Paul Lawless

324. Deputy Paul Lawless 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. [46518/26]

325. Deputy Paul Lawless 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. [46519/26]

326. Deputy Paul Lawless 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. [46520/26]

412. Deputy Paul Lawless 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. [46703/26]

413. Deputy Paul Lawless 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. [46704/26]

414. Deputy Paul Lawless 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. [46706/26]

415. Deputy Paul Lawless 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. [46707/26]

416. Deputy Paul Lawless 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. [46708/26]

417. Deputy Paul Lawless 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. [46709/26]

471. Deputy Paul Lawless 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. [46500/26]

25. Deputy Paul Lawless 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. [46388/26]

26. Deputy Paul Lawless 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. [46389/26]

27. Deputy Paul Lawless 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. [46390/26]

28. Deputy Paul Lawless 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. [46391/26]

23. Deputy Paul Lawless asked the Taoiseach if he will report on his attendance at the most recent EU leaders' meeting. [45639/26]

43. Deputy Paul Lawless asked the Taoiseach if he will report on the revised national digital and AI strategy. [45640/26]

188. Deputy Paul Lawless asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment the steps he is taking to bolster the tourism potential of County Mayo. [45650/26]

471. Deputy Paul Lawless 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. [45455/26]

472. Deputy Paul Lawless 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. [45456/26]

473. Deputy Paul Lawless 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. [45457/26]

474. Deputy Paul Lawless 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. [45458/26]

475. Deputy Paul Lawless 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. [45459/26]

476. Deputy Paul Lawless 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. [45460/26]

477. Deputy Paul Lawless 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. [45461/26]

585. Deputy Paul Lawless 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. [45495/26]