Results 941-960 of 9,160 for speaker:Thomas Pringle

Other Questions: Human Rights Issues (2 Oct 2013)

Thomas Pringle: I take it from the Tánaiste’s response that the Government is happy with the system of administrative internment that is in operation in the Six Counties at the moment where people’s licences have been revoked for no apparent reason. No explanation has been given for their internment at the whim of the security services in the North and the British Government. From the...

Freedom of Information Bill 2013: Second Stage (2 Oct 2013)

Thomas Pringle: I welcome the opportunity to contribute to the debate on the Bill. In researching for this contribution one of the things that stood out the most and which the last two contributions highlighted very starkly was the caution with which the Bill was welcomed by those such as the Information Commissioner and other commentators. It is very telling, when legislation is brought forward, that it...

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: Passport Application Fees (2 Oct 2013)

Thomas Pringle: 64. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if the decreased cost in producing the new passports will result in a reduction in the cost for citizens; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41180/13]

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Agriculture, Food and the Marine: 2014 Pre-Budget Briefing: Discussion with Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine (2 Oct 2013)

Thomas Pringle: My first point relates to the savings of €54 million. The document we have states the gap will be covered to some extent by lower budgetary requirements in 2014 because schemes have closed and so on. Will the Minister give us a breakdown of the savings from the closed schemes? That would give us a better picture of the impact of the reduction. My other question relates to...

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Agriculture, Food and the Marine: 2014 Pre-Budget Briefing: Discussion with Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine (2 Oct 2013)

Thomas Pringle: Documentation was circulated on Friday, but there was no detail in it.

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Agriculture, Food and the Marine: 2014 Pre-Budget Briefing: Discussion with Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine (2 Oct 2013)

Thomas Pringle: I still have not heard how much of the €54 million saving will come out of schemes.

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Agriculture, Food and the Marine: 2014 Pre-Budget Briefing: Discussion with Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine (2 Oct 2013)

Thomas Pringle: When we took the Revised Estimates in July, there were certain figures for projected expenditure which we were told by the Department were reflective of a spirit of prudence. For example, the allocation for legal fees was €2.1 million greater than the corresponding figure for 2012. Will that type of approach continue into 2014? If some of that prudential allocation were pruned there...

Other Questions: Special Educational Needs Services Provision (8 Oct 2013)

Thomas Pringle: 83. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the number of additional special needs assistants that have been approved since the deadline of 20 September; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42177/13]

Other Questions: Special Educational Needs Services Provision (8 Oct 2013)

Thomas Pringle: Like Deputy McConalogue I, too, would like to know the number of applications received up to 20 September and how many posts sought in those applications have been allocated. The Minister might also comment on whether the closing date of 20 September was adequate given that in previous years the closing date was in October.

Other Questions: Special Educational Needs Services Provision (8 Oct 2013)

Thomas Pringle: It is important that decisions on applications in relation to SNA applications are made as quickly as possible. I ask that the Minister provide us with the relevant figures as soon as he can. Many families are in limbo and do not know what supports will be available to them. I have heard of children being told they have access to an SNA. While this means there may be a special needs...

Discretionary Medical Cards: Motion [Private Members] (8 Oct 2013)

Thomas Pringle: I support the motion. The Minister of State, Deputy Alex White, whose contribution I listened to on the monitor in my office, asked earlier where the evidence was that cards are being withdrawn. Page 15 of the Health Service Executive's Service Plan for 2013 states that policy changes have targeted the removal of 40,000 medical cards during 2013.

Discretionary Medical Cards: Motion [Private Members] (8 Oct 2013)

Thomas Pringle: Some 40,000 medical cards will be withdrawn in 2013 under HSE policy. This policy change includes a reduction in the allowance for travel to work and a reduction in the allowance for medical costs. The number of discretionary medical cards issued this year has decreased by more than 12,000. These 12,000 obviously form part of the 40,000 target.

Discretionary Medical Cards: Motion [Private Members] (8 Oct 2013)

Thomas Pringle: The plan provides for 100,000 new cards but 40,000 people who currently hold medical cards will not have them renewed at the end of this year. This policy is being implemented by the HSE on behalf of the Government. Most of the people involved are people who hold discretionary medical cards. Every Deputy in this House could give the Minister instances of people whose discretionary medical...

Discretionary Medical Cards: Motion [Private Members] (8 Oct 2013)

Thomas Pringle: I too could give many examples of patients recovering from cancer whose discretionary medical cards have been withdrawn. Previously they had the comfort of being able to visit their doctor without incurring cost while trying to recover from a life threatening illness. Discretionary medical cards are being targeted and withdrawn. It is an appalling situation which this Government should not...

Written Answers — Department of Education and Skills: Residential Institutions Redress Scheme (8 Oct 2013)

Thomas Pringle: 124. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the steps being made for the fund for awards from the redress board to be drawn down from central allocation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42178/13]

Written Answers — Department of Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation: County and City Enterprise Boards Issues (8 Oct 2013)

Thomas Pringle: 292. To ask the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation the salary scale for chief executive officer of county enterprise boards; the length of service of each CEO; the severance packages or pensions available to them should they leave their post on the dissolution of the county enterprise boards on or before the enactment of the County Enterprise Boards (Dissolution) Bill; and if he...

Written Answers — Department of Justice and Equality: Garda Station Issues (8 Oct 2013)

Thomas Pringle: 440. To ask the Minister for Justice and Equality if he will provide an update on the downgrading of Donegal town Garda station; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41998/13]

Written Answers — Department of Health: Disability Support Services Provision (8 Oct 2013)

Thomas Pringle: 551. To ask the Minister for Health the progress he is making in creating a new scheme to replace the mobility allowance and motorised transport grant; when this will be in effect; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42008/13]

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Agriculture, Food and the Marine: Scrutiny of EU Legislative Proposals (8 Oct 2013)

Thomas Pringle: My main concern relates to cost recovery and what this will actually mean for farmers. I see that, in the context of meat inspections, only 52% of the cost is recovered currently. Is it intended that cost recovery will extend down onto farms rather than meat factories, as is the current position? Could a farm be described as a micro-enterprise and be exempt from inspection?

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Agriculture, Food and the Marine: Scrutiny of EU Legislative Proposals (8 Oct 2013)

Thomas Pringle: Mr. Loftus said there was a lot of debate about what costs would be chargeable under the regulation. What is the Department's view with regard to, for example, the costs within the Department of administering the scheme? I would imagine these are not currently chargeable. Is it the view of the Department that they should be and is that the view among other member states? What stance will...