Ceisteanna Parlaiminte

Horticulture Sector

Éamon Ó Cuív

99. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine his plans to examine whether below-cost selling of fruit, vegetables and potatoes increases food wastage; if it does, the steps he will take to ban the practice; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39846/15]

Horticulture Sector

Éamon Ó Cuív

100. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the steps he will take to ensure there is no sale of vegetables, fruit and potatoes at uneconomic prices during Christmas 2015, as happened two years ago; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39847/15]

Horticulture Sector

Éamon Ó Cuív

101. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the steps he will take to stop the week-to-week price volatility for farmers in the horticulture sector, given the serious impact on farmers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39848/15]

Direct Payment Scheme

Éamon Ó Cuív

102. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine why it is proposed to impose group penalties on farmers for non-compliance with cross-compliance issues on commonages under the current Common Agriculture Policy, when European Union Regulation No. 809 of 2014, Item 86, allows for such non-cross-compliance penalties to only apply to non-compliant members individually, rather than to the group as a whole; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39852/15]

Targeted Agricultural Modernisation Scheme

Éamon Ó Cuív

103. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine to outline his plans to have sheep fencing included under the targeted agricultural modernisation scheme 2014-20; the steps to be gone through before the scheme will be advertised; when it is expected that the European Union will give approval for this; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39853/15]

Equine Industry

Éamon Ó Cuív

104. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine further to Parliamentary Question No. 262 of 27 January 2015 for an updated version of the information, given the time lag involved since the question was originally put down; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39854/15]

Beef Data and Genomics Programme

Éamon Ó Cuív

105. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if a person who buys a 5-star rated bull could find that in subsequent years the star rating of the same animal has been reduced; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39855/15]

Beef Data and Genomics Programme

Éamon Ó Cuív

106. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if there is any guarantee that 5-star rated bulls in artificial insemination catalogues will retain this star rating in future; the effect it could have on farmers if it was subsequently found out that artificial insemination bulls had been over-rated; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39856/15]

Planning Issues

Éamon Ó Cuív

191. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if local authorities have the power to remove protected structures from the list of protected structures; how this may be done; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39851/15]

Air Services Provision

Éamon Ó Cuív

216. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht her plans to provide funding for the provision of a suitable helipad on Inishturk island off the coast of County Mayo; if funding has been sought for this facility by Mayo County Council; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [39849/15]

Heritage Sites

Éamon Ó Cuív

217. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht if funding will be provided in 2016 to local authorities or to the Heritage Council for conservation works on protected structures that are on local authority protected structures lists; the amount to be provided; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [39850/15]

Easter Rising Commemorations

Éamon Ó Cuív

218. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the allocation from her Department for the 1916 commemoration, by local authority in 2015 and in 2016; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [39857/15]

Basic Payment Scheme Payments

Éamon Ó Cuív

76. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine when payment will issue under the 2015 basic payment scheme to a person (details supplied) in County Galway; the reason for the delay; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39645/15]

Basic Payment Scheme Payments

Éamon Ó Cuív

77. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine when payment will issue under the 2015 basic payment scheme to a person (details supplied) in County Galway; the reason for the delay; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39646/15]

Basic Payment Scheme Payments

Éamon Ó Cuív

78. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine when payment will issue under the 2015 basic payment scheme to a person (details supplied) in County Galway; the reason for the delay; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39647/15]

Water Conservation Grant Applications

Éamon Ó Cuív

141. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Social Protection the reason a water conservation grant has not issued to a person (details supplied) in County Mayo; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [39183/15]

Water Conservation Grant Applications

Éamon Ó Cuív

161. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Social Protection if she will accept a late application for a water conservation grant from a person (details supplied) in County Galway given that her Department did not issue a letter inviting the person to apply for the water conservation grant; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [39451/15]

Basic Payment Scheme Payments

Éamon Ó Cuív

263. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine when payments under the 2015 areas of natural constraint scheme and the basic payment schemes will issue to a person (details supplied) in County Galway; the reason for the delay; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39159/15]

Basic Payment Scheme Payments

Éamon Ó Cuív

264. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine when payments under the 2015 areas of natural constraint scheme and basic payment scheme will issue to a person (details supplied) in County Galway; the reason for the delay; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39160/15]

Basic Payment Scheme Payments

Éamon Ó Cuív

265. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine when payments under the 2015 areas of natural constraint scheme and the 2015 basic payment scheme will issue to a person (details supplied) in County Galway; the reason for the delay; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39161/15]

Basic Payment Scheme Payments

Éamon Ó Cuív

266. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine when payments under the 2015 areas of natural constraint scheme and the 2015 basic payment scheme will issue to a person (details supplied) in County Galway; the reason for the delay; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39162/15]

Departmental Expenditure

Éamon Ó Cuív

307. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the reason for his Department's underspend of €95 million against profile at the end of October 2015; the breakdown of this underspend, by scheme or subhead in the Revised Estimates Volume; the steps he will take to ensure a full spend of the Estimate by the end of 2015; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39614/15]

Areas of Natural Constraint Scheme Payments

Éamon Ó Cuív

308. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the number of applicants under the areas of natural constraint scheme and the basic payment scheme in 2016; the number of farmers who have received their first payment; the number who have not received their first payment under the schemes in 2015; the steps he is taking to expedite payments; the amount paid out under each scheme in 2015 to date, in comparison to the amounts paid out under the corresponding disadvantaged areas scheme and the single payment scheme at the same time in 2014; if all data will be broken down by county; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39615/15]

Leader Programmes Applications

Éamon Ó Cuív

1. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government to set out the progress made to date in the roll-out of the Leader programme; the number of sub-regions where there is only one approved bidder; the numbers of completed plans received from these areas; the expected date of commencement of contracts for the first movers; the number of contracts it is hoped will be signed by the end of the year to deliver the programme; the latest date by which areas where there is more than one bidder must deliver their plans for evaluation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38545/15]

Traveller Accommodation

Éamon Ó Cuív

12. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the amount approved for Traveller-specific housing in 2015, in County Galway and Galway city; the details of these approvals; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37453/15]

Social and Affordable Housing Data

Éamon Ó Cuív

13. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the number of new social or voluntary houses approved for construction in 2015 in Galway city and county; the number of existing houses approved for purchase; when these houses will be completed and ready for occupation; the steps he will take to ensure an adequate supply of social housing in County Galway; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37452/15]

Student Support Schemes

Éamon Ó Cuív

206. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Education and Skills if she has raised the issue of the delay in issuing 2015 student grant approvals with Student Universal Support Ireland; if she plans impressing upon it the need for grant approvals to be issued in good time, as students are struggling financially; the number of students still awaiting final approval of their grants; the length of time it is taking to assess applications once all supporting documentation, as requested, has been submitted; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [38867/15]

Northern Ireland Issues

Éamon Ó Cuív

113. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he has made any representations to the Northern Ireland authorities regarding the length of remand that segregated prisoners are held under in Northern Ireland; if he will confirm if he has received a response; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36844/15]

Northern Ireland Issues

Éamon Ó Cuív

146. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the representations made by him to the Northern Ireland authorities in relation to the lack of implementation of the stock-take of prison conditions in Magherberry for segregated republican and loyalist prisoners; the assurances given to him that this matter will receive priority implementation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36843/15]

Water Conservation Grant

Éamon Ó Cuív

182. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Social Protection if she will clarify a matter in relation to the case of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 3; if her Department has received a valid application for a water conservation grant from the person; when payment will be made, or if she will confirm that all details are in order, as the person seems to be spending hours processing these matters on the telephone and online; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [37500/15]

Jobseeker's Allowance Eligibility

Éamon Ó Cuív

183. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Social Protection if she will examine the case of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 13 who has been out of work since mid-August 2015 and who has been refused a jobseeker's payment because of his previous salary; if the matter will be re-examined as the person is currently living on savings; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [37502/15]

Water Conservation Grant

Éamon Ó Cuív

233. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Social Protection if she will accept a late application for a water conservation grant from a person (details supplied) in County Galway, given that her Department told this person that he could not apply for this grant due to not having a bank account; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [38041/15]

Tax Credits

Éamon Ó Cuív

290. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Finance the position regarding tax allowance and credits for couples living together; the reason the anomalies between married couples and unmarried couples still exist; if details of how they are treated can be outlined for both working and one working; the reason unmarried couples continue to be discriminated against; if it is an issue that can be corrected by legislation, or if it has constitutional implications; if he will further explain the matter; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37501/15]

Central Bank of Ireland

Éamon Ó Cuív

291. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Finance if he will clarify the matter of the 2015 Central Bank category C industry funding levy which shows a 45% increase over last year, and a 300% increase in some cases; if he is aware of concerns from the Irish Brokers Association and the Professional Insurance Brokers Association; if he has yet received the submission from the Central Bank of Ireland for approval; if he will prevent such huge increases occurring; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37503/15]

Drainage Schemes

Éamon Ó Cuív

349. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform further to a previous parliamentary question of 22 September 2015, when approval will be given for a drainage scheme on the Clare River; the reason for the delay, given that the reply of 22 September 2015 stated that a decision was due imminently; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38178/15]

Exchequer Payments

Éamon Ó Cuív

356. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation for a list of the cost to the Exchequer of Oifig Uachtarán na hÉireann; the main expenditure categories including staff number, maintenance, capital improvements, etc.; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37504/15]

Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership

Éamon Ó Cuív

412. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the steps he is taking with European Union colleagues in relation to the transatlantic trade and investment partnership negotiations to ensure that no beef will be allowed access into the Union which is produced at a lower standard; his position regarding additional quotas of tariff-free beef entering the Union from the United States being considered in the negotiations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37506/15]

Trade Agreements

Éamon Ó Cuív

413. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he has had discussions at European Union level following the recent decision by the US to increase the tariff on all imported butter from EU countries by the reported figure of 59 cent per kilogramme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37507/15]

GLAS Data

Éamon Ó Cuív

428. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the number of farmers who have, to date, been officially informed that they have been accepted into the green low carbon agri-environment scheme; the date from which all contracts in tranche 1 will be operable; the average payment per year, approved for the farmers notified to date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37775/15]

Rural Development Plan

Éamon Ó Cuív

429. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the allocation in the rural development plan 2014 to 2020 for the new green low carbon agri-environment scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37776/15]

Targeted Agricultural Modernisation Scheme

Éamon Ó Cuív

430. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the assistance available from his Department to farmers, who are over 40 years of age, to build a shed to hold fodder; if no assistance is currently available, if he plans to provide it in the future; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37778/15]

Fishing Industry

Éamon Ó Cuív

431. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the qualifications or criteria that an entity or company must have or satisfy, to be eligible to deliver the next local action fishery programme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37781/15]

Beef Data Programme

Éamon Ó Cuív

432. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the number of active participants in the beef data and genomics scheme; the number of farmers who have submitted samples; the number of these who have submitted all their samples; the number of animals involved; the number of applicants who have submitted their survey forms by post and online; the latest date for submitting samples and surveys to ensure payment in 2015 under this scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37786/15]

Scéimeanna Rannach

Éamon Ó Cuív

444. D'fhiafraigh Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív den Aire Talmhaíochta, Bia agus Mara an bhfuil sé i gceist aige na rialacha a athrú chun gur féidir le hiascairí a fuair tonnáiste faoin Scéim um Báid a Chuaigh go Tóin Poill é a dhíol ar an margadh oscailte ó tharla go bhfuil os cionn deich mbliana caite anois ó bronnadh an tonnáiste seo; agus an ndéanfaidh sé ráiteas ina thaobh. [37949/15]

EU Funding

Éamon Ó Cuív

464. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine when €13.7 million made available by the European Union due to the crisis in the dairy industry will be paid to dairy farmers; the basis on which it will be paid; the percentage of the fund that will be used to provide a top-up to young farmers; the number of farmers who will benefit; the number of these who will receive the young farmers top-up; the amount of the expected payment to each farmer over 40 years of age, and to each farmer under 40 years of age; the expected amount of any Exchequer top-up to the fund; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38171/15]

Agriculture Scheme Payments

Éamon Ó Cuív

465. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine when payment under the areas of natural constraints scheme and the basic payment scheme will issue to a farmer (details supplied) in County Donegal; whether payments under the basic payment scheme include an element of the greening payment; if not, when will the greening payment be made; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38175/15]

Departmental Schemes

Éamon Ó Cuív

466. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the estimated cost of the areas of natural constraints scheme, if the cutbacks that applied since 2008 to it and to the disadvantaged areas scheme, which preceded it, were to be reversed, and if the level of payments under the scheme were to revert to the 2007 level; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38177/15]

Ambulance Service Response Times

Éamon Ó Cuív

740. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Health the average waiting times for ambulances in the west Connemara area primarily served by the ambulance station in Clifden, in County Galway, measuring the time from the time of the request for an ambulance until its arrival at the scene; the steps he will take to reduce these waiting times; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37783/15]

Cross-Border Health Initiatives

Éamon Ó Cuív

754. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Health if a person (details supplied) in Dublin 5 is covered by the Health Service Executive to have hip replacement surgery carried out under the cross-Border health initiative; if he will provide details of the entitlement for same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37860/15]

Respite Care Services Availability

Éamon Ó Cuív

755. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Health when respite care will be provided for a person (details supplied) in Dublin 13, given that hospitals previously providing care for this person, and other persons with similar health care needs, have closed down. [37862/15]