Ceisteanna Parlaiminte

Industrial Property Portfolio

Seán Kyne

336. Deputy Seán Kyne asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation if his Department and agencies under its remit are conducting reviews on the availability of infrastructure for use by small and medium enterprises or multinationals, to ensure sufficient capacity for expansion, with particular reference to County Galway and the West. [15827/15]

Beef Technology Adoption Programme Payments

Seán Kyne

353. Deputy Seán Kyne asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the reason a beef technology adoption programme payment was not paid in respect of a person (details supplied); when payment is expected; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15371/15]

Proposed Legislation

Seán Kyne

421. Deputy Seán Kyne asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the status of the Criminal Law (Sexual Offences) Bill 2014; and if the passage of this legislation will be expedited in view of the upcoming reforms in neighbouring jurisdictions, which could negatively impact on this country. [15825/15]

Broadband Service Provision

Seán Kyne

683. Deputy Seán Kyne asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if his Department has engaged with the ESB in terms of the organisation's expansion into broadband provision by way of the electricity network; the type and level of engagement; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15809/15]

Services for People with Disabilities

Seán Kyne

13. Deputy Seán Kyne asked the Minister for Health the progress of the new system for providing services for school leavers with a disability; if it is providing greater choice for the school leavers and their families; if his Department is liaising with the Department of Education and Skills concerning greater third level options for persons with disabilities; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14661/15]

HIQA Remit

Seán Kyne

22. Deputy Seán Kyne asked the Minister for Health the progress on extending the remit of the Health Information and Quality Authority to oversee and inspect private health care facilities; and the type of facilities such new powers will cover. [14662/15]

Early Childhood Care and Education

Seán Kyne

18. Deputy Seán Kyne asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs in relation to the Better Outcomes, Brighter Futures policy framework from 2014 to 2020, the progress at achieving the commitment to introduce a second free preschool year, which is envisaged for introduction before the end of the policy framework duration; and if consideration is being given to enhancing and extending the hours currently provided under the first preschool year, as a precursor to the introduction of the second year. [14469/15]

Irish Language

Seán Kyne

228. Deputy Seán Kyne asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation to set out his views on the type and extent of training being provided to the cohort of staff identified as proficient in providing services to members of the public who wish to transact with the Department through Irish. [14888/15]

Local Enterprise Offices

Seán Kyne

229. Deputy Seán Kyne asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation if he will report on the status and operation of the protocol between his Department and Údarás na Gaeltachta regarding the work of and supports provided by local enterprise offices in Gaeltacht areas. [14889/15]

Nursing Home Services

Seán Kyne

635. Deputy Seán Kyne asked the Minister for Health if consideration has been given to extending the remit of registered nurse prescribers to address the needs of medical card holders in private nursing home facilities to the same extent as is currently permitted regarding non-medical card holders in such facilities; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14890/15]

Pharmacy Services

Seán Kyne

636. Deputy Seán Kyne asked the Minister for Health his views on the concept of a minor ailment scheme involving Irish pharmacies; if he is aware of the high success rate of such schemes in other jurisdictions; and if such a scheme has been, or is being, considered by the Health Service Executive and his Department. [14891/15]

Vaccination Programme

Seán Kyne

643. Deputy Seán Kyne asked the Minister for Health if he will provide an update on the consideration by his Department of the recommendation of the National Immunisation Advisory Committee for the inclusion of the meningitis B vaccine as part of the primary childhood immunisation schedule; and if proposed action on securing the best possible cost arrangements for the State for procuring medications includes such vaccines. [14930/15]

Departmental Reports

Seán Kyne

739. Deputy Seán Kyne asked the Minister for Education and Skills the status of the report on researching the policies and practices in other jurisdictions such as Wales and the Catalan region in Spain that are comparable socio-linguistically to Gaeltacht areas, as identified in the 20 Year Strategy for the Irish Language 2010 to 2030. [14886/15]

Planning Issues

Seán Kyne

827. Deputy Seán Kyne asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if the process of reviewing the 2007 planning guidelines on development plans, with particular reference to the process of enhancing the guidance for Gaeltacht areas, has commenced and, if so, if he will provide an update. [14887/15]

Departmental Funding

Seán Kyne

828. Deputy Seán Kyne asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the position regarding the review of the scheme to support national organisations; when it is expected that the review will be complete; if it will be published before the end of the period for which bridging funding was provided; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14931/15]

Garda Transport Provision

Seán Kyne

31. Deputy Seán Kyne asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the number of Garda Síochána cars in the Galway division; the future plans; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [13352/15]

GLAS Eligibility

Seán Kyne

105. Deputy Seán Kyne asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if privately owned areas of land designated as natural heritage areas but not designated as Natura are eligible for the €79 per hectare payment as farmland habitat, and eligible for Tier 1 priority under the green low-carbon agri-environmental scheme; if not, the reason these areas are not eligible; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13699/15]

School Accommodation Provision

Seán Kyne

229. Deputy Seán Kyne asked the Minister for Education and Skills the additional accommodation needs and accommodation improvements that have been identified for a school (details supplied) in County Galway; if she is aware of the increases in enrolment forecast; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [13698/15]

Knowledge Development Box

Seán Kyne

29. Deputy Seán Kyne asked the Minister for Finance if he will report on the status of the knowledge development box initiative, as announced in budget 2015; the work to date on the initiative; and when it is envisaged that it will be launched. [13071/15]

Tax Code

Seán Kyne

32. Deputy Seán Kyne asked the Minister for Finance his views on the new proposals from the European Union on introducing a consolidated common corporation tax framework, in view of the potential impact of such a measure on substantial employment numbers here; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13068/15]

Basic Payment Scheme Eligibility

Seán Kyne

158. Deputy Seán Kyne asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the involvement he and his Department have had regarding the definition of ineligible forage areas and what is meant by permanent grassland under the single payment scheme for farmers and its successor the basic payment scheme, particularly with regard to commonages; if his attention has been drawn to the implications of such definitions on farming practice and its impact on special protection areas and special areas of conservation; his views on concerns that the State may face fines for breaches of the Habitats Directive; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10177/15]

Basic Payment Scheme Eligibility

Seán Kyne

180. Deputy Seán Kyne asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will have a role or an input into the definition of ineligible areas and permanent grassland as they relate to his Department's schemes, particularly as they may impact on special areas of conservation and special protection areas; his views on concerns regarding breaches of the Habitats Directive; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10176/15]

Sports Facilities Provision

Seán Kyne

713. Deputy Seán Kyne asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the financial options available to the State in supporting the construction of a national ice arena which could be used for exhibitions and training for the Olympics and Paralympics; if he will provide revenues from rental uses; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13056/15]

Foreign Direct Investment

Seán Kyne

35. Deputy Seán Kyne asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation his plans to ensure that Ireland remains at number one in the world in terms of the provision of investment incentives to attract inward investment; the way this encourages companies to invest here; the way it improves the creation of direct and indirect jobs; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12079/15]

Public Sector Staff Retirements

Seán Kyne

19. Deputy Seán Kyne asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the number of persons who have retired from the public service and Civil Service under Government voluntary early retirement and voluntary redundancy schemes since 2008; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11694/15]

Agriculture Scheme Payments

Seán Kyne

343. Deputy Seán Kyne asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the reason a person (details supplied) in County Galway has not received a payment under the disadvantaged areas scheme for 2014; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11508/15]

Agriculture Scheme Payments

Seán Kyne

344. Deputy Seán Kyne asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the basis on which his Department decided a person (details supplied) in County Galway was overpaid under the disadvantaged areas scheme 2013; the lands deemed ineligible; the reason the same aerial photograph was used in the 2013 and 2014 applications to outline the person's lands; the reason these were dated differently, that is, 8 November 2013 and 22 February 2014; the reason an updated photograph has not been used to identify the present farm lands; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11513/15]

Single Payment Scheme Payments

Seán Kyne

390. Deputy Seán Kyne asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine to set out the reason a payment under the single payment scheme was reduced in respect of a person (details supplied), as outlined in his statement on 2 February 2015; the area of land if any that this covers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12056/15]

Single Payment Scheme Payments

Seán Kyne

395. Deputy Seán Kyne asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine to set out the reason there is a debt of €1,153.11 outstanding in respect of a person (details supplied) under the 2014 single payment scheme; the reason this money is due; the reason a sum of €3,252.24 was recovered; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12150/15]

Renewable Energy Generation

Seán Kyne

32. Deputy Seán Kyne asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources following the welcome announcement by an ICT company of its plans to develop a facility which will be fully self-reliant on renewable sources for its energy requirements, his Department's plans to enable other organisations, both public and private, to develop more sustainable energy sources and, in particular, the plans to assist with retrofitting of existing facilities. [10237/15]

Energy Efficiency

Seán Kyne

41. Deputy Seán Kyne asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the progress on the introduction of a pay-as-you-save system for financing energy efficient upgrades; the number of times the project teams established for this purpose has met and which Departments or departmental sectors are represented on the team. [10228/15]

Single Payment Scheme Payments

Seán Kyne

84. Deputy Seán Kyne asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the reason a person (details supplied) in County Galway has not received a payment under the single payment scheme for 2014; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10749/15]

Cycling Facilities Provision

Seán Kyne

139. Deputy Seán Kyne asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will report on the progress of the bike rental scheme operating in County Galway; if there are performance indicators available for the scheme so far; and if reviews of this scheme and others are planned. [9984/15]

Road Projects

Seán Kyne

140. Deputy Seán Kyne asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if, in the context of the traffic issues experienced in County Galway, his Department or the agencies under the remit of his Department have examined alternations or improvements to the Quincentennial Bridge; if such considerations have been ruled out, the reasons for same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9982/15]

Legislative Process

Seán Kyne

147. Deputy Seán Kyne asked the Taoiseach in the context of reforming the legislative process, if legislation is subject to a review, within a set period of time after its enactment; and if so, the way it is envisaged such reviews will be carried out. [10455/15]

Regional Development Initiatives

Seán Kyne

250. Deputy Seán Kyne asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation his views on holding public consultation sessions in counties Galway and Mayo to assist in the development of a regional enterprise strategy for the west; and if he will ensure that the strategy takes into account the different challenges across the region. [10452/15]

Nursing Homes Support Scheme Data

Seán Kyne

440. Deputy Seán Kyne asked the Minister for Health the steps being taken to ensure the nursing homes support scheme or fair deal scheme are able to process applications as quickly as possible to ensure persons requiring residential care are able to transfer from acute hospitals as soon as practicable. [10451/15]

Schools Building Projects Status

Seán Kyne

495. Deputy Seán Kyne asked the Minister for Education and Skills if a site has been acquired at a location (details supplied) in County Galway for a new vocational school; if the design team has been appointed in advance of the project; and when it is envisaged that a planning application will be submitted. [10450/15]

Straitéis 20 Bliain don Ghaeilge

Seán Kyne

630. Deputy Seán Kyne asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht her views on expediting the objective contained in the 20 year strategy for the Irish language between 2010 and 2030 of promoting and supporting the use of packaging which is bilingual in view of the fact that such a step would greatly heighten the visibility of the first language across the country. [10454/15]

Disability Services Funding

Seán Kyne

216. Deputy Seán Kyne asked the Minister for Health his views on the value-for-money review being conducted by the Health Service Executive and the impacts the requests being made, under this review, pose to organisations such as Ability West, which provides services to persons of all ages with intellectual disabilities; and if the review is taking account of the improving financial position of the State. [9759/15]

Planning Issues

Seán Kyne

33. Deputy Seán Kyne asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government his views regarding the proportion of new homes which must be reserved as social, or affordable, housing under Part 5 of the Planning and Development Acts; his further views that the original intent of Part 5 is being achieved; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9079/15]

Severe Weather Events Response

Seán Kyne

36. Deputy Seán Kyne asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government , while acknowledging the allocation of funding in 2014 for repairs necessitated by the storm damage caused in January 2014, if funding will be made available to local authorities for repairs necessitated following damage caused by storms in February 2014, which were particularly acute on offshore islands. [9076/15]

Flood Prevention Measures

Seán Kyne

241. Deputy Seán Kyne asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if he will provide an update on the Office of Public Works progress on flood relief and defences at a location (details supplied) in County Galway. [9333/15]

Public Procurement Contracts

Seán Kyne

256. Deputy Seán Kyne asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation the progress to assist Irish small and medium enterprises in their bids for procurement contracts, at home and abroad, in view of the benefits such contracts have for local economies. [9332/15]

Primary Care Centres Provision

Seán Kyne

440. Deputy Seán Kyne asked the Minister for Health the progress made to date on redeveloping a health centre (details supplied) in County Galway. [9330/15]

Pharmacy Services

Seán Kyne

441. Deputy Seán Kyne asked the Minister for Health his plans to lead or lend support to a public information campaign to make persons aware of the range of services available at their local pharmacies, which would lead to quicker outcomes for some persons and reduce pressure on emergency departments. [9331/15]

Teaching Qualifications

Seán Kyne

530. Deputy Seán Kyne asked the Minister for Education and Skills if consideration will be given to extending the time required to be spent in the Gaeltacht improving language skills, as part of teacher training; and if the financial support scheme could be re-introduced for such an important component of the training programme. [9352/15]

Local Government Reform

Seán Kyne

561. Deputy Seán Kyne asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government in view of the recently announced review of the boundaries of Cork and Galway cities and the possibility of amalgamating city and county councils, if he will report on the savings made to date and projected for the first year since the amalgamation of local authorities in counties Waterford, Limerick and Tipperary; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5772/15]

Housing Regeneration

Seán Kyne

579. Deputy Seán Kyne asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if a funding programme through grants or tax relief will be considered to support persons who purchase derelict or abandoned properties in rural areas with the intention of restoring and renovating them to serve as their principal private residence owing to the benefits such actions have for rural communities, as well as for the provision of housing stock. [9353/15]

Rural Transport Programme

Seán Kyne

622. Deputy Seán Kyne asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if there is a mechanism for supporting the transport co-ordination units in extending their services for specific purposes, such as providing transport for persons availing of a cycling tourism business, and other opportunities, which the units could pursue on a collaborative basis. [9345/15]

UK Referendum on EU Membership

Seán Kyne

8. Deputy Seán Kyne asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he will elaborate on the aim, contained in the Global Island, Ireland's Foreign Policy for a Changing World, of Ireland as a neighbour of the United Kingdom, to work to encourage that country's continued membership of the European Union; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8268/15]

Trade Strategy

Seán Kyne

24. Deputy Seán Kyne asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he will report on the role his Department and the embassy network are playing regarding the Year of Irish Design 2015, which is aiming to promote and support Irish craft and design at home and abroad. [8267/15]

Offshore Islands

Seán Kyne

228. Deputy Seán Kyne asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if he will provide a breakdown of the funding provided to Inishbofin Island in 2013, and 2014 by the sections of his Department originally part of the old Department of Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs. [8571/15]

Offshore Islands

Seán Kyne

259. Deputy Seán Kyne asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht if she will provide a breakdown of the current expenditure figures, detailing the funding from her Department to Inishbofin Island, for the years 2013, and 2014. [8572/15]

Ambulance Service Response Times

Seán Kyne

16. Deputy Seán Kyne asked the Minister for Health his plans to increase the number of first responders in communities, particularly in rural communities; if he will provide details of the work ongoing to improve ambulance response rates, particularly in north west Connemara, County Galway; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7979/15]

Ambulance Service Provision

Seán Kyne

29. Deputy Seán Kyne asked the Minister for Health the positive impact on Galway city and the west of Galway county, following the decision to staff an ambulance station in Tuam, County Galway; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8001/15]

Commonage Division

Seán Kyne

96. Deputy Seán Kyne asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the reason commonage landowners are not notified in advance of inspections of their commonages, by his Department, and are not presented with a control report to sign; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8322/15]

Preschool Services

Seán Kyne

143. Deputy Seán Kyne asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs if he will report on consideration being given to extending the free year of preschool education; if this will involve extending the daily hours provided; the number of weeks covered in the year; or introducing a further year; and when such enhancements may be introduced. [7758/15]

Child Care Qualifications

Seán Kyne

162. Deputy Seán Kyne asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the level of engagement between his Department and the Department of Education and Skills, in establishing greater professional recognition, through qualifications, for child care staff; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7745/15]

Tobacco Control Measures

Seán Kyne

379. Deputy Seán Kyne asked the Minister for Health his views on concerns that some legal firms are simultaneously acting on behalf of the State in various matters and also for tobacco companies which are taking action or are threatening to take action against the State in respect of plain packaging measures; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8072/15]

Garda Divisional Headquarters

Seán Kyne

19. Deputy Seán Kyne asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the progress in the establishment of a new Garda divisional headquarters in County Galway; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [7108/15]

Garda Transport Provision

Seán Kyne

33. Deputy Seán Kyne asked the Minister for Justice and Equality in view of the investment in the procurement of vehicles to support the work of An Garda Síochána, if any such vehicles will be equipped with additional facilities and supports to assist An Garda Síochána in policing duties in rural areas; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [7109/15]

White Paper on Defence

Seán Kyne

18. Deputy Seán Kyne asked the Minister for Defence in the context of the establishment of an external advisory group to support the production of a White Paper on Defence, if he will confirm membership of this group; when it is hoped that the White Paper will be finalised and brought to Government in order to guide defence policy, including the role to be played by the Defence Forces overseas, in view of the increasing volatility of international relations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6895/15]

Overseas Missions

Seán Kyne

33. Deputy Seán Kyne asked the Minister for Defence the number of Defence Forces personnel participating in overseas missions; the number of missions, their type and location; and the plans to increase the Permanent Defence Force complement to the agreed strength, so as to ensure that overseas missions are not impacted. [6898/15]

Aquaculture Development

Seán Kyne

159. Deputy Seán Kyne asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he and his Department have considered the use of close-containment systems in fish production to meet targets in aquaculture, in view of the many advantages of these systems over traditional fish farming systems; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6622/15]

Tax Code

Seán Kyne

221. Deputy Seán Kyne asked the Minister for Finance with regard to the favourite nephew or niece clause, under capital acquisitions tax, his views that this unfairly favours nephews over nieces, as nephews are more likely to be working on the farm; if a niece who worked within the home, caring for their uncle as the uncle's sole carer, could be considered for such relief, or if a clarifying clause could be considered in the future to accommodate such situations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6910/15]

Educational Disadvantage

Seán Kyne

451. Deputy Seán Kyne asked the Minister for Education and Skills her plans to open applications by newly sanctioned schools (detailed supplied) in County Galway, which are now up and running, to the delivering equality of opportunity in schools scheme; her views that such schools, in disadvantaged areas, are at a disadvantage by not being able to apply for this scheme; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6885/15]

Driving Test Waiting Lists

Seán Kyne

528. Deputy Seán Kyne asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport following confirmation by the Road Safety Authority, the efforts to secure improved accommodation for driving test centres in County Galway; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7142/15]

Special Areas of Conservation Designation

Seán Kyne

548. Deputy Seán Kyne asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht if a process exists for de-designating existing special areas of conservation or natural heritage areas; if such de-designations have taken place here; the legislation under which such designations occurs; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6870/15]

Special Areas of Conservation Designation

Seán Kyne

554. Deputy Seán Kyne asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht when designations were made in the Menlough and Mionlach area of Galway west, in terms of extending the Lough Corrib special area of conservation; if she will confirm which Minister undertook this extension; the date on which it occurred; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [7143/15]

Departmental Schemes

Seán Kyne

21. Deputy Seán Kyne asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation if he will provide an update on the progress of the 2015 year of Irish design and how the initiative interacts and impacts on his Department and its activities; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6072/15]

Action Plan for Jobs

Seán Kyne

22. Deputy Seán Kyne asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation if he will provide details of the role his Department and its constituent organisations play in terms of the creation of local economic and community plans, with which local authorities have been tasked; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6075/15]

Decentralisation Programme Data

Seán Kyne

11. Deputy Seán Kyne asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform in the context of the State's improving financial position, if it is an opportune time to review the geographic structure of the civil and public service in consideration of targeted and effective relocation of offices, as such measures would help foster regional economic recovery; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5771/15]

Arts Promotion

Seán Kyne

160. Deputy Seán Kyne asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the level of engagement between her Department and the arts officers in local authorities; her views that each local authority should employ an arts officer; and if there is scope for greater co-operation and collaboration between arts officers from different counties, in view of the benefits of the arts to local cultural life and also tourism. [5513/15]

Commemorative Events

Seán Kyne

162. Deputy Seán Kyne asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht if she will provide an update on discussions with the chief executive officers of local authorities regarding the commemoration of the Easter Rising in 1916 and the organisation of centenary events; and the strategies being developed at the local level for same.. [5514/15]

Consumer Protection

Seán Kyne

242. Deputy Seán Kyne asked the Minister for Finance if his attention has been drawn to the concerns that while hire purchase agreements have been regulated under Irish law since 1946, the providers of such agreements and the general activity is not regulated, and as a result, the consumer is placed in an invidious position; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6139/15]

Spent Convictions Legislation

Seán Kyne

369. Deputy Seán Kyne asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if she will provide an update regarding the Criminal Justice (Spent Convictions) Bill which has been subject to delays, owing to legal issues concerning a case in the UK; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6125/15]

Special Educational Needs Service Provision

Seán Kyne

555. Deputy Seán Kyne asked the Minister for Education and Skills if her attention has been drawn to the fact that the proposed new criteria for determining the allocation of additional educational resources are too restrictive, and that their narrow interpretation could work against the provision of additional supports; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6123/15]

Special Educational Needs Service Provision

Seán Kyne

556. Deputy Seán Kyne asked the Minister for Education and Skills when it is proposed to introduce the new system for allocation of resources for special education needs; if the introduction of the new system will be piloted; if not, the reasons for not doing so; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6124/15]

School Funding

Seán Kyne

558. Deputy Seán Kyne asked the Minister for Education and Skills , further to Parliamentary Question No. 547 of 3 February 2015, the criteria for a school to receive assistance for the refurbishment or construction of a physical education hall; and if a school (details supplied) in County Galway has been considered for such support. [6145/15]

Regional Assemblies

Seán Kyne

607. Deputy Seán Kyne asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the progress to date in establishing three new regional assemblies; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6133/15]

JobPath Implementation

Seán Kyne

26. Deputy Seán Kyne asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Social Protection the progress made in implementing JobPath; the contracts on the service provision that have been completed; the level of ongoing engagement between her Department and the service provider; the measurement criteria for the operation of JobPath in terms of achieving the stated aims and objectives; if JobPath will be available in all areas of the country; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4982/15]

Departmental Schemes

Seán Kyne

47. Deputy Seán Kyne asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Social Protection the level of engagement between her Department and recruitment agencies here to encourage and maximise the use of jobsireland.ie in identifying possible candidates; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4981/15]

VAT Rate Application

Seán Kyne

29. Deputy Seán Kyne asked the Minister for Finance if in his position as a member of the Economic and Financial Affairs Council the issue of an examination and review of the VAT directives will be raised with respect but not limited to the ongoing effects of the application of national rules which existed prior to 1991 including such measures as the charging of VAT for safety equipment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4701/15]

Pension Provisions

Seán Kyne

69. Deputy Seán Kyne asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if, in relation to the deadline of 30 June 2015 for the provision under the Financial Emergency Measures in the Public Interest Act 2013 relating to what is known as the grace period for retirement for those affected by the pay reductions under the Act, this deadline is fixed; or if there are plans or flexibility on extending it. [5179/15]

Single Payment Scheme Appeals

Seán Kyne

78. Deputy Seán Kyne asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the reason a person (details supplied) has not been paid their single payment scheme moneys for 2012, 2013 and 2014; the basis it is stated overpayment have been made; the way these overpayments occurred; if the overpayment is now cleared; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5122/15]

Agri-Environment Options Scheme Appeals

Seán Kyne

79. Deputy Seán Kyne asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine when the relevant file in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Galway will be sent by his Department to the agricultural appeals office to allow that office proceed with the person's appeal; and the reason there has been a delay in sending this file. [5123/15]

Special Educational Needs Service Provision

Seán Kyne

159. Deputy Seán Kyne asked the Minister for Education and Skills if her attention has been drawn to the substantial concerns from teachers regarding the implementation of a new system for the allocation of special and additional teaching hours; the level and frequency of consultation with teachers and representative bodies; if her Department and the associated National Council for Special Education will engage in further consultation in order that we can ensure that the proposed system is agreeable to all involved and, most important, beneficial to pupils; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [5146/15]

Land Acquisition

Seán Kyne

133. Deputy Seán Kyne asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the model being used, including issues such as the land acquisition and access, to develop greenway projects. [4346/15]

Cycling Facilities Funding

Seán Kyne

152. Deputy Seán Kyne asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will report on the position of the introduction of greenway projects in County Galway. [4345/15]

Rent Supplement Scheme Administration

Seán Kyne

219. Deputy Seán Kyne asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Social Protection if the rent supplement payment is permitted if the owner of the property is the son or daughter of the resident and potential recipient of the payment. [4949/15]

Social Insurance Payments

Seán Kyne

229. Deputy Seán Kyne asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Social Protection her plans to alter the tax collection structure in a manner which would enable self-employed persons to make contributions that would provide income support in the event of business failure in view of the fact that the current social insurance system does not provide non-means tested support in the short term in such instances. [4690/15]

Public Procurement Contracts Social Clauses

Seán Kyne

293. Deputy Seán Kyne asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the progress of evaluating the use of social employment clauses in public sector procurement under the devolved schools programme; and if such an approach will be rolled out across public sector procurement. [4950/15]

Special Areas of Conservation Designation

Seán Kyne

321. Deputy Seán Kyne asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine further to Parliamentary Question No. 92 of 22 January 2015, the exact areas of Dunbulcan Bay, County Galway, that were surveyed as part of the appropriate assessment; the methodology used; the dates the survey took place; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4417/15]

Health Services Data

Seán Kyne

487. Deputy Seán Kyne asked the Minister for Health the number of persons with heart failure here; the estimated cost of treating the condition on an annual basis; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4945/15]

Residential Institutions

Seán Kyne

488. Deputy Seán Kyne asked the Minister for Health the way he will address the disturbing revelations of the unacceptable and poor standards of care at certain parts of Áras Attracta, County Mayo. [4947/15]

Residential Institutions

Seán Kyne

489. Deputy Seán Kyne asked the Minister for Health the measures that are in place to ensure the highest standards of care at residential facilities for persons with a disability; and the method and frequency of inspections to ensure continued observations of such standards. [4948/15]

School Funding

Seán Kyne

547. Deputy Seán Kyne asked the Minister for Education and Skills the financial support received from the Department for the development of sports facilities at a school (details supplied) in County Westmeath. [4946/15]

Departmental Programmes

Seán Kyne

550. Deputy Seán Kyne asked the Minister for Education and Skills if she will report on the evaluation of Springboard; if the evaluation reports are made available; if she will report on the group charged with evaluating the programme; and her plans to increase the number and scope of the courses available to jobseekers. [4993/15]

Cultural Policy

Seán Kyne

676. Deputy Seán Kyne asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the way the name for the new centre at Teach an Phiarsigh in Ros Muc, Connemara, County Galway, was chosen; and if it would be more appropriate to have a name which reflects the historical links of the new centre. [4999/15]