DÁIL ÉIREANN

Déardaoin, 23 Samhain, 2017 Thursday, 23rd November, 2017

CEISTEANNA QUESTIONS

93 DÁIL ÉIREANN 4671 Déardaoin, 23 Samhain, 2017 Thursday, 23rd November, 2017

CEISTEANNA I gCOMHAIR FREAGRA Ó BHÉAL QUESTIONS FOR ORAL ANSWER

CEISTEANNA AR SONRAÍODH UAIN DÓIBH QUESTIONS NOMINATED FOR PRIORITY

Chun an Tánaiste agus an Aire Gnó, Fiontar agus Nuálaíochta : To the Tánaiste and Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation.

1. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation the contingencies and supports in place to safeguard Irish SMEs and export businesses from a hard Brexit scenario including revision of state aid rules; and if she will make a statement on the matter. — . [49667/17]

2. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation the reason the Office of the Director of Corporate Enforcement has brought no prosecutions or achieved no convictions in the past two years; and her plans to accelerate the reform of the agency. — . [49669/17]

3. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation the steps she is taking to deal with competitiveness issues and direct threats to continued foreign direct investment here. — Niall Collins. [49668/17]

4. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation the efforts being made by State agencies, in particular the IDA, in attracting jobs and investment to towns in County Tipperary; and if she will make a statement on the matter. — . [49765/17]

5. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation the discussions her department has had with a company (details supplied) regarding the future development of the proposed data centre in Athenry. — . [49764/17]

CEISTEANNA EILE OTHER QUESTIONS

Chun an Tánaiste agus an Aire Gnó, Fiontar agus Nuálaíochta : To the Tánaiste and Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation.

6. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation the number of visits by the IDA to County Meath; and if she has satisfied herself with the level of IDA investment in County Meath. — Thomas Byrne. [49464/17]

7. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation the status of regional IDA site visits up to Q3 2017; the details of all vacant properties per county, in tabular form; and if she will make a statement on the matter. — Niall Collins. [49595/17]

P.T.O 4672

8. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation the regulatory regime pertaining to the issue of expiry dates on vouchers. — Niall Collins. [49598/17]

9. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation the steps she will take to ensure continued economic investment in jobs, enterprise and innovation here notwithstanding the impact of Brexit; the extent to which new opportunities are being fostered in this context; and if she will make a statement on the matter. — Bernard J. Durkan. [49610/17]

10. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation if she has considered empowering the Competition and Consumer Protection Commission to issue civil fines for anti competitive practices. — Niall Collins. [49597/17]

11. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation if enhanced resources will be provided to LEOs of border counties (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. — Thomas P. Broughan. [49462/17]

12. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation her plans to introduce legislation to combat ticket touting; and her views on the Sale of Tickets (Sporting and Cultural Events) Bill 2017. — Maurice Quinlivan. [49574/17]

13. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation if studies (details supplied) are on target to be completed before the end of 2017; the timeframe for the findings to be made available; and if she will make a statement on the matter. — Thomas P. Broughan. [49461/17]

14. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation the role her department will play in the National Disability Inclusion Strategy 2017 to 2021; and if she will make a statement on the matter. — Margaret Murphy O’Mahony. [49456/17]

15. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation the date for the publication of the annual report of export licensing activity undertaken under the Control of Exports Act 2008 for the period 1 January 2016 to 31 December 2016; and if publication will occur before the end of 2017. — Clare Daly. [49608/17]

16. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation her views on the most recently published report under the Control of Exports Act 2008, covering the period January 2017 to June 2017; her further views on the volume of arms exports permitted by her department to countries that form the Saudi Arabian alliance, which is engaged in the bombardment of Yemen; and if she will make a statement on the matter. — Mick Wallace. [49606/17]

17. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation her views on the effects that Brexit will have on SMEs along the border region; and if plans have been made to protect them. — . [49455/17]

18. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation her views regarding the CETA trade agreement between the EU and Canada in relation to the possibility of undermining regulatory standards; her plans to seek ratification of CETA; and if she will make a statement on the matter. — Paul Murphy. [49590/17]

19. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation the initiatives her department is putting in place to help support and grow current businesses and attract new 4673 enterprises to the areas designated by the CSO as unemployment blackspots. — Maurice Quinlivan. [49576/17]

20. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation the details of all planning and research work under way for the impact of the result of Brexit on businesses and small and medium enterprises in Northern Ireland and the border counties; and if she will make a statement on the matter. — Eamon Scanlon. [49458/17]

21. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation if she will address the fact that the south east region returns just 45% of the PAYE income per tax head (details supplied) as per the south east economic monitor; and if she will make a statement on the matter. — . [49515/17]

22. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation when the next round of PRTLI funding will occur; if the PRTLI funding programme is not confirmed his plans to provide a successor programme of this type of essential funding for third level institutions; and if she will make a statement on the matter. — James Lawless. [49612/17]

23. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation if areas continually affected by low income and deprivation are targeted in strategic planning and promotion of job creation; and if she will make a statement on the matter. — Thomas P. Broughan. [49516/17]

24. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation if she will address the fact that, even though the south east has the highest unemployment figures in the country, only 31 site visits (details supplied) were made by the IDA between January and September 2017; and if she will make a statement on the matter. — Mary Butler. [49514/17]

25. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation her plans to expand her department’s efforts and resources in terms of creating investment and business in the north County Meath region which is the most deprived area of County Meath according to 2016 Pobal HP deprivation index; and if she will make a statement on the matter. — . [49611/17]

26. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation the plans in place to protect businesses along the border in view of Brexit; and if she will make a statement on the matter. — Niamh Smyth. [49453/17]

27. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation the supports available for small and medium enterprises in view of the fact that the 2018 to 2020 expenditure report states the government, through budget 2018, will respond to the immediate and longer term impact of Brexit across the enterprise agency supported client base; her plans for new supports; and if she will make a statement on the matter. — . [49614/17]

28. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation the way in which the negative reports internationally of Ireland’s housing and rental market is impacting on the work of bringing foreign direst investment to Dublin and other cities; and if she will make a statement on the matter. — Thomas P. Broughan. [49517/17]

29. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation the extent to which she and her department continue to foster opportunities for indigenous and foreign direct investment here; the extent to which she expects to be in a position to continue to do this

P.T.O 4674 notwithstanding obstacles arising from a matter (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. — Bernard J. Durkan. [49609/17]

30. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation her views on the increase in the value of licences for arms exports from Ireland issued by her department from €23 million to €132 million between the past six months of 2016 and the first six months of 2017; her further views on the fact that this is the first time since six monthly reports began to be published that the value of licences for arms exports has exceeded €100 million; and if she will make a statement on the matter. — Clare Daly. [49607/17]

31. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation her plans to increase the staffing and budget allocations for the Office of the Director of Corporate Enforcement and the Irish Auditing and Accounting Supervisory Authority in preparation for the new functions they will assume under the Companies (Statutory Audits) Bill 2017. — Maurice Quinlivan. [49575/17]

32. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation her views on whether the EU regional aid status of Kells and north Meath granted in 2014 has had a positive impact in terms of local investment or incentives and grants to encourage employers to locate in the area; and if she is of the view enough had been done to promote Kells and north Meath as a location for investment and business development. — Thomas Byrne. [49465/17]

33. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation the number of newly created IDA supported jobs in County Wexford in each of the years 2012 to 2016; the number of IDA site visits made to County Wexford in each of the years 2012 to 2016 and to date in 2017 involving new and prospective IDA partners; her future development plans for creating jobs in County Wexford over the next three years; and if she will make a statement on the matter. — James Browne. [49459/17]

34. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation when the report by the Office of the Director of Corporate Enforcement into a trial (details supplied) will be published. — Niall Collins. [49594/17]

35. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation the envisioned breakdown of the 35,000 planned new jobs by those coming from foreign direct investment indigenous enterprises and region in view of the fact that the 2018 to 2020 expenditure report states the government plans to grow the number of jobs supported by the various enterprise agencies from 435,000, to 470,000 in 2018; and if she will make a statement on the matter. — Aindrias Moynihan. [49615/17]

36. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation her views regarding the Investor Courts System contained in the CETA agreement between the EU and Canada in relation to the advantageous position it provides to investors; and if she will make a statement on the matter. — Paul Murphy. [49589/17]

37. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation if she will report on her recent trade and investment mission to the United Arab Emirates; the groups she met; the issues discussed; and if she will make a statement on the matter. — Mick Wallace. [49605/17] 4675

38. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation the contingency plans her department is putting in place for businesses for the possibility of a no deal Brexit. — Maurice Quinlivan. [49573/17]

39. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation the number of persons in her department and agencies under its aegis that are solely working on Brexit related matters; if she will increase these numbers throughout 2018 as negotiation talks progress; and if she will make a statement on the matter. — Thomas P. Broughan. [49463/17]

40. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation the name, costs, date of commission, date or expected date of publication of all external reports commissioned by her department since June 2016 regarding Brexit, in tabular form; and if all such reports have been or will be published. — Niall Collins. [49596/17]

41. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation the targeted and strategic plan she has to attract the high value data management industry here in view of the attraction of Ireland to this global industry in the areas of climate, availability of green energy, access to research and a graduate workforce and our EU membership; and if she will make a statement on the matter. — . [49454/17]

CEISTEANNA LE hAGHAIDH FREAGRAÍ SCRÍOFA QUESTIONS FOR WRITTEN ANSWER Chun an Tánaiste agus an Aire Gnó, Fiontar agus Nuálaíochta : To the Tánaiste and Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation.

*42. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation if officials in her department have a role in monitoring developments on the concentrated effort of China opening its markets and dominance in world trade; and if there will be increased resources allocated to Ireland’s agencies in China. — Micheál Martin. [45044/17]

*43. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation the measures taken under gambling legislation to monitor excessive in-game purchases for children under 18 years of age. — Sean Sherlock. [49687/17]

*44. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation the spend on social media campaigns by her department and the agencies under its aegis on issues related to Brexit; the spend by campaign per platform and State agency; and if she will make a statement on the matter. — Stephen S. Donnelly. [49754/17]

*45. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation the degree to which she remains confident of this country’s ability to attract foreign direct investment here notwithstanding issues raised at EU level to the effect that enterprises setting up headquarters here and liable for 14.5% corporations tax may also be compelled to collect taxes on foot of profits made in other jurisdictions; if this is likely to dissuade foreign direct investors coming here; and if she will make a statement on the matter. — Bernard J. Durkan. [49774/17]

*46. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation the steps she will take to counter the EU interpretation of the tax regime applicable to foreign direct investments here; and if she will make a statement on the matter. — Bernard J. Durkan. [49775/17]

P.T.O 4676

*47. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation the extent to which she has put in place or is placing measures to offset the impact of Brexit here with particular reference to exports and imports with the UK; and if she will make a statement on the matter. — Bernard J. Durkan. [49776/17]

*48. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation the extent to which she has identified the sectors most likely to be negatively impacted by Brexit; the steps taken to alleviate such an impact; and if she will make a statement on the matter. — Bernard J. Durkan. [49777/17]

*49. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation the degree to which innovation remains an integral part of this country’s campaign to maximise its industrial impact in terms of effective trading, efficiency and modernisation with particular reference to competing on EU and world markets; and if she will make a statement on the matter. — Bernard J. Durkan. [49778/17]

*50. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation the extent to which new trade deals have been entered into following recent promotional tours by herself and bodies under the aegis of her department; and if she will make a statement on the matter. — Bernard J. Durkan. [49779/17]

*51. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation the extent to which she expects innovation to continue to become a primary issue in the course of trade discussions, negotiations and investment in the indigenous and the foreign direct investment sector here in terms of cost benefit; and if she will make a statement on the matter. — Bernard J. Durkan. [49780/17]

*52. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation the steps she is taking to encourage an even distribution of job creating investment throughout the regions with particular reference to the need to encourage and ensure industrial development everywhere on par with the greater Dublin region; and if she will make a statement on the matter. — Bernard J. Durkan. [49781/17]

*53. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation the extent to which she has promoted, supported and or grant aided job creating investment throughout the regions in 2016; her plans in this regard in the future; and if she will make a statement on the matter. — Bernard J. Durkan. [49782/17]

*54. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation the number of jobs created in 2016 in the indigenous sector; the number of such jobs created through foreign direct investment in the same period; and if she will make a statement on the matter. — Bernard J. Durkan. [49783/17]

*55. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation the extent to which technology, education and the availability of suitable business and housing accommodation continues to be an issue in regard to the creation of further employment throughout the entire country; and if she will make a statement on the matter. — Bernard J. Durkan. [49784/17]

*56. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation the number of small job creating enterprises set up in the past twelve months; the number of jobs involved; the 4677 degree to which this programme can continue; and if she will make a statement on the matter. — Bernard J. Durkan. [49785/17]

*57. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation the extent to which she remains satisfied that this country continues to be an active location for indigenous and foreign direct investment; the extent to which competition in the market place is evident in this area; and if she will make a statement on the matter. — Bernard J. Durkan. [49786/17]

*58. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation the extent to which the knowledge development box continues to be an asset in securing investment in jobs here; and if she will make a statement on the matter. — Bernard J. Durkan. [49787/17]

*59. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation the extent to which she continues to engage with investment and job creation interests in Northern Ireland with a view to maintaining the best possible relationship of a mutually beneficial nature with Northern Ireland and the EU in the aftermath of Brexit; and if she will make a statement on the matter. — Bernard J. Durkan. [49788/17]

*60. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation the extent to which she continues to engage with investment and job creation interests in Northern Ireland with a view to maintaining the best possible relationship of a mutually beneficial nature with Northern Ireland and the EU in the aftermath of Brexit; and if she will make a statement on the matter. — Bernard J. Durkan. [49789/17]

*61. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation the extent to which this jurisdiction remains competitive and attractive for jobs in both the manufacturing and services sectors; and if she will make a statement on the matter. — Bernard J. Durkan. [49790/17]

*62. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation the staffing levels at the Irish Auditing and Accounting Supervisory Authority; if she has satisfied herself with the levels of staffing; if the authority is in a position to fulfil its functions effectively with existing resources; and if she will make a statement on the matter. — Michael McGrath. [49815/17]

*63. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation when the second stage of the Industrial Development (Amendment) Bill as referenced in the Autumn legislation programme 2017 is due to take place. — Niall Collins. [49827/17]

*64. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation if the IDA collates feedback from prospective clients following site visits; if commonalities in feedback regarding site visits are outlined in annual published reports; and if so, the name of such reports. — Niall Collins. [49828/17]

*65. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation the amount of spending from the IDA’s capital budget spent on market analysis on property solutions in each of the years 2012 to 2016 and to date in 2017, in tabular form. — Niall Collins. [49830/17]

*66. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation when the research study commissioned by her department Sectoral Implications Arising from Brexit: Most Exposed Sectors is due to be completed and published. — Niall Collins. [49832/17]

P.T.O 4678

*67. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation when the research study commissioned by her department Strategic Implications Arising from EU-UK Trading Patterns is due to be completed and published. — Niall Collins. [49833/17]

*68. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation the status of the latest Mercosur trade talks; and her plans to ensure that Irish farmers are protected and that beef does not form part of the final deal. — Niall Collins. [49834/17]

*69. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation the details of the plan for a rescue and restructure scheme for businesses here impacted by Brexit submitted to the Directorate General for Competition; if the scheme is intended to provide equity and loans to firms only; the minimum and maximum loan amounts proposed to be permissible under the scheme; if direct grant aid will be permissible under the scheme; the other criteria associated with the scheme; and if the scheme adheres to existing State aid rules in operation at EU level. — Niall Collins. [49835/17]

*70. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation the titles of reports that her department received in 2016 that have yet to be made public; and the reason each has not been published, in tabular form. — Maurice Quinlivan. [49836/17]

*71. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation when the report from the Office of the Director of Corporate Enforcement on an investigation (details supplied) will be published. — Maurice Quinlivan. [49837/17]

Chun an Aire Airgeadais: To the Minister for Finance.

*72. To ask the Minister for Finance the way in which the costs of credit here compare with such costs throughout Europe, with particular reference to the need to ensure that industry here is able to compete; and if he will make a statement on the matter. — Bernard J. Durkan. [49791/17]

*73. To ask the Minister for Finance his plans to repay bilateral and other sovereign loans at an earlier date than scheduled; and if he will make a statement on the matter. — . [49651/17]

*74. To ask the Minister for Finance the way in which an academy (details supplied) can get recognised in order not to not charge VAT on it’s courses; and if he will make a statement on the matter. — . [49662/17]

*75. To ask the Minister for Finance if an application for the disabled drivers and disabled passengers scheme by a person (details supplied) will be expedited; and if he will make a statement on the matter. — Brendan Ryan. [49738/17]

*76. To ask the Minister for Finance the tax deducted in the case of a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. — Bernard J. Durkan. [49772/17]

*77. To ask the Minister for Finance further to parliamentary question number 67 of 16 November 2017, the penalties that will now apply to a persons that come forward with a declaration after the 4 May 2017 deadline; and if he will make a statement on the matter. — Michael McGrath. [49817/17] 4679

*78. To ask the Minister for Finance further to parliamentary question number 67 of 16 November 2017, the role of financial institutions regulated here in providing information to the Revenue Commissioners in respect of offshore income sources and assets; and if he will make a statement on the matter. — Michael McGrath. [49818/17]

*79. To ask the Minister for Finance the contact with a company (details supplied) including details of meetings held, correspondence exchanged since 1 September 2017 in respect of the collection of the money due under the EU state aid rules; the position in relation to this issue; and if he will make a statement on the matter. — Michael McGrath. [49819/17]

*80. To ask the Minister for Finance the Central Banks role in monitoring the methodology used by bank lenders, non bank lenders and unregulated lenders to calculate mortgage arrears; the enforcement powers the Central Bank has in relation to the miscalculating of mortgage arrears; the steps that the Central Bank has taken regarding the apparent miscalculation of mortgage arrears by (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. — Michael McGrath. [49838/17]

*81. To ask the Minister for Finance if the Central Bank has undertaken reviews or investigations in relation to the miscalculation of mortgage arrears in individual lenders or in the industry as a whole; the number of investigations that have taken place; the outcomes of those investigations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. — Michael McGrath. [49839/17]

*82. To ask the Minister for Finance the number of cases taken to the Financial Services Ombudsman in each of the past four years regarding the miscalculation of mortgage arrears, the number that were found in favour of the borrower; the number that were found in favour of the lender; and if he will make a statement on the matter. — Michael McGrath. [49840/17]

*83. To ask the Minister for Finance if legal proceedings have been taken place against the borrowers involved the apparent miscalculation of mortgage arrears; if the borrowers have lost homes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. — Michael McGrath. [49841/17]

*84. To ask the Minister for Finance if the Central Bank has authority to investigate and impose a fine on an unregulated loan owner in the event that the loan owner has miscalculated the amount of mortgage arrears a borrower faces; when the function of calculating mortgage arrears lies with the unregulated loan owner and not the regulated credit servicing firm; and if he will make a statement on the matter. — Michael McGrath. [49842/17]

*85. To ask the Minister for Finance his plans to publish the actuarial report on the liquidation of a company (detail supplied); the estimate of the number of former policyholders of the company that could be made personally liable for outstanding claims; and if he will make a statement on the matter. — Michael McGrath. [49843/17]

*86. To ask the Minister for Finance the progress on the motor insurance compensation framework; the progress of legislation to protect policyholders and claimants in the event of a liquidation of a freedom of service insurance company; the extra protections that have been established since the Supreme Court decision on a company (detail supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. — Michael McGrath. [49844/17]

P.T.O 4680

Chun an Aire Caiteachais Phoiblí agus Athchóirithe: To the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform.

*87. To ask the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if he will report on the partners from the commercial sector of the economy that are involved with the Office of Public Works in the plans for the development of the children’s science museum exploration station proposed for the Earlsfort Terrace, the National Concert Hall and the Iveagh Gardens site. — Eamon Ryan. [49680/17]

*88. To ask the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if he will report on the process by which the Earlsfort Terrace, the National Concert Hall and the Iveagh Gardens site was selected by the OPW as the most suitable for the development of the children’s science museum exploration station; if the OPW received representations from third parties in relation to the choice of site; and if he will make a statement on the matter. — Eamon Ryan. [49681/17]

*89. To ask the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if he will publish a schedule of those philanthropic donors, foundations and corporations which have to date committed to supporting the OPW’s proposed national children’s science centre exploration station to be developed at Earlsfort Terrace, the National Concert Hall and the Iveagh Gardens. — Eamon Ryan. [49683/17]

*90. To ask the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform when the tender process to prepare Stepaside Garda station for reopening will commence; the reason this process has been delayed; if provision will be made to make the telecommunications mast more aesthetically pleasing. — . [49701/17]

*91. To ask the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the position regarding lands at a location (details supplied) for which Fingal county council sought a deed of waiver in order to transfer the land to Fingal county council ownership; and if he will make a statement on the matter. — Róisín Shortall. [49730/17]

*92. To ask the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform her plans to implement the Labour Court recommendation on the issue of pension rights for community employment supervisors; and if he will make a statement on the matter. — Niamh Smyth. [49757/17]

*93. To ask the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform when a project (details supplied) will proceed to tender stage; and if he will make a statement on the matter. — Brendan Smith. [49804/17]

*94. To ask the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if assistance for a person (details supplied) will be provided; if the OPW have visited the property; and if he will make a statement on the matter. — Niall Collins. [49808/17]

Chun an Aire Oideachais agus Scileanna: To the Minister for Education and Skills.

*95. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the meetings that have taken place in his department since June 2016 on restructuring the school transport scheme; his plans to reform the scheme; and the number of tenders for school buses that were issued to date in 2017. — Sean Sherlock. [49653/17]

*96. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the status of a building project (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. — Fergus O’Dowd. [49659/17] 4681

*97. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the reason appropriate school transport cannot be provided to persons (details supplied) in line with their health needs; and if he will make a statement on the matter. — Louise O’Reilly. [49660/17]

*98. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills when the minor works grant will start issuing to schools. — Michael Fitzmaurice. [49678/17]

*99. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the steps he has taken to address the lack of STEM subjects available to female students in secondary schools; and the barriers to entry for female students into third level STEM courses; and if he will make a statement on the matter. — Noel Rock. [49684/17]

*100. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills if there are streams of funding available through his department that would deal with the eradication Japanese knotweed on DEIS school premises; the steps schools must take if this weed has been confirmed as present on the property; and if he will make a statement on the matter. — Fergus O’Dowd. [49686/17]

*101. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills if his attention has been drawn to the difficulties being experienced by pupils attending a school (details supplied) in Dublin 16; if the site has been identified as a priority site by the school capital appraisal section; when the conveyancing process will commence; when it will be completed; and if it has been or will be passed to the major projects section. — Seán Crowe. [49694/17]

*102. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills his plans to provide primary and secondary schools in an area (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. — Róisín Shortall. [49728/17]

*103. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the progress of drafting amendments to the Education (Admission to Schools) Bill 2016; the timeframe for the completion of same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. — Róisín Shortall. [49731/17]

*104. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the expected commencement date for the construction of a school (details supplied) in County Cork; and if he will make a statement on the matter. — Aindrias Moynihan. [49743/17]

*105. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills further to parliamentary question number 384 of & November 2017, if she has reviewed the level of disparity in funding arrangements between the three sectors in order that relevant action can be taken to address this issue; and if he will make a statement on the matter. — John Brassil. [49746/17]

*106. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the status of a permanent building for a school (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. — Fiona O’Loughlin. [49793/17]

*107. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills if the rollout of broadband to all schools has been completed; if not, the timeframe for all schools to be included; the percentage that have access to high speed broadband; and if he will make a statement on the matter. — Jan O’Sullivan. [49798/17]

*108. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the funding process for the full duration of all craft based and consortia led apprenticeships; the breakdown of each separate funding stream

P.T.O 4682 between national training levy, exchequer contributions, employer contributions and other sources of finance in each of the years 2014 to 2016 and to date in 2017, in tabular form; the minimum and maximum duration of such apprenticeships; and the national training qualifications obtained once courses are completed. — Niall Collins. [49831/17]

Chun an Aire Gnóthaí Eachtracha agus Trádála: To the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade.

*109. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade further to parliamentary question number 18 of 16 November 2017, if Ireland is in breach of the 2014 Arms Trade Treaty by continuing to permit the export of arms to Saudi Arabia in view of the fact that he has acknowledged that Saudi Arabia is committing gross violations of human rights in Yemen. — Clare Daly. [49753/17]

*110. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the spend on social media campaigns by his department and the agencies under its aegis on issues related to Brexit; the spend by campaign per platform and State agency; and if he will make a statement on the matter. — Stephen S. Donnelly. [49755/17]

*111. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the outcome of the recent EU Council meeting in relation to Brexit; and if he will make a statement on the matter. — Brendan Smith. [49822/17]

*112. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade his plans to have discussions resumed between the Irish and British governments and the political parties in Stormont in relation to the need to have the Northern Ireland Executive and Assembly restored; and if he will make a statement on the matter. — Brendan Smith. [49823/17]

Chun an Aire Dlí agus Cirt agus Comhionannais: To the Minister for Justice and Equality.

*113. To ask the Minister for Justice and Equality his views on the concerns articulated by the IDA regarding the effect that the Interception of Postal Packets and Telecommunications Messages (Amendment) Bill could have on the development of the digital technology industry here (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. — Eamon Ryan. [49763/17]

*114. To ask the Minister for Justice and Equality the cost to the State for the day release of prisoners from the State’s prisons; and if he will make a statement on the matter. — Noel Rock. [49685/17]

*115. To ask the Minister for Justice and Equality if he has satisfied himself that the Policing Authority has the necessary staffing resources and expertise in place in house to fully carry out its role, in view of the fact that the authority spent €139,920 on an outside agency to conduct a report (details supplied) regarding mandatory intoxicant testing and the incorrect issuing of summonses by An Garda Síochána. — Clare Daly. [49695/17]

*116. To ask the Minister for Justice and Equality further to parliamentary question number 33 of 12 July 2017, if additional gardaí will be assigned to this division in view of the increase in crime and the particular policing requirements of counties Cavan and Monaghan; and if he will make a statement on the matter. — Brendan Smith. [49704/17] 4683

*117. To ask the Minister for Justice and Equality his plans to amend the Succession Act 1965; his views on the entitlements of beneficiaries of wills here; the position regarding the duties of a will’s executors; and if he will make a statement on the matter. — James Browne. [49706/17]

*118. To ask the Minister for Justice and Equality if a system exists whereby a personal and dedicated advocate for the welfare and needs of a ward of court whose committee is the general solicitor may be appointed in view of the fact that such wards are intensely vulnerable and their needs and welfare may not be adequately provided for in the absence of a dedicated advocate; and, if no such system exists, his plans to introduce same. — Clare Daly. [49708/17]

*119. To ask the Minister for Justice and Equality the residency status in the case of persons (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. — Bernard J. Durkan. [49712/17]

*120. To ask the Minister for Justice and Equality the engagement he has had with his counterpart in the United Kingdom including the devolved administrations of Scotland and Wales over the past six months. — Sean Sherlock. [49723/17]

*121. To ask the Minister for Justice and Equality the engagement he has had with his counterpart in France in the past six months. — Sean Sherlock. [49724/17]

*122. To ask the Minister for Justice and Equality the engagement he has had with his counterpart in Germany in the past six months. — Sean Sherlock. [49725/17]

*123. To ask the Minister for Justice and Equality the engagement he has had with his counterpart in the United States of America in the past six months. — Sean Sherlock. [49726/17]

*124. To ask the Minister for Justice and Equality if he will report on the parameters of the family reunification humanitarian programme; if Syrians living here for a number of years will be eligible to apply for family reunification under this programme; his plans to broaden the definition of family member as per the International Protection (Family Reunification) (Amendment) Bill 2017 recently passed by Seanad Éireann; and if he will make a statement on the matter. — Thomas P. Broughan. [49744/17]

*125. To ask the Minister for Justice and Equality further to parliamentary question numbers 36 of 30 March 2017 and 83 of 22 February 2017, the backlog of land registry applications or transactions on hand with the Property Registration Authority, specifically in relation to section 49 applications; the progress to date in training for staff of the PRA since the replies were given; the status of the proposed guides and videos for solicitors to improve the quality of applications lodged; the extent to which the delays continue to be monitored and supervised by the board of the authority; his views on the continuing delays in land registry applications and transactions; his further plans to deal more expeditiously with the backlog, particularly those of section 49 applications, which is a cause of concern for many professionals in this area; and if he will make a statement on the matter. — Sean Fleming. [49747/17]

*126. To ask the Minister for Justice and Equality the estimated cost of doubling the number of dogs available in the Garda dog unit; the estimated cost of doubling the number of horses available in the Garda mounted unit; the estimated cost of constructing ten new stables at Garda Headquarters for use by the mounted unit; and if he will make a statement on the matter. — Thomas P. Broughan. [49749/17]

P.T.O 4684

*127. To ask the Minister for Justice and Equality the basis for the conclusion that it would be conducive to the common good to issue a deportation order in the case of a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. — Bernard J. Durkan. [49768/17]

*128. To ask the Minister for Justice and Equality the position in the case of a person (details supplied); if the matter will be clarified and resolved without delay; and if he will make a statement on the matter. — Bernard J. Durkan. [49769/17]

*129. To ask the Minister for Justice and Equality if a new application for naturalisation will be considered in the case of a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. — Bernard J. Durkan. [49770/17]

*130. To ask the Minister for Justice and Equality the expected residency status and eligibility for naturalisation in the case of a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. — Bernard J. Durkan. [49771/17]

*131. To ask the Minister for Justice and Equality the position regarding the application for family reunification in the case of a person (details supplied); if the case will be revisited with a view to clarification; and if he will make a statement on the matter. — Bernard J. Durkan. [49773/17]

*132. To ask the Minister for Justice and Equality the status of a stamp 4 application in the case of a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. — Bernard J. Durkan. [49792/17]

*133. To ask the Minister for Justice and Equality when he expects asylum seekers will be granted the right to work; his plans to have restrictions on those that would qualify for this right, including the length of time they would need to be in the system; and if he will make a statement on the matter. — Jan O’Sullivan. [49802/17]

*134. To ask the Minister for Justice and Equality the number of cases that have come before the courts against persons for providing false or misleading evidence as part of an insurance claim; the number of convictions for same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. — Michael McGrath. [49816/17]

Chun an Aire Cultúir, Oidhreachta agus Gaeltachta: To the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht.

*135. To ask the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht if her attention has been drawn to the flooding of Binn Bridge by Waterways Ireland in order to prevent homeless persons from taking shelter under same; if she has satisfied herself that this is a humane and appropriate action by Waterways Ireland in view of the homelessness crisis; and if she will make a statement on the matter. — Clare Daly. [49674/17]

*136. To ask the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the funding allocated in her department’s estimates for 2017 for the restoration of the Ulster Canal; the expenditure to date in 2017; the estimated expenditure by the end of 2017; and if she will make a statement on the matter. — Brendan Smith. [49800/17]

*137. To ask the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the funding provision in her department’s estimates for 2018 for the restoration of the Ulster Canal; the work to be undertaken in 2018; and if she will make a statement on the matter. — Brendan Smith. [49801/17] 4685

Chun an Aire Sláinte: To the Minister for Health.

*138. To ask the Minister for Health if an appointment for hip surgery for a person (details supplied) will be expedited; and if he will make a statement on the matter. — Robert Troy. [49654/17]

*139. To ask the Minister for Health his plans to intervene to resolve the ongoing stand off between the HSE and a company (details supplied) in which 21 persons have the drug respreeza available to them but no agreement on the way in which it will be distributed or administered in view of the inconclusive meeting on 16 November 2017; and if he will make a statement on the matter. — John Brassil. [49656/17]

*140. To ask the Minister for Health if he will expedite an appointment for a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. — Robert Troy. [49657/17]

*141. To ask the Minister for Health the status of dermatology services in Sligo university hospital; if the service is still in operation; if not, the alternative arrangements that have been put in place for patients; his plans to rectify this in order that appointments can be made; and if he will make a statement on the matter. — Eamon Scanlon. [49658/17]

*142. To ask the Minister for Health the status of HSE equipment for a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. — Michael Healy-Rae. [49661/17]

*143. To ask the Minister for Health when he expects to publish the model of care for adults with type 1 diabetes which was due to be published in June 2016; when he expects the publication to be launched; and if he will make a statement on the matter. — Mary Butler. [49665/17]

*144. To ask the Minister for Health if he will expedite a hospital appointment for a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. — John Brassil. [49666/17]

*145. To ask the Minister for Health the reason a person (details supplied) is being forced to retire when no contract of employment exists for them within the HSE. — Sean Sherlock. [49689/17]

*146. To ask the Minister for Health the number of children awaiting a wheelchair in County Cork; and the waiting time for the provision of a wheelchair to a child under 16 years of age on medical grounds. — Sean Sherlock. [49690/17]

*147. To ask the Minister for Health the provisions in place to deal with urgent wheelchair needs by children, especially in the case of a person (details supplied); and when they will be allocated same. — Sean Sherlock. [49692/17]

*148. To ask the Minister for Health if an appointment will be scheduled for a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. — Robert Troy. [49696/17]

*149. To ask the Minister for Health if funding will be made available for a new facility (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. — Michael Healy-Rae. [49699/17]

*150. To ask the Minister for Health his views on a matter (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. — Michael Healy-Rae. [49700/17]

P.T.O 4686

*151. To ask the Minister for Health his views on a matter (details supplied) regarding waiting lists for assistance dogs; and if he will make a statement on the matter. — Michael Healy-Rae. [49702/17]

*152. To ask the Minister for Health the number of persons (details supplied) waiting for assistance dogs; and if he will make a statement on the matter. — Michael Healy-Rae. [49703/17]

*153. To ask the Minister for Health if an appointment will be scheduled for a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. — Robert Troy. [49709/17]

*154. To ask the Minister for Health if he will address a matter (details supplied) regarding medical treatment for a person; and if he will make a statement on the matter. — John Brassil. [49727/17]

*155. To ask the Minister for Health if the position of a paediatric endocrinologist at university hospital Waterford has been offered to a suitable person following recent advertising, interview and selection processes; if so, the planned start date for the position; and if he will make a statement on the matter. — Mary Butler. [49732/17]

*156. To ask the Minister for Health if a hospital appointment for a person (details supplied) will be expedited; and if he will make a statement on the matter. — John Brassil. [49733/17]

*157. To ask the Minister for Health the number of children aged between six and 18 years of age with disabilities including autism waiting in the Waterford area for child psychology services for 12 months, 24 months and 36 months and longer, respectively; and if he will make a statement on the matter. — Mary Butler. [49742/17]

*158. To ask the Minister for Health if back surgery will be provided in the case of a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. — Bernard J. Durkan. [49748/17]

*159. To ask the Minister for Health when a club (details supplied) in Our Lady’s hospital, Manorhamilton will be reinstated; and if he will make a statement on the matter. — . [49750/17]

*160. To ask the Minister for Health in relation to the National Treatment Purchase Fund (NTPF) the expenditure of the NTPF since its establishment; the expenditure on patient care; the administration costs; the number of persons that have been treated via the NTPF; the ten largest service providers engaged in terms of the number of persons treated; the ten largest service providers in terms of financial costs; the individual costs for each of these ten service providers; the five largest service providers in terms of the number of persons treated and the financial costs respectively in each of the years since the NTPF was established; and if he will make a statement on the matter. — Aindrias Moynihan. [49752/17]

*161. To ask the Minister for Health the steps he is taking to meet the needs of persons with intellectual disabilities as they get older; and if he will make a statement on the matter. — Fiona O’Loughlin. [49794/17]

*162. To ask the Minister for Health if dental services such as teeth cleaning are available under the medical card scheme. — Billy Kelleher. [49795/17] 4687

*163. To ask the Minister for Health when essential services will be restored in view of the ongoing needs of persons that have availed of a service (details supplied) up to recently; and if he will make a statement on the matter. — Brendan Smith. [49797/17]

*164. To ask the Minister for Health the reason a person (details supplied) is still waiting for the procedure. — Joan Collins. [49803/17]

*165. To ask the Minister for Health his plans for an independent review of the use of mesh implants; his further plans to hold a formal investigation into the concerns attributed to the use of surgical mesh implants in view of reports (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. — . [49805/17]

*166. To ask the Minister for Health the number of persons that have had a vaginal mesh implant surgery in each of the past ten years; the number of persons requiring repeated operations to resolve issues in respect of the implant surgery; the number of implants that have been removed; the steps he is taking to assist those affected by complications relating to the implants; and if he will make a statement on the matter. — Catherine Connolly. [49806/17]

*167. To ask the Minister for Health the number of complaints received regarding transvaginal mesh implants in each of the past ten years; the number of persons pursuing legal action over complications they suffered as a result of receiving implants; and if he will make a statement on the matter. — Catherine Connolly. [49807/17]

*168. To ask the Minister for Health the schedule for full implementation of the eHealth programme; the proposed funding allocation to ensure this happens; and if he will make a statement on the matter. — Róisín Shortall. [49810/17]

*169. To ask the Minister for Health the systems in place for the oversight of the hospital consultant’s contracts; the accountability structures which exist to ensure compliance with this contract; and if he is satisfied himself that this operates properly. — Róisín Shortall. [49811/17]

*170. To ask the Minister for Health the hospitals that are operating a single waiting list in public hospitals as provided for under the consultants contract; the reason hospital management is allowed to ignore this stipulation; the action he will take to address this matter; and if he will make a statement on the matter. — Róisín Shortall. [49812/17]

*171. To ask the Minister for Health the status of the future of long term residential beds at St. Joseph’s hospital in Stranorlar, County Donegal; and if he will make a statement on the matter. — Thomas Pringle. [49813/17]

*172. To ask the Minister for Health if the a report (details supplied) has been sent to HIQA or to the HSE’s National Social Care Division; if not, the timeframe for same; the reason for delays in drafting a plan for community hospital infrastructure for Stranorlar, Ramelton and Lifford; and if he will make a statement on the matter. — Thomas Pringle. [49814/17]

*173. To ask the Minister for Health when an operation will be scheduled for a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. — Joan Collins. [49820/17]

*174. To ask the Minister for Health the status of an operation for a person (details supplied); and the reason for the delay. — Joan Collins. [49821/17]

P.T.O 4688

*175. To ask the Minister for Health when a person (details supplied) will be moved to Beaumont hospital to have the required surgery; and if he will make a statement on the matter. — Billy Kelleher. [49825/17]

Chun an Aire Talmhaíochta, Bia agus Mara: To the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine.

*176. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine when ANC and BPS payments will issue to a person (details supplied); the reason for the delay in processing same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. — Michael Fitzmaurice. [49675/17]

*177. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine when a person (details supplied) will receive ANC and BPS payments; the reason for the delay in payment of same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. — Michael Fitzmaurice. [49676/17]

*178. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine when a person (details supplied) will receive ANC and BPS payments; the reason for the delay in payment of same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. — Michael Fitzmaurice. [49677/17]

*179. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine when a decision will be made on the TAMS tranche 8 applications; and if he will make a statement on the matter. — Michael Fitzmaurice. [49679/17]

*180. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the resources his department dedicates to the removal of old boats; the powers local authorities possess in compelling the removal of old boats; and if he will make a statement on the matter. — James Browne. [49707/17]

*181. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the position on the safety of the use of a product (details supplied) as a weedkiller in view of the recent controversy in renewing it’s licence at a European Union level; and if he will make a statement on the matter. — John Brassil. [49711/17]

*182. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine his plans to compensate persons impacted by the hen harrier designation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. — Niall Collins. [49740/17]

*183. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the status of a disadvantaged area payment for a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. — Niamh Smyth. [49745/17]

Chun an Aire Cumarsáide, Gníomhaithe ar son na hAeráide agus Comhshaoil: To the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment.

*184. To ask the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the status of the compensation scheme for eel fisherman; if he will confirm that ESB management are engaging positively in this matter. — Robert Troy. [49698/17]

*185. To ask the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the number of times he or officials in his department have been in contact with mobile phone providers; and the reason for the engagement. — Sean Sherlock. [49713/17] 4689

*186. To ask the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the engagement he has held with his counterpart in the United Kingdom in the past six months. — Sean Sherlock. [49714/17]

*187. To ask the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the engagement he has had with his counterpart in France in the past six months. — Sean Sherlock. [49715/17]

*188. To ask the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the engagement he has had with his counterpart in Germany in the past six months. — Sean Sherlock. [49716/17]

*189. To ask the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the engagement he has had with his counterpart in Italy in the past six months. — Sean Sherlock. [49717/17]

*190. To ask the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the engagement he has had with his counterpart in Northern Ireland in the past six months. — Sean Sherlock. [49718/17]

*191. To ask the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the engagement he has had with his counterpart in Scotland in the past six months. — Sean Sherlock. [49719/17]

*192. To ask the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the engagement he has had with his counterpart in Wales in the past six months. — Sean Sherlock. [49720/17]

*193. To ask the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the engagement he has had with his counterpart in Canada in the past six months. — Sean Sherlock. [49721/17]

*194. To ask the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the engagement he has had with his counterpart in the United States in the past six months. — Sean Sherlock. [49722/17]

Chun an Aire Iompair, Turasóireachta agus Spóirt: To the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport.

*195. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the persons entitled to a disabled person’s parking permit; and if he will make a statement on the matter. — Fiona O’Loughlin. [49759/17]

*196. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if a car can be used for disabled parking if not adapted; and if he will make a statement on the matter. — Fiona O’Loughlin. [49760/17]

*197. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if a person with a car that has not been adapted can be entitled to a disabled parking permit when used for disabled users; and if he will make a statement on the matter. — Fiona O’Loughlin. [49761/17]

*198. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if the rail fare structures for fares from Newbridge and Kildare will be reviewed in view of the fact that they are significantly higher than the fares from Naas and Sallins which are included in the short hop commuter zone; and if he will make a statement on the matter. — . [49346/17]

P.T.O 4690

*199. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will address a matter (details supplied); the reason for the delay; his plans to reduce same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. — Niamh Smyth. [49655/17]

*200. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if the level of funding allocated through Fáilte Ireland to County Longford for the purpose of promoting tourism within the county (details supplied) will be examined; and if he will make a statement on the matter. — Robert Troy. [49670/17]

*201. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if Coughlanstown Road, Ballymore Eustace, County Kildare will be considered for national funding; and if he will make a statement on the matter. — Fiona O’Loughlin. [49671/17]

*202. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the amount the bid for the Rugby World Cup has cost to date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. — Fiona O’Loughlin. [49672/17]

*203. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if his attention has been drawn to the delays being experienced by returned persons in getting in exchanging their foreign driving licences for an Irish one in particular the case of a person (details supplied); and his plans to speed up this process. — Seán Crowe. [49693/17]

*204. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will address a matter (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. — John Brassil. [49734/17]

*205. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the number of applications received for the position of chair of a company (details supplied); the number of persons interviewed for this position; and if he will make a statement on the matter. — Niall Collins. [49741/17]

*206. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will address a matter (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. — Niamh Smyth. [49796/17]

*207. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the basis on which €100 million has been budgeted for the Luas green line projects; the purpose for which this additional funding is intended; the system that prioritised this project over much needed public transport infrastructure in other parts of the greater Dublin area; and if he will make a statement on the matter. — Róisín Shortall. [49809/17]

Chun an Aire Leanaí agus Gnóthaí Óige: To the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs.

*208. To ask the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the youth services that are available in an area (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. — Róisín Shortall. [49729/17]

Chun an Aire Forbartha Tuaithe agus Pobail: To the Minister for Rural and Community Development.

*209. To ask the Minister for Rural and Community Development his plans to review the need for a 20% drawdown of town and village scheme moneys before the end of 2017 due to delays with tenders; and if he will make a statement on the matter. — Martin Heydon. [49824/17] 4691

*210. To ask the Minister for Rural and Community Development the progress as committed to under the programme for government to investigate the German Sparkassen model for development of local public banks. — Niall Collins. [49829/17]

Chun an Aire Gnóthaí Fostaíochta agus Coimirce Sóisialaí: To the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection.

*211. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection when a decision on an application for a carer’s allowance by a person (details supplied) will be made; and if she will make a statement on the matter. — Willie O’Dea. [49705/17]

*212. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection if she will provide the PRSI record of a person (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. — Brendan Ryan. [49736/17]

*213. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection if she will provide the PRSI record of a person (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. — Brendan Ryan. [49737/17]

*214. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection her plans to implement the Labour Court recommendation on the issue of pension rights for community employment supervisors; and if she will make a statement on the matter. — Niamh Smyth. [49756/17]

*215. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection the status of a review regarding the payment of rent allowance in respect of a property (details supplied); the reason payment to the person was not suspended on receipt of reports that rent payment was not being made to the landlord; the action she will take to clarify this situation; and the timeframe for the completion of this review. — Robert Troy. [49758/17]

*216. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection if she will grant free travel passes to all children that are in receipt of a domiciliary care allowance and have to travel long distances to receive medical treatment; and if she will make a statement on the matter. — John Brassil. [49762/17]

*217. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection when an exceptional needs payment will be made in the case of a person (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. — Bernard J. Durkan. [49767/17]

*218. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection if teeth cleaning performed by a dental hygienist as distinct from a dentist is covered under the dental benefit scheme. — Billy Kelleher. [49799/17]

Chun an Aire Tithíochta, Pleanála agus Rialtais Áitiúil: To the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government.

*219. To ask the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government the number of housing units directly built and expected to be built in each local authority area in each of the years 2015 to 2019 by social housing, affordable housing and housing by approved voluntary bodies, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. — John Brassil. [49652/17]

P.T.O 4692

*220. To ask the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government the reason the wording has changed in the national planning guidelines 2020 to 2040; and if he will make a statement on the matter. — Michael Healy-Rae. [49663/17]

*221. To ask the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government if the review of the tenant incremental purchase scheme 2016 is now complete; his plans to introduce changes to the scheme; if he will review the minimum reckonable income of persons and allow long standing tenants to purchase their homes whether on social welfare or not but with proof of savings; and if he will make a statement on the matter. — John McGuinness. [49664/17]

*222. To ask the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government his plans to address the anomaly whereby the maximum HAP allocation is between 23% and 47% less than average rental price in County Kerry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. — John Brassil. [49673/17]

*223. To ask the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government the reason a person’s long term social welfare payments cannot be taken into account when seeking to purchase a house from a local authority. — Sean Sherlock. [49688/17]

*224. To ask the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government further to parliamentary question number 1358 of 7 November 2017, the criteria used to classify voids. — Eoin Ó Broin. [49710/17]

*225. To ask the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government the position regarding the licensing of mechanical harvesting of sea weed and kelp in the Bantry Bay area; and the policy in relation to mechanical harvesting of these resources by private companies. — Bríd Smith. [49739/17]

*226. To ask the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government further to parliamentary question number 228 of 15 November 2017, the meaning of his statement with regard to advance funding in the case of Cork county council (details supplied); the details this approach; if it is available to each county; and if he will make a statement on the matter. — John Brassil. [49751/17]

Wt. 84273. 260. 11/17. Essentra. (69345). Gr. 30-15 Printed on re-cycled paper.