Ceisteanna Parlaiminte

Inland Fisheries

Seán Kyne

26. Deputy Seán Kyne asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources his views on closed containment systems considering the concerns within the angling sector of certain fish farming methods in view of the revenue generated by this sector and its importance for tourism. [3882/15]

Tuberculosis Eradication Programme Administration

Seán Kyne

80. Deputy Seán Kyne asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine when a balancing payment will be issued to a person (details supplied) regarding the loss of a number of cattle within their herd to tuberculosis; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4237/15]

Local Authority Housing Provision

Seán Kyne

14. Deputy Seán Kyne asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the progress of restoring and renewing the local authority housing stock to ensure maximum availability of accommodation, with particular reference to counties Galway and Mayo; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3627/15]

National Planning Framework

Seán Kyne

38. Deputy Seán Kyne asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the progress on the new national planning framework which appears to be the proposed successor to the national spatial strategy; the way the new framework will achieve the principles of sustainable and regionally balanced development; and when it is likely the framework will be published. [3626/15]

Teagasc Research Programmes

Seán Kyne

261. Deputy Seán Kyne asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will provide an update with regard to the establishment of a suckler research herd at a location (details supplied) in County Galway; the possible impact this may have on sheep numbers and sheep research at this location; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3589/15]

Equine Industry

Seán Kyne

262. Deputy Seán Kyne asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he has given consideration in consultation with Connemara Pony Breeders Association to initiating a specialist report on the future of the Connemara pony. [3590/15]

Fishing Vessel Licences

Seán Kyne

274. Deputy Seán Kyne asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the position regarding a licence held by a person (details supplied); the reason this licence was historically issued for in each year from 2004 to 2014, inclusive; the entitlements this licence allowed the owner to fish for in each of these years; if entitlements have been lost in these years; if the licence confines the owner to a certain method of fishing; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3833/15]

Schools Building Projects Applications

Seán Kyne

465. Deputy Seán Kyne asked the Minister for Education and Skills if she will provide an update on the capital application in respect of a school (details supplied) in County Galway; if it will be included on the next five year capital programme; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [3614/15]

Voluntary Sector Funding

Seán Kyne

558. Deputy Seán Kyne asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if his attention has been drawn to the staffing issue at his Department which is delaying funding to volunteer centres, including salaries; and if the separate issue of the loss of a funding stream due to the restructuring of the local development structures has been addressed so that volunteer centres can proceed with plans for this year and the important work that the centres do across the country. [3883/15]

National Driver Licensing Service

Seán Kyne

584. Deputy Seán Kyne asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the reason driving test facilities in County Galway do not have public toilet facilities and designated parking for the centre in view of the fact that such facilities are available at other test centres and are important for persons undertaking the driving test; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3926/15]

National Driver Licensing Service

Seán Kyne

585. Deputy Seán Kyne asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the reason driving tests for larger vehicles are not available in County Galway; if his attention has been drawn to the fact that applicants have to travel to Athlone, County Westmeath, which is a considerable distance for persons residing west of Galway city; if in the interests of fairness a suitable venue in Galway city for carrying out such categories of testing will be sought; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3927/15]

Air Services Provision

Seán Kyne

621. Deputy Seán Kyne asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht if the tendering for services and aerodrome management between the Aran Islands and Inishbofin and Cleggan, County Galway, will be separated to encourage the use of the latter facilities for north west Connemara, County Galway. [3928/15]

UK Referendum on EU Membership

Seán Kyne

29. Deputy Seán Kyne asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade his views regarding the impact of a UK exit from the European Union, particularly on Irish trade and the common travel area; and if this issue is being considered by his Department with a view to drawing up plans for use in the event of an exit. [2608/15]

Action Plan for Jobs

Seán Kyne

37. Deputy Seán Kyne asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he will report on the expansion of the embassy network with particular reference to the "Winning Business and Jobs" abroad strand of the Action Plan for Jobs, and if further development of consulates such as that in Austin, Texas, which is based on a multi-agency approach, is under consideration. [2602/15]

EU Directives

Seán Kyne

92. Deputy Seán Kyne asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the progress being made by his Department in relation to baseline studies on Ireland's bays as required under EU regulations, the EU habitats directive and the Natura 2000 directive; if any have been completed; if any are close to being completed; the likely start and completion dates of a study on two bays (details supplied) in County Galway; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3141/15]

Hospitals Building Programme

Seán Kyne

25. Deputy Seán Kyne asked the Minister for Health when a decision is likely on a new emergency department in University Hospital Galway; when approval from the Health Service Executive steering committee on the type and height of the new building will be forthcoming; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2384/15]

Accident and Emergency Services Provision

Seán Kyne

53. Deputy Seán Kyne asked the Minister for Health if temporary arrangements will be put in place in advance of the proposed new emergency department facility at University Hospital Galway to improve capacity and patient outcomes at this facility for County Galway; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2386/15]

Appointments to State Boards

Seán Kyne

264. Deputy Seán Kyne asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the progress to date in relation to overhauling the system of appointments to State boards; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2732/15]

Agriculture Scheme Eligibility

Seán Kyne

284. Deputy Seán Kyne asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if a person who turned 40 years of age on 27 September 2014 will be eligible to apply for entitlements from the national reserve; or if they are prohibited due to age. [2236/15]

Agriculture Scheme Administration

Seán Kyne

289. Deputy Seán Kyne asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if, under the single payment scheme 2015, there will be an appropriate box to indicate lands being grazed by a farmer, including commonage, for which there is no ownership title in the farmer's name, but on which the farmer has grazing rights, as the current forms indicate to declare lands as owned, rented or leased only. [2294/15]

District Veterinary Offices

Seán Kyne

302. Deputy Seán Kyne asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine his plans regarding the district veterinary office in County Galway; if the office is to be relocated; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2767/15]

Defence Forces Recruitment

Seán Kyne

311. Deputy Seán Kyne asked the Minister for Defence his plans for recruitment to the Navy in 2015; the numbers on any recruitment panels at present; if he expects this panel to be exhausted this year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2827/15]

Child Care Services Inspections

Seán Kyne

359. Deputy Seán Kyne asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the reason for the recruitment of new early years education inspectors; the envisaged relationship between these inspectors recruited under the better start programme and the current inspectorate operating under the child care regulations from 2006; and if a single inspectorate would be more appropriate and effective to monitor compliance with all obligations including educational ones. [2750/15]

Child Care Qualifications

Seán Kyne

360. Deputy Seán Kyne asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the steps taken to support the professionalisation of child care which would be of benefit to both child care service users and persons working in the sector; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2766/15]

Primary Care Centres

Seán Kyne

455. Deputy Seán Kyne asked the Minister for Health if the issue of the upgrade of a health centre at a location (details supplied) in County Galway has been addressed by the property and estates management committee of the Health Service Executive; and when it is likely that the redevelopment project will commence. [2737/15]

Health Services Provision

Seán Kyne

456. Deputy Seán Kyne asked the Minister for Health to set down the arrangements at present for public health nurses to serve the health care needs of communities on offshore islands such as the Aran Islands and Inishbofin; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2738/15]

Homeless Accommodation Provision

Seán Kyne

566. Deputy Seán Kyne asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government in view of the recent work on tackling short-term homelessness in the Dublin region which has ensured that a surplus stock of beds is now in place, if such a focus can be placed on other cities such as Galway so as to eliminate short-term homelessness while other measures such as social housing rejuvenation and development, and assistance with accommodation rental and purchase are under way; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2734/15]

National Broadband Plan Implementation

Seán Kyne

588. Deputy Seán Kyne asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if public consultation will take place to provide information and an opportunity for feedback on the proposals under the national broadband plan; and the estimated timeframe of the implementation of the measures. [2730/15]

Departmental Funding

Seán Kyne

627. Deputy Seán Kyne asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht if she will report on the discussions between her Department and an arts facility (details supplied) in County Galway; if additional financial support is being considered; and her plans to visit the facility to see the progress being made. [2735/15]

City of Culture Initiative

Seán Kyne

628. Deputy Seán Kyne asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the timeline for the application process for the European Capital of Culture bid for 2020, for which several cities, including Galway, are planning submissions. [2736/15]

Proposed Legislation

Seán Kyne

17. Deputy Seán Kyne asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the impact the new proposed international protection bill, which will introduce a single application process for seeking asylum, will have on the Immigration, Residence and Protection Bill; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1404/15]

Rent Supplement Scheme Payments

Seán Kyne

113. Deputy Seán Kyne asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Social Protection the progress of introducing new revised rent supplement limits which would better reflect the current rental accommodation market; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1754/15]

Road Improvement Schemes

Seán Kyne

189. Deputy Seán Kyne asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if advance works have been or will be approved for raising roads at a location (details supplied) in County Galway as part of a scheme in the area. [1803/15]

Official Languages Act 2003 Compliance

Seán Kyne

219. Deputy Seán Kyne asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform in view of the recent findings by the Department of Arts, Heritage and Gaeltacht that there is a lack of staff with sufficient competence in Irish to meet the requirements to deliver services through Irish, the steps that are being taken across the Civil Service to rectify this; if there is an indicative timeframe by which actions are to be taken; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1753/15]

Job Creation

Seán Kyne

276. Deputy Seán Kyne asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation when it is planned to launch the creating competitive regions strategies; and if, with particular reference to the west of Ireland, there has been stakeholder consultation and engagement in creating the strategy. [1756/15]

Organ Donation

Seán Kyne

707. Deputy Seán Kyne asked the Minister for Health the position regarding the organ donation process with reference to the proposals for a new system based on presumed consent; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1751/15]

Accident and Emergency Services Provision

Seán Kyne

708. Deputy Seán Kyne asked the Minister for Health regarding the difficulty in predicting the level of demand for emergency departments, owing to the nature of accidents and emergencies, if consideration has been given to creating special teams of medical staff who would work on a flexible and temporary basis in the accident and emergency department of each hospital within hospital groups as and when demand arises as such flexibility could alleviate current problems facing accident and emergency departments. [1759/15]

Nursing Home Accommodation Provision

Seán Kyne

709. Deputy Seán Kyne asked the Minister for Health if the Health Service Executive has identified the reasons some 1,200 nursing home beds are unoccupied, as confirmed by a survey conducted by Nursing Homes Ireland, which also confirmed the existence of 178 vacancies at 23 nursing homes in County Galway; and if so if the HSE has compiled the actions that need to be taken urgently so as to reduce pressure on acute hospital facilities [1760/15]

Housing Assistance Payments Implementation

Seán Kyne

935. Deputy Seán Kyne asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the progress of the housing assistance payment in view of its operation in selected local authority areas; when it is envisaged that the scheme will be introduced elsewhere; if it is known which local authority areas are next to receive the scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1755/15]

Rail Services

Seán Kyne

1028. Deputy Seán Kyne asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport in view of the exceptionally positive passenger numbers for Iarnród Éireann, and particularly on the western rail corridor, his views that the future continuation of this line would consolidate such increases and contribute to sustainable regional development; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1752/15]

Straitéis 20 Bliain don Ghaeilge

Seán Kyne

1063. D'fhiafraigh Deputy Seán Kyne den Aire Ealaíon, Oidhreachta agus Gaeltachta an dtabharfaidh sí tuairisc ar an dul chun cinn atá déanta i dtaca leis na bearta sa Straitéis 20 Bliain don Ghaeilge, ós rud é go bhfuil an ceathrú cuid de thréimhse na Straitéise istigh in 2015; agus an ndéanfaidh sí ráiteas ina thaobh. [1711/15]

Grant Payments

Seán Kyne

199. Deputy Seán Kyne asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the reason disadvantaged area scheme and single payment scheme payments have not been made in respect of a person (details supplied), when payments will issue and if penalties will be applied to their payments. [48817/14]

Regional Development Initiatives

Seán Kyne

13. Deputy Seán Kyne asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation if he will provide an update on the launch of distinct employment strategies for the regions as envisaged in the Action Plan for Jobs. [48148/14]

Action Plan for Jobs

Seán Kyne

15. Deputy Seán Kyne asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation the level of engagement with stakeholders in the preparation of the 2015 Action Plan for Jobs; the organisations and persons involved in the consultation process; the mechanism to determine which measures are included; and when it is anticipated that the new plan will be launched. [48151/14]

Ambulance Service Response Times

Seán Kyne

452. Deputy Seán Kyne asked the Minister for Health the ambulance response times for call-outs in 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013 and to date in 2014 for the north-west area of Connemara, County Galway, including Renvyle, Letterfrack, Leenane, Maam and Cornamona; the length of time it takes for the ambulance to leave its base; its journey time; the time to transport a patient to the hospital; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47988/14]

Taxi Regulations

Seán Kyne

671. Deputy Seán Kyne asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport when the closing date for applications under the wheelchair accessible vehicle grant scheme 2014 was decided; when this date was announced on the relevant website; if force majeure circumstances will be considered for those deemed to have sent late applications; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48259/14]

Electricity Generation

Seán Kyne

28. Deputy Seán Kyne asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the progress of the commitment in the second national energy efficiency action plan to implement a wide-ranging programme to investigate the opportunities and policy options for the micro-generation of electricity via small scale technologies. [47278/14]

Research and Development Supports

Seán Kyne

29. Deputy Seán Kyne asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the supports available for the research, development and introduction or commercialisation of the renewable energy resource of wave energy, particularly in view of the fact that European research has indicated that the average wave power in Europe is highest near the west of Ireland. [47277/14]

Harbours and Piers Maintenance

Seán Kyne

182. Deputy Seán Kyne asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the steps he is taking regarding claims of the in-filling of foreshore at the Old Dock, Long Walk, County Galway; if an investigation is ongoing within the Chief State Solicitor's office; when this investigation commenced; the progress to date; the completion date for this investigation; the action his Department may take with regard to the in-filling; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47535/14]

Nursing Staff Provision

Seán Kyne

137. Deputy Seán Kyne asked the Minister for Health if an additional 0.5 nursing resource allocation will be approved to University Hospital Galway to ensure the provision of the insulin pump treatment for GUH paediatric diabetic service to make the best possible use of the recently approved 0.5 senior dietetic post which forms part of this important service [47469/14]