Parliamentary questions

Schools Site Acquisitions

Michael P. Kitt

58. Deputy Michael P. Kitt asked the Minister for Education and Skills if a school (details supplied) in County Galway is designated as a rapid build project, ensuring construction by 2015 or 2016; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26419/14]

Schools Site Acquisitions

Michael P. Kitt

59. Deputy Michael P. Kitt asked the Minister for Education and Skills if it would be appropriate to commence a compulsory purchase order process due to the clear difficulties in site acquisition in respect of a school (details supplied) in County Galway; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26420/14]

Schools Site Acquisitions

Michael P. Kitt

60. Deputy Michael P. Kitt asked the Minister for Education and Skills if he will meet representatives from a school (details supplied) in County Galway and its patron in order to outline the way this matter will be progressed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26421/14]

National Debt

Michael P. Kitt

180. Deputy Michael P. Kitt asked the Minister for Finance if he will outline on a schedule the current budget deficit for each year from 1987 to 2013; if he will outline by schedule the Exchequer borrowing requirement from 1984 to 2013; the total capital budget for each year from 1984 to 2013; the debt-GDP ratio for each year from 1984 to 2013; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25898/14]

Telecommunications Infrastructure

Michael P. Kitt

425. Deputy Michael P. Kitt asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the position in relation to the licence-operational authority under which utility companies (details supplied) operate in relation to cabling domestic homes of customers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25893/14]

Maternity Services

Michael P. Kitt

707. Deputy Michael P. Kitt asked the Minister for Health the position regarding maternity services at Portiuncula Hospital, Ballinasloe, County Galway; if the closure of the service is part of the West North West Hospital Group maternity services review; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25877/14]

Maternity Services

Michael P. Kitt

708. Deputy Michael P. Kitt asked the Minister for Health in view of the document, High Level Review of Maternity Services in the West North West Hospital Group, what is the anticipated timescale for the implementation of the maternity services review; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25878/14]

Maternity Services

Michael P. Kitt

709. Deputy Michael P. Kitt asked the Minister for Health his plans to address the lack of qualified personnel at Portiuncula Hospital, County Galway, or at risk births under the estates and capital programme, which are currently sent to Galway by ambulance accompanied by a midwife. [25879/14]

Maternity Services

Michael P. Kitt

710. Deputy Michael P. Kitt asked the Minister for Health in view of approximately 40% of the births at Portiuncula Hospital by mothers from the Midlands Health Service Executive area, and in view of the motorway access to Ballinasloe for the surrounding large catchment area, if the development of Portiuncula Hospital as a centre of maternity excellence will be given consideration; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25880/14]

Seirbhísí Aeir Fóirdheonaithe

Michael P. Kitt

1. D'fhiafraigh Deputy Michael P. Kitt den Aire Ealaíon, Oidhreachta agus Gaeltachta cad é an dul chun cinn atá déanta maidir le haersheirbhís go dtí Oileáin Árann; agus an ndéanfaidh sé ráiteas ina thaobh. [24537/14]

Straitéis 20 Bliain don Ghaeilge

Michael P. Kitt

6. D'fhiafraigh Deputy Michael P. Kitt den Aire Ealaíon, Oidhreachta agus Gaeltachta cén dul chun cinn atá déanta maidir leis an straitéis 20 bliain don Ghaeilge, 2010-30; agus an ndéanfaidh sé ráiteas ina thaobh. [24460/14]

Cruthú Fostaíochta

Michael P. Kitt

29. D'fhiafraigh Deputy Michael P. Kitt den Aire Ealaíon, Oidhreachta agus Gaeltachta cén dul chun cinn atá déanta maidir le fostaíocht a chruthú sa Ghaeltacht; agus an ndéanfaidh sé ráiteas ina thaobh. [24461/14]

Mother and Baby Homes Inquiries

Michael P. Kitt

606. Deputy Michael P. Kitt asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the action he will take and the role his Department will play in probing the deaths of children in the mother and children home in Tuam, County Galway and in other mother and baby homes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24511/14]

Irish Language

Michael P. Kitt

143. Deputy Michael P. Kitt asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if official recognition will be given to the Irish sign language; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [23789/14]

Special Educational Needs Service Provision

Michael P. Kitt

269. Deputy Michael P. Kitt asked the Minister for Education and Skills if he will examine the case of a person (details supplied) who has autism and is awaiting an educational place for some considerable time; if he will clarify the position; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22891/14]

Flood Prevention Measures

Michael P. Kitt

312. Deputy Michael P. Kitt asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if he will consider a temporary barrier at a location (details supplied) in County Galway, to deal with the threat of flooding; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22610/14]

Garda Retirements

Michael P. Kitt

685. Deputy Michael P. Kitt asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if a garda, who has reached the age of 50 years, is eligible to retire on a full pension, even though the person does not have the full 30 years service (details supplied); if there is an option to purchase the outstanding service; if there are any other options available; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22892/14]

Respite Care Services

Michael P. Kitt

856. Deputy Michael P. Kitt asked the Minister for Health if he will examine the case of the person (details supplied) who has autism and is awaiting a regular respite service; if he will clarify the position regarding the number of occasions that the service is being cancelled; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22890/14]

Driver Licences

Michael P. Kitt

985. Deputy Michael P. Kitt asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his plans to allow a postal service for learner driver permits and driving licences for emigrants; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23000/14]

Inland Waterways Maintenance

Michael P. Kitt

410. Deputy Michael P. Kitt asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht when the Meelick Weir, Eyrecourt, Ballinasloe, will be repaired and reopened; if this will be carried out before the tourism season; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20950/14]

Rent Supplement Scheme Data

Michael P. Kitt

129. Deputy Michael P. Kitt asked the Minister for Social Protection the reasons there has been a significant drop in the numbers of persons availing of rent supplement from 2011 to date; the number of cases that relate to securing employment; the number of cases where the person remains on the welfare payment but no longer avails of rent supplement; and the number of persons no longer appearing in the system at all; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [20587/14]

Rent Supplement Scheme Data

Michael P. Kitt

130. Deputy Michael P. Kitt asked the Minister for Social Protection if she will provide in tabular form the number of persons who availed of rent supplement in the past 12 months; the number who have been in receipt of rent supplement for three months or fewer; the number for more than three months but not more than six months; the number for more than six months but fewer than 12 months; the number in receipt for 12 months to 18 months; the number in receipt of rent supplement for more than 18 months; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [20588/14]

Soláthar Aersheirbhísí

Michael P. Kitt

417. D'fhiafraigh Deputy Michael P. Kitt den Aire Ealaíon, Oidhreachta agus Gaeltachta cén dul chun cinn atá déanta maidir leis an aersheirbhís go dtí Oileáin Árann; agus an ndéanfaidh sé ráiteas ina thaobh. [19719/14]

Foilseacháin Ghaeilge

Michael P. Kitt

418. D'fhiafraigh Deputy Michael P. Kitt den Aire Ealaíon, Oidhreachta agus Gaeltachta cad iad na hirisí Gaeilge agus na nuachtáin Ghaeilge atá á bhfoilsiú faoi láthair, cén pleananna atá aige d’fhorbairt na n-irisí agus na nuachtán Gaeilge; agus an ndéanfaidh sé ráiteas ina thaobh. [19720/14]

Water Meters Installation

Michael P. Kitt

459. Deputy Michael P. Kitt asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government in relation to the installation of water meters by Irish Water, the reason meters are not being installed inside the household as are other public utilities such as gas and electricity so as to allow the householder read the meter and thus be aware of the amount they are using; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18932/14]

Water Meters Installation

Michael P. Kitt

460. Deputy Michael P. Kitt asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government in respect of water metering, if a public utility, or other, damages a water pipe and causes a leak, the person responsible for the payment of the loss of water and the way such a leak will be measured; if a system is in place that will make the householder aware that water lost as a result of such leakage will not be billed against their house; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18933/14]

Water Meters Installation

Michael P. Kitt

461. Deputy Michael P. Kitt asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government in relation to the installation of water meters by Irish Water, the facility in place to turn on the water meter on 1 October 2014; if it will accurately read the usage for the first three months; if all meters will be set to zero on 1 October 2014 as currently the meters are running; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18934/14]

Water Meters Installation

Michael P. Kitt

462. Deputy Michael P. Kitt asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government in respect of water metering, if a fault-leak occurs between the private house and the meter, the way the householder will be made aware of this leak if they cannot read the meter, as the meter is buried in the footpath outside the house, and in the case of an elderly person it would be impossible to read; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18935/14]

Water Meters Installation

Michael P. Kitt

463. Deputy Michael P. Kitt asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government in respect of water metering, the precautions that have been put in place to prevent meters being tampered with or damaged by vandals; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18936/14]

Departmental Funding

Michael P. Kitt

683. Deputy Michael P. Kitt asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs if her attention has been drawn to the severe effects of Government cutbacks on community and scouting organisations; if she will detail the various funding provided for these services in 2014; if she will further provide the equivalent figures for the past five years; if she will provide the figures with regard to the City of Dublin Youth Service Board; if her attention has been drawn to the difficulties inflicted on local groups and the stress caused to local organisers trying to continue to cope with inadequate resources; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [18902/14]

Acht na dTeangacha Oifigiúla

Michael P. Kitt

4. D'fhiafraigh Deputy Michael P. Kitt den Aire Ealaíon, Oidhreachta agus Gaeltachta cad é an dul chun cinn atá déanta maidir le hAcht na dTeangacha Oifigiúla, ceannteidil an Bhille a fhoilsiú, neamhspleáchas Oifig an Choimisinéara a chosaint; agus an ndéanfaidh sé ráiteas ina thaobh. [18131/14]

Stádas na Gaeilge san Eoraip

Michael P. Kitt

11. D'fhiafraigh Deputy Michael P. Kitt den Aire Ealaíon, Oidhreachta agus Gaeltachta an gcuirfidh sé deireadh leis an mhaolú ar stádas na Gaeilge mar theanga oifigiúil de chuid an Aontais Eorpaigh; agus an ndéanfaidh sé ráiteas ina thaobh. [17777/14]

Acht na dTeangacha Oifigiúla

Michael P. Kitt

33. D'fhiafraigh Deputy Michael P. Kitt den Aire Ealaíon, Oidhreachta agus Gaeltachta an mbeidh sé ag cur i bhfeidhm moltaí Oifig an Choimisinéara Teanga mar gheall ar Acht na dTeangacha Oifigiúla; agus an ndéanfaidh sé ráiteas ina thaobh. [17776/14]

Seirbhísí trí Ghaeilge

Michael P. Kitt

379. D'fhiafraigh Deputy Michael P. Kitt den Aire Ealaíon, Oidhreachta agus Gaeltachta an mbeidh seirbhísí stáit á gcur ar fáil as Gaeilge do phobal na Gaeilge ar chomhchaighdeán leis na seirbhísí as Béarla; agus an ndéanfaidh sé ráiteas ina thaobh. [17791/14]

Departmental Funding

Michael P. Kitt

706. Deputy Michael P. Kitt asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the amount of funding allocated for festivals in 2014; if he will provide details of the criteria for applying for funding and on the closing dates for the scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17942/14]

Community Welfare Services

Michael P. Kitt

314. Deputy Michael P. Kitt asked the Minister for Social Protection if she will review the centralisation of the community welfare service to new main centres, as it is resulting in the removal of community welfare officers from the their local communities, creating further difficulty and hardship for already vulnerable families and persons; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [16667/14]

HIQA Reports

Michael P. Kitt

634. Deputy Michael P. Kitt asked the Minister for Health if a report has been completed and published on the closure of a nursing home (details supplied) in County Galway; if he has any other investigations to carry out; if this report will be referred to the Joint Committee on Health and Children; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16435/14]

Universal Health Insurance Provision

Michael P. Kitt

645. Deputy Michael P. Kitt asked the Minister for Health if he will provide an update on his plans to introduce universal health insurance; if any report or research is available on same; the country he would like to model his scheme on; if he will give an approximate date for implementation of same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16522/14]

Road Projects

Michael P. Kitt

253. Deputy Michael P. Kitt asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the funding arrangements that have been put in place for the construction of the Gort-Tuam motorway; when the contract for this project will be signed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15479/14]

Flood Prevention Measures

Michael P. Kitt

231. Deputy Michael P. Kitt asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform when flood relief work will be undertaken on a road (details supplied) in County Galway; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15419/14]

Pension Provisions

Michael P. Kitt

314. Deputy Michael P. Kitt asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the position regarding the arrangements for staff pensions in respect of employees of Waterways Ireland, in view of the proposed pension changes on 1 April 2014; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14739/14]

Health Services Staff

Michael P. Kitt

581. Deputy Michael P. Kitt asked the Minister for Health if his attention has been drawn to the situation of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 5 who was originally recruited as a home help and carer and has come close to being full–time staff; the pensions and-or retirement lump sum and-or gratuities available to them; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15296/14]

Single Payment Scheme Applications

Michael P. Kitt

153. Deputy Michael P. Kitt asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will provide details of the penalty that prevented payment of a single farm payment in December 2013 in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Galway; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14253/14]

Garda Station Closures

Michael P. Kitt

739. Deputy Michael P. Kitt asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if he will reconsider the policy of closing rural Garda stations in view of the reports that none of the stations have been sold and only €3,000 has been saved; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12902/14]

Youth Services Funding

Michael P. Kitt

214. Deputy Michael P. Kitt asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs if she will ensure that the rural clubs co-ordinator position within Youth Work Ireland, Galway, will continue to be funded; if her attention has been drawn to the valuable work of youth club workers in County Galway, covering a distance of over 100 km from Leitir Mor to Ballinasloe; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12529/14]

Schools Building Projects Status

Michael P. Kitt

133. Deputy Michael P. Kitt asked the Minister for Education and Skills if he will provide an update on the proposed new school (details supplied) in County Galway; if he will provide information on the location and the start and completion date for the new school; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11733/14]

Employment Support Services

Michael P. Kitt

225. Deputy Michael P. Kitt asked the Minister for Social Protection the number of persons taken on in each local authority under the Gateway scheme; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12219/14]

Scéimeanna Teanga

Michael P. Kitt

4. D'fhiafraigh Deputy Michael P. Kitt den Aire Ealaíon, Oidhreachta agus Gaeltachta Ealaíon, Oidhreachta agus Gaeltachta an bhfuil athbhreithniú ar siúl ar úsáid na Gaeilge sna Ranna éagsúla agus sna comhlachtaí Stáit; agus an ndéanfaidh sé ráiteas ina thaobh. [11099/14]

Scéimeanna Teanga

Michael P. Kitt

12. D'fhiafraigh Deputy Michael P. Kitt den Aire Ealaíon, Oidhreachta agus Gaeltachta cén dul chun cinn atá déanta maidir leis na scéimeanna Teanga faoi Acht na dTeangacha Oifigiúla; agus an ndéanfaidh sé ráiteas ina thaobh. [10694/14]

Primary Care Centre Provision

Michael P. Kitt

257. Deputy Michael P. Kitt asked the Minister for Health when the public-private partnership for a primary health centre (details supplied) in County Galway will be going ahead; when the other services will be available on this site; when the project will go to tender; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11386/14]

Flood Relief Schemes Applications

Michael P. Kitt

334. Deputy Michael P. Kitt asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform his proposals for drainage works on the Cregclare River, Ardrahan, County Galway, in view of the fact that families are marooned in their houses due to the flooding; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9278/14]

Ambulance Service Provision

Michael P. Kitt

232. Deputy Michael P. Kitt asked the Minister for Health if he will provide the priority list for ambulance bases, staffing and vehicles in the counties of Galway, Mayo and Roscommon for the past five years and in the next three years; the population catchment in the north Galway-south Mayo catchment area for the provision of a 24-hour ambulance in Tuam, County Galway, and for the other ambulance bases in the three counties mentioned to be approved and staffed this year; the figures for the population in these catchment areas; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8671/14]

Rent Supplement Scheme Applications

Michael P. Kitt

117. Deputy Michael P. Kitt asked the Minister for Social Protection if a person (details supplied) will be re-considered for a rent allowance for their current accommodation; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8446/14]

Housing Issues

Michael P. Kitt

509. Deputy Michael P. Kitt asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if funding of €400,000 will be provided under his Department's special needs projects to complete a housing project for the elderly (details supplied). [7969/14]

Disabled Drivers Grant

Michael P. Kitt

182. Deputy Michael P. Kitt asked the Minister for Health when the review of the mobility allowance scheme and the motorised transport grant scheme will be completed; if details will be provided on the scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5821/14]

Homeless Persons Data

Michael P. Kitt

477. Deputy Michael P. Kitt asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government his plans for dealing with the increased numbers of homeless persons, particularly in Dublin; the number of social housing units to be built this year in each county and each city borough; if he will indicate any other proposals he may have to provide extra housing; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5526/14]

Animal Welfare

Michael P. Kitt

174. Deputy Michael P. Kitt asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if his attention has been drawn to issues surrounding the welfare of abandoned and stray horses in County Galway; if he will confirm the subsidy per horse; the amount of funding provided via subsidies to both Galway County Council and Galway City Council in 2013; the savings to be made in the new scheme to be produced; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4666/14]

Oifig an Choimisinéara Teanga

Michael P. Kitt

4. D'fhiafraigh Deputy Michael P. Kitt den Aire Ealaíon, Oidhreachta agus Gaeltachta cén uair a cheapfar Coimisinéir Teanga nua, an mbeidh an coimisinéir neamhspleách; agus an ndéanfaidh sé ráiteas ina thaobh. [4110/14]

Straitéis 20 Bliain don Ghaeilge

Michael P. Kitt

14. D'fhiafraigh Deputy Michael P. Kitt den Aire Ealaíon, Oidhreachta agus Gaeltachta an bhfuil sé sásta pobal na Gaeilge agus na Gaeltachta a aithint mar gheallsealbhóirí i gcur i bhfeidhm na Straitéise 20 Bliain don Ghaeilge ó dheas agus na Straitéise don Ghaeilge ó Thuaidh; agus an ndéanfaidh sé ráiteas ina thaobh. [3996/14]

Maoiniú Chomhlachtaí Stáit

Michael P. Kitt

18. D'fhiafraigh Deputy Michael P. Kitt den Aire Ealaíon, Oidhreachta agus Gaeltachta an féidir leis stad a chur le haon laghdú eile ar bhuiséad Udarás na Gaeltachta, Fhoras na Gaeilge agus Roinn na Gaeltachta agus tosú ar na buiséid sin a mhéadú de réir a chéile chun obair na Straitéisí agus eile a chur i gcrích; agus an ndéanfaidh sé ráiteas ina thaobh. [3997/14]

Jobseeker's Allowance Eligibility

Michael P. Kitt

411. Deputy Michael P. Kitt asked the Minister for Social Protection if a person (details supplied) in receipt of jobseeker's allowance will be affected if they were to take part in a community employment scheme for six months; if they will be entitled to jobseeker's allowance after six months until retirement age; if the jobseeker's allowance would cease after a certain period; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4059/14]

Fallen Animal Collection Scheme

Michael P. Kitt

680. Deputy Michael P. Kitt asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if there has been a review of the charges for disposal of dead animals; when it was decided to increase the charge by €5 per animal; his views on the implications of the increase in charges; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1519/14]

Departmental Properties

Michael P. Kitt

103. Deputy Michael P. Kitt asked the Minister for Education and Skills the reason a club premises on schools grounds (details supplied) was closed in late 2010; if the club will be allowed to re-open; if not, the future plans for these premises as the building is deteriorating, leading to anti-social behaviour; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [54677/13]

Inland Waterways Development

Michael P. Kitt

119. Deputy Michael P. Kitt asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the cost of reopening the Ulster Canal; the number of phases involved; if an application has been made to the EU for funding; if matching funding will be made available; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53443/13]

Water and Sewerage Schemes Status

Michael P. Kitt

339. Deputy Michael P. Kitt asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the progress that is being made on the sewerage scheme for Kinvara town, County Galway; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52925/13]

National Monuments

Michael P. Kitt

377. Deputy Michael P. Kitt asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht if he has received a request from the Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport offering to transfer the Thoor Ballylee Tower House, County Galway to his Department; if he will consider the re-opening of the tower house; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49231/13]

Children's Rights Referendum

Michael P. Kitt

619. Deputy Michael P. Kitt asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs with reference to the referendum on children's rights held some several months ago, if she will provide an update on implementation and if the relevant legislation is now in place; the sections that have been implemented to date; when the section allowing adoption of long time fostered children will be signed into force; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [49098/13]

National Monuments

Michael P. Kitt

98. Deputy Michael P. Kitt asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht if he will investigate the acquisition, for the State, of Tullira Castle, Adrahan, County Galway; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48444/13]

Banking Sector Issues

Michael P. Kitt

64. Deputy Michael P. Kitt asked the Minister for Finance if he has received a proposal that the State buy ACC Bank from Rabobank Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47659/13]

Tax Reliefs Eligibility

Michael P. Kitt

82. Deputy Michael P. Kitt asked the Minister for Finance if he will clarify the issue of entitlement to tax relief on dental and-or medical expenses on services fully carried out outside the State; if he will confirm this is so; the reason it is allowed, as, in the case of dental services available here, it is putting Irish dentists at risk in their employment; if he will consider changes to same and make a distinction between medical dental treatments available in the State and others only available abroad; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45080/13]

Homelessness Strategy

Michael P. Kitt

152. Deputy Michael P. Kitt asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if he will provide a progress report on the Government's commitment to ending long-term homelessness by 2016; the framework and funding in place; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44925/13]

Straitéis don Ghaeilge

Michael P. Kitt

56. D'fhiafraigh Deputy Michael P. Kitt den Aire Ealaíon, Oidhreachta agus Gaeltachta cad é an dul chun cinn atá déanta maidir le húsáid na Gaeilge a spreagadh ar fud na tíre; cén cúnamh atá á thabhairt ag Roinn na Gaeltachta agus ag Údarás na Gaeltachta le haghaidh imeachtaí Bhliain na Gaeilge 2013; agus an ndéanfaidh sé ráiteas ina thaobh. [44629/13]

Waterways Ireland Remit

Michael P. Kitt

308. Deputy Michael P. Kitt asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht when it is proposed to reopen the walkway which spans the weir on the River Shannon in Meelick, County Galway; if funding has been provided for this work; if his attention has been drawn to the fact that this is an important local and tourist amenity; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44424/13]

National Partnership Agreements Implementation

Michael P. Kitt

313. Deputy Michael P. Kitt asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht if he will honour the agreement with farming organisations on the Review of Implementation of the Habitats Regulations 1997; if retrospective payments will be made as happened in the corncrake areas; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44426/13]

Private Rented Accommodation Provision

Michael P. Kitt

380. Deputy Michael P. Kitt asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if he has considered introducing a residential rental scheme similar to the model used in some European countries where, legally, rents can only vary or increase in line with inflation or the consumer price index; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44894/13]

Disadvantaged Areas Scheme Payments

Michael P. Kitt

308. Deputy Michael P. Kitt asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine when the remaining payments under the disadvantaged areas scheme will be paid in counties Galway and Roscommon, as well as in the other counties; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43019/13]

Mental Health Services Funding

Michael P. Kitt

393. Deputy Michael P. Kitt asked the Minister for Health if an independent review will be put in place on the scoring system for comparisons between Ballinasloe and Roscommon as centres for acute psychiatric beds in the Health Service Executive west PCCC; when the proposed resources will be made available in the community; if it will be done before any decisions are made; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43046/13]

Natural Gas Grid

Michael P. Kitt

451. Deputy Michael P. Kitt asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the position regarding the provision of natural gas to the town of Athenry, County Galway; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41012/13]

Cabinet Committee Meetings

Michael P. Kitt

132. Deputy Michael P. Kitt asked the Taoiseach the number of times the Cabinet committee on Social Policy has met since the formation of this Government; if it has met, the date on which those meetings have taken place. [39128/13]

Foras na Gaeilge

Michael P. Kitt

4. D'fhiafraigh Deputy Michael P. Kitt den Aire Ealaíon, Oidhreachta agus Gaeltachta cén líon daoine atá fostaithe ag Foras na Gaeilge faoi láthair, cé mhéad post in earnáil dheonach na Gaeilge atá maoinithe ag Foras na Gaeilge faoin gcóras bunmhaoinithe reatha, agus cé mhéad post a bheidh le maoiniú faoin múnla maoinithe nua atá beartaithe a theacht i bhfeidhm an 1 Iúil 2014; agus an ndéanfaidh sé ráiteas ina thaobh. [38600/13]

Flood Relief Schemes Funding

Michael P. Kitt

434. Deputy Michael P. Kitt asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the position regarding the flood relief programme on the Clare River at Claregalway, County Galway; the amount of funding for this project; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37819/13]

Enterprise Support Schemes

Michael P. Kitt

490. Deputy Michael P. Kitt asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation his proposals to obtain markets for Irish manufacturing and professional service companies in the Middle East and North Africa; if engineering and infrastructure investment has increased in these areas in recent years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36917/13]

Tourism Industry

Michael P. Kitt

1596. Deputy Michael P. Kitt asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if there are proposals to re-open Thoor Ballylee, County Galway; if he will indicate the amount of money spent to date on improvements on this project; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38418/13]

Garda Investigations

Michael P. Kitt

921. Deputy Michael P. Kitt asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if he has any information on the theft of six valuable oil paintings from a church (details supplied) in County Galway; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35177/13]

Social and Affordable Housing Applications

Michael P. Kitt

154. Deputy Michael P. Kitt asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the proposals he has to deal with the increased number of applicants for housing; the work of housing organisations and the National Asset Management Agency in housing regeneration projects; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34021/13]

Patient Statistics

Michael P. Kitt

218. Deputy Michael P. Kitt asked the Minister for Health the number of patients residing in psychiatric hospitals and units during the period 2006 to 2011; the number discharged; the number who went into community mental health care services and the number who went home; the number of patients still residing in psychiatric hospitals and units; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32388/13]

Road Projects Issues

Michael P. Kitt

247. Deputy Michael P. Kitt asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the position regarding the commencement of the Gort to Tuam motorway; the cost involved as a Public Private Partnership scheme; the costing for the by-pass of Tuam, County Galway; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31135/13]

Equine Industry Issues

Michael P. Kitt

6. Deputy Michael P. Kitt asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the steps he will take to encourage the slaughter of surplus horses; the way he intends to encourage the slaughter of surplus young horses; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29376/13]

Fodder Crisis

Michael P. Kitt

60. Deputy Michael P. Kitt asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the total expenditure incurred by his Department on the fodder transport scheme and the emergency assistance issued by the District Veterinary Office; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29343/13]

Television Reception

Michael P. Kitt

140. Deputy Michael P. Kitt asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if his attention has been drawn to the difficulties in re-broadcasting TG4 across the North of Ireland and, in particular, in parts of the greater Belfast area; if other areas on the island of Ireland are affected in terms of their reception of TG4; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29529/13]

Mental Health Services Provision

Michael P. Kitt

219. Deputy Michael P. Kitt asked the Minister for Health the number of psychiatric patients who have been moved from psychiatric hospitals to community care settings since 2006, when A Vision for Change was published; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28553/13]

Mental Health Services Provision

Michael P. Kitt

220. Deputy Michael P. Kitt asked the Minister for Health the number of patients who are still in psychiatric institutional care; the reasons for this; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28554/13]

Disadvantaged Areas Scheme Appeals

Michael P. Kitt

790. Deputy Michael P. Kitt asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine when a decision will be made on an appeal of disadvantaged area payment in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Galway whereby medical evidence was supplied in November 2011 as a reason for not meeting stocking density; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26772/13]

Údarás na Gaeltachta Issues

Michael P. Kitt

39. D'fhiafraigh Deputy Michael P. Kitt den Aire Ealaíon, Oidhreachta agus Gaeltachta cén beartas agus cé na pleananna atá ann chun níos mó post a chur ar fáil sa Ghaeltacht; agus an ndéanfaidh sé ráiteas ina thaobh. [26107/13]

Tax Yield

Michael P. Kitt

153. Deputy Michael P. Kitt asked the Minister for Finance if he has an estimate of the amount of funds to be raised through a levy on texting on mobile phones; and the estimated amount to be raised through a 1 cent levy per text for the past five years. [25241/13]

Special Educational Needs Service Provision

Michael P. Kitt

227. Deputy Michael P. Kitt asked the Minister for Education and Skills if the maximum allocation of resource hours will be provided to children with Down's syndrome, and whether they will be recognised in their entirety and in their own right by his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25097/13]

Water and Sewerage Schemes Funding

Michael P. Kitt

495. Deputy Michael P. Kitt asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if he has received a proposal to provide funding for an extension to a sewerage scheme (details supplied) in County Galway. [24061/13]

Trade Missions

Michael P. Kitt

36. Deputy Michael P. Kitt asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the trade missions he has planned for the remainder of 2013; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23191/13]

Coillte Teoranta Harvesting Rights Sale

Michael P. Kitt

31. Deputy Michael P. Kitt asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the number of meetings he has had with the Irish Timber Council in relation to the proposed sale of the forest crop of Coillte; the result of these discussions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21492/13]

Local Authority Housing Provision

Michael P. Kitt

141. Deputy Michael P. Kitt asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if he will make funding available to the North Tipperary County Council for the provision of social housing (details supplied) in County Tipperary; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21601/13]