Parliamentary questions

Heritage Sites

Seán Ó Fearghaíl

1. Deputy Seán Ó Fearghaíl asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht his plans to ensure the former Houses of Parliament on College Green, Dublin 2, are continually available for arts and cultural events; if he has assessed the viability of these plans; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38599/13]

Údarás na Gaeltachta

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

2. D'fhiafraigh Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh den Aire Ealaíon, Oidhreachta agus Gaeltachta an ndéanfaidh sé ráiteas maidir leis an gcóras ceapacháin a bhí ann do bhord nua Údarás na Gaeltachta, agus conas a chinntigh an tAire go gceapfaí baill a mbeadh taithí agus saineolas cuí acu chuig an mbord; an ndéanfaidh sé ráiteas maidir le tuairiscí sna nuachtáin go raibh gearrliosta ann de dhaoine oiriúnacha don Bhord a dhréachtaigh an Roinn Ealaíon, Oidhreachta agus Gaeltachta agus maidir leis an gcúis nár ghlac an tAire le hainm ar bith ina measc, agus an ndéanfaidh sé ráiteas maidir leis an tábhacht atá leis an eolas iomlán faoin gCóras Ceapacháin a chur os comhair an phobail, i bhfiainaise tuairiscí á rá nár tugadh na cáipéisí seo ar láimh do Nuacht RTÉ/TG4 nuair a iarradh taifid a bhain leis an gcóras ceapacháin faoin Acht um Shaoráil Faisnéise i Nollaig 2012. [38598/13]

Special Areas of Conservation Designation

Luke 'Ming' Flanagan

3. Deputy Luke 'Ming' Flanagan asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht if he will provide the detailed scientific reasons for designating each of the 53 raised bog complexes under the birds and habitats directive; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38688/13]

Foras na Gaeilge

Michael P. Kitt

4. D'fhiafraigh Deputy Michael P. Kitt den Aire Ealaíon, Oidhreachta agus Gaeltachta cén líon daoine atá fostaithe ag Foras na Gaeilge faoi láthair, cé mhéad post in earnáil dheonach na Gaeilge atá maoinithe ag Foras na Gaeilge faoin gcóras bunmhaoinithe reatha, agus cé mhéad post a bheidh le maoiniú faoin múnla maoinithe nua atá beartaithe a theacht i bhfeidhm an 1 Iúil 2014; agus an ndéanfaidh sé ráiteas ina thaobh. [38600/13]

Cultural Policy

Sandra McLellan

5. Deputy Sandra McLellan asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht in view of County Limerick's designation as City of Culture for 2014, the supports, whether in terms of personnel, resources, finance or otherwise, his Department intends to give to local arts and tourism bodies and the local authority in order to ensure that the City of Culture year is successful; and his Department's plans to promote Limerick domestically and internationally for 2014. [38687/13]

Scéimeanna Forbartha Pobail

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

6. D'fhiafraigh Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh den Aire Ealaíon, Oidhreachta agus Gaeltachta an raibh aon phlé aige leis an Roinn Comhshaoil i dtaobh an tionchar a bheidh ag na hathruithe ar an tslí ina mbeidh na scéimeanna forbartha pobail, ar nós LEADER, á riaradh, ar phobail Ghaeltachta, ar fhorbairt pobail sa Ghaeltacht, agus ar phleanáil teanga sa Ghaeltacht; agus an ndéanfaidh sé ráiteas ina thaobh. [38493/13]

An Straitéis 20 Bliain don Ghaeilge

Timmy Dooley

7. D'fhiafraigh Deputy Timmy Dooley den Aire Ealaíon, Oidhreachta agus Gaeltachta cén dul chun cinn atá déanta maidir leis an Straitéis 20 Bliain don Ghaeilge; agus an ndéanfaidh sé ráiteas ina thaobh. [38461/13]

Tourism Project Funding

Clare Daly

8. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the steps he has taken to assist in delivering the promised maritime museum and facilities for the Irish Seal Sanctuary in partnership with Fingal County Council; and the action that can be taken to bring this project, which has planning permission, to fruition, even initially on the basis of a pop-up museum. [29217/13]

National Monuments

Brendan Smith

9. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the timeframe for the restoration of the national monument at Moore Street, Dublin 1; the further difficulties that need to be overcome to ensure that redevelopment takes place in advance of the centenary anniversary of the 1916 Easter Rising; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38479/13]

Archaeological Sites

Charlie McConalogue

10. Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the position on the significance of the recent uncovering of an ancient monastic settlement beside the Drumholm Church of Ireland graveyard, near the village of Ballintra, County Donegal; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38472/13]

Grazing Rights

Seán Kyne

11. Deputy Seán Kyne asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht if interim payments will be made to farmers in the Twelve Bens region, County Galway, for 1 December 2012 to 1 May 2013 in recognition of the fact that said farmers were unable to avail of the agri-environment options scheme as no applications were accepted. [38372/13]

Limistéir Gaeltachta

Niall Collins

12. D'fhiafraigh Deputy Niall Collins den Aire Ealaíon, Oidhreachta agus Gaeltachta cad é an staid reatha maidir le haon limistéir Ghaeltachta nua atá beartaithe; agus an ndéanfaidh sé ráiteas ina thaobh. [38458/13]

Commemorative Events

Éamon Ó Cuív

13. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the total expenditure of his Department to commemorate the 1913 Lock-out; the further plans he has to commemorate the event; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38484/13]

Seirbhísí Leathanbhanda

Seán Crowe

14. D'fhiafraigh Deputy Seán Crowe den Aire Ealaíon, Oidhreachta agus Gaeltachta an raibh aon phlé aige leis an Roinn Cumarsáide faoi aon phleananna atá aige chun forbairt a dheánamh ar an ngréasán idirlín leathanbhanda sa Ghaeltacht, agus go háirithe faoi forbairt leathanbhanda i nGaeltacht na Rinne i bPort Láirge i bhfianaise thábhacht an tionscail faisnéise agus tionscal na meán sa Ghaeltacht sin; an leagfaidh sé amach an dul chun cinn atá déanta ar fhorbairt an ghréasáin sin go dtí seo; an dóigh leis go bhfuil tionchar ag an easpa idirlín leathanbhanda ar chruthú post; agus an ndéanfaidh sé ráiteas ina thaobh. [38497/13]

Seirbhísí Eitilte

Seán Kyne

15. D'fhiafraigh Deputy Seán Kyne den Aire Ealaíon, Oidhreachta agus Gaeltachta cén dul chun cinn atá déanta chun síneadh a chur leis an Oibleagáid Seirbhíse Poiblí maidir leis an aersheirbhís go dtí Oileáin Árann; agus an ndéanfaidh sé ráiteas ina thaobh. [38373/13]

Scéim Labhairt na Gaeilge

Gerry Adams

16. D'fhiafraigh Deputy Gerry Adams den Aire Ealaíon, Oidhreachta agus Gaeltachta an bhfuil sé i gceist aige an scéim “Líofa 2015” a chur ar bun sa stát seo; agus mura bhfuil, an dtabharfaidh sé míniú ina thaobh. [38488/13]

Ministerial Appointments

John McGuinness

17. Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the procedure that is followed by his Department when appointing members of the public to State boards or other agencies under the aegis of his Department; if he could outline all appointments made by him to all boards or agencies since March 2011; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38475/13]

Annals of Inisfallen

Seán Ó Fearghaíl

18. Deputy Seán Ó Fearghaíl asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the progress he has made in securing the return of the Annals of Inisfallen to the Irish State; the communications has he had with the University of Oxford in this matter; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38454/13]

Commemorative Events

Willie O'Dea

19. Deputy Willie O'Dea asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the discussions he has had with the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade in relation to issuing an invitation to members of the British royal family to the centenary commemoration of the 1916 Easter Rising; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38483/13]

State Properties

Denis Naughten

20. Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the steps he is taking to promote and provide public access to State controlled lands designated as being of scientific interest; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38415/13]

Seirbhísí Eitilte

Barry Cowen

21. D'fhiafraigh Deputy Barry Cowen den Aire Ealaíon, Oidhreachta agus Gaeltachta cén dul chun cinn atá déanta maidir le seirbhísí iompair nua d’Oileáin Árann; agus an ndéanfaidh sé ráiteas ina thaobh. [38459/13]

An Tóstal 2013

John Browne

22. D'fhiafraigh Deputy John Browne den Aire Ealaíon, Oidhreachta agus Gaeltachta an mbeidh níos mó post ar fáil sa Ghaeltacht in 2013 de bharr na dturasoirí a bhaineann le Tóstal Éireann; agus an ndéanfaidh sé ráiteas ina thaobh. [38455/13]

Cosaint Fostaíochta

Pádraig Mac Lochlainn

23. D'fhiafraigh Deputy Pádraig Mac Lochlainn den Aire Ealaíon, Oidhreachta agus Gaeltachta an ndéanfaidh sé soiléiriú ar thodhchaí Arramara Teo; agus cad atá á dhéanamh aige chun slí bheatha na mbainteoirí feamainne a chaomhnú. [38495/13]

National Monuments

Martin Ferris

24. Deputy Martin Ferris asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht his views on the current state of the 1916 national monument at Moore Street-Moore Lane, Dublin 1; when he will make a decision on the future of the site; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38505/13]

National Monuments

Robert Troy

25. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the number of national monuments which have been reported to his Department as damaged to date in 2013; the actions he has taken to remedy these damages; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38481/13]

Ministerial Appointments

Sandra McLellan

26. Deputy Sandra McLellan asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht in view of the advertisement on 4 June, seeking board members for the Irish Museum of Modern Art, the Chester Beatty Library, the Crawford Art Gallery, Cork, the Arts Council, the Irish Architectural Archive and Archbishop Marsh’s Library, the process by which he intends to appoint persons to these positions; and the measures he will take to ensure that the persons taking up those positions will have the appropriate qualifications and experience. [38503/13]

Deer Hunting

Brendan Smith

27. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the further measures he has planned to protect the red deer stag; if he intends to change the licensing in this area; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38482/13]

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]

Budget 2014

Sean Fleming

29. Deputy Sean Fleming asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht his priorities for the coming year; if he is satisfied with the current negotiations for a budget allocation for his Department in 2014; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38464/13]

Heritage Projects

Robert Troy

30. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the extent of his contact with the Dublin Civic Trust regarding the rejuvenation of Dublin’s Georgian squares; if his Department has any plans in this area; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38480/13]

Turf Cutting Compensation Scheme

Brian Stanley

31. Deputy Brian Stanley asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the outcome of efforts to find a relocation option for the turf cutters on Coolrain Bog, County Laois; and the progress to date in this matter. [38500/13]

EU Directives

Dessie Ellis

32. Deputy Dessie Ellis asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the position regarding the application of the EU Habitats and Birds Directive; the difficulties that may have arisen regarding its implementation; the way any resistance to its application is being handled; the moneys that have been paid out to landowners in compensation in 2013; and if he will provide an estimate for the moneys likely to be paid out in compensation in 2014. [38510/13]

Turf Cutting Compensation Scheme

Denis Naughten

33. Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht if he will review the content and conditions of contracts issued to turf cutters under the cessation scheme; the number of contracts issued and the numbers returned to date; the number under each compensation-relocation category; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38389/13]

An Straitéis 20 Bliain don Ghaeilge

Gerry Adams

34. D'fhiafraigh Deputy Gerry Adams den Aire Ealaíon, Oidhreachta agus Gaeltachta an ndéanfaidh sé cinnte de go mbeidh an t-éileamh a rinne na 66 eagraíocht Gaeilge, Gaeltachta, cultúrtha agus oideachais chun tosaigh ar chlár an tseimineáir atá beartaithe ag an Roinn Ealaíon, Oidhreachta agus Gaeltachta a eagrú, is é sin go gcuirfí struchtúr ardleibhéil ar bun idir na húdaráis agus eagraíochtaí pobail na Gaeilge agus na Gaeltachta, trína bhféadfar moltaí a dhéanamh ar chur i bhfeidhm na Straitéise 20 Bliain don Ghaeilge 2010-30 sula gcuirfear ar aghaidh chuig na hAirí cuí iad; an féidir leis an Aire a chur in iúl cén dáta atá socraithe don seimineár ós rud é gur fhógair sé é an 30 Bealtaine 2013; agus an ndéanfaidh sé ráiteas ina thaobh. [38487/13]

Food Promotion

Michael McGrath

35. Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the policy his Department has in relation to visitor attractions under the aegis of his Department promoting Irish produce; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38473/13]

Heritage Projects

Clare Daly

36. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht if he will support the development of a museum and heritage centre in the Dublin docks, following on from the work being undertaken by the Dublin Dockworkers' Preservation Society. [37171/13]

Expenditure Reviews

Martin Ferris

37. Deputy Martin Ferris asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the progress made to date on a website portal and joint commercial and marketing strategy as outlined in the comprehensive review of expenditure 2012-2014; the projected income that such an initiative might accrue to the Exchequer; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38506/13]

National Monuments

Maureen O'Sullivan

38. Deputy Maureen O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the category and status of the national monument at 17 to 21 Moore Street, Dublin 1, on the Office of Public Works listing of national monuments; and the responsibility and role of his Department in this matter. [27977/13]

Commemorative Events

Michael Moynihan

39. Deputy Michael Moynihan asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht his plans to commemorate the contribution of women to the 1916 Easter Rising; his further plans to commemorate in particular the contribution of Cumann na mBan in the fight for Irish independence; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38485/13]

Ulster Canal Restoration Project

Seán Crowe

40. Deputy Seán Crowe asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the position regarding the Ulster Canal restoration project; the remaining steps that must be taken to complete the project; if he will provide an indicative timeline for the completion of the project; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38498/13]

Fóram Pleanála Uile-Éireannach don Ghaeilge

Mary Lou McDonald

41. D'fhiafraigh Deputy Mary Lou McDonald den Aire Ealaíon, Oidhreachta agus Gaeltachta an ndéanfaidh sé ráiteas maidir leis an ngá atá ann Fóram Pleanála Uile-Éireannach a bhunú; an bhfuil aon phlean aige a leithéid d’Fhóram a chur ar bun; agus mura bhfuil, an dtabharfaidh sé míniú ina thaobh. [38489/13]

Commemorative Events

Peter Mathews

42. Deputy Peter Mathews asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the measures he is taking to commemorate the 1916 Easter Rising; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38411/13]

Arts Funding

Sandra McLellan

43. Deputy Sandra McLellan asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht his views of the impact of cutbacks to the National Irish Visual Arts Library; and his further plans to ensure that there is an independent policy or advisory committee established for this library. [38504/13]

National Cultural Institutions

Billy Timmins

44. Deputy Billy Timmins asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the steps he is taking to maximise the use of State exhibits and exhibitions currently held in storage; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38414/13]

Expenditure Reviews

Jonathan O'Brien

45. Deputy Jonathan O'Brien asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the progress made on the proposal contained in the comprehensive review of expenditure 2012 -2014 on shared finance services, and HR services across national cultural institutions; and the savings that would be made by the implementation of this proposal. [38508/13]

An Curaclam Scoile

Pearse Doherty

46. D'fhiafraigh Deputy Pearse Doherty den Aire Ealaíon, Oidhreachta agus Gaeltachta an raibh aon phlé aige leis an Roinn Oideachais agus Scileanna maidir le hathbhreithniú ar an gcuraclam do scoileanna Gaeltachta; an mbeidh aon ionchur aige ar na téarmaí tagartha d’aon athbhreithniú den chinéal sin; agus an ndéanfaidh sé ráiteas ina thaobh. [38491/13]

The Gathering Initiatives

Bernard Durkan

47. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the extent to which The Gathering has been utilised through the promotion of the arts as a means of projecting a positive national image; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38439/13]

Wildlife Protection

Micheál Martin

48. Deputy Micheál Martin asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht if he will outline his response to the first national report on bird of prey persecution and poisoning which showed that there were 33 confirmed incidents here in 2011; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38469/13]

National Cultural Institutions

Éamon Ó Cuív

49. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht his plans to publish legislation relating to the future governance of the National Library and the National Museum; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38477/13]

Departmental Expenditure

John McGuinness

50. Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the total expenditure by his Department to carry out surveillance on protected bogs under EU law; the services that were obtained as part of this expenditure; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38486/13]

Turf Cutting Compensation Scheme

Brian Stanley

51. Deputy Brian Stanley asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the progress made in relation to relocation options for the 32 special areas of conservation bogs that have been identified for potential relocation; if the relocation options for Ballynafagh, Curraghlehanagh, Carrownagappul and Clara bogs are in a ready state. [38499/13]

Commemorative Events

Michael Moynihan

52. Deputy Michael Moynihan asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht if he will outline his activities and engagements carried out at the Great Irish Famine international commemoration in Australia; if he will state and itemise the expenditure on this trip; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38476/13]

Job Creation Data

Bernard Durkan

53. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the extent to which full time and part time jobs have been created through the medium of the arts in the course of each of the past two years to date in 2013; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38440/13]

Comhlachtaí Poiblí

Pádraig Mac Lochlainn

54. D'fhiafraigh Deputy Pádraig Mac Lochlainn den Aire Ealaíon, Oidhreachta agus Gaeltachta an raibh aon phlé aige leis an Roinn Cumarsáide maidir lena chinntiú gur i nGaeilge amháin a bheidh an t-ainm ar an gcomhlacht nua atá molta ag an Rialtas a bhunú trí chónascadh a dhéanamh idir Coillte agus Bord na Móna faoin ainm 'Bioenergy Ireland'; an aontaíonn sé go mbeadh sé go dona dá ndéanfaí ainm i mBéarla a thabhairt ar dhá chomhlacht a bhfuil ainmneacha aitheanta Gaeilge atá éasca le tuiscint orthu; agus an ndéanfaidh sé ráiteas ina thaobh. [38496/13]

Commemorative Events

Lucinda Creighton

55. Deputy Lucinda Creighton asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the discussions which his Department has held with other Government Departments and State agencies surrounding the commemoration of the events of Easter 1916; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38416/13]

Expenditure Reviews

Jonathan O'Brien

56. Deputy Jonathan O'Brien asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the progress made on the proposal contained in the comprehensive review of expenditure 2012 -2014 on having a single event manager post which could promote the facilities in the national cultural institutions under one brand; the progress and the savings that would be made by the implementation of this proposal [38507/13]

City of Culture Initiative

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin

57. Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the position regarding Limerick’s designation as City of Culture for 2014; the supports he intends to give to local arts and tourism bodies and the local authority in order to ensure that the City of Culture year is successful; and his plans to promote Limerick domestically and internationally for 2014. [38502/13]

Acht na dTeangacha Oifigiúla

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

58. D'fhiafraigh Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh den Aire Ealaíon, Oidhreachta agus Gaeltachta cathain atá sé ar intinn ag an Aire cinn Bhille na dTeangacha Oifigiúla a fhoilsiú; agus cad iad na haighneachtaí a fuair a Roinn i dtaobh an Bhille seo. [38494/13]

Expenditure Reviews

Dessie Ellis

59. Deputy Dessie Ellis asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the cost of conservation, cleaning and maintenance costs across the State's cultural institutions; if further consideration has been given to the proposals in the comprehensive review of expenditure to put in place a structure along the lines of the Art Lab proposals in Australia; and the income that could be generated in that way. [38509/13]

Commemorative Events

Peter Mathews

60. Deputy Peter Mathews asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the discussions his Department has held with Dublin City Council regarding the commemoration of the events of Easter 1916; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38413/13]

Millennium Development Goals

Tom Fleming

61. Deputy Tom Fleming asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if the Irish Government will honour its commitment to support developing countries by meeting the millennium development goals and ensure that Ireland keeps its promise in budget 2014 to reach the international target of 0.7% GNP by 2015; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38022/13]

Passport Applications

Finian McGrath

62. Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the position regarding a passport application in respect of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 3. [36798/13]

UN Issues

Michael McNamara

63. Deputy Michael McNamara asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if it is intended to continue to support the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime Integrated Border Control project in the Islamic Republic of Iran, aimed at strengthening the drug interdiction capacity of the Iranian anti-narcotics police in view of the fact that at least 314 persons were executed there in 2012, many after conviction for drugs related offences; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36856/13]

EU Funding

Finian McGrath

64. Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he will end all Irish and EU funding to the Orange Order until sectarian violence ends. [36883/13]

Exports Data

Colm Keaveney

65. Deputy Colm Keaveney asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the target for goods exports to be achieved in 2013; the measures he has taken to encourage trade in our goods exports; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36927/13]

Foreign Conflicts

Seán Crowe

66. Deputy Seán Crowe asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if his attention has been drawn to a recent case in which it is reported that Israeli soldiers illegally detained a five year old child in Hebron; that the age of criminal responsibility for Israelis and Palestinians is 12 years old and it is forbidden by law to detain or arrest a child under the age of 12; and if he will raise the case with the Israeli authorities and ask for an explanation for what appears to be the routine procedure of detaining Palestinian children illegally. [36930/13]

Military Aircraft Landings

Andrew Doyle

67. Deputy Andrew Doyle asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade further to Parliamentary Questions Nos. 562 of 9 July 2013 and 164 of 16 July 2013, the number of notifications given to his Department when military or State aircraft applied for authorisation traffic rights when carrying Heads of State or Heads of Government from other nations in the past five years; the number that have been approved and rejected; if he will outline in tabular form the nations involved and the date of each landing here; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36991/13]

Nuclear Plants

Finian McGrath

68. Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he and the EU accept that there is no nuclear site near Teheran in Iran and if he will actively support the Nuclear Non-proliferation Treaty. [37005/13]

Departmental Funding

Seán Crowe

69. Deputy Seán Crowe asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he will provide in tabular form the organisations awarded funding from his Department under the annual civil society funding round for 2013; the amount requested by each organisation; the amount awarded to each organisation; his views on the quality of applications; his Department's appraisal process and the criteria used to award grants. [37006/13]

Ministerial Meetings

Andrew Doyle

70. Deputy Andrew Doyle asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade his recent engagements with the Governor of the US State of California, Jerry Brown, on his recent visit here in July 2013; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37030/13]

EU Meetings

Andrew Doyle

71. Deputy Andrew Doyle asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the outcomes of the Foreign Affairs Council that took place in Brussels on 22 July 2013; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37073/13]

Diplomatic Representation

Eoghan Murphy

72. Deputy Eoghan Murphy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade when an Irish consul will be appointed to Libya; when an Irish embassy will be established in Libya; and if the Libyan National Transitional Council has offered to fund an Irish embassy in Tripoli. [37108/13]

Rapid Response Initiative

Andrew Doyle

73. Deputy Andrew Doyle asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he will outline current operations of Ireland’s humanitarian standby roster, the Rapid Response Corps; the number of applications received during the 2013 recruitment drive; the number of persons called for interview; if he will provide details on the number of persons successful in the interview stage before moving onto the second stage of the recruitment process, a two-part training course; the number of persons he intends to bring onto the 2013 roster as a result of this initiative; the way this recruitment drive was communicated and if his Department went to lengths to seek the most suitably qualified persons; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37111/13]

Diplomatic Representation

Andrew Doyle

74. Deputy Andrew Doyle asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he will discuss the re-configuration of the EU affairs and co-ordination division in conjunction with the Department of the Taoiseach, in view of the conclusion of the Irish Presidency of the Council of the European Union; if he will outline the diplomatic postings, that will be made at assistant principal, first secretary, third secretary, administrative officer and higher executive officer levels; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37154/13]

Diplomatic Representation

Andrew Doyle

75. Deputy Andrew Doyle asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the different ranks and grades in his Department and Irelands diplomatic corps; the comparisons that can be made in the ranks between different Government Departments and the Cvil Service; the number of persons in each rank-grade within his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37155/13]

Diplomatic Representation

Andrew Doyle

76. Deputy Andrew Doyle asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he will provide an update and history on diplomatic relations and engagement between Ireland and Morocco; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37157/13]

Passport Services

Andrew Doyle

77. Deputy Andrew Doyle asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he will provide an update on the transfer of the passport service to the Department of Justice and Equality which is currently introducing a number of service enhancements as part of the Government’s integrated reform delivery plan; his views that the transferring of the service to an independent executive agency of the Department of Justice and Equality is the correct way forward for the issuing and security of Irish passports; if he has considered ensuring the issuing of passport remains an important function of either his Department or the Department of Justice and Equality without the need to outsource it; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37163/13]

Trade Missions

Andrew Doyle

78. Deputy Andrew Doyle asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he will provide an update on his political and trade mission to China that took place in July and August 2013; if he will provide a list of engagements he had on the visit, in view of the importance of a trade and investment focus, attracting investment and growing exports; if he will provide an update on the strategic partnership agreement of Irish-Chinese relations; if he had the opportunity to raise the issue of the need for a direct commercial air route between Ireland and Asia as part of Ireland's national aviation policy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37204/13]

Diplomatic Representation

Andrew Doyle

79. Deputy Andrew Doyle asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade when he expects the United States of America to fill the vacancy of ambassador to Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37236/13]

Election Monitoring Missions

Andrew Doyle

80. Deputy Andrew Doyle asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if Ireland was requested, through the EU, OSCE or otherwise to take part in or assist in any form the international election observer monitoring in Zimbabwe as part of its presidential election in July 2013 and August 2013; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37239/13]

Trade Missions

Andrew Doyle

81. Deputy Andrew Doyle asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he will discuss the recent deal to provide full market liberalisation of Irish salmon exports to China, following lengthy negotiations between his Department, the Sea Fisheries Protection Authority and Ireland's diplomatic missions with Chinese authorities; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37271/13]

Overseas Development Aid

Andrew Doyle

82. Deputy Andrew Doyle asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he will outline the details of Irish Aid's recent joint review of its work on nutrition in Malawi; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37327/13]

Human Rights Issues

Clare Daly

83. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the steps he has taken in order to register the opposition of the Irish public to the repression of gay persons in Russia. [37333/13]

Foreign Conflicts

Andrew Doyle

84. Deputy Andrew Doyle asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade his concerns, if any, at the rising tension between the United Kingdom and Spain regarding the issue of Gibraltar; if he shares many EU Foreign Ministers' concerns of any proposed border fee that would exist and the effect it would have for Irish passport holders living, working and holidaying in the region; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37338/13]

Diplomatic Representation

Andrew Doyle

85. Deputy Andrew Doyle asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he has considered altering its diplomatic accreditation to Egypt as a result of recent civil unrest and events taking place in the country; if he believes an embassy of Ireland can still operate effectively in the current climate in the country; if his attention has been drawn to the other nations who have recalled their diplomatic missions in the country; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37374/13]

UN Issues

Andrew Doyle

86. Deputy Andrew Doyle asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he will outline Ireland's priorities for the 68th Session of the General Assembly of the United Nations in New York; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37382/13]

Diplomatic Representation

Andrew Doyle

87. Deputy Andrew Doyle asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he will provide in tabular form the diplomatic missions of Ireland through embassies, consulates, honorary consuls and otherwise which are actively engaging in social media, namely in terms of Facebook and Twitter accounts; the reason not all embassies have taken to Twitter yet; areas in which his Department is particularly proactive in this regard; when he expects remaining missions to become active online; if he intends to get every diplomatic mission onto various social media platforms as part of digital diplomacy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37387/13]

Diplomatic Representation

Andrew Doyle

88. Deputy Andrew Doyle asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he expects any officials in his Department, either based in Ireland or elsewhere, to be considered for appointment as an EU ambassador at one of the various European External Action Service diplomatic missions around the world in the near future; if he believes Ireland lost out when the EEAS was established a number of years ago when no Irish Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade officials were awarded any senior positions within the organisation; the way he and his Department intend to change this in the future; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37395/13]

Register of Electors

Andrew Doyle

89. Deputy Andrew Doyle asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the procedures in place for allowing Irish diplomats posted abroad to vote in elections here; if such persons are allowed to vote in general elections, Dáil by-elections, presidential elections, local elections, European Parliament elections and referendums; if such votes are cast in the person's home constituency for all the various forms of elections; if officials from his Department on secondment to international bodies abroad are entitled to vote; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37406/13]

EU Meetings

Andrew Doyle

90. Deputy Andrew Doyle asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he will provide an update on and discuss the outcomes of the most recent General Affairs Council that took place; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37412/13]

EU Meetings

Andrew Doyle

91. Deputy Andrew Doyle asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the parameters of the discussions held with ministerial colleagues at the informal meeting of Ministers for Foreign Affairs - Gymnich - in Vilnius, Lithuania on 6 and 7 September 2013; if he will detail any agreements reached; if he will provide an update on matters discussed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37415/13]

Overseas Development Aid

Andrew Doyle

92. Deputy Andrew Doyle asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he will provide an update on Ireland's commitment to spending the internationl target of 0.7% on overseas aid by 2015; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37454/13]

Overseas Development Aid Provision

Andrew Doyle

93. Deputy Andrew Doyle asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if his Department provides aid to Egypt; if so, if he will provide a breakdown of the amount of aid that was allocated to Egypt and spent on a year by year basis since 2007 to date; if Ireland contributes indirectly to aid in Egypt through the European Union or otherwise; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37456/13]

Departmental Advertising Expenditure

Jim Daly

94. Deputy Jim Daly asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the total cost of all media advertising to his Department for each of the past five years; the efforts his Department is making to ensure that local media both print and radio are being supported as well as national media by his Department's budget; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37479/13]

Ministerial Appointments

Kevin Humphreys

95. Deputy Kevin Humphreys asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he will provide a list of all bodies, boards or committees under the remit of his Department to which ministerial appointments are made; the statutory provision providing for the making of such appointments in each case; the annual allowances or other payments made to the chairperson; the annual allowance or other payment made to an ordinary member; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37494/13]

Ministerial Appointments

Kevin Humphreys

96. Deputy Kevin Humphreys asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he will provide a list of the boards, bodies or committees under the remit of his Department where there is currently a vacancy to be filled by ministerial appointment; if so, if the vacancy relates to the chairperson or an ordinary member or members, specifying the number of vacancies in each case; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37509/13]

Ministerial Appointments

Kevin Humphreys

97. Deputy Kevin Humphreys asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he will provide a list of the bodies, boards or committees under the remit of his Department where there is anticipated to be a vacancy within the next six months to be filled by ministerial appointment; if so, if the anticipated vacancy relates to the chairperson or an ordinary member or members, specifying the number of anticipated vacancies in each case; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37524/13]

EU Meetings

Andrew Doyle

98. Deputy Andrew Doyle asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he will discuss the outcomes of the emergency Foreign Affairs Council meeting that took place on 21 August 2013 regarding the situation in Egypt; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37549/13]

Foreign Conflicts

Andrew Doyle

99. Deputy Andrew Doyle asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade his views on the alleged use of chemical weapons in Syria in August 2013; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37551/13]

Overseas Development Aid

Finian McGrath

100. Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he will ensure that Ireland keeps its promise in budget 2014 to reach the international target of 0.7% of GNI by 2015; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37559/13]