Parliamentary questions

Firearms Licences

Michael Lowry

412. Deputy Michael Lowry asked the Minister for Justice and Equality in view of recent reports, if he is examining proposals at present to increase the restrictions on handgun ownership; the current status of these proposals; if he will provide an assurance that any new regulations will not impact on game hunters; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11751/14]

Meat Processing Plants

Michael Lowry

456. Deputy Michael Lowry asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the steps being taken to tackle illegal animal slaughterhouses in view of the discoveries made in Northern Ireland; if he has been in contact with the authorities in Northern Ireland on this matter; the steps being taken to tackle both the illegal slaughter and the supply to these illegal slaughterhouses; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11739/14]

Sick Pay Scheme Reform

Michael Lowry

351. Deputy Michael Lowry asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the status of the regulations to be brought forward in relation to the new sick leave scheme; when this regulation will be published; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9337/14]

Garda Recruitment

Michael Lowry

166. Deputy Michael Lowry asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if he will provide clarification on the status of those who had applied as part of the Garda recruitment process and who have been classified as Band 2 or Band 3; if these persons will be considered for any future recruitment process or will that be confined to those classified as Band 1; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8559/14]

Banking Sector Staff

Michael Lowry

191. Deputy Michael Lowry asked the Minister for Finance if his attention has been drawn to the concerns of Ulster Bank employees here as a result of the RBS review that is currently underway; if his attention has been drawn to the concerns that this review could lead to the loss of upwards of 1,000 jobs; if his attention has been drawn to the impact this further loss of staff would have on customer service and the general public, if he will confirm the actions being taken to engage with RBS executives in Edinburgh and the British Government to ensure that these concerns are abated; the responses received from each; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7831/14]

Public Sector Staff Recruitment

Michael Lowry

125. Deputy Michael Lowry asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform his policy for the internal advertising of Civil Service jobs; if his attention has been drawn to the fact that jobs are being advertised internally for those on a temporary contract; his views on whether this is fair particularly to those who may have recently finished on their temporary contract and are therefore precluded from applying; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7237/14]

Firearms Licences

Michael Lowry

500. Deputy Michael Lowry asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the process for the regulation of shooting ranges here; if the concerns of members of the public are taken into consideration when examining an application for a licence for same; if there is a public consultation; if there is an appeals process; if there is a required distance between the proposed shooting range and homes, farms and schools; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4970/14]

Legal Aid Applications

Michael Lowry

501. Deputy Michael Lowry asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the current waiting time to access legal aid in County Tipperary, both north and south; the way this compares nationally; if his attention has been drawn to the distress and upset being caused to those awaiting legal assistance; if he is aware of the detrimental impact this delay is having on those in financial distress, for example, with mortgage repayments; if he will sanction further staff to tackle this backlog; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4971/14]

Hospital Services

Michael Lowry

633. Deputy Michael Lowry asked the Minister for Health if all blood samples taken in the mid-west region are sent to the Mid-Western Regional Hospital in Limerick for testing; his views on whether that office is adequately staffed to deal with this increased volume of blood samples; if he will sanction further staff to assist that office; if he will confirm the percentage of the submitted samples that are tested within the required timeframe; if he will confirm what becomes of untested samples after this date; if his attention has been drawn to the hardship and distress this causes to patients; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4972/14]

School Transport Availability

Michael Lowry

252. Deputy Michael Lowry asked the Minister for Education and Skills if his attention has been drawn to the difficulties accessing school transport being faced by children with special needs in South Tipperary (details supplied); the steps being taken to resolve this matter; if his attention has been drawn to the distress and upset being caused as a result of this dispute; if he will immediately intervene on behalf of the children and parents affected; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3707/14]

National Broadband Plan Implementation

Michael Lowry

464. Deputy Michael Lowry asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if he will provide an update on the national broadband scheme; the timeline as to when broadband will be available in rural areas in County Tipperary (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3795/14]

National Broadband Plan Implementation

Michael Lowry

465. Deputy Michael Lowry asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if he will provide an update on the national broadband scheme; when broadband will be available in rural areas (details supplied) in County Tipperary; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3810/14]

Student Grant Scheme Eligibility

Michael Lowry

70. Deputy Michael Lowry asked the Minister for Education and Skills the reason a course (details supplied) has been deemed ineligible for the student grant in view of the fact that it is a full-time course of two years in a duration in a leading university, that leads to a recognised FETAC Level 7 qualification; the reason Student Universal Support Ireland has stated that this course does not lead to a major award; if his attention has been drawn to the hardship, distress and upset caused to students on this course as a result of this decision; if he will review this decision; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3201/14]

School Textbooks Rental Scheme

Michael Lowry

239. Deputy Michael Lowry asked the Minister for Education and Skills his view on whether it is fair that a school that has commenced a school book rental scheme is excluded from the recently announced book rental grant, even if this scheme is only operational in one class at present; if he will consider extending this to include schools that have a partial book rental scheme; if he will review the case of a school (details supplied) in County Tipperary to determine their eligibility for grant aid; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2405/14]

Agriculture Scheme Eligibility

Michael Lowry

568. Deputy Michael Lowry asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will review a decision made to refuse a grant for sow housing welfare scheme in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Monaghan; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2749/14]

Grant Payments

Michael Lowry

184. Deputy Michael Lowry asked the Minister for Education and Skills if his attention has been drawn to the hardship caused to families as a result of the fact that the remote area grant is not paid until the end of the school year; if his further attention has been drawn to the fact that this late payment may impact on the ability of strained families to pay for fuel to drive their children to school every day, if he will review this system; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [55295/13]

Student Grant Scheme Applications

Michael Lowry

207. Deputy Michael Lowry asked the Minister for Education and Skills if he will make a determination as to the eligibility of a course for the purposes of the student grant with Student Universal Support Ireland (details supplied); if the reason the grant has been allocated to a large number of students in this course and refused to others; if his attention has been drawn to the fact that this course is a full-time, FETAC recognised course that leads to a qualification; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [55535/13]

Flood Relief Schemes Applications

Michael Lowry

283. Deputy Michael Lowry asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if he will provide an update on the Templemore flood relief scheme; the position regarding this project; when work will commence; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1614/14]

IDA Jobs Data

Michael Lowry

329. Deputy Michael Lowry asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation if he will provide a breakdown by county of the number of Industrial Development Authority led jobs created in 2013; if he will indicate the amount of IDA jobs delivered in north Tipperary and south Tipperary in 2013; if he will provide information on the number of visits of potential investors or the IDA to north and south Tipperary in 2013; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1613/14]

Agriculture Scheme Penalties

Michael Lowry

627. Deputy Michael Lowry asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if his attention has been drawn to the penalty imposed on a person (details supplied) in County Tipperary in 2008 further to a single payment inspection; if his attention has been drawn to the fact that the person was never notified of this penalty; if in view of this, the person can now appeal this penalty; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [55308/13]

Prescription Charges

Michael Lowry

548. Deputy Michael Lowry asked the Minister for Health if prescription charges are applicable to those living in Ireland, and who hold a UK pension, in view of the fact that the UK National Health Service covers the health care costs of those who hold a UK pension but live outside of the UK; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53741/13]

Health Services Provision

Michael Lowry

602. Deputy Michael Lowry asked the Minister for Health further to parliamentary Questions Nos. 499 and 522 of 10 December, if he will address the specific issues raised with regard to the lack of supports available for teenagers who have suffered a brain injury; if his attention has been drawn to the lack of a dedicated adolescent rehabilitation unit for teenagers who have suffered an acquired brain injury; if his attention has been drawn to the lack of support group or organisation for affected teenagers; if his attention has been drawn to the devastation caused to teenagers as a result of these injuries; if his attention has been drawn to the fact that a teenage brain can recover swifter and better if the correct supports are put in place; if he is aware that the organisations referred to in the reply do not cater for teenagers as was erroneously stated; if he will take immediate action to tackle this issue and provide for an adolescent support unit; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [54149/13]

Warmer Homes Scheme Applications

Michael Lowry

316. Deputy Michael Lowry asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if his attention has been drawn to the fact that under the warmer homes scheme, applicants can now avail of cavity wall insulation where previously this option was not available; if his attention has been drawn to the fact that many previous applicants now feel aggrieved that they could not avail of wall cavity insulation; his views on whether this is fair; and if he will allow previous applicants to reapply to avail of this option. [52991/13]

Health Services Provision

Michael Lowry

522. Deputy Michael Lowry asked the Minister for Health if his attention has been drawn to the lack of a dedicated adolescent rehabilitation unit for teenagers who have suffered an acquired brain injury; if his attention has been drawn to the lack of support group or organisation for affected teenagers; if his attention has been drawn to the devastation caused to teenagers as a result of these injuries; if his attention has been drawn to the fact that a teenage brain can recover more swiftly and better if the correct supports are put in place; if he will take immediate action to tackle this issue and provide for an adolescent support unit; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52874/13]

Student Grant Scheme Applications

Michael Lowry

86. Deputy Michael Lowry asked the Minister for Education and Skills if his attention has been drawn to a student grant application in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Tipperary; the reasons for the excessive and unfair delay in processing this case; if the delay was caused by a technical issue; the reasons it is taking so long to resolve this issue; if he will ensure that this application is immediately reviewed and the information sent to the person; if he will ensure that this application is given early consideration once the family is notified of and returns the required documentation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52231/13]

Departmental Staff Redeployment

Michael Lowry

296. Deputy Michael Lowry asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if he will provide a transfer for a person (details supplied) in County Tipperary from their current post to the Garda vetting unit; if his attention has been drawn to the personal circumstances of the person in question; the reason this was not considered for the recent transfers to this unit, in view of the fact that they were on the waiting list; if he will ensure that if any further vacancies-transfer opportunities become available to the vetting unit that they are offered to this person; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51620/13]

Disability Support Services

Michael Lowry

396. Deputy Michael Lowry asked the Minister for Health if he will intervene to ensure that funding is made available to the Dyspraxia Association of Ireland to allow them to continue their vital work, in the absence of any provision by the Health Service Executive; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51301/13]

Health Screening Programmes

Michael Lowry

403. Deputy Michael Lowry asked the Minister for Health the reason for the delay in the school eye screening programme; his views that this delay is acceptable; if his attention has been drawn to the adverse impact on pupils as a result of these delays; the steps he will take to address this matter; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51476/13]

Foreign Adoptions

Michael Lowry

175. Deputy Michael Lowry asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs if she will provide an assurance that the families seeking to adopt in Russia, who have been affected by the conflict in Irish and Russian law as a result of section 63 of the Adoption Act, will be provided for prior to the Christmas recess; if a response has been received from the Attorney General on this matter; if not, when a reply is expected; if she will bring forward legislation immediately to tackle this issue in view of the very short timeframe open to these families; if she will provide an update on progress to date; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [50906/13]

School Staffing

Michael Lowry

276. Deputy Michael Lowry asked the Minister for Education and Skills the sick leave entitlements for a person (details supplied) in County Tipperary; if the entire summer and Easter holidays will count towards the allowed period of sick leave; his views on whether this is fair; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50867/13]

Water Fluoridation

Michael Lowry

667. Deputy Michael Lowry asked the Minister for Health if he will provide an assurance that tap water is safe for use in the making up of babies' bottles; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49123/13]

Student Grant Scheme Applications

Michael Lowry

337. Deputy Michael Lowry asked the Minister for Education and Skills the position regarding a student grant application in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Tipperary; the reason this application was cancelled; if he will review this decision; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46805/13]

JobBridge Programme

Michael Lowry

428. Deputy Michael Lowry asked the Minister for Social Protection if her attention has been drawn to the anomaly that exists within the JobBridge scheme and those who have been working voluntarily; if her attention has been further drawn to the fact that many of those who have been working for free to try to further their careers cannot take up on JobBridge positions, as they have not been claiming a qualifying social welfare payment, and are losing out as a result; if she will review a case of a person (details supplied) in County Tipperary relating to this issue; if she will take steps to tackle this unfairness; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [45736/13]

Single Payment Scheme Administration

Michael Lowry

963. Deputy Michael Lowry asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will provide clarification on the exact number of farmers who have been contacted as part of the claw-back on single farm payments from the ongoing land parcel eligibility review; the total sum being sought from farmers by his Department to date; the number of farmers in County Tipperary who have been contacted in this regard; and the total sum being recouped from farmers in County Tipperary. [46937/13]

Single Payment Scheme Administration

Michael Lowry

964. Deputy Michael Lowry asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will provide clarification on the scale of the claw-back currently being undertaken on single farm payments as a result of the ongoing land parcel eligibility review; if he will confirm the years being reviewed, if he will provide an assurance that a ceiling will be put on the years being examined; his views on whether this review is fair on farmers here in view of the fact that the information provided was done so using the best technology available at the time; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46938/13]

Emergency Services Personnel

Michael Lowry

1176. Deputy Michael Lowry asked the Minister for Health the reason the fire brigade is not called to assist in the case of cardiac arrest where an ambulance is not available; his views on whether this would be a prudent measure in view of the frequency of cardiac arrests and the need for swift action in these cases; if he will examine the possibility of creating a call system for the fire brigade when the ambulance is not available; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46682/13]

Hospital Procedures

Michael Lowry

1177. Deputy Michael Lowry asked the Minister for Health if his attention has been drawn to the case of a person (details supplied) in County Tipperary who is currently awaiting an urgent scan in Cork University Hospital; the reasons for the delay; if his attention has been drawn to the fact that the person was rushed to hospital twice last weekend by ambulance due to the severe pain; his views on whether this is a logical and reasonable use of resources; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46683/13]

Schools Building Projects Status

Michael Lowry

178. Deputy Michael Lowry asked the Minister for Education and Skills if his attention has been drawn to an overcrowding issue in a school (details supplied) in County Tipperary; the steps being taken by his Department to tackle this issue; if he will provide an update on the status of an application for funding for a new building submitted by this school; if he will provide assurance that funding will be provided to assist this school; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44219/13]

Shared Ownership Scheme

Michael Lowry

363. Deputy Michael Lowry asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government further to Parliamentary Question No. 188 of 22 May 2013, the steps being taken to assist those trapped in the shared ownership scheme; if the Government review on this matter has been completed; the steps that will be taken to assist the families affected; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44554/13]

Garda Transport Provision

Michael Lowry

390. Deputy Michael Lowry asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if he will detail the number of new Garda patrol vehicles being made available to the district of Tipperary in 2013; the number of new vehicles made available to this area in 2012; the total number of vehicles available to An Garda Síochána in the Tipperary area; the number of vehicles retired from this fleet in 2013; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44144/13]

Medicinal Products Prices

Michael Lowry

487. Deputy Michael Lowry asked the Minister for Health if his attention has been drawn to the huge discrepancy between the cost of asthma inhalers in this jurisdiction compared to Northern Ireland; if his attention has been drawn to the hugely detrimental impact this drastic price difference is having on the almost half a million asthma sufferers here; if he will detail the reasons these vital inhalers are multiple times more expensive here; his views on whether this is acceptable; the steps being taken to tackle price differentials in vital drugs; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44145/13]

Medical Card Data

Michael Lowry

488. Deputy Michael Lowry asked the Minister for Health if he will provide clarification on the total number of discretionary medical cards issued to persons in County Tipperary in 2013; if he will provide information on the way this compares to 2011 and 2012; the total number of discretionary medical card holders in County Tipperary in 2013; the way this compares to 2011 and 2012; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44146/13]

Medicinal Products Availability

Michael Lowry

173. Deputy Michael Lowry asked the Minister for Health if his attention has been drawn to the shortage of the drug, augmentin, in pharmacies here; if he is concerned about the impact this shortage will have on patients, in particular on patients who find augmentin to be the only successful drug in this regard; if his attention has been drawn to the fact that pharmacists are reporting that this drug will not now be available until October 2014; if he will detail the steps being taken to tackle the shortage of this drug and other vital drugs here; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43880/13]

Disadvantaged Areas Scheme Application Numbers

Michael Lowry

299. Deputy Michael Lowry asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the total number of disadvantaged areas scheme applications from farmers in County Tipperary; the total number of these that have been paid to date; the reason for the delay in the remainder of the cases; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42983/13]

Farm Inspections

Michael Lowry

300. Deputy Michael Lowry asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will examine the legality and fairness of a farm inspection in County Tipperary in 2012 (details supplied) in view of the fact that the person was never notified of the inspection and was not present on the farm at the time of the inspection; if he will reconsider the penalties imposed arising from this inspection; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42984/13]

Single Payment Scheme Eligibility

Michael Lowry

495. Deputy Michael Lowry asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will provide a county breakdown on the land eligibility penalties imposed as a result of inspections under the single farm payment scheme for 2012; if he will provide figures on the percentage of farms where a penalty was imposed; the rate of the penalty imposed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42263/13]

Foreign Adoptions

Michael Lowry

512. Deputy Michael Lowry asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the progress made to date in assisting the families currently engaged in the adoption process with Russia and who are affected by a recent change in Russian law which creates a conflict with section 63 of the Adoption Act 2010; the responses received further to representations made to the Russian authorities; if she will provide an assurance that she will bring forward amendments to the Adoption Act if action is not forthcoming from the Russian authorities; if she will provide an assure that these families will be allowed complete their adoptions prior to the 31 October deadline; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [42425/13]

Vaccination Programme

Michael Lowry

598. Deputy Michael Lowry asked the Minister for Health the status of the new vaccination against meningitis B, Bexsero, here; when a decision will be made as to whether this drug will be made available in this jurisdiction; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42428/13]

Vaccination Programme

Michael Lowry

594. Deputy Michael Lowry asked the Minister for Health the progress being made to provide some redress and compensation for the victims of the blackleg vaccine; if his attention has been drawn to the distress and upset being caused due to the excessive delays in dealing with this issue; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40644/13]

Driving Licence Issues

Michael Lowry

648. Deputy Michael Lowry asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if a person (details supplied) in County Tipperary who has held a licence since 1989 is entitled to have a trailer towing E category added to their B licence in view of the fact that they are a full-time farmer. [41042/13]

Health Services Allowances

Michael Lowry

185. Deputy Michael Lowry asked the Minister for Health if he will provide details of the cuts to the rehab training allowance over the past three years; the current rate of the allowance; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38906/13]

School Transport Appeals

Michael Lowry

330. Deputy Michael Lowry asked the Minister for Education and Skills if he will review a decision of the school transport appeals board with respect to a family (details supplied) in County Laois; if he will overturn this decision in view of the information provided; if he will not overturn the decision, if he will provide an assurance that a concessionary seat will be available for the duration of the child's time in school; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37860/13]

School Transport Provision

Michael Lowry

331. Deputy Michael Lowry asked the Minister for Education and Skills if he will review the post-primary school transport scheme in view of the difficulty that it is causing families; if his attention has been drawn to the disruption evident as a result of changing from catchment area to closest school; if his attention has been further drawn to the fact that the changes are forcing extra expenses on families who want their children to attend a certain school; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37861/13]

Community Employment Scheme Operating Guidelines

Michael Lowry

684. Deputy Michael Lowry asked the Minister for Social Protection if her attention has been drawn to the changes made to the Community Employment Manual, updated earlier this year; if she will detail the impact of these changes on community employment scheme supervisors; if she will clarify the impact these changes will have on the ability of a supervisor to carry out voluntary work in their own time; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [38390/13]

Agriculture Schemes Penalties

Michael Lowry

1193. Deputy Michael Lowry asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will provide a breakdown of the average single farm payment penalty imposed on Tipperary farmers under the categories of cattle inspections, GAEC inspections and nitrates inspections; the way this compares to the national average; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37928/13]

Farm Inspections

Michael Lowry

1194. Deputy Michael Lowry asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will provide figures for the number of Tipperary farmers notified in advance of a single farm payment on farm inspection, as required by the charter of rights drawn up with his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37929/13]

Agriculture Schemes Penalties

Michael Lowry

1195. Deputy Michael Lowry asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if his attention has been drawn to the discrepancies between single farm payment penalties across the different counties; if he will detail the reasons for same; his views on whether this discrepancy is fair on farmers; if his attention has been drawn to the pressure and distress inspections are placing on farmers; the steps being taken to equalise the penalties across the various counties; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37930/13]

Inter-Country Adoptions

Michael Lowry

1262. Deputy Michael Lowry asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs if her attention has been drawn to the difficulty that has arisen with section 63 of the Adoption Act 2010 due to a recent change in Russian law; if her attention has been drawn to the difficulty this has caused for Irish families already engaged and at an advanced stage of the adoption process with Russia; the steps being taken to assist the families affected; if she will take immediate action to amend section 63 to assist these families in completing their adoptions; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [38080/13]

Special Educational Needs Services Provision

Michael Lowry

379. Deputy Michael Lowry asked the Minister for Education and Skills if he will change Special Education Circular 02/05 to include Down's syndrome as a low incidence disability; if he will ensure that children with Down's syndrome are given access to maximum resource hours; if he will commit to making a decision on this matter prior to the summer recess; if he will provide an update on the progress that has been made since meeting representatives of Down Syndrome Ireland on 25 June; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35437/13]

Child Care Services Inspections

Michael Lowry

464. Deputy Michael Lowry asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs if she will detail the reasons that inspection reports for child care facilities have not been published online to date, despite promises to the contrary; the reasons for the delay in publishing these important reports; her views on whether such a delay is acceptable; if she will provide an update on the creation of a register of child care facilities; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [32989/13]

Home Help Service Provision

Michael Lowry

510. Deputy Michael Lowry asked the Minister for Health the maximum number of hours available to a person requiring round the clock care under the home care package in each Health Service Executive area; the reason for the discrepancy in this figure; his views on whether this is fair; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33128/13]

Passport Applications

Michael Lowry

153. Deputy Michael Lowry asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the position regarding a second business passport application in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Tipperary; the reason for the delay in issuing a decision in this case; when a decision will issue in this case; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31563/13]

FÁS Training Programmes

Michael Lowry

232. Deputy Michael Lowry asked the Minister for Education and Skills if he will allow a person (details supplied) in County Tipperary to complete an apprenticeship with FÁS outside this jurisdiction; if he will recognise their work outside the State for the purposes of their apprenticeship; if his attention has been drawn to the person who cannot complete their apprenticeship within the State; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30214/13]

FÁS Local Training Initiatives Eligibility

Michael Lowry

236. Deputy Michael Lowry asked the Minister for Education and Skills if he will review the criteria in place for qualification for a named FÁS course (details supplied), if his attention has been drawn to the fact that at present a person must be living in the State for two years to avail of this scheme; his views on whether this is fair; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30660/13]

Tax Reliefs Application

Michael Lowry

178. Deputy Michael Lowry asked the Minister for Finance if he will provide an update on the measure introduced in Budget 2013 to provide capital gains tax relief to enable farm restructuring or the swapping of farm land; if EU approval has been given for this measure; if not when such approval is expected; the steps being taken to secure an approval; if he will ensure that any such swaps or transfers undertaken since 1 January will be eligible for this relief; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26998/13]

School Staffing

Michael Lowry

240. Deputy Michael Lowry asked the Minister for Education and Skills if he will provide assurance that an essential staff member who is retiring from a school (details supplied) in County Tipperary will be replaced for the coming academic year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26601/13]

Student Grant Scheme Eligibility

Michael Lowry

268. Deputy Michael Lowry asked the Minister for Education and Skills if he will confirm the number of student grant applications submitted to SUSI that have been deemed ineligible as they have not been completed within the time frame set out; if he will confirm the number of student grant applications in County Tipperary rejected for the same reasons; if he will concede that the delay in many of these cases was caused by SUSI rather than the applicant; his views on whether this rejection is fair; if he will immediately re-open these applications without forcing students to appeal in view of the delays in the SUSI system; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26997/13]

Student Grant Scheme Eligibility

Michael Lowry

308. Deputy Michael Lowry asked the Minister for Education and Skills if he will review a decision by Student Universal Support Ireland to assess a person (details supplied) in Dublin 24 as dependent on their parents in view of the fact that they are living independently and do not receive any financial support from their parents; his views on whether it is fair that this person be assessed as dependent; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27734/13]

Special Educational Needs Services Provision

Michael Lowry

309. Deputy Michael Lowry asked the Minister for Education and Skills if he will review the decision made to alter the July home provision for children with autism; his views on whether the cutting of these services is fair and equitable; if his attention has been drawn to the distress and upset being caused to parents as a result of the changes made to the July home provision for children with autism; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27735/13]

Road Projects Issues

Michael Lowry

1115. Deputy Michael Lowry asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if his attention has been drawn to the fact that a number of farmers in north Tipperary (details supplied) have yet to be paid for lands acquired through compulsory purchase order for the construction of a road; the reasons for the excessive delay in this case; the steps being taken to tackle this issue; when payment will issue; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27954/13]

Property Tax Exemptions

Michael Lowry

162. Deputy Michael Lowry asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the reason an estate (details supplied) in County Tipperary is not an exempted estate for the purposes of the local property tax despite the fact that it was exempt from the household charge; if his attention has been drawn to the fact that no improvement works have been undertaken on this estate since the introduction of the household charge; his views on whether this is fair and equitable on the residents in this estate; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25992/13]

State Examinations

Michael Lowry

244. Deputy Michael Lowry asked the Minister for Education and Skills the reason that reasonable accommodations for the leaving certificate exam have not been granted to a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; if he will detail the reasons these accommodations have not been awarded to the person in question; if his attention has been drawn to the exceptional circumstances at play in this case; if his attention has been drawn to the distress and upset being caused to the person and their family as a result of this decision; his views on whether this decision is fair; if he will review this matter and ask that an exemption be made in this case; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25306/13]

Student Grant Scheme Applications

Michael Lowry

276. Deputy Michael Lowry asked the Minister for Education and Skills if his attention has been drawn to a student grant application in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Tipperary; the reason this application has been closed despite all information requested being returned by the applicant; his views on whether this action was fair and reasonable; if his further attention has been drawn to the hardship being caused to the person as a result of this decision; if he will re-open this case and ensure that a decision is made as a matter of urgency; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25650/13]

Social and Affordable Housing Provision

Michael Lowry

188. Deputy Michael Lowry asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if his attention has been drawn to the difficulties being faced by those engaged in the now discontinued shared ownership scheme; if his further attention has been drawn to the fact that countless families across County Tipperary and indeed the country who engaged in this scheme are facing significant financial difficulty due to the fact that the rent on the council owned portion of their home has increased exponentially; if his further attention has been drawn to the fact that as a result they are making little progress in the purchase of their home; if he will amend the Housing Act 2009 to resolve this issue; if he will consider allowing these persons to convert to a loan on their full property; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24757/13]

Teacher Redeployment

Michael Lowry

363. Deputy Michael Lowry asked the Minister for Education and Skills the reason a person (details supplied) in County Tipperary was not granted supplementary panel rights; if his attention has been drawn to the fact that the teacher in question meets the service and pay scale requirements; if he considers this exclusion to be fair and reasonable; if he will review this case; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24487/13]

Invalidity Pension Eligibility

Michael Lowry

436. Deputy Michael Lowry asked the Minister for Social Protection if she will review the refusal of invalidity pension to a person (details supplied) in County Limerick; if she will confirm the grounds on which the medical officer who examined the application decided this person was capable of work of any nature; if she will confirm the type of work she or her medical officer would recommend for this person; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24265/13]

Animal Diseases

Michael Lowry

559. Deputy Michael Lowry asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will sanction the payment of a herd test for a person (details supplied) in County Tipperary; if his attention has been drawn to the circumstances in this case; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23689/13]

Student Grant Scheme Eligibility

Michael Lowry

120. Deputy Michael Lowry asked the Minister for Education and Skills if he will review the decision made by Student Universal Support Ireland to refuse grant aid to a person (details supplied) in County Tipperary; if he will clarify the position where a person has commenced but not completed a level 6/7 FETAC course and is now returning to undertake a level 8 course; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23382/13]

Mobility Allowance Decision

Michael Lowry

248. Deputy Michael Lowry asked the Minister for Health if he will provide an update on the progress being made to formulate a replacement for mobility allowance and motorised transport grant; if he will provide a timeframe for the publication of same; if he will provide a guarantee that a replacement scheme will be in place prior top the cessation of payments under the current scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23110/13]

School Curriculum

Michael Lowry

268. Deputy Michael Lowry asked the Minister for Education and Skills if he will detail the reasons a school (details supplied) in County Tipperary has not been approved to offer a post leaving certificate programme for 2013/2014; if he will reconsider this decision in view of the fact that between 15-20 students have expressed an interest in this course; if his attention has been drawn to the fact that a teaching post will be lost if this course is not sanctioned; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22703/13]

Preschool Services

Michael Lowry

299. Deputy Michael Lowry asked the Minister for Education and Skills if he will clarify his comments made regarding the cutting of child benefit; if he will make his intentions clear with regards to the future of child benefit; if child benefit will be cut in order to fund additional free pre-school care; if he will clarify the current status of these proposals and if costings have been undertaken; if his attention has been drawn to the distress, fear and upset being caused as a result of these reports; if his attention has been drawn to the importance of child benefit in assisting families in keeping their heads above water; if he will give an assurance that child benefit will not be cut any further; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23067/13]

Child Benefit Payments

Michael Lowry

378. Deputy Michael Lowry asked the Minister for Social Protection if she will make her intentions clear regarding the future of child benefit; if child benefit will be cut in order to fund additional free preschool care; if her attention has been drawn to the distress, fear and upset being caused as a result of these reports; if her attention has been drawn to the importance of child benefit in assisting families in keeping their heads above water; if she will give an assurance that child benefit will not be cut any further; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [23066/13]

Firearms Licences

Michael Lowry

480. Deputy Michael Lowry asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if he will confirm the timeframe it takes to process an application for a firearm certificate and the timeframe after the application has been lodged that it actually takes to issue the licence/certificate; if he will further confirm if out of date certificates are being issued in respect of applications which are taking in excess of 12 months to process; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22742/13]

General Practitioner Services

Michael Lowry

680. Deputy Michael Lowry asked the Minister for Health if he will detail the reasons general practitioner cards have not been provided to those with a long term illness as set out in the Programme for Government; the reason for the ongoing delay in delivering on this commitment; the reason the deadlines set out for deliverance on this issue have continually been broken; the current status of the plans to extend the GP card scheme to those with long term illness; if his attention has been drawn to the hardship being caused to those with a long term illness who are forced to pay for free GP care at present; if free GP care will be extended to all members of the public as stated in the Programme for Government; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22809/13]

Better Energy Homes Scheme Expenditure

Michael Lowry

137. Deputy Michael Lowry asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if his attention has been drawn to the ongoing issue with regards to the non-payment of a community based organisation (details supplied) which has been carrying out insulation works under the warmer homes scheme; if his attention has been drawn to the difficulties that this is causing for the organisation in question; if his attention has been drawn to the fact that jobs will be lost if this payment is not advanced as a matter of urgency; if his attention has been drawn to the fact that this action jeopardises the future of this scheme in the county and subsequently adversely impacts on older and vulnerable people; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21606/13]

Departmental Funding

Michael Lowry

214. Deputy Michael Lowry asked the Minister for Social Protection if she will provide a guarantee that her Department will continue providing funding for the maintenance of MABS offices nationwide; if she will further guarantee that no reduction of this funding will be allowed; if she will ensure that the current disagreements between MABS and citizens information does not jeopardise the operations of any MABS office; if she will detail the steps being taken to resolve this conflict; if her attention has been drawn to the vital importance of MABS offices; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [21329/13]

Fodder Crisis

Michael Lowry

338. Deputy Michael Lowry asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will extend the transport subsidy scheme for the importation of fodder in view of the continued difficulties being faced by farmers; if he will extend this scheme to cover marts and private merchants; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21346/13]

Cancer Screening Programme

Michael Lowry

415. Deputy Michael Lowry asked the Minister for Health if he will consider removing the age limits in place for the free smear test under the National Cervical Screening Programme in view of the incidence of this cancer in younger women; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21550/13]

Mortgage Interest Rates Issues

Michael Lowry

95. Deputy Michael Lowry asked the Minister for Finance if he will intervene to prevent the future increase in mortgage interest rates as announced by a number of named banks earlier this week (details supplied); if his attention has been drawn to the hardship and distress these increases will have on strained mortgage holders; his views on whether this increase will drive further mortgages into arrears; his views on whether increases are beneficial for the economy as a whole; the steps he wil take to lessen this burden; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20734/13]

Banking Sector Remuneration

Michael Lowry

101. Deputy Michael Lowry asked the Minister for Finance if he will, in view of the information that has come to light in the past week, take definitive steps to cap the salaries being received by senior officials in the banks that have received State capitalisation; if he will provide a guarantee that these payments will be clamped down on; his views on whether the current salaries and payments being received are fair in view of the funds provided to these banks by the Irish taxpayer; the reason he did not exercise his vote against approving such a payment in an individual case in the past week; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20821/13]

HSE Funding

Michael Lowry

229. Deputy Michael Lowry asked the Minister for Health if he will rescind the decision taken by the Health Service Executive to withdraw core funding for the Irish Society for Quality and Safety in Healthcare; his views on whether the HSE is accountable and transparent without the oversight of the ISQSH; if he will confirm where these funds have gone; if they have been returned to his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20571/13]

HSE Health Insurance Claims

Michael Lowry

263. Deputy Michael Lowry asked the Minister for Health the steps being taken to collect outstanding moneys owed to the Health Service Executive by health insurers; the total sum outstanding; the progress made to date in ensuring doctors complete paper work within a set period of time; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20822/13]

Medicinal Products Prices

Michael Lowry

264. Deputy Michael Lowry asked the Minister for Health the progress that has been made to date in cutting the drugs spend in the State; the steps that will be taken to encourage health care professionals to prescribe generic drugs; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20823/13]

Fodder Crisis

Michael Lowry

463. Deputy Michael Lowry asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will sanction emergency funding to assist farmers facing a fodder crisis at present; if emergency funds cannot be made available, if he will ensure an advance single farm payments/disadvantaged payments; if his attention has been drawn to the desperation and despair being felt by farmers as a result of this crisis; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19803/13]

Tourism Industry Issues

Michael Lowry

611. Deputy Michael Lowry asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if will intervene and take steps to prevent the closure of Nenagh tourist information office, further to the decision made by Fáilte Ireland to withdraw; if his attention has been drawn to the importance of this office in promoting the town and surrounding area; if he will provide an assurance as to the future of this office; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20009/13]

Student Grant Scheme Eligibility

Michael Lowry

269. Deputy Michael Lowry asked the Minister for Education and Skills if he will consider altering the definition of a dependent student for the purposes of the student grant; if his attention has been drawn to the fact that the definition in its current form leads to unfairness when those under the age of 23 years receive no financial support from their parents/legal guardians; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18564/13]

Passport Application Refusals

Michael Lowry

178. Deputy Michael Lowry asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he will detail the reasons a new passport will not be issued to an individual who has changed their name (details supplied) in County Tipperary; the legality of such; if his attention has been drawn to the hardship, distress and financial impact caused as a result of this; if an exemption will be made in this case; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16389/13]

Primary School Statistics

Michael Lowry

420. Deputy Michael Lowry asked the Minister for Education and Skills if he will confirm the number of two, three and four teacher schools in County Tipperary; if he will provide a guarantee that these schools will be protected and maintained into the future; if his attention has been drawn to the vital role played by these schools in rural areas; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16634/13]

Student Grant Scheme Appeals

Michael Lowry

427. Deputy Michael Lowry asked the Minister for Education and Skills if he will provide information on the status of a student grant application in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Tipperary; the current status of this payment; the reason for the conflicting information being received by the person; if his attention has been drawn to the hardship and distress being caused as a result; if he will ensure payment of this application; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16699/13]

Naturalisation Applications

Michael Lowry

964. Deputy Michael Lowry asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if his attention has been drawn to an application for permission to remain in the State, Stamp 4, in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Tipperary; the current status of this application; if he will confirm whether this individual can take up work experience as prescribed by their college course; when a decision will be reached in this matter; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17630/13]