Parliamentary questions

Mental Health Services

Holly Cairns

613. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Health the budgetary allocations to CAMHS psychology in CHO4 for each of the years 2020, 2021, 2022 and 2023. [22773/24]

Health and Safety

Bernard Durkan

614. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health if he will provide more resources towards inspections of vaping products entering the country and add to the 40 inspection checks for vaping products set out in the HSE's National Service Plan 2024; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22794/24]

Health and Safety

Bernard Durkan

615. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health to provide an update on plans to increase the number of test purchase inspections for vapes, as set out in the Public Health (Tobacco and Nicotine Inhaling Products) Act 2023, from the planned number of 340 set by the HSE (to cover both vapes and cigarettes); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22795/24]

Care Services

Pádraig Mac Lochlainn

616. Deputy Pádraig Mac Lochlainn asked the Minister for Health if the HSE can provide a post-operative bed for a person in County Donegal (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22812/24]

Health Services

Róisín Shortall

617. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Health if he has received the advice from the Office of the Attorney General in relation to the extension of the free contraception scheme to 16-year-olds; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22831/24]

Abortion Services

Róisín Shortall

618. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Health the status of the options paper developed by his Department in response to the report of the Oireachtas Health Committee on the Independent Review of the Health (Regulation of Termination of Pregnancy) Act 2018; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22832/24]

Cancer Services

Róisín Shortall

619. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Health to provide a breakdown of the total number of BowelScreen invitations issued, by county, in each of the years from 2021 to 2024, in tabular form; the corresponding number of people, per county, who returned a completed FIT test in these same years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22834/24]

Cancer Services

Róisín Shortall

620. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Health to confirm the total number of eligible men and women who are not on the existing BowelScreen register or list which is informed by information supplied by the Department of Social Protection; to outline efforts to target this group with a view to encouraging greater uptake in the screening programme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22835/24]

Cancer Services

Róisín Shortall

621. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Health to provide details of the overall numbers of people aged 59 to 69 who are eligible for participation in the BowelScreen programme and who, as of the end of April 2024, have not been issued with a FIT test in the last two years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22836/24]

Dental Services

Michael Creed

622. Deputy Michael Creed asked the Minister for Health the current state of the school dental service; if he is aware that in certain circumstances the service is only providing access for emergency cases; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22837/24]

General Practitioner Services

Paul Kehoe

623. Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Health the appropriate pathway for a GP to make a referral for surgery (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22840/24]

Health Strategies

Duncan Smith

624. Deputy Duncan Smith asked the Minister for Health the amount of annual development funding specifically allocated to the National Cancer Strategy in each Government budget in each of the years since 2017, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22844/24]

Disability Services

Kathleen Funchion

625. Deputy Kathleen Funchion asked the Minister for Health the reason for the lack of services in the south east, particularly for adults trying to access a diagnosis of adult ADHD and required services. [22856/24]

Health Services

Marc Ó Cathasaigh

626. Deputy Marc Ó Cathasaigh asked the Minister for Health the timeline for the approval of an increase in optometrists' fees given the lack of increase in fees over 20 years (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22859/24]

Health Strategies

Marc Ó Cathasaigh

627. Deputy Marc Ó Cathasaigh asked the Minister for Health when a national programme for public eyecare for children over eight years of age will be approved to ensure equity of access to eyecare for all children of the State, as committed to in the programme for Government; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22860/24]

Primary Care Centres

Joan Collins

628. Deputy Joan Collins asked the Minister for Health the progress made on delivering a primary care centre (details supplied); and the date for the report's findings to be announced. [22861/24]

Departmental Data

Michael Fitzmaurice

629. Deputy Michael Fitzmaurice asked the Minister for Health the number of Guillain-Barré syndrome cases in Ireland from 2018 to 2023, inclusive, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22872/24]

Healthcare Policy

Michael Fitzmaurice

630. Deputy Michael Fitzmaurice asked the Minister for Health if Ireland is planning to introduce a vaccine injury fund similar to other countries in the EU; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22873/24]

Medicinal Products

Jim O'Callaghan

631. Deputy Jim O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Health if he is aware of the delays relating to the importation of mefenamic acid; the impact this delay has on women who suffer severe period pain without its availability; if steps will be taken to remove the delay and-or ensure the drug is manufactured in Ireland and-or imported from an EU country; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22874/24]

Hospital Staff

Catherine Murphy

632. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Health the number of WTE consultant ENT surgeons and WTE ENT registrars at the Mater hospital in 2023 and to date in 2024, in tabular form. [22896/24]

Hospital Procedures

Catherine Murphy

633. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Health the number of paediatric ophthalmology procedures, by type, ]carried out in either CHI Temple Street or CHI Crumlin in 2023 and to date in 2024, in tabular form. [22897/24]

Public Sector Pay

Seán Canney

634. Deputy Seán Canney asked the Minister for Health the steps being taken to address the disparity in pay and conditions between section 38 and section 39 workers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22907/24]

Hospital Staff

Pearse Doherty

635. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Health for an update on the appointment of dermatology consultants at Letterkenny University Hospital and Sligo University Hospital; the stage the recruitment process is at; the timeframe for when consultants are to be in place if they are not already; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22914/24]

Health Strategies

Jim O'Callaghan

636. Deputy Jim O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Health the reason the Pathfinder programme based at Tallaght hospital has been wound down; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22917/24]

Hospital Staff

Pauline Tully

637. Deputy Pauline Tully asked the Minister for Health the number of WTE senior house officers in orthopaedics based at Monaghan General Hospital in the years 2022, 2023 and to date in 2024, in tabular form. [22940/24]

Ambulance Service

Pauline Tully

638. Deputy Pauline Tully asked the Minister for Health the full-year cost of providing three additional critical care ambulances on a 24-7 basis in each HSE region. [22941/24]

Emergency Departments

Pauline Tully

639. Deputy Pauline Tully asked the Minister for Health the number of children who presented at the accident and emergency department of Cavan General Hospital in 2023 and to date in 2024, in tabular form. [22942/24]

Hospital Procedures

Pauline Tully

640. Deputy Pauline Tully asked the Minister for Health to identify the specialist vascular surgery treatments that are not provided within the State and for which patients are sent to the UK or elsewhere abroad; and the actions being taken to provide these surgeries within the State. [22943/24]

General Practitioner Services

Pauline Tully

641. Deputy Pauline Tully asked the Minister for Health the percentage of the number of GPs within Cavan-Monaghan who are registered with the type 2 diabetes cycle of care. [22944/24]

Pharmacy Services

Robert Troy

642. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Health if he can share the submission Ireland made to the EU Commission in relation to the proposed new EU pharmaceutical legislation. [22962/24]

Hospital Appointments Status

Paul McAuliffe

643. Deputy Paul McAuliffe asked the Minister for Health to provide an update on a hip operation for a person (details supplied). [22965/24]

Home Help Service

Claire Kerrane

644. Deputy Claire Kerrane asked the Minister for Health the number of people in Roscommon and Galway on waiting lists for home care; the average wait time; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22974/24]

Medical Cards

Pearse Doherty

645. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Health when a medical card application will be processed for a person (details supplied) in County Donegal who has cancer; if any further documentation is required to process the application; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22993/24]

Medical Aids and Appliances

Robert Troy

646. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Health further to Parliamentary Question No. 564 of 14 May 2024, to outline any financial assistance available to patients dependant on oxygen tanks, especially towards the purchase of the cylinders of oxygen. [23001/24]

Mental Health Services

Danny Healy-Rae

647. Deputy Danny Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Health for an update on a matter (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23009/24]

Education Schemes

Michael Creed

648. Deputy Michael Creed asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the reason a HEAR grant application (details supplied) has been turned down; if his Department was aware of the personal circumstances of the applicant when refusing the grant and if the case will be reviewed. [22931/24]

Education Schemes

Michael Creed

649. Deputy Michael Creed asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the range of assistance available for a student at third level (details supplied). [22932/24]

Medical Qualifications

Brendan Howlin

650. Deputy Brendan Howlin asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science further to Parliamentary Question No. 318 of 2 May 2024, if it is his intention, in conjunction with the Minister for Health, to develop a strategic plan to provide the optimum number of healthcare professionals, including dentistry, to serve in the health service; if such a strategy would take account of the number of non-Irish students trained in healthcare in Irish universities who intend to return to their home country after graduation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22354/24]

Grant Payments

Cian O'Callaghan

651. Deputy Cian O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the reason SUSI will only reassess an applicant moving applicant class dependent to independent student after there is a three year break in studies, where that student is a mature student and living independently from their parents or guardians; does this policy discourage movement from level 8 to masters study; if this policy will be reconsidered; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22381/24]

Grant Payments

Cian O'Callaghan

652. Deputy Cian O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if SUSI has altered their independent living criteria to account for people availing of the rent-a-room scheme where they cannot provide the current necessary proof of residence; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22382/24]

Apprenticeship Programmes

Aodhán Ó Ríordáin

653. Deputy Aodhán Ó Ríordáin asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the number of new apprenticeship registrations in 2023 and to date in 2024, by type and by year in tabular form. [22422/24]

Apprenticeship Programmes

Aodhán Ó Ríordáin

654. Deputy Aodhán Ó Ríordáin asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the number of apprenticeship completions between 2014 and 2024, by type and by year in tabular form. [22423/24]

Apprenticeship Programmes

Aodhán Ó Ríordáin

655. Deputy Aodhán Ó Ríordáin asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the number of apprenticeship dropouts between 2014 and 2024 by level of completion, by type and by year in tabular form. [22424/24]

Medical Qualifications

Peadar Tóibín

656. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the number of places for medical students in Irish universities for each of the past ten years; and how many of these are used for international students. [22467/24]

Nursing Education

Peadar Tóibín

657. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the number of places for student nurses in Irish universities for each of the past ten years; and how many of these are used for international students. [22469/24]

Third Level Fees

Francis Noel Duffy

658. Deputy Francis Noel Duffy asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the estimated cost of further reducing third level fees to €1,000 in 2024-2025, and subsequently abolish these fees in 2025-2026; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22577/24]

Apprenticeship Programmes

Francis Noel Duffy

659. Deputy Francis Noel Duffy asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the cost of abolishing the contribution fee for apprenticeships in higher education in the 2024/2025 academic year. [22578/24]

Departmental Funding

Mairéad Farrell

660. Deputy Mairéad Farrell asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science to provide a breakdown of the allocations from budget 2024 to the various universities of the student hardship fund, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22601/24]

Education and Training Boards

Catherine Murphy

661. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the amount provided to each education and training board, ETB, for Youthreach programmes in 2021, 2022, 2023 and to date in 2024. [22615/24]

Qualifications Recognition

Seán Sherlock

662. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science what systems have been put in place to recognise the medical and other professional qualifications of Ukrainian nationals living here; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22619/24]

Qualifications Recognition

Seán Sherlock

663. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science what systems have been put in place to recognise the medical and other professional qualifications of IP applicants who have been successful in their applications or those who have been granted leave to remain here; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22620/24]

Community Development Projects

Jackie Cahill

664. Deputy Jackie Cahill asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development what funding streams may be available to a horticulturist looking to provide a community garden service, location already acquired, to local older people; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22549/24]

Regeneration Projects

Michael Moynihan

665. Deputy Michael Moynihan asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the funding allocated to each county in each of the years 2020 to 2023 and to date in 2024 under the Rural Regeneration and Development Fund, in tabular form; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22605/24]

Control of Dogs

Carol Nolan

666. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the steps being taken to address concerns regarding an apparent increase in the number of livestock being attacked and killed by dogs; if her Department is funding any awareness campaigns on this matter; and, if so, the costs involved to date; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22612/24]

Departmental Funding

Pauline Tully

667. Deputy Pauline Tully asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the funding that has been allocated to men’s and women's sheds, respectively, in each of the past three years, in tabular form. [22731/24]

Rural Schemes

Frankie Feighan

668. Deputy Frankie Feighan asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development if she will consider allowing an extension to a LEADER project under the Leitrim Development Company (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22925/24]

Departmental Schemes

Brendan Griffin

669. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development further to Parliamentary Question No. 325 of 18 April and the commitment given therein to furnish the information, the total length or area of road completed, per county per annum, under the local improvement scheme, LIS, since 2016; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22992/24]

Defence Forces

Matt Carthy

1. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence where he intends to deploy Irish troops in the event that he is successful in progressing legislation that would remove the triple lock neutrality protection, considering the Government has withdrawn from the United Nations Disengagement Observer Force, UNDOF, peacekeeping mission due to capacity constraints. [22123/24]

Defence Forces

Cathal Berry

2. Deputy Cathal Berry asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence to outline the additional allowances payable to Defence Forces Irish contingent personnel participating in the EU battle group; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22068/24]

Naval Service

Matt Carthy

3. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence the establishment figure of the Naval Service; the strength as of 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022 and 2023; the current strength of the service; the number of personnel required under level of ambition 2; and the current number of ships that can simultaneously be put to sea. [22124/24]

Tribunals of Inquiry

Catherine Connolly

4. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence the timeline for when the tribunal of inquiry to examine the effectiveness of the complaints process in the Defence Forces will be fully up and running; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22038/24]

Defence Forces

Brendan Griffin

5. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence if he will further review the pandemic recognition payment for Defence Forces personnel who worked in test centres to make sure all deserving individuals received the payment, given that some did not; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22112/24]

Defence Forces

Robert Troy

6. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence when a decision will be taken on the location of the new Army headquarters; if Athlone will be considered given its central location; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22145/24]

Defence Forces

Brendan Howlin

7. Deputy Brendan Howlin asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence if he will set out his proposals to alter the current triple lock mechanism governing the deployment of Irish Defence Forces overseas; when he proposes to introduce amending legislation on this issue; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21844/24]

Defence Forces

Bernard Durkan

8. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence the degree to which the strength of the Army, Naval Service and Air Corps continues to be enhanced, with particular reference to their ability to respond to emergencies, if and when they arise; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22092/24]

Defence Forces

Brendan Smith

9. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence if further consideration will be given to the re-opening of Dún Uí Néill, Cavan, as a forward operating base as that region has a long land border with a neighbouring jurisdiction (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22083/24]

Defence Forces

Gino Kenny

10. Deputy Gino Kenny asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence what type of operations Irish military forces might engage in that are not currently allowed under the UN Charter if the triple lock is removed ; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20888/24]

Defence Forces

James Lawless

11. Deputy James Lawless asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence for an update on the implementation of the strategic framework for the Defence Forces; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21827/24]

Defence Forces

Brendan Howlin

12. Deputy Brendan Howlin asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence the number of personnel who have joined each branch of the Defence Forces in each of the past two years and in the first quarter of 2024; the number who have retired or left each service branch over the same period; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21846/24]

Defence Forces

Pádraig O'Sullivan

13. Deputy Pádraig O'Sullivan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence the number of applications to join that the Defence Forces have received since the start of 2023; how many were interviewed; how many were successful; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22097/24]

Naval Service

Seán Haughey

14. Deputy Seán Haughey asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence the action he is taking to enhance the Naval Service; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22037/24]

Departmental Policies

Catherine Connolly

15. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence his plans for a public consultation on his proposal to dismantle the triple lock; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22040/24]

Defence Forces

Gino Kenny

16. Deputy Gino Kenny asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence if he will retain the triple lock per the commitment in the programme for Government; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20885/24]

Defence Forces

Alan Farrell

17. Deputy Alan Farrell asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence to detail the level and condition of communications systems within the Defence Forces; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21758/24]

National Security

Cathal Berry

18. Deputy Cathal Berry asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence to outline Ireland's air defence capability; if he has any plans to upgrade it; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22158/24]

Departmental Projects

Brendan Howlin

19. Deputy Brendan Howlin asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence if he will set out the role and function of the new civil-military branch established within his Department; the structure and management of this branch; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21845/24]

Departmental Policies

Catherine Connolly

20. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence the analysis, including any reports or supporting documentation, carried out by his Department leading to the decision to legislate for the dismantling of the triple lock; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22004/24]

Tribunals of Inquiry

Catherine Connolly

21. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence further to Parliamentary Question No. 6 of 21 March 2024, the status of the tribunal of inquiry to examine the effectiveness of the complaints process in the Defence Forces; the details of how people can make submissions to the tribunal; what legal supports will be available to people who make submissions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22003/24]

Defence Forces

Jim O'Callaghan

22. Deputy Jim O'Callaghan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence for an update on the training that the Defence Forces have provided to Ukraine; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22032/24]

Capital Expenditure Programme

Jim O'Callaghan

23. Deputy Jim O'Callaghan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence if he will report on the levels of capital funding for defence planned over the next two years. [22033/24]

Legislative Measures

Matt Carthy

24. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence the further consultation he intends to carry out regarding the Defence (Amendment) Bill 2024. [22043/24]

Defence Forces

Ruairí Ó Murchú

25. Deputy Ruairí Ó Murchú asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence if he will provide a breakdown of the current number of personnel in all branches of the Defence Forces; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22141/24]

Defence Forces

David Stanton

26. Deputy David Stanton asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence if he will provide an update on recent recruitment for the Reserve Defence Force; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21967/24]

National Security

Bríd Smith

27. Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence if there are any immediate military threats to Irish security; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21889/24]

Naval Service

Alan Farrell

28. Deputy Alan Farrell asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence to provide an update on his Department’s efforts to increase the sonar capability of the Naval Service; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21757/24]

Defence Forces

Bríd Smith

29. Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence if he has received recent official requests from the European Commission to strengthen the Irish Defence Forces; if so, the reasons for doing so; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21890/24]

Departmental Policies

Réada Cronin

30. Deputy Réada Cronin asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence if, in the interest of transparency, he will refer any desired or proposed changes to the triple lock to the people in a referendum; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22149/24]

Defence Forces

Réada Cronin

31. Deputy Réada Cronin asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence if his Department will increase financial support to the charities supporting veterans and former members of the Defence Forces; if the State, through the forces themselves, will develop its own outreach, care and liaison services for former members who have served the State proudly; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22150/24]

Defence Forces

Pauline Tully

32. Deputy Pauline Tully asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence the progress to date in ensuring the provisions of the working time directive are applied, where appropriate, to members of the Defence Forces; if he will detail those activities that are deemed outside the scope of the directive; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22127/24]

Naval Service

David Stanton

33. Deputy David Stanton asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence if he will provide an update on recent recruitment to the Naval Service; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21968/24]

Defence Forces

Bríd Smith

34. Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence the specific issues he has with the triple lock system that need to be addressed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21888/24]

Defence Forces

Bernard Durkan

35. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence the extent to which issues within the Defence Forces have been resolved as per recommendations in the report of the Commission on the Defence Forces; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22091/24]

Departmental Strategies

Seán Haughey

36. Deputy Seán Haughey asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence if he will report on the Be Summer-Ready 2024 public safety information campaign he recently launched; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22036/24]

Defence Forces

Cathal Berry

37. Deputy Cathal Berry asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence to outline the Defence Forces' anti-drone technology capability; if he has any plans to upgrade it; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22159/24]

Defence Forces

Matt Carthy

38. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence the progress he has made on ending the blanket exclusion of members of the Defence Forces from the protections of the working time directive. [22046/24]

Defence Forces

Ruairí Ó Murchú

39. Deputy Ruairí Ó Murchú asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence the arrangements in place when retired Defence Forces' personnel who are fully trained in paramedical and advanced paramedical skills while in the Defence Forces can easily move to work in the HSE or National Ambulance Service; if he is aware of any issues with the recognition of service carried out while they were serving members; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22142/24]

Defence Forces

Christopher O'Sullivan

40. Deputy Christopher O'Sullivan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence to report on any development in relation to works on the slipway at Lawrence Cove, Bere Island; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22108/24]

Defence Forces

Matt Carthy

41. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence the number of volunteers secured to participate in an EU battle group. [22047/24]

Defence Forces

Pádraig O'Sullivan

42. Deputy Pádraig O'Sullivan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence the educational supports provided to members of the Defence Forces; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22098/24]

Defence Forces

Matt Carthy

43. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence the timeframe in which he intends to publish a draft scheme in relation to his proposals to remove the triple lock neutrality protection; and if he intends to conduct both a public consultation and pre-legislative scrutiny. [22044/24]