Ceisteanna Parlaiminte

Home Care Packages

Pat the Cope Gallagher

160. Deputy Pat The Cope Gallagher asked the Minister for Health the measures he plans to take as part of the winter plan initiative to alleviate the backlog at present in allocating home help hours in County Donegal; if his attention has been drawn to the fact that the present waiting times are the longest ever in duration and that the current length of time to obtain a home care package is up to 20 weeks before patients can avail of hours approved; if his attention has been further drawn to the fact that this is having an adverse effect on bed occupation in hospitals nationally; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38180/19]

Hospital Overcrowding

Pat the Cope Gallagher

161. Deputy Pat The Cope Gallagher asked the Minister for Health if the short-stay unit consisting of 20 beds at Letterkenny University Hospital, County Donegal will be fully funded under the winter plan initiative; if the unit will be fully staffed and resourced in order that it can play its part in alleviating overcrowding at the hospital which is already exercising its full capacity protocol; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38181/19]

Animal Carcase Disposal

Pat the Cope Gallagher

182. Deputy Pat The Cope Gallagher asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the interim measures taken to mitigate the issue of unburied animal carcasses that have been left on farms as a result of the ongoing knackery operators dispute in County Donegal; if he has considered relaxing the restrictions on farmers to carry out burials of such carcasses on a controlled basis on their own farms until normal services resume by the operators; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38179/19]

Schools Building Projects Status

Pat the Cope Gallagher

162. Deputy Pat The Cope Gallagher asked the Minister for Education and Skills the details of the planned improvements announced recently for a school (details supplied); the cost of the project; the timeline for the delivery of the entire project; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37039/19]

Schools Building Projects Status

Pat the Cope Gallagher

163. Deputy Pat The Cope Gallagher asked the Minister for Education and Skills the details of the planned improvements announced recently for a school (details supplied); the cost of the project; the timeline for the delivery of the entire project; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37040/19]

Flood Risk Management

Pat the Cope Gallagher

230. Deputy Pat The Cope Gallagher asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the position regarding flooding defence plans for Ballybofey and Stranorlar, County Donegal; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36807/19]

Flood Risk Management

Pat the Cope Gallagher

231. Deputy Pat The Cope Gallagher asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the position regarding flooding defence plans for Castlefinn, County Donegal; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36808/19]

Flood Risk Management

Pat the Cope Gallagher

232. Deputy Pat The Cope Gallagher asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the position regarding flooding defence plans in Glenties, County Donegal; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36809/19]

Flood Risk Management

Pat the Cope Gallagher

233. Deputy Pat The Cope Gallagher asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the position regarding flooding defence plans in Downings, County Donegal; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36810/19]

Flood Risk Management

Pat the Cope Gallagher

234. Deputy Pat The Cope Gallagher asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the position regarding flooding defence plans in Lifford, County Donegal; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36811/19]

Primary Care Centres Provision

Pat the Cope Gallagher

1348. Deputy Pat The Cope Gallagher asked the Minister for Health the position regarding the provision of a primary health centre in Dunfanaghy, County Donegal; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36812/19]

Primary Care Centres Provision

Pat the Cope Gallagher

1349. Deputy Pat The Cope Gallagher asked the Minister for Health the position regarding the provision of a primary health centre in Donegal town, County Donegal; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36813/19]

Brexit Preparations

Pat the Cope Gallagher

1434. Deputy Pat The Cope Gallagher asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the number of meetings he has held to date with producers and processors in the seafood sector dealing with Brexit matters only; his plans to meet with the sector again to further advance preparations for Brexit and the necessary contingency planning for all eventualities post 31 October 2019; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36460/19]

Brexit Preparations

Pat the Cope Gallagher

1435. Deputy Pat The Cope Gallagher asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the level of supports being considered by his Department for the marine sector in a post-Brexit scenario; the plans being considered for producers and processors within the package being prepared for his Department; if the necessary EU approval and or funding has been obtained for this support package; his views on whether the level of support for the marine sector is on a par with supports currently available for other sectors of business, industry and producers here; if so, the comparisons; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36461/19]

Brexit Preparations

Pat the Cope Gallagher

1436. Deputy Pat The Cope Gallagher asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine his plans to make known the levels of supports, preparatory planning, contingency planning and post-Brexit strategies he plans to put in place for the marine sector; if he has prepared for all post-Brexit scenarios for the marine sector here; when such supports will be available for the sector; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36462/19]

Regional Airports

Pat the Cope Gallagher

1629. Deputy Pat The Cope Gallagher asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the rationale for reviewing the funding model for regional airports; if the importance of the public service obligation, PSO, for regional airports such as Donegal Airport will be committed to; if his attention has been drawn to the fact that PSO funding is critical to the ongoing running and success of the airport and that the PSO model is in compliance with EU guidelines for regional airports; if the review will not undermine the viability of the funding model for Donegal Airport; if it will allow for sustainable growth and future expansion of the strategically important airport for the north-west; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36464/19]

Water and Sewerage Schemes Funding

Pat the Cope Gallagher

1970. Deputy Pat The Cope Gallagher asked the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government if an application has been received under the Multi-Annual Rural Water Programme 2019-2021 in respect of a water scheme (details supplied) to replace pipelines, protective fencing and two separate extensions; when he expects to have the approval for funding; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35775/19]

Seirbhísí Oileán

Pat the Cope Gallagher

2037. D'fhiafraigh Deputy Pat The Cope Gallagher den Aire Cultúir, Oidhreachta agus Gaeltachta cén leibhéal maoinithe atá ceadaithe do bhóithre ar oileáin Dhún na nGall don bhliain reatha; an bhfuil aon oileán eile á mheas do mhaoiniú laistigh den iarratas ó Chomhairle Contae Dhún na nGall chuig a Roinn; agus an ndéanfaidh sí ráiteas ina thaobh. [36457/19]

Seirbhísí Oileán

Pat the Cope Gallagher

2038. D'fhiafraigh Deputy Pat The Cope Gallagher den Aire Cultúir, Oidhreachta agus Gaeltachta an dtabharfaidh sí cuntas ar an méid maoinithe a ceadaíodh d’oileáin Dhún na nGall sa bhliain 2019; an dtabharfaidh sí cuntas maidir le pleananna maoinithe don todhchaí d’oileáin amach ó chósta Dhún na nGall don bhliain 2019; an ndéanfaidh sí comparáid idir maoniú don bhliain 2019 agus blianta eile ó 2007 go 2018; agus an ndéanfaidh sí ráiteas ina thaobh. [36458/19]

Brexit Preparations

Pat the Cope Gallagher

2039. Deputy Pat The Cope Gallagher asked the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the number of occasions on which she has visited the Donegal Gaeltacht since taking office in November 2017; the number of occasions on which she has met with indigenous Gaeltacht industry and businesses in preparing for Brexit; her plans to meet with these sectors in preparing for Brexit particularly in the context of the Donegal Gaeltacht being a Border region; the state of preparatory and contingency planning which exists within her Department for all Brexit eventualities especially for the social economic impacts on the Gaeltacht area in County Donegal; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [36463/19]

HSE Governance

Pat the Cope Gallagher

1880. Deputy Pat The Cope Gallagher asked the Minister for Health his plans for the regionalising of the HSE; the locations in County Donegal in which health services are to be administrated from; the impact the changes will have to service delivery within the county; if the changes will affect all aspects of the HSE current service and capital plan; if decision making as well as financial autonomy will be decentralised to the proposed regions; the timeline for the full implementation of same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34172/19]

Hospitals Capital Programme

Pat the Cope Gallagher

1893. Deputy Pat The Cope Gallagher asked the Minister for Health if no financial commitment is being made in 2019 for major improvement works on St. Joseph's Community Hospital, Stranorlar and Ramelton Community Hospital other than for minor works; the status of the major investment plans to bring the two hospitals up to the full HIQA standards required for residential care units, long stay residential units, dementia units and medical assessment units; if no commitment is provided for either in the 2019/2020 budgets for the major improvement works; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34249/19]

Hospital Accommodation Provision

Pat the Cope Gallagher

1894. Deputy Pat The Cope Gallagher asked the Minister for Health the status of the short stay ward at Letterkenny University Hospital which opened in January 2019; the capacity and use of the hospital; if it is fully staffed and all 21 beds are in use; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34250/19]

Ambulance Service Provision

Pat the Cope Gallagher

1942. Deputy Pat The Cope Gallagher asked the Minister for Health if progress has been made to date on the need for a second ambulance in south-west County Donegal; if his attention has been drawn to the shortcoming in the current coverage level with just one ambulance covering this region of the county; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34380/19]

Fish Quotas

Pat the Cope Gallagher

2042. Deputy Pat The Cope Gallagher asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the steps he has taken in conjunction with EU coastal state colleagues to correct the perceived flawed scientific advice furnished by ICES which formed the basis for the 2019 mackerel quota; the measures he is proposing to the EU in order to correct the under allocation of mackerel quota for Ireland; the timeline for allocating the balance of the quota which was due in the first instance; if he has raised the specifics of dealing with the need to correct the anomaly in a time orderly manner with the EU; the extent of debate and discussion he has had on the issue with the EU to date; the further discussion which he plans to have in order to resolve the matter for fishermen here; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31651/19]

Fisheries Offences

Pat the Cope Gallagher

2059. Deputy Pat The Cope Gallagher asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the costs incurred by his Department and the State, respectively, for various court actions in defending the previous statutory instruments regarding serious fishing infringements as per EU requirements; the costs the State had to pay for both the High and Supreme Court cases; if all liabilities to the State have been honoured in respect of the cases; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32161/19]

Fisheries Offences

Pat the Cope Gallagher

2090. Deputy Pat The Cope Gallagher asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine his plans to consult with Opposition parties and the marine sector before he introduces another statutory instrument concerning serious fishing infringements as per the European Union regulations; if further consultation is planned and required in order to reach a consensus on the matter; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34037/19]

Harbours and Piers Development

Pat the Cope Gallagher

2091. Deputy Pat The Cope Gallagher asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if a contractor has been appointed for the proposed works at Killybegs Harbour; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34039/19]

Fish Quotas

Pat the Cope Gallagher

2092. Deputy Pat The Cope Gallagher asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he has received advice or proposals from International Council for the Exploration of the Sea concerning the proposed 2020 fish quota; if he has taken additional action in conjunction with his EU colleagues to correct the inaccurate advice provided to the EU coastal states in 2019; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34040/19]

Road Projects Status

Pat the Cope Gallagher

2486. Deputy Pat The Cope Gallagher asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the status of progress made on the N2/A5; if the delayed payment for the road has been since made in view of the fact payment was delayed since February 2019; the next steps for this critical link for the north west; the position regarding the Lifford to Letterkenny link road to the overall motorway access project for County Donegal and the north-west project; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33969/19]

Road Projects Status

Pat the Cope Gallagher

2489. Deputy Pat The Cope Gallagher asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if a contractor has been appointed for the next phase of the N56 between Frosses and Inver Bridge in County Donegal; the estimated cost of the works; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34034/19]

Road Projects Status

Pat the Cope Gallagher

2490. Deputy Pat The Cope Gallagher asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the works completed on the N56 between Glenties and Dungloe, County Donegal to date; the additional works being proposed between Dungloe and Glenties on the N56 (details supplied); the additional phases of the road being designed at present for future improvement works beyond stages at construction or tender or going to tender in the near future; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34038/19]

Rural Regeneration and Development Fund

Pat the Cope Gallagher

2609. Deputy Pat The Cope Gallagher asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the funding allocated to County Donegal under the rural regeneration fund to date; the amount of the funding drawn down to date; if further allocations are being considered for County Donegal; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32167/19]

CLÁR Programme

Pat the Cope Gallagher

2610. Deputy Pat The Cope Gallagher asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the position regarding the CLÁR programme; the number of applications from County Donegal made to the scheme to date; when he will make the necessary allocations under the scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32169/19]

Recreational Facilities Provision

Pat the Cope Gallagher

2611. Deputy Pat The Cope Gallagher asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the position regarding the walks scheme funded through his Department; if new applications under the scheme have been received from County Donegal; if existing participants under the scheme will be automatically rolled over onto the new funding programme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32170/19]

Local Improvement Scheme Administration

Pat the Cope Gallagher

2612. Deputy Pat The Cope Gallagher asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development his plans to make further allocations of funding for local improvement schemes in 2019; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32171/19]

Action Plan for Rural Development Implementation

Pat the Cope Gallagher

2639. Deputy Pat The Cope Gallagher asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the progress made regarding the implementation of the action plan for rural development to date within County Donegal; the estimated spend within the county from the plan; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34171/19]

State Pension (Non-Contributory) Eligibility

Pat the Cope Gallagher

2681. Deputy Pat The Cope Gallagher asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection the provision made for those on part value Irish non-contributory pensions and a United Kingdom pension in view of the continual decline in the value of sterling against the euro; if provision has been made for additional entitlement to the Irish pension rate due to the lesser or declining value in the UK pension; her plans to roll out the additional entitlement to those affected; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [31802/19]

Road Improvement Schemes

Pat the Cope Gallagher

3013. Deputy Pat The Cope Gallagher asked the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht her plans to make a specific funding allocation for the improvement of roads on offshore islands; the budget she has in place for funding roads infrastructure on the islands for the current financial year; the funding allocated for the County Donegal islands in 2019; the level of applications made for further funding for all County Donegal island roads that are lodged with her Department and awaiting sanction of funding; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [32172/19]

Flood Relief Schemes Status

Pat the Cope Gallagher

238. Deputy Pat The Cope Gallagher asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the status of the Maghery and Magheraroarty flood plan measures in County Donegal which received funding in July 2018; if the studies have been completed; the timeline for the delivery of the projects; if he is satisfied that both projects will be adequately funded in order to deal with the measures proposed by the respective studies to prevent future flooding of the areas; when funding will be made available; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30894/19]

Foreshore Licence Applications

Pat the Cope Gallagher

980. Deputy Pat The Cope Gallagher asked the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht if an application for funding from Donegal County Council to complete a foreshore licence application for Rannagh Pier, Arranmore Island, County Donegal has been received; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [31354/19]

Flood Prevention Measures

Pat the Cope Gallagher

156. Deputy Pat The Cope Gallagher asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the status of the flooding prevention plans for Ballybofey and Stranorlar, County Donegal; if the allocated funding has been spent to date; the timeline for completing the project; his further plans for flooding prevention in the towns; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30133/19]

Flood Prevention Measures

Pat the Cope Gallagher

157. Deputy Pat The Cope Gallagher asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the status of the flooding prevention plans for Castlefinn, County Donegal; the budget for the works; if the funding has been spent to date; the timeline for the completion of the project; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30134/19]

Flood Prevention Measures

Pat the Cope Gallagher

158. Deputy Pat The Cope Gallagher asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the status of the flooding prevention plans for Lifford, County Donegal; the budget for this project; if the funding has been spent to date; the timeline for the complete delivery of the project; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30135/19]

Flood Prevention Measures

Pat the Cope Gallagher

159. Deputy Pat The Cope Gallagher asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the status of the flooding prevention plans for Glenties, County Donegal; the extent of the planned project; if a budget is secured for the proposed project; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30136/19]

Flood Prevention Measures

Pat the Cope Gallagher

160. Deputy Pat The Cope Gallagher asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the status of the flooding prevention plans for Downings, County Donegal; the extent of intended flooding prevention plans for the area; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30137/19]

Fishing Industry

Pat the Cope Gallagher

70. Deputy Pat The Cope Gallagher asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the implications of the agreement reached between Ireland and the United Kingdom in 2013 regarding the setting of the boundaries of the exclusive economic zone; if the agreement of 2013 has possible implications for the present difficulties between Ireland and Scotland regarding fishing rights around Rockall; if Irish access to the fishing grounds around Rockall will be guaranteed post-Brexit regardless of the outcome to the ongoing negotiations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28117/19]

Fishing Industry

Pat the Cope Gallagher

91. Deputy Pat The Cope Gallagher asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the status of the ongoing talks regarding the fishing grounds surrounding Rockall; if Irish access to these waters will be guaranteed in line with decades of fishing traditions in view of the fact that successive Governments have refused to recognise foreign claims on Rockall; the extent of talks between Ireland and the European Union and the Scottish Government at present; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28118/19]

Hospitals Capital Programme

Pat the Cope Gallagher

88. Deputy Pat The Cope Gallagher asked the Minister for Health if a capital budget for three Donegal community hospitals (details supplied) will be confirmed; when works will commence for the hospitals; if all works will be completed within the timeframe of the existing capital plan of his Department and the HSE; if budgets for the necessary works to guarantee the long stay accommodation units and residential care units in all three community hospitals are combined and the necessary investment is ring-fenced for these projects; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27715/19]

Hospitals Capital Programme

Pat the Cope Gallagher

113. Deputy Pat The Cope Gallagher asked the Minister for Health the status of St. Joseph's Community Hospital, Ramelton Community Hospital and Lifford Community Hospital, County Donegal; the budgets in place to bring the hospitals up to HIQA standards and to future guarantee the residential care units of same; if all works will be completed within the lifetime of the existing capital plan 2016-2021; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27716/19]