Ceisteanna Parlaiminte

Insolvency Service of Ireland Applications Data

Ann Phelan

613. Deputy Ann Phelan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the number of persons that have engaged with the Insolvency Service of Ireland to date; the number of cases that have dealt with mortgage arrears specifically; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [28971/14]

Drugs Payment Scheme Coverage

Ann Phelan

680. Deputy Ann Phelan asked the Minister for Health the reason the drug Fampyra, which is licensed by the Irish Medicines Board, is not available on the drug rebate scheme; if it is due to a decision, on cost grounds, by the National Centre for Pharmacoeconomics; and if so, the support he can provide to a person (details supplied) in County Carlow; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29031/14]

Mental Health Services Provision

Ann Phelan

761. Deputy Ann Phelan asked the Minister for Health if the review of governance structures in mental health services in Carlow, Kilkenny and South Tipperary has been completed; when same will be published; when same will be made available to Members of Dáil Éireann; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29703/14]

Public Participation Networks

Ann Phelan

144. Deputy Ann Phelan asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government in considering the roll-out of pilot counties and their findings, if he would consider amending the guidelines for the roll-out of PPN structures, in respect of County Carlow (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28876/14]

Proposed Legislation

Ann Phelan

145. Deputy Ann Phelan asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government when he expects the climate action and low carbon development Bill to come before the Houses of the Oireachtas and be approved by Government; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28879/14]

Insolvency Service of Ireland Application Numbers

Ann Phelan

165. Deputy Ann Phelan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the number of persons that have engaged with personal insolvency service to date; the number of cases that have dealt with mortgage arrears; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [28868/14]

Cancer Screening Programmes

Ann Phelan

208. Deputy Ann Phelan asked the Minister for Health if he will extend the free screening service provided by BreastCheck, to women aged between 65 and 69; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28875/14]

Youth Guarantee

Ann Phelan

231. Deputy Ann Phelan asked the Minister for Social Protection following the successful introduction of the pilot project in Ballymun of the Youth Guarantee scheme, if there is a timeline in place to establish such a scheme in a rural constituency; the supports that will be put in place to enable young persons to access these schemes; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [28061/14]

Voluntary Sector Funding

Ann Phelan

319. Deputy Ann Phelan asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government when the announcement will be made regarding funding for the scheme to support national organisations in the community and voluntary sector 2014-2016; if his attention has been drawn to the fact that in delaying this announcement small organisations, including some dealing with persons with disabilities, have had to put their staff on protective notice with redundancies to begin from 30 June onwards; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28062/14]

Medicinal Products Prices

Ann Phelan

647. Deputy Ann Phelan asked the Minister for Health the number of families who exceeded the drug rebate limit of €144 per month in each of the years 2011, 2012 and 2013; the amount that was paid out to such claimants in those years; if he will quantify the savings to his Department on a yearly basis for 2011, 2012 and 2013 due to savings on the costs of medicines; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27272/14]

Nursing Homes Support Scheme Oversight

Ann Phelan

541. Deputy Ann Phelan asked the Minister for Health the current status of the review of the fair deal scheme; if it will be debated in Dáil Éireann; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24569/14]

Nursing Home Services

Ann Phelan

196. Deputy Ann Phelan asked the Minister for Health based on the population projections by the centre for aging research and development confirming ESRI projections on major growth in the number of persons needing nursing home care, if he will ensure that a meaningful forum on long-term residential care, co-ordinated and led by his Department, will be established to discuss and plan the future of long-term residential care and the broader care requirements of our ageing society, bringing together all of the relevant stakeholders and including the NHI, State bodies, including his Department, the Health Service Executive, the National Treatment Purchase Fund, the Health Information and Quality Authority and representatives of older people, with clear terms of reference; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23775/14]

Medical Card Data

Ann Phelan

716. Deputy Ann Phelan asked the Minister for Health if he will quantify on a county basis the number of persons who have lost their medical cards in the 12 months up to the end of March 2014; the number of said persons who have been given GP only cards; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22143/14]

Humanitarian Assistance Scheme

Ann Phelan

110. Deputy Ann Phelan asked the Minister for Social Protection in relation to the humanitarian aid scheme arising from flooding in January and February 2014, if she will provide a breakdown, on a county basis, of the number of families assisted from this fund; if she will provide a breakdown of the moneys allocated to each county from the scheme; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [21752/14]

State Properties

Ann Phelan

151. Deputy Ann Phelan asked the Minister for Finance the amount of public land available, by county, that could be used by equine rescues; if there are currently any National Asset Management Agency properties, with stables and paddocks, that could be made available for use by animal welfare organisations such as horse sanctuaries; if there is a database with this information publically available; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20071/14]

Employment Rights

Ann Phelan

258. Deputy Ann Phelan asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation in the context of the transport industry and, specifically, with regard to the use of tacograph records as an acceptable means of time recording, the reason the National Employment Rights Authority, NERA, refuses to recognise same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18960/14]

Control of Horses

Ann Phelan

662. Deputy Ann Phelan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if his Department has a policy on discouraging the re-homing of equines impounded by local authorities; the amount his Department pay each local authority per equine impounded under the following circumstances; equine impounded, kept for five days then euthanised, equine impounded, kept for five days then reclaimed by owner, equine impounded, kept for five days then re-homed through an animal rescue organisation and-or equine impounded, kept for five days then re-homed by a person who is not the owner of the horse; the amount the different pounds charge the local authorities for the same services per horse; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19321/14]

Control of Horses

Ann Phelan

663. Deputy Ann Phelan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if his Department does not have a policy that discourages the local authorities from re-homing animals, he will remove the fee now being imposed on rescue organisations who wish to re-home; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19328/14]

Control of Horses

Ann Phelan

664. Deputy Ann Phelan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine when animals are euthanised in the pounds throughout the country, the method used; if it is not by barbiturate injection then why is this so; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19329/14]

Control of Horses

Ann Phelan

665. Deputy Ann Phelan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if any mares in foal are euthanised once they have been impounded; the number that were euthanised in 2013; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19330/14]

Control of Horses

Ann Phelan

666. Deputy Ann Phelan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the amount his Department spent in 2013 on impounding and killing equines; the amount the local authorities spent in 2013 by county on impounding and killing equines; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19331/14]

Equine Data

Ann Phelan

667. Deputy Ann Phelan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the number of equines that were exported live for Ireland for slaughter in Europe in 2013; the number of thoroughbred equines that are sent to factories here each year for 2012, 2013 and to date in 2014; the number of other equines that are sent to factories here each year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19332/14]

Disability Support Services Provision

Ann Phelan

756. Deputy Ann Phelan asked the Minister for Health the funding streams that have been put in place for the Dyspraxia Association of Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18733/14]

Mortgage to Rent Scheme Application Numbers

Ann Phelan

431. Deputy Ann Phelan asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if the mortgage to rent scheme is still being rolled out; if this in not the case, the reason it has ceased; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17826/14]

Planning Issues

Ann Phelan

435. Deputy Ann Phelan asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the position regarding the establishment of the planning regulator; if this has been set up, if it will be publicly announced; if members of the public contact the planning regulator if they have a grievance with the planning process or section in their area; the way they can do this; if the planning regulator will be able to investigate planning errors or cases retrospectively; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17851/14]

Rural Development Policy

Ann Phelan

441. Deputy Ann Phelan asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the recommendations of the CEDRA report; when it is due to come before Dáil Éireann; if it will be debated; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17887/14]

Defence Forces Personnel

Ann Phelan

506. Deputy Ann Phelan asked the Minister for Defence the status of negotiations with PDFORRA on its claim for a review of the maximum service of privates and corporals who enlisted post 1 January 1994; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17625/14]

Defence Forces Personnel

Ann Phelan

507. Deputy Ann Phelan asked the Minister for Defence if allowing fully trained personnel to leave the PDF after only 21 years is inefficient use of resources; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17626/14]

Defence Forces Personnel

Ann Phelan

508. Deputy Ann Phelan asked the Minister for Defence if personnel recruited post 1994 face a disadvantage in comparison to those members recruited pre-1994 in terms of the gratuity payment, pension arrangements and promotional opportunities; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17627/14]

Personal Insolvency Act

Ann Phelan

127. Deputy Ann Phelan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality based on the information provided by the Insolvency Service of Ireland that only four deals were struck involving mortgage debt in the past three months; the number of deals that have been struck since the establishment of the Personal Insolvency Service; the cost of the deals struck; his views on re-examining the Personal Insolvency Act with a view to amending same to make it more accessible in general as persons are not able to engage the service as they are unable to afford the services of the PIP in most cases; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16841/14]

Planning Issues

Ann Phelan

377. Deputy Ann Phelan asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the position regarding establishment of the planning regulator, as recommended in the report of the Mahon tribunal almost two years ago, who would be entrusted with the power to investigate possible systemic problems in the planning system, including those raising corruption risks; if he will outline who the inspector will be; the remit of his or her role; the way members of the public may contact and meet with the inspector in question; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15236/14]

Maternity Services Provision

Ann Phelan

588. Deputy Ann Phelan asked the Minister for Health when a protocol will be established in respect of the discharge of tracheostomy babies from hospital as soon as they are well enough; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15317/14]

Health Services Staff

Ann Phelan

1021. Deputy Ann Phelan asked the Minister for Health if he will clarify when it is expected that the Health Service Executive staff who have been working in an acting capacity, will transition into full post, as stipulated as part of the Haddington Road agreement, which was meant to take place in October 2013 with full back payment from July 2013, there are 12 positions that fit this criteria in Kilkenny alone; if he will confirm when this transition is due to take place; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13105/14]

Mortgage Arrears Proposals

Ann Phelan

59. Deputy Ann Phelan asked the Minister for Finance if his attention has been drawn to a number of customers being refused engagement by MARP when their circumstances improved because the bank claims that once a customer has been deemed unsustainable or similar, they cannot be considered even if their circumstances improve; if he approves of this approach; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12126/14]

Mortgage Arrears Proposals

Ann Phelan

60. Deputy Ann Phelan asked the Minister for Finance his views on whether many customers who engage tirelessly with the banks and are compliant are not being offered resolutions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12127/14]

Mortgage Arrears Proposals

Ann Phelan

61. Deputy Ann Phelan asked the Minister for Finance if he will indicate the location of the letters demanding voluntary surrender and sale categorised in the Department of Finance and Central Bank mortgage arrears statistical reports; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12128/14]

Mortgage Arrears Proposals

Ann Phelan

62. Deputy Ann Phelan asked the Minister for Finance if he has confidence in the figures regarding repossessions in the view of the banks without audit and without the banks' own quality control; his views on whether it is fair and right for the Irish people to accept data from these sources in view of the history of the same institutions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12129/14]

Banking Sector Staff

Ann Phelan

63. Deputy Ann Phelan asked the Minister for Finance if he will provide data on the banks that incentivise their mortgage arrears staff; the way these bonuses are calculated and paid; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12130/14]

Mortgage Arrears Proposals

Ann Phelan

102. Deputy Ann Phelan asked the Minister for Finance if consideration has been given to the application of the Iceland model for addressing mortgage distress, whereby mortgages are reset to 110% of current values; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11986/14]

Apprenticeship Programmes

Ann Phelan

158. Deputy Ann Phelan asked the Minister for Education and Skills his views on the introduction of a flat rate fee for apprentices attending the various institutes of technology, as part of their apprenticeship (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11996/14]

Postcode Implementation

Ann Phelan

306. Deputy Ann Phelan asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the proposed timeline for the introduction of a new post code system; the benefits this is expected to bring to the national and local economies; the implications for businesses, particularly for small and medium enterprises, jobs and opportunities for postal services; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11759/14]

Action Plan for Jobs

Ann Phelan

307. Deputy Ann Phelan asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if he will outline the areas under his remit that have experienced growth through the Action Plan for Jobs 2013; the areas identified for further supports and investments under his remit in the Action Plan for Jobs 2014; the core implications for the communications systems, energy requirements and natural resources; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11760/14]

Local Government Reform

Ann Phelan

386. Deputy Ann Phelan asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the way the LDC alignment process will affect the roll-out of the Tús programme; the stakeholders and elected members that will be represented on the LDCs and on the LEOs; the way this will be decided and by whom; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12118/14]

Housing Adaptation Grant Funding

Ann Phelan

389. Deputy Ann Phelan asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if he will clarify if his Department is willing to reduce the age limit to 60 years for the HOPS grants for applicants solely reliant on DSP payments such as invalidity pension and disability payments to assist those most vulnerable and most in need; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12160/14]

Personal Insolvency Act

Ann Phelan

422. Deputy Ann Phelan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the justification for not having an independent arbitrator in the insolvency process to act on behalf of debtors, when one party to the process, that is, the financial institution, is allowed a clear veto; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11984/14]

Insolvency Service of Ireland

Ann Phelan

423. Deputy Ann Phelan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality his views on whether lenders forcing debtors into the minimal standards of living set out by the insolvency service are sustainable solutions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11985/14]

Capital Expenditure Programme

Ann Phelan

40. Deputy Ann Phelan asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if he will provide a breakdown of the amount spent on stimulus projects since 2011 in the areas of health, education, transport, child care infrastructure and so on; their importance for the national economy; a breakdown at local and-or regional level of the various projects; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9407/14]

Building Regulations Compliance

Ann Phelan

492. Deputy Ann Phelan asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government regarding the building control amendment regulations, which are due to be enacted in March 2014, if he will consider amending SI 9, which currently states that a certificate of compliance on completion must be signed by a principal or director of a building company, to state that it is to be signed by the builder or home owner, thus making it legal for the home owner to sign the certificate, a circumstance which does not exist at present; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9476/14]

Personal Insolvency Act

Ann Phelan

543. Deputy Ann Phelan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the number of persons, on a county basis, who have engaged, so far, with the Personal Insolvency Service under the three separate headings outlined by the Personal Insolvency Act; the number of debt relief notices that have been issued since the Act’s inception; the number of debt relief arrangements that have been entered into; the number of personal insolvency arrangements that have been struck; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9478/14]

Inter-Country Adoptions

Ann Phelan

624. Deputy Ann Phelan asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the reason dossiers are not being sent to India, as per the US-Mexico model, for those couples who have been approved by the Health Service Executive to adopt from India, despite that country being closed to Ireland for adoptions; if the declarations and extensions will be extended beyond two years for declarations and one year for extensions of declarations; when she expects an accredited agency will be set up for adoption from India; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [9367/14]

Hospital Staff Recruitment

Ann Phelan

699. Deputy Ann Phelan asked the Minister for Health in respect of Waterford Regional Hospital, there are two part-time consultants in post and one ophthalmic surgeon, there are three permanent vacancies, one of which is currently being advertised and it is proposed that a second post will be filled from the panel, however, approval has been sought in respect of a third post; if approval has been given, when is it expected that the posts in question will be filled; if it is expected that as a result of filling these positions cataract operations will be increased in Waterford Regional Hospital; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9511/14]

Road Tolls

Ann Phelan

743. Deputy Ann Phelan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport regarding the HGV Road User Levy Act 2013, which will be brought into law in April, in the UK and Northern Ireland, that will impose a levy of £10 sterling on all HGVs entering the UK and Northern Ireland, the implications of such a charge being levied on the fleet of HGVs which regularly service Northern Ireland from the Republic will have a very serious impact on a sector that is already suffering, and it will have a very detrimental effect on employment within the industry; if he will negotiate a deal with the Northern Ireland Assembly that will see HGVs from the Republic exempt from this levy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9477/14]

Diplomatic Representation

Ann Phelan

36. Deputy Ann Phelan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade his plans to expand Ireland’s network of embassies further; and if an analysis of these embassies will be undertaken as part of the review of the Irish foreign policy consultation process; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7998/14]

Residency Permits

Ann Phelan

151. Deputy Ann Phelan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if he will investigate the case of a person (details supplied) in County Carlow who applied over one year ago for a visa in order to remain in the State based on their parentage of an Irish citizen child, in view of the financial and personal hardship this is causing this parent; if he will clarify the stage this application is at and when it is expected that this application will be assessed and completed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8407/14]

Military Medals

Ann Phelan

168. Deputy Ann Phelan asked the Minister for Defence the reasons no service medal was struck for soldiers of the National Army who served during the Civil War period, 1922-24, and then discharged; if these soldiers are the only ones who have not received a service medal; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8516/14]

Departmental Investigations

Ann Phelan

640. Deputy Ann Phelan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the position regarding the case of a farmer (details supplied) in County Kilkenny; where this case currently is; the action his Department proposes to take in respect of this case; the avenues open to this farmer now; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8173/14]

Mortgage Arrears Proposals

Ann Phelan

158. Deputy Ann Phelan asked the Minister for Finance the position regarding mortgage arrears and the process of repossession being pursued by the banks here if those deemed unsustainable for the mortgage arrears resolution process can requalify for the process if their circumstances change. [5523/14]

Mortgage Arrears Proposals

Ann Phelan

184. Deputy Ann Phelan asked the Minister for Finance the position regarding mortgage arrears and house repossessions in view of the banks here taking a harder line toward mortgage arrears; the reason his Department's monthly figures on arrears are unaudited; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5516/14]

Mortgage Arrears Proposals

Ann Phelan

185. Deputy Ann Phelan asked the Minister for Finance the position regarding repossessions of homes by Irish banks in view of the fact there are discrepancies and doubt over what are the correct figures for repossessions carried out by the banks here; the audits the Central Bank of Ireland conduct of bank repossession figures; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5517/14]

Mortgage Arrears Proposals

Ann Phelan

186. Deputy Ann Phelan asked the Minister for Finance in view of his recent comments regarding repossessions, if he will ensure that the issue is addressed by way of regulation or by including it in a code of conduct; and if so, in what code of conduct will he include same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5518/14]

Social Insurance Payments

Ann Phelan

334. Deputy Ann Phelan asked the Minister for Social Protection the position regarding the changes to PRSI, in particular employers' PRSI, which has now reverted to 8.5% from 4.25%; if this will have a negative impact on employers who have staff that are either on low pay or work less than 39 hours per week; if this will now add substantial costs to employers in wages; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [5228/14]

Water Charges Introduction

Ann Phelan

458. Deputy Ann Phelan asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the position regarding the quality of the water here that we are to be billed for in the future; if the quality of water is not deemed fit for human consumption, without additives, if that creates legal problems for Irish Water in charging for a product that is not fit for human consumption. [5206/14]

Departmental Funding

Ann Phelan

459. Deputy Ann Phelan asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the position regarding impending cutback to volunteer centres in Carlow, who have been informed that there will be a cut of 8% in their core funding; if he will reconsider these cutbacks, as they will have a direct effect on the services that volunteer centres offer to their local communities and will have a detrimental effect on their long term sustainability. [5207/14]

Mortgage Arrears Proposals

Ann Phelan

540. Deputy Ann Phelan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the position regarding mortgage arrears and the process of repossession being pursued by the banks here in view of the perception that the repossession of the family home is a resolution under the current process of personal insolvency whereas the reality is that this is merely a resolution for the creditor; and if he will indicate the way these resolutions are being presented by his Department. [5519/14]

Mortgage Arrears Proposals

Ann Phelan

541. Deputy Ann Phelan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the position regarding mortgage arrears and the process of repossession being pursued by the banks here; the protection the Constitution affords the family home and-or dwelling. [5520/14]

Mortgage Arrears Proposals

Ann Phelan

542. Deputy Ann Phelan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the position regarding mortgage arrears and the process of repossession being pursued by the banks here; the reason third level education fess for children are not included in reasonable living expenses, as this is a source of concern for families. [5521/14]

Mortgage Arrears Proposals

Ann Phelan

543. Deputy Ann Phelan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the position regarding mortgage arrears and the process of repossession being pursued by the banks here for those people who find themselves in a position where they can only resolve their debts through bankruptcy; and the reason they cannot avail of free legal aid. [5522/14]

Medical Card Eligibility

Ann Phelan

712. Deputy Ann Phelan asked the Minister for Health in view of general practitioners having full electronic visibility of the medical card panel of patients available to them and having the facility to allow temporary extension of eligibility for expiring cards where a sensitive renewal is appropriate, if he will outline what constitutes a sensitive renewal; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5483/14]

Mortgage Resolution Processes

Ann Phelan

31. Deputy Ann Phelan asked the Minister for Finance if he will provide in tabular form, broken down by county, the number of persons who have engaged in MARP; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4464/14]

Broadband Service Provision

Ann Phelan

114. Deputy Ann Phelan asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources as the new ESB (Electronic Communications Network) Bill might accelerate the roll-out of high speed broadband, when it is expected that the rural areas of Kilkenny, such as Moneenroe, County Kilkenny, should expect to receive a broadband upgrade as part of the national broadband plan; if an upgrade will result in cheaper broadband in this area and the range of the upgrade; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4399/14]

Insolvency Service of Ireland Data

Ann Phelan

141. Deputy Ann Phelan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if he will provide in tabular form, broken down by county, the number of persons who have applied for debt relief notice, personal insolvency arrangement or debt settlement arrangements; the number of persons who have filed for bankruptcy since January 2013; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4464/14]

Insolvency Service of Ireland Data

Ann Phelan

142. Deputy Ann Phelan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if he will provide, in tabular form, the average cost of engaging with a personal insolvency practitioner; the number of personal insolvency practitioners, broken down by county; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4465/14]

Job Creation

Ann Phelan

352. Deputy Ann Phelan asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation the up-to-date position regarding the former Braun site in County Carlow; the plans the industrial development Agency has in respect of this site; when it was last visited by IDA Ireland; the contact IDA Ireland has had with the Carlow local authority on developing the site; if any meetings have taken place on subdividing the site to make it more attractive for foreign direct investment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4283/14]

Sugar Industry

Ann Phelan

650. Deputy Ann Phelan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the position regarding the redevelopment of the sugar beet industry here; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4284/14]

Fire Stations Provision

Ann Phelan

447. Deputy Ann Phelan asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the reason the proposal for a new fire station for Graignamanagh, County Kilkenny, as part of the national fire appliance fleet, has not been considered under the fire service capital allocation fund, in view of the fact that the present building was built in the 1950s and is classified as substandard (details supplied) and should the county boundaries change, as is imminent, the catchment area served by Graignamanagh fire station will increase; if he will detail the fire stations that are currently being given priority as part of the national fire appliance fleet; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2633/14]

Fire Stations Upgrade

Ann Phelan

485. Deputy Ann Phelan asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the reason Graignamanagh fire station is the only station that has not received an upgrade, in view of the fact that it was approved in principle as far back as to 2008; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [55219/13]

Energy Resources

Ann Phelan

141. Deputy Ann Phelan asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if he will clarify the status of Grid 25 in relation to the domestic economy (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [54529/13]

Electromagnetic Fields Studies

Ann Phelan

149. Deputy Ann Phelan asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the research that has been undertaken to date in relation to the potential link between electromagnetic field, EMF, emissions and childhood leukaemia; the recent research or reports that have been undertaken-published in respect of the overall potential health risks, if any, that are associated with non-ionising radiation emitted from pylons; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [54527/13]

Fishing Industry

Ann Phelan

441. Deputy Ann Phelan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if a remuneration or compensation package is being considered by the EU for fishing businesses that were forced to cease operation here following the reduction in fishing quotas in 2009; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52999/13]

Local Improvement Scheme

Ann Phelan

170. Deputy Ann Phelan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if funding will be allocated for local improvement schemes within the local authorities in the forthcoming year of 2014; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52029/13]

Planning Issues

Ann Phelan

467. Deputy Ann Phelan asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the position regarding establishing the independent planning regulator's office; if he will indicate who the inspector will be; the remit of this role; the way members of the public may contact and meet with the inspector in question; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50333/13]

NAMA Portfolio

Ann Phelan

473. Deputy Ann Phelan asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government when it is expected that houses (details supplied) in County Kilkenny will be transferred from the National Asset Management Agency into Kilkenny local authorities as part of its social contract; the number of houses that will become available; if he will outline specifically the number of two-bedroom and three-bedroom houses that will be transferred; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50517/13]

Cochlear Implants

Ann Phelan

643. Deputy Ann Phelan asked the Minister for Health the position regarding cochlear implants, following the unanimous endorsement of the Oireachtas Joint Committee on Health and Children to support the case for a bilateral cochlear implant programme; and if that programme is to be included in the Health Service Executive's national service plan for 2014, in order that the programme may be rolled out. [50700/13]

Unfinished Housing Developments

Ann Phelan

140. Deputy Ann Phelan asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government under whose ownership an estate (details supplied) in County Carlow resides, the estate being a category 4 unfinished housing estate; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49845/13]

VAT Rate Reductions

Ann Phelan

21. Deputy Ann Phelan asked the Minister for Finance in the view of efforts made to make Ireland tobacco free by 2025, if he will consider lowering the VAT rate on items such as nicotine replacement therapies, and other items which aid persons giving up smoking, to a new special rate, lower than the currently affixed 23% (details supplied). [49073/13]

Mortgage to Rent Scheme Eligibility

Ann Phelan

139. Deputy Ann Phelan asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if his Department plans to implement a mortgage-to-rent scheme for families who are experiencing severe financial difficulty; the merits of implementing such a scheme in respect of its ability to retain the family home as another measure of dealing with the level of indebtedness that families currently have; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49757/13]

Housing Adaptation Grant Funding

Ann Phelan

140. Deputy Ann Phelan asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if he will clarify the amount of funding being allocated to counties Carlow and Kilkenny as part of the housing adaptation programme for 2014; if he will consider removing the monetary figure attached to the funding such as the €6,000 for walk-in shower, €10,500 for housing aid for older people grants, €30,000 for HGDs and instead base each application on its own merit, on a case-by-case basis; if he will consider prioritising cases of elderly couples who are in receipt of the contributory-non-contributory pension only for adaptation grants; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49761/13]

Proposed Legislation

Ann Phelan

381. Deputy Ann Phelan asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the main provisions of the upcoming monuments Bill, and any proposed changes to existing legislation which the Government has scheduled for publication next year. [49332/13]

Credit Unions

Ann Phelan

39. Deputy Ann Phelan asked the Minister for Finance the differences between a credit union and its members in County Kilkenny (details supplied) and that of the case outlined in the Sunday Times on 29 September 2013; if he will outline in detail the criteria for same; his views on the matter with particular reference to the credit union in question; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48619/13]

Social Welfare Fraud Investigations

Ann Phelan

80. Deputy Ann Phelan asked the Minister for Social Protection the position regarding the new social welfare checks announced recently (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [48407/13]

Personal Insolvency Act

Ann Phelan

130. Deputy Ann Phelan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the qualifying criteria for persons whom the Personal Insolvency Act was designed to help; if he will consider a nine month review of the legislation enacted, to find out the number of persons that have engaged with the process; and the way the legislation is actually helping those who need it most. [48510/13]

Animal Breeding Regulations

Ann Phelan

146. Deputy Ann Phelan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the position regarding the request from the Irish Draught Horse Society to seek the licence for the studbook of the Irish draught horse (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48522/13]

Student Support Schemes Issues

Ann Phelan

146. Deputy Ann Phelan asked the Minister for Education and Skills in regard to the residential qualifications for those applying to Student Universal Support Ireland, if an applicant is under 23 years of age on 1 January in the year of entry, or re-entry, to an approved course, the applicant is not considered to be living independently of their parents-guardians, even if the applicant is not living with them; if this is the case where the applicant has a spouse; if only mature students, that is those over the age of 23, who are living away from home are considered to be independent applicants and will be assessed as such; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48264/13]

Office of Public Works Properties

Ann Phelan

369. Deputy Ann Phelan asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if he will provide a list of properties in counties Carlow and Kilkenny that are under the ownership of the Office of Public Works; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46183/13]

Seniors Alert Scheme Issues

Ann Phelan

662. Deputy Ann Phelan asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government in view of the importance of personal alarm systems for elderly persons, if he and his Department are in the process of expanding the roll-out of the personal alarm schemes and are currently working with technical companies to devise a way of linking the alarms in question to mobile telephones, instead of sole reliance on a landline telephone service; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46045/13]

Living City Initiative

Ann Phelan

151. Deputy Ann Phelan asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht if the extension of the Living City initiative announced by him in budget 2014 (details supplied) will have an effect on the three existing pre-1915 houses in Vicar Street, Kilkenny, in view of the proposed central access scheme for the city; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45424/13]

State Properties Data

Ann Phelan

114. Deputy Ann Phelan asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the amount of land in public ownership in counties Carlow and Kilkenny; and if he will identify all lands owned by the public, including land owned by local authorities and semi-State bodies. [45286/13]

Energy Resources

Ann Phelan

192. Deputy Ann Phelan asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the position regarding geothermal energy here in the future; if the energy and technology used is the same as that used in fracking, and his plans to consult with the public in seeking approval for the use of such technology. [43251/13]

Energy Resources

Ann Phelan

193. Deputy Ann Phelan asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the position regarding the geothermal industry; his plans for the future regulation of the industry in view of the lack of the primary legislative framework for the exploration, development and commercialisation of geothermal energy [43252/13]

Energy Resources

Ann Phelan

194. Deputy Ann Phelan asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources in relation to geo therrmal energy and its development hre, if there are subsidies available to support renewable projects like GT Energy and his views on the preparation to harness the power of GT Energy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43253/13]