Parliamentary questions

Child Care Proceedings

Robert Troy

1. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs if she considers the level of fees paid to guardians ad litem to represent children in court to be sustainable or appropriate in the current economic climate; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6951/14]

Public Health Policy

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin

2. Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the steps she is taking to address the dangers of the Neknomination Internet craze in view of the recent tragic consequences; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6694/14]

Adoption Records Provision

Thomas Pringle

3. Deputy Thomas Pringle asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs her plans to release more than 60,000 files on forced adoptions; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6921/14]

Proposed Legislation

Robert Troy

4. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs when she will bring forward adoption information and tracing legislation; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6952/14]

Inter-Country Adoptions

John Halligan

5. Deputy John Halligan asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs if she will review an application to the Adoption Authority of Ireland for the registration of a child adopted from Vietnam in October 2012 who is now registered and residing here (details supplied); if she will confirm that at the time of this adoption both Vietnam and Ireland had signed up to the Hague Convention and a bilateral agreement that had been put in place by her; if she will consider directing the Adoption Authority of Ireland to progress the registration of this child on the basis that its parents were in full compliance with the 1991 Act in view of the adoption process having begun prior to the 2010 Act being introduced (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6695/14]

Child and Family Agency Establishment

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin

6. Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs her observations on the establishment of the Child and Family Agency, now over one month in being; if the transition has been smooth; if there are particular concerns or issues requiring special address; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6643/14]

Adoption Legislation

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin

7. Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the position regarding the adoption (information and tracing) Bill; if she will provide a comprehensive account of the provisions of the forthcoming legislation; if she will confirm her welcome and support for the Philomena Project; the way she and her Department intends engaging with same in the lead up to the Bill's publication; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6645/14]

Garda Vetting of Personnel

Robert Troy

8. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs if she will expedite a resolution to the conflict between data protection legislation and preschool regulation compliance to enable students to undertake mandatory placements in child care services; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6651/14]

Children in Care

Bernard Durkan

9. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the extent to which she remains satisfied regarding safety, well-being and welfare of children in State institutions or otherwise under State care; the extent to which monitoring and reporting services remains available; the degree to which reports are followed up; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6574/14]

Child and Family Agency Establishment

Thomas Pringle

10. Deputy Thomas Pringle asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the number of contracts for social work services tendered by her Department; if she will list in table format the details of each company; the value of each contract; the amount being spent by these companies and for what purpose; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6637/14]

Departmental Funding

Joe Higgins

11. Deputy Joe Higgins asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs if she will ensure the continued funding of Rape Crisis Network Ireland as scheduled for the end of March, in view of the essential specialist research and support it provides for rape crisis centres. [5327/14]

Children in Care

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin

12. Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs her views on the recently published Health Information and Quality Authority report on Crannóg Nua at Portrane; the actions she expects will follow on its content and recommendations; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6647/14]

Children in Care

Thomas P. Broughan

13. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the actions that will be taken in 2014 to reduce waiting times for children to obtain places in special care units in circumstances where they have fulfilled the criteria for admission to special care. [6492/14]

European Court of Human Rights Judgments

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin

14. Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the level of consultation and engagement that has taken place with her Department or its agencies in their consideration thus far of the State's responsibilities to other schoolchildren and former schoolchildren arising from the decision of the European Court of Human Rights in the case of a person (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6646/14]

Garda Vetting of Personnel

Charlie McConalogue

15. Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs if she will amend the Child and Family Agency requirements under the Garda vetting standard of the child care preschool services regulations that relate to students to allow a letter confirming clearance from training organisations to be deemed compliant with regulations; if her attention has been drawn to the fact that the regulations as they stand are jeopardising training placements; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6656/14]

Inter-Country Adoptions

David Stanton

16. Deputy David Stanton asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the progress that has been made by her Department and the Adoption Authority of Ireland with regard to accrediting an agency to deal with inter-country adoptions from India; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6649/14]

Departmental Functions

Bernard Durkan

17. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the main elements of her Department's responsibilities for children and young adults, with particular reference to the extent to which it is intended to provide or make available supportive services in areas most notably in need of such services in recent years; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6573/14]

Preschool Services

Robert Troy

18. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the action she will take to address the lack of information regarding regulation reform, the new inspection process and required standards in view of the fact that preschool services have in effect become part of the new Child and Family Agency registration process from January 2014; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6650/14]

Inter-Country Adoptions

David Stanton

19. Deputy David Stanton asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs if she will provide an update on progress regarding inter-country adoptions from India; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6648/14]

Social Media Regulation

Thomas Pringle

20. Deputy Thomas Pringle asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the contact she has made with Facebook regarding Neknominations; the response given, if any; and if she plans further actions regarding same. [6636/14]

Departmental Funding

Joe Higgins

21. Deputy Joe Higgins asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs if she will ensure that funding will be made available for Rape Crisis Network Ireland, which provides rape crisis centres with vital specialist research and support and whose closure is imminent due to the fact that its current funding is scheduled to be terminated on 31 March 2014. [5328/14]

Youth Services Funding

Catherine Murphy

22. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs her views on whether the current geographic spend on youth services is adequate to provide the same level of service on a countrywide basis; if her attention has been drawn to particular examples where organisations which received funding under the youth service grant scheme concentrate their activities in particular areas of the country and, as a result, funding is unbalanced around the State; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6642/14]

European Court of Human Rights Judgments

Thomas Pringle

23. Deputy Thomas Pringle asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs if she will provide details on the review of current and planned child protection systems; when this review will be completed; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6640/14]

Proposed Legislation

Robert Troy

24. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs when the Children First legislation will be published; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6654/14]

Adoption Records Provision

Clare Daly

25. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs in view of the undeniable evidence, in writing, that religious run adoption agencies participated in and facilitated illegal adoptions, the reason neither her Department nor the Adoption Authority of Ireland has carried out an audit of every adoption record held in the country; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6523/14]

Departmental Funding

Pádraig MacLochlainn

26. Deputy Pádraig Mac Lochlainn asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the position regarding funding for Rape Crisis Network Ireland; if it is due to end on 31 March 2014; if she will clarify what the process will then be; if she will indicate the consultation undertaken with those involved in the rape crisis sector; and if she will outline the groups which she has met to date to discuss funding. [5334/14]

Child Protection

Denis Naughten

27. Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the discussions she has had with other Departments on foot of the publication of the audit report on neglect cases; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6495/14]

Child and Family Agency Remit

Thomas Pringle

28. Deputy Thomas Pringle asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the date on which all services are due to be transferred to the Child and Family Agency, including public health nursing and child mental health; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6639/14]

Child and Family Agency Funding

Thomas Pringle

29. Deputy Thomas Pringle asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the way the €600 million budget for the Child and Family Agency is to be spent; if she deems this to be an adequate level of funding for the agency to function efficiently in view of its responsibilities; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6638/14]

Garda Vetting of Personnel

Charlie McConalogue

30. Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs if she will amend the Child and Family Agency requirements under the Garda vetting standard of the child care preschool services regulations relating to students to allow a letter confirming clearance from training organisations to meet compliance; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6655/14]

Child Care Services Inspections

Seán Kyne

31. Deputy Seán Kyne asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs if she will report on the progress of her Department, Pobal and the other relevant stakeholders in implementing a digitised and online system of recording and disseminating inspection reports on child care and preschool facilities; the level of engagement between her Department, Pobal, the Health Service Executive and other stakeholders such as the child care committees; and if she will indicate the current rate of inspections being undertaken. [6608/14]

Ombudsman for Children Reports

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin

32. Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the progress made by the Ombudsman for Children in the preparation of her report into the two cases of children of Roma families who were taken from their parents by the State; when she expects to receive the ombudsman's report; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6644/14]

Youth Services Funding

Catherine Murphy

33. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs if her attention has been drawn to the difficulties being experienced by Kildare Youth Services and other such services around the country at present due to their inability to fund qualified youth social workers; if her attention has been drawn to the fact that such roles often bring inherent knock-on benefits to the youth of a community, resulting in decreased drug use and decreased instances of self-harm and bullying; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6641/14]

Child Care Qualifications

Seán Kyne

34. Deputy Seán Kyne asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs in the context of the need to ensure an adequate qualification framework, the funding supports available to community child care providers, in particular, to meet the qualification standards that are rightly required for quality child care and preschool care. [6607/14]

Social Workers Recruitment

Mick Wallace

35. Deputy Mick Wallace asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs her views on reports that at least 200 social work posts are currently vacant even though there have been significant increases in the number of reports of children at risk of abuse or neglect; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6635/14]

National Carers Strategy Status

Clare Daly

36. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the plans she has to support the thousands of children in the State who are currently acting as carers. [6524/14]

Preschool Services

Éamon Ó Cuív

37. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the money being provided for the provision of the preschool year; the number of children being catered for; the number of these preschools being operated through Irish and the number being operated through English, with the number of children in each category; her policy regarding same in view of the 20-year strategy for the Irish language; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6493/14]

Child Care Costs

Denis Naughten

38. Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the additional steps she will take to address the availability and affordability of regulated child care services; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6494/14]

Social Workers Recruitment

Robert Troy

39. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the action she will take to address the inadequate numbers of necessary social workers for vulnerable children; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6653/14]

Social Media Regulation

Robert Troy

40. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the measures she will take to help young persons who may be at risk from irresponsible and reckless forms of social media; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6652/14]

Departmental Bodies

Michael McNamara

41. Deputy Michael McNamara asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he will provide a list of bodies under the aegis of his Department in respect of Government policy for which he is responsible for answering parliamentary questions pursuant to Standing Order 34. [7002/14]

Ministerial Appointments

Michael McNamara

42. Deputy Michael McNamara asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he will provide a list of bodies to which he has the authority to appoint board members. [7017/14]

Local Authority Functions

Kevin Humphreys

43. Deputy Kevin Humphreys asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he will provide a list of all specific new powers or functions conferred on local authorities by legislation under his area since June 2009 and a reference to the specific section or regulation in each case; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7032/14]

Passport Application Refusals

Bernard Durkan

44. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if and when a passport will issue in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Meath; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7109/14]

Passport Controls

Brendan Smith

45. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the checks made to ensure the security and integrity of Irish passports; if he will outline the staff selection process carried out before hiring staff to the Passport Office; if he is concerned at recent investigations into the Passport Office by An Garda Síochána; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7130/14]

Living City Initiative

Billy Kelleher

46. Deputy Billy Kelleher asked the Minister for Finance the progress of the roll-out of the Living City Initiative; when the designated areas will be identified by local authorities; when the ministerial order will be moved for commencement; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7106/14]

VAT Rate Application

Derek Nolan

47. Deputy Derek Nolan asked the Minister for Finance if he will broaden the remit of those businesses which benefit under the special VAT rate of 9% for bus operators working in the tourism industry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6975/14]

Tax Rebates

Derek Nolan

48. Deputy Derek Nolan asked the Minister for Finance if he will allow bus operators working in the tourism industry to avail of a rebate on diesel charges similar to that applicable to airlines and ferry companies; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6976/14]

Departmental Bodies

Michael McNamara

49. Deputy Michael McNamara asked the Minister for Finance if he will provide a list of bodies under the aegis of his Department in respect of Government policy for which he is responsible for answering parliamentary questions pursuant to Standing Order 34. [7001/14]

Ministerial Appointments

Michael McNamara

50. Deputy Michael McNamara asked the Minister for Finance if he will provide a list of bodies to which he has the authority to appoint board members. [7016/14]

Local Authority Functions

Kevin Humphreys

51. Deputy Kevin Humphreys asked the Minister for Finance if he will provide a list of all specific new powers or functions conferred on local authorities by legislation under his area since June 2009 and a reference to the specific section or regulation in each case; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7031/14]

National Debt

Lucinda Creighton

52. Deputy Lucinda Creighton asked the Minister for Finance if he will estimate the total annual savings to the State under debt servicing costs if the interest charged on Ireland's EFSF, EFSM and bilateral loans to the UK, Denmark and Sweden were reduced by 0.5%; if he will provide an estimate of the total annual savings to the State under debt servicing costs from the first year of maturity of the EFSF, EFSM and bilateral loans to the UK, Denmark and Sweden if an extension of maturities to 50 years were provided on all these loans; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7041/14]

Budget Consultation Process

Michael Healy-Rae

53. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Finance his views on correspondence (details supplied) regarding representation for pensioners organisations in decision-making processes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7059/14]

Universal Social Charge Exemptions

Terence Flanagan

54. Deputy Terence Flanagan asked the Minister for Finance if all couples are exempt from paying the universal social charge regardless of which spouse is over 70 years (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7064/14]

Disabled Drivers and Passengers Scheme

Áine Collins

55. Deputy Áine Collins asked the Minister for Finance if he will direct the Revenue Commissioners to be flexible on a case-by-case basis in their approach to the type of vehicle, particularly the engine size criteria, as the current regulation of 2,000 cc does not suit certain specific applicants, that is, farmers who need 3 litres plus engines to enable them to participate to some extent in family farm work. [7105/14]

VAT Rate Application

Gerry Adams

56. Deputy Gerry Adams asked the Minister for Finance the VAT and other taxes or duties that apply in respect of the selling of coffins within the State. [7144/14]

VAT Rate Application

Gerry Adams

57. Deputy Gerry Adams asked the Minister for Finance the VAT and other taxes or duties that apply in respect of undertakers within the State and the purchase of coffins. [7145/14]

VAT Rate Application

Gerry Adams

58. Deputy Gerry Adams asked the Minister for Finance the VAT or any other taxes or duties payable on the importation of coffins from Northern Ireland. [7146/14]

VAT Rate Application

Gerry Adams

59. Deputy Gerry Adams asked the Minister for Finance if his Department has carried out any investigation into allegations of non-payment of VAT, tax or other duties on the sale of coffins from Northern Ireland or outside the EU. [7147/14]

VAT Rate Application

Gerry Adams

60. Deputy Gerry Adams asked the Minister for Finance the checks that are carried out to ensure that all VAT, taxes or other duties on the sale or purchase of coffins are properly collected. [7148/14]

Tax Reliefs Availability

Ciaran Lynch

61. Deputy Ciarán Lynch asked the Minister for Finance if he has considered offering tax relief incentives to encourage householders and business owners to undertake flood prevention works to protect their premises from future weather events; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7168/14]

Pensions Levy

Finian McGrath

62. Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Finance the position regarding levies on ESB pensions (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7198/14]

Weight of Schoolbags

Anne Ferris

63. Deputy Anne Ferris asked the Minister for Education and Skills his views on the concerns of parents that children's schoolbags are too heavy because of the weight of books; the action his Department will take in consultation with the Department of Children and Youth Affairs; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7151/14]

School Textbooks Rental Scheme

Derek Nolan

64. Deputy Derek Nolan asked the Minister for Education and Skills if schools which, through their own endeavour, have already started a free book rental scheme for their students will be permitted to avail of his Department's funding for this same purpose when introduced; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6974/14]

Higher Education Grants Eligibility Criteria

Bernard Durkan

65. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Education and Skills if he will review the eligibility for a higher education grant in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6986/14]

School Staffing

Michael Healy-Rae

66. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Education and Skills the position regarding an appeal in respect of a school (details supplied) in County Kerry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6988/14]

Departmental Bodies

Michael McNamara

67. Deputy Michael McNamara asked the Minister for Education and Skills if he will provide a list of bodies under the aegis of his Department in respect of Government policy for which he is responsible for answering parliamentary questions pursuant to Standing Order 34. [6999/14]

Departmental Bodies

Michael McNamara

68. Deputy Michael McNamara asked the Minister for Education and Skills if he will provide a list of bodies to which he has the authority to appoint board members. [7014/14]

Local Authority Functions

Kevin Humphreys

69. Deputy Kevin Humphreys asked the Minister for Education and Skills if he will provide a list of all specific new powers or functions conferred on local authorities by legislation under his area since June 2009 and a reference to the specific section or regulation in each case; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7029/14]

Autism Support Services

Simon Harris

70. Deputy Simon Harris asked the Minister for Education and Skills if his attention has been drawn to the issue of isolation or withdrawal rooms in ASD units in national schools here; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7044/14]

Autism Support Services

Simon Harris

71. Deputy Simon Harris asked the Minister for Education and Skills if his attention has been drawn to the number of schools that have constructed small, safe spaces as per the school design guide for ASD units; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7045/14]

Autism Support Services

Simon Harris

72. Deputy Simon Harris asked the Minister for Education and Skills if he will consider mandatory training for teachers assigned to ASD units in national schools. [7046/14]

Special Educational Needs Staffing

Charlie McConalogue

73. Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Minister for Education and Skills his plans to reinstate a teacher following serious concerns for the future of the school (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7053/14]

School Transport Provision

Billy Kelleher

74. Deputy Billy Kelleher asked the Minister for Education and Skills the reason a child (details supplied) in County Tipperary who will be attending a special needs school is being denied school transportation because the intervention team in their area no longer put the recommended school in writing as part of their assessment; if he will investigate this problem and rectify same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7058/14]

Further Education and Training Programmes Provision

Jonathan O'Brien

75. Deputy Jonathan O'Brien asked the Minister for Education and Skills if he will include in the new adult literacy and numeracy strategy being developed as part of the further education and training strategy the following elements: awareness raising of learning opportunities and support for greater engagement by persons with literacy and numeracy needs in FET; integrated literacy and numeracy into all FET programmes, thereby ensuring that relevant literacy and numeracy are developed as part of the subject specific learning; intensive learning programmes for people who are unemployed in the workplace and supporting families; blended learning and recognition of prior learning to acquire qualifications at NFQ levels 1 to 4; and an efficient system for evaluating, monitoring and reporting progress and achievement against national targets. [7073/14]

School Enrolments

Billy Timmins

76. Deputy Billy Timmins asked the Minister for Education and Skills the position regarding admission policies for a school (details supplied) in County Wicklow; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7100/14]

Education Grants

Jonathan O'Brien

77. Deputy Jonathan O'Brien asked the Minister for Education and Skills if he will provide an update regarding students of the two-year diploma course run by Trinity College (details supplied) who had previously received the student grant and maintenance payment but have been told they are no longer entitled to same and they must repay moneys received; the reason a change in the status of the course occurred; and if he will ensure that students who received grants and maintenance to do this course will not be forced to repay the moneys. [7112/14]

School Patronage

Tony McLoughlin

78. Deputy Tony McLoughlin asked the Minister for Education and Skills the position regarding an outreach class in a school (details supplied) in County Leitrim; if his attention has been drawn to the decision of the board of management to notify parents of its intention to withdraw as patrons from the school; and if his Department is prepared to liaise with parents and the community in making alternative arrangements for these children with special needs. [7118/14]

State Examinations

Finian McGrath

79. Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Education and Skills the position regarding examination supports in respect of a person (details supplied). [7160/14]

School Staffing

Tom Fleming

80. Deputy Tom Fleming asked the Minister for Education and Skills the position regarding an appeal by a school (details supplied) in County Kerry; if he will take into consideration the concerns of the board of management and ensure that this school does not lose a mainstream teacher in the 2014-2015 school year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7161/14]

School Enrolments Data

Charlie McConalogue

81. Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Minister for Education and Skills further to Parliamentary Question No. 63 of 11 December 2013, if he will clarify the date on which schools are required to submit their returns detailing pupil numbers as at 30 September 2013; the date when he expects this information to be available and when it will be published on his Department's website; if he will provide, in tabular form, the mainstream primary schools in each county, the number of pupils currently enrolled in each, and the number of classroom teachers in each, as at 30 September 2013; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7165/14]

Departmental Bodies

Michael McNamara

82. Deputy Michael McNamara asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if he will provide a list of bodies under the aegis of his Department in respect of Government policy for which he is responsible for answering parliamentary questions pursuant to Standing Order 34. [7006/14]

Ministerial Appointments

Michael McNamara

83. Deputy Michael McNamara asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if he will provide a list of bodies to which he has the authority to appoint board members. [7021/14]

Local Authority Functions

Kevin Humphreys

84. Deputy Kevin Humphreys asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if he will provide a list of all specific new powers or functions conferred on local authorities by legislation under his area since June 2009 and a reference to the specific section or regulation in each case; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7036/14]

Legislative Programme

Derek Nolan

85. Deputy Derek Nolan asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform when it is likely the Valuation (Amendment) (No. 2) Bill will become law; the timeline for same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7142/14]

Departmental Bodies

Michael McNamara

86. Deputy Michael McNamara asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation if he will provide a list of bodies under the aegis of his Department in respect of Government policy for which he is responsible for answering parliamentary questions pursuant to Standing Order 34. [7004/14]

Ministerial Appointments

Michael McNamara

87. Deputy Michael McNamara asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation if he will provide a list of bodies to which he has the authority to appoint board members. [7019/14]

Local Authority Functions

Kevin Humphreys

88. Deputy Kevin Humphreys asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation if he will provide a list of all specific new powers or functions conferred on local authorities by legislation under his area since June 2009 and a reference to the specific section or regulation in each case; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7034/14]

Human Rights Issues

Maureen O'Sullivan

89. Deputy Maureen O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation the way, within the areas in which he has responsibility, Ireland pushes for the inclusion of human rights clauses in trade deals between the European Union and other countries requiring improvements in human rights in return for opening up trade and investment opportunities; and specifically Ireland’s efforts in this matter. [7111/14]

Enterprise Support Services Provision

Gerry Adams

90. Deputy Gerry Adams asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation the supports Enterprise Ireland has provided to a company (details supplied) in County Louth; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7149/14]

IDA Site Visits

Michael Healy-Rae

91. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation the reason for his recent defence of IDA Ireland's record in County Kerry despite the fact that the authority arranged just five site visits to the county in the past two years (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7189/14]

Flood Relief Schemes Expenditure

Michael Healy-Rae

92. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Social Protection further to the humanitarian assistance scheme operated by her Department for assistance in the aftermath of floods, since this scheme was developed, if she will provide a detailed breakdown of the amount of money that has been paid; the average payment to persons; the amount of money that has been received in each county; the amount that was paid out of that scheme to County Kerry; the average payment to persons living in County Kerry; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6992/14]

Departmental Bodies

Michael McNamara

93. Deputy Michael McNamara asked the Minister for Social Protection if she will provide a list of bodies under the aegis of her Department in respect of Government policy for which she is responsible for answering parliamentary questions, pursuant to Standing Order 34. [7007/14]

Ministerial Appointments

Michael McNamara

94. Deputy Michael McNamara asked the Minister for Social Protection if she will provide a list of bodies to which she has the authority to appoint board members. [7022/14]

Local Authority Functions

Kevin Humphreys

95. Deputy Kevin Humphreys asked the Minister for Social Protection if she will provide a list of all specific new powers or functions conferred on local authorities by legislation under her area since June 2009 and a reference to the specific section or regulation in each case; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [7037/14]

Disability Allowance Data

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin

96. Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Social Protection if she will provide in tabular form the number of persons in receipt of invalidity pension; the number of persons in receipt of disability allowance in each of the years 2011, 2012, 2013 and to date in 2014; and if she will provide a breakdown of same by counties Cavan, Monaghan, Meath and Louth. [7043/14]

Carer's Allowance Appeals

Patrick O'Donovan

97. Deputy Patrick O'Donovan asked the Minister for Social Protection the position regarding a carer's allowance appeal in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Wexford; if assistance will be offered to call them for an oral hearing as a matter of urgency; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [7047/14]

Social Welfare Appeals Status

Damien English

98. Deputy Damien English asked the Minister for Social Protection when a decision will issue on an appeal registered on 25 March 2013, in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Meath; the reason for the delay; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [7074/14]

Free Travel Scheme Administration

Terence Flanagan

99. Deputy Terence Flanagan asked the Minister for Social Protection her views on correspondence (details supplied) regarding a free travel pass; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [7077/14]

One-Parent Family Payment Applications

Willie O'Dea

100. Deputy Willie O'Dea asked the Minister for Social Protection when payment of one-parent family benefit will issue in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Clare who is currently paying €540 per month rent with an income of €1,500 and who has three children; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [7082/14]