Parliamentary questions

Third Level Admissions Assistance

Pat the Cope Gallagher

454. Deputy Pat The Cope Gallagher asked the Minister for Education and Skills the eligibility criteria for applicants for the higher education access route programme in cases in which where there are neighbouring students with identical criteria, one of them is eligible and the other is not; if his attention has been drawn to the fact that the poverty deprivation index assessment compiled by POBAL can demonstrate a false impression of an applicant's background; if a mechanism in which applicants can appeal such decisions and provide the necessary information will be examined; his views on whether this programme is an essential part of providing greater access for students from rural and deprived areas (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32890/18]

Higher Education Schemes

Pat the Cope Gallagher

490. Deputy Pat The Cope Gallagher asked the Minister for Education and Skills the eligibility criteria for applicants for the higher education access route programme in cases in which neighbouring students with identical criteria, one of whom is eligible and the other not; if his attention has been drawn to the fact that the poverty deprivation index assessment can on occasions demonstrate a false impression of an applicant's background; if a mechanism through which applicants can appeal such decisions and provide the necessary information will be examined; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32889/18]

School Accommodation Provision

Pat the Cope Gallagher

519. Deputy Pat The Cope Gallagher asked the Minister for Education and Skills his plans to provide a new school building for a school (details supplied); if his attention has been drawn to the fact that the present school building is not adequate for the needs of the school or future enrolment requirement of the school; the timeframe for the delivery of a new school building for the school in view of the need there is at the school at present; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33349/18]

Garda Station Refurbishment

Pat the Cope Gallagher

823. Deputy Pat The Cope Gallagher asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the status of the improvement works to be carried out at Donegal town Garda station; the timeframe for the completion of these works; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33357/18]

Garda Information and Communications Technology

Pat the Cope Gallagher

824. Deputy Pat The Cope Gallagher asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the number of Garda stations in County Donegal that do not have full access to high-speed broadband; the timeframe for connection of those stations which do not have broadband access; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33358/18]

Garda Deployment

Pat the Cope Gallagher

825. Deputy Pat The Cope Gallagher asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the number of Garda stations within the Donegal division that only have one Garda posted within the station; his views on whether in order to provide a critical basic service level that each station should have a minimum of two gardaí stationed at each station; if the possibility of providing such a minimum number of gardaí per operational Garda station within the Donegal division will be examined; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33359/18]

Garda Deployment

Pat the Cope Gallagher

826. Deputy Pat The Cope Gallagher asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the net increase in the number of gardaí in each Garda station in the Donegal division in each of the years 2014 to 2017 and to date in 2018; his views on the fact that the 20% decrease in Garda numbers in the Donegal division since 2010 is unacceptable and unsustainable in the possible future context of Brexit and the increasing concerns about criminality and robbery experienced in rural areas at present; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33360/18]

Services for People with Disabilities

Pat the Cope Gallagher

1410. Deputy Pat The Cope Gallagher asked the Minister for Health the status of a centre (details supplied); the way in which it is planned to progress this project, which requires a new build in the short term; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32824/18]

Long Stay Residential Units

Pat the Cope Gallagher

1433. Deputy Pat The Cope Gallagher asked the Minister for Health if a request from CHO 1 relating to community hospitals in County Donegal has been received; if this request was a submission by CHO 1 to obtain departmental permission to amend the existing capital plan which was launched in January 2016 and directly affects three Donegal community hospitals in particular St. Joseph's Hospital, Ramelton and Lifford Community Hospital; his views on whether this is a matter for his Department as opposed to a function of the HSE; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32883/18]

Hospitals Capital Programme

Pat the Cope Gallagher

1441. Deputy Pat The Cope Gallagher asked the Minister for Health the status of the capital plan for investment for Dungloe Community Hospital, County Donegal; the works proposed at the hospital; the timeframe for the works to be carried out; the estimated costs for the project; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32927/18]

Hospitals Capital Programme

Pat the Cope Gallagher

1442. Deputy Pat The Cope Gallagher asked the Minister for Health the status of the capital plan for investment for Falcarragh Community Hospital, County Donegal; the works proposed at the hospital; the timeframe for the works to be carried out; the estimated costs of the entire improvement works; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32928/18]

Hospitals Capital Programme

Pat the Cope Gallagher

1597. Deputy Pat The Cope Gallagher asked the Minister for Health further to Parliamentary Question No. 388 of 3 July 2018, if he has amended the Capital Plan 2016-2021 as per the request received from community healthcare organisation, CHO, 1 in March 2018; the specifics of the amendment he has made in terms of St. Joseph's Community Hospital, Stranorlar and Ramelton Community Hospital, County Donegal; if his attention has been drawn to the fact that the request made by CHO 1 is not solely a matter for the Health Service Executive, HSE and requires ministerial approval; if he has approved the request made; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33560/18]

Hospitals Capital Programme

Pat the Cope Gallagher

1598. Deputy Pat The Cope Gallagher asked the Minister for Health further to Parliamentary Question No. 388 of 3 July 2018, the number of long-stay accommodation beds and dementia care beds his revised and amended capital plan provides for both St. Joseph's Community Hospital, Stranorlar and Ramelton Community Hospital as per the amendments to the plan which is now agreed; the specifics of the funding which is earmarked for both community hospitals; the timeframe for the delivery of both projects; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33561/18]

Legal Costs

Pat the Cope Gallagher

1901. Deputy Pat The Cope Gallagher asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if the State is liable for all costs for the legal challenges and the cases against his Department in relation to SI No. 3 of 2014; his plans to release the costs incurred as a result of these cases to the State; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32833/18]

Statutory Instruments

Pat the Cope Gallagher

1906. Deputy Pat The Cope Gallagher asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the reason his legal advisers are delaying the implementing of a statutory instrument to bring into force the European Union (Common Fisheries Policy) (Points System) Regulations (EC) No 1224/2009; the further reason his Department is not better prepared to implement such a system especially in the context of the letter of 17 May 2018 from the EU Commission; the background context and reason these eventualities were not better considered and prepared for in the context of two court cases specifically dealing with the previously drafted SIs on the matter; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32941/18]

Road Projects Status

Pat the Cope Gallagher

2168. Deputy Pat The Cope Gallagher asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the progress made to date on a road (details supplied) in County Donegal since he met with a deputation on this matter recently; his plans to fund the project as part of budget 2018; his further plans to earmark funding for this project in budget 2019; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32861/18]

Road Projects Status

Pat the Cope Gallagher

2169. Deputy Pat The Cope Gallagher asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the progress made to date on the Tír Chonail Street Bridge in Donegal town; if the allocation made in budget 2018 will be spent within the yearly timeframe; the funding he plans to ring-fence for this project in budget 2019; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32862/18]

Road Projects Status

Pat the Cope Gallagher

2170. Deputy Pat The Cope Gallagher asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the progress made to date on the Fintra Bridge project on the R263 in County Donegal since he met with a deputation on this matter recently; his plans to fund this project as part of budget 2018; his further plans to earmark funding this project in budget 2019; the timeframe for the complete delivery of this project; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32863/18]

Regional Road Network

Pat the Cope Gallagher

2171. Deputy Pat The Cope Gallagher asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his plans to reintroduce a specific funding programme for improvements to be carried out to the regional road network; his further plans to implement a funding programme similar to the specific road grants or formerly known as the EU co-finance scheme in order to improve the regional road network on an annual basis; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32926/18]

Disability Services Funding

Pat the Cope Gallagher

2426. Deputy Pat The Cope Gallagher asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection the steps she has taken to address the regional imbalance resulting from the recent announcement of the Ability programme grants which ignored the northwest region and failed to provide funding north of a line from counties Galway to Roscommon to Dublin; and the progress she has made since this Deputy provided a submission on the matter of regional funding imbalances with an accompanying map highlighting the funding neglect of the north west area in early June 2018. [32827/18]

Departmental Reports

Pat the Cope Gallagher

2448. Deputy Pat The Cope Gallagher asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection if a copy of the report compiled by her Department into seasonal and part-time workers' entitlements to social protection payments will be published in view of the commitment by her predecessor in November 2016; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [32734/18]

Disability Support Services Provision

Pat the Cope Gallagher

2449. Deputy Pat The Cope Gallagher asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection the steps she has taken to address the regional imbalance in the recent funding announced under the Ability programme; her plans regarding funding for an organisation (details supplied) which was a joint application with other disability groups in County Donegal; the efforts being made to address the need for funding for disability groups in County Donegal; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [32744/18]

Commercial Rates Valuation Process

Pat the Cope Gallagher

2634. Deputy Pat The Cope Gallagher asked the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government his plans to bring forward the commercial rates and evaluation Bill; if this Bill will assist small businesses in rural Ireland that are struggling under the burden of local commercial rates; his views on whether the levying of commercial rates without giving due regard to turnover of the business is an outdated and archaic system of taxation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32977/18]

Commercial Rates Data

Pat the Cope Gallagher

2635. Deputy Pat The Cope Gallagher asked the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government the details of the various commercial rates struck in each of the local authority areas throughout the country to date in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32978/18]

Seirbhísí Oileán

Pat the Cope Gallagher

2795. D'fhiafraigh Deputy Pat The Cope Gallagher den Aire Cultúir, Oidhreachta agus Gaeltachta cad iad na pleananna atá aici chun maoiniú a sholáthar le haghaidh feabhsúcháin bhóithre ar oileáin i nDún na nGall; an ndeimhneoidh sí na pleananna chun feabhas a chur ar bhóithre ar oileán Árainn Mhór agus go háirithe ar an bhóthar fhad le teach solais Árainn Mhór; an ndeimhneoidh sí go bhfuil allúntas le cur ar fáil do na bóithre ar na hoileáin i mbuiséad na bliana seo; an gcuirfidh sí síos ar na pleananna atá aici do na hoileáin i bpróiseas Bhuiséid 2019; agus an ndéanfaidh sí ráiteas ina thaobh. [32703/18]

Fish Quotas

Pat the Cope Gallagher

16. Deputy Pat The Cope Gallagher asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the future capacity restrictions he plans to implement for Irish vessels fishing in area VI(a) in order to ensure the conservation and rational exploitation of stocks in that area in view of the imminent repeal of Council Regulation (EC) No 1342/2008 of 18 December 2008 establishing a long-term plan for cod stocks and the fisheries exploiting those stocks; his further plans for the numerous other vessels which potentially may have or seek access to area VI(a) subsequent to the repeal of the regulation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31075/18]

Fisheries Offences

Pat the Cope Gallagher

22. Deputy Pat The Cope Gallagher asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the progress made to date in consulting with other political parties and the fishing sector in regard to drafting a new statutory instrument to address penalty points for serious infringements as per the European Union (Common Fisheries Policy) (Point System) Regulations 2018 (details supplied); when he plans to consult directly with all interested parties in order to resolve the impasse; the discussions and or meetings he has had with the sector since the motion to rescind SI No. 89 of 2018 was passed by Dáil Éireann in May 2018; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31065/18]

Deontais Ranna

Pat the Cope Gallagher

605. D'fhiafraigh Deputy Pat The Cope Gallagher den Aire Cultúir, Oidhreachta agus Gaeltachta cén uair a fuarthas iarratas ar mhaoiniú ó Chumann Traenach na Gaeltachta Láir; cén tsuim airgid a lorgaíodh; cén tsuim airgid atáthar a mholadh a cheadú; cén uair a bheidh cinneadh déanta ina leith. [31443/18]

Hospitals Capital Programme

Pat the Cope Gallagher

605. Deputy Pat The Cope Gallagher asked the Minister for Health further to Parliamentary Question No. 388 of 3 July 2018, if a capital submission plan for the upgrade of St. Joseph's Community Hospital, Stranorlar, Lifford Community Hospital and Ramelton Community Hospital was received in March 2018 from area 1 of the HSE; if a final decision has been made regarding the proposals contained within the submission; if the capital plan has been amended to allow for the new proposals contained within the March 2018 submission; the timeline to address the proposals; if he will clarify the matter in view of the fact that it directly relates to departmental policy and is not solely a matter for the HSE as indicated the reply; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30608/18]

Hospitals Capital Programme

Pat the Cope Gallagher

606. Deputy Pat The Cope Gallagher asked the Minister for Health further to Parliamentary Question No. 389 of 3 July 2018, if a copy of the March 2018 submission regarding three community hospitals in County Donegal was received from area 1 of the HSE; the timeframe to address the proposals within the existing lifetime of the current capital plan; if a supplementary budget has been prepared in order to deal with the proposals of the submission within the capital plan; if he will clarify a matter in view of the fact that it directly relates to departmental policy and is not solely a matter for the HSE as indicated the reply; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30609/18]

Hospitals Capital Programme

Pat the Cope Gallagher

607. Deputy Pat The Cope Gallagher asked the Minister for Health further to Parliamentary Question No. 390 of 3 July 2018, the proposals contained within the capital submission plan forwarded by HSE area 1 for Lifford Community Hospital; the proposals contained within the existing plan; the timeline for the hospital in terms of the current capital plan; the new or additional proposals contained within the March 2018 submission from HSE area 1; if he will clarify a matter in view of the fact that it directly relates to departmental policy and is not solely a matter for the HSE; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30610/18]

Hospitals Capital Programme

Pat the Cope Gallagher

608. Deputy Pat The Cope Gallagher asked the Minister for Health further to Parliamentary Question No. 390 of 3 July 2018, if the current capital plan for community hospitals is sufficiently funded and can meet the proposals contained within the additional capital plan submission from the HSE area 1 as applied for in March 2018; if not, his plans for additional funding; if he will clarify the matter in view of the fact that it directly relates to departmental policy and is not solely a matter for the HSE as indicated the reply; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30611/18]

Forbairt Calaí agus Céanna

Pat the Cope Gallagher

983. D'fhiafraigh Deputy Pat The Cope Gallagher den Minister for Culture; Heritage and the Gaeltacht an dtabharfaidh sí eolas faoin dul chun cinn atá déanta go dáta maidir le Togra Ché Mhachaire Rabhartaigh; an dtabharfaidh sí eolas i dtaobh cén uair a mheasann sí a chuirfear tús leis an obair ag an ché agus cén uair a bheidh cead tugtha le bogadh ar aghaidh go dtí an staid tógala; an ndéanfaidh sí a chinntiú fosta go mbeidh maoiniú curtha i leataobh don togra mar pháirt den Phlean Náisiúnta "Éire 2040" agus nach mbeidh cómhaoiniú ag teastáil ón Údarás Áitiúil; agus an ndéanfaidh sí ráiteas ina thaobh. [31039/18]

Schools Building Projects

Pat the Cope Gallagher

110. Deputy Pat The Cope Gallagher asked the Minister for Education and Skills the status of a new school building for a school (details supplied) in County Donegal; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29809/18]

Schools Building Projects Status

Pat the Cope Gallagher

241. Deputy Pat The Cope Gallagher asked the Minister for Education and Skills the status of a school (details supplied); the additional progress that has been made since the matter was last raised with his Department; the timeline for the project; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29698/18]

Hospitals Building Programme

Pat the Cope Gallagher

305. Deputy Pat The Cope Gallagher asked the Minister for Health the status of the new proposed PPP community hospital for Letterkenny; the progress made to date; when planning permission will be sought for same; the timeframe for construction; if funding is in place for its delivery; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29697/18]

Hospitals Capital Programme

Pat the Cope Gallagher

388. Deputy Pat The Cope Gallagher asked the Minister for Health if a capital submission plan for the upgrade of St. Joseph's Community Hospital, Stranorlar, Lifford Community Hospital and Ramelton Community Hospital was received in March 2018 from area 1 of the HSE; if a final decision has been made regarding the proposals contained in that submission; if the capital plan has been amended to allow for the new proposals contained in the March 2018 submission; the timeline to address the proposals; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29332/18]

Hospitals Capital Programme

Pat the Cope Gallagher

389. Deputy Pat The Cope Gallagher asked the Minister for Health if a copy of the March 2018 submission concerning three community hospitals in County Donegal was received from area 1 of the HSE; the timeframe to address the proposals within the existing lifetime of the current capital plan; if a supplementary budget has been prepared in order to deal with the proposals of the submission in the capital plan; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29333/18]

Hospitals Capital Programme

Pat the Cope Gallagher

390. Deputy Pat The Cope Gallagher asked the Minister for Health the proposals contained in the capital submission plan forwarded by HSE area 1 for Lifford Community Hospital; the proposals contained in the existing plan; the timeline for the hospital in terms of the current capital plan; the new or additional proposals contained in the March 2018 submission from HSE area 1; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29334/18]

Hospital Services

Pat the Cope Gallagher

391. Deputy Pat The Cope Gallagher asked the Minister for Health if the issues surrounding the Church of Ireland chapel in St Joseph's Community Hospital, Stranorlar, have been resolved; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29335/18]

Hospitals Capital Programme

Pat the Cope Gallagher

392. Deputy Pat The Cope Gallagher asked the Minister for Health if the current capital plan for community hospitals is sufficiently funded and can meet the proposals contained in the additional capital plan submission from the HSE area 1 as applied for in March 2018; if not, his plans for additional funding; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29336/18]

Consular Services Provision

Pat the Cope Gallagher

93. Deputy Pat The Cope Gallagher asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if an honorary consul to the island of Ibiza will be appointed in view of the increasing number of visitors from here that travel there on holiday that may require consular assistance during their visit; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28287/18]

Schools Building Projects Status

Pat the Cope Gallagher

203. Deputy Pat The Cope Gallagher asked the Minister for Education and Skills the status of a school (details supplied); when a design team for the new school will be appointed; the timeframe for the project; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27767/18]

Seirbhísí Oileán

Pat the Cope Gallagher

25. D'fhiafraigh Deputy Pat The Cope Gallagher den Aire Cultúir, Oidhreachta agus Gaeltachta an bhfuil sé i gceist aici maoiniú a sholáthar d'oileáin i nDún na nGall maidir le bóithre poiblí ar na hoileáin éagsúla; an ndeimhneoidh sí an bhfuil allúntas leagtha amach i mbuiséad na Roinne i mbliana dó sin, agus an mbeidh allúntas breise ar fáil d'oileáin i mbuiséad 2019; agus an ndéanfaidh sí ráiteas ina thaobh. [26836/18]

Seirbhísí Iompair

Pat the Cope Gallagher

29. D'fhiafraigh Deputy Pat The Cope Gallagher den Aire Cultúir, Oidhreachta agus Gaeltachta an dtabharfaidh sí cur síos ar na pleananna atá aici Scéim na mBóithre Áise a chur ar bun an athuair do bhóithre nach bóithre contae iad, bóithre áise a fhad le tithe agus feirmeacha, i gceantair Ghaeltachta amháin; agus an ndéanfaidh sí ráiteas ina thaobh. [26837/18]

Employment Rights

Pat the Cope Gallagher

66. Deputy Pat The Cope Gallagher asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection the proposals she will bring forward to solve the problems and issues surrounding seasonal and part-time workers' rights in seasonal employment in particular the fishing industry, farming and the hospitality sector; the timeframe in which she plans to deal with these issues in view of the fact that the current anomalies are causing considerable financial strain on many workers throughout the country; if proposals to address these issues in budget 2019 are being considered; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26537/18]

Employment Rights

Pat the Cope Gallagher

80. Deputy Pat The Cope Gallagher asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection if she has considered the report on seasonal and part-time workers' rights and entitlements to social welfare payments drafted by her Department; her plans in relation to the problems experienced by those workers in obtaining social welfare payments once their part-time work ceases; if she is drafting solutions based on the report on seasonal and part-time workers' entitlements for budget 2019; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26536/18]

Schools Facilities

Pat the Cope Gallagher

196. Deputy Pat The Cope Gallagher asked the Minister for Education and Skills the status of an application by a school (details supplied) for an ASD unit; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26593/18]

Schools Facilities

Pat the Cope Gallagher

197. Deputy Pat The Cope Gallagher asked the Minister for Education and Skills the status of an application by a school (details supplied) for additional classroom accommodation for an ASD unit and the refurbishment of the existing metalwork room with added accommodation for same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26594/18]

Schools Facilities

Pat the Cope Gallagher

198. Deputy Pat The Cope Gallagher asked the Minister for Education and Skills the status of an application by a school (details supplied) for major capital works at the school; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26595/18]