1530. Deputy Michael Murphy asked the Minister for Education and Youth for an update on the proposed transition of a school (details supplied), to a Gaelscoil; when the school can expect direct engagement from the relevant section of her Department regarding its application; the supports required to facilitate the transition, particularly in view of the school’s intention to commence with Naíonáin Shóisearacha in September 2027; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [63804/26]
615. Deputy Michael Murphy asked the Minister for Transport the status of the planned upgrade of Clonmel Railway Station, following the granting of planning permission; the current status of the project, including funding and procurement; when construction is expected to commence and be completed; and if he will ensure that this important accessibility and transport interchange project is progressed without further delay. [63897/26]
1616. Deputy Michael Murphy asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage whether he has examined the operation of the Multi-Unit Developments Act 2011 in respect of retirement villages and similar residential developments occupied predominantly by older persons; whether he is concerned that residents who have downsized in line with Government policy may remain indefinitely responsible through owners' management companies for the maintenance of estate roads, public lighting, wastewater infrastructure and other communal services that would ordinarily be maintained by local authorities in estates that have been taken in charge; whether he intends to review the legislation to provide additional protections or alternative mechanisms where an owners' management company is unable to function effectively or where disputes involving developers prevent progress towards taking in charge; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [55524/26]
292. Deputy Michael Murphy asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment if he is aware that families caring for persons with complex medical needs may be unable to obtain an employment permit for a non-EEA healthcare assistant because the employer is a private household rather than a registered healthcare provider; if he will clarify what alternative mechanism exists in such cases; and whether he will review the current arrangements to ensure that families with genuine, certified care needs are not left without an avenue to recruit suitably qualified carers. [54339/26]
291. Deputy Michael Murphy asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment the pathway available to a family seeking to employ a non-EEA national as a full-time carer, in a private home where a family member has complex medical needs and requires specialist care; whether a general employment permit or any other employment permit may be granted in such circumstances; the criteria that must be met by the family and the proposed employee; whether exceptions exist where no suitable domestic or EEA worker can be sourced; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [54338/26]
525. Deputy Michael Murphy asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration whether any security costs associated with the rapid-build modular accommodation development at a location (details supplied) were met by the OPW or any other public body; the total amount of such expenditure; the breakdown by year and category of expenditure; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52957/26]
524. Deputy Michael Murphy asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration the total expenditure incurred by the State on security services associated with the rapid-build modular accommodation development at a location (details supplied) from the commencement of works to the date of completion; the amount spent in each year; the security provider or providers engaged; the nature of the security services provided (including construction phase, static guarding, mobile patrols, CCTV monitoring or other security measures); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52956/26]
330. Deputy Michael Murphy asked the Minister for Education and Youth the expected timeline for the National Council for Special Education to process applications received through the Parents Notify portal for the 2027-2028 school year; whether applications will be assessed on a rolling basis as they are received or only after the portal closes on 1 September 2026; the anticipated timeframe within which parents can expect to receive eligibility or review outcome letters following submission; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [53406/26]
191. Deputy Michael Murphy asked the Minister for Health to outline the latest update and steps being taken by the HSE to address the ongoing vacancy of a consultant ophthalmologist in South Tipperary; the number of recruitment campaigns undertaken to fill this post and their outcomes; the reasons no candidates have been successfully appointed to date; the current waiting list figures for ophthalmology services in South Tipperary; the interim measures in place to provide care to patients; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [41534/26]
143. Deputy Michael Murphy asked the Minister for Health for an urgent update on the proposed new 60-bed Community Nursing Unit (CNU) in Cashel, County Tipperary; to outline the current status of the site selection process; whether the site option appraisal and architect’s report referenced in correspondence of November 2025 have now been finalised; if a preferred site has been identified; the reasons for the delay in progressing beyond draft stage as indicated in January 2026; the status of any property acquisition process being undertaken by the HSE; when local public representatives will be briefed on the outcome of the appraisal process; and the expected timeline for progression to design, planning, and construction stages. [41535/26]
66. Deputy Michael Murphy asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he has engaged with the Minister for Transport and the Minister for Justice; Home Affairs and Migration regarding the operation of the Control of Horses Act 1996 as it relates to horses being used on public roads; his views on whether the current legislative framework provides adequate powers to safeguard animal welfare and public safety; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43414/26]
62. Deputy Michael Murphy asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he is satisfied that the enforcement powers available under the Animal Health and Welfare Act 2013 are sufficient to protect horses being used on public roads; whether his Department has conducted any review of horse welfare risks associated with horse-drawn vehicles; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43413/26]
130. Deputy Michael Murphy asked the Minister for Social Protection whether his Department will consider amending the rules governing the carer's allowance to permit people who are in receipt of a State Pension and who are providing full-time care to another pensioner to receive the full rate of carer's allowance, rather than the current reduced payment; whether he acknowledges that many older carers are struggling to make ends meet due to the increased cost of living while providing full-time care; whether the adequacy of current supports for this cohort has been reviewed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52066/26]
725. Deputy Michael Murphy asked the Minister for Health if she will review and expand the HSE's rehabilitation aids grant scheme to provide for the funding of specialised vehicle car seats and restraint systems where there is a demonstrated clinical necessity, supported by an occupational therapist or other appropriate clinician; whether she recognises that access to safe transport is essential to enable children and adults with disabilities to attend healthcare appointments, education, therapy and community services; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [50943/26]
506. Deputy Michael Murphy asked the Minister for Social Protection whether he will review the eligibility criteria for the additional needs payment scheme to allow assistance to be provided in exceptional circumstances where a clinically prescribed item, such as a specialised car seat recommended by an occupational therapist, is not funded by the HSE or any other statutory scheme, leaving families without access to essential equipment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50942/26]
339. Deputy Michael Murphy asked the Minister for Education and Youth whether priority will be afforded to school building projects that have secured planning permission and include significant expansion of special educational needs and ASD accommodation; if a school (details supplied) falls within this category; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [50940/26]
338. Deputy Michael Murphy asked the Minister for Education and Youth the current status of the major capital project for a school (details supplied); the stage the project has reached under her Department's Capital Appraisal Process; the timeframe within which it is expected to progress to the next stage; whether it is being considered for inclusion in the next tranche of school building projects advancing to construction; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [50939/26]
227. Deputy Michael Murphy asked the Minister for Transport if he is aware that some eligible bus operators missed the application deadline for the road transporters support scheme (RTSS) due to exceptional operational pressures during the peak school transport and tour season; whether his Department will consider accepting late applications in exceptional circumstances where there is no prejudice to the administration of the scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51750/26]
357. Deputy Michael Murphy asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration if he will urgently examine the case of a person (details supplied) who has been waiting for more than eight months for an Irish residence permit; if he will arrange for their case to be prioritised; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50436/26]
341. Deputy Michael Murphy asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage whether, following the commencement of the National Planning Statement on rural housing, the planning policies and objectives contained within existing County Development Plans that are inconsistent with the statement will cease to have effect immediately, or whether such policies will remain in force until amended through the statutory Development Plan variation process; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50634/26]
340. Deputy Michael Murphy asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage whether the publication and commencement of the proposed National Planning Statement on rural housing will require planning authorities to initiate statutory variations to their County Development Plans where existing policies are inconsistent with the new National Planning Statement; whether planning authorities will be required to determine planning applications in accordance with the National Planning Statement pending completion of any such statutory variations; whether transitional guidance will issue to planning authorities and An Coimisiún Pleanála; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50633/26]
298. Deputy Michael Murphy asked the Minister for Education and Youth the status of the Climate Action Summer Works Scheme 2026 application (details supplied) submitted in 2025 under the climate action works category; whether the application has now been assessed; the stage it has reached in the evaluation process; the timeframe for a decision; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [50323/26]
218. Deputy Michael Murphy asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration whether consideration is being given to the future housing role of modular accommodation units developed for temporary protection purposes, including whether such units could subsequently be repurposed for social or affordable housing needs; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41560/26]
217. Deputy Michael Murphy asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration whether his Department has engaged with the Department of Housing; Local Government and Heritage regarding the future use of modular accommodation developments currently being used to house persons under temporary protection, including the Haywood site in Clonmel, in light of the recent Government decision to wind down commercial accommodation contracts for Ukrainians; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41559/26]
188. Deputy Michael Murphy asked the Minister for Education and Youth the status of the climate action summer works scheme 2026 application (details supplied) submitted by in June 2025 under the climate action and roof works category; whether the application has now been assessed; the stage it has reached in the evaluation process; the timeframe for a decision; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [50291/26]
34. Deputy Michael Murphy asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration further to the recent Government decision to wind down the use of commercial accommodation contracts for persons fleeing the war in Ukraine, the future plans for State-funded modular accommodation developments (details supplied); whether occupancy levels at such sites are expected to reduce; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41557/26]
9. Deputy Michael Murphy asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration whether a review has been undertaken of the long-term role and cost-effectiveness of modular accommodation centres established for persons under temporary protection, including a development (details supplied); whether alternative future uses for such facilities are being considered in light of changes to accommodation policy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41558/26]
874. Deputy Michael Murphy asked the Minister for Health for an update on the targeted ophthalmology "blitz" clinic initiative referred to in replies in Dáil Éireann relating to south Tipperary; whether the initiative has commenced; the number of clinics held to date; the number of children assessed or treated; the impact on waiting lists; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [49361/26]
873. Deputy Michael Murphy asked the Minister for Health for an update on the discussions undertaken by the HSE with a private provider regarding ophthalmology services for south Tipperary; whether the scoping exercise referred to in replies to Dáil Éireann has been completed; the findings of that exercise; whether any contractual arrangements have been entered into; the anticipated cost of any such arrangements; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [49360/26]
872. Deputy Michael Murphy asked the Minister for Health for an update on the engagement between the HSE and the Royal Victoria Eye and Ear Hospital, Dublin regarding support for ophthalmology services in south Tipperary; the nature of the support sought; the arrangements agreed; the number of patients referred or treated under such arrangements; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [49359/26]
871. Deputy Michael Murphy asked the Minister for Health if she will provide an update on the multidisciplinary working group established to address the absence of community ophthalmology services in south Tipperary; the date on which the group was established; its membership; the number of meetings held to date; the recommendations made by the group; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [49358/26]
261. Deputy Michael Murphy asked the Minister for Transport if he is aware that some eligible bus operators missed the application deadline for the rural transport support scheme due to exceptional operational pressures during the peak school transport and tour season; whether his Department will consider accepting late applications in exceptional circumstances where there is no prejudice to the administration of the scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49815/26]
343. Deputy Michael Murphy asked the Minister for Education and Youth if she is aware that a school (details supplied) is currently operating beyond its accommodation capacity, given that its special education teaching room is being used as a mainstream classroom, that SET teachers are being required to provide support in unsuitable spaces, and that enrolment numbers have had to be restricted due to lack of accommodation; when a decision will be made on the school's application for additional classroom accommodation; whether the project will be prioritised given the school's urgent needs; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [47250/26]
342. Deputy Michael Murphy asked the Minister for Education and Youth the detailed delivery plan, including timelines and key milestones, for the full modular build comprising of 14 classrooms and associated facilities to address the accommodation crisis at a school (details supplied); the expected date for the completion of the design and planning stage; and the projected date for delivery and occupation of the new accommodation. [47249/26]
251. Deputy Michael Murphy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance if he will consider increasing the income thresholds for the age exemption from income tax for persons aged 65 years and over from the current levels of €18,000 for a single person and €36,000 for a married couple/civil partners to €20,000 and €40,000 respectively in Budget 2027; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47186/26]
141. Deputy Michael Murphy asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment the level of funding currently allocated to any solar photovoltaic grant or support scheme for medically vulnerable customers; the amount of funding that remains available under such schemes for the remainder of 2026; the number of applications approved to date in 2026; whether individuals who are dependent on medical devices in the home, including continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) machines, are considered medically vulnerable for the purposes of eligibility; the qualifying criteria applied; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47845/26]
520. Deputy Michael Murphy asked the Minister for Health in light of the HSE’s acknowledgement that demand for orthodontic treatment exceeds available capacity and that waiting lists are expected to continue growing throughout 2026 and 2027; the immediate actions she intends to take to prevent further deterioration of services in South Tipperary; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [46632/26]
519. Deputy Michael Murphy asked the Minister for Health whether any business case has been submitted seeking additional orthodontic staffing resources for South Tipperary since 2021; if so, the details of such submissions and the outcome of each; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [46631/26]
518. Deputy Michael Murphy asked the Minister for Health the number of orthodontic assessments completed and orthodontic treatments commenced and completed in South Tipperary in each of the past five years; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [46630/26]