Written answers

Thursday, 10 November 2016

  • Department of Finance
    • Brexit Issues
      12. To ask the Minister for Finance the measures he proposes to implement to assist the retail sector to retain business on account of the potential loss of trade to Northern Ireland due to the...
    • VAT Yield
      14. To ask the Minister for Finance if he will provide the VAT return figures on a monthly basis since the start of 2016; and his views on whether end of year targets will be met. [33987/16]
    • Banking Sector
      15. To ask the Minister for Finance the discussions his Department has had with the Department of Arts, Heritage, Regional, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs regarding the investigation of the...
    • Credit Unions
      16. To ask the Minister for Finance when the resolution report and affidavit on a credit union (details supplied) will be published; if it will be published in full; the actions he and his...
    • Mortgage Book Sales
      17. To ask the Minister for Finance the plans of State backed banks to sell mortgage loan books to third parties; and if he will instruct these banks to only sell to regulated and reputable...
    • Insurance Costs
      18. To ask the Minister for Finance the measures he will introduce to address the spiralling cost of insurance; the timeframe for implementing same; and if he will make a statement on the matter....
    • Tax Reliefs Data
      19. To ask the Minister for Finance the number of persons that have benefited from the special assignee relief programme for each of the years 2012 to 2015; the amount which was claimed for each...
    • Brexit Issues
      20. To ask the Minister for Finance the contingency planning that is taking place in the National Treasury Management Agency for Brexit; the future selling of bonds that is expected following a...
    • NAMA Operations
      21. To ask the Minister for Finance if he will consider suspending all activities of NAMA in view of the findings of the Comptroller and Auditor General Special Report 94 into NAMA's sale of...
    • Help-To-Buy Scheme Administration
      24. To ask the Minister for Finance if he will reconsider his decision not to allow second-hand houses to be included in the help-to-buy scheme; if he will reduce the upper property value to...
    • Tax Reliefs Costs
      25. To ask the Minister for Finance if he will conduct a review of the projected cost of the exemption from capital gains tax he granted to investments in commercial property where the property...
    • Budget 2017
      26. To ask the Minister for Finance the way in which his Department Brexit-proofed budget 2017; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31841/16]
    • EU Budget Contribution
      27. To ask the Minister for Finance the likely impact of the revised 2015 GDP figures on Ireland's EU budget contribution in 2017; the likely net position in relation to EU funding at the end of...
    • Corporation Tax Regime
      28. To ask the Minister for Finance the number of Irish special purpose vehicles, SPVs, registered with the Revenue Commissioners for tax purposes; the number of SPVs that operate in a...
    • Financial Services Ombudsman
      29. To ask the Minister for Finance his plans to extend the statutory time limits for complaints to the Financial Services Ombudsman; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34051/16]
    • European Banking Sector
      30. To ask the Minister for Finance if he will report on his recent announcement on putting Ireland forward as a location for the European Banking Authority, EBA; the next steps to be taken to...
    • State Aid
      32. To ask the Minister for Finance the status of the State's preparations for the submission of an appeal to the European courts against a European Commission ruling (details supplied); the date...
    • Flood Risk Insurance Cover Provision
      33. To ask the Minister for Finance the status of the flood insurance models considered by his Department; the preferred option; the timeframe for its implementation; and if he will make a...
    • Fiscal Policy
      34. To ask the Minister for Finance his views on the comments by the chair of the Irish Fiscal Advisory Council (details supplied) on compliance with EU fiscal rules; his views on whether the EU...
    • Exchequer Deficit
      35. To ask the Minister for Finance his views on whether the taxation receipts for 2016 will be sufficient to fund the overall gross voted expenditure of €56.1 billion for 2016 projected...
    • Consumer Protection
      36. To ask the Minister for Finance his plans to modernise the consumer protection regulations and laws as they relate to financial products; and his views on whether the Central Bank is the...
    • Housing Provision
      37. To ask the Minister for Finance the discussions his Department has had with the European Investment Bank, EIB, and other Departments to establish an off-balance sheet special purpose vehicle...
    • Mortgage Lending
      38. To ask the Minister for Finance if his Department has had discussions with the Central Bank regarding mortgage deposit requirements for prospective first-time buyers seeking to purchase their...
    • Mortgage Interest Rates
      39. To ask the Minister for Finance his plans to deal with the problem of variable mortgage interest rates; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34055/16]
    • Corporation Tax Regime
      40. To ask the Minister for Finance his views on the European Commission's revised proposals for a common consolidated corporate tax base; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33880/16]
    • Banking Operations
      41. To ask the Minister for Finance his views on the closure by a bank (details supplied) of the accounts of the Ireland Palestine Support Campaign, IPSC, and in particular the potential risk...
    • Corporation Tax
      43. To ask the Minister for Finance his views on the EU Commission’s proposed common consolidated corporate tax base; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34033/16]
    • Tax Reliefs Data
      44. To ask the Minister for Finance the total level of capital allowances claimed by aircraft leasing firms for each of the years 2011 to 2015; the total tax paid by leasing companies that have...
    • VAT Rate Application
      45. To ask the Minister for Finance the number of companies that have benefitted from a VAT rate of 13.5% for short term hiring of certain means of transport including aircraft for each of the...
    • Housing Policy
      47. To ask the Minister for Finance the progress being made with the National Treasuries Management Agency as outlined in action 2.4 of Rebuilding Ireland, to establish a funding vehicle capable...
    • NAMA Operations
      48. To ask the Minister for Finance his views on block sales of NAMA rented residential properties being advertised (details supplied) for sale on the basis of the potential for very large rent...
    • Ireland Strategic Investment Fund Investments
      49. To ask the Minister for Finance if he will report on the review of the Ireland Strategic Investment Fund, which was due to take place in the second half of 2016, in particular with regard to...
    • Tax Collection
      50. To ask the Minister for Finance the status of his Department's work with the Revenue Commissioners in tackling the tax evasion uncovered in the Panama papers; and if he will make a statement...
    • Fiscal Compact Treaty
      51. To ask the Minister for Finance the extent to which Ireland's budgetary arrangements remain compliant with expenditure norms and guidelines applicable throughout the EU; if any particular...
    • Budget Measures
      53. To ask the Minister for Finance the extent to which he is satisfied that the first-time buyer grant provisions will not inflate house prices or if an alternative methodology might be required...
    • Small and Medium Enterprises Supports
      54. To ask the Minister for Finance his plans to introduce for SMEs generally a loan scheme similar to the €150 million loan fund for the agri-sector announced as part of budget 2017; and...
  • Department of Justice and Equality
    • Refugee Resettlement Programme
      56. To ask the Minister for Justice and Equality if Irish officials working on the ground in Greece administering the relocation programme are aware of a shelter (details supplied); and if they...
    • Court Accommodation Refurbishment
      57. To ask the Minister for Justice and Equality if there are plans to develop the old courthouse on Boghall Road, Bray; if not, if she will consider allowing the use of the premises to a...
    • Court Accommodation Provision
      58. To ask the Minister for Justice and Equality her views on local concerns that there has been no provision for public parking at the new Letterkenny courthouse; and if parking will be provided...
    • UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities
      59. To ask the Minister for Justice and Equality the outstanding legislation that needs to be implemented in order to ratify the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with...
    • Prisoner Transfers
      60. To ask the Minister for Justice and Equality the progress made to date with the review of the legislation underpinning the transfer of Irish prisoners from abroad to here; when this review...
    • Gambling Legislation
      61. To ask the Minister for Justice and Equality the specific industry stakeholders, including private firms, that her Department has engaged with or received submissions from regarding the...
    • Garda Equipment
      62. To ask the Minister for Justice and Equality if she will provide funding for the issuing of bulletproof vests to each front-line garda; and if there is an estimated cost of same. [34223/16]
    • Garda Resources
      63. To ask the Minister for Justice and Equality if she will provide additional funding for the appointment of additional specialist personnel and equipment to the Garda computer crime unit....
    • Garda Deployment
      64. To ask the Minister for Justice and Equality if she is satisfied that the level of resources and experienced detective units allocated in the north central Garda district to deal with recent...
    • Naturalisation Applications
      65. To ask the Minister for Justice and Equality to set out the current or anticipated residency status and eligibility for naturalisation in the case of a person (details supplied); and if she...
    • Residency Permits
      66. To ask the Minister for Justice and Equality to outline the appropriate procedure to be followed to regularise residency status in the case of a person (details supplied); and if she will...
    • Immigration Status
      69. To ask the Minister for Justice and Equality further to Parliamentary Question No. 152 of 25 October 2016, if she will use her discretionary powers to re-examine the case of a person (details...
    • Deportation Orders
      71. To ask the Minister for Justice and Equality if she will defer a deportation order in the case of persons (details supplied) in view of the fact that a further 15 days have been provided to...
    • Naturalisation Applications
      73. To ask the Minister for Justice and Equality if she will expedite the update of stamp 4 eligibility for naturalisation in the case of a person (details supplied); and if she will make a...
    • Deportation Orders
      74. To ask the Minister for Justice and Equality if a stamp 4 update and permission to remain will issue in the case of a person (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the...
    • Immigration Status
      75. To ask the Minister for Justice and Equality if the case for residency leave to remain will be re-entered into the system to facilitate review of the case of a person (details supplied); and...
    • Residency Permits
      76. To ask the Minister for Justice and Equality if she will facilitate the issue of stamp 4 in the case of a person (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [34272/16]
    • Departmental Properties
      77. To ask the Minister for Justice and Equality whether a property (details supplied) is owned by a section of her Department or agencies under its auspices; if so, the plans for the property;...
    • Garda Strength
      78. To ask the Minister for Justice and Equality to set out in tabular form the number of Garda reserves in each Garda division. [34300/16]
  • Department of Finance
    • Tax Credits
      80. To ask the Minister for Finance if, in the circumstances in which a person has claimed tax back under the incapacitated tax scheme, the person can also apply via the HTB for an additional tax...
    • European Investment Bank
      81. To ask the Minister for Finance the detail of projects here supported by the European Investment Bank specifically in relation to housing, education, health and broadband; and if he will make...
    • Motor Insurance
      82. To ask the Minister for Finance if he and the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport have received initial recommendations following a review of rising motor insurance compensation; the...
    • Financial Services Regulation
      83. To ask the Minister for Finance the proposals he is currently considering to ensure that mortgage holders and tenants and SMEs who have loans or credit from non-bank lenders or vulture funds...
    • Ireland Strategic Investment Fund Investments
      84. To ask the Minister for Finance the amount of funding which has been made available through the Ireland Strategic Investment Fund for social and affordable housing provision; if he has...
    • Stability and Growth Pact
      85. To ask the Minister for Finance his views on the opinion expressed by the Dutch Minister of Finance and the chairman of the eurozone finance Ministers, Jeroen Dijsselbloem, that European...
    • Brexit Issues
      86. To ask the Minister for Finance the further preparations and contingency plans his Department has put in place in the event of a British exit from the European Union; and if he will make a...
    • Tax Code
      87. To ask the Minister for Finance the status of the proposed medium term tax strategy document; if it will be presented to the Houses of the Oireachtas by July 2017; and if he will make a...
    • Financial Institutions Levy
      88. To ask the Minister for Finance if he will provide a full report on the way the annual €150 million banking levy will be calculated as it extends to 2021; and if he will make a...
    • Programme for Government Implementation
      89. To ask the Minister for Finance when he envisages the help to buy scheme as proposed under the programme for Government will be launched; the amount the scheme will cost; the level of...
    • State Banking Sector
      91. To ask the Minister for Finance if he expects that the State will still move to sell off all or part of a bank (details supplied); the estimated timeframe for this; the expected yield to the...
    • Stability Programme Data
      93. To ask the Minister for Finance the status of the proposed development of alternative models for forecasting medium term potential growth as has been suggested by the Irish Fiscal Advisory...
    • Public Interest Directors
      95. To ask the Minister for Finance if he has ceased appointing new public interest directors to the banks; the reform of the procedures for the appointment of bank directors by the State that...
    • Fuel Laundering
      96. To ask the Minister for Finance his plans to increase enforcement and sanctions for fuel laundering in view of the programme for Government commitment and the estimates in the British-Irish...
    • Tax Code
      97. To ask the Minister for Finance when he envisages a new tax on sugar drinks will be introduced; the estimated annual yield from such a tax; the rate at which he considers the new tax should...
    • Central Bank of Ireland IT Operations
      98. To ask the Minister for Finance his views on the recent comments by the Governor of the Central Bank (details supplied) that technological innovation may alter the role of central banks in...
    • Credit Availability
      99. To ask the Minister for Finance if he has reviewed the most recent quarterly bank watch study from ISME on the ability of small and medium firms to get loan approval and access to credit; his...
    • Knowledge Development Box
      100. To ask the Minister for Finance the number of companies that have availed of the knowledge development box since its introduction; if he will provide a breakdown of the companies by size,...
    • Corporation Tax
      102. To ask the Minister for Finance the portion of the recent increase in corporation tax receipts attributed to each of the factors, currency fluctuations, one-off payments, improved trading...
    • Financial Services Sector
      103. To ask the Minister for Finance the number of times the IFSC funds working group has met in 2016; the agenda points for each meeting; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34124/16]
    • Tax Agreements
      104. To ask the Minister for Finance the number of countries, with which the State has a double taxation agreement; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34125/16]
    • Tax Avoidance
      105. To ask the Minister for Finance the steps he has taken to implement the action points recommended by the OECD under the BEPs initiative; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34126/16]
    • EU Directives
      106. To ask the Minister for Finance the status of the State's implementation of the anti-tax avoidance directive; the legislative or regulatory steps he plans to take to complete its...
    • Tax Data
      107. To ask the Minister for Finance if he will provide a list of all the tax expenditures that currently exist; the estimated annual cost and taxation forgone in respect of these expenditures;...
    • Tax Settlements
      108. To ask the Minister for Finance if he will provide, in respect of tax settlements published for each of the years 2013 to date in 2016, the number of tax settlements published in each period...
    • Motor Industry
      109. To ask the Minister for Finance further to Parliamentary Question No. 169 of 3 November 2016, if he will clarify the policy regarding private car rental companies which operate here; if...
    • Disabled Drivers and Passengers Scheme
      110. To ask the Minister for Finance if a required number to enable purchase of specially modified vehicle will be provided in the case of a person (details supplied); and if he will make a...
    • Tax Data
      111. To ask the Minister for Finance the total tax take on a new car retailing at €15,000, €20,000, €25,000, €30,000 and in €10,000 increments up to...
    • Tax Code
      114. To ask the Minister for Finance the current tax treatment on Irish resident international seafarers' income, including any reliefs in operation; if he has examined the UK relief system in...
    • EU Regulations
      115. To ask the Minister for Finance the process whereby budget 2017 is scrutinised by the EU institutions; if the Finance Bill 2016 is subject to similar scrutiny; if he will report on any...
    • Brexit Issues
      116. To ask the Minister for Finance his Department's role in preparations for Brexit; if a detailed sectoral analysis of the economy has been carried out to examine the possible or likely...
    • Tax Exemptions
      117. To ask the Minister for Finance the cost in a full year if the small benefits exemption allowance was increased from €500 to €620. [34225/16]
    • Mortgage Arrears Proposals
      118. To ask the Minister for Finance if the lending institutions can continue to be encouraged to accommodate borrowers who have made reasonable efforts to meet their mortgage or borrowing...
    • Economic Competitiveness
      119. To ask the Minister for Finance the extent to which the economy continues to remain competitive when compared to other competing jurisdictions within the European Union and without; and if...
    • Residential Property Prices Register
      122. To ask the Minister for Finance the degree to which he continues to monitor house property prices, with particular reference to the need to ensure that such prices do not become a major...
    • Economic Policy
      123. To ask the Minister for Finance the extent to which corrective fiscal or budgetary measures are required over the next six years to ensure sustainable economic growth without over reliance...
    • Credit Availability
      124. To ask the Minister for Finance the extent to which he expects credit availability to small and medium-sized enterprises to improve in line with requirements; and if he will make a statement...
    • Deposit Interest Rates
      125. To ask the Minister for Finance the current level of personal savings after which deposit interest retention tax, DIRT, is chargeable; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34281/16]
    • Household Savings Rate
      126. To ask the Minister for Finance the extent to which the level of savings continues to remain strong; if fluctuations have occurred; if competing agencies for such savings have emerged; and...
    • Budget Deficit
      127. To ask the Minister for Finance the extent to which the budget deficit as a percentage of gross domestic product has fluctuated in each of the past five years and in 2016 to date; and if he...
    • GDP-GNP Levels
      128. To ask the Minister for Finance the extent to which the average industrial wage and GDP per capita here compares with other EU, eurozone and non-eurozone states; and if he will make a...
    • House Prices
      129. To ask the Minister for Finance the extent to which he remains satisfied that first-time house buyers or the purchasers of a family home will not be priced out of the market in the future...
    • VAT Exemptions
      130. To ask the Minister for Finance further to Parliamentary Question No. 64 of 27 October 2016, if the VAT exemption can be applied in respect of gymnastics lessons consistent with the sporting...
    • Haulage Industry
      131. To ask the Minister for Finance his views on whether there are adequate insurer providers for haulage vehicles and trucks; his further views on insurers refusing to provide cover to haulage...
    • Brexit Issues
      132. To ask the Minister for Finance further to the recent report carried out by his Department in conjunction with the ESRI in respect of the economic impact of Brexit, the extent to which...
    • Loan Books Purchasers
      133. To ask the Minister for Finance the steps he will take to modify the impact on business here with particular reference to small and medium sized enterprises that have been affected by the...
    • VAT Rebates
      134. To ask the Minister for Finance if he will consider introducing VAT reclamation on petrol hybrid company vehicles in the interest of moving towards sustainable mobility and in a bid to help...
    • Tax Exemptions
      135. To ask the Minister for Finance if he will consider supporting an amendment to the Finance Act to introduce a capital exemption to persons who lease their properties to councils or approved...
    • Corporation Tax Regime
      136. To ask the Minister for Finance the work his Department has carried out in ensuring that a minimum effective tax rate is paid by companies offsetting substantial losses accrued against their...
  • Department of Education and Skills
    • Schools Building Projects Status
      137. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the status of the proposed building of a new national school (details supplied) in County Kerry; and if he will make a statement on the matter....
    • School Closures
      138. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills further to Parliamentary Question No. 120 of 2 November 2016, if he will provide the list of local schools which was supplied to the trust of a...
    • Minor Works Scheme
      139. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills when the minor works grants will be paid to primary schools in 2016. [34147/16]
    • Residential Institutions Redress Scheme Data
      140. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills further to Parliamentary Question No. 69 of 3 November 2016, if he will report on each of the 48 properties transferred to the State under the...
    • Schools Building Projects Status
      141. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the status of the site selection process for the new three-school campus for Buncrana, County Donegal; and if he will prioritise resources in his...
    • Institutes of Technology Funding
      142. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills his views on the recent HEA report that found Letterkenny Institute of Technology faces immediate sustainability challenges; and his plans to...
    • After-School Support Services
      143. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the status of the implementation of the commitment in the programme for Government that additional capitation funding will be provided to schools...
    • Broadband Service Provision
      144. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills if the maintenance of high quality broadband to schools was a part of the schools broadband contract of his department; if he has been informed...
    • School Accommodation Provision
      145. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the progress in approving funding for additional accommodation for a school (details supplied); the stage the application is at; the timeframe...
    • Student Support Schemes
      146. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills if his Department has undertaken any assessment or research into the potential loss to the Exchequer arising from emigration to avoid repayment...
    • School Staff
      147. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the estimated costs of restoring positions of responsibility to primary schools and to secondary schools; and if he will make a statement on the...
    • National Educational Psychological Service Data
      148. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the number of psychologists that would need to be recruited to establish a ratio of one NEPS psychologist to 3,500 students in five years time...
    • Special Educational Needs Staff
      149. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the number of special needs assistants, SNAs, that are required over each of the next five years to maintain existing SNA to student ratios...
    • School Admissions
      151. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills if the admissions legislation proposed by the Government will allow the NCSE to require a school to establish a special class where there is...
    • Special Educational Needs Service Provision
      152. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the financial supports available to schools which wish to establish a special class; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34237/16]
    • Special Education Review
      153. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills his plans to publish the review of the pilot scheme of the new resource allocation model for children with special educational needs; the...
    • School Accommodation
      154. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills if his Department has issued any guidance to schools regarding the provision of storage space for cycling helmets for children who cycle to...
    • School Guidance Counsellors
      155. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the estimated costs of providing one guidance counsellor per 500 students ex quota taking into account the additional guidance counselling...
    • National Educational Psychological Service Data
      157. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the average ratio of NEPS assessments to referrals and other casework per school over each of the past ten years in tabular form; and if he will...
    • Capitation Grants
      158. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the capitation rate per pupil in each category over each of the past ten years, 2006 to 2016, in tabular form; the sum of money allocated each...
    • Schools Refurbishment
      159. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the number of applications that have been unsuccessful under the latest round of the summer works scheme, the minor works grant and the emergency...
    • Special Educational Needs Staff
      160. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the number of resource teachers that will be required to fully implement the new resource allocation model, assuming each child receives 100% of...
    • School Staff
      161. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the estimated costs of fully reversing the staffing schedule changes for small schools, taking into account measures announced in budget 2017;...
    • Educational Disadvantage
      162. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the costs associated with the educational disadvantage committee for each year of its duration; and if he will make a statement on the matter....
    • Education Funding
      163. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills his Department's costings and timeframes of delivery for his recently announced action plan for education; and if he will make a statement on the...
  • Department of Housing, Planning, Community and Local Government
    • Seniors Alert Scheme
      165. To ask the Minister for Housing, Planning, Community and Local Government the number of persons benefitting from the seniors alert scheme nationally, by county, in each of the years 2014 to...
    • Protection of Tenants in Receipt of Rental Supports
      168. To ask the Minister for Housing, Planning, Community and Local Government the actions that can be taken to ensure that a maintenance company (details supplied) carries out its duty in a...
    • Seaweed Harvesting Potential
      169. To ask the Minister for Housing, Planning, Community and Local Government his views on a matter (details supplied) regarding seaweed harvesting; and if he will make a statement on the...
    • Compulsory Purchase Orders
      170. To ask the Minister for Housing, Planning, Community and Local Government if his Department will consider streamlining the CPO process for lands at dangerous locations along regional and...
    • Planning Issues
      171. To ask the Minister for Housing, Planning, Community and Local Government if he had interaction with a company (details supplied) or the Irish strategic investment fund related to the zoning...
    • Emergency Accommodation Provision
      175. To ask the Minister for Housing, Planning, Community and Local Government if his attention has been drawn to the demand of a centre (details supplied) in County Cork and to the fact that 281...
    • Housing Provision
      178. To ask the Minister for Housing, Planning, Community and Local Government the number of new houses, social housing, extra rental units and voids that have been repaired in Cork city and...
    • Voluntary Sector
      179. To ask the Minister for Housing, Planning, Community and Local Government the reason a volunteer centre (details supplied) is the lowest-funded centre in the country with only two part-time...
    • Housing Data
      181. To ask the Minister for Housing, Planning, Community and Local Government the number of vacant housing units in counties Longford and Westmeath. [34395/16]
  • Department of Social Protection
    • Pension Provisions
      182. To ask the Minister for Social Protection the action he is taking to ensure that directors of companies who fail to remit employees' pension premiums to their pension contracts immediately...
    • Social Welfare Schemes
      183. To ask the Minister for Social Protection if a person (details supplied) will qualify for an extension to a scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34131/16]
    • Carer's Allowance Payments
      184. To ask the Minister for Social Protection when payment of carer's allowance will issue in respect of a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34152/16]
    • Charities Regulation
      186. To ask the Minister for Social Protection if voluntary organisations that are charities must be registered as a charity for participation on the Tús scheme; and if he will make a...
    • Housing Assistance Payments Eligibility
      189. To ask the Minister for Social Protection the assistance that can be provided to a person (details supplied) with regard to rent. [34171/16]
    • Carer's Allowance Applications
      190. To ask the Minister for Social Protection the status of a carer’s allowance application in respect of a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34219/16]
    • Supplementary Welfare Allowance Payments
      191. To ask the Minister for Social Protection the precise circumstances of alleged overpayment in the case of a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34261/16]
    • State Pension (Contributory)
      192. To ask the Minister for Social Protection if he will again review all previous employments in the case of a person (details supplied), details of which have already been submitted in the...
    • Rent Supplement Scheme Payments
      193. To ask the Minister for Social Protection if a rent payment increase in line with documentation will issue in the case of a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the...
    • Exceptional Needs Payments
      194. To ask the Minister for Social Protection if an exceptional needs payment will be facilitated in the case of a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34269/16]
    • Disability Allowance Applications
      196. To ask the Minister for Social Protection the status of an application for a disability allowance in respect of a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter....
    • Carer's Allowance Payments
      197. To ask the Minister for Social Protection if a person (details supplied) is in receipt of the maximum carer's allowance and respite payments. [34379/16]
    • Carer's Allowance Applications
      198. To ask the Minister for Social Protection when a person (details supplied) in County Sligo will receive a decision on their application for carer's allowance; and if he will make a statement...
  • Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade
    • Human Rights
      199. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade his views on reports from a group (details supplied) that Italian authorities tortured migrants, including beatings, sexual humiliation and...
    • National Digital Research Centre
      200. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if his attention has been drawn to the fact that the National Digital Research Centre, NDRC, whose budget is paid entirely from State funds,...
    • Human Rights
      201. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade his views on recent developments in Turkey including the detention of MPs from the Peoples' Democratic Party and the curbing of media...
    • Departmental Staff Redeployment
      202. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the resources allocated to the new EU division within his department; the number of staff allocated to the division; and if he will make a...
    • Undocumented Irish in the USA
      203. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the status of the position of the undocumented Irish in the United States; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34176/16]
    • Northern Ireland
      204. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the status of the Fresh Start agreement; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34177/16]
  • Department of Public Expenditure and Reform
    • Community Employment Schemes Supervisors
      205. To ask the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform his plans to honour the Labour Court recommendation, LCR 19293, to community employment supervisors and move immediately to implement...
    • Public Sector Staff Remuneration
      206. To ask the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the cost of implementing the pre-January 2011 pay scales for all post-December 2010 entrants to all public service recruitment...
    • Flood Relief Schemes
      207. To ask the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if he will address a matter (details supplied) regarding flooding; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34148/16]
    • Property Registration
      208. To ask the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform his views on a matter (details supplied) regarding folios; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34384/16]
  • Department of Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht
    • Hare Coursing
      209. To ask the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht her views on the recent mauling of a hare at Ballingar, County Offaly, in view of the fact that very clear video footage showing the...
    • Shooting Rights
      210. To ask the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht her views on correspondence (details supplied) regarding shooting rights; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [34119/16]
    • CLÁR Programme
      211. To ask the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht when applicants for funding under the CLÁR programme can expect to be informed of her Department's decision; and when funding...
    • Flood Relief Schemes
      213. To ask the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the reason for the shortfall in expenditure against profile of 16% for the year to 31 October 2016; the headings under which this...
    • Official Languages Act 2003 Compliance
      215. To ask the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht if Irish language versions have been published in all cases of Acts passed by the Houses of the Oireachtas over the past five years;...
    • Forestry Sector
      216. To ask the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the action that was taken in response to the report prepared by the National Parks and Wildlife Service on 2 December 2015 in...
  • Department of Health
    • Blind Welfare Allowance
      221. To ask the Minister for Health the reason the blind welfare allowance has ceased in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Mayo in view of the fact that this person’s...
    • Hospital Appointments Status
      223. To ask the Minister for Health the status of an operation for a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34110/16]
    • Patient Data
      225. To ask the Minister for Health the number of dialysis patients who live in each county; the number of patients in each county who access each of the modes of dialysis treatment in-centre...
    • Health Services Data
      226. To ask the Minister for Health the cost to the HSE in January 2016 or a recent given month post-November 2015 of taxi and other transport services that arose from the transfer of County...
    • Hospital Appointments Status
      227. To ask the Minister for Health the status of an operation in respect of a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34139/16]
    • Medical Aids and Appliances Applications
      229. To ask the Minister for Health if he will assist in expediting an application submitted by a person (details supplied) in County Cork. [34146/16]
    • Health Services
      230. To ask the Minister for Health further to Question No. 391 of 18 October 2016, when the HSE will respond to the person in view of the letters that have been provided stating the person...
    • Disease Management
      231. To ask the Minister for Health the action he will take in support of persons with Lyme disease; his views on a television documentary screened recently and if he will address all of the...
    • Hospital Appointments Status
      232. To ask the Minister for Health if an early date for a hip operation will be arranged at Waterford Regional Hospital in respect of a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement...
    • Services for People with Disabilities
      233. To ask the Minister for Health if the children services at a centre (details supplied) are to be discontinued from March 2017 or if another agency will take over the delivery of services,...
    • Midwifery Services
      234. To ask the Minister for Health his views on the fact that the Rotunda Hospital is currently 42 midwives short of the recommended number of WTEs of 207.99, the National Maternity Hospital is...
    • Hospital Services
      235. To ask the Minister for Health when proton beam therapy will be available in hospitals here; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34199/16]
    • HIQA Remit
      236. To ask the Minister for Health the reason the care homes caring for elderly priests are not subject to regulation by HIQA; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34200/16]
    • Medical Card Data
      237. To ask the Minister for Health the number of medical cards issued per month over the past ten years in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34206/16]
    • Nursing Homes Support Scheme
      239. To ask the Minister for Health the number of persons currently awaiting placement under the fair deal scheme for each local health area in tabular form; and the waiting time [34208/16]
    • Medicinal Products Availability
      241. To ask the Minister for Health if he will re-enter negotiations with a company (details supplied), the manufacturer of the cystic fibrosis drug Orkambi, with a view to reaching an agreement...
    • Hospital Appointments Status
      242. To ask the Minister for Health the status of an operation in respect of a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34212/16]
    • Hospital Appointments Administration
      244. To ask the Minister for Health when an appointment in respect of a person (details supplied) will be rescheduled. [34214/16]
    • Hospital Appointments Status
      245. To ask the Minister for Health if a person (details supplied) in County Kerry will be provided with a date for cataract surgery; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34222/16]
    • Health Services
      247. To ask the Minister for Health if and when a person (details supplied) will receive treatment for a thyroid condition; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34264/16]
    • Psychological Assessments
      248. To ask the Minister for Health further to Parliamentary Question No. 228 of 29 September 2016, the means whereby a person (details supplied) can avail of psychology services; and if he will...
    • Nursing Homes Support Scheme
      249. To ask the Minister for Health further to Parliamentary Question No. 300 of 2 November 2016, the progress of the interdepartmental agency working group established to progress the...
    • Obesity Strategy
      250. To ask the Minister for Health further to Parliamentary Question Nos. 413 of 25 October 2016, the amount of funding that will be made available to community groups and businesses to deliver...
    • Hospital Accommodation Provision
      251. To ask the Minister for Health the number of times that the full capacity protocol has been deployed at Letterkenny University Hospital in 2016; the process for implementing this protocol at...
    • Hospital Beds Data
      252. To ask the Minister for Health the numbers of beds at Letterkenny University Hospital for each of the years 2004 to date in 2016. [34303/16]
    • Nursing Staff Data
      253. To ask the Minister for Health the numbers of nurses at Letterkenny University Hospital for each of the years 2004 to date in 2016. [34304/16]
    • Hospital Staff Data
      254. To ask the Minister for Health the total numbers of staff at Letterkenny University Hospital for each of the years 2004 to date in 2016. [34305/16]
    • Hospital Accommodation Provision
      255. To ask the Minister for Health the number of times that the full capacity protocol has been deployed, by hospital group, at each of the hospitals in 2016; the process for implementing this...
    • Patient Data
      256. To ask the Minister for Health the number of inpatients at each of the hospitals for each of the years 2004 to date in 2016. [34307/16]
    • Nursing Staff Data
      257. To ask the Minister for Health the number of nurses at each of the hospitals for each of the years 2004 to date in 2016. [34308/16]
    • Nursing Staff Recruitment
      258. To ask the Minister for Health the number of nurses newly recruited in public and voluntary hospitals to date in 2016; the full year cost of their recruitment; and the net increase in...
    • Speech and Language Therapy Provision
      259. To ask the Minister for Health the number of speech and language therapists newly recruited to date in 2016; the sectors of the health service under which they have been recruited, that is,...
    • Health Services Staff Recruitment
      260. To ask the Minister for Health the number of occupational therapists newly recruited to date in 2016; the sectors of the health service for which they have been recruited, that is, primary...
    • Health Services Staff Data
      263. To ask the Minister for Health the number of occupational therapists currently employed in each Community Healthcare Organisation, CHO, in tabular form; and the equivalent figures for the...
    • Hospital Staff Data
      265. To ask the Minister for Health the number of approved consultant posts currently in each public and voluntary hospital, in tabular form; and the equivalent figures for the same date in 2014...
    • Health Services Staff Data
      269. To ask the Minister for Health the current number of approved clinical dental surgeon posts in the HSE, in tabular form; and the equivalent figures for the same date in 2014 and 2015. [34343/16]
    • Medical Aids and Appliances Provision
      273. To ask the Minister for Health when the contract for the supply of diabetic insulin pumps is due for renewal. [34348/16]
    • Medicinal Products Reimbursement
      277. To ask the Minister for Health the reason a particular medicine (details supplied) is not included in the general medical services scheme or the drugs payment scheme; and if he will make a...
    • Hospital Appointments Status
      278. To ask the Minister for Health if an operation will be arranged immediately in respect of a person (details supplied). [34377/16]
    • Health Insurance Data
      279. To ask the Minister for Health the number of persons currently availing of private health insurance in age groups (details supplied). [34381/16]
    • General Medical Services Scheme
      280. To ask the Minister for Health if his attention has been drawn to the scaling back of services by a medical centre (details supplied) in County Clare; the action which will be taken to...
    • Nursing Home Services
      281. To ask the Minister for Health if he will ensure that a comprehensive assessment will be carried out on a person (details supplied). [34393/16]
    • Nursing Staff Recruitment
      282. To ask the Minister for Health his plans to revise the recruitment policy for nurses; if he will consider devolving the human resource responsibility to each hospital which would speed up...
    • Patient Data
      283. To ask the Minister for Health the number of in-patients at Letterkenny University Hospital for the years 2004 to date in 2016. [34399/16]
    • Hospital Beds Data
      284. To ask the Minister for Health the number of beds at each hospital for each of the years 2004 to 2016 to date. [34401/16]
  • Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine
    • Food Wise 2025 Strategy
      285. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine his plans to immediately review Food Wise 2025 with respect to forecasts outlined within, for example exports, employment and added...
    • State Aid
      286. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the position regarding the low cost loan scheme for farmers as outlined in budget 2017; the opening date for applications; the type...
    • Basic Payment Scheme Applications
      287. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine when a disadvantaged area payment and annual payment will be paid to a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on...
    • State Bodies Accounts
      290. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine when the Irish Greyhound Board will publish its annual reports for 2015 and 2016; the reason the board have not produced those...
    • State Bodies Funding
      291. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the breakdown of expenditure announced in budget 2017 for Bord na gCon in tabular form; the areas these funds will cover; and if he...
    • Greyhound Industry
      292. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine when the recommendations of the report on the Irish greyhound industry by the all-party Oireachtas Joint Committee on Agriculture,...
    • European Fisheries Fund
      293. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the total funding allocated to each fisheries local action group under the 2007-2013 EFF, in tabular form; the total funding...
    • Fishing Industry
      295. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine his views on the industrial mussel seed dredging being carried out by trawlers within the State’s six mile territorial limit,...
    • European Maritime and Fisheries Fund
      296. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the total funding allocated to the EMFF operational programme 2014-2020; the annual breakdown of funding allocated; the breakdown on...
    • Agri-Environment Options Scheme Data
      297. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the number of farmers enrolled in AEOS scheme whose contracts will end in 2017; the average payment for these AEOS participants to...
    • Poultry Industry
      298. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the number of egg producers by county, in tabular form; the total number of direct and indirect jobs in this sector; the average...
    • Food Exports
      299. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the total value of exports from egg production in 2014, 2015 and 2016 in tabular form; if he will provide a breakdown by country that...
    • Food Imports
      300. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the total value of egg imports broken down by country of origin, including the share from the UK, in 2014, 2015 and 2016 in tabular...
    • Bord na gCon Funding
      301. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will provide an overview of latest Tote figures at hand with respect to the greyhound industry over the period 2010 to 2016 in...
    • GLAS Payments
      302. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine when a GLAS payment for 2016 will issue to a person (details supplied) in County Kerry; and if he will make a statement on the...
  • Department of Communications, Energy and Natural Resources
    • Cyber Security Policy
      303. To ask the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the processes in place to combat a threat to the Government's efforts to combat cyber security breaches and attacks on...
    • Alternative Energy Projects
      304. To ask the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources when an incentive for electricity solar panels will be introduced (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on...
    • Renewable Energy Feed in Tariff Scheme Data
      305. To ask the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if he will provide a breakdown of the current micro generation feed in tariffs in operation as well as other financial...
    • Renewable Energy Incentives
      306. To ask the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources when the renewable heat incentive will be available for domestic energy users; the timetable for this; and if he will...
    • Radon Control Strategy
      309. To ask the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if he has explored introducing a non means tested grant for remediation work on houses found to have high levels of...
    • Postal Services
      310. To ask the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the amount of public funding given to An Post annually in the 2010-2016 period, in tabular form; the budget allocation...
  • Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport
    • Renewable Energy Projects
      311. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his views on hydrogen fuel cell vehicles; if he has examined the refuelling infrastructure needed for operation here; his plans for test...
    • Local Authority Functions
      312. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the detail of the regulations regarding the work local authorities can carry out in the event of vegetation or blockages posing a threat...
    • Vehicle Registration
      313. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport further to Parliamentary Question No. 169 of 3 November 2016, if he will clarify the policy regarding private car rental companies which...
    • Driver Licences Data
      314. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if his attention has been drawn to the fact that persons receiving new driving licences who were born in Northern Ireland have country of...
    • Maritime Training
      315. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the status on resolving the issue that arose earlier in 2016 whereby refresher courses provided by the National Maritime College of...
    • Transport Infrastructure Provision
      316. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if Transport Infrastructure Ireland has assessed the volume of traffic using the M11 from Coynes Cross to the M50 connection each day;...
    • Aer Lingus Staff
      318. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will provide copies of any written agreements between the Government and International Airlines Group, IAG, dealing with the issue...
    • Public Transport Fares
      319. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his plans to address the price disparity between commuters using two train stations in County Kildare (details supplied); and if he will...
    • Rail Services
      321. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the number of HOBS trains operated by Iarnród Éireann; the cost of each HOBS train and the year purchased; if contracts are in...
    • Tourism Industry
      322. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if a provision (details supplied) will exclude counties Westmeath, Offaly, Cavan, Longford, and Tipperary; if this tender relates to the...
    • Dublin Port Tunnel
      323. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the figures for the current usage of Dublin Port tunnel, in tabular form, broken into the different charging categories based on the time...
    • Sports Funding
      324. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the funding allocation for the past five years to the various sporting bodies and to the Olympic Council of Ireland, in tabular form....
    • Fáilte Ireland
      325. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his views on a company (details supplied). [34396/16]
    • Road Safety
      326. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his plans to introduce regulations for rickshaws. [34397/16]
  • Department of Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation
    • Workplace Relations Services
      327. To ask the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation if she will consider amending the name of the Workplace Relations Commission to the workplace relations and equality commission in...
    • Work Permits Applications
      329. To ask the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation the procedure to be followed to obtain a work permit in the case of a person (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on...
    • Business Regulation
      330. To ask the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation the regulatory processes, statutory and non-statutory, in place to assess the economic impacts of all new regulations on business; and...
    • Economic Competitiveness
      331. To ask the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation her views on Ireland's fall to 18th on the World Bank's Ease of Doing Business 2017 report, representing decline in consecutive years...
    • Economic Growth
      332. To ask the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation her plans to immediately review Enterprise 2025 with respect to forecasts outlined on, for example, employment, unemployment and...
    • Economic and Social Research Institute
      333. To ask the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation her views on the employment and unemployment projections in the ESRI report, Modelling the Medium to Long Term Potential Macroeconomic...
    • IDA Site Visits
      334. To ask the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation further to Parliamentary Question No. 616 of 11 October 2016, the number of IDA Ireland sponsored visits in each county in 2016 up to...
    • Employment Rights
      337. To ask the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation if her Department has considered a recent UK employment tribunal on the employment status of workers with a company (details...
  • Department of Children and Youth Affairs
    • Unaccompanied Minors and Separated Children
      338. To ask the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs if her attention has been drawn to the concerns expressed by UNICEF regarding the suitability for children of refugee reception centres in...
    • School Completion Programme
      339. To ask the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the timeframe for the development of a new school completion strategy as promised in the programme for Government; the details on the...
    • Family Resource Centres
      340. To ask the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs further to Parliamentary Question No. 610 of 25 October 2016 and notwithstanding the forthcoming 2017 Tusla business plan, her plans with...
    • Child and Family Agency Staff
      341. To ask the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the number of staff assigned to Tusla or the separated children team in each of the years 2000 to date in 2016. [34173/16]
    • Youth Services Funding
      342. To ask the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs when youth organisations in receipt of funding from her Department will be informed of their 2017 funding allocations; and if she will make...
    • Youth Employment Initiative
      343. To ask the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the status of the youth employability initiative; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [34179/16]
    • School Completion Programme
      344. To ask the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the timeframe for implementation of the legislative commitment in the programme for Government to increase the mandatory school leaving age...
    • Departmental Schemes
      345. To ask the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs if she will provide a breakdown of the funding in each of the years from 2011 to date in 2016 for schemes (details supplied); and if she...
    • National Youth Strategy
      346. To ask the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the timeframe for the development of the LGBT youth strategy; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [34182/16]
  • Department of Defence
    • Defence Forces Strength
      347. To ask the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the most up to date figures for the strength of the Permanent Defence Force with regard to all three services and all ranks; the gender...
    • Defence Forces Reserve
      348. To ask the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the most up to date figures for the strength of the Reserve Defence Forces; the gender breakdown of same; and if he will make a statement on the...
    • Defence Forces Recruitment
      349. To ask the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the number of additional recruits the Defence Forces have taken on to date in 2016; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34299/16]