Parliamentary questions

Pacáiste Sochair Teaghlaigh

Éamon Ó Cuív

1874. D'fhiafraigh Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív den Aire Gnóthaí Fostaíochta agus Coimirce Sóisialaí an féidir aon eisceacht a dhéanamh, agus iarratas ar Íocaíocht do Theaghlaigh i bhFostaíocht á mheasúnú, maidir leis an riail go gcaithfear 38 uair an chloig oibre a dhéanamh sa choicís, i gcás múinteoir (sonraí tugtha) atá ag cónaí ar oileán amach ón gcósta agus a bhfuil triúr páistí aici agus a bhíonn ag múineadh ar feadh 21 uair an chloig sa choicís ar meán; agus an ndéanfaidh sí ráiteas ina thaobh. [36393/19]

Working Family Payment Eligibility

Éamon Ó Cuív

1875. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection the policy reason for the rule that a person must be working 38 hours in a fortnight to be eligible for the working family payment; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [36394/19]

Wastewater Treatment

Éamon Ó Cuív

1927. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government further to Parliamentary Question No. 1545 of 17 April 2019, when the revision of the grant scheme to householders that incur expenditure directly as a result of having to upgrade their wastewater systems following an inspection by their local authority will be completed and implemented; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34890/19]

Wastewater Treatment

Éamon Ó Cuív

1928. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government the recoupments by his Department to local authorities each year since 2014 in relation to grants for the upgrading of domestic wastewater treatment systems by county; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34891/19]

Local Authority Management

Éamon Ó Cuív

1951. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government when he plans to appoint a permanent chief executive to Galway County Council to replace the acting chief executive; the last date on which there was a permanent chief executive in Galway County Council; the reason for the delay in appointing a permanent chief executive; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35382/19]

Planning Issues

Éamon Ó Cuív

1955. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government when a decision will be made on a stage 4 approval for a housing project (details supplied) submitted to his Department on 19 July 2019; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35479/19]

Planning Issues

Éamon Ó Cuív

1956. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government when a decision will be made on a stage 1 approval for a housing project (details supplied) submitted to his Department on 1 July 2019; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35480/19]

Planning Guidelines

Éamon Ó Cuív

1989. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government when the new rural housing guidelines will be published following the Flemish decree case; the reason for the delay with same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36352/19]

Calafoirt agus Céanna

Éamon Ó Cuív

2016. D'fhiafraigh Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív den Aire Cultúir, Oidhreachta agus Gaeltachta an bhfuil cinneadh déanta nach rachfar ar aghaidh le céim a dó agus a trí de thógáil ché an Chalaidh Mhóir in Inis Meáin go dtí go mbeidh cé Inis Oírr tógtha; an bhfuil aon bhunús leis an gcinneadh sin ó tharla go bhfuil práinn ann chun brú ar aghaidh leis an dá ché chomh sciobtha agus is féidir; agus an ndéanfaidh sí ráiteas ina thaobh. [34900/19]

Capital Expenditure Programme

Éamon Ó Cuív

2017. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the capital expenditure of her Department at the end of August 2019 by subhead as compared with the Estimate for the full year; the reason for the slow spend to date; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [34901/19]

Calafoirt agus Céanna

Éamon Ó Cuív

2018. D'fhiafraigh Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív den Aire Cultúir, Oidhreachta agus Gaeltachta cén uair a dhéanfar cinneadh ar an bplean gnó atá réitithe ag Comhairle Contae na Gaillimhe i leith ché Inis Oírr; cén uair a fuarthas an plean gnó sin ón gcomhairle contae; agus an ndéanfaidh sí ráiteas ina thaobh. [34902/19]

Forbairt na nOileán

Éamon Ó Cuív

2019. D'fhiafraigh Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív den Aire Cultúir, Oidhreachta agus Gaeltachta an bhfuil sé i gceist aici airgead a cheadú i mbliana d’oibreacha beaga ar na hoileáin, go mór mór d’oibreacha bóthair; agus an ndéanfaidh sí ráiteas ina thaobh. [34913/19]

Seirbhísí Aeir Fóirdheonaithe

Éamon Ó Cuív

2020. D'fhiafraigh Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív den Aire Cultúir, Oidhreachta agus Gaeltachta cén dul chun cinn atá déanta le ceannach Aerfort Chonamara; cén uair atá i gceist conradh nua a fhógairt don tseirbhís aeir chuig na hOileáin Árann; agus an ndéanfaidh sí ráiteas ina thaobh. [34937/19]

State Properties

Éamon Ó Cuív

2023. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht if a request was received by her Department from the OPW or the Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport on behalf of the Irish Coast Guard for the transfer of a site at the airstrip in Cluain Leacht an Abba, An Cloigeann, Contae na Gallimhe to it for the purposes of providing a base there for the west Connemara coastguard; if so, the date on which it was received; the reason for the delay in making this decision; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [35349/19]

Seirbhísí Aeir Fóirdheonaithe

Éamon Ó Cuív

2025. D'fhiafraigh Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív den Aire Cultúir, Oidhreachta agus Gaeltachta cén dul chun cinn atá déanta maidir le hAerfort Chonamara a cheannach; agus an ndéanfaidh sí ráiteas ina thaobh. [35383/19]

Seirbhísí Aeir Fóirdheonaithe

Éamon Ó Cuív

2026. D'fhiafraigh Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív den Aire Cultúir, Oidhreachta agus Gaeltachta cén uair a fhógrófar próiseas tairisceana nua le haersheirbhís a chur ar fáil go dtí Oileáin Árann; cé na socruithe a bheidh i bhfeidhm lena chinntiú go leanfaidh aersheirbhís ar aghaidh go dtí go gcuirfear conradh nua buan ar bun; agus an ndéanfaidh sí ráiteas ina thaobh. [35384/19]

Calafoirt agus Céanna

Éamon Ó Cuív

2027. D'fhiafraigh Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív den Aire Cultúir, Oidhreachta agus Gaeltachta cén uair a dhéanfar cinneadh ar an gcás gnó atá curtha faoi bhráid na Roinne ag Comhairle Contae na Gaillimhe maidir le síneadh a chur le cé Inis Oírr agus tonnchosc a thógáil ann; agus an ndéanfaidh sí ráiteas ina thaobh. [35385/19]

Naturalisation Applications

Éamon Ó Cuív

901. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the reason his Department did not officially inform an applicant for naturalisation (details supplied) who received a letter in October 2017 informing them that it was planned to grant their application for naturalisation at a citizenship ceremony on 16 October 2017 and who paid the appropriate fee, that this was an error by his Department; the reason his Department did not refund the fee pending further consideration of the application; the further reason the processing of this application is taking so long; the third party from which information has been sought; when it was sought; the number of reminders sent by his Department seeking this information since the initial inquiries were made; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33294/19]

Assisted Human Reproduction

Éamon Ó Cuív

1532. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Health his plans to provide free IVF services to those that need such treatment; if this service will be means tested; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33291/19]

Respite Care Services Funding

Éamon Ó Cuív

1533. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Health if an organisation (details supplied) that will have 39 school leavers graduating to adult services in September 2019 will be given extra funding for the provision of adult respite services for persons who will require same in view of the fact that no such funding has been provided to date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33292/19]

Disabilities Assessments

Éamon Ó Cuív

1748. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Health when a person (details supplied) will be issued with an appointment for an assessment with the ASD services in counties Galway and Roscommon; the reason for the delay in issuing them with an appointment in view of the fact that they have been on the waiting list for a significant period of time; his plans to reduce the waiting times experiences by children and families waiting for ASD assessments; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33928/19]

Prospecting Licences

Éamon Ó Cuív

2260. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the nature of physically invasive techniques that have been applied for as part of the prospecting licence sought recently in the west Connemara region around Ballyconneely and Roundstone and under consideration by his Department; the environmental assessments that will be carried out under the habitats directive to assess this application; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33293/19]

Walks Scheme

Éamon Ó Cuív

23. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the number of new mountain and other walkways funded each year since 2011 under the walkways scheme; his plans to develop this sector further; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30075/19]

Mountain Access Schemes

Éamon Ó Cuív

28. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the progress made by his Department and predecessor Departments in relation to the promotion of mountain climbing and the mountain access scheme since 2011; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30076/19]

Irish Language

Éamon Ó Cuív

54. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs her policy on the promotion of the Irish language in all State subsidised childcare facilities; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29377/19]

Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services

Éamon Ó Cuív

89. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the discussion she has had with the Minister for Health or Ministers of State in relation to youth mental health challenges in view of the high rate of youth suicide; the co-ordinated steps being taken by both Departments to try reducing the incidence of youth suicide and self-harm; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29378/19]

Ports Policy

Éamon Ó Cuív

75. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the reason it is more appropriate for responsibility for Galway Port to transfer to the local authority rather than its present structure; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29110/19]

Ports Policy

Éamon Ó Cuív

79. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his plans to review the National Ports Policy 2013 in view of the changes in the economy and particularly in view of the impending implementation of Brexit and the proposed development of Galway port; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29111/19]

Protected Disclosures

Éamon Ó Cuív

226. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Education and Skills when a protected disclosure (details supplied) was first made to his Department; the progress made to date in examining same; when the process will be concluded; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29337/19]

Physiotherapy Provision

Éamon Ó Cuív

519. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Health when physiotherapy services will be available again in health centres (details supplied); the reason physiotherapy services were ceased in the health centres in April 2019; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29947/19]

Tillage Sector

Éamon Ó Cuív

564. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the reason fodder beet is not considered an eligible tillage crop under the tillage capital investment scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29970/19]

Tillage Sector

Éamon Ó Cuív

565. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the reason a farmer (details supplied) was not approved a grant under the tillage capital investment scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29971/19]

Prospecting Licences

Éamon Ó Cuív

593. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the reason he plans to issue a licence to prospect for minerals in townlands in the barony of Ballinahinch, Connemara, County Galway in view of the possible damage mining in the area would do to the environment and in further view of the fact that a major part of the area is designated as Natura 2000 sites; the consultations he has had with the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht in relation to the planned prospecting licence in view of the high natural heritage value of the area; the consultations he has had with the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport in relation to the matter in view of the possible effect of the licence on the local tourist industry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29972/19]

State Pension (Contributory) Eligibility

Éamon Ó Cuív

768. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection her plans to grant credits to self-employed persons who were in full-time self-employment before self-employed pay related social insurance, PRSI, was introduced for the purposes of assessing them under the new total contributions approach to assessing State pensions; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29338/19]

Plean Teanga

Éamon Ó Cuív

871. D'fhiafraigh Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív den Aire Cultúir, Oidhreachta agus Gaeltachta cén uair a n-aontófar pleananna teanga do na bailte seirbhíse Gaeltachta atá taobh amuigh den Ghaeltacht; an fáth go bhfuil an oiread moille le seo; agus an ndéanfaidh sí ráiteas in thatobh. [29336/19]

National Broadband Plan

Éamon Ó Cuív

36. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the progress made to date in appointing a bidder to deliver the national broadband scheme; when it is expected that final contracts will be signed; when the successful bidder is expected to give a detailed time and location schedule in relation to the roll-out of broadband under the scheme; when it is expected that the roll out under the scheme will commence; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28298/19]

National Broadband Plan

Éamon Ó Cuív

61. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment when the roll-out of the Eir contract with his Department will be completed; the number of premises expected to be passed under this contract; the number passed to date; the method by which in future it is planned to obtain information on the number of premises that have a connection to high speed broadband; his plans to request the CSO to survey this information as part of the household surveys carried out by it; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28299/19]

Public Procurement Contracts

Éamon Ó Cuív

119. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform his plans to increase the threshold over which all public tenders have to go on e-tenders; his further plans to increase the level allowed for local tendering to facilitate the possibility of small local companies getting more contracts in order to sustain local small businesses nationally; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28832/19]

Schools Building Projects

Éamon Ó Cuív

134. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Education and Skills the progress made in the past year in providing a new school building for a school (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28831/19]

School Accommodation Provision

Éamon Ó Cuív

135. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Education and Skills if an application has been received from a school (details supplied) for new replacement accommodation in view of the poor accommodation at the school; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28833/19]

Prisoner Transfers

Éamon Ó Cuív

146. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Justice and Equality when it is planned to publish the 2018 report on the Transfer of Sentenced Persons Act 1995; the reason it was not published within the timeframe set out in the Act; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28837/19]

Prisoner Transfers

Éamon Ó Cuív

147. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the number of inward applications received for transfer under the Transfer of Sentenced Persons Act 1995 to date; the number of new applications received since 1 January 2018; the number decided since 1 January 2018, by country of application by prisoners; the number being considered by the Office of the Chief State Solicitor; the number that have been returned with advices from the Office of the Chief State Solicitor; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28838/19]

Prisoner Transfers

Éamon Ó Cuív

148. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if an application has been received under the Transfer of Prisoners Act 1995 by a person (details supplied); if the application is under active consideration; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28839/19]

Departmental Schemes

Éamon Ó Cuív

420. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development when approvals will be given for the 2019 CLÁR and village renewal schemes, respectively; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28835/19]

LEADER Programmes Data

Éamon Ó Cuív

421. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the allocation for projects to each LAG under the Leader programme 2014-2020; the amount allocated for projects by each LAG to date; the amount expended by each; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28836/19]

Local Improvement Scheme Funding

Éamon Ó Cuív

422. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development if further funding will be allocated to the LIS scheme in 2019 in view of low expenditure by his Department to date on capital projects; if so, when county councils will be informed of the further allocation to them; the amount of the allocation made for LIS schemes to local authorities for 2018 and 2019 not expended to date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28840/19]

Departmental Funding

Éamon Ó Cuív

423. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development if the capital funding prepaid by his Department in 2016, 2017 and 2018 to local authorities has not been spent by the respective local authorities; the amount involved by local authority and year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28854/19]

Beef Industry

Éamon Ó Cuív

56. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if in the submission submitted to the EU Commission by his Department for special assistance due to the beef price crisis, a proposal was made do reduce the suckler cow herd; if so, the details of such a proposal; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28082/19]

Sheep Welfare Scheme Data

Éamon Ó Cuív

76. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the number of farmers deemed ineligible for the sheep welfare scheme in 2017, 2018 and to date in 2019 due to the fact they did not lodge their sheep census in time; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28081/19]

Hospital Waiting Lists

Éamon Ó Cuív

112. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Health his plans to provide enough resources to eliminate the long waiting lists for treatment at pain management clinics; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27449/19]

Community Care Provision

Éamon Ó Cuív

122. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Health his plans to increase investment in home care and home care packages in order that those that choose to be cared for at home will have adequate supports; his further plans to introduce legislation ensuring a legislative right to homecare in circumstances in which it is necessary and is the best option in terms of patient outcome and choice; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27448/19]

Immigration Policy

Éamon Ó Cuív

356. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Justice and Equality his plans to reduce the income and saving thresholds applying to stamp 0 visas for persons, particularly those from the United States of America, who wish to retire and live here; if the interdepartmental consultations following the review of these criteria have been completed; the reason for the delay in the launch of a new scheme which was indicated in the reply to Parliamentary Question No. 133 of 20 June 2018 would happen in the coming months; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28282/19]

Hospital Services

Éamon Ó Cuív

516. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Health when full orthopaedic services will recommence in Merlin Park Hospital, Galway; when two operating theatres will be operating there again; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28284/19]

Invalidity Pension Appeals

Éamon Ó Cuív

648. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection when a decision will be made on an invalidity pension appeal by a person (details supplied); the reason for the delay with the appeal; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27720/19]

Tenant Purchase Scheme Review

Éamon Ó Cuív

703. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government when the revised terms of the tenant incremental purchase scheme 2016 will be announced; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28012/19]

Planning Guidelines

Éamon Ó Cuív

704. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government when the revised rural housing planning guidelines will issue taking into account the Flemish Decree judgment of the European Court; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28013/19]

Commercial Rates Data

Éamon Ó Cuív

709. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government the counties that have had a total review of their commercial rates valuations based on the Valuation Act 2001; the date in each case these revaluations have been carried out; the date that counties that have had more than one revaluation under the Act had these carried out; the reason other counties have not had such a revaluation; the counties involved; the projected date for all such counties to have their total rates revaluation review completed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28283/19]

Forbairt Calaí agus Céanna

Éamon Ó Cuív

721. D'fhiafraigh Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív den Aire Cultúir, Oidhreachta agus Gaeltachta cén dul chun cinn atá déanta maidir le forbairt na gcéibheanna ar Inis Meáin agus ar Inis Oírr; agus an ndéanfaidh sí ráiteas ina thaobh. [28010/19]

Straitéis 20 Bliain don Ghaeilge

Éamon Ó Cuív

722. D'fhiafraigh Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív den Aire Cultúir, Oidhreachta agus Gaeltachta cén dul chun cinn atá le déanamh i mbliana i bhfeidhmiú na Straitéise Fiche Bliain don Ghaeilge; agus an ndéanfaidh sí ráiteas ina thaobh. [28011/19]

Work Permits Applications Data

Éamon Ó Cuív

29. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation the number of applications received to date in 2019 for work permits for chefs; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26951/19]

Work Permits Applications Data

Éamon Ó Cuív

31. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation the average time it takes to process an application for a work permit; the number of applications received in 2018; the number refused and granted; her plans to streamline the process; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26950/19]

Visa Applications

Éamon Ó Cuív

44. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the average length of time it takes to process an application for a visa for a person granted a work permit here by the Minister of Business, Enterprise and Innovation; his plans to streamline this process; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26672/19]

Naturalisation Applications

Éamon Ó Cuív

52. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the number of applications for naturalisation on hand at present; the average time taken to process such applications; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26671/19]

Special Educational Needs Data

Éamon Ó Cuív

92. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Education and Skills the number of designated special classes for children with autism here; the cost of providing classes; the staff complement in each class; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27014/19]

Special Educational Needs Data

Éamon Ó Cuív

93. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Education and Skills the number of teachers that will be required and the estimated extra cost that will be associated with providing each designated special class for children with autism here with an extra teacher; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27015/19]

Naturalisation Applications

Éamon Ó Cuív

111. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the reason a person (details supplied) who was informed of being granted citizenship on 4 October 2017 and paid a fee of €1,000 has not been informed of a citizenship ceremony that the person can attend in order that the process can be completed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27013/19]

Social and Affordable Housing Provision

Éamon Ó Cuív

275. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government when affordable housing will be made available in either Galway city or county; the applications on hand from the two local authorities to provide same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27016/19]

Pupil-Teacher Ratio

Éamon Ó Cuív

69. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Education and Skills his plans to reverse the changes introduced in the pupil-teacher ratio for two, three and four-teacher schools in 2012; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26546/19]

School Transport Eligibility

Éamon Ó Cuív

91. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Education and Skills his plans to reduce the number of eligible pupils required for a school bus service from ten to eight in order to reduce the carbon footprint; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26547/19]

Work Permits Eligibility

Éamon Ó Cuív

297. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation her plans to add home care workers to the eligible list of categories for work permits for workers from outside the EU and EEA in view of the critical shortage of home care workers here; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26548/19]

Hospital Appointments Status

Éamon Ó Cuív

387. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Health when a person (details supplied) will receive a knee operation in Merlin Park hospital, Galway; the reason for the delay; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26305/19]

Land Issues

Éamon Ó Cuív

549. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine when consideration of a request to the lands branch (details supplied) for the release of a burden on a folio in favour of the Land Commission will be completed; the date the request was received; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26550/19]

Rural Regeneration and Development Fund

Éamon Ó Cuív

694. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the amount drawn down to date under the new rural regeneration scheme; the projects that have received funding to date; the amount in each case; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26545/19]

Flood Risk Management

Éamon Ó Cuív

21. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the provision in 2019 for flood prevention and coastal protection works to be funded by the OPW; the amount spent to date in 2019 on such work; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25626/19]

National Broadband Plan Funding

Éamon Ó Cuív

40. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the financial provision in the National Development Plan 2018-2027 for the roll-out of rural broadband; the adjustments that will have to be made to the plan over the next five years to provide for the current projected cost of the roll-out of the national broadband scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25625/19]

Primary Care Centres Provision

Éamon Ó Cuív

162. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Health his plans to provide an upgraded primary health facility at a location (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25979/19]

Medical Card Eligibility

Éamon Ó Cuív

163. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Health the reason a person (details supplied) who is employed on a rural social scheme was requested again to provide a notice of assessment in respect of employment and or self-employment when they are entitled to retain their medical card for the duration of participation on the scheme; if the HSE will issue the medical card; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25987/19]

Aquaculture Licence Applications

Éamon Ó Cuív

171. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine when decisions will be made on aquaculture licence applications by a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25985/19]

Carer's Allowance Applications

Éamon Ó Cuív

195. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection the reason carer’s allowance was refused to a person (details supplied); if the decision is being reviewed; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [25882/19]

Brexit Data

Éamon Ó Cuív

39. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Finance if his Department has carried out an assessment on the likely net contribution Ireland will have to pay to EU institutions each year after Brexit; if this will be a consideration in the framing of budget 2020; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25233/19]

Carbon Tax Implementation

Éamon Ó Cuív

76. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Finance if he has commissioned a study on the effect of the current carbon taxes in reducing the use of fossil fuels; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25234/19]

Social Welfare Appeals

Éamon Ó Cuív

265. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection the number of files that the social welfare appeals office has sought from the invalidity section of her Department; the average delay in providing the files; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [25792/19]

Northern Ireland

Éamon Ó Cuív

60. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the progress he has made in discussions with the British and Northern Ireland authorities in persuading them to implement the 2010 agreement and subsequent Stocktake report on segregated prisoners in a prison (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24923/19]

Northern Ireland

Éamon Ó Cuív

64. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the progress made to date in the recent talks taking place in Northern Ireland to establish the executive there and enable the assembly to function; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24922/19]

Aquaculture Licence Applications

Éamon Ó Cuív

528. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine when aquaculture licences (details supplied) will be approved; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25487/19]

Hospital Appointments Delays

Éamon Ó Cuív

134. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Health when a person (details supplied) will receive an appointment for a urology examination in University Hospital Galway; the reason for the delay; the actions being taken to reduce the waiting times; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24621/19]

Sheep Welfare Scheme

Éamon Ó Cuív

167. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the number of farmers who applied for the sheep welfare scheme in 2019; the number who did not submit their sheep census returns by the due date of 15 February; if he will now accept late applications from those who overlooked this task by accident; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24612/19]

Ports Policy

Éamon Ó Cuív

185. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the status of Galway Port; his plans to maintain the port as a national tier 2 port or to downgrade it to a port of regional importance in view of the major development plans being developed for same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24609/19]

Comhairle na Tuaithe

Éamon Ó Cuív

195. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the number of meetings of Comhairle na Tuaithe held to date in 2019; the work programme of the body for the remainder of 2019; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24607/19]

Public Liability Insurance

Éamon Ó Cuív

196. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the progress made to date regarding legislation to provide an insurance indemnity to farmers who provide access to their hill land for recreational purposes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24608/19]

State Pension (Contributory) Eligibility

Éamon Ó Cuív

201. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection when the total contribution system is to be introduced as the sole method by which State pension entitlements are assessed and the averaging system abolished for new applications; when it is planned to amend the law to this effect; the date this change will be effective from; her plans to increase the age at which applicants become eligible for the State pension from the present 66 years of age upwards; when these changes will apply; the details of the new age limits; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24611/19]

Seirbhísí Eitilte

Éamon Ó Cuív

248. D'fhiafraigh Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív den Aire Cultúir, Oidhreachta agus Gaeltachta an bhfuil aon mheasúnú déanta, nó an bhfuil sé i gceist aon mheasúnú a dhéanamh, ar na féidearthachtaí atá ann chun síneadh beag a chur leis na haerstráicí a úsáidtear le seirbhís aeir a chur ar fáil do na hoileáin chun gur féidir leo eitleán a d’fhéadfadh 20 paisinéir a iompar in aon tráth amháin, a ghlacadh; cén síneadh a bheadh i gceist i ngach cás lena dtabhairt cothrom le caighdeán 1,800 troigh; agus an ndéanfaidh sí ráiteas ina thaobh. [24610/19]

Cuanta agus Céanna

Éamon Ó Cuív

43. D'fhiafraigh Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív den Aire Cultúir, Oidhreachta agus Gaeltachta cén dul chun cinn atá déanta maidir le forbairt na gcéibheanna ar Inis Meáin agus ar Inis Oírr; agus an ndéanfaidh sí ráiteas ina thaobh. [24058/19]

Straitéis 20 Bliain don Ghaeilge

Éamon Ó Cuív

55. D'fhiafraigh Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív den Aire Cultúir, Oidhreachta agus Gaeltachta cén dul chun cinn atá le déanamh i mbliana i bhfeidhmiú na Straitéise 20 Bliain don Ghaeilge; agus an ndéanfaidh sí ráiteas ina thaobh. [24059/19]

Planning Guidelines

Éamon Ó Cuív

88. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government when the revised rural housing planning guidelines will issue taking into account the Flemish Decree judgment of the European Court; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23999/19]

Tenant Purchase Scheme Review

Éamon Ó Cuív

91. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government when the revised terms of the tenant incremental purchase scheme 2016 will be announced; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23998/19]

Hospital Equipment

Éamon Ó Cuív

432. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Health if the cryotherapy machine in University Hospital Galway is out of order; if so, the length of time it has been out of order; when it will be repaired; the number of persons waiting for appointments to use the machine; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23288/19]

Autism Support Services

Éamon Ó Cuív

433. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Health the reason a person (details supplied) has been on the intervention waiting list for services with the Galway Roscommon autism spectrum disorder service for such a long period; the actions he is taking to reduce the waiting times; when the person will receive a date for an appointment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23289/19]

Mental Health Services Provision

Éamon Ó Cuív

445. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Health his plans to provide alternative accommodation for an outpatients psychiatric unit at a location (details supplied) as an alternative to the current accommodation in the mental health services building at University Hospital Galway; the number of outpatients who will be attending this centre; the cost of the rent of the property; the length of the lease; his plans to ensure the safety of the public, particularly children, as a result of the move; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23372/19]

Aquaculture Licence Applications

Éamon Ó Cuív

742. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine when decisions will be made on an aquaculture licence application by a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24008/19]