Parliamentary questions

Civil Defence

Willie Penrose

497. Deputy Willie Penrose asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the steps he will take to provide alternative, suitable and appropriate accommodation for Westmeath Civil Defence, as the current accommodation is totally inadequate, given that there is alternative accommodation available in Columb Barracks, Mullingar; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38829/16]

Agrifood Sector

Willie Penrose

4. Deputy Willie Penrose asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine his views on whether farmers should be encouraged to expand production substantially in order to meet the €19 billion target of Food Wise 2025 when uncertainty reigns due to Brexit, trade deals and the general imbalance in supply and demand in world markets which would suggest that extra output will further reduce prices, undermine viability and risks leading farmers into further debt; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37787/16]

Beef Exports

Willie Penrose

8. Deputy Willie Penrose asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine his views as to whether enough new markets can be attained which pay a viable price to Irish farmers to replace lost customers in Europe in view of a European Commission impact analysis of future trade deals suggesting a potential increase in beef exports to Europe of up to 356,000 tonnes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37562/16]

Horticulture Sector

Willie Penrose

10. Deputy Willie Penrose asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the action which has been taken to support the Irish mushroom industry in light of Brexit; his future plans in this regard; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37566/16]

Agrifood Sector

Willie Penrose

16. Deputy Willie Penrose asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine his views on whether production levels are getting too high for the markets Ireland currently has; the actions planned to prevent a price collapse in 2017; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37564/16]

Brexit Issues

Willie Penrose

28. Deputy Willie Penrose asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if his Department has carried out an analysis or assessment of the impact upon the CAP basic payment scheme for Irish farmers due to Brexit and the loss of the UK contribution to the EU budget; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37565/16]

Agriculture Industry

Willie Penrose

34. Deputy Willie Penrose asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the way in which the EU agricultural markets task force recommendations will help get a fairer price for Irish beef and lamb producers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37563/16]

Flood Relief Schemes Funding

Willie Penrose

149. Deputy Willie Penrose asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if he will approve funding for the lower Morrell flood relief scheme in County Kildare, to enable Kildare County Council to seek planning approval for the scheme from An Bord Pleanála; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36744/16]

Hospital Procedures

Willie Penrose

199. Deputy Willie Penrose asked the Minister for Health if a person (details supplied) will be immediately admitted to have a procedure carried out; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36741/16]

Hospital Appointments Administration

Willie Penrose

200. Deputy Willie Penrose asked the Minister for Health if a person (details supplied) will be provided with an appointment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36742/16]

Hospital Procedures

Willie Penrose

201. Deputy Willie Penrose asked the Minister for Health the status of a procedure required by a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36743/16]

Social Welfare Code

Willie Penrose

54. Deputy Willie Penrose asked the Minister for Social Protection his plans to carry out a study on the way the social protection system can better protect widows and widowers. [36034/16]

JobPath Implementation

Willie Penrose

67. Deputy Willie Penrose asked the Minister for Social Protection his views on complaints arising from the operation of JobPath. [36031/16]

Community Employment Schemes Administration

Willie Penrose

69. Deputy Willie Penrose asked the Minister for Social Protection his plans for securing the future of community employment schemes; and if he will allow persons referred to JobPath to be able to apply for community employment positions. [36033/16]

Child Poverty

Willie Penrose

74. Deputy Willie Penrose asked the Minister for Social Protection his plans to tackle child poverty. [36032/16]

Jobseeker's Benefit Eligibility

Willie Penrose

95. Deputy Willie Penrose asked the Minister for Social Protection his future plans to support self-employed persons access jobseeker's benefit. [36035/16]

Deportation Orders

Willie Penrose

154. Deputy Willie Penrose asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality when a decision will be made by her Department on a deportation order (details supplied) in the context of the correspondence and additional information provided; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [36257/16]

Wind Energy Guidelines

Willie Penrose

243. Deputy Willie Penrose asked the Minister for Housing, Planning, Community and Local Government when he will publish updated and significantly enhanced guidelines for wind farm development; if he will ensure that such guidelines take cognisance of the detailed submissions made by communities across rural Ireland into the evaluation process; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36334/16]

National Broadband Plan Implementation

Willie Penrose

523. Deputy Willie Penrose asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the steps he will take to improve broadband speeds in large geographical areas such as County Longford which, in the context of a recent survey carried out by a company (details supplied), indicates that it has an average broadband speed of 22.5 Mbps; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36333/16]

Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement

Willie Penrose

283. Deputy Willie Penrose asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation her plans to ensure a full debate takes place in Dáil Éireann in relation to the Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement, CETA, trade deal with Canada with special focus of the investor state dispute settlement, which permits and empowers foreign companies to sue sovereign governments when laws are enacted nationally which interfere or restrict such companies projected unearned profits; if the Government is rejecting this private court system; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [35701/16]

Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement

Willie Penrose

284. Deputy Willie Penrose asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation if it is the intention of the Government to pursue under an Article 218 (II) reference to the European Court of Justice under the Treaty of the Functioning of EU to clarify the legality of the investment arbitration proposals in Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement under EU law; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [35704/16]

Agriculture Schemes

Willie Penrose

190. Deputy Willie Penrose asked the Minister for Finance the status of an investigation by the European Commission (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35154/16]

Public Transport Fares

Willie Penrose

319. Deputy Willie Penrose asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his plans to address the price disparity between commuters using two train stations in County Kildare (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34357/16]

Public Transport Fares

Willie Penrose

320. Deputy Willie Penrose asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will consider a revised pricing policy for those commuters using the train stations of south County Kildare, in view of the recently announced report by the National Transport Authority that has recommended up to 50% reductions for commuters using the train stations of north County Kildare on the same rail line. [34358/16]

Tax Reliefs Eligibility

Willie Penrose

131. Deputy Willie Penrose asked the Minister for Finance the reason first time house buyers as recently announced in the budget are confined to new houses when there are many first-time buyers currently buying second-hand houses; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33860/16]

Schools Building Projects Status

Willie Penrose

168. Deputy Willie Penrose asked the Minister for Education and Skills the position in relation to the building of a school (details supplied); when construction is likely to commence; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33865/16]

Social Welfare Benefits Data

Willie Penrose

232. Deputy Willie Penrose asked the Minister for Social Protection the full year cost in 2017 of the proposed increases in social protection payments; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33744/16]

Social Welfare Benefits Data

Willie Penrose

233. Deputy Willie Penrose asked the Minister for Social Protection the start dates for the relevant increases in each weekly social protection payment for 2017; the projected cost in 2017 of this increase for each payment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33745/16]

Social Welfare Benefits Data

Willie Penrose

234. Deputy Willie Penrose asked the Minister for Social Protection the start date of each policy change announced at the budget; the cost of each in 2017; the full year projected cost for each measure in 2018; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33746/16]

Personal Micro Credit Scheme

Willie Penrose

238. Deputy Willie Penrose asked the Minister for Social Protection the steps the Government is taking to actively promote the expansion of personal micro-credit, PMC, schemes to all credit unions and, in particular, the reason there has been little or no advertisement or publicity given to same as Christmas is approaching, in view of the high success of the pilot scheme with the credit union movement; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33863/16]

Personal Micro Credit Scheme

Willie Penrose

239. Deputy Willie Penrose asked the Minister for Social Protection the number of new credit unions which have signed up to the personal micro credit pilot scheme; if there has been a slowdown, the delays and obstacles that exist; the way in which they are being addressed by his department; the position on the limit on the number of loans a person can take out which appears to prevent a customer from taking out a third loan notwithstanding that such a customer would have repaid their earlier loans (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33864/16]

Public Sector Pay

Willie Penrose

271. Deputy Willie Penrose asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the steps he will take to remedy a discrepancy in pay being given to temporary clerical officers, who have a starting contract wage of €379, instead of €460 and whereby same was acknowledged in an official circular in 2013 and wherein commitments were made to readjust the pay scale and ensure that this particular inequality was addressed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33861/16]

Community Employment Schemes Supervisors

Willie Penrose

272. Deputy Willie Penrose asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if further efforts have been made to ensure the provision of a pension or gratuity scheme for community employment supervisors and assistants, which has been long-standing and which has involved IMPACT and SIPTU in negotiations to try and achieve a resolution and which also involved the Department of Social Protection; the position regarding same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33868/16]

Medical Aids and Appliances Applications

Willie Penrose

412. Deputy Willie Penrose asked the Minister for Health if there is assistance available to a person (details supplied) in County Kildare in relation to the purchase of a medical aid; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33866/16]

Bord na gCon

Willie Penrose

454. Deputy Willie Penrose asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if his department has addressed the issues highlighted in the Morris report; if the recommendations therein will be implemented; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33862/16]

Single Payment Scheme Payments

Willie Penrose

455. Deputy Willie Penrose asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the steps he will take to have the single farm payment paid to a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33867/16]

Basic Payment Scheme Applications

Willie Penrose

456. Deputy Willie Penrose asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the steps he will take to ensure that the single farm payment is paid to a person (details supplied). [33869/16]

State Examinations

Willie Penrose

162. Deputy Willie Penrose asked the Minister for Education and Skills the changes he will make to the RACE scheme, following significant criticism of the current operation of the scheme by the Ombudsman for Children and the way it applied to students with learning difficulties; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33026/16]

Nitrates Action Programme Implementation

Willie Penrose

166. Deputy Willie Penrose asked the Minister for Housing, Planning, Community and Local Government if any exception or allowance is being made to the rules governing the spreading of slurry where flooding situations have arisen and where factors are outside the farmer's control; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33025/16]

Carer's Allowance Payments

Willie Penrose

218. Deputy Willie Penrose asked the Minister for Social Protection when arrears due to a person (details supplied) will be paid out in respect of a claim for carer’s allowance which was awarded upon appeal; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32819/16]

Greyhound Industry

Willie Penrose

402. Deputy Willie Penrose asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the number of persons employed in the greyhound industry here as the last specific figures were attained some five years ago from the Indecon report; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33027/16]

Bord na gCon Administration

Willie Penrose

403. Deputy Willie Penrose asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the steps he will take to instruct Bord na gCon to appoint only independent members to the control committees operated within the board; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33028/16]

Greyhound Industry

Willie Penrose

404. Deputy Willie Penrose asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the frequency with which the board of directors of each greyhound track under the IGB meets; the dates of the meetings of each board held over the past 12 months; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33029/16]

Bord na gCon Administration

Willie Penrose

405. Deputy Willie Penrose asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the reason the accounts for Bord na gCon for 2015 have not been published to date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33030/16]

Bord na gCon Staff

Willie Penrose

406. Deputy Willie Penrose asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the reason staff members of Bord na gCon are being placed on boards across the country; if he will specify which boards have adopted the policy of replacing outgoing board members with staff; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33031/16]

Waterways Issues

Willie Penrose

113. Deputy Willie Penrose asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage, Regional, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs if a decision has been approved to increase the extended mooring fee from €278 to €1,260 per annum for the Grand Canal area at Sallins, County Kildare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [32491/16]

Hospital Appointments Delays

Willie Penrose

143. Deputy Willie Penrose asked the Minister for Health the steps he will take to have a person (details supplied) admitted to Tallaght hospital, Dublin 24, for an urgent procedure; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32489/16]

Health Services Provision

Willie Penrose

144. Deputy Willie Penrose asked the Minister for Health if his attention has been drawn to the planned closure of a centre (details supplied); if his attention has been further drawn to the terrific benefit to families of this centre and the huge loss its closure is to them; his plans for a replacement unit; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32492/16]

Pension Provisions

Willie Penrose

133. Deputy Willie Penrose asked the Minister for Health when the issue pertaining to pensions entitlements which has been ongoing in relation to employees of the Central Remedial Clinic will be resolved; if, in this context, his attention has been drawn to the fact that due to the present uncertainty persons who have recently retired have to resort to jobseeker's allowance rather than their due pension entitlements; if progress has been made in relation to their admission to the VHSS-SPSPS schemes without any further delay; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32255/16]

Garda Deployment

Willie Penrose

149. Deputy Willie Penrose asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality the steps being taken to replace gardaí who have retired in County Westmeath or are transferring out of the county on promotion (details supplied; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [31941/16]

Schools Building Projects

Willie Penrose

116. Deputy Willie Penrose asked the Minister for Education and Skills the steps he will take to advance the construction of a school (details supplied) in County Westmeath; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31362/16]

Carer's Allowance Applications

Willie Penrose

151. Deputy Willie Penrose asked the Minister for Social Protection the steps he will take to expedite an application for carer’s allowance in respect of a person (details supplied); if a decision will be made without any further delay; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31363/16]

Disadvantaged Areas Scheme Payments

Willie Penrose

258. Deputy Willie Penrose asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the steps he will take to expedite the disadvantaged area payments due to a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31365/16]

Voluntary Sector Funding

Willie Penrose

73. Deputy Willie Penrose asked the Minister for Housing, Planning, Community and Local Government the steps he will take to ensure that the volunteer centres which have suffered significant decreases in funding of up to 30% between 2009 and 2014 will have their funding base increased by at least 10% for 2017 and subsequent years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31183/16]

Departmental Agencies

Willie Penrose

95. Deputy Willie Penrose asked the Minister for Social Protection if he will acknowledge the work that has been completed by the local boards of citizens information and MABS, Money Advice and Budgeting Service, and that their input has contributed significantly to the success of these organisations; his plans to enhance their continued input at the local board level; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31182/16]

Irish Sign Language

Willie Penrose

146. Deputy Willie Penrose asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality the steps her Department is taking to ensure that Irish Sign Language is designated an official language; the further steps being taken to ensure that the midlands area is being provided with the appropriate level of services; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30985/16]

Tax Credits

Willie Penrose

187. Deputy Willie Penrose asked the Minister for Finance if he will outline in respect of the earned income tax credit which has been increased to €950 in the budget; where a person also qualifies for the PAYE tax credit, the maximum combined value of both tax credits that will be allowed to a taxpayer; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30592/16]

Budget Measures

Willie Penrose

208. Deputy Willie Penrose asked the Minister for Finance if, in respect of the €20,000 grant for first-time buyers outlined in budget 2017, it will be applied in respect of a house which was commenced but clearly not finished as it just constitutes a shell, with no septic tank installed or electricity connection; and if same would be classified as a new build whereby the young persons intending to purchase same completed the shell to a satisfactory habitable standard (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30905/16]

Schools Building Projects Status

Willie Penrose

256. Deputy Willie Penrose asked the Minister for Education and Skills if he will take steps to ensure funding is provided for the construction of a new school (details supplied) which has progressed through all the relevant stages; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30589/16]

Schools Building Projects Data

Willie Penrose

272. Deputy Willie Penrose asked the Minister for Education and Skills the status of the M4/N4 report which dealt with an assessment of educational infrastructure in the Mullingar area; if in this context progress is being made in the provision of a secondary school for Kinnegad, County Westmeath; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30891/16]

Voluntary Sector Funding

Willie Penrose

278. Deputy Willie Penrose asked the Minister for Housing, Planning, Community and Local Government if there is increased funding available in his Department to assist volunteer centres and information services; if so, if he will ensure that a centre (details supplied) is provided with an increase of funding of up to €80,000 which is just two thirds of the annual cost of running a volunteer centre; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30590/16]

Accident and Emergency Departments Staff

Willie Penrose

530. Deputy Willie Penrose asked the Minister for Health the steps he is taking to prevent staffing shortages at the emergency department, Midland Regional Hospital, Mullingar, because the new emergency department has not opened to date while awaiting the employment of the additional staff required; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30899/16]

Basic Payment Scheme Payments

Willie Penrose

163. Deputy Willie Penrose asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the steps he will take to deal with a genuine administrative error in an application for basic payment scheme payment by a person (details supplied) which circumstances have been outlined to his Department; if he will ensure that the appropriate payments in respect of all of the schemes are paid to this person; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30194/16]

Basic Payment Scheme Payments

Willie Penrose

164. Deputy Willie Penrose asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the steps he will take to expedite a basic payment scheme payment due to a person (details supplied) for 2016; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30195/16]

Schools Building Projects Status

Willie Penrose

187. Deputy Willie Penrose asked the Minister for Education and Skills if the detailed design and tender documents for a school (details supplied) have been submitted to his Department; when tenders will be invited for the project; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29788/16]

Schools Building Projects Status

Willie Penrose

188. Deputy Willie Penrose asked the Minister for Education and Skills the position regarding the provision of a replacement school (details supplied) in County Carlow; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29789/16]

Invalidity Pension Applications

Willie Penrose

275. Deputy Willie Penrose asked the Minister for Social Protection if an application for an invalidity pension by a person (details supplied) will be expedited; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29790/16]

Areas of Natural Constraint Scheme Payments

Willie Penrose

503. Deputy Willie Penrose asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will ensure that an outstanding ANC payment due to a registered farm partnership (details supplied) will be paid out immediately; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29353/16]

Third Level Facilities

Willie Penrose

126. Deputy Willie Penrose asked the Minister for Education and Skills if he will consider providing the capital funding necessary to aid the development of a library at a college (details supplied) in order to provide the same learning opportunities and supports that are available to other third level institutions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29130/16]

Schools Building Projects Status

Willie Penrose

127. Deputy Willie Penrose asked the Minister for Education and Skills the position with regard to the provision of a secondary school (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29136/16]

Schools Building Projects Status

Willie Penrose

128. Deputy Willie Penrose asked the Minister for Education and Skills the position with regard to the provision of a new primary school (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29137/16]

School Transport

Willie Penrose

129. Deputy Willie Penrose asked the Minister for Education and Skills if he will take steps to ensure that two people (details supplied) are immediately provided with school bus tickets and are allowed to take a place on a school bus; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29139/16]

Carer's Allowance Applications

Willie Penrose

157. Deputy Willie Penrose asked the Minister for Social Protection when a decision will be made on an application for carer’s allowance by a person (details supplied) in respect of their mother who has significant health difficulties; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29133/16]

Social Welfare Appeals

Willie Penrose

159. Deputy Willie Penrose asked the Minister for Social Protection the reason a person (details supplied) is not in receipt of an appropriate social protection payment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29135/16]

Hospital Appointments Delays

Willie Penrose

223. Deputy Willie Penrose asked the Minister for Health if he will take steps to have a person (details supplied) admitted immediately for a surgical procedure at Cappagh Hospital, Dublin; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29138/16]

Pupil-Teacher Ratio

Willie Penrose

118. Deputy Willie Penrose asked the Minister for Education and Skills if he will consider further improvements in the pupil-teacher ratio to help reduce class size towards the EU average in budget 2017; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28872/16]

Teachers' Remuneration

Willie Penrose

125. Deputy Willie Penrose asked the Minister for Education and Skills in the context of the significant reduction in posts of responsibility at primary school level since 2009, the steps he will take to address the issue of the pay parity awards due to principals since that date and to rebuild the appropriate structures to facilitate promotions within these schools; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28962/16]

Homelessness Strategy

Willie Penrose

152. Deputy Willie Penrose asked the Minister for Housing, Planning, Community and Local Government to outline the reason the budget allocation for homelessness in the midland regions is still comprising a historically low amount of 1.5% of the total budget available, notwithstanding that there has been a significant increase in the number of homeless in the region and given that the effectiveness and efficiency of all of the organisations involved, including Midland Simon, have been shown to be exceptional in terms of results, and if same can now be addressed in a positive way until the provision of a larger allocation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28964/16]

Social Welfare Benefits

Willie Penrose

157. Deputy Willie Penrose asked the Minister for Social Protection the cost of restoring the Christmas bonus to all eligible social welfare recipients in December 2016; the number of persons who will qualify; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28871/16]

Hospitals Building Programme

Willie Penrose

203. Deputy Willie Penrose asked the Minister for Health the capital allocation that is provided for structural improvements at the Midland Regional Hospital, Mullingar; the timescale envisaged for major structural additions to the said hospital; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28963/16]

Insurance Industry Regulation

Willie Penrose

128. Deputy Willie Penrose asked the Minister for Finance the steps available to insurance policyholders who were indemnified by a company (details supplied) which had a provisional liquidator appointed by the Supreme Court of Gibraltar on 25 July 2016; the remedies available to such policyholders who were involved in road traffic accidents prior to that date; if it is possible for such persons to resort to the Motor Insurers’ Bureau of Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28291/16]

Rural Resettlement Scheme

Willie Penrose

229. Deputy Willie Penrose asked the Minister for Housing, Planning, Community and Local Government the steps he will take to provide additional resources to Rural Resettlement Ireland which has been significantly reduced since 2012, in order to permit it continue with its vital work; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28313/16]

Back to Education Allowance Applications

Willie Penrose

307. Deputy Willie Penrose asked the Minister for Social Protection the position with regard to a back to education allowance application for a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28659/16]

Domiciliary Care Allowance Applications

Willie Penrose

308. Deputy Willie Penrose asked the Minister for Social Protection the status of an appeal by a person (details supplied) in respect of an application for domiciliary care allowance; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28723/16]

Disability Allowance Appeals

Willie Penrose

309. Deputy Willie Penrose asked the Minister for Social Protection the status of an appeal by a person (details supplied) in respect of an application for disability allowance; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28724/16]

Carer's Allowance Appeals

Willie Penrose

310. Deputy Willie Penrose asked the Minister for Social Protection the status of an appeal by a person (details supplied) in respect of an application for carer's allowance; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28725/16]

Carer's Allowance Appeals

Willie Penrose

311. Deputy Willie Penrose asked the Minister for Social Protection the status of an appeal by a person (details supplied) in respect of an application for carer's allowance; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28726/16]

Invalidity Pension Appeals

Willie Penrose

312. Deputy Willie Penrose asked the Minister for Social Protection the status of an appeal by a person (details supplied) in respect of an application for invalidity pension; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28727/16]

Semi-State Bodies Remuneration

Willie Penrose

333. Deputy Willie Penrose asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if he is satisfied that the remuneration package afforded to the chief executive officer of Horse Racing Ireland, HRI, upon his reappointment fully complies with the salary guidelines laid down by the Government for chief executive officers of semi-State bodies; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28045/16]

Drug Treatment Programmes Funding

Willie Penrose

406. Deputy Willie Penrose asked the Minister for Health the steps he will take to provide funding as a matter of urgency for a centre (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28306/16]

Home Care Packages Data

Willie Penrose

480. Deputy Willie Penrose asked the Minister for Health the number of home care hours and packages allocated by the State to independent and private home care providers, setting out the names of the companies or entities involved and the precise basis upon which each company receives its specific allocation; the details of such home care packages and home care hours, as provided by the private sector on a county basis; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28728/16]

Appointments to State Boards

Willie Penrose

177. Deputy Willie Penrose asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the steps he is taking to satisfy himself that accurate information was furnished to his Department in respect of the appointment of the chief executive officer of Horse Racing Ireland; the basis upon which the said appointment proceeded; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27945/16]

Appointments to State Boards

Willie Penrose

178. Deputy Willie Penrose asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform his views on the fact that appropriate and necessary ministerial consent provided by him, which permitted the reappointment of the chief executive of Horse Racing Ireland, may have been made on the basis of facts which did not accord with the reality of the situation whereby there was no board approval made by HRI on 21 July 2016 or any other date; if, in that context, his views on whether he might have been misled concerning such approval; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27946/16]

Appointments to State Boards

Willie Penrose

179. Deputy Willie Penrose asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if, in respect of the appointment of the chief executive officer of any organisation, it is critical that the board would submit their approval concerning such appointment to the relevant Minister; if, in respect of the reappointment of the chief executive officer of Horse Racing Ireland, it was made clear that the request of ministerial sanction and consent was subject to the advice of the board of duly appointed directors signalling their agreement to such appointment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27947/16]

Appointments to State Boards

Willie Penrose

180. Deputy Willie Penrose asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform his views on whether the reappointment of the chief executive officer of Horse Racing Ireland clearly breached the Government guidelines as set down by the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform, which specified strict time limits of the duration for time in which the CEO of a commercial semi-State body should serve; if, in the context of the reappointment of the chief executive officer for Horse Racing Ireland, this was clearly breached insofar as at the end of this contract period they would have served in excess 19 years, which is clearly not in accordance with the prescribed guidelines; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27948/16]

Hospital Appointments Status

Willie Penrose

199. Deputy Willie Penrose asked the Minister for Health the steps he will take to ensure a person (details supplied) is given a hospital appointment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27841/16]

Dairy Sector

Willie Penrose

233. Deputy Willie Penrose asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine his plans to provide an additional €11 million in respect of a dairy package so as to match in full the EU allocation which was recently announced and in which Ireland secured €11 million as part of a €350 million aid package; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27842/16]

Areas of Natural Constraint Scheme Payments

Willie Penrose

234. Deputy Willie Penrose asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will ensure that an ANC payment to a person (details supplied) will issue; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27845/16]

Appointments to State Boards

Willie Penrose

235. Deputy Willie Penrose asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he is satisfied that accurate information was furnished to his Department in respect of the appointment of the chief executive officer of Horse Racing Ireland; if so, the basis upon which the said appointment proceeded; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27941/16]

Appointments to State Boards

Willie Penrose

236. Deputy Willie Penrose asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine his views on the fact that appropriate and necessary ministerial consent provided by him, which permitted the reappointment of the chief executive of Horse Racing Ireland, may have been made on the basis of facts which did not accord with the reality of the situation whereby there was no board approval made by Horse Racing Ireland on 21 July 2016 or any other date; if, in that context, he is concerned that he might have been misled concerning such approval; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27942/16]