Ceisteanna Parlaiminte

Family Reunification

Gino Kenny

275. Deputy Gino Kenny asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if his attention has been drawn to the fact that for non-EEA families, immigration permissions here are tied to one partner or spouse allowing only them to work while the other family members are economically dependent; if his attention has been further drawn to the fact that this approach acts as a block to the mobility of non-EEA workers and integration of non-EEA families here; and if he has considered introducing the family reunification directive here which operates in 25 European Union member states. [53139/19]

Smarter Transport

Gino Kenny

594. Deputy Gino Kenny asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the capital expenditure of his Department from 1 January to 31 August 2019 under headings (details supplied). [52876/19]

Artists' Remuneration

Gino Kenny

37. Deputy Gino Kenny asked the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht if her attention has been drawn to the fact that the precarious nature of work in the arts means that many artists, writers, musicians and actors are particularly affected by the housing crisis and are often part of the hidden homeless phenomenon (details supplied); her views on the important role that these workers play; if she will work with artists to address the housing and other issues of poverty; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [51891/19]

Emergency Works Scheme

Gino Kenny

189. Deputy Gino Kenny asked the Minister for Education and Skills if his attention has been drawn to the unacceptable and potentially dangerous conditions that students and staff are working under at a school (details supplied); his views on whether the leaking roof and the unsafe situation this presents needs urgent remedial work; if funding will be committed to same as a matter of priority; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49755/19]

Treatment Benefit Scheme Administration

Gino Kenny

352. Deputy Gino Kenny asked the Minister for Health if his attention has been drawn to the case of a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49849/19]

Medicinal Products Availability

Gino Kenny

422. Deputy Gino Kenny asked the Minister for Health the position regarding the drug Spinraza; the way in which it is being rolled out; and the process and reason for the way in which it is being dispensed in view of the fact that there are still children awaiting its administration. [50227/19]

Bord na Móna

Gino Kenny

11. Deputy Gino Kenny asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment if he will meet trade unions representing Bord na Móna workers; his views on their demand that Bord na Móna management attend the Workplace Relations Commission to discuss issues relating to a just transition for their members; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49437/19]

Energy Efficiency

Gino Kenny

47. Deputy Gino Kenny asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the funding that will be made available from the SEAI for energy efficiency measures in social housing units in mid-western areas of Dublin in the coming years; if the warmth and well-being scheme will be extended to other areas; the number of homes retrofitted under the scheme in the area; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49438/19]

Traveller Community

Gino Kenny

158. Deputy Gino Kenny asked the Minister for Health if his attention has been drawn to the fact that Labre Park Traveller halting site is one of the few Traveller communities that is not covered by a primary health care team (details supplied); if he will take steps to ensure that the funding of a primary health care team for Travellers living in Labre Park and the wider Ballyfermot and Dublin 10 area is included in the HSE 2020 budget; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49285/19]

Disease Management

Gino Kenny

68. Deputy Gino Kenny asked the Minister for Health his views on the length of time on average it is taking to diagnose endometriosis and the impact this has on women suffering from the disease including their mental, emotional and physical health and ultimately fertility; his further views on introducing a comprehensive endometriosis education programme for general practitioners and other medical professionals including referring patients to gynaecologists at the earliest opportunity to improve diagnosis; his plans to put in place supports for women with the disease; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48737/19]

Cannabis for Medicinal Use

Gino Kenny

95. Deputy Gino Kenny asked the Minister for Health the status of, and definitive start date for, the medicinal cannabis access programme in view of his most recent response with regard to two cannabis based products having been approved for the programme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48736/19]

Schools Building Projects

Gino Kenny

119. Deputy Gino Kenny asked the Minister for Education and Skills if his attention has been drawn to the difficult conditions under which staff and students are working and learning at a school (details supplied) in County Dublin; the steps he will take to move the school extension and refurbishment project beyond stage 2b as a matter of urgency especially in view of the recent withdrawal of the quantity surveyor and architect ; if assurances will be given that the necessary work will continue without delay; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47934/19]

School Placement

Gino Kenny

55. Deputy Gino Kenny asked the Minister for Education and Skills if his attention has been drawn to the escalating need for more primary school places in Rathcoole, County Dublin; his plans to address the matter; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47459/19]

Vaccination Programme

Gino Kenny

398. Deputy Gino Kenny asked the Minister for Health if his attention has been drawn to the fact that parents who want their daughter who is 15 years of age to receive the HPV vaccine will incur charges of €900 while their 12 years of age son will receive it for free; the rationale for same; the steps he will take to provide the vaccine free of charge to those that are proactive in having their children vaccinated; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47472/19]

Local Authority Housing Eligibility

Gino Kenny

43. Deputy Gino Kenny asked the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government when he will announce the review of income limit eligibility for council housing; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45224/19]

VAT Rate Application

Gino Kenny

147. Deputy Gino Kenny asked the Minister for Finance if the VAT situation relating to vitamin and mineral food supplements from 1 November 2019 will be clarified; the rationale for proposed changes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45279/19]

Public Procurement Contracts Data

Gino Kenny

155. Deputy Gino Kenny asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the details of projects that a person (details supplied) was involved in, including cost overruns and other relevant details; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44366/19]

Pharmacy Services

Gino Kenny

469. Deputy Gino Kenny asked the Minister for Health if his attention has been drawn to the fact that some pharmacies, including a pharmacy (details supplied), have started to charge patients for the use of blister packs; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44373/19]

Neuro-Rehabilitation Services Provision

Gino Kenny

561. Deputy Gino Kenny asked the Minister for Health if his attention has been drawn to the lack of rehabilitation services for persons with a brain injury and the negative effect that this is having on the lives of persons with such injuries. [44683/19]

Light Rail Projects Status

Gino Kenny

907. Deputy Gino Kenny asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the status of the proposed Lucan Luas transport link; his views on the need for a Luas extension to Lucan in view of the gridlock that commuters living in the locality and in neighbouring areas face daily and the resulting unacceptable level of carbon emissions; if a date will be committed to for the development of the Lucan line especially in the context of climate change mitigation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44454/19]

Local Authority Housing Funding

Gino Kenny

1129. Deputy Gino Kenny asked the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government if funding has been provided for the construction of 69 units on Griffeen Avenue, Lucan, between Foxborough Lawn and Tor An Rí Walk, following Part 8 planning approval in April 2019 by South Dublin County Council; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44368/19]

Middle East Issues

Gino Kenny

129. Deputy Gino Kenny asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if his attention has been drawn to renewed attempts by the Israeli Government to deport a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43159/19]

Services for People with Disabilities

Gino Kenny

374. Deputy Gino Kenny asked the Minister for Health if the way in which funding for transport to and from hospitals is allocated and used will be examined and clarified; his views on the fact that wheelchair users have particular difficulties in accessing day services if funding for transport is limited such as in the case of a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43353/19]

Departmental Expenditure

Gino Kenny

530. Deputy Gino Kenny asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the capital expenditure of his Department from 1 January to 31 August 2019 under the heading of B8.5, cycling and walking. [43172/19]

Special Educational Needs Staff Contracts

Gino Kenny

67. Deputy Gino Kenny asked the Minister for Education and Skills if the contracts of employment of SNAs allow for the loss of employment of a SNA worker in a school following a SENO assessment in which it is deemed a position is not required, for example, the security of employment or guarantee of another position elsewhere for SNAs affected by such an assessment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42591/19]

School Curriculum

Gino Kenny

126. Deputy Gino Kenny asked the Minister for Education and Skills if steps will be taken to cease the practice of segregation and discrimination against children on the basis of religion in schools by moving the teaching of religion to outside school hours, thereby allowing parents to choose whether they want their child to receive religious instruction in the school setting; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41419/19]

School Services Staff

Gino Kenny

127. Deputy Gino Kenny asked the Minister for Education and Skills his views on the important role that school secretaries play in the education system (details supplied); the steps he will take to bring these members of staff into the direct employ of his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41418/19]

Partial Capacity Benefit Scheme

Gino Kenny

247. Deputy Gino Kenny asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection the steps she will take to include persons in receipt of a partial capacity payment as eligible to participate in training and education and upskilling opportunities, for example, Springboard, in line with the eligibility of those in receipt of disability or jobseeker payments; her views on the unintended discriminatory nature of the ineligibility of those receiving a partial capacity payment and the impact it has on their efforts to secure employment in view of the ratification of the UNCRPD; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [42356/19]

Cannabis for Medicinal Use

Gino Kenny

44. Deputy Gino Kenny asked the Minister for Health the date for the commencement of the medical cannabis access programme; if there are outstanding issues in relation to its commencement; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41158/19]

Newborn Screening Cards

Gino Kenny

53. Deputy Gino Kenny asked the Minister for Health the necessary steps that will be taken to increase new born screening from eight conditions to 40 as per best international practice; his views on whether the extension in newborn screening will significantly lower the possibility of babies being born with serious and often life-limiting conditions and the subsequent impact on their families; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41159/19]

Air Pollution

Gino Kenny

374. Deputy Gino Kenny asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the steps he will take to address the concerns of the EPA regarding the rising levels of pollution and the failure to meet health-related guidelines in this area as set out by the World Health Organisation; his views on the recent EPA report which states that air pollution is responsible for an estimated 1,180 premature deaths each year; his strategy to address the serious public health issue of rising levels of pollution; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40603/19]

Air Pollution

Gino Kenny

375. Deputy Gino Kenny asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment his strategy for dealing with rising levels of nitrogen dioxide caused by transport emissions in urban areas and the serious risk it poses to public health; his views on the progressive steps that several EU countries and cities are taking to address emissions by making public transport free to encourage persons to use private vehicles less; if he will consider same in the near future; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40604/19]

Springboard Programme

Gino Kenny

347. Deputy Gino Kenny asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection if she will take steps to include persons in receipt of a partial capacity payment as eligible to participate in training and education and upskilling opportunities, for example, Springboard in line with the eligibility of those in receipt of disability or jobseeker payments; if her attention has been drawn to the unintended discriminatory nature of the ineligibility of those receiving a partial capacity payment and the impact it has on their efforts to secure employment in view of the ratification of the UNCRPD; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [40308/19]

Departmental Funding

Gino Kenny

54. Deputy Gino Kenny asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if increased funding will be expedited for public transport and cycling infrastructure in the mid-western areas of Dublin, particularly areas adjacent to and in proximity of the M50, in order to mitigate levels of nitrogen dioxide that exceed the EU limit which has been recorded by Traffic Infrastructure Ireland at various locations in the area; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39690/19]

Health Services Data

Gino Kenny

357. Deputy Gino Kenny asked the Minister for Health the average waiting time for treatment types (details supplied) in CHO 7; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39480/19]

Medical Conditions

Gino Kenny

390. Deputy Gino Kenny asked the Minister for Health his plans to update knowledge and skills in relation to the diagnosis, management and treatment of ME for medical professionals working in the HSE; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39696/19]

Medical Conditions

Gino Kenny

391. Deputy Gino Kenny asked the Minister for Health his views on the lack of standardised diagnosis, management and treatment of patients with ME; the impact this has on persons with the condition; his plans to put in place a comprehensive review of the way in which ME is diagnosed, managed and treated; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39697/19]

Medical Conditions

Gino Kenny

392. Deputy Gino Kenny asked the Minister for Health his views on the demonstrated need for a dedicated ME medical facility and department to diagnose, manage and treat persons with the condition; the steps he will take to establish same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39698/19]

Paediatric Services

Gino Kenny

393. Deputy Gino Kenny asked the Minister for Health if his attention has been drawn to an increase in the number of children presenting with symptoms that fit a diagnosis of ME and the lack of paediatric professionals with knowledge of the way in which to diagnose, manage and treat the condition in children; his plans to address the matter; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39699/19]

Cannabis for Medicinal Use

Gino Kenny

411. Deputy Gino Kenny asked the Minister for Health the commencement dates of the medical cannabis access programme; and when the first patients will be referred to the pilot programme. [39807/19]

Housing Assistance Payment Eligibility

Gino Kenny

195. Deputy Gino Kenny asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if a housing assistance payment is assessed as means when eligibility for free legal aid is being examined; his views on an applicant being denied free legal aid in cases in which their HAP takes them over the income limit; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38400/19]

Electronic Cigarettes

Gino Kenny

274. Deputy Gino Kenny asked the Minister for Health the research his Department has commissioned and-or carried out on vaping; the regulations issued on the sale of vaping devices and liquids; the health advice issued on the subject of vaping; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38364/19]

Prescriptions Data

Gino Kenny

275. Deputy Gino Kenny asked the Minister for Health the number of prescriptions issued to medical card holders for oxycodone in each of the years 2009 to 2018 and to date in 2019; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38365/19]

Prescriptions Data

Gino Kenny

276. Deputy Gino Kenny asked the Minister for Health the number of prescriptions issued to medical card holders for benzodiazepines in each of the years 2009 to 2018 and to date in 2019; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38366/19]

Prescriptions Data

Gino Kenny

277. Deputy Gino Kenny asked the Minister for Health the number of prescriptions issued to medical card holders for fentanyl in each of the years 2009 to 2018 and to date in 2019; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38367/19]

Prescriptions Data

Gino Kenny

278. Deputy Gino Kenny asked the Minister for Health the number of prescriptions issued to medical card holders for opioids in each of the years 2009 to 2018 and to date in 2019; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38368/19]

Parental Leave

Gino Kenny

524. Deputy Gino Kenny asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if he will take steps to extend the new paid parental leave scheme due to commence in November 2019 to all parents with children under one year of age in view of the recognition that the first 12 months in the life of a child are the most formative; if this payment will be made to parents with children under a year old and not only to those with children born after November 2019; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35748/19]

Medicinal Products Availability

Gino Kenny

835. Deputy Gino Kenny asked the Minister for Health if his attention has been drawn to the difficulties regarding accessing the drug Sativex here even when prescribed by a consultant neurologist; the status and prescription protocol in relation to the drug; the changes planned in the prescription of and access to the drug in the aftermath of the introduction of the medicinal cannabis access programme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34939/19]

Infectious Diseases

Gino Kenny

868. Deputy Gino Kenny asked the Minister for Health if the rules governing public health and exemptions from attendance at court in the case of infectious diseases apply to the family courts; if not, the rationale for same; if he will consider a revision (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35030/19]

Rehabilitation Training Allowance Payments

Gino Kenny

999. Deputy Gino Kenny asked the Minister for Health the steps he will take to reverse the decision to cut from September 2019 onwards the training grant for persons with disabilities who participate in rehabilitative training; if his attention has been drawn to the extra costs associated with participation in such training, the impact it will have on the limited income of persons with disabilities and the barriers to engagement in training it may subsequently present; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35652/19]