Results 12,281-12,300 of 15,805 for speaker:Michael Ring

Priority Questions (1 Nov 2007)

Michael Ring: I tabled a priority question to Deputy Ó Cuív on the Leader problem and it did not appear on the Order Paper. The questions I put to Deputy Carey were referred to the Department of Health and Children. We had better find out now whether Deputy Carey has responsibility for drugs, and if he has not we will have to give them to our health spokesperson.

Priority Questions (1 Nov 2007)

Michael Ring: I will send the information to the Minister tomorrow——

Land Access. (1 Nov 2007)

Michael Ring: Question 1: To ask the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs if legislation is promised or other measures are being taken on land access and the provision of accessible walkways on land privately owned by farmers; the way this issue will be resolved; if he has met with or had discussions with farming groups and other interested parties; and if he will make a statement on the...

Land Access. (1 Nov 2007)

Michael Ring: This issue has been going on for many years. I welcome the Minister's recent appointment of a number of rangers throughout the country. As a person from a tourism county I am aware that everybody wants to encourage walking. Many tourists find it difficult to understand that there are areas of the country in which they cannot walk. Regarding tomorrow's meeting, are we any closer to...

Land Access. (1 Nov 2007)

Michael Ring: There is great co-operation from farmers on this issue. There is an impression in Dublin and among visitors that farmers do not want to co-operate. Farmers are prepared to co-operate but they must be protected. Some people think they can simply walk onto people's land and that there are no insurance problems. There are problems, but farmers are prepared to co-operate if something can be...

Employment Support Services. (1 Nov 2007)

Michael Ring: Question 3: To ask the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs if he will address the anomaly that exists in relation to the difference between rural social scheme and community employment scheme payments for widows and widowers, one parent family allowance recipients and those receiving disability allowance in order that the RSS payment is made in addition to the person's...

Employment Support Services. (1 Nov 2007)

Michael Ring: Some people have contacted me regarding this anomaly and I know that most of the Leader companies have made representations to the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs, Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív. The rural social scheme has been excellent and with FÁS does more work than the county councils in this regard. I compliment these schemes and hope they last a long time because if...

Employment Support Services. (1 Nov 2007)

Michael Ring: As they do on the FÁS scheme.

Employment Support Services. (1 Nov 2007)

Michael Ring: The Minister knows that a farmer husband who pays PRSI will receive a contributory pension but his wife will not receive a contributory pension. This situation mostly affects women and aggravates those caught in the anomaly. I am asking the Minister to address the situation because the cost would be small and unfair policies should be corrected. The figures the Minister has mentioned today...

Employment Support Services. (1 Nov 2007)

Michael Ring: The Government is not bad at spending other people's money either. Ministers did not do too bad last week with pay increases of €38,000.

Employment Support Services. (1 Nov 2007)

Michael Ring: It is a good scheme and I accept that.

Drainage Schemes. (1 Nov 2007)

Michael Ring: Question 5: To ask the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs whether it is possible for funding allocated towards roads under the CLÁR programme to be utilised for drainage works prior to or in addition to road works being carried out. [26305/07]

Drainage Schemes. (1 Nov 2007)

Michael Ring: CLÁR is an excellent scheme which works well and I watch to ensure its budget is not cut this year. During many previous winters we had serious problems with flooding in many parts of rural Ireland. We had this problem even in the bad old days when people with horses and carts went out on wet days, marked the roads and knew where flooding problems occurred. We now have top-class educated...

Drainage Schemes. (1 Nov 2007)

Michael Ring: Will the Minister find out which among his Department, the OPW and the local authorities has responsibility for dealing with flooding? When a problem arises, nobody takes responsibility. Will a new agency be required to deal with the matter? Somebody needs to take responsibility because the issue arises every winter.

Crime Prevention. (1 Nov 2007)

Michael Ring: In January the Department of Communications, Marine and Natural Resources stated this could not work. Does the Minister of State agree? I agree something has to be done because we cannot allow criminals to use such telephones to run their drug empires.

Drug Use. (1 Nov 2007)

Michael Ring: Is Ireland any closer to drug testing? While everyone is discussing the abuse of alcohol and driving, more people are being killed on the roads through the abuse of drugs. There is no way to test people who drive having taken drugs when they are in a serious accident. I note the Minister of State was not attached to the Department before the general election. However, a survey was under...

Drug Use. (1 Nov 2007)

Michael Ring: I understand it was due for completion in April.

Drug Use. (1 Nov 2007)

Michael Ring: I thank the Minister of State and will be in contact with him.

Order of Business (1 Nov 2007)

Michael Ring: If I had my way I would have sent out Willie O'Dea.

Written Answers — Medical Cards: Medical Cards (31 Oct 2007)

Michael Ring: Question 174: To ask the Minister for Health and Children the number of medical cards in County Mayo at 1 June for each of the past ten years; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [25959/07]