Parliamentary questions

Health Services

Finian McGrath

326. Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Health his views on correspondence concerning the national social partnership agreement 2016 and the national carers strategy in 2008 (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4887/16]

Care Services Provision

Finian McGrath

327. Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Health to fund transportation services for adult dependants with a disability who are attending day care services, such as St. Michael’s House, and to provide additional resources into respite care for these dependants (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4888/16]

Disability Services Funding

Finian McGrath

328. Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Health his views on correspondence concerning capital investment for disability services such as Prosper Fingal and Meath (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4889/16]

Hospital Services

Finian McGrath

401. Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Health the status of the St. Frances clinic at Temple Street Children's University Hospital (details supplied) in County Dublin; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5252/16]

Services for People with Disabilities

Finian McGrath

402. Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Health to support a family (details supplied) in Dublin 5 with two adults with a disability in getting residential care with independent living that is supported on a minimum basis; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5253/16]

Diplomatic Representation

Finian McGrath

431. Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade his views on correspondence concerning a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5298/16]

Special Educational Needs Staff

Finian McGrath

459. Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Education and Skills the status regarding the provision of a special needs assistant for a person (details supplied) in Dublin 5; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4969/16]

School Patronage

Finian McGrath

460. Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Education and Skills to support Educate Together's four essentials for equality in education commitment (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4970/16]

School Accommodation

Finian McGrath

461. Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Education and Skills to support the EQUATE Open the School Gates campaign (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4971/16]

National Internship Scheme Eligibility

Finian McGrath

462. Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Education and Skills to support a school in its request for a grant for a JobBridge scheme employment (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4972/16]

Summer Works Scheme Applications

Finian McGrath

463. Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Education and Skills her views on correspondence concerning funding under the summer works scheme in respect of a school in Dublin 9 (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4973/16]

School Accommodation

Finian McGrath

464. Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Education and Skills her views on correspondence concerning a shortage of schools in the Dublin Bay North area and to consider a request to open another non-denominational school in this area so that families will have a choice in the schooling of their children (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4974/16]

School Enrolments

Finian McGrath

465. Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Education and Skills the position regarding admission policies of secondary schools in Dublin Bay North and the long waiting lists for those persons living in the locality (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4975/16]

Psychological Assessments

Finian McGrath

466. Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Education and Skills the status of providing an educational psychologist for a person with dyslexia (details supplied) in Dublin 5. [4976/16]

Homelessness Strategy

Finian McGrath

531. Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government his views on correspondence concerning homelessness and tackling the housing crisis as a matter of priority (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5040/16]

Recreational Facilities Provision

Finian McGrath

532. Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government to provide the necessary resources to Dublin City Council to create more playgrounds, especially in the Dublin Bay North area; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5041/16]

Building Regulations Compliance

Finian McGrath

546. Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government his views on correspondence concerning liquidation and support for a creditor (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5251/16]

Taxi Regulations

Finian McGrath

581. Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his views on correspondence received concerning the Uber transportation group and the ride-sharing services (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5042/16]

Taxi Regulations

Finian McGrath

582. Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his views on correspondence regarding the ride-sharing services (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5043/16]

Traffic Regulations Implementation

Finian McGrath

583. Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his views on correspondence regarding bus lanes and limousine operators (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5044/16]

Irish Airlines Superannuation Scheme

Finian McGrath

592. Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the status of the Irish Airlines Superannuation Scheme Pension (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5255/16]

Inland Waterways By-laws

Finian McGrath

602. Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht if she will support the Inland Waterways Association of Ireland and its call for new canal by-laws via a dedicated canal Bill (details supplied) as our canals are an important amenity which is part of our heritage and can be a great source for tourism; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [5332/16]

Public Sector Staff Sick Leave

Finian McGrath

31. Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform to support a matter regarding the case of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 3; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4568/16]

Office of the Ombudsman Investigations

Finian McGrath

34. Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform further to Parliamentary Question No. 16 of 14 October 2015, if he is aware that the judicial reviews against the ombudsman have been settled on terms favourable to the applicants; if he will examine changes to the in-house complaints procedure to ensure that needless and expensive court challenges are not required; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4505/16]

Departmental Agencies Expenditure

Finian McGrath

35. Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the amount the Commission for Public Service Appointments incurred in independent psychologist fees in the years 2012 to 2016 to date; if he will sanction the employment of a psychologist to professionally assist the commission in discharging its important duties; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4506/16]

Commission for Public Service Appointments

Finian McGrath

36. Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform further to Parliamentary Question No. 17 of 14 October 2015, the date the legal tender was entered into; if it prevented the Commission for Public Service Appointments from having recourse to the taxing master process; why substantial fees were incurred in this case; if he is aware that the commission is liable for discharging the legal fees of the applicant who successfully argued that the commission was subject to judicial review; given this judgment, the changes he will introduce in the personnel, procedures and processes of the commission; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4507/16]

Departmental Staff Career Breaks

Finian McGrath

37. Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the options open to a civil servant on a six-month career break to extend it by a further two months; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4508/16]

Departmental Staff Retirements

Finian McGrath

38. Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if an existing contract is in place to provide retirement planning courses for civil servants; when the next tendering process will take place for such courses; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4509/16]

Parole Boards

Finian McGrath

51. Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the progress in giving effect to the 2011 decision to establish the Parole Board on a legally independent basis; the details of appointments made to the board in the past three years; if the vacancies were advertised; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4511/16]

After-School Support Services

Finian McGrath

56. Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the steps he has taken and when he will establish a group to agree a model for after-school care, including a quality framework (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4559/16]

Action Plan on Bullying

Finian McGrath

57. Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs if he will publish a national strategy on children’s cyber safety and to ratify United Nations treaties to protect children online; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4564/16]

Drug Treatment Programmes

Finian McGrath

58. Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Health why a drugs treatment centre (details supplied) in Dublin 17 is being forced to close due to threats and intimidation; to act on this matter; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4567/16]

Mental Health Services Provision

Finian McGrath

71. Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Health if he is aware of the huge distress for psychiatric patients at an institution (details supplied) which prohibits smoking; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4565/16]

International Election Monitoring

Finian McGrath

73. Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if and on what basis additional persons have been added to the Election Observation Roster since it was established in May 2013; how the assessors involved in the Roster selection were selected and appointed; the number of days they worked for his Department and the daily fee they were paid; if he sought the views of the European Commission on whether this selection process met the high standards expected by the Commission; if the current model of selection will stand up to review such as in a case where an original Roster member who was not selected but who has significantly better qualifications and experience than those who were; if he will arrange for an independent review of the Roster system, including the selection processes; if he will conduct a fresh selection process in 2016 that will include professional interviews to ensure that the Roster is based on merit alone; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4510/16]

Third Level Participation

Finian McGrath

85. Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Education and Skills to support Aontas in its efforts to build further on adult learning in third level education; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4561/16]

School Accommodation

Finian McGrath

86. Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Education and Skills to support a school (details supplied) in County Dublin; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4562/16]

Renewable Energy Generation

Finian McGrath

95. Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources to support a matter (details supplied) regarding geothermal energy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4560/16]

Hedge Cutting Season

Finian McGrath

97. Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht to support a matter on Birdwatch Ireland (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4558/16]

Speech and Language Therapy

Finian McGrath

94. Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Health to ensure all persons with a disability who need speech and language and therapy services get adequate services in 2016; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3327/16]

Tax Yield

Finian McGrath

179. Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Finance the additional yield that would be generated if the 8% universal social charge rate was increased to 9% for persons earning over €70,044 per year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4275/16]

Tax Yield

Finian McGrath

180. Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Finance the cost of increasing the entry point into the universal social charge from €12,012 per year to €15,265 per year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4276/16]

Ministerial Meetings

Finian McGrath

181. Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Finance if he will meet the President of the World Bank, Mr Jim Yong Kim; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4277/16]

Disabled Drivers and Passengers Scheme

Finian McGrath

182. Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Finance to support a matter (details supplied) regarding compensation for clients who were mis-sold financial products; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4308/16]

Disabled Drivers and Passengers Scheme

Finian McGrath

183. Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Finance to support a matter (details supplied) regarding tax relief; if there is any tax relief available for cars for blind persons and their drivers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4309/16]

Health and Safety Regulations

Finian McGrath

206. Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation to support a matter (details supplied) regarding health and safety legislation in relation to asbestos; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4314/16]

Small and Medium Enterprises Supports

Finian McGrath

207. Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation to outline supports for small businesses especially in small stores (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4315/16]

Garda Station Refurbishment

Finian McGrath

260. Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if she will refurbish the Garda Síochána station in Coolock, Dublin 5, in 2016; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4282/16]

Visa Applications

Finian McGrath

261. Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the status of a long stay visa in respect of a family (details supplied) in Dublin 5; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [3975/16]

Garda Expenditure

Finian McGrath

270. Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Justice and Equality to support the budget allocation for the Garda Síochána air support unit in the years 2013 to 2016; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4278/16]

Closed-Circuit Television Systems Expenditure

Finian McGrath

271. Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the cost of increasing the number of Garda Síochána closed circuit television cameras in Dublin city centre from 77 to 107; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4279/16]

Disability Support Services

Finian McGrath

317. Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Health why he is not releasing funding to cover transportation costs for young adults with a disability at Saint Michael’s House in County Dublin; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4021/16]

Services for People with Disabilities

Finian McGrath

375. Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Health to support a matter (details supplied) regarding the provision of a wheelchair; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4310/16]

Hospital Waiting Lists

Finian McGrath

376. Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Health to support this matter (details supplied) regarding the case of a person. [4311/16]

General Medical Services Scheme

Finian McGrath

377. Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Health to support a matter (details supplied) regarding the high cost of gluten free produce; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4312/16]

General Practitioner Services Provision

Finian McGrath

378. Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Health to support a matter (details supplied) regarding the D Doc service; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4313/16]

Health Services Provision

Finian McGrath

379. Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Health to support a matter (details supplied) regarding an individualised plan; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4316/16]

EU Enlargement

Finian McGrath

439. Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade his views on Serbia becoming a member of the European Union; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4280/16]

Diplomatic Representation

Finian McGrath

440. Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade when he last met the Irish Ambassador to Japan, Ms Anne Barrington; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4281/16]

School Enrolments

Finian McGrath

483. Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Education and Skills to support a matter (details supplied) regarding school places; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4305/16]

Pyrite Issues

Finian McGrath

536. Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government to support a local community hall (details supplied) in Dublin 3; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4306/16]

Library Services

Finian McGrath

537. Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government to support a matter (details supplied) regarding a health and safety issue; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4307/16]

Child Poverty

Finian McGrath

3. Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the measures in place to assist children living in poverty; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3278/16]

Child Care Services Provision

Finian McGrath

5. Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs to support facilities for child care in the Darndale and Belcamp area of Dublin 17; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3213/16]

Social Workers Recruitment

Finian McGrath

6. Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the status of the shortage of social workers to assist children at risk; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3214/16]

Children in Care

Finian McGrath

8. Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the number of children in care in this country; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3212/16]

Traveller Community

Finian McGrath

11. Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs what is being done for Traveller children in our society; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3215/16]

National Minimum Wage

Finian McGrath

128. Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation further to Parliamentary Question No. 248 of 17 November 2015, if he will investigate a matter (details supplied) regarding a wage increase; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3540/16]

Social Welfare Eligibility

Finian McGrath

39. Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Social Protection to support a matter (details supplied) regarding social protection payments; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [3375/16]

State Pension (Contributory) Eligibility

Finian McGrath

40. Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Social Protection to end discrimination of older women when applying for the State pension (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [3376/16]

Social Welfare Benefits

Finian McGrath

41. Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Social Protection to support a matter concerning invalidity pensions (details supplied) in Dublin 3; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [3377/16]

Carer's Allowance Applications

Finian McGrath

42. Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Social Protection to support a matter (details supplied) regarding carer's allowance in Dublin 5; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [3378/16]

Harbour Authorities Properties

Finian McGrath

86. Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine to support a matter concerning Howth Harbour (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3364/16]

Northern Ireland Issues

Finian McGrath

109. Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Justice and Equality to support a matter (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [3371/16]

Garda Vetting of Personnel

Finian McGrath

110. Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Justice and Equality why voluntary workers need separate Garda Síochána vetting for each organisation in which they are involved, given the length of time it takes for vetting and increasing duplication of work for An Garda Síochána; if she will develop a more efficient and volunteer-friendly policy; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [3372/16]

Self-Harm Incidence

Finian McGrath

131. Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Health if he has major concerns regarding increased incidences of self-harming among young boys; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3365/16]

Services for People with Disabilities

Finian McGrath

144. Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Health to support St. Joseph's Association for the Intellectually Disabled in Portrane, County Dublin, in its campaign against the chronic shortage of nursing staff; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3367/16]

Health Services Staff Recruitment

Finian McGrath

145. Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Health if he will address matters (details supplied) regarding the health service; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3368/16]

Medical Card Administration

Finian McGrath

146. Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Health if he will address a matter (details supplied) regarding a medical card; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3369/16]

Primary Care Centre Provision

Finian McGrath

147. Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Health to support a matter regarding the provision of a new primary care unit (details supplied) in Dublin 5; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3370/16]

Services for People with Disabilities

Finian McGrath

148. Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Health to support funding for a person (details supplied) with a disability; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3379/16]

Human Rights

Finian McGrath

162. Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade to support a matter concerning the case of a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3366/16]

Small and Medium Enterprises Supports

Finian McGrath

164. Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation to support and advise a small company (details supplied) in Dublin 9 that is seeking to develop and expand its business; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3075/16]

Nursing Homes Support Scheme Applications

Finian McGrath

355. Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Health his views on correspondence in relation to a family (details supplied) in County Dublin regarding the nursing home fair deal scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3035/16]

Vaccination Programme

Finian McGrath

356. Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Health his views on correspondence concerning the tuberculosis BCG vaccination in relation to a family (details supplied) in Dublin 5; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3036/16]

Education Policy

Finian McGrath

415. Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Education and Skills why methods that are archaic and deemed abusive are still being used in a special school; her views on correspondence (details supplied) on the refusal of the school in allowing a child with special needs an education; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2784/16]

Arts Funding

Finian McGrath

510. Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht her views on correspondence, details supplied, from the Association of Artists' Representative Organisations concerning the restoration of State funding for the Arts, in particular to the Arts Council and the Irish Film Board in order to create more employment and stability in the creative industries; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2868/16]

Back to Education Allowance Eligibility

Finian McGrath

32. Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Social Protection the support available to a person (details supplied) in Dublin 3; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2532/16]

Probation and Welfare Service Staff

Finian McGrath

90. Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Justice and Equality her views on allegations (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2530/16]

Health Services

Finian McGrath

115. Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Health his views on correspondence regarding the case of a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2533/16]

Local Enterprise Offices

Finian McGrath

80. Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation to support a matter (details supplied) regarding grants; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2492/16]

Hospital Complaints Procedures

Finian McGrath

134. Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Health his views on a matter regarding the treatment of a person (details supplied) in a hospital; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2491/16]

Human Rights Issues

Finian McGrath

139. Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade to support a matter (details supplied) regarding an initiative; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2490/16]

Student Grant Scheme Representations

Finian McGrath

156. Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Education and Skills to support a matter (details supplied) regarding a Student Universal Support Ireland grant; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2487/16]

Local Authority Housing Applications

Finian McGrath

167. Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government to support a family (details supplied) in Dublin 9 with a major housing issue; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2488/16]

Enterprise Support Schemes

Finian McGrath

204. Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation to support a jobs proposal (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2255/16]

Health Services Provision

Finian McGrath

331. Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Health his views on correspondence regarding the available services for a person (details supplied) in Dublin 3; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2007/16]

Vaccination Programme

Finian McGrath

380. Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Health to support a matter (details supplied) regarding vaccine concerns; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2254/16]

Hospital Appointments Administration

Finian McGrath

381. Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Health to support a matter (details supplied) regarding a hospital appointment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2257/16]

Tax Reliefs Eligibility

Finian McGrath

463. Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government to advise on a matter (details supplied) regarding tax relief for landlords; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2258/16]

Public Transport

Finian McGrath

483. Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the person who is responsible for the supervision and regulation of rickshaws in the Dublin area; the names of the companies that are involved in this transport business; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2256/16]