Ceisteanna Parlaiminte

Medical Card Eligibility

Michael McCarthy

415. Deputy Michael McCarthy asked the Minister for Health the reason an application and-or review forms including documentary evidence are required to process an application for a medical card under EU regulations when the person (details supplied) in County Cork is not subject to the welfare system here and is in receipt of a UK pension and has provided documentary proof of same; the reason this person has had their medical card reviewed when they were initially awarded a medical card under the EU medical card scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44190/14]

Departmental Reports

Michael McCarthy

81. Deputy Michael McCarthy asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the main proposals arising out of the CEDRA report, the progress made to date in implementing its proposals particularly around broadband; the timeframes put in place for these actions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43676/14]

Speech and Language Therapy

Michael McCarthy

157. Deputy Michael McCarthy asked the Minister for Health the number of children who received speech and language therapy in County Louth in 2013; the number of children receiving speech and language therapy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43542/14]

Speech and Language Therapy

Michael McCarthy

158. Deputy Michael McCarthy asked the Minister for Health the number of speech and language therapists employed in County Louth; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43543/14]

Speech and Language Therapy

Michael McCarthy

159. Deputy Michael McCarthy asked the Minister for Health The waiting time for speech and language therapy in County Louth; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43544/14]

Speech and Language Therapy

Michael McCarthy

160. Deputy Michael McCarthy asked the Minister for Health the number of children awaiting speech and language therapy in the Louth and Meath area; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43545/14]

Ports Merger

Michael McCarthy

245. Deputy Michael McCarthy asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the position regarding the amalgamation of the Bantry Bay Harbour Commissioners into the Port of Cork 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; if he will provide assurances that the port will be developed in line with approved plans (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43616/14]

GLAS Administration

Michael McCarthy

67. Deputy Michael McCarthy asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the reason a person (details supplied) in County Cork does not meet the educational requirements to be approved as a GLAS-FAS planner-adviser in view of the fact that they have the necessary qualifications and considerable work experience required; and if this decision will be reviewed. [43370/14]

Health Services

Michael McCarthy

119. Deputy Michael McCarthy asked the Minister for Health the position regarding a patient's referral (details supplied) in Dublin 12; the reasons the patient has yet to be referred to the relevant experts despite assurances of same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43410/14]

Teaching Qualifications

Michael McCarthy

153. Deputy Michael McCarthy asked the Minister for Education and Skills further to Parliamentary Questions Nos. 847 and 934 of 4 November 2014, her views on the process by which a newly qualified teacher who is unable to complete probation in the time period specified, may apply to the Teaching Council for an extension to that period; the number of qualified teachers who have applied for same; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [43437/14]

Disadvantaged Areas Scheme Applications

Michael McCarthy

257. Deputy Michael McCarthy asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine when payment will be made under the disadvantaged areas scheme in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Cork; the reason for the delay with these payments; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42942/14]

Parliamentary Questions

Michael McCarthy

372. Deputy Michael McCarthy asked the Minister for Health further to Parliamentary Question No. 129 of 2 October 2014 when a reply will issue; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42978/14]

Hospital Appointment Status

Michael McCarthy

405. Deputy Michael McCarthy asked the Minister for Health when a child (details supplied) in County Cork will receive a date for their operation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43165/14]

Rural Development Programme Funding

Michael McCarthy

507. Deputy Michael McCarthy asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the grants available to a community organisation (details supplied) in County Cork; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43100/14]

Communications Masts

Michael McCarthy

554. 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; the reason adverse repossession is now being pursued; the options now available to this land owner; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43182/14]

Electricity Generation

Michael McCarthy

248. Deputy Michael McCarthy asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if his attention has been drawn to a recent announcement by Electric Ireland that it will no longer buy green electricity from residential properties generating electricity from renewable sources such as solar and wind; his views on same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42662/14]

School Transport Provision

Michael McCarthy

158. Deputy Michael McCarthy asked the Minister for Education and Skills the policy of her Department in providing bus escorts on school buses; the proportion of buses on which they are employed; and the process by which a person may apply for such a position. [42285/14]

Schools Building Projects Status

Michael McCarthy

168. Deputy Michael McCarthy asked the Minister for Education and Skills if she will facilitate a meeting with a group (details supplied) in County Cork; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [42364/14]

National Roads Authority Projects

Michael McCarthy

206. Deputy Michael McCarthy asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he has further updates on a proposal (details supplied) in County Cork; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42303/14]

Sports Capital Programme Administration

Michael McCarthy

208. Deputy Michael McCarthy asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport when he anticipates the application process will be open for the next round of sports capital grants; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42425/14]

Departmental Agencies

Michael McCarthy

141. Deputy Michael McCarthy asked the Taoiseach the number of quangos established in his Department since 2011; the number of members of same; the cost and expense incurred to date, including details of the briefs they cover; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42519/14]

Carer's Allowance Applications

Michael McCarthy

163. Deputy Michael McCarthy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Social Protection the position regarding an application for carer's allowance in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Cork. [41085/14]

Public Services Card

Michael McCarthy

166. Deputy Michael McCarthy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Social Protection the position regarding the issuing of the public services card in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Cork; specifically the reason this person has been requested to participate in the face-to-face registration process; the criteria used to determine low-risk customers who have been invited to avail of a postal registration process; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [41164/14]

Household Benefits Scheme

Michael McCarthy

191. Deputy Michael McCarthy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Social Protection her plans to reinstate the telephone allowance; the cost of restoring it; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [41415/14]

Departmental Bodies

Michael McCarthy

255. Deputy Michael McCarthy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Social Protection the number of quangos set up since 2011 in her Department; the number of members of same; the cost and expense incurred to date including details of the briefs that they cover; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [42518/14]

State Bodies

Michael McCarthy

351. Deputy Michael McCarthy asked the Minister for Finance the number of quangos set up since 2011 in his Department; the number of members of same; the cost and expense incurred to date including details of the briefs that they cover; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42515/14]

Departmental Bodies

Michael McCarthy

373. Deputy Michael McCarthy asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the number of quangos set up since 2011 in his Department; the number of members of same; the cost and expenses incurred to date including details of the briefs that they cover; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41885/14]

State Bodies Establishment

Michael McCarthy

391. Deputy Michael McCarthy asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation the number of quangos set up since 2011 in his Department; the number of members of same; the cost and expense incurred to date including details of the briefs that they cover; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42517/14]

Milk Quota Applications

Michael McCarthy

455. Deputy Michael McCarthy asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will review an application for a quota under the hardship scheme in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Cork; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41874/14]

Departmental Bodies

Michael McCarthy

477. Deputy Michael McCarthy asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the number of quangos set up since 2011 in his Department; the number of members of same; the cost and expense incurred to date including details of the briefs that they cover; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42508/14]

Departmental Bodies

Michael McCarthy

493. Deputy Michael McCarthy asked the Minister for Defence the number of quangos set up since 2011 in his Department; the number of members of same; the cost and expense incurred to date including details of the briefs that they cover; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42512/14]

Departmental Agencies

Michael McCarthy

574. Deputy Michael McCarthy asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the number of quangos set up since 2011 in his Department; the number of members of same; the cost and expense incurred to date including details of the briefs that they cover; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42510/14]

Health Services Provision

Michael McCarthy

601. Deputy Michael McCarthy asked the Minister for Health the options regarding the case of a person (details supplied) in County Louth who is currently awaiting a heart transplant in a hospital since August 2014; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41071/14]

Symphysiotomy Payment Scheme

Michael McCarthy

639. Deputy Michael McCarthy asked the Minister for Health when it is expected the symphysiotomy ex-gratia scheme will be announced nationally; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41245/14]

Departmental Bodies

Michael McCarthy

823. Deputy Michael McCarthy asked the Minister for Health the number of quangos set up since 2011 in his Department; the number of members of same; the cost and expense incurred to date including details of the briefs that they cover; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42516/14]

Departmental Bodies

Michael McCarthy

840. Deputy Michael McCarthy asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the number of quangos set up since 2011 in his Department; the number of members of same; the cost and expense incurred to date including details of the briefs that they cover; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42549/14]

Teaching Qualifications

Michael McCarthy

847. Deputy Michael McCarthy asked the Minister for Education and Skills if her attention has been drawn to the difficulties for trainee teachers in their attempts to gain probationary teaching hours; her plans to put in place a strategy to address this problem; the options available in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Cork; if they will be facilitated; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [40910/14]

Teaching Qualifications

Michael McCarthy

934. Deputy Michael McCarthy asked the Minister for Education and Skills the position regarding the case of a person (details supplied) in County Cork; if this person will be allowed to complete an approved and sanctioned probationary period; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [42081/14]

Departmental Bodies

Michael McCarthy

962. Deputy Michael McCarthy asked the Minister for Education and Skills the number of quangos set up since 2011 in her Department; the number of members of same; the cost and expense incurred to date including details of the briefs that they cover; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [42513/14]

State Bodies Establishment

Michael McCarthy

1073. Deputy Michael McCarthy asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government to detail the number of quangos set up since 2011 in his Department; the number of members of same; the cost and expense incurred to date, including details of the briefs they cover; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42514/14]

Departmental Bodies Establishment

Michael McCarthy

1090. Deputy Michael McCarthy asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the number of quangos set up since 2011 in his Department; the number of members of same; the cost and expense incurred to date including details of the briefs that they cover; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42511/14]

Departmental Agencies

Michael McCarthy

1141. Deputy Michael McCarthy asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the number of quangos set up since 2011 in his Department; the number of members of same; the cost and expense incurred to date, including details of the briefs that they cover; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42520/14]

Departmental Agencies

Michael McCarthy

1156. Deputy Michael McCarthy asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the number of quangos set up since 2011 in her Department; the number of members of same; the cost and expense incurred to date, including details of the briefs they cover; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [42509/14]

Political Funding

Michael McCarthy

262. Deputy Michael McCarthy asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the political funding paid to each qualifying independent Deputy, Senator and political party since 2007, including leader's allowance, Electoral Act funding and the qualifying parties' staffing allocation, with a breakdown of the acceptable uses for each fund; if there has been a reduction in those allocations in line with the reduction of public spending since the arrival and exit of the troika; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40211/14]

Library Services Funding

Michael McCarthy

186. Deputy Michael McCarthy asked the Minister for Education and Skills when funding for a library extension will be provided in respect of a library (details supplied) in County Limerick; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [39591/14]

Disability Statistics

Michael McCarthy

76. Deputy Michael McCarthy asked the Minister for Health with regard to the 1,099 persons on the national disability database in County Louth, if he will provide the number that have a physical disability, intellectual disability or mental health disability; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39423/14]

Irish Water Administration

Michael McCarthy

150. Deputy Michael McCarthy asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government his views on the length of time Irish Water will retain customers personal public service numbers and personal details after these details and allowances are validated; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39450/14]

Forestry Grants

Michael McCarthy

85. Deputy Michael McCarthy asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine with regard to the new forestry programme, if the level of grant aid for planting forestry will be maintained at 100%, as is at present; the amount of premium paid will be maintained at the same level as present for farmers who plant their land; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38970/14]

Rights of Way Provision

Michael McCarthy

92. Deputy Michael McCarthy asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if permission granted to Coillte to access woods (details supplied) in County Cork will be reviewed in view of the fact that part of the access route granted is through private property; his views on whether this road is fit for purpose; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39028/14]

Nursing Homes Support Scheme Expenditure

Michael McCarthy

206. Deputy Michael McCarthy asked the Minister for Health his views on the waiting list for funding approval under the fair deal nursing home scheme which currently stands at approximately four months; if he will allocate further funding under the fair deal scheme across the regions to address the current backlog in the system; the action he will take in his Department’s budget for 2015 to address and reduce this; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39243/14]

School Uniforms

Michael McCarthy

245. Deputy Michael McCarthy asked the Minister for Education and Skills the follow-up regarding her Department's reducing costs to parents of school uniforms under Circular No. 63/2013; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [38985/14]

School Uniforms

Michael McCarthy

246. Deputy Michael McCarthy asked the Minister for Education and Skills the findings of her Department's reducing costs to parents of schools uniforms Circular No. 63/2013; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [38986/14]

School Uniforms

Michael McCarthy

247. Deputy Michael McCarthy asked the Minister for Education and Skills if she will provide an update on action taken by her Department to address school uniform costs; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [38987/14]

School Funding

Michael McCarthy

248. Deputy Michael McCarthy asked the Minister for Education and Skills the strategy to address the issue of voluntary contributions in primary and secondary schools here; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [38988/14]

Student Grant Scheme Eligibility

Michael McCarthy

249. Deputy Michael McCarthy asked the Minister for Education and Skills the financial supports available for a mature student working full time; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [38989/14]

Tourist Accommodation

Michael McCarthy

379. Deputy Michael McCarthy asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his plans to expand the traditional remit for a tourist enterprise, as set down in the Fógra Fáilte Ireland Act 1955, so as to ensure that tourist attractions such as one (details supplied) in County Cork, which currently does not fit the template for approval, receives the appropriate support and promotion it requires; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39171/14]

Heritage Sites

Michael McCarthy

391. Deputy Michael McCarthy asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht her plans to protect the heritage of a site (details supplied) in County Cork and develop it as a cultural site, in view of the fact that it has significant heritage tourism potential for the locality; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [38998/14]

Broadband Service Speeds

Michael McCarthy

264. Deputy Michael McCarthy asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if his attention has been drawn to the poor standard and quality of broadband in many areas throughout the country; the action he will take to address the situation in pockets of County Cork; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38799/14]

Disadvantaged Areas Scheme Payments

Michael McCarthy

91. Deputy Michael McCarthy asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the reason a second deduction is being made on a 2013 disadvantaged area scheme payment in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Cork; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38442/14]

Forestry Premium Payments

Michael McCarthy

92. Deputy Michael McCarthy asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine when payment of a forestry premium-headage payment will be made in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Cork; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38443/14]

School Accommodation

Michael McCarthy

166. Deputy Michael McCarthy asked the Minister for Education and Skills further to Parliamentary Question No. 281 of 15 July 2014, when departmental officials will make contact with the school concerned regarding both its immediate and long-term accommodation needs; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [38354/14]

Excise Duties Yield

Michael McCarthy

149. Deputy Michael McCarthy asked the Minister for Finance to outline his views on correspondence (details supplied) regarding excise duty on alcohol; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37678/14]

Registration of Nurses

Michael McCarthy

308. Deputy Michael McCarthy asked the Minister for Health if his attention has been drawn to concerns regarding a decision by the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Ireland to increase the annual retention fee for 2015; the action that will be taken to address these concerns; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37660/14]

Road Safety

Michael McCarthy

523. Deputy Michael McCarthy asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government his views on the need for a lollipop person to be in place for a school (details supplied) in County Louth; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38253/14]

Child Care Qualifications

Michael McCarthy

127. Deputy Michael McCarthy asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs in relation to child care and early childhood education facilities, the minimum qualifications required for service being provided by individuals or teachers to children; if there are grants available for child care providers to obtain the necessary qualifications; the advice available to a person (details supplied) in County Cork who was recently informed that their qualifications are no longer recognised; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37590/14]

Speech and Language Therapy Provision

Michael McCarthy

129. Deputy Michael McCarthy asked the Minister for Health if he will review speech and language therapy in respect of children (details supplied) in County Cork; his views on the considerable distance that these children must travel daily to access a specific speech and language disorder class; if she will examine if this is the best use of resources; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37425/14]

Speech and Language Therapy Provision

Michael McCarthy

173. Deputy Michael McCarthy asked the Minister for Education and Skills if she will review speech and language therapy in respect of children (details supplied) in County Cork; her views on the considerable distance that these children must travel daily to access a specific speech and language disorder class; if she will examine if this is the best use of resources; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [37424/14]

Budget 2015

Michael McCarthy

185. Deputy Michael McCarthy asked the Minister for Finance with regard to the forthcoming budget and the outcome of the agri-taxation review if consideration will be given to the introduction of a tax deposit scheme to manage income volatility; and if further consideration will be given to the retention of the pay and file deadline of 31 October for self-assessed income tax returns and the simplification of income tax returns for farmers with a low turnover. [36445/14]

Budget 2015

Michael McCarthy

186. Deputy Michael McCarthy asked the Minister for Finance with regard to the forthcoming budget and the promotion of on-farm investment, encouraging new entrants, increasing land mobility and tackling volatility if consideration will be given to the retention of the 90% agricultural relief and capital gains tax retirement relief to support the transfer of viable family farms; if further consideration will be given to the relaxation of the CGT retirement relief maximum 15 year leased land requirement in exceptional circumstances; and if consideration will also be given to the introduction of a phased transfer partnership model providing tax relief to farm holders during the period of transfer of farm assets, the extension of the land leasing income tax exemption scheme to include incorporated farm companies and the removal of the requirement for qualifying lessors to be aged over 40 and the retention of stamp duty consanguinity relief for transfers between family members for non-residential transfers. [36446/14]

Tax Yield

Michael McCarthy

193. Deputy Michael McCarthy asked the Minister for Finance the amount of moneys accrued to date from the 2009 windfall tax; his assessment on its economic impact; the revenue earned to date in 2014; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36699/14]

Health Services Staff Remuneration

Michael McCarthy

349. Deputy Michael McCarthy asked the Minister for Health his views on reviewing the pay for graduate nurses and restoring pay parity to all nurses on the new graduate nurses scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36594/14]

Broadband Service Provision

Michael McCarthy

601. Deputy Michael McCarthy asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources his views surrounding the discontinuation of the national broadband scheme; if a new subsidy will be introduced to help keep down the cost of broadband services for rural dwellers in rural areas; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36855/14]

Broadband Service Provision

Michael McCarthy

602. Deputy Michael McCarthy asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources in view of the concerns surrounding the lack of broadband in rural areas if he will provide an update on the mapping process currently being undertaken as part of the national broadband plan; and the timeline for completion of this. [36856/14]

Broadband Service Provision

Michael McCarthy

603. Deputy Michael McCarthy asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the position regarding the roll out of high speed broadband to rural areas of County Cork; the steps he will take to compel private broadband service providers to significantly improve broadband coverage in this area; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36857/14]

Departmental Funding

Michael McCarthy

166. Deputy Michael McCarthy asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the amount of funding a resource centre (details supplied) in County Meath received in 2012, 2013 and to date in 2014; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36355/14]

Disabilities Data

Michael McCarthy

213. Deputy Michael McCarthy asked the Minister for Health the total number of persons registered with an intellectual disability in County Louth; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36357/14]

Farm Assist Scheme Payments

Michael McCarthy

53. Deputy Michael McCarthy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Social Protection if she will maintain the funding for farm assist in the forthcoming budget; if she will give due consideration to restoring income and child disregards to pre-budget 2013 levels under farm assist, with means tests reflective of current income positions; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [36127/14]

VAT Rate Application

Michael McCarthy

58. Deputy Michael McCarthy asked the Minister for Finance his views to keep the VAT rate at 9% to ensure that Ireland continues to maintain a strong, vibrant and competitive tourism industry; if he will maintain this reduced VAT rate for the hospitality sector following on the very positive implications this reduction has had on the industry in creating and maintaining employment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36133/14]

Budget Submissions

Michael McCarthy

65. Deputy Michael McCarthy asked the Minister for Finance his plans to introduce a graduate entry medicine loan tax relief scheme in view of the huge costs associated with the course, the cost of living and the fact that the intensity of this work excludes the opportunity for part-time work; if he or his Department has examined a proposal involving a tax-based mechanism of relieving the burden of these debts on non-consultant hospital doctors and making the repayments more realistic; the benefits for the country of giving non-consultant hospital doctors a tax incentive to stay in the public health care service; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36030/14]

VAT Rate Application

Michael McCarthy

69. Deputy Michael McCarthy asked the Minister for Finance if consideration will be given to extending the 9% tourism VAT rate beyond 2014 so as to ensure that Ireland continues to maintain a strong, vibrant and competitive tourism industry; if he will maintain this reduced VAT rate for the hospitality sector following on the very positive implications this reduction has had on the industry in creating and maintaining employment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36134/14]

Flood Relief Schemes Applications

Michael McCarthy

70. Deputy Michael McCarthy asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if he will provide an update with regard to the Skibbereen flood relief scheme; the commencement and completion dates; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35997/14]

Flood Relief Schemes Applications

Michael McCarthy

71. Deputy Michael McCarthy asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if he will provide an up date with regard to the Clonakilty flood relief scheme; the commencement and completion dates; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35998/14]

Flood Relief Schemes Applications

Michael McCarthy

72. Deputy Michael McCarthy asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if he will provide an update with regard to the Bandon flood relief scheme; the commencement and completion dates; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35999/14]

GLAS Establishment

Michael McCarthy

87. Deputy Michael McCarthy asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will give due consideration to a proposal to commence contracts for the new agri-environmental GLAS scheme in early 2015, with 30,000 farmers allowed into the scheme in its first year and payments disbursed in 2015; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36122/14]

Targeted Agricultural Modernisation Scheme

Michael McCarthy

88. Deputy Michael McCarthy asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he has examined proposals that €30 million be allocated for on-farm investment programmes across all sectors through the TAMs scheme in 2015; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36123/14]

Departmental Expenditure

Michael McCarthy

89. Deputy Michael McCarthy asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine in the context of the upcoming budget if he will give consideration to increasing the capital funding allocations for the horticulture, forestry and aquaculture sectors to achieve output targets and employment growth; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36124/14]

Departmental Expenditure

Michael McCarthy

90. Deputy Michael McCarthy asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine in the context of the upcoming budget if he will give consideration to increasing funding to compensate for losses incurred and income foregone under the national animal health TB, BVD and Johne's disease programmes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36125/14]

Beef Industry

Michael McCarthy

91. Deputy Michael McCarthy asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine his views on the current beef price levels and the difficulties experienced by farmers as a direct result of pricing levels; the action he will take to provide sustainable incomes and living standards for farmers in the beef sector in view of the ambitious targets set out under the Harvest 2020 strategy; if he will provide serious consideration to appointing a national independent regulator to the beef sector with responsibility in areas of enforcement and investigation in a bid to help curb the price spiral in the industry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36136/14]

Nursing Homes Support Scheme Administration

Michael McCarthy

153. Deputy Michael McCarthy asked the Minister for Health if he has given due consideration to a cap on the maximum percentage charge that can be applied to productive assets in the means assessment for the fair deal scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36126/14]

Public Services Card Authentication

Michael McCarthy

75. Deputy Michael McCarthy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Social Protection if she will report on the introduction of the public services card; the steps that her Department has taken to date to ensure that this new facility does not give rise to any data protection or identity theft concerns; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [35258/14]

Supplementary Welfare Allowance Appeals

Michael McCarthy

101. Deputy Michael McCarthy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Social Protection if she will provide an update with regard to an appeal for supplementary welfare allowance in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Cork. [35532/14]

VAT Registration

Michael McCarthy

170. Deputy Michael McCarthy asked the Minister for Finance his views on raising the current VAT registration threshold given that it places a significant financial burden on new small independent retailers. [35709/14]

Proposed Legislation

Michael McCarthy

318. Deputy Michael McCarthy asked the Minister for Justice and Equality her plans for legislation on prostitution following the publication of the Joint Committee on Justice and Equality report on prostitution here. [35612/14]

Student Grant Scheme Eligibility

Michael McCarthy

432. Deputy Michael McCarthy asked the Minister for Education and Skills with regard to the means assessment used by Student Universal Support Ireland the reason net income is not the basis of the eligibility decision; the way she will address the fact that tens of thousands of young people are being priced out of higher education due to their parents' income being only slightly above the threshold to qualify for grants; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [35248/14]

Broadband Service Provision

Michael McCarthy

530. Deputy Michael McCarthy asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the number of homes that will now require State intervention under the national broadband plan. [35710/14]

Education Services

Michael McCarthy

219. Deputy Michael McCarthy asked the Minister for Education and Skills the education services that are available for persons with mental health difficulties between the ages of 12 and 18; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [35004/14]

State Examinations

Michael McCarthy

220. Deputy Michael McCarthy asked the Minister for Education and Skills the number of students that did not sit the State examinations in 2012 due to mental health issues; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [35005/14]

State Examinations

Michael McCarthy

221. Deputy Michael McCarthy asked the Minister for Education and Skills the number of students that did not sit the State examinations in 2013 due to mental health issues; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [35006/14]

State Examinations

Michael McCarthy

222. Deputy Michael McCarthy asked the Minister for Education and Skills the number of students that did not sit the State examinations in 2014 due to mental health issues; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [35007/14]

State Examinations

Michael McCarthy

223. Deputy Michael McCarthy asked the Minister for Education and Skills the procedures that are in place for a student with mental health difficulties to take State exams; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [35008/14]