123. Deputy Michael Lowry asked the Minister for Justice if she has engaged with criminal barrister representatives on the issue of their pay restoration, given the significant cuts to their professional fees since 2008 and the subsequent lack of restoration; if she is aware that an organisation (details supplied) is recommending a further withdrawals of service on 9, 15 and 24 July, causing significant concern for all involved in the administration of criminal justice; if she plans to address this disparity in pay, which is causing concern among the legal profession, particularly those specialising in criminal law; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [28966/24]
121. Deputy Michael Lowry asked the Minister for Social Protection her views on a pay claim and Labour Court recommendation (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [28541/24]
85. Deputy Michael Lowry asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform if he and the Office of Public Works will consider the construction of a permanent and more substantial boundary wall between facilities now owned by the OPW and the private neighbouring property (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28611/24]
521. Deputy Michael Lowry asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the funding available to a community (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [28036/24]
502. Deputy Michael Lowry asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if he will review a briefing document (details supplied) for expanded veterinary education in Ireland, which highlights the positives of granting the contract to the University of Limerick; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27943/24]
501. Deputy Michael Lowry asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the status of funding for and the quantity of additional veterinary education places that will be available in the proposed new veterinary school for expanded veterinary education in Ireland at the University of Limerick; if these additional veterinary education places will be listed and available for students to apply for on the CAO system for the 2025-2026 academic year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27942/24]
500. Deputy Michael Lowry asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science further to Parliamentary Question No. 630 of 24 October 2023, the status of the proposed new veterinary school for expanded veterinary education in Ireland; the status of the negotiations between the Department of Agriculture, Food, and the Marine and his Department concerning this new school; the possibility of it being located at the University of Limerick; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27941/24]
325. Deputy Michael Lowry asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine further to Parliamentary Question No. 191 of 20 June 2024, where in the climate action performance payment scheme documents is the conditionality regarding “current” owners detailed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27822/24]
238. Deputy Michael Lowry asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development if her Department can assist a committee (details supplied); if she will review a document from the committee; the other funding options that may be available to this committee; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27457/24]
84. Deputy Michael Lowry asked the Minister for Education the status of an application for a school bus ticket (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27572/24]
524. Deputy Michael Lowry asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science his views on whether reducing the financial burden on students in higher education institutions and their families is urgently required; if he will review the student grant scheme SUSI, including a review of the level of supports offered to students for their college contribution, with a view to making higher education more accessible to all, in view of the significant changes in the economic landscape and the increased cost-of-living; if he will commit to a comprehensive review of the SUSI grant eligibility criteria, maintenance support levels, and the adjacency rates to ensure they reflect the current financial challenges faced by students; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27126/24]
474. Deputy Michael Lowry asked the Minister for Health the reasons pembrolizumab is reserved for the first-line treatment of certain cancers; the reason it is not approved for those currently receiving second-line cancer treatment therapy; if he will review the case of a person (details supplied); to initiate discussions with HSE officials to review the criteria for pembrolizumab as a second-line treatment option, emphasising the urgency and potential benefits of pembrolizumab for breast cancer treatment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27130/24]
364. Deputy Michael Lowry asked the Minister for Health if the embargo on recruiting HSE staff has been completely lifted; if nurses are being hired for hospitals; the number of nursing jobs that are currently advertised by the HSE in the Cork, Tipperary, Kilkenny and Limerick areas; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26749/24]
191. Deputy Michael Lowry asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine his views on a matter (detail supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26594/24]
189. Deputy Michael Lowry asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if, following the recent documentary aired by RTÉ on 12 June 2024 (details supplied), he will outline the actions being taken to address the issues highlighted in same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26557/24]
92. Deputy Michael Lowry asked the Minister for Finance his views on a matter (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26592/24]
333. Deputy Michael Lowry asked the Minister for Health if he is aware of the urgent need for a dementia care nurse and services team in north Tipperary (details supplied); if he will seek further clarification from the HSE on this matter as regards when a dedicated dementia care nurse and services team will be established in north Tipperary; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25947/24]
227. Deputy Michael Lowry asked the Minister for Social Protection if a review will be carried out in respect of a claim for child benefit submitted by a person (details supplied); the status of same; when decisions will be issued; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26163/24]
180. Deputy Michael Lowry asked the Minister for Education further to Parliamentary Question No. 199 of 8 May 2024, if she will review the additional information provided by a school (details supplied) regarding the payment of the 2024 ancillary grant; the steps being considered to address the issues highlighted; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26301/24]
144. Deputy Michael Lowry asked the Minister for Education further to Parliamentary Question Number No. 313 of 20 February 2024, concerning the ban on school bus drivers over the age of 70, if she will provide an update on any recent discussions she and her Department have had with Bus Éireann to reconsider this policy, which prohibits drivers aged 70 and above from participating in the school transport scheme; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [25938/24]
134. Deputy Michael Lowry asked the Minister for Health further to Parliamentary Question No. 567 of 8 May 2024, if he is aware that the person has not yet received a response and is not satisfied with the timelines or the delay in receiving a response; if he will seek further clarification from the HSE on this matter; when a response will be issued to this person; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25813/24]
810. Deputy Michael Lowry asked the Minister for Health regarding the status of the Civil Registration Office for the register of births, deaths, and marriages located at the Roscrea Primary Care Centre; if he is aware that a position within this office has recently become vacant due to retirement; if he could provide information on when this position will be filled, as the timely appointment of a new staff member is essential to ensure that the Civil Registration Office can continue to operate efficiently and meet the needs of the public; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25240/24]
317. Deputy Michael Lowry asked the Minister for Education regarding a school (details supplied), if the Minister is aware of a teaching hours allocation appeal submitted by this school; if the Minister will take into account the increased enrolments currently, which now include 21 new-entrant pupils; if the Minister will approve the school’s appeal to allow for the employment of an English language teacher on a fixed-term contract of 25 hours per week; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [25254/24]
192. Deputy Michael Lowry asked the Minister for Finance if he will consider raising the tax exemption for persons of pension age to account for inflation and the rising cost of living (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25283/24]
191. Deputy Michael Lowry asked the Minister for Finance his response to concerns from a company (details supplied) that were refused a refund on VAT items that previously qualified; when an updated guidance document will issue on all outstanding information and VAT claims received by the Revenue Commissioners; will the Revenue Commission now process a VAT refund for the attached claim; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25282/24]
183. Deputy Michael Lowry asked the Minister for Health to provide an update on the availability of radiology and MRI services in University Hospital Limerick; to provide clarity on the reason a person (details supplied) was informed by the radiology department of UHL that all MRI Services for outpatients have been paused indefinitely; the action he is taking to rectify this matter; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24202/24]
182. Deputy Michael Lowry asked the Minister for Health to provide an update on the availability of radiology and MRI services in University Hospital Limerick; to provide clarity on the reason outpatients have been informed by UHL that outpatient MRI services have been paused indefinitely due to a large demand for inpatient MRI services; the action he is taking to rectify this matter; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24201/24]
514. Deputy Michael Lowry asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development if she has received a valid application from a band (details supplied) under the community recognition fund 2024, for the development and repair of its band hall and community facilities; when applicants will receive their application reference number; when it is envisaged that decisions will be issued on same; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [23763/24]
513. Deputy Michael Lowry asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development if she will introduce an annual funding stream for the maintenance and development of walking trails, similar to the allocation of funds provided to walking groups in 2022; if she agrees that such funding is vital for these hard-working community groups to maintain and developed trails throughout the country, which are contributing to rural communities and outdoor pursuits across rural Ireland; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [23745/24]
509. Deputy Michael Lowry asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development what financial and legal risks her Department acknowledges exist due to outdated burial ground legislation, and how she plans to mitigate these risks in the absence of legislative reform; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [23965/24]
508. Deputy Michael Lowry asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development how Ireland's current legislative framework for managing burial grounds align with European Union standards for environmental protection and public health, and what risks are posed by non-compliance; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [23964/24]
507. Deputy Michael Lowry asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development to detail what comprehensive environmental impact assessments have been conducted concerning burial ground practices across the country, especially in relation to groundwater contamination from embalming chemicals and other pollutants; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [23963/24]
506. Deputy Michael Lowry asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development given the Department's position that there are no current plans to reform legislation regarding burial grounds due to other priorities, to provide detailed information on any public health incidents reported in the last five years that were directly related to burial ground practices; how these incidents were addressed under the existing legislative framework; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [23962/24]
469. Deputy Michael Lowry asked the Minister for Health if he will address the issues highlighted by an organisation (details supplied) in recent correspondence; the number of nursing vacancies currently unfilled in Tipperary University Hospital; when these positions will be filled; when the recruitment moratorium will be removed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23949/24]
270. Deputy Michael Lowry asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage further to Parliamentary Question No. 194 of 16 May 2024, the progress made to date in implementing the actions, committed to in the Strategic Action Plan for the Renewal of the National Parks and Wildlife Service 2022-2024, relating to the establishment of a structured stakeholder forum, and first meeting of forum held which was due to be implemented by September 2022; the membership and terms of reference of the forum; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23643/24]
239. Deputy Michael Lowry asked the Minister for Education if matters raised in correspondence from parents of children who require a school bus service (details supplied) will be reviewed and assistance provided; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [23968/24]
238. Deputy Michael Lowry asked the Minister for Education if she will review an issue in relation to a school (details supplied); if she will consult with this school directly to rectify the issues raised; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [23967/24]
79. Deputy Michael Lowry asked the Minister for Education the reason a school (details supplied) was not awarded DEIS status, given that DEIS status was already secured by the town’s two other secondary schools; when DEIS status will be awarded to the school; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [23096/24]
578. Deputy Michael Lowry asked the Minister for Health to provide an update on the current situation at the child and adolescent mental health services at Nenagh Health an Centre, County Tipperary, where there is currently no occupational therapist is in place (details supplied); the status of the recruitment process for this position; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22462/24]
499. Deputy Michael Lowry asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the funding or grants that can be obtained and provided to a playschool (details supplied); if the Department will contact this school and provide assistance to them; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22420/24]
326. Deputy Michael Lowry asked the Minister for Education further to Parliamentary Question No. 313 of 14 May 2024, if she can review additional details (details supplied); if the Minister can provide assurance that these concerns will be addressed and confirm that this child will receive an ASD primary school place for the 2024-25 academic year; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22966/24]
325. Deputy Michael Lowry asked the Minister for Education to provide an update on what steps are being taken to address the urgent concerns raised by the staff of a school (details supplied); if she can ensure these concerns will be addressed promptly to provide the necessary resources and services to special schools like this one; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22963/24]
324. Deputy Michael Lowry asked the Minister for Education if she will review correspondence from the management and principal of a school (details supplied); if she will address the points raised; how she plans to address and resolve the serious financial situation and challenges this school and other national schools are facing; if she and her Department will engage directly with the management and principal of the school; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22961/24]
287. Deputy Michael Lowry asked the Minister for Education if correspondence from the management and principal of a school (details supplied) will be reviewed; if she will address the points raised; how she plans to address and resolve the serious financial situation and challenges this school and other national schools are facing; if she and her Department will engage directly with the management and principal of the school; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22476/24]
274. Deputy Michael Lowry asked the Minister for Education the assistance being offered to a school (details supplied); when will this school be provided with an update and funding for these reconfiguration works; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22341/24]
195. Deputy Michael Lowry asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the way he plans to ensure rural interests such as those of farmers and game clubs are fully included in discussions and consultations regarding future policy on hunting and conservation, including discussions and consultations at ministerial-level meetings; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22298/24]
194. Deputy Michael Lowry asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage for an update on the timeline for the establishment of the nature advisory council, as recommended in the 2021 strategic review of the National Parks and Wildlife Service; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22297/24]
113. Deputy Michael Lowry asked the Minister for Transport to provide an update on the progress being made to improve a dangerous and busy junction on the outskirts of Thurles, County Tipperary, given that Turtulla Cross and this section of the N62 has been the location of a number of serious and fatal occurrences over the years; what safety works and junction redesign can be carried out at this junction on the N62 to improve safety for all road users; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21915/24]
503. Deputy Michael Lowry asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth if he will provide an update on the level of funding available to private ECCE preschool providers; if he plans to review the funding allocation within this sector; if he is aware of requests for an increase in ECCE rates, in line with inflation from such private ECCE preschool providers (details supplied); his views on whether the level of funding is sufficient; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21207/24]
331. Deputy Michael Lowry asked the Minister for Education for an update on the application for additional accommodation submitted by a school (details supplied) in November 2023; if the Department has considered the request for a new mainstream classroom and accommodation for this new autism class, given the significant demand indicated by the National Council for Special Education and the willingness of the board of management to facilitate such classes; if the Department can provide a timeline for the approval process, considering the urgency expressed by the school due to the approaching end of term and the need to plan for new classes and appoint a contractor for the necessary works; if the Minister will expedite the approval process to alleviate the concerns of the school and the board; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [21682/24]