20] 1437

22. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills her plans to provide additional funding to upgrade school buildings in preparation for the reopening of schools. — James Lawless. [19329/20]

23. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the status of the temporary accommodation for a school (details supplied) in Dublin 9. — Paul McAuliffe. [17959/20]

24. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the plans in place to expand the choice in exams in the leaving certificate 2021 in view of the loss in teaching time due to Covid-19; if the alternations will be carried out across subjects in a similar manner; and if she will make a statement on the matter. — Mick Barry. [19333/20]

25. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills her plans to expand second-level school places in Gorey, County Wexford. — Johnny Mythen. [19284/20]

26. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the educational provisions being made for Oberstown Youth Detention Centre in the context of a second wave of Covid-19; and if she will make a statement on the matter. — Alan Farrell. [19401/20]

27. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills if addiction awareness programmes are delivered in schools; the person or body that delivers same; the person or body that decides the content delivered; and if she will make a statement on the matter. — Mark Ward. [17129/20]

28. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills if she will provide additional supports for student well-being when schools reopen. — Christopher O’Sullivan. [19330/20]

29. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills if a call for Ireland will be committed to for the education sector to employ more teachers to permanently reduce the pupil-teacher ratio and source new buildings in order that students can return to school safely in September 2020; if the two-tier pay for teachers will be abolished to ensure that all teachers are treated fairly and are paid on the standard pay scale; and if she will make a statement on the matter. — Richard Boyd Barrett. [19241/20]

30. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills further to Parliamentary Question No. 388 of 21 July 2020, if the decision will be reversed not to grant an exemption for three pupils to allow them to repeat their final year of education in a special needs school (details supplied) in Dublin 22. — Eoin Ó Broin. [19295/20]

31. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the communications she has had in relation to the need to establish a special school for children with learning disabilities in the Dublin 12 committee. — Aengus Ó Snodaigh. [19033/20]

32. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills her plans to facilitate school attendance in autumn 2020; if she has considered the difficulties in relation to very young children entering junior infants and their potential lack of understanding of social distancing practice; and if she will make a statement on the matter. — Brendan Griffin. [19524/20]

33. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the considerations being made by his Department with respect to the RSE curriculum; and if she will make a statement on the matter. — Alan Farrell. [19400/20]

P.T.O 1438

34. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the position regarding the establishment of the technological university of the south-east with the provision of a County Wexford campus; and if she will make a statement on the matter. — James Browne. [16785/20]

35. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills if a moratorium will be placed on proposed reductions in teacher numbers in schools as a result of changes in the number of pupils registered in September 2019 In view of the pressures that the Covid-19 crisis will have on schools; and if she will make a statement on the matter. — Bríd Smith. [19297/20]

36. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills if she will allow discretion for primary schools to reduce the curriculum areas temporarily in the first term of the new school year to allow teachers to give more time to SPHE with a focus on well-being following young children returning to school and the impact that Covid-19 will have had on them; and if she will make a statement on the matter. — Claire Kerrane. [19332/20]

37. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the status of additional school places for Swords, County Dublin; and if she will make a statement on the matter. — Louise O’Reilly. [19291/20]

38. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the measures being taken to ensure the reopening of schools on 31 August 2020; and if she will make a statement on the matter. — Denis Naughten. [19034/20]

39. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the way in which third-level colleges will operate due to Covid-19; her views on whether the quality of degrees will be impacted; if fees will be reduced due to an increased element of online learning; if campus accommodation will be required; if there will be practical elements to courses; if clarity will be provided in relation to same; and if she will make a statement on the matter. — Niamh Smyth. [18474/20]

40. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills if her Department will now have all urgent repair work carried out on a school (details supplied); and if the school will now be included in the school building programme. — Brian Stanley. [18537/20]

41. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the extent to which adequate classroom accommodation remains available at primary and second-level schools nationally with reference to those areas of concentrated population and high pupil-teacher ratios; if she is satisfied that deficiencies in space can be adequately provided for in the short term; and if she will makea statement on the matter. — Bernard J. Durkan. [19317/20]

42. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the number of school building or extension projects in south County Kildare including the Portarlington area; the stage each project is at; the recent progress; the target date for completion; and if she will make a statement on the matter. — Patricia Ryan. [18115/20]

43. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills if school principals will be informed of the arrangements she expects them to put in place the ensure a safe working environment for staff and pupils; if they will be provided with instructions on the way in which to manage the process; if they will be provided with instructions on the type hygiene products and the quantities of such products that need to be purchased; the resources and finances that will be provided to them to give effect to the requirements; when schools will be comprehensively informed of the instructions and supports; and if she will make a statement on the matter. — Martin Browne. [19036/20] 1439

44. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the status of a new school complex (details supplied) at Carrigtwohill, County Cork. — James O’Connor. [19293/20]

45. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills her views on whether underfunding of the educational system by successive Governments resulting in the largest average class size in the EU represents the single biggest obstacle to a safe return to schools which has already been achieved across most of Europe; if the matter will be address on a permanent basis; and if she will make a statement on the matter. — Rose Conway-Walsh. [19288/20]

46. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills if further details will be provided on the capital funding, location and timelines for the development of new school buildings for schools (details supplied). — Eoin Ó Broin. [19296/20]

47. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills her plans to ensure that a project (details supplied) proceeds to the next stage at the earliest possible date due to the need to have additional and upgraded accommodation provided at the school without further delay; and if she will make a statement on the matter. — Brendan Smith. [19314/20]

48. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills if a school (details supplied) will be sanctioned as an ASD specific school for children with complex needs from five years of age and older. — Joan Collins. [19308/20]

49. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the status of the ASD unit promised for a school (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. — Louise O’Reilly. [19290/20]

50. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the degree to which comprehensive preparations are in place to facilitate the return of children to the classrooms at primary and second level after the summer break; if issues have arisen that might need further attention; if she is satisfied that the return to the classroom will be nationwide without exception; and if she will make a statement on the matter. — Bernard J. Durkan. [19315/20]

51. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the status of an application by a school (details supplied) for a purpose-built school building in view of the fact it is temporarily based in unsuitable accommodation. — Thomas Gould. [18122/20]

52. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills if she will address the importance of implementing a scheme on teaching European foreign languages in primary schools to ensure that young persons have the skills necessary in an outward looking workforce; and if she will make a statement on the matter. — Neale Richmond. [18116/20]

53. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the financial assistance available to private school bus operators that have suffered huge losses of earnings due to Covid-19 and are unable to resume services; and if she will make a statement on the matter. — Alan Dillon. [19407/20]

54. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the provision being made for students, teachers or school staff that are immunocompromised and will be concerned regarding the return to schools and that it may not be in accordance with health advice to attend. — Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire. [19303/20]

P.T.O 1440

55. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills when the roadmap for a full return to primary and secondary education will be published; and if she will make a statement on the matter. — Pearse Doherty. [19405/20]

56. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the steps she is taking to address literacy and numeracy levels for students particularly those returning to DEIS schools in cases in which there was a pre-existing gap prior to Covid-19; if this will involve an essential increase in teacher continuous professional development; and if she will make a statement on the matter. — Gary Gannon. [19384/20]

57. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills when the proposed building project for a school (details supplied) will proceed to the next stage; and if she will make a statement on the matter. — Brendan Smith. [19313/20]

58. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills her plans to reduce the burden placed on parents through voluntary contributions. — Pádraig O’Sullivan. [19323/20]

59. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills if support will be provided and or the suggested recourse for schools vetting new non-teaching staff in view of time constraints and the significant administrative burden on schools preparing to reopen; and if she will make a statement on the matter. — Gary Gannon. [19335/20]

60. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills if her attention has been drawn to the predicament facing leaving certificate students with conditional offers to Dutch and other foreign third-level institutions that will be unable to take up their places unless they receive early access to leaving certificate results; and her plans to address such cases. —Aodhán Ó Ríordáin. [19322/20]

61. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the spend by her Department on improving school leadership and in delivering in-service training to teachers; the proportion of teacher payroll which it represents; and her plans to increase that ratio over her term in office in a significant manner. — Richard Bruton. [17962/20]

62. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the training and further education supports that will be put in place as part of the July stimulus to help jobseekers to upskill and reskill; and if she will make a statement on the matter. — Emer Higgins. [18799/20]

63. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the steps being taken to tackle the lack of special school places and places in ASD units nationally; and the way in which she plans to address same for September 2020 when children return to school. — Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire. [19304/20]

64. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills her plans for leaving certificate students wishing to study at UK institutions through UCAS and other institutions outside of Ireland that require their calculated grades in August 2020 to secure their course; and her views on whether alternative plans should be put in place for these students to make sure they do not miss out on their university course. — Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire. [19306/20]

65. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills if it will be ensured that those going to third- level education in September 2020 in blended learning settings will not have to pay the current level of registration fees; and if she will make a statement on the matter. — Richard Boyd Barrett. [19240/20] 1441

66. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills her plans to ensure school principals with teaching hours have the flexibility and support to discharge the additional burden which will placed on them due to Covid-19 protocols. — Aodhán Ó Ríordáin. [19321/20]

67. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the steps she will take to address the digital divide for schools, teachers and students in cases in which there is a lack of access to digital devices and adequate broadband prior to re-opening; her plans to deliver the curriculum in a digital or virtual setting; and if she will make a statement on the matter. — Pa Daly. [19286/20]

68. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills her plans for school reopening in August and September 2020; when schools and teachers will be informed; and when the information in relation to same will be published. — Peadar Tóibín. [19299/20]

69. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the financial package that will be made available to allow primary and secondary schools to open in August and September 2020; if such a package includes finance to enable school building modifications, staff recruitment and specialised classroom sanitation and hygiene; and if she will make a statement on the matter. — Aodhán Ó Ríordáin. [19318/20]

70. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills her plans to introduce additional supports for students with special needs when they return to school in view of the fact that many did not qualify for summer provision and have not had the necessary supports for many months now; and if she will make a statement on the matter. — Neale Richmond. [18117/20]

71. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the status of the procurement of a site for a school (details supplied). — Cathal Crowe. [19326/20]

72. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills if contingency planning has commenced in relation to leaving certificate 2021; if certainty will be provided to leaving certificate 2021 students that they will be able to return to school in autumn 2020 and that the exams will go ahead in June 2021; and if she will make a statement on the matter. — Brendan Griffin. [19523/20]

73. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the arrangements made in relation reopening primary and secondary schools for the autumn 2020 term; and if she will make a statement on the matter. — Éamon Ó Cuív. [18541/20]

74. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the steps she plans to take to ring-fence arrangements for physical education capital projects and to allow unspent grants to be carried forward into the academic year 2020/2021 (details supplied). — Alan Dillon. [19402/20]

75. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills if the mechanism for allocating school bus places will be reviewed in order that students that live on an existing school bus route can access that bus as an eligible user rather than as a concessionary user; and if she will make a statement on the matter. — Pauline Tully. [19294/20]

76. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the status of the acquisition of a site for a school (details supplied). — Cathal Crowe. [19325/20]

77. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills if a reduction in the curriculum for incoming sixth years and changing the leaving certificate examinations in 2021 has been investigated to

P.T.O 1442 reflect the disruption to learning due to the Covid-19 pandemic; and if she will make a statement on the matter. — Gary Gannon. [19336/20]

78. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills if the planned reform of the leaving certificate will be accelerated in view of the changes which are necessary to the conventional curriculum and examination system; and if she will make a statement on the matter. — Richard Bruton. [17961/20]

79. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the status of the review of the school transport scheme (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. — Christopher O’Sullivan. [18548/20]

80. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills if the establishment of a new section for education research and policy within her Department has commenced as stated in the Programme for Government; and the timeline for same. — Patrick Costello. [18118/20]

81. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills if she will meet with public representatives from south central areas of Dublin to discuss the sanctioning of a school (details supplied) as an ASD specific school. — Joan Collins. [19309/20]

82. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills if special consideration will be given to children awaiting an assessment of needs to secure an ASD unit placement in September 2020 in view of the delay in assessments of needs due to the Covid-19 pandemic. — Thomas Gould. [18123/20]

83. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the status the tender and design team for a permanent build of a school (details supplied) in Dublin 9. — Paul McAuliffe. [17960/20]

Wt. 98864. 255. 7/20. Essentra. (84135). Gr. 30-15 Printed on re-cycled paper.