Parliamentary questions

Garda Recruitment

Mattie McGrath

154. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Justice and Equality in relation to Garda recruitment, those within band one who are successful right to the end of the process, if there is going to be a panel drawn up to service the needs over the next three years with just band one members; it was recently announced that this campaign would be for the next three years; for those that are within band two and three will they ever progress to stage two of the campaign; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8449/14]

Motorised Transport Grant Applications

Mattie McGrath

186. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Health the status of the alternative scheme announced by his Department on 26 February 2013 that the motorised transport grant scheme was closed to new applicants and that an alternative scheme was being devised to replace it; when he expects it to come into force; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8436/14]

Driver Licences

Mattie McGrath

121. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will provide a full and complete assessment of the reasons the National Driver Licensing Service driving licence renewal process is in utter chaos and is now in the hands of three different companies; the way this can be seen as a cost saving and efficient measure; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7792/14]

Household Benefits Scheme

Mattie McGrath

408. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Social Protection if she will carry out an immediate poverty impact assessment with respect to the changes from a unit based approach to a monetary value based approach in the home benefit package's support for recipients of ESB heating; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8205/14]

Broadband Service Provision

Mattie McGrath

452. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the efforts that have been made to implement plans to have fibre-optic cables which will allow speeds 100 Mpbs and greater, using fibre-to-the-home technology delivered to rural areas; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7551/14]

Firearms and Ammunition Security

Mattie McGrath

549. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the position regarding the proposals submitted to him by An Garda Síochána seeking new legislation to ban almost all handguns which are currently licensed, including centre fire and most of those .22 calibres which are on the Garda Commissioner’s list of unrestricted handguns; and the proposals which seek the banning of all pump action and semi-automatic shotguns which are capable of holding more than three rounds and all semi-automatic centre fire rifles. [7554/14]

Firearms and Ammunition Security

Mattie McGrath

550. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if his attention has been drawn to the fact that if he accedes to the Garda proposals a very large number of firearms which are currently licensed will be banned and licence holders will be required either to sell them in what will then be a non-existent market or have them destroyed, as under the Garda proposals there will be no scheme of compensation for the effective confiscation of property and no compensation for licence holders who were required by the State to expend significant amounts of money in enhanced security arrangements at their homes to licence these firearms; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7555/14]

Courts Service

Mattie McGrath

581. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the circumstances under which it was justifiable to increase the fee for Supreme Court appeals from €138 to €250; the person who proposed the increase; his plans to reverse same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8200/14]

Rural Transport Programme

Mattie McGrath

799. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will give renewed consideration to the difficulties being experienced by an organisation (details supplied) in its delivery of rural transport under the proposed amalgamation of rural transport services; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7803/14]

Roads Maintenance

Mattie McGrath

800. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will request a company (details supplied) to complete its sub-standard drainage works on the M8 at Cahir, south County Tipperary which is causing dangerous levels of water pooling; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7804/14]

Rural Transport Programme Funding

Mattie McGrath

824. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport will he intervene directly with the National Transport Authority in order for it to allocate funding to Bus Éireann for the provision of bus shelters in rural areas like Bansha, County Tipperary; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7793/14]

Services for People with Disabilities

Mattie McGrath

185. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Education and Skills his plans to include narcolepsy as a category of disability which would warrant additional teaching hours under his Department's policy in this area; if he will provide a breakdown of the medical and psychological conditions which are included as categories of disability which warrant additional teaching hours under his Department's policy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6228/14]

School Textbooks Rental Scheme

Mattie McGrath

218. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Education and Skills the reason school book rental scheme funding will not be allocated to schools that have worked hard to provide this provision independently; if he will reverse this decision; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6710/14]

Pensions Legislation

Mattie McGrath

234. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the terms of pension-related deduction which were introduced as part of the Financial Emergency Measures in the Public Interest Act 2009; if he plans to refund those on salaries under €30,000 as promised; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6179/14]

Judicial Appointments

Mattie McGrath

43. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if he will undertake a review of the Judicial Appointments Advisory Board so as to further ensure its complete independence from political interference; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5254/14]

Proposed Legislation

Mattie McGrath

45. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Justice and Equality his plans to introduce the Scrap and Precious Metals Bill 2013 as a matter of public urgency; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5253/14]

Court Procedures

Mattie McGrath

141. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if he will provide for the inclusion of deaf persons as members of coroners courts juries; if such an exclusion to date has made Ireland de facto in breach of the European disability law specifically in terms of social inclusion; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5756/14]

Coroners Service

Mattie McGrath

142. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if he will undertake a review of the Coroner's Act 1962 specifically those aspects of the Act which allow members of An Garda Síochána to conduct the empanelling process; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5757/14]

Civil Legal Aid

Mattie McGrath

143. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if he will review his decision to implement statutory instrument SI 346 of 2013, Civil Legal Aid Regulations 2013, particularly his decision to increase the minimum financial contribution for legal advice and his increase in the minimum financial contribution for legal aid representation from €50 to €130; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5758/14]

Water and Sewerage Schemes Provision

Mattie McGrath

106. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the exact status of the Fethard Burncourt water treatment scheme; if he will provide a commitment that work will begin on the project as soon as possible; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4928/14]

Local Government Reform

Mattie McGrath

107. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the reason that, even though the report of the working group on active citizenship is imminent, the working group did not carry out any consultation with the community sector, those involved with community work or community groups; the reason his Department also bypassed the structures established by the State itself, including the community and voluntary pillar, when establishing the membership of the working group, disregarding the normal arrangement for participation, transparency and accountability in the drafting of the Local Government Reform Bill 2013; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4929/14]

Commercial Rates

Mattie McGrath

447. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if his attention has been drawn to the fact that the proposal contained in the Local Government Bill 2013 to apply a 50% rates burden on all vacant property throughout the State rather than just in urban areas such as those managed by the City Councils of Cork, Dublin and Limerick, as is currently the case, will have a devastating impact on rural business regeneration; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53730/13]

Irish Water Staff

Mattie McGrath

469. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the number of staff from South Tipperary County Council, Clonmel Borough Council, North Tipperary County Council and other town councils in Tipperary that have been seconded or transferred to Irish Water to date in 2014; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5379/14]

Northern Ireland Issues

Mattie McGrath

533. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Justice and Equality when he will issue a reply to the victims of the Omagh bomb and in particular to the issues raised by the report submitted to Government by the Omagh victims' support group in July 2012; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53731/13]

Departmental Reports

Mattie McGrath

588. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the composition of the expert group on repossessions; the terms of reference; the key findings to date; if he intends to publish a report and recommendations from the group; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4006/14]

Health Services Access

Mattie McGrath

750. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Health his plans to include treatment for Ehlers-Danlos syndrome, EDS, under the treatment abroad scheme; his further plans to provide for the treatment of EDS here; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4050/14]

Commercial Rates Valuation Process

Mattie McGrath

18. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the measures that have been taken to enact and implement the Valuations Bill in order to accelerate the revaluation of properties for commercial rates purposes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53730/13]

School Patronage

Mattie McGrath

138. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Education and Skills his views on whether the forum for patronage report was far too narrow in scope and centred much more around the religious education curriculum rather than any meaningful understanding of whole school ethos; his views on whether the forum report's philosophy will impose restrictions on Roman Catholic schools in respect of the way religious education is taught in Roman Catholic schools, on the way the religious artefacts are displayed, on the way prayer-life is conducted and the way the Christian ethos is lived; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2313/14]

Pension Provisions

Mattie McGrath

150. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Education and Skills if any of the two primary and second level teachers on his Department's payroll who retired between 1 February 2009 and 29 February 2012 and who had the salary increase of 2.5% payable from 1 September 2008 withheld when their gratuity and pension entitlements were being calculated because they continued to be paid by payable order have now transferred to electronic payment; if so, has the 2.5% increase now been applied to their current pensions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2312/14]

Tax Code

Mattie McGrath

199. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Finance if he will ensure that all registered VAT agri-contractors and FCI members will be entitled to claim back the carbon tax against their income tax as this tax is double taxation (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2456/14]

Tax Code

Mattie McGrath

200. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Finance if he will ensure that all invoices carry a VAT number or PPS number for moneys claimed against income tax and that if a sole trader does not have this then that payment should go down to personal drawings; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2457/14]

SOLAS Training and Education Programmes Provision

Mattie McGrath

235. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Education and Skills if he will reverse the new fees applicable to trainee apprentices in view of the undue hardship this fee will impose on some of the lowest earners in the State; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2371/14]

HSE Investigations

Mattie McGrath

587. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Health the position regarding the inquiry which was established in November 2012 into allegations of improper and illegal advice given to pregnant women in various State-funded Irish Family Planning Association clinics; the reason the investigation has been downgraded to an audit; the reason, despite assurances in July 2013 that a report would be published in seven to eight weeks, that there is still no report available; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2326/14]

Proposed Legislation

Mattie McGrath

14. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Finance the reasons for his opposition to the introduction of a mandatory invoicing system for all work carried out by farm contractors; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1555/14]

Proposed Legislation

Mattie McGrath

16. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Finance if he will introduce an amendment to the Finance Act to mandate for the requirement of all farm contractors to produce a receipt to match payment made by cheque or other monetary means and so eliminate the ongoing threat to registered farm contractors posed by unregistered operators in the so called black economy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1554/14]

VAT Rate Application

Mattie McGrath

132. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Finance further to Parliamentary Question No. 160 and response, if it is appropriate for the Revenue Commissioners to continue to provide a VAT rates section to their website; if he will confirm that the recipient of the VAT invoice is entitled to an input credit at a higher rate as this is the amount that Revenue intends to collect from the issuer of the invoice; if he will confirm that it is policy to advise individual limited companies, if requested in writing, of the risks that have been indicated or other information that has warranted intervention; if he will further indicate whether, in cases where risk indicators are present but not actioned in any way by the Revenue Commissioners as a result of available resources, it is appropriate to penalise the limited company with further penalties and interest; if he will indicate the legislative basis for distinguishing between supply of immovable goods or construction services for immovable goods; and if he will further elucidate his definition of immovable goods and immovable property and their basis in legislation or revenue policy. [1161/14]

Garda Reserve

Mattie McGrath

541. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if he will amend the relevant legislation in relation to deleting the provision scrapping the €400 contribution which was payable to self-employed members of the Garda Reserve by the Garda Commissioner; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1443/14]

Medical Card Reviews

Mattie McGrath

780. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Health the reason, contrary to Government policy, medical cards are being reviewed after a period of only six months when it has been clearly stated that this would not occur. [55497/13]

Driver Licences

Mattie McGrath

916. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the reason the application and renewal of driver licences was withdrawn from local authorities and awarded to the Road Safety Authority; the criteria under which the RSA obtained this contract; the reason the offer by An Post to deliver the service was rejected; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [55223/13]

Driver Licences

Mattie McGrath

930. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the exact involvement of a company (details supplied) in County Kildare in the roll-out of the new national driver licence service; the submissions the company made to the Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [55503/13]

VAT Rate Application

Mattie McGrath

160. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Finance further to the VAT rates section of the Revenue Commissioner's website which contains a subpage with respect to the supply and fit of cow mats, if he will provide details of when this subpage was published; the contents of this initial subpage; the changes that have been made to this subpage since it was initially published; the person who requested each one of these changes and the date of same; the person who approved these changes; the grade of the approving official; if there have been any requests for any of the details requested above by any Revenue district offices; when any such requests were made; the person who requested this information; if this information was provided on his behalf; and who is tasked with the responsibility of maintaining this critical and very important document. [53027/13]

VAT Rate Application

Mattie McGrath

161. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Finance if he will indicate the way in which the Revenue Commissioners determine that a supplier invoice specified the reduced 13.5% VAT rate incorrectly and the standard 23% VAT rate was in fact applicable, that it is irrelevant whether the supplier invoice specified 13.5% if the applicable VAT rate is 23% and that the Revenue Commissioners consider the invoice to be charged at 23%, that VAT is calculated on the gross total and thereby the supplier has a liability for the difference between the lower rate included in the supplier's annual returns and the higher rate which the Revenue Commissioners deem the invoice to be charged at, proceedings are commenced to collect; if the person to whom the invoice was made out is also entitled to assume that the gross amount of the invoice included the 23% VAT; and if, where the invoiced person is a registered farmer for VAT purposes, they are they entitled to a further VAT rebate for the difference in the lower and the higher VAT rates. [53028/13]

VAT Rate Application

Mattie McGrath

162. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Finance if the Revenue Commissioners' practice or interpretation is that agricultural buildings' non-residential immovable goods are subject to the two thirds rule for VAT purposes; and if the Revenue Commissioners implement this position in practice. [53029/13]

Teachers' Remuneration

Mattie McGrath

200. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Education and Skills the number of serving teachers on his Department's payroll; the number of retired teachers on his Department's payroll; the number of serving departmental staff to whom moneys due to be paid in September, October and November 2013 are still awaiting payment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52928/13]

Commemorative Events

Mattie McGrath

293. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the funding that he has provided to celebrate the 2014 millennium commemorations of the Battle of Clontarf. [52740/13]

Water Services Provision

Mattie McGrath

114. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the position regarding Burncourt regional water supply; when will works be completed; if his attention has been drawn to the fact that many customers in this area are on a boil water notice for around four years; his views on whether this is a satisfactory level of service for customers; the reason for the delay in completing the works; if he will provide assurance that these works will be completed prior to the amalgamation of north and south Tipperary county councils to avoid any further confusion or delays; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52146/13]

National Internship Scheme Placements

Mattie McGrath

187. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Social Protection who is the person responsible for ensuring that JobBridge participants are not taken advantage of and that participants are employed on their stated projects; the avenue available to those who have taken up a JobBridge placement and who have found they are not gaining the experience promised to them; the total number of persons currently in employment on a JobBridge placement; the number of JobBridge placements that are employed in the public sector where a moratorium on employment exists and where no full time employment can be offered; the number of JobBridge participants that have gained full time employment from their employer following their placement; the number of JobBridge placements which have failed prior to completion of the nine month period; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [51852/13]

Medical Card Eligibility

Mattie McGrath

442. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Health the reason for the decision, by the Health Service Executive, not to assess the over 70s medical card applications on medical grounds; the way a person over 70 can be expected to submit an application form as a person aged under 70 and be assessed as such; where is it published that over 70s, with medical circumstances, must submit a MC1 application form; when this change in policy was taken; and his views on whether this significant change in policy will mean those over 70 with medical issues are not being granted discretionary medical cards. [51735/13]

Hospital Appointment Delays

Mattie McGrath

634. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Health the reason up to 100 operations and-or appointments were cancelled in the eye clinic in Waterford Regional Hospital in the past few weeks; the reason for the cancellations; when will these appointments be rescheduled; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50598/13]

Rural Transport Programme

Mattie McGrath

696. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport in view of the change in boundaries in the rural transport programme, the area or group that now has or will have responsibility for rural transport in the Bohernabreena area, Dublin 24; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50715/13]

Single Payment Scheme Payments

Mattie McGrath

173. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the reason a person (details supplied) in County Waterford has not received their single farm payments; when this person will receive their payment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49820/13]

Single Payment Scheme Payments

Mattie McGrath

600. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine when a person (details supplied) in County Tipperary will receive their single farm and disadvantaged area payments; the reason for the delay; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49379/13]

Electricity Transmission Network

Mattie McGrath

3. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if there has been any risk-benefit analysis carried out regarding the impact that the EirGrid grid link project will have on the agricultural economy of south Tipperary; if his attention has been drawn to the fact that south Tipperary has a thriving beef and dairy industry with major companies having long established businesses there; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48462/13]

Taxi Regulation Review Report Implementation

Mattie McGrath

529. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the exact progress of the local hackney scheme for rural areas; the way in which and when he envisages rolling the scheme out; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48251/13]

Air Services Provision

Mattie McGrath

5. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his plans for the State's stake in Aer Lingus; if he considers it is of any strategic value to the State; the role the State gains from its stake; the financial benefit it is returning to the State; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47289/13]

Orthodontic Services Waiting Lists

Mattie McGrath

165. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Health the action he will take to address the crisis in obtaining orthodontic treatment for children in the south east who on average are waiting three and a half years before they are seen; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47225/13]

Diplomatic Representation

Mattie McGrath

130. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the recourse or assistance available to the family of an Irish passport holder who is found dead in a foreign country and whose manner of death as outlined by that country's police is contradicted by a highly regarded and competent investigator; if there are any requirements on the Irish Government to take up the case on a government to government basis and insist on a new and impartial investigation into the entire circumstances of the Irish citizen's death; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47055/13]

Regional Aid

Mattie McGrath

408. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation his position regarding the designation of the south east NUTS 3 region for regional state aid since the region clearly meets both the GDP and unemployment eligibility criteria as outlined under the European Commission's new guidelines on regional state aid for 2014-2020; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46962/13]

JobBridge Programme

Mattie McGrath

470. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Social Protection the reason a person on JobBridge is not entitled to fuel allowance when the income is low (details supplied); if she will consider extending this payment to those on JobBridge; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [45833/13]

Registration of Deaths

Mattie McGrath

580. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Social Protection her plans to amend the Civil Registration Act Part 5 in order that the death of an unborn child or children can be registered where their death has occurred and has been confirmed by a registered medical practitioner to be as a direct result of the death of the mother. [47036/13]

Electricity Transmission Network

Mattie McGrath

656. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government his views on the impact of the proposed pylons and overhead power lines on the environment and wildlife in south Tipperary in view of the fact that south Tipperary is the stronghold of the barn owl in Ireland and that this endangered species has been declared in need of habitat protection by the South Tipperary Biodiversity Action Plan V5; if his attention has been drawn to the fact that the lower slopes of the Galtees are one of the only places in Ireland where endangered nightjars breed and, these being nocturnal birds like the barn owls, could well be wiped out by the power lines; if his Department has made a submission to the EirGrid Grid Link project consultation process expressing concerns about the impact on wildlife in south Tipperary; if his Department will be making a submission on the matter; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45829/13]

Garda Recruitment

Mattie McGrath

828. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Justice and Equality his plans to review the application process for members of the public to join An Garda Síochána to prioritise those members of the Garda Reserve whose members are fully attested and have completed their two year probation period. [47039/13]

Electricity Transmission Network

Mattie McGrath

869. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine his views on the impact of the proposed pylons and overhead powerlines on the agriculture, livestock and blood stock industry in south Tipperary in view of the numerous studies highlighting the negative impact of overhead lines on these industries where bloodstock in particular are well known to react negatively in the vicinity of such lines; if his Department has made a submission to the Eirgrid's Gridlink project consultation process highlighting the possible negative impact on these important industries; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45825/13]

Single Payment Scheme Payments

Mattie McGrath

901. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine when a single farm payment and disadvantaged area payment will issue in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Waterford; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46365/13]

Medical Card Reviews

Mattie McGrath

1153. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Health if his attention has been drawn to the fact that it is taking almost two months for the medical card office to complete a review of a decision; if his attention has been further drawn to the difficulties that this is causing persons with medical needs; the efforts he has made to address these waiting times; if he will ensure that a satisfactory turnaround time is adhered to by the medical card office; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46457/13]

Health Services Provision

Mattie McGrath

1227. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Health the measures being taken to implement the national asthma programme in 2014; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46876/13]

Electricity Transmission Network

Mattie McGrath

1259. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his views on the impact of the proposed pylons and overhead power lines on the tourism industry in south Tipperary in view of the fact that Ireland's scenery has been a cornerstone of international tourism marketing campaigns for decades, and a Fáilte Ireland visitor attitudes survey in 2007 showed that 80% of overseas holiday makers to Ireland rated scenery as an important reason for their trips, followed by the natural unspoilt environment at 74%; his views regarding the future direction of tourism in Ireland and County Tipperary should pylons and overhead power lines be erected; his views on whether such actions will have a massive negative impact on walking tours within Ireland which are an important aspect of tourism in County Tipperary; if his Department has made a submission to EirGrid's gridlink project consultation process highlighting the possible negative impact on these important industries; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45826/13]

Electricity Transmission Network

Mattie McGrath

3. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the reason the Government has not adopted a policy of forcing all 400Kv powerlines underground; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45355/13]

Poverty Impact Assessment

Mattie McGrath

226. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Social Protection her plans to conduct a poverty impact assessment on the impact of the revised rent supplement limits announced in June 2013; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [44122/13]

Homeless Accommodation Provision

Mattie McGrath

346. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if he will commit to ending long-term homelessness by restoring the homeless budget to 2012 allocation levels, with no further cuts; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44121/13]

Alternative Energy Projects

Mattie McGrath

145. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the number of wind turbines it will take to fulill his Memorandum of Understanding in view of the fact that a newspaper (details supplied) reported that the UK will save seven billion sterling by not having to build offshore wind farms and that Ireland is planning to export approximately €2.5 billion worth of electricity annually; if he has carried out a cost benefit analysis and if that analysis has taken into account the well being of the persons here who are to be forced to live with the pylons and turbines; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43930/13]

Mobility Allowance Decision

Mattie McGrath

130. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Health the current position in relation to the mobility allowance and motorised transport grants; when there schemes will be reopened; the form they will take; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43716/13]

Family Income Supplement Eligibility

Mattie McGrath

153. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Social Protection her views on whether the minimum hours in employment condition of the family income supplement scheme is a barrier to those taking up low-paid employment or continuing in low-paid employment; her views on whether it is equitable that a person working 30 hours per week is entitled to a family income supplement while a person working 15 hours per week is not entitled to a family income supplement or any other social welfare payment due to the hours of work; the options available to a person whose hours of employment have been reduced below the minimum hours of employment and where he or she does not qualify for a jobseeker's payment as the hours of employment mean that the person is not available for work; if she will consider this situation and review the minimum hours requirement; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [43417/13]

Northern Ireland Issues

Mattie McGrath

254. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if he has decided on the possibility of a cross-Border public inquiry on foot of the report submitted to him by the Omagh victim support group and the decision by the Northern Ireland Secretary of State, Teresa Villiers, to deny that inquiry; when he made that decision and, if it was done prior to the announcement by the Northern Ireland Secretary of State, the reason he has not communicated this decision to the Omagh victim support group; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42994/13]

Irish Prison Service

Mattie McGrath

261. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the total cost to the State of an investigation into an incidence of bullying within the Irish Prison Service (details supplied); if he will provide a breakdown of the costs; how the decision was made to commission a consultancy company to carry out the investigation; how the consultancy company that carried out the investigation was selected; the reason for the delay in finalising the investigation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43172/13]

Health Services Provision

Mattie McGrath

515. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Health his plans to provide for dialectical behavioural therapy services in County Tipperary in line with the services that exist in Dublin and Cork; when they will be available; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41795/13]

Departmental Staff Remuneration

Mattie McGrath

152. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Education and Skills the number of payable orders issued by his Department in the month of August 2013; the number of these issued to serving teachers, retired teachers, serving departmental staff, retired departmental staff, other parties; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41317/13]

Departmental Staff Remuneration

Mattie McGrath

153. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Education and Skills the number of payable orders issued by his Department in the month of September 2013; the number of these issued to serving teachers, retired teachers, serving departmental staff, retired departmental staff, other parties; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41318/13]

Departmental Staff Remuneration

Mattie McGrath

154. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Education and Skills the number of serving teachers on his Department's payroll, retired teachers on his Department's payroll, serving departmental staff and retired departmental staff to whom moneys due to be paid in September 2013 are still awaiting payment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41319/13]

Land Repossessions

Mattie McGrath

218. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the reason, despite the 2009 Land Conveyancing and Law Reform Act having abolished the powers of the sheriff under section 133, which states that the power of the sheriff or of other persons entitled to exercise the sheriff's powers to seize a tenancy under a writ of fieri facias or other process of execution is abolished, except in relation to a tenancy of land that is used wholly or partly for the purpose of carrying on a business, the sheriff is still exercising his power in seizing tenancy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41309/13]

Redundancy Payments

Mattie McGrath

121. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Social Protection when a person (details supplied) in South Tipperary will receive their enhanced redundancy payment; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [40112/13]

Broadband Services Provision

Mattie McGrath

127. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources when a sufficient broadband service will become available in an area (details supplied) in County Tipperary as the homes and businesses in this area are finding it extremely difficult to operate without a sufficient service; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39873/13]

Leader Programmes Administration

Mattie McGrath

131. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government to whom an applicant who is not satisfied with the decision or the decision-making process of a Leader group or development company may appeal or make a complaint; where such persons can find the criteria for matching Leader funds of the Department that has overall responsibility for Leader funds; by whom are the guidelines used when deciding on the criteria for matching funds ultimately set, that is the criteria set at EU level, ministerial level or local level; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39876/13]

Medical Card Delays

Mattie McGrath

187. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Health the current turn around time for processing medical card applications where further information has been requested; if his attention has been drawn to the fact that it is now taking at least one month for further information to be processed; the efforts that he will make to ensure that this time is reduced to ensure that families are not suffering as a result of long delays in processing their medical card applications; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38918/13]

Housing for People with Disabilities

Mattie McGrath

867. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if the additional €10 million in housing funding for persons with a disability can be used towards the retrofit of the homes of persons with a disability under the housing adaptation grant scheme; if extra funding will be made available for this scheme in south Tipperary; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37013/13]

Local Government Reform

Mattie McGrath

906. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the model upon which he is basing his local government reform plan; if it has proved effective elsewhere; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37688/13]

Community Development Initiatives

Mattie McGrath

907. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the future direction of community development here; where the money will be spent; the advice he would give to current undergraduates who are studying community development on which areas to specialise in now to enable them to gain employment in the future; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37689/13]

Legal Aid Application Numbers

Mattie McGrath

996. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the current number of persons waiting for free legal aid in County Tipperary; the number of persons waiting for free legal aid throughout the country; the average length of time these persons have been waiting for free legal aid in County Tipperary and nationwide; the reason for the delay; the efforts that are being made to reduce the numbers waiting and the waiting times; the advice he would give to citizens who are waiting for free legal aid where their court cases are progressing without approval of free legal aid; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36895/13]

Inter-Country Adoptions

Mattie McGrath

1250. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs in view of the impending end on 31 October of the current non-Hague adoption process ceasing the eligibility of Irish adoptive parents to adopt children from non-Hague and non-bilateral countries, if there will be reasonable accommodations put in place whereby the eligibility of Irish adoptive parents who are currently engaged in adoption proceedings with these countries but who may not have completed the process prior to the 31 October deadline will be accommodated; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [37566/13]

Inter-Country Adoptions

Mattie McGrath

1251. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs with regard to section 63 of the Adoption Act 2010, if she, knowing the circumstances of individual pending adoption cases, intends to make amendments or adaptations to ensure their eligibility and thereby allow the completion of those adoptions; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [37567/13]

Inter-Country Adoptions

Mattie McGrath

1252. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs if she intends to inform these adoptive parents of their position, if they will be able to complete their adoption process in the near future or if they will be left in limbo until 31 October; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [37568/13]

Inter-Country Adoptions

Mattie McGrath

1253. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs her plans to intercede on behalf of these adoptive parents before the deadline of 31 October; her plans to represent and voice their individual cases to the respective international adoption agencies or representatives in an attempt to ensure the completion of these adoptions; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [37569/13]

NAMA Portfolio Issues

Mattie McGrath

70. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Finance if he will clarify if the National Assets Management Agency has property in their portfolio that has been sold or passed on to a company (details supplied) and to explain their meetings with the directors of that company; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35971/13]

Architectural Heritage

Mattie McGrath

141. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht his plans to reintroduce a grant scheme for the restoration of listed buildings throughout the country; the options that are available to those who own listed buildings and who cannot afford to restore same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33983/13]

Student Grant Scheme Eligibility

Mattie McGrath

233. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Education and Skills the way a student who is living independently of his or her parents and earning his or her own income can be classed as a dependant when applying for Student Universal Support Ireland; the way a student who has no relationship with his or her parents can be refused a SUSI grant because he or she is unable to provide information on his or her parents' income due to the breakdown in or lack of a relationship; if such students can be considered for a higher education grant; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33438/13]

Pension Provisions

Mattie McGrath

241. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if he will outline and compare the levels of pension benefit and the rates of pension benefit accrual of Irish Government Ministers with those of government ministers in other EU countries; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32967/13]

Consultancy Contracts Expenditure

Mattie McGrath

296. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Social Protection her views on the individual costs of the KPMG report on the State pension, the PwC report on pension charges, the OECD review of the pensions system and the critical review of the Pensions Board and Pensions Ombudsman, broken down into amounts paid to the consultants and ancillary costs such as meetings, catering and departmental officials’ time; if she will identify any of the recommendations that have already been or will be acted upon in 2013; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [32980/13]

EU Directives

Mattie McGrath

297. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Social Protection considering the recent definitive victory by the Waterford Crystal workers against the Government in the European Court of Justice and the potential costs that will now accrue to the State, if she has reviewed the advice to contest the case in the manner the Government did; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [32981/13]

Non-Principal Private Residence Charge Collection

Mattie McGrath

391. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the reason there is a handling charge of €10 when a person tries to pay the non-principal private residence tax when such a handling charge does not apply for payment with cheque, postal order, debit or credit card; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33328/13]

Criminal Investigations

Mattie McGrath

181. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if his attention has been drawn to the presence of the Anglo Irish Bank tapes; the date on which he was made aware of their presence; the action he has taken since being made aware of their presence; the actions that have been taken by the Garda on foot of these recordings; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32328/13]