Parliamentary questions

Local Authority Functions

Barry Cowen

26. Deputy Barry Cowen asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the functions that will be transferred from central government to local government after the local property tax is retained in local areas from 2015 onwards; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11883/14]

Water Charges Introduction

Barry Cowen

51. Deputy Barry Cowen asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if the water charging tariff structure for businesses will be changed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11881/14]

Water Meters Installation

Barry Cowen

115. Deputy Barry Cowen asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the steps he has taken to address concerns over the wages and conditions of contractors hired to install water meters across the country; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12007/14]

Election Expenditure

Barry Cowen

116. Deputy Barry Cowen asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the official campaign period for the upcoming local and European elections; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12239/14]

Local Authority Housing Provision

Barry Cowen

338. Deputy Barry Cowen asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if the Government and the county council are aware of the need for suitable one level accommodation for elderly people (details supplied) in the Kilcoole, Greystones and north Wicklow area; and if there are any plans to provide housing. [11548/14]

Disability Allowance Appeals

Barry Cowen

103. Deputy Barry Cowen asked the Minister for Social Protection when a person (details supplied) in County Offaly may expect a decision on appeal for disability allowance. [11254/14]

Disability Allowance Appeals

Barry Cowen

104. Deputy Barry Cowen asked the Minister for Social Protection when a person (details supplied) in County Offaly may expect a decision on their appeal for disability allowance. [11262/14]

Invalidity Pension Appeals

Barry Cowen

106. Deputy Barry Cowen asked the Minister for Social Protection when a person (details supplied) in County Offaly may expect a decision on their review of invalidity pension. [11270/14]

Invalidity Pension Appeals

Barry Cowen

107. Deputy Barry Cowen asked the Minister for Social Protection when a person (details supplied) in County Offaly may expect a decision on an appeal for an invalidity pension. [11271/14]

Domiciliary Care Allowance Applications

Barry Cowen

108. Deputy Barry Cowen asked the Minister for Social Protection when a person (details supplied) in County Offaly may expect a decision on a review of the domiciliary care allowance. [11274/14]

Domiciliary Care Allowance Appeals

Barry Cowen

109. Deputy Barry Cowen asked the Minister for Social Protection when a person (details supplied) in County Westmeath may expect a decision on an appeal for domiciliary care allowance. [11280/14]

Domiciliary Care Allowance Applications

Barry Cowen

110. Deputy Barry Cowen asked the Minister for Social Protection when a person (details supplied) in County Offaly may expect a decision on their review of domiciliary care allowance. [11282/14]

Carer's Allowance Appeals

Barry Cowen

111. Deputy Barry Cowen asked the Minister for Social Protection when a person (details supplied) in County Offaly may expect a decision on an application for carer's allowance. [11287/14]

Domiciliary Care Allowance Appeals

Barry Cowen

112. Deputy Barry Cowen asked the Minister for Social Protection when a person (details supplied) in County Offaly may expect a decision on an application for domiciliary care allowance. [11288/14]

Carer's Allowance Appeals

Barry Cowen

115. Deputy Barry Cowen asked the Minister for Social Protection when a person (details supplied) in County Offaly may expect a decision on an appeal for carer's allowance. [11293/14]

Carer's Allowance Appeals

Barry Cowen

116. Deputy Barry Cowen asked the Minister for Social Protection when a person (details supplied) in County Offaly may expect a decision on an appeal for carer's allowance. [11294/14]

Family Income Supplement Appeals

Barry Cowen

117. Deputy Barry Cowen asked the Minister for Social Protection when a person (details supplied) in County Offaly may expect a decision on an appeal for family income supplement. [11296/14]

Carer's Allowance Appeals

Barry Cowen

118. Deputy Barry Cowen asked the Minister for Social Protection when a person (details supplied) in County Offaly may expect a decision on an appeal for carer's allowance. [11297/14]

Disability Allowance Appeals

Barry Cowen

119. Deputy Barry Cowen asked the Minister for Social Protection when a person (details supplied) in County Offaly may expect a decision on an appeal for disability allowance. [11298/14]

Medical Card Applications

Barry Cowen

214. Deputy Barry Cowen asked the Minister for Health when a person (details supplied) in County Offaly may expect a decision on their application for medical card. [11263/14]

Medical Card Applications

Barry Cowen

215. Deputy Barry Cowen asked the Minister for Health when persons (details supplied) in County Offaly may expect a decision on their application for a medical card [11302/14]

Medical Card Appeals

Barry Cowen

216. Deputy Barry Cowen asked the Minister for Health when a person (details supplied) in County Offaly may expect a decision on their appeal for a medical card [11303/14]

Medical Card Applications

Barry Cowen

217. Deputy Barry Cowen asked the Minister for Health when a person (details supplied) in County Offaly may expect a decision on an application for a medical card. [11305/14]

Medical Card Applications

Barry Cowen

218. Deputy Barry Cowen asked the Minister for Health when a person (details supplied) in County Offaly may expect a decision on an application for a medical card. [11306/14]

Medical Card Applications

Barry Cowen

219. Deputy Barry Cowen asked the Minister for Health when a person (details supplied) in County Offaly may expect a decision on an application for a medical card. [11307/14]

Medical Card Applications

Barry Cowen

220. Deputy Barry Cowen asked the Minister for Health when a person (details supplied) in County Offaly may expect a decision on an application for a medical card. [11308/14]

Medical Card Applications

Barry Cowen

221. Deputy Barry Cowen asked the Minister for Health when persons (details supplied) in County Offaly may expect a decision on an application for a medical card. [11309/14]

Medical Card Applications

Barry Cowen

222. Deputy Barry Cowen asked the Minister for Health when a person (details supplied) in County Offaly may expect a decision on an application for a medical card. [11310/14]

Medical Card Applications

Barry Cowen

223. Deputy Barry Cowen asked the Minister for Health when persons (details supplied) in County Offaly may expect a decision on an application for a medical card. [11311/14]

Medical Card Applications

Barry Cowen

224. Deputy Barry Cowen asked the Minister for Health when a person (details supplied) in County Offaly may expect a decision on an application for a medical card. [11312/14]

Medical Card Applications

Barry Cowen

225. Deputy Barry Cowen asked the Minister for Health when a person (details supplied) in County Offaly may expect a decision on an application for a medical card. [11313/14]

Medical Card Applications

Barry Cowen

226. Deputy Barry Cowen asked the Minister for Health when a person (details supplied) in County Offaly may expect a decision on an application for a medical card. [11314/14]

Medical Card Applications

Barry Cowen

227. Deputy Barry Cowen asked the Minister for Health when a person (details supplied) in County Offaly may expect a decision on an application for a medical card. [11315/14]

Medical Card Applications

Barry Cowen

228. Deputy Barry Cowen asked the Minister for Health when a person (details supplied) in County Tipperary may expect a decision on an application for a medical card. [11316/14]

Medical Card Applications

Barry Cowen

229. Deputy Barry Cowen asked the Minister for Health when a person (details supplied) in County Tipperary may expect a decision on an application for a medical card. [11317/14]

Medical Card Applications

Barry Cowen

230. Deputy Barry Cowen asked the Minister for Health when a person (details supplied) in County Offaly may expect a decision on an application for a medical card. [11318/14]

Medical Card Applications

Barry Cowen

231. Deputy Barry Cowen asked the Minister for Health when a person (details supplied) in County Offaly may expect a decision on an application for a medical card. [11319/14]

Medical Card Applications

Barry Cowen

232. Deputy Barry Cowen asked the Minister for Health when a person (details supplied) in County Offaly may expect a decision on an application for a medical card. [11320/14]

Medical Card Applications

Barry Cowen

233. Deputy Barry Cowen asked the Minister for Health when a person (details supplied) in County Offaly may expect a decision on an application for a medical card. [11321/14]

Medical Card Applications

Barry Cowen

234. Deputy Barry Cowen asked the Minister for Health when a person (details supplied) in County Offaly may expect a decision on an application for a medical card. [11322/14]

Medical Card Applications

Barry Cowen

235. Deputy Barry Cowen asked the Minister for Health when a person (details supplied) in County Offaly may expect a decision on an application for a medical card. [11323/14]

Medical Card Applications

Barry Cowen

236. Deputy Barry Cowen asked the Minister for Health when a person (details supplied) in County Offaly may expect a decision on an application for a medical card. [11324/14]

Medical Card Applications

Barry Cowen

237. Deputy Barry Cowen asked the Minister for Health when a person (details supplied) in County Offaly may expect a decision on an application for a medical card. [11325/14]

Medical Card Applications

Barry Cowen

238. Deputy Barry Cowen asked the Minister for Health when a person (details supplied) in County Offaly may expect a decision on an application for a medical card. [11326/14]

Medical Card Appeals

Barry Cowen

239. Deputy Barry Cowen asked the Minister for Health when a person (details supplied) in County Offaly may expect a decision on an appeal for a medical card. [11327/14]

Medical Card Appeals

Barry Cowen

240. Deputy Barry Cowen asked the Minister for Health when a person (details supplied) in County Offaly may expect a decision on an appeal for a medical card. [11328/14]

Medical Card Appeals

Barry Cowen

241. Deputy Barry Cowen asked the Minister for Health when a person (details supplied) in County Offaly may expect a decision on an appeal for a medical card. [11329/14]

Medical Card Reviews

Barry Cowen

242. Deputy Barry Cowen asked the Minister for Health when a person (details supplied) in County Offaly may expect a decision on a review for a medical card. [11330/14]

Medical Card Reviews

Barry Cowen

243. Deputy Barry Cowen asked the Minister for Health when a person (details supplied) in County Offaly may expect a decision on a review for a medical card. [11331/14]

Medical Card Reviews

Barry Cowen

244. Deputy Barry Cowen asked the Minister for Health when a person (details supplied) in County Offaly may expect a decision on a review for a medical card. [11332/14]

Medical Card Reviews

Barry Cowen

245. Deputy Barry Cowen asked the Minister for Health when a person (details supplied) in County Offaly may expect a decision on a review for a medical card. [11333/14]

Medical Card Applications

Barry Cowen

246. Deputy Barry Cowen asked the Minister for Health when a person (details supplied) in County Offaly may expect a decision on an application for a medical card. [11334/14]

Medical Card Applications

Barry Cowen

247. Deputy Barry Cowen asked the Minister for Health when a person (details supplied) in County Westmeath may expect a decision on an application for a medical card. [11335/14]

Medical Card Applications

Barry Cowen

248. Deputy Barry Cowen asked the Minister for Health when a person (details supplied) in County Offaly may expect a decision on an application for a medical card. [11336/14]

Medical Card Applications

Barry Cowen

249. Deputy Barry Cowen asked the Minister for Health when a person (details supplied) in County Offaly may expect a decision on an application for a medical card. [11337/14]

Medical Card Applications

Barry Cowen

250. Deputy Barry Cowen asked the Minister for Health when a person (details supplied) in County Offaly may expect a decision on an application for a medical card. [11338/14]

Medical Card Applications

Barry Cowen

251. Deputy Barry Cowen asked the Minister for Health when a person (details supplied) in County Offaly may expect a decision on an application for a medical card. [11339/14]

Work Placement Programmes

Barry Cowen

93. Deputy Barry Cowen asked the Minister for Social Protection if she will confirm, following the loss of the jobs initiative scheme in Offaly County Council, which provided works on graveyards and cemeteries throughout the county, whether it will be replaced by the Gateway pilot programme which is currently being run on a pilot basis by Dublin City Council; and, if so, the timeframe envisaged. [11064/14]

Property Tax Collection

Barry Cowen

28. Deputy Barry Cowen asked the Minister for Finance if he will provide in tabular form a county breakdown of the estimated local property tax income in 2014; the total collected in 2013 combined with compliance rates to date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10420/14]

IDA Supports

Barry Cowen

149. Deputy Barry Cowen asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation if the Industrial Development Agency have acted to improve their commitment to the County Offaly region including the Edenderry area which can take specific advantage of their accessibility to Dublin and the eastern region with the new Edenderry/Enfield Link Road. [10904/14]

Job Initiatives

Barry Cowen

188. Deputy Barry Cowen asked the Minister for Social Protection the criteria she will use to select private contractors to implement the JobPath plans; the amount of money proposed to be spent; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [10653/14]

Water and Sewerage Scheme Grants

Barry Cowen

276. Deputy Barry Cowen asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government his plans for the subsidy for private group water schemes; if he will provide in tabular form the total spent on such subsidies on a county basis in 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013 and to date in 2014; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10654/14]

Nursing Staff Provision

Barry Cowen

440. Deputy Barry Cowen asked the Minister for Health to advise how the number of hours worked by agency nurses and level of spending on agency nursing in the Midland Regional Hospital, Tullamore, compares to employed staff who worked the same hours at the hospital in 2013. [10665/14]

Nursing Staff Provision

Barry Cowen

441. Deputy Barry Cowen asked the Minister for Health his plans to reduce agency spend at the Midland Regional Hospital, Tullamore; and how he will implement them. [10666/14]

Nursing Staff Provision

Barry Cowen

442. Deputy Barry Cowen asked the Minister for Health if there are plans to replace nurses who have resigned or retired from the Midland Regional Hospital, Tullamore as there has been a reduction of 63 nurses since 2009 but activity has increased by between 25% and 30%. [10667/14]

Hospital Services

Barry Cowen

443. Deputy Barry Cowen asked the Minister for Health if there are any plans to open the Midland Regional Hospital, Tullamore to full capacity to deal with demand, reduce trolley waiting times and ensure all patients are treated in the designated patient areas, as the current capacity at the hospital is 322 but only 259 beds are open. [10668/14]

Nursing Staff Provision

Barry Cowen

444. Deputy Barry Cowen asked the Minister for Health the way he intends to maintain patient safety and deliver quality care at the Midland Regional Hospital, Tullamore where the skill mix and nursing numbers are inadequate owing to the continuing recruitment embargo which means experienced staff with a wide range of skill sets are not replaced by similar new staff. [10669/14]

Nursing Staff Provision

Barry Cowen

445. Deputy Barry Cowen asked the Minister for Health if management at the Midland Regional Hospital, Tullamore is fulfilling its duty to provide a safe place of work when nursing staff are unable to take meal breaks as per health and safety legislation and the Organisation of Working Time Act. [10670/14]

Hospital Services

Barry Cowen

446. Deputy Barry Cowen asked the Minister for Health if he will confirm there are adequate experienced nursing staff on duty to train, teach and mentor junior colleagues and students at the Midland Regional Hospital, Tullamore. [10671/14]

Hospital Services

Barry Cowen

447. Deputy Barry Cowen asked the Minister for Health the reason elective admissions are now given the same priority as patients waiting for hours on trolleys in the emergency department at the Midland Regional Hospital, Tullamore. [10672/14]

Hospital Services

Barry Cowen

448. Deputy Barry Cowen asked the Minister for Health the way the Midland Regional Hospital, Tullamore defends the practice of placing extra beds in treatment rooms on a daily basis while there are beds closed in the hospital. [10673/14]

Hospital Services

Barry Cowen

449. Deputy Barry Cowen asked the Minister for Health if the overcrowding and understaffing at the Midland Regional Hospital, Tullamore has a negative effect on infection rates in the hospital. [10674/14]

Hospital Services

Barry Cowen

450. Deputy Barry Cowen asked the Minister for Health if the number of patient falls at the Midland Regional Hospital, Tullamore increased over the past 12 months. [10675/14]

Hospital Services

Barry Cowen

451. Deputy Barry Cowen asked the Minister for Health if the number of complaints from the public has increased as a result of reduced staffing numbers and reduced skill mix at the Midland Regional Hospital, Tullamore. [10676/14]

Hospital Admissions

Barry Cowen

452. Deputy Barry Cowen asked the Minister for Health in regards to the Midland Regional Hospital Tullamore if activity has increased; if the average length of stay has reduced; if the age profile has increased and the number of patients admitted on the same day as their surgery has increased; the way in which it is possible for the hospital to operate at a safe level when nursing numbers have reduced. [10677/14]

Health Services Funding

Barry Cowen

489. Deputy Barry Cowen asked the Minister for Health if he will confirm that funding will be provided to ensure a premises (details supplied) in County Offaly will be operated to its full capacity. [10903/14]

Roads Maintenance

Barry Cowen

496. Deputy Barry Cowen asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if his Department is in receipt of a report from Offaly County Council outlining the damage to regional, county and local roads resulting from recent severe weather; if funding will be provided to address the necessary repairs; his views based on the fact that up to 40% of County Offaly roads are built on peat foundation, that a special programme with adequate funding should be put in place to alleviate such damage in the future, considering the vulnerability of County Offaly roads. [10726/14]

Energy Policy Review

Barry Cowen

153. Deputy Barry Cowen asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if he has reviewed or intends to review the effectiveness of his sustainable energy, energy efficiency, and demand side management policies, the outcome of the review; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10168/14]

Climate Change Policy

Barry Cowen

164. Deputy Barry Cowen asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government in regards to the climate change policy, if he intends to establish a climate change strategy; if he further intends to publish a climate change Bill; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10166/14]

International Agreements

Barry Cowen

165. Deputy Barry Cowen asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if he has submitted Ireland’s biennial report and sixth national communication to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, UNFCCC, in accordance with the convention to the Conference of the Parties; if his attention has been drawn to the fact that the deadline for receipt of reports was 1 January 2014, if he has not submitted the reports, when he intends to do so; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10167/14]

Property Tax Collection

Barry Cowen

85. Deputy Barry Cowen asked the Minister for Finance to set out the total amount collected in the local property tax in 2013 in each local authority; the anticipated collection amount in 2014; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8478/14]

Property Tax Application

Barry Cowen

86. Deputy Barry Cowen asked the Minister for Finance if he has considered a 15% reduction in the local property tax rate across the board. [8479/14]

Unfinished Housing Developments

Barry Cowen

94. Deputy Barry Cowen asked the Minister for Finance further to acknowledgement in respect of a bond holder (details supplied) to instruct AIB Bank and its relevant engineering contractor to honour its commitment under the relevant legislation to complete outstanding works as agreed with Offaly County Council, the delay to date in this regard has led to safety concerns for residents and questions over the public liability should there be a claim against same; Offaly County Council has had numerous promises from AIB to carry out necessary works in the past 12 months; and if he, as a majority shareholder on behalf of the taxpayer will insist that this work is carried out forthwith. [8503/14]

Tax Collection

Barry Cowen

99. Deputy Barry Cowen asked the Minister for Finance the amount of money that has been generated by taxation of windfall gains from rezoning sales in total and on a county basis since the introduction of the 2009 National Asset Management Agency Act; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8551/14]

Local Authority Services

Barry Cowen

140. Deputy Barry Cowen asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the services that will now be fully funded by local authorities following the retention of the local property tax; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8476/14]

Local Authority Services

Barry Cowen

141. Deputy Barry Cowen asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if his Department has carried out an assessment of the service impact of a 15% reduction in the local property tax from 2015 in each local authority area; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8477/14]

Departmental Staff Career Breaks

Barry Cowen

144. Deputy Barry Cowen asked the Taoiseach if he will provide in tabular form, the number of staff in his Department currently on a sabbatical-career break broken down by 0 to six months, six to 12 months, one year to two years, two to three years, four to five years and five years plus; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7635/14]

Departmental Staff Sick Leave

Barry Cowen

145. Deputy Barry Cowen asked the Taoiseach if he will provide in tabular form, the total number of uncertified sick days taken by employees in his Department and the average uncertified sick days per employee taken; the total certified sick days taken by employees; the average certified sick days per employee; the total sick days taken by employees; the average total sick days and median overall sick days per employee in 2009, 2010, 2011 and 2012. [7651/14]

Departmental Staff Career Breaks

Barry Cowen

150. Deputy Barry Cowen asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he will provide in tabular form, the number of staff in his Department currently on a sabbatical-career break broken down by 0 to six months, six to 12 months, one year to two years, two to three years, four to five years and five years plus; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7629/14]

Departmental Staff Sick Leave

Barry Cowen

151. Deputy Barry Cowen asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he will provide in tabular form, the total number of uncertified sick days taken by employees in his Department and the average uncertified sick days per employee taken; the total certified sick days taken by employees; the average certified sick days per employee; the total sick days taken by employees; the average total sick days and median overall sick days per employee in 2009, 2010, 2011 and 2012. [7645/14]

Departmental Staff Career Breaks

Barry Cowen

171. Deputy Barry Cowen asked the Minister for Finance if he will provide in tabular form, the number of staff in his Department currently on a sabbatical-career break broken down by 0 to six months, six to 12 months, one year to two years, two to three years, four to five years and five years plus; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7628/14]

Departmental Staff Sick Leave

Barry Cowen

172. Deputy Barry Cowen asked the Minister for Finance if he will provide in tabular form, the total number of uncertified sick days taken by employees in his Department and the average uncertified sick days per employee taken; the total certified sick days taken by employees; the average certified sick days per employee; the total sick days taken by employees; the average total sick days and median overall sick days per employee in 2009, 2010, 2011 and 2012. [7644/14]

Departmental Staff Career Breaks

Barry Cowen

251. Deputy Barry Cowen asked the Minister for Education and Skills if he will provide in tabular form, the number of staff in his Department currently on a sabbatical or career break, broken down by 0 to six months, six to 12 months, one year to two years, two to three years, four to five years and five years plus; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7626/14]

Departmental Staff Sick Leave

Barry Cowen

252. Deputy Barry Cowen asked the Minister for Education and Skills if he will provide in tabular form, the total number of uncertified sick days taken by employees in his Department and the average uncertified sick days per employee taken; the total certified sick days taken by employees; the average certified sick days per employee; the total sick days taken by employees; the average total sick days and median overall sick days per employee in 2009, 2010, 2011 and 2012. [7642/14]

Summer Works Scheme Applications

Barry Cowen

260. Deputy Barry Cowen asked the Minister for Education and Skills when a school (details supplied) in County Westmeath may expect a decision on their application for summer works programme. [7853/14]

School Accommodation

Barry Cowen

261. Deputy Barry Cowen asked the Minister for Education and Skills when a school (details supplied) in County Offaly may expect a decision on their application for additional accommodation. [7854/14]

Summer Works Scheme Applications

Barry Cowen

262. Deputy Barry Cowen asked the Minister for Education and Skills when a school (details supplied) in County Offaly may expect a decision on its application for summer works programme. [7855/14]

Summer Works Scheme Applications

Barry Cowen

263. Deputy Barry Cowen asked the Minister for Education and Skills when a school (details supplied) in County Offaly may expect a decision on its application for summer works programme. [7856/14]

Summer Works Scheme Applications

Barry Cowen

264. Deputy Barry Cowen asked the Minister for Education and Skills when a school (details supplied) in County Offaly may expect a decision on its application for summer works programme. [7857/14]

Summer Works Scheme Applications

Barry Cowen

265. Deputy Barry Cowen asked the Minister for Education and Skills when a school (details supplied) in County Offaly may expect a decision on its application for summer works programme. [7858/14]