Brendan Smith TD

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.