Parliamentary questions

Commemorative Events

Sandra McLellan

26. Deputy Sandra McLellan asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht if he will provide in detail the programme of events planned to commemorate the historic events between 2014 and 2018; the stage of planning these events are at; and if grants will be made available to ensure community-based events will be supported. [4014/14]

National Archives

Sandra McLellan

151. Deputy Sandra McLellan asked the Taoiseach the number of files from his Department that were released at the end of December 2013, under the National Archives Act 1986, for public inspection in January 2014; the number of files that were not released; the reasons, under the Act, for not releasing the files; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4063/14]

Court Procedures

Sandra McLellan

176. Deputy Sandra McLellan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the persons that benefit from the courts poor box when persons are fined in court; the way an organisation can apply to become a beneficiary to the courts poor box; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3283/14]

Heritage Sites

Sandra McLellan

10. Deputy Sandra McLellan asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform his views on reports that the Office of Public Works may operate leases to commercial ventures at heritage sites; and the discussions he has had with the Office of Public Works in this regard. [51468/13]

Departmental Agencies Staff Remuneration

Sandra McLellan

405. Deputy Sandra McLellan asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the annual salary for the chairperson of EirGrid; his views on whether this is an acceptable amount; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2403/14]

Local Authority Housing Applications

Sandra McLellan

433. Deputy Sandra McLellan asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if persons who are having difficulty getting information from other countries regarding property ownership, and if a document which is required when submitting a housing application if required, if he will clarify if they must provide an affidavit declaring that they do not own any property; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2464/14]

Ambulance Service Provision

Sandra McLellan

596. Deputy Sandra McLellan asked the Minister for Health if he will provide in tabular form a breakdown of the number of calls out and the number of targets that were met for ambulance and rapid response vehicles in the east Cork area for 2013; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2400/14]

Mental Health Services Provision

Sandra McLellan

637. Deputy Sandra McLellan asked the Minister for Health when the third community CAMHS team currently being implemented in Cork to include the east Cork catchment area will be put into operation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2729/14]

Earcaíocht Seirbhíse Poiblí

Sandra McLellan

130. D'fhiafraigh Deputy Sandra McLellan den Aire Caiteachais Phoiblí agus Athchóirithe an gcuirfidh sé in iúl cén cineál post a bheidh ainmnithe mar phoist a mbeidh gá iontu le daoine ag a bhfuil cumas feidhmiúil Gaeilge faoin gcóras nua a bhfuil sé beartaithe ag a Roinn é a chur in áit na marcanna bónais do státseirbhísigh a bhfuil Gaeilge acu; an bhféadfadh an tAire samplaí a thabhairt dúinn de na poist a bhfuil sé i gceist ag a Roinn fhéin iad a ainmniú mar phoist do dhaoine ag a bhfuil cumas feidhmiúil Gaeilge; agus an ndéanfaidh sé ráiteas ina thaobh. [2172/14]

Earcaíocht Seirbhíse Poiblí

Sandra McLellan

131. D'fhiafraigh Deputy Sandra McLellan den Aire Caiteachais Phoiblí agus Athchóirithe Caiteachais Phoiblí agus Athchóirithe an gcuirfidh sé in iúl cad a tharlóidh sa chás go n-ainmneofar poist sna ranna Rialtais éagsúla do dhaoine ag a bhfuil cumas feidhmiúil Gaeilge ach go bhfuil daoine fostaithe sna poist sin cheana féin nach bhfuil Gaeilge fheidhmiúil acu; an mbeidh an tAire ag cur daoine ag a bhfuil cumas feidhmiúil Gaeilge in áit na ndaoine nach bhfuil an cumas sin acu; agus an ndéanfaidh sé ráiteas ina thaobh. [2173/14]

Earcaíocht Seirbhíse Poiblí

Sandra McLellan

132. D'fhiafraigh Deputy Sandra McLellan den Aire Caiteachais Phoiblí agus Athchóirithe Caiteachais Phoiblí an gcuirfidh sé in iúl cathain a aistarraingeofar na ciorcláin a bhaineann le marcanna bónais do státseirbhísigh a bhfuil Gaeilge acu agus cathain a eiseofar ciorclán nua ina mbeidh na socruithe don phainéal de dhaoine ag a bhfuil cumas feidhmiúil Gaeilge; agus an ndéanfaidh sé ráiteas ina thaobh. [2174/14]

School Accommodation

Sandra McLellan

249. Deputy Sandra McLellan asked the Minister for Education and Skills if he will review and reverse the decision not to assist a school (details supplied) in County Cork with funding for additional accommodation under the major capital works scheme; if he will send an inspector from the building unit to assess the classrooms in the building; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1684/14]

Jobseeker's Allowance Appeals

Sandra McLellan

382. Deputy Sandra McLellan asked the Minister for Social Protection if she will approve and expedite an appeal for jobseeker's allowance in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Cork; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1408/14]

Caiteachas Údarás na Gaeltachta

Sandra McLellan

416. D'fhiafraigh Deputy Sandra McLellan den Aire Ealaíon, Oidhreachta agus Gaeltachta cén luach saothair nó cé na cnapshuimeanna atá íoctha leis an Iarbhainisteoir Reigiúnach ag Údarás na Gaeltachta i nDún na nGall, le cúig bliana anuas ó d'éirigh sé as a phost san Údarás, lena n-áirítear aon chnapshuim agus íocaíochtaí pinsin nó aon íocaíochtaí eile. [55246/13]

Caiteachas Údarás na Gaeltachta

Sandra McLellan

417. D'fhiafraigh Deputy Sandra McLellan den Aire Ealaíon, Oidhreachta agus Gaeltachta Ealaíon, Oidhreachta agus Gaeltachta cén luach saothair nó cé na cnapshuimeanna atá íoctha leis an bPríomhfheidhmeannach ag Údarás na Gaeltachta, le cúig bliana anuas ó d'éirigh sé as a phost san Údarás, lena n-áirítear aon chnapshuim agus íocaíochtaí pinsin nó aon íocaíochtaí eile. [55247/13]

Architectural Heritage

Sandra McLellan

432. Deputy Sandra McLellan asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the grant aid that is available for insulation of ceilings and walls in listed buildings; if he will provide a list of companies that work specifically with listed buildings and a list of guidelines on restrictions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1556/14]

Hospital Accommodation Provision

Sandra McLellan

904. Deputy Sandra McLellan asked the Minister for Health if he will ensure that the eight beds promised for cystic fibrosis patients by Cork University hospital will be ring-fenced immediately, as he may be aware the charity Build4Life has raised €2.3 million which will fund 20 beds eight of which are to be specifically for cystic fibrosis patients; it is now alleged that the hospital want the charity to hand over the money with no guarantee of cystic fibrosis beds, if he will investigate the matter further; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1713/14]

Sports Funding

Sandra McLellan

2. Deputy Sandra McLellan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the position regarding the 7% reduction to the budget of the Irish Sports Council; and his views on the effect this will have on the delivery of front-line services by national governing sports bodies, and on the high performance programme. [54579/13]

Sport and Recreational Development

Sandra McLellan

25. Deputy Sandra McLellan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he has had any discussions with the Department of Health, the sports authorities and the Health Service Executive regarding the possibility of establishing a sports and exercise department in the HSE in order to ensure that the role of exercise fitness and well being is given adequate attention in our health care system. [54337/13]

EU Funding

Sandra McLellan

43. Deputy Sandra McLellan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the efforts he has made to ensure that support for the Narrow Water Bridge project from the SEUPB is retained; if he will commit to prioritising same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [54340/13]

Tourism Data

Sandra McLellan

46. Deputy Sandra McLellan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if there has been any noticeable increase in visitors from China, India, Brazil, Russia and south east Asia in recent years; the targets he has for these markets; and the strategies that exist to ensure that Ireland increases its penetration of these markets. [54339/13]

Public Transport

Sandra McLellan

47. Deputy Sandra McLellan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the way he plans to increase the use of public transport in view of the recent increases in fares and reductions in services which has led to over crowding in some cases and discouraged other users. [54341/13]

Sporting Organisations

Sandra McLellan

52. Deputy Sandra McLellan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the discussions he has had with the Department of Justice and Equality regarding the ability of sporting bodies to register as charitable bodies, and the potential for this to enhance philanthropy towards sporting bodies. [54338/13]

Physical Education

Sandra McLellan

393. Deputy Sandra McLellan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he has had any discussions with the Department of Education and Skills regarding joint initiatives that could be taken between the two Departments to improve the level of physical education classes here, particularly in view of the findings by Eurydice, the EU’s education information network, that in both absolute and proportionate terms, Ireland has fewer hours of compulsory PE classes than any other EU member; his views on whether children in Ireland are spending enough time participating in physical education, both in schools, and outside; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [54580/13]

Detention Centres Provision

Sandra McLellan

83. Deputy Sandra McLellan asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs her views regarding the current transition of residents at St. Patrick's Institution to the Oberstown campus; if she will provide a timescale for the transition; and the status of discussions with staff at the campus regarding resources, staffing and restoring at the new campus. [53846/13]

Foster Care Provision

Sandra McLellan

90. Deputy Sandra McLellan asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs her views on the recent report of inspections of foster and children's residential services; the discussions she has had with Health Information and Quality Authority in this regard; the implications of the report; the number of foster and residential facilities found to have standards of hygiene and cleanliness below the minimum standards expected; her plans to address these shortcomings; and the steps she will take to improve the situation in these centres. [53847/13]

Summer Works Scheme Applications

Sandra McLellan

220. Deputy Sandra McLellan asked the Minister for Education and Skills if he will approve the application for funding under the summer works scheme in respect of a school (details supplied) in County Cork; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [54026/13]

Direct Provision System

Sandra McLellan

425. Deputy Sandra McLellan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality his views on whether it is acceptable that asylum seekers and their children are housed in so-called reception centres which lack adequate facilities for any meaningful recreational activity; his views on whether it is imperative that children and young persons have access to open space and sports areas, irrespective of their parents' status; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [54342/13]

Medical Card Applications

Sandra McLellan

572. Deputy Sandra McLellan asked the Minister for Health if he will approve and expedite a medical card application in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Cork; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53927/13]

Psychological Services

Sandra McLellan

606. Deputy Sandra McLellan asked the Minister for Health if it is normal routine practice that an 11 year old child who has attempted suicide would not be seen by a child and adolescent psychiatrist months after the attempt; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [54176/13]

Tourism Data

Sandra McLellan

666. Deputy Sandra McLellan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his views on the State's performance in attracting repeat visitors to Ireland; the way we compare with other European Countries in attracting repeat visitors; and if there is any strategy in order to ensure that we increase the proportion of visitors to Ireland who return to visit. [54343/13]

Health Services Issues

Sandra McLellan

206. Deputy Sandra McLellan asked the Minister for Health the reason representations made to the Health Service Executive on 19 November regarding early intervention services have not yet been responded to; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53332/13]

Mental Health Services Provision

Sandra McLellan

207. Deputy Sandra McLellan asked the Minister for Health the reason urgent representations made to the Health Service Executive on 26 November regarding the safety of a suicidal child have to date not been responded to; the way he plans to address the issue; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53334/13]

School Uniforms

Sandra McLellan

184. Deputy Sandra McLellan asked the Minister for Education and Skills further to Parliamentary Question No. 221 of 26 November 2013, his views on whether it is discriminatory that schools require girls to wear skirts; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52724/13]

Work Placement Programmes

Sandra McLellan

264. Deputy Sandra McLellan asked the Minister for Social Protection with regard to JobBridge, if the employer is obliged to offer the intern a position after the six or nine months; if the employer does not offer the intern a position, if they are allowed to advertise the same job seeking another intern for the same position; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [52764/13]

Housing Issues

Sandra McLellan

344. Deputy Sandra McLellan asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if local authorities are responsible for dealing with rodent control or if tenants are responsible (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53014/13]

Housing Adaptation Grant Funding

Sandra McLellan

152. Deputy Sandra McLellan asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if he will request local authorities in County Cork to provide in tabular form the amount they each spent on housing adaptations for their own tenants in the past five years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52243/13]

Social and Affordable Housing Eligibility

Sandra McLellan

106. Deputy Sandra McLellan asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if he will review the procedure whereby persons applying for social housing must receive proof from the land registry from any country that they previously lived in that they do not own land or property there because, in many cases, it is just not possible depending on the country (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52005/13]

Hospital Appointment Status

Sandra McLellan

155. Deputy Sandra McLellan asked the Minister for Health the position regarding a hip operation in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Cork; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52031/13]

Commemorative Events

Sandra McLellan

2. Deputy Sandra McLellan asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht his views on the current status of plans to commemorate the centenary of 1916; if key historical projects such as Teach an Phiarsaigh, the Moore Street Monument, and Kilmainham Courthouse, will be ready in time for that centenary; and the way he intends to support the arts sector in commemorating the centenary. [51470/13]

Appointments to State Boards

Sandra McLellan

7. Deputy Sandra McLellan asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht when he intends to fill the current vacancies on the board of the Arts Council; his views on the length of time for which those vacancies have been in existence; and the process for filling the relevant positions. [51467/13]

Inland Waterways Development

Sandra McLellan

12. Deputy Sandra McLellan asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the position regarding the Ulster Canal restoration project; the steps that must be taken to complete the project; the indicative timeline for the completion of the project; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51471/13]

City of Culture Initiative

Sandra McLellan

13. Deputy Sandra McLellan asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the supports his Department intends to provide to local arts and tourism bodies, and the local authority to ensure Limerick’s designation as city of culture for 2014, is successful; his Department's plans to promote Limerick domestically and internationally for 2014; and if he was satisfied with the appointments process for the position of chief executive officer of the city of culture board. [51469/13]

Revenue Commissioners Resources

Sandra McLellan

52. Deputy Sandra McLellan asked the Minister for Finance if he will provide members with a dedicated line to contact the Revenue Commissioners to make representations on behalf of their constituents; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51298/13]

Medical Card Eligibility

Sandra McLellan

407. Deputy Sandra McLellan asked the Minister for Health if patients with terminal illness are subject to a means test to qualify for medical cards; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51488/13]

Straitéis 20 Bliain don Ghaeilge

Sandra McLellan

207. D'fhiafraigh Deputy Sandra McLellan den Aire Oideachais agus Scileanna cad atá ar intinn ag an Roinn a dhéanamh lena chinntiú go bhfaighfidh scoileanna Gaeltachta a ndóthain tacaíochta agus áiseanna. [44227/13]

Straitéis 20 Bliain don Ghaeilge

Sandra McLellan

209. D'fhiafraigh Deputy Sandra McLellan den Aire Oideachais agus Scileanna ráiteas a dhéanamh maidir le todhchaí COGG; cad é éifeacht an chinnidh a rinne sé COGG a thabhairt faoi scáth CNCM; cad iad na himpleachtaí a bheidh ag an gcinneadh sin i dtaca leis an Straitéis 20 Bliain don Ghaeilge; an bhfuil an cinneadh seo fós le cur i bhfeidhm [44224/13]

School Uniforms

Sandra McLellan

221. Deputy Sandra McLellan asked the Minister for Education and Skills if secondary schools with uniforms can discriminate against female students and force them to wear skirts; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50336/13]

Hospital Waiting Lists

Sandra McLellan

619. Deputy Sandra McLellan asked the Minister for Health his views on whether a seven months waiting time is appropriate for an urgent pelvic ultrasound for a person (details supplied) in County Cork; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50440/13]

Child Abuse

Sandra McLellan

177. Deputy Sandra McLellan asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs if she will transpose Directive 2011/93/EU of the European Parliament and of the Council of 13 December 2011 combating the sexual abuse and exploitation of children and child pornography, and replacing Council framework decision 2004/68/JHA ahead of the transposition due date on 18 December 2013; and the position regarding the Government's strategy to combat sexual abuse and exploitation. [49711/13]

Mental Health Services Provision

Sandra McLellan

184. Deputy Sandra McLellan asked the Minister for Health the number of mental health beds available for children, in tabular form, by Health Service Executive area; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49833/13]

Local Authority Housing Maintenance

Sandra McLellan

458. Deputy Sandra McLellan asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government when works will be carried out in a housing estate (details supplied) in County Cork; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49266/13]

Road Projects Expenditure

Sandra McLellan

737. Deputy Sandra McLellan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the areas for which the National Roads Authority have provided funding in 2014 under the infrastructure and capital investment 2012-2016 programme; the amount allocated to each area; the reason Buttevant, County Cork, with one of the worst road surfaces in any town or village in the country has been omitted from funding allocation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49353/13]

Departmental Expenditure

Sandra McLellan

108. Deputy Sandra McLellan asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government further to Parliamentary Question No. 117 of 6 November 2013, if he will provide details of funding that the ILDN received annually since 2008; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48470/13]

Child and Family Agency Establishment

Sandra McLellan

14. Deputy Sandra McLellan asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs her views on whether adequate resources are available for social care work; the additional resources that will be provided to ensure the proper functioning of the new Child and Family Agency; if all children in care have allocated social workers and specific care plans, and if not, what is the shortfall. [47839/13]

Child Care Services Regulation

Sandra McLellan

17. Deputy Sandra McLellan asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs her plans to ensure highest standards are reached and adhered to and an appropriate inspection regime across all preschool child care facilities is in place; the timeframe for achieving both; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [47838/13]

Tourism Data

Sandra McLellan

47. Deputy Sandra McLellan asked the Taoiseach the numbers of visitors here from emerging tourism markets, in particular, China, India, Brazil, Russia and south-east Asia. [47111/13]

Departmental Funding

Sandra McLellan

12. Deputy Sandra McLellan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will discuss the 7% reduction to the budget of the Irish Sports Council; his views on what effect this will have on the delivery of front-line services by national governing sports bodies and on the high performance programme. [47113/13]

Tourism Data

Sandra McLellan

13. Deputy Sandra McLellan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if there has been any noticeable increase in visitors from China, India, Brazil, Russia and south east Asia in recent years; the targets he has for these markets; and the strategies that exist to ensure that Ireland increases its penetration of these markets. [47111/13]

Budget 2014

Sandra McLellan

37. Deputy Sandra McLellan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his views on the 11% reduction in tourism funding in budget 2014; the ramifications for Tourism Ireland’s ability to promote Ireland internationally and on Fáilte Ireland’s ability to promote Irish holiday destinations domestically and generally on the impact on the tourism industry here. [47115/13]

Property Taxation Collection

Sandra McLellan

35. Deputy Sandra McLellan asked the Minister for Finance the final date for cash payments of the local property tax; if he will instruct the Revenue Commissioners to supply clear transparent information to persons regarding payment options as letters currently being sent out have no information about cash payments; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47192/13]

Local and Community Development Programme Project Funding

Sandra McLellan

117. Deputy Sandra McLellan asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the amount of funding the Irish Local Development Network receives directly and indirectly from his Department to run its national body; the other funding the ILDN receives from his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47318/13]

Student Grant Scheme Applications

Sandra McLellan

348. Deputy Sandra McLellan asked the Minister for Education and Skills the reason when calculating distance to college to determine adjacent or non-adjacent grant rates, Student Universal Support Ireland is using old regional roads which do not correspond to the normal route taken, encouraging persons to avoid roads with tolls (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47103/13]

Social Welfare Appeals Issues

Sandra McLellan

426. Deputy Sandra McLellan asked the Minister for Social Protection when the appeals office will respond to correspondence sent in August by a person (details supplied) in County Cork; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [45724/13]

Carer's Allowance Appeals

Sandra McLellan

538. Deputy Sandra McLellan asked the Minister for Social Protection if she will expedite an appeal for carer's allowance in respect of a person (details supplied) in Cork; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [46654/13]

Local Development Companies Funding

Sandra McLellan

705. Deputy Sandra McLellan asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the options available to community based companies (details supplied) who due to numerous cuts in funding are no longer in a position to fund a part-time project co-ordinator currently funded by South East Cork Area Development; if he will identify other sources of funding that can be accessed and applied for to ensure the retention of this position in 2014; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46901/13]

Property Taxation Yield

Sandra McLellan

725. Deputy Sandra McLellan asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if he will confirm that Cork County Council will not receive, in 2014, 80% of the property tax collected in 2013 as was committed to earlier this year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47030/13]

Naturalisation Applications

Sandra McLellan

819. Deputy Sandra McLellan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if he will expedite a visa application in respect of a person (details supplied) in Cork; if any further documentation is required; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46806/13]

Seirbhísí Leathanbhanda

Sandra McLellan

25. D'fhiafraigh Deputy Sandra McLellan den Aire Cumarsáide, Fuinnimh agus Acmhainní Nádúrtha cad iad na pleananna atá aige chun forbairt a dhéanamh ar an ngréasán idirlín leathanbhanda sa Ghaeltacht; an leagfaidh sé amach an dul chun cinn atá déanta ar fhorbairt an ghréasáin sin go dtí seo; an dóigh leis go bhfuil tionchar ag an easpa idirlín leathanbhanda ar chruthú post; agus an ndéanfaidh sé ráiteas ina thaobh. [38492/13]

Legal Aid Eligibility

Sandra McLellan

204. Deputy Sandra McLellan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the criteria to qualify for free legal aid; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45511/13]

Irish Water Funding

Sandra McLellan

22. Deputy Sandra McLellan asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if he will provide full details of public funding from the Exchequer, the National Pensions Reserve Fund or any other sources that have been transferred to Uisce Éireann to date; and the projected figures for 2014 onwards. [44818/13]

Homeless Persons Supports

Sandra McLellan

63. Deputy Sandra McLellan asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if his attention has been drawn to the fact that homelessness charities are not currently funded adequately even to operate at current capacity and that many are experiencing major problems, with volunteers and workers unable to continue working due to increased stress resulting from increased demand and decreased funding. [44844/13]

Social Welfare Code

Sandra McLellan

120. Deputy Sandra McLellan asked the Minister for Social Protection her views on the forthcoming abolition of the transition State pension; the ramifications it will have for those who reach the age of 65 years during 2014 and who will consequently be forced to apply for jobseeker's benefit or allowance and the attendant fall in outcome which will come about as a result of same; if she has considered the potential impact in terms of poverty among the elderly; and her plans to reconsider this change in policy or otherwise to avoid a fall in income for the elderly. [44926/13]

Social Welfare Code

Sandra McLellan

121. Deputy Sandra McLellan asked the Minister for Social Protection if her attention has been drawn to any implications of the forthcoming abolition of the transition State pension on the Equal Status Act, or any other equality legislation, in view of the fact that those who turn 65 during 2014 will be forced to apply for jobseeker's benefit or allowance, in spite of the fact that most contracts of employment state that the normal retirement age shall be 65, and that they are often unlikely to be in a position to affect this position. [44927/13]

Architectural Heritage

Sandra McLellan

54. Deputy Sandra McLellan asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht his views on the current condition of Vernon Mount House in Cork city; the action that has been taken to ensure its protection as a building of significant heritage value; his plans to ensure that the house can be accessed by the public; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44625/13]

Museum Projects

Sandra McLellan

70. Deputy Sandra McLellan asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht his plans to develop a permanent exhibition to the Famine in the National Museum of Ireland in Dublin; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44234/13]

Architectural Heritage

Sandra McLellan

108. Deputy Sandra McLellan asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the current condition of Vernon Mount House in Cork city; the actions that have been taken to ensure its protection as a building of significant heritage value; if he has any plans to ensure that the house can be accessed by the public; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44244/13]

Jobseeker's Benefit Payments

Sandra McLellan

232. Deputy Sandra McLellan asked the Minister for Social Protection the reason a person (details supplied) in County Cork has not received any payment of jobseeker's benefit after receiving a letter from the appeals office on 4 September stating an appeal had been successful. [44152/13]

Child Protection Services

Sandra McLellan

468. Deputy Sandra McLellan asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs if she will review the case of a person (details supplied) in County Cork. [44268/13]

Services for People with Disabilities

Sandra McLellan

496. Deputy Sandra McLellan asked the Minister for Health if he will provide respite care for persons with mental disabilities; the actions persons can take if the carer becomes ill or if there is a family emergency; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44203/13]

National Roads Authority Projects

Sandra McLellan

598. Deputy Sandra McLellan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will ensure that funding is prioritised by the National Roads Authority in 2014 to continue with works on the main street in Buttevant, County Cork; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44368/13]

Cosaint Fostaíochta

Sandra McLellan

61. D'fhiafraigh Deputy Sandra McLellan den Aire Ealaíon, Oidhreachta agus Gaeltachta soiléiriú a dhéanamh maidir le todhchaí Arramara Teo. agus cad atá á dhéanamh aige chun slí bheatha na mbainteoirí feamainne a chaomhnú. [43785/13]

Property Taxation Assessments

Sandra McLellan

31. Deputy Sandra McLellan asked the Minister for Finance the process for persons who over valued their homes for the purpose of the local property tax in order to submit the correct assessment for next year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43318/13]

Mortgage Interest Supplement Eligibility

Sandra McLellan

112. Deputy Sandra McLellan asked the Minister for Social Protection with regards to mortgage interest supplement and the new legislation which was introduced in 2012 stating that in order to qualify for mortgage interest supplement that a person must be in negotiations with their banks for 12 months prior to applying, if this affects persons who were already in receipt of MIS prior to this legislation being introduced; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [43503/13]

Water Services Provision

Sandra McLellan

235. Deputy Sandra McLellan asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government further to Parliamentary Questions Nos. 210 and 211 of 2 October 2013, in view of the fact that Cork County Council has stated that tenants are liable for the pipe repair as the estate was taken in charge prior to 2007, if he will make a grant available or instruct Cork County Council to carry out the works; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43317/13]

Employment Support Services

Sandra McLellan

2. Deputy Sandra McLellan asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation the steps he will take to promote employment for those considering emigration and the number of emigrants that have returned to take up employment. [42820/13]

Small and Medium Enterprises Supports

Sandra McLellan

5. Deputy Sandra McLellan asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation the number of meetings that he has had with banks to deal with the issue of small and medium enterprise lending. [42596/13]

Underemployment Data

Sandra McLellan

16. Deputy Sandra McLellan asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation the steps he has taken to tackle the issue of underemployment including supporting and promoting full time employment. [42588/13]

Labour Market Issues

Sandra McLellan

35. Deputy Sandra McLellan asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation the steps he has taken to tackle the increased casualisation of the labour market. [42589/13]

National Monuments

Sandra McLellan

46. Deputy Sandra McLellan asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform his plans to incorporate Kilmainham Court House into the Kilmainham Jail experience; and the timeline for the incorporation of the court house. [38501/13]

Residential Institutions Redress Scheme

Sandra McLellan

99. Deputy Sandra McLellan asked the Minister for Education and Skills further to his recent comments that there is no scope for more education cuts, and that he does not know where he can make savings, the efforts his Department has made to force the religious institutions to meet their obligations to compensate the survivors of residential abuse. [42209/13]

School Curriculum

Sandra McLellan

105. Deputy Sandra McLellan asked the Minister for Education and Skills if he will respond to concerns that a possible union ban on training for the new English syllabus will delay plans for the implementation of a new style junior certificate next September. [42208/13]

Physical Education

Sandra McLellan

188. Deputy Sandra McLellan asked the Minister for Education and Skills the way the decision to reduce physical education, PE, from a full subject, 198 hours over three years, to an optional short course, 100 hours, in the new junior cycle framework will impact on the implementation of the Healthy Ireland Framework, the cross-Government policy for health and well-being, which calls for the full implementation of PE and SPHE in primary and post-primary schools, action 3.2; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41861/13]

Physical Education

Sandra McLellan

189. Deputy Sandra McLellan asked the Minister for Education and Skills the way the limiting of PE in the new junior cycle framework to a short course of 100 hours will impact on the Government’s intention to reduce childhood obesity levels, which are currently at epidemic proportions where one in four girls and one in five boys are overweight and obese, and on the implementation of the Healthy Ireland Framework, the cross-Government policy for health and well-being; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41863/13]

Student Grant Scheme Administration

Sandra McLellan

198. Deputy Sandra McLellan asked the Minister for Education and Skills if, in order to enable persons to fill out a student grant application form properly, he will introduce a third category for mature students who live at home but are not financially dependent on their parents, who share bills equally but do not have any bills in their name; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41856/13]

Cónascadh Comhlachtaí

Sandra McLellan

238. D'fhiafraigh Deputy Sandra McLellan den Aire Oideachais agus Scileanna an ndéanfaidh sé ráiteas maidir le todhchaí COGG; cén tionchar a bhí ag cinneadh an Aire COGG a thabhairt faoi bhráid CNCM; cé na himpleachtaí a bheidh ag an gcinneadh sin i dtaca leis an Straitéis 20 Bliain don Ghaeilge agus an bhfuiltear fós chun dul chun cinn leis an gcinneadh; agus an ndéanfaidh sé ráiteas ina thaobh. [38490/13]

Heritage Projects

Sandra McLellan

342. Deputy Sandra McLellan asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht where the Famine commemoration will take place in 2015; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41865/13]

City of Culture

Sandra McLellan

343. Deputy Sandra McLellan asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the procedure in order to apply to become a city of culture; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41866/13]

National Monuments

Sandra McLellan

346. Deputy Sandra McLellan asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the position regarding the national monument in Moore St; Dublin 1; the process by which any further developments will take place; if any new application for a development in that vicinity, and which affects the monument, will have to return to him for approval before being considered by the planning authority; or if it will otherwise proceed directly to the planning authority for consideration. [42309/13]

Museum Projects

Sandra McLellan

347. Deputy Sandra McLellan asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht his plans to develop a permanent exhibition to the Famine in the National Museum of Ireland in Dublin; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42311/13]