Written Answers Nos. 92-96
92. Deputy Anthony Lawlor asked the Minister for Social Protection the number of EU directives related to her Department that have yet to be transposed into Irish law despite the deadline date having passed; when it is proposed that these directives will be transposed; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [53358/13]
View answerThere is only one Directive related to the Department of Social Protection that falls into the category mentioned by the Deputy. The provisions of EU Directive 2010/41/EU (on the principle of equal treatment between men and women engaged in an activity in a self-employed capacity) require, amongst other things, the provision of social protection and maternity benefit to spouses and civil partners who are not employees or business partners but who participate in the activities of the self-employed worker, performing the same tasks or ancillary tasks. Other requirements are a matter for the Minister for Justice and Equality.
The deadline for transposition of the Directive was 5 August 2012. However, the Directive allows, in particular circumstances, for an extension of up to 2 years on the period allowed for the implementation of the social insurance provisions. Ireland secured agreement to allow it to avail of this extended period and so the deadline for implementation of this aspect of the Directive is the 5th August 2014. The required provisions will be legislated for in a future social welfare bill so as to meet the extended deadline for implementation.
93. Deputy Jim Daly asked the Minister for Social Protection the cost incurred in her Department as a result of Oireachtas members initiating legal challenges in the Courts for each of the past five years; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [53658/13]
View answerNo costs have been incurred in the Department as a result of Oireachtas members initiating legal challenges in the Courts in any of the past five years.
94. Deputy Seán Ó Fearghaíl asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the number of visits that have been arranged by his Department for foreign dignitaries who are on official State visits to Ireland to any institution under his Department's aegis; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53245/13]
View answerMy Department routinely supports the organisation of visits to institutions when requested to do so. In respect of official State visits, I am advised that no such visits were arranged by my Department since its establishment in June 2011.
95. Deputy Anthony Lawlor asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the number of EU directives related to his Department that have yet to be transposed into Irish law despite the deadline date having passed; when it is proposed that these directives will be transposed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53346/13]
View answerI can advise the Deputy that no EU directives concerning my Department have yet to be transposed into Irish law after the deadline for doing so has expired.
96. Deputy Jim Daly asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the cost incurred in his Department as a result of Oireachtas members initiating legal challenges in the Courts for each of the past five years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53648/13]
View answerAs the Deputy will be aware, my Department was established on 2 June 2011 and therefore the available information is being provided from that date. I am advised by my Department that no costs have been incurred for the purpose referred to by the Deputy.
