Parliamentary questions

Psychological Assessments

Richard Boyd Barrett

172. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Education and Skills the criteria for determining the number of National Educational Psychological Service, NEPS, assessments per school in view of the fact demand exceeds supply. [46228/19]

Special Educational Needs

Richard Boyd Barrett

173. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Education and Skills when he plans to roll out the school inclusion model nationally in view of the fact schools outside of the 75 schools in the pilot programme have lost SNAs and have not benefited from in-school support. [46229/19]

Special Educational Needs Staff Data

Richard Boyd Barrett

174. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Education and Skills the number of applications made for access to a SNA by primary schools during the 2018-2019 school year by county; the number of SNAs allocated to special classes for the same period by county; and the number of posts lost due to children leaving sixth class in each school. [46230/19]

Special Educational Needs Staff Data

Richard Boyd Barrett

175. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Education and Skills the number of SNA posts in post-primary schools that followed the children from sixth class in primary school to first class in post-primary school; the remaining allocation for post-primary schools by county; and the number of applications made for access to a SNA by post-primary schools during the 2018-2019 school year. [46231/19]

Special Educational Needs Staff Data

Richard Boyd Barrett

176. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Education and Skills the number of applications made by special schools for access to a SNA during the 2018-2019 school year by county. [46232/19]

Treatment Benefit Scheme Eligibility

Richard Boyd Barrett

383. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Health if gender reassignment treatment is covered under the treatment abroad scheme due to long waiting lists here; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46516/19]

Driver Licences

Richard Boyd Barrett

188. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if a person (details supplied) will be provided with records being held by DCC or the NDLS with regard to the person's original Irish driver licence; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45842/19]

Driver Licensing Exchange Agreements

Richard Boyd Barrett

189. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the way in which a person with a valid UK driver licence obtained by being a holder of a Canadian driver licence can ensure being legally able to drive here in the event of the UK leaving the EU; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45843/19]

Taoiseach's Meetings and Engagements

Richard Boyd Barrett

2. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Taoiseach if he has spoken to or met the First Minister of Scotland recently. [45494/19]

Artists' Remuneration

Richard Boyd Barrett

27. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the measures she is planning to take to combat employment and income insecurity across the arts sector; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [45502/19]

Childcare Services

Richard Boyd Barrett

197. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs if she will examine the case of a crèche (details supplied) and extend the deadline for displacement; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [45774/19]

Cabinet Committee Meetings

Richard Boyd Barrett

3. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Taoiseach when the Cabinet committee on infrastructure last met. [45217/19]

Cabinet Committees

Richard Boyd Barrett

5. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Taoiseach if climate change is covered by Cabinet committees he attends. [45218/19]

Departmental Reform

Richard Boyd Barrett

6. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Taoiseach if he is considering new divisions in his Department. [43258/19]

Social and Affordable Housing

Richard Boyd Barrett

32. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government the number of affordable homes which will be delivered in 2020; when the income eligibility criteria for such homes will be defined; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45220/19]

Land Development Agency

Richard Boyd Barrett

33. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government his views on whether the Land Development Agency will become a vehicle for the privatisation of public land and will be unable to deliver the affordable and social homes needed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45221/19]

Social and Affordable Housing

Richard Boyd Barrett

44. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government his plans to abandon the strategic housing development legislation entirely in view of the fact that it has failed to deliver much-needed affordable homes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45223/19]

Local Authority Housing Eligibility

Richard Boyd Barrett

50. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government his views on whether increasing numbers of individuals and families are being removed from the council lists even though their incomes fall short of allowing them to provide secure housing for themselves in view of the fact that income eligibility criteria for social housing have not been reviewed since 2011; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45222/19]

Public Procurement Contracts Data

Richard Boyd Barrett

156. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the public procurement contracts and projects in which a person (details supplied) was involved; the final value of each project; the original estimates for each contract and project by year in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44369/19]

School Inspection Reports

Richard Boyd Barrett

200. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Education and Skills the reason he has not made public a copy of a report prepared by his officials in relation to a school (details supplied) following a visit by his officials to the school on 11 June 2019; when he plans to make this report publicly available; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44221/19]

Immigration Status

Richard Boyd Barrett

351. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if changes will be made to legislation to ensure that there is a clear and quick pathway to residency for up to 3,000 children and young persons growing up here undocumented; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45091/19]

Warmer Homes Scheme Eligibility

Richard Boyd Barrett

831. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the parameters for the section of budget 2020, which proposes to provide free upgrades to lower income households to make their homes warmer, more comfortable and more energy efficient; the definition of the proposed financial outlay from the State regarding free upgrades; the definition of a lower income household; the measures proposed to make such homes warmer, more comfortable and more energy efficient; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45248/19]

Community Employment Schemes Eligibility

Richard Boyd Barrett

1067. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection if an exception will be made to the rules to allow a person (details supplied) to participate in a community employment scheme with nine months on jobseeker's allowance; if she will meet with the personm to discuss same; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [44829/19]

Local Authority Funding

Richard Boyd Barrett

1170. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government his views on the fact that across local authorities there is less money available for local services in view of the fact the stated aim of the local property tax was to provide extra resources for same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38987/19]

Taoiseach's Meetings and Engagements

Richard Boyd Barrett

10. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Taoiseach if he will report on his meeting with the UK Prime Minister in the week of 7 October 2019. [42161/19]

EU Issues

Richard Boyd Barrett

19. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Taoiseach if he will report on his recent meeting with the President of the European Council. [42160/19]

Taoiseach's Meetings and Engagements

Richard Boyd Barrett

9. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Taoiseach if he will report on his visit to the United States of America for the recent UN meeting. [39637/19]

Taoiseach's Meetings and Engagements

Richard Boyd Barrett

12. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Taoiseach if he will report on his recent visit to Los Angeles and his efforts to boost the film industry here. [42162/19]

Recreational Facilities

Richard Boyd Barrett

73. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs if she will work with Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council to ensure the continuation of the supervised playground on Library Road, Dún Laoghaire, including a replacement for an organisation (details supplied) to manage the service and or alternative sources of funding if necessary; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [43279/19]

Family Support Services

Richard Boyd Barrett

76. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs if funds will be made available to a service (details supplied) to ensure that it can continue to provide its services to the families in need in the Dún Laoghaire area; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [43280/19]

Summer Works Scheme Applications

Richard Boyd Barrett

181. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Education and Skills if funding will be granted for a school (details supplied) for the upgrading of its boundary fence under the summer works programme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42944/19]

Health Services Provision

Richard Boyd Barrett

404. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Health further to Parliamentary Question No. 244 of 8 October 2019, if patients in need of an upright scan will be allowed to reclaim the full cost of treatment in the UK which is not recoverable under either the treatment abroad scheme or cross border directive in view of the fact that the only available scanner is in a private clinic in the UK; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43444/19]

Public Transport Data

Richard Boyd Barrett

529. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the amount of carbon used in public transport per year; the carbon tax liability on same; the estimated cost of the increase in carbon tax; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43129/19]

Labour Activation Programmes

Richard Boyd Barrett

628. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection if Turas Nua received a monetary award for a person (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [43462/19]

Special Protection Areas

Richard Boyd Barrett

659. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht if the purchase of the lands at Booterstown Marsh for An Taisce will be explored to ensure that when the lease runs out in 2020 the bird sanctuary will continue as a public amenity; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [43165/19]

Special Educational Needs Service Provision

Richard Boyd Barrett

25. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Education and Skills if children in ASD units receive follow-up assessments and checks to ensure their educational needs are met; the way in which this is monitored and reported; if separate funding is made available for same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42589/19]

Capital Expenditure Programme

Richard Boyd Barrett

39. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Education and Skills the impact the cut to the education capital budget will have in view of the 471 schools that are in temporary buildings and numerous other schools promised; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42588/19]

Special Educational Needs Service Provision

Richard Boyd Barrett

108. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Education and Skills when a child currently has access to a SNA but is told that reassessment is required to continue to qualify for access, but the assessments are not within six months due to resource and staff shortages, the way in which the child is to be supported in school; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42653/19]

Special Educational Needs Service Provision

Richard Boyd Barrett

109. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Education and Skills the schools that are part of the school inclusion model, that is, the 75 schools in counties Kildare, Wicklow and south County Dublin areas currently participating; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42654/19]

National Educational Psychological Service Staff

Richard Boyd Barrett

110. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Education and Skills if staff in NEPS who take leave or maternity leave are replaced; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42656/19]

Psychological Assessments Waiting Times

Richard Boyd Barrett

111. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Education and Skills the length of time children who suffer a bereavement are expected to wait on waiting lists to be seen and assessed by psychologists; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42657/19]

Home Schooling

Richard Boyd Barrett

112. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Education and Skills the number of children being home schooled at primary level; if they are all in receipt of the home tuition grant; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42658/19]

Disabilities Assessments

Richard Boyd Barrett

181. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Health if all school age teams have a full complement of specialists to allow multidisciplinary assessment and interventions; if, in particular, a team (details supplied) has the complement; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42649/19]

Disabilities Assessments

Richard Boyd Barrett

182. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Health the way in which children are prioritised for the school age team assessment; if it follows the national policy for prioritisation for persons with disabilities; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42650/19]

Disabilities Assessments

Richard Boyd Barrett

183. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Health if assessments of needs by school age teams have a long waiting list; if parents can have private assessments done and still avail of interventions and supports from the appropriate specialists on the teams; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42651/19]

Disabilities Assessments

Richard Boyd Barrett

184. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Health if each child has to have a second full multidisciplinary assessment after having one with the early intervention team when moving to primary school when the child reaches the age of five; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42652/19]

Disabilities Assessments

Richard Boyd Barrett

185. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Health if staff in the early intervention and school age teams are replaced while on leave and maternity leave; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42655/19]

Cabinet Committee Meetings

Richard Boyd Barrett

1. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Taoiseach when Cabinet committee C, European Union, including Brexit, last met; and when the Cabinet committee on Brexit, foreign and European affairs is next scheduled to meet. [41383/19]

RTÉ Revenue

Richard Boyd Barrett

38. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment his views on whether public service broadcasting should and will include a dedicated station for culture; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42163/19]

Climate Change Policy

Richard Boyd Barrett

62. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the implications for his Department of the recent UN Climate Action Summit; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42164/19]

Schools Building Projects Expenditure

Richard Boyd Barrett

105. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Education and Skills the proportion of the €670 million in budget 2020 for school buildings in 2020 that will be allocated to fixing the structural defects discovered in more than 40 school buildings built by a company (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42384/19]

School Services Staff

Richard Boyd Barrett

125. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Education and Skills if the education budget to ensure all school secretaries are paid as public servants will be increased; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39607/19]

Disability Services Funding

Richard Boyd Barrett

182. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Health the details of the €25 million allocated to disability services between the four sections listed on page 112 of the budget book, that is, school leavers, respite, emergency protocols and autism; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42518/19]

Disabilities Assessments

Richard Boyd Barrett

183. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Health the additional funds that have been provided in budget 2020 for the assessment of needs programme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42519/19]

Disabilities Assessments

Richard Boyd Barrett

184. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Health the number of children awaiting an assessment of needs; the number awaiting a report from their assessment of needs nationally by CHO; the length of time each child is waiting for the assessment; the length of time children are waiting for the report; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42520/19]

Taoiseach's Meetings and Engagements

Richard Boyd Barrett

3. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Taoiseach if he will report on his meeting with church leaders on 4 July 2019. [38539/19]

Departmental Functions

Richard Boyd Barrett

7. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Taoiseach if he will report on the work of the economic division of his Department. [41382/19]

Cabinet Committee Meetings

Richard Boyd Barrett

11. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Taoiseach when the next meeting of the Cabinet committee on the environment is due to meet. [39636/19]

Beef Industry

Richard Boyd Barrett

60. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the status of discussions with the beef industry regarding the creation of a base price for beef; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41990/19]

Afforestation Programme

Richard Boyd Barrett

86. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine his plans to increase and diversify forest cover here; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42001/19]

Direct Provision Data

Richard Boyd Barrett

248. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the number of persons employed in direct provision centres by the companies operating same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41655/19]

Data Protection

Richard Boyd Barrett

508. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment if data collected by the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland, SEAI, on BER forms in respect of water usage will not be passed on to other authorities such as Irish Water and that such data shall be protected in line with GDPR; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41614/19]

Sports Capital Programme Administration

Richard Boyd Barrett

565. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport when the next round of sports capital grants will be announced; the deadline for same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42208/19]

Childcare Services Regulation

Richard Boyd Barrett

584. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs if her attention has been drawn to the fact that a service (details supplied) is to be shut down on 11 October 2019 at the request of Tusla; the reason for same; the steps she can take to ensure the restoration of an after-school service for the parents and children affected; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [42133/19]

State Pension (Contributory) Eligibility

Richard Boyd Barrett

616. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection the reason means tested qualified adult payments for those on a contributory pension treat savings as income to be assessed which can result in the loss of the payment when at the same time persons are encouraged by the Government to save for their old age; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [42143/19]

Social Welfare Code

Richard Boyd Barrett

617. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection the location in which the method for means testing for various social protection payments is laid out in legislation; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [42144/19]

Disabilities Assessments

Richard Boyd Barrett

13. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Health the way in which he plans to speed up access to assessment of needs for children to bring it in line with the statutory requirements to ensure the waiting list is no longer than three months and is completed in six months; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41366/19]

Health Services Provision

Richard Boyd Barrett

72. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Health if he will report on the implementation of his plans to provide free contraception; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41365/19]

Trade Agreements

Richard Boyd Barrett

32. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation the role her Department has played in the Mercosur and Ireland-US trade deals; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [37382/19]

Special Educational Needs Service Provision

Richard Boyd Barrett

63. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Education and Skills the reason a person (details supplied) has had their shared access to a SNA withdrawn for the 2019-20 school year in view of the fact that the person still has a recommendation for one; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40513/19]

Health Services Provision

Richard Boyd Barrett

244. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Health if he will consider purchasing an upright MRI scanner here and failing that if he will allow patients in need of an upright MRI scan to travel to the UK and reclaim the full cost under the treatment abroad scheme, which currently does not cover it as it is only available in a private clinic in the UK; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40744/19]

Community Employment Schemes Eligibility

Richard Boyd Barrett

467. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection if she will meet with this Deputy and a person (details supplied) to discuss older workers and community employment schemes; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [40714/19]

Water Meters Installation

Richard Boyd Barrett

495. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government if Irish Water is no longer installing domestic water meters; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40549/19]

Taoiseach's Meetings and Engagements

Richard Boyd Barrett

5. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Taoiseach if he will report on his recent meeting with the US Vice President, Mr. Mike Pence. [37384/19]

Cabinet Committee Meetings

Richard Boyd Barrett

10. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Taoiseach if he has attended Cabinet committee meetings recently. [38537/19]

Taoiseach's Meetings and Engagements

Richard Boyd Barrett

12. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Taoiseach if he has met or spoken to the leader of the UK Labour Party. [38538/19]

Disability Services Provision

Richard Boyd Barrett

46. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the measures he is planning to take to ensure equal access to public transport for disabled persons and those with mobility issues in view of the fact that the UNCRPD has been in effect since April 2018; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39942/19]

Public Transport Provision

Richard Boyd Barrett

56. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his plans to increase public transport provision in view of the declaration of a climate emergency; his further plans to make all public transport free of charge in budget 2020; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39901/19]

Public Transport

Richard Boyd Barrett

67. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the reason the NTA is not fining a company (details supplied) despite the fact it confirmed that the company is not fulfilling its contractual obligations in terms of the delivery of service on the 10% of routes it is running in Dublin; if it is open to the NTA to cancel the contract with the company in view of the failure to fulfil its contractual obligations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39900/19]

Public Transport

Richard Boyd Barrett

72. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his plans to tender out parts of the public transport service that is currently the remit of Bus Éireann; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39902/19]

Public Transport

Richard Boyd Barrett

73. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his plans to ensure that all public transport is fully accessible to disabled persons and those with mobility issues; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39903/19]

Public Transport

Richard Boyd Barrett

96. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the number and scale of services cancelled by a company (details supplied) on the routes it operates in Dublin; the reason these services failed to operate; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39899/19]

Taoiseach's Meetings and Engagements

Richard Boyd Barrett

2. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Taoiseach if he will report on his meeting with the British Prime Minister, Mr. Boris Johnson. [37373/19]

Cabinet Committee Meetings

Richard Boyd Barrett

13. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Taoiseach when the Cabinet committee on social policy and public services will next meet. [37375/19]

Cabinet Committee Meetings

Richard Boyd Barrett

19. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Taoiseach when the Cabinet committee on infrastructure will next meet. [37374/19]

Brexit Expenditure

Richard Boyd Barrett

89. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the areas of the budget he is planning to increase in view of the threat of a no-deal Brexit; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39608/19]

School Management

Richard Boyd Barrett

189. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Education and Skills the reason schools are required to submit accounts on-line via an accountant to FSSU; the reason an individual school cannot file the figures directly to the unit by extracting the numbers from the profit and loss and balance sheet on an annual basis,which in some cases would save the school the added expense of hiring an accountant; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39312/19]

Passport Applications Administration

Richard Boyd Barrett

273. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the way in which a person (details supplied) can regularise themselves when they cannot acquire either a Macedonian or Irish passport; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39646/19]

Hospital Waiting Lists

Richard Boyd Barrett

310. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Health when a person (details supplied) will be called for a hospital appointment; the number of persons ahead of them on the list; his plans to invest in the service to improve the waiting times; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39286/19]

Departmental Records

Richard Boyd Barrett

460. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment if, prior to the privatisation of a company (details supplied), two financial reports or audits were produced which showed significantly different financial positions; and if copies of both will be provided; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39420/19]

Railway Stations

Richard Boyd Barrett

538. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the investigations undertaken by MetroLink, Transport Infrastructure Ireland, the National Transport Authority and organisations or individuals employed by these bodies into the feasibility of rerouting sewer lines in the area of the proposed Tara Street station; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39852/19]

Railway Stations

Richard Boyd Barrett

539. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the investigation Dublin City Council, MetroLink, Transport Infrastructure Ireland, the National Transport Authority and organisations or individuals employed by these bodies have undertaken in relation to the possible uses and disposal of a proposed vacant site (details supplied) which would be created if the current preferred plan for the Tara Street station were to proceed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39853/19]

Living Alone Allowance

Richard Boyd Barrett

582. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection the reason a person (details supplied) is no longer receiving a living alone allowance; if it will be reinstated in order that they can apply for the household benefits package; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [39300/19]

Tax Reliefs Eligibility

Richard Boyd Barrett

15. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Finance the way in which the condition for receiving section 481 tax relief, which requires the recipients to provide quality employment and training, can be met by the producer companies that apply for and receive the relief when those same producer companies are denying responsibility for employment and training on film productions but rather claiming that a designated activity company, which exists only for a time limited specific financial purpose, is the entity responsible for employment and training; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38988/19]

Property Tax

Richard Boyd Barrett

23. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Finance if the local property tax will be abolished and replaced with a landlord's tax that increases in rate depending on the number of properties the landlord has; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38986/19]

Departmental Legal Cases

Richard Boyd Barrett

44. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Finance the cost to date and the projected costs for the entire case for the Irish legal team taking an appeal against an EU ruling (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38984/19]

Mortgage Interest Rates

Richard Boyd Barrett

46. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Finance the equivalent interest rates in banks in which he is a majority shareholder; the reason they differ; if so, the different amounts of interest a mortgage holder would pay over a 20 year lifetime on a €100,000, €200,000 and €300,000 loan, respectively, in the banks in which he is a majority shareholder in comparison to the amount they would pay if they were charged ECB rates, in view of the fact the current ECB interest rate for deposit facility is 0.5% and its marginal interest rate is 0.25%; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38985/19]

Mortgage Book Sales

Richard Boyd Barrett

60. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Finance the reason he continues to allow banks that are majority owned by the State to sell and transfer mortgages to so-called vulture funds which in turn causes huge anxiety and worry to the mortgage holders; his plans to stop this practice; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39110/19]

Airlines Regulations

Richard Boyd Barrett

166. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the number of fifth freedom applications he has received from an airline (details supplied); the routes for these applications; the applications he has approved; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39111/19]

Jobseeker's Allowance

Richard Boyd Barrett

9. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection if a commitment will be made to restoring the single rate of jobseeker's allowance in order that persons no longer get a reduced rate; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [38848/19]