2093. Deputy William Aird asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration the current number of IPAS centres in County Laois,; the total number of occupants in each centre disaggregated, by gender and age, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25561/26]
2094. Deputy William Aird asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration to confirm whether he intends on opening a further IPAS centre in County Laois; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25562/26]
2300. Deputy William Aird asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he is aware that the cost of agri-diesel has increased by approximately 50% in recent weeks, representing the most significant percentage increase across fuel categories; the extent to which the Government has assessed the impact of these increases on farm viability and contractor operations; and if he will make a statement on the ma…
3324. Deputy William Aird asked the Minister for Health if she will consider conducting a temporary review of mileage rates for home support workers in light of the rising cost of fuel; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26833/26]
221. Deputy William Aird asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the role Ireland is playing in shaping EU trade policy, including ongoing negotiations on trade agreements; the steps being taken to ensure that Ireland’s strategic economic interests are protected; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22458/26]
222. Deputy William Aird asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the current assessment of the safety and welfare of Irish citizens living, working or travelling in regions affected by recent instability in the Middle East; the consular supports being provided; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22459/26]
223. Deputy William Aird asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the measures being taken to ensure adequate passport service capacity ahead of the peak 2026 renewal period; the expected processing times for first-time and renewal applications; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22460/26]
224. Deputy William Aird asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the level of support being provided to Irish NGOs and humanitarian partners operating in conflict and disaster-affected regions; the plans to strengthen Ireland’s overseas development and humanitarian response in 2026; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22461/26]
225. Deputy William Aird asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the way in which the €16.4 million allocated under the 2025 Emigrant Support Programme is supporting frontline welfare services for vulnerable members of our diaspora; the way in which this funding strengthens Ireland’s long-standing commitment to Irish communities overseas; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22462/26]
226. Deputy William Aird asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if she will host a European Council meeting in Laois during Ireland’s Presidency of the European Union; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22464/26]
396. Deputy William Aird asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance if he will consider the inclusion of the special needs assistant profession in the flat rate expense tax credit as administered by the Revenue Commissioners; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22385/26]
423. Deputy William Aird asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment the steps his Department is taking to support Irish exporters in diversifying into new international markets in light of recent global economic volatility; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22456/26]
424. Deputy William Aird asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment the schedule of planned trade missions for 2026; the sectors being prioritised; the way in which these missions will contribute to attracting foreign direct investment and supporting Irish businesses abroad; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22457/26]
425. Deputy William Aird asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment the steps his Department is taking to aid IDA Ireland in securing new foreign direct investment for Laois; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22465/26]
1034. Deputy William Aird asked the Minister for Health the steps her Department is taking to address the barriers currently faced by patients in Ireland living with lipoedema, including the absence of a published national HSE care pathway, limited access to conservative management such as compression therapy and manual lymphatic drainage; the difficulties in accessing treatment through the Cross-Border Healthcare Di…
1035. Deputy William Aird asked the Minister for Health if the HSE working group established in 2023 to develop a national care pathway for lipoedema has completed its work; when this care pathway is expected to be published, if she will confirm whether patient advocacy organisations (details supplied) will be included in both the development and implementation of the pathway; and if she will make a statement on the …
1036. Deputy William Aird asked the Minister for Health if her Department intends to review the operation of private health insurers in relation to coverage for medically indicated liposuction procedures for lipoedema patients, in light of concerns regarding inconsistent decision-making, the application of criteria designed for lymphoedema rather than lipoedema, and practices that may result in patients being forced …
William Aird
Written
24 Mar 2026 · to Further and Higher Education
1052. Deputy William Aird asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the steps his Department is taking ahead of the next academic year to expand affordable student accommodation, particularly in light of rising cost-of-living pressures; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22128/26]
William Aird
Written
24 Mar 2026 · to Further and Higher Education
1053. Deputy William Aird asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the progress made towards meeting the Government’s apprenticeship targets for 2026; the sectors in which new apprenticeship programmes will be launched in 2026; and the measures being taken to increase employer participation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22129/26]
William Aird
Written
24 Mar 2026 · to Further and Higher Education
1054. Deputy William Aird asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the way in which Springboard+, HCI Pillar 1 and other upskilling initiatives will be expanded in 2026 to support workers transitioning from sectors affected by technological change and climate action; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22130/26]
William Aird
Written
24 Mar 2026 · to Further and Higher Education
1055. Deputy William Aird asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the current status of Ireland’s participation in Horizon Europe as the programme enters its final phase; the actions being taken to increase the success rate of Irish researchers and institutions; and the expected timeline for forthcoming funding calls; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22131/…
William Aird
Written
24 Mar 2026 · to Further and Higher Education
1056. Deputy William Aird asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the plans in place for 2026 to enhance regional access to further education and training through ETBs; the investment being made in new campuses, digital learning infrastructure and community-based provision; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22132/26]
William Aird
Written
24 Mar 2026 · to Further and Higher Education
1057. Deputy William Aird asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the measures being taken to prepare regional economies, including the Midlands, for the impact of artificial intelligence and digital transformation on employment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22133/26]
William Aird
Written
24 Mar 2026 · to Further and Higher Education
1058. Deputy William Aird asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the plans in place to sustain the education, skills and regional innovation initiatives in the Midlands that have been supported under the EU Just Transition Fund; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22134/26]
1075. Deputy William Aird asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht the status of projects approved under the Rural Regeneration and Development Fund in 2025; the expected timelines for commencement and completion in 2026; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22469/26]