Parliamentary questions

Defence Forces Deployment

Mattie McGrath

548. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Defence if there is a proposal to send Irish troops to Mali; if so, if there has there been a request from the UN; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6784/13]

Garda Transport Data

Mattie McGrath

129. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the number of patrol cars currently available to each of the Garda districts within County Tipperary; the Garda station they are based; the number of extra patrol cars that will be made available to each of the Garda districts within County Tipperary following the closure of five Garda stations in County Tipperary; the Garda stations these extra patrol cars will be based; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6527/13]

Medical Card Applications

Mattie McGrath

191. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Health when a medical card will be issued for a person (details supplied) in County Tipperary; the reason for the delay; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6402/13]

Proposed Legislation

Mattie McGrath

774. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Health the progress that has been made on the Human Tissue Bill which has been in preparation by his Department since 2009; when will it be brought before Dáil Éireann; what is contained in the proposed Bill with respect to the presumed consent versus expressed consent; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5190/13]

Septic Tank Registration Scheme

Mattie McGrath

532. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the findings of the domestic waste water systems consultation which was carried out in early 2012; the number of submissions received to the consultation; if those who made a submission were supplied with details of the findings of the consultation and if not, the reason; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4213/13]

Charities Regulation

Mattie McGrath

562. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if he will consider an amendment to Section 99 (3) of the Charities Act 2009 to specify the Irish Catholic Church in view of the fact that concerns have been raised that many of the signed mass cards on sale are coming from abroad and there is difficulty confirming the authenticity of such cards; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3909/13]

Nursing Staff Recruitment

Mattie McGrath

205. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Health if he will reverse the proposals to reduce the salary for graduate nurses under the graduate programme to protect the future of the nursing profession here and to avoid an exodus of graduate nurses from the country in a bid to find employment in a health service that will value their profession; his views on whether the nursing profession have already taken their fair share in cuts; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3611/13]

Disabled Drivers Grant Eligibility

Mattie McGrath

66. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Finance the number of persons that availed of the disabled drivers/passengers scheme on new vehicles in each of the years 2010, 2011 and 2012; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3370/13]

Roads Maintenance

Mattie McGrath

205. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Defence the person responsible for the maintenance of a private road being used by Army personnel to gain access to their training base in Kilcoran, Cahir, County Tipperary (details supplied); if his Department will ensure that damage caused to the road by heavy army vehicles will be repaired; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3454/13]

Local Authority Housing Maintenance

Mattie McGrath

464. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the steps he will take to ensure that there are no further fatalities as a result of substandard local authority housing stock; his proposals to ensure that all local authority housing stock receive the required efficiency upgrades; the way he proposes that local authority housing tenants deal with their heating needs when they have so far been left for years waiting for improvement works to be carried out; his proposals for the housing aid for older people scheme to ensure that local authorities receive sufficient funding to deal with their backlog of applications; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2974/13]

Medical Card Delays

Mattie McGrath

201. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Health if he is satisfied with the efficiency of the medical card office; if his attention has been drawn to the fact that fully completed applications are no longer being processed within the 15 day timeframe as previously indicated; if his attention has been drawn to the fact that applications are being held for more than one month with the medical officer alone; the measures he will take to ensure that this process is improved to ensure that those who require a medical card on discretionary grounds are not left waiting for long periods of time; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2100/13]

Fuel Rebate Scheme

Mattie McGrath

91. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Finance his plans to extend the auto-diesel relief for licensed road hauliers measures introduced in Budget 2013 to all passenger transport; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1733/13]

Student Grant Scheme Application Numbers

Mattie McGrath

272. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Education and Skills the number of students currently waiting for their applications for a higher education grant to be finalised throughout the country; the number of students from County Tipperary currently waiting for their applications for a higher education grant to be finalised; if Student Universal Support Ireland has given his office an explanation as to the reason so many applicants are being asked for information that has already been submitted; the number of students that have been approved for a higher education grant currently waiting for payment to be made; if he is satisfied with the efficiency of the SUSI Office in view of the fact that many students are still awaiting a decision in January; the efforts he will make to ensure that payments are finalised without further delay; the efforts he will make to ensure that there is not a repeat of this situation next year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1018/13]

Driving Licence Renewals

Mattie McGrath

1169. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the reason a person who has to renew their driving licence now before the introduction of the new driving licence on 19 January 2013 is being charged the new charge of €55 when they will not receive the new licence; the reason a person who is aged over 60 will be charged the full €55 for a ten year licence despite the fact that his licence will expire in less than ten years and they are effectively being charged for a service that they will not receive; if he will consider introducing a reduced rate for the ten year licence for the over 60's; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1531/13]

Schools Building Projects Applications

Mattie McGrath

104. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Education and Skills the assistance that will be given to a school (details supplied) in County Tipperary who has a grant shortfall of €24,000 for a new extension; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [57149/12]

Schools Refurbishment

Mattie McGrath

111. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Education and Skills the assistance given to a school (details supplied) in County Tipperary which will no longer be in a position to meet loan repayments following the removal of the minor works grant and other cuts in the education budget; if emergency funding will be made available to assist the school; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [57277/12]

Student Support Schemes Issues

Mattie McGrath

119. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Education and Skills the supports that will be made available to a person (details supplied) in County Tipperary who has submitted an application under the disability access route to education; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [57353/12]

Tax Rebates

Mattie McGrath

128. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Finance if the proposed fuel rebate scheme for road hauliers will apply to agricultural contractors; if he will consider a proposal to extend the scheme to agricultural contractors; if his attention has been drawn to an assessment that was carried out on the benefits of such scheme and if this assessment included the agricultural sector; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [56344/12]

Property Taxation Exemptions

Mattie McGrath

134. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Finance if the unfinished housing estates that were exempt from the household charge will be exempt from the new local property tax; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [56726/12]

Tax Rebates

Mattie McGrath

148. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Finance the reasons a fuel rebate scheme for road hauliers cannot be introduced on 1 January 2013; if he is concerned that jobs and businesses may be lost in the sector due to the late introduction of the scheme; if he has considered introducing legislation to bring this into operation on 1 January 2013; the reasons he did not include the agricultural industry and farm contractors under the scheme; if he will consider including such contractors under the scheme as they too are heavily dependent on the price of fuel; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [56342/12]

Crime Prevention

Mattie McGrath

152. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Finance the steps he will take to penalise criminals involved in the sale and supply of laundered, illegal or counterfeit products such as diesel, tobacco and clothing; if he has considered increasing the fines for such activity; his view on the resources available to the Revenue Commissioners and Customs to tackle this problem; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [56444/12]

Departmental Contracts

Mattie McGrath

198. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Education and Skills if any concerns have been conveyed to him in relation to non-payment, underpayment or late payment for work done on projects funded by his Department since his appointment in March 2011. [56345/12]

EU Presidency Expenditure

Mattie McGrath

272. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if he has responded to the offer from an airline (details supplied) dated 20 September 2012, to offer an opportunity for the Irish EU Presidency to reduce the cost of the travel for politicians and officials between Brussels and Dublin; the reasons this offer has not been taken up to date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [56415/12]

Proposed Legislation

Mattie McGrath

273. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the organisations, bodies or persons with whom he has consulted with in relation to the Construction Contracts Bill 2010; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [56418/12]

Departmental Contracts

Mattie McGrath

433. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if any concerns have been conveyed to him in relation to non-payment, underpayment or late payment for work done on projects funded by his Department since his appointment in March 2011. [56417/12]

Garda Stations Closures

Mattie McGrath

470. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if he will itemise the amount of money saved, in tabular form, from the closure of each of the following Garda stations in County Tipperary (details supplied); if he has asked the Garda Commissioner to put other measures in place; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [56340/12]

Garda Stations Closures

Mattie McGrath

471. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the impact of his decision to close a further 100 Garda stations in tackling the problem of sale and supply of laundered, illegal or counterfeit products such as diesel, tobacco and clothing; his view on the resources available to the Gardaí, to tackle this problem; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [56341/12]

Proposed Legislation

Mattie McGrath

477. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the steps he has taken to address the issues proposed by this Deputy in the Private Members Bill Precious Metal Dealers Bill 2011, which was an effort to regulate the cash for gold and cash for scrap industries; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [56453/12]

Health Services Staff Issues

Mattie McGrath

593. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Health if he will clarify reports that the Health Service Executive has announced a tender for 35 external leadership coaches; the proposed cost of such coaches and the budget from which this cost will be met; the purpose of such coaches; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [56210/12]

Departmental Contracts

Mattie McGrath

605. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Health if any concerns have been conveyed to him in relation to non-payment, underpayment or late payment for work done on projects funded by his Department since his appointment in March 2011. [56416/12]

Proposed Legislation

Mattie McGrath

635. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Health his plans to amend the law in relation the involuntary admission; the feedback that has been provided to those who made submissions to the Mental Health Commission in relation to this matter; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [56731/12]

Departmental Contracts

Mattie McGrath

676. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if any concerns have been conveyed to him in relation to non-payment, underpayment or late payment for work done on projects funded by his Department since his appointment in March 2011. [56346/12]

Non-Principal Private Residence Charge Exemptions

Mattie McGrath

124. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if a person who cannot live in their home due to a court order/barring order which prevents them from living in their home is exempt from the non principal private residence payment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [56166/12]

Defence Forces Reserve Issues

Mattie McGrath

3. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Defence if he will consider retaining the Reserve Defence Forces centre in the town of Clonmel, County Tipperary in view of the fact that there are two units (details supplied); the way he intends existing members based in the Clonmel centre to be accommodated if they have to travel to barracks in Cork and Limerick; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [54996/12]

Teacher Training Provision

Mattie McGrath

159. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Education and Skills if the teacher refund scheme will be re-opened in 2013; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [55092/12]

Nursing Homes Support Scheme Oversight

Mattie McGrath

101. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Health the progress he has made with the review of the fair deal scheme; if in this review, active consideration will be given to the role the sheltered housing provided by non-profit housing associations could play in the housing and care needs of older persons; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [54606/12]

HSE Funding

Mattie McGrath

102. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Health the bodies that are funded under section 38 of the Health Act 2004; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [54607/12]

Services for People with Disabilities

Mattie McGrath

103. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Health the funding that has been allocated in 2012 for the transfer of residents living in congregated settings into supported housing in the community; his plans in the next three years in relation to funding this transition; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [54608/12]

Drugs Payment Scheme Administration

Mattie McGrath

656. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Health if there are any regulations or restrictions in place for the drugs payment scheme that prevent a patient from obtaining two months supply of their prescription in any one month period; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [54416/12]

Site Acquisitions

Mattie McGrath

112. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Education and Skills at what stage is the acquisition of the property, from the Mercy Order, required for the extension to a school (details supplied) to enable the amalgamation of a school; on the last report the acquisition of the site required was being dealt with under the redress scheme and the proposed build is due for the 2015/16 school year, if this timeframe can be verified; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53645/12]

Ash Dieback Threat

Mattie McGrath

228. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the reason the forestry were slow in taking action to try to limit the spread of ash dieback; the reason they waited until 90% of Denmark's ash trees were destroyed before starting to introduce measures to try to prevent the importation of additional sources of the disease; in view of the fact that the disease has been spreading across Europe for 10 to 15 years, the reason there has not been an information campaign to warn persons of the risk of importing a disease source; the way he can assure the Irish people that this disease has not been recently imported into several areas of the country through young ash plants, firewood, hurley butts, hurley planks or another source; the measures being taken to prevent the spread of the next tree disease to seep across Europe in years to come; with so many foresters retiring over recent years, if we have the experience and resources within Coillte to identify and tackle tree diseases; the percentage of Coillte employees that are actually trained and actively working foresters with the ability to work on the ground to combat this disease; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53675/12]

Banks Recapitalisation

Mattie McGrath

245. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Finance the role of the public interest directors in the State funded banks; the way they are representing the taxpayer; the actions they can take or have they taken when a taxpayer has a grievance with their bank; the action that they have taken to review and reduce the remuneration and pension packages of bankers in the best interests of the taxpayer; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52895/12]

Defence Forces Reserve Funding

Mattie McGrath

544. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Defence the criteria used when deciding the Reserve Defence Force bases that would be removed as opposed to those that would be retained under the value for money review of the Reserve Defence Force and reorganisation of the Reserve Defence Force; the reason it has been proposed to remove the base from Clonmel, a town with such a rich military history; if he will consider reviewing this decision based on his plans for the future uses of Kickham Barracks in Clonmel where a perfectly suitable base could be provided for the RDF alongside the Clonmel Garda Station and where the RDF would not require rental of another premises; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52841/12]

Departmental Expenditure

Mattie McGrath

595. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the amount experts such as Geoffrey Shannon, Norah Gibbons and Helen Buckley have been paid in the last decade for their services; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [52838/12]

Child and Family Support Agency Establishment

Mattie McGrath

608. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the anticipated increased cost of the constitutional changes to the taxpayer in terms of the establishment of the new Child and Family Support Agency and any other costs which may be incurred; the anticipated savings; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [52824/12]

Departmental Funding

Mattie McGrath

609. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the State contribution to Barnardos; ISPCC; Children's Rights Alliance and the Campaign for Children; the amount of money spent by these organisations; if the proposed change in the constitution will affect the amount of money that the State funnels into these organisation; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [52835/12]

Children in Care

Mattie McGrath

610. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the cost of a Guardian ad Litem; who supplies Guardian ad Litem services; if Guardian ad Litem will be a feature of every case involving a child under Amendment 31; the cost to the taxpayer; if Barnardos, ISPCC and Children's Rights Alliance offer Guardian ad Litem services; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [52836/12]

Child and Family Support Agency Staff

Mattie McGrath

611. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs when the child protection staff currently employed by the Health Service Executive will be transferred to the new agency; the number of staff that will be transferred; if they receive will redundancy payments and if so what is the estimated cost; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [52837/12]

Medical Card Eligibility

Mattie McGrath

627. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Health the reason a medical card has been refused for a seriously ill child who requires palliative care; if he will have this decision reviewed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52262/12]

Universal Health Insurance Provision

Mattie McGrath

632. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Health the progress that has been made on the plans to extend free general practitioner care to all claimants of medicines under the long term illness scheme as announced in Budget 2012; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52330/12]

Sports Funding

Mattie McGrath

714. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if there is any assistance available from the Sports Council or any other body to assist exceptional athletes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52286/12]

Health Services Provision

Mattie McGrath

206. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Health the number of adults are being funded by the Health Service Executive in 2012 to receive specialist care in facilities outside the State; if he will provide details in respect of each of those adults on the type of care being provided, for example mental health, learning disability, brain injury and each setting, that is hospital, community or residential placement; if he will provide details in respect of the duration of each placement, start date and projected end date; the name and address of the care provider; the HSE area that is funding each placement and the programme of care, for example mental health, physical or learning disability; the total cost to the HSE of each placement for the financial year 2012, with a breakdown of each care provider's costs, that is, hospital, day care, residential, therapy, treatment; the cost of family visits flights, taxis, meals, accommodation and so on; and the costs for the HSE multi-disciplinary teams who travel abroad to each unit/placement for review meetings, assessment and case conferences that is flights, taxis, meals, accommodation and so on; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51750/12]

Garda Stations Closures

Mattie McGrath

477. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if he will confirm the announcement that Clonmel Garda Barracks will be relocated to the former Kickham Barracks site; if he will confirm when funding will be made available for the project; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51369/12]

Traffic Management

Mattie McGrath

285. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will consider examining the feasibility of introducing a left hand turn on red policy and to implement a pilot programme that would enable drivers to turn left after coming to a complete stop at an intersection where the light is red, assuming that no traffic is coming from the fight (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50550/12]

Building Regulations Compliance

Mattie McGrath

443. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the consideration he has given to the views and concerns of the Chartered Institute of Architectural Technologists in relation to the Building Control (Amendment) Regulations 2012; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49599/12]

Referendum Expenditure

Mattie McGrath

467. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the total cost to his Department of holding the Children's Referendum including a breakdown of the costs; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50055/12]

Hospital Services

Mattie McGrath

619. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Health his plans for the proposed downgrading of Waterford Regional Hospital to a district hospital; if his attention has been drawn to the devestating effect this will have for persons across the entire south east region; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49684/12]

Army Barracks Closures

Mattie McGrath

3. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Defence the progress that has been made in arranging an alternative use for the former Kickham Barracks site in Clonmel, County Tipperary; if he has examined the option of relocating the Clonmel Garda Station to the barracks location; when this matter will be finalised; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48757/12]

Children's Rights Referendum

Mattie McGrath

186. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the expected cost of the Children's Referendum including a breakdown of such costs; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [48985/12]

School Staffing

Mattie McGrath

280. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Education and Skills if a person (details supplied) in County Waterford will have their position reinstated on the panel for teachers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47245/12]

School Transport Provision

Mattie McGrath

378. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Education and Skills if a school transport route can be altered slightly to accommodate a family (details supplied) in County Tipperary; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48652/12]

Water Meters Expenditure

Mattie McGrath

703. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the current position in relation to the installation of water meters; when the positions will be put out to tender; if he and Irish Water will be supporting local employment by making the positions available to local plumbers and those who have completed the water meter installation training courses which have been run by development companies throughout the country; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47976/12]

Health Services Expenditure

Mattie McGrath

1037. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Health under the bilateral agreement with the UK, the amount charged by the Health Service Executive for the treatment of patients who would be covered by the UK health system; the way this charge is calculated; what this charge is used for; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47781/12]

Foster Care Provision

Mattie McGrath

3. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs her plans to introduce measures to compensate foster carers in respect of deliberate damage caused to their property by a foster child, when such damage is not covered by home insurance due to the deliberate nature of the damage; if her attention has been drawn to the fact that the Health Service Executive has for many years informed carers that they could make such claims from their house insurer if they had informed their insurer they were foster carers when in fact no such cover was available; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [46901/12]

Tax Code

Mattie McGrath

48. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Finance his plans to prevent foster children from being discriminated against in terms of inheritance laws where the foster parent wishes to bequeath their home to the foster child where such a person has been cared for by their foster carers for all of their life (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46902/12]

Disadvantaged Areas Scheme Applications

Mattie McGrath

568. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine when all outstanding farm payments will issue in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Tipperary; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46367/12]

Fuel Prices

Mattie McGrath

212. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Finance his plans to introduce a pay as you go system of taxation to assist road hauliers who are struggling to meet large taxation on their vehicles due to current market conditions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44631/12]

Social Insurance Payments

Mattie McGrath

338. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Social Protection when a overpayment of PRSI contributions by a company (details supplied) in South Tipperary will be refunded; the reason for the delay in issuing such a refund; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [44662/12]

Disadvantaged Areas Scheme Payments

Mattie McGrath

551. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine when a disadvantaged area payment will issue to a person (details supplied) in County Tipperary; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44751/12]

Public Sector Allowances Review

Mattie McGrath

3. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the steps that he will take to ensure greater accuracy in the targets that he sets in view of the failure to reach the target set in respect of public sector allowances; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43586/12]

Local Government Reform

Mattie McGrath

162. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for the Environment; Community and Local Government the reason the amalgamation of South and North Tipperary county councils is being progressed, when the reality is that the savings targets will not be met and when the only reform will be less services at more cost; the savings targets that he expects; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43587/12]

Back to Education Allowance Eligibility

Mattie McGrath

344. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Social Protection her views on her Department's decision to advise a person who has applied for the back to education allowance that they would have to drop out of their course in order to be put back into payment; her views on whether this is encouraging applicants to better themselves; her further views on the fact that the qualifying conditions of having to progress to another level in order to receive the back to education allowance is not always practical and is restrictive; her further views on the fact that there should be some leniency when a person who holds a current certificate is unable to find employment in that field or when a person is enrolling in a course of more than one year in length and that the award at the end of the two years is a higher level; if her Department can have some discretion in deciding on such cases; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [42952/12]

Sick Pay Scheme Expenditure

Mattie McGrath

45. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Jobs; Enterprise and Innovation if he will comment on the views of the Small Firms Association that proposals to pass on sick pay costs to the employer will cost jobs and restrict future recruitment; the steps he has taken to ensure that such jobs are protected [42021/12]

Action Plan for Jobs

Mattie McGrath

226. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Jobs; Enterprise and Innovation the steps he has taken to reduce bureaucracy and red tape in an effort to protect and encourage employment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42022/12]

Drugs Payment Scheme Administration

Mattie McGrath

571. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Health the reason Omacor medication for cholesterol is not covered by the medical card; the assistance that is available to those who require this medication and who cannot afford same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41903/12]

Mental Health Services Provision

Mattie McGrath

197. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Health the body responsible for the care of a mental health patient who is in an open unit (details supplied) in County Tipperary and has went missing from care and is a danger to themselves and where no other secure placement has been made available for them; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40931/12]

School Transport Provision

Mattie McGrath

138. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Education and Skills the reason a person (details supplied) in County Tipperary has been refused a school bus ticket; if he will review this matter based on the fact that no bus travels from the area in which they live into the school within their catchment area; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40119/12]

Medical Card Applications

Mattie McGrath

409. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Health when a decision will issue on a medical card review in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Tipperary; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40160/12]

Medical Card Appeals

Mattie McGrath

442. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Health the reason a cancer patient (details supplied) who is currently undergoing radiotherapy and other medical treatment at significant cost has been refused a medical card; if she will ensure that the appeal against this decision is dealt with as a matter of urgency; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40352/12]

Mental Health Services Provision

Mattie McGrath

462. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Health the services available to a person (details supplied) in County Tipperary who requires a secure placement in a Psychiatric Unit since the closure of St. Michael's Psychiatric Unit; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40504/12]

Broadcasting Service Provision

Mattie McGrath

135. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Communications; Energy and Natural Resources his plans to reimburse those members of the public who are unable to receive Saorview and who will be charged at least €200 for the installation of a new satellite dish with LNBF for SAORSAT; his views on whether it is acceptable that these members of the public who have already paid €160 for their TV licence are charged so much to receive this service; his views on whether it is acceptable that some members of the public are left without Saorview coverage; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39920/12]

Medical Aids and Appliances Applications

Mattie McGrath

205. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Health the reason it is the policy of the Health Service Executive to consider items such as crutches and walking aids as single use items; the cost of crutches and walking aids per year for the past two years; if he and the HSE consider this policy to be a major area of waste within the HSE; the efforts he has taken to change this policy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39509/12]

Teaching Contracts

Mattie McGrath

428. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Education and Skills the total number of retired primary and second level teachers who have retired between 1 February 2009 and 29 February 2012 and who are currently on his Department's payroll; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38415/12]

Teaching Contracts

Mattie McGrath

429. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Education and Skills the total number of retired primary and second level teachers who have retired between 1 February 2009 and 29 February 2012 and who are currently on his Department's payroll and being paid by payable order; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38416/12]

Teaching Contracts

Mattie McGrath

430. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Education and Skills the total number of retired primary and second level teachers who have retired between 1 February 2009 and 29 February 2012 and who are currently on his Department's payroll and who had the salary increase of 2.5% payable from 1 September 2008 included when their gratuity and pension entitlements were being calculated; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38417/12]

Special Educational Needs Staffing

Mattie McGrath

434. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Education and Skills if schools are obliged to implement an individual education plan for children with special needs who are progressing through the mainstream system; the avenue available to a parent who is not satisfied that a special needs child is receiving the proper facilities to allow him or her to progress through the mainstream school system; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38451/12]

Sick Pay Scheme Reform

Mattie McGrath

680. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Social Protection if a full cost-impact analysis on small business will be undertaken on her proposals to force employers to cover the cost of up to four weeks sick pay; if her attention has been drawn to the results of a recent Small Firms Association survey in relation to the impact that this proposal would have on small firms; if her attention has been drawn to the fact that this proposal will add to the cost of employment and will result in job losses and goes against the Government's action plan for job creation; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [37637/12]

Domiciliary Care Allowance Applications

Mattie McGrath

789. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Social Protection the percentage of applications for the domiciliary care allowance that were refused each year for the past five years; the number of refusals that were overturned following appeal; the main reason for refusal; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [38551/12]

Natural Gas Grid

Mattie McGrath

5 Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Communications; Energy and Natural Resources the circumstances surrounding the underground gas exploration that occurred during the commissioning of the new Bord Gáis high pressure pipeline between Middleton, County Cork and Ballyporeen, County Tipperary and the gas explosion in Leixlip, County Kildare; the safeguards that are in place to prevent a re-occurrence of same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36897/12]

Higher Education Grants

Mattie McGrath

107 Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Education and Skills if there is a mechanism in place for a person who is above the income threshold for the higher education top up grant to have the application considered on hardship grounds; if there is any mechanism in place to appeal a decision; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
[35759/12]

Bord Gáis

Mattie McGrath

209 Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if an independent inquiry or investigation will be carried out into the adherence by a company (details supplied) to the transfer of undertakings regulations 2003 and also to the award and operation of the contract; if the security of employment and 12 month wage freeze as agreed between the unions and the company will be extended to all employees of Bord Gáis Networks Services Works Contract; the reason different terms and conditions are being offered to those in different regions; the reason the deal negotiated for the Dublin based transferred employees is much better than that offered to those elsewhere; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
[35523/12]

Bord Gáis

Mattie McGrath

210 Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if he will confirm that Bord Gáis are compliant with the Late Payments in Commercial Transactions Regulations 2002; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
[35524/12]

Workplace Safety

Mattie McGrath

211 Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if he will explain the circumstances surrounding the underground gas explosion that occurred during the commissioning of the new Bord Gáis pipeline between Midleton in County Cork and Ballyporeen in County Tipperary; the safeguards that are in place to prevent a reoccurrence of same; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
[35525/12]

Workplace Safety

Mattie McGrath

212 Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if he and the Commission for Energy Regulations will confirm that a site specific explosion protection document is in place for each site on the Bord Gáis Network as required under regulation 169 of the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work (General Application) Regulations 2007, S.I. No. 299 of 2007; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
[35526/12]

School Transport

Mattie McGrath

157 Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Education and Skills if he will provide a breakdown of all school transport catchment areas in South Tipperary used for the free transport scheme for medical card holders; if his attention has been drawn to the fact that a student living in Grange village is not eligible for free travel to school in Cahir and is expected to travel to a Clonmel school despite the fact that a school bus for Cahir travels through Grange village while no bus for Clonmel school travels through Grange village and that they would have to travel a few miles to get the bus to Clonmel; his views on whether this situation is acceptable; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
[34826/12]

Nursing Home Inspections

Mattie McGrath

787 Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Health when the Health Information and Quality Authority officials visit a nursing home in a small town, do they visit all other nursing homes in the area at the same time; the criteria used in deciding which nursing homes to visit and inspect at any given time; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
[34823/12]

Hospital Facilities

Mattie McGrath

795 Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Health the plans he has for the former St. Michael’s building on the grounds of South Tipperary General Hospital; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
[34932/12]

Abortion Services

Mattie McGrath

814 Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Health further to the report on the front page of a publication (details supplied) that he has sent a circular letter to his Fine Gael Party colleagues informing them that Ireland must bring in abortion along the lines of the X case, if he will make this letter available in public; the reason he reportedly said Ireland must legalise abortion when there is absolutely no prerogative on this Government to do so particularly in view of its pre election pro-life promise to the people of Ireland; his views on whether it is the Irish people, not any European court who should decide Ireland’s abortion laws; when the recommendations of the Government appointed expert group are due to be published; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
[35172/12]

Fuel Rebate Scheme

Mattie McGrath

122 Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Finance the position regarding his Department's working group that was set up to examine the Irish Road Hauliers Association proposals for an essential user fuel rebate; the efforts he is taking to tighten up on the availability of green diesel; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
[33273/12]

School Transport

Mattie McGrath

157 Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Education and Skills if the free school transport scheme for medical card holders will be extended to a person (details supplied) in County Waterford when they have not been accepted to a school in their catchment area and subsequently attend a school in the adjoining area; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
[33086/12]