I thank the Deputy for raising this important issue, which I am taking on behalf of the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade, Deputy McEntee. A passport is an internationally recognised travel document which attests to the identity and nationality of the bearer. The passport service follows recommendations from the ICAO, which the Deputy referenced, in relation to data that is held on a passport. The ICAO is an international body that develops policies and standards for aviation safety and security. Internationally, the Irish passport has a strong reputation. The passport service takes seriously its responsibility to protect the integrity of the Irish passport and the issuing process. Our passport ranks fourth on the Henley global passport index as it provides citizens visa-free access to 185 countries. All passport applications are subject to the terms of the Passports Act 2008, as amended. The Act provides a legal basis for the various policies and procedures that are applied by the passport service in the issuing of passports. Section 10 provides that a passport will issue the name of a citizen as it appears on their birth certificate or naturalisation certificate. The function of the data held on a passport is to confirm the passport holder's identity and nationality. The passport service does not include guardians' names on children's passports, nor is this required by the provisions of the Act. A passport for a minor under the age of 18 is valid for five years. It is important to note that it is possible that the guardianship circumstances of a child can change. The child may also become an adult during the validity period of their passport. A child travelling abroad must have their own passport and cannot be included on their guardian's passport. The practice of allowing children to be included on a guardian's passport is being phased out internationally. This is intended to make international travel more secure for children. The previous practice of including a child on a guardian's passport meant that the child was not identified via photograph prior to travel. The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade understands that situations arise where a guardian is travelling with their child who does not share their surname, and the guardian may be requested to produce further documents confirming the guardianship link. Border control authorities may also request extra documentation when children travel either unaccompanied or with an accompanying person who is not their guardian. The purpose of border control authorities requesting further information is to safeguard the rights of children and their guardians. The Department's website contains information for adults travelling with children and outlines additional documentation they may be required to carry, depending on the country to which they are travelling. The passport service does not have any plans to expand the purpose of a passport to indicate a guardianship relationship between a child and their guardians but continues to consider ways in which to enhance their essential citizen service. That is the update from the Minister and the Department. I wait for the Deputy's further contribution, and I will respond accordingly.

Sentiment score: 0.13

I thank the Deputy for raising this important matter, which I am taking on behalf of the Minister for Transport, Deputy Darragh O'Brien. EU Directive 2022/2561, on the initial qualification and periodic training of drivers of certain road vehicles for the carriage of goods or passengers, is transposed into Irish law by the European Communities (Vehicle Drivers Certificate of Professional Competence) (No. 2) Regulations 2008 (SI 359 of 2008), as amended. Under the directive, transposed via the 2008 regulation, to drive a truck or bus professionally in the EU, drivers must have a valid CPC qualification. This involves passing four exams, a theory test, a case study, a driving test and a walk around. This qualification is maintained by completing CPC periodic training of 35 hours in each five-year training cycle. Each module consists of seven hours of periodic training and drivers must do seven hours of periodic training every year, adding up to 35 hours and five modules over the five years. Drivers with both a bus and truck CPC must complete 42 hours of training over each five-year period. The duration of training is defined in the directive and the training is obligatory for professional drivers in the EU. Annex 1 of the directive outlines the minimum CPC training requirements. It establishes the knowledge to be taken into account by member states when establishing the driver’s initial qualification, and periodic training must include at least the subjects specified in the directive. Trainee drivers must reach the level of knowledge and practical competence necessary to professionally drive, in all safety, vehicles of the relevant driving licence category. In Ireland, training modules are developed by the RSA in line with the directive. The RSA reviews CPC modules and is responsible for selecting the content in each module, based on the objectives outlined in the directive. The RSA works with CPC trainers and a panel of subject matter experts from the industry to ensure relevant input into module content. The RSA recently completed a review of Module 1: Control of Vehicle and Eco Driving Techniques, which is due to be issued to all CPC training providers shortly. The next module to be reviewed is Module 3: Health and Safety for the Professional Driver. Work on this will start as soon as module 1 has issued. Following the RSA-CPC survey, some drivers expressed an interest in online training. However, the directive makes provision for only a small portion of the syllabus to be conducted online, so drivers could only do part of a module online and would have to complete it in person. Accordingly, the RSA has decided not to pursue this option at this time. In keeping with the Road Safety Strategy 2021-2030 action to review the accessibility of driver CPC, the RSA has introduced a pilot programme for drivers with a valid ADR dangerous goods certificate. Qualified drivers can apply for an exemption from CPC module 2 provided their ADR certificate is valid on the expiry date of their current CPC card.

Sentiment score: 0.12

I again thank the Deputy for raising this matter, which I am taking on behalf of the Minister for Transport, Deputy O'Brien. The legal basis for the certificate of professional competence for professional drivers is contained in EU Directive 2022/2561 on the initial qualification and periodic training of drivers of certain road vehicles for the carriage of goods or passengers. Under this directive it is a legal requirement that all new category C and D professional drivers complete and pass their driver CPC qualification and undertake periodic training. CPC is mutually recognised across all EU member states allowing drivers to work in different EU member states without gaining additional certification. Periodic training further ensures that professional drivers remain informed of developments in road safety legislation, including in technology, regulatory obligations and best practice within the transport sector. The continued professional development model underpinning driver CPC recognises the importance of professional driver safety, requiring ongoing complex regulatory oversight. Both the duration of the training and the subjects to be covered are specified under the directive on mandatory professional drivers operating in EU member states. The RSA is responsible for creating a curriculum in line with the directive in Ireland. The RSA undertakes periodic review of the training modules to ensure that they fully meet the requirements of the directive and represent best practice in terms of training requirements. The overarching purpose of qualification and periodic training process required by the directive is to ensure road safety and the safety of drivers. It ensures drivers can navigate adverse conditions, operate complex equipment and ensure passenger safety and cargo collection. It allows harmonisation of professional driver standards across the EU, enhancing road safety and professional mobility. I know Deputy Nolan raised a specific point in her contribution. Obviously, it will be brought to the Minister's attention. I expect she may have already done so or will be doing it but the specific point she raised could be taken up directly with the Minister, Deputy O’Brien.

Sentiment score: 0.34

I thank Deputy Farrelly for raising this matter on behalf of his constituents, which I am taking on behalf of Minister of State, Deputy Charlie McConalogue. Under the 2024 round of the large-scale sports infrastructure Fund, LSSIF, Kildare County Council applied for funding for the development of Sallins Park Community Sports Centre, which the Deputy referenced. The project was allocated €3 million for phase 1 of the development. Phase 1 consists of the development of five pitches and all associated works. Two pitches for Gaelic games and soccer will be completed, with the remaining pitches to be developed into grass training pitches. It is envisaged that the training pitches will be developed into soccer, GAA and cricket pitches in phase 2. The project will also include access roads, paths and a car park. As with all large-scale capital expenditure, each project must undergo assessments, as required by the infrastructure guidelines set out by the Department of Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation. This project is currently being assessed at approval gate 1. The required documentation has been examined by the Department, which has sought updated information in relation to some aspects. The Department anticipates the project will pass approval gate 1 in the coming weeks. The Department and Kildare County Council are in regular contact regarding the project. I note the Deputy's advocacy on behalf of his constituents about how important this particular piece of infrastructure is. Kildare County Council was also allocated €500,000 under the community sports facilities fund, CSFF, in 2024 for the development of pitches at Sallins Park Community Sports Centre. However, as it was subsequently allocated €3 million under the LSSIF scheme, it now plans to apply to repurpose the CSFF grant for an alternative project. Looking at the wider picture regarding capital investment in sport, the Department operates two capital programmes for sport, namely, the CSFF and the large scale sport infrastructure fund, LSSIF. Over €250 million was allocated to 3,048 community sports clubs and facilities in 2024 from the 2023 round of the CSFF, representing the largest ever investment in sports facilities in communities across Ireland. Details of these allocations are available on the Department's website. In line with previous rounds of the fund, a review of the previous funding round has been undertaken and will be finalised shortly. It is anticipated that the next CSFF round will particularly target areas and sports that have been underinvested in over the years. The Minister, Deputy O’Donovan, and the Minister of State, Deputy McConalogue, hope to open a new round in the coming months. The large scale sport infrastructure fund was established to provide Exchequer support for larger sports facility projects, typically those requiring investments greater than the maximum available under the community sport facilities fund. A total of €86.4 million was awarded to 35 different projects under the first round of LSSIF in 2018. Additional funding of €37.6 million was allocated to 27 of these projects in December 2023 bringing the total awarded under LSSIF 2018 to €124 million. Grants totalling €173 million benefitting 35 individual projects were allocated under the second round of the large scale sport infrastructure fund in November 2024. With this announcement, the cumulative investment from the large scale sport infrastructure fund since 2020 now stands at €297 million. I will bring back the point the Deputy raised in respect of the development of the Sallins Park community sports centre to the Minister and the Department.

Sentiment score: 0.18

I again thank Deputy Farrelly for the opportunity to discuss the development of Sallins Park community sports centre. I am taking this Topical Issue debate on behalf of the Minister of State with responsibility for sport, Deputy McConalogue. County Kildare received significant capital funding for sports infrastructure over the past number of years. Specifically on Sallins Park community sports centre, this project is currently being assessed at approval gate 1. Required documentation has been examined by the Department, which sought updated information on some aspects. The Department expects the project will pass approval gate 1 in the coming weeks. The Department and Kildare County Council are in regular contact regarding the project. It is clear the Government is committed to the success of Irish sport with record investment in our sport facilities, supporting the ambition of high-performance athletes as never before and fundamentally ensuring everyone enjoys the right to participate in sport and physical activity. I look forward to the development of Sallins Park community sports centre. It will provide much needed sporting facilities for the growing population. The Department, the Minister and Minister of State will look back on this debate. I have no doubt, if he has not already, that Deputy Farrelly will follow up with the Department, the Minister and the Minister of State specifically on Sallins Park community sports centre in terms of expediting that project on behalf of his constituents.

Sentiment score: 0.20

I thank Deputy O'Hara for raising this important matter which I am taking on behalf of Minister for Social Protection, Deputy Calleary. In responding to the question, I will first provide an overview of the occupational injuries benefit scheme and the supports available from the Department of Social Protection to people with long Covid. The occupational injuries benefit scheme is a group of benefits for insured workers if they are unfit for work either due to an accident arising out of and in the course of employment - at work or an accident while travelling, on a continuous journey, to or from work - or due to the contraction of a prescribed disease, due to the type of work they do and in the course of insurable employment. The two main payments under the scheme are injury benefit and disablement benefit. The scheme is financed from the Social Insurance Fund, which, in turn, is funded by PRSI contributions. Persons insured at PRSI classes A, B - limited coverage -, D, J and M - limited coverage - are covered. Claims for injury benefit are made by persons in a variety of employments and for a range of reasons, including injuries from falls, car accidents and the contraction of a prescribed disease. Injury benefit is paid at a weekly personal rate of €254 for a maximum period of six months. Disablement benefit may be paid where an insured employee suffers a loss of physical or mental faculty because of a work-related accident or disease. Payment is made where the level of disablement following the accident or disease is assessed at 15% or more. Payment may be in the form of a gratuity - a non-taxable lump sum - or by way of a weekly pension. The Department also has a range of income supports, including illness benefit and invalidity pension, at the same or higher rates of payment as payments under the occupational injuries benefit scheme, which are available to people who cannot work due to the effects of long Covid. I recognise the testimony the Deputy has given on behalf of, I presume, one of his constituents. In November 2022, the European Commission made a non-binding recommendation on the recognition of Covid-19 as an occupational disease. The Commission did not make a recommendation in relation to long Covid. The decision regarding recognition is a member state competence. Recognition of Covid-19 as an occupational disease confers different entitlements in different member states, with employers paying the compensation in some countries and social insurance systems paying in others. In November 2023, the Department of Social Protection published a report on the inclusion of long Covid in the occupational injuries benefit regulations. The report concluded that Covid-19 does not satisfy the statutory criteria for recognition as an occupational illness or accident at work. Specifically, it found that presumptions about workplace transmission would not be sustainable as it is not possible to establish with confidence that the disease has been contracted through a person's occupation and not through community transmission. This is because data shows that community transmission was the primary means of transmission. It is important to note that even if Ireland did recognise Covid-19 as an occupational disease, this would not encompass long Covid and would only apply to new claims for new cases of Covid-19. As such, it would not benefit those who contracted Covid-19 during the pandemic. As mentioned earlier, the Department's range of income supports, including illness benefit and invalidity pension, at the same or higher rates of payment as occupational injuries benefit, are available to people who cannot work due to the effects of long Covid. It is important to note that entitlement to these supports is generally not dependent on the nature of the illness or disability but on the extent to which a particular illness or disability impairs or restricts a working age person's capacity to work. With regard to additional supports, the Department also provides an additional needs payment under the supplementary welfare allowance scheme to help to meet essential expenditure which a person could not reasonably be expected to meet out of their weekly income. This includes certain supplements to assist with ongoing or recurring costs that cannot be met from a person's own resources and are deemed to be necessary. With specific reference to workers in the health services, the report found that the temporary scheme of paid leave for public health service employees was the appropriate channel through which a targeted sectoral support should be considered. This temporary scheme was a matter for the Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation, who extended it a number of times. The scheme ended on 31 December 2025. Any employee of the public health service remaining unwell after that date may utilise the full provisions of the public service sick leave scheme which will provide further support.

Sentiment score: 0.05

Once again, I thank Deputy O'Hara for raising this important matter. As I said, I am taking this matter on behalf of Minister for Social Protection, Deputy Calleary. The Government and I recognise the great work of healthcare workers during Covid and, in fact, the continual great work of healthcare workers. As referenced in my opening statement on behalf of Deputy Calleary, the Minister for Social Protection, in November 2022 the European Commission made a non-binding recommendation on the recognition of Covid-19 as an occupational disease. The Commission did not make a recommendation in relation to long Covid. Recognition as an occupational disease confers different entitlements in different member states, with employers paying the compensation in some countries and social insurance systems paying in others. It is important to note that, even if Ireland did recognise Covid-19 as an occupational disease, this would not encompass long Covid and would only apply to new claims for new cases of Covid-19. As such, it would not benefit those who contracted Covid-19 during the pandemic. The Government acted early and without hesitation to support all workers who contracted Covid-19 during the pandemic. Workers outside the public sector could avail of an enhanced illness benefit payment and eligibility criteria were set to include the largest cohort of workers possible, including the self-employed. This scheme paid some 578,000 claims at a cost of €350 million. Special leave with pay for Covid-19 was also introduced for public sector workers. As mentioned earlier, the Department's range of income supports, including illness benefit and invalidity pension, at the same or higher rates of payment as payments under the occupational injuries benefit scheme, are available to people who cannot work due to the effects of long Covid.

Sentiment score: 0.17