Ceisteanna Parlaiminte

National Lottery Funding Applications

Michael McCarthy

205. Deputy Michael McCarthy asked the Minister for Health the position regarding an application for a national lottery grant in respect of an organisation (details supplied) in County Cork; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44928/13]

Tax Reliefs Eligibility

Michael McCarthy

73. Deputy Michael McCarthy asked the Minister for Finance the process by which a hospital/ clinic may be placed on the approved list of institutions for the purpose of claiming health or medical expenses relief; specifically if due consideration will be given to the addition of a facility (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43996/13]

Special Educational Needs Services Provision

Michael McCarthy

56. Deputy Michael McCarthy asked the Minister for Education and Skills further to Parliamentary Question No. 90 of 3 July 2013, when a response will issue; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43205/13]

School Transport Provision

Michael McCarthy

77. Deputy Michael McCarthy asked the Minister for Education and Skills the reason a person (details supplied) in County Cork was refused free school transport in view of the fact that they hold a medical card. [43522/13]

Joint Labour Committees Abolition

Michael McCarthy

109. Deputy Michael McCarthy asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation further to his recent announcement regarding the re-introduction of the joint labour committee system in a reduced and amended manner, if he will provide clarification regarding his intention to abolish the joint labour committees that deal with terms and conditions for staff in the hotel sector in Dublin; the impact of this on the hotel sector outside of Dublin and in rural areas; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43562/13]

Milk Quota Applications

Michael McCarthy

346. Deputy Michael McCarthy asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the position regarding a milk quota in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Cork; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43288/13]

Sick Pay Scheme Expenditure

Michael McCarthy

419. Deputy Michael McCarthy asked the Minister for Health the position regarding sick leave payments in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Cork. [43281/13]

Motor Industry Issues

Michael McCarthy

172. Deputy Michael McCarthy asked the Minister for Finance his views on introducing a new scrappage scheme to stimulate business in the motor industry; his view on the proposal of a group (details supplied) that such a scheme be based on a rebate on vehicle registration tax payable on a new car of €2,000 to encourage owners of cars six years old and older to trade in and trade up; his views on whether such a scheme would generate increased tax revenues and help to preserve jobs in the motor trade; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42123/13]

Local Government Reform

Michael McCarthy

418. Deputy Michael McCarthy asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the policy regarding the treatment of funding that a town council may have at the time of abolition; if such funds may be redirected towards community and or sports projects by way of a vote or on advice from elected members; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42530/13]

School Transport Provision

Michael McCarthy

111. Deputy Michael McCarthy asked the Minister for Education and Skills if school bus transport will be provided for a child (details supplied) in County Cork; the reason an application for a concessionary bus ticket was refused by Bus Éireann in respect of this child; if he will investigate the possibility of putting a larger size bus in place to increase capacity; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41646/13]

Tourism Industry Issues

Michael McCarthy

254. Deputy Michael McCarthy asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if it is the intention of Bord Fáilte to close down the tourist information office at a location (details supplied); if there has there been any consultation with local interest groups regarding the proposed closure; and his views on the potential negative effect of this closure and the potential negative impact of this on the area and upcoming Gathering events. [41577/13]

School Services Staff

Michael McCarthy

146. Deputy Michael McCarthy asked the Minister for Education and Skills his views on whether it was reasonable to enforce a 5% cut under the Financial Measures in the Public Interest Act 2009 on persons who are not public servants as has happened in the case of low paid school caretakers and secretaries even though neither are in many cases subject to a salary scale, have no pension rights and no sick leave entitlements; his views on the implications posed by a case currently before the Employment Appeals Tribunal (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41246/13]

Pensions Regulation

Michael McCarthy

195. Deputy Michael McCarthy asked the Minister for Social Protection the position regarding the ESB occupational pension scheme; the date on which the description of this scheme was changed to a defined contribution scheme; if she will outline the details regarding the Pensions Board's decision to wind up the scheme; if she will acknowledge the genuine concerns of active ESB staff who do not generally have an entitlement to a State pension; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [41273/13]

Leader Programmes Applications

Michael McCarthy

208. Deputy Michael McCarthy asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if he will give approval at an early date for the allocation of funds through the West Cork Development Partnership in respect of a development (details supplied) in County Cork. [41338/13]

National Lottery Funding Applications

Michael McCarthy

264. Deputy Michael McCarthy asked the Minister for Health if his Department has received an application for a national lottery grant from an organisation (details supplied) in County Cork; and when a decision will be made in respect of this application. [41337/13]

Budget Submissions

Michael McCarthy

201. Deputy Michael McCarthy asked the Minister for Finance if he has considered in detail the pre-budget submission of the Irish Congress of Trade Unions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40665/13]

Disabled Drivers and Passengers Scheme

Michael McCarthy

208. Deputy Michael McCarthy asked the Minister for Finance if he will review an application in respect of a person (details supplied) for tax relief in relation to vehicles purchased for use by persons with disabilities; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41008/13]

Disability Support Services Expenditure

Michael McCarthy

615. Deputy Michael McCarthy asked the Minister for Health if his attention has been drawn to the major collective effect of cuts to disability organisations (details supplied) in County Cork, which have experienced substantial budget cuts over the past six years; if he will acknowledge that there is a growing gap between the demand for services and the resources available to meet this demand; that further cuts will cause this gap to widen even further and threaten front-line services such as transport and respite supports, early intervention services and many more; if he will provide assurances that this sector will not be subject to further cuts in budget 2014; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41036/13]

Pension Provisions

Michael McCarthy

80. Deputy Michael McCarthy asked the Minister for Finance if the AVC withdrawal scheme introduced in Budget 2013 will be extended to cover PRSA's to assist persons to access part of their pension savings particularly in cases where pension schemes are performing poorly. [40245/13]

National Internship Scheme Places

Michael McCarthy

141. Deputy Michael McCarthy asked the Minister for Social Protection if an exception may be made to the JobBridge scheme for an extension of an internship in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Cork in view of the recent announcement that interns can now undertake placements for a duration of 18 months; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [40318/13]

Sports Capital Programme Applications

Michael McCarthy

286. Deputy Michael McCarthy asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the position regarding funding in respect of a club (details supplied) in County Cork; and if he will outline all streams of funding available through his Department or an agency under its remit. [40291/13]

Carer's Allowance Payments

Michael McCarthy

619. Deputy Michael McCarthy asked the Minister for Social Protection if she will provide an assurance that carers will not be subject to further cuts in Budget 2014; that income supports will be protected for those in receipt of carer's allowance, carer's benefit and half rate carer's allowance in Budget 2014; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [37617/13]

State Pension (Contributory) Eligibility

Michael McCarthy

620. Deputy Michael McCarthy asked the Minister for Social Protection the conditions or criteria required for a person to qualify for credited contributions while in receipt of carer's allowance or carer's benefit; the Government's actions to date to protect long-term and older carers in respect of their pension entitlements to ensure that carers are not disadvantaged due to extended periods of caring; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [37618/13]

Carer's Allowance Eligibility

Michael McCarthy

621. Deputy Michael McCarthy asked the Minister for Social Protection her plans to review the habitual residency condition for the carer's allowance in view of the fact that it acts as a barrier to persons returning here to care for a loved one. [37619/13]

Claims Processing

Michael McCarthy

622. Deputy Michael McCarthy asked the Minister for Social Protection the action her Department has taken to reduce and streamline processing times for social protection payments with a view to minimising hardship on those awaiting the outcome of applications; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [37620/13]

National Carers Strategy Status

Michael McCarthy

623. Deputy Michael McCarthy asked the Minister for Social Protection the measures in place to assist family carers to avail of education and employment opportunities during their caring years to help and support them to re-enter the workforce when their caring role ends. [37621/13]

Water Meters

Michael McCarthy

898. Deputy Michael McCarthy asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government his views on the principle that recipients of social welfare payments should get a basic free allowance of water and that charges should only apply for usage above that allowance; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37622/13]

Housing Adaptation Grant Funding

Michael McCarthy

899. Deputy Michael McCarthy asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the action he is taking to ensure that adequate funding is provided to local authorities to deal with the demand for the housing aid for older persons scheme, the mobility aids housing grant scheme and the housing adaptation grant for persons with a disability; and if he will review the current means test for this scheme in view of the fact that the current system places an unfair financial burden on applicants. [37628/13]

Security of the Elderly

Michael McCarthy

900. Deputy Michael McCarthy asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if he will provide assurances that funding will be maintained for the senior alerts scheme which provides safety and security to vulnerable persons living in the community at a nominal monitoring charge. [37629/13]

Rights of Way Registration

Michael McCarthy

1068. Deputy Michael McCarthy asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the average waiting time for the Property Registration Authority to register a right of way over lands from the date of a valid application; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37451/13]

Strategy for Young Carers

Michael McCarthy

1255. Deputy Michael McCarthy asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs if she will provide an update with regard to the implementation and advancement of the recommendations outlined in the Study of Young Carers in the Irish Population; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [37627/13]

Care Services

Michael McCarthy

1377. Deputy Michael McCarthy asked the Minister for Health his plans to undertake an audit of respite services to identify gaps in existing service levels and to assess current and future need for these services; his plans to provide increased access to planned respite breaks for dependents of full time carers, development of flexible in home respite services for carers and dependents with no access to residential respite services; his further plans to provide additional emergency respite beds when carers are unable to carry out their duties on a short time basis, for example when a carer takes ill; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37623/13]

Care Services

Michael McCarthy

1378. Deputy Michael McCarthy asked the Minister for Health his views on the feasibility of developing a National Discharge Summary and Care Plan for all persons leaving hospital care to share with their respective carers. [37624/13]

Home Help Service Expenditure

Michael McCarthy

1379. Deputy Michael McCarthy asked the Minister for Health if he will ensure that there are no cuts to home help services in view of the severe difficulties this will cause service users and their families; the steps taken to ensure sufficient levels of home help are made available to support carers including the provision for more flexibility for weekend and night cover; and that the number of home help packages are sustained in an equitable divide countrywide. [37625/13]

Care Services

Michael McCarthy

1380. Deputy Michael McCarthy asked the Minister for Health his views on providing a training plan or courses for family carers similar to those provided to health care professionals in the practicalities of care such as patient moving and handling, the use of aids and appliances, nutrition and personal care; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37626/13]

Non-Consultant Hospital Doctors Working Conditions

Michael McCarthy

1384. Deputy Michael McCarthy asked the Minister for Health the measures he will take to tackle the issue of non-consultant hospital doctors routinely working excessive hours without adequate rest or sustenance which could potentially compromise patient care and undermine patient safety; the way he will ensure compliance with the EU Working Time Directive; if he is satisfied that the Health Service Executive is making every effort to improve the working hours of NCHDs and to implement other measures to improve their working conditions which will in turn facilitate the provision of improved and safer delivery of services to patients. [37645/13]

General Practitioner Services

Michael McCarthy

1407. Deputy Michael McCarthy asked the Minister for Health his intentions for an out-of-hours facility (details supplied) in County Cork; the number of doctors currently on call; if any changes have recently taken place with regard to the normal operating hours of this facility; if there are any future plans to reduce this service; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37723/13]

Proposed Legislation

Michael McCarthy

669. Deputy Michael McCarthy asked the Minister for Health with regard to the Rights of Grandparents Bill 2013 that due consideration be given to particular circumstances when children are in care; that a provision be included in the Bill permitting grandparents to be made a party to the proceedings from the outset; if he will allow for a near parental role being ascribed to, and acknowledged, for grandparents in circumstances where, sadly, either parent is not deemed able, for whatever reason, to function in a parental role. [36086/13]

Water Fluoridation

Michael McCarthy

252. Deputy Michael McCarthy asked the Minister for Health if his attention has been drawn to concerns raised regrading the presence of fluoride in water here; the studies that have been conducted in the past two decades on the dental benefits of this process and potential negative effects of same; and the subsequent cost of each study. [35707/13]

Water Charges Introduction

Michael McCarthy

798. Deputy Michael McCarthy asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the exemptions to paying the water charge; the criteria to determine same; and if an allowance will be granted to residents in hard water areas (details supplied) in County Cork in view of the considerable costs incurred by such households in the repair and replacement of household appliances. [35117/13]

Water Services Provision

Michael McCarthy

799. Deputy Michael McCarthy asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if funding will be provided for Cork County Council to connect homes in an area (details supplied) in County Cork to the water mains supply in Riverstick; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35118/13]

Public Sector Pensions Issues

Michael McCarthy

1004. Deputy Michael McCarthy asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will provide information on pension benefits paid in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Cork who worked in his Department between 1979 and 1986; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35521/13]

Home Help Service Provision

Michael McCarthy

1138. Deputy Michael McCarthy asked the Minister for Health the number of home help hours currently being delivered in Cork South West; if he will undertake a review of hours in areas (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35404/13]

Air Services Provision

Michael McCarthy

1206. Deputy Michael McCarthy asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if his attention has been drawn to a proposal by the Irish Aviation Authority to end the existing guaranteed 24 hour air traffic control coverage at an airport (details supplied) at the end of summer 2013; the impact this will have for operators, customers and the overall competitiveness of this regional airport; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35397/13]

Physical Education

Michael McCarthy

196. Deputy Michael McCarthy asked the Minister for Education and Skills if he will facilitate an application for funding for a school (details supplied) in County Cork; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32944/13]

Carer's Allowance Applications

Michael McCarthy

281. Deputy Michael McCarthy asked the Minister for Social Protection the position regarding an application for carer's allowance in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Cork; and if she will expedite a decision on same. [32876/13]

Special Educational Needs Services Provision

Michael McCarthy

90. Deputy Michael McCarthy asked the Minister for Education and Skills his plans for an ASD unit, English speaking, for primary school children in the west Cork area. [32363/13]

Treatment Abroad Scheme

Michael McCarthy

271. Deputy Michael McCarthy asked the Minister for Finance if he will review an application for the treatment abroad scheme in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Cork. [32144/13]

Emergency Works Scheme Applications

Michael McCarthy

389. Deputy Michael McCarthy asked the Minister for Education and Skills if he will provide additional funding to a school (details supplied) in County Cork in respect of essential works; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32145/13]

Disabled Drivers Grant Eligibility

Michael McCarthy

91. Deputy Michael McCarthy asked the Minister for Finance the reason the condition of phocomelia is not covered for a primary medical certificate; the options available to a person (details supplied) in County Louth for grant aid or funding that would enable them to adapt their vehicle; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31444/13]

Third Level Fees

Michael McCarthy

109. Deputy Michael McCarthy asked the Minister for Education and Skills the options available for Irish students to reasonably fund postgraduate courses in the UK in view of the fact that many Irish banks will not fund courses outside here and UK banks will only deal with UK residents; if there is any method of funding through his Department; if there are any agreements in place between the Irish and UK universities and Governments; if there is any further funding available for a person (details supplied) in County Cork; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31193/13]

Architectural Heritage

Michael McCarthy

174. Deputy Michael McCarthy asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht if a building (details supplied) in County Cork is on his Department's list of recorded monuments; and the role his Department has in conjunction with the local authority in terms of any application for planning permission that has or will be lodged with Cork County Council to renovate the building. [31305/13]

School Transport Eligibility

Michael McCarthy

235. Deputy Michael McCarthy asked the Minister for Education and Skills the position regarding an application for concessionary school transport in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Cork; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30626/13]

Schools Building Projects Status

Michael McCarthy

254. Deputy Michael McCarthy asked the Minister for Education and Skills his plans to include a school (details supplied) in a new educational campus which is to open in August 2016; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30227/13]

School Staffing

Michael McCarthy

88. Deputy Michael McCarthy asked the Minister for Education and Skills if he will provide a progress report on a shared appeal by schools (details supplied) in County Cork relating to a refusal for EAL support. [29439/13]

Passport Applications

Michael McCarthy

112. Deputy Michael McCarthy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the number of passports issued each month for the past twelve months; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26975/13]

Disabled Drivers Grant Eligibility

Michael McCarthy

145. Deputy Michael McCarthy asked the Minister for Finance if there have been any changes made to the disabled drivers scheme which may affect the status of an individual applicant (details supplied) in County Cork; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27097/13]

State Pension (Contributory) Eligibility

Michael McCarthy

381. Deputy Michael McCarthy asked the Minister for Social Protection if she will make a comprehensive statement regarding the new rule where 520 contributions are required for the contributory pension; if where there is a discrepancy in the number of stamps, for example 500, if any discretion may be used; if her attention has been drawn to instances whereby people are not checking their stamps until they are in retirement whereby it transpires they come up short; if her Department is able to raise awareness among people to check their contributions more regularly; if her attention has been drawn to any confusion and inconvenience the issue is causing; if there is a helpline available to assist persons affected by the issue; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27137/13]

Tourism Projects Funding

Michael McCarthy

490. Deputy Michael McCarthy asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht if he will advise on the funding opportunities that are open to a local cultural facility (details supplied) in County Cork; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27392/13]

Housing Issues

Michael McCarthy

596. Deputy Michael McCarthy asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if he will advise on an ordeal involving anti-social behaviour in a local authority housing unit (details supplied) in County Cork; if his attention has been drawn to the fact that the local authority is unable to act due to lack of enforcement powers; if he will advise on the way affected residents can be assisted and peace can be restored to the area; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27389/13]

School Transport Eligibility

Michael McCarthy

86. Deputy Michael McCarthy asked the Minister for Education and Skills the position regarding a school transport issue (details supplied) in County Cork; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26394/13]

State Examinations Commission

Michael McCarthy

218. Deputy Michael McCarthy asked the Minister for Education and Skills the number of retired teachers from primary and second level schools throughout the country who were employed at any stage by his Department and State Examinations Commission, including those who were employed for just one day; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25034/13]

State Examinations

Michael McCarthy

219. Deputy Michael McCarthy asked the Minister for Education and Skills the number of retired teachers who were employed for State Examinations Commission practical and oral exams in any subject in 2013; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25035/13]

State Examinations

Michael McCarthy

220. Deputy Michael McCarthy asked the Minister for Education and Skills the number of retired teachers who have been employed as supervisors or readers for State exams in 2013; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25036/13]

State Examinations

Michael McCarthy

221. Deputy Michael McCarthy asked the Minister for Education and Skills the number of retired teachers who will or have been employed as exam secretary in a school for State exams in 2013; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25037/13]

Office of Public Works Properties

Michael McCarthy

305. Deputy Michael McCarthy asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if there is a ban on making Office of Public Works sites available for commercial use where it would bring revenue into a local area and promote the local region; and if he will reconsider this in the context of a site (details supplied) in County Donegal. [25230/13]

State Pension (Contributory) Eligibility

Michael McCarthy

350. Deputy Michael McCarthy asked the Minister for Social Protection if her attention has been drawn to a situation that has arisen due to the change in the rules in contributions for a contributory pension from 260 to 520 whereby some persons are only discovering the discrepancy when they reach retirement age, by which stage it is too late to remedy the situation (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [25099/13]

Garda Station Closures

Michael McCarthy

193. Deputy Michael McCarthy asked the Minister for Justice and Equality his views on the current status of a Garda Station (details supplied) in County Donegal; if there is a threat to its existence; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24558/13]

Tax Code

Michael McCarthy

152. Deputy Michael McCarthy asked the Minister for Finance his views on charging VAT on PIP arrangements, in view of the fact that the service is deemed non-viable in the UK; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23755/13]

Teachers' Remuneration

Michael McCarthy

307. Deputy Michael McCarthy asked the Minister for Education and Skills if he will examine the case involving an alleged administrative error regarding a teacher's payroll (details supplied) in County Cork; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23638/13]

Bord Gáis Privatisation

Michael McCarthy

458. Deputy Michael McCarthy asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if he will clarify the implications for employees of Bord Gáis if a division of the company is sold off this year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23715/13]

Youth Services Provision

Michael McCarthy

593. Deputy Michael McCarthy asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs if she will outline the funding position regarding Foróige Youth Services in the context of the upcoming Budget; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [23692/13]

Asylum Support Services

Michael McCarthy

204. Deputy Michael McCarthy asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if he will provide an update on efforts that are being made by his Department to reform the direct provision scheme for asylum seekers and refugees, the alternative options being considered; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23068/13]

School Transport Applications

Michael McCarthy

228. Deputy Michael McCarthy asked the Minister for Education and Skills if he will advise on an application for concessionary school transport in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Cork; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22811/13]

Payable Orders

Michael McCarthy

401. Deputy Michael McCarthy asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if he will reissue an out of date payable order by his Department to a person (details supplied) in County Cork; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22428/13]

Property Taxation Administration

Michael McCarthy

425. Deputy Michael McCarthy asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government in a situation where residential estates currently pay for the maintenance of their green areas, if the respective local authority will now undertake this task in view of the additional revenue gained through the collection of the local property tax; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22157/13]

Single Payment Scheme Applications

Michael McCarthy

515. Deputy Michael McCarthy asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the reason for the delay in issuing an agri-environment option scheme payment to a person (details supplied) in County Cork; when the payment will be made; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22351/13]

Farm Grants

Michael McCarthy

549. Deputy Michael McCarthy asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if there is a grant available for the reconstruction of damaged farmyard outbuildings; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22761/13]

Health Insurance Claims

Michael McCarthy

677. Deputy Michael McCarthy asked the Minister for Health if he will review a decision by a private health insurer not to award an appeal from a person (details supplied) with a serious condition; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22803/13]

General Medical Services Scheme Administration

Michael McCarthy

220. Deputy Michael McCarthy asked the Minister for Health the reasons treatment for a person (details supplied) in County Louth, who suffers from a rare debilitating condition, has had their request for the treatment abroad scheme refused despite strong medical evidence which supports their application; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21993/13]

Student Grant Scheme Eligibility

Michael McCarthy

191. Deputy Michael McCarthy asked the Minister for Education and Skills if there are any financial assistance schemes available for two persons seeking to do masters degrees (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21580/13]

Rural Development Programme Funding

Michael McCarthy

264. Deputy Michael McCarthy asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if there is a grant available for the reconstruction of damaged outbuildings; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21221/13]

Property Taxation Administration

Michael McCarthy

51. Deputy Michael McCarthy asked the Minister for Finance if he will look into an administrative error that has arisen in respect of two persons (details supplied) in County Cork who are obliged to pay the local property tax; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20950/13]

Mortgage Arrears Resolution Process

Michael McCarthy

198. Deputy Michael McCarthy asked the Minister for Finance the total number of appeals that were submitted by mortgage-holders engaged in a MARP to appeals boards in each of the State's financial institutions within the past 12 months; the total number of those appeals which were not upheld by the appeals board; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20273/13]

Banking Sector Issues

Michael McCarthy

199. Deputy Michael McCarthy asked the Minister for Finance if he will provide a breakdown in tabular form of the number of appeals received by each appeal board in the State's financial institutions within the past 12 months, specifically including the total number of appeals submitted per bank; the total number of appeals upheld per bank; the total number of appeals turned down per bank; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20274/13]

Mortgage Repayments Issues

Michael McCarthy

200. Deputy Michael McCarthy asked the Minister for Finance the number of split mortgages that have been officially sanctioned and approved by AIB, Bank of Ireland, Permanent TSB, Ulster Bank, KBC Bank, and ACC separately since 1 January 2013; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20281/13]

Planning Issues

Michael McCarthy

392. Deputy Michael McCarthy asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the progress there has been on the planned review into Part V of the Planning and Development Act 2000, particularly in terms of changes to the legislation which may affect shared ownership schemes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19788/13]

Household Charge Collection

Michael McCarthy

408. Deputy Michael McCarthy asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if a person (details supplied) is entitled to a refund on their household charge payment which has arisen as a result of an administrative error that stated an estate was liable to pay it when in fact it was not; the way the householder in question can apply for the refund; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20182/13]

Rent Supplement Scheme Eligibility

Michael McCarthy

138. Deputy Michael McCarthy asked the Minister for Social Protection further to Parliamentary Question No. 646 of 17 April 2013, if she will clarify a person's eligibility for rent allowance in a situation in which has left their home which is jointly owned/rented with their spouse/partner; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [19345/13]

Banking Sector Regulation

Michael McCarthy

241. Deputy Michael McCarthy asked the Minister for Finance if he will confirm if a person who holds a US passport and an Irish passport is eligible to buy shares in financial institutions in the State; if he will advise on the eligibility criteria that would apply in such cases; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18802/13]

Schools Mental Health Strategies

Michael McCarthy

286. Deputy Michael McCarthy asked the Minister for Education and Skills if he will provide an update on the drafting of guidelines for schools in relation to mental health in the State's education system; if he will provide a provisional timeline on the planned publication of the guidelines and further actions that will follow from same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18924/13]

Departmental Staff Redeployment

Michael McCarthy

308. Deputy Michael McCarthy asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if he will confirm if a person (details supplied) in County Cork is eligible for a transfer within the civil service; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19120/13]

Local Authority Housing Waiting Lists

Michael McCarthy

421. Deputy Michael McCarthy asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if there are any circumstances in which a local authority housing applicant can be put back on the housing list if they have been removed from it for refusing a second offer of local authority accommodation; if there are any provisions for exceptional circumstances in such cases; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18225/13]

Fodder Crisis

Michael McCarthy

539. Deputy Michael McCarthy asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the position in relation to the fodder crisis; if he will address concerns arising from those affected by the issue; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18746/13]

Water Fluoridation

Michael McCarthy

589. Deputy Michael McCarthy asked the Minister for Health if he will outline the current position on water flouridation, to address concerns that exist regarding an alleged artificial water flouridation of the water supply here; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18295/13]

Treatment Abroad Scheme

Michael McCarthy

648. Deputy Michael McCarthy asked the Minister for Health the reason treatment for a person (details supplied) in County Louth has had their request for the treatment abroad scheme refused despite strong medical evidence which supports their application; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18976/13]

Property Taxation Exemptions

Michael McCarthy

80. Deputy Michael McCarthy asked the Minister for Finance the number of properties in the West Cork region which have been exempted from the local property tax; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17807/13]

Special Educational Needs Service Provision

Michael McCarthy

126. Deputy Michael McCarthy asked the Minister for Education and Skills if he will confirm the number of primary schools in the country which have a dedicated autism unit; the staffing allocation for these units; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17992/13]

Hospital Staff

Michael McCarthy

252. Deputy Michael McCarthy asked the Minister for Health the reason that there is no orthopaedic paediatric surgeon currently employed in the Lourdes Hospital Drogheda, County Louth; if he will confirm if the position has been advertised; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17993/13]

Hospital Waiting Lists

Michael McCarthy

253. Deputy Michael McCarthy asked the Minister for Health the number of children who are on the waiting list for orthopaediatric surgery in the Louth area at present; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17994/13]