Written answers

Wednesday, 27 March 2013

  • Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport
    • Sports Capital Programme Expenditure
      To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he has completed a review of the sports capital programme 2012; the changes that he will bring into any future capital programme; when he...
    • Tourism Promotion
      To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the way he proposes to enhance our competitiveness to British holidaymakers and leisure travellers; and if he will make a statement on the...
    • Tourism Industry
      To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his views on whether accurate data is essential to the planning and growth of the tourist industry on the island of Ireland, and that while...
    • Air Services Provision
      To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport when he will publish the consultation paper on the proposed aviation policy; if he will outline the main themes that this policy will cover;...
    • Bus Services
      To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if his attention has been drawn to the international evidence concerning the savings and service improvements that accrue form the tendering...
    • Marine Accidents
      To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if the Marine Casualty Investigation Board will take up an invitation to attend an inquest in Northern Ireland into the drownings of persons...
    • Road Maintenance
      To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the measures he is taking to ensure that funds for regional and local roads are targeted at essential work to the greatest extent possible;...
    • Harbour Authorities Appointments
      To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the person who appointed the acting chairperson of Dun Laoghaire Harbour Company; if it is possible to take up the issues of remuneration to...
    • Driving Licence Issues
      To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he is satisfied with the proposed process of obtaining photographic ID for the new credit card sized driving licences; the reason a paper...
    • Road Network
      To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he is satisfied that the planned N25 New Ross bypass represents value for money; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15271/13]
    • Driving Licence Issues
      To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he has met with representatives of the photo ID industry to address their concerns over a threat to their livelihood by changes to the...
    • Sporting Events
      To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his views on a potential bid for the rugby world cup by the Irish Rugby Football Union; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15026/13]
    • Sports Capital Programme Expenditure
      To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the capital investment in public tourism product and infrastructure he is targeting under the capital budget of €19 million available...
    • Public Transport
      To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his plans for reviewing public transport regulation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15252/13]
    • Anti-Social Behaviour
      To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the work he has done with Dublin Bus to help tackle anti-social behaviour on or around bus services. [15048/13]
    • Ports Development
      To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport when he expects to complete the review of ports policy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15262/13]
    • Public Transport
      To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will provide an update on the LUAS cross city project; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15030/13]
    • Transport Strategy
      To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the way he proposes to develop a land transport, road and rail, strategic investment framework to facilitate easy access to markets and the...
    • Harbour Authorities Expenditure
      To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport further to Parliamentary Question No. 110 of 19 February 2013, if the legal proceedings referred to have been completed; and if he will make a...
    • The Gathering Initiatives
      To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will provide an update on the progress that has been made on the Gathering; the numbers of events by county that are due to take place;...
    • Tourism Promotion
      To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he acknowledges the unique and rich history of Cobh, County Cork and the town’s potential to become one of the main tourist...
    • Proposed Legislation
      To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the steps he has taken to ensure that all legislation produced by his Department is in line with the spirit of international agreements signed...
    • Taxi Regulations
      To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the way taxi drivers who own perfectly safe and roadworthy vehicles designed to accommodate wheelchairs, are to be compensated; the way those...
    • Rural Transport Services Provision
      To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will confirm that some services provided by Louth Linx who are funded by his Department under the National Development Plan 2007 - 2013...
    • State Airports
      To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will report on meetings he has held with interest groups relating to Knock Airport and its future and any commitments made to secure its...
    • Ports Development
      To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport in view of the fact that Bantry Bay Harbour, County Cork, is the only regional harbour operating under the Harbours Act 1946 and that the...
    • Road Network
      To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he has, based on the expectations, taken into account the reasoned opinion of the Advocate General, of a negative decision from the Court...
    • Harbour Authorities Appointments
      To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport further to Parliamentary Question No. 115 of 19 February 2013, if he has appointed a new chairperson to the Dun Laoghaire Harbour Company,...
    • Road Safety
      To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he is satisfied with the implementation of mandatory breath-testing of all drivers involved in a serious or fatal road collision; if he...
    • Taxi Regulations
      To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will report on the recent meeting he had with taxi driver representative and any commitment he made regarding changes to the Taxi...
    • Air Services Provision
      To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the way he will support initiatives that aim to improve air access to west coast USA and other locations of high strategic importance for...
    • Rural Transport Services Provision
      To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his plans for reform of the rural transport system; if a cost benefit analysis has been carried out on the way savings will be achieved; the...
    • Road Safety Strategy
      To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will outline some of the measures contained within the Road Safety Strategy that is due to be launched later this week; and if he will...
    • Economic Growth Initiatives
      To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the extent to which he and his Department continue to monitor the various bodies, groups or authorities under the aegis of his Department with...
    • Rail Services
      To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his plans to maintain State control of the railway network and Iarnród Éireann and improve the system and increase access across the...
    • Job Creation Numbers
      To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will provide detailed figures of the numbers and types of jobs created as a result of the Government's 2012 Action Plan for Jobs which...
    • Ministerial Travel
      To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will outline any benefit to his Department he has taken from his recent trip to Japan. [15052/13]
    • EU Regulations
      To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if his attention has been drawn to the danger posed to the wheelchair accessible SPV fleet by new noise requirements being brought forward by...
    • State Airports
      To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will provide an update in the Shannon Aviation Services Centre Bill; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15039/13]
    • Tourism Industry
      To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the way he proposes to work with tourism businesses, particularly small and medium enterprise to improve their e-capacity to transact and...
    • Tourism Projects Funding
      To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the reason that the Programme for Government tourism is central to the Government’s recovery programme, yet Fáilte Ireland...
    • Departmental Bodies
      To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the steps being taken to ensure that the situation in Dun Laoghaire Harbour Company where a director was being paid director's fees from...
    • Motor Vehicles
      To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the number of motor vehicles currently operating on the road that were registered before 2008. [15058/13]
  • Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade
    • Semi-State Bodies Remuneration
      To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the total cost to the taxpayer of paying the aggregate fees, salaries and any other remuneration to directors of all State...
    • Gender Proofing of Policies
      To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he will outline the results of the 57th session of the UN Commission on the Status of Women held earlier this month; the...
    • Citizenship Applications
      To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if consular or other assistance will be provided to a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter....
    • Passport Application Numbers
      To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the number of Irish passport applications that have been processed in Northern Ireland in the past three years; and if he will...
    • Nuclear Proliferation
      To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade noting on 10th Anniversary of the war and occupation of Iraq based on false claims that Iraq possessed weapons of mass...
    • Ministerial Transport
      To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the full cost of Ministerial transport and the breakdown of this cost between salaries, mileage allowance and other travel...
    • Northern Ireland Marching Season
      To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade his views on whether the Parades Commission remit should be expanded; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10972/13]
    • Northern Ireland Issues
      To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the progress he and his officials are making with the proposed Bill of Rights for Northern Ireland as provided for in the Good...
    • Official Engagements
      To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he has met the new United States Secretary of State, John Kerry. [12510/13]
  • Department of Finance
    • Mortgage Resolution Processes
      To ask the Minister for Finance the reason certain banks operating in Ireland are covered by the recent announcement dealing with the restructuring of mortgages; if he intends to address this...
    • Property Taxation Application
      To ask the Minister for Finance if he will explain his decision in making a local authority shared ownership homeowner liable for the full cost of the property tax when they are paying a rental...
    • Property Taxation Collection
      To ask the Minister for Finance the projected amount of property tax that will be collected in the Dublin City Council administrative area; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15386/13]
    • Carbon Tax Implementation
      To ask the Minister for Finance if carbon taxes will be applied to firelighters and other ignition products; if he, his Department or Revenue have held discussions with the Solid Fuel Trade Group...
    • Tax Code
      To ask the Minister for Finance his views on the criteria used by Revenue to determine if a person engaged in work for one organisation is an employee of that organisation or qualifies...
    • Property Taxation Application
      To ask the Minister for Finance if he will defer the introduction of the local property tax and amend it to include an ability to pay clause; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15456/13]
    • Redundancy Payments
      To ask the Minister for Finance if he intends to engage in further discussions with Irish Bank Resolution Corporation employees regarding redundancy payments. [15459/13]
    • NAMA Staff Employment History
      To ask the Minister for Finance the total number of members of the Board and Management Team of the National Assets Management Agency, with data separated between the Republic of Ireland and...
    • NAMA Portfolio Issues
      To ask the Minister for Finance if his attention has been drawn to the practice of the National Assets Management Agency requiring the appointment of independent consultants or non-Executive...
    • Property Taxation Collection
      To ask the Minister for Finance the reason a council tenant’s daughter (details supplied) in Dublin 17 has been sent the property tax form when they are not on the tenant agreement; the...
    • Property Taxation Application
      To ask the Minister for Finance if he will clarify a statement he made that the liability date for local property tax from 2014 will be 1 November in the preceding year; if that means persons who...
    • IBRC Account Holders
      To ask the Minister for Finance if his attention has been drawn to the fact that the liquidation of the Irish Bank Resolution Corporation has an apparently unintended consequence for up to five...
    • Property Taxation Collection
      To ask the Minister for Finance if he will ensure that Revenue change their local property tax registration form to include the option for full payment in cash in order to avoid confusion amongst...
    • Proposed Legislation
      To ask the Minister for Finance the time frame for the publication and the enactment of the legislation promised to establish the investment arm of the National Treasury Management Agency on a...
    • Property Taxation Exemptions
      To ask the Minister for Finance the exemptions that are in place under the local property tax for people with disabilities; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15664/13]
    • Ministerial Transport
      To ask the Minister for Finance the full cost of Ministerial transport and the breakdown of this cost between salaries, mileage allowance and other travel costs for Ministers and Ministers of...
    • Tax Code
      To ask the Minister for Finance his plans to introduce a duty tax on National Lottery sales. [15713/13]
  • Department of Education and Skills
    • Croke Park Agreement Issues
      To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the income implications of Croke Park 2 for a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15465/13]
    • Third Level Fees
      To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the position regarding college fees in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Dublin [15394/13]
    • Semi-State Bodies Remuneration
      To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the total cost to the taxpayer of paying the aggregate fees, salaries and any other remuneration to directors of all State bodies, to include majority...
    • Special Educational Needs Eligibility
      To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the criteria in order for a pupil to qualify for a special needs assistant in secondary school, who has an SNA in national school and will be starting...
    • Garda Vetting of Personnel
      To ask the Minister for Education and Skills his views on correspondence (details supplied) regarding the need to review and clarify the legal background and advice given regarding the State...
    • Weight of Schoolbags
      To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the efforts being undertaken to reduce the weight of school bags for Irish children which is having an adverse affect on the ability of children to...
    • Special Educational Needs Services Provision
      To ask the Minister for Education and Skills if he will accept that the current arrangements for the allocation of additional teaching hours in our schools discriminates against children with...
    • Student Support Schemes Issues
      To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the number of staff employed directly by Student Universal Support Ireland and the number of staff employed by other companies carrying out...
    • Student Grant Scheme Applications
      To ask the Minister for Education and Skills if he will provide details of Government Departments and agencies which Student Universal Support Ireland have reached agreement with in relation to...
    • Student Grant Scheme Expenditure
      To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the budget allocated to Student Universal Support Ireland for administering student grants for 2012 /13 academic year; if it is projected that this...
    • Student Support Schemes Issues
      To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the way Abtran were to be paid for their role in administering 2012/13 student grants; if there was a fee per student, per document received or per...
    • Student Grant Scheme Applications
      To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the number of students whose grant applications have been awarded, refused, paid, awarded and awaiting payment, and awaiting further documentation;...
    • Student Grant Scheme Payments
      To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the number of appeals which have been decided by Student Universal Support Ireland; the percentage success rate; the average length of time of appeal...
    • Student Support Schemes Issues
      To ask the Minister for Education and Skills if his Department were asked for a report on the performance of Abtran in the administration of Student Universal Support Ireland grants as part of...
    • Student Grant Scheme Design
      To ask the Minister for Education and Skills when he will publish the student grant scheme for 2013/14; if Student Universal Support Ireland have requested him to publish the scheme by a certain...
    • Student Grant Scheme Reform
      To ask the Minister for Education and Skills if he will provide details of the review carried out by Student Universal Support Ireland into the administration of student grants this year; the...
    • Student Grant Scheme Design
      To ask the Minister for Education and Skills if he will provide details of the way the decision to award the administration of student grants to Student Universal Support Ireland was made in...
    • Schools Building Projects Status
      To ask the Minister for Education and Skills if he will confirm the date for the appointment of a design for a new school building (details supplied). [15637/13]
    • Departmental Reports
      To ask the Minister for Education and Skills when the value for money report on two teacher schools will be published; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15645/13]
    • Ministerial Transport
      To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the full cost of Ministerial transport and the breakdown of this cost between salaries, mileage allowance and other travel costs for Ministers and...
    • School Staffing
      To ask the Minister for Education and Skills if he will sanction an application for a second teacher by board of management at a school (details supplied) in County Kerry; and if he will make a...
    • Student Grant Scheme Delays
      To ask the Minister for Education and Skills if she will provide in tabular form the shortest, longest and average waiting time yearly between 2006 and 2012 for student grant applications. [15702/13]
    • Teachers' Remuneration
      To ask the Minister for Education and Skills if he will provide all circulars issued to primary and secondary schools in 2012 relating to the payment of allowances to teachers. [15715/13]
    • Nursing Education
      To ask the Minister for Education and Skills when young student nurses are going on to their next year and seeking grant assistance from his Department, the reason for such a short period of...
  • Department of Public Expenditure and Reform
    • Proposed Legislation
      To ask the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if he is considering including the natural environment as a category for financial support in the upcoming National Lotteries Bill. [15638/13]
    • Semi-State Bodies Remuneration
      To ask the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the total cost to the taxpayer of paying the aggregate fees, salaries and any other remuneration to directors of all State bodies, to include...
    • Croke Park Agreement Issues
      To ask the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if he has finalised all negotiation with unions with regard to Croke Park 2, or if he intends re-engaging with those who removed themselves...
    • Garda Stations Refurbishment
      To ask the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the total cost of property maintenance of Garda stations owned the Office of Public Works on a station basis for 2012. [15442/13]
    • Ministerial Transport
      To ask the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the full cost of Ministerial transport and the breakdown of this cost between salaries, mileage allowance and other travel costs for...
    • National Lottery Issues
      To ask the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the measures he will put in place to ensure an alignment of interests between good cause beneficiaries and the new operators within the new...
    • Public Sector Allowances
      To ask the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform following his Departments review of public sector allowances in 2011, if he will provide a list of the allowances currently under review; if...
    • Public Sector Remuneration
      To ask the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform further to Parliamentary Question No. 249 of 12 March 2013, if he will provide a reconciliation between the 0% change he claims will occur to...
    • Public Private Partnership Contracts
      To ask the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if he will provide a list of public sector PPP project contracts that include a provision for payments by the State to the operator to be...
  • Department of Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation
    • Semi-State Bodies Remuneration
      To ask the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation the total cost to the taxpayer of paying the aggregate fees, salaries and any other remuneration to directors of all State bodies, to...
    • IDA Grants
      To ask the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation the amount of grants paid by the Industrial Development Authority to companies (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the...
    • Ministerial Transport
      To ask the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation the full cost of Ministerial transport and the breakdown of this cost between salaries, mileage allowance and other travel costs for...
  • Department of Social Protection
    • Rent Supplement Scheme Appeals
      To ask the Minister for Social Protection the position regarding an appeal of rent allowance in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Donegal and when a decision will be made on same....
    • Semi-State Bodies Remuneration
      To ask the Minister for Social Protection the total cost to the taxpayer of paying the aggregate fees, salaries and any other remuneration to directors of all State bodies, to include majority...
    • Jobseeker's Allowance Payments
      To ask the Minister for Social Protection further to Parliamentary Question No. 312 of 20 March 2013, if entitlement to arrears in respect of an application for jobseeker's allowance in the case...
    • Bereavement Grant Eligibility
      To ask the Minister for Social Protection the position in relation to a person in receipt of a disability payment from the UK who has passed away but did not qualify for the bereavement grant as...
    • Rural Social Scheme
      To ask the Minister for Social Protection further to Parliamentary Question Nos. 141 and 142 of 28 February 2013, the reason a person (details supplied) is not in receipt of a rural social scheme...
    • Carer's Allowance Appeals
      To ask the Minister for Social Protection the position regarding carer's allowance in respect of persons (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [15488/13]
    • Invalidity Pension Appeals
      To ask the Minister for Social Protection if she will reappraise the refusal of an appeal, made by a person (details supplied) in County Cork for invalidity pension; and if she will make a...
    • Mortgage Interest Supplement Application Numbers
      To ask the Minister for Social Protection the number of applications received for mortgage interest supplement on a county basis for the periods 1 July to 31 September 2012 and 1 January 2013 to...
    • Rent Supplement Scheme Administration
      To ask the Minister for Social Protection if any precedent of civil liability has attached to her Department or the Community Welfare Service, for loss or damages arising from tenancy contracts...
    • Mortgage Interest Supplement Payments
      To ask the Minister for Social Protection the reason the mortgage supplement relief was reduced in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Meath ; if she will review this decision; and...
    • Public Sector Staff Redeployment
      To ask the Minister for Social Protection if an offer for employees of FÁS to transfer to her Department was made; if so, if it is still on the table; the current situation in relation to...
    • Live Register Numbers
      To ask the Minister for Social Protection her plans to tackle the large number of non Irish citizens on the live register in view of the fact that nearly one in five persons on the live register...
    • Invalidity Pension Appeals
      To ask the Minister for Social Protection further to Parliamentary Question No. 301 of 15 May 2012, if she or her Department will facilitate a late appeal in respect of the refusal of an...
    • Ministerial Transport
      To ask the Minister for Social Protection the full cost of Ministerial transport and the breakdown of this cost between salaries, mileage allowance and other travel costs for Ministers and...
    • Family Income Supplement Application Numbers
      To ask the Minister for Social Protection if he will provide in tabular form the shortest, longest and average waiting time yearly between 2006 and 2012 for family income support applications....
    • Disability Allowance Application Numbers
      To ask the Minister for Social Protection if she will provide in tabular form the shortest, longest and average waiting time yearly between 2006 and 2012 for disability allowance applications....
    • Carer's Allowance Application Numbers
      To ask the Minister for Social Protection if she will provide in tabular form the shortest, longest and average waiting time yearly between 2006 and 2012 for carer’s allowance...
  • Department of Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht
    • Architectural Heritage
      To ask the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht if there is funding available for heritage/conservation grants of non public buildings for 2013; the allocation for each county; when...
    • Wildlife Protection
      To ask the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the current cut off date for the burning of scrub and gorse in the Cooley mountains; if the same rules apply in other areas; if he has...
    • Semi-State Bodies Remuneration
      To ask the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the total cost to the taxpayer of paying the aggregate fees, salaries and any other remuneration to directors of all State bodies, to...
    • Ministerial Transport
      To ask the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the full cost of Ministerial transport and the breakdown of this cost between salaries, mileage allowance and other travel costs for...
    • Arts Funding
      To ask the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht if he will examine the adjustification process whereby an organisation (details supplied) in County Kerry was refused a grant by the Arts...
  • Department of Communications, Energy and Natural Resources
    • Energy Schemes
      To ask the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the effect the revision to the grant aid, available under the better energy home scheme, has had on the actual number of...
    • State Agencies
      To ask the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the total cost to the taxpayer of paying the aggregate fees, salaries and any other remuneration to directors of all State...
    • Professional Registration
      To ask the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if he will address genuine concerns raised in correspondence (details supplied) regarding the registration of oil technicians...
    • Energy Regulation
      To ask the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if his attention has been drawn to the difficulty associated with persons obtaining large deposits for electricity companies...
    • Postal Services
      To ask the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources when will detailed postal codes be introduced here; and the reason for the delay. [15566/13]
    • Ministerial Transport
      To ask the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the full cost of Ministerial transport and the breakdown of this cost between salaries, mileage allowance and other travel...
    • Energy Schemes
      To ask the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if he will provide an annual breakdown of the €350 million this and previous Governments have invested of Exchequer...
  • Department of Environment, Community and Local Government
    • Motor Tax Collection
      To ask the Minister for Environment, Community and Local Government if he will provide the total revenue generated in respect of each of the motor tax vehicle emissions bands in each year since...
    • Property Taxation Collection
      To ask the Minister for Environment, Community and Local Government if Dublin City Council will retain 80% of the property tax that will be collected in their administrative area; and if he will...
    • Local Authority Funding
      To ask the Minister for Environment, Community and Local Government the planned and previous reductions in Government contributions to ongoing funding of local authorities from 2011 to date in...
    • Motor Tax Collection
      To ask the Minister for Environment, Community and Local Government if he will provide the estimated income which is intended to be derived from each of the new engine capacity bands as set out...
    • Property Taxation Exemptions
      To ask the Minister for Environment, Community and Local Government the criteria that was applied to decide if estates are eligible for a waiver for the local property tax; and if he will make a...
    • Motor Tax Collection
      To ask the Minister for Environment, Community and Local Government if he will provide in tabular form for the years 2003 to 2012, the number of vehicles taxed for three months, six months and 12...
    • Property Taxation Exemptions
      To ask the Minister for Environment, Community and Local Government when local authorities in County Cork will be taking possession of housing estates that were exempt from the household charge...
    • Semi-State Bodies Remuneration
      To ask the Minister for Environment, Community and Local Government the total cost to the taxpayer of paying the aggregate fees, salaries and any other remuneration to directors of all State...
    • Traveller Accommodation
      To ask the Minister for Environment, Community and Local Government the funding available for traveller accommodation in Counties Carlow and Kilkenny in 2013. [15435/13]
    • Homeless Persons Supports
      To ask the Minister for Environment, Community and Local Government if he will detail the total amount in Section 10 and any other funding for homeless services made available to each local...
    • Water and Sewerage Schemes Provision
      To ask the Minister for Environment, Community and Local Government if he will list each project in the water service investment programme that had been given approval to go to tender; the date...
    • Motor Tax Collection
      To ask the Minister for Environment, Community and Local Government if statistics are available in relation to the number of cars taxed in each local authority area in 2012 that were first...
    • Planning Issues
      To ask the Minister for Environment, Community and Local Government the steps being taken to enforce the regulation that all telecommunication lines have to have a clearance of 22 feet over the...
  • Department of Justice and Equality
    • Proposed Legislation
      To ask the Minister for Justice and Equality the steps being taken and legislation planned to make it more difficult for crime gangs to be involved in illegal activity involving smuggling,...
  • Department of Environment, Community and Local Government
    • Water and Sewerage Schemes Provision
      To ask the Minister for Environment, Community and Local Government the position regarding a project (details supplied) in County Wicklow; the immediate timeframe for the stages of this project;...
    • Commercial Rates Calculations
      To ask the Minister for Environment, Community and Local Government if he has considered any plans to revise the criteria and system on which commercial levies are based; and if he will make a...
    • Remedial Works Schemes
      To ask the Minister for Environment, Community and Local Government if he will advise on the up-to-date position of Phase 3 of the Mullaghmatt Remedial Scheme, Monaghan town; if all the obstacles...
    • Water Meters
      To ask the Minister for Environment, Community and Local Government the way persons (details supplied) who are currently on the dole apply for positions under the water metering programme; and if...
    • Property Taxation Exemptions
      To ask the Minister for Environment, Community and Local Government if he will provide information on the number of households in unfinished estates in County Tipperary that are exempt from the...
    • Ministerial Transport
      To ask the Minister for Environment, Community and Local Government the full cost of Ministerial transport and the breakdown of this cost between salaries, mileage allowance and other travel...
    • Role of Local Development Companies
      To ask the Minister for Environment, Community and Local Government the position regarding local development companies (details supplied) in County Kerry; and if he will make a statement on the...
    • Local Government Reform
      To ask the Minister for Environment, Community and Local Government if he will retain the core functions and governance of town councils in any reforms of local authorities which would take into...
    • Rental Accommodation Scheme Criteria
      To ask the Minister for Environment, Community and Local Government if he will provide all circulars issued by his Department to local authorities regarding the operation of the rental...
  • Department of Justice and Equality
    • Asylum Seeker Accommodation
      To ask the Minister for Justice and Equality if he will confirm the number of families in direct provision who have been allocated a single room. [15727/13]
    • Asylum Support Services
      To ask the Minister for Justice and Equality his Department's decision to opt out of Council Directive 2003/9/EC which sets down minimum standards for the reception of asylum seekers ensuring the...
    • Asylum Seeker Accommodation
      To ask the Minister for Justice and Equality the number of asylum seekers in direct provision that have died year on year between 2005 and 2012; and cause of death in each instance. [15731/13]
    • Prisoner Releases
      To ask the Minister for Justice and Equality the total cost incurred by the Prison Service of a visit (details supplied) in County Roscommon; if he will provide a breakdown of the costs; the...
    • Proposed Legislation
      To ask the Minister for Justice and Equality the steps being taken and legislation planned to make it more difficult for crime gangs to be involved in illegal activity involving smuggling,...
    • Semi-State Bodies Remuneration
      To ask the Minister for Justice and Equality the total cost to the taxpayer of paying the aggregate fees, salaries and any other remuneration to directors of all State bodies, to include majority...
    • Residency Permits
      To ask the Minister for Justice and Equality the progress to date in respect of determination of application for residency status in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Cork; and if...
    • Garda Transport
      To ask the Minister for Justice and Equality the amount of money spent annually on taxi services by an Garda Síochána in each region over the past two years, 2011 and 2012. [15436/13]
    • Garda Reserve
      To ask the Minister for Justice and Equality if he intends resurrecting the Reserve Garda Force in order that their hours may be used at more beneficial times, such as St. Patrick's Day parades...
    • Garda Stations Refurbishment
      To ask the Minister for Justice and Equality the number of Garda stations under the ownership of his Department; the number under the ownership of the Office of Public Works; and if any are owned...
    • Ministerial Transport
      To ask the Minister for Justice and Equality arising from the Government decision in 2011 not to provide State cars for Ministers and other senior and retired persons, the number of cars that...
    • Gambling Legislation
      To ask the Minister for Justice and Equality the methods that will be used to identify and protect minors in relation to gambling issues; the number of Gardai inspections that have taken place...
    • Naturalisation Applications
      To ask the Minister for Justice and Equality the position regarding a naturalisation application in respect of a person (details supplied); the current processing times for such applications;...
    • Citizenship Applications
      To ask the Minister for Justice and Equality the way a person (details supplied) with dual citizenship may apply for Irish citizenship; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15504/13]
    • Legal Aid Applications
      To ask the Minister for Justice and Equality if he will investigate the way a person (details supplied) in County Kerry was refused free legal aid when their spouse qualified for legal aid with...
    • Ministerial Transport
      To ask the Minister for Justice and Equality the full cost of Ministerial transport and the breakdown of this cost between salaries, mileage allowance and other travel costs for Ministers and...
    • Unaccompanied Minors and Separated Children
      To ask the Minister for Justice and Equality the number of separated children seeking asylum here that have gone missing on a yearly basis between 2005 and 2012; and the number of these childrens...
    • Asylum Support Services
      To ask the Minister for Justice and Equality the number of women in direct provision who have reported incidents of domestic violence on a yearly basis between 2005 and 2012. [15722/13]
    • Departmental Contracts
      To ask the Minister for Justice and Equality further to Parliamentary Question No. 453 of 12 March 2013, if he will provide the full projected unitary cost of the Criminal Courts of Justice...
  • Department of Defence
    • Semi-State Bodies Remuneration
      To ask the Minister for Defence the total cost to the taxpayer of paying the aggregate fees, salaries and any other remuneration to directors of all State bodies, to include majority State owned...
    • Ministerial Transport
      To ask the Minister for Defence the full cost of Ministerial transport and the breakdown of this cost between salaries, mileage allowance and other travel costs for Ministers and Ministers of...
  • Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine
    • Coillte Teoranta Harvesting Rights Sale
      To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if his attention has been drawn to the concerns regarding the sale of Coillte forests (details supplied); and if he will make a statement...
    • Rural Environment Protection Scheme Payments
      To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine when a REP scheme 4 payment will issue in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Kerry; and if he will make a statement on the...
    • Semi-State Bodies Remuneration
      To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the total cost to the taxpayer of paying the aggregate fees, salaries and any other remuneration to directors of all State bodies, to...
    • Agriculture Schemes Eligibility
      To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the steps and criteria to be followed by a person to apply for entitlements under the national reserve. [15429/13]
    • Forestry Sector
      To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the position regarding Coillte (details supplied); the action being taken to stop the sale of forestry areas since the publication of...
    • Departmental Schemes
      To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine when applications under the equine technical and equine breeding schemes national development Plan 2007 – 2013 will be decided; the...
    • Animal Carcase Disposal
      To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will consider expanding the subsidy for the collection and destruction of Bovine to all ages; and if he will make a statement on the...
    • Commonage Lands
      To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will put measures in place for the gradual restocking of commonages areas; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15628/13]
    • Agri-Environment Options Scheme Payments
      To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine when payment of the agri environment options scheme will issue to a person (details supplied) in County Galway; and if he will make a...
    • Ministerial Transport
      To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the full cost of Ministerial transport and the breakdown of this cost between salaries, mileage allowance and other travel costs for...
  • Department of Children and Youth Affairs
    • Youth Services
      To ask the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the position regarding funding in respect of an organisation (details supplied) in County Wicklow; and if she will make a statement on the...
    • Children in Care
      To ask the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the number of occasions on which the Health Service Executive has offered to take children in direct provision into care, or partial care, in...
    • Semi-State Bodies Remuneration
      To ask the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the total cost to the taxpayer of paying the aggregate fees, salaries and any other remuneration to directors of all State bodies, to include...
    • Youth Services
      To ask the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the reason that funding for Youth Work Ireland, Galway, projects under SPY, YPFSF and YIC have been cut by 10% retrospectively from 1 January...
    • Child Care Costs
      To ask the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs her plans to make child-care universally affordable; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [15646/13]
    • Youth Services
      To ask the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the rationale for removing the administration of funding from Youth Work Ireland National Office to the City of Dublin Youth Service Board; the...
    • Ministerial Transport
      To ask the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the full cost of Ministerial transport and the breakdown of this cost between salaries, mileage allowance and other travel costs for Ministers...
  • Department of Health
    • Medical Card Applications
      To ask the Minister for Health when a person (details supplied) in County Mayo will receive their medical card; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15544/13]
    • Domestic Violence Refuges
      To ask the Minister for Health if he will provide in tabular form the number of women and the number of children refused access to domestic violence refuges yearly from 2006 and 2012. [15711/13]
    • Home Care Packages
      To ask the Minister for Health if he will provide an extensive home care package in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Cork; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15379/13]
    • Primary Care Services
      To ask the Minister for Health the role he envisages for private health insurers in the provision of primary care; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15397/13]
    • Medical Card Applications
      To ask the Minister for Health the position regarding a medical card in respect of a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15398/13]
    • Semi-State Bodies Remuneration
      To ask the Minister for Health the total cost to the taxpayer of paying the aggregate fees, salaries and any other remuneration to directors of all State bodies, to include majority State owned...
    • Hospital Waiting Lists
      To ask the Minister for Health when a person (details supplied) in County Carlow will receive heart surgery [15432/13]
    • Medical Card Applications
      To ask the Minister for Health if he will expedite a medical card application for a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15446/13]
    • Health Services Access
      To ask the Minister for Health the supports available for those with foetal valproate syndrome; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15564/13]
    • Disability Support Service
      To ask the Minister for Health if he will provide an update on the progressing Disability Services for Children and Young People programme by the Health Service Executive for County Kerry; if...
    • Alcohol-Related Illnesses
      To ask the Minister for Health the total figure being spent nationally in treating patients for diseases and illnesses that are attributed to alcohol consumption; if he will provide a county...
    • Alcohol Misuse Programmes
      To ask the Minister for Health if there is a programme in place nationally to educate adults about the dangers of excessive alcohol consumption; and if he will make a statement on the matter....
    • HSE Properties
      To ask the Minister for Health if the Health Service Executive is continuing to pay rent for a premises (details supplied) in County Dublin despite the discontinuation of the service there; and...
    • Hospital Accommodation Provision
      To ask the Minister for Health if a respite care bed will be provided to a person (details supplied) in County Kerry in a Community Hospital; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15654/13]
    • Ministerial Transport
      To ask the Minister for Health the full cost of Ministerial transport and the breakdown of this cost between salaries, mileage allowance and other travel costs for Ministers and Ministers of...
    • Medical Card Applications
      To ask the Minister for Health the position regarding a medical card in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Kerry and if he will expedite the matter [15684/13]
    • Suicide Prevention
      To ask the Minister for Health his views on correspondence (details supplied) regarding suicide legislation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15690/13]
    • Medical Card Applications
      To ask the Minister for Health if she will provide in tabular form the shortest, longest and average waiting time yearly between 2006 and 2012 for medical card applications. [15700/13]
    • Speech and Language Therapy
      To ask the Minister for Health he number of children who are waiting over three months, six months, nine months and twelve months to be assessed by the Health Service Executive for speech therapy...
    • Hearing Impairment Assessments
      To ask the Minister for Health the number of children who are waiting over three months, six months, nine months and twelve months to be assessed by the Health Service Executive for a hearing...
    • Mental Health Services Provision
      To ask the Minister for Health the number of children who are waiting over three months, six months, nine months and twelve months to attend Health Service Executive provided counselling...
    • Speech and Language Therapy
      To ask the Minister for Health when a person (details supplied) will be assessed for their speech impediment treatment by the Health Service Executive, and if he is satisfied with current waiting...
    • Asylum Support Services
      To ask the Minister for Health the medical and psychological services offered to men, women and children housed in direct provision centres. [15726/13]
    • Suicide Prevention
      To ask the Minister for Health in view of the fact that there have been 27 suicides in the past 20 days, if he has given serious consideration to setting up an organisation such as the Road...
  • Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport
    • Driving Licence Issues
      To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his views on the risk to jobs posed by changes to driving licences and the subsequent impact on retail photographic ID providers; and if he...
    • State Bodies Remuneration
      To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the total cost to the taxpayer of paying the aggregate fees, salaries and any other remuneration to directors of all State bodies, to include...
    • Taxi Regulations
      To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the reason a number of taxi drivers have not registered on the driver check app despite the National Transport Authorities completion date of...
    • Tourist Accommodation
      To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the extent to which hotel bed accommodation fluctuated in each of the past five years to date; the degree to which future requirements are...
    • Tourism Promotion
      To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the extent to which the interlinking of air transport and tourism facilities can be achieved with a view to maximising potential growth of the...
    • Abbey Theatre
      To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will to outline the mission statement of his Department in respect of Tourism, Transport and Sport; and if he will make a statement on...
    • Ferry Operations
      To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the extent to which existing ferry services are adequate to meet demand; his preferred options for the future in this regard; and if he will...
    • Tourism Promotion
      To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the extent to which it is planned to maximise opportunities for tourism and the promotion of the national image through sport and sporting...
    • Air Services Provision
      To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his preferred options for the future development of Ireland as an international hub for air transport; the extent to which he expects the...
    • State Airports
      To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the extent to which he and his Department continue to monitor passenger volumes at the various national, international and regional airports...
    • Tourism Promotion
      To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his plans to develop winter tourism here; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15642/13]
    • Road Maintenance
      To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his plans to reward local authorities that are less dependent on central Government funding for road maintenance and repair. [15643/13]
    • Tourism Promotion
      To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if recent State initiatives to develop winter tourism has yielded positive results; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15644/13]
    • Ministerial Transport
      To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the full cost of Ministerial transport and the breakdown of this cost between salaries, mileage allowance and other travel costs for Ministers...
    • Road Improvement Schemes
      To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will provide special grant to widen and provide ancillary services, footpath and lighting to the road from Ballyspillane Industrial...