Written answers

Thursday, 27 June 2013

  • Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport
    • Tourism Policy
      10. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will outline the major issues that he will seek to address within his proposed new tourism policy; and the way members of the...
    • VAT Rates Application
      11. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will seek to extend the 9% VAT rate for tourist related economic services; if there is ample evidence to suggest that the reduced...
    • Semi-State Bodies Annual Reports
      12. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his views on the current financial position of CIÉ; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31073/13]
    • Light Rail Projects Status
      13. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the progress being achieved in the development of the LUAS cross city project. [30936/13]
    • Rugby World Cup Bid
      14. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the actions, if any, he has taken to advance the IRFU's bid for the Rugby World Cup in 2023 or 2027; and if he will make a statement on...
    • Tourism Promotion
      15. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his plans to further promote the cruise ship tourism sector here; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31068/13]
    • State Airports
      17. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the position regarding the legislation to merge Shannon Airport and Shannon Development; and if he will make a statement on the matter....
    • Public Transport Initiatives
      18. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his plans to work with LUAS to allow for passengers to bring their bikes on board at off-peak times and to generally encourage...
    • Air Services Provision
      19. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his preferred options for the future development and control and shareholding in Aer Lingus; the extent to which it is envisaged that...
    • Sports Funding
      20. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will provide a breakdown of the way the €43.798 million allocated to the Irish Sports Council in 2013 is to be spent; and if...
    • Road Network
      21. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the position regarding the Tralee by-pass, County Kerry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31040/13]
    • Cycling Facilities
      24. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he has considered redeveloping the toll paths along the Royal and Grand canals, including their branches, to allow for a cycle path/...
    • North-South Ministerial Council
      25. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will provide details of the agenda for the North/South Ministerial Council meeting to be held on 26 June in Armagh; if he will also...
    • Public Transport Provision
      26. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will report on his Department's plans to recommend improved transport provision to and from Dublin Airport across the Northside of...
    • Sports Capital Programme Applications
      28. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport when he intends to seek applications for the next round of applications for the Sports Capital Programme; and if he will make a statement...
    • Road Safety Issues
      31. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his priorities for improving road safety. [30906/13]
    • National Roads Authority Expenditure
      32. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport following the report from the National Roads Authority regarding the volume of traffic on the M50 and the recent media speculation on the...
    • State Airports
      33. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport when the most recent safety consultation was conducted at Shannon Airport; if military operations were included in its assessments; and if...
    • Semi-State Bodies Dividends
      38. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will provide detail of his efforts to ensure that all commercial semi-State companies under his Department's remit pay dividends to...
    • Road Projects Issues
      39. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will seek an urgent meeting with the Northern Ireland Executive to discuss the future of the A5 road project following...
    • Industrial Relations Issues
      40. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his views on the Labour Relations Commission recommendation that Dublin Bus drivers’ overtime and holiday payments be cut, as well...
    • Public Transport Initiatives
      42. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his plans to convert the Dublin Bus and Bus Éireann fleet to use low carbon and sustainable energy sources such as electric, LPG or...
    • Road Traffic Offences
      43. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the measures both in legislative and policy terms to tackle the problem of hit and run accidents, particularly those where there are...
    • Tourism Promotion
      44. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his plans to support Loop Head tourism in view of the fact that the Loop Head Peninsula, County Clare, was recently voted the overall...
    • Rail Network
      49. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his plans for the improvement and expansion of the State's rail network; and his plans to resist moves by the EU to encourage State's to...
    • Rail Services
      50. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if his attention has been drawn to the fact that automated ticket machines for LUAS and Iarnród Éireann services have been...
    • Road Toll Operators
      52. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport further to Parliamentary Questions No. 216 and 708 his views regarding the replies furnished by the National Roads Authority,regarding the...
    • Cycling Facilities
      53. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his plans to support the Boyne Greenway Initiative which will run from the source of the Boyne to the estuary and which has the potential...
    • Integrated Ticketing
      54. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his plans to incorporate the Dublin Bikes scheme into the Leap card system further linking transport options in Dublin City. [31028/13]
    • Sports Capital Programme Applications
      59. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will consider allowing local authorities whose applications for funding under the Sports Capital Programme 2012 were deemed...
    • Tourism Promotion
      61. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport further to Parliamentary Question No. 161 of 18 June 2013 regarding visitor numbers to Glendalough in County Wicklow, if in view of the...
    • Marine Safety
      63. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the steps he is taking to improve maritime safety. [31079/13]
    • Coast Guard Station Closures
      64. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his plans, if any, to reduce staffing levels and remove services at Malin Head Coastguard Station, County Donegal; his plans to deal with...
    • Public Bike Schemes
      65. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the reason for the limited expansion of the Dublin Bike scheme into the northside of Dublin city in view of the large increase on already...
    • Sports Facilities Provision
      68. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport when he expects to publish the final draft of the National Sports Facilities Strategy; and if he will make a statement on the matter....
    • Peace and Reconciliation Programme
      69. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will provide details of the project that will benefit from Peace/INTERREG funds 2012/13; and if he will make a statement on the...
    • Strategic Infrastructures Fund
      72. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will have access to funding from the Strategic Infrastructures Fund for projects which will have a positive cost benefit to the...
  • Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade
    • Diplomatic Representation Issues
      73. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the parameters and discussions held in the meeting held recently between the Bulgarian Foreign Minister Kristian Vigenin...
    • Shorter Working Year Scheme
      74. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the number of staff in his Department who availed of term time in 2012; the average duration of such in 2012; the number...
    • Departmental Staff Training
      76. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the number of staff in his Department who availed of study or training leave in 2012; the average duration of such leave;...
    • European Court of Human Rights Nominations
      78. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade further to Parliamentary Question No. 61 of 18 June 2013, if he will outline the lists of three candidates that Ireland has...
    • Passports for Investment Scheme
      79. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if a decision has been made on an application for a investment visa in respect of a person (details supplied) in County...
    • Northern Ireland Issues
      80. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he will outline the most recent discussions he has had with the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland and with Members...
    • Departmental Staff Recruitment
      81. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he has received any request from Irish embassies seeking permission to employ additional staff during the period from 1...
    • European Council Meetings
      82. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the outcomes of the Foreign Affairs Council that took place in Luxembourg on 24 June 2013; and if he will make a statement...
    • Diplomatic Representation Issues
      84. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the rationale for the appointment of a new Honorary Consul for Kazakhstan in Almaty, in view of the fact that his...
    • Departmental Staff Redeployment
      86. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the number of officials that have been seconded from his Department, including Irish Aid, to other Government Departments,...
  • Department of Finance
    • VAT Exemptions
      87. To ask the Minister for Finance in view of the decision of the British Government not to impose VAT on debt management or insolvency services, in line with EU law on VAT, if VAT will be...
    • Vehicle Registration Issues
      88. To ask the Minister for Finance the number of test centres in County Donegal that cater for VRT for the change-over and registration for vehicles that are purchased in Northern Ireland; and...
    • Fuel Prices
      90. To ask the Minister for Finance the extent to which he continues to engage with the road haulage representatives in the context of the extent to which high fuel prices here place the industry...
    • Disabled Drivers Grant Eligibility
      91. To ask the Minister for Finance the reason the condition of phocomelia is not covered for a primary medical certificate; the options available to a person (details supplied) in County Louth...
    • Departmental Staff Numbers
      92. To ask the Minister for Finance the number of staff in his Department who availed of term time in 2012; the average duration of such in 2012; the number that will do so in 2013; and if he...
    • Departmental Staff Training
      94. To ask the Minister for Finance the number of staff in his Department who availed of study or training leave in 2012; the average duration of such leave; if all staff availing of this leave...
    • VAT Rates Reductions
      96. To ask the Minister for Finance the cost to the Exchequer of reducing the rate of value added tax from 23% by 1.5%; his plans to reduce the higher rate of VAT in Budget 2014. [31298/13]
    • VAT Rebates
      97. To ask the Minister for Finance if he will expedite a VAT refund payment on a specially adapted car in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Kerry; and if he will make a statement...
    • Pensions Levy Issues
      98. To ask the Minister for Finance if he is honouring the commitment that the pension levy would not be extended beyond 2014. [31324/13]
    • Tracker Mortgage Numbers
      100. To ask the Minister for Finance the number of mortgage holders that are on tracker mortgages and the number by institution in both absolute and as a percentage of their total mortgages....
    • Tax Code
      101. To ask the Minister for Finance if Revenue will confirm that a person (details supplied) in County Kerry will qualify for retirement relief in respect of their share of the land which they...
    • VAT Rates Application
      102. To ask the Minister for Finance further to Parliamentary Question No.86 of 20 June 2013, and his contention that he is unable to amend VAT rules to deal with the loss of VAT associated with...
    • Property Taxation Data
      103. To ask the Minister for Finance the number of properties valued for the local property tax at greater than €1m, the total amount that will be raised from properties valued at in...
  • Department of Education and Skills
    • Special Educational Needs Services Provision
      105. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills if he will not cut resource hours services to children with special needs in September. [31182/13]
    • Schools Building Projects Status
      106. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills if he will provide an update on plans for a second level school (details supplied) in Dublin 24, detailing the schedule being followed; if he...
    • Schools Administration
      107. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills if he will provide clarity on voluntary fees sought by schools from parents and students in school and registration fees and re-registration...
    • School Enrolments
      108. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills if he will enable a school (details supplied) to recruit an additional teacher next year, which is absolutely vital in view of the fact that 31...
    • Third Level Fees
      109. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the options available for Irish students to reasonably fund postgraduate courses in the UK in view of the fact that many Irish banks will not...
    • Departmental Staff Numbers
      110. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the number of staff in his Department who availed of term time in 2012; the average duration of such in 2012; the number that will do so in 2013;...
    • Student Grant Scheme Payments
      111. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills if a Student Universal Support Ireland grant will be paid to a person (details supplied). [31214/13]
    • Departmental Agencies Staff Numbers
      112. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the number of staff in organisations or agencies under the aegis of his Department who availed of term time in 2012; the average duration of such...
    • Departmental Staff Training
      113. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the number of staff in his Department who availed of study or training leave in 2012; the average duration of such leave; if all staff availing...
    • Special Educational Needs Staffing
      114. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the reason the National Council for Special Education took three months from the March closing date for applications in respect of special needs...
    • Student Grant Scheme Appeals
      116. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the position regarding an appeal of an application for higher education grant in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare whose...
    • Special Educational Needs Staffing
      117. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills if he will provide in tabular form a breakdown by county of the number of learning support teachers posts; the number of resource teacher posts,...
    • Special Educational Needs Services Provision
      118. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills if the maximum 40 hours of home base July provision will be provided to persons (details supplied) in a family in County Kerry; and if he will...
    • FÁS Local Training Initiatives Places
      119. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills if more Solas places for Java training in County Kerry will be provided; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31287/13]
    • Student Grant Scheme Representations
      120. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills his views on correspondence (details supplied) regarding student grants; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31292/13]
    • Student Assistance Fund
      121. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills his views on correspondence (details supplied) regarding the student assistance fund; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31293/13]
    • Back to Education Allowance Eligibility
      122. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the funding options available to a person (details supplied) in County Kildare who wishes to pursue a level 7 course and who is in receipt of...
    • Special Educational Needs Services Provision
      123. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the guidelines that exist in relation to the time it takes for the preparation and implementation of individual education plans at the beginning...
    • Third Level Partnerships
      124. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills if he will provide details of the recent signing of a memorandum of understanding on a research and student exchange agreement in Dublin between...
    • Special Educational Needs Services Provision
      125. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills if he or any of his officials attended a recent cross party briefing on the subject of his Department's policy with regard to applied behaviour...
    • School Accommodation
      126. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills if officials from his Department have met representatives of a board of management of a school (details supplied) in County Wicklow regarding...
    • Teaching Qualifications
      127. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills if schools have the discretion to allocate resource hours to teachers who have no specialised training for teaching children with special...
    • Emergency Works Scheme Appeals
      130. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills if he will facilitate an application from a school (details supplied) in County Clare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31363/13]
    • School Transport Eligibility
      131. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills if he will prioritise the re-routing of a bus that brings children to a school (details supplied) in County Kerry and that services the Kilsarcon...
    • University Libraries
      132. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills further to Parliamentary Question No. 144 of 18 June, 2013 if he will acknowledge the conceivability of a publicly-funded university determining...
    • Higher Education Courses Applications
      133. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills if he will review the case of a special needs assistant (details suppled in Co. Kildare) who needs to take time off from their contract for study...
    • Student Grant Scheme Eligibility
      134. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills if a student who was classed as a dependant mature student for the academic year 2012/13 and did not qualify for a grant under the student grant...
  • Department of Public Expenditure and Reform
    • Departmental Staff Numbers
      136. To ask the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the number of staff in his Department who availed of term time in 2012; the average duration of such in 2012; the number that will do so...
    • Departmental Staff Training
      138. To ask the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the number of staff in his Department who availed of study or training leave in 2012; the average duration of such leave; if all staff...
    • Pension Provisions
      140. To ask the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if it is his intention to abolish the pension related deduction from 2014. [31325/13]
    • Proposed Legislation
      142. To ask the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform further to Parliamentary Questions Nos. 142 of the 16 May 2013 and 67 of 23 May 2013, if he will clarify that the Houses of the...
    • Commercial Rates Issues
      143. To ask the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if his attention has been drawn to the massive increases in commercial rates due to be levied on businesses in County Waterford on foot...
  • Department of Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation
    • Microfinance Loan Fund
      144. To ask the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation the number of applications the micro finance loan fund received since it was started; the number of loans that have been awarded; the...
    • Departmental Staff Numbers
      145. To ask the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation the number of staff in his Department who availed of term time in 2012; the average duration of such in 2012; the number that will do...
    • Departmental Staff Training
      147. To ask the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation the number of staff in his Department who availed of study or training leave in 2012; the average duration of such leave; if all staff...
    • Groceries Order
      149. To ask the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation his plans to reintroduce the groceries order to prevent below cost selling of all alcohol products. [31368/13]
    • Job Initiatives
      150. To ask the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation if he will consider establishing a north-east forum in order to encourage Industrial Development Agency investment in the border area...
  • Department of Social Protection
    • Child Benefit Payments
      151. To ask the Minister for Social Protection if and when arrears of a child benefit claim will issue to a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if she will make a statement on the...
    • Social Insurance Rates
      152. To ask the Minister for Social Protection if he will provide in tabular form the yield or estimate yield from raising the employers' low rate of PRSI of 4.25% to 8.5% and 10.75%; and if she...
    • Community Employment Schemes Review
      153. To ask the Minister for Social Protection if her attention has been drawn to the ongoing difficulties being experienced by a project (details supplied) in Dublin 1; if she is aware that...
    • Departmental Staff Numbers
      154. To ask the Minister for Social Protection the number of staff in her Department who availed of term time in 2012; the average duration of such in 2012; the number that will do so in 2013;...
    • Departmental Staff Training
      156. To ask the Minister for Social Protection the number of staff in her Department who availed of study or training leave in 2012; the average duration of such leave; if all staff availing of...
    • Carer's Allowance Appeals
      158. To ask the Minister for Social Protection if a decision has been made on an appeal of a decision on a carer's allowance application in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Kerry;...
    • Carer's Allowance Applications
      159. To ask the Minister for Social Protection if any third party documentation, other than the documentation submitted by the applicant or by my office on their behalf, was received by her...
    • Domiciliary Care Allowance Appeals
      160. To ask the Minister for Social Protection if an application for domiciliary care allowance now under appeal will be expedited and approved in respect of a person (details supplied) in County...
    • Job Creation Issues
      161. To ask the Minister for Social Protection the progress she has made regarding the pathways to work proposal to outsource additional resources for certain labour activation measures, in view...
    • Youth Guarantee
      162. To ask the Minister for Social Protection if the youth guarantee scheme will be considered in provisions for Budget 2014 (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter....
    • Social Welfare Appeals Delays
      163. To ask the Minister for Social Protection the position regarding a social welfare appeal in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Westmeath in relation to the disallowance of a...
  • Department of Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht
    • Turf Cutting Compensation Scheme Payments
      169. To ask the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht when a person (details supplied) in County Roscommon will receive a payment for the designation of their bog; and if he will make a...
    • Departmental Staff Numbers
      170. To ask the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the number of staff in his Department who availed of term time in 2012; the average duration of such in 2012; the number that will do...
    • Departmental Agencies Staff Numbers
      171. To ask the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the number of staff in organisations or agencies under the aegis of his Department who availed of term time in 2012; the average...
    • Departmental Staff Training
      172. To ask the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the number of staff in his Department who availed of study or training leave in 2012; the average duration of such leave; if all...
    • Architectural Heritage
      174. To ask the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht if a building (details supplied) in County Cork is on his Departments list of recorded monuments; the role his Department has in...
    • National Cultural Institutions
      175. To ask the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the steps he will take to have Irish cultural institutions such as the National Museum of Ireland, Kilmainham Gaol, the National...
  • Department of Communications, Energy and Natural Resources
    • Departmental Staff Numbers
      176. To ask the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the number of staff in his Department who availed of term time in 2012; the average duration of such in 2012; the number...
    • Departmental Agencies Staff Numbers
      177. To ask the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the number of staff in organisations or agencies under the aegis of his Department who availed of term time in 2012; the...
    • Departmental Staff Numbers
      178. To ask the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the number of staff in his Department who availed of study or training leave in 2012; the average duration of such leave;...
    • Departmental Staff Secondments
      180. To ask the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the number of officials that have been seconded from his Department, to other Government Departments, EU institutions and...
    • Postcode Implementation
      181. To ask the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources his plans regarding the introduction of post codes here; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31384/13]
  • Department of Environment, Community and Local Government
    • Motor Tax Exemptions
      182. To ask the Minister for Environment, Community and Local Government if there are any motor tax exemptions available to very large families, for example over six children, similar to the...
    • Local Authority Housing Issues
      183. To ask the Minister for Environment, Community and Local Government if there is a provision of moneys available to local authorities for the reintroduction of the down sizing scheme; and if...
    • Departmental Staff Numbers
      184. To ask the Minister for Environment, Community and Local Government the number of staff in his Department who availed of term time in 2012; the average duration of such in 2012; the number...
    • Departmental Agencies Staff Numbers
      185. To ask the Minister for Environment, Community and Local Government the number of staff in organisations or agencies under the aegis of his Department who availed of term time in 2012; the...
    • Departmental Staff Training
      186. To ask the Minister for Environment, Community and Local Government the number of staff in his Department who availed of study or training leave in 2012; the average duration of such leave;...
    • Local Authority Charges Collection
      188. To ask the Minister for Environment, Community and Local Government if he will indicate the level that commercial rates are charged at in each local authority; the amounts raised in 2010,...
    • Local Authority Funding
      189. To ask the Minister for Environment, Community and Local Government the amount of funding given by his Department under the aegis of Wicklow Town Council and Wicklow County Council for a...
    • Anti-Social Behaviour
      190. To ask the Minister for Environment, Community and Local Government if local authorities are experiencing difficulties in evicting tenants that constantly engage in...
    • Domestic Wastewater Treatment Systems
      191. To ask the Minister for Environment, Community and Local Government when he plans to introduce a grant scheme to provide financial assistance to households whose septic tanks and other...
    • Housing Adaptation Grants Funding
      192. To ask the Minister for Environment, Community and Local Government if he will account for the 50% reduction in the local authority adaptation grant from the 2012 allocation to Meath County...
    • Professional Registration
      193. To ask the Minister for Environment, Community and Local Government his views on correspondence (details supplied) regarding the title of architect in Part 3 of the Building Control Act...
    • Local Authority Housing Issues
      194. To ask the Minister for Environment, Community and Local Government the level of funding that has been provided to local authorities to carry out upgrading of the local authority housing...
  • Department of Justice and Equality
    • Personal Insolvency Practitioners
      195. To ask the Minister for Justice and Equality when he expects the first personal insolvency practitioners to be formally operating as envisaged under the personal insolvency legislation....
    • Departmental Staff Numbers
      196. To ask the Minister for Justice and Equality the number of staff in his Department who availed of term time in 2012; the average duration of such in 2012; the number that will do so in 2013;...
    • Departmental Staff Training
      198. To ask the Minister for Justice and Equality the number of staff in his Department who availed of study or training leave in 2012; the average duration of such leave; if all staff availing...
    • Immigration Policy
      200. To ask the Minister for Justice and Equality how soon a person may return here after being ordered to voluntarily return to their native country, non-EU, due to the expiry of or...
    • Student Visas Eligibility
      201. To ask the Minister for Justice and Equality if a non-EU person may avail of a student visa to complete second level education here; if so, the costs and criteria; if that person's parents...
    • Naturalisation Applications
      202. To ask the Minister for Justice and Equality if he will expedite an application for naturalisation in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Kerry. [31273/13]
    • Residency Permits
      203. To ask the Minister for Justice and Equality the position regarding residency in the case of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 6; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31276/13]
    • Proposed Legislation
      204. To ask the Minister for Justice and Equality when he expects the Gambling Control Bill to be published; the work that is being undertaken by his Department in respect of progressing the...
    • Prison Committals
      205. To ask the Minister for Justice and Equality if he will provide, in tabular form, based on the name of the institution and the time period involved, the total number of prisoners in each of...
    • Garda Deployment
      206. To ask the Minister for Justice and Equality the number of Garda districts here currently without a Garda Superintendent. [31297/13]
    • Residency Permits
      207. To ask the Minister for Justice and Equality the position regarding an application to remain in the State in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if he will make a...
    • Garda Recruitment
      208. To ask the Minister for Justice and Equality if he will begin recruiting new Gardaí; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31362/13]
    • Visa Applications
      209. To ask the Minister for Justice and Equality if he will expedite an application in respect of a person (details supplied) in view of the fact that an extension on their employment contract...
    • Residency Permits
      210. To ask the Minister for Justice and Equality the position regarding residency in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Westmeath; and if he will make a statement on the matter....
    • Citizenship Applications
      211. To ask the Minister for Justice and Equality the progress to date in the determination of an application for citizenship in the case of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 24; and if he...
    • Residency Permits
      212. To ask the Minister for Justice and Equality the progress to date in the determination of an application for residency in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Cork; and if he...
    • Deportation Orders
      215. To ask the Minister for Justice and Equality if he will review the deportation order issued against a person (details supplied) in County Meath; and if he will make a statement on the...
    • Residency Permits
      216. To ask the Minister for Justice and Equality the progress to date in the determination of application for residency in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Tipperary; and if he...
    • Closed Circuit Television Systems
      221. To ask the Minister for Justice and Equality if there is any grant aid available to residents' associations or other local community groups to assist them in the procurement of mobile CCTV...
  • Department of Defence
    • Departmental Staff Numbers
      222. To ask the Minister for Defence the number of staff in his Department who availed of term time in 2012; the average duration of such in 2012; the number who will do so in 2013; and if he...
    • Departmental Staff Training
      224. To ask the Minister for Defence the number of staff in his Department who availed of study or training leave in 2012; the average duration of such leave; if all staff availing of this leave...
    • Defence Forces Reserve Issues
      226. To ask the Minister for Defence the changes that are planned regarding the annual fitness test for the Reserve Defence Forces; if any changes proposed for 2014 have been brought forward;...
    • Green Paper on Defence
      227. To ask the Minister for Defence the discussions he has had with officials in his Department and the Irish Defence Forces regarding a policy review and a detailed discussion document of Irish...
  • Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine
    • Humanitarian Aid
      228. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will outline Ireland's recent interaction with the World Food Programme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31184/13]
    • Disadvantaged Areas Scheme Appeals
      229. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will expedite a disadvantaged area scheme appeal in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Kerry; and if he will make...
    • Departmental Staff Numbers
      230. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the number of staff in his Department who availed of term time in 2012; the average duration of such in 2012; the number that will do...
    • Departmental Agencies Staff Numbers
      231. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the number of staff in organisations or agencies under the aegis of his Department who availed of term time in 2012; the average...
    • Departmental Staff Training
      232. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the number of staff in his Department who availed of study or training leave in 2012; the average duration of such leave; if all...
    • Ministerial Meetings
      234. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will provide an update on the conclusions of the final Agriculture and Fisheries Council during the Irish EU Presidency that...
    • Genetically Modified Organisms
      235. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine his views on trial planting of genetically modified potatoes by Teagasc (details supplied) in County Carlow; and if he will make a...
    • Agri-Environment Options Scheme Payments
      236. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the position regarding an agri-environment scheme payment in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Kerry; and if he will...
  • Department of Children and Youth Affairs
    • Youth Work Projects Funding
      237. To ask the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the funding supports that are available for a project (details supplied) in County Kildare, a project traditionally funded to provide two...
    • Child Care Reports
      238. To ask the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the progress made to date on ensuring all inspection reports of child care facilities will be uploaded online and available for all parents...
    • Departmental Staff Numbers
      239. To ask the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the number of staff in her Department who availed of term time in 2012; the average duration of such in 2012; the number who will do so in...
    • Departmental Agencies Staff Numbers
      240. To ask the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the number of staff in organisations or agencies under the aegis of her Department who availed of term time in 2012; the average duration...
    • Departmental Staff Training
      241. To ask the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the number of staff in her Department who availed of study or training leave in 2012; the average duration of such leave; if all staff...
    • Departmental Agencies Staff Numbers
      242. To ask the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the number of staff in organisations or agencies under the aegis of her Department who availed of study or training leave in 2012; the...
    • Inter-Country Adoptions
      243. To ask the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the position in relation to the establishment of a bilateral agreement between Ireland and Russia for the purpose of inter-country...
  • Department of Health
    • Medical Card Applications
      244. To ask the Minister for Health if he will expedite a medical card application in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Kerry [31177/13]
    • Hospital Services
      245. To ask the Minister for Health if a special surgical bed will be provided in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Limerick; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31179/13]
    • Medical Card Applications
      246. To ask the Minister for Health if he will examine a decision to refuse a medical card following a review in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Kerry; and if he will make a...
    • Hospital Appointment Delays
      247. To ask the Minister for Health the steps he is taking with his Department to reduce the waiting period for patients seeking a neurology appointment here which is reportedly in the region of...
    • Health Action Plan
      248. To ask the Minister for Health if the National Asthma Programme will be included in next year's budget and the 2014 Health Service Executive Service Plan; if the first phase of asthma...
    • Home Care Packages
      249. To ask the Minister for Health the position regarding home care in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Kerry [31196/13]
    • Departmental Staff Numbers
      250. To ask the Minister for Health the number of staff in his Department who availed of term time in 2012; the average duration of such in 2012; the number that will do so in 2013; and if he...
    • Departmental Agencies Staff Numbers
      251. To ask the Minister for Health the number of staff in organisations or agencies under the aegis of his Department who availed of term time in 2012; the average duration of such in 2012; the...
    • Departmental Staff Training
      252. To ask the Minister for Health the number of staff in his Department who availed of study or training leave in 2012; the average duration of such leave; if all staff availing of this leave...
    • Departmental Agencies Staff Numbers
      253. To ask the Minister for Health the number of staff in organisations or agencies under the aegis of his Department who availed of study or training leave in 2012; the average duration of such...
    • National Lottery Funding Applications
      254. To ask the Minister for Health the funding available in respect of a project (details supplied) in Dublin 17 [31263/13]
    • Hospital Consultants Recruitment
      256. To ask the Minister for Health the measure he is taking to address the fact that we have the fewest rehabilitation consultants per capita in Europe; and if he will make a statement on the...
    • Ambulance Service Provision
      257. To ask the Minister for Health further to Parliamentary Question No. 1778 of 18 September 2012, if he will immediately consider reinstating the existing ambulance control centre at Kerry...
    • Proposed Legislation
      258. To ask the Minister for Health when it is expected the draft legislation in respect of the survivors of symphysiotomy will proceed to the next stage of the legislative process; when it is...
    • Medical Card Eligibility
      260. To ask the Minister for Health if a medical card will be reinstated in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Kerry. [31317/13]
    • Health Insurance Cover
      261. To ask the Minister for Health if private health insurance companies are being charged for patients using beds in public hospitals, when those patients come through the normal public access...
    • Data Protection
      262. To ask the Minister for Health if hospitals may access insurance details for patients without the patient's permission; and if so, under what legislation; and if he will make a statement on...
    • Parliamentary Questions Numbers
      263. To ask the Minister for Health the number of parliamentary questions written and oral transferred by his Department to the Health Service Executive for reply to Deputies in each of the years...
    • Hospital Waiting Lists
      264. To ask the Minister for Health if he will examine a referral to Cork University Hospital for cataract treatment in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Kerry; and if he will make...
    • Primary Care Centres Provision
      265. To ask the Minister for Health further to Parliamentary Question No. 688 of 28 May 2013, when a response will issue from the Health Service Executive; and if he will make a statement on the...
    • Departmental Appointments
      266. To ask the Minister for Health if the post of Chief Dental Advisor to his Department was filled recently by way of an open public competition; and if not, the reasons for same [31357/13]
    • Medical Card Applications
      268. To ask the Minister for Health if he will review the recent decision to refuse a medical card in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if he will make a statement on...
    • Hospital Services
      269. To ask the Minister for Health if there are plans to downgrade the services available to persons using Bantry Hospital, County Cork; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31385/13]
    • Health Services Issues
      270. To ask the Minister for Health the position regarding the State's services for sufferers of vasculitis; if his Department acknowledges potential improvements in pertinent medical research...
    • Animal Testing
      271. To ask the Minister for Health when Regulation 1223/2009 dated 11 March 2013 in relation to the ban on animal-tested cosmetics will be fully implemented and if the submission of Irish...
    • Substance Misuse
      272. To ask the Minister for Health if the position of Chief Executive Officer of the Addiction Counsellors of Ireland is funded by his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter....
    • Departmental Funding
      274. To ask the Minister for Health the reason €300,000 of €3 million funding that he announced in January 2013 has only been spent to date; and if he will make a statement on the...
    • Medicinal Products Expenditure
      277. To ask the Minister for Health if he will provide in tabular form the total drugs bill for the State in the years 2011, 2012 and to date in 2013; if he will provide a breakdown of same by...
    • Medicinal Products Supply
      278. To ask the Minister for Health if he will detail the most recent Irish Pharmaceutical Healthcare Association and Association of Pharmaceutical Manufacturer's of Ireland agreements in...
    • Medicinal Products Prices
      280. To ask the Minister for Health if he will provide an update on the Health (Pricing and Supply of Medical Goods) Bill 2012; if the bill has been enacted; the impact it has had or is expected...
    • Home Help Service Provision
      281. To ask the Minister for Health the total number of home help hours and home care packages delivered in each of the years 2011, 2012 and to date in 2013 and the cost of same; the expected...
    • Health Services Staff Data
      282. To ask the Minister for Health the total number of general practitioners in this State at 31 May 2011, 2012 and 2013; the total State remuneration of same; if he will provide a breakdown of...
    • Nursing Staff Remuneration
      283. To ask the Minister for Health if he will provide a comparative analysis of the cost of employing a permanent staff nurse versus an agency staff nurse; and if he will make a statement on the...
    • HSE Agency Staff Data
      284. To ask the Minister for Health the total number of agency staff employed by the Health Service Executive in the years 2011, 2012 and to date in 2013; if he will provide a breakdown of same...
    • Health Services Provision
      285. To ask the Minister for Health the extent to which the diagnostic related groupings system is employed in the health service here; if there is scope to extend this system; the expected...
    • Childhood Obesity
      286. To ask the Minister for Health the budget allocated to tackle childhood obesity; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31435/13]
    • Hospital Consultants Contract Issues
      287. To ask the Minister for Health if he will provide an update on the consultants agreement made in September 2012; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31436/13]
    • HSE Expenditure
      290. To ask the Minister for Health if it is the case that due to a range of factors including protracted pay negotiations and increased service demand that there will be a budget overrun in...
    • Hospital Consultants Remuneration
      291. To ask the Minister for Health the total number of hospital consultants in this State at 31 May 2011, 2012 and 2013; the total state remuneration of same; if he will provide a breakdown of...
  • Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport
    • Sports Funding
      292. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the steps being taken to prepare an Irish Team for the 2016 Olympics for the new sport of BMX cycling and has he considered grant-aiding...
    • Departmental Staff Numbers
      293. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the number of staff in his Department who availed of term time in 2012; the average duration of such in 2012; the number that will do so...
    • Departmental Staff Training
      295. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the number of staff in his Department who availed of study or training leave in 2012; the average duration of such leave; if all staff...
    • Railway Stations Upgrade
      297. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the date on which both platforms at Ennis Train Station, County Clare, will be fully wheelchair accessible; and if he will make a...
    • Tourism Promotion
      298. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his plans to promote Irish walking tourism both within and outside Ireland in 2013 and 2014. [31299/13]
    • Taxi Regulations
      299. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the number of persons who have downloaded the taxi driver check app since it was launched earlier this year. [31300/13]
    • State Airports
      300. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport when the most recent safety consultation at Dublin Airport took place and if he will provide a brief report on the matter. [31301/13]
    • Railway Stations Upgrade
      301. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will request the Chief Executive Officer of Iarnrod Eireann to re-open the passenger lift at Raheny DART station. [31302/13]
    • Sport and Recreational Development
      302. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if the recent allocation of €1million funding for boxing clubs will be an annual fund; the scheme under which this funding was...
    • National Car Test
      303. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will consider directing the national car test to allow the changeover of vehicles to take place, in particular in relation to farm...
    • Aviation Issues
      304. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will outline the health and safety procedures and plans that will be put in place during FlightFest on 15 September 2013, taking...
    • Road Safety Issues
      305. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if urgent attention will be given to addressing safety concerns at a location (details supplied) in County Kerry; and if he will make a...
    • National Cycle Network
      306. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if the National Roads Authority will reconsider a matter pertaining to County Kerry in the National Cycle Network Scoping Study...
    • Ferry Operations
      307. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the extent to which he expects to see the development and expansion of sea-ferry transport from this country to various UK and/or...
    • Tourism Industry Issues
      308. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the extent to which costs for the tourism sector in this country continues to be compared with those applicable in other jurisdictions...
    • Job Creation Issues
      310. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the extent to which he continues to engage with stakeholders in the industries under his aegis with a view to maximisation of job...
    • Roads Maintenance
      312. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the extent to which he continues to have discussions with the various local authorities with a view to identifying the priorities in...
    • State Airports
      313. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if the various Government supports for each of the airports throughout the country will be reviewed collectively with a view to an...
    • Air Services Provision
      314. 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...