Parliamentary questions

Water and Sewerage Schemes

Mattie McGrath

340. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if the terms of the grant for improving private water supply to homes will be reviewed with regard to the need for a house to be in existence for seven years, in view of the fact it excludes new build dwellings which are unable to connect to the Irish Water public supply or group water schemes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25072/20]

Covid-19 Pandemic

Mattie McGrath

418. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Education the specific scientific evidence relied on to implement the mandatory wearing of masks in schools; the special arrangements in place for students that may have special needs such as those that are hard of hearing and are finding it increasingly difficult to learn in view of the inability to lip-read due to the wearing of masks; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24821/20]

School Transport

Mattie McGrath

464. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Education when a bus route will be provided for eleven students (details supplied) travelling from Clogheen, County Tipperary to Mitchelstown, County Cork; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [25239/20]

School Transport

Mattie McGrath

465. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Education if a student (details supplied) can be transferred on to a bus route that passes their house twice daily under the school transport scheme rather than having to travel over two kilometres to another route; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [25240/20]

School Accommodation

Mattie McGrath

466. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Education the reason for the delay in granting funding for additional accommodation works for a school (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [25241/20]

Schools Amalgamation

Mattie McGrath

467. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Education the status of the amalgamation of a school (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [25242/20]

School Transport

Mattie McGrath

468. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Education if a review of the school transport scheme will be carried out for students attending a school (details supplied) and for those that have been awarded concessionary tickets; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [25243/20]

Social Welfare Benefits

Mattie McGrath

507. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Social Protection if persons in receipt of the blind pension or disability allowance will lose their payment if they travel abroad; if so, if they will have to reapply on their return; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24819/20]

Peace Commissioners

Mattie McGrath

638. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Justice the number of peace commissioners in County Tipperary; the number of peace commissioners in each district; the name and address of each peace commissioner in the county; the frequency with which peace commissioner lists are updated in order to take into account the death or incapacity of a peace commissioner; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24824/20]

Covid-19 Pandemic

Mattie McGrath

715. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Health the reason part 6 of SI 326 of 2020 relating to relevant events, restricts events being held in hotels to six with the exception of a wedding which allows 50 persons (details supplied); if his attention has been drawn to the difficulties being caused to hotels which are at risk of closure or major job losses unless these restrictions are lifted; if it will be ensured such restrictions are lifted in the next round of regulations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24822/20]

Covid-19 Pandemic

Mattie McGrath

753. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Health the reason 50 spectators are allowed for an indoor sporting event but dancing classes being held in the same facilities are restricted to pods of six which is not practical for many dancing schools with regard to the Living with Covid-19 plan; if the policy will be reviewed and clarity provided in relation to the matter; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24968/20]

Covid-19 Pandemic

Mattie McGrath

754. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Health the reason it is possible to have a wedding of up to 50 in a function room but other family celebrations being held in the same function room are restricted to pods of six with no intermingling between pods with regard to the Living with Covid-19 plan; the reason a christening and a funeral meal for example could not have 50 with the same restrictions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24969/20]

Covid-19 Pandemic

Mattie McGrath

755. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Health the definition of what is considered a larger venue that would allow 100 persons at an indoor event with regard to the Living with Covid-19 plan; if a venue is considered suitably large if a wedding holding up to 100 in this instance; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24970/20]

Mental Health Services

Mattie McGrath

786. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Health the cost of transporting a patient with a nurse from South Tipperary General Hospital to the department of psychiatry in Kilkenny; the amount spent of the transport of mental health patients to Kilkenny since the closure of St. Michaels; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25273/20]

Hospital Facilities

Mattie McGrath

787. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Health if provision for a special room to accommodate patients presenting with mental health difficulties can now be provided with the extra investment to help reduce the difficulties being faced by patients presenting with mental health difficulties following the announcement of a €1 million investment in the accident and emergency department at South Tipperary General Hospital; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25274/20]

Hospital Expenditure

Mattie McGrath

788. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Health the full cost of refurbishment works carried out at St. Michael’s Hospital, Clonmel; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25275/20]

Mental Health Services

Mattie McGrath

790. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Health the specialist mental health cover being provided at South Tipperary General Hospital; if a specialist nurse and doctor are available at the hospital 24/7; the mental health facilities available to those facing a crisis in south County Tipperary; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25294/20]

Hospital Data

Mattie McGrath

791. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Health the number of patients with mental health difficulties presenting to South Tipperary General Hospital emergency department over the past two years; the numbers of patients transferred to the department of psychiatry in Kilkenny; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25295/20]

Covid-19 Pandemic

Mattie McGrath

814. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Health if the new Living with Covid-19 guidelines for weddings indicate 50 persons including the necessary reception and hotel staff or 50 guests of the wedding couple (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25389/20]

Agriculture Scheme Data

Mattie McGrath

889. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the CAP pillar 1 payments to each farmer by county and category (details supplied), in tabular form. [25307/20]

Commission for the Economic Development of Rural Areas

Mattie McGrath

903. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Community and Rural Development and the Islands if she has read in full the report of the Commission for the Economic Development of Rural Areas; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [25300/20]

Commission for the Economic Development of Rural Areas

Mattie McGrath

904. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Community and Rural Development and the Islands the implementation measures taken to date in respect of the 34 recommendations contained in the CEDRA report by specific expenditure or action detail in tabular form. [25301/20]

Commission for the Economic Development of Rural Areas

Mattie McGrath

905. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Community and Rural Development and the Islands the overall or full costs associated with undertaking and publishing the CEDRA report. [25302/20]

Rural Development Plan

Mattie McGrath

906. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Community and Rural Development and the Islands her views on whether the overarching control and decision-making measures pertaining to rural towns falls between Departments and agencies with a lack of a joined up approach including no central body taking charge of policy, strategy, funding and research of towns; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [25303/20]

Rural Development Plan

Mattie McGrath

907. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Community and Rural Development and the Islands the attempts made to develop a place-based approach to rural policies which would emphasise bottom up policies supported by top-down supports; and her plans to decentralise central services to a point of contact closer to the citizen. [25304/20]

Town and Village Renewal Scheme

Mattie McGrath

908. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Community and Rural Development and the Islands if successful applicants to the 2019 town and village renewal scheme can have their match funding requirement of 20% reduced to 10% in line with the 2020 scheme due to the difficulty that community groups are facing in fundraising during the Covid-19 pandemic and risk the entire project collapsing as a result; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [25317/20]

Covid-19 Pandemic Supports

Mattie McGrath

29. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Finance the status of the uptake of the wage subsidy scheme; the number of refusals; the reasons for refusals; the number of successful appeals; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24229/20]

Covid-19 Pandemic Supports

Mattie McGrath

158. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if supports have been considered for the self-employed and small businesses that do not qualify for the restart grant or the enterprise support grant; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24011/20]

Driver Test

Mattie McGrath

208. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Transport the number of applicants waiting for a driver test nationwide; the average waiting time for driver tests; the number of driver testers employed by the RSA; if additional testers will be employed to reduce waiting times; the efforts being made to reduce the waiting times in view of the large backlogs; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23281/20]

Medical Cards

Mattie McGrath

623. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Health when the legislation to increase the income limit on medical cards will commence (details supplied). [23538/20]

Drugs Payment Scheme

Mattie McGrath

668. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Health if the reduction in the drugs payment scheme is going ahead in September 2020 as announced in budget 2020; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23390/20]

Third Level Costs

Mattie McGrath

23. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the reason full fees are applicable for students in third level institutes when full services are not available to the students, for example, access to libraries and printing facilities; the supports available to students who struggle with online learning due to limited broadband facilities; if he will work with the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage to introduce protections for students in student accommodation in terms of deposits and refunds in view of the difficulties encountered by many as a result of Covid-19; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22958/20]

School Transport

Mattie McGrath

163. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Education the number of students that have been refused school bus tickets in 2020; the number of appeals submitted against decisions to refuse school bus tickets; the number of appeals finalised; the number of successful appeals; the length of time it is taking to decide on appeals; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22964/20]

School Transport

Mattie McGrath

164. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Education the steps she will take to overhaul the school transport scheme, which fails hundreds of students annually; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22965/20]

Public Services Card

Mattie McGrath

201. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Social Protection when full appointments will be available for those applying for the public services card; the reason for the continued delay in making appointments available; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [23001/20]

Covid-19 Pandemic

Mattie McGrath

263. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Health if his Department and the HSE will review and relax their admissions policy for maternity hospitals and wards to allow new fathers attend the postnatal ward to be with their partner and newborn child or children in view of the fact the policy was revoked at the beginning of the Covid-19 pandemic; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22788/20]

Nursing Education

Mattie McGrath

264. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Health if his Department and the HSE will review their policy for student nurses renumeration and show regard to frontline workers that worked at the height of the Covid-19 pandemic in view of the fact that many students returning to college in coming weeks are facing into a period of hospital placement for which they will receive no pay however are forced to give up part-time work in other healthcare settings due to cross-contamination and to prevent the spread of Covid-19; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22789/20]

Covid-19 Pandemic

Mattie McGrath

265. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Health if a special provision will be made available for school principals to contact in relation to health-related queries and concerns in the school setting similar to that made available by the Department of Education for the reopening of schools; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22790/20]

EU Summits

Mattie McGrath

11. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Taoiseach the special measures he sought to reduce the burden on Ireland during the EU summit of leaders. [18478/20]

Water Supply

Mattie McGrath

107. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the estimated cost of repairing water leaks in Dublin in view of the fact approximately 57% of water in Dublin is lost through leaks; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19257/20]

Crime Prevention

Mattie McGrath

243. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development if her attention has been drawn to an article in a newspaper (details supplied); if no public funds provided to an organisation by her Department were used to pay the award of €43,470 as outlined in the article; if an audit will be carried out in order to clarify the issue; if programmes at the organisation will continue to receive funding; if not, if a public tender process will be considered; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [19249/20]

Crime Prevention

Mattie McGrath

261. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if her attention has been drawn to a newspaper article (details supplied); when the audit by her Department referred to in the article was carried out; the findings of same; if the report will be published; whether public funds were used to pay the award of €43,470 as outlined in the article; the steps she will take to carry out a further audit to clarify the issue in view of the fact that the audit was carried out before the payments were made; if she will continue funding the organisation to manage the community alert and text alert rebate programmes; if not, if she will consider opening the programmes to a competitive tender process; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [19251/20]

Driver Test

Mattie McGrath

180. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport further to Parliamentary Question No. 251 of 14 July 2020, the reason it has been necessary to resume driver test centres on a gradual basis; the reason all centres could not have been re-opened in view of the essential nature of the service; when driver tests and driver theory tests will resume in Clonmel, County Tipperary; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18656/20]

Driver Licences

Mattie McGrath

181. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if his attention has been drawn to the difficulties being encountered by those with driver licences due to expire, to obtain an appointment to renew their licence due to the number of persons trying to obtain appointments as a result of the extension to their licences up to July 2020; the measures in place to ensure that persons that cannot obtain an appointment in a timely manner will have their licence extended in view of the fact they cannot drive while waiting for an appointment in cases where the appointment date is later than the expiry date; if the matter will receive urgent attention to ensure that those with expired or expiring licenses are given priority; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18657/20]

EU Budget Contribution

Mattie McGrath

219. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Finance the planned contribution by Ireland to the EU Budget over the next seven years; the justification for Ireland being the second highest contributor per capita to the EU Budget, second only to Luxembourg; the efforts that were made to seek a write down and reduction of the contribution in view of the write down received by Germany, Holland, Sweden and others; if efforts will be made to seek a reduction in the contribution by Ireland in view of the financial difficulties facing Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19028/20]

Mental Health Services

Mattie McGrath

1007. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Health if an analysis has been carried out on the further cost of carrying out upgrade works on the former St. Michael's unit at South Tipperary General Hospital to bring it up to sufficient standard for the provision of acute psychiatric beds; the difference in standard required between standard acute beds and acute psychiatric beds; the estimated cost of returning the unit to a psychiatric unit in a post Covid-19 environment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18653/20]

Mental Health Services

Mattie McGrath

1008. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Health if his attention has been drawn to the shortage of acute mental health beds in County Tipperary; his views on same; his plans to provide such beds; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18654/20]

Covid-19 Pandemic

Mattie McGrath

1009. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Health further to Parliamentary Question No. 821 of 7 July 2020, the nature of the works carried out at St. Brigid's Hospital, Carrick on Suir following the allocation of €20,000 for such works; when the hospital will reopen for the provision of convalescence and palliative care in view of the fact that the hospital continues to remain empty; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18655/20]

Covid-19 Tests

Mattie McGrath

1010. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Health the number of Covid-19 tests that have been carried out to date here; the cost of such testing; if he will provide a breakdown of the beneficiaries of such costs; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18658/20]

Marine Casualty Investigations Board

Mattie McGrath

97. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will establish a public enquiry into investigations carried out by the Marine Casualty Investigation Board following the European Court of Justice ruling recently that Ireland is not fulfilling its obligations under Article 8(1) of Directive 2009/18 governing the investigation of accidents in the maritime transport sector. [17262/20]

Better Energy Homes Scheme

Mattie McGrath

95. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the measures he will take to reduce the current waiting time for applications under the warmer homes scheme; if his attention has been drawn to the current backlogs of up to 18 months from time of application to being appointed to a contractor by the SEAI; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16995/20]

Marine Casualty Investigations Board

Mattie McGrath

146. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will amend the composition of the Marine Casualty Investigation Board to ensure that its membership is both impartial and has sufficient maritime competency to carry out its duties in view of the European Court of Justice ruling against Ireland regarding failures to ensure the independence of the board; if he will establish a public enquiry into its previous investigations in view of the concerns of whistle-blowers, victims' families and the ECJ ruling; if he will accept and support the reintroduction of the Merchant Shipping (Marine Casualty Investigation Board) (Amendment) Bill 2019; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16648/20]

Covid-19 Pandemic Supports

Mattie McGrath

320. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government the extra supports that will be provided to local authority leisure centres to allow them to reopen and operate fully without being at a financial loss as a result of the extra requirements placed on them; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17059/20]

Commercial Rates

Mattie McGrath

321. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government if the details of the implementation of the commercial rates waiver have been finalised and issued to local authorities; the reason for the delay in finalising the scheme; the funding that has been provided to local authorities to offset the financial losses as a result of the waiver; if the waiver will be extended beyond three months particularly for businesses that remain closed and have suffered huge financial losses; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17060/20]

School Uniforms

Mattie McGrath

399. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Education and Skills the position on school uniforms in view of the fact that parents are in the process of purchasing uniforms and in further view of reports that schools will have no uniforms for infection control reasons; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [16959/20]

School Curriculum

Mattie McGrath

400. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Education and Skills if a person (details supplied) or an organisation to which they are linked has been party to or had influence on the development of sex education programmes in schools; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17006/20]

Student Accommodation

Mattie McGrath

418. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Education and Skills the measures she will introduce to provide protections for third level students in circumstances in which many are expected to pay accommodation deposits and a number of months' rent up front when it is not clear whether they will be attending their colleges for classes in the coming term; if she will ensure that legislative protections are introduced to ensure that those providing student accommodation cannot take advantage of students in view of the current circumstances; if her attention has been drawn to the large demands being placed on students for payments up front despite the fact that many received no refunds for last term; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17127/20]

Electronic Cigarettes

Mattie McGrath

770. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Health if guidelines will be put in place regarding the use of e-cigarettes in public houses (details supplied). [17425/20]

Rental Sector

Mattie McGrath

98. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government when the blanket ban on landlords will be lifted with regard to the eviction of tenants (details supplied). [16433/20]

Driver Test

Mattie McGrath

251. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport when driver tests will resume in Clonmel, County Tipperary; the reason for the delay in resuming tests at the test centre; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15661/20]

Driver Test

Mattie McGrath

252. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if theory tests have resumed in Clonmel, County Tipperary; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15662/20]

Driver Test

Mattie McGrath

253. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if those living abroad with Irish driver licences who cannot travel home to renew same can extend their licence until all travel restrictions are lifted; the provisions available to persons who cannot get an appointment to renew their licence prior to the expiry date due to the unavailability of appointment slots and in cases in which the person does not hold a public services card and therefore cannot apply online; if persons who cannot get an appointment prior to their expiry date will have their licence extended until appointments become available (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15663/20]

National Car Test

Mattie McGrath

254. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if rain shelters will be placed outside NCT centres (details supplied) to ensure that those being made to wait outside are sheltered from the elements; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15693/20]

Consumer Rights

Mattie McGrath

270. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the efforts he is taking to ensure airlines refund customers who have followed advice to restrict foreign travel for essential business only and cancelled flights leaving many thousands out of pocket; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16109/20]

School Transport

Mattie McGrath

654. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Education and Skills the position in respect of the return of schools in September 2020 and school transport; if all students will have full access to school transport; the way in which school transport will operate in terms of social distancing; if the deadline for payment of school transport will be postponed beyond 30 July 2020 until full details on the return to school are confirmed in view of the fact that it is unclear for many whether they will return to school full time or have access to school transport; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [15672/20]

Covid-19 Pandemic Unemployment Payment

Mattie McGrath

786. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection if she will address the issue of members of an association (details supplied) having their pandemic unemployment payments reduced; the further supports available for this sector of society that continue to be without work as live music venues remain closed; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [15992/20]

Coroners Service

Mattie McGrath

928. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the reason for the two coronial districts of Tipperary north and Tipperary south; the number of cases dealt with by each coronial district nationally in the past five years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15253/20]

National Children's Hospital

Mattie McGrath

997. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Health the status of works at the national children's hospital; the timeline for the completion of the works; the estimated total cost of the project; the impact Covid-19 has had on the project; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14659/20]

Covid-19 Pandemic

Mattie McGrath

998. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Health the capital infrastructure projects that have had works carried out in response to Covid-19 in County Tipperary; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14661/20]

Hospital Services

Mattie McGrath

1123. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Health the timeline for the reopening of St. Brigid’s Hospital, Carrick-on-Suir, for respite and palliative care services; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15254/20]

Hospital Services

Mattie McGrath

1124. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Health the long-term plan for St. Michael’s Hospital following the investment of €700,000 as part of the Covid-19 response; if the hospital will now be reconsidered for the provision of urgently required mental health crisis beds; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15255/20]

Disability Services Provision

Mattie McGrath

1130. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Health the specific timeline for the reopening of adult and child disability services, respectively; the additional supports that will be put in place to support those living with disabilities and their families who are experiencing extreme regression as a result of the closure of such services for months; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15293/20]

Hospital Services

Mattie McGrath

1131. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Health his plans to deliver access to 24-7 cardiac care at University Hospital Waterford, UHW; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15294/20]

Covid-19 Pandemic Supports

Mattie McGrath

264. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht her plans to support the country and Irish music industry following Covid-19; if the industry will receive sufficient national airplay from broadcasters to ensure the survival of the industry; the support package she has in place to support artists that continue to be out of work as a result of Government restrictions; her plans to support Irish artists, specifically traditional and country music artists; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14399/20]

Covid-19 Pandemic

Mattie McGrath

821. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Health if procurement procedures are being followed for all Covid-19 projects and expenditure; the way in which capital expenditure projects are being prioritised; the areas from which the funding for such projects is coming from; the spend on all Covid-19 infrastructure projects; the infrastructure projects by county being carried out to respond to Covid-19; the cost of each project to date; the estimated total cost; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14320/20]

Disability Services Provision

Mattie McGrath

822. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Health when full disability services will resume in County Tipperary for both adult and child disability services; the reason for the delay; the services that have resumed; the supports in place for those with special needs who are regressing as a result of closure of all services; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14321/20]

Mental Health Services

Mattie McGrath

833. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Health the long-term plans for a unit (details supplied) following the expenditure of €700,000 on upgrade works; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14390/20]

Coroners Service

Mattie McGrath

281. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Justice and Equality her plans to replace the Coroner in south Tipperary upon their retirement; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12805/20]

Covid-19 Pandemic Supports

Mattie McGrath

357. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation the supports available or being considered for new start-up businesses in a post-Covid-19 economy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13477/20]

Abortion Services Provision

Mattie McGrath

446. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Health if he will report to Dáil Éireann by 30 June 2020 on the number of unborn babies aborted under the Health (Regulation of Termination of Pregnancy) Act 2018 during 2019, which is a legal requirement under section 21(4) of the Act; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13034/20]

Covid-19 Pandemic

Mattie McGrath

686. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport when driver tests, driving lessons, NCT, NDLS and theory test services will resume under the revised Roadmap for Reopening Society and Business; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13003/20]

Local Authority Rates

Mattie McGrath

897. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government the reason local authorities have sent rates demands for the full annual rates bill; the reason the rates waiver has not been applied; if details have been finalised with the local authorities in relation to the rates waiver and the way in which it is to be implemented; when the details will be finalised; the reason for the delay in finalising this matter; if he will consider extending the moratorium for a further period to support businesses that have lost out on business for over three months to date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13428/20]

Commercial Rates

Mattie McGrath

898. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government the length of time it takes to process an appeal with the Valuation Tribunal; the reason for such a delay in which a higher rates demand is under appeal; if the business has to pay the previous rates amount or the new amount under appeal; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13429/20]

Retail Sector

Mattie McGrath

79. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Finance if cash is no longer legal tender; if those that do not have card facilities can be refused service; his views on whether this is discriminating against those who do not have access to card facilities; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12500/20]

Covid-19 Pandemic Supports

Mattie McGrath

355. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation if businesses that have tax arrears as a result of Covid-19 are excluded from the restart grant programme and eligibility; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11707/20]

Covid-19 Pandemic

Mattie McGrath

545. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Health the reason a facility serving food is allowed to reopen; the health grounds this decision is based on; if Covid-19 can differentiate between a person who eats a meal in a facility or a person who does not; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12504/20]

Bord na gCon

Mattie McGrath

594. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the private greyhound tracks being supported by or under the remit of the Irish Greyhound Board; the location of the tracks; the level of funding each private track receives annually; the level of Covid-19 specific funding that the tracks have received; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12031/20]

Bord na gCon

Mattie McGrath

595. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if an independent mediator to resolve ongoing issues between the Irish Greyhound Board and Clonmel greyhound stadium will be appointed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12032/20]

Covid-19 Pandemic Supports

Mattie McGrath

412. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation further to Parliamentary Question No. 420 of 27 May 2020, the way in which mobile businesses and tradespersons have been better placed to continue to trade as having done so would have been in direct contravention of the restrictions imposed due to Covid-19; her views on whether they should have continued to trade despite the restrictions; if not, the supports that will be made available for such business; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [10682/20]

Healthcare Infrastructure Provision

Mattie McGrath

477. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Health the reason Our Lady’s Hospital, Cashel, County Tipperary has been deemed suitable for the resumption of inpatient accommodation in view of being informed over many years that it is not suitable for same; the works that have been carried out to make it suitable; the cost of the works; if the hospital will return to full inpatient accommodation following the recent works; his plans for the hospital in a post-Covid-19 environment; the reason persons have been informed it is not suitable for inpatient accommodation; if the hospital will be retained as a step-down facility to support capacity issues at South Tipperary General Hospital; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10500/20]

Healthcare Infrastructure Provision

Mattie McGrath

500. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Health further to a response received from the HSE (details supplied), the exact nature of works being carried out at Our Lady’s Hospital, Cashel, County Tipperary; the breakdown of jobs completed on site and awaiting completion, respectively; the cost of works carried out; the funds from which the works are being paid for; the date on which transfers of patients from St. Patrick's Hospital are due to take place; the length of time it is envisaged that patients from St. Patrick's will remain in the hospital; the future plans for the hospital once the patients from St. Patrick's return there; if the information is not immediately available if it will be provided as soon as it is to hand; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10670/20]

Healthcare Infrastructure Provision

Mattie McGrath

501. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Health the nature of works being carried out at St. Michael’s Hospital, Clonmel; the breakdown of works being carried out and works yet to be carried out; the costs of all works; the future intentions for the hospital in a post-Covid-19 environment; if the hospital will be used to provide urgently needed mental health beds in south County Tipperary; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10674/20]

Health Services Staff

Mattie McGrath

503. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Health the locations all staff from St. Brigid's Hospital, Carrick-on-Suir, have been redeployed to, resulting in the closure of the hospital; the number of staff employed by the HSE in CHO5 in response to the Be On Call for Ireland campaign; the number of staff who responded to same in CHO5; the reason staff could not have been taken from this campaign to meet the needs of staff throughout the county to allow staff in St. Brigid’s Hospital to continue to provide respite and convalescence services there; when staff previously employed in St. Brigid’s will return there; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10688/20]

Health Services Staff

Mattie McGrath

504. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Health the number of additional respite beds being provided throughout south County Tipperary following the closure of St. Brigid’s Hospital; the locations of these respite beds; the facilities accommodating the additional beds that would normally be accommodated in St. Brigid’s; the way in which these facilities have space and capacity to provide additional accommodation; the locations of the three hospice beds previously located at St. Brigid’s being provided; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10692/20]

Disability Services Funding

Mattie McGrath

670. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Health if funding will be made available to allow a facility (details supplied) to run a summer camp for children with special needs in Clonmel, County Tipperary, in summer 2020; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11358/20]

National Car Test

Mattie McGrath

880. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the reason no NCT centre in County Tipperary has been reopened as part of the reopening; the reason for the delay in reopening these centres; if the lifts have been repaired in all centres; if this is the reason these centres remain closed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11363/20]

Driver Test

Mattie McGrath

881. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport when driver lessons can resume; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11364/20]

Tax Exemptions

Mattie McGrath

88. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Finance if he will consider a once-off measure that each PRSA holder will be allowed to take a once-off withdrawal of €7,500 from their PRSA irrespective of other drawings they may or may not have made in the past (details supplied) in an effort to kickstart the economy following the Covid-19 pandemic; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10448/20]

Hospital Services

Mattie McGrath

436. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Health when St. Brigid's Hospital, Carrick-on-Suir, County Tipperary will be returned to its normal operations; the reason the hospital has been kept idle when the numbers of cases in County Tipperary no longer justify this approach; if he will give a written commitment regarding the future of the hospital; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10451/20]

Greyhound Industry

Mattie McGrath

466. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if a resolution will be found to a situation (details supplied) regarding the greyhound industry in County Tipperary; if an independent mediator will be appointed to review the historic debt and find a resolution; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9932/20]