Results 6,021-6,040 of 18,496 for speaker:Brendan Smith

Written Answers — Department of Social Protection: Carer's Benefit Eligibility (22 Mar 2017)

Brendan Smith: 166. To ask the Minister for Social Protection his plans to improve the carer's benefit scheme, with particular reference to the need to extend the time period of 104 weeks, in view of the fact this scheme has been particularly beneficial for many parents that have employment opportunities and whereby flexible working arrangements are available; if his attention has been drawn to the fact...

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: Northern Ireland (22 Mar 2017)

Brendan Smith: 176. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the outcome of his discussions to date with the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland and with the political parties represented in the Northern Ireland Assembly regarding the urgent need to restore the Northern Ireland Executive; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14545/17]

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: Northern Ireland (22 Mar 2017)

Brendan Smith: 178. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if the particular challenges and difficulties arising for all of the island due to Brexit are part of the discussions with the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland and with the political parties in the Northern Ireland Assembly regarding the restoration of the Northern Ireland Executive; and if he will make a statement on the matter....

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: Northern Ireland (22 Mar 2017)

Brendan Smith: 177. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade his views on the recent concerns expressed by the Council of Europe regarding the lack of progress in approving Acht na Gaeilge in Northern Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14546/17]

Written Answers — Department of Children and Youth Affairs: Child Care Services Provision (22 Mar 2017)

Brendan Smith: 311. To ask the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs her plans to improve the community child care subvention programme, particularly for children whose parents are in band A, have benefitted from the old scheme and face higher rate payments under the new scheme, which will result in some children being deprived of child care, with particular reference to attendance at homework and...

Other Questions: North-South Interconnector (21 Mar 2017)

Brendan Smith: Again, unfortunately, the Minister's reply is most disappointing. In the week following the passing of the Fianna Fáil Private Members' motion on the North-South interconnector, I asked An Taoiseach and the Minister what actions would be initiated by the Government on foot of the motion. Unfortunately, the only definitive response the Minister gave us was that construction would...

Other Questions: North-South Interconnector (21 Mar 2017)

Brendan Smith: Our motion specifically encompassed the worries and concerns of communities and the need to have an overall review of the proposed project.

Other Questions: North-South Interconnector (21 Mar 2017)

Brendan Smith: I again ask the Minister to go back to what was sought in the motion and ensure the report that is commissioned is meaningful.

Other Questions: North-South Interconnector (21 Mar 2017)

Brendan Smith: Will the Minister have a further meeting with the representatives of communities before the terms of reference are finalised? It is very important for the Minister to send the message that he is still willing to meet with those who will be affected.

Other Questions: North-South Interconnector (21 Mar 2017)

Brendan Smith: 53. To ask the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the actions he has taken since the passing in Dáil Éireann and Seanad Éireann of Fianna Fáil Private Members' motions regarding the proposed North-South interconnector; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13890/17]

Other Questions: North-South Interconnector (21 Mar 2017)

Brendan Smith: 64. To ask the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if he has commissioned an independent report incorporating international industry expertise as requested in the Fianna Fáil Private Members' motions passed in Dáil Éireann and Seanad Éireann; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13891/17]

Written Answers — Department of Finance: Insurance Costs (21 Mar 2017)

Brendan Smith: 217. To ask the Minister for Finance if his attention has been drawn to the serious concerns of the hospitality sector in relation to the increasing costs of insurance; the measures he proposes to implement to reduce such insurance premiums; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13514/17]

Written Answers — Department of Education and Skills: Delivering Equality of Opportunity in Schools Scheme (21 Mar 2017)

Brendan Smith: 321. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills his Department's reasons for proposing to withdraw supports from a school (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13513/17]

Written Answers — Department of Education and Skills: Delivering Equality of Opportunity in Schools Scheme (21 Mar 2017)

Brendan Smith: 320. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the number of schools which, following amalgamation, have received reduced DEIS related supports, that is not full DEIS status; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13512/17]

Written Answers — Department of Education and Skills: Delivering Equality of Opportunity in Schools Scheme (21 Mar 2017)

Brendan Smith: 384. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills to set out the precise criteria used by his Department to evaluate the DEIS supports to be made available to a school (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13982/17]

Written Answers — Department of Education and Skills: School Enrolments (21 Mar 2017)

Brendan Smith: 394. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills if a request for additional funding (details supplied) will be given urgent consideration in view of the fact the present reduced allocation for 2017 is not adequate to meet ongoing financial commitments; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14209/17]

Written Answers — Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine: Veterinary Inspection Service (21 Mar 2017)

Brendan Smith: 1047. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if persons that have given long service as temporary veterinary inspectors with his Department will have public service pension entitlements; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13450/17]

Topical Issue Debate: Disabilities Assessments (9 Mar 2017)

Brendan Smith: I thank the Minister of State for his reply. As he said, Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin and I had the pleasure of accompanying the Minister of State that evening in Clones when we met families and the support groups. Excellent work is being done by community groups throughout Cavan-Monaghan. The Minister of State would be very welcome to visit the area again. I know of his...

Topical Issue Debate: Disabilities Assessments (9 Mar 2017)

Brendan Smith: I am very glad that this item was accepted and am pleased that the Minister of State is here to respond. I wish to refer to services provided by Enable Ireland for children up to age six and by the HSE's child development team for children aged from six to eight in Cavan-Monaghan. My comments are informed by my constituency work and by ongoing contact with parents of children with a...

Joint Oireachtas Committee on the Implementation of the Good Friday Agreement: Implications for Good Friday Agreement of UK Referendum Result (Resumed) (9 Mar 2017)

Brendan Smith: I thank Dr. Morrow for his detailed paper. As Dr. McDonnell said, he laid out the huge issues facing the entire island and the EU. He mentioned the community groups he met at the cross-Border study centre. I have witnessed the impact of Brexit, particularly on SMEs in the Border region, because of currency fluctuation. That uncertainty has kicked in. I attended a conference recently...