Written answers
Wednesday, 6 February 2008
- Department of Foreign Affairs
- Human Rights Issues
Question 103: To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will make a statement on the present position in Afghanistan, including the position of those detained in Bagram, in view of the...
- Foreign Conflicts
Question 104: To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs the recent measures the European Union has taken against the Sudanese Government; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3800/08]
- Human Rights Issues
Question 105: To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will make a statement on the progress that has been made in relation to reforms affecting minority and human rights as part of the EU...
- Arms Trade
Question 106: To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs if an international conference on proposals to abolish the use of cluster munitions will take place here in 2008; and if he will make a...
- Rapid Response Corps
Question 107: To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs the strength of the Rapid Response Corps; and his plans to increase the numbers involved. [3798/08]
- Human Rights Issues
Question 108: To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs his views on continued reported human rights abuses perpetrated in Zimbabwe, as documented by Amnesty International, as well as the renewed...
- Emigrant Support Services
Question 112: To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs his views on whether potential exists, during this US presidential year, to make progress in respect of the undocumented Irish issue; the...
- Overseas Missions
Question 113: To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will send diplomatic delegations to Libya, Sudan, La RCA, Nigeria and Cameroon in view of Ireland's decision to send troops to Chad;...
- Overseas Development Aid
Question 115: To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs the number of audits carried out on Overseas Development Aid in 2006 and 2007; the number of these that were required to address issues that...
- EU Treaty
Question 116: To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs the plans he has with regard to the need to publicise the forthcoming referendum on the Lisbon Reform Treaty; the Government's plans towards...
- Human Rights Issues
Question 119: To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs his views on the threats to the life of the head of the Kenyan Human Rights Commission, Maina Kiai. [3671/08]
- Diplomatic Representation
Question 125: To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs his plans to create new diplomatic missions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3802/08]
- Overseas Development Aid
Question 126: To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs the progress towards achievement of the Millennium Development Goals within the specified time-scale in view of the most recent information...
- Foreign Conflicts
Question 127: To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will make a statement on the present EU and Irish positions in relation to the future of Kosovo. [3673/08]
- Cultural Events
Question 128: To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs his plans to promote Irish cultural events abroad in 2008; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3803/08]
- Foreign Conflicts
Question 129: To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs the most recent report by the EU in relation to the situation in Somalia. [3701/08]
- Territorial Waters
Question 130: To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs the recent developments with respect to the extension of seabed sovereignty; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3797/08]
- International Agreements
Question 132: To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs the UN Conventions he has to ratify; when these will be ratified; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3799/08]
- Commemorative Events
Question 135: To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs if his Department will respond to the suggestion that Ireland honour Mr. Carl Joachim Hambro in view of his contribution to Ireland's...
- International Agreements
Question 136: To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs the recent developments with respect to Ireland's participation in the Antarctic Treaty 1959; and if he will make a statement on the matter....
- Passport Applications
Question 137: To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs if a photographic machine was purchased for the passports office; when this was purchased; the cost of same; if it is of the required...
- Departmental Staff
Question 138: To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs the number of people in the bilateral economic relations division who deal with the United States; and if he will make a statement on the...
- Common Foreign and Security Policy
Question 140: To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs the proposals he has for reducing the democratic deficit in relation to common, foreign and security policy at national, Parliamentary and...
- Humanitarian Assistance
Question 143: To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs his plans to assist and to offer aid to those living in areas of Mozambique, thought to number some 200,000, who are in severe danger of...
- Overseas Development Aid
Question 144: To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs the relationship between the Interdepartmental Committee on Development and the Joint Committee on Foreign Affairs. [3684/08]
- Foreign Conflicts
Question 148: To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs the position regarding the situation in Sri Lanka where despite a recent cease-fire having been brokered, there are continuing reports of...
- Hunger Task Force
Question 150: To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs the task and membership of the hunger task force; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3807/08]
- Overseas Development Aid
Question 153: To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs the amount of aid granted to Uganda in 2006 and 2007; the way this was spent; the way this expenditure is verified; and if he will make a...
- United Nations Reform
Question 156: To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs the position pertaining to ongoing debate on the reform of the United Nations. [3695/08]
- Department of An Taoiseach
- Foreign Conflicts
Question 158: To ask the Taoiseach the discussions that took place in South Africa with Mr. Thabo Mbeki on the issue of Zimbabwe. [3983/08]
- Department of Finance
- Disabled Drivers
Question 159: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance the criteria for obtaining a primary medical certificate; if he will amend the criteria for primary medical certificates; the elements...
- Motor Taxation
Question 160: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance the reason the new VRT rate applicable to new and used imported cars registered on or after 1 July 2008 could not have been introduced...
- Departmental Offices
Question 161: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance the progress made in respect of the acquisition of a site for the offices of his Department in Charlestown, County Mayo; and if he...
- Tax Code
Question 162: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance if payments in relation to dyslexia treatment or instruction qualify for tax rebate; if not the reason for same; and if he will make a...
- Consultancy Charges
Question 163: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance the stockbroking firms engaged by his Department or by the agencies under his aegis during the years 1992, 1993 and 1994; the fees or...
- Tax Code
Question 164: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance further to Parliamentary Question No. 218 of 30 January 2008, if he will clarify if a person is liable for inheritance tax on a family...
- Departmental Staff
Question 165: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance his plans to relocate staff from the Revenue Commissioners to Roscommon Town; the number of staff to be relocated and the timetable...
- Child Care Facilities
Question 166: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance the plans he has to amend the valuation legislation to exempt crèches from significant rates bills; and if he will make a statement...
- Airport Customs Controls
Question 167: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance if he will list the private airports here and if all such airports are fully licensed and subject to full inspection by customs; the...
- Department of Health and Children
- Pharmacy Services
Question 168: To ask the Minister for Health and Children if she will intervene with the Health Service Executive to stop them from introducing changes to the contract for payment to pharmacists...
- Health Services
Question 169: To ask the Minister for Health and Children if routine testing for vitamin B deficiency is carried out as a diagnostic procedure in psychiatric hospitals; and if she will make a...
- Health Service Staff
Question 170: To ask the Minister for Health and Children the number of clinical staff who have been recruited during 2006 and 2007 to develop the primary care teams for County Clare; when she...
- Hospital Services
Question 171: To ask the Minister for Health and Children if she will approve the necessary funding required to allow Letterkenny General Hospital, County Donegal, to expand their existing new...
- Hospital Staff
Question 172: To ask the Minister for Health and Children the number of staff employed at the Midlands Regional Hospital, Tullamore including porters, cleaners, catering staff, nurses, doctors,...
- Foster Care
Question 174: To ask the Minister for Health and Children the training in place for foster care parents here and for foster parents caring for children with difficulties or special needs. [3951/08]
- Nursing Homes Repayment Scheme
Question 176: To ask the Minister for Health and Children if persons (details supplied) in Dublin 3 will be assisted. [3973/08]
- Hospital Accommodation
Question 177: To ask the Minister for Health and Children the number of acute beds available and in use in each Dublin hospital in 2007; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [3974/08]
- Health Service Staff
Question 178: To ask the Minister for Health and Children the number of general practitioners based in each of the Dublin postcode areas; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [3975/08]
- Departmental Funding
Question 179: To ask the Minister for Health and Children the contacts her Department has in the past or are in at present in relation to parent based support groups against drug or illicit...
- Hospital Services
Question 180: To ask the Minister for Health and Children when the adult cystic fibrosis consultant will be appointed to Limerick Regional Hospital; and if she will make a statement on the...
- Health Services
Question 183: To ask the Minister for Health and Children if she will intercede with the Health Service Executive on behalf of a person (details supplied) in County Sligo; if she will have this...
- Hospital Readmissions
Question 184: To ask the Minister for Health and Children the number of patients who were readmitted to hospital within one week of discharge in 2007. [4037/08]
- Health Services
Question 186: To ask the Minister for Health and Children when agreement will be reached between the Heath Service Executive and chiropodists to ensure that chiropodists and podiatrists can...
- Health Service Staff
Question 187: To ask the Minister for Health and Children the reason employees working the sleep-over system in the Health Service Executive and voluntary organisations in the intellectual...
- Hospital Services
Question 189: To ask the Minister for Health and Children the number of babies born en route to Dublin hospitals in 2007 (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4087/08]
- Departmental Funding
Question 190: To ask the Minister for Health and Children if she will continue to fund a group (details supplied) in order that they can continue their counselling and lobbying work; and if she...
- Health Services
Question 191: To ask the Minister for Health and Children if she will address the hardship caused by the lack of free dental care for medical card patients between the ages of 12 and 16; when...
- Health Service Staff
Question 192: To ask the Minister for Health and Children the category of staff to be recruited with regard to the 34.5 WTE infection control staff that have to be recruited out of the 52...
- Proposed Legislation
Question 193: To ask the Minister for Health and Children the engagement that has taken place with relevant stakeholders to date with regard to the fair deal scheme; the further engagement she...
- Hospital Accommodation
Question 194: To ask the Minister for Health and Children if the fourteen additional fast-tracked single-room beds for people with cystic fibrosis will be ring-fenced for cystic fibrosis...
- Mental Health Services
Question 195: To ask the Minister for Health and Children when she expects to receive the Health Service Executive report on the Irish Psychiatric Association, Lie of the Land; and if she will...
- Health Services
Question 196: To ask the Minister for Health and Children if she will take action to deal with the crisis in the speech and language service in Dublin south west; if her attention has been drawn...
- Hospitals Building Programme
Question 197: To ask the Minister for Health and Children the location of each of the sites that is planned to be made available to enable private hospitals to be built on public land as part of...
- Hospital Services
Question 198: To ask the Minister for Health and Children her views on whether in view of the long waiting list, there is a need for extra resources for the endoscopy unit at Kerry General...
- Health Services
Question 208: To ask the Minister for Health and Children the reason the home support hours of a person (details supplied) in County Tipperary are being reduced. [4120/08]
- Stroke Incidence
Question 210: To ask the Minister for Health and Children the number of people who suffered a stroke and an acquired brain injury in 2005, 2006 and 2007, respectively; the number who did not...
- Department of Transport
- Ferry Services
Question 211: To ask the Minister for Transport the efforts he has made to re-introduce the Cork Swansea Ferry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3959/08]
- Rail Network
Question 212: To ask the Minister for Transport when the independent study of the Broadstone line into its use for either heavy or light rail use will be completed and be made available for...
- Public Transport
Question 213: To ask the Minister for Transport the position in relation to the bus service from Dublin to Tullow, County Carlow through Baltinglass (details supplied); if approval will be given...
- Insurance Industry
Question 214: To ask the Minister for Transport the position in relation to a suggestion (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3986/08]
- Road Network
Question 215: To ask the Minister for Transport if the National Roads Authority has submitted its report on the southern port access route to his Department; when he will bring proposals to...
- Public Transport
Question 216: To ask the Minister for Transport the number of licences that have been issued to private bus companies to operate bus services in the greater Dublin area; the number of these...
- Department of Foreign Affairs
- Human Rights Issues
Question 217: To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs if his attention has been drawn to the case of a person (details supplied), a former Irish resident, who was arrested under repressive...
- Foreign Conflicts
Question 229: To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs the degree to which the world community can address or is addressing the issues of starvation, war, ethnic cleansing and genocide on the...
- Human Rights Issues
Question 230: To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs his views on the ongoing situation in the Congo with particular reference to full democracy and human rights; and if he will make a...
- Greenhouse Gas Emissions
Question 231: To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs if his attention has been drawn to the clearing of rain forests in Nigeria at a time of major concern about global warming and carbon...
- International Agreements
Question 232: To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs the extent to which the EU and the Ukraine have developed or propose to develop economic or other links; and if he will make a statement on...
- Human Rights Issues
Question 233: To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs the top ten locations about which he and his EU colleagues are most concerned in respect of human rights abuses; the action taken or...
- Health Issues
Question 234: To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs the further initiatives he proposes to take at EU or UN level to address HIV/AIDS and other health issues on the African continent; and if...
- Human Rights Issues
Question 236: To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs the position regarding the ongoing situation in Burma; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4188/08]
- Debt Relief
Question 237: To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs the extent to which the various poorer countries have received aid through debt write off or direct aid in the context of the World Trade...
- Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment
- Company Closures
Question 238: To ask the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the number of Industrial Development Authority supported companies that closed in County Kerry from January 2002 to...
- Grocery Industry
Question 240: To ask the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the efforts he is making to respond to the recent substantial increases in the cost of food and reports that food prices...
- Work Permits
Question 241: To ask the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the reason a work permit was refused to a person (details supplied). [4014/08]
- Department of Social and Family Affairs
- Social Welfare Benefits
Question 243: To ask the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the reason a person (details supplied) in Dublin 2 has to attend Gardiner Street social welfare office twice weekly, and has to...
- Department of Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs
- Foras na Gaeilge
Question 244: To ask the Aire Gnóthaí Pobail, Tuaithe agus Gaeltachta an mbíonn ar bhaill de Bhord Fhoras na Gaeilge cruinnithe a fhágaint nuair atá cinntí faoi dheontais a bhaineann leis...
- Community Development
Question 245: To ask the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs if his Department has granted funding to rural hall or community centre organisations that have made representations...
- Cycle Facilities
Question 246: To ask the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the position of the programme proposed to provide accessible footpaths and cycle paths adjacent to the Grand Canal...
- Harbours and Piers
Question 247: To ask the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs if Waterways Ireland or any of the agencies that maintain or control the River Barrow have made applications for the...
- Inland Waterways
Question 248: To ask the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs if an application for funding from Waterways Ireland has been made to his Department in relation to the upgrading of...
- Departmental Funding
Question 249: To ask the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the parent based support groups against drug or illicit substances uses that his Department funds or has contact...
- Decentralisation Programme
Question 250: To ask the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the position in relation to relocating his Department to a location (details supplied) in County Mayo; and the...
- Medicinal Products
Question 251: To ask the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs if his attention has been drawn to the sale of the drug BZP in certain shops (details supplied); if it is the case...
- Grant Payments
Question 252: To ask the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the grant assistance paid in respect of a company (details supplied); the year in which that assistance was paid; and...
- Department of Agriculture and Food
- Harbours and Piers
Question 253: To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the proposals for the commencement of the planned harbour development of the North Harbour at Cape Clear vis-a-vis dredging...
- Coastal Erosion
Question 254: To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food further to Parliamentary Question No. 804 of 30 January 2008, if her attention has been drawn to the coastal erosion...
- Grant Payments
Question 255: To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if she will review the case of a person (details supplied) in County Westmeath. [3923/08]
- Rural Environment Protection Scheme
Question 256: To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food her plans to compensate the 200 farmers in the Owenduff-Nephin complex protection area when they become REP scheme four; and...
- Fur Farming
Question 257: To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food her views on fur farming; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [3970/08]
- Grant Payments
Question 258: To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the reason a reply was not given to a parliamentary question (details supplied) that was raised with her. [4012/08]
- Department of Education and Science
- State Examinations
Question 260: To ask the Minister for Education and Science her views on Chinese as a junior and leaving certificate subject; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [3912/08]
- Schools Building Projects
Question 261: To ask the Minister for Education and Science if she has reorganised the spending proposals for national school capital works in schools outside of the Dublin area; if she is...
- State Examinations Committee
Question 264: To ask the Minister for Education and Science if, in order to assist a reunion committee, the State Examinations Commission will provide a list of the students in a school (details...
- Schools Refurbishment
Question 265: To ask the Minister for Education and Science the closing date for the receipt of applications for the small school scheme 2007 and the closing date for same for 2008. [3943/08]
- School Management
Question 266: To ask the Minister for Education and Science if her attention has been drawn to the fact that a school in County Dublin is open for five hours and twenty minutes which violates...
- Schools Building Projects
Question 267: To ask the Minister for Education and Science if the building of a new coeducational school which would see the amalgamation of schools (details supplied) in County Kerry, is in...
- School Accommodation
Question 270: To ask the Minister for Education and Science her plans to provide necessary additional accommodation at a school (details supplied) in County Westmeath; if same will be given the...
- Schools Building Projects
Question 274: To ask the Minister for Education and Science further to Parliamentary Question No. 1050 of 30 January 2008, the name and address of every school which received retrospective...
- Departmental Funding
Question 275: To ask the Minister for Education and Science the number of parent support groups against the use of drugs or illicit substances that her Department has funded or met with; the...
- School Accommodation
Question 276: To ask the Minister for Education and Science the number of schools currently using prefabs as classrooms; and if she will provide a breakdown of same by county. [4006/08]
- Schools Building Projects
Question 277: To ask the Minister for Education and Science when a school (details supplied) in County Clare will be allowed to proceed with the development of the new school; and if she will...
- Higher Education Grants
Question 282: To ask the Minister for Education and Science if an applicant who is out of the education system for five years or more and subject to meeting means test criteria, can receive a...
- School Enrolments
Question 283: To ask the Minister for Education and Science further to Parliamentary Question No 1079 of 30 January 2008 the projected enrolment trends for the primary schools (details supplied)...
- Special Educational Needs
Question 285: To ask the Minister for Education and Science if her Department funds or organises speech therapy for children with disabilities, including those with Down's syndrome, in primary...
- Department of Defence
- Defence Forces Property
Question 286: To ask the Minister for Defence the position with regard to the provision of a soccer pitch for a club (details supplied) in County Clare at the lands owned by his Department at...
- Defence Forces Contracts
Question 287: To ask the Minister for Defence the contracts entered into or proposed in relation to facilities (details supplied) in County Kildare; the number and type of facility that such a...
- Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform
- Visa Applications
Question 288: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he will review the case of a person (details supplied) in County Westmeath; and if he will make a statement on the...
- Closed Circuit Television Systems
Question 289: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the steps he is taking to alleviate the problem facing Longford Town, which has been allocated a grant of €184,000 for...
- Asylum Applications
Question 290: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform his views on whether Iran is not, in view of its human rights record, a safe country to deport failed asylum applicants...
- Human Rights Issues
Question 294: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if his attention has been drawn to allegations by Iranians living here that some of their members have been targeted by...
- Crime Levels
Question 295: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he will provide a report of the number of reported incidents of stolen mobile satellite navigation units from vehicles...
- Garda Deployment
Question 296: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of gardaí stationed in each of the Dublin postcode areas in 2007; and if he will make a statement on the...
- Garda Communications
Question 297: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if gardaí on the beat have a dedicated system for contact and co-ordination with their command centres; the official...
- Public Order Offences
Question 298: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of anti-social behaviour orders that have been issued in the Dublin area to date; and if he will make a...
- Work Permits
Question 300: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the status of a person (details supplied); if they can work here after their stamp three runs out; and if he will make a...
- Prison Education Service
Question 302: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he will assist a person (details supplied). [4030/08]
- Safety Cameras
Question 303: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if the process of selecting the preferred bidder for the provision and operation of safety cameras has been completed; if...
- Road Traffic Offences
Question 304: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the action that can be taken by Gardaí to deal with motor vehicles parked on public roads but not displaying valid motor...
- Garda Vetting Services
Question 305: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he will take action to speed up the process of securing Garda vetting clearance for prospective staff for the...
- Residency Permits
Question 306: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the current or expected residency position in the case of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 24; and if he will make a...
- Department of Environment, Heritage and Local Government
- Water and Sewerage Schemes
Question 308: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if there are plans to upgrade, extend or provide sewerage facilities in Falcarragh, County Donegal; and if he...
- Local Authority Funding
Question 309: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he will meet a delegation comprising of Houses of the Oireachtas Members, the Mayor of Clare, councillors...
- Private Rented Accommodation
Question 310: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the number of prosecutions taken against landlords in 2007 for not meeting the minimum standard for private...
- Water and Sewerage Schemes
Question 312: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government his views on a letter by a company (details supplied) dated 25 January 2007; if a reply was issued; and if he...
- Rural Renewal Scheme
Question 313: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government when a final inspection will be carried out for a person (details supplied) in County Sligo; and if he will...
- Social and Affordable Housing
Question 315: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if his attention has been drawn to the hardship being endured by tenants and former tenants of a complex...
- Department of Communications, Energy and Natural Resources
- Post Office Network
Question 316: To ask the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if he has a role or has had discussions with the management of An Post regarding the type of service they...
- Telecommunications Services
Question 317: To ask the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources further to Parliamentary Question No. 408 of 19 December 2007, if he will define what is meant by a reasonable...
