Parliamentary questions

Defence Forces Personnel

Michael McGrath

443. Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Defence with reference to his direction to the military authorities in September 2011, if he will arrange for promotions of Reserve Defence Forces Officers; the number promoted to date; the date of each promotion and the appointment filled and the number remaining to be filled arising from the interviews held. [41567/12]

Defence Forces Reserve Funding

Michael McGrath

444. Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Defence if his approval was sought by the military authorities to issue instructions to cancel Reserve Defence Forces training with effect from 1 November 2012; the action he has directed to ensure that timely information is conveyed to RDF unit commanders and reservists arising from the reorganisation of the Permanent Defence Forces. [41568/12]

Army Barracks Closures

Nicky McFadden

445. Deputy Nicky McFadden asked the Minister for Defence if he will provide an update on discussions taking place between his Department and organisations and community groups in Mullingar, County Westmeath, regarding the future use of Columb Barracks; if ideas for the use of the barracks are being considered by his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41809/12]

Commemorative Events

Patrick O'Donovan

446. Deputy Patrick O'Donovan asked the Minister for Defence his policy and that of the Defence Forces for the attendance of the Sliabh na mBan at community events and a list of events that the Sliabh na mBan has been in attendance at since its refurbishment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41872/12]

Departmental Staff Rehiring

Luke 'Ming' Flanagan

447. Deputy Luke 'Ming' Flanagan asked the Minister for Defence if he will list all the current positions, where the appointment was made by his Department held by retired senior civil servants; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42663/12]

Departmental Offices

Billy Kelleher

448. Deputy Billy Kelleher asked the Minister for Agriculture; Food and the Marine his plans to transfer staff from the District Veterinary Office at Darrara, Clonakilty, County Cork; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42084/12]

Disadvantaged Areas Scheme Payments

Éamon Ó Cuív

449. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Agriculture; Food and the Marine the steps he has taken to ensure that farmers who have enquiries regarding the single farm payment will receive a prompt reply; if adequate staffing resources have been provided; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41241/12]

Aquaculture Licences Applications

Brendan Griffin

450. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Agriculture; Food and the Marine when the assignment of an aquacultural licence will be completed in respect of a company (details supplied) in County Kerry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41243/12]

Agri-Environment Options Scheme Payments

Brendan Griffin

451. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Agriculture; Food and the Marine when an agri environment option scheme payment will issue in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Kerry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41296/12]

Live Exports

Tom Fleming

452. Deputy Tom Fleming asked the Minister for Agriculture; Food and the Marine the position regarding the restoration of live trade to Egypt, Lebanon and Libya which is vital for additional outlets for stock and price competition; and when he expects trade to open in these markets. [41317/12]

Live Exports

Tom Fleming

453. Deputy Tom Fleming asked the Minister for Agriculture; Food and the Marine the progress that has been made on veterinary certificates and designated boats for the live export trade; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41319/12]

Forestry Grants

Brendan Griffin

454. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Agriculture; Food and the Marine if a forestry payment will issue to a person (details supplied) in County Kerry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41325/12]

Animal Welfare Issues

Finian McGrath

455. Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Agriculture; Food and the Marine if the foxhunting and coursing exemptions in the Animal Welfare Bill can be removed.; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41351/12]

Milk Quota Leases

Michael Healy-Rae

456. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Agriculture; Food and the Marine the position regarding a temporary lease transfer of milk quota in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Kerry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41352/12]

Noxious Weeds

Maureen O'Sullivan

457. Deputy Maureen O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Agriculture; Food and the Marine if his attention has been drawn to the recent upsurge in the prevalence of noxious weeds, including Ragwort and Japanese Knotweed inside the Royal Canal proposed Natural Heritage Area, especially along the recently re-lined sixth level; if he has had any contact with the Department of the Environment, Community and Local Government and or with the Dublin City Manager with a view to addressing the problem; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41371/12]

Departmental Schemes

Michael Colreavy

458. Deputy Michael Colreavy asked the Minister for Agriculture; Food and the Marine his plans for developing new schemes to support small farmers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41403/12]

Suckler Welfare Scheme Payments

Michael Colreavy

459. Deputy Michael Colreavy asked the Minister for Agriculture; Food and the Marine his future plans for the suckler welfare scheme; if the scheme will be cut or abolished; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41404/12]

Agri-Environment Options Scheme Payments

Michael Colreavy

460. Deputy Michael Colreavy asked the Minister for Agriculture; Food and the Marine if a meaningful scheme like REP scheme 3 and 4 will be introduced; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41405/12]

Departmental Staff Remuneration

Michael Creed

461. Deputy Michael Creed asked the Minister for Agriculture; Food and the Marine if he will publish details of all allowances paid to staff in his Department; the business case made by his Department in respect of these allowances to the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform; the cost of each individual allowance; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41406/12]

Food Harvest 2020 Strategy

Michael McCarthy

462. Deputy Michael McCarthy asked the Minister for Agriculture; Food and the Marine his views on a letter to Friends of the Irish Environment on 3 September 2012 (details supplied) in which European Environmental Commissioners Dacian Ciolos, Commissioner for Agriculture and Rural Development and Janez Potočnik, European Commissioner for Environment, jointly stated that: we fully share your view that Food Harvest 2020 will benefit from both a Strategic Environmental Assessment under that Directive and from an Appropriate Assessment under the Habitats Directive as it would identify upfront any environmental risks that its implementation may entail, in particular for the topics mentioned in your letter, and be able to adopt the plan accordingly; if he will advise on the stance he has taken in relation to this issue since that letter was issued; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41447/12]

Alternative Energy Projects

Michael McCarthy

463. Deputy Michael McCarthy asked the Minister for Agriculture; Food and the Marine the progress made regarding his new initiatives to support anaerobic digestion; if he will advise whether these will include small scale on-farm digesters as well as district facilities; if a provisional date has been set as to when these will available; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41450/12]

Agri-Environment Options Scheme Payments

Jim Daly

464. Deputy Jim Daly asked the Minister for Agriculture; Food and the Marine the position regarding an agri-environment option scheme payment in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Cork; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41466/12]

Disadvantaged Areas Scheme Payments

Éamon Ó Cuív

465. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Agriculture; Food and the Marine the number of letters issued to farmers in relation to stocking density issues under the disadvantaged areas scheme; the number of applications for derogation received to date; the number granted; the number queried; the number refused; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41578/12]

Disadvantaged Areas Scheme Payments

Éamon Ó Cuív

466. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Agriculture; Food and the Marine the estimated savings calculated by his Department for estimates purposes from the changes in the disadvantaged area scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41579/12]

Fisheries Protection

Éamon Ó Cuív

467. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Agriculture; Food and the Marine if he will details of any regulations or orders or policy papers issued or signed by him in 2012 in relation to the allocation of herring quota; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41582/12]

Agriculture Schemes Payments

Jim Daly

468. Deputy Jim Daly asked the Minister for Agriculture; Food and the Marine the position regarding an application under the dairy equipment grant scheme in respect of a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41585/12]

Agriculture Schemes Payments

Pádraig MacLochlainn

469. Deputy Pádraig Mac Lochlainn asked the Minister for Agriculture; Food and the Marine if the sow housing welfare scheme will be awarded subject to planning permission being granted by an Bord Pleanála. [41623/12]

Agri-Environment Options Scheme Payments

Tony McLoughlin

470. Deputy Tony McLoughlin asked the Minister for Agriculture; Food and the Marine when an agri environment options scheme payment will issue in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Leitrim; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41691/12]

Agriculture Schemes Expenditure

Tom Fleming

471. Deputy Tom Fleming asked the Minister for Agriculture; Food and the Marine if he will acknowledges that due to disproportionate cuts of 17% on farm schemes in Budget 2012 which was nearly five times the 3.5% cut made across all Government Departments and allied to this a combination of disastrous weather, soaring import costs and falling prices, if he will prioritise the maintenance of funding for farm schemes in Budget 2013. [41703/12]

Single Payment Scheme Eligibility

Michael McNamara

472. Deputy Michael McNamara asked the Minister for Agriculture; Food and the Marine if farmers who farm deer and those who breed horses will be considered as acting farmers in the proposals for the reformed single farm payment scheme currently being considered. [41723/12]

Departmental Offices

Michael McCarthy

473. Deputy Michael McCarthy asked the Minister for Agriculture; Food and the Marine if he will clarify the position in relation to a district veterinary office (details supplied) in County Cork; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41727/12]

Rural Environment Protection Scheme Payments

Dan Neville

474. Deputy Dan Neville asked the Minister for Agriculture; Food and the Marine the position regarding a rural environment protection scheme repayment in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Limerick. [41770/12]

Disadvantaged Areas Scheme Payments

Noel Harrington

475. Deputy Noel Harrington asked the Minister for Agriculture; Food and the Marine the position regarding the headage payment in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Cork; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41814/12]

Disadvantaged Areas Scheme Payments

Pat Breen

476. Deputy Pat Breen asked the Minister for Agriculture; Food and the Marine the position regarding a disadvantaged area scheme payment in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Clare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41835/12]

Aquaculture Licences Applications

Tom Fleming

477. Deputy Tom Fleming asked the Minister for Agriculture; Food and the Marine the bays in County Kerry that are awaiting aquaculture licences; the status of each of these applications; and when is the approval for licences envisaged for each application. [41951/12]

Aquaculture Licences Applications

Tom Fleming

478. Deputy Tom Fleming asked the Minister for Agriculture; Food and the Marine the number of aquaculture licences for commercial processing of sea-food produce have been applied for in County Kerry; the number that have been approved; the number of applicants awaiting approval as each license granted has the potential to create up to 20 jobs; if he will expedite the processing of these applications [41955/12]

Aquaculture Licences Applications

Seán Kyne

479. Deputy Seán Kyne asked the Minister for Agriculture; Food and the Marine if he will provide an update on the licensing of salmon farming off the Aran Islands in Galway bay; if his attention has been drawn to the possible threats to wild fish stocks due to possible disease or sea lice emanating from these farms. [41983/12]

Departmental Offices

Seán Kyne

480. Deputy Seán Kyne asked the Minister for Agriculture; Food and the Marine if he will confirm the plans to relocate the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine, AES, veterinary office from Dockgate buildings in County Galway; the timeline for relocation and the new locations under consideration. [41985/12]

Live Exports

Seán Kyne

481. Deputy Seán Kyne asked the Minister for Agriculture; Food and the Marine if he has engaged in discussions with Egypt and Libya and the Lebanon on the issue of live cattle exports. [41990/12]

Alternative Farm Enterprises

Martin Ferris

482. Deputy Martin Ferris asked the Minister for Agriculture; Food and the Marine if there are any grant schemes to assist the production of bio ethanol from grain. [42002/12]

Aquaculture Licences Applications

Pearse Doherty

483. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Agriculture; Food and the Marine the number of the 618 aquaculture licence applications awaiting determination by his Department on 17 July 2012 that have since been decided; the number of applications in total currently awaiting a decision; the average time taken to process these applications; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42004/12]

Aquaculture Licences Applications

Pearse Doherty

484. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Agriculture; Food and the Marine the number of aquaculture licence applications that have been awaiting a decision for more than one year; the progress being made by him to ensure that the applications are dealt with as promptly as possible in view of the potential for the growth of export-led business in this sector; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42005/12]

Aquaculture Development

Pearse Doherty

485. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Agriculture; Food and the Marine the steps being taken by him to support the shellfish farmers along the north and west coast who have seen significant proportions of their stock destroyed by the recent algal bloom; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42006/12]

Departmental Appointments

Luke 'Ming' Flanagan

487. Deputy Luke 'Ming' Flanagan asked the Minister for Agriculture; Food and the Marine if he will list all the current positions, where the appointment was made by his Department held by retired senior civil servants; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42659/12]

Youth Services Provision

Charlie McConalogue

488. Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs her reasons for cutting funding for the education officer in Dublin south east inner city; her plans, if any, to ensure that the work of the education officer over the past 17 years is continued; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [41331/12]

Child Care Services Provision

Ciaran Lynch

489. Deputy Ciarán Lynch asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the childcare support available to a person (details supplied) in County Cork; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [41753/12]

Child Care Services Provision

Mary Lou McDonald

490. Deputy Mary Lou McDonald asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs if he will provide details of the cuts to funding of pre-schools in the Dublin Central constituency; the alternatives he proposes to put in place if pre-schools close as a result of his reduction in funding. [41897/12]

Children in Care

Catherine Murphy

491. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs if she has reviewed the arrangements by which private contractors supply residential units for young persons who are subject to care orders by the State as a consequence they live in such care homes between the ages of 16 and 18; if the support received by such young persons is on a par with a Health Service Executive run unit; if not, the way it differs; the cost difference between the private and publically provided service; the support service that is received in each environment including transition arrangements once they reach 18 years; if follow up analysis has been done in relation to the outcomes for both scenarios; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [41308/12]

Children in Care

Catherine Murphy

492. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs her plans to improve the national standards for aftercare in respect of 18 to 23 year olds when they are moving from supported residential units to private rented accommodation; the action that is being undertaken; the Departments that are involved; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [41309/12]

Departmental Staff Allowances

Michael Creed

493. Deputy Michael Creed asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs if she will publish details of all allowances paid to staff in her Department; the business case made by her Department in respect of these allowances to the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform; the cost of each individual allowance; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [41408/12]

Gaisce Awards

Gerry Adams

494. Deputy Gerry Adams asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs if it is possible for youth groups in Belfast to register directly with the Presidents award Gaisce; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [41493/12]

Youth Services Provision

Éamon Ó Cuív

495. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the funding being provided to Dublin City Council for youth work compared to 2011; the reason for any change in the funding in view of the important work being done in this field; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [41710/12]

Child Care Services Provision

Aodhán Ó Ríordáin

496. Deputy Aodhán Ó Ríordáin asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs if she will provide an update on the introduction of a Scandinavian style childcare system; the timeframe in which such a system will be implemented; if she will provide a detailed breakdown of the cost of introducing such a scheme; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [41840/12]

Child Care Services Provision

Aodhán Ó Ríordáin

497. Deputy Aodhán Ó Ríordáin asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs if she will provide a detailed account in tabular form, of the number of persons working in the preschool and early childcare sector dealing directly with children; if she will provide Dáil Éireann with the numbers at each level of qualification as outlined by the Higher Education Authority 10 level framework; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [41841/12]

Child Care Services Provision

Aodhán Ó Ríordáin

498. Deputy Aodhán Ó Ríordáin asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the protections that are in place regarding child-minders; if she will confirm if they will be subject to the children first legislation and if not the reason for same; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [41842/12]

Child Care Services Provision

Aodhán Ó Ríordáin

499. Deputy Aodhán Ó Ríordáin asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs if she will provide a figure on the number of independent child minders currently looking after children who are not deemed to be familial relatives. [41843/12]

Preschool Services

Aodhán Ó Ríordáin

500. Deputy Aodhán Ó Ríordáin asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs if she will provide an update on the expansion of the free pre-school year in early childhood care and education programme; if such an extension will begin for children at the age of two years, thus allowing them two years of pre-school learning; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [41844/12]

Child and Family Support Agency Establishment

Aodhán Ó Ríordáin

501. Deputy Aodhán Ó Ríordáin asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs if she will provide the timeline on the establishment of the new child and family support agency; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [41845/12]

Child Care Services Provision

Aodhán Ó Ríordáin

502. Deputy Aodhán Ó Ríordáin asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs if she will provide Dáil Éireann with the legal definition, as defined by her, of the term child minder; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [41846/12]

Early Years Strategy Implementation

Paschal Donohoe

503. Deputy Paschal Donohoe asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs when the early years strategy will be in place; if she will outline the various aspects of the proposed strategy; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [41917/12]

Inter-Country Adoptions

Seán Kyne

504. Deputy Seán Kyne asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the progress made to date regarding the bilateral agreement with Russia on the issue of adoptions. [41988/12]

Departmental Staff Rehiring

Luke 'Ming' Flanagan

505. Deputy Luke 'Ming' Flanagan asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs if she will list all the current positions, where the appointment was made by her Department held by retired senior civil servants; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [42661/12]

Medical Card Applications

Pat Deering

506. Deputy Pat Deering asked the Minister for Health when persons (details supplied) in County Carlow will receive a decision on their application for a medical card . [41252/12]

Water Fluoridation

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin

507. Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Health the amount of hydroflosilicic acid added to the public water supply by local authorities; if he will provide a breakdown by local authority, supplied and cost for the period 2009 to 2012 inclusive; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41685/12]

Mobility Allowance Appeals

Bernard Durkan

508. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health if and when an appeal for mobility allowance will be determined in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41852/12]

Health Insurance Regulation

Jim Daly

509. Deputy Jim Daly asked the Minister for Health the progress that has been made in relation to the establishment of a consultative forum on health insurance; the findings of the forum; the progress that has been made in relation to reducing the cost of private health insurance; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41965/12]

Public Sector Allowances Review

Robert Troy

510. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Health where information on the franking allowance and key holder allowance may be found; if these allowances are only available to persons in his Department or if they are available to all employees of his Department and the Health Service Executive who meet the criteria; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41231/12]

Orthodontic Services Waiting Lists

Joe Higgins

511. Deputy Joe Higgins asked the Minister for Health if he will provide an update on waiting times for orthodontic procedures across the State; if he will indicate if a willingness of persons on the lists of hospitals where the wait is longer may be accommodated in hospitals with shorter waiting times if they indicate a willingness to travel for their procedure; if a review of the way to reduce orthodontic waiting times is underway; and if so, the progress that has been made [41236/12]

Hospital Staff Issues

Aodhán Ó Ríordáin

512. Deputy Aodhán Ó Ríordáin asked the Minister for Health his views on the two year waiting list for an appointment with an Orthopaedic Surgeon at Beaumont hospital (details supplied) in Dublin 17; and the actions being taken to reduce the waiting list [41249/12]

Health Services Staff Issues

Peadar Tóibín

513. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Health if he will inform this Deputy of the future of the district health nurse for the Drumcondrath area, County Meath [41294/12]

Medical Card Applications

Tom Fleming

514. Deputy Tom Fleming asked the Minister for Health if he will examine an application for upgrading of a general practitioner visit card to a full medical card in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Kerry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41320/12]

Medical Aids and Appliances Applications

Luke 'Ming' Flanagan

515. Deputy Luke 'Ming' Flanagan asked the Minister for Health the reason the Health Service Executive has refused to fund art assist pumps which have been proven to decrease the rate of amputation and thus in the longer run save the State Exchequer; if he will enquire into the case of a person (details supplied) in County Roscommon; if he will direct the HSE to examine the provision of an art assist pump in this case as this person is not in a position to fund such a device from their own resources [41339/12]

Mental Health Services Provision

Peter Mathews

516. Deputy Peter Mathews asked the Minister for Health his plans to introduce a 24 hour support service for mental health services as there is currently no weekend or night time Health Service Executive service for those suffering from depression [41340/12]

Home Help Service Provision

Billy Kelleher

517. Deputy Billy Kelleher asked the Minister for Health if the savings outlined by the Health Service Executive on 30 August 2012 in relation to cuts to home help hours, if these cuts of €10.8 million still apply; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41343/12]

Home Help Service Provision

Billy Kelleher

518. Deputy Billy Kelleher asked the Minister for Health if the savings outlined by the Health Service Executive on 30 August 2012 in relation to cuts to home help care packages, if these cuts of €1.7 million still apply; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41344/12]

Home Help Service Provision

Billy Kelleher

519. Deputy Billy Kelleher asked the Minister for Health the total annual budget for home help and home care packages following the announcement of cuts by the Health Service Executive on 30 August 2012; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41345/12]

Home Help Service Provision

Billy Kelleher

520. Deputy Billy Kelleher asked the Minister for Health the instructions Health Service Executive management has given their local management officials in relation to implementing cuts to home help hours and home care packages following the announcement of cuts on 30 August 2012; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41346/12]

Services for People with Disabilities

Catherine Murphy

521. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Health if will provide details of the occupational therapy services available here and the locations of same; the number of adults and children in County Kildare who are awaiting assessment from an occupational therapist; if he will provide details on current expected delays in occupational therapist referral; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41353/12]

Hospital Appointment Delays

Michael Healy-Rae

522. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Health the reason 5000 persons are waiting up to one year for outpatient appointment at Kerry General Hospital; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41375/12]

Departmental Staff Remuneration

Michael Creed

523. Deputy Michael Creed asked the Minister for Health if he will publish details of all allowances paid to staff in his Department; the business case made by his Department in respect of these allowances to the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform; the cost of each individual allowance; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41415/12]

Hospital Staff Issues

Thomas P. Broughan

524. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Health his plans for additional consultant anaesthetics for Beaumont Hospital, Dublin 9; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41438/12]

Hospital Equipment

Thomas P. Broughan

525. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Health the number of insulin pumps now in operation at Beaumont Hospital, Dublin 9; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41439/12]

Primary Care Centres Provision

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin

526. Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Health if he will provide an update on the proposed primary care centre for Carrickmacross, County Monaghan; the target timeframe for completion and operation; the discussions and agreements with local general practitioners to date; the site identified; the services to be provided at the site; and any other matter considered relevant [41441/12]

Hospital Services

Billy Timmins

527. Deputy Billy Timmins asked the Minister for Health the position regarding an appointment for a hip replacement consultation in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Carlow; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41446/12]

Medicinal Products Expenditure

Terence Flanagan

528. Deputy Terence Flanagan asked the Minister for Health if he will respond to the following query regarding the cost of Xalatan (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41454/12]

Medical Card Appeals

Seán Fleming

529. Deputy Sean Fleming asked the Minister for Health when an appeal for a full medical card in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Laois will be finalised; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41459/12]

Drugs Payment Scheme Administration

Sandra McLellan

530. Deputy Sandra McLellan asked the Minister for Health if he will reverse the decision to exclude glucosamine, Omega 3 triglycerides, gluten free products and Orlistat also known as Xenical from medical card cover and drugs payment schemes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41465/12]

Hepatitis C Compensation Payments

Billy Kelleher

531. Deputy Billy Kelleher asked the Minister for Health if he will agree to meet with a person (details supplied) in Dublin 15; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41494/12]

Hepatitis C Compensation Payments

Billy Kelleher

532. Deputy Billy Kelleher asked the Minister for Health if he is considering extending by regulation the class or classes of persons who make a claim for compensation before the Hepatitis C Tribunal; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41495/12]

Orthodontic Services Waiting Lists

Paschal Donohoe

533. Deputy Paschal Donohoe asked the Minister for Health if the independent review of orthodontic services has been completed and if he has had an opportunity to consider its findings; if he will provide any details on the recommendations relating the best possible model of care delivery in order that those currently on waiting lists will be treated as quickly as possible; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41504/12]

Health Services Expenditure

Pearse Doherty

534. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Health if he will provide in tabular form health spending both as a percentage of gross domestic product and in nominal terms by year from 1992 to 2011. [41520/12]

Medical Card Eligibility

Pearse Doherty

535. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Health if he will provide in tabular form the number of people holding medical cards in nominal terms and as a percentage of the total population on an annual basis from 1992 to 2011. [41535/12]

Health Services Expenditure

Patrick Nulty

536. Deputy Patrick Nulty asked the Minister for Health the total Health Service Executive capital funding budget for 2012; the amount that has been spent to date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41569/12]

National Children's Hospital Location

Patrick Nulty

537. Deputy Patrick Nulty asked the Minister for Health when a decision will be made regarding the location of the new national children's hospital; the reason for the delay; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41570/12]

Health Services Provision

John O'Mahony

538. Deputy John O'Mahony asked the Minister for Health further to Parliamentary Question No. 1782 of Tuesday 18 September 2012, when a decision will issue on this matter; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41590/12]

Hospital Services

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin

539. Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Health if he will provide paediatric congenital cardiac services here; the number of consultant specialists expert in this area working here; the hours worked and the facilities available to them; if he considers these resources adequate; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41625/12]

Cross-Border Co-operation

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin

540. Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Health if his attention has been drawn to comments by the Minister for Health in the Northern Assembly (details supplied); if he will commit to working with his Northern Assembly counterpart to explore fully an all-island solution for the provision of paediatric congenital cardiac services and that service will prioritise the needs of children; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41626/12]

Public Procurement Tenders

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin

541. Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Health if he will provide an update on the most recent changes to the stock of nappies in the Health Service Executive Dublin North East and HSE Dublin Mid Leinster Regions; if he will detail the procurement process including tests of quality which were followed in advance of the most recent changes of suppliers; if his attention has been drawn to the fact that many parents have reported children experiencing extreme discomfort (details supplied) because of the new nappies; if he will commit to immediately investigating this matter; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41683/12]

Services for People with Disabilities

John McGuinness

542. Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Health if a place will be funded at the Delta Centre, County Carlow, for a person (details supplied) in County Kilkenny; and if he will expedite a response [41687/12]

Health Services Provision

John McGuinness

543. Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Health if the Health Service Executive will fund on an exceptional basis an operation for gum disease which necessitates gum and bone graft for a person (details supplied) in County Kilkenny; and if he will expedite a review of their case [41688/12]