Parliamentary questions

Departmental Funding

Seamus Kirk

144. Deputy Seamus Kirk asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if his attention has been drawn to the serious budget shortfall of the Women's Aid facility in Dundalk; if an application for additional funding has been submitted; and if so, when will this be looked at; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20693/14]

National Strategy on Dementia Implementation

Seamus Kirk

408. Deputy Seamus Kirk asked the Minister for Health the position regarding the national strategy on dementia; if a timescale has been set out for its implementation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20165/14]

North-South Ministerial Council

Seamus Kirk

140. Deputy Seamus Kirk asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if, in the context of the North-South Ministerial Council agenda, consideration will be given to the prioritisation of cross-Border infrastructural projects which have clear mutual benefits North and South; his views on such proposals; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17303/14]

Drainage Schemes Expenditure

Seamus Kirk

530. Deputy Seamus Kirk asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the proposals he has to provide financial assistance towards land drainage in view of the substantial costs involved in such work and the need for drainage works to be undertaken in view of the heavy rainfall over the past few years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17936/14]

UK Referendum on EU Membership

Seamus Kirk

33. Deputy Seamus Kirk asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if a contingency plan has been initiated by his Department in the event of a negative referendum result in the UK on EU membership; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17019/14]

Agriculture Scheme Expenditure

Seamus Kirk

493. Deputy Seamus Kirk asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will outline the capital expenditure, both Exchequer and EU, on the various schemes funded under his Department's on-farm capital investment programmes on an annual basis from 1997 to 2013; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16316/14]

Nursing Homes Support Scheme Oversight

Seamus Kirk

650. Deputy Seamus Kirk asked the Minister for Health if the fair deal scheme is under review; if so, when he will have a report on same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16540/14]

Medicinal Products Availability

Seamus Kirk

561. Deputy Seamus Kirk asked the Minister for Health if his attention has been drawn to the early access to the medicines scheme launched in the UK; if there is a comparative plan here; and, if not, if he has any plans to develop one in the future; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15194/14]

Ambulance Service Staff

Seamus Kirk

594. Deputy Seamus Kirk asked the Minister for Health the number of paramedic staff who are employed on the ambulance service in the north east; the number of staff on full pay who are not being utilised as part of the service; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15369/14]

Regulatory Bodies

Seamus Kirk

275. Deputy Seamus Kirk asked the Minister for Finance if he is considering introducing statutory regulation of the Irish Tax Institute in view of the considerable fallout from financial decisions taken on projects over the past ten years or so; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14182/14]

Grocery Industry Competition

Seamus Kirk

209. Deputy Seamus Kirk asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation his plans regarding the statutory code of practice for the grocery sector; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12058/14]

Disadvantaged Areas Scheme Eligibility

Seamus Kirk

455. Deputy Seamus Kirk asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will re-examine the decision to refuse disadvantaged areas scheme 2012 payment to a person (details supplied) in County Monaghan; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11691/14]

Beef Industry

Seamus Kirk

474. Deputy Seamus Kirk asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine in view of the serious crisis in the beef sector here, the measures he is planning to support primary producers in the industry. [12059/14]

Road Network

Seamus Kirk

593. Deputy Seamus Kirk asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the position regarding the western bypass at Ardee, County Louth; the commencement date for the project; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11523/14]

Driver Licences

Seamus Kirk

514. Deputy Seamus Kirk asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the position regarding the proposed bilateral agreement between Ireland and Canada in relation to recognition of driving licences in both countries; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10576/14]

Farms Data

Seamus Kirk

229. Deputy Seamus Kirk asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine his views on carrying out an audit of the bureaucratic burden on farmers with a view to bringing forward proposals to minimise the burden; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10239/14]

Garda Strength

Seamus Kirk

163. Deputy Seamus Kirk asked the Minister for Justice and Equality Garda numbers in County Louth over the past five years; if he will provide a breakdown, in particular for the Dundalk south and Carlingford areas; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9749/14]

Common Agricultural Policy Reform

Seamus Kirk

196. Deputy Seamus Kirk asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will provide an indicative time scale for approved projects of pillar 2 of the Common Agricultural Policy programme 2014-2018; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9810/14]

Student Grant Scheme Eligibility

Seamus Kirk

117. Deputy Seamus Kirk asked the Minister for Education and Skills if there will be no introduction of a capital assets test for assessing eligibility for third level student grants; if he will be publishing the report of the capital asset test implementation group; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9141/14]

Cross-Border Co-operation

Seamus Kirk

13. Deputy Seamus Kirk asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he has had any recent discussions with members of the Northern Ireland Executive on the potential to develop further cross-Border trade; if the potential of the Narrow Water Bridge project has been discussed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8020/14]

Cross-Border Co-operation

Seamus Kirk

35. Deputy Seamus Kirk asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he has discussed with Members of the Northern Ireland Executive the potential of the Narrow Water Bridge project to further North-South trade and economic development; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8021/14]

Defence Forces Remuneration

Seamus Kirk

167. Deputy Seamus Kirk asked the Minister for Defence if he will advise when it is hoped to pay serving members who have joined the Permanent Defence Force since 2011 an extra 10% that was promised as part of Haddington Road agreement; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8472/14]

Cross-Border Co-operation

Seamus Kirk

136. Deputy Seamus Kirk asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will provide details of any recent discussions he has had with members of the Northern Ireland Executive and the Northern Ireland Secretary of State on key cross-Border infrastructure projects; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1484/14]

Autism Incidence

Seamus Kirk

716. Deputy Seamus Kirk asked the Minister for Health the steps needed in relation to getting a child tested for autism; if he will state the waiting list for children with autism to be tested; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7839/14]

Autism Incidence

Seamus Kirk

717. Deputy Seamus Kirk asked the Minister for Health the number of persons diagnosed with autism and Asperger's syndrome; if he will provide a breakdown by county; the treatment available through the Health Service Executive; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7840/14]

Autism Incidence

Seamus Kirk

718. Deputy Seamus Kirk asked the Minister for Health the budget available for the treatment of autism in children and young adults; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7841/14]

Ambulance Service Provision

Seamus Kirk

22. Deputy Seamus Kirk asked the Minister for Health his views on whether the ambulance service has the necessary resources for 2014; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6932/14]

Nursing Homes Support Scheme Expenditure

Seamus Kirk

65. Deputy Seamus Kirk asked the Minister for Health if he is satisfied that there are sufficient resources in place for the fair deal scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6931/14]

Poultry Industry

Seamus Kirk

216. Deputy Seamus Kirk asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the supports that will be provided for the poultry sector under the new rural development programme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7205/14]

Agriculture Scheme Payments

Seamus Kirk

171. Deputy Seamus Kirk asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will consider increasing the beef genomic scheme payment rate per cow as the current €80 proposal announced as part of the Common Agricultural Policy reform programme is considered inadequate in terms of the impact needed to stabilise suckler cow numbers nationally and provide reasonable support for the extremely low incomes of suckler farmers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7066/14]

Hospital Equipment

Seamus Kirk

730. Deputy Seamus Kirk asked the Minister for Health if the CT scanner in Louth County Hospital is in regular use; the number of times it has been used in the past 12 months; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5587/14]

Schools Building Regulations

Seamus Kirk

290. Deputy Seamus Kirk asked the Minister for Education and Skills if the specification for school building has changed in respect of walls and building where concrete slabs are used instead of block and brick for wall building purposes; if this change is now adopted for school buildings generally; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4084/14]

Social and Affordable Housing Provision

Seamus Kirk

550. Deputy Seamus Kirk asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the total amount of social houses available here; if he will provide a breakdown on a county basis; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4064/14]

Long-Term Illness Scheme Data

Seamus Kirk

760. Deputy Seamus Kirk asked the Minister for Health the number of persons who are partaking in the long-term illness scheme; if he will provide a full patient breakdown in regard to diseases; the total cost to the Exchequer of running the scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4102/14]

General Practitioner Services Provision

Seamus Kirk

761. Deputy Seamus Kirk asked the Minister for Health further to the proposed free general practitioner visit announced in budget 2012 for persons who are under the long-term illness scheme, the date when this budgetary promise will commence; the total cost to the Exchequer; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4103/14]

Cross-Border Co-operation

Seamus Kirk

29. Deputy Seamus Kirk asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation his proposals to enhance economic co-operation on a North-South basis to boost trade in the Border area; if further economic co-operation will be discussed at the next North-South Ministerial Council; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1483/14]

Community Radio Stations Funding

Seamus Kirk

141. Deputy Seamus Kirk asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if local community radio stations like Dundalk FM will be considered for funding under the proposed public service broadcasting charge; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3257/14]

Local Authority Charges Collection

Seamus Kirk

526. Deputy Seamus Kirk asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the position regarding distressed companies in liquidation regarding arrears due to respective councils; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1662/14]

Rural Development Programme Funding

Seamus Kirk

689. Deputy Seamus Kirk asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine his plans for an introduction for installation aid for young farmers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1659/14]

Beef Industry

Seamus Kirk

690. Deputy Seamus Kirk asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if his attention has been drawn to the crisis in the beef industry where producers are finding it impossible to have animals slaughtered; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1660/14]

Milk Quota Cessation

Seamus Kirk

691. Deputy Seamus Kirk asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he is considering the potential for transitional arrangements to the milk quota post-2015; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1661/14]

Nursing Homes Support Scheme Eligibility

Seamus Kirk

880. Deputy Seamus Kirk asked the Minister for Health the manner in which farms are taken into account when assessing applications for the fair deal scheme; if family farms are treated the same as the family home or if there are other factors in play; if so, if he will provide the details of those factors; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1470/14]

Ambulance Service Response Times

Seamus Kirk

888. Deputy Seamus Kirk asked the Minister for Health if his attention has been drawn to the serious difficulties of the ambulance service in Drogheda, County Louth, and the north east; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1571/14]

EU Funding

Seamus Kirk

33. Deputy Seamus Kirk asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he foresees an agreement being reached between the Northern Executive, the Irish Government and the European Commission in relation to the funding of the Narrow Water Bridge project; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48979/13]

EU Funding

Seamus Kirk

44. Deputy Seamus Kirk asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the recent discussions he has had with the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland and the Northern Ireland Executive in relation to the Narrow Water Bridge project; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48978/13]

Departmental Funding

Seamus Kirk

635. Deputy Seamus Kirk asked the Minister for Health the funding that has been provided to Dignity 4 Patients in 2011, 2012 and to date in 2013; if he or the Department have had any meetings with the group in 2013; if he will support the inquiry into allegations of sexual abuse of patients in a hospital (details supplied) in County Louth; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [54384/13]

Tax Reliefs Eligibility

Seamus Kirk

134. Deputy Seamus Kirk asked the Minister for Finance if he will consider extending tax relief for land leasing to companies who own agricultural land and wish to lease same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52810/13]

Housing Issues

Seamus Kirk

334. Deputy Seamus Kirk asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if local authorities will be empowered to carry out repair and maintenance work to local housing estates which are not taken over by the county council; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52808/13]

Rural Development Programme Projects

Seamus Kirk

335. Deputy Seamus Kirk asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the position regarding a grant application to Louth Leader (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52809/13]

Poultry Industry

Seamus Kirk

162. Deputy Seamus Kirk asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if the proposal to establish a poultry council has been progressed; if Exchequer or EU funding will be provided towards the work of the council or if any other initiatives are planned to assist the further development of the poultry sector; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48701/13]

Court of Appeal Establishment

Seamus Kirk

73. Deputy Seamus Kirk asked the Minister for Justice and Equality when the court of appeal will be up and running; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46525/13]

NAMA Portfolio Issues

Seamus Kirk

176. Deputy Seamus Kirk asked the Minister for Finance if he will provide a county breakdown of building land in possession of the National Asset Management Agency; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46141/13]

Local Authority Charges Application

Seamus Kirk

666. Deputy Seamus Kirk asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if, under present legislation, local authorities are empowered to negotiate rates arrears in businesses and companies which are being wound up; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46140/13]

Control of Fireworks

Seamus Kirk

755. Deputy Seamus Kirk asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if, in view of serious hazards being encountered in communities, especially in Border counties like County Louth, he will consider strengthening the control of fireworks; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46143/13]

Clinical Indemnity Scheme

Seamus Kirk

1096. Deputy Seamus Kirk asked the Minister for Health the cost of litigation for obstetrics for each of the past three years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46142/13]

Local Authority Housing Waiting Lists

Seamus Kirk

8. Deputy Seamus Kirk asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the total number of persons on the social housing waiting list broken down by county; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44869/13]

Seirbhísí Farantóireachta

Seamus Kirk

62. D'fhiafraigh Deputy Seamus Kirk den Aire Ealaíon, Oidhreachta agus Gaeltachta cad iad na polasaithe atá aige maidir le cúrsaí farantóireachta agus maidir le cúrsaí taistil go dtí na hoileáin Ghaeltachta; agus an ndéanfaidh sé ráiteas ina thaobh. [44497/13]

Symphysiotomy Report

Seamus Kirk

136. Deputy Seamus Kirk asked the Minister for Health if he is arranging for the Walsh report to be released to the survivors of symphysiotomy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43731/13]

Symphysiotomy Report

Seamus Kirk

154. Deputy Seamus Kirk asked the Minister for Health when he intends to fulfil the commitment he made on 1 August last to appoint a judge to engage with the survivors of symphysiotomy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43780/13]

Symphysiotomy Report

Seamus Kirk

155. Deputy Seamus Kirk asked the Minister for Health when he will publish the Walsh report on symphysiotomy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43781/13]

Part-Time Job Incentive Scheme

Seamus Kirk

29. Deputy Seamus Kirk asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation his views on the fact that part-time employment is accounting for a very significant proportion of new jobs being created in the economy; the way firms can be encouraged to take on more full time employees; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42723/13]

Public Sector Pensions Issues

Seamus Kirk

18. Deputy Seamus Kirk asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform his plans to review the cost of lump sum payments to senior public servants; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42490/13]

Schools Guidance Counsellors

Seamus Kirk

75. Deputy Seamus Kirk asked the Minister for Education and Skills if he will provide figures on the reductions secondary schools have made in guidance counselling hours as a result of his removal of the ex quota allocation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42238/13]

Consumer Spending

Seamus Kirk

21. Deputy Seamus Kirk asked the Minister for Finance if he agrees with the ESRI that action is required to boost weak consumer demand; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41459/13]

Telecommunications Services Provision

Seamus Kirk

157. Deputy Seamus Kirk asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if he or his Department has given consideration to the implementation here of a simple three digit 24/7 non-emergency contact for every citizen to interact with Government, semi-State, public bodies and organisations, charitable/voluntary and support services, that will assist callers in dealing with health, educational, civic, local government, social problems and so on; if he or his Department has examined the way this successfully operates in places such as the USA and Canada; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41559/13]

Telecommunications Services Provision

Seamus Kirk

159. Deputy Seamus Kirk asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if he or his Department has given consideration to the implementation here of a simple three digit 24-7 non-emergency contact for every citizen to interact with Government, semi-State and public bodies and organisations, charitable, voluntary and support services, that will assist callers in dealing with health, educational, civic, local government, social problems and so on; if he or his Department has examined the way this successfully operates in places such as the USA and Canada; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41556/13]

Telecommunications Services Provision

Seamus Kirk

166. Deputy Seamus Kirk asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if he or his Department has given consideration to the implementation here of a simple three digit 24-7 non-emergency contact for every citizen to interact with Government, semi-State, public bodies and organisations, charitable, voluntary and support services, that will assist callers in dealing with health, educational, civic, local government, social problems and so on; if he or his Department has examined the way this successfully operates in places such as the USA and Canada; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41558/13]

Telecommunications Services Provision

Seamus Kirk

216. Deputy Seamus Kirk asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs if she or her Department has given consideration to the implementation here of a simple three digit 24/7 non-emergency contact for every citizen to interact with Government, semi-State, public bodies and organisations, charitable/voluntary and support services, that will assist callers in dealing with health, educational, civic, local government, social problems and so on; if she or her Department have examined the way this successfully operates in places such as the USA and Canada; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [41560/13]

Telecommunications Services Provision

Seamus Kirk

224. Deputy Seamus Kirk asked the Minister for Health if he or his Department has given consideration to the implementation here of a simple three digit 24/7 non-emergency contact for every citizen to interact with Government, semi-State, public bodies and organisations, charitable/voluntary and support services, that will assist callers in dealing with health, educational, civic, local government, social problems and so on; if he or his Department have examined the way this successfully operates in places such as the USA and Canada; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41557/13]

Road Projects Status

Seamus Kirk

253. Deputy Seamus Kirk asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the position regarding the Narrow Water Bridge project in view of its symbolic and economic benefit to the north east; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41647/13]

International Terrorism

Seamus Kirk

45. Deputy Seamus Kirk asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade his response to the recent terrorist attack on Nairobi’s Westgate mall in Kenya; if he has liaised with Irish Aid workers and Irish charities based in Kenya; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41202/13]

Services for People with Disabilities

Seamus Kirk

24. Deputy Seamus Kirk asked the Minister for Health if he is satisfied recent events at Stewarts, Dublin 20 and St. Michael’s House, Ballymun do not undermine the commitment in the programme for Government to ensure the quality of life of persons with disabilities is enhanced; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40011/13]

Community Policing

Seamus Kirk

35. Deputy Seamus Kirk asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if An Garda Síochána has developed a new strategy for community engagement in view of the recent station closures; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39580/13]

Fodder Crisis

Seamus Kirk

87. Deputy Seamus Kirk asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the amount of money expended by his Department on emergency feedstuffs for farmers during the fodder crisis this year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39551/13]

Forestry Sector

Seamus Kirk

99. Deputy Seamus Kirk asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he intends to fund the development of forestry out of Pillar 2 funding under the Common Agriculture Policy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39531/13]

Child Care Services Inspections

Seamus Kirk

30. Deputy Seamus Kirk asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs if her Department or agencies under her remit have had any contact with the Ombudsman for Children following the "Prime Time" investigation into crèches; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [38722/13]

Irish Language

Seamus Kirk

28. Deputy Seamus Kirk asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the progress made with the review of the Official Languages Act; when legislation will be published on this matter; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38468/13]

Electric Vehicle Grants

Seamus Kirk

32. Deputy Seamus Kirk asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the planned actions his Department has to improve the ease of use of electric cars; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35055/13]

Rural Recreation Policy

Seamus Kirk

63. Deputy Seamus Kirk asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the programme of work laid out by his Department for rural recreation development this year; the new aspects to the programme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33739/13]

Broadband Services Provision

Seamus Kirk

714. Deputy Seamus Kirk asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources his plans for the type of broadband required for the Ballinhassig and Ballygarvan areas, County Cork; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34649/13]

Broadband Services Provision

Seamus Kirk

715. Deputy Seamus Kirk asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources his plans for the type of broadband required for the Cooley area, County Louth; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34650/13]

Cross-Border Projects

Seamus Kirk

1203. Deputy Seamus Kirk asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the steps he has taken to ensure the Narrow Water Bridge project goes ahead; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35292/13]

Employment Rights Issues

Seamus Kirk

25. Deputy Seamus Kirk asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation his views on collective bargaining rights for employees; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33576/13]

Job Creation Issues

Seamus Kirk

51. Deputy Seamus Kirk asked the Minister for Jobs; Enterprise and Innovation the timeline for the joint industry Government task force on the Big Data sector; its potential for job creation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33567/13]

VAT Rebates

Seamus Kirk

126. Deputy Seamus Kirk asked the Minister for Finance his plans to make on-farm micro energy installation eligible for full VAT refund on capital spend; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33913/13]

Electricity Generation

Seamus Kirk

180. Deputy Seamus Kirk asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources his plans to make investments in on-farm micro-energy installation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33913/13]

Electricity Generation

Seamus Kirk

186. Deputy Seamus Kirk asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources his plans to review and change the micro-energy generation strategy in view of its unfavourable comparison to EU norms; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33911/13]

Unfinished Housing Developments

Seamus Kirk

204. Deputy Seamus Kirk asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if the scheme for taking in charge of private housing estates needs to be revised to take in the circumstances where the developer is deceased or is no longer in business, in effect leaving the local authority with no recourse for the snag list; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33910/13]

Pension Provisions

Seamus Kirk

93. Deputy Seamus Kirk asked the Minister for Social Protection the way the Government proposes to respond to the decision of the Court of Justice of the European Union on 25 April 2013 which found that the Government is liable for the shortfall in pension funds for the Waterford Crystal workers; the estimated cost to the State; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [33219/13]

Student Grant Scheme Eligibility

Seamus Kirk

203. Deputy Seamus Kirk asked the Minister for Education and Skills the position regarding a student who is in receipt of a bursary and also in receipt of a maintenance grant who is midway through their studies; if the student is entitled to continue to be in receipt of the bursary and the grant as per the student grant scheme 2012; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33047/13]

Free Travel Scheme Administration

Seamus Kirk

295. Deputy Seamus Kirk asked the Minister for Social Protection her plans to amend or remove the free travel scheme; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [32973/13]

Pension Provisions

Seamus Kirk

302. Deputy Seamus Kirk asked the Minister for Social Protection if her attention has been drawn to any pension entitlements for supervisors and assistant supervisors in community employment schemes; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [33027/13]

Money Advice and Budgeting Service Staff

Seamus Kirk

147. Deputy Seamus Kirk asked the Minister for Social Protection if she is aware of any cuts to staffing or to the allocation to the Money Advice and Budgeting Service office in Clondalkin, Dublin; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [32699/13]

Money Advice and Budgeting Service Staff

Seamus Kirk

148. Deputy Seamus Kirk asked the Minister for Social Protection if she is aware of any cuts to staffing or to the allocation to the Money Advice and Budgeting Service office in Tallaght, Dublin; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [32700/13]

Child Care Guidelines

Seamus Kirk

38. Deputy Seamus Kirk asked the Minister for Education and Skills if he is satisfied with the implementation of Síolta and Aistear; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32269/13]

Marine Safety

Seamus Kirk

240. Deputy Seamus Kirk asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his Department's strategy on saving lives in man overboard situations; if his Department will consider making it compulsory to wear personal alert systems; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32421/13]

Marine Safety

Seamus Kirk

241. Deputy Seamus Kirk asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if in view of the recent tragedies in the fishing industries, he is considering making it compulsory for an alert system to be worn if a fisherman goes overboard; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32422/13]

Financial Services Sector

Seamus Kirk

110. Deputy Seamus Kirk asked the Minister for Finance if he will consider tightening the regulations on the extent and nature of advertising in which moneylenders may engage; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31912/13]

Rugby World Cup Bid

Seamus Kirk

14. Deputy Seamus Kirk asked 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 the matter. [31069/13]

Trade Missions Participation

Seamus Kirk

10. Deputy Seamus Kirk asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the outcome of the recent trade mission to Canada; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30796/13]