Ceisteanna Parlaiminte

Hospital Staff Recruitment

Ann Phelan

699. Deputy Ann Phelan asked the Minister for Health in respect of Waterford Regional Hospital, there are two part-time consultants in post and one ophthalmic surgeon, there are three permanent vacancies, one of which is currently being advertised and it is proposed that a second post will be filled from the panel, however, approval has been sought in respect of a third post; if approval has been given, when is it expected that the posts in question will be filled; if it is expected that as a result of filling these positions cataract operations will be increased in Waterford Regional Hospital; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9511/14]

Road Tolls

Ann Phelan

743. Deputy Ann Phelan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport regarding the HGV Road User Levy Act 2013, which will be brought into law in April, in the UK and Northern Ireland, that will impose a levy of £10 sterling on all HGVs entering the UK and Northern Ireland, the implications of such a charge being levied on the fleet of HGVs which regularly service Northern Ireland from the Republic will have a very serious impact on a sector that is already suffering, and it will have a very detrimental effect on employment within the industry; if he will negotiate a deal with the Northern Ireland Assembly that will see HGVs from the Republic exempt from this levy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9477/14]

Diplomatic Representation

Ann Phelan

36. Deputy Ann Phelan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade his plans to expand Ireland’s network of embassies further; and if an analysis of these embassies will be undertaken as part of the review of the Irish foreign policy consultation process; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7998/14]

Residency Permits

Ann Phelan

151. Deputy Ann Phelan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if he will investigate the case of a person (details supplied) in County Carlow who applied over one year ago for a visa in order to remain in the State based on their parentage of an Irish citizen child, in view of the financial and personal hardship this is causing this parent; if he will clarify the stage this application is at and when it is expected that this application will be assessed and completed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8407/14]

Military Medals

Ann Phelan

168. Deputy Ann Phelan asked the Minister for Defence the reasons no service medal was struck for soldiers of the National Army who served during the Civil War period, 1922-24, and then discharged; if these soldiers are the only ones who have not received a service medal; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8516/14]

Departmental Investigations

Ann Phelan

640. Deputy Ann Phelan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the position regarding the case of a farmer (details supplied) in County Kilkenny; where this case currently is; the action his Department proposes to take in respect of this case; the avenues open to this farmer now; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8173/14]

Mortgage Arrears Proposals

Ann Phelan

158. Deputy Ann Phelan asked the Minister for Finance the position regarding mortgage arrears and the process of repossession being pursued by the banks here if those deemed unsustainable for the mortgage arrears resolution process can requalify for the process if their circumstances change. [5523/14]

Mortgage Arrears Proposals

Ann Phelan

184. Deputy Ann Phelan asked the Minister for Finance the position regarding mortgage arrears and house repossessions in view of the banks here taking a harder line toward mortgage arrears; the reason his Department's monthly figures on arrears are unaudited; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5516/14]

Mortgage Arrears Proposals

Ann Phelan

185. Deputy Ann Phelan asked the Minister for Finance the position regarding repossessions of homes by Irish banks in view of the fact there are discrepancies and doubt over what are the correct figures for repossessions carried out by the banks here; the audits the Central Bank of Ireland conduct of bank repossession figures; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5517/14]

Mortgage Arrears Proposals

Ann Phelan

186. Deputy Ann Phelan asked the Minister for Finance in view of his recent comments regarding repossessions, if he will ensure that the issue is addressed by way of regulation or by including it in a code of conduct; and if so, in what code of conduct will he include same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5518/14]

Social Insurance Payments

Ann Phelan

334. Deputy Ann Phelan asked the Minister for Social Protection the position regarding the changes to PRSI, in particular employers' PRSI, which has now reverted to 8.5% from 4.25%; if this will have a negative impact on employers who have staff that are either on low pay or work less than 39 hours per week; if this will now add substantial costs to employers in wages; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [5228/14]

Water Charges Introduction

Ann Phelan

458. Deputy Ann Phelan asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the position regarding the quality of the water here that we are to be billed for in the future; if the quality of water is not deemed fit for human consumption, without additives, if that creates legal problems for Irish Water in charging for a product that is not fit for human consumption. [5206/14]

Departmental Funding

Ann Phelan

459. Deputy Ann Phelan asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the position regarding impending cutback to volunteer centres in Carlow, who have been informed that there will be a cut of 8% in their core funding; if he will reconsider these cutbacks, as they will have a direct effect on the services that volunteer centres offer to their local communities and will have a detrimental effect on their long term sustainability. [5207/14]

Mortgage Arrears Proposals

Ann Phelan

540. Deputy Ann Phelan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the position regarding mortgage arrears and the process of repossession being pursued by the banks here in view of the perception that the repossession of the family home is a resolution under the current process of personal insolvency whereas the reality is that this is merely a resolution for the creditor; and if he will indicate the way these resolutions are being presented by his Department. [5519/14]

Mortgage Arrears Proposals

Ann Phelan

541. Deputy Ann Phelan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the position regarding mortgage arrears and the process of repossession being pursued by the banks here; the protection the Constitution affords the family home and-or dwelling. [5520/14]

Mortgage Arrears Proposals

Ann Phelan

542. Deputy Ann Phelan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the position regarding mortgage arrears and the process of repossession being pursued by the banks here; the reason third level education fess for children are not included in reasonable living expenses, as this is a source of concern for families. [5521/14]

Mortgage Arrears Proposals

Ann Phelan

543. Deputy Ann Phelan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the position regarding mortgage arrears and the process of repossession being pursued by the banks here for those people who find themselves in a position where they can only resolve their debts through bankruptcy; and the reason they cannot avail of free legal aid. [5522/14]

Medical Card Eligibility

Ann Phelan

712. Deputy Ann Phelan asked the Minister for Health in view of general practitioners having full electronic visibility of the medical card panel of patients available to them and having the facility to allow temporary extension of eligibility for expiring cards where a sensitive renewal is appropriate, if he will outline what constitutes a sensitive renewal; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5483/14]

Mortgage Resolution Processes

Ann Phelan

31. Deputy Ann Phelan asked the Minister for Finance if he will provide in tabular form, broken down by county, the number of persons who have engaged in MARP; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4464/14]

Broadband Service Provision

Ann Phelan

114. Deputy Ann Phelan asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources as the new ESB (Electronic Communications Network) Bill might accelerate the roll-out of high speed broadband, when it is expected that the rural areas of Kilkenny, such as Moneenroe, County Kilkenny, should expect to receive a broadband upgrade as part of the national broadband plan; if an upgrade will result in cheaper broadband in this area and the range of the upgrade; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4399/14]

Insolvency Service of Ireland Data

Ann Phelan

141. Deputy Ann Phelan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if he will provide in tabular form, broken down by county, the number of persons who have applied for debt relief notice, personal insolvency arrangement or debt settlement arrangements; the number of persons who have filed for bankruptcy since January 2013; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4464/14]

Insolvency Service of Ireland Data

Ann Phelan

142. Deputy Ann Phelan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if he will provide, in tabular form, the average cost of engaging with a personal insolvency practitioner; the number of personal insolvency practitioners, broken down by county; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4465/14]

Job Creation

Ann Phelan

352. Deputy Ann Phelan asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation the up-to-date position regarding the former Braun site in County Carlow; the plans the industrial development Agency has in respect of this site; when it was last visited by IDA Ireland; the contact IDA Ireland has had with the Carlow local authority on developing the site; if any meetings have taken place on subdividing the site to make it more attractive for foreign direct investment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4283/14]

Sugar Industry

Ann Phelan

650. Deputy Ann Phelan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the position regarding the redevelopment of the sugar beet industry here; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4284/14]

Fire Stations Provision

Ann Phelan

447. Deputy Ann Phelan asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the reason the proposal for a new fire station for Graignamanagh, County Kilkenny, as part of the national fire appliance fleet, has not been considered under the fire service capital allocation fund, in view of the fact that the present building was built in the 1950s and is classified as substandard (details supplied) and should the county boundaries change, as is imminent, the catchment area served by Graignamanagh fire station will increase; if he will detail the fire stations that are currently being given priority as part of the national fire appliance fleet; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2633/14]

Fire Stations Upgrade

Ann Phelan

485. Deputy Ann Phelan asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the reason Graignamanagh fire station is the only station that has not received an upgrade, in view of the fact that it was approved in principle as far back as to 2008; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [55219/13]

Energy Resources

Ann Phelan

141. Deputy Ann Phelan asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if he will clarify the status of Grid 25 in relation to the domestic economy (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [54529/13]

Electromagnetic Fields Studies

Ann Phelan

149. Deputy Ann Phelan asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the research that has been undertaken to date in relation to the potential link between electromagnetic field, EMF, emissions and childhood leukaemia; the recent research or reports that have been undertaken-published in respect of the overall potential health risks, if any, that are associated with non-ionising radiation emitted from pylons; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [54527/13]

Fishing Industry

Ann Phelan

441. Deputy Ann Phelan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if a remuneration or compensation package is being considered by the EU for fishing businesses that were forced to cease operation here following the reduction in fishing quotas in 2009; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52999/13]

Local Improvement Scheme

Ann Phelan

170. Deputy Ann Phelan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if funding will be allocated for local improvement schemes within the local authorities in the forthcoming year of 2014; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52029/13]

Planning Issues

Ann Phelan

467. Deputy Ann Phelan asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the position regarding establishing the independent planning regulator's office; if he will indicate who the inspector will be; the remit of this role; the way members of the public may contact and meet with the inspector in question; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50333/13]

NAMA Portfolio

Ann Phelan

473. Deputy Ann Phelan asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government when it is expected that houses (details supplied) in County Kilkenny will be transferred from the National Asset Management Agency into Kilkenny local authorities as part of its social contract; the number of houses that will become available; if he will outline specifically the number of two-bedroom and three-bedroom houses that will be transferred; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50517/13]

Cochlear Implants

Ann Phelan

643. Deputy Ann Phelan asked the Minister for Health the position regarding cochlear implants, following the unanimous endorsement of the Oireachtas Joint Committee on Health and Children to support the case for a bilateral cochlear implant programme; and if that programme is to be included in the Health Service Executive's national service plan for 2014, in order that the programme may be rolled out. [50700/13]

Unfinished Housing Developments

Ann Phelan

140. Deputy Ann Phelan asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government under whose ownership an estate (details supplied) in County Carlow resides, the estate being a category 4 unfinished housing estate; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49845/13]

VAT Rate Reductions

Ann Phelan

21. Deputy Ann Phelan asked the Minister for Finance in the view of efforts made to make Ireland tobacco free by 2025, if he will consider lowering the VAT rate on items such as nicotine replacement therapies, and other items which aid persons giving up smoking, to a new special rate, lower than the currently affixed 23% (details supplied). [49073/13]

Mortgage to Rent Scheme Eligibility

Ann Phelan

139. Deputy Ann Phelan asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if his Department plans to implement a mortgage-to-rent scheme for families who are experiencing severe financial difficulty; the merits of implementing such a scheme in respect of its ability to retain the family home as another measure of dealing with the level of indebtedness that families currently have; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49757/13]

Housing Adaptation Grant Funding

Ann Phelan

140. Deputy Ann Phelan asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if he will clarify the amount of funding being allocated to counties Carlow and Kilkenny as part of the housing adaptation programme for 2014; if he will consider removing the monetary figure attached to the funding such as the €6,000 for walk-in shower, €10,500 for housing aid for older people grants, €30,000 for HGDs and instead base each application on its own merit, on a case-by-case basis; if he will consider prioritising cases of elderly couples who are in receipt of the contributory-non-contributory pension only for adaptation grants; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49761/13]

Proposed Legislation

Ann Phelan

381. Deputy Ann Phelan asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the main provisions of the upcoming monuments Bill, and any proposed changes to existing legislation which the Government has scheduled for publication next year. [49332/13]

Credit Unions

Ann Phelan

39. Deputy Ann Phelan asked the Minister for Finance the differences between a credit union and its members in County Kilkenny (details supplied) and that of the case outlined in the Sunday Times on 29 September 2013; if he will outline in detail the criteria for same; his views on the matter with particular reference to the credit union in question; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48619/13]

Social Welfare Fraud Investigations

Ann Phelan

80. Deputy Ann Phelan asked the Minister for Social Protection the position regarding the new social welfare checks announced recently (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [48407/13]

Personal Insolvency Act

Ann Phelan

130. Deputy Ann Phelan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the qualifying criteria for persons whom the Personal Insolvency Act was designed to help; if he will consider a nine month review of the legislation enacted, to find out the number of persons that have engaged with the process; and the way the legislation is actually helping those who need it most. [48510/13]

Animal Breeding Regulations

Ann Phelan

146. Deputy Ann Phelan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the position regarding the request from the Irish Draught Horse Society to seek the licence for the studbook of the Irish draught horse (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48522/13]

Student Support Schemes Issues

Ann Phelan

146. Deputy Ann Phelan asked the Minister for Education and Skills in regard to the residential qualifications for those applying to Student Universal Support Ireland, if an applicant is under 23 years of age on 1 January in the year of entry, or re-entry, to an approved course, the applicant is not considered to be living independently of their parents-guardians, even if the applicant is not living with them; if this is the case where the applicant has a spouse; if only mature students, that is those over the age of 23, who are living away from home are considered to be independent applicants and will be assessed as such; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48264/13]

Office of Public Works Properties

Ann Phelan

369. Deputy Ann Phelan asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if he will provide a list of properties in counties Carlow and Kilkenny that are under the ownership of the Office of Public Works; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46183/13]

Seniors Alert Scheme Issues

Ann Phelan

662. Deputy Ann Phelan asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government in view of the importance of personal alarm systems for elderly persons, if he and his Department are in the process of expanding the roll-out of the personal alarm schemes and are currently working with technical companies to devise a way of linking the alarms in question to mobile telephones, instead of sole reliance on a landline telephone service; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46045/13]

Living City Initiative

Ann Phelan

151. Deputy Ann Phelan asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht if the extension of the Living City initiative announced by him in budget 2014 (details supplied) will have an effect on the three existing pre-1915 houses in Vicar Street, Kilkenny, in view of the proposed central access scheme for the city; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45424/13]

State Properties Data

Ann Phelan

114. Deputy Ann Phelan asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the amount of land in public ownership in counties Carlow and Kilkenny; and if he will identify all lands owned by the public, including land owned by local authorities and semi-State bodies. [45286/13]

Energy Resources

Ann Phelan

192. Deputy Ann Phelan asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the position regarding geothermal energy here in the future; if the energy and technology used is the same as that used in fracking, and his plans to consult with the public in seeking approval for the use of such technology. [43251/13]

Energy Resources

Ann Phelan

193. Deputy Ann Phelan asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the position regarding the geothermal industry; his plans for the future regulation of the industry in view of the lack of the primary legislative framework for the exploration, development and commercialisation of geothermal energy [43252/13]

Energy Resources

Ann Phelan

194. Deputy Ann Phelan asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources in relation to geo therrmal energy and its development hre, if there are subsidies available to support renewable projects like GT Energy and his views on the preparation to harness the power of GT Energy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43253/13]