152. Deputy William Aird asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage whether he is aware of cases where individuals have been deemed ineligible for social housing supports despite being unable to access the Housing Assistance Payment, due to a lack of suitable rental accommodation; the measures in place to address such situations; if he will consider introducing flexibility or discretion for local a…
272. Deputy William Aird asked the Minister for Health the steps being taken to introduce a formal compassionate use programme in Ireland for orphan drugs, in light of the fact that several EU member states already have such programmes allowing patients early access to potentially life-saving treatments prior to full market authorisation; when such a programme will be established to ensure patients in Ireland are not…
273. Deputy William Aird asked the Minister for Health if she will review the criteria for medical card eligibility to allow for an audiology-only medical card, or similar entitlement, for individuals with congenital deafness who face unavoidable and lifelong costs for essential hearing aids; if she will consider removing or modifying means-testing in cases where the medical need is permanent and non-discretionary; a…
274. Deputy William Aird asked the Minister for Health the actions being taken to reduce the current reliance on locum consultants, given that 16.5% of consultant posts are filled on a locum basis; the reason for delays in advertising and filling permanent posts, including where advance notice of retirements is available; her assessment of the impact of high locum use on continuity of care, service development and sm…
275. Deputy William Aird asked the Minister for Health the steps being taken to improve supports for people with food allergies in public settings; the plans to develop a national allergy strategy; and the actions being considered to enhance emergency preparedness, staff training and access to treatments such as anaphylaxis kits and oral immunotherapy; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4525/26]
276. Deputy William Aird asked the Minister for Health the way in which the newly published paper,’ Ireland’s Future Health and Social Care Workforce’, will guide long-term workforce planning across the health and social care sectors; the way its evidence-based projections will support the delivery of Programme for Government commitments and Sláintecare 2025+; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4526/26]
277. Deputy William Aird asked the Minister for Health if she will outline her Department’s approach to supporting quality and consistency in community-based counselling and psychotherapy services, including workforce development; whether her Department recognises the role of national quality initiatives such as the Community Therapy Ireland Badge of Excellence in promoting professional, person-centred practice; and …
278. Deputy William Aird asked the Minister for Health to detail the expected workforce shortfalls identified in the ESRI-informed modelling; the proposed actions, particularly the expansion of domestic education and training capacity, which will ensure Ireland can meet the health needs of a growing and ageing population over the next 15 years; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4528/26]
279. Deputy William Aird asked the Minister for Health to set out how the cross-Government approach, including collaboration with the Departments of Further and Higher Education, Children, Disability and Equality, and Education and Youth, will support the recruitment, retention and development of a sustainable health and social care workforce aligned with WHO workforce planning principles; and if she will make a stat…
280. Deputy William Aird asked the Minister for Health if she will provide any research or Departmental analysis on the health and wellbeing benefits associated with remote working, including reduced stress, increased physical activity and lower mortality risk; whether these findings will inform future public health planning; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4530/26]
281. Deputy William Aird asked the Minister for Health if she will outline the Government’s position on ensuring equitable access to orphan medicines given the current restrictions and the consequences for those affected; if she will provide timelines for the publication and funding of the new national rare disease plan; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4531/26]
183. Deputy William Aird asked the Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport if his Department has considered the construction of a multi-purpose sports arena in the Laois constituency; the level of engagement, if any, that has taken place regarding such a development; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3660/26]
604. Deputy William Aird asked the Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport the measures being taken to address persistent mobile phone coverage blackspots on regional and national roads; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3690/26]
605. Deputy William Aird asked the Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport the way in which the increased remote working demand is being factored into broadband rollout plans for rural and small-towns in County Laois; whether additional investment will be prioritised to close the digital divide; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3692/26]
277. Deputy William Aird asked the Minister for Transport the timeline and budgetary measures being taken to improve the frequency, reliability and capacity of public bus services serving towns and villages in County Laois, in light of continued population growth and demand for sustainable transport options; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3143/26]
278. Deputy William Aird asked the Minister for Transport the plans, timeline and budgetary measures for upgrading Portlaoise Train Station and associated facilities (including accessibility, parking, and passenger amenities) to support increased rail usage and regional connectivity; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3144/26]
279. Deputy William Aird asked the Minister for Transport the latest safety statistics for the M7 and M8 corridors passing through County Laois; the targeted safety improvements planned; when these will be implemented; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3145/26]
280. Deputy William Aird asked the Minister for Transport the current status of planned upgrades and resurfacing works on the N80 and N77 regional roads in County Laois; the expected timeframe and budgetary measures for commencement and completion of these works; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3146/26]
281. Deputy William Aird asked the Minister for Transport his plans to expand publicly accessible electric vehicle charging infrastructure in County Laois, along key commuter routes and in towns such as Portlaoise, Mountmellick and Abbeyleix; his plans to support the transition to low-emission transport in County Laois; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3147/26]
282. Deputy William Aird asked the Minister for Transport the specific supports planned to strengthen rural transport services (including Local Link) in the Laois region; how funding allocations for 2026 compare to 2025; the position regarding enhancing rural mobility for older and economically disadvantaged residents in County Laois; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3148/26]
283. Deputy William Aird asked the Minister for Transport his plans to develop an integrated transport hub in Portlaoise that links rail, bus and active travel facilities; the engagement that has taken place with Laois County Council and local stakeholders; the expected benefits for sustainable regional transport in County Laois; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3149/26]
284. Deputy William Aird asked the Minister for Transport the position regarding planned active travel (cycling and walking infrastructure) improvements in towns and villages in County Laois; the timeline and budgetary measures allocated for these works in 2026; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3150/26]
285. Deputy William Aird asked the Minister for Transport if he has quantified the potential reduction in daily commuter traffic to Dublin that would result from stronger remote working rights; the associated benefits for road safety, congestion, and emissions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3151/26]
286. Deputy William Aird asked the Minister for Transport if he will carry out an urgent review of the Greenway Code of Practice involving all stakeholders, in light of concerns about consultation, compensation, and compulsory purchase orders; if he will ensure that future Greenway development protects property rights, rural livelihoods, and community wellbeing; the measures to improve transparency, engagement, and p…
311. Deputy William Aird asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance if he will consider extending the €14,000 tax-free rental income relief to include rental arrangements involving family members, in recognition of current housing pressures and the need to support intergenerational living; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3134/26]