Parliamentary questions

Archaeological Sites

John McGuinness

149. Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the extent of the archaeological excavation being undertaken at Kilkenny Castle; if the missing south wall is exposed and put in context with the castle; if it will be left on public display and be appropriately protected; if historical items found during the course of the excavation will be put on public display in the castle; if he will use the public presentation of the south wall of the castle to highlight the damage done by the Cromwellian forces and the confederation period of the history of Kilkenny; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37336/19]

School Transport Provision

John McGuinness

222. Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Education and Skills the date on which the bus escort grant will be issued to a school (details supplied). [37334/19]

Commissions of Investigation

John McGuinness

287. Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if the scoping exercise in relation to the investigation into the death of a person (details supplied) has been completed; if his Department has agreed in full the terms of reference; if the family were asked for their input; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37338/19]

Services for People with Disabilities

John McGuinness

321. Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Health if one-to-one support will be granted in the case of a person (details supplied); and if the application for funding submitted in April 2019 will be expedited and approved. [37340/19]

Services for People with Disabilities

John McGuinness

405. Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Health if home help hours or a care plan will be put in place for a person (details supplied); if hours can be allocated under the home support scheme as a matter of urgency; and if the matter will be expedited. [37332/19]

Services for People with Disabilities

John McGuinness

406. Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Health if appropriate home supports and a care plan will be put in place for a person (details supplied); and if the matter will be expedited. [37335/19]

Hospital Discharges

John McGuinness

407. Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Health the process of discharge from a hospital in Kilkenny relative to the case of a person (details supplied); if a discharge plan was agreed with their family; if home support hours or a care plan are in place during the long periods of time each day that they are alone at home; if the HSE considers this to be a safe discharge from a hospital setting to a house; if immediate intervention will be approved by the HSE to deal with this case; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37337/19]

Services for People with Disabilities

John McGuinness

408. Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Health if one-to-one support will be granted in the case of a person (details supplied); and if the application for funding submitted in April 2019 will be expedited and approved. [37341/19]

Stroke Care

John McGuinness

409. Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Health further to Parliamentary Question No. 409 of 9 July 2019, the full suite of rehabilitation services available to stroke victims in counties Carlow and Kilkenny; if speech therapy is one of the services available; if there is a waiting list for each service; if so, the number of stroke victims on each list; if there are gaps in the services; if so, the way in which each is being addressed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37342/19]

Paediatric Services

John McGuinness

410. Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Health the reason there are no primary care paediatric services in County Kilkenny; if children referred to this service can be seen in another county or a location in which the service exists; if in the event of the service continuing to be unavailable through the HSE, he will provide funding for the children to be seen privately; if the referral of a person (details supplied) will be dealt with as a matter of urgency; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37346/19]

Home Help Service Provision

John McGuinness

411. Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Health if the home support hours of five per week will be restored in the case of persons (details supplied); if the case of both children will be reviewed and the hours increased; his views in relation to the policy of cutbacks in this area; the way in which he plans to restore funding to a level that meets the demands of the sector; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37348/19]

Nursing Homes Support Scheme Eligibility

John McGuinness

412. Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Health if funding will be provided for the purpose of accommodation and care for a person (details supplied); if a response will be expedited; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37349/19]

Home Help Service Provision

John McGuinness

413. Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Health if home help hours or a care plan will be put in place for a person (details supplied); the action being taken to recruit staff to address this need; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37350/19]

Occupational Therapy Provision

John McGuinness

414. Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Health the action being taken to provide occupational therapy services for a person (details supplied); and if the matter will be expedited in view of the urgency of the case. [37351/19]

HSE Staff

John McGuinness

415. Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Health the reason the pension information relative to each employee of a centre (details supplied) has not been made available to them; if the national pensions management section of the HSE will ensure that all pension details are given to each employee; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37354/19]

HSE Staff Remuneration

John McGuinness

418. Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Health the reason a person (details supplied) is being left short four years in their pension benefit calculation; and if a review of their entitlements will be expedited. [37392/19]

Disability Support Services

John McGuinness

425. Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Health the action he is taking to resolve the issues being experienced by the employees of a centre (details supplied) relative to decongregation and their redeployment; if he will approve a redundancy package in cases in which alternative employment cannot be found within the HSE; if his attention has been drawn to the fact that for a considerable length of time and through no fault of their own some employees turn up for work but do not have work to do; his views on the fact that management in the HSE are prepared to accept such poor value for taxpayers money; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37438/19]

Horse Sport Ireland

John McGuinness

489. Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if the funding granted to the sport horse industry will be considered for additional funding of €5 million in budget 2020 to enable the industry to achieve objectives (details supplied); if the funding Departments will recognise the benefits of this investment as reflected in figures drawn from a 2016 analysis; if he will meet with the industry to discuss its strategy for the future; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37330/19]

Energy Efficiency

John McGuinness

545. Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the process by which 500,000 homes are to be retrofitted to reduce carbon emissions; and if the details of the scheme are available for potential applicants. [37353/19]

Horse Sport Ireland

John McGuinness

576. Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if the funding granted to the sport horse industry will be considered for additional funding of €5 million in budget 2020 to enable the industry to achieve objectives (details supplied); if the funding Departments will recognise the benefits of this investment as reflected in figures drawn from a 2016 analysis; if he will meet with the industry to discuss its strategy for the future; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37331/19]

Road Safety Data

John McGuinness

577. Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if road safety statistics are available for the section of road on the N25 from Seieverue to Glenmore, County Kilkenny; if Transport Infrastructure Ireland has plans to improve the safety along this section of road; if funding has been allocated for the work; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37333/19]

Pensions Reform

John McGuinness

645. Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection if she will consult widely with the stakeholders involved in relation to the IORPS II directive before introducing same; if her attention has been drawn to or if she has considered the opinion of the industry that the directive is not the appropriate way to regulate single member pension schemes; and the details of her approach to these schemes. [37345/19]

Social Welfare Appeals Status

John McGuinness

646. Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection the status of an appeal in the case of a person (details supplied) in respect of their entitlement to a pension benefit; and if their pension will be restored. [37347/19]

Planning Issues

John McGuinness

671. Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government the obligations of local authorities in relation to keeping records of the planning permissions granted for quarries and their adherence to the conditions of planning granted; if each local authority has a record of all quarries that are not operating in accordance with planning guidelines or that were operational prior to the guidelines being established; if his Department has a role in ensuring that all registers are kept updated and that all appropriate actions to ensure compliance are being taken; if an audit system is in place within his Department to profile the performance of each county relative to these matters and the reinstatement works required in certain cases; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37344/19]

Hospital Appointments Status

John McGuinness

794. Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Health if St. James's Hospital, Dublin will review the case of a person (details supplied) to determine if an earlier appointment than 14 October 2019 can be arranged; and if they will be considered for cancellations that might arise. [34731/19]

Treatment Abroad Scheme

John McGuinness

795. Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Health further to Parliamentary Question No. 181 of 15 May 2019, if a referral under the treatment abroad scheme will be expedited and approved for a person (details supplied). [34732/19]

Special Educational Needs Service Provision

John McGuinness

611. Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Education and Skills if a one year extension to a school placement will be granted in the case of a child (details supplied) in view of the exceptional circumstances of their case; if the information requested by their parents will be provided; and if a decision will be expedited. [34042/19]

Garda Transport Data

John McGuinness

669. Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the number of Garda community relations vans purchased in 2018 and to date in 2019; and the number withdrawn during the same period. [31842/19]

Local Enterprise Offices Data

John McGuinness

980. Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation the budget allocation for each local enterprise office in 2018 and to date in 2019, in tabular form. [31841/19]

Medical Card Drugs Availability

John McGuinness

1442. Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Health the reason a drink can no longer be obtained on a medical card; the arrangements being put in place for patients such as a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32910/19]

Young Farmers Scheme Eligibility

John McGuinness

2077. Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if an appeal by persons (details supplied) for an application for inclusion in the young farmers scheme will be reopened; if consideration will be given to the poor health of a person and the input to the farm of a person since 2011; if further analysis will be undertaken as to the way in which the farm accounts and banking arrangements are operated; and if a further investigation into the matter will be expedited. [33052/19]

Carer's Allowance Appeals

John McGuinness

2741. Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection the status of an appeal for carer's allowance by a person (details supplied). [33053/19]

Home Help Service Data

John McGuinness

686. Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Health the amount spent in each CHO area of the HSE on private providers of home help services; if private providers are used only after HSE workers in the same area are given their full hours of employment including weekends; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31458/19]

Wild Atlantic Way Project

John McGuinness

832. Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport further to Parliamentary Question No. 941 of 15 January 2019, the invoices received by Fáilte Ireland for the overall cost of the cycle sportif project over and above the cost of €622,000 as reported on 19 February 2019; the amount paid to a company (details supplied) for the project; if invoices dating back to October 2018 remain unpaid; his views on correspondence dated 16 October 2018 issued by Fáilte Ireland which terminates the supply agreement pursuant to clause 14.2; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31459/19]

School Transport Fees

John McGuinness

232. Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Education and Skills further to Parliamentary Question No. 247 of 8 May 2019, if the maintenance charges of Bus Éireann for school transport are charged on a per mile basis in accordance with the 1975 agreement; if there were changes made to the 1975 agreement; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29452/19]

Consultancy Contracts

John McGuinness

321. Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation the consultancy work companies (details supplied) carried out for the ODCE and the IAASA since October 2008. [29433/19]

Stroke Care

John McGuinness

409. Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Health the reason there is no stroke rehabilitation services in counties Carlow and Kilkenny; if this service was in place; if so, the skill sets of the staff involved; his plans in relation to the provision of such a service; if there is a waiting list; the nearest location to counties Carlow and Kilkenny for such a service; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29453/19]

Carer's Allowance Applications

John McGuinness

785. Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection the status of an application for a carer's allowance by a person (details supplied). [29520/19]

Closed-Circuit Television Systems Provision

John McGuinness

214. Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the reason for the delays in granting local communities (details supplied) permission to provide CCTV in circumstances in which the communities have agreement with local councils to act as data controller and the equipment is housed in a local Garda station; if it his Department or the Garda Commissioner that now needs to grant approval; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28448/19]

Disability Allowance Applications

John McGuinness

348. Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection if a disability allowance will be approved for a person (details supplied). [28449/19]

Services for People with Disabilities

John McGuinness

65. Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Health the way in which it is planned to address the funding challenges which are impeding the move from congregated settings in County Kilkenny; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27818/19]

Schools Building Projects

John McGuinness

243. Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Education and Skills the steps he is taking to ensure that overcrowding of primary and secondary schools in Kilkenny city and county is ended; his plans for the provision of new schools in the county and updated facilities where needed in existing schools; if another secondary school will be provided for eastern areas (details supplied); if audits have been conducted to establish future enrolment numbers for both levels and to inform capital funding needs; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27453/19]

Teachers' Remuneration

John McGuinness

255. Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Education and Skills if the full salary of a person (details supplied) will be backdated to pre-2011 pay scales. [27605/19]

Hospital Waiting Lists

John McGuinness

368. Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Health if his attention has been drawn to the fact that some cancer patients (details supplied) triaged as urgent are being informed that they must wait two years for appointments; if these patients can be fast-tracked for appointments in view of the fact that their condition is urgent; if they can be treated through the NTPF; the steps he is taking to resolve the issue; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27454/19]

Hospital Appointments Status

John McGuinness

375. Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Health further to Parliamentary Question No. 357 of 14 May 2019, the progress being made to arrange an early assessment and operation at University Hospital Waterford for a person (details supplied); if an immediate assessment will be arranged; the options available to patients triaged as urgent other than waiting for 12 months; if the NTPF can be used in this case; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27512/19]

Tax Exemptions

John McGuinness

47. Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Finance the details of the scheme and tax breaks under the back to work enterprise allowance relative to the qualifications or requirements for an exemption from income tax for two years to a maximum of €40,000; the number of applicants that applied for the tax exemption; the number approved for the maximum exemption; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27320/19]

Hospital Appointments Status

John McGuinness

173. Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Health if a knee operation will be arranged for a person (details supplied); and if a response will be expedited. [27316/19]

Nursing Homes Support Scheme Applications

John McGuinness

206. Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Health if an application by a person (details supplied) for the fair deal scheme will be expedited and approved for the maximum financial support. [27383/19]

Aquaculture Licence Applications

John McGuinness

211. Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if an application for a land-based aquaculture licence by a company (details supplied) will be expedited and approved; the reason a licence has not been issued to date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27317/19]

School Meals Programme

John McGuinness

240. Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection the status of an application for the hot meals project by a school (details supplied); and when a decision will be made. [27318/19]

Invalidity Pension Eligibility

John McGuinness

254. Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection if an application for an invalidity pension by a person (details supplied) will be expedited and approved. [27382/19]

Health Services Staff Remuneration

John McGuinness

160. Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Health the reason pay increments were not provided to a person (details supplied) by the HSE when other employees doing the same hours on the same contract were approved and described as full-time employees; if he will request an independent person to examine the paperwork relative to the person and others and rectify the situation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25976/19]

Disability Allowance Applications

John McGuinness

203. Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection the status of an application for a disability allowance by a person (details supplied); and if a decision will be expedited. [25973/19]

School Staff

John McGuinness

265. Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Education and Skills the arrangement he plans to put in place to address the urgent need of schools (details supplied) to have a non-teaching principal position in view of the unique circumstances involved; if he will meet a delegation from each school to hear the range of problems being experienced and the need for positive action by his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23809/19]

Schools Building Projects Status

John McGuinness

266. Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Education and Skills his plans to fund two building projects at a school (details supplied); the original costs; the funding allocated; the details of the current proposal; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23810/19]

Hospital Waiting Lists

John McGuinness

542. Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Health when a cataract operation will be arranged for a person (details supplied). [23804/19]

Disability Support Services

John McGuinness

543. Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Health the nature of the contract put in place by St. Patrick's Centre, Kilkenny, with an agency (details supplied); if the centre is being fined by the agency each time it uses agency staff other than through the agency; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23805/19]

Health Services Staff

John McGuinness

544. Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Health the reason the staff of St. Patrick's Centre, Kells Road, Kilkenny, cannot obtain full details of their pension contributions and entitlements from the SPC or HSE; and if he will direct that the information be made available. [23813/19]

Disability Services Provision

John McGuinness

545. Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Health further to Parliamentary Question No. 874 of 26 March 2019 and the response from the HSE, the outcome of the meeting with the mother of a person (details supplied); if an agreed plan is now in place; if the person will be assessed for long-term care provided by an organisation at its facilities; and if respite through an organisation will be considered. [23814/19]

Taxi Licences

John McGuinness

811. Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the number of licences issued for Kilkenny city and county for the purpose of providing a taxi or hackney service; the number approved for transport of disabled passengers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23806/19]

Voluntary Sector Funding

John McGuinness

851. Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development his plans to provide funding to an organisation (details supplied) to establish a full volunteer centre for County Kilkenny in line with its proposals outlined in the successful application; the funding process and timeframe for delivery by the organisation of the volunteer centre; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23808/19]

Disability Allowance Applications

John McGuinness

907. Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection the status of an application for disability allowance by a person (details supplied). [23803/19]

Disability Allowance Applications

John McGuinness

908. Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection if an application for disability allowance by a person (details supplied) will be expedited and approved. [23812/19]

Disability Allowance Applications

John McGuinness

909. Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection if disability allowance will be approved for a person (details supplied). [23816/19]

Protected Disclosures

John McGuinness

172. Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if a comprehensive reply will issue to all of the matters raised by a person (details supplied); his views on the detailed allegations made of criminal and inappropriate activities within the Irish Prison Service; the action taken to investigate the allegations; if a person or persons have been held responsible for such activity; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22760/19]

Hospital Appointments Status

John McGuinness

228. Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Health if an early assessment for a hip operation will be arranged for a person (details supplied); the reason the person has been waiting three years to date for the assessment; the number on the list waiting at University Hospital Waterford; and the waiting time for the operation. [22412/19]

Employment Rights

John McGuinness

290. Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Health further to Parliamentary Question No. 143 of 19 January 2011 and the response of the HSE, the actions taken by his Department and the HSE to resolve the issues raised; if he is satisfied that the investigation undertaken that the employment rights of a person (details supplied) were honoured and protected by the HSE; if his Department reviewed the findings; if he will take further action to resolve all matters; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22759/19]

School Transport Provision

John McGuinness

243. Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Education and Skills further to Parliamentary Question No. 333 of 8 May 2019, if a transport solution will be provided for pupils based on the fact that there is no room in the local schools and the nearest schools are in Kilkenny city; if he will provide a report on the findings of his Department relative to the matter and the dilemma being faced by parents; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21454/19]

School Enrolments

John McGuinness

245. Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Education and Skills further to Parliamentary Question No. 340 of 8 May 2019, if two places will be provided at a school (details supplied) for two children whose parents have already received written confirmation of offers of places; if both offers will be honoured in view of the fact the letters were issued by the school following consultation with the special education section of his Department; if the consultation between the school and the special education section took place; if two of the four places available out of 12 will be reserved for the two children; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21474/19]

Special Educational Needs Service Provision

John McGuinness

267. Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Education and Skills the options open to a person (details supplied) in order to undertake third-level studies; if DARE and CAO approval can be restored; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21877/19]

HSE Properties

John McGuinness

357. Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Health if the HSE property management division for Kilkenny city will examine its portfolio of properties to determine if it can assist an organisation (details supplied) in establishing a base for its activity. [21455/19]

HSE Expenditure

John McGuinness

363. Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Health the amount paid for nursing care services provided to the HSE from companies (details supplied) in each of the past five years; the amount paid by a centre over the same period to each of the companies; the procurement process used in each case; the date each company was reviewed in terms of cost; the hourly rate paid to agency staff in this sector; the figure compared to the hourly rate paid to the companies involved; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21475/19]

HSE Staff

John McGuinness

364. Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Health if the staff located at a centre (details supplied) have agreed to a redeployment within the HSE; if each staff member has been given details of their original contract; if his Department will sanction a redundancy package for an employee who cannot be redeployed or who does not want the option of being redeployed; if the centre has consulted with the HSE on the issue of redundancy; if his Department is involved in these discussions or consultations; if the person or persons in the centre and the HSE will arrange to meet this Deputy and the employees to clarify all of these matters; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21485/19]

Herd Number Applications

John McGuinness

469. Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine when the herd number of a person (details supplied) was ceased; and when the process to deem the herd number dormant commenced. [21365/19]

Disability Allowance Appeals

John McGuinness

623. Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection if an application for a disability allowance by a person (details supplied) which is now under appeal will be expedited and approved; and if an oral hearing will be granted to assist an early outcome. [21440/19]

Disability Services Funding

John McGuinness

31. Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Health the funding being provided in 2019 for decongregation in disability services in Kilkenny city; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20909/19]

Hospital Services

John McGuinness

75. Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Health his plans for the future of Kilcreene hospital; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20908/19]

Hospital Appointments Status

John McGuinness

180. Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Health if an operation to remove cataracts will be arranged at University Hospital Waterford for a person (details supplied); the timeline for the treatment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21040/19]

Patient Transfers

John McGuinness

181. Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Health the approval process to have a child referred from St. Luke's hospital, Kilkenny, for specialist care at a hospital (details supplied); if the case will be expedited; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21041/19]

VAT Exemptions

John McGuinness

114. Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Finance if he will exempt the drug Pembro from VAT in cases in which persons are raising public donations to purchase the drug until such time as the HSE gives approval to patients that require the drug. [20411/19]

Hospital Appointments Status

John McGuinness

284. Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Health if an MRI scan will be arranged for a person (details supplied); and if the matter will be expedited. [20412/19]

Medicinal Products Availability

John McGuinness

285. Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Health the date the HSE drugs group will meet to discuss the revised offer submitted by a company (details supplied); the date the HSE leadership team will meet to discuss a final decision on the matter; the reason Ireland signed up to the BeNeLuxA initiative in June 2018 along with the Netherlands, Belgium, Luxembourg and Austria; the benefits to Ireland of being in this group of countries; the reason Ireland did not approve the drug Spinraza when all of the other countries in the group did; his views on whether the BeNeLuxA initiative is now permanently damaged in view of the reluctance of Ireland to approve Spinraza; the reason he deems it inappropriate to meet a person (details supplied); if he will reconsider this invitation and meet the person; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20414/19]

Medicinal Products Reimbursement

John McGuinness

288. Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Health if he will meet a person (details supplied); the progress made on the case of the person following his meeting with the person in County Kilkenny; if the approval of pembro for the person will be expedited without further delay; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20419/19]

Hospital Appointments Status

John McGuinness

357. Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Health the progress being made to arrange an early assessment and operation at University Hospital Waterford for a person (details supplied); if an immediate assessment will be arranged; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20771/19]

Invalidity Pension Appeals

John McGuinness

471. Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection if an invalidity pension will be approved for a person (details supplied). [20410/19]

Medical Card Drugs Availability

John McGuinness

106. Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Health the reason a person (details supplied) has to pay for medication prescribed by their general practitioner; if immediate assistance will be granted in view of the extenuating circumstances; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20248/19]

Hospital Appointments Status

John McGuinness

107. Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Health if a replacement knee operation will be arranged as a matter of urgency for a person (details supplied); the reason for the delay in providing the operation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20249/19]

Child Benefit Payments

John McGuinness

166. Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection if a payment due to a person (details supplied) will be made. [20247/19]

School Transport

John McGuinness

247. Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Education and Skills if the maintenance charges on the Bus Éireann school transport fleet are charged on a per mile basis in accordance with the 1975 agreement or on a per bus basis; if not, the date on which his Department agreed to a change in this per mileage charge; and the date the change was implemented. [18745/19]

School Transport Provision

John McGuinness

333. Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Education and Skills the action he is taking to provide school transport for 24 pupils who are attending schools (details supplied); if the pupils will be included in the school transport system in view of the fact that all buses from Callan to Kilkenny city are operating at maximum capacity; and if a solution for all concerned will be expedited. [19248/19]

Special Educational Needs Service Provision

John McGuinness

340. Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Education and Skills if a place is available at the ASD unit of a school (details supplied) for a person; and if the matter will be expedited. [19407/19]

Garda Data

John McGuinness

514. Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the number of gardaí in receipt of injury at work payments; the number injured at work who have received compensation awards; the policy relative to the reclassification of injury at work payments to standard sick pay for members who are frequently out sick due to injury; the impact on the income of the members concerned; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19403/19]

Hospital Waiting Lists

John McGuinness

621. Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Health if an appointment will be arranged for a person (details supplied); the timeframe for such treatment and the likelihood of the patient being scheduled for an early appointment; if there is a waiting list for this treatment; and if so, the action that can be taken to obtain the treatment elsewhere in view of the fact that the patient has a medical card but no means [18463/19]

Health Services

John McGuinness

642. Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Health further to Parliamentary Question No. 907 of 26 March 2019, the progress being made by his Department and the HSE in their investigation into the alleged use of cannabis and-or marijuana at the DOP facility, St. Luke's General Hospital, Kilkenny; if the HSE has provided the report requested by his Department into the alleged incident or incidents; if the report will be published and made available to the complainant; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18533/19]

Hospital Waiting Lists Data

John McGuinness

757. Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Health if his attention has been drawn to the four-year waiting list for ear, nose and throat, ENT, services at University Hospital Waterford; the number of persons on the waiting list; the action being taken to reduce the waiting time; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18947/19]

Disability Services Data

John McGuinness

758. Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Health if the HSE will engage as a matter of urgency with persons (details supplied). [18948/19]

Hospital Facilities

John McGuinness

759. Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Health if funding will be made available to construct a facility to house the MRI scanner at St. Luke's General Hospital, Kilkenny; if a response will be expedited in view of the fact that the equipment has been purchased; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18949/19]

Hospital Appointments Status

John McGuinness

760. Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Health if an appointment will be arranged at University Hospital Waterford, UHW, or St. James's Hospital, Dublin, as a matter of urgency for a person (details supplied); if the correspondence from the person's general practitioner requesting urgent intervention for the patient will be considered; the reason for the delay in providing the care and treatment required in this case; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18950/19]

Disability Support Services

John McGuinness

761. Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Health the status of an application for funding to provide a shared residential placement for a person (details supplied); when a decision is likely to be made; the cost to date of the care of the person at St. Luke's General Hospital, Kilkenny, in which the person has been a patient for over four months; the date the person was ready to be discharged; the cost of the care from that date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18951/19]

Hospital Waiting Lists

John McGuinness

794. Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Health if an early appointment for scoliosis surgery will be provided to a person (details supplied). [19062/19]