Parliamentary questions

Nursing Home Accommodation Provision

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin

934. Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Health the investment that has been made to improve care homes the Health Service Executive runs in Castlepollard, County Westmeath; if his Department or the executive has implemented measures to address the issues and concerns regarding the standard of accommodation that was identified in past Health Information and Quality Authority reports; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10605/16]

Nursing Home Accommodation Provision

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin

935. Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Health to provide the criteria and rationale for the decision to relocate houses that were bought for the residents in St. Peter's Estate in Castlepollard, County Westmeath, and another house that is soon to open in Collinstown, County Westmeath; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10606/16]

Nursing Home Accommodation Provision

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin

936. Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Health the care homes the Health Service Executive owns or runs or that are managed by housing agencies for it; their annual running costs over the past three years, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10607/16]

Long-Term Illness Scheme Eligibility

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin

937. Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Health his plans to extend entitlement under the long-term illness scheme to those suffering from Crohn's disease and irritable bowel syndrome; the reason these debilitating conditions have not been included heretofore as against those health circumstances that do qualify; if he has requested details of the number involved and the projected cost of extending the entitlement to this cohort of persons; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10609/16]

Medical Card Applications

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin

156. Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Health the status of an application by a person (details supplied) under the medical card scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8905/16]

Health Services Funding

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin

296. Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Health the way in which the Health Service will cope with the already showing significant under-provision for 2016; if he accepts that it is impracticable and unworkable to have so-called overspends carried forward by specific entities and sectors within the system; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8228/16]

Tenant Purchase Scheme Eligibility

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin

443. Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the reason Part V council tenancies are not included in the new tenant purchase scheme list of approved properties for purchase application; if he will reconsider this decision; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8230/16]

Ulster Canal Restoration Project

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin

498. Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the status of works undertaken to date on the Ulster Canal restoration project; if said works are on schedule; the programme of works intended in 2016 and the funding secured for same; if a greater urgency will be applied to the roll-out of the overall project; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8229/16]

Health Services Staff

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin

280. Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Health the criteria a person must meet in order to become a home carer through either the Health Service Executive or the commercial sector; if, apart from Garda vetting, there are regulations in place to ensure that the successful candidate is suitable and qualified for such an important post, including the specific placement; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7364/16]

Job Losses

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin

155. Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation the efforts being made to secure replacement permanent work for the 140 workers who lost their jobs due to the closure of the BOSE plant in Carrickmacross in County Monaghan; the status of the efforts in this regard of his Department and the State agencies; his assessment of the prospect of an early resumption of manufacturing activity at the now idle site; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6483/16]

Hospital Internships

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin

395. Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Health the steps he has taken to address the issues arising for non-central applications office medical students in the system who now find themselves with no guarantee of an internship position when they graduate; his understanding of the maximum capacity for internship positions and how these are distributed across the hospital network; if there is scope to increase the annual intake of graduates; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6445/16]

Mental Health Services Funding

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin

402. Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Health why the ring-fenced €35 million additional moneys for mental health in 2016 has not yet been released, given that a quarter of the year is now past; the intended use of this promised sum in 2016; when he will release the moneys; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6491/16]

European Globalisation Fund

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin

77. Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Education and Skills if she will submit an application under the European Globalisation Fund following the liquidation of Xtravision and the resulting 580 job losses; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4518/16]

Ambulance Service Provision

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin

58. Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Health the steps he is taking to address the seriously inadequate ambulance provision, on standby and in service, in County Monaghan and in counties Cavan, Louth and Meath generally; if he accepts that, despite this Deputy highlighting to him in advance the serious lack of ambulance cover across these counties over the Christmas-new year period, there was a total failure on his part and on the part of the ambulance service to act; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4081/16]

Medicinal Products Availability

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin

61. Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Health why the drug Sativex is not available to persons who suffer from multiple sclerosis despite the then Minister of State for Primary Care, Deputy Alex White, signing a statutory instrument legalising its use in July 2014; when it will be available; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4082/16]

Medicinal Products Licensing

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin

72. Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Health if he is aware of the drug Nivolumab, an immunosuppressant drug treatment for cancers that experts have described as a game-changer; if he will license this drug once clinical trials are completed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3936/16]

Hospital Waiting Lists

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin

79. Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Health if he is aware, and if it is acceptable, that there are approximately 250 children with scoliosis who are waiting for an operation to fix their spine or waiting to see a consultant; that many of these children have been waiting for more than 15 months for vital treatment; how he will ensure that these children who are in chronic pain are treated as soon as possible; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3935/16]

Medicinal Products Availability

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin

80. Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Health if the Health Service Executive is negotiating with the drug supplier Vertex, which produces the drug Orkambi, a drug which has been found to significantly improve the lives of cystic fibrosis sufferers, to ensure that the best possible treatment is available to the thousands of sufferers; if he has considered a pan-European Union approach to acquiring this drug; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3937/16]

Hospital Staff

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin

81. Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Health why he has not honoured commitments by his predecessor to fund academic appointments to University Hospital Waterford in the context of the reconfiguration of acute hospital services in the south east; if an agreement was entered into in 2013 to fund a number of specific posts at the hospital over an initial five year period; if he will issue a direction in the closing days of Dáil Éireann to honour this commitment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3938/16]

Health Services Staff

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin

91. Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Health the status of his provision of arthritis-specific front-line staff during his period as Minister for Health, including consultants, clinical nurse specialists, advanced nurse practitioners, physiotherapists and occupational therapists; the numbers in situ; if he will add to their number, with a particular focus on addressing the long waiting lists for those persons who are undiagnosed and untreated and living every day with crippling pain; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3939/16]

Early Childhood Care and Education

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin

323. Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Health to review a decision to refuse a person (details supplied) in County Meath preschool assistance hours; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4041/16]

Health Services Staff Recruitment

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin

380. Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Health if he has appointed a clinical lead to the national endoscope working group which was established by the Health Service Executive; if he will name the appointee; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4328/16]

Hospital Procedures

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin

381. Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Health why the target for processing routine colonoscopy patients within 13 weeks, has been revised from 100% to 70%, given the publication of the HSE service plan for 2016,; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4329/16]

National Treatment Purchase Fund

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin

382. Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Health the cost of outsourcing colonoscopy patients who are waiting longer than 12 months for an appointment through the National Treatment Purchase Fund, in each of the years 2011 to 2015, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4330/16]

Hospital Appointments Delays

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin

429. Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Health to advise why surgery has been cancelled on six occasions to date for a person (details supplied) in County Monaghan with Down Syndrome; to ensure no further cancellation or delay occurs; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4627/16]

Architectural Qualifications

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin

516. Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the status of the so-called grandfather clause that was to apply to self-taught and long practicing architects; if he will comprehensively and finally address this matter in the interest of those directly affected and before the conclusion of the Dáil Éireann term; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4063/16]

Special Educational Needs Service Provision

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin

307. Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Health if he will intervene in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Meath to ensure that preschool assistant support is provided; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2707/16]

Flood Risk Assessments

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin

69. Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the number and location of identified hotspots in counties Monaghan and Cavan included in the catchment flood risk assessment management programme; the intended address and timeframes regarding each of these; the criteria used in identifying designated hotspots; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2421/16]

Autism Support Services

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin

130. Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Health the services he provides for children with autism in County Monaghan; the specific supports in place; the assistance and back-up available to children and to their parents; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45578/15]

Special Educational Needs Service Provision

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin

157. Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Education and Skills the services she provides for children with autism in County Monaghan, the specific supports in place, the assistance and backup available to children and to their parents; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [45577/15]

Schools Building Projects Status

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin

158. Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Education and Skills the status of the long-sought new-build school to replace the current structure of the Holy Family school in Cootehill in County Cavan; if the project is beyond design stage; if the tendering stage has been reached; if the required funding has been approved to allow the project to proceed to construction in 2016; if works will commence in 2016, the alternative accommodation that has been arranged for pupils and teachers during construction; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [45584/15]

Local Authority Funding

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin

168. Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the funding provided to local authorities and the formula used in determining it for the provision of public lighting, by local authority, for each of the years 2011 to date; if he will significantly increase funding for this essential public safety need in 2016; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45582/15]

Food Safety Standards

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin

202. Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine whether he will strongly oppose the use of acid washes such as peroxyacetic acid for poultry meat in upcoming discussions with other European Union member states in the Standing Committee on Plants, Animals, Food and Feed-Section Biological Safety of the Food Chain; to advise what he knows and intends regarding this development; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45065/15]

Detention Centres Data

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin

355. Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs if safety at the national children's detention facility in Oberstown is deteriorating for staff and residents; the number of notifiable incidents recorded in the past 12 months; the number of assault and injury days used in the same period; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44872/15]

Home Care Packages Provision

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin

125. Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Health when a home care package will be completed in order for a bed to become available for a person (details supplied) who is currently awaiting transfer to Cork University Hospital; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44337/15]

Hospital Waiting Lists

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin

352. Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Health when an operation will be scheduled for a person (details supplied) in Dublin 5 who has been waiting for 16 months as of November 2015. [43551/15]

Services for People with Disabilities

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin

353. Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Health if occupational therapy care will be provided for a person (details supplied) in Dublin 5 who requires it due to mental and physical special needs. [43552/15]

Hospital Waiting Lists

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin

355. Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Health when a person (details supplied) in County Meath will receive an appointment for a procedure at Connolly Hospital Blanchardstown and when the person will receive respite care. [43566/15]

Health Services Staff Training

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin

427. Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Health if and what changes have been made to the Health Service Executive medical training and intern programme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44064/15]

Vaccination Programme

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin

2. Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Health while acknowledging the findings of the European Medical Agency in regard to the Gardasil vaccine, if he will acknowledge that there are many young women who are extremely ill and suffering from symptoms such as complex regional pain syndrome and postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome but who are not eligible for any State support; if he is aware that some symptoms are so severe that some of these young women have had to drop out of school and their parents are faced with no other option but to quit work and become carers for their children; if he will ensure that these parents and young women alike are supported and made eligible for benefits such as disability allowance, carer's allowance, medical cards and so on; if he will ensure that the appropriate support services are set up for these girls and their families; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43044/15]

Industrial Disputes

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin

5. Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Health given the decision by members of the Irish Nurses and Midwives Organisation to initiate industrial action on 15 December 2015, the steps he is taking to address the real crisis across our hospital network, specifically through the recruitment of additional staff, including consultants, nurses and midwives, and the provision of additional bed capacity through the re-opening of closed beds and the introduction of new bed numbers, both within existing build, and through planned expansion; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43045/15]

General Medical Services Scheme

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin

8. Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Health if he acknowledges the level of uncertainty and the lack of clarity pertaining to the practice of general practitioners charging medical card holders for blood tests; if he is aware that General Medical Service patients are being charged, despite the fact that under the Health Act 1970, it is stated a general practitioner may not charge the patient if the patient is eligible for free general medical services, including in the event that a patient needs bloods to be taken to either assist in the process of diagnosis or monitor a diagnosed condition; his plans to address the level of ambiguity and confusion among medical card holders and general practitioners alike; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42904/15]

Mobility Allowance Review

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin

48. Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Health the status of the long awaited scheme to replace the motorised transport grant and the mobility allowance scheme; the details of the scheme; when he intends this to be in place; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42906/15]

Medical Card Eligibility

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin

52. Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Health the current status of the promised medical cards for children diagnosed with cancer; the number of children to whom cards have been issued; if some children have been refused and if so the reason; if others have been delayed, and the reason; his plans on extending medical entitlement to other children with serious conditions and illnesses; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42903/15]

Hospital Services

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin

54. Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Health the steps he has taken to encourage inclusion of a dedicated acquired brain injury pathway of care, supported by a specific programme of investment, in the 2016 Health Service Executive annual service plan; his plans for the development of regional and community based rehabilitation services; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42907/15]

Services for People with Disabilities

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin

67. Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Health the extent of the current address of the individual needs of those persons who are being allocated a wheelchair; if it is intended to legislate for this area, in order to ensure that every consideration is given to the comfort of the user and the appropriateness of each wheelchair issued, given the ambition, hopes and interests of each individual and their personal circumstances and needs; if any intended legislation will provide for a register of wheelchair users; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42905/15]

Hospital Appointments Status

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin

189. Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Health when a person (details supplied) in County Roscommon will receive an appointment in University Hospital Galway. [43318/15]

Hospital Appointments Status

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin

397. Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Health when a person (details supplied) in County Meath will receive an appointment for surgery. [42371/15]

Hospital Appointments Status

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin

398. Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Health when a person (details supplied) in County Meath will receive an appointment for surgery. [42372/15]

Special Educational Needs Service Provision

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin

453. Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Health further to Parliamentary Question No. 509 of 10 November 2015, if he is aware of the case of a person (details supplied) in County Meath, and if, given the exceptional circumstances, he will grant additional special needs assistant hours to allow this person to attend pre-school on a full-time basis; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42849/15]

Capital Assistance Scheme Funding

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin

587. Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if an announcement is imminent regarding the allocation of money for the construction of an on-site communal facility at Castleblayney Care Housing Association at Drumilliard in Castleblayney, County Monaghan; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42850/15]

Ambulance Service Response Times

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin

179. Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Health if he is aware of a serious incident that resulted in the death of a person (details supplied) in Celbridge in County Kildare, where an ambulance was sent from St. James's Hospital in Dublin as opposed to from Maynooth in County Kildare and took 45 minutes to reach the injured person; the reason the ambulance was sent from St. James's Hospital as opposed to from Maynooth; his views that the length of time it took for the ambulance to arrive is acceptable; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41960/15]

General Medical Services Scheme

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin

184. Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Health the action he is taking to address the widely reported practice of general practitioners charging medical card holders for blood tests; if he will clarify whether or not a medical card holder can be refunded by his Department or by the Health Service Executive for such a charge; if so, how this can be done; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41006/15]

Hospital Appointments Status

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin

374. Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Health when a person (details supplied) in County Dublin will be notified by Our Lady’s Children’s Hospital in Crumlin in Dublin 12 of a date for a cardiac catheterisation in order to ascertain the person's suitability for cardiac surgery. [40164/15]

Hospital Staff Data

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin

384. Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Health further to the response to Parliamentary Question No. 965 of 22 September 2015, which did not include the number of nursing and midwife vacancies by hospital in tabular form, if he will provide these numbers by hospital for each month in 2015 in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40247/15]

Special Educational Needs Staff

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin

509. Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Education and Skills if she is aware of the case of a child (details supplied) in County Meath; if, given the exceptional circumstances, she will grant additional special needs assistant hours to allow this child to attend preschool on a full-time basis; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [39577/15]

Vaccination Programme

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin

196. Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Health whether he is aware that in July 2015 the European Medicines Agency started a review of human papilloma virus vaccines to further clarify aspects of their safety profile; his views on whether the administration of these vaccines should be deferred while this review is under way; if he is aware of the international concern that exists around this vaccine - for example, the health ministry in Japan has decided to withdraw its recommendation for this vaccine; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38935/15]

Vaccination Programme

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin

197. Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Health if he is aware that the information leaflet provided by the Health Service Executive to parents and guardians of girls due to receive the Gardasil vaccine does not fully outline the potential side effects of this medication; his views on whether this is acceptable; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38936/15]

Disability Allowance Applications

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin

256. Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Social Protection why a decision was made not to grant a disability allowance to a person (details supplied) in County Wicklow; if she is aware that this person has been deemed unfit to work by a doctor, due to a range of medial conditions; if the appeal recently made by this person will be successful; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [38186/15]

Hospital Staff Data

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin

701. Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Health the number of staff in voluntary hospitals receiving salaries of more than €100,000 per year as of the end of 2014, by clinical staff; by administrative and managerial staff; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37592/15]

Hospital Charges

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin

814. Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Health the revenue raised in each year from 2007 to date from hospital charges on patients by emergency department charges; from inpatient charges, etc., each in tabular form. [38129/15]

Hospital Charges

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin

815. Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Health the estimated cost of replacing hospital charges for patients with Exchequer funding; and if this total is unknown, if he will outline as much information on the matter as is available. [38130/15]

Hospital Charges

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin

816. Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Health the savings that were targeted on each occasion that hospital charges for patients have been increased. [38131/15]

Dental Services

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin

2. Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Health the status of the preparation of the long promised new dental Bill; the reason it is taking such an inordinate length of time to produce; if he is aware of the serious concerns regarding any row-back on the registration of all key players across the dental health care team; if he will confirm that it is intended that the Dental Council will have overall registration responsibility and oversight, including the power to inspect premises; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36809/15]

Health Services Provision

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin

33. Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Health the position regarding the proposed national office for rare diseases; if he will confirm the address and the contact details, if established, and the staffing approval involved; the steps he will take or that will be taken to ensure the widest possible public awareness of this key service; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36363/15]

Mental Health Services Funding

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin

47. Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Health for a detailed account of the spend to date, at end quarter 3, of the additional €35 million allocated for mental health purposes in 2015; if he will specify each of the headings and subheadings and the sums expended in each case; if the total sum will be fully and appropriately utilised before year end; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36362/15]

Health Services Provision

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin

49. Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Health the up-to-date position regarding the establishment of an island of Ireland-based deep brain stimulation service from suitability assessment through to and including the insertion procedure and subsequent aftercare; if access to this service at the Royal Victoria Hospital in Belfast will be open to suitable sufferers of Parkinson's disease and dystonia from across all 32 counties; if active consideration is being given to the establishment of other procedures that are not currently available on this island because of the failure to measure viability on the potential throughput of the all-island population; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36364/15]

Health Screening Programmes

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin

79. Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Health if he, his Department or the Health Service Executive have considered the real health and consequent economic benefits of targeted screening of all first-line blood relatives of those already diagnosed with coeliac disease; if a cost-benefit analysis has been carried out; if he will commit to such a screening programme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36365/15]

Vaccination Programme

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin

91. Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Health for details of the winter flu vaccine programme for the months ahead; the persons who will have free access; the promotional steps being employed; the research and steps that have been taken to ensure the appropriateness of the vaccine given the non match-up last year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36366/15]

Hospital Services

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin

247. Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Health given the decision by members of the Irish Nurses and Midwives Organisation to initiate industrial action at St. Vincent's University Hospital in Dublin 4, the steps he is now taking to address the real crisis across the hospital network here, specifically through the recruitment of additional staff, including consultants, nurses and midwives; and the provision of additional bed capacity through the re-opening of closed beds, and the introduction of new bed numbers, both within existing build and through planned expansion; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36808/15]

Nursing Staff Provision

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin

126. Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Health the average number of nurses leaving the public health system each year, broken down by retirement; or otherwise; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36785/15]

Accident and Emergency Departments

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin

127. Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Health the number of full-time emergency departments and other similar units that are open for specific periods, broken down by this categorisation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36786/15]

Planning Issues

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin

647. Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government further to a motion passed at a meeting of Meath County Council (details supplied) in October 2015, if he will request An Bord Pleanála to defer any decision in relation to this matter; if so, if he will do so immediately; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36290/15]

Bus Éireann Services

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin

698. Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport further to Parliamentary Question No. 277 of 24 June 2015, the date on which the proposed new bus service in Kentstown in County Meath will commence; the route and timetable for same; if representatives of his Department, Bus Éireann and the National Transport Authority will meet with local public and community representatives to discuss same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36291/15]

Services for People with Disabilities

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin

331. Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Health if he is aware that 24 persons with special needs, who are due to transition to an adult service in 2016, applied for placements in Gheel services; that they are now left with nowhere to go, as the Health Service Executive will not provide Gheel with the appropriate funds to run the service; his views that this is acceptable; his plans to ensure that these persons are properly looked after; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35752/15]

Local Authority Housing

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin

246. Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government for an update on the ongoing construction project at Drumilliard in Castleblayney in County Monaghan, and in particular the provision of an on-site communal facility for Castleblayney Care Housing Association. [33726/15]

Psychological Assessments

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin

147. Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Education and Skills if she will provide an urgent appointment for a child (details supplied) in County Monaghan [33496/15]

Mental Health Services

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin

436. Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Health the amount spent by the Mayo mental service unit on nursing overtime from March to August 2015. [32989/15]

Mental Health Services

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin

437. Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Health if the staff in the mental health unit in Mayo General Hospital are in danger due to staffing levels. [32990/15]

Primary Care Centres Provision

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin

438. Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Health the position regarding the primary care centre in Westport in County Mayo. [32991/15]

Mental Health Services

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin

439. Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Health in view of the commitment in the Health Service Executive's 2014 national service plan to commence work on a national mental health information system, and that to date there is no information technology system in place to provide regular information on the number of adults who use mental health services, the services they receive; the waiting lists for mental health therapies; the quality or outcomes of these services; when a national mental health information system will be operational; if it will include measurement of social outcomes such as employment, housing and education status; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32992/15]

Mental Health Services Staff

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin

440. Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Health the status of the current vacant post of clinical psychologist within the Inspector of Mental Health Services; the date this post fell vacant; when it will be filled in order that the inspection team has the full complement of professional disciplines; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32993/15]

Road Network

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin

622. Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the current position regarding the plans to develop the N2-A5 road into a dual carriageway from south of Monaghan town, and serving counties Tyrone, Derry and Donegal; the reasons for the project being postponed; his plans to progress this project; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33158/15]

Seirbhísí Aistriúcháin

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin

147. D'fhiafraigh Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin den an Tánaiste agus Aire Coimirce Sóisialaí an bhfuil aon dul chun cinn déanta maidir leis na meabhráin mhíniúcháin a bheith ar fáil as Gaeilge, ós rud é gur luaigh sí gur mhaith léi go mbeadh fáil orthu 'i nGaeilge ag an am céanna leis an leagan Béarla' ar an Déardaoin 16 Iúl 2011 agus í ag caint ar an Acht Leasa Shóisialaigh agus Pinsean, 2011, ag céim an choiste; agus an ndéanfaidh sí ráiteas ina thaobh. [30542/15]

Equality Legislation

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin

594. Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the reason that equality legislation is not being reviewed; if this is a position that will hold for the remainder of this Dáil; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30558/15]

Aftercare Services Provision

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin

696. Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs if it is the case that a new aftercare allowance will be introduced from August 2015 that will pay €300 weekly per individual care leaver in full-time education being looked after by foster parents; if this represents a cut of €52 per week for those in foster care; his views that this might have a negative effect on care leavers not in or struggling with full-time education; the steps being taken to ensure that services for care leavers are put in place to support them taking a full and active role in all parts of society; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30710/15]

Medical Negligence Claims

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin

721. Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Health if he will provide, in tabular form, a breakdown of the total number of medical malpractice and clinical negligence claims that were filed against all publicly-funded hospitals, including voluntary hospitals, in each year from 2010 to 2014, inclusive; and if he will provide this information by specialty for each year at each of those individual hospitals. [31562/15]

Vaccination Programme

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin

747. Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Health if he will ensure that the principle of informed consent is always adhered to in the administration of vaccines; that any new evidence of risk is fed into the decision-making process to continue with vaccine programmes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30530/15]

Respite Care Services Availability

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin

750. Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Health the number of respite beds available in public care homes in County Louth, at present, and in 2011; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30535/15]

Respite Care Services Availability

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin

751. Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Health the number of respite beds available in public care homes, at present, and in 2011; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30536/15]

Hospitals Discharges

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin

752. Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Health the number of patients currently medically discharged, but without any suitable residential unit to go to; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30537/15]

Nursing Education

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin

756. Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Health the current capacity of nursing training colleges here, by each individual setting; in view of the need for more Irish-trained nurses and midwives in the health system, if it is intended to extend capacity, and if so, by number and location; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30559/15]

Medicinal Products Availability

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin

760. Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Health if a person (details supplied) in County Cork with attention deficit disorder will be provided a medication; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30574/15]

Medicinal Products Availability

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin

761. Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Health the number currently availing of a pilot scheme in which participants receive buprenorphine as opposed to methadone; the comparative cost of bought treatments; the comparative risk profile of both medications; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30578/15]

Medical Aids and Appliances Provision

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin

781. Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Health if the Health Service Executive has a system in place to ensure that all resources such as hospital beds, walkers, chairs, stair lifts and so on that are made available to those living at home are collected when they are no longer required and reissued as suitable; if he will provide details of this system; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30669/15]

Community Care

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin

794. Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Health the number and location of community intervention teams in place across the State; the institutions they are linked with; the functions currently undertaken and envisaged to be undertaken by same; the number of patients treated by same; if these community intervention teams are public or privately run; if he will provide a breakdown of numbers and various clinical roles involved; the number of hospital bed days that have been saved by use of this service; if he has a development plan for their further use; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30704/15]

Health Strategies

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin

879. Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Health if his Department publishes all data available for the purposes of health policy planning; the format and location of where it is published; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30927/15]

Services for People with Disabilities

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin

899. Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Health if he will establish a scheme to replace the motorised transport grant and the mobility allowance scheme; the details of the scheme; when he intends this to be in place; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31030/15]

Respite Care Services Availability

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin

901. Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Health the number of public nursing home beds that have closed since the start of the Government's term; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31040/15]

HSE Staff

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin

902. Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Health the number of new non-front line positions that have been created in the Health Service Executive since the start of this Government; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31041/15]