Ceisteanna Parlaiminte

State Examinations

Michael McGrath

240. Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Education and Skills the way in which the system of calculated grades for the leaving certificate will apply in respect of students that have been home schooled and that have not had consistent contact with a single teacher; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6207/20]

State Examinations

Michael McGrath

241. Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Education and Skills his plans to refund the leaving certificate fee of €116 to those who have paid it; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6208/20]

Covid-19 Pandemic

Michael McGrath

486. Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Justice and Equality further to Covid Query No. 5.709 (details supplied), the specific changes being proposed to the insolvency legislation as a consequence of the Covid-19 outbreak; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6711/20]

Covid-19 Pandemic Supports

Michael McGrath

525. Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation if businesses in arrears for local authority rates for 2019 will be able to avail of the grant by way of the rebate of rates; the way in which the grant will work; the person or body that will administer the grant; the qualifying conditions for same; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6618/20]

Commercial Property

Michael McGrath

534. Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation her plans to undertake an initiative to address the issues regarding commercial rents in the context of Covid-19; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [5631/20]

Covid-19 Tests

Michael McGrath

626. Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation if her attention has been drawn to the fact that certain employees in particular some Irish persons with jobs based abroad are required to have a Covid-19 test before returning to work; her plans to put a system in place to facilitate tests for such persons; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6591/20]

Credit Guarantee Scheme

Michael McGrath

631. Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation the differences between the existing credit guarantee scheme and the new €2 billion credit guarantee scheme announced on 2 May 2020; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6673/20]

Credit Guarantee Scheme

Michael McGrath

632. Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation the date the current credit guarantee scheme came into effect; the allocation of State funding set aside for the existing credit guarantee scheme as against the scheme announced on 2 May 2020; the amount that has been currently used up; the number of loans that have been issued to companies under the scheme each month since the scheme was established; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6674/20]

Credit Guarantee Scheme

Michael McGrath

633. Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation the reason for the exclusions to the current credit guarantee scheme; if the agriculture sector primary production in agriculture, horticulture and fisheries is excluded from the scheme; if the construction sector property-related activities are excluded from the scheme; if a company cannot use the scheme to restructure its current debt; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6675/20]

Credit Guarantee Scheme

Michael McGrath

634. Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation if the exclusions in the current credit guarantee scheme will be removed from the new scheme announced on 2 May 2020; if the new scheme will avail of the relaxed state aid rules; if state aid approval has been sought for the new scheme; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6676/20]

Credit Guarantee Scheme

Michael McGrath

640. Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation the average interest rate charged by the banks on the loans handed out with regard the current credit guarantee scheme; if there is a 0.5% premium on top of that for the guarantee scheme; if she is considering to reduce this premium to zero; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6814/20]

Credit Guarantee Scheme

Michael McGrath

641. Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation the interest rate that will be applicable to loans advanced under the new scheme for the €2 billion credit guarantee scheme announced in early May 2020; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6815/20]

Credit Guarantee Scheme

Michael McGrath

642. Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation the changes made to the credit guarantee scheme as a result of Covid-19; the number of loans that have been advanced under the scheme since the changes were made; the value of loans advanced under the scheme since the changes were made; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6816/20]

Departmental Correspondence

Michael McGrath

707. Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Health if a matter raised in correspondence by a person (details supplied) in relation to the Roadmap for Reopening Society and Business will receive a response; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5954/20]

Hospital Services

Michael McGrath

708. Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Health the position in relation to private consultants being able to see their patients in private hospitals; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5955/20]

Covid-19 Pandemic

Michael McGrath

823. Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Health if an update will be provided for couples planning a wedding in September or October in view of the publication of the Roadmap for Reopening Society and Businesses as a result of Covid-19; the number of guests that may be permitted at that stage; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7040/20]

Departmental Correspondence

Michael McGrath

916. Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment if a reply will issue to a matter raised in correspondence (details supplied) in relation to the Roadmap for Reopening Society and Business; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5989/20]

National Vehicle and Driver File Access

Michael McGrath

1039. Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the information made available to insurance companies from the national vehicle and driver file; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6615/20]

Redundancy Payments

Michael McGrath

1228. Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection if a person who has been laid off as a result of the appointment of a liquidator to a business can take up alternative employment with another employer without it impacting on the person's redundancy entitlements; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6004/20]

Covid-19 Pandemic Unemployment Payment

Michael McGrath

1262. Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection if the pandemic unemployment payment can be extended indefinitely under section 202 of the Social Welfare Consolidation Act 2005; if there are limits placed on the powers granted under this section; if she can spend as much money as deemed appropriate under this section; if primary legislation will be needed for the pandemic unemployment payment; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6490/20]

Covid-19 Pandemic Supports

Michael McGrath

1273. Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection if assistance is available for employers endeavouring to keep their business afloat but that cannot afford the redundancy costs they are facing; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6622/20]

Covid-19 Pandemic Unemployment Payment

Michael McGrath

1276. Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection if section 202 of the Social Welfare Consolidation Act 2005 has been used previously for a payment such as the pandemic unemployment payment; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6669/20]

Commercial Rates

Michael McGrath

1378. Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government the businesses that can avail of the commercial rates waiver; if it is just reserved for businesses that have been forced to close due to Covid-19 restrictions; if businesses that have partially closed will be able to avail of the waiver; if businesses that have not been forced to close but nevertheless have experienced a significant drop in turnover will be able to avail of the waiver; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6819/20]

Human Rights

Michael McGrath

26. Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade his views on the treatment by Iran of Bahá'í citizens and members of other minorities; the steps he is taking on the issue at a diplomatic level; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4469/20]

Life Insurance Policies

Michael McGrath

46. Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Finance his views on the lifesaver plan sold by certain life assurance companies by which the quarterly premium is regularly reviewed and increases very significantly as the policyholder gets older; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3964/20]

VAT Payments

Michael McGrath

59. Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Finance if it is possible to implement a temporary suspension of VAT in which payments can be temporarily deferred in view of the Covid-19 outbreak; if so, the estimated cost of implementing such a scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4288/20]

Fuel Prices

Michael McGrath

60. Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Finance the potential positive and negative impact of the decision by Saudi Arabia to increase oil supply and as a result reduce oil prices on the economy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4290/20]

State Banking Sector

Michael McGrath

61. Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Finance the risks facing the economy as a result of the recent falls in stock prices on the Stock Exchange here and globally; the potential impacts on banks here including the capitalisation of the banks and the value of the shareholding of the State in each; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4291/20]

State Banking Sector

Michael McGrath

62. Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Finance the value of the shareholding of the State in each of the State-supported banks since 2016 in six month intervals and in the case of a bank (details supplied) including the last sale of shares to the market in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4292/20]

State Banking Sector

Michael McGrath

63. Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Finance his views on the recent results published by banks (details supplied) and the prospect for the shareholding of the State in those banks; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4293/20]

State Banking Sector

Michael McGrath

68. Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Finance the relationship, direct or otherwise, between the share price of a bank and the capitalisation of that bank; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4322/20]

Tax Reliefs Eligibility

Michael McGrath

69. Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Finance if there is relief for medical expenses incurred by persons which would normally qualify under a Med1 claim in circumstances in which the person did not have a tax liability for the year in question; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4408/20]

Financial Services Regulation

Michael McGrath

72. Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Finance the rules and regulations surrounding mortgage and loan repayments in the event a lender gives leeway or a holiday for workers impacted by the Covid-19 outbreak; if such mortgages or loans will be deemed by the Central Bank to be in arrears; if they will be considered as non-performing under ECB and EBA regulations; if the loans or mortgages will be recorded on the Central Credit Register; the views of the Central Bank in relation to the matter; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4504/20]

Banking Sector

Michael McGrath

81. Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Finance if SSM rules will be reviewed as a result of the Covid-19 outbreak; the liquidity measures being considered by the ECB, EBA and the Central Bank; if the Central Bank is considering reviewing the countercyclical buffer; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4800/20]

Tax Code

Michael McGrath

91. Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Finance his plans to make changes in the tax treatment of benefit-in-kind regarding company cars in view of the fact that under the benefit-in-kind tax bracket a company employee with a company vehicle falls into is dependent on mileage done and many such persons are now travelling considerably less as a result of Covid-19; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5073/20]

Banking Sector

Michael McGrath

92. Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Finance the SSM rules regarding non-performing loans; the definition of a non-performing loan or exposure; the amount of capital that a bank must set aside for loans that turn non-performing; if the ECB or the EBA are reviewing the rules in view of the Covid-19 outbreak; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5079/20]

Tax Code

Michael McGrath

109. Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Finance the tax heads which will apply in respect of the announcement regarding the possible warehousing of certain liabilities; when the measure will come into effect; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5505/20]

Covid-19 Pandemic

Michael McGrath

126. Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the fiscal capabilities in place to deal with the Covid-19 outbreak; the possible need for a supplementary estimate for the health service in particular; if an initial estimate has been made in terms of the extra amount the State will have to spend to deal with the outbreak; if there is cash flow capacity in the health budget to deal with the outbreak; if so, the capacity available in this regard; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4287/20]

Enterprise Support Services

Michael McGrath

127. Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if immediate financial contingencies or assistance packages have been explored to deal with the Covid-19 outbreak, specifically cash flow remedies for businesses at serious risk of losing significant business through a fall in clients; if it is possible to implement a temporary suspension of VAT in which payments can be temporarily deferred; if so, the estimated cost of implementing such a scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4289/20]

Covid-19 Pandemic

Michael McGrath

129. Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the change in the general government balance for 2020 as a result of the extra spending announced to deal with the Covid-19 outbreak; if the funding is coming out of existing resources; if a supplementary estimate will be required to be passed by Dáil Éireann; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4432/20]

Special Educational Needs

Michael McGrath

213. Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Education and Skills the steps being taken to ensure that a child (details supplied) in County Cork with additional needs receives an appropriate second-level school place for the 2020/2021 school year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4486/20]

Special Educational Needs

Michael McGrath

214. Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Education and Skills the steps being taken to ensure that a child (details supplied) in County Cork with additional needs secures an appropriate primary school place for the 2020-21 school year and beyond; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4499/20]

Student Visas Eligibility

Michael McGrath

250. Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Education and Skills the issues that arise if a student from another EU member state currently studying in fifth year at second-level here under an exchange programme wishes to remain here to continue their studies in sixth year and then enter the third-level education system here; his views on eligibility issues in relation to the matter; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4819/20]

School Transport Fees

Michael McGrath

278. Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Education and Skills the position in relation to the cost involved for students that have been allocated a concessionary school transport place and that hold a medical card due to a particular medical condition they have; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5060/20]

Special Educational Needs

Michael McGrath

289. Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Education and Skills the steps being taken to ensure a child (details supplied) in County Cork with additional needs has an appropriate second level school place for the 2020-21 school year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5163/20]

Emergency Works Scheme Appeals

Michael McGrath

290. Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Education and Skills if an emergency works grant appeal by a school (details supplied) in County Cork will be awarded; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5174/20]

Schools Building Projects Status

Michael McGrath

317. Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Education and Skills when he expects a school building to be put in place for a school (details supplied) in County Cork; the process and timeline in this regard; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5470/20]

Special Educational Needs

Michael McGrath

318. Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Education and Skills if a suitable school place will be secured for a child (details supplied) in County Cork with additional needs; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5481/20]

Special Educational Needs

Michael McGrath

319. Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Education and Skills if an appropriate secondary school place will be secured for a child (details supplied) in County Cork with additional needs; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5482/20]

Special Educational Needs

Michael McGrath

322. Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Education and Skills his plans to extend the entitlement for the July provision to children with Down syndrome; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5501/20]