Parliamentary questions

Severe Weather Events Expenditure

Paul Connaughton

87. Deputy Paul J. Connaughton asked the Minister for Social Protection the moneys that were paid out to persons in County Galway relating to the flooding incident in 2009; the number of persons who applied for such funding; the number who were eventually successful; the amount of the funding that was allocated to the areas of Ballinasloe and Claregalway, respectively; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4528/14]

Rural Environment Protection Scheme Payments

Paul Connaughton

623. Deputy Paul J. Connaughton asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine when REP scheme will be granted in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Galway; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3877/14]

Agriculture Scheme Payments

Paul Connaughton

636. Deputy Paul J. Connaughton asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine when payment in respect of disadvantaged area scheme and single farm payment will issue in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Galway; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4093/14]

Agri-Environment Options Scheme Applications

Paul Connaughton

195. Deputy Paul J. Connaughton asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the reason a person (details supplied) in County Roscommon was excluded from the new agri-environment options scheme in view of the fact that they have callows land which should have made them eligible for the new scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3295/14]

Mobility Allowance Review

Paul Connaughton

208. Deputy Paul J. Connaughton asked the Minister for Health the mechanisms being put in place to cater for persons who formerly received the mobility allowance; the plans that exist to introduce a new regime or when is it envisaged that such a regime might be in place; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3294/14]

Social Welfare Appeals Delays

Paul Connaughton

340. Deputy Paul J. Connaughton asked the Minister for Social Protection when an appeal will be finalised in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Galway; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2411/14]

Agri-Environment Options Scheme Payments

Paul Connaughton

573. Deputy Paul J. Connaughton asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine when AEOS payment wil issue in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Galway; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2849/14]

Broadband Service Provision

Paul Connaughton

473. Deputy Paul J. Connaughton asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the broadband speed available to residents in an area (details supplied) in County Galway; if there are plans to improve broadband availability in the area; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1584/14]

Disadvantaged Areas Scheme Payments

Paul Connaughton

619. Deputy Paul J. Connaughton asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine when arrears in the disadvantaged areas scheme will issue in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Galway; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [55257/13]

Agri-Environment Options Scheme Payments

Paul Connaughton

620. Deputy Paul J. Connaughton asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine when the agri-environment options scheme payment will issue to a person (details supplied) in County Galway following an inspection conducted a number of weeks ago; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [55258/13]

Single Payment Scheme Payments

Paul Connaughton

621. Deputy Paul J. Connaughton asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the reason single farm payment has not issued in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Galway; if his attention has been drawn to the importance of low sums of payment to low income families; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [55260/13]

Single Payment Scheme Payments

Paul Connaughton

622. Deputy Paul J. Connaughton asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the reason single farm payment has not issued in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Galway; when same will issue; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [55261/13]

Single Payment Scheme Applications

Paul Connaughton

665. Deputy Paul J. Connaughton asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine when a decision will be made on a review of a penalty in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Galway; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1250/14]

Rural Environment Protection Scheme Payments

Paul Connaughton

684. Deputy Paul J. Connaughton asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine when payment under the REP scheme will issue in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Galway; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1578/14]

Disadvantaged Areas Scheme Applications

Paul Connaughton

699. Deputy Paul J. Connaughton asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine when payment in respect of DAS and SFP will issue to a person (details supplied) in County Galway who appealed a decision, was successful and is still waiting on payment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1720/14]

Road Projects Status

Paul Connaughton

958. Deputy Paul J. Connaughton asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will provide an update regarding the N17-18 project; when it is envisaged that contracts will be signed; when it is expected that work on the project will begin; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1577/14]

Farm Assist Scheme Appeals

Paul Connaughton

102. Deputy Paul J. Connaughton asked the Minister for Social Protection when a decision will be made regarding an appeal for farm assist in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Galway; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [53482/13]

Child Poverty

Paul Connaughton

206. Deputy Paul J. Connaughton asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs if an application or submission was received from Tuam, County Galway in respect of the area-based interventions addressing child poverty; the type of organisations that made submissions or applications; if it is still open to groups to make submissions or applications; the plans for such interventions in the future; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [53410/13]

Agriculture Schemes Payments

Paul Connaughton

431. Deputy Paul J. Connaughton asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine when a disadvantaged areas scheme payment and a single farm payment will issue in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Galway; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52834/13]

Disadvantaged Areas Scheme Appeals

Paul Connaughton

432. Deputy Paul J. Connaughton asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine when a decision will issue on an appeal for a derogation under the disadvantaged areas scheme in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Galway; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52837/13]

Student Grant Scheme Administration

Paul Connaughton

47. Deputy Paul J. Connaughton asked the Minister for Education and Skills the reason that although details from an accountant are sufficient for the Revenue Commissioners, such details provided by an accountant regarding the amounts and times a particular employee was paid are not sufficient in terms of proving holiday earnings for students under the Student Universal Support Ireland grant scheme; if his attention has been drawn to the difficulty facing students in providing all payslips from 2012 holiday earnings when they were not aware at the time that the payslips would be needed at a later date; if his attention has also been drawn to the difficulty that this requirement is placing on small businesses and which could be a disincentive to providing holiday employment for future third level students; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52009/13]

Disadvantaged Areas Scheme Appeals

Paul Connaughton

129. Deputy Paul J. Connaughton asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine when an appeal of an over declaration of a disadvantaged area payment will be finalised in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Galway; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52008/13]

Disadvantaged Areas Scheme Eligibility

Paul Connaughton

542. Deputy Paul J. Connaughton asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the reason a person (details supplied) in County Galway was refused payment under the disadvantaged areas scheme and the options open to them in terms of appealing the decision in view of the fodder crisis experienced this spring and the difficulty it created for farmers in complying with newly introduced regulations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50405/13]

Broadband Services Provision

Paul Connaughton

135. Deputy Paul J. Connaughton asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources when fibre optic broadband will be provided in Tuam, County Galway; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49973/13]

Single Payment Scheme Eligibility

Paul Connaughton

192. Deputy Paul J. Connaughton asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if a person (details supplied) in County Galway who is currently receiving a single farm payment would continue to receive that payment if they planted some of their land with forestry and received a forestry premium for that portion of land; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49974/13]

Community Involvement Scheme

Paul Connaughton

229. Deputy Paul J. Connaughton asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if funding will be made available for community involvement schemes in 2014; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49849/13]

Naturalisation Applications

Paul Connaughton

156. Deputy Paul J. Connaughton asked the Minister for Justice and Equality his views on whether it is fair that applicants for naturalisation certificates, who have paid a non-refundable application fee of €175 are asked to pay an acceptance fee of €950 when this fee is not mentioned at any stage in the application form whereas there are 15 references to the non-refundable application fee; his view on whether this is unfair to applicants who are unaware of the acceptance fee, which is only mentioned on the website; if there are plans to amend the application form so that applicants are fully informed of the existence of the acceptance fee; if there are many cases whereby persons are granted the naturalisation certificate but fail to take it up because of the acceptance fee; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49729/13]

Grassland Sheep Scheme Payments

Paul Connaughton

591. Deputy Paul J. Connaughton asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the reason a person (details supplied) in County Galway has not received payments from the grassland sheep scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49166/13]

Broadband Services Provision

Paul Connaughton

106. Deputy Paul J. Connaughton asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if any grant aid exists or if funding may be procured to assist residents in a Cluid housing association complex to access fibre optic broadband for 44 housing units; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48669/13]

Suckler Welfare Scheme Appeals

Paul Connaughton

156. Deputy Paul J. Connaughton asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine when a decision will be made on an appeal in respect of the suckler cow welfare scheme in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Galway in relation to 2012; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48667/13]

Strategic Investment Bank Establishment

Paul Connaughton

43. Deputy Paul J. Connaughton asked the Minister for Finance if it will be possible for the Government to purchase the retail element of ACC bank to help establish a strategic investment bank as per the programme for Government; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48405/13]

Agriculture Schemes Payments

Paul Connaughton

137. Deputy Paul J. Connaughton asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine when the results of an inspection in relation to disadvantaged areas payment and single farm payment will issue in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Galway; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48398/13]

State Properties

Paul Connaughton

165. Deputy Paul J. Connaughton asked the Minister for Health the maintenance costs associated with the upkeep of the former Grove Hospital property at Tuam, County Galway since it was purchased; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48399/13]

Sports Capital Programme Applications

Paul Connaughton

14. Deputy Paul J. Connaughton asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport when he will invite applications for the next round of the sports capital programme; if there will be changes to the terms and conditions of the programme and the application process from the last round; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46976/13]

Road Projects

Paul Connaughton

22. Deputy Paul J. Connaughton asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the position regarding the M17-M18 Gort-Tuam motorway; when he expects it to commence; the completion date of same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46975/13]

Disadvantaged Areas Scheme Payments

Paul Connaughton

200. Deputy Paul J. Connaughton asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine when a disadvantaged area scheme payment and single farm payment will issue in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Galway; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47521/13]

Community Employment Schemes

Paul Connaughton

410. Deputy Paul J. Connaughton asked the Minister for Social Protection if she intends to put all community employment schemes, rural social schemes and Tús schemes under the umberella of the county councils; if she will state when this will happen; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [45847/13]

Register of Solemnisers

Paul Connaughton

414. Deputy Paul J. Connaughton asked the Minister for Social Protection if a person who operates a wedding business can become registered as a civil registrar or solemniser of marriages under the secular heading; the criteria that would apply in such a case; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [46997/13]

State Pension (Contributory) Eligibility

Paul Connaughton

535. Deputy Paul J. Connaughton asked the Minister for Social Protection her views on whether the current contributory pension regime is discriminatory in relation to older women on grounds both of sex and age as older women are more likely to have been out of the workforce caring for children pre-1994 and many older women are now unfairly punished for having taken these years out of their careers and as a result are on a reduced level of pension; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [46606/13]

Leader Programmes Funding

Paul Connaughton

690. Deputy Paul J. Connaughton asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the grants available for a local community group wishing to buy a local building for use as a community centre with the aim of combating social exclusion in the local rural area; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46608/13]

Single Payment Scheme Payments

Paul Connaughton

866. Deputy Paul J. Connaughton asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if a satellite inspection of land has been concluded in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Galway; the outcome of same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45721/13]

Disadvantaged Areas Scheme Payments

Paul Connaughton

887. Deputy Paul J. Connaughton asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the reason a person (details supplied) in County Galway has not received their disadvantaged area payment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46050/13]

Disadvantaged Areas Scheme Eligibility

Paul Connaughton

966. Deputy Paul J. Connaughton asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the reason a person (details supplied) in County Galway did not receive their disadvantaged area scheme payment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46998/13]

Fuel Allowance Eligibility

Paul Connaughton

134. Deputy Paul J. Connaughton asked the Minister for Social Protection the steps she will take to assess eligibility for fuel allowance in respect of persons here who are receiving the UK winter fuel payment; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [45397/13]

Turf Cutting Compensation Scheme Payments

Paul Connaughton

149. Deputy Paul J. Connaughton asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht when a payment in respect of the turf cutting compensation scheme will issue to a person (details supplied) in County Galway; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45398/13]

Farm Improvement Scheme Expenditure

Paul Connaughton

144. Deputy Paul J. Connaughton asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if a subsidy is still in existence for the installation of electricity in farm out offices; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44942/13]

Disadvantaged Areas Scheme Payments

Paul Connaughton

196. Deputy Paul J. Connaughton asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine when a person (details supplied) in County Galway will receive payment in view of the fact that the inspection of the commonage in question has now taken place and a new decision has been made; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44999/13]

Departmental Offices

Paul Connaughton

198. Deputy Paul J. Connaughton asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if his attention has been drawn to the opposition in County Roscommon to the proposed reduction in staff numbers and consequent reduction in service to the farming community at his Department office in Roscommon town; if his further attention has been drawn to the importance of this office to livestock exporters who, on a regular basis, need quick, direct access to his Department's personnel; if he is aware that the Roscommon office is strategically located to provide such urgent services to vast areas of counties Galway, Mayo, Longford and Sligo; if he will consider the original decision in favour of a regional type service based in Roscommon town; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45303/13]

Farm Assist Scheme Appeals

Paul Connaughton

270. Deputy Paul J. Connaughton asked the Minister for Social Protection when a farm assist review will be finalised in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Galway; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [44402/13]

Agriculture Schemes Payments

Paul Connaughton

446. Deputy Paul J. Connaughton asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the reason payment of disadvantaged areas payment and single farm payment has not issued to a person (details supplied) in County Galway; when same will issue; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44403/13]

Agriculture Schemes Payments

Paul Connaughton

447. Deputy Paul J. Connaughton asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the reason a person (details supplied) in County Galway has not received their disadvantaged areas payment and single farm payment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44405/13]

Agriculture Schemes Payments

Paul Connaughton

464. Deputy Paul J. Connaughton asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the reason a person (details supplied) in County Galway has not received their disadvantaged areas payment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44681/13]

Turf Cutting Compensation Scheme Eligibility

Paul Connaughton

63. Deputy Paul J. Connaughton asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the reason a person (details supplied) in County Galway was deemed ineligible for the turf cutting and compensation scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43865/13]

State Pension (Contributory) Eligibility

Paul Connaughton

151. Deputy Paul J. Connaughton asked the Minister for Social Protection if her attention has been drawn to the fact that the current contributory pension allocates full contributory pension to persons who pay full contributions for ten years, yet fails to allocate a full pension to persons who have paid contributions for almost 30 years but whose contributions are spread out over a long period of years; if her attention has been drawn to the fact that the current system penalises hard-working people, especially those who started working and contributing in their teenage years; her plans to introduce a system whereby persons are paid on a pro rata basis and those with almost 30 years contributions would receive a full pension, which they have contributed to over many decades; if this matter is currently being examined; if there are plans afoot to change the current unfair situation; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [43310/13]

Disadvantaged Areas Scheme Payments

Paul Connaughton

316. Deputy Paul J. Connaughton asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine when a disadvantaged areas scheme payment will issue in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Galway; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43108/13]

Disadvantaged Areas Scheme Payments

Paul Connaughton

317. Deputy Paul J. Connaughton asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine when payment under the disadvantaged areas scheme will issue in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Galway; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43110/13]

Disadvantaged Areas Scheme Payments

Paul Connaughton

318. Deputy Paul J. Connaughton asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine when payment under the disadvantaged areas scheme will issue in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Galway; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43112/13]

Single Payment Scheme Payments

Paul Connaughton

319. Deputy Paul J. Connaughton asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if a review of the single farm payment file of a person (details supplied) in County Galway has been completed; if an overpayment issue has been resolved as a result; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43113/13]

Agri-Environment Options Scheme Payments

Paul Connaughton

320. Deputy Paul J. Connaughton asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if a penalty imposed on a person (details supplied) in County Galway will result in a reduction in agri-environment options scheme payments in future years; if his attention has been drawn to the fact that such a recoupment in future years would be a cause of severe financial hardship on the person; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43114/13]

Insolvency Payments Scheme Eligibility

Paul Connaughton

323. Deputy Paul J. Connaughton asked the Minister for Social Protection if an insolvency payment may be capped at €600 per week when the payment arose out of an employment appeal where a person was deemed to be unfairly dismissed as opposed to a statutory redundancy; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [42103/13]

Invalidity Pension Appeals

Paul Connaughton

339. Deputy Paul J. Connaughton asked the Minister for Social Protection when a decision will be made in relation to an invalidity pension appeal in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Galway; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [42468/13]

Carer's Allowance Appeals

Paul Connaughton

340. Deputy Paul J. Connaughton asked the Minister for Social Protection the position regarding a carer's allowance appeal in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Galway. [42529/13]

Single Payment Scheme Appeals

Paul Connaughton

471. Deputy Paul J. Connaughton asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the options open to farmers who failed to tick the box on their single farm payment to confirm that they were seeking suckler welfare scheme payments in terms of appealing or seeking to receive the payment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41817/13]

Agri-Environment Options Scheme Conditions

Paul Connaughton

472. Deputy Paul J. Connaughton asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if it is possible under the agri-environment options scheme 1 to replace a parcel which has been taken over by a bank recovering a debt; if in such exceptional circumstances a clawback would apply in relation to funds paid on those lands to date and if such circumstances would be considered exceptional circumstances or force majeure circumstances for the purpose of an agricultural appeal in a case where the debt being recovered was not in the name of the AEOS entrant; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41818/13]

Single Payment Scheme Administration

Paul Connaughton

473. Deputy Paul J. Connaughton asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if all matters relating to the 2013 single farm payment of a person (details supplied) in County Galway are in order; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41819/13]

Agri-Environment Options Scheme Application Numbers

Paul Connaughton

487. Deputy Paul J. Connaughton asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the number of farmers accepted into the new agri-environment option 3 scheme who were over the number of hectares allowed for qualification; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42097/13]

Disadvantaged Areas Scheme Payments

Paul Connaughton

488. Deputy Paul J. Connaughton asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the reason a person (details supplied) in County Galway has not received their disadvantaged area scheme payment and single farm payment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42100/13]

Disadvantaged Areas Scheme Payments

Paul Connaughton

489. Deputy Paul J. Connaughton asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine when a person (details supplied) in County Galway will receive their disadvantaged area scheme payment and single farm payment; the reason for the delay; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42101/13]

Disadvantaged Areas Scheme Payments

Paul Connaughton

490. Deputy Paul J. Connaughton asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the reason a person (details supplied) in County Galway has not received their disadvantaged areas payment and single farm payment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42102/13]

Disadvantaged Areas Scheme Application Numbers

Paul Connaughton

491. Deputy Paul J. Connaughton asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the number of farmers in County Galway who have not received their disadvantaged areas payment or single farm payment; the way this compares to the past two years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42108/13]

Disadvantaged Areas Scheme Payments

Paul Connaughton

505. Deputy Paul J. Connaughton asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the reason a disadvantaged areas scheme payment in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Galway was not granted; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42467/13]

Disadvantaged Areas Scheme Payments

Paul Connaughton

506. Deputy Paul J. Connaughton asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine when payment will issue to a person (details supplied) in County Galway in respect of both their disadvantaged areas scheme payment and their single farm payment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42469/13]

Fuel Allowance Eligibility

Paul Connaughton

328. Deputy Paul J. Connaughton asked the Minister for Social Protection if persons on fuel allowance are in receipt of UK winter fuel payment, if this will be assessed when eligibility is being assessed or if questionnaires will issue to all persons in receipt of fuel allowance; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [40399/13]

Illness Benefit Appeals

Paul Connaughton

329. Deputy Paul J. Connaughton asked the Minister for Social Protection when a decision will be made in relation to an illness benefit appeal in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Galway; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [40400/13]

Social Welfare Appeals Issues

Paul Connaughton

332. Deputy Paul J. Connaughton asked the Minister for Social Protection when a decision will issue on an appeal in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Galway; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [40409/13]

National Internship Scheme Eligibility

Paul Connaughton

343. Deputy Paul J. Connaughton asked the Minister for Social Protection if there is a mechanism whereby a person who is unemployed, but not in receipt of any payment due to a partner's earnings, may access a JobBridge position working with elderly persons as the position has been advertised as a JobBridge position for three weeks now without any applicants; her views on whether jobs in petrol station forecourts are suitable for JobBridge; the steps being taken to ensure that the JobBridge programme is not being abused by some employers; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [40486/13]

Farm Assist Scheme Payments

Paul Connaughton

405. Deputy Paul J. Connaughton asked the Minister for Social Protection if expenses incurred in complying with REP scheme, agri-environment options scheme and special areas of conservation measures are deducted for the purposes of assessing income for farm assist as stated on the Citizens Information website; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [41078/13]

Disadvantaged Areas Scheme Appeals

Paul Connaughton

535. Deputy Paul J. Connaughton asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine when a person (details supplied) in County Galway will receive a decision on their appeal against a decision to remove their disadvantaged areas scheme payment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40860/13]

Agri-Environment Options Scheme Eligibility

Paul Connaughton

536. Deputy Paul J. Connaughton asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine when a person (details supplied) in County Galway will be informed whether they have been accepted into agri-environment options scheme 3; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40861/13]

Targeted Agricultural Modernisation Scheme Payments

Paul Connaughton

545. Deputy Paul J. Connaughton asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the reason payment of the sheep fencing grant has not issued in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Galway; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41076/13]

School Transport Eligibility

Paul Connaughton

249. Deputy Paul J. Connaughton asked the Minister for Education and Skills the reason a child (details supplied) in County Galway recently enrolled in junior infants class is not entitled to free transport; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38386/13]

Fuel Allowance Eligibility

Paul Connaughton

614. Deputy Paul J. Connaughton asked the Minister for Social Protection if receipt of a UK winter fuel payment will have any effect on eligibility for fuel allowance here; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [37591/13]

Single Payment Scheme Applications

Paul Connaughton

1220. Deputy Paul J. Connaughton asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine when the first tranche of single farm payment will issue in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Galway; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38381/13]

Decentralisation Programme Staff Transfers

Paul Connaughton

978. Deputy Paul J. Connaughton asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the number of his departmental staff in County Galway who have transferred to Government Departments in counties Mayo and Sligo; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34783/13]

School Transport Eligibility

Paul Connaughton

316. Deputy Paul J. Connaughton asked the Minister for Education and Skills the options in terms of school transport that are open to atheist families where the only secondary school in their catchment area is Roman Catholic where their children will be excluded from some religious school activities; if children from these families can avail of the nearest school transport to a secondary school that respects their value system; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31719/13]

Agri-Environment Options Scheme Payments

Paul Connaughton

601. Deputy Paul J. Connaughton asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine when payment of agri-environment option scheme 2, 2012 will issue in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Galway; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31795/13]

Disadvantaged Areas Scheme Appeals

Paul Connaughton

500. Deputy Paul J. Connaughton asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine when a decision will be made on an appeal for disadvantaged area payment in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Galway; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30102/13]

Rural Environment Protection Scheme Payments

Paul Connaughton

512. Deputy Paul J. Connaughton asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine when payment in respect of the rural environment protection scheme will issue to a person (details supplied) in County Galway; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30372/13]

Fuel Allowance Eligibility

Paul Connaughton

231. Deputy Paul J. Connaughton asked the Minister for Social Protection if receipt of a UK winter fuel payment will have any effect on eligibility for fuel allowance here; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [28934/13]

Sheep Census

Paul Connaughton

440. Deputy Paul J. Connaughton asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the reason a person (details supplied) in County Galway was given a penalty during an on-farm inspection for failing to return a sheep census form when at the time he had no sheep; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28941/13]

Driving Licence Issues

Paul Connaughton

1100. Deputy Paul J. Connaughton asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the position regarding the towing of car trailers; if he will outline the regulations regarding same; if there are any new regulations being considered; if an awareness campaign is planned in relation to this; the steps available to persons wishing to comply with these regulations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27603/13]

Agri-Environment Options Scheme Application Numbers

Paul Connaughton

554. Deputy Paul J. Connaughton asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the number of farmers awaiting 2011 payments and the number awaiting 2012 payment in respect of the agri-environment options scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25138/13]

Agri-Environment Options Scheme Payments

Paul Connaughton

555. Deputy Paul J. Connaughton asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine when payment of the 2012 agri-environment options scheme 2 will issue in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Galway; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25139/13]

Agri-Environment Options Scheme Applications

Paul Connaughton

232. Deputy Paul J. Connaughton asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if there are circumstances in which an application to the new agri-environment options scheme, which has not yet been accepted, may be amended as serious errors have been detected in relation to the plan; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24722/13]

Agri-Environment Options Scheme Payments

Paul Connaughton

233. Deputy Paul J. Connaughton asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine when payment under the agri-environment options scheme 1 will issue to a person (details supplied) in County Galway; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24723/13]

Agri-Environment Options Scheme Payments

Paul Connaughton

234. Deputy Paul J. Connaughton asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine when agri-environment options scheme payment will issue to a person (details supplied) in County Galway; the reason for the delay; when computerised processing of payments will start in relation to AEOS1; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24725/13]

Health Services

Paul Connaughton

260. Deputy Paul J. Connaughton asked the Minister for Health the grants available for community groups wishing to purchase defibrillators; and if there are any plans to introduce new incentives for community groups to install defibrillators in their local areas; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24724/13]

Disadvantaged Areas Scheme Payments

Paul Connaughton

563. Deputy Paul J. Connaughton asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the reason no payment in relation to a disadvantaged area scheme issued to a person (details supplied) in County Galway in respect of 2012; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23726/13]

Agri-Environment Options Scheme Payments

Paul Connaughton

574. Deputy Paul J. Connaughton asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine when an agri-environment option scheme payment will issue to a person (details supplied) in County Galway; the reason for the delay in same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23876/13]

Road Projects Status

Paul Connaughton

43. Deputy Paul J. Connaughton asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport in view of the recent contract signing for the N11-Newlands Cross public private partnership, if he will provide an update on the M17-M18 Gort to Tuam road project, County Galway; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22683/13]