Parliamentary questions

Public Sector Staff Career Breaks

Kevin Humphreys

462. Deputy Kevin Humphreys asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the number of staff in his Department or agencies under his control that are currently on career break; the number of staff currently hired temporarily to cover those on career break; if he will provide a breakdown of the numbers by grade and agency; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44371/12]

Departmental Staff Numbers

Kevin Humphreys

482. Deputy Kevin Humphreys asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the number of staff that availed of the special civil service incentive career break scheme 2009; the cost of the scheme since its introduction; the savings on the pay bill in that time period; the estimated full year cost for the return of all the new civil servants in 2013; the number of staff members that applied for a further extension of their leave; if these staff were counted as a reduction in numbers employed in the public service during that time period; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45614/12]

Public Sector Staff Career Breaks

Kevin Humphreys

483. Deputy Kevin Humphreys asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the number of staff across the public service that are currently on a career break; if he will provide a breakdown of the numbers on career leave by Department and agency; the estimated cost of this scheme per year; the number of staff currently hired temporarily to cover those on career break; the reforms that have taken place in this general area in the past year; if these staff were counted as a reduction in numbers employed in the public service during that time period; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45629/12]

Public Sector Staff Career Breaks

Kevin Humphreys

489. Deputy Kevin Humphreys asked the Minister for Defence the number of staff in his Department or agencies under his control that are currently on career break; the number of staff currently hired temporarily to cover those on career break; if he will provide a breakdown of the numbers by grade and agency; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44364/12]

Public Sector Staff Career Breaks

Kevin Humphreys

494. Deputy Kevin Humphreys asked the Minister for Defence the number of staff that availed of the special civil service incentive career break scheme 2009; the cost of the scheme since its introduction; the savings on the pay bill in that time period; the estimated full year cost for the return of all the new civil servants in 2013; the number of staff members that applied for a further extension of their leave; if these staff were counted as a reduction in numbers employed in the public service during that time period; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45607/12]

Public Sector Staff Career Breaks

Kevin Humphreys

495. Deputy Kevin Humphreys asked the Minister for Defence the number of staff across the public service that are currently on a career break; if he will provide a breakdown of the numbers on career leave by Department and agency; the estimated cost of this scheme per year; the number of staff currently hired temporarily to cover those on career break; the reforms that have taken place in this general area in the past year; if these staff were counted as a reduction in numbers employed in the public service during that time period; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45622/12]

Public Sector Staff Career Breaks

Kevin Humphreys

520. Deputy Kevin Humphreys asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the number of staff in his Department or agencies under his control that are currently on career break; the number of staff currently hired temporarily to cover those on career break; if he will provide a breakdown of the numbers by grade and agency; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44360/12]

Public Sector Staff Career Breaks

Kevin Humphreys

558. Deputy Kevin Humphreys asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the number of staff that availed of the special civil service incentive career break scheme 2009; the cost of the scheme since its introduction; the savings on the pay bill in that time period; the estimated full year cost for the return of all the new civil servants in 2013; the number of staff members that applied for a further extension of their leave; if these staff were counted as a reduction in numbers employed in the public service during that time period; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45603/12]

Public Sector Staff Career Breaks

Kevin Humphreys

559. Deputy Kevin Humphreys asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the number of staff across the public service that are currently on a career break; if he will provide a breakdown of the numbers on career leave by Department and agency; the estimated cost of this scheme per year; the number of staff currently hired temporarily to cover those on career break; the reforms that have taken place in this general area in the past year; if these staff were counted as a reduction in numbers employed in the public service during that time period; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45618/12]

Public Sector Staff Career Breaks

Kevin Humphreys

561. Deputy Kevin Humphreys asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the number of staff in her Department or agencies under her control that are currently on career break; the number of staff currently hired temporarily to cover those on career break; if she will provide a breakdown of the numbers by grade and agency; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [44362/12]

Public Sector Staff Career Breaks

Kevin Humphreys

572. Deputy Kevin Humphreys asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the number of staff that availed of the special civil service incentive career break scheme 2009; the cost of the scheme since its introduction; the savings on the pay bill in that time period; the estimated full year cost for the return of all the new civil servants in 2013; the number of staff members that applied for a further extension of their leave; if these staff were counted as a reduction in numbers employed in the public service during that time period; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [45605/12]

Public Sector Staff Career Breaks

Kevin Humphreys

573. Deputy Kevin Humphreys asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the number of staff across the public service that are currently on a career break; if she will provide a breakdown of the numbers on career leave by Department and agency; the estimated cost of this scheme per year; the number of staff currently hired temporarily to cover those on career break; the reforms that have taken place in this general area in the past year; if these staff were counted as a reduction in numbers employed in the public service during that time period [45620/12]

Hospital Services

Kevin Humphreys

602. Deputy Kevin Humphreys asked the Minister for Health if a date has been set for the movement of the National Maternity Hospital, Holles Street, to the Elm Park development near St. Vincent's Hospital; if any budget has been provided for such a move within his Department; if he will provide an update on the general plans in place for the future of maternity hospitals on the south of Dublin city; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44166/12]

Health Services Expenditure

Kevin Humphreys

603. Deputy Kevin Humphreys asked the Minister for Health the amount that has been spent on capital investment into the buildings, fixtures, fittings and permanent equipment at the National Maternity Hospital, Holles Street, Dublin 2, in each of the past 10 years; the moneys that are budgeted for in future expenditures; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44167/12]

Hospital Services

Kevin Humphreys

604. Deputy Kevin Humphreys asked the Minister for Health if approval has been sought or granted yet for the movement of the National Maternity Hospital, Holles Street, Dublin 2, to the Elm Park development near St. Vincent's Hospital, Dublin 4; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44168/12]

Hospital Services

Kevin Humphreys

606. Deputy Kevin Humphreys asked the Minister for Health if negotiations between him and his Department officials with the National Assets Management Agency regarding the movement of the National Maternity Hospital, Holles Street, Dublin 2, to the Elm Park development near St. Vincent's Hospital, Dublin 4, concluded or if they are still ongoing; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44173/12]

Hospital Services

Kevin Humphreys

607. Deputy Kevin Humphreys asked the Minister for Health the negotiations or discussions that have taken place with the National Assets Management Agency regarding the movement of the National Maternity Hospital, Holles Street, Dublin 2, to the Elm Park development near St. Vincent's Hospital, Dublin 4; the number of times he or his Department officials have met with NAMA about this move; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44174/12]

Hospital Services

Kevin Humphreys

608. Deputy Kevin Humphreys asked the Minister for Health the negotiations or discussions that he or his Department officials have had with the National Assets Management Agency regarding the future of Mount Carmel Private Maternity Hospital, County Dublin; the number of times they have met to discuss this topic; if any joint meetings have been held between his Department, St. James Hospital and NAMA with respect to Mount Carmel; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44175/12]

Health Services Expenditure

Kevin Humphreys

609. Deputy Kevin Humphreys asked the Minister for Health the amount spent on capital investment into the buildings, fixtures, fittings and permanent equipment at the Coombe Maternity Hospital, Dublin 8, in each of the past 10 years; the moneys budgeted for future expenditures up to 2015; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44176/12]

Maternity Services

Kevin Humphreys

610. Deputy Kevin Humphreys asked the Minister for Health if it is still the position of his Department to move the Coombe Maternity Hospital, Dublin 8, to Tallaght Hospital, Dublin 24; his views on same; how advanced are any plans for such a move; if any budget has been committed in his Department for such a move up to 2016; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44177/12]

Hospital Services

Kevin Humphreys

612. Deputy Kevin Humphreys asked the Minister for Health if he has had any discussions with St James Hospital, Dublin, regarding the recent news that it was considering acquiring Mount Carmel Maternity Hospital in Churchtown; if any public money has been committed for such a purchase; if any strategic planning has been carried out on the impact it might have on the public maternity hospitals in the south Dublin area; his views and what is his position on such a purchase; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44189/12]

Public Sector Staff Career Breaks

Kevin Humphreys

643. Deputy Kevin Humphreys asked the Minister for Health the number of staff in his Department or agencies under his control that are currently on career break; the number of staff currently hired temporarily to cover those on career break; if he will provide a breakdown of the numbers by grade and agency; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44369/12]

Public Sector Staff Career Breaks

Kevin Humphreys

711. Deputy Kevin Humphreys asked the Minister for Health the number of staff that availed of the special civil service incentive career break scheme 2009; the cost of the scheme since its introduction; the savings on the pay bill in that time period; the estimated full year cost for the return of all the new civil servants in 2013; the number of staff members that applied for a further extension of their leave; if these staff were counted as a reduction in numbers employed in the public service during that time period; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45612/12]

Public Sector Staff Career Breaks

Kevin Humphreys

712. Deputy Kevin Humphreys asked the Minister for Health the number of staff across the public service that are currently on a career break; if he will provide a breakdown of the numbers on career leave by Department and agency; the estimated cost of this scheme per year; the number of staff currently hired temporarily to cover those on career break; the reforms that have taken place in this general area in the past year; if these staff were counted as a reduction in numbers employed in the public service during that time period; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45627/12]

Public Sector Staff Career Breaks

Kevin Humphreys

724. Deputy Kevin Humphreys asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the number of staff in his Department or agencies under his control that are currently on career break; the number of staff currently hired temporarily to cover those on career break; if he will provide a breakdown of the numbers by grade and agency; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44375/12]

Public Sector Staff Career Breaks

Kevin Humphreys

741. Deputy Kevin Humphreys asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the number of staff that availed of the special civil service incentive career break scheme 2009; the cost of the scheme since its introduction; the savings on the pay bill in that time period; the estimated full year cost for the return of all the new civil servants in 2013; the number of staff members that applied for a further extension of their leave; if these staff were counted as a reduction in numbers employed in the public service during that time period; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45617/12]

Public Sector Staff Career Breaks

Kevin Humphreys

742. Deputy Kevin Humphreys asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the number of staff across the public service that are currently on a career break; if he will provide a breakdown of the numbers on career leave by Department and agency; the estimated cost of this scheme per year; the number of staff currently hired temporarily to cover those on career break; the reforms that have taken place in this general area in the past year; if these staff were counted as a reduction in numbers employed in the public service during that time period; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45632/12]

National Debt

Kevin Humphreys

132. Deputy Kevin Humphreys asked the Minister for Finance the annual interest payments on the national debt from 2007 to 2011; the projected annual interest payments on the national debt for 2012; the projected annual payments from 2013 to 2016; if these are inclusive of the promissory note payments, sinking fund contributions and debt management expenses; if not, if he will provide the annual projected costs for these for 2012 to 2016; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41575/12]

Departmental Properties

Kevin Humphreys

217. Deputy Kevin Humphreys asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if all the parking spaces at Dublin Castle are under the management of the Office of Public Works; the number of parking spaces provided for public servants in the various agencies of the State located there; the cost to staff of using these parking spaces; the number of parking spaces allocated specifically in the great courtyard and lower castleyard; if any consideration has been given to removing parking spaces from these two historic courtyards at Dublin Castle; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41477/12]

Flood Prevention Measures

Kevin Humphreys

368. Deputy Kevin Humphreys asked the Minister for the Environment; Community and Local Government the funding that can be provided to Dublin City Council for an assessment of needs or hydraulic study on the culverted Swan River, Dublin, which has caused multiple local floods in recent years, but which does not form part of the Eastern CFRAMS carried out by the Office of Public Works as it is culverted; if he considers the Swan River to be part of the Rathmines and Pembroke drainage scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41431/12]

Taxi Regulations

Kevin Humphreys

591. Deputy Kevin Humphreys asked the Minister for Transport; Tourism and Sport the progress that has been made on extending the powers of An Garda Síochána to issue fixed charge penalties on taxis and to work with the National Transport Authority for greater on-street enforcement and on off-street enforcement as recommended in the report on the future of the taxi industry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41277/12]

Bus Éireann Services

Kevin Humphreys

592. Deputy Kevin Humphreys asked the Minister for Transport; Tourism and Sport when a real time passenger information display signs for Dublin Bus will be installed on the Ringsend Road between South Lotts Rd and Barrow St, and when one will be installed in Ringsend village; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41278/12]

Climate Change Policy

Kevin Humphreys

137. Deputy Kevin Humphreys asked the Minister for the Environment; Community and Local Government when he expects to publish the interim report of the National Economic and Social Council secretariat on climate policy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41218/12]

Mobility Allowance Decision

Kevin Humphreys

173. Deputy Kevin Humphreys asked the Minister for Health if he has accepted the Ombudsman's recommendation of the need to review and revise the mobility allowance so as to render it compliant with the Equal Status Acts; the date on which he will revise the mobility allowance to render it compliant, in view of the fact that those over 66 cannot currently access this allowance; when will they be able to access this mobility allowance; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40769/12]

Genetically Modified Organisms

Kevin Humphreys

350. Deputy Kevin Humphreys asked the Minister for Agriculture; Food and the Marine if Teagasc developed any genetically modified organisms such as potato, barley or wheat seeds, or other important vegetable or fruit species here; if the State through Teagasc retains any patents or intellectual property in any such genetically modified food; if he will explain the position with respect to GMO's and Ireland's food security; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40484/12]

Genetically Modified Organisms

Kevin Humphreys

351. Deputy Kevin Humphreys asked the Minister for Agriculture; Food and the Marine if he will confirm who owns the intellectual property or patent of the genetically modified potatoes which Teagasc is field trialling; if he will clarify if Teagasc had any role in the development of this potato; if so, if it retains any share in the patent or intellectual property relating to it; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40485/12]

Food Labelling

Kevin Humphreys

352. Deputy Kevin Humphreys asked the Minister for Agriculture; Food and the Marine the plans he has, if any to protect food labelling terms such as artisan, farmhouse, local and traditional to ensure they are not open to abuse or misuse, and that small producers are protected; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40486/12]

Sentencing Policy

Kevin Humphreys

27. Deputy Kevin Humphreys asked the Minister for Justice and Equality his views on the practice of taking into account previous good behaviour, character references and future potential to commit crimes when sentencing convicted criminals; if he has any intentions to introduce legislative reforms in this area [37877/12]

Sentencing Policy

Kevin Humphreys

41. Deputy Kevin Humphreys asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if he has any intentions of introducing guidelines for sentencing of criminals convicted of sexual offences and clarifying the role that compensation should pay and the influences it may have on the sentence that is imposed and the amount that should be suspended; his views on whether too much discretion is available to the sentencing judges; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37876/12]

Tax Reliefs Availability

Kevin Humphreys

202. Deputy Kevin Humphreys asked the Minister for Finance the number of properties in receipt of the heritage property relief that were open or closed during National Heritage Week; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38918/12]

Departmental Reports

Kevin Humphreys

318. Deputy Kevin Humphreys asked the Minister for Finance when the Report from the Office of the Revenue Commissioners showing the effect of the High Earners Restriction for 2011 will be published; the changes that have occurred, if any, to the restriction between 2010 and 2011; the changes, if any, that were introduced in the most recent Finance Bill; if he will provide this Deputy with a copy of the Report; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38718/12]

Tax Reliefs Application

Kevin Humphreys

319. Deputy Kevin Humphreys asked the Minister for Finance if he will outline each age exemption limit that exists within the income tax system and the estimated cost to the Exchequer of each of these exemptions in a full tax year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38720/12]

Tax Reliefs Availability

Kevin Humphreys

330. Deputy Kevin Humphreys asked the Minister for Finance the number of taxpayers that have had to reimburse the State due to failure to comply with the heritage property relief conditions on an annual basis since 2005; the number of audits relating to use of the relief that have been performed on an annual basis since 2005; the amount of revenue raised from such audits; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38919/12]

Tax Reliefs Availability

Kevin Humphreys

331. Deputy Kevin Humphreys asked the Minister for Finance the estimated cost on an annual basis since 2005 of the heritage property relief; the number of claims there have been on an annual basis since 2005 of this relief; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38920/12]

Environment Fund

Kevin Humphreys

1085. Deputy Kevin Humphreys asked the Minister for the Environment; Community and Local Government if any consideration has been given to ending the ring-fencing of the Environment Fund or reducing the amount of the bag and landfill levies paid into the fund; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38206/12]

Proposed Legislation

Kevin Humphreys

1086. Deputy Kevin Humphreys asked the Minister for the Environment; Community and Local Government if he intends to attend the Doha climate change conference in November 2012; if the heads of a Climate Change Bill will be published before the conference; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38207/12]

Rental Accommodation Scheme Application Numbers

Kevin Humphreys

1087. Deputy Kevin Humphreys asked the Minister for the Environment; Community and Local Government if he will provide in tabular form the total number of housing units in the rental accommodation scheme as of 1 September 2012; if he will further provide a breakdown of those total units by local authority area; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38208/12]

Rental Accommodation Scheme Payments

Kevin Humphreys

1088. Deputy Kevin Humphreys asked the Minister for the Environment; Community and Local Government if he will provide in tabular form by local authority area the total arrears accumulated by 1 September 2012 on housing units in the rental accommodation scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38209/12]

Control of Dogs

Kevin Humphreys

1089. Deputy Kevin Humphreys asked the Minister for the Environment; Community and Local Government the number of lifetime dog licences purchased since the commencement of the scheme in January 2012; if he will provide a breakdown of the figures by local authority; the number of annual dog licences purchased in 2010, 2011 and to date in 2012; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38213/12]

Rental Accommodation Scheme Application Numbers

Kevin Humphreys

1091. Deputy Kevin Humphreys asked the Minister for the Environment; Community and Local Government his policy regarding accumulated arrears in housing units in the rental accommodation scheme; the enforcement action open to a specific local authority to collect those arrears or act against the tenant; if eviction notices can be served on persons in such a scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38280/12]

Rental Accommodation Scheme Payments

Kevin Humphreys

1108. Deputy Kevin Humphreys asked the Minister for the Environment; Community and Local Government if he will provide in tabular form, by local authority area, the number of housing units in the rental accommodation scheme that are in arrears on 1 September 2012; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38921/12]

Courts Service Issues

Kevin Humphreys

1197. Deputy Kevin Humphreys asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if any consideration has been given to implementing section 45 of the Civil Liability and Courts Act 2004 to extend the jurisdiction of the Circuit Court acting in land law matters from land with a ratable valuation of €200 to land with a market value of €3,000,000 and if he has given any consideration to the way this may help home owners faced with mortgage litigation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37787/12]

Courts Service Issues

Kevin Humphreys

1198. Deputy Kevin Humphreys asked the Minister for Justice and Equality when sections 13 and 14 of the Courts and Courts Officers Act 2002 will be commenced to extend the civil limits to €100,000 at the Circuit Court and €20,000 at the District Court; if he will consider implementing this legislation; if not his reasons; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37788/12]

Proposed Legislation

Kevin Humphreys

1228. Deputy Kevin Humphreys asked the Minister for Justice and Equality in view of the fact that the Casino Regulation Committee report was published in July 2008 and Options for Regulating Gambling was published in December 2010, when the heads of the gambling control Bill will be published; if he intends to have a further consultation period before bringing forward such a Bill; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38214/12]

Pig Quality Assurance Scheme

Kevin Humphreys

1404. Deputy Kevin Humphreys asked the Minister for Agriculture; Food and the Marine when the Bord Bia pig technical advisory committee will agree on a definition of free-range/outdoor production for the inclusion in the pig quality assurance scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38205/12]

National Substance Misuse Strategy

Kevin Humphreys

1719. Deputy Kevin Humphreys asked the Minister for Health the status of the action plan on alcohol; when action will be taken to implement the proposals contained therein; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38204/12]

Health Services Staff Issues

Kevin Humphreys

1720. Deputy Kevin Humphreys asked the Minister for Health if the income for new-entrant general practitioner training has been cut by 20%, even though such trainees are not entitled to specialist registrar status or salary; if the out-of-hours allowance for general practitioners in their registry year has been abolished; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38210/12]

Substance Misuse

Kevin Humphreys

1729. Deputy Kevin Humphreys asked the Minister for Health if the recommendation by the national substance misuse strategy steering group that drinks industry sponsorship of sport and other large public events should be phased out through legislation by 2016 applies to events created by the alcohol industry such as Arthur’s Day; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38281/12]

Sovereign Debt

Kevin Humphreys

69 Deputy Kevin Humphreys asked the Minister for Finance if his attention has been drawn to the amount of Irish sovereign debt purchased in the secondary markets that is held by the European Central Bank; if Ireland has requested a write-down of these bonds to cost paid by the ECB; the estimated savings to Ireland if this was to occur; his views on whether any profits the ECB makes from holding Irish sovereign bonds should be redirected to the central banks of other euro countries; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
[36082/12]

Sovereign Debt

Kevin Humphreys

70 Deputy Kevin Humphreys asked the Minister for Finance the analysis within his Department, the National Treasury Management Agency or Central Bank that has been carried out on European Central Bank holdings of Irish sovereign bonds purchased under the securities markets programme; the savings that would accrue to our national debt, if any, if Ireland was to receive the same deal on these holdings as Greece received; the analysis that has been carried by the NTMA, him or the Central Bank on the agreement between Greece and the ECB when Greece's debt was restructured; the way it might apply to Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
[36083/12]

Tax Reliefs

Kevin Humphreys

77 Deputy Kevin Humphreys asked the Minister for Finance the estimated saving that would accrue to the Exchequer in a full year if tax relief on charitable donations as restricted to the standard rate instead of the marginal rate; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
[36124/12]

Tax Reliefs

Kevin Humphreys

78 Deputy Kevin Humphreys asked the Minister for Finance the estimated savings that would accrue to the Exchequer if educational institutions or bodies including primary, second level or third level, were no longer eligible for the scheme of tax relief for donations to eligible charities; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
[36127/12]

Tax Reliefs

Kevin Humphreys

79 Deputy Kevin Humphreys asked the Minister for Finance if he will provide a breakdown, by amount, of the registered eligible charitable institutions that claimed back tax relief on donations in 2010 and 2011; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
[36128/12]

Tax Reliefs

Kevin Humphreys

80 Deputy Kevin Humphreys asked the Minister for Finance the annual cost from 2006 to 2011 of providing tax relief on charitable donations by PAYE workers; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
[36129/12]

Tax Code

Kevin Humphreys

97 Deputy Kevin Humphreys asked the Minister for Finance if he is concerned at the residence and issuance principles contained within the European Commission proposal for a financial transaction tax which are not considered in the Central Bank-ESRI assessment; if it will affect financial transactions carried out in Ireland on securities that are issued in another EU country that decides to participate in an FTT through enhanced co-operation; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
[36181/12]

Enterprise Support Services

Kevin Humphreys

323 Deputy Kevin Humphreys asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation if the €329,234,000 earned from the proceeds of sales of companies in which Enterprise Ireland invested between 2000 and end of 2011 is inclusive of the original investment; the total sum of investments made by Enterprise Ireland in that period; if he will provide a breakdown of amount invested by year; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
[36874/12]

Diplomatic Representation

Kevin Humphreys

55 Deputy Kevin Humphreys asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the discussions that have taken place between him and the Russian Embassy to recover costs totalling €155,166.04 related to the Admiral Kuznetsov incident in February 2009; when contact was last made with the Russian Embassy regarding same; the further efforts that will be made to recover the outstanding moneys; his views on the lack of action on same; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
[35713/12]

Currency Exchange

Kevin Humphreys

62 Deputy Kevin Humphreys asked the Minister for Finance if he is concerned at the large daily exchanges of punts to euros that are occurring at the Central Bank of Ireland as documented in a spreadsheet (details supplied); if he can indicate if the Garda Síochána or anti-money laundering compliance unit have investigated this practice at any time since 2002; if he is concerned that the monetary proceeds of criminality or money laundering from before the introduction of the euro could be slowly filtered through this exchange process; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
[35598/12]

Currency Exchange

Kevin Humphreys

67 Deputy Kevin Humphreys asked the Minister for Finance if the Revenue Commissioners have investigated the practice of the large daily exchanges of punts to euros that are occurring at the Central Bank of Ireland as documented in a spreadsheet (details supplied) at any time since 2002; if he is concerned that the monetary proceeds of criminality or money laundering or undeclared income from before the introduction of the euro could be slowly filtered through this exchange process; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
[35599/12]

Currency Exchange

Kevin Humphreys

68 Deputy Kevin Humphreys asked the Minister for Finance if persons exchanging sums of punts into euros at the Central Bank of Ireland are provided with euro currency in the form of cash or in a cheque; if the Central Bank of Ireland has considered issuing exchanged euros in the form of drafts or cheques; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
[35635/12]

Currency Exchange

Kevin Humphreys

69 Deputy Kevin Humphreys asked the Minister for Finance if there is a daily limit on the amount of punts that be exchanged by a person at the Central Bank; if a person’s identity is recorded when they make a transaction at the Central Bank; if he will describe the controls in place at the Central Bank to ensure punts being exchanged for euros are not the proceeds of money laundering or criminal activity; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
[35660/12]

Currency Exchange

Kevin Humphreys

71 Deputy Kevin Humphreys asked the Minister for Finance the reason the Central Bank does not provide a breakdown of the list of individual transactions of exchanges of punts to euros on a daily basis; if the sums involved in each transaction are recorded by employees of the Central Bank of Ireland when they occur; if each transaction is recorded, if he will provide the list of individual transactions that occurred in 2011, and to date in 2012; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
[35692/12]

Rent Supplement Scheme

Kevin Humphreys

49 Deputy Kevin Humphreys asked the Minister for Social Protection her plans to allow for more flexibility in the setting of upper rent limits on the rent supplement scheme to take into account the large variation in the cost of renting particularly in urban areas such as Dublin; if her attention has been drawn to the fact that recent reforms are creating difficulties for participants in securing accommodation in the area where they currently reside; and if she will make a statement on the matter.
[34329/12]

Rent Supplement Scheme

Kevin Humphreys

56 Deputy Kevin Humphreys asked the Minister for Social Protection her long term plans to reform the rent supplement scheme in view of the current issues that are arising due to recent changes in the upper rent limits and if it will be transferred to local authorities; and if she will make a statement on the matter.
[34330/12]

Climate Change Policy

Kevin Humphreys

498 Deputy Kevin Humphreys asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if the heads of the climate change Bill will be published in 2012 as outlined in the roadmap; if he expects the drafted legislation to then be published in early 2013; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
[35291/12]

Public Transport

Kevin Humphreys

884 Deputy Kevin Humphreys asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the progress that has been made on introducing a student Leap card; if it will be available for the forthcoming academic year 2012 to 2013; if a launch date has been identified; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
[34387/12]

International Agreements

Kevin Humphreys

45 Deputy Kevin Humphreys asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if Ireland has been approached about joining the Open Government Partnership; if his attention has been drawn to the fact that many of our EU partners are already members; if he will consider getting Ireland to sign up to this multilateral initiative to make governments better; if he will endeavour to make contact with the Open Government Partnership regarding joining; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
[34225/12]

Tax Code

Kevin Humphreys

48 Deputy Kevin Humphreys asked the Minister for Finance the amount received in 2011 from the ending of the exemption from benefit-in-kind tax for employer provided child care; the amount received to date in 2012; the expected amount for 2012; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
[34118/12]

EU-IMF Agreement

Kevin Humphreys

49 Deputy Kevin Humphreys asked the Minister for Finance the way he expects to achieve the commitment with the EU and IMF through the memorandum of understanding to deliver full year savings of €940 million in tax relief in the broad pension tax relief area in the period to 2014; the measures that have been taken to date to achieve same; the savings that have resulted from those measures; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
[34119/12]

Tax Reliefs

Kevin Humphreys

50 Deputy Kevin Humphreys asked the Minister for Finance the estimated savings that would accrue to the Exchequer from reducing the tax relief on pension contributions from the marginal rate to either 33% at the marginal rate or if relief was standardised to 20% in a full tax year; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
[34123/12]

Enterprise Ireland Investments

Kevin Humphreys

96 Deputy Kevin Humphreys asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation if he will provide an itemised list in spreadsheet format of all current investments by Enterprise Ireland; the criteria that applies to making investments; the oversight there is of each decision; the way the investments are audited for value for the taxpayer; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
[34116/12]

Enterprise Ireland Investments

Kevin Humphreys

97 Deputy Kevin Humphreys asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation the amount Enterprise Ireland has lost on investments since the year 2000 on an annual basis for companies that have gone into liquidation or receivership; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
[34117/12]

Health Service Allowances

Kevin Humphreys

228 Deputy Kevin Humphreys asked the Minister for Health when he will revise the mobility allowance in order to render it compliant with the Equal Status Act, in view of the fact that those over 66 cannot currently access this allowance, when will they be able to access this mobility allowance; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
[34084/12]

Credit Unions Regulation

Kevin Humphreys

119 Deputy Kevin Humphreys asked the Minister for Finance further to his reply to Parliamentary Question No. 58 of 20 June 2012, when the credit union restructuring board, ReBo, will be appointed; when will it come into operation; if it will operate on an interim or administrative basis pending the passage of the draft credit union Bill; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
[33175/12]

School Patronage

Kevin Humphreys

181 Deputy Kevin Humphreys asked the Minister for Education and Skills if his attention has been drawn to the fact that there is significant demand in the Dublin 6, 8 and 12 area for a new multidenominational school; if any plans have been drawn up in his Department towards recognising the start up group that currently exists; if there has been any consideration of any potential there may be locally for divestment of a current school to cater for this demand; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
[33603/12]

Environmental Schemes

Kevin Humphreys

324 Deputy Kevin Humphreys asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if the National Economic and Social Council secretariat submitted the interim report on potential options for policies and measures to close the distance to Ireland’s greenhouse gas emission reduction target under Decision 406/2009/EC in the compliance period 2013-2020; the date he will release the interim report; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
[33246/12]

Foreign Adoptions

Kevin Humphreys

430 Deputy Kevin Humphreys asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs if her attention has been drawn to the fact that an organisation (details supplied) requested an opinion from Kenya on the compatibility of laws in Kenya with Irish adoption laws on 2 March 2012; if this organisation is taking any steps to follow that opinion up; if so, the steps that will be taken, when they will expect a response; and if she will make a statement on the matter.
[33251/12]

Foreign Adoptions

Kevin Humphreys

431 Deputy Kevin Humphreys asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs when the report by an organisation (details supplied) summarising the conclusions and recommendations of the delegation’s visit to Ethiopia will be completed; when this organisation will contact her again on the legal advice referred to in her previous replies to questions on this matter; if further information has been submitted to her regarding this legal advice; if this organisation has completed its consideration of this matter; and if she will make a statement on the matter.
[33255/12]

Thalidomide Victim Compensation

Kevin Humphreys

534 Deputy Kevin Humphreys asked the Minister for Health the position regarding the programme for Government commitment to address the need for further compensation for victims of thalidomide; when he will deliver on this commitment; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
[33716/12]

Social Impact Bonds

Kevin Humphreys

287 Deputy Kevin Humphreys asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if he has held any discussions with interested bodies, either domestic or foreign, regarding the establishment of social impact bonds here; if the scoping exercise of the potential of social impact bonds has been completed; if he still on track to pilot at least one area this year; the level of investment that might be required for the pilots and the level of saving that may accrue to the Exchequer; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
[31911/12]