Parliamentary questions

Strategic Banking Corporation of Ireland

Seán Kyne

9. Deputy Seán Kyne asked the Minister for Finance if he will report on funding through the Strategic Banking Corporation of Ireland for Irish small and medium-sized enterprises and for agriculture; if he is satisfied with the total lending provided; the number of banks and lending organisations that are delivering the funding programme through the corporation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40372/15]

Disabled Drivers and Passengers Scheme

Seán Kyne

34. Deputy Seán Kyne asked the Minister for Finance with regard to section 92 of the Finance Act 1992, as amended, section 134(3) of the Finance Act 1992, as amended and Statutory Instrument No. 353 of 1994 (Disabled Drivers and Disabled Passengers (Tax Concessions) Regulations 1994), as amended, if he will consider amending the legislation with regard to tax relief on vehicles used to transport persons with a disability to include those with visual impairment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40366/15]

JobsPlus Scheme

Seán Kyne

79. Deputy Seán Kyne asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Social Protection the status of progress of the JobsPlus scheme; the number of positions and the companies participating, by county; and the total numbers who have availed of the scheme to date. [40102/15]

Back to Work Family Dividend Scheme Data

Seán Kyne

98. Deputy Seán Kyne asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Social Protection the uptake of the back to work family dividend scheme, by county; and if the scheme is subject to review to ascertain its effectiveness. [40101/15]

Death Certificates

Seán Kyne

144. Deputy Seán Kyne asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Social Protection the reason for a delay in the procedures to issue death certificates for those Irish citizens who have died abroad, following the signing by the President in December 2014 of the Civil Registration (Amendment) Act 2014; when the issuing of certificates will begin; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [40310/15]

National Internship Scheme Administration

Seán Kyne

186. Deputy Seán Kyne asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Social Protection the progress of the review of JobBridge; and when it is anticipated that the review will be published and considered by her. [40645/15]

NAMA Property Rental

Seán Kyne

217. Deputy Seán Kyne asked the Minister for Finance the procedures followed to protect and respect the rights of tenants in properties which have come under the control of the National Asset Management Agency; and if there are procedures to secure the continuation of services, such as refuse collection. [40643/15]

Child and Family Agency

Seán Kyne

353. Deputy Seán Kyne asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs regarding the changes in funding provided by Tusla, the Child and Family Agency, to rape crisis centres and the transfer of research responsibilities to gather statistical information to help inform policy, how such information is
being collected in-house by the agency, as opposed to the previous arrangement through the rape crisis centre's network; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40641/15]

Departmental Funding

Seán Kyne

354. Deputy Seán Kyne asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the funding and the number of organisations receiving funding to support victims of physical or sexual abuse allocated in 2015; and the funding to be provided in budget 2016 for 2016. [40644/15]

Tourism Promotion

Seán Kyne

632. Deputy Seán Kyne asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the level of public consultation regarding the marker signs for the Wild Atlantic Way, with particular reference to their design, size and scale, which many feel is obtrusive and unsuited to the locations, and with regard to the purpose of the markers to identify photograph opportunities for visitors. [40639/15]

Scéimeanna Teanga

Seán Kyne

9. D'fhiafraigh Deputy Seán Kyne den Aire Ealaíon, Oidhreachta agus Gaeltachta an dul chun cinn atá déanta maidir le cruthú pleananna teanga le haghaidh ceantair Ghaeltachta; agus líon na bpleananna atá forbartha agus curtha i ngníomh. [39555/15]

Údarás na Gaeltachta

Seán Kyne

12. Deputy Seán Kyne asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht if she is aware of the constraints on Údarás na Gaeltachta, given its successful management of business facilities, which facilities are currently at 90% capacity; and the steps that her Department will take to ensure that Údarás na Gaeltachta has the resources to undertake the expansion necessary for further job creation. [37991/15]

Primary Care Centres Provision

Seán Kyne

170. Deputy Seán Kyne asked the Minister for Health the progress on a primary care centre (details supplied) in County Galway. [39933/15]

Tourism Project Funding

Seán Kyne

12. Deputy Seán Kyne asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport for an update on the status of the Marconi site at Derrygimlagh in Connemara, County Galway, for which funding was announced in late 2014 as a capital project and key focal point on the Wild Atlantic Way, to commemorate the Marconi wireless station and the Alcock and Brown transatlantic flight; if planning permission has been secured; the construction timeline; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39236/15]

Tourism Promotion

Seán Kyne

14. Deputy Seán Kyne asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport for an update on the success of the Wild Atlantic Way; the investment timelines over the next few years, in terms of initiatives in the Galway area; the boost to the hotel, bed and breakfast, and hospitality sectors; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39237/15]

Single Payment Scheme Applications

Seán Kyne

89. Deputy Seán Kyne asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine when a decision will be made by the land parcel identification system appeals committee regarding a basic payment scheme forage area inspection for a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39753/15]

Metropolitan Area Networks Programme

Seán Kyne

90. Deputy Seán Kyne asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources regarding the operation of the metropolitan area networks in towns such as Clifden in County Galway, if he is aware of the issue of cost for householders and small and medium enterprises in availing of this important service; if any form of assistance will be considered to increase usage of these important assets which are State owned; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38949/15]

National Broadband Plan Expenditure

Seán Kyne

106. Deputy Seán Kyne asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources for an update on his Department's engagement with the European Union competition directorate concerning State investment in the broadband network, with specific reference to the national broadband plan. [38946/15]

Agriculture Scheme Eligibility

Seán Kyne

279. Deputy Seán Kyne asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if farmers participating in cattle discussion groups and in sheep discussion groups are eligible for two payments; if so, the rate of payment; if a farmer's own veterinary practitioner can prepare the new animal health requirements under discussion group measures; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39301/15]

Rights of Way Registration

Seán Kyne

330. Deputy Seán Kyne asked the Minister for Justice and Equality with regard to the Land and Conveyancing Law Reform Act 2009, the necessity to register a right of way; if rights of way detailed in land registry folios need to be registered; the procedures that apply in registering a right of way; the closing date of such registrations; the procedures where rights of way are disputed; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [39380/15]

Seirbhísí Cúram Leanaí

Seán Kyne

349. D'fhiafraigh Deputy Seán Kyne den Aire Leanaí agus Gnóthaí Óige maidir le bearta Bhuiséad 2016, cad iad na céimeanna atá á dtógáil chun a chinntiú go ndéanfar leathnú sásúil ar áiseanna cúraim leanaí do phobail Ghaeltachta [39557/15]

Child Care Costs

Seán Kyne

353. Deputy Seán Kyne asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs his views on the provision of a tax credit to assist with the cost of child care; if his Department has researched the international experience of such credits and their merits and demerits, as well as ascertaining the views of child care providers on the matter. [39618/15]

Early Childhood Care and Education

Seán Kyne

354. Deputy Seán Kyne asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the reason for delaying the introduction of the expanded preschool programme; if he is aware that the delay will exclude some families whose children will have commenced primary school before its introduction; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39619/15]

Pharmacy Services

Seán Kyne

459. Deputy Seán Kyne asked the Minister for Health further to Question No. 636 of 15 April 2015, the progress his Department has made on examining the issue of introducing a minor ailments scheme for pharmacies in order that pharmacies can realise their full potential in contributing to the primary care needs of communities; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39626/15]

Schools Building Projects Status

Seán Kyne

510. Deputy Seán Kyne asked the Minister for Education and Skills if a contractor has been appointed for the construction of a replacement building for a school (details supplied) in County Galway. [39603/15]

Irish Language

Seán Kyne

512. Deputy Seán Kyne asked the Minister for Education and Skills the progress of reviewing and renewing the Irish language curriculum, both at primary level and, within the context of junior certificate reform, at secondary level, to place a greater emphasis on linguistic skills; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [39627/15]

National Heritage Plan

Seán Kyne

535. Deputy Seán Kyne asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government for an update on the national walkway scheme; the number of walkways established; the number of applications awaiting consideration by his Department; his plans to extend the numbers of walks; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39288/15]

Road Safety Authority

Seán Kyne

590. Deputy Seán Kyne asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if the Road Safety Authority plans new regulations regarding farm trailers for transporting livestock being pulled by a jeep or tractor; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39300/15]

Local Authority Housing Provision

Seán Kyne

24. Deputy Seán Kyne asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the level of engagement with local authorities regarding the expenditure of funding from his Department for housing initiatives over the past two years. [38327/15]

NAMA Social Housing Provision

Seán Kyne

57. Deputy Seán Kyne asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the engagement his Department has had with the Department of Finance concerning the evolving role of the National Asset Management Agency in encompassing housing provision; if he is aware of the number and type of offers made to local authorities, with particular reference to Counties Galway and Mayo, regarding the use of housing stock in the control of the agency; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38328/15]

Job Creation

Seán Kyne

11. Deputy Seán Kyne asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation the allocation of the €250 million fund for regional job creation, including the programmes and schemes that the fund is supporting; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37989/15]

Údarás na Gaeltachta

Seán Kyne

30. Deputy Seán Kyne asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation if he will provide details of the co-operation between his Department, its agencies and Údarás na Gaeltachta. [37991/15]

Farm Assist Scheme Administration

Seán Kyne

45. Deputy Seán Kyne asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Social Protection if there has been a change on the farm assist forms which does not allow expenses to be detailed; if so, the reason such a change took place; if she will clarify that expenses are still to be deducted in the farm assist means test approach; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [38569/15]

Overseas Development Aid Expenditure

Seán Kyne

115. Deputy Seán Kyne asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the way the allocation of the welcome increase in overseas development aid will be determined; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37688/15]

Departmental Strategies

Seán Kyne

141. Deputy Seán Kyne asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if, with the impending expiry of the Trading and Investing in a Smart Economy, the Government Trade, Tourism and Investment Strategy 2010-2015, he will outline the work to date on a successor to this strategy; the areas of particular focus; and the envisaged commencement date for such a strategy. [37687/15]

Action Plan for Jobs

Seán Kyne

365. Deputy Seán Kyne asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation the action his Department has taken on delivering the regional potential strand of the 2015 Action Plan for Jobs; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37157/15]

Patient Transport Provision

Seán Kyne

858. Deputy Seán Kyne asked the Minister for Health the position regarding transport services to hospital for persons with limited transport means or with transport that is unsuitable for use with equipment such as wheelchairs, etc; and if the level of service available differs across hospital groups, particularly given the greater challenges facing patients who reside in rural areas, away from acute hospitals. [38381/15]

Minor Works Scheme Eligibility

Seán Kyne

1008. Deputy Seán Kyne asked the Minister for Education and Skills when a minor works scheme will be introduced to enable schools to undertake improvement works. [38384/15]

Schools Refurbishment

Seán Kyne

1009. Deputy Seán Kyne asked the Minister for Education and Skills if a decision by her Department concerning works to prefabricated facilities at a school (details supplied) in County Galway can be reviewed, due to the larger problems than first anticipated with the facilities, which pose significant health and safety concerns, and are impacting on the school's work. [38386/15]

Water Conservation Grant Eligibility

Seán Kyne

1013. Deputy Seán Kyne asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the reason an application by a person (details supplied) for the water conservation grant is deemed to be ineligible; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37471/15]

Harbours and Piers Development

Seán Kyne

1110. Deputy Seán Kyne asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the plans for investment in Inis Oírr pier; and Ros a'Mhíl harbour, as part of the capital investment plan; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34201/15]

Burial Grounds

Seán Kyne

1210. Deputy Seán Kyne asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the status of the investigations concerning the possible use of lands within the Annaghdown Abbey complex for the expansion of the Annaghdown cemetery; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [38382/15]

Health Services Funding

Seán Kyne

54. Deputy Seán Kyne asked the Minister for Health when it is envisaged that the specific projects to be funded under the capital plan allocation for health services will be finalised; and if the projects will include plans for a new emergency department at University Hospital Galway. [36469/15]

Hospital Staff Data

Seán Kyne

84. Deputy Seán Kyne asked the Minister for Health with regard to the number of additional staff in the health service, specifically hospital staff, the number and type allocated to University Hospital Galway; the overall number to be recruited within the next 12 months; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36470/15]

Crime Prevention

Seán Kyne

142. Deputy Seán Kyne asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the steps she will take to tackle the prevalence of burglaries; if there are specific measures planned for repeat offenders; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [35250/15]

Garda Resources

Seán Kyne

149. Deputy Seán Kyne asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if there are figures available regarding the additional Garda Síochána resources which have been freed up arising from the reorganisation of the service geographically as well as administratively; if such resources will be specified per division; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [35251/15]

Basic Payment Scheme Payments

Seán Kyne

324. Deputy Seán Kyne asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine when a payment under the areas of natural constraint scheme will be made to a person (details supplied); the reason for the delay; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36410/15]

Agriculture Scheme Eligibility

Seán Kyne

326. Deputy Seán Kyne asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine with regard to the terms and conditions of the areas of natural constraint scheme if he will consider in the case of breeding Conamara ponies, relaxing the requirement for horses to foal every second year in order for the animals to be eligible for inclusion in the stocking rate calculation; if he acknowledges, the importance of the Conamara pony as an indigenous animal, the difficulties in the Conamara pony market, and how this measure impacts on same; if he acknowledges that to ensure a Conamara pony foals every second year, it may be necessary to cover her every year to ensure she becomes eligible, thereby adding to the costs; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36423/15]

Disadvantaged Areas Scheme Payments

Seán Kyne

349. Deputy Seán Kyne asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine when a payment under the areas of natural constraint scheme will be made to a person (details supplied); the reason for the delay; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36114/15]

Disadvantaged Areas Scheme Payments

Seán Kyne

350. Deputy Seán Kyne asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine when a payment under the areas of natural constraint scheme will be made to a person (details supplied); the reason for the delay; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36115/15]