Ceisteanna Parlaiminte

Freedom of Information Requests

Billy Kelleher

224. Deputy Billy Kelleher asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Social Protection the number of occasions since the start of 2014 in which the Secretary General of her Department has been involved in the clearing or approval of material for release under freedom of information legislation. [11805/15]

Freedom of Information Data

Billy Kelleher

271. Deputy Billy Kelleher asked the Minister for Finance the number of occasions since the start of 2014 in which the Secretary General of his Department has been involved in the clearing or approval of material for release under freedom of information legislation. [11799/15]

Freedom of Information Requests

Billy Kelleher

304. Deputy Billy Kelleher asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the number of occasions since the start of 2014 in which the Secretary General of his Department has been involved in the clearing or approval of material for release under freedom of information legislation. [11804/15]

Freedom of Information Data

Billy Kelleher

318. Deputy Billy Kelleher asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation the number of occasions since the start of 2014 in which the Secretary General of his Department has been involved in the clearing or approval of material for release under freedom of information legislation. [11802/15]

Freedom of Information Requests

Billy Kelleher

375. Deputy Billy Kelleher asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine to outline the number of occasions since the start of 2014 in which the Secretary General of his Department has been involved in the clearing or approval of material for release under freedom of information legislation. [11792/15]

Freedom of Information Requests

Billy Kelleher

403. Deputy Billy Kelleher asked the Minister for Defence the number of occasions since the start of 2014 on which the Secretary General of his Department has been involved in the clearing or approval of material for release under Freedom of Information legislation. [11796/15]

Freedom of Information Requests

Billy Kelleher

483. Deputy Billy Kelleher asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the number of occasions since the start of 2014 in which the Secretary General of her Department has been involved in the clearing or approval of material for release under freedom of information legislation. [11803/15]

Freedom of Information Data

Billy Kelleher

538. Deputy Billy Kelleher asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the number of occasions since the start of 2014 in which the Secretary General of his Department has been involved in the clearing or approval of material for release under freedom of information legislation. [11794/15]

Vaccination Programme

Billy Kelleher

556. Deputy Billy Kelleher asked the Minister for Health his views on the concerns raised by Irish Vaccination Awareness in respect of the human papilloma virus vaccine (details supplied). [11123/15]

Hospital Services

Billy Kelleher

559. Deputy Billy Kelleher asked the Minister for Health his plans for Portiuncula Hospital in County Galway; if there will be a reduction in services; if so, if he will provide details of same; if there is any proposed investment in the hospital; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11178/15]

Proposed Legislation

Billy Kelleher

565. Deputy Billy Kelleher asked the Minister for Health the position regarding the proposed soft opt-out system for organ donation; when this will come before Dáil Éireann; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11208/15]

Local Drugs Task Forces Funding

Billy Kelleher

568. Deputy Billy Kelleher asked the Minister for Health further to Parliamentary Question No.428 of 24 February 2015, if he will provide, in tabular form the way the Health Service Executive distributed funding in 2014 and 2015 for each of the local and regional drugs task forces with regard to the €21.04 million in funding transferred to the executive on 1 January 2014, with a further €1.02 million transferring on 1 January 2015. [11220/15]

Health Services Staff Training

Billy Kelleher

575. Deputy Billy Kelleher asked the Minister for Health the level of oversight of care provider companies; the required level of training and competency of their staff; how often are they required to up-skill their staff; if the Health Service Executive conduct unannounced inspections at clients' homes; if these companies fall under the remit of Health Information and Quality Authority; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11233/15]

Disability Services Funding

Billy Kelleher

585. Deputy Billy Kelleher asked the Minister for Health if he will provide a commitment on the services being provided at Saint Joseph's Foundation in Charleville in County Cork, and ensure that the Health Service Executive provides the foundation with the necessary financial assistance to continue its invaluable work; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11290/15]

Health Services

Billy Kelleher

591. Deputy Billy Kelleher asked the Minister for Health if he will extend funding to the Neurological Alliance of Ireland to prevent the loss of services and jobs due to the delay in funding, following the review that has been underway since June 2014; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11358/15]

Dental Services

Billy Kelleher

615. Deputy Billy Kelleher asked the Minister for Health the reason a person (details supplied) in County Cork was refused dental treatment which was always available to that person through a medical card [11482/15]

Community First Responders Network

Billy Kelleher

626. Deputy Billy Kelleher asked the Minister for Health if funding is available from his Department to support the establishment of a community first responder group (details supplied). [11501/15]

Medical Card Data

Billy Kelleher

627. Deputy Billy Kelleher asked the Minister for Health the number of medical cards; and general practitioner cards, as of 1 March 2015; and the number for each, issued on a discretionary basis, on that date [11505/15]

Freedom of Information

Billy Kelleher

672. Deputy Billy Kelleher asked the Minister for Health the number of occasions since the start of 2014 in which the secretary general of his Department has been involved in the clearing or approval of material for release under freedom of information legislation. [11801/15]

Medicinal Products Prices

Billy Kelleher

678. Deputy Billy Kelleher asked the Minister for Health the reason for a price discrepancy of 176% between the purchase of a drug (details supplied) privately compared to its purchase through the drugs payment scheme; if this is the case for all drugs; his plans to tackle this variance; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11828/15]

Health Services Staff

Billy Kelleher

697. Deputy Billy Kelleher asked the Minister for Health the amount the Health Service Executive spent on agency staff in February 2015; the proportion of the executive’s anticipated expenditure on agency staff for 2015 that was incurred in February 2015; the way the February 2015 expenditure on agency staff compares to February 2014; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11936/15]

Medical Card Administration

Billy Kelleher

700. Deputy Billy Kelleher asked the Minister for Health further to Parliamentary Questions Nos. 452 and 454 of 3 March 2015, (details supplied) the number of persons the Health Service Executive received data on from the Department of Social Protection in 2014; and the number of persons that the executive has received data on from the same Department in 2015 to date. [11953/15]

HSE Data

Billy Kelleher

701. Deputy Billy Kelleher asked the Minister for Health further to Parliamentary Questions Nos. 453 and 455 of 3 March 2015, (details supplied) the number of persons the Health Service Executive exchanged data on with the Revenue Commissioners in 2014; and in 2015 to date. [11954/15]

Hospitals Building Programme

Billy Kelleher

724. Deputy Billy Kelleher asked the Minister for Health if he will provide an update on the proposed move of the National Maternity Hospital, currently located at Holles Street in Dublin 2, to a new building on the grounds of St. Vincent's University Hospital in Dublin 4; when it is anticipated that construction will start and when the new facility will be open; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12155/15]

Overseas Development Aid

Billy Kelleher

734. Deputy Billy Kelleher asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if there is funding available to bring underprivileged children and adults to Ireland for respite on humanitarian grounds (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11206/15]

Freedom of Information Requests

Billy Kelleher

744. Deputy Billy Kelleher asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the number of occasions since the start of 2014 in which the Secretary General of his Department has been involved in the clearing or approval of material for release under freedom of information legislation. [11800/15]

School Staff

Billy Kelleher

762. Deputy Billy Kelleher asked the Minister for Education and Skills the number of administrative principal posts in primary schools that have been suppressed since the removal of the ten teacher rule in favour of 178 children for schools; the amount it would cost to re-instate the ten teacher rule; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11228/15]

Freedom of Information Data

Billy Kelleher

803. Deputy Billy Kelleher asked the Minister for Education and Skills the number of occasions since the start of 2014 on which the Secretary General of her Department has been involved in the clearing or approval of material for release under freedom of information legislation. [11797/15]

Local Authority Housing Maintenance

Billy Kelleher

869. Deputy Billy Kelleher asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if he will intervene in the case of persons (details supplied) in County Cork on humanitarian grounds; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11218/15]

Freedom of Information Requests

Billy Kelleher

901. Deputy Billy Kelleher asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the number of occasions since the start of 2014 the Secretary General of his Department has been involved in the clearing or approval of material for release under freedom of information legislation. [11798/15]

Telecommunications Services Provision

Billy Kelleher

929. Deputy Billy Kelleher asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources his views that it is legally in order for a company (details supplied) to refuse to provide an additional service to an existing customer on the basis of method of payment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11502/15]

Freedom of Information Data

Billy Kelleher

949. Deputy Billy Kelleher asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the number of occasions since the start of 2014 in which the secretary general of his Department has been involved in the clearing or approval of material for release under Freedom of Information legislation. [11795/15]

Sports Funding

Billy Kelleher

979. Deputy Billy Kelleher asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if funding is available from any public source to support a women's rugby team (details supplied) who are travelling to Spain to take part in an international competition. [11610/15]

Freedom of Information

Billy Kelleher

985. Deputy Billy Kelleher asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the number of occasions since the start of 2014 in which the secretary general of his Department has been involved in the clearing or approval of material for release under Freedom of Information legislation. [11807/15]

Freedom of Information Data

Billy Kelleher

1009. Deputy Billy Kelleher asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the number of occasions since the start of 2014 in which the Secretary General of her Department has been involved in the clearing or approval of material for release under Freedom of Information legislation. [11793/15]

HSE Legal Cases

Billy Kelleher

100. Deputy Billy Kelleher asked the Minister for Health the amount that has been paid in compensation over the past four years by the Health Service Executive either through the courts or by settlement; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10651/15]

Nursing Homes Support Scheme Data

Billy Kelleher

115. Deputy Billy Kelleher asked the Minister for Health the number of persons currently awaiting placement under the fair deal scheme; the average waiting time; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10750/15]

Fuel Allowance Eligibility

Billy Kelleher

160. Deputy Billy Kelleher asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Social Protection the working age benefits or allowances that do not permit recipients to apply for the fuel allowance. [9910/15]

Public Sector Staff Recruitment

Billy Kelleher

235. Deputy Billy Kelleher asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if the Public Appointments Service has the discretion to permit someone to proceed to the next stage of the recruitment process in the following circumstances (details supplied). [10039/15]

Care of the Elderly Provision

Billy Kelleher

239. Deputy Billy Kelleher asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if he will reconsider the transfer of the senior alert scheme to Pobal, as there have been a number of issues raised (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10357/15]

Departmental Communications

Billy Kelleher

401. Deputy Billy Kelleher asked the Minister for Health with regard to his recent speech to the Institute of Directors, his views on whether it is appropriate that a Government Department, funded by the taxpayer, should circulate such a politically partisan speech; his further views on whether the press office of the political party of which he is a member is the appropriate forum by which to distribute such speeches, and if, in future, he will issue party political speeches via same; if the Secretary General of the Department of Health made any comment to him, formal or otherwise, with regard to the speech being issued by his Department's press office; if so, whether the Secretary General considered it an appropriate use of his Department's resources; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10123/15]

Ambulance Service Provision

Billy Kelleher

407. Deputy Billy Kelleher asked the Minister for Health if his Department has received any communications in the past month from the Department of the Environment, Community and Local Government indicating that it is opposed to the proposed changes with regard to the Dublin Fire Brigade ambulance service being merged with the National Ambulance Service. [10157/15]

Organ Donation

Billy Kelleher

197. Deputy Billy Kelleher asked the Minister for Health the position regarding the policy that is being drafted by the Health Service Executive and his Department to address the issue of the costs incurred by donors participating in the living donor programme during the pre-operative and post-operative periods; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9689/15]

Organ Donation

Billy Kelleher

198. Deputy Billy Kelleher asked the Minister for Health if he will provide a full breakdown of the costs involved in the establishment of the national organ donation and transplant office; the costs involved thereafter; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9690/15]

Treatment Abroad Scheme

Billy Kelleher

199. Deputy Billy Kelleher asked the Minister for Health if he will order a reversal of the decision by the Health Service Executive travel abroad scheme a number of years ago to no longer provide full subsistence for transplant patients; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9691/15]

Dental Services

Billy Kelleher

214. Deputy Billy Kelleher asked the Minister for Health the policy rationale for the closure of Saint James's dental clinic and the Health Service Executive policy of treating patients at the Hermitage and the Beacon Clinic instead; the current waiting list for this service; if this decision is an appropriate use of public funds; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9757/15]

Nursing Home Beds Data

Billy Kelleher

227. Deputy Billy Kelleher asked the Minister for Health with regard to the €25 million allocated to tackle delayed discharges, the amount of this now being spent. [9853/15]

Hospital Waiting Lists

Billy Kelleher

179. Deputy Billy Kelleher asked the Minister for Health the number of patients currently on an outpatient waiting list to see a consultant, for each of the hospitals in counties Carlow and Kilkenny, broken down by specialty or discipline, for example, cardiac, renal, paediatrics and so on; the number of those patients that have been waiting less than three months; between three and six months; between six and 12 months; between 12 and 24 months; between 24 and 36 months; more than 36 months; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9584/15]

Nursing Homes Support Scheme

Billy Kelleher

180. Deputy Billy Kelleher asked the Minister for Health the number of persons in counties Carlow and Kilkenny awaiting approval under the nursing home support scheme; the number of persons in Carlow and Kilkenny approved but currently awaiting funding under the scheme; the expected waiting time for a person in counties Carlow and Kilkenny from the date an application is submitted to the expected approval date for funding; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9585/15]

Departmental Legal Costs

Billy Kelleher

147. Deputy Billy Kelleher asked the Taoiseach if his Department or State bodies or agencies under the aegis of his Department use solicitors firms (details supplied); the amount paid to these solicitors each year from 2011 to 2014 by his Department or State bodies or agencies under the aegis of his Department; the date until which his Department or State bodies or agencies under the aegis of his Department are contracted to use these solicitors firms; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9201/15]

Departmental Legal Costs

Billy Kelleher

171. Deputy Billy Kelleher asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Social Protection if her Department, or State bodies or agencies under the aegis of her Department, use solicitors firms (details supplied); the amount paid to these solicitors, each year, from 2011 to 2014 by her Department, or State bodies or agencies under the aegis of her Department; the date until which her Department, or State bodies or agencies under the aegis of her Department, are contracted to use these solicitors firms; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [9200/15]

Departmental Legal Costs

Billy Kelleher

220. Deputy Billy Kelleher asked the Minister for Finance if his Department or State bodies or agencies under the aegis of his Department use solicitors' firms (details supplied); the amount paid to these solicitors each year from 2011 to 2014 by his Department, or State bodies or agencies under the aegis of his Department; the date until which his Department, or State bodies or agencies under the aegis of his Department, is contracted to use these solicitors' firms; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9194/15]

Departmental Legal Costs

Billy Kelleher

238. Deputy Billy Kelleher asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if his Department, or State bodies or agencies under the aegis of his Department, use solicitors firms (details supplied); the amount paid to these solicitors each year from 2011 to 2014 by his Department, or State bodies or agencies under the aegis of his Department; the date until which his Department, or State bodies or agencies under the aegis of his Department, are contracted to use these solicitors' firms; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9199/15]

Departmental Legal Costs

Billy Kelleher

250. Deputy Billy Kelleher asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation if his Department, or State bodies or agencies under the aegis of his Department, use solicitors' firms (details supplied); the amount paid to these solicitors, each year from 2011 to 2014 by his Department, or State bodies or agencies under the aegis of his Department; the date until which his Department, or State bodies or agencies under the aegis of his Department, are contracted to use these solicitors' firms; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9197/15]

Company Law

Billy Kelleher

251. Deputy Billy Kelleher asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation if he will respond to concerns (details supplied) regarding the imposition of an audit requirement, as a penalty on companies, which file their annual returns late with the Companies Registration Office; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9219/15]

Organic Farming

Billy Kelleher

281. Deputy Billy Kelleher asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will introduce a new fodder growing system for organic farmers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9157/15]

Departmental Legal Costs

Billy Kelleher

288. Deputy Billy Kelleher asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if his Department, or State bodies or agencies under the aegis of his Department, use solicitors firms (details supplied); the amount paid to these solicitors each year, from 2011 to 2014, by his Department, or State bodies or agencies under the aegis of his Department; the date until which his Department, or State bodies or agencies under the aegis of his Department, are contracted to use these solicitors firms; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9187/15]

Departmental Legal Costs

Billy Kelleher

301. Deputy Billy Kelleher asked the Minister for Defence if his Department, or State bodies or agencies under the aegis of his Department, use solicitors firms (details supplied); the amount paid to these solicitors each year from 2011 to 2014 by his Department, or State bodies or agencies under the aegis of his Department; the date until which his Department, or State bodies or agencies under the aegis of his Department, are contracted to use these solicitors firms; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9191/15]

Garda Reserve

Billy Kelleher

324. Deputy Billy Kelleher asked the Minister for Justice and Equality when Garda Reserves will be allowed to carry out the new powers and procedures that they have been trained for, and have been waiting to be granted for over two years, as reflected in the exchanges (details supplied) in the Houses of the Oireachtas with the former Minister for Justice and Equality; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [9038/15]

Departmental Legal Costs

Billy Kelleher

347. Deputy Billy Kelleher asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if her Department or State bodies or agencies under the aegis of her Department use solicitors' firms (details supplied); the amount paid to these solicitors each year from 2011 to 2014 by her Department or State bodies or agencies under the aegis of her Department; the periods for which her Department or State bodies or agencies under the aegis of her Department are contracted to use these solicitors' firms; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [9198/15]

Early Childhood Care and Education

Billy Kelleher

354. Deputy Billy Kelleher asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs his views on concerns (detailed supplied) that the entry rules for the free preschool year and primary school may incentivise parents, particularly in disadvantaged areas, to bypass the free preschool year and put their child into primary school as soon as the child turns four years of age, with the result that the child will miss out on the benefits of the free preschool year. [9037/15]

Departmental Legal Cases

Billy Kelleher

355. Deputy Billy Kelleher asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs if his Department, or State bodies or agencies under the aegis of his Department, use solicitors firms (details supplied); the amount paid to these solicitors, each year, from 2011 to 2014, by his Department, or State bodies or agencies under the aegis of his Department; the date until which his Department, or State bodies or agencies under the aegis of his Department, are contracted to use these solicitors firms; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9189/15]

Health Services

Billy Kelleher

359. Deputy Billy Kelleher asked the Minister for Health if the recommendations of the 2012 national emergency medicine programme are being put in place. [8744/15]

Medical Card Applications

Billy Kelleher

375. Deputy Billy Kelleher asked the Minister for Health when an application for a medical card in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Galway will be decided on, as this person is currently undergoing significant, and costly, treatment. [8810/15]

Speech and Language Therapy Provision

Billy Kelleher

389. Deputy Billy Kelleher asked the Minister for Health the number of speech and language therapists working for the Health Service Executive in north Dublin on 1 January 2013 and on 1 January 2015; the number of extra speech and language therapists the executive plans to put in place in this area in 2015, in view of the major demand for this service and the lack of adequate provision at present; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8933/15]

Magdalen Laundries

Billy Kelleher

396. Deputy Billy Kelleher asked the Minister for Health in respect of the Redress for Women Resident in Certain Institutions Bill 2014, if the dental, ophthalmic and aural services will be equivalent to those set out in appendix G of Judge Quirke's report, Health Amendment Act 1996 card guide, that is, if Magdalen women will be able to obtain any and all dental, ophthalmic and aural primary care services, including from private practitioners; and if referred for hospital treatment, if Magdalen women will receive an appointment within two weeks, as Health Amendment Act 1996 cardholders do; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8966/15]

Health Services Provision

Billy Kelleher

402. Deputy Billy Kelleher asked the Minister for Health in respect of persons (details supplied) in County Dublin, and the review of their case at Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital, Drogheda, County Louth, if he will clarify the period for which notes are being reviewed; if only midwife notes are being reviewed or if any doctors' notes will be reviewed; the reason Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital is now being asked to review its own notes for retrospective entries (details supplied); in view of the fact the external review (details supplied) was completed in early 2013, the reason there has been a two year delay in commencing these proposed reviews; the timeframe that exists for these proposed reviews; if it is the intention of the Health Service Executive and Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital to inform other patients that their medical records are being reviewed; the reason this is taking so long; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9011/15]

HSE Expenditure

Billy Kelleher

412. Deputy Billy Kelleher asked the Minister for Health if the Health Service Executive showed a net current deficit, against profile, at the end of January 2015; if so, the details of same; the net expenditure figure for the executive to the end of January 2015 and the profiled budget for same; and the net expenditure figure for the acute hospital sector at the end of January 2015 and the profiled budget for same. [9130/15]

Departmental Expenditure

Billy Kelleher

420. Deputy Billy Kelleher asked the Minister for Health if his Department, or State bodies or agencies under the aegis of his Department, use solicitors' firms (details supplied); the amount paid to these solicitors each year from 2011 to 2014 by his Department, or State bodies or agencies under the aegis of his Department; the date until which his Department, or State bodies or agencies under the aegis of his Department, are contracted to use these solicitors' firms; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9196/15]

Health Insurance Data

Billy Kelleher

451. Deputy Billy Kelleher asked the Minister for Health if, given that the equivalent data for 2013 were available at the end of February 2014, he will provide details of the number of persons availing of private health insurance, at the end of 2014, in each of the following age groups: 17 years and under, 18 to 29 years, 30 to 39 years, 40 to 49 years, 50 to 59 years, 60 to 69 years, 70 to 79 years, and 80 years and over. [9362/15]

HSE Data

Billy Kelleher

452. Deputy Billy Kelleher asked the Minister for Health the number of requests that the Health Service Executive made in 2013, and in 2014, under section 8 of the Health (Alteration of Criteria for Eligibility) Act 2013, to the Minister for Social Protection to provide it with personal data, which it required for assessing, or reviewing, the eligibility of persons for services provided under Health Acts currently in force; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9363/15]

HSE Data

Billy Kelleher

453. Deputy Billy Kelleher asked the Minister for Health the number of requests that the Health Service Executive made in 2013, and in 2014, under section 8 of the Health (Alteration of Criteria for Eligibility) Act 2013, to the Revenue Commissioners to provide it with personal data, which it required for assessing, or reviewing, the eligibility of persons for services provided under Health Acts currently in force; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9364/15]

HSE Data

Billy Kelleher

454. Deputy Billy Kelleher asked the Minister for Health the number of requests that the Health Service Executive received in 2013, and in 2014, under section 8 of the Health (Alteration of Criteria for Eligibility) Act 2013, from the Minister for Social Protection to provide her with personal data, which were required to calculate the means of a person to assess, or review, entitlements to benefits and services provided under the Social Welfare Acts; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9365/15]

Tax Data

Billy Kelleher

455. Deputy Billy Kelleher asked the Minister for Health the number of requests that the Health Service Executive received in 2013, and in 2014, under section 8 of the Health (Alteration of Criteria for Eligibility) Act 2013, from the Revenue Commissioners to provide the commissioners with personal data for the purpose of assessing, or collecting, any tax, duty, or other charge payable to the commissioners; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9366/15]

Departmental Legal Costs

Billy Kelleher

464. Deputy Billy Kelleher asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if his Department, or State bodies or agencies under the aegis of his Department, use solicitors' firms (details supplied); the amount paid to these solicitors, each year, from 2011 to 2014, by his Department, or State bodies or agencies under the aegis of his Department; the date until which his Department, or State bodies or agencies under the aegis of his Department, are contracted to use these solicitors' firms; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9195/15]

State Examinations

Billy Kelleher

487. Deputy Billy Kelleher asked the Minister for Education and Skills the reason no actual certificates were issued by her Department for those sitting junior and leaving certificate examinations; and if the fee paid to sit both examinations includes the cost of the certificates. [8993/15]

Departmental Legal Costs

Billy Kelleher

502. Deputy Billy Kelleher asked the Minister for Education and Skills if her Department, or State bodies or agencies under the aegis of her Department, use solicitors' firms (details supplied); the amount paid to these solicitors, each year from 2011 to 2014 by her Department, or State bodies or agencies under the aegis of her Department; the date until which her Department, or State bodies or agencies under the aegis of her Department, are contracted to use these solicitors firms; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [9192/15]

Departmental Legal Costs

Billy Kelleher

571. Deputy Billy Kelleher asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if his Department, or State bodies or agencies under the aegis of his Department, use solicitors' firms (details supplied); the amount paid to these solicitors, each year, from 2011 to 2014, by his Department or State bodies or agencies under the aegis of his Department; the date until which his Department or State bodies or agencies under the aegis of his Department are contracted to use these solicitors' firms; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9193/15]

Departmental Legal Costs

Billy Kelleher

592. Deputy Billy Kelleher asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if his Department, or State bodies or agencies under the aegis of his Department, use solicitors' firms (details supplied); the amount paid to these solicitors each year from 2011 to 2014, inclusive, by his Department, or State bodies or agencies under the aegis of his Department; the date until which his Department, or State bodies or agencies under the aegis of his Department, are contracted to use these solicitors' firms; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9190/15]

Legal Costs

Billy Kelleher

617. Deputy Billy Kelleher asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if his Department or State bodies or agencies under the aegis of his Department use solicitors firms (details supplied); the amount paid to these solicitors each year from 2011 to 2014 by his Department or State bodies or agencies under the aegis of his Department; the date until which his Department or State bodies or agencies under the aegis of his Department are contracted to use these solicitors firms; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9202/15]

Legal Costs

Billy Kelleher

624. Deputy Billy Kelleher asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht if her Department or State bodies or agencies under the aegis of her Department use solicitors firms (details supplied); the amount paid to these solicitors each year from 2011 to 2014 by her Department or State bodies or agencies under the aegis of her Department; the date until which her Department or State bodies or agencies under the aegis of her Department are contracted to use these solicitors firms; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [9188/15]

Hospital Waiting Lists

Billy Kelleher

158. Deputy Billy Kelleher asked the Minister for Health the number of patients waiting for spinal surgery at Cappagh Hospital, Dublin 11; the measures being taken to combat the waiting time at the hospital; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8489/15]

Hospital Waiting Lists

Billy Kelleher

159. Deputy Billy Kelleher asked the Minister for Health when a child (details supplied) in County Limerick will be provided with a date for spinal surgery at Our Lady's Children's Hospital Crumlin, Dublin 12. [8491/15]

Hospital Services

Billy Kelleher

165. Deputy Billy Kelleher asked the Minister for Health further to his comment in Dáil Éireann on 18 February 2015 that it is inappropriate for any section or department in a hospital to declare itself a national centre, if it is not the case that the National Centre for Medical Genetics, based at Our Lady's Children's Hospital, Crumlin, Dublin 12, was established in 1995 following the 1990 Tierney report of the Department of Health committee to examine medical genetics services; if his Department approved this at the time; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8504/15]

Hospital Services

Billy Kelleher

166. Deputy Billy Kelleher asked the Minister for Health further to his comments in Dáil Éireann on 18 February 2015 with regard to the National Centre for Medical Genetics (details supplied), if it is not the case that, at present, a person can self-refer only if that person is the child of a person who had been diagnosed with a genetic disorder, and that there is by no means a free-for-all for persons who want to be screened. [8505/15]

HSE Funding

Billy Kelleher

172. Deputy Billy Kelleher asked the Minister for Health if he will increase the funding being provided to the Irish Stammering Association; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8522/15]

Primary Care Centres Provision

Billy Kelleher

182. Deputy Billy Kelleher asked the Minister for Health following the decision of An Bord Pleanála to reject an application for permission to build a primary care centre at the Mellows Road site in Finglas, Dublin 11, the total amount spent, to date, on the Finglas primary care centre; if he will confirm that the Finglas community remains a priority for the provision of such a service, and if he will commit to fund such a facility, as soon as a new site is identified; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8574/15]

Rare Diseases Strategy Implementation

Billy Kelleher

183. Deputy Billy Kelleher asked the Minister for Health his views on the National Rare Disease Plan for Ireland 2014-2018; the progress which has been made regarding the key recommendations in the plan; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8575/15]

General Practitioner Services Provision

Billy Kelleher

1. Deputy Billy Kelleher asked the Minister for Health if he will provide an update on the introduction of free general practitioner care; when the scheme will commence for children under six years of age; when the Bill to provide free GP care to those over 70 years of age will be introduced; how he will address concerns that sick children who are older than six years will not see any benefit from this; if he will widen medical card eligibility to help these children; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8305/15]

HSE Funding

Billy Kelleher

4. Deputy Billy Kelleher asked the Minister for Health if he will provide an update on the financial position of the Health Service Executive; his views on whether the executive has sufficient funding to deliver its 2015 service plan without recourse to a Supplementary Estimate; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8306/15]

Hospital Waiting Lists

Billy Kelleher

9. Deputy Billy Kelleher asked the Minister for Health when he expects an improvement in both the numbers on waiting lists and the numbers on trolleys in emergency departments; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8031/15]

Drugs-related Deaths

Billy Kelleher

11. Deputy Billy Kelleher asked the Minister for Health the number of deaths caused by drugs; and if he will provide a specific figure for those involving methadone in each of the past five years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8033/15]

Nursing Homes Support Scheme Review

Billy Kelleher

24. Deputy Billy Kelleher asked the Minister for Health his plans for the fair deal scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8029/15]

Health Insurance

Billy Kelleher

27. Deputy Billy Kelleher asked the Minister for Health the reason for the delay in the Voluntary Health Insurance being authorised by the Central Bank of Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8032/15]

General Practitioner Services Provision

Billy Kelleher

51. Deputy Billy Kelleher asked the Minister for Health if he will provide an update on the introduction of free general practitioner care; when the scheme will commence for children under six years of age; the way he will address the concerns that extremely sick children, who are older, will not see any benefit from this; if he will widen medical card eligibility to help these children; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8030/15]

Medicinal Products Prices

Billy Kelleher

115. Deputy Billy Kelleher asked the Minister for Health the specific thresholds, parameters or guidelines in place to gauge and measure the cost effectiveness of new drugs and medications. [8321/15]

Residential Institutions Data

Billy Kelleher

128. Deputy Billy Kelleher asked the Minister for Health in respect of the Redress for Women Resident in Certain Institutions Bill 2014, the number of women expected to avail of the enhanced medical benefits under the Bill; the estimated cost of the provision of these enhanced medical benefits; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8418/15]

Residential Institutions Data

Billy Kelleher

129. Deputy Billy Kelleher asked the Minister for Health in respect of the Redress for Women Resident in Certain Institutions Bill 2014, and the statement the Minister for Justice and Equality made in Dáil Éireann regarding the designation of a card for the women under this Bill, if he has made a decision on whether a specific card will be issued, to allow the women to demonstrate their eligibility to enhanced medical services; if so, the name of the card and the timeframe, after the enactment of the Bill, within which it will be introduced; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8419/15]

Health Services Funding

Billy Kelleher

133. Deputy Billy Kelleher asked the Minister for Health if he will increase funding to the Irish Osteoporosis Society; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8439/15]

Special Educational Needs Service Provision

Billy Kelleher

163. Deputy Billy Kelleher asked the Minister for Education and Skills if she will review the decision to decline the assistive technology application in respect of a child (details supplied) in County Cork. [8406/15]