Ceisteanna Parlaiminte

Apprenticeship Programmes

Michael McCarthy

313. Deputy Michael McCarthy asked the Minister for Education and Skills if he will review the case of a person (details supplied) in County Cork outlining the options available to this person who wishes to complete an apprenticeship; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9570/14]

Flood Relief Schemes Applications

Michael McCarthy

335. Deputy Michael McCarthy asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if he will provide an update on a flood relief scheme (details supplied); if the Office of Public Works consultants and Cork County Council investigation works have been fed into the design process; if the start date for construction is expected to be delayed in view of the latest flooding difficulties in the region; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9285/14]

Jobseeker's Allowance Eligibility

Michael McCarthy

416. Deputy Michael McCarthy asked the Minister for Social Protection if she will introduce a scheme to assist fishermen who have suffered significant losses as a result of the recent severe weather; if she will consider introducing a scheme such as fish assist to support those who have been adversely affected along the coast of Ireland, in particular, the south west coast; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [9572/14]

Garda Vetting Applications

Michael McCarthy

514. Deputy Michael McCarthy asked the Minister for Justice and Equality to outline the position regarding an application for Garda clearance in respect of a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8984/14]

Severe Weather Events Response

Michael McCarthy

606. Deputy Michael McCarthy asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the assistance available to assist fishermen around the coast of Ireland and in particular the south west coast who have suffered significant losses as a result of the recent severe weather; if he will put in place an adequate compensation scheme for those who are facing financial ruin as a result of the recent bad weather; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9571/14]

Departmental Funding

Michael McCarthy

622. Deputy Michael McCarthy asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs if she will provide an update with regard to funding to relocate a facility (details supplied) in County Cork; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [9284/14]

Adoption Legislation

Michael McCarthy

627. Deputy Michael McCarthy asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the measures she is taking to address the current barriers which prevent adoptees from tracing their birth parents; if she will consider bringing forward legislation to deal with this matter; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [9487/14]

Graduate Nursing Scheme

Michael McCarthy

642. Deputy Michael McCarthy asked the Minister for Health his plans to introduce a postgraduate course for persons who have qualified in psychiatric nursing to further study in general nursing; if so, when this course will be available; the centres in which this course will be available; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8983/14]

Swimming Pool Projects

Michael McCarthy

737. Deputy Michael McCarthy asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will provide a progress report on the redevelopment of a facility (details supplied) in County Cork; if he will provide assurances that funding remains ring-fenced for the new development; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9283/14]

Road Tolls

Michael McCarthy

742. Deputy Michael McCarthy asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the discussions that have taken place to date; the actions that will be taken regarding the HGV Road User Levy Act 2013 that will be enacted on 1 April 2014 by the Northern Ireland Executive; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9394/14]

Pensions Levy

Michael McCarthy

54. Deputy Michael McCarthy asked the Minister for Finance the rationale for imposing an additional 0.15% levy for 2014 and 2015 on pension groups such as (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8756/14]

Local Authority Members' Remuneration

Michael McCarthy

159. Deputy Michael McCarthy asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if he will clarify exactly the treatment of retirement gratuities in the case of an incumbent town councillor who seeks re-election; and the situation thereafter if said incumbent is successful or fails to be re-elected. [8644/14]

Legislative Process

Michael McCarthy

227. Deputy Michael McCarthy asked the Minister for Health if he will report on the progress to date on the Autism Bill; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8603/14]

Teacher Training Places

Michael McCarthy

248. Deputy Michael McCarthy asked the Minister for Education and Skills if his attention has been drawn to the difficulties of trainee teachers in their attempts to gain probationary teaching hours; if he will put in place a strategy to address this problem; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7602/14]

School Accommodation

Michael McCarthy

271. Deputy Michael McCarthy asked the Minister for Education and Skills the action being taken to replace the prefab classrooms at a school (details supplied) in County Cork with permanent accommodation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7915/14]

Social Welfare Appeals

Michael McCarthy

395. Deputy Michael McCarthy asked the Minister for Social Protection the position regarding a social welfare appeal in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Cork; when a decision will be made in respect of this appeal; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [7983/14]

Long-Term Illness Scheme Coverage

Michael McCarthy

701. Deputy Michael McCarthy asked the Minister for Health his plans to include ulcerative colitis, which is a chronic incurable condition, on the list of qualifying ailments for a long-term illness medical card; and if not, the reason in view of the circumstances of the condition and the potential medical costs involved. [7696/14]

Medicinal Products Prices

Michael McCarthy

702. Deputy Michael McCarthy asked the Minister for Health the specific reasons for the variation in medication costs between Ireland and neighbouring European countries; his views on the discrepancy in the price of a product (details supplied); the way he intends to address this matter; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7697/14]

Customs and Excise Controls

Michael McCarthy

79. Deputy Michael McCarthy asked the Minister for Finance the current rate of import duty and taxes when importing goods into Ireland from outside the EU whether by a private individual or commercial entity; the rationale for same; his views on whether this is at variance with other jurisdictions which do not impose such a charge; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7245/14]

EU Solidarity Fund

Michael McCarthy

170. Deputy Michael McCarthy asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if an application will be made to the EU solidarity fund to seek financial assistance to support the clean-up and costs which have arisen from the damage caused by recent severe storms. [7283/14]

Rural Transport Programme

Michael McCarthy

293. Deputy Michael McCarthy asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the progress made to date in reforming rural transport; the integration of the various schemes, including school bus, Bus Éireann and Health Service Executive transport schemes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7277/14]

Visa Waiver Programme

Michael McCarthy

294. Deputy Michael McCarthy asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the list of countries that have been included in the visa waiver programme; the tourism numbers from those countries that have already been included; the potential numbers that are being projected by his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7278/14]

Health Services Provision

Michael McCarthy

226. Deputy Michael McCarthy asked the Minister for Health the provisions that are being made for a person (details supplied) in County Laois to be transferred from Beaumont Hospital, Dublin, to their residence; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7139/14]

Telecommunications Infrastructure

Michael McCarthy

343. Deputy Michael McCarthy asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources further to Parliamentary Question No. 476 of 15 January 2014, if he will provide an update on same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6219/14]

Public Health Policy

Michael McCarthy

588. Deputy Michael McCarthy asked the Minister for Health the position regarding the establishment of the healthy Ireland council; the number of positions available; if he will provide a full job description of the roles available; when recruitment is likely to take place; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6384/14]

Ambulance Service Provision

Michael McCarthy

602. Deputy Michael McCarthy asked the Minister for Health the reason ambulance transport was denied in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Cork; if he will provide an explanation regarding the circumstances surrounding the emergency transfer of this person in County Cork; the steps being taken to address such a situation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6487/14]

Tax Relief Availability

Michael McCarthy

51. Deputy Michael McCarthy asked the Minister for Finance if he will provide an update in relation to an application for the treatment abroad scheme in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Cork in view of the financial circumstances in this case and the fact that this person has been previously reimbursed for medical expenses accrued for treatment that was only available abroad; and if he will expedite a reply. [6074/14]

Office of Public Works Properties

Michael McCarthy

71. Deputy Michael McCarthy asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if he will provide an update regarding the handing over of a disused Garda station to a community project (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5908/14]

Ports Policy

Michael McCarthy

255. Deputy Michael McCarthy asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport regarding the amalgamation of the Bantry Bay Harbour Commissioners into Cork Port Company, his plans to promote and develop Bantry Bay harbour with the aim of maximising Bantry's potential as a tourist hub for west Cork; when he expects the board of directors of Bantry Bay Port Company Limited to be appointed by the Port of Cork Company; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5935/14]

Student Grant Scheme Eligibility

Michael McCarthy

226. Deputy Michael McCarthy asked the Minister for Education and Skills if there is any leniency or flexibility in respect of the date of birth or age and timing of a person's 23rd birthday for grants for mature students; if there are circumstances in which a person (details supplied) in County Cork will qualify for a higher education grant; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5188/14]

Flood Relief Schemes Funding

Michael McCarthy

264. Deputy Michael McCarthy asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the position regarding the provision of a flood relief scheme in respect of an area (details supplied) in County Cork; the progress that has been made to date, particularly in light of recent flooding; if he will provide a prospective timeline on when he expects work on the flood relief scheme to get under way; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5283/14]

Building Regulations Amendments

Michael McCarthy

434. Deputy Michael McCarthy asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government with regard to the Building Control (Amendment) Regulations 2014 S.I No. 9 of 2014, if the new building regulations will preclude persons from building through direct labour; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4915/14]

Proposed Legislation

Michael McCarthy

452. Deputy Michael McCarthy asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government his plans to introduce legislation and/or policy relating to height restrictions on suburban garden trees and hedges; if such a policy could be introduced by city and county councils; the discussions he and his Department have had with other Departments on this matter to find a legal remedy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5114/14]

Departmental Funding

Michael McCarthy

453. Deputy Michael McCarthy asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the position regarding an application for core funding in respect of an organisation (details supplied) which is crucial for the continuation of the substantial work already undertaken by this forum; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5115/14]

Hospital Staff Recruitment

Michael McCarthy

617. Deputy Michael McCarthy asked the Minister for Health the steps that have been taken to employ a paediatric orthopaedic surgeon in the Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital Drogheda; the reason there has been such a delay in recruiting a successful candidate for the post; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4875/14]

Hospital Waiting Lists

Michael McCarthy

618. Deputy Michael McCarthy asked the Minister for Health the number of children on the waiting list for orthopaedic surgery in the Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital Drogheda; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4876/14]

Carer's Allowance Applications

Michael McCarthy

88. Deputy Michael McCarthy asked the Minister for Social Protection if she will provide an update on an application for carer's allowance in respect of a person (details supplied); and if she will expedite same. [4661/14]

Services for People with Disabilities

Michael McCarthy

204. Deputy Michael McCarthy asked the Minister for Health the specific amount of allocated hours per week for a pupil (details supplied) in County Louth for physiotherapy and occupational and speech therapy services; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4697/14]

School Enrolments

Michael McCarthy

58. Deputy Michael McCarthy asked the Minister for Education and Skills the enrolment policy of a school (details supplied) in County Louth; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4531/14]

FÁS Training Programmes Provision

Michael McCarthy

59. Deputy Michael McCarthy asked the Minister for Education and Skills the reason driving courses were discontinued in the FÁS centre in Dundalk in 2012; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4532/14]

Built Heritage Jobs Leverage Scheme Data

Michael McCarthy

94. Deputy Michael McCarthy asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the number of applications received to date under the built heritage jobs leverage scheme; if he will provide a county and regional breakdown of the projects for which applications have been made; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4425/14]

Road Safety Authority

Michael McCarthy

215. Deputy Michael McCarthy asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport when the Road Safety Authority's office will open on Newry Road in Dundalk, County Louth; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4533/14]

Household Benefits Scheme

Michael McCarthy

358. Deputy Michael McCarthy asked the Minister for Social Protection if she will clarify the position in respect of the abolition of the telephone allowance; the implications this decision has had on old age pensioners and persons living alone in rural isolated areas; if she has given due consideration to an alternative system for persons who live on their own; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [3487/14]

Irish Water Establishment

Michael McCarthy

494. Deputy Michael McCarthy asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the total amount retained from property tax receipts for the express purpose of funding the establishment and operation of Irish Water; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3510/14]

Leader Programmes Funding

Michael McCarthy

518. Deputy Michael McCarthy asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government his plans to provide additional funds for re-distribution to Leader companies that have approved ready to go projects; the amount of Leader funding ring-fenced for projects in the areas serviced by the west Cork development programme, which will have a substantial economic impact on the west Cork region; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3745/14]

Water and Sewerage Schemes Status

Michael McCarthy

552. Deputy Michael McCarthy asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if he will provide an update on the progress of a scheme (details supplied); if he will further provide assurances that this scheme will proceed as planned; if the funding that was approved for this project is still in place; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4134/14]

Single Payment Scheme Administration

Michael McCarthy

626. Deputy Michael McCarthy asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the position regarding the clawback of single farm payments and the ongoing land parcel review; if he will provide clarification on the exact number of farmers that have been contacted as part of this ongoing land parcel eligibility review; the number of farmers in County Cork who have been contacted in this regard; the total sum being recouped from farmers in County Cork; if he will confirm the years being reviewed; if he will provide assurances that a ceiling will be put on the years being examined as the prospect of five years retrospective penalties will only serve to cause undue hardship; his views on whether the review is fair to farmers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3908/14]

State Airports

Michael McCarthy

800. Deputy Michael McCarthy asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the efforts being made to reinstate domestic flights from Dublin to Cork; if he will restore this service in view of the fact that new services to the US, Canada and the Middle East are scheduled from Dublin airport during 2014 and it is essential that Cork and its hinterland can benefit from seamless onward connections; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3729/14]

Driver Licences

Michael McCarthy

810. Deputy Michael McCarthy asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will detail all jurisdictions where Ireland has a reciprocal relationship for the exchange of driving licences; if he will provide an update on current negotiations; if he is considering further jurisdictions, including Australia, where this agreement could be expanded; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3904/14]

VAT Exemptions

Michael McCarthy

51. Deputy Michael McCarthy asked the Minister for Finance the reason off-street parking when provided by local authorities or county councils is taxable at the standard rate, while on-street parking charges are deemed exempt from VAT; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3314/14]

Health Services

Michael McCarthy

582. Deputy Michael McCarthy asked the Minister for Health the position regarding a primary medical certificate in respect of persons (details supplied) in County Cork. [2602/14]

Telecommunications Infrastructure

Michael McCarthy

476. Deputy Michael McCarthy asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if he will investigate issues surrounding the ownership of a telecommunications mast (details supplied) in County Cork which is sub-let to a third party; if he will investigate the reason adverse repossession is now being pursued; and the legality of this and the options available to this landowner who has never received any remuneration in relation to the use of this mast. [1704/14]

Hospital Services

Michael McCarthy

771. Deputy Michael McCarthy asked the Minister for Health when the epilepsy monitoring unit at Cork University Hospital will be opened and available to receive patients; the reason for the delay in view of the considerable funding invested into this unit to date; when he expects recruitment of nurses and EEG technicians required to operate the unit will be finalised; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [55468/13]

Hospital Accommodation Provision

Michael McCarthy

845. Deputy Michael McCarthy asked the Minister for Health the progress made to date in the provision of enhanced hospital facilities and other essential services for patients with cystic fibrosis in Cork University Hospital; the progress made to date in developing an adult cystic fibrosis unit and enhanced paediatric cystic fibrosis facilities on site; and when it is expected that work will commence on same. [1238/14]

Dangerous Substance Licence Issues

Michael McCarthy

154. Deputy Michael McCarthy asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation the number of applications granted in respect of the dangerous substance retail petroleum licence in the past five years to date; the reason long established service stations are currently being inspected and unreasonable requests are being asked of them by the Health and Safety Authority which acts as an impediment to establishing and expanding filling stations here; the efforts he has undertaken to ensure that many rural petrol stations that supply a vital service are not closed down; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [54908/13]

Fishing Industry Development

Michael McCarthy

187. Deputy Michael McCarthy asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the supports available to a person (details supplied) in County Cork who wants to develop and expand a fishing enterprise; the financial assistance and practical supports available to assist this person; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [54487/13]

Rural Development Programme Projects

Michael McCarthy

383. Deputy Michael McCarthy asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government with regard to a tourism based initiative (details supplied) in County Cork, the reason such a harsh penalty was imposed on this community co-operative when a less punitive solution was available; the involvement his Department has had to date regarding this application; the efforts made to resolve the current difficulties; the steps now available to resolve this current impasse and to bring about a vibrant busy tourism centre as originally envisioned; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53701/13]

Land Issues

Michael McCarthy

25. Deputy Michael McCarthy asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the steps being taken to support young farmers, farm restructuring, transfer of farmland and competitiveness; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53142/13]

Food Marketing Programme

Michael McCarthy

33. Deputy Michael McCarthy asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the various visits undertaken since 2013, including the Japan visit, that have promoted Irish food and agricultural produce, agreements and developments to date in accessing those markets; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53143/13]

Architectural Heritage

Michael McCarthy

122. Deputy Michael McCarthy asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht if there is funding available to further restore a building of historical interest (details supplied); if he will provide details of the grant schemes available in all respects, including tax breaks; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53495/13]

State Airports

Michael McCarthy

238. Deputy Michael McCarthy asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the position regarding the commitment to establish Cork Airport independently free of debt; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53480/13]

Tax Reliefs Eligibility

Michael McCarthy

38. Deputy Michael McCarthy asked the Minister for Finance further to Parliamentary Question No. 73 of 17 October 2013, if the consultation process with the Department of Health in connection with this request has concluded and a decision been reached; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53170/13]

National Car Test

Michael McCarthy

214. Deputy Michael McCarthy asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will give consideration to extending the 21-day period for NCT retesting for vehicle owners who are awaiting delivery of a replacement part; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53182/13]

State Pension (Contributory) Eligibility

Michael McCarthy

270. Deputy Michael McCarthy asked the Minister for Social Protection the position regarding determination of entitlement to a contributory pension in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Cork; if she will provide a breakdown of the calculations in this case; the reason all arrears have not been paid from the date of entitlement; the reason the applicant was not informed of their right to make voluntary contributions to ensure an entitlement to a full contributory pension; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [52857/13]

Hospital Appointment Delays

Michael McCarthy

472. Deputy Michael McCarthy asked the Minister for Health the reason for the delay in rheumatology appointments at the Mater hospital in Dublin; the reason appointments have been rescheduled three times in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Louth since August 2012, with the person receiving only a few days notice prior to the appointment being cancelled; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52519/13]

Seniors Alert Scheme

Michael McCarthy

107. Deputy Michael McCarthy asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the position regarding a number of applications in respect of an organisation (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52013/13]

Rural Development Programme

Michael McCarthy

138. Deputy Michael McCarthy asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine his plans on the delivery of 50:50 co-financing to provide a combined EU-national annual budget of €660 million under Common Agricultural Policy Pillar II measures; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52202/13]

Rural Development Programme

Michael McCarthy

139. Deputy Michael McCarthy asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the action he will take in the context of the rural development plan 2014-2020 to address the income concerns of many farmers who depend on schemes, including disadvantaged areas, agri-environment options, REP scheme, suckler cow and sheep payments, which are vital supports and maintain the viability of farmers in vulnerable sectors and regions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52203/13]

Rural Development Programme

Michael McCarthy

140. Deputy Michael McCarthy asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the steps he is taking to ensure that there is provision, under the rural development programme, to provide farm investment aid to support modernisation efficiencies across all sectors, including assistance for farm restructuring and competitiveness, through young farmer and other programmes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52204/13]

Rural Development Programme

Michael McCarthy

141. Deputy Michael McCarthy asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the steps he is taking to ensure a strong Pillar II rural development programme, as part of the overall Common Agricultural Policy agreement, which is vital for vulnerable sectors and regions, particularly in disadvantaged areas; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52205/13]

Medical Card Eligibility

Michael McCarthy

165. Deputy Michael McCarthy asked the Minister for Health the reason a medical card was recently removed from a person (details supplied) in County Louth; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52177/13]

Driver Licence Applications

Michael McCarthy

169. Deputy Michael McCarthy asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport when a driving licence will be processed in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Cork; the normal processing times for same; and if the matter will be expedited in view of the fact that this person is due to travel abroad shortly. [52012/13]

Child Protection Services

Michael McCarthy

377. Deputy Michael McCarthy asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs if she has responsibility for Child Protection Services; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [51427/13]

Property Taxation Administration

Michael McCarthy

45. Deputy Michael McCarthy asked the Minister for Finance if his attention has been drawn to the difficulties being experienced by householders who have not received their local property tax return form and who do not have internet access; the efforts being made to ensure that all householders making an effort to pay and who do not have access to the internet are not put under undue pressure where they have not received the form; the position regarding liability for local property tax in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Cork; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51115/13]

Primary Medical Certificates Applications

Michael McCarthy

50. Deputy Michael McCarthy asked the Minister for Finance the position regarding an application for a review of a primary medical certificate application in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Cork. [51195/13]

Property Taxation Administration

Michael McCarthy

160. Deputy Michael McCarthy asked the Minister for Finance the reason a person (details supplied) in County Kerry was unable to register to pay their local property tax online due to actions outstanding for 2013, even though they have fully paid last year's LPT; and the reason when queried, the dedicated LPT help line team were unable to explain. [50243/13]

Garda Station Closures

Michael McCarthy

299. Deputy Michael McCarthy asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform when a decision will issue to a community association (details supplied) regarding the handing over of a disused Garda station to a community project; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50744/13]

Visa Applications

Michael McCarthy

508. Deputy Michael McCarthy asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the options available to a person who is a Turkish national who is currently resident here and who wishes to commence a visa application accordingly; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50649/13]

Children in Care

Michael McCarthy

565. Deputy Michael McCarthy asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the actions her Department will be taking after the recent report released by the national review panel concerning children who have died in care, after-care or known to the Health Service Executive in 2012; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [50163/13]

Speech and Language Therapy

Michael McCarthy

579. Deputy Michael McCarthy asked the Minister for Health the amount allocated to a school (details supplied) in County Louth for physical, occupational and speech therapy for 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012 and to date in 2013; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50164/13]

Enterprise Support Schemes

Michael McCarthy

43. Deputy Michael McCarthy asked the Minister for Finance the number of persons in each county that have availed of the start your own business initiative since its introduction in budget 2014; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49907/13]

Mental Health Services Provision

Michael McCarthy

208. Deputy Michael McCarthy asked the Minister for Health the actions he is taking to address the shortage of acute child psychiatric services (details supplied) in County Cork; when a permanent consultant will be appointed to this service as the absence of such has placed a considerable strain on this service; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49872/13]

Driver Licences

Michael McCarthy

222. Deputy Michael McCarthy asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will consider providing an exemption for a person (details supplied) in County Cork who held a provisional licence just prior to November 1989 when it comes to the issue of special licences for persons towing trailers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49694/13]

Leader Programmes Funding

Michael McCarthy

425. Deputy Michael McCarthy asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government when additional funds will be made available for redistribution to Leader companies that have approved ready-to-go projects; the amount of Leader funding ring-fenced for projects in the areas serviced by WCDP; when he will make an decision on the funding for such projects, including an indication of the additional budget likely to become available as well as details on the process for reallocation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48859/13]

Data Protection

Michael McCarthy

735. Deputy Michael McCarthy asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if his attention has been drawn to a data breach regarding customer information at the National Driving Licence Service; the measures he is taking to preserve privacy online and protection of citizens' data in the wake of this significant breach of Internet privacy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49329/13]

Social Welfare Benefits

Michael McCarthy

97. Deputy Michael McCarthy asked the Minister for Social Protection if she will confirm if it is compulsory that social welfare recipients must now receive payments via bank transfer; the reason for same; if there are circumstances in which a person may have payments via An Post; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [48577/13]

Symphysiotomy Report

Michael McCarthy

476. Deputy Michael McCarthy asked the Minister for Health when he will appoint a judge in respect of women affected by symphysiotomy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48205/13]

Tax Collection

Michael McCarthy

76. Deputy Michael McCarthy asked the Minister for Finance if his attention has been drawn to concerns relating to the possibility that the date of the pay and file income tax return deadline will be brought forward; the effect of such a change on cash flows for income tax payers and small and medium-sized businesses; the challenges for the professionals who complete and file tax returns on their behalf, for seasonal operations, particularly agricultural and tourist related operators; his views on the impact of this proposal on the current excellent level of compliance and the need to ensure that taxpayers, business groups, tax advisers and accountants are consulted on any proposed changes. [47559/13]

Driver Licence Applications

Michael McCarthy

249. Deputy Michael McCarthy asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if his attention has been drawn to concerns raised regarding the introduction of a new appointment system at local offices of the National Drivers Licence Service; his views on a person's experience (details supplied) and the measures he will take to address and resolve the matter. [47572/13]

Burial Grounds

Michael McCarthy

119. Deputy Michael McCarthy asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the position regarding Muslim burials in Dundalk, County Louth; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47336/13]

Budget 2014

Michael McCarthy

171. Deputy Michael McCarthy asked the Minister for Finance the position regarding his announcement during budget 2014 regarding his intention to abolish top slicing relief on all ex gratia lump sum payments made in respect of retirement or terminations of employment greater than €200,000 or over; if he will clarify this statement in view of the confusion surrounding this decision, outlining exactly if this relief has been abolished entirely and on what payments; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46060/13]

Tax Code

Michael McCarthy

208. Deputy Michael McCarthy asked the Minister for Finance the way the single person child carer tax credit will be applied where there is shared custody; if it will be possible for parents to split the credit taking access and maintenance arrangements into account; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46714/13]

Teacher Recruitment

Michael McCarthy

276. Deputy Michael McCarthy asked the Minister for Education and Skills the steps and intervention he is taking in the case of a school (details supplied) in County Louth which currently employs a retired teacher for a prolonged time since September 2013; and also employed another retired teacher on a long-term basis in the past year. [45701/13]

Bord Gáis Privatisation

Michael McCarthy

612. Deputy Michael McCarthy asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the position regarding the sale of Bord Gáis Energy; when the sale will be complete; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45768/13]

Family Support Services

Michael McCarthy

988. Deputy Michael McCarthy asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs if adequate support services are in place to support a family (details supplied) in County Cork; and if he will outline the further practical and financial support available in this instance. [45903/13]

Hospital Waiting Lists

Michael McCarthy

1209. Deputy Michael McCarthy asked the Minister for Health the number of children on the waiting list for orthopaedic surgeries at Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital, Drogheda, County Louth; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46808/13]

Hospital Staff Issues

Michael McCarthy

1210. Deputy Michael McCarthy asked the Minister for Health if there is currently a full-time paediatric orthopaedic surgeon employed at Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital, Drogheda, County Louth; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46809/13]

Road Safety

Michael McCarthy

1256. Deputy Michael McCarthy asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the rationale for the increase in the cost of the certificate of roadworthiness in particular the road safety levy for commercial vehicles; if he has taken into account the rising costs on commercial operators, mainly petrol and diesel, when considering whether the fee should be capped at this amount; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45741/13]

Health Services Issues

Michael McCarthy

252. Deputy Michael McCarthy asked the Minister for Health if funding to the national service users executive, under the auspices of the national advocacy unit, has ceased and, if so, the reason for same; when the Health Service Executive review of the NSUE will be published; and, in relation to the development of consumer panels, the role of the HSE to support such panels associated with the NSUE, and if HSE staff have been advised not to attend such panels to the detriment of their work. [45449/13]

School Transport Provision

Michael McCarthy

108. Deputy Michael McCarthy asked the Minister for Education and Skills if he will provide an update on transport provision for a child (details supplied) in County Cork; when arrangements will be put in place to facilitate this child; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45274/13]