Ceisteanna Parlaiminte

Education Services

Michael McCarthy

224. Deputy Michael McCarthy asked the Minister for Education and Skills the number of persons with mental health difficulties that are receiving formal education to prepare for State examinations; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [35009/14]

Budget 2015

Michael McCarthy

78. Deputy Michael McCarthy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Social Protection if she will provide an assurance that carers will not be subject to further cuts in the upcoming budget; 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 2015; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [33443/14]

Social Insurance

Michael McCarthy

79. Deputy Michael McCarthy asked the Tánaiste and 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; to outline the Government's actions to date to protect long term and older carers in relation to 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. [33444/14]

Social Welfare Benefits

Michael McCarthy

80. Deputy Michael McCarthy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Social Protection her plans to review the habitual residency condition for the carer's allowance given that it acts as a barrier to persons returning to Ireland to care for a loved one. [33445/14]

Social Welfare Benefits Waiting Times

Michael McCarthy

81. Deputy Michael McCarthy asked the Tánaiste and 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. [33446/14]

Social Welfare Benefits

Michael McCarthy

82. Deputy Michael McCarthy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Social Protection her views on making the carer's allowance exempt from means assessment; the measures that are 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. [33447/14]

Respite Care Grant Administration

Michael McCarthy

83. Deputy Michael McCarthy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Social Protection her plans for the future of the respite care grant; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [33448/14]

Respite Care Grant Eligibility

Michael McCarthy

84. Deputy Michael McCarthy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Social Protection if she will consider granting a pro-rata respite payment to carers whose role concludes before the completion of a twelve month period; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [33449/14]

Household Benefits Scheme

Michael McCarthy

85. Deputy Michael McCarthy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Social Protection if she will consider extending the water allowance payment to all full-time carers; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [33450/14]

Social Welfare Benefits Eligibility

Michael McCarthy

86. Deputy Michael McCarthy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Social Protection if she will consider introducing measures to assist with the transition out of long-term caring responsibilities, in particular the extension of the grace period following the death of a caree from six weeks to six months and the introduction of a similar grace period for carers whose full time caring role has come to an end following the admission of their caree to residential care. [33451/14]

Free Travel Scheme Eligibility

Michael McCarthy

87. Deputy Michael McCarthy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Social Protection the possibility of extending free travel to all carers in receipt of the respite care grant so as to enhance access to services and reduce social isolation, particularly for carers living in rural areas; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [33459/14]

Disabled Drivers Grant

Michael McCarthy

220. Deputy Michael McCarthy asked the Minister for Finance the progress that has been made in the development of a new fuel grant scheme for disabled drivers, to replace the current excise relief on fuel allowed under the disabled drivers and disabled passengers scheme (details supplied); when this will come into effect; if there will be a seamless transition between the two schemes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33460/14]

Disabled Drivers Grant

Michael McCarthy

221. Deputy Michael McCarthy asked the Minister for Finance in respect of the Disabled Drivers and Disabled Passengers (Tax Concessions) Regulations 1994 if consideration will be given to streamlining and modernising the scheme particularly in reference to the six point assessment for the primary medical certificate; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33461/14]

Property Tax Exemptions

Michael McCarthy

222. Deputy Michael McCarthy asked the Minister for Finance his views on extending local property tax exemptions to include households where high level care is provided; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33462/14]

Agricultural Colleges Courses

Michael McCarthy

454. Deputy Michael McCarthy asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if his attention has been drawn to the demand for an online distance learning course (details supplied) which is designed for graduates who already hold a non-agricultural major award at FETAC level 6 or higher; the action he will take to meet this demand; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33808/14]

Michael McCarthy

666. Deputy Michael McCarthy asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the procedures, requirements and deadlines for those interested in making a submission to the recently announced direct provision working group; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [34456/14]

Michael McCarthy

667. Deputy Michael McCarthy asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the criteria for selection and when members of the direct provision working group will be selected; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [34457/14]

Departmental Reports

Michael McCarthy

727. Deputy Michael McCarthy asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs if he 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; his views on developing a national framework of supports and policy guidelines for young carers in the education system; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33456/14]

Respite Care Services Availability

Michael McCarthy

909. 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; his plans for development of flexible in home respite services for carers and dependents with no access to residential respite services; his 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. [33452/14]

Hospital Services

Michael McCarthy

910. Deputy Michael McCarthy asked the Minister for Health his views on the feasibility of developing a national discharge summary and care plan for all people leaving hospital care to share with their respective carers. [33453/14]

Home Help Service Expenditure

Michael McCarthy

911. Deputy Michael McCarthy asked the Minister for Health if he will ensure that there are no cuts to home help services given the severe difficulties this will cause service users and their families; that steps will be 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. [33454/14]

National Carers Strategy Status

Michael McCarthy

912. Deputy Michael McCarthy asked the Minister for Health his view 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. [33455/14]

National Carers Strategy Status

Michael McCarthy

913. Deputy Michael McCarthy asked the Minister for Health if he will provide an update on the implementation of the National Carers' Strategy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33463/14]

Proposed Legislation

Michael McCarthy

1123. Deputy Michael McCarthy asked the Minister for Health the progress to date on the autism Bill; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34726/14]

Prescription Charges

Michael McCarthy

1135. Deputy Michael McCarthy asked the Minister for Health the position regarding prescription charges for persons (details supplied) in County Cork; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34782/14]

Health Services Provision

Michael McCarthy

1151. Deputy Michael McCarthy asked the Minister for Health the number of persons who are currently on the waiting list to receive botox treatment for migraine; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32935/14]

Health Services Provision

Michael McCarthy

1152. Deputy Michael McCarthy asked the Minister for Health the services available to a person who suffers from severe migraine and is currently on a two year public waiting list for treatment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32936/14]

Health Services Provision

Michael McCarthy

1153. Deputy Michael McCarthy asked the Minister for Health if he will provide details of the funding available to sufferers of severe migraine to avail of botox treatment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32937/14]

School Transport Provision

Michael McCarthy

1266. Deputy Michael McCarthy asked the Minister for Education and Skills if an application for a school bus service (details supplied) in County Cork will be reviewed; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [33374/14]

Student Grant Scheme Eligibility

Michael McCarthy

1329. Deputy Michael McCarthy asked the Minister for Education and Skills the grant/financial assistance/bursary available to Irish persons who wish to commence studying a postgraduate in nursing in a university (details supplied) in Scotland in September 2014; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [33701/14]

School Staff

Michael McCarthy

1414. Deputy Michael McCarthy asked the Minister for Education and Skills the reason a school (details supplied) in County Louth has been allocated a second deputy principal when they do not meet the criteria as set out by her Department; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [34448/14]

School Staff

Michael McCarthy

1415. Deputy Michael McCarthy asked the Minister for Education and Skills the number of retired teachers employed in primary and secondary schools for the 2013-14 school year; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [34449/14]

School Staff

Michael McCarthy

1416. Deputy Michael McCarthy asked the Minister for Education and Skills the number of retired teachers employed in primary and secondary schools for five days or less during the 2013-14 school year; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [34450/14]

School Staff

Michael McCarthy

1417. Deputy Michael McCarthy asked the Minister for Education and Skills the number of retired teachers employed in primary and secondary schools for six days or more during the 2013-14 school year; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [34451/14]

School Staff

Michael McCarthy

1418. Deputy Michael McCarthy asked the Minister for Education and Skills the oversight her Department provides to ensure unemployed and newly qualified teachers are prioritised for temporary or permanent teaching positions; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [34452/14]

Parent and Student Charter

Michael McCarthy

1419. Deputy Michael McCarthy asked the Minister for Education and Skills the position regarding the parent and pupil charter; the expected timeline for publication; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [34453/14]

Local Authority Housing

Michael McCarthy

1516. Deputy Michael McCarthy asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the action he will take 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; the action his Department will take to reduce and streamline application processing times and if he will review the current means test for this scheme (details supplied). [33457/14]

Grant Payments

Michael McCarthy

1517. 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 (details supplied); and his views on extending the scheme to include assistive technology devices (details supplied). [33458/14]

Broadcasting Service Provision

Michael McCarthy

1651. Deputy Michael McCarthy asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the strategy for providing broadcast coverage of less known sporting organisations and events; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34454/14]

Broadcasting Service Provision

Michael McCarthy

1652. Deputy Michael McCarthy asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the strategy for providing broadcast for disability sports and events; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34455/14]

Arts Council Funding

Michael McCarthy

1777. Deputy Michael McCarthy asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht if she will ensure the Arts Council is adequately funded to support an organisation (details supplied) especially in view of the regional significance of this centre and the role it plays in the landscape of film and visual culture in County Cork; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [34766/14]

Property Tax Exemptions

Michael McCarthy

456. Deputy Michael McCarthy asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the reason in the case of an estate (details supplied) in County Cork some of the properties are exempt from the property charge and some are not. [32407/14]

Tobacco Control Measures

Michael McCarthy

701. Deputy Michael McCarthy asked the Minister for Health if his attention has been drawn to evidence that suggests that the introduction of plain packaging cigarettes will lead to an increase in illicit trade, counterfeit and contraband; the amount this costs the Exchequer in lost revenue at present; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32619/14]

Social Welfare Benefits

Michael McCarthy

272. Deputy Michael McCarthy asked the Minister for Education and Skills the number of persons affected by the abolition of the additional training allowance of €20 per week among those participating under SOLAS; if she will examine the effect of this cut on participation rates for training courses, including any drop off in attendance from trainees due to affordability issues; her plans for the restitution of this allowance; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30725/14]

School Accommodation

Michael McCarthy

281. Deputy Michael McCarthy asked the Minister for Education and Skills her plans for the provision of accommodation for a school (details supplied) in County Cork; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30853/14]

Legislative Programme

Michael McCarthy

589. Deputy Michael McCarthy asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if she will provide an update on the Assisted Decision-Making (Capacity) Bill 2013. [31319/14]

State Airports

Michael McCarthy

734. Deputy Michael McCarthy asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the engagement he has had to date to ensure the viability of Cork Airport and to attract new routes to the airport; if he is satisfied with the level of growth being achieved by the airport; his views on establishing a service between Cork Airport and Dublin Airport in view of the need for air connectivity between the country's two largest cities; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30856/14]

Flood Prevention Measures

Michael McCarthy

310. Deputy Michael McCarthy asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform his views on correspondence (details supplied) regarding a flood relief scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29802/14]

Household Benefits Scheme

Michael McCarthy

426. Deputy Michael McCarthy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Social Protection if she will undertake to review the decision to discontinue the telephone allowance; the implications this decision has had on old age pensioners and persons living alone in rural isolated areas; if she will give due consideration to an alternative system or an exemption or an allowance for persons living alone who have monitored phone alarms or panic buttons and who rely on a landline telephone connection; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29863/14]

Seniors Alert Scheme

Michael McCarthy

558. Deputy Michael McCarthy asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the funding avenues available for elderly persons who require a personal alarm monitor and who have had to discontinue a landline telephone service subsequent to the subsidy being discontinued in the last budget; if he intends to provide extra resources to help persons upgrade to enable them to use a mobile phone; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29862/14]

Medical Card Reviews

Michael McCarthy

732. Deputy Michael McCarthy asked the Minister for Health if a discretionary medical card will be returned to a person (details supplied) in County Clare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29449/14]

Hospital Waiting Lists

Michael McCarthy

740. Deputy Michael McCarthy asked the Minister for Health further to Parliamentary Question No. 623 of 17 June 2014, when a detailed response will issue; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29481/14]

Hospital Waiting Lists

Michael McCarthy

762. Deputy Michael McCarthy asked the Minister for Health further to Parliamentary Question No. 171 of 18 June 2014, when a detailed response will issue; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29705/14]

School Staffing

Michael McCarthy

166. Deputy Michael McCarthy asked the Minister for Education and Skills the reason a school (details supplied) in County Louth was not allocated an EAL teaching post on appeal for the next academic year even though the school will have exceeded the threshold necessary for allocation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27924/14]

School Staffing

Michael McCarthy

167. Deputy Michael McCarthy asked the Minister for Education and Skills the reason a school (details supplied) in County Louth was not allocated an EAL teaching post on appeal for the next academic year even though the school will have exceeded the threshold necessary for allocation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27925/14]

Mortgage Interest Supplement Scheme Applications

Michael McCarthy

302. Deputy Michael McCarthy asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if he will review the case of a person (details supplied) in County Cork; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27830/14]

Garda Oversight

Michael McCarthy

403. Deputy Michael McCarthy asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the process by which civilians will be recruited to the new independent Garda authority; if she will provide a provisional timeline for same; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [28104/14]

Asylum Applications

Michael McCarthy

404. Deputy Michael McCarthy asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the position regarding an application in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Donegal. [28105/14]

Medical Card Applications

Michael McCarthy

494. Deputy Michael McCarthy asked the Minister for Health the reason for the delay in processing a medical card application in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Kerry. [28082/14]

Medical Card Applications

Michael McCarthy

505. Deputy Michael McCarthy asked the Minister for Health the reason for the delay in processing a medical card application in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Kerry. [28103/14]

School Completion Programme

Michael McCarthy

622. Deputy Michael McCarthy asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs if he will provide an update on the proposed funding cuts to be administered for school completion programmes for the 2014-15 academic year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27926/14]

VAT Rate Application

Michael McCarthy

157. Deputy Michael McCarthy asked the Minister for Finance if consideration is being given to proposals to apply a VAT rate of 23% to herbal teas, vitamins and health supplements; if so, the reason this is being considered in view of the beneficial health effects of these products and the negative impact this proposal will have on employment in these industries; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27194/14]

Visa Applications

Michael McCarthy

446. Deputy Michael McCarthy asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the criteria required for a Ukrainian citizen seeking to travel to Ireland for a business trip; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26610/14]

Marine Tourism

Michael McCarthy

210. Deputy Michael McCarthy asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the reason Fáilte Ireland intends to sell a property (details supplied) in County Cork; the steps that will be taken to ensure the premises will be utilised for marine education and training and marine tourism purposes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26386/14]

Hospital Waiting Lists

Michael McCarthy

171. Deputy Michael McCarthy asked the Minister for Health the proposals he has to provide an immediate improvement in the long waiting times for outpatient, inpatient and day cases on the orthopaedic list in Our Lady's Children's Hospital, Crumlin; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26169/14]

Legislative Programme

Michael McCarthy

577. Deputy Michael McCarthy asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the current status of the Legal Services Regulation Bill 2011; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [25662/14]

Hospital Waiting Lists

Michael McCarthy

623. Deputy Michael McCarthy asked the Minister for Health if he will ensure that an urgent surgical procedure is carried out in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Cork; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25328/14]

Sports Capital Programme Applications

Michael McCarthy

767. Deputy Michael McCarthy asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the position regarding a sports capital grant in respect of a club (details supplied) in County Cork; when the grants will be allocated; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25699/14]

Youth Services Funding

Michael McCarthy

786. Deputy Michael McCarthy asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs if he will provide a breakdown of all funding allocated to youth projects in County Cork for the years 2012, 2013 and 2014; his plans to re-establish a youth café in a town (details supplied); if he has received any applications from groups in that town for youth café funding; if his attention has been drawn to the lack of youth services in the local area; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25277/14]

School Staffing

Michael McCarthy

85. Deputy Michael McCarthy asked the Minister for Education and Skills the reasons a school (details supplied) in County Louth was allowed to employ a second deputy principal; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25036/14]

School Staffing

Michael McCarthy

86. Deputy Michael McCarthy asked the Minister for Education and Skills the number of retired teachers who were employed in schools (details supplied) in County Louth from September 2013 to June 2014, inclusive; the amount that was paid to those employed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25037/14]

Teaching Qualifications

Michael McCarthy

87. Deputy Michael McCarthy asked the Minister for Education and Skills the necessary qualifications in special needs teaching required for teachers to be employed in special needs schools; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25038/14]

School Guidance Counsellors

Michael McCarthy

88. Deputy Michael McCarthy asked the Minister for Education and Skills the exact qualification and standard in professional counselling required for guidance counsellors in second level schools; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25039/14]

Home Help Service Provision

Michael McCarthy

222. Deputy Michael McCarthy asked the Minister for Health if a person (details supplied) in County Cork will be considered for an increase in home help hours with immediate effect under the home care package. [25063/14]

National Vehicle and Driver File

Michael McCarthy

247. Deputy Michael McCarthy asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his plans to review the legislation surrounding the driver database which would allow a third party to access it with a view to tackling the escalating problem of drivers leaving fuel retail premises without paying for their fuel; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25035/14]

School Transport Administration

Michael McCarthy

44. Deputy Michael McCarthy asked the Minister for Education and Skills if he is satisfied with the current tendering process for school bus contracts in County Cork; if there is open and transparent competition; the way in which confidential personal information of a number of operators tendering for school bus contracts was recently disclosed and put into the public domain; the effect of same on the current tendering process; his intentions to rectify same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24045/14]

Insurance Industry Regulation

Michael McCarthy

33. Deputy Michael McCarthy asked the Minister for Finance the position regarding the 75,000 Setanta Insurance policyholders, most of whom are small to medium-sized enterprises; the steps taken to assist these policyholders; the role of the Financial Regulator in this matter; if he will address the weakness in the regulatory system which has allowed this company to avail of EU rules, essentially allowing it to be regulated in another EU jurisdiction while operating solely in this jurisdiction; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23747/14]

Broadband Service Provision

Michael McCarthy

106. Deputy Michael McCarthy asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources his plans to upgrade the broadband capability of an area (details supplied) in County Cork; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23637/14]

Single Payment Scheme Administration

Michael McCarthy

125. Deputy Michael McCarthy asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the position regarding the single farm payment; the changes there are to this scheme; if he will consider proposals whereby the payment is front-loaded on the first 25 hectares, making it far more beneficial to smaller and medium size farmers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23735/14]

Single Payment Scheme Eligibility

Michael McCarthy

126. Deputy Michael McCarthy asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will review the penalty process for single farm payments and disadvantaged area scheme payments as many farmers are being unfairly penalised on lands that were formerly qualified; if he will provide clarification on the exact number of farmers that have been contacted as part of this on-going land parcel eligibility review; the number of farmers in County Cork who have been contacted in this regard; the total sum being recouped from farmers in County Cork; his views on whether this review is fair on farmers and that due to these draconian penalties and in some cases no payment, many of these farmers will be forced out of business; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23736/14]

Beef Industry

Michael McCarthy

127. Deputy Michael McCarthy asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the steps he has taken to date to deal with the crisis in the beef trade at present, particularly the bull beef trade; his views on the impact this will have on Food Harvest 2020 targets; the engagement he has had with beef processors to push for a fair price for beef farmers in view of this crisis; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23739/14]

Tourism Project Funding

Michael McCarthy

227. Deputy Michael McCarthy asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport further to Parliamentary Question No. 224 of 7 May 2014 when a detailed response will issue; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23666/14]

National Volunteering Strategy

Michael McCarthy

97. Deputy Michael McCarthy asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government his plans to develop a national volunteer strategy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23580/14]

Mortgage Repayments

Michael McCarthy

123. Deputy Michael McCarthy asked the Minister for Finance the supports available for mortgage holders whose life assurance or mortgage protection policy might have lapsed due to illness or unemployment; the responsibility banks have in this regard; if there is a duty of care to ensure that customers have sufficient policies in place to cover the value of mortgages; if they are required to ensure that customers are made aware of the risks of falling into arrears on their insurance policy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22744/14]

Tax Reliefs Availability

Michael McCarthy

137. Deputy Michael McCarthy asked the Minister for Finance in relation to the 15 year rule regarding capital gains tax, the relief available to a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22904/14]

Health and Safety

Michael McCarthy

190. Deputy Michael McCarthy asked the Minister for Education and Skills if he will consider the introduction of a one-day asbestos awareness safety programme aimed at general construction workers, craft workers and on-site personnel in the construction industry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22129/14]

Flood Relief Schemes Data

Michael McCarthy

322. Deputy Michael McCarthy asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the position regarding the provision of a flood relief scheme in respect of an area (details supplied) in County Cork; the progress that has been made to date on this scheme; the prospective timeline in which he expects work to get under way; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22662/14]

Disability Allowance Appeals

Michael McCarthy

405. Deputy Michael McCarthy asked the Minister for Social Protection the position regarding an appeal for disability allowance in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Cork; when a decision will issue on same; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22583/14]

Jobseeker's Allowance Appeals

Michael McCarthy

446. Deputy Michael McCarthy asked the Minister for Social Protection if the decision to refuse jobseeker's allowance will be reviewed in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Cork; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22978/14]

Social and Affordable Housing Provision

Michael McCarthy

550. Deputy Michael McCarthy asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the progress that has been made 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; if he has reviewed the stand-alone analysis of the shared ownership scheme by the Housing and Sustainable Communities Agency; the recommendations contained in same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22763/14]

Forestry Grants

Michael McCarthy

586. Deputy Michael McCarthy asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine when payment of a forestry grant will issue to a person (details supplied) in County Cork; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22195/14]

Garda Vetting Applications

Michael McCarthy

656. Deputy Michael McCarthy asked the Minister for Justice and Equality with regard to Garda vetting for the purposes of clearance of those working with children and so on, the reason for the delays in processing the vetting applications; her views on whether this is a major barrier to persons seeking employment or career advancement which obviously impacts on their capacity to earn a living; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22359/14]

Home Help Service Eligibility

Michael McCarthy

740. Deputy Michael McCarthy asked the Minister for Health if a person (details supplied) in County Cork will be considered for an increase in home help hours with immediate effect under the home care package; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22318/14]

Medical Card Eligibility

Michael McCarthy

793. Deputy Michael McCarthy asked the Minister for Health the position regarding a medical card in respect of a child (details supplied) in County Cork. [22621/14]

Hospital Services

Michael McCarthy

847. Deputy Michael McCarthy asked the Minister for Health the reason a phototherapy machine, paid for by voluntary fundraising efforts, in Bantry hospital, has not been used to treat psoriasis since last August; the reason patients have had to travel long distances two or three times a week for brief treatment sessions when the service could be provided locally; the way and when this service will be reinstated and this machine brought back into use; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22838/14]

Parliamentary Questions

Michael McCarthy

869. Deputy Michael McCarthy asked the Minister for Health further to Parliamentary Question No. 879 of 30 April 2014, when a detailed response will issue; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22943/14]

Rail Network

Michael McCarthy

980. Deputy Michael McCarthy asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his views on the use of old train track rails by the fishing industry; if his attention has been drawn to a recent shortage of same; the efforts being made to ensure that these assets are redeployed to the fisheries sector; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22704/14]

Child Care Services Funding

Michael McCarthy

995. Deputy Michael McCarthy asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs if his attention has been drawn to the concern amongst practitioners in early years and school age care and education in the context of access to a living wage; that current capitation levels do not allow staff to be paid for all that is required for providing quality early years experiences for children in their care; if his attention has been drawn to difficulties faced by child care providers under the early childhood care and education scheme in paying for staff in view of the fact that the scheme does not cover staff costs for the full calendar year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22358/14]

Child Care Services Funding

Michael McCarthy

996. Deputy Michael McCarthy asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs his views on the varying cost of child care in view of the fact that the current capitation is insufficient to meet the costs of delivering quality early years care and education in many parts of the country; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22360/14]

Child Care Services Funding

Michael McCarthy

997. Deputy Michael McCarthy asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs his plans to increase funding for continuous professional development, CPD, of child care providers in view of the fact that current funding is insufficient to pay for the mandatory CPD that is required and neither is it sufficient to pay for staff to engage with quality training, including Aistear and Síolta; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22361/14]