Paul Lawless TD

Asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if she will provide an update on the recall of Irish passports issued between 23 December 2025 and 6 January 2026; the number of affected passport holders; the arrangements in place for the reissue of recalled passports; whether persons required to return recalled passports are being charged any additional fee for replacement passports; if so, the rationale for such charges; and if she will make a statement on the matter.

Asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the target payment date operated by his Department for each CAP-supported scheme, including BISS, CRISS, Eco-Scheme, ANC, ACRES and TAMS, this year and in each of the last five years; the percentage of applicants paid by the target date in each case; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine whether his Department has undertaken any assessment of the impact of delays in processing grant applications on project costs arising from inflation, contractor availability and material price increases; whether any such analysis has been carried out in relation to TAMS; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the number of participants in ACRES who experienced delays in receiving payments in each of the years 2023, 2024, 2025 and to date in 2026; the number of participants awaiting payment for more than four weeks, eight weeks, 12 weeks and 24 weeks beyond the scheduled payment date; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the number of applicants under BISS, CRISS and Eco-Scheme who had not received their full scheme payment within four, eight, 12 and 24 weeks of the commencement of payments in each of the years 2022, 2023, 2024, 2025 and to date in 2026; the value of payments outstanding at those dates; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the longest, shortest and average processing time recorded for approved TAMS applications in each of the years 2022, 2023, 2024, 2025 and to date in 2026; the reasons for significant delays; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the average time taken to process and determine applications under TAMS in each of the years 2022, 2023, 2024, 2025 and to date in 2026; the number of applications in each year that took longer than 12 weeks, 24 weeks, 36 weeks and 52 weeks respectively to determine; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Asked the Minister for Health the current staffing levels in hospital laboratory services, including haematology, microbiology and biochemistry departments, in each acute hospital; the number of laboratory staff rostered for overnight and out-of-hours on-call services; the number of vacant laboratory posts nationwide; and the measures being taken to ensure adequate staffing levels and rest periods for staff working extended shifts.

Asked the Minister for Health whether the HSE has examined the introduction or expansion of routine blood sampling at patient triage in emergency departments to ensure laboratory results are available at the time of first medical assessment; the hospitals in which such a model is currently in operation; the evaluation undertaken regarding its impact on patient waiting times and flow through emergency departments; and if she will make a statement on the matter.

Asked the Minister for Health whether an assessment has been carried out at Mayo University Hospital regarding the potential for blood samples to be taken at triage in the emergency department in advance of medical assessment; the estimated impact such a process could have on patient waiting times; and whether consideration is being given to implementing such a measure as a cost neutral service improvement.

Asked the Minister for Health whether consideration is being given to introducing a policy whereby blood samples are taken as early as possible during a patient's attendance at an emergency department, including at triage where appropriate, so that blood test results are available during the patient's initial medical assessment; whether this has been identified as a means of reducing delays associated with waiting for laboratory results and repeat medical reviews; and if she will make a statement on the matter.

Asked the Minister for Health whether an assessment has been carried out at Mayo University Hospital regarding the routine taking of blood samples at the point of triage in the emergency department; whether it is estimated that having blood results available at the patient's first consultation with a doctor could reduce waiting times and the need for multiple medical reviews; and if she will make a statement on the matter.

Asked the Minister for Health the steps being taken to maintain and improve physiotherapy services at Swinford Hospital, County Mayo, in light of reports of a recent reduction in physiotherapy staffing levels and the potential loss of administrative support staff; whether the HSE has assessed the effect such staffing changes may have on patient access, waiting times and service delivery in the Swinford catchment area; and if she will make a statement on the matter.

Asked the Minister for Health if she is aware of reports that administrative staff within the physiotherapy department at Swinford Hospital, County Mayo, are due to be made redundant or reassigned; the rationale for this decision; the impact assessment that has been carried out regarding the transfer of administrative duties to physiotherapy staff; and if she will make a statement on the matter.

Asked the Minister for Health the timeline of reinstating psychology services for older persons in Ballina, county Mayo, which were withdrawn by the HSE; the measures being taken to restore the service; and if she will make a statement on the matter.

Asked the Minister for Health the reasons the HSE withdrew psychology services for older persons in Ballina, county Mayo; when the decision to discontinue the service was made; the consultation undertaken with service users and stakeholders prior to its withdrawal; and if she will make a statement on the matter.

Asked the Minister for Health whether commitments were given by the HSE that psychology services for older persons in Ballina, county Mayo, would be reinstated following their withdrawal; if so, when those commitments were made; the reasons the service has not yet been restored; and the timeframe for its reinstatement.

Asked the Minister for Health the number of clinical training placements, supervised clinical training posts, teaching clinics, training chairs and other placement capacity available for medicine, dentistry, pharmacy, physiotherapy and veterinary medicine in each of the years from 2021 to date in 2026; and if she will make a statement on the matter.

Asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science whether his Department, the Higher Education Authority, or agencies under his remit have undertaken an assessment of whether the allocation of places to non-EU students in medicine, dentistry, pharmacy, physiotherapy or veterinary medicine has reduced the number of places available to Irish students; if such assessments have been undertaken, to provide copies; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the number of Irish/EU and non-EU students enrolled in graduate entry veterinary medicine at University College Dublin in each academic year since 2017/2018; the annual tuition fee charged to each category; whether additional publicly funded EU places have been considered; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science whether he is satisfied that the current balance between EU and non-EU undergraduate medical students at the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland aligns with national workforce planning objectives; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science whether the 612 additional healthcare education places announced in August 2026 are restricted to Irish and EU students; if not, the number that may be allocated to non-EU students; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science further to Parliamentary Question No. 788 of 14 May 2026 relating to pharmacy student numbers, to provide an update on the tabular data referred to; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science further to Parliamentary Question No. 787 of 14 May 2026, to provide an update on the dentistry enrolment table referenced; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the annual tuition fees charged to non-EU students in medicine, dentistry, pharmacy, physiotherapy and veterinary medicine programmes in each higher education institution for each of the years from 2021-2022 to 2026-2027; whether this information has been sought from the institutions; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the approved intake capacity and number of available first-year places, as distinct from actual enrolments, for medicine, dentistry, pharmacy, physiotherapy and veterinary medicine programmes in each higher education institution in each academic year from 2021-2022 to 2026-2027; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the number of Irish citizens, excluding other EU, UK and Northern Ireland students, enrolled in first year medicine, dentistry, pharmacy, physiotherapy and veterinary medicine programmes in each higher education institution in each academic year from 2021-2022 to 2025-2026; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Asked the Minister for Transport the number of collisions involving trains in Ireland in each of the past ten years.

Asked the Minister for Social Protection the total number of persons combined who are actively claiming job seekers benefit, job seekers allowance and job-seekers pay related benefit; and if he will outline trends over the past five years such as whether more or less people are claiming unemployment-related social welfare this year compared to previous years; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Asked the Minister for Social Protection if there has been an increase in the number of persons qualifying for the carers allowance on each of the occasions when the qualification threshold has been relaxed, or each occasion where the income disregard has increased; and if he will outline the number of new persons successfully claiming the allowance after each change to the criteria.

Asked the Minister for Social Protection the number of persons claiming job-seekers allowance who are new to Ireland and have never worked in Ireland prior to claiming the allowance; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Asked the Minister for Social Protection the number of persons who have applied for the job seekers allowance or job seekers benefit who listed their previous employment as farming; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Asked the Minister for Social Protection if the new cost-of-disability payment being rolled out by his Department will be means tested based on a partner’s income, in the same fashion that the carers allowance was; if he has met with disability rights groups regarding the matter; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Asked the Minister for Transport the protocols which are in place when a train is late departing its departure station; the way in which the information regarding the delay is communicated to the various stations where that train will subsequently be late arriving and to the other trains using the same line, and to the mechanisms operating level crossings around the country; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Asked the Minister for Transport if driving licence fees, learner permit fees, or driving test fees are waived, reduced, or paid on an applicant's behalf by his Department, the Road Safety Authority, or any other State body for asylum seekers or refugees; if so, the legal or administrative basis for this; the annual cost in each year since asylum seekers became eligible to apply for a driving licence; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Asked the Minister for Transport the number of driving licence and/or learner permit applications received nationally from asylum seekers and refugees in each of the years 2022 and to date in 2026; the number of those applications approved, refused, or still pending; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Asked the Minister for Transport the average driving test waiting time at each Road Safety Authority driving test centre nationally, for each of the years 2022, 2023, 2024, 2025 and to date in 2026, identifying the centre with the highest and the centre with the lowest waiting time in each of those years, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Asked the Minister for Transport if he will provide, in tabular format, the number of driving licence and learner permit applications processed at each National Driver Licence Service centre nationally, broken down by application type (for example first learner permit, licence renewal, exchange of a foreign licence, and replacement of a lost or stolen licence), for each of the years 2022, 2023, 2024, 2025 and to date in 2026; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Asked the Minister for Transport if he has engaged with Mayo County Council regarding traffic congestion issues in Ballyhaunis, County Mayo, particularly at the Clare Street junction; whether consideration has been given to undertaking a feasibility assessment for the installation of traffic lights at this location; whether any traffic counts or traffic management reviews are planned for Ballyhaunis town centre in 2026 or 2027; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance if he will advise whether a review of the help to buy scheme is currently planned; whether consideration is being given to revising the eligibility criteria, particularly the requirement that applicants obtain a mortgage at or above a specified percentage of the property's value; and whether consideration has been given to the difficulties this requirement creates for lower-income earners and self-build applicants who may qualify for smaller loans (details supplied).

Asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration the number of deportation orders that have been revoked by his Department in each of the past ten years; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration the number of judicial reviews that were undertaken by asylum seekers against IPAT rulings for each of the past five years; the cost to the State in terms of free legal aid for those taking the judicial reviews and also for those defending against these judicial reviews, for each of the past five years.

Asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration the current Garda strength assigned to the Mayo Garda Division, including community policing personnel; the number of Garda vacancies in the division; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration the measures being taken to address repeat offending and anti social behaviour in towns and rural communities; the number of persons convicted of repeat theft and public order offences in each of the past five years; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration To ask the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration if the Department, or any agency under the Department's aegis, funds, part-funds, or reimburses driving lessons, driving instructor fees, or driving test fees for asylum seekers or refugees; if so, the name of the scheme, its eligibility criteria, the total spend in each year since the scheme began, and the number of individuals assisted in each year; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Asked the Minister for Health the protocols in place for the care and supervision of patients presenting with acute psychosis while awaiting psychiatric assessment in emergency departments; the supports available to family members accompanying such patients; and whether her Department is reviewing these arrangements with a view to improving patient safety and dignity during prolonged waits for assessment.

Asked the Minister for Health the facilities available at Mayo University Hospital for patients presenting in an acute mental health crisis, including those experiencing psychosis; the number of dedicated mental health assessment rooms available; whether additional facilities are planned (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter.

Asked the Minister for Health the average waiting time for psychiatric assessment for persons presenting with acute psychosis or other acute mental health crises at the Emergency Department of Mayo University Hospital in each of the past three years; the longest wait recorded during this period; and if she will make a statement on the matter.

Asked the Minister for Health the average and longest waiting times from diagnosis of a cerebral aneurysm to definitive treatment in each of the past five years; and if she will make a statement on the matter.

Asked the Minister for Health the average and longest waiting times from diagnosis of a cerebral aneurysm to definitive treatment in each of the past five years; and if she will make a statement on the matter.

Asked the Minister for Health the number of cerebral angiogram procedures cancelled at Beaumont Hospital in each of the past five years due to a lack of available inpatient or recovery beds; the number of patients whose procedure was cancelled on more than one occasion; and if she will make a statement on the matter.

Asked the Minister for Health if she is aware of concerns raised by families affected by paediatric acute-onset neuropsychiatric syndrome and paediatric autoimmune neuropsychiatric disorders associated with streptococcal infections; whether consideration is being given to the development of clinical guidance or care pathways for affected children; whether officials from her Department, the HSE, or relevant clinical specialties will attend forthcoming educational and awareness events relating to these conditions; and if she will make a statement on the matter.

Asked the Minister for Health if she is aware of reports that approximately 88 intern nurses (details supplied) were interviewed for nursing positions in Galway University Hospital in 2026, but that fewer than ten were offered employment; if she will clarify the number interviewed; the number offered positions; the number currently awaiting contracts or confirmed start dates; and if she will make a statement on the matter.

Asked the Minister for Health the number of newly qualified nurses who completed their internships in 2026 and subsequently applied for nursing positions within the HSE; the number offered temporary and permanent posts respectively; and if she will make a statement on the matter.

Asked the Minister for Health what measures are being taken to ensure that nurses who successfully complete internship programmes within the HSE are provided with opportunities to continue their careers within the public health service, her plans to improve the retention of newly qualified nurses in view of ongoing recruitment and staffing pressures across hospitals; and if she will make a statement on the matter.

Asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance whether any lands owned by an organisation (details supplied) are included on Residential Zoned Land Tax maps; the number and area of such lands; whether Residential Zoned Land Tax has been assessed or is payable in respect of those lands; the amount assessed or payable in each year since the introduction of the tax; whether any exemptions, exclusions, submissions or appeals have been made in respect of those lands; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance the extent to which the practicality of electric vehicle usage for workers operating in rural and regional areas was examined prior to changes being made to company car benefit-in-kind reliefs; whether concerns regarding journey distances, charging availability and charging downtime were considered; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance whether, in advance of Budget 2027, consideration is being given to retaining, extending or modifying the €10,000 original market value reduction for benefit-in-kind purposes in recognition of the continuing lack of adequate charging infrastructure and limited electric vehicle suitability for many rural employees; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance whether consideration is being given to a review of benefit-in-kind arrangements for employees residing in rural areas who are required to undertake significant business mileage and who have limited access to suitable electric vehicle charging infrastructure; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will provide details of halal slaughter and processing activity taking place in a factory (details supplied); the number and type of animals slaughtered in accordance with halal requirements in each of the past five years; the total tonnage of meat produced from such slaughter; the meat processing plants or slaughter facilities involved; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Asked the Minister for Health the number of patients from County Mayo transferred from Mayo University Hospital to other hospitals due to bed capacity constraints in each of the past three years and to date in 2026; the hospitals to which patients were transferred; and if she will make a statement on the matter.

Asked the Minister for Health the total annual cost to the HSE of providing uniforms to Healthcare Assistants over the past five years, in tabular form; whether any assessment has been undertaken of the financial impact on staff of requiring them to purchase their own uniforms; and if she will provide details of any consultation undertaken with recognised trade unions prior to any decision to discontinue the provision of uniforms.

Asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment if his attention has been drawn to a report issued by the Irish Fiscal Advisory Council titled the Hidden Costs of Inaction July 2026, which warned of the costs Ireland will face in financial penalties if we fail to meet our climate targets; if he will outline the likely costs; and the margin by which costs are projected to be missed.

Asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment the total amount of funding transferred from the NORA levy to the Climate Action Fund (CAF) in each of the years from 2020 to 2025; the projected transfer for 2026; the total annual expenditure drawn down from CAF over the same period; the current unspent balance remaining in the fund’s account; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Asked the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality the number of children currently waiting on an assessment of need under the Disability Act 2005, by county; and the longest length of time a child currently on the list has been waiting for an assessment.

Asked the Minister for Social Protection if she will outline the financial supports currently available to assist low-income households with healthcare-related access costs, including travel and accommodation expenses associated with attending medical appointments or receiving treatment; if she will provide details of any eligibility criteria and application processes for such supports; if consideration is being given to expanding these supports in light of the increased cost burden on households accessing healthcare services; and if she will make a statement on the matter.

Asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht the reason the annual €3,000 grant scheme for men's sheds was not made available this year; the reason for its discontinuation; whether any alternative funding supports have been put in place for men's sheds; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Asked the Taoiseach when the Cabinet Committee on Housing will next meet.

Asked the Minister for Transport if he will request Iarnród Éireann and the Railway Safety Commission to carry out an urgent review of the crossing at Kiltybo, Ballyhaunis, County Mayo following the fatal collision between a train and a car at the crossing on 3 September 2026; if he will consider having the existing crossing replaced with a fully automated barrier crossing with appropriate warning systems and safety measures at similar crossings; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Asked the Minister for Transport if he is aware of concerns raised by residents of Lacken, County Mayo regarding increased aircraft noise and reports of low-flying aircraft since 16 August 2026; whether any noise impact assessment has been conducted in respect of the area; if the Irish Aviation Authority has received complaints relating to aircraft noise over Lacken; and the measures that can be taken to mitigate the impact on local residents.

Asked the Minister for Transport the number of flights that have crossed over or in the immediate vicinity of Lacken, County Mayo since 16 August 2026; the daily and weekly average number of flights recorded during this period; whether the Irish Aviation Authority has undertaken any monitoring of air traffic movements in the area; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Asked the Minister for Transport the reason a number of flight routes were amended from 16 August 2026 resulting in aircraft operating over the village of Lacken, County Mayo; whether these changes are temporary or permanent in nature; which authority approved the amendments; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Asked the Minister for Transport the number of daily services in each direction on the Ballina to Galway corridor that the National Transport Authority determined would be required following the withdrawal of Expressway Route 52; whether the authority is satisfied that the current level of service on the corridor meets the needs identified in its determination report; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Asked the Minister for Transport whether the National Transport Authority has assessed passenger demand and capacity on the Ballina to Galway corridor since the withdrawal of Expressway Route 52 on 24 May 2026; whether reports of passengers being unable to board services due to capacity constraints have been examined; and the measures planned to increase capacity and service frequency on the corridor.

Asked the Minister for Transport if Irish Rail plans to replace user-operated gated level crossings with automatic barriers, bridges, or other grade separated solutions and if he will provide a timeline for any proposed works, particularly at crossings in County Mayo.

Asked the Minister for Transport the number of user-operated railway crossings currently in operation on the national rail network; the number identified as high risk by Irish Rail; and the measures being taken to improve safety at these locations.

Asked the Minister for Transport whether he has requested a review of all user-operated railway level crossings nationwide following recent fatal incidents; and if he will provide details of any such review.

Asked the Minister for Transport whether consideration will be given to revisiting previously approved infrastructure proposals for the replacement of level crossings at Knockaphunta (XM250) and Kilnageer (XM240) in County Mayo, where planning permission for bridge infrastructure was previously granted but the projects did not proceed.

Asked the Minister for Transport if the National Transport Authority has assessed passenger demand and capacity on the Ballina to Galway corridor since the withdrawal of Expressway Route 52 on 24 May 2026; if reports of passengers being unable to board services due to capacity constraints have been examined; and the measures that are planned to increase capacity and service frequency on the corridor.

Asked the Minister for Transport the number of daily services in each direction on the Ballina to Galway corridor that the National Transport Authority determined would be required following the withdrawal of Expressway Route 52; whether the authority is satisfied that the current level of service on the corridor meets the needs identified in its determination report; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Asked the Minister for Education and Youth if she will review the case of a teacher (details supplied); and if she will outline the measures being considered to retain experienced teachers in the profession, particularly in rural schools, amid the ongoing teacher shortage.

Asked the Minister for Health if she is aware of serious concerns raised by a patient regarding standards of care, patient dignity, privacy and infection prevention practices in the surgical day ward at Mayo University Hospital following surgery on 13 August 2026; whether the HSE has investigated these allegations; if any breaches of patient dignity, privacy or infection control procedures were identified; the actions that have been taken as a result; and if she will make a statement on the matter.

Asked the Minister for Health whether the HSE maintains records of consultants working outside their registered speciality; the number of such consultants currently employed in each acute hospital; and whether any review has been undertaken of the practice at Mayo University Hospital since 2021.

Asked the Minister for Health the number of nursing vacancies currently approved in Mayo University Hospital; and the number currently filled.

Asked the Minister for Health the number of nurses recruited to Mayo University Hospital in each of the years 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024, 2025 and to date in 2026, broken down by permanent, temporary and agency appointments.

Asked the Minister for Health if she is aware of complaints regarding care standards, patient dignity and infection control practices at Mayo University Hospital following surgery on 13 August 2026; whether a patient was required to change for surgery in a public toilet due to bed shortages; whether concerns regarding post-operative supervision, privacy during wound examinations and infection prevention procedures have been investigated; the findings of any such investigation; and if she will make a statement on the matter.

Asked the Minister for Health the number of newly qualified nurses who applied for nursing positions in Mayo University Hospital in each of the past five years who were interviewed and offered employment.

Asked the Minister for Health the number of student nurses who graduated from nursing programmes in County Mayo in each of the past five years; and the number who subsequently obtained employment in Mayo University Hospital.

Asked the Minister for Health if the HSE permits multi-task attendants (grade 6015) to undertake the duties of theatre operatives (grade 6013) within acute hospitals; if such arrangements are in place at Mayo University Hospital; and if she will make a statement on the matter.

Asked the Minister for Health whether the HSE has received reports, complaints, industrial relation concerns or patient safety concerns regarding multi task attendants covering theatre operative duties at Mayo University Hospital; and if she will make a statement on the matter.

Asked the Minister for Health the training, competency assessment and governance requirements that must be met before a staff member who is not employed as a theatre operative can perform duties within an operating theatre environment; and if she will make a statement on the matter.

Asked the Minister for Health the current staffing levels in the surgical day ward at Mayo University Hospital compared with approved levels; the number of complaints received in 2026 concerning patient supervision, discharge procedures and complaint handling; whether a review has been undertaken following reports of patients being discharged without written discharge information or adequate post-operative support; and the actions being taken to address these concerns.

Asked the Minister for Health if she is aware of complaints regarding care standards, patient dignity and infection control practices at Mayo University Hospital following a surgery on 13 August 2026 (details supplied); whether a patient was required to change for surgery in a public toilet due to bed shortages; whether concerns regarding post-operative supervision, privacy during wound examinations and infection prevention procedures have been investigated; the findings of any such investigation; and if she will make a statement on the matter.

Asked the Minister for Health the number of healthcare assistants rostered on night duty in the emergency department of Mayo University Hospital on each night over the past 12 months; whether a staffing review has been conducted regarding overnight healthcare assistant cover in the department; and if she will make a statement on the matter.

Asked the Minister for Health if she is aware of concerns regarding staff fatigue and burnout arising from staffing levels in the emergency department of Mayo University Hospital, particularly during night shifts; whether an assessment has been undertaken of the impact of staffing levels on patient safety and staff wellbeing; and if she will make a statement on the matter.

Asked the Minister for Health the staffing levels in microbiology, haematology and related laboratory services at Mayo University Hospital during overnight hours; whether the HSE has assessed the impact of laboratory staffing levels on turnaround times for infectious disease testing, including COVID-19 and influenza testing; and if she will make a statement on the matter.

Asked the Minister for Health the protocols in place at Mayo University Hospital regarding the transfer of admitted patients from the emergency department to inpatient wards during overnight hours; whether restrictions apply to the movement of patients to available ward beds overnight; and the measures being taken to improve patient flow and reduce overcrowding in the Emergency Department.

Asked the Minister for Health the mechanisms that are available to staff in Mayo University Hospital to raise concerns regarding patient safety, staffing levels and workplace practices; the protections available to employees who raise such concerns; whether the HSE has reviewed compliance with its protected disclosure and speaking-up policies in the hospital; and if she will make a statement on the matter.

Asked the Minister for Health the number of people who have been removed from a GP patient list in each of the past five years, by county; the measures in place to support patients who cannot secure a place with another GP; and if she will make a statement on the matter.

Asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science whether education and training boards, micro-credential programmes, lifelong learning initiatives or other further education and training funding streams may be utilised to support the delivery of specialist programmes in areas such as apiculture and pollinator conservation; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science whether his Department has assessed the impact of funding pressures within the higher education sector on the viability of specialist or niche programmes, particularly those relating to biodiversity, environmental sustainability and rural skills development; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the measures being taken by his Department to address the funding shortfall facing higher education institutions; the impact this shortfall is having on continuing and adult education programmes; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the funding mechanisms that exist or are planned to support specialist educational programmes which contribute to national biodiversity, pollinator protection and environmental sustainability objectives, including programmes in apiculture; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if his attention has been drawn to the suspension of the Diploma in Apiculture programme at the University of Galway; whether any engagement has taken place between his Department and the university regarding the future provision of apiculture education; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Asked the Minister for Health if she is will to provide an update on the case of a person (details supplied); if she is aware that the patient was advised by that on 8 September 2026 that appointments were being cancelled due to a lack of available beds; the number of appointments cancelled on that date; the reasons; the steps being taken to reschedule affected patients as a matter of urgency; and if she will make a statement on the matter.

Asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if she will review the passport online photograph verification process in light of reports from applicants whose photographs were accepted by the online system at submission stage but subsequently rejected during manual examination, causing delays and additional inconvenience; whether her Department has assessed the frequency of such occurrences; and the steps being taken to ensure greater consistency between automated and manual verification processes.

Asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment whether he is satisfied that recyclable cardboard collected by licensed waste operators is being handled in a manner consistent with public guidance given to households that wet or contaminated cardboard is not suitable for recycling; whether his attention has been drawn to reports of cardboard being stored outdoors at waste and recycling facilities, including transfer stations, where it may become wet and contaminated; whether inspections of such facilities assess the impact of outdoor storage on the quality of recyclable materials; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Asked the Minister for Transport if his attention has been drawn to the limited frequency of intercity rail services between Dublin Heuston and Westport, particularly the absence of a mid-morning weekday service; if he will engage with Iarnród Éireann to examine the feasibility of introducing an additional service, potentially departing Heuston around 11:00am, to improve connectivity for passengers travelling to Mayo and the west of Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Asked the Minister for Transport if, following the recent renewal of the NDLS contract with a company for a further three-year period, he will provide clarity regarding the long term employment security of staff working in NDLS centres nationwide; if he will confirm whether TUPE protections apply in the event that a different service provider is awarded the contract in the future; and the safeguards in place to protect the employment rights, continuity of service, and terms and conditions of existing NDLS staff (details supplied).

Asked the Minister for Transport if his Department has considered introducing a public awareness campaign highlighting the dangers of pedestrians using mobile phones and being distracted while crossing roads (details supplied; if data is available on pedestrian collisions where mobile phone distraction was identified as a contributing factor; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Asked the Minister for Transport if he will provide an update on the proposed Ballinrobe Bypass project in County Mayo, the current status of the scheme; the timeline for progressing planning and development; and if he is aware of concerns that the prolonged uncertainty surrounding the proposed route is restricting local residents from obtaining planning permission for housing developments in the affected areas.

Asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance if he will provide a breakdown of the €225 fee charged in cases where Revenue enforcement proceedings are initiated through a sheriff or debt collection process; if this fee reflects the cost of issuing a demand letter alone or includes other actions; whether he is satisfied that a charge of €225 is proportionate in circumstances where taxpayers subsequently discharge the outstanding liability immediately upon receipt of the demand; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance if he accepts that genuine farmers may be exposed to residential zoned land tax liabilities despite not seeking residential zoning, continuing agricultural use of their lands and having no realistic prospect of immediate development or sale; if he considers this outcome consistent with the policy objectives of the tax; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance if the Revenue Commissioners have issued guidance regarding the treatment of lands in active agricultural use that are subject to residential zoned land tax; and whether consideration will be given to publishing further guidance for farmers affected by the tax.

Asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance the number of residential zoned land tax exemptions claimed arising from rezoning requests in each year since the introduction of the tax; the number granted and refused, in tabular form.

Asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance if he has considered the position of landowners who wish to dispose of residentially zoned lands but are unable to do so due to limited demand in rural towns and villages; whether the residential zoned land tax legislation provides any relief in such circumstances; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance if consideration has been given to introducing a specific exemption, relief or deferral from residential zoned land tax for landowners actively engaged in farming where the lands remain in bona fide agricultural use notwithstanding their residential zoning status; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance whether his Department is undertaking, or plans to undertake, a review of the help to buy scheme; whether consideration is being given to reducing or amending the minimum loan-to-value mortgage requirement for eligibility under the scheme to assist first-time buyers and self-build applicants who are unable to secure borrowing at the current threshold despite having planning permission and financing in place; whether retrospective measures have been considered for applicants who were excluded under the existing criteria; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance whether a review of the help-to-buy scheme is currently planned; whether consideration is being given to revising the eligibility criteria, particularly the requirement that applicants obtain a mortgage at or above a specified percentage of the property's value; whether consideration has been given to the difficulties this requirement creates for lower-income earners and self-build applicants who may qualify for smaller loans; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Asked the Minister for Education and Youth the reason access to the primary school supplementary redeployment panel is determined by diocesan panel areas (details supplied); her views on whether this arrangement is fair to teachers who move diocese during their career; and if she will make a statement on the matter.

Asked the Minister for Education and Youth if her attention has been drawn to the fact that, under the rules governing the Supplementary Redeployment Panel Circular 0074/2025, only a teacher's reckonable service since their last date of permanent or CID service is counted, and that service given in a different diocesan panel area does not transfer when a teacher returns to their home diocese; if she considers this to be an equitable outcome for teachers who gain experience outside their home diocese, for example in Dublin, before returning to teach in County Mayo; and if she will make a statement on the matter.

Asked the Minister for Education and Youth if she will review the diocesan basis of the primary teacher redeployment and supplementary panel system, with a view to recognising a teacher's reckonable service on a more consistent basis rather than confining it to a single diocesan panel area, given the disadvantage this current system creates for teachers who gain experience outside their home diocese before returning; and if she will make a statement on the matter.

Asked the Minister for Education and Youth if the State Examinations Commission (SEC) will confirm whether the rules and procedures governing the responsibilities of Exam Aides and Superintendents are set out in the relevant handbooks; whether those guidelines provide for the granting of additional time where issues arise during an examination; and if she will make a statement on the matter.

Asked the Minister for Education and Youth if the State Examinations Commission (SEC) will clarify whether exam aides are required to be present throughout examination sittings; the procedures to be followed where uncertainty or issues arise during an examination; and whether SEC officials may be contacted for guidance or clarification in such circumstances; and if she will make a statement on the matter.

Asked the Minister for Education and Youth if the State Examinations Commission (SEC) will clarify whether exam aides are employed directly by the SEC; the role and responsibilities of an exam aide during State examinations; and if she will make a statement on the matter.

Asked the Minister for Social Protection the way in which the revised nutritional standards under the Hot School Meals Programme will ensure that children with sensory issues, ARFID, and other specialised dietary needs can continue to access suitable meals; whether plain meal options will remain available to such children; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Asked the Minister for Social Protection the enforcement measures that will apply where suppliers continue to offer foods deemed non-compliant with revised nutritional standards under the Hot School Meals Programme; whether his Department will publish an implementation and enforcement timetable; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Asked the Minister for Social Protection the way in which suppliers participating in the Hot School Meals Programme are expected to ensure compliance with revised nutritional standards where final standards have not yet been formally communicated; the measures being taken to ensure those standards are applied consistently across all suppliers; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Asked the Minister for Social Protection the nutritional standards that will apply to suppliers participating in the Hot School Meals Programme from September 2026; when the final revised standards will be issued to suppliers; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration the number of Garda transfer applications received, approved and implemented; the average and median time taken from receipt of an application to approval; the average and median time taken from approval to implementation; the number of applications currently awaiting a decision; the number approved but awaiting implementation, in each of the past five years, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration the number of Garda members seeking transfers into and out of each Garda Division; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration the number of members of An Garda Síochána who currently have active transfer applications; the average waiting time for completion of a transfer application by Garda Division; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration the current status of the contract for the provision of IPAS accommodation at a facility (details supplied); whether the contract review has concluded; the date on which the current contract expires; whether a decision has been made regarding its renewal; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration whether any complaints have been received by IPAS, the accommodation provider or his Department relating to waste management, litter, vermin, environmental health or public health issues associated with the operation of the IPAS accommodation centre at a facility (details supplied) since 1 January 2026; the actions that have been taken in response to any such complaints; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration the projected accommodation profile for future residents proposed to be accommodated at a facility (details supplied); whether it is intended that future placements will consist primarily of single adult males, single adult females, families, families with children, or a combination thereof; the anticipated nationality or countries of origin of those proposed future residents; whether any change in the resident profile is envisaged as part of any contract renewal or revised accommodation arrangements; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration the current breakdown of accommodation profile of residents accommodated at a facility (details supplied); whether current placements consist primarily of single adult males, single adult females, families, families with children, or a combination thereof; the nationality or countries of origin of those proposed future residents; whether any change in the resident profile is envisaged as part of any contract renewal or revised accommodation arrangements; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration the current breakdown of residents accommodated at a facility (details supplied) by category, including the number of single adult males, single adult females, families and children and their nationality; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration the assessment that has been undertaken of the impact of the IPAS accommodation centre at a facility (details supplied), on local services and infrastructure, including healthcare, policing, education and community services; the engagement that has taken place with local stakeholders regarding any increase in occupancy at the facility; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration the number of inspections carried out by officials of his Department or IPAS at a facility (details supplied) since 1 January 2026; whether any issues relating to security, health and safety, management, safeguarding or contractual compliance were identified; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration the security arrangements currently in place at the IPAS accommodation centre at a facility (details supplied); whether private security personnel are employed at the facility; whether residents are undertaking any security, gate management or access-control functions; whether such practices are permitted under department contracts; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration the current number of international protection applicants accommodated at a facility (details supplied); the maximum contracted capacity of the facility; the number of arrivals accommodated there since 1 May 2026; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine to provide, for each year from 2018 to 2025 inclusive, all surveillance data sets, reports, tables and underlying figures held by his Department relating to transmissible spongiform encephalopathies (TSEs) in the national sheep flock, including but not limited to; the number of cases of classical scrapie detected; the number of cases of atypical scrapie detected; the total number of sheep tested for TSEs; and the categories of sheep tested (details supplied); the geographical distribution of detected cases by county, where available; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the total cost incurred by his Department in relation to enforcement operations involving the destruction of cattle in each of the past five years, including veterinary services, contractors, transport, disposal and legal costs; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine further to the enforcement operation undertaken by his Department in County Roscommon in July 2026, whether he is satisfied that all animal welfare, operational and legal procedures were complied with; whether a review of the operation has been undertaken or is planned; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the appeal mechanisms available to an animal owner prior to the destruction of cattle by his Department; whether emergency powers may be exercised without notice; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the procedures followed where cattle are found to be unregistered, unidentified, incorrectly tagged or otherwise in breach of animal identification and traceability requirements; the range of enforcement options available to his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the steps taken by his Department to explore alternatives to the euthanasia or destruction of cattle, including seizure, detention, rehoming, sale or transfer of ownership; the criteria used in deciding between destruction and alternative measures; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine whether a veterinary practitioner is required to be present on behalf of his Department during operations involving the euthanasia or destruction of cattle; if so, the role of the veterinary practitioner; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the qualifications, certifications, licences and training required of persons carrying out the euthanasia, culling or destruction of cattle on behalf of his Department; whether contractors may be engaged for this purpose; and if he will make a statement on the matter.'

Asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the approved methods used by his Department for the euthanasia of cattle during enforcement operations; the circumstances in which each method may be used; the animal welfare considerations taken into account; and if he will make a statement on the matter.'

Asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the procedures, protocols and standard operating instructions in place where bovine animals are to be euthanised, culled or destroyed by, or on behalf of his Department; whether these procedures have been reviewed in the past five years; and if he will provide copies of such protocols.

Asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the categories of circumstances under which his Department may order or carry out the euthanasia, culling or destruction of bovine animals; the number of cases in each category in each of the past five years; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the number of bovine animals that were euthanised, culled, destroyed or otherwise killed by, or on behalf of his Department in each of the past five years and to date in 2026; the county in which each such operation occurred; the legislative basis relied upon in each case; the number of animals involved in each operation; the reason for the destruction of the animals; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine whether any temporary measures are under consideration to increase straw availability, including enhanced baling supports, amendments to the straw incorporation measure or other interventions, in light of concerns regarding fodder and straw supplies arising from current weather conditions; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine whether his Department has undertaken an assessment of the impact of the straw incorporation measure on commercial straw availability during the 2026 harvest season; and if he will provide details of any such assessment.

Asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the current estimate of national straw stocks and projected straw availability for the 2026/27 season; whether his Department has identified any risk of shortages for livestock farmers, mushroom producers or other agricultural users; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the engagement his Department has had with representatives of the mushroom industry regarding reported concerns over straw supplies; and the steps being taken to ensure an adequate supply of wheaten straw for mushroom production over the coming year.

Asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine whether he is considering the introduction of a fodder support scheme or any other targeted financial supports for farmers affected by the current drought conditions; whether additional funding is being considered in Budget 2027 to assist affected farmers; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the assessment his Department has made of the impact of the ongoing drought on fodder availability, livestock production, milk yields and crop output; whether he intends to reconvene the National Fodder and Food Security Committee; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration the current status of a stamp 4 immigration permission renewal application for a person (details supplied); the reason for any delay in processing the application; when a decision is expected to issue; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration the current status of a stamp 4 immigration permission renewal application for a person (details supplied); the reason for any delay in processing the application; when a decision is expected to issue; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration the current status of a Stamp 4 immigration permission renewal application for a person (details supplied); the reason for any delay in processing the application; when a decision is expected to issue; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Asked the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality whether her Department has assessed the financial costs incurred by families in establishing decision-making arrangements under the Assisted Decision-Making (Capacity) Act 2015; the extent to which families are required to engage solicitors and barristers in order to navigate the process; if measures are being considered to reduce costs and administrative burdens on family carers; and if she will make a statement on the matter.

Asked the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality the measures that have been taken by her Department to support parents and family carers of adults with intellectual disabilities in navigating the provisions of the Assisted Decision-Making (Capacity) Act 2015; whether her Department has undertaken any review of the impact of the Act on lifelong family carers; and if she will make a statement on the matter.

Asked the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality if her Department has engaged with disability organisations, family carers or representative groups regarding concerns that the Assisted Decision-Making (Capacity) Act 2015 may create practical barriers to accessing routine medical and dental treatment for adults with intellectual disabilities; if any legislative, administrative or policy changes are being considered in response; and if she will make a statement on the matter.

Asked the Minister for Health if she will provide an update on the National Centre for Pharmacoeconomics' assessment of a drug (details supplied) for the treatment of progressive pulmonary fibrosis; when the manufacturer submitted the medicine for reimbursement consideration and the expected timeline for completion of the assessment and subsequent HSE reimbursement decision.

Asked the Minister for Health if she will consider measures to expedite the assessment and reimbursement process for a drug (details supplied) recently authorised by the European Commission for the treatment of progressive pulmonary fibrosis, in view of the serious and progressive nature of the condition and the lack of time sensitive treatment options available to patients.

Asked the Minister for Health when a person (details supplied) will receive an urgent appointment with an orthopaedic consultant; and if she will make a statement on the matter.

Asked the Minister for Health if she will examine whether families without advocacy support are being disadvantaged in accessing ambulance transport in exceptional paediatric cases.

Asked the Minister for Health the guidance that has been issued to hospitals regarding risk assessments on coordinating safe transport for paediatric patients whose condition makes ordinary car transport unsafe (details supplied).

Asked the Minister for Health if she will investigate reports that a family had difficulty securing a trolley for a child (details supplied) in a cast during discharge from Mayo University Hospital.

Asked the Minister for Health if she will review discharge procedures in Mayo University Hospital following allegations that a child (details supplied) was nearly discharged prematurely and without appropriate mobility and transport supports.

Asked the Minister for Health the supports and transport arrangements available to families of children with significant mobility limitations attending follow up outpatient appointments.

Asked the Minister for Health she will establish the reason a risk assessment was not carried out before the discharge of a child (details supplied) with a serious injury from Mayo University Hospital on 16 July 2026.

Asked the Minister for Health if she is aware of a case (details supplied) in Mayo University Hospital in which a family was reportedly told that ambulance transport was only available to elderly patients; and if she will confirm whether such a policy exists.

Asked the Minister for Health if she will clarify the policy governing ambulance transport for children attending outpatient appointments, particularly where a child is in a hip spica cast (details supplied) or otherwise unable to travel safely by private car.

Asked the Minister for Health the measures in place to monitor the quality, nutritional value and adequacy of food provided to residents in both public and private nursing homes; whether minimum standards and budgetary requirements exist in respect of food provision; and if she will make a statement on the matter.

Asked the Minister for Health the procedures that apply when nursing home residents suffer falls or other serious incidents requiring medical assessment; the number of complaints received by HIQA relating to alleged failures in nursing home care, treatment following falls, and resident welfare over the past three years; and the actions taken in response to such complaints.

Asked the Minister for Health whether consideration is being given to increasing the frequency of unannounced inspections of nursing homes by HIQA and other relevant authorities, including inspections focusing on standards of care, staffing levels, food quality and the treatment of residents and their families; whether additional measures are planned to identify deficiencies that may not be evident during scheduled inspections; and if she will make a statement on the matter.

Asked the Minister for Transport the number of investigations by the Road Safety Authority into suspected tachograph manipulation, tachograph card misuse or other tachograph-related fraud in each of the past five years; the number of prosecutions arising from such investigations; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Asked the Minister for Transport if he is aware of the ongoing absence of an onboard water service on the Dublin Heuston to Westport rail service; if he has raised this matter with Iarnród Éireann; the steps being taken to ensure passengers have access to drinking water and refreshments on the long distance rail services, particularly during periods of extreme heat; whether carriage temperatures are monitored and recorded; the temperature thresholds in place for passenger comfort and safety; whether there are plans to improve the air conditioning systems to enhance cooling on the Dublin to Westport service; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Asked the Minister for Transport if he is aware of ongoing concerns regarding inadequate bus stop signage in Knock village, County Mayo, including the absence of clear information on which services stop at each location; and if he will outline the steps being taken with the National Transport Authority and Mayo County Council to improve signage and passenger information at these stops.

Asked the Minister for Transport if he will provide an update on plans to install shelters at bus stops in Knock village, County Mayo, particularly at locations where passengers are currently left without weather protection; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Asked the Minister for Transport the engagement that has taken place between the National Transport Authority and Mayo County Council regarding the upgrading of bus stop infrastructure in Knock village, County Mayo, including signage, shelters and accessibility improvements; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Asked the Minister for Transport if he will examine the connectivity between Bus Éireann services and Irish Rail services at Claremorris, County Mayo, with a view to improving onward connections for passengers travelling to Knock and surrounding areas; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Asked the Minister for Transport whether the National Transport Authority has assessed the adequacy of public transport interchange arrangements at Claremorris, County Mayo, particularly in relation to waiting times between rail and bus services; and if he will outline the planned improvements.

Asked the Minister for Transport if funding is available under current National Transport Authority or local authority programmes to improve bus stop facilities in rural towns and villages such as Knock, County Mayo; and if he will detail the applications, approvals or planned works relating to Knock and the wider Claremorris/Swinford area.

Asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance the amount of tax on fuel collected by the Government in each of the past ten years and to date in 2026, by tax-type.

Asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance the amount of carbon tax collected by the Government in each of the past ten years and to date in 2026.

Asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment whether, in light of the proposed changes to the passenger cap at Dublin Airport, Fáilte Ireland will increase its promotion of Shannon Airport as a direct gateway for visitors travelling from New York and other north American destinations; whether engagement is taking place with relevant airlines to encourage additional transatlantic services into Shannon Airport; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Asked the Minister for Health if she is aware of the case of a person (details supplied); if the case will be urgently reviewed and considered for prioritisation; and if she will make a statement on the matter.

Asked the Minister for Health if she will urgently intervene in the case of a person (details supplied); if a review of the case will be expedited in light of the serious risks.

Asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment if he is aware of the ongoing issues of illegal dumping and littering at clothing recycling banks and bottle banks in communities across the country; if he will review the management, maintenance and monitoring of these facilities to ensure they are emptied more frequently and adequately supervised; and if he will outline any measures being considered to reduce illegal dumping and improve the cleanliness and accessibility of these recycling sites.

Asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the total number of people who have applied for the vacant property refurbishment grant since it was established; the number that have been approved for the grant; and the number to whom moneys have been paid out.

Asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the number of new local authority homes built in Ireland in each of the past ten years; and if a county by county breakdown can be provided.

Asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the number of residential properties issued a compulsory purchase order, by each local authority in the State in each of the past five years.

Asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration the current status of the family reunification-spouse visa application by a person (details supplied) submitted on 28 October 2025; and when a decision is expected.

Asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration the current status of the family reunification/spouse visa application by a person (details supplied) submitted on 28 October 2025; and when a decision is expected.

Asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine when he intends to appoint a dedicated Animal Welfare Inspector for County Mayo; whether he is satisfied that there are sufficient animal welfare inspection and enforcement resources available in the county to investigate reports of animal cruelty and neglect; the plans in place to ensure adequate inspection and enforcement of animal welfare standards at agricultural shows and other public events involving animals in County Mayo; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the funding arrangements that apply to the appointment of a dedicated Animal Welfare Inspector in County Mayo; whether funding has been allocated or identified for such a post; whether additional Exchequer resources will be required to support inspections and enforcement actions in relation to animal cruelty cases and animal welfare standards at agricultural shows and other events; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the funding allocated for animal welfare inspection and enforcement services includes provision for inspections of agricultural shows and other events involving animals in County Mayo; whether a dedicated Animal Welfare Inspector, if appointed, will have responsibility for monitoring compliance with animal welfare legislation at such events; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Asked the Minister for Health the number of patients, not the percentage, in Mayo University Hospital waiting more than 8, 12 and 24 hours in the emergency department, in each of the past five years.; and if she will make a statement on the matter.

Asked the Minister for Health the number of patients admitted or discharged to or from Mayo University Hospital's emergency department in each of the past ten years and to date in 2026.; and if she will make a statement on the matter.

Asked the Minister for Health if she is aware of concerns regarding ambulance response times in County Mayo; the steps being taken to improve National Ambulance Service coverage and response capacity across the county; the number of frontline ambulances currently assigned to County Mayo; the number of ambulance personnel employed in the county by grade; and if she will make a statement on the matter.

Asked the Minister for Health the average ambulance response times in County Mayo for category one, category two and category three emergency calls in each of the past five years; the way these compare with the relevant national targets; and if she will make a statement on the matter.

Asked the Minister for Health the number of emergency incidents in County Mayo in each of the past five years in which patients waited more than one hour, two hours and three hours respectively for an ambulance response; and if she will make a statement on the matter.

Asked the Minister for Health whether any review has been carried out into ambulance resource levels, staffing requirements and fleet capacity in County Mayo in light of population growth and increasing service demand; the outcome of any such review; and if she will make a statement on the matter.

Asked the Minister for Health the measures being taken to recruit and retain paramedics and advanced paramedics in County Mayo; whether additional ambulance resources are planned for the county during each of the years 2026 and 2027; and if she will make a statement on the matter.

Asked the Minister for Health the number of nurses employed by the HSE, broken down per county, in tabular form.

Asked the Minister for Health the number of adverse incidents reported through the National Incident Management System by each hospital in the State in each of the past ten years, by hospital and severity-categorisation of incident, in tabular form.

Asked the Minister for Health the amount paid out in medical compensation by the HSE in each of the past ten years and to date in 2026, by CHO area or hospital group, in tabular form.

Asked the Minister for Health the number of patients who died on hospital trolleys in each of the past five years and to date in 2026, by county, in tabular form.

Asked the Minister for Health the number of ambulance call outs across the State in 2025, by county.

Asked the Minister for Health the number of ambulance call outs made across the State in each of the past ten years.

Asked the Minister for Health the number of persons recruited to work for the National Ambulance Service in each of the past ten years; and the number of persons to retire from the service in each of those years.

Asked the Minister for Health the number of cancelled hospital appointments in each hospital in the country in each of the past ten years and to date in 2026, by hospital, in tabular form.

Asked the Minister for Health the number of general practitioners working in each county in the State, in tabular form.

Asked the Minister for Education and Youth the arrangements in place for parents and parent representative organisations to raise concerns directly with her Department regarding the national education curriculum and provision of educational resources; and the frequency with which she personally meets with such bodies.

Asked the Minister for Education and Youth the mechanisms through which parents and organisations representing parents may engage with her Department on matters relating to the quality or contents of educational resources provided in schools; and the number of occasions on which she has met with such organisations in the past twelve months.

Asked the Minister for Health when a person (details supplied) will receive an appointment at University Hospital Galway.

Asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration the average length of time taken, from application to the issuing of a grant, for grants of probate and grants of administration in the Probate Office and District Probate Registries in each of the past five years, in tabular form; if this average processing time has increased or decreased over that period; the reasons for any such change; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration the average processing time, broken down by year for each of the past five years, for citation applications to the Probate Office and for applications to the High Court under section 27 of the Succession Act 1965 to appoint or replace an executor or administrator, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration if he is considering reforms to streamline the process by which beneficiaries can seek the removal or replacement of an unresponsive or non-cooperative executor, with a view to reducing delays for families awaiting the administration of an estate; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Asked the Minister for Transport if he has assessed concerns raised by importers and freight operators regarding delays in cargo handling and collection times at Dublin Airport; whether any review has been undertaken of cargo operations and infrastructure; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Asked the Minister for Transport if minimum welfare facilities, including public toilet facilities, are available for drivers collecting cargo from Dublin Airport; whether any complaints have been received regarding the adequacy of such facilities; and his plans to improve services for freight operators.

Asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment if an assessment has been undertaken of the impact of import delays and regulatory processing times at ports and airports on small and medium sized enterprises importing perishable products; the supports available to affected businesses; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the legal basis for the continued requirement for original hard-copy phytosanitary certificates for imported plant products entering Ireland; whether electronic phytosanitary certificates are accepted in other EU member states; and if his Department will examine the wider adoption of electronic certification systems to reduce delays for importers of perishable goods.

Asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the average processing time for inspections and clearance of fresh cut flower imports at Dublin Airport Border Control Post in each of the past five years; the number of consignments delayed beyond 24 hours during that period; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the number of fresh cut flower consignments rejected, destroyed or refused entry at Dublin Airport due to documentation errors in each of the past five years; the most common reasons for rejection; his views on the measures being taken to reduce avoidable losses to importers; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if guidance exists for inspectors dealing with consignments of perishable goods where a replacement phytosanitary certificate has been issued and is in transit, but the original document has not yet arrived; and if he will provide details of any discretionary arrangements available in such circumstances.

Asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the number of agricultural inspectors assigned to Dublin Airport Border Control Post on a daily basis; the number of days during the past three years on which staffing levels were reduced due to training events or other operational reasons;and the contingency measures that are put in place to prevent delays to importers during such periods.

Asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the number of complaints received from importers, customs agents and freight handlers regarding delays in plant health inspections and clearance procedures at Dublin Airport in each of the past five years; the principal issues raised; and if he will provide details of the actions taken in response.

Asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine whether Ireland participates in the International Plant Protection Convention's ePhyto system; the extent to which electronic phytosanitary certificates are currently utilised by his Department; and the plans that exist to expand their use to facilitate trade and reduce administrative burdens.

Asked the Minister for Transport the assessment that has been conducted regarding the road safety risks associated with e-scooters being operated on footpaths and public roads by underage users; whether additional enforcement measures are being considered; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration the number of incidents involving the illegal use of e-scooters reported to An Garda Síochána in County Mayo in each of the past three years; the number of fixed penalty notices issued and e-scooters seized during this period; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration the measures An Garda Síochána is taking to enforce legislation relating to the use of e-scooters by persons under the legal age requirement; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration if he will provide details of Garda resources assigned to Ballinrobe; the number of Garda members currently assigned to the town; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration the number of complaints relating to anti-social behaviour involving e-scooters in Ballinrobe, County Mayo since May 2024; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade whether Ireland intends to provide emergency humanitarian assistance to Venezuela following the devastating earthquakes of 24 June 2026; the nature and value of assistance being considered or provided through Irish Aid; whether support will be channelled through the United Nations, and networks (details supplied) or other humanitarian partners.

Asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade whether her Department has carried out an assessment of the humanitarian needs arising from the earthquakes that struck north central Venezuela on 24 June 2026; whether Ireland will provide emergency humanitarian funding through Irish Aid to support medical assistance, emergency shelter, food, clean water, sanitation services and other life saving relief efforts; whether Ireland is engaging with the European Union Civil Protection Mechanism, the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (UNOCHA), and other international partners regarding the response.

Asked the Minister for Health the number of surgeries cancelled in Ireland in each of the past ten years; and if a breakdown by hospital can be provided on this figure, in tabular form.

Asked the Minister for Health the number of agency nurses employed to work in HSE hospitals in each of the past ten years, by hospital, in tabular form.

Asked the Minister for Health the number of cancelled hospital appointments in Ireland in each of the past ten years, by hospital breakdown, in tabular form.

Asked the Minister for Health the amount paid out in medical compensation in Ireland in each of the past ten years; and if a regional hospital, HSE, CHO area breakdown can be provided on that figure.

Asked the Minister for Health the total number of adverse incidents reported through the national incident management system in each of the past ten years; if a breakdown can be provided on the number of these incidents that resulted in death, disability, incapacity; and the number of incidents that were severe, moderate and mild, in tabular form.

Asked the Minister for Health the total number of adverse incidents reported to the State Claims Agency which related to the Health (Regulation of Termination of Pregnancy) Act 2018 in each of the years since the law was enacted, and to date in 2026; if details will be provided of the outcomes of claims taken against the State in relation to the Act; the number of claims settled or ongoing; and if she will make a statement on the matter.

Asked the Minister for Health the number of persons who are taking or have taken cases against the State alleging that their unborn baby was wrongfully diagnosed and subsequently aborted; the number of claims notified to the State Claims Agency; the number of cases that are ongoing; and the number of cases which have been settled.

Asked the Minister for Health if her attention has been drawn to the case of a person (details supplied); if this case can be reviewed with a view to securing an appointment; and if she will make a statement on the matter.

Asked the Minister for Education and Youth to outline the capacity and availability of places in special schools, particularly in County Mayo; and the steps being taken to increase the number of places available for children with additional needs.

Asked the Minister for Education and Youth the number of places available in special schools in County Mayo, including projected intake for September 2026 and September 2027; the number of applications that have been received for these places; the number of children without a confirmed placement for the upcoming academic year; and the measures being taken to expand capacity where demand exceeds supply.

Asked the Minister for Education and Youth to outline the early intervention supports being provided; and the additional measures that are planned to ensure timely access to assessments (including psychological assessments) and supports for children awaiting school placements.

Asked the Minister for Education and Youth to acknowledge the financial burden on families who are paying privately for essential services (such as speech and language therapy), and whether additional supports can be provided where HSE services are not meeting demand.

Asked the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality to address concerns regarding the lack of continuity and coordination of services for children with additional needs, particularly in relation to CDNT (Children's Disability Network Teams), including delays in access to services such as speech and language therapy, long waiting lists for assessments and therapies, the absence of effective handover between services and the impact this is having on school readiness and educational progression.

Asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science his views on the delays affecting apprentices in the refrigeration and air conditioning apprenticeship; and the reasons for those delays.

Asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the average length of time it is currently taking to complete the refrigeration and air conditioning apprenticeship, compared with the intended duration of the programme.

Asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the steps that are currently in place to address delays in the refrigeration and air conditioning apprenticeship; and to ensure that apprentices can progress through each phase within the expected timeframe.

Asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the number of apprentices that are currently awaiting progression to the next phase of the refrigeration and air conditioning apprenticeship, and the average waiting time involved.

Asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the ongoing delays affecting apprentices in the refrigeration and air conditioning apprenticeship; the reasons for those delays; the actions being taken to restore normal progression through the programme; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the steps in place to address delays in the refrigeration and air conditioning apprenticeship; the additional measures that are planned; and when those measures are expected to reduce waiting times.

Asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the number of apprentices in the refrigeration and air conditioning apprenticeship that are awaiting progression to the next phase; the average waiting time involved; and the number who have been waiting longer than the expected timeframe.

Asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science when an apprentice who completed phase two in February 2025 (details supplied) and has remained in phase three for well over a year can expect to be called to the next phase of the refrigeration and air conditioning apprenticeship.

Asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration if he can provide the Garda to population ratio per county; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration the total number of new Gardaí recruited over the past ten years; and the total number of Gardaí to leave the force in that period.

Asked the Minister for Transport if he is aware of the need for improved public transport access to the Castlebar primary care centre; if his Department will examine the potential benefit of introducing a bus service from Stephen Garvey Way to the Castlebar primary care centre, with appropriate stops along the route to serve local communities; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Asked the Minister for Health the reason the HSE does not fully reimburse patients who avail of the cross border directive through providers such as Kingsbridge in northern Ireland, in circumstances where those patients were on Irish public waiting lists and had been informed that their procedure would not be available within six months; and if she will make a statement on the matter.

Asked the Taoiseach when the Cabinet committee on health will next meet.

Asked the Taoiseach if he will report on his recent meeting with US President Donald Trump.

Asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment if he has requested the Commission for Regulation of Utilities (CRU) to review the widening disparity between import and export of electricity prices; and if not, whether he will instruct the CRU to examine whether current supplier practices are consistent with consumer protection objectives; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment if his Department intends to review the microgeneration support framework, including the clean export guarantee, in light of concerns that households generating renewable electricity are not receiving fair compensation relative to rising consumer tariffs; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment if he will introduce transparency requirements obliging electricity suppliers to publish the methodology used to set their clean export guarantee rates, including how they account for wholesale prices, hedging, and balancing costs; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Asked the Minister for Transport if he is aware of the need for improved public transport access to the Primary Care Centre in Mooneen, Castlebar; the current level of public transport provision serving the area; and the plans in the pipeline to introduce or amend routes to include stops at or near the centre.

Asked the Minister for Transport the plans in place to improve public transport connectivity within Castlebar town, with particular reference to access to the Castlebar Primary Care Centre in Mooneen; and if new routes or enhanced services are under consideration.

Asked the Minister for Education and Youth if she will review the Summer Programme supports available to a child (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter.

Asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the rationale for limiting eligibility under the Fresh Start provision of the local authority purchase and renovation loan (LAPRL) scheme to applicants who have lost ownership of a previous home due to relationship breakdown, insolvency, or bankruptcy.

Asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the reason the provision does not extend to applicants who were required to sell or leave a previous home due to it no longer being suitable for a family member with a disability or additional needs who plan to obtain a derelict home but do not have the funds to start the work and refused mortgages through the bank as one parent is not the sole carer and on a carers allowance.

Asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage is he aware of concerns that this may represent an unintended gap in the scheme, adversely affecting families with genuine housing need arising from disability-related circumstances (details supplied)

Asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he will consider reviewing or amending the eligibility criteria to ensure that such families are not excluded from accessing the scheme on this basis of disability or additional needs (details supplied)

Asked the Minister for Social Protection the number of disability allowance recipients currently subject to periodic entitlement reviews; the criteria used to determine the frequency of such reviews; whether consideration is given to the long-term or permanent nature of a person's medical condition when scheduling reviews; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Asked the Minister for Social Protection if he is aware of concerns among families of individuals with severe and enduring mental health conditions regarding repeated disability allowance reviews; whether his Department will examine ways to reduce the administrative burden on claimants whose conditions are unlikely to improve; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Asked the Minister for Social Protection whether his Department has assessed the impact that repeated disability allowance reviews can have on claimants with severe mental health conditions and their carers; whether consideration is being given to introducing longer review periods for such cases; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Asked the Minister for Health the steps she is taking to ensure that vape shops do not specifically target children or young people in the sale of their products as at present some shops are using bright colours and words such as “candy” next to the word “vape” in their shop names, signage and advertisements; and if she will make a statement on the matter.

Asked the Minister for Health the reason a necessary prescribed medication (MoviPrep), which is required to prepare a patient for a colonoscopy procedure, is not covered under the medical card scheme; if her attention has been drawn to the financial burden this places on patients in receipt of disability allowance or other social welfare supports; and her plans to review or extend medical card coverage to include such essential preparatory medications in advance of hospital procedures.

Asked the Minister for Education and Youth the reason staffing allocations under the 2026 Summer Programme for primary schools have been significantly reduced; if she is aware that many schools may be forced to cancel their programmes as a result of these cuts, leaving children with complex special educational needs and those at risk of educational disadvantage without access to a summer programme this year; and if she will make a statement on the matter.

Asked the Minister for Education and Youth if she is aware of guidance issued to schools under the 2026 Summer Programme requiring staff to be sent home where pupil attendance falls below the specified ratio; the legal basis for imposing such a requirement; the rationale behind it; and the impact this is having on schools’ ability to plan and safely deliver programmes; and if she will make a statement on the matter.

Asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration the measures being taken to reduce Garda vetting application waiting times and support local clubs (details supplied) who are experiencing difficulties due to volunteers awaiting vetting approval; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Asked the Minister for Health to provide a detailed timeline for the delivery of the Ballina injury unit, including confirmation of the expected completion dates for phase one A and phase one B; to outline the clinical services that will be operational at phase one A compared to the full service at phase one B; and to confirm whether the project remains on schedule for initial opening by the end of Q3 2026.

Asked the Minister for Health to outline the current recruitment status for all posts at the Ballina injury unit; to detail the number of offers, particularly at advanced nurse practitioner level, that have been declined; the reasons for same; the measures being taken to address recruitment challenges and ensure sufficient staffing levels are in place for the planned opening; and to confirm whether staffing issues pose any risk to the operational launch of the unit.

Asked the Minister for Health the reason a newborn baby (details supplied) has remained in Children's Health Ireland at Temple Street since 28 May 2026 without a clear diagnosis or definitive treatment plan; the steps being taken to establish the cause of the child's condition; the reason there appears to be delays and inconsistencies in treatment decisions, including the consideration of surgical intervention; and if she will make a statement on the matter.

Asked the Minister for Health if his attention has been drawn to concerns raised by a parent (details supplied) regarding a lack of communication and consent in the care of their infant in Children's Health Ireland at Temple Street, including instances where changes to oxygen support, feeding methods, and treatment plans were made without informing or consulting the parent; the protocols in place to ensure parental involvement in clinical decision making; and if she will make a statement on the matter.

Asked the Minister for Health if a review will be carried out into the circumstances surrounding the birth and immediate postnatal care of a baby (details supplied) at Mayo University Hospital, including concerns that signs of distress were not acted upon promptly; the outcome of any such review; and if she will make a statement on the matter.

Asked the Minister for Health the average waiting time for diagnostic procedures and surgical interventions for infants presenting with respiratory difficulties in Children's Health Ireland hospitals; whether delays in decision making or treatment are being monitored; the measures being taken to ensure timely care; and if she will make a statement on the matter.

Asked the Minister for Health if she will address concerns regarding the cost and accessibility of insulin pump therapy and associated aftercare services to raise the case of a person whose insulin pump is currently covered under the medical card scheme, but who reports that individuals without a medical card face prohibitive costs in accessing this treatment (details supplied).

Asked the Minister for Health whether she is aware of concerns regarding both the affordability of insulin pump technology and the adequacy of aftercare services provided to patients; and if a review is underway in relation to the pricing structures and supply practices of manufacturers (details supplied).

Asked the Minister for Health the measures that will be introduced to ensure that persons who require insulin pump therapy are not prevented from accessing or maintaining this treatment due to excessive costs.

Asked the Minister for Health if she is aware that insulin pump clinics are no longer available at Mayo University Hospital.

Asked the Minister for Health the reason for the withdrawal or absence of this service at Mayo University Hospital; and whether it relates to staffing shortages, training gaps or the availability of appropriately qualified specialists.

Asked the Minister for Health if she is aware of concerns that Mayo University Hospital currently lacks clinicians trained in insulin pump therapy, resulting in patients being referred to other hospitals for routine care.

Asked the Minister for Health whether any assessment has been carried out by the HSE or the Saolta hospital group into the availability of trained endocrinology staff in Mayo, including the capacity to provide insulin pump therapy and associated aftercare.

Asked the Minister for Health if she will outline plans to improve aftercare services for insulin pump users, particularly in regional hospitals, in order that patients are not required to travel long distances for routine care.

Asked the Minister for Health the reason therapeutic radiography tutors are universally graded at clinical specialist level while the majority of diagnostic radiography practice tutors remain graded at senior radiographer level despite both professions historically performing equivalent educational, supervisory and governance responsibilities; the basis on which this disparity was originally established; and if she will make a statement on the matter.

Asked the Minister for Health if she will address concerns raised by diagnostic radiography practice tutors that their grade was incorrectly set at senior radiographer level from the inception of the role; if her Department has reviewed this grading decision; and if she will make a statement on the matter.

Asked the Minister for Health if she is aware of the impact that the current grading disparity between diagnostic and therapeutic radiography tutors is having on retention, recruitment, and the quality of radiography education; and if she will make a statement on the matter.

Asked the Minister for Health the way in which the EU Pay Transparency Directive 2026 will apply to radiography practice tutors, particularly in relation to the principle of equal pay for equal work where diagnostic and therapeutic radiography tutors perform comparable duties but are graded differently; and if she will make a statement on the matter.

Asked the Minister for Health if she will provide an update on the Workplace Relations Commission process involving radiography practice tutors, a union (details supplied), the HSE and her Department; if she is aware that the national group has now balloted overwhelmingly for industrial action due to the lack of progress; and if she will make a statement on the matter.

Asked the Minister for Health if she has assessed the potential impact on diagnostic waiting lists, clinical placement capacity and patient care arising from the ongoing loss of experienced radiography practice tutors and the risk of industrial action; and if she will make a statement on the matter.

Asked the Minister for Health the way in which her Department intends to ensure the sustainability of the radiography workforce pipeline in light of tutor attrition linked to grading inequity, workload pressures and stalled industrial relations processes; and if she will make a statement on the matter.

Asked the Minister for Transport the reason people travelling from Heuston Station to County Mayo are given very short notice about which platform their train is departing from, meaning that despite arriving early to the station they have to run to the platform to board their train; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Asked the Minister for Transport if his Department is undertaking any work to encourage the return of catering services on trains connecting Dublin and Mayo; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration whether there are plans to expand the community CCTV grant aid scheme to address gaps in coverage; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration the level of funding allocated under the community CCTV grant aid scheme in 2024, 2025 and to-date in 2026; the number of successful applications from County Mayo within that period; and whether additional funding will be made available to support towns seeking to improve public safety.

Asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration the number of Garda personnel currently assigned to Ballina Garda Station; the way in which this compares with previous years.

Asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration his plans to introduce a more consistent national framework for the installation and maintenance of CCTV systems in towns across Ireland; and the measures being taken to support local authorities in delivering such infrastructure.

Asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration the supports available to victims of assault in cases where prosecutions do not proceed, including where mental health issues arise in relation to the alleged perpetrator; and if additional supports are being considered in such circumstances.

Asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration if he is engaging with other Departments and local authorities to improve public safety in town centres, particularly in relation to lighting, urban design, and community safety initiatives; and if he will outline any current or planned strategies.

Asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage further to comments reported in the media that the Government intends to relax planning rules around rural one-off housing, if he will clarify the specific changes being proposed; and when these measures are expected to be introduced.

Asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage in view of statements noted in the media regarding a move towards a more flexible approach to rural housing, whether the local needs criteria are to be revised or relaxed; and the way in which this will impact individuals and families seeking to build homes in rural areas.

Asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage his plans for a more unified national approach to rural housing planning, as referenced in recent media reports; and the way in which consistency will be ensured across local authorities in the application of such policies.

Asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the measures being considered to provide greater flexibility to planners in assessing rural one-off housing applications, as indicated in public commentary; and when updated guidance will issue to planning authorities.

Asked the Minister for Health the reason a commonly prescribed diuretic water tablet has been removed from the list of medications covered under the medical card and/or drugs payment scheme (details supplied); the number of patients affected by this change; whether an impact assessment was carried out in advance of this decision, particularly in relation to patients with chronic conditions and those on low incomes; the alternative medications that are currently reimbursable and clinically equivalent; whether patients can access discretionary approval or hardship supports where no suitable alternative is available; and if she will consider reinstating this medication to the reimbursement list in light of the significant increase in out-of-pocket costs being reported by patients.

Asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment given that a loyal Electric Ireland customer received a €100 credit in 2023, followed by discounts of 28% in 2024, 18% in 2025, and 10% in 2026, if he is concerned that despite such discounts, the overall cost of electricity has continued to rise for the average household; and the steps being taken to address increasing energy costs.

Asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment the level of profit made by ESB in recent years; the portion returned to the State versus shareholders; and whether the Government can intervene to reduce profit levels in order to lower electricity costs for ordinary consumers.

Asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment given that approximately one in seven families are reported to be in electricity arrears, the measures being taken to support these households; and whether further interventions are planned to prevent disconnections and reduce energy poverty.

Asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment the current impact of the public service obligation levy on electricity bills; his views on whether this represents an additional burden on consumers; and if he is satisfied that reductions in fuel costs are being passed on to customers rather than offset by increased ESB charges.

Asked the Taoiseach if he will report on his attendance at the most recent EU leaders' meeting.

Asked the Taoiseach if he will report on the revised national digital and AI strategy.

Asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment the steps he is taking to bolster the tourism potential of County Mayo.

Asked the Minister for Education and Youth the position regarding the implementation of the school transport scheme review; and which recommendations have been implemented to date.

Asked the Minister for Education and Youth the timeline for the full implementation of the school transport scheme review recommendations up to 2030; and if delays have occurred, the reasons for same.

Asked the Minister for Education and Youth the measures arising from the school transport scheme review which were intended to increase flexibility for families in choosing schools; and if these measures have been implemented.

Asked the Minister for Education and Youth to review the rules governing concessionary school transport, in particular the prohibition on increasing capacity where additional demand exists; and if changes are being considered.

Asked the Minister for Education and Youth if Bus Éireann is permitted to reallocate existing transport resources, including vehicles from underutilised routes, where such changes would not result in additional cost to the State.

Asked the Minister for Education and Youth the reason the option for parental contributions towards extended or enhanced school transport services was removed; and if there are plans to reintroduce such flexibility.

Asked the Minister for Education and Youth if she acknowledges that the eligibility criteria under the school transport scheme may disproportionately affect rural families where alternative schools lack services such as afterschool care; and if a review is planned.

Asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage to outline the operation of the capital assistance scheme (CAS) in County Mayo; the total number of homes delivered to date under the scheme, broken down by client group older persons, persons exiting homelessness, people with disabilities and other priority cohorts; the number of CAS projects currently approved, in construction or at planning stage in the county; the level of funding allocated to Mayo County Council and approved housing bodies for this purpose; and the expected delivery of CAS-supported homes in the county over the next three to five years.

Asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the breakdown of funding provided under Traveller accommodation programmes, including Traveller housing grants, to Mayo County Council over the past five years and to date in 2026; the proportion of that funding drawn down and spent; the number of Traveller-specific housing units delivered, refurbished or upgraded over that period; the current targets set under the Traveller Accommodation Programme; and the projected delivery of additional Traveller accommodation units in County Mayo over the next three to five years.

Asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he will detail the cost to the State/ total amount paid out on the housing assistance payment HAP in each of the past fifteen years, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he will detail the cost to the State/total amount paid out on the Rental Accommodation Scheme RAS in each of the past 15 years, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he will detail the cost to the State/total amount paid out on the provision of emergency homeless accommodation in each of the past 15 years, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Asked the Minister for Social Protection when a person (details supplied) will receive a decision on their application for the carers’ allowance; if their payment will be backdated to the date of application; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration the amount paid out under the accommodation recognition payment in each year since its establishment, in tabular form.

Asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration if he is aware of concerns regarding the potential misuse of interim protection orders within the Family Law Court system in the context of high-conflict parental disputes; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration the legal threshold and evidential basis required for the granting of an interim protection order in the Family Law Courts; the safeguards in place to ensure such orders are proportionate and necessary; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration whether consideration has been given to introducing consequences or deterrents in cases where the Family Law Court process is found to have been knowingly misused, including through the making of false or misleading allegations; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration the measures in place within the Family Law Court system to ensure that children are protected from the potential negative effects of prolonged or high-conflict parental disputes; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration whether his Department is considering any review of the operation of interim protection orders or broader Family Law Court procedures to ensure an appropriate balance between safeguarding individuals and protecting parental relationships where safe to do so; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration the amount paid out for IPAS accommodation in each of the past 15 years, in tabular form.

Asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration the analysis that has been conducted by his Department to determine the number of solicitors in the country intending to withdraw from servicing free legal aid cases when his Department introduces the new flat rate for such cases; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Asked the Minister for Health the current availability of diabetic eye screening and ophthalmology services at Mayo University Hospital and in the wider Mayo region; whether there are plans to establish a dedicated diabetic eye clinic in Castlebar; the number of patients currently required to travel to Galway for diabetic eye care; the average waiting times involved; and if she will make a statement on the matter.

Asked the Minister for Health whether her Department or the HSE have carried out an internal review or investigation into the impact of the three-day waiting period provision within the existing abortion legislation, including input from women who continued their pregnancies after an initial consultation about abortion with a GP; and if she will make a statement on the matter.

Asked the Minister for Transport if consideration will be given to providing a Local Link or similar rural transport service to connect residents in Bohola, Swinford and Foxford with essential services such as schools, churches, community centres and local towns, particularly for older people and those without access to private transport; and if funding or pilot schemes are being considered to address this gap in public transport provision.

Asked the Minister for Health if she is aware that patients with diabetes in Mayo must travel to Galway for essential treatments including eye injections and laser therapy; the plans in place to provide these services locally at Mayo University Hospital; and if she will outline the timeline for same.

Asked the Minister for Health the reason diabetes services, including insulin pump access and specialist supports, are not available in Mayo University Hospital at the same level as in Galway; and the steps being taken to address this regional disparity.

Asked the Minister for Health if she is aware of reported staffing shortages impacting diabetes care in Mayo University Hospital, including lack of nursing staff to carry out routine procedures such as blood draws; and the actions being taken to address these deficits.

Asked the Minister for Health if diabetes services at Mayo University Hospital have been reduced or reconfigured in recent years; and if she will outline the long term plan for diabetes service provision in the Mayo region.

Asked the Minister for Health the access patients in Mayo have to insulin pump therapy; whether this service can be provided locally and if not, what plans exist to expand access within the region.

Asked the Minister for Health if a hospital appointment will be expedited for a person (details supplied).

Asked the Minister for Health if he is aware of the reported extended medical leave and forthcoming retirement of the paediatric diabetes clinical nurse specialist at Mayo University Hospital; and the measures that are in place to ensure continuity of care for children with type 1 diabetes in the region.

Asked the Minister for Health whether a replacement paediatric diabetes clinical nurse specialist has been identified for Mayo University Hospital; and if so, the arrangements that are in place for training and handover to ensure no disruption to essential services for patients and their families.

Asked the Minister for Health if there are plans to introduce or appoint an advanced nurse practitioner in diabetes at Mayo University Hospital, in line with other university hospitals; and the steps that are being taken to maintain and strengthen paediatric diabetes services in the hospital.

Asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the amount of passports which have been issued but lost in the post in each of the past ten years, in tabular form.

Asked the Minister for Transport to list the rail services which offer catering on board, and those which do not; the reason for the discrepancy; if an assessment of cost has been made on restoring catering services to all routes; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Asked the Minister for Transport the amount of money spent by Irish Rail on the spreading of weedkiller along rail tracks in each of the past ten years, and the amount used in gallons in each year, in tabular form.

Asked the Minister for Transport if he will list the top twenty highest salaries of persons working for Irish Rail.

Asked the Minister for Transport the amount spent by Irish Rail on the washing of trains in each of the past ten years, in tabular form.

Asked the Minister for Transport the amount in unused credit sitting on dormant leap cards in the State, and if he will outline what happens to that money.

Asked the Minister for Transport the number of disability hackney grant applications received by the National Transport Authority in the most recent funding round, broken down by rural and urban locations; the number approved in each category; if he acknowledges that people with disabilities in rural areas face particular difficulty accessing wheelchair-accessible transport due to the limited number of licensed operators; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Asked the Minister for Transport the measures being taken by the National Transport Authority to encourage the uptake of the disability hackney grant in rural areas where wheelchair-accessible taxi services are scarce; to outline the targeted supports, outreach, or ring-fenced funding being considered to address regional imbalance; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Asked the Minister for Transport if he considers a first-come, first-served application process for the disability hackney grant to disadvantage rural applicants, particularly those with weaker broadband connectivity or limited access to professional supports; if alternative application or prioritisation models are under consideration to ensure equitable rural access; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance the amount of VAT collected on electricity in each of the past ten years and to date in 2026, in tabular form.

Asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance the amount of VAT collected on fuel in each of the past ten years and to date in 2026, by fuel type, in tabular form.

Asked the Minister for Education and Youth the total funding allocated to the July provision programme for 2026; whether this represents a reduction compared to 2025; and if she will make a statement on the matter.

Asked the Minister for Education and Youth whether an assessment has been carried out on the impact of any reduction in July provision supports on children with additional educational needs and their families; and if she will provide details of same.

Asked the Minister for Education and Youth the steps being taken to ensure that all eligible children can access July provision programmes in 2026, particularly given reported difficulties in securing places or staffing.

Asked the Minister for Education and Youth the way the DEIS identification model accounts for rural schools (details supplied) whose enrolment profile changed rapidly due to the placement of a large number of international protection applicants in nearby accommodation centres, resulting in the displacement of local pupils and a complete shift in the school’s socio-educational profile; and if she will make a statement on the matter.

Asked the Minister for Education and Youth the specific metrics, indicators, and weightings used in the DEIS identification model; the way in which the geographical area is calculated; the way non-local enrolments are treated; the way in which schools with high concentrations of need but low local deprivation scores are assessed, particularly in the case of a school (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter.

Asked the Minister for Education and Youth if she will review the DEIS eligibility of a school (details supplied) whose enrolment profile was transformed as a direct consequence of State decisions on international protection accommodation, resulting in the school becoming reliant on non-local, high-need pupils; and if she will make a statement on the matter.

Asked the Minister for Education and Youth the interim supports that can be provided to a school (details supplied) whose teaching workload is now dominated by English-language instruction for newly arrived pupils, following the redistribution of international protection families to the area; and if she will make a statement on the matter.

Asked the Minister for Education and Youth if she will establish an appeals mechanism for schools including a school (details supplied) whose DEIS ineligibility arises from geographical indicators that no longer reflect the actual pupil population, due to State-driven redistribution of international protection applicants; and if she will make a statement on the matter.

Asked the Minister for Education and Youth the specific criteria, indicators, data sources, and weightings used to determine eligibility for DEIS status and DEIS Plus status at both primary and post-primary level, including the way socio-economic disadvantage is measured, the way geographical indicators are applied and the way in which pupil-level data is incorporated into the model; and if she will make a statement on the matter.

Asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration the current average processing time for Garda Vetting applications where applicants have previously resided in other EU countries; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Asked the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality if she will initiate a comprehensive review of supports for people with physical impairments and their carers, including personal assistance hours, respite care, access to education and employment, and community based services; if she is aware of the significant levels of unmet need and isolation reported by individuals and families; and when a fully-funded strategy will be put in place to address these longstanding deficiencies.

Asked the Minister for Health if the mammogram service at Mayo University Hospital remains on schedule to resume, given that the previously indicated date was 8 June 2026; whether this timeline is still accurate; and if she will make a statement on the matter.

Asked the Minister for Health the total amount paid out in compensation by the HSE in each year since 2015; and if a breakdown can be provided per CHO area or hospital group, in tabular form.

Asked the Minister for Health the total number of children on the spinal surgery waiting list in the State; the number who have been on the waiting list six months, 12 months, two years, five years and ten years, in tabular form.

Asked the Minister for Health the number of children on a waiting list for spinal surgery in the State; and if a breakdown can be provided on the number of children from each county.

Asked the Minister for Health if she will provide a comprehensive outline of the current HSE orthodontic treatment policy for children, including the clinical criteria and scoring systems used to determine eligibility; the rationale behind restricting access primarily to cases deemed 'severe' or 'very severe'; and if she will consider revising these thresholds in light of growing evidence that many children with clear clinical need, as identified by referring dentists, are being denied treatment, thereby placing a significant financial burden on ordinary working families who must seek private care at considerable personal expense.

Asked the Minister for Health the total number of children referred to HSE orthodontic services in each of the past five years; the number of those who attended assessment appointments; the number subsequently approved for treatment; the number refused on the grounds that their condition did not meet the required severity threshold; if she will provide a breakdown of these figures by region, including Merlin Park Hospital; and if she accepts that a high refusal rate following referral may indicate systemic inefficiencies and a misalignment between primary dental referrals and HSE eligibility criteria.

Asked the Minister for Health the average length and clinical scope of orthodontic assessment appointments carried out within the HSE; whether standardised assessment protocols are in place to ensure thorough and consistent evaluations, if she is aware of concerns from families that such assessments are often extremely brief and result in immediate decisions of ineligibility; and if she will outline any measures being taken to ensure that assessments represent a meaningful and rigorous clinical process rather than a preliminary screening for exclusion.

Asked the Minister for Health the annual cost to the HSE of providing orthodontic assessment clinics, including staffing and operational expenses; the proportion of these assessments that do not lead to treatment being approved; whether any cost-benefit analysis has been conducted on this model of service delivery; and if she will consider reforms to ensure better value for public money, particularly where large numbers of families are required to attend appointments that do not result in access to care.

Asked the Minister for Health if she will initiate an urgent review of HSE orthodontic services nationwide, including examination of referral pathways, eligibility thresholds, clinic capacity, staffing levels, waiting times, and overall patient experience; if she will address concerns regarding overcrowded clinics, long waiting times despite scheduled appointments, and the exclusion of children with genuine treatment needs; and if she will set out a plan to ensure that all children who require orthodontic treatment can access it in a fair, timely, and affordable manner, regardless of their family’s financial circumstances.

Asked the Minister for Health the measures currently in place to ensure adequate access to essential health services for people with physical impairments, including physiotherapy, occupational therapy, mental health supports and post acute rehabilitation; the current waiting times for these services nationwide; and her plans to address the documented gaps in service provision, particularly for those leaving hospital without sufficient follow up supports.

Asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he will review the income thresholds applied under the social housing assessment bands, specifically the disparity between Mayo band 3 and Galway band 2, in light of evidence that Mayo band 3 thresholds are significantly lower; and if he will take steps to ensure greater consistency, fairness, and responsiveness to local housing need across county boundaries.

Asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the total amount of commercial rates income collected by each local authority in the State for each of the past five years; the figures for gross rates billed, rates collected, collection percentage, and arrears for each year; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if the Government intends to introduce legislative or regulatory changes requiring planning permission for the conversion of hotels, apartments or guesthouses into emergency accommodation; the mandatory community consultation, and minimum safety standards for such facilities; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the number of people with physical impairments currently on housing waiting lists in emergency accommodation or living in inappropriate or institutional settings; the steps being taken to increase the availability of accessible housing; and if he will ensure that housing policy aligns with the State’s commitment to independent living under the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, including reducing reliance on institutional care settings for adults under 65.

Asked the Minister for Social Protection if he will provide a full comparison between current weekly disability related payments, including disability allowance, invalidity pension and disablement benefit, and the national minimum wage equivalent annual income; if he accepts that current payment levels place many people with physical impairments in poverty; and his plans to increase these payments to a level that reflects a minimum adequate standard of living, in line with the State’s obligations under Article 28 of the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities.

Asked the Minister for Social Protection if he will review the means testing criteria applied to disability payments, particularly in relation to cohabitation and marriage, whereby the income of a spouse or partner is taken into account; if he accepts that this practice may undermine the financial independence and personal autonomy of people with disabilities; and if consideration will be given to reforming these rules to ensure individuals are not penalised for entering relationships.

Asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration if he will provide an update on the current status of the IPAS accommodation centre at (details supplied); if he will confirm whether the centre is to remain in operation, expand, reduce capacity, or close; if he will provide the number of new applicants accommodated there in since the beginning of May 2026; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration the total number of knives seized by Gardaí in each county in the State over the past ten years; to provide a county-by-county breakdown on the figure; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration the number of reported instances of intimidating drug debt collection reported in each county in the State last year.

Asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration the number of persons prosecuted for drug driving last year, and if a county by county breakdown can be provided on the figure.

Asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration the number of prison beds in the country.

Asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration the number of gardaí recruited to work in County Mayo in each of the past ten years; and the number of gardaí who have left the force in County Mayo in each of those years, in tabular form.

Asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration the number of people prosecuted for burglary in each of the past ten years; and if a county by county breakdown can be provided on that figure, in tabular form.

Asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation the number of vacant properties which are owned by the OPW; the total economic value of the empty properties; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Asked the Minister for Education and Youth if she will list the occasions on which she has met with representative groups of SNAs to date in 2026; and if she will make a statement on the matter.

Asked the Minister for Education and Youth if the pause on the review of special needs assistant allocations is still in place; when she expects that review to proceed; and if she will make a statement on the matter.

Asked the Minister for Education and Youth if her attention has been drawn to the concerns among parents regarding the apparent withdrawal or reduction of access to Department-funded summer camps in primary schools; the reason children who have previously attended and benefited significantly from these summer programmes are now unable to access them in 2026; if changes have been made to funding, eligibility criteria or delivery of such summer programmes; the number of schools that offered Department-funded summer camps in 2024 and 2025 compared to those scheduled to offer them in 2026; the steps she will take to ensure that children are not deprived of valuable educational and social opportunities through these camps; and if she will make a statement on the matter.

Asked the Minister for Social Protection if his attention has been drawn to some individuals in receipt of invalidity pension that may be financially worse off by taking up limited part-time employment (for example, 5 hours per week), due to travel costs and potential impacts on their payment; the measures in place, or under consideration, to ensure that recipients are not financially disadvantaged or discouraged from engaging in suitable employment opportunities; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the steps his Department is taking to ensure that food labelling regulations accurately reflect the country of origin for meat, dairy and other agricultural products sold in Ireland; whether any review of labelling standards has been undertaken or is planned; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Asked the Minister for Health the measures being taken by the Food Safety Authority of Ireland to prevent the misuse of Irish food labelling, including the labelling of imported products as Irish-origin; the number of investigations or enforcement actions taken in respect of misleading food labelling in 2025 and to date in 2026; and if she will make a statement on the matter.

Asked the Minister for Health whether the Food Safety Authority of Ireland has identified specific categories of food products where mislabelling or misleading origin claims are most prevalent; the enforcement mechanisms available to the FSAI in such cases; and if she will make a statement on the matter.

Asked the Minister for Transport for a record of all reported accidents, collisions, or safety incidents that have occurred at or in the vicinity of the unmarked traffic islands in Ballindine, County Mayo, on the N17, over the past 20 years; if road safety audits or assessments have been carried out at this location; and if there are plans to install appropriate road markings or safety measures at this site.

Asked the Minister for Health if she will list the dates upon which she has met with or corresponded with the CEO of the HSE since she took office.

Asked the Minister for Health if she will list the dates upon which she has met with or corresponded with the CEO of HIQA since she took office.

Asked the Minister for Health if she will list the dates upon which she has met with, or corresponded with the CEO of a company (details supplied) since she took office.

Asked the Taoiseach when the Cabinet committee on infrastructure will meet next.

Asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance if his Department has conducted any analysis regarding the amount of rebates and tax credits which people are entitled to, but do not claim; the amount which goes unclaimed each year; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance if he will provide an update on the implementation of the Action Plan for Insurance Reform 2025-2029; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance the amount the Government is projected to take in via the various taxes on fuel and energy in 2026; and the corresponding figure for each of the past ten years.

Asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance the amount of VAT collected on building materials and construction services in each of the past ten years.

Asked the Minister for Education and Youth her position on the increasing practice in post-primary schools of requiring students to purchase a personal laptop as part of their education; if such a requirement is mandated, recommended, or optional under Department policy; and if she will make a statement on the matter.

Asked the Minister for Education and Youth if any element of the junior certificate cycle or leaving certificate curriculum requires students to have access to a personal laptop outside of school; if project work associated with the revised senior cycle programmes can be fully completed using existing school information technology facilities; and if she will clarify her Department's guidance to schools in this regard.

Asked the Minister for Education and Youth her views on schools including schools participating in DEIS requiring families to purchase high-cost digital devices.

Asked the Minister for Education and Youth if guidance has been issued to schools regarding procurement models for digital devices, including rental schemes, leasing arrangements, or shared-use models; if schools are permitted to recommend specific suppliers or devices; and the safeguards in place to ensure value for money and avoid undue financial pressure on families.

Asked the Minister for Education and Youth her assessment of the impact of the revised senior cycle programme, particularly the increased emphasis on continuous project-based assessment across multiple subjects; the way she intends to address concerns that this has created an expectation that students must have access to a personal laptop; and if she will make a statement on the matter.

Asked the Minister for Education and Youth the planning or impact assessment carried out by her Department prior to the introduction of the revised senior cycle programme in relation to students' access to digital devices; if the financial burden on families of providing laptops was considered; and the measures put in place to mitigate this.

Asked the Minister for Education and Youth the additional resources, funding, or supports that have been provided to post-primary schools to meet the increased digital and project work demands arising from the revised senior cycle programme; and if such supports are intended to remove the need for families to purchase personal laptops.

Asked the Minister for Education and Youth if her Department considers it necessary for each post-primary student to have their own personal laptop in order to fully participate in the revised senior cycle programme; and if not, the alternative arrangements that should be in place within schools.

Asked the Minister for Education and Youth the legal basis for her Department's position that guidance on best practice arrangements for opt-outs arise only from the Education (Admissions to Schools) Act 2018, given that section 30(2)(e) of the Education Act 1998 already requires that students not attend instruction in any subject contrary to the conscience of a parent or student; and if she will make a statement on the matter.

Asked the Minister for Education and Youth if she is satisfied that her Department's current approach does not create a two-tier system resulting in less favourable treatment of parents and students seeking to exercise conscience-based opt-out rights under section 30(2)(e) of the Education Act 1998 in respect of non-religious instruction, including instruction objected to on religious or moral grounds, compared with those seeking to opt out of religious instruction under section 62(7)(n), where detailed Departmental guidelines have been issued; and if she will make a statement on the matter.

Asked the Minister for Education and Youth whether, in light of Departmental circulars indicating that opt-out arrangements for SPHE/RSE are a matter for individual schools, if she is satisfied that this approach does not reproduce the same difficulties previously identified in respect of religious instruction opt-outs, including inconsistency between schools, lack of transparency for families, and impractical or penalising arrangements; whether her Department will issue clear national guidance on conscience-based opt-outs under section 30(2)(e) of the Education Act 1998 for non-religious subjects, including SPHE, RSE, wellbeing and other curriculum areas; if not, the reasons therefore; #and if she will make a statement on the matter.

Asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he will examine the potential for supporting domestic reed harvesting for thatching, given that Ireland has abundant natural reed beds, yet thatchers are forced to import reed due to lack of capacity and support; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration the steps being taken to address ongoing difficulties in the enforcement of court ordered maintenance arrangements, particularly in cases where repeated non-payment occurs but arrears are cleared immediately prior to court hearings, resulting in matters being struck-out without judicial consideration of the pattern of breaches.

Asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration whether consideration is being given to reforms that would allow courts to examine patterns of repeated non-compliance with maintenance orders, even where arrears have been discharged shortly before a hearing, in order to prevent the system being used to avoid accountability.

Asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration the measures in place to protect individuals from incurring significant legal costs in pursuing enforcement of maintenance orders, particularly where proceedings repeatedly collapse due to last minute payments; and whether reforms are being considered in this area.

Asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration the average time taken to bring enforcement proceedings for maintenance arrears before the courts; and whether delays in progressing such cases are being examined as part of broader justice system reform.

Asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration the supports available for lay litigants in family law proceedings, particularly those seeking to enforce maintenance orders without legal representation; and whether additional measures are planned to ensure they are afforded fair access and adequate time before the courts.

Asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration the frequency with which attachment of earnings orders are granted in maintenance cases; and whether the threshold for granting such orders is being reviewed in light of repeated non-compliance scenarios.

Asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration whether any assessment has been carried out into whether individuals with higher incomes or professional standing are better able to delay or avoid enforcement of maintenance obligations; and the safeguards that exist to ensure equality before the law in such cases.

Asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration whether the Department has examined the broader social and emotional impact on parents and children arising from prolonged enforcement disputes in family law; and the supports that are available to affected families.

Asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration whether consideration is being given to the establishment of a more robust, centralised system for the collection and enforcement of maintenance payments, similar to models in other jurisdictions, to reduce reliance on repeated court applications.

Asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration the statutory responsibility for individuals who are released from prison with no fixed abode, including whether responsibility rests with the Irish Prison Service, the Probation Service, or the relevant local authority; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration the person or body responsible for monitoring, supporting, and supervising individuals released from prison who are placed in private emergency accommodation, including whether responsibility rests with the property owner, the local authority, the Probation Service, or another State agency; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration the rehabilitation supports provided to individuals released from prison who are placed in private emergency accommodation; whether these supports are delivered by qualified professionals; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration if a risk assessment is carried out prior to placing an ex-prisoner in emergency accommodation, including assessment of the individual's offending history, risks to the community, and proximity to schools, preschools, and facilities for vulnerable adults; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration if any categories of offence are considered too high risk for placement in multi-occupancy emergency accommodation; if so, to list those categories; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration to provide details of reports of anti-social behaviour linked to emergency accommodation facilities in Knock, Balla, Crossmolina, Swinford or other locations in County Mayo where ex-prisoners have been housed; to outline the actions taken in response; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration the safeguarding measures in place to protect local communities, including children and vulnerable adults, when individuals with criminal convictions are placed in emergency accommodation; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration to provide a breakdown for each of the past five years, including to date in 2026 of the number of prisoners released with no fixed abode; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if livestock trailers, including cattle trailers, are currently excluded from eligibility under the targeted agriculture modernisation schemes; the rationale for their exclusion given their central role in farm safety and animal welfare; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if his Department has examined the approach taken in Northern Ireland, where agricultural capital grant schemes include livestock trailers as eligible items to support safer transport of animals; if he will assess whether similar supports should be introduced here; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he acknowledges that livestock trailers are subject to significant wear and tear and that outdated trailers pose risks to animal welfare, farm safety, and road safety; if he will consider expanding TAMS to incentivise the upgrading of such equipment; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if the current CAP Strategic Plan 2023-2027 provides scope to include livestock trailers as eligible capital investments under TAMS; if his Department will review this possibility in light of farmer concerns; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will undertake a review of the TAMS eligible item lists to ensure they reflect modern farm safety needs, including the potential inclusion of livestock trailers; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he has assessed the competitive disadvantage faced by farmers in the Republic of Ireland compared with those in Northern Ireland, where grant aid is available for livestock trailers; if he will consider measures to address this disparity; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if his Department has examined the approach taken in other EU Member States, where livestock trailers and similar mobile livestock handling equipment are funded under CAP Pillar II investment schemes; if he will assess whether Ireland's TAMS framework could be aligned with these European precedents; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will clarify whether livestock trailers fall within the scope of investments permitted under Regulation (EU) 2021/2115 governing CAP Strategic Plans, given that other member states fund such equipment through CAP rural development measures; if he will consider their inclusion in future TAMS tranches; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Asked the Minister for Transport if his attention has been drawn to the extended waiting times of up to 70 minutes at Manulla Junction for passengers on the 7:28 a.m. Castlebar to Ballina service; the reason for the current timetable configuration which requires passengers to wait for the Athlone service; and if he will request Irish Rail to review this arrangement with a view to reducing delays and ensuring a fit-for-purpose peak-time commuter service.

Asked the Minister for Transport whether an assessment was carried out regarding the impact of the introduction of the early morning Athlone rail service on existing Castlebar to Ballina passengers; if these service changes were communicated in advance to affected commuters; and if he will outline steps being taken by Irish Rail to address the negative consequences reported by daily commuters.

Asked the Minister for Transport if he will request the National Transport Authority and Irish Rail to conduct an urgent review of early morning public transport provision between Castlebar and Ballina, including both rail and bus services; and if he will outline any plans to improve frequency, reliability and co-ordination of services to meet peak commuter demand.

Asked the Minister for Social Protection the step-by-step process required for employees to obtain trustee signatures on pension claim forms.

Asked the Minister for Social Protection whether all pension schemes require trustee sign-off, or if there are exemptions.

Asked the Minister for Social Protection the typical delays encountered by employees in securing trustee signatures and submitting completed forms.

Asked the Minister for Social Protection whether his Department has assessed the impact of this requirement for trustee signatures on processing times for pension claims.

Asked the Minister for Social Protection if he will introduce measures, including digital authorisation or simplified procedures, to expedite the process required for employees to obtain trustee signatures on pension claim forms and reduce administrative burdens on employees.

Asked the Minister for Health if she is aware that an organisation (details supplied) is facing imminent closure due to a lack of core funding; the immediate actions being taken by her Department or the HSE to prevent the cessation of these services, given that liquidation proceedings are due to commence on 5 June 2026; and if she will approve an emergency, time-limited funding allocation of €40,000 to allow the organisation to continue operating while a longer-term funding solution is explored.

Asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the number of non-EU student graduates from medicine, dentistry, pharmacy, physiotherapy and veterinary medicine programmes who left the State within five years of completing their studies.

Asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the number of non-EU student graduates from medicine, dentistry, pharmacy, physiotherapy and veterinary medicine programmes who left the State within ten years of completing their studies.

Asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance the financial supports, compensation schemes, tax relief measures or emergency assistance available to business owners who have experienced a loss of revenue as a result of repeated power outages or electricity supply disruptions; and if he will outline the supports currently available to affected businesses.

Asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment the financial supports, compensation schemes, tax relief measures, or emergency assistance available to business owners who have experienced a loss of revenue as a result of repeated power outages or electricity supply disruptions; and if he will outline the supports currently available to affected businesses.

Asked the Minister for Health the emergency or exceptional funding mechanisms available within the HSE or her Department to support community-based mental health organisations at immediate risk of closure; whether such mechanisms can be applied in the case of an organisation (details supplied); and the details of any discretionary or contingency funding streams that could be deployed urgently in advance of 5 June 2026.

Asked the Minister for Health if she has requested the HSE to engage directly with an organisation (details supplied) to explore options to prevent its closure, including the potential for a short-term service level agreement or direct purchase of counselling services; and whether any such engagement is currently underway.

Asked the Minister for Health if an assessment has been carried out on the impact that the closure of an organisation (details supplied) would have on access to counselling and mental health supports in the west of Ireland, particularly in Galway and Mayo where service provision is already limited; and the contingency plans in place to ensure continuity of care for affected clients.

Asked the Minister for Health her views on the role of community-based counselling services in delivering early intervention and preventative mental health supports; if she acknowledges that the loss of services such as an organisation (details supplied) may lead to increased demand on primary care, CAMHS and acute services; and if her Department will take urgent steps to prevent such service gaps emerging.

Asked the Minister for Health if she is aware that Galway City Council has indicated a commitment of €10,000 in match funding to support an organisation (details supplied), subject to State backing; if she will support the unlocking of this funding through Departmental or HSE intervention; and if this opportunity is being actively progressed as part of efforts to prevent the organisation's closure.

Asked the Minister for Health her views on a patient with a history of osteoporosis who is faced with a wait of over a year for a publicly funded DEXA scan while being offered immediate access on payment of €100 (details supplied); whether this practice undermines the principle of care being provided on the basis of medical need rather than ability to pay; and the action she will take to ensure patients are not placed in this position.

Asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the number of persons in the State currently receiving a pension for having worked as retained firefighters.

Asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the number of retained fire fighters employed in the State.

Asked the Minister for Transport if he is aware of the significant road-safety risks outside a school (details supplied); and if he will outline what immediate measures are planned to mitigate the risk to children, parents and staff at peak school times.

Asked the Minister for Transport if consideration will be given to introducing a reduced speed limit (30km/h or 40km/h) or a school safety zone outside a school (details supplied) given that traffic is currently permitted to travel at speeds of up to 80km/h immediately adjacent to the school gate; and the timeline for any speed limit review in this location.

Asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance the amount of tax received on all fuel and energy, including electricity, in each of the past ten years.

Asked the Minister for Education and Youth in conjunction with the Minister for Transport, if she recognises that expanding school transport provision for a school (details supplied) would significantly reduce traffic volumes at the school gate; and whether this aligns with Safe Routes to School, Road Safety Strategy and Green Schools objectives promoting reduced car dependency at schools.

Asked the Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport if he will consider the case of a person (details supplied) who has applied for the basic income for the arts scheme; the steps that can be taken to support their application and ensure that applicants in such circumstances are given full and fair consideration under the scheme.

Asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage when the grant system for the repair and conservation of thatched buildings was last reviewed or updated; whether the scheme applies solely to domestic dwellings or if commercial heritage buildings such as hotels, pubs, guest houses or tourism-related properties are eligible for support; if he will consider expanding eligibility and updating the scheme in light of the critically low number of practising thatchers and the urgent need to safeguard this element of Ireland's built heritage; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the rationale for excluding commercial heritage buildings such as pubs, bed and breakfast accommodation, restaurants, hotels and tourism properties from eligibility under thatching grant schemes; when this policy was last reviewed; and if he will consider expanding eligibility in light of the urgent need to sustain demand for the craft; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration the number of maintenance orders issued by the courts in each of the past five years; and the estimated proportion that went unenforced or required further court applications to recover arrears.

Asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration whether consideration has been given to introducing stronger sanctions for repeated breaches of maintenance orders, particularly in cases where arrears are routinely paid at the last minute to avoid enforcement.

Asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration the number of attachment of earnings orders have been applied for and granted in each of the past five years.

Asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration whether the financial impact on custodial parents, who must repeatedly return to court to enforce maintenance orders, has been assessed.

Asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration whether the operation of the family law system in relation to maintenance enforcement has been reviewed in recent years; and if so, the findings of that review.

Asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration whether the impact of unpaid maintenance on children's welfare and access to education has been assessed at a national level.

Asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration if data is collected on the frequency of breaches of maintenance orders and the average duration of arrears.

Asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration the oversight that exists to ensure that repeated non-compliance with court orders does not occur without enforcement action.

Asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will examine the potential for supporting domestic reed harvesting for thatching, given that Ireland has abundant natural reed beds, yet thatchers are forced to import reed due to lack of capacity and support; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Asked the Minister for Health if she is aware of a case at Mayo University Hospital (details supplied) where a patient tested positive for ESBL on 6 April 2026, but was not informed of this result for approximately 20 days; if her Department or the HSE has established the reason the patient and the patient’s GP were not notified as indicated on the laboratory report; and if she will make a statement on the matter.

Asked the Minister for Health whether appropriate infection-prevention and control measures, including patient notification and isolation protocols, were followed at Mayo University Hospital in respect of a patient who tested positive for ESBL on 6 April 2026 (details supplied); and if not, the corrective actions that are being taken to ensure patient and public safety.

Asked the Minister for Health the assessment that has been carried out by the HSE regarding any potential risk posed to other patients arising from the failure to notify and appropriately manage a confirmed case of ESBL at Mayo University Hospital (details supplied); and whether a review of potential exposure to other patients has been undertaken.

Asked the Minister for Health whether she is satisfied that the processes in place ensured the timely and accurate transfer of infection-related clinical information when a patient was transferred from Mayo University Hospital to Sacred Heart Hospital for rehabilitation (details supplied); if shortcomings were identified; and the actions being taken to address them.

Asked the Minister for Health if guidelines exist regarding patient dignity and access to bathroom facilities for patients with infections such as ESBL; and if she will comment on the differing approaches taken to a patient’s infection-control management and use of facilities at Mayo University Hospital and at Sacred Heart Hospital (details supplied).

Asked the Minister for Health whether the HSE has initiated or intends to initiate a formal investigation into the handling of a confirmed ESBL case at Mayo University Hospital (details supplied), including failures in communication with the patient and GP, infection-control measures and discharge procedures; and if she will ensure that the patient receives a full written explanation and apology where appropriate.

Asked the Minister for Health the reason a family (details supplied) has been left to cover the cost and time of transporting a service user to and from Rehab Care, despite having free travel; whether the HSE will compensate the family for the significant diesel, vehicle and time costs incurred; and if not, to explain the alternative transport arrangements the HSE expects the family to use; and if she will make a statement on the matter.

Asked the Minister for Health the steps she has taken to address the redundancies at a service (details supplied) in counties Mayo and Galway; the reasons for the withdrawal or loss of Government funding to this organisation; if any transition funding or emergency support was considered to prevent the cessation of services; and the engagement that took place between the Department, the HSE and Helplink prior to the closure.

Asked the Minister for Health the number of clients in Mayo and Galway who were accessing services (details supplied) that will now be transferred to the HSE; the arrangements that have been made for continuity of care for these service users; whether all affected clients have been successfully referred to alternative services; and the estimated waiting times those individuals will now face within HSE services.

Asked the Minister for Health the current waiting times for primary care psychology and counselling services in Mayo and Galway; the number of individuals currently on waiting lists in these regions; the additional resources that will be provided to the HSE to absorb the increase in demand following redundancies (details supplied); and whether additional staff are being recruited to address this shortfall.

Asked the Minister for Health whether she acknowledges that HSE services are typically limited to short-term interventions, generally between six and 12 sessions; the provisions that exist for individuals requiring long-term or ongoing mental health support; and whether the Department plans to expand access to long-term therapy within public services.

Asked the Minister for Health the supports available for individuals requiring court-related psychological reports or complex case management in Mayo and Galway; whether alternative providers have been identified to replace the role of a service (details supplied) in such cases; and if she will outline any gaps in service provision identified following the redundancies.

Asked the Minister for Health whether an assessment has been carried out on the impact of the Helplink redundancies on rural mental health services in the west of Ireland; and the measures that are being taken to ensure equitable access to mental health care in Mayo and Galway compared with other regions.

Asked the Minister for Health the current level of HSE funding allocated to community and voluntary mental health organisations in Mayo and Galway; whether she intends to increase sustainable funding for such organisations; and if a review of funding models for community-based mental health services will be undertaken.

Asked the Minister for Health the steps being taken to ensure other community mental health services are not forced to close due to funding issues; and whether a national strategy exists to support the long-term sustainability of organisations (details supplied).

Asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the number of apprenticeships or traineeships in thatching that have been registered or completed in each of the past five years; the number of blocklaying apprenticeships registered or completed over the same period; the number of practising hedgelayers and hazel coppicing practitioners currently in the State; and the number of apprenticeships or traineeships in hedgelaying and hazel coppicing registered or completed in each of the past five years; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the recognised guilds, associations or oversight bodies responsible for standards and training in traditional crafts such as thatching, hedgelaying and hazel coppicing; the steps his Department is taking to address the barriers faced by trainees in accessing insurance, comprehensive training and structured apprenticeships; and if he is prepared to take steps to safeguard these heritage skills in a country where they form an important part of our cultural identity; 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 address the barriers faced by trainees in heritage crafts such as thatching in accessing insurance, comprehensive training, and structured apprenticeships; if he will review the adequacy of existing short duration training courses which practitioners state are insufficient to produce fully qualified thatchers; and if he will outline what actions he is prepared to take to ensure proper training pathways for these endangered crafts; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the basis on which the Erasmus+ funding allocation for a consortium (details supplied) was reduced by more than 70% compared with the mobility numbers applied for; the criteria used to determine reductions in allocations where demand is high; if he will review this decision in light of the fact that comparable consortiums received full funding for their requested mobilities; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the reason a consortium (details supplied) did not receive the annexe referenced in the Erasmus+ funding notification issued by Léargas; when this annexe will be provided; if he will address concerns regarding the difficulty in contacting Léargas for clarification; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration the number of burglaries reported in County Mayo in each of the past ten years and to date in 2026; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration the total number of gardaí recruited to work in Mayo in the past ten years; the total number of gardaí who have left the force in County Mayo during the same period; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the steps his Department is taking to reduce the cost of farm fertiliser.

Asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the amount paid out under the fuel income support scheme announced by his Department; and the total number of people who have applied for the scheme since it opened.

Asked the Minister for Transport the plans to restore rail freight services on the Ballina and Westport rail lines, having regard to the fact that this line was historically used for the delivery of goods; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Asked the Minister for Transport whether a feasibility study has been carried out, or is planned, into the reinstatement of goods and freight transport by rail from Ballina and Westport, County Mayo; and if not, whether he will commit to commissioning such a study in light of regional development and climate objectives.

Asked the Minister for Transport if his Department or Iarnród Éireann has engaged with local businesses, logistics operators, or public representatives in Mayo regarding renewed use of the rail lines for freight transport; and if he will provide details of any such engagements.

Asked the Minister for Transport how the potential return of rail-based goods transport from Ballina and Westport has been assessed in the context of reducing HGV traffic, lowering carbon emissions, and supporting national climate targets.

Asked the Minister for Transport whether funding under the National Development Plan or other capital programmes could be used to upgrade infrastructure to allow the Ballina and Westport rail lines to be used once again for freight services, as was the case historically.

Asked the Minister for Transport how the continued underutilisation of the Ballina and Westport rail lines for freight aligns with the Government’s commitment to balanced regional development and support for the west and northwest regions; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance if he will consider amending the Taxes Consolidation Act to allow traditional heritage crafts such as thatching to qualify for an exemption similar to the artists’ exemption, in view of the critically low number of practising thatchers remaining in the State; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the number of local authority owned houses currently lying vacant in County Mayo; the reasons these properties remain idle; and the steps being taken to bring them back into use as social housing, particularly in light of ongoing homelessness and housing shortages.

Asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he is aware of five council owned houses in Swinford that have been lying vacant for approximately two years; the reasons refurbishment works have not yet been completed; and when these homes will be made available to families on the housing list.

Asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the funding that is available to Mayo County Council to refurbish and re-let vacant council houses; whether additional emergency funding will be provided to speed up turnaround times; and if he will act to ensure vacant properties are prioritised over long-term emergency accommodation.

Asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage how he justifies council-owned houses remaining vacant for extended periods while families and individuals are forced to stay in homeless shelters and emergency accommodation; and the measures being introduced to prevent prolonged vacancy of local authority housing stock.

Asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the average length of time council houses remain vacant before being reallocated; whether targets exist for bringing such houses back into use; and if specific action will be taken regarding vacant properties in Swinford, given the increasing number of people struggling to secure permanent housing.

Asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he will introduce targeted supports for practising thatchers, including grant schemes or heritage-craft stipends, to ensure the continued maintenance of Ireland’s thatched buildings; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if his Department monitors the cost of farm fertiliser; if he will share statistics outlining the percentage increase in the cost of fertiliser in each of the past twelve months; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the number of export health certificates that were issued by his Department for horses exported to Great Britain for slaughter in each of the past five years; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the number of horses that were exported from the Republic of Ireland to Great Britain for slaughter in each of the past five years; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the number of horses that were moved from the Republic of Ireland to Northern Ireland in each of the past five years; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if his Department holds data on the number of horses transported from Northern Ireland to Great Britain in each of the past five years; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Asked the Minister for Health if her attention has been drawn to the Pharmaceutical Society of Ireland’s plan to increase fees by 42% when inflation is forecast at significantly lower that this; if she considers this to be proportionate to what pharmacies facing 3% CPI can reasonably absorb; if she will stay the Statutory Instrument pending clarity; and if she will make a statement on the matter.

Asked the Minister for Health the basis on which the Pharmaceutical Society of Ireland has determined that a 42% increase in registration fees over three years is proportionate; and if she will make a statement on the matter.

Asked the Minister for Health if her attention has been drawn to the fact that pay costs at the Pharmaceutical Society of Ireland have increased by 35% since 2021 and now absorb 55 cent of every euro received by the organisation; if she is satisfied that this level of administrative expenditure represents value for money for registrants; and if she will make a statement on the matter.

Asked the Minister for Health the number of staff employed by the Pharmaceutical Society of Ireland in each of the years 2021 to 2024; the number earning over €60,000 in each of those years; and if she will make a statement on the matter.

Asked the Minister for Health if her Department carried out any independent assessment of the Pharmaceutical Society of Ireland's proposed fee increase before the relevant Statutory Instrument was prepared; if so, the findings of that assessment; and if she will make a statement on the matter.

Asked the Minister for Health if she will consider requiring the Pharmaceutical Society of Ireland to phase its fee increases in line with CPI projections rather than implementing a 42% increase over three years; and if she will make a statement on the matter.

Asked the Minister for Health if registrants of the Pharmaceutical Society of Ireland were formally consulted on the proposed 42% fee increase; if so, the outcome of that consultation; and if she will make a statement on the matter.

Asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the number of undergraduate places available in each university medical school for each of the years 2021 to 2025; the number of those places allocated to Irish, EU, and non-EU students respectively in each of those years; the fee charged to each category of student in each of those years; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the number of undergraduate places available in each university dental school for each of the years 2021 to 2025; the number of those places allocated to Irish, EU and non-EU students, respectively, in each of those years; the fee charged to each category of student in each of those years; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the number of undergraduate places available in each university pharmacy school for each of the years 2021 to 2025; the number of those places allocated to Irish, EU and non-EU students, respectively, in each of those years; the fee charged to each category of student in each of those years; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the number of undergraduate places available in each physiotherapy programme for each of the years 2021 to 2025; the number of those places allocated to Irish, EU, and non-EU students respectively in each of those years; the fee charged to each category of student in each of those years; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the number of undergraduate places available in the veterinary medicine programme for each of the years 2021 to 2025; the number of those places allocated to Irish, EU, and non-EU students respectively in each of those years; the fee charged to each category of student in each of those years; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if he has assessed the cumulative impact of non-EU student intake across undergraduate medicine, dentistry, pharmacy, physiotherapy, veterinary medicine programmes on the supply of these professionals in Ireland; if he has examined whether the allocation of places to higher-fee-paying non-EU students in contributing to skills shortages in these critical areas; if he has considered whether Irish students who meet the required academic entry standards are being disadvantaged in accessing these courses as result; 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 establish a national apprenticeship or traineeship programme for thatching, given the urgent need to preserve this endangered heritage craft; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the number of new homes built in County Mayo in each of the past ten years; the number built by approved housing bodies; the number that were private homes; the number that were local authority homes; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Asked the Taoiseach the estimated number of people who are working from home in the State.

Asked the Minister for Transport given the number of fatalities along the Irish coastline in recent years, whether consideration has been given to the use of drone technology to deploy lifesaving equipment, such as lifebuoys or flotation devices, to persons in distress at sea; whether drones could be strategically based at Garda stations and operated remotely from a central hub to support emergency response times; if any feasibility studies, pilot projects or inter-agency discussions (including with An Garda Síochána, the RNLI, the Coast Guard or local authorities) have taken place in this regard; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Asked the Minister for Transport if he is aware of safety concerns raised by rail passengers regarding the short notice given for train departures from distant platforms, including platforms seven and eight, where passengers are often given as little as ten minutes to board for the Dublin to Westport train; the extent to which this results in passengers running through stations, creating safety risks, particularly for older people and those with mobility difficulties; whether Irish Rail has been instructed to review boarding times and platform allocation practices; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Asked the Minister for Transport if he is satisfied that passenger information systems in rail stations provide sufficient advance notice and visibility for all users, particularly older passengers; whether consideration will be given to increasing the length of time departure notices remain on display screens and improving the clarity of announcements; what the current time length is on the notice boards pre departure for the trains from Westport to Dublin; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Asked the Minister for Transport if he is aware that there is no access to food or drinking water on certain train platforms and services; whether Irish Rail has plans to provide vending machines or drinking water taps on the trains from Westport to Dublin; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Asked the Minister for Transport if the National Car Testing Service operates under any pass or fail rate targets or key performance indicators linked to test outcomes; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Asked the Minister for Transport if he will provide a breakdown of NCT pass and fail rates on a monthly basis for each of the last three years, disaggregated by test centre; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Asked the Minister for Transport if he will provide a breakdown of NCT pass and fail rates by day of the month for each of the last three years, disaggregated by test centre, in order to establish whether fail rates are higher at particular points in the monthly cycle; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Asked the Minister for Transport if his Department or the Road Safety Authority has analysed whether NCT fail rates vary by time of month or time of year in a statistically significant way; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Asked the Minister for Transport if the contract between the State and (details supplied) the company operating the National Car Testing Service, contains any provisions governing technician pay structures, bonus schemes, or performance-related pay linked to test outcomes; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Asked the Minister for Transport if there is any independent oversight mechanism in place to ensure that the company operating the NCT system are not incentivised to fail vehicles in order to generate retest revenue for the company; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Asked the Minister for Transport if his Department has examined the financial burden placed on motorists, particularly lower-income households and owners of older vehicles, arising from NCT retest fees and associated repair costs; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Asked the Minister for Transport when the current NCT operating contract with a company (details supplied) was last reviewed; the oversight arrangements in place to ensure compliance with that contract; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Asked the Minister for Transport if the Road Safety Authority conducts any audits of NCT test centres to ensure consistency and impartiality in test outcomes across centres; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance the estimated economic value of unclaimed tax credits/rebates in the State.

Asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance the estimated number of people who did not claim tax credits which they were entitled to in each of the past five years.

Asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance the number of people who claimed the working from home tax credit in each of the past five years.

Asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation whether the Office of Public Works (OPW) has been requested to assess or assist with the repair and stabilisation of the Peace Park in Balla, County Mayo, given its historical, commemorative, and veterans' significance; and the role, if any, the OPW could play in supporting this project.

Asked the Minister for Education and Youth the reason a school (details supplied) with an exceptionally high concentration of socio-economic disadvantage and complex educational needs was excluded from both DEIS and DEIS Plus, and whether she will review this decision; and if she will make a statement on the matter.

Asked the Minister for Education and Youth the reason non-DEIS schools are excluded from the DEIS appeals process; the mechanism that exists for a school (details supplied) to seek reconsideration of its exclusion; and if she will make a statement on the matter.

Asked the Minister for Education and Youth if she will conduct a needs-based assessment of a school (details supplied) in light of its exceptionally high level of concentrated disadvantage and the absence of DEIS supports; and if she will make a statement on the matter.

Asked the Minister for Education and Youth the interim supports that can be provided immediately to a school (details supplied) pending any future DEIS review, given the school’s severe resource shortages, food insecurity among pupils, and high levels of complex need; and if she will make a statement on the matter.

Asked the Minister for Education and Youth whether the DEIS profiling model will be reformed to account for rural schools with non-local disadvantaged enrolments, such as a school (details supplied), where area-based indicators do not reflect the actual pupil population; and if she will make a statement on the matter.

Asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine further to Parliamentary Question No. 1417 of 4 November 2025, and the subsequent direct response issued by Teagasc confirming that errors in the reporting of the lambing difficulty score scale occurred in two Teagasc led peer reviewed publications and were corrected by erratum or corrigendum, if he will confirm whether either his Department or Teagasc has examined whether the same or similar error has occurred in any other Teagasc research papers, technical publications, advisory articles, or conference proceedings on sheep breeding, either before or after the identification of these errors; if such a review has been carried out, to list the publications and events examined, the outcome of that review, and any further errata or corrections issued; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will request Teagasc, and where appropriate the Central Statistics Office, to provide the annual average number of lambs weaned per ewe in the national mid season lowland sheep flock for each year from 2000 to the most recent year available, as reported in Teagasc National Farm Survey sheep reports or equivalent publications; the total number of lowland breeding ewes in the national flock for each year from 2000 to the most recent year available, distinguishing, where possible, between lowland and hill ewes; the monthly number of lambs slaughtered in Ireland, separately identified from adult sheep where data allow, or alternatively a seasonal or quarterly breakdown, for each year from 2008 to the most recent year available, as recorded in the CSO livestock slaughtering series, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine to provide, in respect of the Irish Cattle Breeding Federation (ICBF), the total amount of Exchequer and CAP funding the organisation has received since its inception, for each year from 2008 to the most recent year available; the amount of funding paid to ICBF, disaggregated by source and type, including annual operating grants, capital or infrastructure grants under the Cattle/Sheep Breeding Infrastructure Programme or its predecessors, and project specific or research and development grants; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine to provide in respect of Sheep Ireland, the total amount of Exchequer and CAP funding the organisation has received since its inception; for each year from 2008 to the most recent year available; the amount of funding paid to Sheep Ireland, disaggregated by source and type, including annual operating grants, capital or infrastructure grants under the Cattle/Sheep Breeding Infrastructure Programme or its predecessors, and project specific or research and development grants; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage further to Parliamentary Question No. 717 of 28 April 2026, if his Department has assessed the cashflow impact on applicants arising from the requirement to complete all works and submit all receipts before any payment under the Croí Cónaithe grant is made; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage further to Parliamentary Question No. 717 of 28 April 2026, if his Department has examined the feasibility of allowing drawdown of Croí Cónaithe grant funding on the basis of a completion certificate issued by a qualified local engineer, with receipts retained for potential audit, as proposed by Mayo County Council; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage further to Parliamentary Question No. 717 of 28 April 2026, if his Department has consulted local authorities regarding administrative or operational challenges associated with the current Croí Cónaithe grant payment process, including the requirement for applicants to submit all receipts prior to payment; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage further to Parliamentary Question No. 717 of 28 April 2026, if he intends to review the design of the Croí Cónaithe grant process in light of motions passed by local authorities, including Mayo County Council, requesting that applicants be permitted to draw down funds on the basis of a completion certificate issued by a qualified local engineer; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Asked the Minister for Social Protection if he will review the continued means testing of the carer's allowance, given that caring is a constant, full time role that does not operate on defined hours or shift patterns, and places significant mental, physical and emotional demands on carers; if he accepts that the current system does not adequately reflect the value of unpaid care work or the cost of living pressures faced by family carers; the consideration being given to removing or reforming the means test for carer's allowance; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Asked the Minister for Health further to Parliamentary Question 275 of 16 April 2026, if she will provide the number of patients, not the percentage, in Mayo University Hospital waiting more than eight, 12 and 24 hours in the emergency department.

Asked the Minister for Health the number of patients admitted or discharged to or from Mayo University Hospital's emergency department in the month of February 2026.

Asked the Minister for Health her views on whether it is acceptable that a patient with a history of osteoporosis is faced with a wait of over a year for a publicly funded DEXA scan while being offered immediate access on payment of €100; whether this practice undermines the principle of care being provided on the basis of medical need rather than ability to pay; and the action she will take to ensure patients are not placed in this position.

Asked the Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport if he plans to extend the new late-night transport pilot serving rural night-time economy locations to other towns and other counties; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Asked the Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport when the deadline is for applying for the new basic income for the arts scheme; the way in which the new scheme differs from the previous scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Asked the Minister for Health the total professional fees paid to date to architects and design consultants involved in the National Children’s Hospital project; the basis on which those fees were calculated, including whether they were linked to a percentage of construction cost; the original estimated professional fees when the project was first approved at an estimated cost of approximately €800 million; the current projected total of such fees; and whether she will publish a breakdown of design revisions, plan changes and cost variations that contributed to increases in professional fees over the lifetime of the project.

Asked the Minister for Health whether her Department or the National Paediatric Hospital Development Board maintains records of the number and nature of revised architectural drawings and design changes issued during construction of the National Children’s Hospital; whether these revisions contributed to additional construction costs and delays; and if she will provide details of any value-for-money or performance reviews conducted in relation to architectural and design consultancy services on the project.

Asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance the current age-related tax supports available to individuals aged 65 and over, including the age tax credit and any remaining exemption mechanisms; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance when the age tax credit was last increased; its value at the time of introduction; whether it has been adjusted since 2011; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance the rationale for maintaining the age tax credit at its current level for over a decade despite sustained inflation and rising living costs; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance the year in which the former age exemption limits for taxpayers aged 65 and over were removed from the income tax system; the rationale for their removal at that time; whether any assessment was carried out on the impact of abolishing these exemption limits on older taxpayers; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance whether his Department has assessed the cumulative impact of inflation since 2011 on the disposable income of older taxpayers; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance the estimated fiscal cost of restoring the former age exemption limits to their pre-2011 levels, adjusted for inflation; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance whether he intends to review age-related tax supports in advance of Budget 2027; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Asked the Minister for Education and Youth further to her commitment to develop guidance on best practice arrangements for pupils in denominational schools whose parents request that they do not attend religious instruction, if she will ensure that this guidance is framed in order that it expressly covers all conscience-based opt-outs under section 30(2)(e) of the Education Act 1998, and not only religious instruction, or alternatively that equivalent guidance is issued for non-religious content; and if she will make a statement on the matter.

Asked the Minister for Education and Youth if she will ensure that any Departmental guidance on opt-out arrangements covers all conscience-based opt-outs and does not create an artificial distinction between families who invoke the same statutory right in respect to different elements of the curriculum given that the same practical and rights-based issues arise; and if she will make a statement on the matter.

Asked the Minister for Education and Youth if she accepts that providing no more than ad hoc supervision, or requiring a child to sit in the same classroom while instruction contrary to conscience is delivered, is inconsistent with the State’s duty to vindicate parental rights under the Constitution; the way in which upcoming guidance will address this; and if she will make a statement on the matter.

Asked the Minister for Education and Youth if she is aware of a request submitted on behalf of a school (details supplied) seeking the establishment of a dedicated school transport route from Ballyhaunis; whether this request has been assessed by her Department or Bus Éireann; and if she will outline the current status of this request.

Asked the Minister for Education and Youth whether pupils attending a school (details supplied) who reside in Ballyhaunis, County Mayo, are considered eligible for school transport under the school transport scheme where their nearest school was unable to offer places due to capacity constraints, as confirmed in writing by the local school; and the way in which such cases are assessed.

Asked the Minister for Education and Youth the timeframe within which a decision is made to establish a new school transport route where a cohort of pupils - currently 14 - have applied; and whether arrangements can be put in place, in advance of the upcoming academic year in September, given the clear and ongoing need for safe and reliable transport.

Asked the Minister for Education and Youth the rationale for the continued exclusion of principals appointed after 2015 from receiving the secretarial allowance for acting as secretary to the board of management, given that principals appointed before this date continue to receive the allowance for carrying out the same statutory duties; whether a review of this inequity is under way; and if she will make a statement on the matter.

Asked the Minister for Education and Youth if she will review the current structure of principal release-day clusters to ensure that the calculation of base posts reflects the full scope of a principal’s management responsibilities, including the co-ordination and oversight of special needs assistants or SNAs, bus escorts and teaching staff; if she will consider including these roles in the staffing thresholds used to determine release-day allocations; and if she will make a statement on the matter.

Asked the Minister for Education and Youth to provide a full breakdown of all special classes in County Mayo, including the number of places in each class, current occupancy levels, and projected availability for September 2026; and if she will make a statement on the matter.

Asked the Minister for Education and Youth the number of children in County Mayo who have been identified by psychologists and SENOs as requiring a special class or special school placement for September 2026; and if she will make a statement on the matter.

Asked the Minister for Education and Youth the number of children in County Mayo who are expected to attend mainstream schools with SNA support in September 2026; and if she will make a statement on the matter.

Asked the Minister for Education and Youth to outline the Department's plan to ensure that all children identified as requiring a special class or special school placement in County Mayo for September 2026 will be accommodated; and if she will make a statement on the matter.

Asked the Minister for Education and Youth the ongoing training and support that is provided to teachers and SNAs in County Mayo to enable them to support children with complex needs, particularly in cases where therapy services are understaffed; and if she will make a statement on the matter.

Asked the Minister for Education and Youth to clarify the policy regarding transport provision for special schools; the reason a special school in County Mayo has had to fundraise for a school bus; and if she will make a statement on the matter.

Asked the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality the number of overdue assessments of need in County Mayo for each year from 2021 to 2025; the reasons for the significant increase; the measures being taken to address the backlog; and if she will make a statement on the matter.

Asked the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality the number of children currently awaiting early intervention services in County Mayo, including speech and language therapy and occupational therapy; the steps being taken to improve staffing and service capacity; and if she will make a statement on the matter.

Asked the Minister for Health when a person (details supplied) will receive an appointment for cataract surgery, given that there was a delay through no fault of their own in the referral made by their optician to the HSE; and if she will make a statement on the matter.

Asked the Minister for Health if she is aware of serious concerns that have been raised regarding inadequate nursing staffing levels in St. Finbarr’s ward, University Hospital Galway; the current nurse-to-patient ratios on the ward; and whether these staffing levels meet national patient safety and care standards, particularly for vulnerable elderly patients.

Asked the Minister for Health the number of formal complaints received by University Hospital Galway in the past 12 months relating to staffing levels or patient safety concerns in St. Finbarr’s ward; whether such complaints have been escalated beyond the Patient Advocacy and Liaison Service (PALS); and the actions, if any, which have been taken by hospital management or the HSE to address the issues raised.

Asked the Minister for Health the immediate measures that are being taken to address ongoing nursing staff shortages in St. Finbarr’s ward, University Hospital Galway; whether additional permanent or agency nursing staff are being deployed; and the medium to long-term recruitment and retention plans in place to prevent a recurrence of risks to patient safety and standards of care.

Asked the Minister for Education and Youth the rationale for increasing the school bus fees for 2026, while simultaneously shortening the payment window, with parents now required to pay by 8 May, compared with early June last year; and the reason no instalment or phased payment system is available to support families during the ongoing cost-of-living pressures; and if she will make a statement on the matter.

Asked the Taoiseach to provide an update on the work of the Cabinet offshore wind energy clearing house.

Asked the Minister for Education and Youth further to Parliamentary Question No. 530 of 24 February 2026, to provide an update on the review of the assistive technology scheme referenced, including the process being followed and the anticipated date for completion; and if she will make a statement on the matter.

Asked the Minister for Education and Youth the reason her Department does not accept or give appropriate weight to an individual professional report which clearly states that a child (details supplied) requires assistive technology in order to access the curriculum; and to outline the basis on which such recommendations are being deemed insufficient to meet the Department's criteria; and if she will make a statement on the matter.

Asked the Minister for Education and Youth if she will address the capacity pressures within the visiting teacher service for the visually impaired, in light of recent presentations to the Oireachtas by advocacy groups (details supplied); the measures being taken to ensure timely and adequate support for children with visual impairments; and if she will make a statement on the matter.

Asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he will amend the Croí Cónaithe grant process so that applicants may draw down funds on the basis of a completion certificate issued by a qualified local engineer, rather than being required to submit all receipts prior to payment, noting that applicants will still be required to retain all receipts for potential random audits to ensure full accountability and compliance; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine to clarify the taxation and excise arrangements arising from the Government's fuel support package announced in April 2026, insofar as they relate to marked gas oil, commonly referred to as green diesel (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Asked the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality to provide an update on the submission of Disability Supports Application Management Tool (DSMAT) forms by disability service providers in County Mayo; the extent to which providers are meeting DSMAT submission requirements; to identify any providers with outstanding or overdue submissions; and if she will make a statement on the matter.

Asked the Minister for Health the reason radiography student numbers increased in September 2025, with a further increase planned for September 2026, without any corresponding increase in the number of radiography practice tutors; the impact this has on training capacity and safety; and if she will make a statement on the matter.

Asked the Minister for Health if she is aware that radiography students are currently placed in clinical sites without any dedicated radiography practice tutor in place; the steps she will take to address this; and if she will make a statement on the matter.

Asked the Minister for Health the way in which the Department ensures compliance with HSE governance principles and HIQA standards in radiography training environments, given reports that responsibility for student supervision is becoming diffuse and that dedicated radiography practice tutor roles are not being expanded; and if she will make a statement on the matter.

Asked the Minister for Health if she will clarify whether there is a policy shift underway from the dedicated radiography practice tutor model to a broader practice educator model involving all radiographers; the rationale for such a shift; and if she will make a statement on the matter.

Asked the Minister for Health the rationale for creating multiple new managerial posts in each region to oversee radiography placements while no additional radiography practice tutors have been appointed; and if she will make a statement on the matter.

Asked the Minister for Health the way in which her Department ensures that radiography students, staff, patients and the public are protected in accordance with radiation safety requirements when dedicated radiography practice tutor capacity is insufficient; and if she will make a statement on the matter.

Asked the Minister for Health the way in which quality assurance, risk management and clear accountability are maintained in radiography training settings where tutor capacity is inadequate or responsibility is shared across multiple staff; and if she will make a statement on the matter.

Asked the Minister for Health the oversight mechanisms in place to ensure compliance with cleaning and hygiene protocols at Mayo University Hospital; whether any audits or inspections relating to cleanliness have been carried out at the hospital during 2024 and 2025; if any deficiencies were identified; if she will provide details of any remedial actions taken; and if she will make a statement on the matter.

Asked the Minister for Health the cleaning and hygiene standards currently in place at Mayo University Hospital; the frequency with which wards, bathrooms, floors and patient surfaces are cleaned; whether these standards meet national infection prevention and control guidelines; and if she will make a statement on the matter.

Asked the Minister for Health the current visitor policy at Mayo University Hospital; the way in which visitor numbers and visiting times are enforced on wards where patients are medically vulnerable; whether any reviews have been undertaken following concerns about overcrowding and disturbance to patients; and if she will make a statement on the matter.

Asked the Minister for Health the infection prevention and control procedures in place at Mayo University Hospital when a confirmed case of Covid-19 is identified on a ward; whether all patients and staff are tested and appropriate isolation measures implemented in such circumstances; if she is satisfied that these procedures are being consistently followed; and if she will make a statement on the matter.

Asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if his Department collects or monitors data on the rate of youth emigration; the number of post-graduates who remain in the country after achieving their degree; and the numbers who leave, from each faculty; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if his Department collects or monitors data on the rate of youth emigration; the number of post-graduates who remain in the country after achieving their degree; and the number who leave, from each faculty; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Asked the Minister for Education and Youth if she will outline the process and responsible parties for ensuring that appropriate safety measures, including clinically recommended restraint or harness systems, are put in place for a child (details supplied) with additional needs who has been removed from school transport on safety grounds; the reason for delays in securing clinical assessment and equipment; the body responsible for coordinating between the CDNT, SENO, school and Bus Éireann; the expected timeframe for reinstating transport once a safety concern has been raised; and if she will make a statement on the matter.

Asked the Minister for Education and Youth the specific analysis her Department has carried out on the decision by Bus Éireann to double school transport fees for the 2026-2027 academic year; if she has examined the disproportionate impact this increase will have on working families who have no alternative transport options; if she accepts the widespread concern being expressed by parents that such a steep rise during a cost-of-living crisis is unreasonable and risks pricing families out of essential school transport; if her Department plans to review, or reverse this increase; and if she will make a statement on the matter.

Asked the Minister for Health when a person (details supplied) will receive a neurology appointment in Galway University Hospital, given they have been waiting for two years; the current waiting times for neurology appointments at the hospital; and if she will make a statement on the matter.

Asked the Taoiseach if he will report on the progress his Department is making in tackling child poverty.

Asked the Taoiseach if he will report on the progress his Department is making in tackling child poverty.

Asked the Minister for Health if her Department plans to tighten regulations on food labelling in light of recent exposes showing widespread mislabelling of foreign produce as Irish either on the packaging or on the shelf labels in supermarkets in Ireland.

Asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance the amount of carbon tax, in money value, collected by the Government in each of the past ten years and to date in 2026.

Asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance the amount of tax on fuel, in money value, collected by the Government in each of the past ten years and to date in 2026, by tax-type.

Asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment the amount of carbon emitted in the State in each of the past ten years.

Asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment if his Department has conducted research to determine the projected costs which the State could incur in fines from the EU if it misses climate targets; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Asked the Minister for Transport the current level of public bus transport provision serving Kiltimagh, County Mayo; whether he accepts that the town currently has no direct inter-urban or express bus service; the way in which this position aligns with the objectives of the Connecting Ireland Rural Mobility Plan; and the specific measures which are planned to improve connectivity for Kiltimagh, including timelines for delivery.

Asked the Minister for Health the current average and longest waiting times in accident and emergency departments, including at Mayo University Hospital, Castlebar; the number of patients waiting more than eight, 12 and 24 hours respectively; and if she will make a statement on the matter.

Asked the Minister for Health the number of patients attending A&E who do not require admission to a bed but are left waiting for extended periods on chairs pending scans, test results or discharge decisions; the measures in place to prevent patients being detained in A&E for excessive periods; and if she will make a statement on the matter.

Asked the Minister for Health the percentage increase in A&E attendances and waiting times since 2015; whether she accepts that pressures have continued to worsen in recent years; the urgent actions being taken to reduce waiting times for non-life-threatening but distressing presentations; and if she will make a statement on the matter.

Asked the Taoiseach when the Cabinet committee on justice, migration and social affairs will next meet.

Asked the Taoiseach when the Cabinet committee on justice, migration and social affairs will next meet.

Asked the Taoiseach when the Cabinet Committee on Housing will next meet.

Asked the Taoiseach when the Cabinet Committee on Health will next meet.

Asked the Taoiseach the amount of Government funding provided to supposedly environmental NGOs (details supplied) in each of the past ten years.

Asked the Taoiseach to provide a list of the NGOs that have received Government funding from his Department in the past five years.

Asked the Taoiseach the number of non-Governmental organisations that have received State funding from his Department in each of the past five years; the number of such organisations currently registered in the State which have been funded by his Department; and the number located outside the State that have received Irish public funds from his Department for each of the past five years, in tabular form.

Asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the amount of Government funding provided to environmental NGOs (details supplied) in each of the past ten years.

Asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade to provide a list of the NGOs that have received Government funding from her Department in the past five years.

Asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the number of non-Governmental organisations based outside the State that have received Irish taxpayer funding in each of the past five years; the total amount allocated to such organisations annually, for each of the past five years, in tabular form; and if she will make a statement on the matter.

Asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the number of non-Governmental organisations that have received State funding from her Department in each of the past five years; the number of such organisations currently registered in the State which have been funded by her Department; the number located outside the State that have received Irish public funds from her Department for each of the past five years, in tabular form; and if she will make a statement on the matter.

Asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment the amount of Government funding provided to environmental NGOs (details supplied) in each of the past ten years.

Asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment to provide a list of the NGOs that have received Government funding from his Department in the past five years.

Asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment the number of non-governmental organisations that have received State funding from his Department in each of the past five years; the number of such organisations currently registered in the State which have been funded by his Department; the number located outside the State that have received Irish public funds from his Department for each of the past five years, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Asked the Minister for Defence the amount of Government funding provided to environmental NGOs (details supplied) in each of the past ten years.

Asked the Minister for Defence to provide a list of the NGOs that have received Government funding from her Department in the past five years.

Asked the Minister for Defence the number of non-Governmental organisations that have received State funding from her Department in each of the past five years; the number of such organisations currently registered in the State which have been funded by her Department; the number located outside the State that have received Irish public funds from her Department for each of the past five years, in tabular form; and if she will make a statement on the matter.

Asked the Minister for Transport the rationale for the cost burden placed on commercial-vehicle owners through the CVRT system; and specifically, the justification for the 30% road safety levy applied to commercial vehicles; if his Department has assessed the combined financial impact of these charges on small operators, tradespeople, and workers who rely on commercial vehicles for their livelihoods; whether this cost structure is considered sustainable; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Asked the Minister for Transport the amount of Government funding provided environmental NGOs (details supplied) in each of the past ten years.

Asked the Minister for Transport to provide a list of the NGOs that have received Government funding from his Department in the past five years.

Asked the Minister for Transport the reason Bus Éireann is ceasing its route 52 Expressway service between Galway and Ballina; the steps his Department is taking to ensure that a bus connection between Galway and Ballina is preserved; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Asked the Minister for Transport the assessment that has been carried out regarding the availability of wheelchair-accessible public transport between Ballina and Galway if route 52 is withdrawn; if the NTA acknowledges that Citylink does not provide a wheelchair-accessible service on this corridor; the contingency plan to ensure wheelchair users are not left without any accessible transport option; and if the NTA can guarantee that any replacement service will meet or exceed current accessibility standards.

Asked the Minister for Transport the most recent passenger numbers for route 52, broken down by town, village, Ballina, Foxford, Straide, Castlebar and Claremorris; if the NTA can provide data on daily, weekly, and peak-time usage; the number of passengers that use route 52 for hospital appointments, education, or employment; and the number of passengers that rely on wheelchair lifts, mobility assistance, or other accessibility supports.

Asked the Minister for Transport the analysis that has been conducted regarding the impact on access to Mayo University Hospital, University Hospital Galway, Merlin Park Hospital and Galway Clinic; if the NTA reviewed the number of patients that travel for outpatient appointments, surgery, treatments, or consultant visits; the provision that will be made for patients who cannot drive due to medical conditions or medication; and if the NTA consulted any hospital groups or patient advocacy organisations before the decision to cease Route 52.

Asked the Minister for Transport the assessment that has been completed on the way the cancellation of route 52 will affect students attending University of Galway, ATU Castlebar and Galway, students needing onward connections to UL, via Galway; the way in which students without cars be expected to travel between Mayo and Galway; if the NTA has considered the context of the housing crisis, forcing students to commute; and the alternative transport that will be provided at student-appropriate hours.

Asked the Minister for Transport the analysis has been carried out regarding the effect on elderly residents, isolated rural communities, and individuals placed in Direct Provision or emergency accommodation; the way in which people who rely on the route 52 service for shopping, family visits, sporting events, and community activities will be supported; if the NTA has identified the number of rural towns/villages will be left with no public transport at all; and the measures that will be introduced to prevent rural isolation as a result of this cancellation.

Asked the Minister for Transport the public consultation that took place before route 52 was selected for discontinuation; if accessibility organisations, disability advocates, local authorities, or community groups were consulted; if the NTA will publish the documentation, modelling, and rationale behind this decision; and when did the NTA first receive or approve the proposal from Bus Éireann to withdraw route 52.

Asked the Minister for Transport the replacement service options that are being considered for communities losing route 52 and if alternative operators will be required to provide full wheelchair accessibility.

Asked the Minister for Transport if the NTA has assessed the financial impact on workers who rely on route 52 to access employment in Mayo or Galway; the way in which the decision aligns with national goals encouraging the public to use public transport and reduce car dependency; the analysis that has been conducted regarding increased car usage, congestion, and emissions if the route is cancelled; and if the NTA has evaluated the way in which rising fuel costs and potential supply issues will affect passengers forced to switch to private cars.

Asked the Minister for Transport if he is aware of the serious road safety concerns associated with the current bus stop arrangement in Kilkelly, County Mayo, including evidence of dangerous set-down and pick-up conditions for passengers and road users; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Asked the Minister for Transport if the National Transport Authority has assessed the current bus stop location in Kilkelly for safety compliance and accessibility; if any formal safety audit has been undertaken; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Asked the Minister for Transport if there are plans to install a new purpose-built bus stop in Kilkelly to address the current safety issues; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Asked the Minister for Transport the proposed location for the new bus stop in Kilkelly, if a site has been identified; the criteria used to select the location; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Asked the Minister for Transport if he will provide maps, layout drawings or indicative site plans showing potential locations for a new bus stop in Kilkelly, including any preliminary designs or assessments conducted by the NTA or Mayo County Council; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Asked the Minister for Transport whether public consultation will take place with local residents and stakeholders prior to finalising the location of a new bus stop in Kilkelly; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Asked the Minister for Transport the expected timeline for decision making, design, funding approval, and construction of a new bus stop in Kilkelly; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Asked the Minister for Transport the extent to which the Climate Action and Low Carbon Development (Amendment) Bill 2021 has contributed to delays in road infrastructure and planning processes and the knock-on impact this has on rural business operations; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Asked the Minister for Transport the current status of a proposed road project (details supplied); the stage the project is at within his Department’s appraisal, approval, and funding processes; whether any allocations, approvals, or directions have been issued to Mayo County Council since 2024; the expected next steps and timelines for progression; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Asked the Minister for Transport the engagement his Department has had with Mayo County Council since 2024 regarding road projects (details supplied); the dates and nature of any correspondence, meetings or directives issued; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Asked the Minister for Transport whether any national-level policy, funding or capacity constraints within his Department have contributed to delays in progressing road projects (details supplied); the nature of any such constraints; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Asked the Minister for Transport whether road projects (details supplied) have been included, or are under consideration for inclusion, in current or forthcoming national transport investment programmes; the criteria being applied to determine their prioritisation; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Asked the Minister for Transport the number of non-Governmental organisations that have received State funding from his Department in each of the past five years; the number of such organisations currently registered in the State which have been funded by his Department; the number located outside the State that have received Irish public funds from his Department for each of the past five years, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance whether the measures announced include supports to assist households with the rising cost of home heating oil, given the continuing financial pressure faced by families reliant on oil-fired home heating; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance the amount of Government funding provided to environmental NGOs (details supplied) in each of the past ten years.

Asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance if he will suspend carbon tax on fuel for the duration of the current diesel price crisis, given the disproportionate impact on rural and diesel dependent sectors; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance the number of non-Governmental organisations that have received State funding from his Department in each of the past five years; the number of such organisations currently registered in the State which have been funded by his Department; the number located outside the State that have received Irish public funds from his Department for each of the past five years, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance further to the closure in Budget 2026 of a loophole under the Capital Acquisitions Tax regime that allowed wealthy individuals to transfer life assurance policies to family members without incurring a tax liability, whether the Revenue Commissioners or his Department identified, investigated, or were made aware of any cases in which the individuals who availed of this mechanism included current or former politicians, family members of politicians, or civil servants or public officials; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance further to the identification by the Revenue Commissioners as far back as 2023 of a Capital Acquisitions Tax loophole that permitted the tax-free transfer of life assurance policies by assignment to a spouse, child, or other named beneficiary prior to the death of the policyholder, whether any review was conducted specifically to establish if politically exposed persons or their associates were among those who availed of this mechanism to avoid inheritance tax; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance further to the decision taken in Budget 2026 to close a Capital Acquisitions Tax loophole that enabled the transfer of life assurance policies without attracting an inheritance or gift tax liability, whether he is satisfied that it was appropriate to amend the law without any public consultation or advance notice to taxpayers, as was explicitly recommended by the anti-avoidance team of the Revenue Commissioners; whether consideration was given to issuing a public statement alerting taxpayers to the legal change; whether he is satisfied that the absence of public disclosure did not disproportionately advantage those with access to professional tax planning advice over ordinary taxpayers; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance further to Freedom of Information records confirming that the Revenue Commissioners strongly advised against publicising a Capital Acquisitions Tax loophole relating to the assignment of life assurance policies prior to its closure in Budget 2026, whether he can confirm that no information regarding this loophole was disclosed, formally or informally, to any tax practitioners, financial advisers, insurers, legal professionals, or other third parties in advance of the Budget announcement; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation to provide a list of the NGOs that have received Government funding in the past five years.

Asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation the amount of Government funding provided to supposedly environmental NGOs (details supplied) in each of the past ten years.

Asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation the number of non-Governmental organisations that have received State funding in each of the past five years; the number of such organisations currently registered in the State; the number located outside the State that have received Irish public funds for each of the past five years, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation the amount of State funding provided to non-Governmental organisations, by his Department in each of the past five years, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment the amount of Government funding provided to environmental NGOs (details supplied) in each of the past ten years.

Asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment to provide a list of the NGOs that have received Government funding from his Department in the past five years.

Asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment to provide a list of the NGOs that have received Government funding from his Department in the past five years.

Asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment the number of short term rental properties currently operating in County Mayo, based on the most recent data available to his Department or to Fáilte Ireland; and the proportion of those properties that are advertised as entire homes or apartments.

Asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment the number of short term rental units in County Mayo he expects will be required to register with Fáilte Ireland under the forthcoming short term letting and tourism legislation; and the preparations underway to support hosts in rural counties to comply with the new registration system.

Asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment the way in which the national short term letting register will capture and publish data at county level, including for County Mayo; and whether such data will be made available to local authorities and public representatives.

Asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment the engagement that has taken place between his Department, Fáilte Ireland and tourism stakeholders in County Mayo regarding the impact of the new short term letting registration and platform obligations on local tourism capacity

Asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment the enforcement measures that will apply in cases where short term rental platforms advertise properties in County Mayo without a valid registration number once the new system comes into force.

Asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment the number of non-governmental organisations that have received State funding from his Department in each of the past five years; the number of such organisations currently registered in the State which have been funded by his Department; the number located outside the State that have received Irish public funds from his Department for each of the past five years, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Asked the Minister for Education and Youth the written procedure, protocol, circular or guidance that applies where a disabled student experiences significant distress or makes a disclosure linked to difficulties accessing education; and the body that holds lead responsibility for coordinating the response in such cases; and if she will make a statement on the matter.

Asked the Minister for Education and Youth the role NEPS is expected to play in cases where its involvement has been sought but no response or engagement has been provided over an extended period; and the oversight mechanisms in place where a student’s distress appears to be linked to failures in disability-related educational access and support provision; and if she will make a statement on the matter.

Asked the Minister for Education and Youth whether she considers general school-level frameworks to be adequate in situations involving unresolved multi-agency failures affecting a disabled student’s access to education and wellbeing; and if she will make a statement on the matter.

Asked the Minister for Education and Youth the amount of Government funding provided to environmental NGOs (details supplied) in each of the past ten years.

Asked the Minister for Education and Youth to provide a list of the NGOs that have received Government funding from her Department in the past five years.

Asked the Minister for Education and Youth the reason refusal letters for SEN applications are taking several months to issue; the current average timeframe for issuing such letters; the impact these delays have on families' ability to lodge appeals in a timely manner; if she will ensure that the refusal letter for a person (details supplied) is issued without further delay; and if she will make a statement on the matter.

Asked the Minister for Education and Youth if she agrees with the NCSE's view that special needs assistants (SNAs) should be primarily or only provided to children with physical care needs; if she will work to ensure that children with educational needs, children who need help with emotional regulation or sensory overload are not excluded from automatically receiving an SNA; and if she will make a statement on the matter.

Asked the Minister for Education and Youth if she can provide an estimate on the number of children who were previously entitled to an SNA but from whom an SNA will be removed this year.

Asked the Minister for Education and Youth the number of children who lost their SNA allocation in each of the past ten years in tabular form.

Asked the Minister for Education and Youth the number of children who qualified for an SNA in each of the past ten years, in tabular form.

Asked the Minister for Education and Youth the number of non-governmental organisations that have received State funding from her Department in each of the past five years; the number of such organisations currently registered in the State which have been funded by her Department; the number located outside the State that have received Irish public funds from her Department for each of the past five years, in tabular form; and if she will make a statement on the matter.

Asked the Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport the amount of Government funding provided to environmental NGOs (details supplied) in each of the past ten years.

Asked the Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport to provide a list of the NGOs that have received Government funding from his Department in the past five years.

Asked the Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport the number of non-Governmental organisations that have received State funding from his Department in each of the past five years; the number of such organisations currently registered in the State which have been funded by his Department; the number located outside the State that have received Irish public funds from his Department for each of the past five years, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the policy or infrastructural improvements that have occurred since the introduction of the 2023 waiver that justify its expiration; and the details of any review undertaken to assess its impact on rural housing development.

Asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the amount of Government funding provided to environmental NGOs (details supplied) in each of the past ten years.

Asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage to provide a list of the NGOs that have received Government funding from his Department in the past five years.

Asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the way in which the forthcoming planning framework for short term letting will apply in County Mayo, particularly in towns with populations below 10,000; and the discretion Mayo County Council will have in setting local policy.

Asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the assessment his Department has made of the impact of short term rentals on long term housing availability in County Mayo, including in coastal and high tourism areas.

Asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the way in which local authorities such as Mayo County Council will be supported to enforce planning requirements relating to short term letting, including staffing, resources, and access to data from the national register.

Asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the way in which the interaction between the new national short term letting register and existing planning enforcement powers will operate in practice in counties with dispersed rural populations such as Mayo.

Asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage whether he intends to issue specific guidance to local authorities on balancing tourism activity and housing supply in rural counties, including County Mayo, under the new short term letting regime.

Asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the reason firefighters who continue to pass annual medical and fitness assessments are required to retire at 62 years-of-age rather than being allowed to continue working to 66 years in line with the State pension age; whether his Department has examined the feasibility of linking retirement to fitness and medical capability rather than age alone; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage given current recruitment and retention challenges within fire services, whether any analysis has been undertaken by his Department of the cost, pension, and staffing implications of retaining experienced firefighters beyond the age of 62; and whether flexibility may be considered for firefighters who continue to meet required occupational health and fitness standards.

Asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage whether his Department has been consulted regarding the replacement of firefighters due to retire in County Mayo in 2026; and the supports, approvals or funding mechanisms that are available to local authorities to ensure continuity of service where multiple experienced personnel retire within a short timeframe.

Asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage given that full-time and retained firefighters are required to undergo and pass annual occupational health and fitness assessments, the reason for the policy rationale for mandatory retirement at 62 years-of-age; the reason firefighters who continue to meet the required medical and fitness standards are not permitted to remain in service until 66 years of age; whether this policy has been reviewed in recent years; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage whether he has considered or has proposals under way to increase the mandatory retirement age for full-time and retained firefighters from 62 to 66 years-of-age, in line with the State pension age; the engagement, if any, he has had with local authorities and representative bodies on this issue; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the number of full-time firefighters and retained (reserve) firefighters in County Mayo who are due to retire in 2026 and 2027, by station where possible; the projected impact this will have on fire service capacity and emergency response in the county; and the contingency or workforce-planning measures currently in place to address the loss of experienced personnel.

Asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the assessment that has been carried out by his Department or by Mayo County Council on the operational impact of the retirement of three experienced firefighters in Claremorris in 2026, with a combined service record in excess of 100 years; and the way in which institutional knowledge, mentoring capacity and operational readiness are being addressed during this transition.

Asked the Minister for Social Protection to provide a list of the NGOs that have received Government funding from his Department in the past five years.

Asked the Minister for Social Protection the number of non-Governmental organisations that have received State funding from his Department in each of the past five years; the number of such organisations currently registered in the State which have been funded by his Department; the number located outside the State that have received Irish public funds from his Department for each of the past five years, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Asked the Minister for Social Protection the reason that the jobseeker's pay related benefit does not provide for adult or child dependant additions, as was the case under the previous jobseeker's benefit scheme; if an assessment was carried out on the impact this change would have on single income households with multiple dependants; if his Department intends to review this aspect of the scheme in light of the financial implications for affected families; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration to consider introducing a fee waiver for older applicants for Irish citizenship, as an elderly constituent, who has lived, worked and contributed Ireland since 1974 when they were 24 years and is of English nationality, cannot afford to access an Irish passport; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration the amount of Government funding provided to environmental NGOs (details supplied) in each of the past ten years.

Asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration to provide a list of the NGOs that have received Government funding from his Department in the past five years.

Asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration the number of non-Governmental organisations that have received State funding from his Department in each of the past five years; the number of such organisations currently registered in the State which have been funded by his Department; the number located outside the State that have received Irish public funds from his Department for each of the past five years, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the amount of Government funding provided to environmental NGOs (details supplied) in each of the past ten years; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine to provide a list of the NGOs that have received Government funding from his Department in the past five years.

Asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will list the countries from which Ireland imports farm fertiliser.

Asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if his Department holds any data or analysis on the quantity in weight or monetary value of farm fertiliser purchased by Irish farmers each year; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if his Department has undertaken any cost-analysis of the amount it would cost the Exchequer if his Department were to subsidise the cost of farm fertiliser to the extent necessary to bring it back in line with the average price from 2025; if so, if he will share such analysis with this Deputy; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will confirm when his Department last met with an organisation (details supplied); if he will commit to an immediate meeting in light of the escalating diesel price crisis; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will formally recognise agricultural and forestry contractors as essential service providers within the national food production system; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he has assessed the risk to national fodder and food production arising from the escalating diesel costs faced by agricultural contractors; and if he will make a statement on the matter.