Parliamentary questions

Health Services

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin

236. Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Health the full year cost and make-up of a dedicated acquired brain injury transitional unit and intensive rehab post acute in order to enable persons to return home; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12594/17]

Community Care Provision

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin

237. Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Health the progress that is being made on implementing the Time to Move on from Congregated Settings - A Strategy for Community Inclusion since the publication of this strategy; the number of persons with disabilities living in congregated settings who have been moved to integrated mainstream settings; the amount of funding being allocated for the de-congregation process; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12595/17]

Bus Éireann Fleet

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin

344. Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the percentage of Bus Éireann coaches that are wheelchair accessible; the amount of funding provided for the programme of accessibility improvement grants to upgrade existing public transport infrastructure and facilities; the way this is progressing; the estimated cost of making all public transport wheelchair accessible; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12579/17]

Medicinal Products Availability

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin

197. Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Health his plans for pharmaceutical standard products to be given priority over non-standardised, non-pharmaceutical products (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12252/17]

Medicinal Products Reimbursement

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin

202. Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Health his and the HSE's plans to revisit the issue of reimbursement of Sativex in view of the recent Health Products Regulatory Authority's report on medicinal cannabis; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12268/17]

Schools Building Projects Status

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin

201. Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Education and Skills the status of a new build for a school (details supplied); if the works will be put out to tender in March 2017 as previously indicated; if the actual works will get under way over the summer of 2017; the arrangements for staff and pupils over the period of construction of the new school; the moneys that have been approved for the overall development; the way in which that sum breaks down; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11371/17]

School Accommodation Provision

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin

204. Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Education and Skills his Department's plans regarding the application for additional accommodation submitted in early October 2016 by a school (details supplied) which is due an extra teacher for the 2017/2018 academic year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11392/17]

Water and Sewerage Schemes

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin

253. Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Housing, Planning, Community and Local Government the status of the situation and prospects for funding in 2017 of the Milltown group sewerage scheme in Monaghan (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11203/17]

Home Help Service

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin

462. Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Health the status in law and practice of an EU directive that recognises travel time as payable work time for those engaged in the provision of home help and caring support in the home of the service recipient; his plans towards such a clear and undeniable entitlement; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11204/17]

SOLAS Funding

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin

298. Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Education and Skills the amount that is being drawn from the European Social Fund (ESF) for SOLAS (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9838/17]

Metropolitan Area Networks Programme

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin

731. Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the number of licensed telecommunication operators using the metropolitan area networks, MANs, around Ireland; the number of operators using this network in County Monaghan; if an assessment has been made on the success of MANs; if an audit has been done on their value for money; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9788/17]

Telecommunications Services Provision

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin

732. Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment if an assessment has been made on Project Kelvin's success here; the number of businesses in County Monaghan availing of this direct fibre optic connection to the US; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9789/17]

Broadband Service Provision

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin

733. Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the status of the national broadband plan; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9790/17]

Education Funding

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin

129. Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Education and Skills further to Parliamentary Question No. 179 of 31 January 2017, the amount of money that is being drawn from the European Social Fund, ESF, to fund local training initiative centres here; the amount of ESF funding that goes towards a project (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7892/17]

Court Judgments

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin

82. Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality the number of persons who received custodial sentences for the non-payment of fines broken down by period of sentence, for example, less than one week, more than one week and less than one month, one to three months and other, for each of the years 2013, 2014 and 2015; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [7504/17]

Court Judgments

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin

83. Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality the number of persons who received a custodial sentence for possession of a proscribed substance that was clearly intended for their own personal use, broken down by period of sentence, for example, up to one month, one to three months, three to six months, six to 12 months and greater than one year, for each of the years 2013, 2014 and 2015; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [7505/17]

School Admissions

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin

212. Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Education and Skills the reason the consultation period regarding the schools' admission policies has been significantly reduced from 12 weeks to four weeks; if he will restore the timeframe having regard for the voluntary make up of schools boards of management and to allow for the greatest possible on the ground participation and feedback; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7288/17]

Hospital Appointments Status

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin

384. Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Health when a person (details supplied) will secure an appointment in Beaumont Hospital for lumbar epidural injections; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6787/17]

Animal Diseases

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin

554. Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the number of confirmed cases of avian influenza by county over the past period; the steps he is taking, or is considering, to address the potential threat that these recent cases might signal for the wider bird population and especially for the poultry sector of the agri-food industry; if there is a safe vaccination available to protect flocks; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6684/17]

Education Funding

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin

179. Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Education and Skills the amount of the European Social Fund, ESF, that is being used for local training initiative centres here; the amount of ESF funding that goes towards the Muirhevnamor local training initiative, Muirhevna Park, Dundalk, County Louth; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3935/17]

Services for People with Disabilities

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin

475. Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Health if his attention has been drawn to a situation in which a person (details supplied) with complex special needs will be unable to access their placement in a centre for persons with disabilities due to the fact there is no transport available to them from their home; his views on whether it is acceptable that such a service is not available due to significant cutbacks to the centre; his plans to reinstate the funding to centres such as these to ensure that all service users will be able to avail of transport to and from the facility; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3862/17]

National Positive Ageing Strategy Implementation

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin

479. Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Health the progress that has been made on the implementation of the national positive ageing strategy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2953/17]

TAMS Administration

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin

216. Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will initiate an urgent review of the procedures involved in applying for TAMS grants in view of the experience of so many farmers frustrated by the bureaucracy involved and the resultant long delays in the issuance of payments; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2120/17]

School Curriculum

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin

190. Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Education and Skills the status of the second level religious education programme; if it is an academic study subject, in line with his Department's memo following a meeting with the NCCA on 27 January 1995, confirmed by the NCCA in writing to his Department on 11 April 1995; if the State religious education course at second level is optional for students; and if the teaching of this course must be conducted on an objective basis and not in adherence to any particular belief system, including that of the school patron. [39376/16]

Education Policy

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin

191. Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Education and Skills the arrangements that should be in place in circumstances in which a second level student opts out of the State religious education course; and his views on whether that should include access to an alternative subject and that being requested to sit at the back of a classroom does not meet the standards of pluralism and inclusivity. [39377/16]

Education Policy

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin

192. Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Education and Skills the terms of reference of the NCCA's forthcoming review of the religious course at second level; if it will be impartial as to the beliefs and interests of religious and non-religious students and their parents or guardians; if this review will address both the content and the method of delivery in the State funded school system; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39378/16]

Services for People with Disabilities

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin

362. Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Health the replacement services that will be in situ for the service users of a centre (details supplied) when it closes in 2017; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38703/16]

UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin

84. Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality the status of the ratification of the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities in view of the commitment made by the Minister of State with special responsibility for disabilities in May 2016 that the convention would be ratified within six months; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [37450/16]

Disease Management

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin

557. Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Health the number of persons here recorded as having polio; the facilities that exist to support those who have polio; the way his Department is working with others to assist in the global commitment to eradicate polio; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37311/16]

Teagasc Courses

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin

492. Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the reason for the waiting list of more than 600 students awaiting certification at a college (details supplied); the steps he is taking to ensure that Teagasc is enabled to deal with this backlog and is in a position to provide a comprehensive syllabus in 2017 and thereafter; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35807/16]

Family Resource Centres

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin

572. Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs if there is anticipated to be an underspend in her department in 2016; if so, if she will consider the needs of the family resource centres and their wide range of programmes directed at children and families, as an appropriate area to absorb any surplus funding that may not yet be utilised or likely to be utilised before the end of 2016; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [36251/16]

Housing Adaptation Grant

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin

284. Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Housing, Planning, Community and Local Government his plans to increase the upper level of the housing adaptation grant from €30,000; his further plans to review the means testing system for this grant; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34628/16]

EU Directives

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin

435. Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Health further to Parliamentary Question No. 455 of 25 October 2016, the status of his Department's examination into the fact that the Health Products Regulatory Authority, HPRA, has stated that it is currently unable to enforce the European medical devices directive (93/42/EEC) for the provision of custom made devices due to the fact there is no link between the EU legislation and Ireland's current dental legislation; if a decision has been made as to whether he will ensure that the new dental Bill will include the provisions necessary for the HPRA to enforce the European medical devices directive; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34417/16]

Medicinal Products Supply

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin

505. Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Health when the last contact between the HSE corporate pharmaceutical unit and a company (details supplied) took place; if he has read a report from the All Wales Medicines Strategy Group, which conducted a very thorough assessment of the cost effectiveness of a drug, taking into consideration likely savings from reduced primary, secondary and tertiary care expenditure; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34625/16]

Medical Card Administration

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin

506. Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Health when he expects to receive the final report from the clinical advisory group on medical cards; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34626/16]

Neuro-Rehabilitation Policy

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin

507. Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Health the expected date for the publication of the implementation plan for the neuro-rehabilitation strategy which was published in 2011; the level of investment that will be made available in 2017 to begin to develop neuro-rehabilitation services; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34627/16]

Housing Provision

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin

206. Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Housing, Planning, Community and Local Government the status of developments at a housing scheme (details supplied) in County Monaghan; if funding has been allocated for this community facility; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33696/16]

EU Directives

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin

455. Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Health if his attention has been drawn to the fact that the Health Products Regulatory Authority, HPRA, has said it is currently unable to enforce the European Medical Devices Directive 93/42/EEC for the provision of custom-made devices because there is no link between the EU legislation and Ireland's current dental legislation; if he will ensure that the new dental Bill will include whatever provisions are necessary for the HPRA to enforce the directive; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31884/16]

Wards of Court

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin

18. Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality the budget which has been allocated for the effective implementation of the Assisted Decision-Making (Capacity) Act; if resources will be made available for the recruitment of the director of the decision support service to fulfil its functions in raising public awareness, promoting public confidence and supervising decision making supports and investigations to the fullest; if lessons will be learned from the experience in England and Wales where the Mental Capacity Act is failing due to lack of awareness and poor implementation; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29913/16]

Services for People with Disabilities

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin

470. Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Health the position regarding the future of a home (details supplied); if there are plans to close this facility; in the event of closure, his plans for residents and those employed in this facility; if there has been any form of consultation with the families and the employees; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28602/16]

Trade Agreements

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin

602. Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation if she will provide an assurance that the Government, by signing up to provisional application of CETA, will not open Ireland to ISDS procedures or rulings; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [28349/16]

Trade Agreements

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin

603. Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation the Government’s position regarding the constitutionality of provisional application of CETA in relation to Article 29.5.2 of the Constitution; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [28350/16]

Driver Licensing Exchange Agreements

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin

249. Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the requirements for ex-pats returning home to Ireland; the position with their entitlement to drive here; if there are different requirements depending on the period of absence or non-permanent residence in Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27643/16]

Motor Insurance Regulation

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin

203. Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Finance the commencement date and timeframe for reporting, membership, terms of reference and consultative plans of the review body established to investigate and inquire into the motor insurance industry and specifically the unprecedented and extraordinary increases recorded in motor insurance costs in recent times; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25600/16]

Ireland Strategic Investment Fund Investments

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin

207. Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Finance the steps he will take to ensure a more favourable deployment of Ireland Strategic Investment Fund, ISIF, capital supports across counties Donegal, Cavan and Monaghan thereby supporting a greater share of the jobs assisted across the State in these Border counties whose economies are already showing the adverse effects of the recent Brexit decision and where real fears abound regarding the future; the details of the ISIF benefiting companies in each of the counties in 2015; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24374/16]

Maternity Services Provision

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin

1292. Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Health the stage the second inquiry into an incident (details supplied) is at; if the second report is completed; if it has been provided to the parents; if the report and its recommendations will be published; the status of employment of the consultant obstetrician involved; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25602/16]

Mother and Baby Homes Inquiries

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin

1933. Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the progress to date by the Commission of Investigation into Mother and Baby Homes; if they have extended their investigation to include other institutions and facilities not on the original list; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [25537/16]

Departmental Staff Recruitment

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin

389. Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the number of technical advisers being recruited by his Department; the number of applications received; the step-by-step process towards selection; the expected timeframe for completion of the current round of recruitment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23163/16]

Employment Support Services

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin

449. Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Social Protection the number and locations of Intreo centres across the State; the counties which do not currently have an Intreo centre; his plans to establish new Intreo centres and their locations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22558/16]

Cross-Border Co-operation

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin

65. Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Taoiseach his views on the status and future role of cross-Border bodies, specifically the East Border Region Committee and the Irish Central Border Area Network, following the British decision to withdraw from the European Union. [19437/16]

UK Referendum on EU Membership

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin

373. Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the expected situation that will apply following the Brexit decision to already approved projects under the INTERREG VA and other European-funded or part-funded programmes; and the likely situation that will apply to applications already in the pipeline. [19436/16]

Commencement of Legislation

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin

49. Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality her plans to commence all sections of the Assisted Decision Making (Capacity) Act 2015; the reason for the delay; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [18395/16]

Waste Disposal Charges

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin

190. Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if it will still be compulsory to weigh bins where the zero cent per kilo option is employed for recyclable waste (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18179/16]

Waste Management

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin

191. Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if black bin bags will still be an option for persons with disabilities, persons living alone and infirm and persons living in a terrace of street houses with no rear access and with no space internally to manoeuvre a wheelie bin through their kitchen, living room and hallways; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18180/16]

Waste Disposal Charges

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin

192. Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if he will allow an extra period of time for all waste collector businesses to complete the conversion of their lorries to pay-by-weight functioning given that some, particularly smaller entities, have found it excessively expensive and have been in the queue for said works to be carried out against an uncertain backdrop regarding its commencement; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18181/16]

Ulster Canal Restoration Project

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin

350. Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the status of works to date and plans for progressing the restoration of the Ulster Canal in 2016; the action she has taken and will take to make this a live project, and at the earliest possible time, along the entirety of the already approved section, Lough Erne to Clones; the prospect of having the Lough Neagh to Benburb section commenced in the next 12 months; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [18085/16]

Hospital Consultant Contracts

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin

363. Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Health why the only specialised sarcoma consultant here is due to have their contract terminated on 30 June 2016; the contingency plans the Minister has put in place to look after the 300 patients currently under the care of this consultant; the person who will now be responsible for this national centre of excellence for sarcoma; his plans to deal with the 200 to 250 sarcoma cases that will present in 2017; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18641/16]

Statute of Limitations

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin

11. Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Finance if he plans any changes to lift the Statute of Limitations on civil offences that may have contributed to the banking crisis; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17515/16]

NAMA Loans Sale

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin

21. Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Finance if he believes the events around the sale of Project Eagle requires a commission of investigation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17514/16]

School Admissions

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin

121. Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Education and Skills the number of children who will be five years of age or older on 1 September 2016 who have been refused a junior infants primary school place in Ashbourne, County Meath in 2016; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17384/16]

School Admissions

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin

122. Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Education and Skills the efforts he will make to ensure a person (details supplied) in County Meath will be allocated a junior infants primary school place in Ashbourne, County Meath in September 2016; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17385/16]

Speech and Language Therapy Provision

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin

217. Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Health the waiting times for speech and language therapy services for children by Health Service Executive area, in tabular form; the process that is employed to determine who will be assessed and when; if during that process consideration is given to the severity of each individual case; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17393/16]

Services for People with Disabilities

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin

218. Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Health the status of an application for personal assistant hours for a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17394/16]

Hospital Services

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin

157. Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Health when he will schedule an operation for a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16093/16]

Disability Activation Projects

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin

289. Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Social Protection the estimated cost of providing an additional 1,000 places to increase the capacity of the employability services; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15382/16]

Services for People with Disabilities

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin

406. Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Health the funding he has allocated to disability services for 2016; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15378/16]

Housing Adaptation Grant Funding

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin

79. Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the cost of increasing funding under the housing adaptation grant scheme by 50%; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15076/16]

HSE Investigations

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin

451. Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Health the status of each of the four investigations into the loss of newborns at the maternity unit at Cavan General Hospital from 2012 to 2014; if any of the investigations have not yet concluded and if so, why they have not concluded; if the final report has been received in any of these cases and if so, why these reports have not yet been published and released into the public domain; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14638/16]

HSE Staff

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin

471. Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Health the estimated annual cost of employing an additional 250 speech and language therapists, 100 physiotherapists, 100 occupational therapists and 150 clinical psychologists; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14768/16]

Irish Sign Language

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin

117. Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality to outline her plans to officially recognise Irish Sign Language to ensure equality for deaf persons in Irish society; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [13731/16]

Wage Subsidy Scheme

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin

198. Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Social Protection the steps he has taken or will take to address the loss of jobs by 14 disabled workers at the Rehab Enterprises cardboard box manufacturing facility on the Hebron Industrial Estate, Kilkenny, given the announcement this month by Rehab Enterprises that it will close the facility and that these special needs workers all qualify for the wage subsidy scheme; if he will intervene and secure the facts regarding the economics of this enterprise; if the closure is irreversible, if he will help ensure alternative employment is secured in the Kilkenny area; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13674/16]

Motor Tax Rates

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin

351. Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if he accepts that road tax should apply on the basis of the cubic capacity of the vehicle and not on age; if he will seek to end the discriminatory practice of applying a more costly road tax charge on vehicles that were first registered pre-2008; if he will ensure that an appropriate amendment will be introduced in budget 2017, or sooner if possible; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12754/16]

Disability Activation Projects

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin

520. Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Social Protection in respect of the 14 disability activation projects that have been jointly funded by his Department and by the European Social Fund from the end of 2012; his plans to replace the disability activation project, DACT, how much it cost on an annual basis to fund; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13646/16]

Tax Reliefs Costs

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin

82. Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Finance the estimated cost associated with refunding vehicle registration tax and VAT to taxi drivers who purchase wheelchair-accessible vehicles; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12159/16]

Momentum Programme

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin

95. Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Education and Skills the number of places on the Momentum scheme for jobseekers with a disability; the annual cost associated with same; the estimated annual cost of providing 500 extra places on the Momentum scheme for jobseekers with a disability; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12145/16]

Special Educational Needs Staff

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin

111. Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Education and Skills the number of special needs assistants currently employed by the State; the full year cost of employing these special needs assistants; the estimated cost of increasing the number of special needs assistants by 1,450; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12153/16]

Psychological Services

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin

112. Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Education and Skills the estimated cost of increasing the National Educational Psychological Service resources by 10%; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12154/16]

Special Educational Needs Expenditure

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin

113. Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Education and Skills the estimated cost of increasing the number of resource teaching hours to children with special needs by 15%; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12155/16]

Special Educational Needs Expenditure

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin

114. Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Education and Skills the estimated cost of extending funding supports for persons with disabilities in higher education to part-time students; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12156/16]

Special Educational Needs Expenditure

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin

154. Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Education and Skills the estimated cost of increasing the number of resource teaching hours to children with special needs by 15%; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Housing Adaptation Grant Funding

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin

174. Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the funding provided for the housing adaptation grant scheme in each of the years 2013 to 2015 and 2016 to date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12157/16]

Disability Allowance Data

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin

208. Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Social Protection the estimated annual cost of increasing the weekly disability allowance by €20; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12144/16]

Disability Support Services Funding

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin

209. Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Social Protection the amount of funding allocated to the reasonable accommodation fund; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12146/16]

Employment Support Services

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin

210. Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Social Protection the amount of money allocated to the EmployAbility service; the number of persons availing of this service; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12147/16]

Nursing Homes Support Scheme

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin

255. Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Health if, in the interest of persons being able to access residential senior citizen care in their own communities and in the interest of a greater number of bed opportunities for older persons no longer able to live independently, he will restore the previous entitlement of citizens living on this side of the Border to access residential nursing home placements in facilities close to where they live but located on the northern side of the Border and provide a full entitlement under the fair deal scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11992/16]

Health and Social Care Professionals

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin

300. Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Health the estimated annual cost of employing an additional ten speech and language therapists, ten physiotherapists, ten occupational therapists and ten clinical psychologists; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12148/16]

Disability Support Services Provision

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin

301. Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Health the number of personal assistant hours currently provided by the State; the cost associated with same; the estimated cost over one year of increasing personal assistant hours by 500,000 hours; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12149/16]

Health Services

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin

302. Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Health the full-year cost and make-up of a community neuro-rehabilitation team and all supports required for the team; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12150/16]

Health Services

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin

303. Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Health the full-year cost and make-up of a dedicated acquired brain injury transitional unit with intensive post-acute rehabilitation to enable persons to return home; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12151/16]

Respite Care Services

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin

304. Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Health the full-year cost of providing respite care services; the estimated annual cost and implications of increasing respite care services by 10%; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12152/16]

Public Transport Provision

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin

351. Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the estimated cost of making all public transport wheelchair accessible; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12158/16]

Animal Welfare

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin

241. Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government to request Cavan County Council to release its inspection reports of a so-called 'puppy farm' in County Cavan, recently referred to on a British Broadcasting Corporation Panorama investigation programme as shocking and operated on an industrial scale; to ensure the release of all relevant information regarding this location and its activities, in the interest of highest standards only applying at dog breeding establishments, and the restoration of public confidence that the law applies to all such operations; if and when he will change the relevant legislation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11604/16]

Emergency Works Scheme Applications

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin

262. Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Education and Skills if he is aware of a situation in a school (details supplied) where during the course of renovations to its playground it was discovered that the wastewater facilities were in a bad state of repair; that his Department was immediately informed of this but the school was informed that there were no funds left to assist with an upgrade; whether this is a health and safety hazard for staff and pupils and if he needs to urgently address it; to intervene and advise the school on the necessary steps to ensure that the wastewater system is repaired as soon as possible; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9593/16]

Disability Allowance Applications

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin

487. Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Social Protection the status of an application by a person (details supplied) under the disability allowance scheme; if there will be any obstacles with the application; if he will encourage discretion in granting this payment, considering the severity and complexity of the medical condition; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9691/16]

Medical Card Applications

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin

704. Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Health the status of an application by a person (details supplied) under the medical card scheme including obstacles to it; to apply the greatest possible discretion in granting this person a medical card; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9669/16]

Primary Care Centres Data

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin

732. Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Health the number and location of primary care centres in County Kildare; the number of staff employed in each centre; if he has filled all staff positions in each centre; his plans for further centres in County Kildare; the steps he is taking to fill vacant positions across each of the primary care teams already in place; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9862/16]

Hospital Services

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin

880. Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Health to establish and advise if due to an agreement between the National Rehabilitation Hospital and a provider (details supplied) patients presenting who are already users of prosthesis from other providers, with which they are most satisfied and accustomed, are being refused access to see a consultant at any of the hospital's facilities or joint facilities unless they agree to move from their prosthetic provider to the hospital's preferred provider; his views on the appropriateness of this closed shop arrangement; if there are competition law issues involved; his plans to open up the hospital service to all prosthesis users without discrimination based on their previous and preferred supplier choice; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10397/16]

Primary Care Centres

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin

894. Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Health when the new health centre in Kildare town will be opening; the services it will provide when opened; the length of time the Health Service Executive has been paying rent for the premises; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10448/16]

Nursing Home Accommodation Provision

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin

932. Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Health why the Health Service Executive chose Collinstown, County Westmeath, as its location for a new residential home; if it carried out a feasibility study into the suitability of the site considering it is located on a secondary country road that has no footpath; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10603/16]

Nursing Home Accommodation Provision

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin

933. Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Health the rationale behind the Health Service Executive’s decision to relocate its care facilities from St. Peter's estate, Castlepollard, to bungalows in Castlepollard, then on to Collinstown, County Westmeath; the executive's future plans for the buildings and grounds of St. Peter's estate, Castlepollard; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10604/16]