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Gnáthamharc

Tuesday, 28 May 2024

Written Answers Nos. 490-512

Health Services

Ceisteanna (490)

Matt Carthy

Ceist:

490. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Health his proposals to ensure adequate access to consultation/assessment for adults with ADHD; the funding allocated; the current waiting times, by CHO, in the years 2019 to date, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24052/24]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

ADHD has long been recognised as one of the most common psychiatric disorders in children and it is now known to persist into adulthood. Core symptoms include inattention, hyperactivity and impulsivity. It can cause many issues in areas such as personal and social relations, education and occupation, managing money and organising life in general. There is also an increased risk of having other mental health difficulties with it such as anxiety and depression.

Children can access ADHD assessments through the National Educational Psychological Service. In addition to this, as per the CAMHS Operational Guidelines, CAMHS take referrals for children and adolescents up to age 18 with moderate to severe ADHD.

I am aware that prior to the inception of the National Clinical Programme (NCP) for Adults with ADHD which I launched in 2021, there were no specific ADHD public services available for Adults in Ireland.

The NCP for ADHD is delivered as part of the HSE’s mental health service provision to ensure an integrated, person-centred response to adults with ADHD. The programme includes both assessment and treatment of the disorder and works collaboratively with voluntary agencies. It envisages a national service of ADHD teams, with each Team comprised of Consultant Psychiatrist, Senior Psychologist, Senior Occupational Therapist, Clinical Nurse Specialist Mental Health, and an administrator.

Enhancement of specialist mental health services such as ADHD is a key priority for myself as Minister, the Government as a whole and the HSE. The National Clinical Programme for ADHD is being implemented across the country by multidisciplinary teams on a phased basis. Since 2021, over €3 million has been made available for funding ADHD posts from Programme for Government funding. This has enabled the set-up of 5 fully operational ADHD Teams with recruitment of over 25 posts, and two more teams are currently in development with posts funded for them. I am  aware it is important to have a geographical focus on the roll-out of this Programme, and it is planned to announce the roll out of more Teams in due course. With this objective in mind,  it is my stated intention to continue to deliver expanded services for people with ADHD, through reaching the planned 12 specialist teams as soon as possible.

In addition, as part of the National Clinical Programme funding was allocated to facilitate a collaboration with ADHD Ireland and the UCD School of Psychology to develop an ADHD app and the UMAAP Programme (Understanding and Managing Adult ADHD Programme). Both the ADHD App and the UMAAP Programme are two very positive resources for people with ADHD. The UMAAP Programme is delivered as a 6-week workshop, and its aim is to provide education and tools for adults on how to manage ADHD. This Programme  can be completed online, while the ADHD App is a useful source of information on ADHD.

I am pleased to confirm that ADHD Ireland will be provided with funding for provision of the UMAAP Programme in 2024 and beyond. I recently had the pleasure of  launching the UMAAP Programme in April with ADHD Ireland.

It should also be noted  as part of the additional €10 million funding allocated announced by myself recently to enhance mental health services in 2024, a number of new posts will be available to support the clinical programmes. This includes posts to support ADHD, and details are currently being finalised.

Finally, I wants to reassure you that I remain firmly committed to enhancing specialist services for ADHD, including improved access and shorter waiting lists.

With reference to the operational details requested, the HSE will reply to you directly on this issue.

Health Services

Ceisteanna (491)

Ivana Bacik

Ceist:

491. Deputy Ivana Bacik asked the Minister for Health his plans to extend BreastCheck screening to younger age cohorts; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24054/24]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

I am fully committed to supporting our population screening programmes, which are a valuable part of our health service. They enable early treatment and care for many people and improve the overall health of our population.

BreastCheck, the National Breast Screening Programme, currently invites women aged 50 to 69 years at regular periods to have a routine mammogram. Under commitments in the Programme for Government, BreastCheck eligibility has been expanded to women aged 69 years since 2021.

I would highlight that any decisions about further changes in cancer screening, including further extension of the age ranges, will be made on the advice of the National Screening Advisory Committee (NSAC). This independent expert group considers and assesses evidence in a robust and transparent manner, and against internationally accepted criteria. It is important that we have rigorous processes in place to ensure our screening programmes are effective, quality assured and operating to safe standards, and that the benefits of screening outweigh the harms.

Regarding proposals for the expansion of breast cancer screening. NSAC previously submitted a request to the Health Information and Quality Authority (HIQA) to consider the evidence for a further expansion of the age range eligibility for the BreastCheck programme, in addition to considering the issue of breast density where it relates to screening.

Health technology assessment (HTA) helps to prioritise these decisions around screening programmes. HTA is the assessment of relevant evidence and knowledge on the effects and consequences of healthcare technologies to guide decisions regarding the appropriate use of technology and efficient allocation of resources. It involves a multidisciplinary assessment of the clinical, economic, ethical, legal and societal perspectives that may be impacted by the introduction of a new technology. It is a time intensive and rigorous process. The HTA to examine the expansion of BreastCheck is not one of the prioritised evidence reviews being currently worked on by HIQA.

Finally, I would like to emphasise that population-based screening programmes are for healthy people without symptoms. If anyone becomes aware of symptoms, or if they have concerns or worries, they should contact their General Practitioner (GP) immediately.

Medical Cards

Ceisteanna (492)

Matt Carthy

Ceist:

492. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Health the average cost of a GP visit card; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24060/24]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

As this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.

Departmental Data

Ceisteanna (493)

Martin Browne

Ceist:

493. Deputy Martin Browne asked the Minister for Health the number of nursing posts approved at Tipperary University Hospital, by discipline; the number of nursing posts filled; the number of vacant nursing posts, by discipline; the number of posts that have been left vacant since the introduction of the recruitment ban; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24064/24]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

As the query raised by the Deputy is a matter for the HSE, I have referred the question to the HSE for its attention and direct response to the Deputy. 

Departmental Data

Ceisteanna (494)

Martin Browne

Ceist:

494. Deputy Martin Browne asked the Minister for Health his plans to address the 70 nursing vacancies at Tipperary University Hospital, as revealed by an organisation (details supplied); his views on how this affects the framework of safe nurse staffing in medical and surgical wards at the hospital; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24065/24]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

As the query raised by the Deputy is a matter for the HSE, I have referred the question to the HSE for its attention and direct response to the Deputy. 

Disability Services

Ceisteanna (495)

Frankie Feighan

Ceist:

495. Deputy Frankie Feighan asked the Minister for Health the reason a person from County Leitrim (details supplied) has not been considered for a primary medical certificate, despite the fact that they were diagnosed three years ago with a life-changing disorder. [24096/24]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

Responsibility for the Disabled Drivers and Disabled Passengers (Tax Concessions) Scheme, operated by the Revenue Commissioners, falls under the remit of my colleague, the Minister for Finance. To qualify for the scheme, an applicant must have a Primary Medical Certificate. To qualify for a Primary Medical Certificate, an applicant must be permanently and severely disabled within the terms of the Disabled Drivers and Disabled Passengers (Tax Concessions) Scheme.

The extent of the involvement of health personnel in the scheme relates to making a professional clinical determination as to whether an individual applicant satisfies the medical criteria set out in the Department of Finance regulations. This determination is undertaken by Senior Medical Officers for the relevant local Health Service Executive (HSE) administrative Community Health Organisation, on behalf of the Revenue Commissioners. These HSE personnel have no role in setting or amending the criteria.

A successful applicant is provided with a Primary Medical Certificate. An unsuccessful applicant can appeal the HSE's Senior Medical Officer's decision to the Disabled Drivers Medical Board of Appeal, which is under the auspices of the Minister for Finance. The Appeal Board makes a new clinical determination in respect of the applicant.

Medicinal Products

Ceisteanna (496)

Paul Murphy

Ceist:

496. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Health the implications of an item being high tech on the drug payment scheme; and how an item can be changed to the regular drug payment scheme from high tech. [24102/24]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

As this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.

Nursing Homes

Ceisteanna (497)

Gino Kenny

Ceist:

497. Deputy Gino Kenny asked the Minister for Health if he is aware of the proposed closure of a nursing home (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24111/24]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

I am deeply concerned to learn that the Health Information and Quality Authority (HIQA) had to cancel the registration of Lucan Lodge Nursing Home. This cancellation, which followed concerns for the care and welfare of residents, took effect from 10:00 on 17 May 2024.

The HSE has taken interim charge of the nursing home from 10:01 Friday, 17 May 2024. The HSE will act as the interim registered provider to support residents and their families during this time.

This is an evolving situation, and all options are being explored. Regular engagements are taking place between the Department of Health, the Health Service Executive (HSE) and the Health Information and Quality Authority (HIQA). HSE staff are on-site and committed to regular communication with residents and their families.

Ensuring the welfare and safety of residents is secured is of the utmost importance, and work to alleviate the concerns of residents, their families and staff is a priority during this difficult time.

Information and Communications Technology

Ceisteanna (498)

Louise O'Reilly

Ceist:

498. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science further to Parliamentary Question No. 145 of 15 May 2024, the capital investment by his Department in computer and data infrastructure projects, by investment in each of the years since 2011, in tabular form. [23615/24]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

My Department has not made any direct capital investment in data or IT infrastructure since its establishment in 2020. 

Grant Payments

Ceisteanna (499)

Chris Andrews

Ceist:

499. Deputy Chris Andrews asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if grants are available for a person who is studying general nursing in a college (details supplied). [23636/24]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

A student attending a private college, such as the one referred to by the Deputy, which is not listed in the Student Support Regulations 2024 would not be eligible for funding under the Student Grant Scheme 2024. 

It is open to higher education institutions that operate on a 'for profit' basis to use their own resources to provide financial supports to any of their students that they consider to be in particular need. 

I would advise any student to make direct contact with the institution that they plan to attend to consider what supports may be available. 

Regarding other supports that may be available to third level students outside the Student Grant Scheme, the below information may be of use: 

• The Higher Education Authority (HEA)  provides information in relation to bursaries and scholarships available at the following link: hea.ie/funding-governance-performance/funding/student-finance/other-finance-bursaries-scholarships/.

• Tax relief at the standard rate of tax may be available in respect of tuition fees paid for approved courses at approved colleges of higher education. More information on the tax credit and the tax treatment of students generally is available from the Revenue Commissioners at www.revenue.ie/en/life-events-and-personal-circumstances/students/index.aspx  or from your local Tax Office;

• The Rent Tax Credit is also increasing to €750 per individual and €1,500 per jointly assessed couple for 2024 and 2025. Payments made by parents in respect of “digs” or rent-a-room arrangements for their children to attend an approved course will now qualify for the Rent Tax Credit, provided the claimant and their child are not related to the landlord. This change will apply retrospectively for the years 2022 and 2023. More information on the rent tax credit is available on www.revenue.ie/en/personal-tax-credits-reliefs-and-exemptions/land-and-property/rent-credit/used-by-child.aspx.

• Students may be eligible for reduced travel, more information can be found at about.leapcard.ie/young-adult-and-student-card-launch#eligible.

Grant Payments

Ceisteanna (500)

Ged Nash

Ceist:

500. Deputy Ged Nash asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if and when SUSI grants will be made available to students on part-time third-level courses; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23742/24]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

A pilot part time grant scheme will be introduced effective from September 2024.

It will provide fee support to eligible part-time students attending specified publicly funded undergraduate courses leading to a major award. This is an important new initiative which will open the doors of higher education to many groups who cannot participate in full time programmes.

The parameters of the scheme are currently being finalised and I will announce the details in due course. 

Information and Communications Technology

Ceisteanna (501)

Louise O'Reilly

Ceist:

501. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science further to Parliamentary Question No. 145 of 15 May 2024, the capital funding provided by his Department to organisations or agencies under the remit of his Department for investment in computer and data infrastructure, by investment in each of the years since 2020, in tabular form. [23616/24]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

As outlined in my previous response, the Department of Education provides IT provision and support services to my Department on a shared basis. As such, that Department meets any costs relating to the IT infrastructure, data maintenance and cyber-security. Thus my Department has not incurred any direct expenditure in these areas since its establishment in 2020.

The information in respect of bodies, within the scope of the Deputy’s question, is not held by my Department. Contact details for these bodies are set out in the table below, should the Deputy wish to contact the aegis bodies directly with his query. 

Contact E-Mail Addresses for State Bodies under the Remit of the Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science

Name of Body

Dedicated Email address for the Members of the Oireachtas

Designated Official Responsible for assisting Oireachtas Members

Higher Education Authority

Oireachtas@hea.ie

Padraic Mellett*

Irish Research Council( Note 1)

Oireachtas@research.ie              

Padraic Mellett* 

Grangegorman Development Agency

Communications@ggda.ie

nora.rahill@ggda.ie

SOLAS

oireachtasinfo@solas.ie              

Maria Walsh maria.walshe@solas.ie

Skillnets Ltd

oireachtas@skillnets.com

t.donnery@skillnets.com

Quality and Qualifications Ireland

ceo@qqi.ie

ceo@qqi.ie

Léargas – The Exchange Bureau

oireachtas@leargas.ie

fbroughan@leargas.ie    

Science Foundation Ireland                                           

ciara.cotter@sfi.ie                                          

Ciara Cotter

Information and Communications Technology

Ceisteanna (502)

Louise O'Reilly

Ceist:

502. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science further to Parliamentary Question No. 145 of 15 May 2024, the capital funding provided to the Irish Centre for High End Computing since 2020. [23617/24]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

My Department has provided funding to the Irish Centre for High End Computing (ICHEC) since the Department was established in 2020. 

The table outlines the funding by my Department to the ICHEC per each year from 2020-2024.

DFHERIS Funding for ICHEC 2020-2024

Year

2020

2021

2022

2023

2024

Amount (€000)

€2,747

€2,832

€2,832

€4,432

€4,432

Third Level Education

Ceisteanna (503)

Verona Murphy

Ceist:

503. Deputy Verona Murphy asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the plans for a future third level institute in Portlaoise town; the scoping and research advance work done by his Department and his Department’s planning unit; the advance work research and Proposals by the HEA; the planned commencement date of any such Institute; the subjects to be taught; the proposed level of staffing; the plans for student housing to accompany any such institute;- his views on the optimum status of Portlaoise as a well serviced location for a third level institute; and if he will provide any further information in relation to such plans. [23780/24]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

My Department is committed to delivering a high standard of third-level education across Ireland, as we acknowledge the crucial role that further and higher education institutions play in both regional and economic development.

While there are no current plans for the development of a future third-level institute in Portlaoise town, the established Portlaoise Institute provides opportunities for students to access a range of tertiary qualifications. The Institute offers a range of courses and professional certifications in fields such as Computing, Healthcare, Nursing, Business Studies, and Creative Digital and Animation.

Moreover, as part of the National Tertiary Office's Tertiary Programmes, Portlaoise Institute offers students the opportunity to complete the first year of a four-year Level 8 Degree, and then complete the remainder of the course in South East Technological University's (SETU) Carlow Campus. The courses included in this provision are in Software Development, Business Studies, and IT Management.

The Tertiary Programmes have been available to students since September 2023, and have been met by students with great interest. These programmes signal that there is more than one route into third level education, and that no one pathway is better than another. Further information on these programmes is available at www.nto.ie.

The populations of Portlaoise and Co. Laois are also served regionally by two Technological Universities (TUs), namely Technological University of the Shannon and Mid-West (TUS,) Athlone campus and South East Technological University (SETU), Carlow campus. TUs regional remit stretches beyond the counties in which their campuses are located and embrace their regions as a whole. Since 2019, TUs have provided enhanced progress in the delivery of national priorities relating to access to higher education, research-informed teaching and learning, research capacity building, increased support for enterprise and the skills agenda and enhancement of socio-economic progress and regional development, in particular encouraging regional economic development and indigenous and Foreign Direct Investment.

TUS was established on 1 October 2021, the third TU to be created since 2019.  With a student population of approximately 14,000 supported by nearly 2,000 staff, TUS encompasses six campuses spread across four counties: two in Limerick and one in each of Athlone, Thurles, Clonmel, and Ennis. TUS’ strategic plan sets as a major priority the building and enhancing of relationships and partnerships that drive the sustainable development of the region, while their purpose statement emphasises the provision of leading student-centred higher education that is research-informed, regionally-relevant and accessible to all.

South East Technological University (SETU) was established on 1 April 2022 and serves the South East region including County Laois. With a student population of over 18,000 supported by over 1,500 staff, it is spread across 4 multi-campuses in Waterford, Carlow, Wexford, and Wicklow. It is the fifth TU to be created since 2019 and represents a milestone in higher education provision for the South East in being the first university presence in the region, filling what had been a major lacuna. SETU’s strategic plan places a major emphasis on increasing the knowledge capital of the south east of Ireland, in particular driving the social and economic development of the region in domains of regional specialism and high impact, and responding to the need within the south east for the scaling up of quality education provision, with a focus on increasing the level of educational attainment amongst the population, addressing the outward migration of talent from the region, and increasing the flow of students into the south east.

TUS and SETU are major destinations of choice for students from County Laois. In the 2022/2023 academic year, HEA data shows that 355 students from Laois were enrolled in TUS, and a further 710 were enrolled in SETU, representing 1.065 students in total, nearly a third of the 3,580 people from Laois who were enrolled in Higher Education Institutions in that year.

Third Level Education

Ceisteanna (504)

Imelda Munster

Ceist:

504. Deputy Imelda Munster asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science his views on whether a statutory instrument can be altered to include Ballyfermot College of Further Education as an approved provider of third level programmes for SUSI maintenance grant purposes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23936/24]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

Section 7 of the Student Support Act 2011 outlines the position with regard to approved institutions for the purposes of the Student Grant Scheme. Ballyfermot College of Further Education is approved Post Leaving Certificate (PLC) centre which is managed and funded by City of Dublin ETB. As such, it is comprehended within Section 7(1)(d) of the Act as an “education institution in the State in receipt of grants out of moneys provided by the Oireachtas for the provision of post-leaving certificate courses”. Further education centres are not designated as approved third level institutions for the purposes of providing higher education awards under the Student Grant Scheme.

Residency Permits

Ceisteanna (505)

Holly Cairns

Ceist:

505. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if he will work with his Cabinet colleagues about furthering the recent extension of the stamp 1G permissions to cover spouses of non-EU PhD students. [23987/24]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

In October 2022, an independent and comprehensive National Review of State Supports for PhD Researchers was announced; the first time that this issue has been considered holistically in this manner. The first report of the Co-Chairs, Dr Andrea Johnson and Mr David Cagney, was published in summer 2023. In it they recommended an increase towards an optimum PhD stipend level of €25,000, subject to funding availability.  

In Budget 2024, funding was secured to increase the PhD stipend offered by my competitive research funding agencies, the Irish Research Council and Science Foundation Ireland, from €19,000 to €22,000 annually, i.e. a 15.8% increase.  This builds on the increase secured under Budget 2023, demonstrating my Department's clear and consistent commitment to this issue. My officials continue to engage with the budgetary processes in order to continue our progress on this.

The Co-Chairs' final review report encompasses the outstanding elements of their Terms of Reference, including considerations with regard to whether PhD students are to be classified as employees or continue as students and issues particularly affecting under-represented groups. Decisions around the classification of this cohort of individuals as students or employees will influence the treatment of non-EU PhD enrolments.

The publication of this independent final report later this summer, along with my Department's response to the deliberations of the Co-Chairs, will help to provide clarity in a range of areas. We look forward to further engagement with all relevant Government Departments in this regard.

Planning Issues

Ceisteanna (506, 507, 508, 509)

Michael Lowry

Ceist:

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]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Michael Lowry

Ceist:

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]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Michael Lowry

Ceist:

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]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Michael Lowry

Ceist:

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]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

I propose to take Questions Nos. 506 to 509, inclusive, together.

My Department has legislative responsibility for local authority burial grounds, however the actual operation of burial grounds (cemeteries) is the responsibility of the local authorities.

Under the Local Government (Sanitary Services) Acts, 1878 to 2001, local authorities are deemed to be burial boards for their respective functional areas. Acting in their capacity as burial boards, local authorities are responsible for the management, regulation and control of burial grounds in their functional areas.

As this is therefore a matter for local authorities, I can confirm that no information on any public health incidents have been reported to my Department in the last five years. Similarly, as local authorities are responsible for burial grounds, my Department has no responsibility for environmental assessments of burial grounds.

Regulations are currently in place regarding burials and burial grounds, namely Part III of the Public Health (Ireland) Act, 1878, as amended in Part VI of the Local Government (Sanitary Services) Act, 1948 and more recently, the Local Government Acts, 1994 and 2001, and also in the Rules and Regulations for the Regulation of Burial Grounds 1888 and amendments thereto.

As previously stated, there are currently no plans to introduce new regulations in this area.

Question No. 507 answered with Question No. 506.
Question No. 508 answered with Question No. 506.
Question No. 509 answered with Question No. 506.

Departmental Funding

Ceisteanna (510, 511)

Mattie McGrath

Ceist:

510. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development to provide details of all funding provided by her Department to Clonmel town under schemes such as the Town Centre First, Rural Regeneration and Development Fund and any other schemes over the past ten years; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [23568/24]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Mattie McGrath

Ceist:

511. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development to provide details of all funding provided by her Department to Nenagh town under schemes such as the Town Centre First, Rural Regeneration and Development Fund and any other schemes over the past ten years; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [23569/24]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

I propose to take Questions Nos. 510 and 511 together.

My Department operates a range of programmes and schemes that support economic and community development in urban and rural areas throughout the country, including the towns of Nenagh and Clonmel.

The targeted investments and supports which my Department provides to regional, rural and local communities promote social inclusion, rural town and village regeneration, outdoor recreation, facilitate new working opportunities and foster regional enterprise growth.

Details of all funding provided by my Department since its establishment in July 2017 to both Nenagh and Clonmel towns, under the wide range of programmes, are included in the attached Appendix.

Further details of the programmes delivered by my Department are available at www.gov.ie/drcd.

Nenagh Town Funding Details

Question No. 511 answered with Question No. 510.

Departmental Funding

Ceisteanna (512)

Michael Moynihan

Ceist:

512. Deputy Michael Moynihan asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the funding allocated to each county in each of the years 2020 to 2023 and to date in 2024 under the CLAR programme, in tabular form; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [23624/24]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

The 2024 CLÁR programme was launched on the 12th April last with a total budget of €8.7 million.

The measures being funded under CLÁR 2024 are:

• measure 1 Developing Community Facilities & Amenities;

• measure 2 Mobility, Cancer Care, First Responder and Meals on Wheels Transport; and,

• measure 3: Our Islands

Since the programme was relaunched in 2016, CLÁR has provided funding of over €70 million for almost 2,400 projects under a range of different measures.

As requested, please find below a table detailing funding approved to each county under CLÁR 2020, 2021, 2022 and 2023. This information relates to the amount approved under each annual iteration of the scheme rather than in the calendar year.  For example, some projects under the CLÁR 2023 scheme were formally announced at the start of 2024 but are included under the CLÁR 2023 scheme below. No funding has been approved under CLÁR 2024 to date.

County

CLÁR 2020 Approvals

CLÁR 2021 Approvals

CLÁR 2022 Approvals

CLÁR 2023 Approvals 

Carlow

€143,418

€89,963

€86,983

€267,099

Cavan

€374,318

€391,241

€616,058

€586,823

Clare

€332,580

€358,313

€679,222

€722,643

Cork

€273,402

€401,226

€895,982

€715,359

Donegal

€339,680

€383,470

€943,046

€882,534

Dublin

€0

€0

€0

€0

Galway

€438,878

€462,368

€1,063,583

€973,124

Kerry

€576,715

€657,473

€812,864

€886,621

Kildare

€0

€0

€0

€0

Kilkenny

€77,000

€57,300

€420,207

€295,469

Laois

€166,440

€179,517

€444,105

€271,058

Leitrim

€347,597

€386,329

€524,106

€518,892

Limerick

€145,382

€183,742

€408,289

€722,273

Longford

€362,008

€399,882

€580,140

€498,190

Louth

€63,500

€80,000

€109,427

€414,948

Mayo

€458,421

€483,295

€822,631

€1,125,608

Meath

€80,600

€202,454

€378,088

€239,774

Monaghan

€256,614

€341,184

€784,362

€675,071

Offaly

€164,144

€127,879

€188,693

€205,617

Roscommon

€499,231

€333,307

€542,554

€815,413

Sligo

€220,621

€350,782

€457,849

€547,832

Tipperary

€84,226

€140,108

€635,276

€556,899

Waterford

€148,500

€216,182

€279,500

€232,239

Westmeath

€150,000

€163,670

€336,200

€641,912

Wexford

€0

€0

€0

€0

Wicklow

€60,000

€82,257

€169,200

€220,899

Total

€5,763,275

€6,471,942

€12,178,366

€13,016,296

Roinn