Brendan Smith TD

Asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage when the income eligibility limits for social housing in Cavan and Monaghan will be increased.

Asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade for a report on the discussions she has had on legacy issues with the new Secretary of State for Northern Ireland.

Asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade for a report on her attendance at the recent British-Irish Association annual conference.

Asked the Minister for Transport in the event of additional funding being allocated to Local Authorities in the course of the year for the non-national road network, if such additional funding could be left to the discretion of each Local Authority regarding the specific works to be undertaken.

Asked the Minister for Social Protection the reason habitual residency requirements are invoked for an Irish person working abroad and who has to return home at short notice due to illness or change of family circumstances pertaining to the returning person themselves or other family members and may delay processing and approval of a legitimate social protection claim.

Asked the Taoiseach when the Cabinet committee on Northern Ireland will meet next.

Asked the Taoiseach if it is proposed to have an extensive information campaign in advance of Census 2027 emphasising that it is a legal requirement to particulate in the Census; and the penalties that are in place for those who do not participate.

Asked the Minister for Transport the position regarding the development of the vehicle adaptation scheme; when the details of this scheme will be published; and when the scheme will be open for applications.

Asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance if prize bonds are subject to the criteria for dormant accounts.

Asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance to outline the proposals to establish a double taxation agreement with Barbados.

Asked the Minister for Social Protection to provide an update on the dieticians' report on the nutritional standards for the hot school meals scheme.

Asked the Minister for Social Protection the number of people in Cavan Monaghan that are eligible for Fuel Allowance.

Asked the Minister for Transport when a project will proceed to the next stage (details supplied).

Asked the Minister for Transport if he will ensure that increased funding will be provided in 2027 for the non national road network taking into account the urgent need for road improvements and upgrading work in County Cavan and County Monaghan, given the huge dependency in both counties on this road network with a small percentage of the road network having a national road status.

Asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance his views on widely expressed concerns of long-term holders of prize bonds in relation to the inadequate current variable rate of interest and also taking into account that the holders of such bonds have invested long term in such State schemes with benefits to this State

Asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if the government has considered utilizing accumulated surplus balances in the National Training Fund to address identified structural funding deficits in the higher education sector; and whether exceptional arrangements have been examined to allow such funding to be deployed outside of existing departmental budgetary expenditure ceilings.

Asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if the full cost of pay awards arising under Government-approved national pay agreements will be provided through recurring core grant funding to higher education institutions in 2027; and whether this will include funding to address recognised legacy shortfalls associated with previous pay agreements.

Asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if he will give detailed consideration to the requests outlined by a national organisation (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Asked the Minister for Transport if his Department will consider introducing additional local link routes in Cavan and Monaghan; and if such additional services will be introduced for the remainder of 2026 and in 2027.

Asked the Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport if he is aware of concerns about geoblocking for listeners (details supplied) in this State considering that a Memorandum of Understanding was signed by the British Secretary of State and the Minister for Communications in February 2010 which provided for the widespread availability of services in this State.

Asked the Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport if his attention has been drawn to the widespread concerns in Northern Ireland in relation to limited access to RTÉ channels for many viewers with further difficulties emerging with the availability of television streaming services; if he is also aware of the concerns of viewers in this State particularly in border counties such as Cavan and Monaghan due to the non availability of access to the player platforms of channels (details supplied) which traditionally have been popular channels in such areas.

Asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science further to Parliamentary Question No's 6899/26 and 50256/26 to confirm that Cavan/Monaghan ETB's FET College Major Capital Project will be developed at one location on land currently occupied by a college (details supplied); to further confirm this project will advance at pace; and if he will outline the timeframe for the appointment of a design team.

Asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment the up-to-date position in relation to the implementation of additional legislative measures to protect electricity transmission lines and enable the establishment of forestry corridors; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment if it is proposed to implement additional measures that would assist in the reduction of littering in public places and along roads throughout the country; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Asked the Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport when details of the Community Sports Facility Fund will be announced; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Asked the Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport the outcome of his discussions with representatives of associations (details supplied) in relation to their integration plans; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if financial support will be provided to farmers in respect of the purchasing of chemical fertiliser.

Asked the Taoiseach the research and studies undertaken to date and underway at present in relation to the provision of public services and the potential for further industrial and economic development on an all-Ireland basis commissioned directly by the Shared Island Unit of his Department and/or commissioned by other departments or statutory agencies and funded through that initiative.

Asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment further to Parliamentary Question No. 8 of 11 June 2026, the current position in relation to the introduction of legalisation regarding ESB lines and forestry corridors.

Asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment if there is a co-ordinated programme across Government at local and national level to ensure the use of public buildings for the installation of solar panels.

Asked the Minister for Transport the provisions in place to expedite the issuing of replacement driving licences for returning emigrants who require their licences for work.

Asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment his views of the recent report of the Government's Cost of Business Advisory Forum and if it is proposed to implement the measures identified in that report.

Asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment the measures that will be implemented to safeguard employment across all sectors of the economy due to the period of uncertainty that he recently referred to following the substantial investment in and or expansion of in the AI industry.

Asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment if additional financial support will be made available to local authorities and community groups to develop enterprise centres or work spaces, taking in to account the importance of such facilities in assisting job creation, particularly in smaller towns and villages; if he is aware of the substantial costs on local authorities and community groups in developing such centres at present, which impacts severely on councils with a low rates base; if his Department and the statutory agencies under the remit of his Department will give this request further urgent consideration.

Asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment if, in view of the importance of developing enterprise centres and work spaces, a new scheme of grant-aid will be introduced to assist local authorities and community groups with such developments, taking into account the importance of such work spaces for the economy in all regions.

Asked the Minister for Education and Youth if she will ensure that school transport capacity will be increased with immediate effect taking into account the serious difficulties facing many families where inadequate capacity is depriving students of transport and given that many of these students had transport in previous school years.

Asked the Minister for Education and Youth when it is proposed to implement the terms of the School Transport Review to reduce distance criteria and expand eligibility.

Asked the Minister for Social Protection if he will review the eligibility process for carer's allowance/disability allowance in cases where domiciliary care allowance has been discontinued due to the child turning 16 years-of-age.

Asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration the proposals there are to roll out new CCTV schemes in Cavan and Monaghan in view of the value of these schemes in strengthening local crime prevention and community safety.

Asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration the proposals to intensify cross-Border collaboration to deal with criminality with particular reference to the increasing prevalence of illegal drugs throughout the Island.

Asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration the proposals to establish new youth diversion projects in Cavan and Monaghan.

Asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if cross-Government measures will be introduced to reduce the sale of land to non-farming interests and particularly large-scale businesses with specific reference to the need to support small farm holders, who may wish to buy neighbouring farm land to help make their holdings viable.

Asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he proposes to introduce additional measures to assist in reducing the sale of farm land to non-farming interests, and particularly large-scale businesses, with specific reference to the need to provide more support to small farm holders who may wish to buy neighbouring farm land for farming purposes when such options arise.

Asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will consider the issues outlined in correspondence and in a detailed submission from a national organisation concerning CAP funding post 2027 (details supplied).

Asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the proposals he has put forward at EU Agriculture Council in relation to the need to provide for a properly funded CAP post 2027.

Asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage in light of the increase in fire deaths in recent years the proposals in place to support local authorities in promoting fire safety for households including the maintenance and regular testing of alarms and addressing risks from lithium-ion batteries in e-bikes and e-scooters; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Asked the Minister for Health the safety measures being taken in relation to the products on offer from vape shops and specifically HHC products; and if she will make a statement on the matter.

Asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht the preferred timeframe for the issue of approvals under the acquisition measure of the town and village renewal scheme.

Asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if she will raise with the new Secretary of State for Northern Ireland the need to progress without delay the proposals in the joint framework on legacy issues; and if she will make a statement on the matter.

Asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if she will raise with the new Secretary of State for Northern Ireland the need for the UK Government to respond in a meaningful way to the unanimous requests of the Oireachtas in relation to the need to ensure comprehensive investigations into atrocities including the Dublin and Monaghan bombings and other criminal incidents in the border region; and if she will make a statement on the matter.

Asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the supports available to assist the Undocumented Irish in the United States who face particular difficulties concerning their status; and if she will make a statement on the matter.

Asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if there are proposals under consideration in the United States at present in relation to the need to provide a legal pathway for undocumented Irish emigrants such as the inclusion of Ireland in the E-3 non- immigrant visa programme; and if she will make a statement on the matter.

Asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance to give detailed consideration to the proposals outlined by a national organisation (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance if he will give detailed consideration to a submission from a national body (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Asked the Taoiseach the timeline for the holding of Census 2027; when the preliminary results are due to be published.

Asked the Minister for Education and Youth when a school building project will proceed to the next stage ( details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter.

Asked the Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport the timeframe to announce details of the next Community Sports Facilities Fund; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if further funding will be provided for projects (details supplied) to enable the upgrading of infrastructure; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration the progress to date in the provision of a refuge centre in County Cavan for victims of domestic abuse; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration the progress to date in providing a refuge centre in County Monaghan for victims of domestic abuse; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if there were discussions at the recent EU Agriculture Council concerning the funding of CAP post 2027 and the need to ensure adequate financial resources for same in view of its importance for the farming and agri-food sector, rural development and food security; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine when it is expected that PGI status will be approved in respect of boxty; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine to Parliamentary Question No. 826 of 19 May 2026, if his Department has concluded its overall response to the report referred to in that reply; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine following his Department's commissioning of independent scientific research on the native Irish honeybee if he proposes to implement legislative measures to protect this important element of our natural heritage and assist in supporting the future of wild bee populations, beekeeping and honey production here.

Asked the Minister for Education and Youth when the next round of approvals will issue under the summer works scheme; and if she will make a statement on the matter.

Asked the Minister for Education and Youth if she will ensure that a building project for a school (details supplied) will proceed to the next stage at an early date in view of the urgent need to provide much needed additional permanent accommodation; and if she will make a statement on the matter.

Asked the Minister for Defence if her Department has carried out an evaluation of the extent to which accommodation issues may be a factor in recruitment and retention in the Defence Forces; and if she will make a statement on the matter.

Asked the Minister for Defence if she will report on the planned €400 million investment in Defence Forces infrastructure under the revised NDP.

Asked the Minister for Transport the proposals there are to enhance services in an area (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Asked the Minister for Transport if it is proposed to provide new park and ride facilities on the N3/M3 in counties Cavan and Meath; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Asked the Minister for Education and Youth the proposals to increase capacity at a school (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter.

Asked the Minister for Education and Youth when a proposed building project for a school (details supplied) will progress to the next stage; and if she will make a statement on the matter.

Asked the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality the current status of a project (details supplied); if she will ensure that this project moves to the next stage at the earliest possible date in view of the urgent need for the project; and if she will make a statement on the matter.

Asked the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality the progress to date in recruiting therapists for disability services in Cavan and Monaghan in view of the long delays for children with additional needs in accessing essential supports; and if she will make a statement on the matter.

Asked the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality the measures that will be implemented to increase childcare capacity in areas such as Cavan town where parents are experiencing difficulty in children getting placements; and if she will make a statement on the matter.

Asked the Minister for Health the progress to date in improving ambulance waiting times in the north-east including in Cavan-Monaghan; and if she will make a statement on the matter.

Asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht if consideration will be given to the allocation of additional funding for the local improvement scheme for Cavan and Monaghan in 2026, given the urgent need to reduce waiting times for such essential road improvement works; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Asked the Taoiseach if he will report on his recent meeting with the Spanish Prime Minister.

Asked the Taoiseach if he will report on his recent engagement with trade union and employer representatives at the Labour Employer Economic Forum.

Asked the Taoiseach when the Cabinet committee on Children and Education will next meet.

Asked the Taoiseach if he will raise directly with the President of Egypt the urgent and serious concerns of an Irish family (details supplied).

Asked the Taoiseach the issues discussed at the 45th summit meeting of the British-Irish Council in Guernsey on 10 July 2026.

Asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the range of topics covered and the outcome of her discussions in Cork with the Members of the European Commission; and if she will make a statement on the matter.

Asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if there has been any recent discussion in EU Councils on Foreign Affairs or in other fora regarding the persecution of Christians around the world; and if she will make a statement on the matter.

Asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the issues discussed at the 45th summit meeting of the British-Irish Council in Guernsey on 10 July 2026; and if she will make a statement on the matter.

Asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment the range of topics covered and the outcome of his discussions in Cork with Members of the European Commission; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Asked the Minister for Transport the range of topics covered and the outcome of his discussions in Cork with Members of the European Commission; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance the range of topics covered and the outcome of his discussions in Cork with the Members of the European Commission; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance if he will give detailed consideration to the Budget 2027 proposals of a national organisation (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance the measures being implemented to ensure that employment is protected and the branch network maintained in the process of the sale of an organisation (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation the range of topics covered and the outcome of his discussions in Cork with Members of the European Commission; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment the range of topics covered and the outcome of his discussions in Cork with the Members of the European Commission; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Asked the Minister for Education and Youth when the application for additional permanent accommodation at a school (details supplied) will be progressed to the next stage; and if she will make a statement on the matter.

Asked the Minister for Education and Youth the range of topics covered and the outcome of her discussions in Cork with the Members of the European Commission; and if she will make a statement on the matter.

Asked the Minister for Education and Youth if she will ensure that additional funding is provided for youth services in 2027; and if she will make a statement on the matter.

Asked the Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport the range of topics covered and the outcome of his discussions in Cork with the Members of the European Commission; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the range of topics covered and the outcome of his discussions in Cork with Members of the European Commission; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Asked the Minister for Social Protection the range of topics covered and the outcome of his discussions in Cork with Members of the European Commission; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration the range of topics covered and the outcome of his discussions in Cork with Members of the European Commission; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the range of topics covered and the outcome of his discussions in Cork with the Members of the European Commission; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Asked the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality the range of topics covered and the outcome of her discussions in Cork with Members of the European Commission; and if she will make a statement on the matter.

Asked the Minister for Health when the next national cancer strategy will be published; and if she will make a statement on the matter.

Asked the Minister for Health the progress in recruiting staff outside this State for employment in the HSE to provide a range of healthcare services; and if she will make a statement on the matter.

Asked the Minister for Health the range of topics covered and the outcome of her discussions in Cork with the Members of the European Commission; and if she will make a statement on the matter.

Asked the Minister for Health if she will give detailed consideration to nudget 2027 proposals by an organisation (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter.

Asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the range of topics covered and the outcome of his discussions in Cork with Members of the European Commission; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht the range of topics covered and the outcome of his discussions in Cork with Members of the European Commission; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht the timeline for the issue of approvals under the acquisition measure of the town and village renewal scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht the expected timeline for the publication of details of the new SÍOL Programme and opening of applications for this new initiative; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Asked the Minister for Health if consideration will be given to the introduction of new tests as approved by the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence in Britain (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter.

Asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the progress to date in reviewing forestry setbacks and corridors in relation to the safeguarding of the electricity and energy networks, the timeline for the publication and implementation of new regulations; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the outcome of his most recent discussions at the Agriculture Council and with members of the commission in relation to the need to ensure that adequate funding is provided for CAP post-2027; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Asked the Minister for Health when a project (details supplied) will proceed to the next stage; the level of new and upgraded facilities that will be provided; and if she will make a statement on the matter.

Asked the Minister for Health further to Parliamentary Question No. 2466 of 13 January 2026, the progress to date in developing a new service in Cavan/Monaghan; and if she will make a statement on the matter.

Asked the Minister for Education and Youth f approval will issue in respect of a new service for a school (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter.

Asked the Minister for Education and Youth if a new service has been extended to schools (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter.

Asked the Taoiseach the range of topics covered and the outcome of his discussions in Cork with the President of the European Commission.

Asked the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality if she will ensure that measures are implemented without delay to improve inadequate services and put in place adequate residential places and supports for persons with an intellectual disability; and if she will make a statement on the matter.

Asked the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality if she will give detailed consideration to the issues raised in the 2027 pre-Budget submission of a national association (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter.

Asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation if it is proposed to intensify the level of co-operation on a cross-Border basis in relation to flooding and draining issues; if there are specific proposals to deal with flooding difficulties in County Cavan caused by the river Erne; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation the progress to date in advancing a proposal to have a successor to the Peace Plus Programme; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the support the Government can and is providing to Venezuela following the tragic earthquake they experienced on the 24 June 2026; and if she will make a statement on the matter.

Asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the additional measures that will be implemented to intensify collaboration and delivery of further and higher education on a cross-border and all-Ireland basis; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade for an update on her engagement with the UK government to ensure that the measures announced in the Legacy of the Troubles: A Joint Framework are implemented in both jurisdictions; and if she will make a statement on the matter.

Asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if she will report on her engagement with the UK government regarding the Dublin and Monaghan bombings; and if she will make a statement on the matter.

Asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the progress that will be made in 2026 and 2027 in delivering upgrades and new accommodation for the Further Education Sector; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration if he has had any recent discussions with his counterpart in the Northern Ireland Executive in relation to the introduction of additional measures to counteract cross-Border criminality; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration if he will outline the proposals there are to increase the emphasis on community policing, which is a very highly regarded policing measure in communities throughout the country; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if her attention has been drawn to United Nations Security Council Resolution 2797 (31.10.2025), which reaffirms Morocco's autonomy plan as the optimal solution within the Moroccan sovereignty; if in line with Ireland's strong commitment to multilateralism, the Government is considering an updated assessment of its current position on Western Sahara; and if she will make a statement on the matter.

Asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if her attention has been drawn to the recent expressions of support within the European Union for Morocco's autonomy plan as a credible and pragmatic basis for resolving the Western Sahara dispute; whether the Government intends to consider the EU stance; and if she will make a statement on the matter.

Asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if she has considered the diplomatic efforts undertaken (details supplied) to facilitate negotiations aimed at advancing the implementation of United Nations Security Council Resolution 2797 concerning the Western Sahara issue; whether Ireland has engaged with these initiatives; and if she will make a statement on the matter.

Asked the Minister for Education and Youth if she is satisfied that there is an adequate number of Gaelcholáistí across the country, and therefore an adequate number of young people with the sufficient language skills, to ensure that 20% of recruits to the public sector will be competent in the Irish language by the end of 2030.

Asked the Minister for Education and Youth the supports available for establishing a Gaelcholáiste.

Asked the Minister for Education and Youth the supports available for a secondary school wishing to transition to a Gaelcholáiste.

Asked the Minister for Education and Youth her Department’s plans to assist in meeting the target of 20% of recruits to the public sector to be competent in the Irish language by the end of 2030.

Asked the Minister for Education and Youth if she is satisfied that there is an adequate number of Irish language medium schools across the country, and therefore an adequate number of young people with the sufficient language skills, to ensure that 20% of recruits to the public sector will be competent in the Irish language by the end of 2030.

Asked the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality if services will be established at an early date (details supplied) in view of the large number of parents seeking such services for their children; and if she will make a statement on the matter.

Asked the Minister for Health if better healthcare information and services and a comprehensive public health campaign will be introduced in respect of a debilitating condition (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter.

Asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science when the recommendations of the Labour Court will be implemented (details supplied); if he will ensure that the payments due to employees will be back dated to the time recommended by the Labour Court; if this matter will be finalised without further delay; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science when a Department decision will be implemented by a statutory agency (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he will consider introducing a specific scheme of investment in water and sewerage services in smaller towns and villages which would enable housing and other developments, taking into account that such locations have in most instances good infrastructure in areas such as education, sport and community facilities; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage when it is proposed to increase the income eligibility limits for social housing in areas such as Cavan and Monaghan; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Asked the Taoiseach if he will report on the recent UK-Ireland summit.

Asked the Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport the outcome of his most recent discussions at EU level in relation to the introduction of social media restrictions for children which are urgently needed; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Asked the Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport to outline the proposals to advance the introduction of social media restrictions for children during the Irish Presidency of the EU; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Asked the Minister for Social Protection his plans to provide increased flexibility to local community employment schemes; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Asked the Minister for Social Protection the number of carers in Cavan and Monaghan that are currently in receipt of the carer’s allowance; the equivalent figures for each county in 2020; the further increase in the numbers of recipients he expects in each when forthcoming changes to income disregards take effect; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Asked the Minister for Transport when a project will proceed to the next stage (details supplied), taking into account the absolute need for this new infrastructure to be put in place as soon as possible; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Asked the Minister for Transport if his Department will consider introducing additional Local Link routes in Cavan and Monaghan; if such additional services will be introduced in 2026 and 2027; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment Ireland’s position on an EU proposal to phase out the use of lead in shotgun cartridges (details supplied) given the views of a national organisation; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine further to Parliamentary Question No. 326 of 10 April 2025, and the commitments made to review forestry setbacks and corridors in relation to the safeguarding of the electrical network, the reason replanting of forestry is being allowed at present, that will clearly not conform with the new regulations and also taking into account that forestry in such locations caused damage to transmission lines previously which impacted severely on many rural communities; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Asked the Minister for Social Protection the scale of payments under the back-to-school clothing and footwear allowance; the equivalent figures for each county in 2020; the expected further increase in the numbers of recipients; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine further to Parliamentary Question No. 326 of 10 April 2025, the progress made in reviewing forestry setbacks and corridors in relation to the safeguarding of the electrical network and updating forestry related requirements; when the new regulations will be published and implemented; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he is aware of widespread concerns in some rural communities that replanting of forestry is continuing close to critical infrastructure such as electricity lines which will inevitably cause further problems for the electricity network in the future as evidenced by the widespread damage caused to transmission lines by falling trees particularly in recent years following storms; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine when it is proposed to amend legislation and regulations in relation to forestry, taking into account the widespread concerns of communities regarding power outages which have occurred as a direct result of trees falling on power lines and telecommunication lines; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment the specific additional financial supports that will be introduced in 2026 and 2027 to assist in the development of enterprise centres in view of their importance in providing workspace for start-up businesses and SMEs, and the contribution from same to the overall economy particularly in rural areas; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment in view of the importance of enterprise centres in providing workspace for start-up businesses and SMEs, the incentives and grant aid available for such developments; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Asked the Minister for Social Protection the arrangements with other countries to check if persons in receipt of payments from his Department are not in employment outside this jurisdiction; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment the timeline to enact the Electricity (Supply) (Amendment) Bill 2025; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Asked the Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport the expected timeline for the opening of the next Community Sports Facilities Fund; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Asked the Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport if he will consider increasing the level of grant aid in the next Community Sports Facilities Fund taking into account the substantial increase in construction costs since the last round of grants were approved; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Asked the Minister for Transport the plans in place to increase the number of EV charging points throughout the country and in Cavan Monaghan; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Asked the Minister for Education and Youth if a special class will be approved for a school (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter.

Asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration further to Parliamentary Question No. 501 of 20 November 2025, if he will give an update on the current position regarding an investigation into the Belturbet bombing of December 1972; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Asked the Minister for Health if the shingles vaccine will be provided free of charge for patients with multiple myeloma as sought by an organisation (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter.

Asked the Minister for Defence her plans to review the structure of the Army following the Commission on the Defence Forces; and if she will make a statement on the matter.

Asked the Minister for Defence the current position regarding the implementation of the recommendations of the Commission on the Defence Forces; and if she will make a statement on the matter.

Asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will ensure that adequate funding will be provided to enable all eligible applications under TAMS to obtain approval to proceed with work; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Asked the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality further to Parliamentary Question No. 360 of 5 February 2026, the present status of this project (details supplied); when it will proceed to the next stage; and if she will make a statement on the matter.

Asked the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality the measures that will be implemented without further delay to improve services for children with additional needs (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter.

Asked the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality the progress to date in addressing severe deficiencies in the provision of services for children with additional needs (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter.

Asked the Minister for Education and Youth the position regarding the issue of a sanction letter for assistive technology support for a student (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter.

Asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation the progress to date in advancing the proposal to establish a successor programme to the Peace Plus Programme; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation if additional funding will be provided for small scale and large drainage scheme projects in 2026; his proposals for 2027, taking into account the value of smaller scale flood mitigation works; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Asked the Minister for Education and Youth if she will ensure that approval issues at an early date in respect of a building project for a school (details supplied) taking into account the accommodation needs of this school which have been outlined clearly to the Department and that the school is seeking basic accommodation and replacement of a much outdated prefab which was, in effect, a multi-purpose room; and if she will make a statement on the matter.

Asked the Minister for Education and Youth if she plans to introduce additional measures and incentives to facilitate the establishment of Gaelscoileanna and Gaelcholáistí; and if she will make a statement on the matter.

Asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will give urgent consideration to the introduction of grant aid for landowners to remove roadside trees that have ash dieback disease and pose a danger to public safety taking into account the substantial costs in removing such trees; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Asked the Taoiseach if he will report on the work of the shared island unit in his Department.

Asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment if an employee working as a live-in carer may have a deduction made from their wages in respect of bed and board; and if so, what constitutes a reasonable deduction; if there is a prescribed limit or cap; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment if a non-EEA national, specifically a carer from India, may be granted an employment permit where the employer is a private individual; the criteria for such applications; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he will give detailed consideration to the issues raised in correspondence from a local authority (details supplied).

Asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the works that will be undertaken this year and planned for 2026 on a restoration project (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the current status of the review of the memorandum of understanding between the NARCG and NPWS; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage when it is proposed to reinstate the Sustainable Hunting of Wild Birds Forum; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade for a report on her attendance at the thirty-first plenary meeting of the North-South Ministerial Council on 8 May 2026; and if she will make a statement on the matter.

Asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the way in which she is engaging with the UK Government to ensure that the measures announced in The Legacy of the Troubles: A Joint Framework are faithfully implemented in both jurisdictions; and if she will make a statement on the matter.

Asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht the level of funding provided for the local improvement scheme in 2026; if further consideration will be given to the provision of additional funding in 2026 for this scheme (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht when details of the next outdoor recreation investment scheme will be announced; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht the expected timeline for the publication of the new "Our Rural Future" Strategy to be published; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Asked the Taoiseach when the Cabinet committee on Northern Ireland will meet next.

Asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the level of bi-lateral Ireland/Taiwan trade on an annual basis 2020-2025; the measures that will be introduced to support an increase in such trade; and if she will make a statement on the matter.

Asked the Minister for Social Protection if a person on disability allowance and in receipt of a free travel pass, on taking up employment will have no restrictions on retaining this travel pass as they have a long-term disability; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine when he proposes to introduce legislative measures as requested by beekeeping organisations (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration if he will outline the issues discussed at the most recent cross-Border police conference on organised and serious crime; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration the outcome of the most recent discussions he has had with the Minister for Justice in the Northern Ireland Executive in relation to effectively tackling cross-Border crime; if it is proposed to introduce new initiatives to strengthen existing collaboration; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if simplification of schemes and a reduction in paper work for farmers will be a key priority policy issue during Ireland’s Presidency of the EU; the discussions he has had to date with the Commission and with other Member States; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the progress to date at EU Council discussions in relation to the need to ensure that adequate funding is provided for CAP in the next Multiannual Financial Framework; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Asked the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality the criteria applicable for access to respite services (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter.

Asked the Minister for Health the measures she will implement to ensure there are no disruptions to the National Ambulance Service throughout the country; and if she will make a statement on the matter.

Asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science when the proposed major building project at Cavan Institute will proceed to the next stage; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if he will outline the projects in the Further and Higher Education Sector that will progress under his Department's Capital Programme in 2026; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment the timeline to enact the Electricity (Supply) (Amendment) Bill 2025; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Asked the Minister for Health if she will ensure that the views outlined by an association (details supplied) will be adequately provided for in the next National Drugs Strategy; taking into account that similar views and requests have been expressed by other organisations; and if she will make a statement on the matter.

Asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if he will outline the roll that the Grangegorman Development Agency will undertake in developing capital projects in the Further Education Sector; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Asked the Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport if there will be increased levels of grant aid in the next community sports facilities fund scheme, taking into account the substantial increase in construction costs since the last round of grants were approved; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Asked the Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport when details of the next community sport facilities fund will be announced; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Asked the Minister for Defence in view of the deterioration in the geopolitical environment, if consideration will be given to the establishment of forward operating bases in areas which are distant from Army barracks and also considering the long land border we have with a neighbouring jurisdiction; and if she will make a statement on the matter.

Asked the Minister for Defence the progress made to date on reviewing the structure of the Army, taking into account the recommendation of the Commission on the Defence Forces; and if she will make a statement on the matter.

Asked the Minister for Education and Youth to give urgent consideration to correspondence received from a school (details supplied), particularly in view of the long delay of this application; and if she will make a statement on the matter.

Asked the Minister for Education and Youth to give urgent consideration to correspondence received from a school (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter.

Asked the Minister for Education and Youth to give urgent consideration to correspondence received from a school (details supplied), particularly in light of the long delay of the application; and if she will make a statement on the matter.

Asked the Minister for Social Protection if assistance is available under the additional needs payments scheme to assist persons to meet essential household costs (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Asked the Minister for Social Protection the number of additional needs payments issued to date in 2026 nationally, and in Cavan and Monaghan; the number for the equivalent period in 2025; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Asked the Minister for Transport the progress to date in rolling out a local area hackney scheme; if further consideration will be given to the provision of hackney services in rural communities where it is not feasible to have a bus service; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Asked the Minister for Transport the supports that will be provided towards the provision of hackney services in rural communities where it is not feasible to have a bus service; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration the progress to date in providing new services (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the measures that will be introduced to support farmers due to the substantial increase in costs over recent months resulting in financial pressures on the farming community; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Asked the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality the criteria for access to respite services (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter.

Asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment in view of recent increase in energy costs if it is proposed to make amendments to the recent home energy upgrade grant schemes announced by the SEAI in January 2026; if so, the timeframe for same; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Asked the Minister for Health if she is aware of concerns raised by an organisation (details supplied) in relation to the limited consultant neurology outreach available in Cavan General Hospital; and if she will commit funding to increase this in line with the 2016 Model of Care for Neurology Services in Ireland and the current Programme for Government.

Asked the Minister for Health further to Parliamentary Question No. 1677 of 18 March 2026, the progress to date in finalising a strategy; when same will be published; and if she will make a statement on the matter.

Asked the Minister for Education and Youth if further progress has been made to date in developing a model for smaller schools that, due to their size, do not meet the threshold of six pupils with special needs in order to have a special class sanctioned; and if she will make a statement on the matter.

Asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance the measures that will be introduced to reduce the costs of kerosene home heating oil taking into account the additional financial pressures on households due to the increased costs of such fuel; if he will make a statement on the matter.

Asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment the progress to date in ensuring that online platforms put in place appropriate and proportionate measures that provide a high level of privacy, safety, and security for minors; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration the proposals he has to increase resources for community Garda policing, which is a very highly regarded policing measure in communities throughout the country; if consideration will be given to the provision of additional resources for community policing to an area (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance if he plans to review the excise rates on green diesel to help farmers and agri-contractors; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance further to Parliamentary Question No. 92 of 5 November 2025, if he will ensure that employment is protected and the branch network retained in the event of the sale of an organisation (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Asked the Minister for Health the progress to date in recruiting additional dentists and improving public dental services In Cavan and Monaghan; and if she will make a statement on the matter.

Asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if there has been any discussion at recent EU Foreign Affairs Councils regarding the persecution of Christians around the world; and if she will make a statement on the matter.

Asked the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality when applications for the next building block scheme will be open; and if she will make a statement on the matter.

Asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance in view of the severe hardship and difficulties caused for most sectors, including households, farms, hauliers, bus operators, businesses in general and employees, if additional measures will be introduced as a matter of urgency to assist people with the severe increases in energy costs; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance if he will reduce taxation levels on businesses and employees in view of the current financial pressures due to increased costs; if it is proposed to lower excise rates on energy products; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Asked the Minister for Defence in view of the publication of the National Maritime Security Strategy, if provision is being made for substantial investment in the navy including ships and equipment; and if she will make a statement on the matter.

Asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance if measures will be introduced without delay to reduce the costs of green diesel for farmers and agricultural contractors in view of the serious increase in such costs and the resultant financial pressures on the farming community; and if he will make a statement on the matter.