Questions and answers published after July 2012 can be viewed here. Viewing by Government Department is possible by term or specific dates from March 2016 onwards. Written answers are published as received from departments. To see parliamentary questions published before July 2012, search in Dáil debates.
Questions and answers for all sittings
Page 1 of 74
Tue, 21 May 2024
written
Traffic Management
John McGuinness
202. Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Transport if he plans to deal with the road traffic issues on the N25, Waterford to Glenmore Road, relating to the volume and speed of traffic and the dangers of accessing the N25 from the local roads network; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22664/24]
Tue, 21 May 2024
written
Social Welfare Benefits
John McGuinness
374. Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Social Protection if an application for carer’s allowance will be approved as a matter of urgency for a person (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22398/24]
Tue, 21 May 2024
written
State Pensions
John McGuinness
378. Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Social Protection if a person (details supplied) qualifies for a contributory state pension and if their contribution record can be provided. [22431/24]
Tue, 21 May 2024
written
Hospital Appointments Status
John McGuinness
563. Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Health if immediate appointments will be given to a person (details supplied). [22438/24]
Thu, 16 May 2024
written
Heritage Sites
John McGuinness
162. Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform if he will investigate the extent of the maintenance required to make safe the structure known locally as Ballyshaun Castle (details supplied); if information boards will be provided at each location giving a brief history of the structures; if there are grants available to local community groups or property owners for such work; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22183/24]
Thu, 16 May 2024
written
Schools Building Projects
John McGuinness
179. Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Education the reason that after receiving official sanction on 30 April 2019 for a school building project, a school (details supplied) is still waiting for construction to commence; and if she will confirm a date to commence the project as a matter of urgency. [22243/24]
Thu, 16 May 2024
written
School Funding
John McGuinness
182. Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Education if she will review immediately the arrangements for payment of the ancillary services grants and the SSSF secretary grants, as communicated to schools on 26 April 2024, given that what is being proposed will cause serious financial problems for some schools; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22278/24]
Thu, 16 May 2024
written
Housing Provision
John McGuinness
193. Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if a complaint submitted to him (details supplied) relative to the purchase of 17 houses at Ogenty, Gowran, County Kilkenny, is being processed; and if he will confirm a timeframe for a response. [22241/24]
Thu, 16 May 2024
written
Social Welfare Appeals
John McGuinness
203. Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Social Protection if an application for carer's allowance submitted in November 2022, which was refused in 2023 and then reconsidered and refused again under review in the name of a person (details supplied), will be approved based on the further information submitted being considered in far greater detail in the appeal process. [22244/24]
Thu, 16 May 2024
written
Social Welfare Benefits
John McGuinness
204. Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Social Protection if an application for invalidity pension in the name of a person (details supplied) has been fully processed. [22245/24]
Thu, 16 May 2024
written
Health Services
John McGuinness
254. Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Health if section 39 funding will be put in place immediately for a project (details supplied) as the project is under considerable financial pressure.; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22180/24]
Tue, 14 May 2024
written
Road Projects
John McGuinness
162. Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Transport if he has assessed the recent submission from Kilkenny County Council dated 19 April 2024 in response to the SRAD queries relative to the next phase of the Kilkenny ring road extension; if he will provide the appropriate level of funding to allow the project to proceed to the next stage; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21241/24]
Tue, 14 May 2024
written
Road Projects
John McGuinness
163. Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Transport if the required amount of funding will be allocated immediately to allow a continuation of the N24 road project; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21242/24]
Tue, 14 May 2024
written
Rail Network
John McGuinness
171. Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Transport if the lift, which was installed by a company (details supplied) to facilitate access for all passengers to the railway station and which was to be commissioned by Iarnród Éireann, will be made operational; the reason the lift has never been used since it was installed 20 years ago; and if immediate action will be taken. [21278/24]
Tue, 14 May 2024
written
Flood Relief Schemes
John McGuinness
250. Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform the indicative timeframe for the various stages of planning and construction of a flood relief scheme for Freshford, County Kilkenny; and if he will confirm the current status of the scheme. [21269/24]
Tue, 14 May 2024
written
Special Educational Needs
John McGuinness
283. Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Education if she will outline the rationale relative to the decision to withdraw the sanction for five classrooms to accommodate special needs children at a school (details supplied) and instead to offer a standalone prefabricated single classroom, completely disconnected from the existing building; if the decision was based solely on cost and method of construction; if the needs of the children and families waiting for a place in the school this year carried any weight in the decision process; if she is aware that the school's board of management will accept the modular-build five classrooms connected to the existing building, as approved, contrary to what her Department states; if her Department will now engage with the school to find an immediate solution; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [21294/24]
Tue, 14 May 2024
written
Social Welfare Appeals
John McGuinness
399. Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Social Protection if an application for invalidity pension, which is under appeal, will be approved for a person (details supplied). [21274/24]
Tue, 14 May 2024
written
Probation and Welfare Service
John McGuinness
433. Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Justice if the issues regarding funding of an organisation (details supplied) by the probation services and the HSE have now been resolved; the status of the appeal; and if a decision will be expedited as the funding is urgently required. [21276/24]
Tue, 14 May 2024
written
Child and Family Agency
John McGuinness
511. Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth if family support payments will be put in place immediately for the grandparents of the children referred to in a Tusla report (details supplied) as they have been supporting the children for weeks without the appropriate financial support; and if the matter will be expedited. [21273/24]
Tue, 14 May 2024
written
Disability Services
John McGuinness
512. Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth if an assessment for autism will be arranged immediately for a child (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21275/24]
Tue, 14 May 2024
written
Hospital Appointments Status
John McGuinness
557. Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Health if an urgent appointment will be arranged for a person (details supplied) at the neurosurgical clinic at Cork University Hospital as this was requested by their GP on 9 January 2023; if he will expedite a positive response as the patient's condition has seriously deteriorated; the reason for the delay; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21271/24]
Tue, 14 May 2024
written
Hospital Procedures
John McGuinness
558. Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Health if a date for an operation will be arranged for a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21272/24]
Tue, 14 May 2024
written
Addiction Treatment Services
John McGuinness
559. Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Health if the issues regarding funding of an organisation (details supplied) by the probation services and the HSE have now been resolved; the status of the appeal; and if a decision will be expedited as the funding is urgently required. [21277/24]
Thu, 9 May 2024
written
Wind Energy Generation
John McGuinness
211. Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he will outline the indicative timeframe for receipt of the Attorney General’s response to the landmark High Court ruling on noise from wind turbines; if he has considered the wind energy policy outlined in the Kilkenny county development plan which was submitted to his Department and the Department of Environment, Climate and Communications for consideration by both Ministers; if he has carried out any analysis on the regulations required relative to the Kilkenny plan; if he is aware of the different legal opinions obtained by Kilkenny County Council and Government Departments which are at odds relative to the interpretation of the planning laws and regulations that should be applied during the current impasse; if he will accept it is bad practice in terms of good governance to allow this unsatisfactory situation to continue as it is causing serious concerns for local communities; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21103/24]
Wed, 8 May 2024
written
Waterways Issues
John McGuinness
257. Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he will provide details of the programme of maintenance relative to the River Barrow, and the cost of work in each of the last five years; if there are any impediments on the river and canals section that prevent or hinder barges and boats from using the amenity (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20198/24]
Wed, 8 May 2024
written
Social Welfare Benefits
John McGuinness
305. Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Social Protection if an application for carer's allowance in respect of a person (details supplied) has been approved. [20261/24]
Wed, 8 May 2024
written
State Pensions
John McGuinness
312. Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Social Protection if an application for the State pension (non-contributory) will be approved for a person (details supplied); if they are entitled to the State pension (contributory); and if they will be paid supplementary allowance as they have no income. [20492/24]
Wed, 8 May 2024
written
Animal Diseases
John McGuinness
406. Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will provide details of the actions taken by his Department following recent meetings with a person (details supplied) relative to the ongoing health issues they are experiencing with their horses; if the tests and examination of the horses affected have been analysed; if current test results have been compared with the results of tests taken some years ago by UCD and his Department; if there is a course of treatment or interventions that his Department will now undertake; if his Department is concerned that the health issues identified some years ago still persist; if this is an isolated case or similar to other cases investigated; if his Department will continue to work with the person until such time as the issues are fully resolved; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20435/24]
Wed, 8 May 2024
written
Departmental Contracts
John McGuinness
448. Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth if payments due to a company for the provision of accommodation (details supplied) will be paid immediately; if a designated official will be appointed to contact each company directly to resolve any issues that may be delaying the payments due, and if he will expedite the matter. [20424/24]
Wed, 8 May 2024
written
Departmental Contracts
John McGuinness
449. Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth if payment due to a company (details supplied) for the provision of accommodation will be paid immediately. [20425/24]
Wed, 8 May 2024
written
Home Care Packages
John McGuinness
570. Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Health if the hours promised for the care of a person (details supplied) will be provided without delay; if the family will be given clarification on the waiting list process and allocation of home care services and if he will expedite a positive response and immediate engagement with the family. [20496/24]
Thu, 2 May 2024
written
Pension Provisions
John McGuinness
189. Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Social Protection if retired nurses who paid a D stamp all their working life and were not allowed to opt for paying an A stamp will have their pension entitlements reviewed to allow them to qualify for a maximum pension rather than the reduced pension they are currently in receipt of; and if she will explain the rationale of the decision that has led to this anomaly. [20041/24]
Wed, 1 May 2024
written
State Pensions
John McGuinness
189. Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Social Protection if a State pension (non-contributory) will be approved immediately for a person (details supplied); if pension benefit is being paid to their husband is respect of the person; and if the application will be expedited. [19892/24]
Tue, 30 Apr 2024
written
Rail Network
John McGuinness
208. Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Transport if he will explain the intransigence and indifference shown by Iarnród Éireann and the company’s resistance of every effort over a 27-year period made by this Deputy and others, including the local authority, to restore the protected structure that was once the boarding platform for the railway station, Kilkenny; if he will respond to the request from a railway enthusiast (details supplied) to extend the existing platform to include the protected structure; if he will fund a feasibility study regarding the suggestion that it be used as a community space; if he will set up an engagement team made up of all stakeholders to devise an appropriate use of the area; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19051/24]
Tue, 30 Apr 2024
written
Tax Rebates
John McGuinness
236. Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Finance if he will consider amending S.I. No. 266/2012 relative to the refund of VAT for touring coaches, that is, the VAT 71 refund scheme, to include bus types that are electric and low-carbon vehicles; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19068/24]
Tue, 30 Apr 2024
written
Motor Industry
John McGuinness
237. Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Finance if he will expedite approval for the importing of a 2018 car by a family returning to work in Ireland (details supplied) having lived in England for the past 12 years and who are now experiencing bureaucratic challenges. [19093/24]
Tue, 30 Apr 2024
written
Teaching Qualifications
John McGuinness
313. Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Education if she will expedite an application for teaching recognition in the name of a person (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [19083/24]
Tue, 30 Apr 2024
written
Social Welfare Payments
John McGuinness
456. Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Social Protection if a full payment of child benefit will be approved for a person (details supplied) and their partner, as both are in the process of establishing their home again in Ireland, having spent several years abroad; and if she will expedite a positive decision. [19086/24]
Tue, 30 Apr 2024
written
Medical Cards
John McGuinness
665. Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Health if a medical card will be issued based on medical circumstances to persons (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18938/24]
Tue, 30 Apr 2024
written
Mental Health Services
John McGuinness
698. Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Health if an appointment will be arranged as a matter of urgency for a child (details supplied) with a child and adolescent psychiatrist, as they have been refused and their medical team is insisting on an appointment to deal with the child’s anxiety, poor sleep pattern and other mental health issues; if he will expedite the matter; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19096/24]
Thu, 25 Apr 2024
written
Social Welfare Benefits
John McGuinness
220. Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Social Protection if carer’s allowance will be approved for a person (details supplied) who is giving full-time care to their father; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [18538/24]
Thu, 25 Apr 2024
written
Departmental Correspondence
John McGuinness
287. Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth if he will confirm the receipt of a submission from a community organisation (details supplied); his response to the concerns expressed by the residents; and if he and his Department officials will engage immediately with the community and this Deputy. [18602/24]
Thu, 25 Apr 2024
written
Hospital Procedures
John McGuinness
335. Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Health further to a previous Parliamentary Question, if he will expedite a date for a cataract operation for a person (details supplied). [18622/24]
Wed, 24 Apr 2024
written
Social Welfare Benefits
John McGuinness
100. Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Social Protection if children's allowance benefit will continue to be paid to a person (details supplied); and if arrears will also be paid. [18167/24]
Tue, 23 Apr 2024
written
Grant Payments
John McGuinness
127. Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the process in place to check the standard of work carried out by contractors where an SEAI grant is being paid; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17630/24]
Tue, 23 Apr 2024
written
Rail Network
John McGuinness
175. Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Transport if funding will be provided to upgrade Thomastown railway station, Kilkenny, to make it disabled-friendly and to include modern toilet facilities, covered waiting area and seating; and if the matter will be expedited. [17764/24]
Tue, 23 Apr 2024
written
Schools Building Projects
John McGuinness
314. Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Education the status of a building project for a school (details supplied); and if approval will be issued as soon as possible. [17941/24]
Tue, 23 Apr 2024
written
Physical Education
John McGuinness
315. Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Education if every school providing physical education will be adequately funded to meet the needs of those participating and to include PE equipment; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17946/24]
Tue, 23 Apr 2024
written
Local Authorities
John McGuinness
365. Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the process in place to check the standard of work carried out where a grant from a local authority is being paid; if he is satisfied all regulatory requirements are met; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17630/24]
Tue, 23 Apr 2024
written
Agriculture Schemes
John McGuinness
477. Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the process to accommodate farmers that want to withdraw from the young farmers’ scheme; if sanctions or penalties are applied; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17316/24]