Written answers
Wednesday, 2 March 2005
- Department of Agriculture and Food
- Food Industry
Question 74: To ask the Minister for Agriculture and Food the number of meetings of the Food Agency Co-operation Council in 2004; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6788/05]
- Genetically Modified Organisms
Question 75: To ask the Minister for Agriculture and Food her plans to evaluate the economic implications of the use of genetically modified organisms; the action being taken by her Department to...
- Live Exports
Question 76: To ask the Minister for Agriculture and Food the action she is taking to re-open live export markets; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6796/05]
- Decentralisation Programme
Question 77: To ask the Minister for Agriculture and Food the position regarding the decentralisation programme within her Department; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6969/05]
- Incineration of Meat and Bonemeal
Question 78: To ask the Minister for Agriculture and Food if her attention has been drawn to proposals to burn meat and bonemeal from a rendering plant on the Kildare-Offaly border; if her...
- EU Directives
Question 79: To ask the Minister for Agriculture and Food the progress which has been made with the European Commission regarding plans to deal with the nitrates directive; if she has been...
- Food Industry
Question 80: To ask the Minister for Agriculture and Food her plans to develop the marketing potential of An Bord Bia; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6785/05]
- EU Directives
Question 81: To ask the Minister for Agriculture and Food the position regarding her negotiations with the EU on the implementation of the EU nitrates directive; and if she will make a statement...
- Land Prices
Question 82: To ask the Minister for Agriculture and Food if her attention has been drawn to the continuing increase in the price of farm land identified by the CSO, which is running way above...
- Single Payment Scheme
Question 84: To ask the Minister for Agriculture and Food the discussions she has had with the EU Commission to index-link the single farm payment; if she intends to make the payment in two...
- Animal Feedstuffs
Question 85: To ask the Minister for Agriculture and Food the final conclusion to the reported importation of animal feed contaminated with traces of bone; and if she will make a statement on the...
- Single Payment Scheme
Question 86: To ask the Minister for Agriculture and Food her plans for cross-compliance under the single farm payment; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6778/05]
- Veterinary Medicines Regulations
Question 87: To ask the Minister for Agriculture and Food the steps she will take to prevent the veterinary medicines regulations legislation from increasing the cost base of veterinary care for...
- Horseracing Industry
Question 88: To ask the Minister for Agriculture and Food if her attention has been drawn to the claim made by a person (details supplied) that up to 750 brood mares should be shot or retired to...
- Appointments to State Boards
Question 89: To ask the Minister for Agriculture and Food if she will report on the gender balance of agencies coming under the auspices of her Department; and when she will carry out a review of...
- Single Payment Scheme
Question 90: To ask the Minister for Agriculture and Food if she will report on the assessment carried out by her Department regarding the implications of the SFP on the ERS; and if she will make...
- EU Directives
Question 91: To ask the Minister for Agriculture and Food the discussions she has had with the EU Commission and the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government regarding...
- Tax Code
Question 92: To ask the Minister for Agriculture and Food the discussions she has had with the Department of Finance regarding section 605 roll-over relief; and if she will make a statement on...
- Official Engagements
Question 93: To ask the Minister for Agriculture and Food if she will report on her recent trade mission to China. [6866/05]
- Bovine Diseases
Question 94: To ask the Minister for Agriculture and Food the number of cases of BSE in cattle discovered in 2004 and to date in 2005; the way in which this compares with recent years; the number...
- Transport of Livestock
Question 95: To ask the Minister for Agriculture and Food the action she can take and the advice she can give to a person (details supplied) who is being refused ferry transportation for a car...
- EU Directives
Question 96: To ask the Minister for Agriculture and Food if it is intended to provide additional aid for farmers who may face significant extra waste management costs arising from the EU...
- Sugar Beet Industry
Question 97: To ask the Minister for Agriculture and Food the position regarding the ownership of the Irish sugar quota; when she was informed of the decision to close the Carlow facility; and if...
- Export Regulations
Question 98: To ask the Minister for Agriculture and Food her position regarding the abolition of export credit refunds by the EU; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6803/05]
- Farm Retirement Scheme
Question 99: To ask the Minister for Agriculture and Food the action she intends to take to address the situation whereby ERS farmers are finding it difficult to lease land; and if she will make...
- Organic Farming.
Question 100: To ask the Minister for Agriculture and Food the percentage of land in organic production here compared with all other EU member states; and if she will make a statement on the...
- Farm Retirement Scheme
Question 101: To ask the Minister for Agriculture and Food if she will index-link the early retirement pension; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6777/05]
- Animal Diseases
Question 102: To ask the Minister for Agriculture and Food her views on the implications for this country of the recent discovery of BSE in a goat in France and the confirmation that the...
- Punchestown Racecourse
Question 103: To ask the Minister for Agriculture and Food if she will respond to claims that certain leases involving the Punchestown racecourse lands are invalid and need to be replaced, and...
- Departmental Investigations
Question 104: To ask the Minister for Agriculture and Food if she will make a statement on the agreement between her Department and a company (details supplied). [6799/05]
- Food Labelling
Question 105: To ask the Minister for Agriculture and Food if she is satisfied that all meat and meat products sold here are labelled accurately to reflect their country of origin; and if she...
- Sugar Beet Industry
Question 107: To ask the Minister for Agriculture and Food the discussions she has had with the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment arising from the proposed closure of the Carlow...
- Farm Retirement Scheme
Question 108: To ask the Minister for Agriculture and Food the position regarding the review of the early farm retirement scheme; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [7049/05]
- Food Industry
Question 109: To ask the Minister for Agriculture and Food if she will report on progress being made under the food institutional research programme. [6871/05]
- EU Directives
Question 110: To ask the Minister for Agriculture and Food the progress with regard to implementing the Nitrates Directive 1991. [6980/05]
- Sugar Beet Industry
Question 111: To ask the Minister for Agriculture and Food if she will meet a group (details supplied) to discuss the proposed closure of the sugar factory in Carlow; and if she will make a...
- Grant Payments
Question 112: To ask the Minister for Agriculture and Food her position on the proposed cut by the EU on grant aid for forestry; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6792/05]
- Rural Environment Protection Scheme
Question 113: To ask the Minister for Agriculture and Food the level of participation to date in REP scheme 3; if she is satisfied with this level of participation; her plans for the future of...
- EU Directives
Question 114: To ask the Minister for Agriculture and Food the discussions she has had with other Departments and State agencies with a view to meeting the EU Biofuels Directive requiring Ireland...
- World Trade Negotiations
Question 116: To ask the Minister for Agriculture and Food the discussions she has had with the EU Commission regarding the next round of the WTO; and if she will make a statement on the matter....
- Alternative Farm Enterprises
Question 117: To ask the Minister for Agriculture and Food further to the Bacon review of the forestry sector, her proposals to develop the sector, particularly in reaching the planting target...
- Animal Welfare Bodies
Question 118: To ask the Minister for Agriculture and Food if she will report on the assistance available to animal welfare centres throughout the country. [6868/05]
- Alternative Farm Enterprises
Question 119: To ask the Minister for Agriculture and Food if she has proposals to kickstart and sustain the development of alternative enterprises on the farm; and if she will make a statement...
- Food Labelling
Question 120: To ask the Minister for Agriculture and Food the action she intends to take to improve the standard of food labelling; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6797/05]
- Live Exports
Question 121: To ask the Minister for Agriculture and Food the situation regarding the live shipping of animals from Ireland. [6873/05]
- Animal Diseases
Question 122: To ask the Minister for Agriculture and Food if she will report on the quarantine and other measures to prevent the introduction of animal and plant diseases into Ireland. [6978/05]
- Afforestation Programme
Question 123: To ask the Minister for Agriculture and Food the progress on tree plantings; the value of the forestry sector; and the number of jobs involved. [6867/05]
- Sugar Beet Industry
Question 124: To ask the Minister for Agriculture and Food the circumstances in which she can or is prepared to use the golden share she holds in the Irish Sugar Company; and if she will make a...
- Farm Advisory Service
Question 125: To ask the Minister for Agriculture and Food her plans to develop the Teagasc service provided to farmers; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6789/05]
- Animal Diseases
Question 127: To ask the Minister for Agriculture and Food the position regarding tuberculosis and brucellosis incidence in the country. [6872/05]
- Grant Payments
Question 129: To ask the Minister for Agriculture and Food if deductions from farmers' single farm payment will not exceed 3% when linear and other cuts are accounted for; and if she will make a...
- Rural Environment Protection Scheme
Question 130: To ask the Minister for Agriculture and Food if she will report on prospects for REP scheme 3 in 2005. [6874/05]
- Farm Household Incomes
Question 131: To ask the Minister for Agriculture and Food her views on the very small increase in farm incomes in 2004 as reported by the CSO which is not keeping pace with inflation; her...
- Grant Payments
Question 132: To ask the Minister for Agriculture and Food the measure she intends to take to address the problems experienced by farmers in the Shannon Callows, as a result of current proposals...
- Farm Household Incomes
Question 133: To ask the Minister for Agriculture and Food the number of farmers who have left full-time farming since 1997; her views on the fall in the number of full-time farmers; the steps...
- Sugar Beet Industry
Question 134: To ask the Minister for Agriculture and Food the consequences she foresees for the sugar industry and agriculture here arising from the recent sugar factory closure in Carlow; if...
- Department of An Taoiseach
- Official Engagements
Question 138: To ask the Taoiseach the number of persons who travelled to China on the recent promotional trip; the cost to the State in respect of the entire trip including hotel or other...
- Department of Health and Children
- Nursing Home Subventions
Question 139: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children when a person (details supplied) in County Wexford will be reimbursed following the over charging of medical card holders...
- Hospital Services
Question 141: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the progress which has been made in re-opening the hospice unit in the Sacred Heart Hospital, Castlebar, County Mayo. [7209/05]
- Health Services
Question 142: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the reason full replies have not been received from the Health Services Executive to Parliamentary Questions Nos. 211 and...
- Hospital Services
Question 143: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children when a person (details supplied) in County Mayo will be called to Galway Regional Hospital for a procedure. [7211/05]
- Health Services
Question 144: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children her plans to provide a microbiological reference laboratory for testing samples from cystic fibrosis patients; if her...
- Food Safety Standards
Question 146: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children her strategies to deal with food safety; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [7214/05]
- Health Services
Question 147: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the situation with regard to orthodontic treatment in the mid-western region of the HSE and in north Tipperary; if she will...
- Nursing Home Subventions
Question 148: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the estimated number of persons to whom money is owed in north Tipperary as a result of the Supreme Court decision of 16...
- Health Service Payments
Question 149: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the total value and number of uncashed cheques issued by each health board in each of the past five years; the elements...
- Tribunals of Inquiry
Question 150: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the reason funding has been withdrawn from a group (details supplied) in respect of the Dunne Inquiry; if she is satisfied...
- Private Health Insurance
Question 151: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children if regulations have been made to enable persons aged 65 and over who decide to avail of private health insurance cover for...
- Department of Finance
- EU Directives
Question 152: To ask the Minister for Finance the number of EU directives and regulations for which his Department has responsibility and which have yet to be implemented; the matters covered by...
- Banking Sector Regulation
Question 153: To ask the Minister for Finance if his attention has been drawn to financial companies that may not be subject to financial regulations and which may be charging extraordinarily...
- Department of Communications, Energy and Natural Resources
- Fisheries Protection
Question 154: To ask the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources his views on the recommendation of the National Salmon Commission that salmon drift net fishermen be allowed to...
- Environmental Protection
Question 155: To ask the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources if a health and safety possibility (details supplied) has been addressed by the EIS; and if he will make a...
- Electricity Generation
Question 156: To ask the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources if he will commission an urgent feasibility study into the need to replace the existing peat power station,...
- Department of Foreign Affairs
- Colombia Three Case
Question 157: To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will make a statement on the position regarding persons (details supplied) and their present location; his views on their serving a...
- Foreign Conflicts
Question 158: To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs his views on the ongoing request of the Kosovo action network for the return of approximately 800 bodies of Kosovan Albanians killed by...
- Department of Arts, Sport and Tourism
- Sports Capital Programme
Question 159: To ask the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism the amount of funding allocated on a county basis for each of the years 2000 to 2005 inclusive under the sports capital programme....
- Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment
- Non-Resident Companies
Question 163: To ask the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if any worker in the construction industry is being paid by means of off-shore companies; and if he will make a statement on...
- Work Permits
Question 164: To ask the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if a work permit will be issued to a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7250/05]
- Grocery Industry
Question 165: To ask the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment his position on reviewing the Groceries Order; when he intends the consumer strategy group to report; and if he will make a...
- Industrial Development
Question 166: To ask the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if the IDA reached its target of locating 50% of all new greenfield sites in the BMW region in 2004, in view of the fact...
- Department of Social and Family Affairs
- Pension Provisions
Question 167: To ask the Minister for Social and Family Affairs his views on whether Irish citizens without individual means, property or pension but who are now elderly having been home-makers...
- Anti-Poverty Strategy
Question 168: To ask the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the position on methods to deal with child poverty in our society. [7230/05]
- Social Welfare Appeals
Question 169: To ask the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the result of an appeal on unemployment benefit for a person (details supplied) in County Mayo. [7231/05]
- Social Welfare Benefits
Question 170: To ask the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the date a person (details supplied) in County Mayo terminated employment; and the date this person applied for unemployment...
- Department of Transport
- Aircraft Safety
Question 171: To ask the Minister for Transport the regulations and standards which apply to aircraft cabin air quality in respect of the prevention of communicable diseases; the way in which...
- Air Services
Question 172: To ask the Minister for Transport if his attention has been drawn to the fact that in reaching a decision in the funding requirements of Aer Lingus there are interests other than...
- Department of Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs
- Waste Management
Question 174: To ask the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the total weight of waste that his Department produced within its offices in the past year for which figures are...
- Social Welfare Benefits
Question 175: To ask the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the reason a person (details supplied) in County Mayo is not in receipt of fuel allowance. [7229/05]
- Voluntary Activity
Question 176: To ask the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the funding he proposes to make available urgently to Volunteering Ireland (details supplied); and if he will make a...
- Community Development
Question 177: To ask the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the areas which are in the CLÁR programme; the criteria used to define an area; and if he will make a statement on...
- Department of Agriculture and Food
- Modulated Funds
Question 179: To ask the Minister for Agriculture and Food her plans for the modulation fund; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [7057/05]
- Departmental Agencies
Question 180: To ask the Minister for Agriculture and Food her plans to develop the Teagasc service provided to farmers. [7058/05]
- Grant Payments
Question 181: To ask the Minister for Agriculture and Food the reason a person (details supplied) in County Wexford was refused payment for special beef premium even though appropriate evidence...
- Farm Retirement Scheme
Question 182: To ask the Minister for Agriculture and Food the number of applications for farm retirement pensions currently on hand; the number approved or rejected in the past 12 months; and if...
- Pet Food Imports
Question 183: To ask the Minister for Agriculture and Food the volume of pet foods now imported into the country; if she has satisfied herself that European traceability and husbandry...
- World Trade Negotiations
Question 184: To ask the Minister for Agriculture and Food the progress and impact on the agri-sector of the WTO; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [7238/05]
- Animal Feedstuffs
Question 185: To ask the Minister for Agriculture and Food if she is satisfied that use of bonemeal in animal feeds has ended completely; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [7239/05]
- Purchase for Destruction Scheme
Question 186: To ask the Minister for Agriculture and Food the number of cows and dry stock at present; the extent to which these numbers were affected by the beef destruct scheme; and if she...
- Beef Industry
Question 187: To ask the Minister for Agriculture and Food if Irish beef producers and processors can compete to supply all of the major chain-stores; and if she will make a statement on the...
- Sheepmeat Sector
Question 188: To ask the Minister for Agriculture and Food if Irish lamb producers and processors can compete to supply all of the major chain-stores; and if she will make a statement on the...
- Pigmeat Sector
Question 189: To ask the Minister for Agriculture and Food if Irish bacon producers and processors can compete to supply all of the major chain-stores; and if she will make a statement on the...
- Food Industry
Question 190: To ask the Minister for Agriculture and Food if she is satisfied that Irish food producers are allowed compete for contracts supplying all the major chain-stores; and if she will...
- Poultry Industry
Question 191: To ask the Minister for Agriculture and Food if adequate traceability checks are applied in relation to poultry imports with particular reference to the need for health protection;...
- Departmental Staff
Question 192: To ask the Minister for Agriculture and Food her plans to recruit agricultural liaison officers; if resources have been made available for same; the proposed cost; when these...
- Milk Quota
Question 193: To ask the Minister for Agriculture and Food if she will review the file of a person (details supplied); and if she will review the resultant penalties imposed. [7272/05]
- Land Commission
Question 194: To ask the Minister for Agriculture and Food the local trusts established by the Land Commission, on a county basis; the size of holdings involved; and if she will make a statement...
- Grant Payments
Question 195: To ask the Minister for Agriculture and Food the total value and number of uncashed cheques issued by her Department in each of the past five years; the elements which are EU and...
- Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform
- Human Rights Issues
Question 196: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if consideration has been given to the suggestion that the Irish Human Rights Commission should report directly to Dáil...
- Deportation Orders
Question 197: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if the deportation order regarding a person (details supplied) in County Mayo will be cancelled due to a change in the...
- Garda Strength
Question 198: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of Garda patrol cars attached to Clontarf, Coolock, Santry and Raheny stations; the number of gardaí in these...
- Recidivism Rates
Question 199: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the figures relating to recidivism rates at the Dóchas centre and for old Mountjoy; and if he will make a statement on the...
- Probation and Welfare Service
Question 200: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if there are post-release follow up reports on inmates of the Dóchas centre in Mountjoy; and if he will make a statement on...
- Court Procedures
Question 201: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform his views on calls for a major reduction of the prison population through the use of non-custodial sentences for non-violent...
- Prison Accommodation
Question 202: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if the Dóchas model will be extended to more prisons; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7262/05]
- Prison Education Service
Question 203: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the reason for discontinuing the funding for the CONNECT project in prisons; and if he will make a statement on the matter....
- Garda Operations
Question 204: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he will report on strategies and action plans of the Garda Síochána to deal with anti-social behaviour in and around an...
- Asylum Applications
Question 205: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the position in relation to the case of persons (details supplied); and if this matter will be dealt with as speedily as...
- Child Care Services
Question 206: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the child care projects, play groups and child care schemes that are currently funded in County Cork through the equal...
- Liquor Licensing Laws
Question 207: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform his plans to deregulate or introduce new legislation in the area of liquor licensing; and if he will make a statement on the...
- Department of Education and Science
- School Enrolments
Question 208: To ask the Minister for Education and Science the plans she has for students that cannot attend a school (details supplied) who are outside the catchment area; and if she will make...
- School Accommodation
Question 209: To ask the Minister for Education and Science the secondary school students to attend from the primary school areas (details supplied) following a decision that their areas are...
- Boards of Management
Question 211: To ask the Minister for Education and Science when she will be able to clarify the inclusion of parents and teacher representatives on the boards of comprehensive schools, in...
- School Transport
Question 212: To ask the Minister for Education and Science if, when determining an application for school transport for persons (details supplied), she will ignore the closed school ruling. [7226/05]
- School Accommodation
Question 213: To ask the Minister for Education and Science if her attention has been drawn to the fact that families moving into Balbriggan, County Dublin are unable to secure places for their...
- Special Educational Needs
Question 215: To ask the Minister for Education and Science if for the future she will approve the special needs teaching facilities and models in primary schools throughout County Kildare that...
- School Transport
Question 217: To ask the Minister for Education and Science if the review of school transport has been completed; if not, when it is expected; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [7253/05]
- Special Educational Needs
Question 218: To ask the Minister for Education and Science when she will introduce guidelines for special needs provision in post-primary schools; and if she will make a statement on the matter....
- School Staffing
Question 221: To ask the Minister for Education and Science if her attention has been drawn to the fact that there are a number of secretaries in secondary schools who, due to the fact that their...
- Higher Education Grants
Question 222: To ask the Minister for Education and Science the higher education maintenance grants applicable for the coming year; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [7285/05]
- Special Educational Needs
Question 223: To ask the Minister for Education and Science the position regarding the retention of a special needs assistant at a school (details supplied) in County Cork. [7286/05]
- Department of Environment, Heritage and Local Government
- Local Authority Funding
Question 224: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he will report on the application which was made by Mayo County Council to his Department for funding under...
- Water and Sewerage Schemes
Question 225: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the reason there was no grant allocation for the past two years to Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council...
- Archaeological Sites
Question 228: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the archaeological issue he is currently determining with regard to the proposed M3 motorway; if he is...
- Proposed Legislation
Question 229: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he will amend the Local Government Act to enable expanding towns with populations under 7,000 to establish...
