David Maxwell TD

Asked the Minister for Education and Youth if she is aware of concerns raised by Irish teachers returning from teaching overseas regarding the Teaching Council registration process; the number of applications for registration from teachers qualified and experienced overseas that are currently awaiting determination; the average processing time for such applications over the past three years; whether her Department has engaged with the Teaching Council regarding reported delays, inconsistent registration outcomes and barriers faced by returning Irish teachers; whether consideration is being given to introducing a dedicated registration pathway for Irish teachers returning from recognised education systems abroad; and if she will make a statement on the matter.

Asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science to clarify the Government’s position on student fees, in light of recent media reports suggesting that fees may not be reduced as previously indicated; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Asked the Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport if he will consider measures to ensure that broadband connectivity can be extended to outbuildings, sheds and outhouses that have no assigned Eircode, in recognition of the increasing reliance of farmers on digital technologies for livestock monitoring, farm management systems and security; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he has considered introducing measures to support riding centres in meeting commercial rates liabilities, including the possibility of subsidising such centres or reclassifying them as agricultural rather than commercial; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Asked the Minister for Education and Youth the current status of proposals to acquire lands adjacent to a school (details supplied); to confirm whether her Department is engaged in discussions regarding the potential purchase of these lands; whether funding has been identified for such an acquisition; whether this would facilitate the provision of additional facilities, including a sports hall given the built at the school will be for the betterment of school students for generations to come.

Asked the Minister for Education and Youth to provide an update on the proposed amalgamation of schools (details supplied); the current status of discussions with the respective school patrons and Boards of Management; the proposed timeline for any decision on amalgamation; and the steps her Department is taking to support this process.

Asked the Minister for Education and Youth the current status of the additional school accommodation project for a school (details supplied); the timeline for the next stages of delivery; when further correspondence will issue to the school community, in light of the fact that funding has been formally approved by her Department and planning permission has been granted by Monaghan County Council, and given that the project has been ongoing since 2023.

Asked the Minister for Education and Youth the current status of proposals to acquire lands adjacent to a school (details supplied); if her Department is engaged in discussions regarding the potential purchase of these lands; whether funding has been identified for such an acquisition; and whether this would facilitate the provision of additional facilities, including a sports hall, at the school.; and if she will make a statement on the matter.