Parliamentary questions

European Council Meetings

Robert Troy

425. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation if changes to EU state aid rules as a policy lever to support exposed firms and exports from a no-deal Brexit were discussed at the informal EU Competitiveness Council meeting in Helsinki; and if not, the reason Ireland did not raise the issue. [31119/19]

Appointments to State Boards

Robert Troy

426. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation the reason the application of a person (details supplied) to be a member of the National Competitiveness Council was not successful; and the criteria for selecting persons on the council to ensure there is SME representation. [31120/19]

Project Ireland 2040 Implementation

Robert Troy

427. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation the number of payments issued to date for successful applications made under the disruptive technologies innovation fund by county; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [31122/19]

Brexit Preparations

Robert Troy

428. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation the web addresses for each State agency under her remit that have a dedicated web page portal to Brexit that provides information relating to preparing for Brexit, business supports and advice. [31123/19]

Brexit Preparations

Robert Troy

429. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation the national Brexit mentorship and training programmes open to SMEs and which are in operation. [31124/19]

Brexit Supports

Robert Troy

430. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation her plans to introduce trade support measures such as further export trade financing and export credit guarantees as a mitigation measure to Brexit. [31125/19]

Skills Shortages

Robert Troy

431. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation her views on a recommendation in a report (details supplied). [31128/19]

Skills Shortages

Robert Troy

432. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation her views on a recommendation in a report (details supplied). [31129/19]

Enterprise Ireland Data

Robert Troy

433. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation the status of the Enterprise Ireland skills audit tool and the extra supports initiative which help SMEs to meet skills needs; and the 2019 funding allocation to these items. [31130/19]

Consumer Prices

Robert Troy

434. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation her views on placing targeted caps on the prices paid by consumers in which they have rolling contracts in order to ensure vulnerable consumers are not exploited by loyalty penalties on goods or services products. [31131/19]

National Training Fund

Robert Troy

435. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation her views on the recommendation of the National Competitiveness Council that the National Training Fund must have a clear mandate and objectives regarding in-company training; her further views on reorienting the expenditure profile of the fund to provide greater support to effective in-employment training programmes; and if she had discussions in this regard with the Minister for Education and Skills. [31132/19]

European Council Meetings

Robert Troy

436. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation the date of each EU Competitiveness Council Ministers' meeting since June 2016; the specific meetings at which she or her predecessors made the case for the need for a revision of state aid rules of regulation EU 1407/2013 to protect exposed Irish enterprises and exporters from a potential Brexit; the date of each such meeting at which this was raised in tabular form; the status of progress being made at EU level to increase state aid thresholds to support Irish enterprises in the event of a hard no-deal Brexit; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [31137/19]

Enterprise Ireland Funding

Robert Troy

439. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation the number of businesses that availed of the Enterprise Ireland grant for the online grant scheme; her views on whether restrictions are blocking applicants; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [31254/19]

IDA Ireland Portfolio

Robert Troy

440. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation if she will consider approving Mullingar as a preferred location for an advanced technology unit; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [31263/19]

Hospital Waiting Lists

Robert Troy

586. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Health if an emergency appointment will be arranged for a person (details supplied). [30955/19]

Hospital Appointments Status

Robert Troy

607. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Health if an appointment will be expedited for a person (details supplied). [31004/19]

Cross-Border Health Initiatives

Robert Troy

619. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Health if a refund under the cross border initiative will be expedited for a person (details supplied). [31025/19]

Maternity Services Provision

Robert Troy

651. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Health the status of the provision of a 20 week anomaly scan for all expectant mothers at the Midlands Regional Hospital, Mullingar. [31138/19]

Cross-Border Health Services Provision

Robert Troy

654. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Health if a refund through the cross-border scheme will be issued to a person (details supplied). [31141/19]

Hospital Waiting Lists

Robert Troy

664. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Health if an appointment will be scheduled for a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31168/19]

Organ Donation

Robert Troy

665. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Health the status of plans to implement a national opt-out organ donation policy; his views on whether this needs to be implemented as a matter of urgency; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31169/19]

Hospital Waiting Lists

Robert Troy

666. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Health if an appointment will be scheduled for a person (details supplied). [31174/19]

Hospital Appointments Status

Robert Troy

667. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Health if an appointment will be expedited for a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31177/19]

Hospital Appointments Status

Robert Troy

669. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Health if an appointment will be expedited for a person (details supplied). [31199/19]

Hospital Appointments Status

Robert Troy

673. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Health if an appointment will be scheduled for a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31243/19]

Hospital Appointments Status

Robert Troy

675. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Health if an appointment will be scheduled for a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31257/19]

Orthodontic Services

Robert Troy

680. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Health if he will address the fact that the post of consultant orthodontist has been vacant within CHO8 for some time; the length of time the post has been vacant; the increased efforts being made to fill the post; the waiting times as a result of this vacancy in CHO8 in comparison with other areas of the health service in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31413/19]

Healthcare Infrastructure Provision

Robert Troy

681. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Health when the building to house the MRI scanner for the Regional Hospital, Mullingar will commence (details supplied). [31445/19]

Hospital Appointments Status

Robert Troy

682. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Health when a person (details supplied) will be called for surgery in Cappagh Hospital. [31446/19]

Disabilities Assessments

Robert Troy

683. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Health if an appointment will be scheduled for an ASD assessment for a child (details supplied). [31447/19]

Hospital Appointments Status

Robert Troy

684. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Health the reason an alternative date for surgery has not been scheduled for a person (details supplied). [31448/19]

Hospital Appointments Status

Robert Troy

685. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Health if an appointment will be expedited for a person (details supplied). [31449/19]

Hospital Appointments Status

Robert Troy

687. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Health if an appointment will be scheduled for a person (details supplied). [31460/19]

Sheep Welfare Scheme

Robert Troy

706. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if a sheep welfare payment on appeal will be awarded to a person (details supplied). [31023/19]

Bord Iascaigh Mhara

Robert Troy

709. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if an overview will be provided of the China Seafood Council initiative of Bord Iascaigh Mhara; and the 2019 funding allocation for the programme. [31127/19]

Better Energy Communities Programme

Robert Troy

784. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment if he will examine budgetary issues at SEAI organisations (details supplied). [31349/19]

Sports Capital Programme Administration

Robert Troy

804. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the timeframe for the awarding of capital project grants under the 2019 sports capital programme. [30956/19]

Rail Services Provision

Robert Troy

812. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if consideration will be given to introducing a late night train service on the Sligo rail line to Mullingar and Longford. [31179/19]

Driver Licences

Robert Troy

813. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the position regarding the extension of the right to apply for a driver licence to persons in direct provision centres. [31180/19]

Road Projects Status

Robert Troy

826. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the status of works on the N4. [31357/19]

Charitable and Voluntary Organisations

Robert Troy

865. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the status of the 50 Pobal posts that were announced for Mullingar, County Westmeath; when the positions will be located in the town; the timeline for same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31455/19]

CLÁR Programme

Robert Troy

879. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development if an application for CLÁR funding for a charity (details supplied) will be granted. [31262/19]

Redundancy Rebates

Robert Troy

913. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection the estimated cost of restoring redundancy rebates to businesses by 25%, 50%, 75% and 100%; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [31104/19]

Redundancy Rebates

Robert Troy

914. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection her views on restoring redundancy rebates to businesses which previously facilitated small and micro-sized businesses to hire staff; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [31105/19]

Disability Allowance Appeals

Robert Troy

926. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection if a disability allowance appeal by a person (details supplied) will be expedited. [31391/19]

Social Welfare Appeals

Robert Troy

927. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection when a person (details supplied) will have a decision on their social welfare appeal. [31392/19]

Disability Allowance Appeals

Robert Troy

928. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection if an application for a disability allowance by a person (details supplied) will be expedited. [31393/19]

Land Development Agency

Robert Troy

954. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government when the land development agency will be established; the properties to be transferred to the body; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31253/19]

Regeneration Projects Status

Robert Troy

957. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government the status of the regeneration of the Blackhall area of Mullingar, County Westmeath. [31414/19]

Housing Adaptation Grant Expenditure

Robert Troy

958. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government the amount each council received under housing aid for elderly, mobility and housing adaption grants for 2019; the amount each council has allocated; and the average processing time for each council for an application. [31442/19]

Garda Recruitment

Robert Troy

215. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if candidates in the Garda Reserve are prioritised for places in Templemore; and if not, if he will consider putting this in place. [30153/19]

Cross-Border Health Services Provision

Robert Troy

241. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Health if a refund under the cross-Border directive will issue to a person (details supplied). [30105/19]

Abbey Theatre

Robert Troy

328. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the details of the current Bord Na Móna redundancy scheme; and if there is a maximum age at which employees are eligible for inclusion on the scheme. [30116/19]

Invalidity Pension Applications

Robert Troy

388. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection if an application for invalidity pension by a person (details supplied) will be expedited. [30147/19]

Schools Refurbishment

Robert Troy

225. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Education and Skills if an increased maintenance grant will be awarded to a school (details supplied). [29332/19]

Student Grant Scheme Eligibility

Robert Troy

269. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Education and Skills the reason there is no eligibility for grant assistance for a course that would allow for clear career progression but that is not classed as educational progression (details supplied). [30006/19]

Prescriptions Charges

Robert Troy

358. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Health if persons (details supplied) will be allowed to avail of maximum prescription charges even though they attend different pharmacists. [29167/19]

Hospital Appointments Administration

Robert Troy

388. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Health if an outpatient appointment for a person (details supplied) will be expedited. [29319/19]

Cross-Border Health Services Provision

Robert Troy

391. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Health if a cross-border scheme refund will be expedited for a person (details supplied). [29335/19]

Cross-Border Health Services Provision

Robert Troy

422. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Health if an application for a cross border scheme refund will be expedited for a person (details supplied). [29588/19]

Hospital Appointments Administration

Robert Troy

502. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Health if an appointment will be expedited for a person (details supplied). [29879/19]

National Broadband Plan Implementation

Robert Troy

585. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment his plans to ensure broadband is provided to a property (details supplied) through the roll out by Eir; and the timeframe for same. [29704/19]

National Broadband Plan Implementation

Robert Troy

586. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment his plans to ensure broadband is provided to a property (details supplied) through the roll out by Eir; and the timeframe for same. [29706/19]

Greenways Development

Robert Troy

617. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the differing modes of transport that are permitted to use greenways. [29281/19]

Invalidity Pension Applications

Robert Troy

773. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection if an application for an invalidity pension by a person (details supplied) will be expedited. [29349/19]

Water and Sewerage Schemes Grants

Robert Troy

836. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government if funding will be granted for works to a group water scheme (details supplied). [29207/19]

Alternative Energy Projects

Robert Troy

15. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the grants available to support the construction of solar energy farms; his plans to introduce further grant aid; and the terms and conditions which apply for a solar energy farm to supply energy to the national grid. [28458/19]

Economic Competitiveness

Robert Troy

105. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Finance if he has had meetings with the Irish Fiscal Advisory Council to discuss the National Competitiveness Council report Cost of Doing Business in Ireland 2019 since it was published; the actions or issues that were identified to implement urgently; the actions that will be taken to tackle the competitiveness deficiencies and increased cost of doing business across several sectors and metrics in the report; the immediate actions he will be taking in areas for which he has a policy remit; the meetings he has had with Ministerial colleagues and State agencies under his remit since the report was published regarding actions to be taken; and if further studies will be commissioned by him on competitiveness weaknesses in the economy and the cost of doing business. [28998/19]

Special Educational Needs Service Provision

Robert Troy

128. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Education and Skills if sufficient SNA supports will be put in place for a student (details supplied). [28751/19]

Economic Competitiveness

Robert Troy

166. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation the actions she will take to meet the competitiveness deficiencies and increased cost of doing business across several sectors and metrics as outlined in the National Competitiveness Council report Cost of Doing Business in Ireland 2019; the immediate actions she will take in areas for which she has a policy remit; the meetings she has had with ministerial colleagues and State agencies under her remit since the report was published regarding actions to be taken; and if further studies will be commissioned by her on competitiveness weaknesses. [28996/19]

Economic Competitiveness

Robert Troy

167. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation if she met the Minister for Finance and his officials to discuss the National Competitiveness Council report Cost of Doing Business in Ireland 2019 since it was published; if so, the actions agreed arising from the meeting that will be taken to tackle the competitiveness deficiencies and increased cost of doing business across several sectors and metrics in the report; if she had meetings with the Irish Fiscal Advisory Council in this regard in relation to issues identified in the report. [28997/19]

Skills Shortages

Robert Troy

168. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation if she has a long-term plan to deal with skills shortages in various sectors; and the timeframe to implement recommendations by the Expert Group on Future Skills Needs. [28999/19]

Capital Expenditure Programme

Robert Troy

169. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation the capital spend to date in 2019; the capital carry-over from 2018, by subhead; the provision under each subhead including the capital carry-over from 2018 provided for in the Revised Estimates Volume for 2019; the details of the significant overspends or underspends under each subhead; the action that will be taken to deal with same; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29000/19]

IDA Ireland Site Visits

Robert Troy

170. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation the number of IDA site visits by county in each quarter of 2019 to date; the percentage of visits in each county as a percentage of the number of visits nationally in 2019, by county in tabular form; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29001/19]

Skills Shortages

Robert Troy

171. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation the timeline for implementation of all recommendations in the report by the Expert Group on Future Skills Needs on Addressing the Skills Needs Arising from the Potential Trade Implications of Brexit. [29002/19]

IDA Ireland Data

Robert Troy

172. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation further to Parliamentary Question No. 295 of 18 December 2018, the most recent data by category (details supplied) to the end of quarter 2 2019; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29003/19]

Brexit Supports

Robert Troy

173. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation the number of prepare your business for customs’ initial workshops that have taken place to 30 June 2019; the approximate number of persons and businesses that have taken part; and the customs awareness and higher level customs clearance training and advice for third country trading in place for SMEs by county, in tabular form. [29004/19]

Trade Agreements

Robert Troy

174. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation if she will report on the EU-Vietnam Free Trade Agreement; the offensive and defensive interests for businesses and SMEs here in the deal; the details of market access and removal of import tariffs or duties by sector; and the timeline for same. [29005/19]

Trade Agreements

Robert Troy

175. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation if she will report on the EU-Mercosur Free Trade Agreement; the offensive and defensive interests for businesses and SMEs here in the deal; the market access and removal of import and export tariffs or duties by sector; the timeline for same; and if an impact assessment has been commissioned to date in relation to the deal. [29006/19]

Small and Medium Enterprises

Robert Troy

176. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation her views on the most recent Central Bank research published (details supplied) regarding a vulnerability analysis of SME credit exposures here; and the supports and advice available for SMEs. [29007/19]

Disability Allowance Appeals

Robert Troy

350. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection if a disability allowance appeal by a person (details supplied) will be expedited. [28524/19]

Help-To-Buy Scheme

Robert Troy

199. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Finance if the help to buy scheme will be extended beyond the end of 2019 or terminated at this point; if the scheme is to be terminated; if a replacement scheme will be brought into force; and the assistance which will be available to assist first-time buyers. [27835/19]

School Accommodation Provision

Robert Troy

296. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Education and Skills the assistance he is providing to a school (details supplied) in obtaining a new premises that can accommodate enrolment numbers for September 2019; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28256/19]

Hospital Appointments Status

Robert Troy

437. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Health if an appointment will be expedited for a person (details supplied). [27873/19]

Better Energy Homes Scheme Eligibility

Robert Troy

572. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment if the eligibility criteria for the better energy warmer homes scheme will be reviewed in order that persons who have previously availed of the scheme for minor works or improvements to their homes are not prevented from availing of the newer scheme. [28229/19]

Departmental Expenditure

Robert Troy

584. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the estimated difference between the average annual steady-state cost of national, regional and local roads, heavy rail, Luas and buses with regard to the integration initiative as estimated in a report (details supplied) and the actual expenditure outlay in each of the years 2017 to 2020. [27655/19]

Carer's Allowance Appeals

Robert Troy

634. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection if a carer's allowance appeal by a person (details supplied) will be expedited. [27587/19]

Enterprise Data

Robert Troy

38. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence if he has offered financial or regulatory assistance to a company (details supplied); and if assistance has been sanctioned due to the possibility of such a vehicle being used by the Defence Forces. [27295/19]

International Protection

Robert Troy

84. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Justice and Equality his plans to introduce measures to reduce the waiting times for the result of a first interview for refugee and international protection applicants; and his views on the waiting times for all aspects of the process. [27296/19]

Hospital Appointments Status

Robert Troy

208. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Health if an appointment will be scheduled for a person (details supplied). [27398/19]

Broadband Service Provision

Robert Troy

221. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the status of e-fibre broadband roll-out to a location (details supplied). [27286/19]

Road Improvement Schemes

Robert Troy

225. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if funding is available to improve the N68 road in County Clare, particularly in view of the importance of the road to the local tourism economy and the Wild Atlantic Way. [27271/19]

Road Improvement Schemes

Robert Troy

226. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if funding is available to improve roads that are part of the Wild Atlantic Way. [27272/19]

Disability Allowance Appeals

Robert Troy

245. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection if a disability allowance appeal by a person (details supplied) will be expedited. [27288/19]

Student Grant Scheme Eligibility

Robert Troy

105. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Education and Skills if residents of an accommodation centre are eligible for a SUSI grant or other educational grants. [27146/19]

Counselling Services Provision

Robert Troy

175. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Health if the situation will be addressed in which patients referred to counselling services in CHO area 8 receive seven counselling sessions at the primary care stage and then must wait a further six months before being re-referred; the reason for same; and if the waiting period will be removed in view to the urgent and sensitive nature of counselling cases [27038/19]

Mental Health Services

Robert Troy

178. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Health the public mental health services available at weekends [27083/19]

Carer's Allowance Appeals

Robert Troy

260. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection if a carer's allowance review will be expedited in the case of a person (details supplied). [26938/19]

Disabled Drivers and Passengers Scheme

Robert Troy

128. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Finance his plans to review the qualification criteria for the primary medical certificate; and his views on whether the current criteria are too restrictive and that qualification needs to be relaxed in view of the fact that there is no motorised transport grant for persons. [26806/19]

Tax Code

Robert Troy

153. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Finance the details of recent changes to the tax system for employers, which see payments to staff recorded on a real-time basis; and the supports that will be put in place to assist small business owners in ensuring their payroll systems are conducive to these changes. [26805/19]