Parliamentary questions

Banking Operations

Andrew Doyle

148. Deputy Andrew Doyle asked the Minister for Finance if there are any banks in which the Government is a shareholder that are considering providing an ATM machine in the village of Rathvilly, County Carlow; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27128/13]

Ministerial Correspondence

Andrew Doyle

153. Deputy Andrew Doyle asked the Minister for Finance if he will furnish members of the Oireachtas with a copy of the letter that is to be sent from him, through Ireland's Ambassador in Washington, to the Chairman of the United States Senate Subcommittee on Permanent Investigations, the United States Senator from Michigan, Carl Levin, rebutting his remarks that Ireland is a tax haven; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27256/13]

Vehicle Registration Issues

Andrew Doyle

157. Deputy Andrew Doyle asked the Minister for Finance when approval will be given for remission of the vehicle registration tax in view of the fact that some organisations are waiting more than three months for applications to be approved; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26791/13]

Banking Operations

Andrew Doyle

163. Deputy Andrew Doyle asked the Minister for Finance his views on the receivership of a hotel group (details supplied) in County Wicklow; his views on the practices set out by the bank on the handling of the receivership having regard to the fact that other hotels in the group are being profitably run; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26851/13]

EU Directives

Andrew Doyle

183. Deputy Andrew Doyle asked the Minister for Finance the work his Department is currently undertaking on various pieces of upcoming legislation, through a potential Bill to go through the Houses of the Oireachtas or through Statutory Instrument, to ensure Ireland is in compliance with the upcoming deadlines of Directives from the European Union; the deadline in each case; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27474/13]

Property Taxation Collection

Andrew Doyle

194. Deputy Andrew Doyle asked the Minister for Finance further to Parliamentary Question No. 74 of 30 May 2013, if he will provide a breakdown of the figures of the returns in each rate band; the total amount of money they have received for the number of properties in each rate band; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27583/13]

Euro Coins Production

Andrew Doyle

197. Deputy Andrew Doyle asked the Minister for Finance when the Central Bank of Ireland will be issuing a commemorative coin to mark the 50th anniversary of the visit to Ireland by the 35th President of the United States of America, John Fitzgerald Kennedy, in 1963; the number of coins that will be issued by the bank; the value of each coin and how much they will cost; the process by which they will be made available to the public; his views on whether there will be public demand for a JFK coin; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27630/13]

Ministerial Appointments

Andrew Doyle

204. Deputy Andrew Doyle asked the Minister for Finance further to Parliamentary Question No. 262 of 21 May 2013, regarding the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development, the person he intends to appoint to the board of directors once the term of the incumbent comes to an end on 1 July 2013; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27790/13]

Pupil-Teacher Ratio

Andrew Doyle

232. Deputy Andrew Doyle asked the Minister for Education and Skills the amount of funding his Department has allocated or committed to paying off the debts of a particular college (details supplied) in County Kilkenny including the outstanding loans, the move from a 21:1 to 23:1 teacher ratio and their switch from a private to public school; if he will detail any other expenditure incurred by his Department as result of this switch between 2012 and into the 2013/2014 school year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27252/13]

EU Directives

Andrew Doyle

286. Deputy Andrew Doyle asked the Minister for Education and Skills the work his Department is currently undertaking on various pieces of upcoming legislation, through a potential Bill to go through the Houses of the Oireachtas or through statutory instrument, to ensure Ireland is in compliance with the upcoming deadlines of directives from the European Union; the deadline in each case; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27472/13]

School Enrolments

Andrew Doyle

312. Deputy Andrew Doyle asked the Minister for Education and Skills if a school (details supplied) in County Wicklow that is due to open in the near future is entitled to adopt a policy of enrolment where different categories are applied for the school's admissions policy that differentiate between children of the designated feeder schools in the immediate area where a family live in a neighbouring town and marginalises them based on their postal address; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27754/13]

State Examinations Fee Exemptions

Andrew Doyle

315. Deputy Andrew Doyle asked the Minister for Education and Skills if he will outline in tabular form on a yearly and Leaving Certificate and Junior Certificate basis, the details in each year from 2007 to 2013, the number of students who had exam fees waived; if he will break down the figures into categories of financial hardship and medical card holders; the circumstances where financial hardship can be proven and the way a decision is reached by either his Department or the school itself regarding persons having exam fees waived; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27773/13]

Departmental Properties

Andrew Doyle

339. Deputy Andrew Doyle asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform when parking will be stopped in the lower yard of Dublin Castle by the Office of Public Works in recognition of the castle's historic importance; the other parking arrangements being put in place for staff of the Revenue Commissioners, Comptroller and Auditor General's office, OPW, an Garda Síochána, Chester Beatty Library and Assay Office; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26962/13]

EU Directives

Andrew Doyle

340. Deputy Andrew Doyle asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the work his Department is currently undertaking on various pieces of upcoming legislation, through a potential Bill to go through the Houses of the Oireachtas or through statutory instrument, to ensure Ireland is in compliance with the upcoming deadlines of directives from the European Union; the deadline in each case; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27479/13]

Departmental Staff Recruitment

Andrew Doyle

347. Deputy Andrew Doyle asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform further to Parliamentary Question No. 53 of 30 May 2013, the discussions that officials in his Department have had with the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade to date on the need to fill the said positions; his plans to sanction the competition later this year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27582/13]

Appointments to State Boards

Andrew Doyle

356. Deputy Andrew Doyle asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation the number of vacancies on State boards under the aegis of his Department; the number of board members that are currently out on sick leave; if he will provide a breakdown of the figures for the above two categories on a board by board basis; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27307/13]

EU Directives

Andrew Doyle

365. Deputy Andrew Doyle asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation the work his Department is currently undertaking on various pieces of upcoming legislation, through a potential Bill to go through the Houses of the Oireachtas or through statutory instrument, to ensure Ireland is in compliance with the upcoming deadlines of directives from the European Union; the deadline in each case; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27477/13]

World Trade Negotiations

Andrew Doyle

368. Deputy Andrew Doyle asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation regarding Ireland's position at the World Trade Organisation based in Geneva, Switzerland, if Ireland's position as a full member of the WTO is ever different to that of the European Union, which is also a full member of the WTO, bearing in mind that Ireland is a member state of the EU; the steps that will be taken within the WTO if the position of Ireland and the EU ever differs; his views on whether both a member state of the EU such as Ireland and the EU itself, both being full members of the WTO is beneficial; his views on whether both member states and the EU itself being members of the WTO, dual representation, could be a model to be replicated by the EU at the United Nations in New York for the General Assembly where it does not enjoy full status; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27633/13]

National Internship Scheme Administration

Andrew Doyle

393. Deputy Andrew Doyle asked the Minister for Social Protection if an exception may be made to the JobBridge scheme for an extension of an internship in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Wicklow; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27248/13]

Long-Term Illness Scheme Coverage

Andrew Doyle

436. Deputy Andrew Doyle asked the Minister for Social Protection if she or officials in her Department have had discussions regarding plans to include Williams syndrome on the long-term illness scheme; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27420/13]

EU Directives

Andrew Doyle

441. Deputy Andrew Doyle asked the Minister for Social Protection the work her Department is currently undertaking through potential Bills to go through the Houses of the Oireachtas or through statutory instruments, to ensure Ireland is in compliance with the upcoming deadlines for directives from the European Union; the deadline in each case; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27480/13]

EU Directives

Andrew Doyle

491. Deputy Andrew Doyle asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the work his Department is currently undertaking on various pieces of upcoming legislation, through a potential Bill to go through the Houses of the Oireachtas or through statutory instrument, to ensure Ireland is in compliance with the upcoming deadlines of directives from the European Union; the deadline in each case; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27468/13]

EU Directives

Andrew Doyle

531. Deputy Andrew Doyle asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the work his Department is currently undertaking on various pieces of upcoming legislation, through a potential Bill to go through the Houses of the Oireachtas or through statutory instrument, to ensure Ireland is in compliance with the upcoming deadlines of directives from the European Union; the deadline in each case; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27470/13]

Offshore Exploration

Andrew Doyle

537. Deputy Andrew Doyle asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if he will outline the recently approved seismic survey to reveal oil and gas exploration potential of the Atlantic margin; if he took into account the report made in May 2012, by the Oireachtas Joint Committee on Communications, Natural Resources and Agriculture entitled Offshore Oil and Gas Exploration; if he will break down the cost of the project and to state the percentage that is being met by his Department; the percentage of the funding leveraged from the industry; and to further breakdown the names and funding from the companies involved; if the said companies will be given preferential treatment for future offshore oil and gas exploration for future projects in view of their contribution to this survey; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27751/13]

European Council Meetings

Andrew Doyle

538. Deputy Andrew Doyle asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the discussions that he had with fellow Ministers at the EU Telecoms Council held in Luxembourg on Thursday, 6 June 2013; if he will detail the decisions made at the Council; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27781/13]

European Council Meetings

Andrew Doyle

539. Deputy Andrew Doyle asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the discussions that he had with fellow Ministers at the EU energy Council held in Luxembourg on Friday, 7 June 2013; if he will detail the decisions made at the Council; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27782/13]

Local Authority Funding

Andrew Doyle

578. Deputy Andrew Doyle asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the capital allocation for housing to a local authority (details supplied) in County Wicklow in 2013. [26792/13]

Local Authority Funding

Andrew Doyle

579. Deputy Andrew Doyle asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the headings or schemes under which headings a local authority drew down funding from his Department for a particular site (details supplied) in County Wicklow; the amount of funding drawn down under each heading and the specific date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26793/13]

Noise Pollution Issues

Andrew Doyle

601. Deputy Andrew Doyle asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the current legislative position and other regulations that govern noise pollution of model aircraft flying clubs; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27430/13]

EU Directives

Andrew Doyle

602. Deputy Andrew Doyle asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the work his Department is currently undertaking on various pieces of upcoming legislation, through a potential Bill to go through the Houses of the Oireachtas or through statutory instrument, to ensure Ireland is in compliance with the upcoming deadlines of directives from the European Union; the deadline in each case; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27473/13]

Rural Development Policy

Andrew Doyle

604. Deputy Andrew Doyle asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if he will outline the measures he intends to take upon the completion of the work of the Commission for the Economic Development of Rural Areas (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27493/13]

Burial Grounds

Andrew Doyle

616. Deputy Andrew Doyle asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if he will provide a breakdown in tabular form, of all the different categories, types and levels of fees charged by each local authority here on a graveyard by graveyard basis in each year from 2008 to 2012; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27634/13]

EU Issues

Andrew Doyle

657. Deputy Andrew Doyle asked the Minister for Justice and Equality further to Parliamentary Question No. 328 of 28 May 2013, the discussion he and officials in his Department have had to date regarding a proposal from the European Commission on a European Foundation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27114/13]

Property Ownership

Andrew Doyle

693. Deputy Andrew Doyle asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if a management agent is allowed to refuse engagement with a developer regarding the hand-over of common areas as per the Multi-Unit Developments Act 2011 despite engaging in commercial activity with the same developer; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26794/13]

Proposed Legislation

Andrew Doyle

726. Deputy Andrew Doyle asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the work his Department is currently undertaking on various pieces of upcoming legislation, through a potential Bill to go through the Houses of the Oireachtas or through statutory instrument, to ensure Ireland is in compliance with the upcoming deadlines of directives from the European Union; the deadline in each case; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27478/13]

EU Issues

Andrew Doyle

732. Deputy Andrew Doyle asked the Minister for Justice and Equality his views on the current European Commission proposal for a regulation on the European Agency for Law Enforcement Co-operation and Training Europol, thereby repealing the existing decisions on Europol and European Police College and allowing for their merger; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27627/13]

Magdalen Laundries Report

Andrew Doyle

733. Deputy Andrew Doyle asked the Minister for Justice and Equality his views on the recent letter (details supplied) regarding the Senator Martin McAleese report into the Magdalen laundries; if he intends to respond to the committee via our Ambassador at the UN Human Rights Council in Geneva or directly to the committee; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27628/13]

First Line Reserve

Andrew Doyle

761. Deputy Andrew Doyle asked the Minister for Defence if there is an Air Corps Reserve similar to that of the Reserve Defence Forces and the Naval Service Reserve as part of the make up of the Irish Defence Forces; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27306/13]

Naval Service Vessels

Andrew Doyle

763. Deputy Andrew Doyle asked the Minister for Defence further to Parliamentary Question No. 216 of 22 May 2013 regarding the decommissioning of LE Emer and LE Aoife and the recently sought expressions of interest from qualified persons who could assist his Department, if he will outline the number of expressions of interest received; if he will provide a breakdown of the figures into different categories such as individuals, interest groups, lobby groups and so forth; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26957/13]

EU Directives

Andrew Doyle

766. Deputy Andrew Doyle asked the Minister for Defence the work his Department is currently undertaking on various pieces of upcoming legislation, through a potential Bill to go through the Houses of the Oireachtas or through statutory instrument, to ensure Ireland is in compliance with the upcoming deadlines of Directives from the European Union; the deadline in each case; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27471/13]

EU Presidency Engagements

Andrew Doyle

767. Deputy Andrew Doyle asked the Minister for Defence if he will outline the engagements of the Irish Defence Forces chief of staff on his recent visit to Lithuania; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27492/13]

Air Ambulance Service Provision

Andrew Doyle

768. Deputy Andrew Doyle asked the Minister for Defence the future of the Emergency Aeromedical Service that has been in operation for just over 12 months having completed its initial trial period, basing an Irish Air Corp EC135 helicopter at Custume Barracks, Athlone, County Westmeath; if discussions have taken place between his officials and those in the Department of Health to extend the service, based on an initial 12 month test period; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27661/13]

Marine Resources

Andrew Doyle

777. Deputy Andrew Doyle asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the steps he has taken to date following on from the launch of the Harnessing our Ocean Wealth plan launched by the Government in July 2012 which planned to double the value of Ireland’s ocean wealth to 2.4% of GDP by 2030 and increase the turnover from our ocean economy to exceed €6.4bn by 2020; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27115/13]

Animal Identification Scheme

Andrew Doyle

789. Deputy Andrew Doyle asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the number of submissions he has received to date on his public consultation on the dog microchipping Initiative; if he will extend the date if a minimal number of submissions are received; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26755/13]

Proposed Legislation

Andrew Doyle

793. Deputy Andrew Doyle asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if consideration has been given in the Forestry Bill 2013 regarding the impact that trucks of more than 40 tonnes are having on regional and local roads in a particular county (details supplied) in considering that during the previous Forestry Act 1946 which this legislation is repealing, that the weight of trucks on roads more than half a century ago was significantly lower; if his attention has been drawn to the financial impact this is having on local authorities in view of their limited budgets for road repairs; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26936/13]

Common Agricultural Policy Negotiations

Andrew Doyle

794. Deputy Andrew Doyle asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if special cases will be made in the ongoing Common Agricultural Policy negotiations for small islands situated in EU member states; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26958/13]

EU Directives

Andrew Doyle

804. Deputy Andrew Doyle asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the work his Department is currently undertaking on various pieces of upcoming legislation, through a potential Bill to go through the Houses of the Oireachtas or through Statutory Instrument, to ensure Ireland is in compliance with the upcoming deadlines of Directives from the European Union; the deadline in each case; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27467/13]

Food and Agriculture Organisation

Andrew Doyle

818. Deputy Andrew Doyle asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine regarding Ireland's position at the Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations based in Rome, Italy, if Ireland's position as a full member of the FAO is ever different to that of the European Union, which is also a full member of the FAO, bearing in mind the fact that Ireland is a member State of the EU; the steps that will be taken within the FAO if the position of Ireland and the EU ever differs; if Ireland, as current Chair of the Council Working Group in Brussels where the EU develops common positions, is ever used for resolving differential opinions between member states and the EU; if position alignment is ever discussed at the FAO Council and the FAO Legal Committee between member states and the EU, of which Ireland is a member of both; his views on whether both a member state of the EU such as Ireland and the EU itself, both being full members of the FAO is beneficial; his views on whether both member states and the EU itself being members of the FAO could be a model to be replicated by the EU at the United Nations in New York for the the General Assembly where they do not enjoy full status; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27632/13]

North-South Ministerial Council

Andrew Doyle

827. Deputy Andrew Doyle asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine when he last met his counterpart from Northern Ireland, the Minister for Agriculture and Rural Development, Michelle O'Neill MLA at the North South Ministerial Council in Armagh; if he will provide a detailed breakdown of the items discussed on the agenda; when he will be meeting them at the next North South Ministerial Council; if he will detail some of the agenda items he will be bringing to the Minister's attention; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27792/13]

Child Care Services Regulation

Andrew Doyle

849. Deputy Andrew Doyle asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs his views on the recent RTE "Prime Time Investigates" reports programme regarding abuse taking place in crèches; if she is considering publishing the inspection reports of the crèches that were featured in the documentary; the steps she is taking to improve standards in crèches; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26963/13]

Child Protection Issues

Andrew Doyle

850. Deputy Andrew Doyle asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the number of crèches that are subject to inspection (details supplied) in County Wicklow; the total number that are not subject to inspection; the total number of inspections carried out each year from 2007 to 2012; if she will provide a breakdown of the figures as a percentage of the total amount that could be inspected in the area; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27036/13]

Child Protection Issues

Andrew Doyle

858. Deputy Andrew Doyle asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs if she will make available the complete list of inspection reports for a crèche (details supplied) in County Wicklow; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27444/13]

EU Directives

Andrew Doyle

859. Deputy Andrew Doyle asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the work her Department is currently undertaking on various pieces of upcoming legislation, through a potential Bill to go through the Houses of the Oireachtas or through Statutory Instrument, to ensure Ireland is in compliance with the upcoming deadlines of Directives from the European Union; the deadline in each case; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27469/13]

Child Detention Centres

Andrew Doyle

866. Deputy Andrew Doyle asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs if he will outline the circumstances surrounding the situation on 5 June 2013, in which three young males absconded from the Oberstown boys school in Lusk, County Dublin; if she or the Irish Youth Justice Service have received a report on the issue; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27791/13]

National Maternity Hospital

Andrew Doyle

876. Deputy Andrew Doyle asked the Minister for Health in view of the fact that the National Maternity Hospital at Holles Street is scheduled to relocate to St. Vincent's Hospital, if the site will be turned over the Office of Public Works upon completion of the move; the use Holles Street building and facilities will be put to once the transfer is complete; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27309/13]

Hospital Appointments Administration

Andrew Doyle

887. Deputy Andrew Doyle asked the Minister for Health if a person (details supplied) seeking a hip replacement will be given priority at St. Michael's Hospital, Dún Laoghaire, County Dublin; if an earlier appointment date is available; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27126/13]

Health Services Staff Issues

Andrew Doyle

954. Deputy Andrew Doyle asked the Minister for Health further to Parliamentary Question No. 655 of 28 May 2013, if the person seconded two days per week to fill the role of the Chief Dental Officer in the interim are to receive payment from his Department for fulfilling this position; if their salary will be reduced payable by the Health Service Executive from which they have been seconded; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26956/13]

EU Directives

Andrew Doyle

958. Deputy Andrew Doyle asked the Minister for Health if he will outline his interactions with European counterparts and the European Commission to date on pending regulations or directives regarding hand-rolling tobacco; if he will outline the implications; if he will state the proposed effects on the sale of rolling tobacco; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26960/13]

EU Directives

Andrew Doyle

989. Deputy Andrew Doyle asked the Minister for Health the work his Department is currently undertaking on various pieces of upcoming legislation, through a potential Bill to go through the Houses of the Oireachtas or through statutory instrument, to ensure Ireland is in compliance with the upcoming deadlines of Directives from the European Union; the deadline in each case; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27476/13]

Ambulance Service Provision

Andrew Doyle

1014. Deputy Andrew Doyle asked the Minister for Health the future of the Emergency Aeromedical Service that has been in operation for just over twelve months having completed its initial trial period, basing an Irish Air Corps EC135 helicopter at Custume Barracks, Athlone, County Westmeath; if discussions have taken place between his officials and those in the Department of Defence to extend the service, based on an initial twelve month test period; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27660/13]

International Agreements

Andrew Doyle

1085. Deputy Andrew Doyle asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will outline the key elements of the maritime labour package as part of the flag state directive covering maritime issues; if he will detail the recent discussions he and his officials had at the recent trilogue negotiations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26964/13]

EU Directives

Andrew Doyle

1096. Deputy Andrew Doyle asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the work his Department is currently undertaking on various pieces of upcoming legislation, through a potential Bill to go through the Houses of the Oireachtas or through Statutory Instrument, to ensure Ireland is in compliance with the upcoming deadlines of Directives from the European Union; the deadline in each case; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27482/13]

Rail Services

Andrew Doyle

1103. Deputy Andrew Doyle asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the reason two lifts at a train station (details supplied), which have been completed for a number of months, have not been made operational; if the construction contractor involved has handed over the project to Iarnród Éireann orDART operations; if not, the reason there has been a delay; when he expects the lifts to be available for use by public transport users; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27631/13]

Public Transport Provision

Andrew Doyle

1108. Deputy Andrew Doyle asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the number of persons who have opted for the new Auto Top-Up feature on the Leap Card system operated by the National Transport Authority as of Thursday, 13 June 2013; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27793/13]

Road Safety Authority Campaigns

Andrew Doyle

1113. Deputy Andrew Doyle asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the number of initiatives the Road Safety Authority has engaged in with the Department of the Environment in Northern Ireland, which has responsibility for road safety from 2007-2013; if the RSA has received offers from interested persons in the DOENI regarding cross-Border campaigns for road safety projects on the island of Ireland; if the RSA is considering engaging in such campaigns in the near future; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27817/13]

Overseas Development Aid

Andrew Doyle

44. Deputy Andrew Doyle asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he will outline Ireland's contribution to the recent international conference on education and development in Brussels on post-2015 millennium development goals; his interaction with European Commissioners, Andris Piebalgs and Kristalina Georgieva; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26317/13]

Passport Applications

Andrew Doyle

47. Deputy Andrew Doyle asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he will outline the upcoming changes to passport application procedures that are currently pending; if these new changes will make the process of acquiring a passport for Irish citizens cheaper, faster and more efficient; if an effective communication plan is in place to deal with this new process and effectively relay this message to the general public; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26405/13]

Ministerial Meetings

Andrew Doyle

48. Deputy Andrew Doyle asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the recent discussions he had, in addition to discussions the Minister of State with responsibility for trade and development had, with the former British Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, the Right Honourable David Miliband; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26408/13]

Emigrant Support Services

Andrew Doyle

49. Deputy Andrew Doyle asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the funding that the Irish International Immigrant Centre in Boston, Massachusetts, USA, has received from his Department per year from 2007 to 2012; if the centre is legally obliged to report Irish citizens to immigration authorities for taking extra work; if the centre could instead offer supports to Irish citizens and help Irish immigrants in view of the fact that it receives Irish taxpayer funding; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26414/13]

European Council Meetings

Andrew Doyle

50. Deputy Andrew Doyle asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the developments and discussions that took place at the 27 May 2013 meeting of the European Union Foreign Affairs Council held in Brussels; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26416/13]

European Council Meetings

Andrew Doyle

51. Deputy Andrew Doyle asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the discussions he held with ministerial colleagues at the 27-28 May 2013 meeting of the Foreign Affairs Council held in Brussels; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26458/13]

Foreign Conflicts

Andrew Doyle

52. Deputy Andrew Doyle asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade his position regarding the EU arms embargo against Syria; if he supports arming rebels in Syria; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26459/13]

Departmental Staff Recruitment

Andrew Doyle

53. Deputy Andrew Doyle asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the date on which the current panel for the recruitment of third secretaries in his Department was formed; when the panel will expire; the number of persons listed on the current panel and the number appointed from the panel; when a new panel will be formed to generate a new list of persons to be called to become third secretary; if applications for inclusion on the panel will be publicly advertised through the Public Appointments Service; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26473/13]

Property Tax Collection

Andrew Doyle

74. Deputy Andrew Doyle asked the Minister for Finance if he will outline in tabular form, the total number of local property taxes that have been paid at the stated deadline set by the Revenue Commissioners on Tuesday 28 May 2013; if he will provide a break down of the figures into each rate band; the total amount of money they have received for the number of properties in each rate band; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26457/13]

EU Enlargement

Andrew Doyle

123. Deputy Andrew Doyle asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation if he intends to allow citizens of Croatia to have full access to the jobs market here under European Union freedom of movement of workers rules; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26447/13]

EU Enlargement

Andrew Doyle

124. Deputy Andrew Doyle asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation when he expects legislation to amend the Employment Permits Acts of 2003 and 2006 to be brought before the Houses of the Oireachtas to allow citizens of Croatia, the newest member of the European Union, full access to the employment sector here from 1 July 2013; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26448/13]

Trade Relations

Andrew Doyle

125. Deputy Andrew Doyle asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation the recommendation that Ireland made to the European Commissioner for Trade, Karel De Gucht, on his proposal that the European Union impose a 47% tariff on imported Chinese solar panels and telecommunications equipment; if he joined other member states in pressing the Commission to drop the proposed import tariffs; his policy in relation to this issue; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26456/13]

Architectural Heritage

Andrew Doyle

161. Deputy Andrew Doyle asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the criteria used for the allocation of the structures at risk fund 2013; if county councils are able to apply for funding in next year's programme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26476/13]

Election Management System

Andrew Doyle

187. Deputy Andrew Doyle asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the contents of a letter he has recently received from the Chairman of the Standards in Public Office Commission (details supplied) regarding the reform needed of SIPO; if he intends to widen the current legislation to bring third party groups taking part in political campaigns within the commission's remit; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26460/13]

Common Agricultural Policy Negotiations

Andrew Doyle

239. Deputy Andrew Doyle asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will give details of the developments on a range of policy areas, with his ministerial colleagues, made at the 26-28 May 2013 informal meeting of Agriculture and Fisheries Council held in Dublin; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26415/13]

Diplomatic Representation

Andrew Doyle

66. Deputy Andrew Doyle asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he will outline the legal status and legislative base of Corps Diplomatique or CD sign usage on Irish car registration plates; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26151/13]

Election Monitoring Missions

Andrew Doyle

67. Deputy Andrew Doyle asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade further to Parliamentary Question No. 60 of 22 May 2013 regarding election observer rosters and the appeals mechanism for application reviews where a final review is to be carried out by a senior official who has not been involved in the selection process, if he will specify the length of time this appeal takes from the moment an appeal is lodged; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26155/13]

Education Policy

Andrew Doyle

99. Deputy Andrew Doyle asked the Minister for Education and Skills if he will outline his Department's work in generating new assessment methods using computers for both primary and secondary schools; if he envisages any traditional core subjects being examined on computers in schools here in view of the shift towards computer based examination in other member states; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26152/13]

Air Pollution

Andrew Doyle

163. Deputy Andrew Doyle asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if he will outline the regulations that enable local authorities to regulate and control the type of coal supplied in the State; the additional powers that are provided to local authorities in this regard and the type of fuel permitted for use in both residential and commercial premises; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25961/13]

Local Electoral Area Boundary Committee Report

Andrew Doyle

170. Deputy Andrew Doyle asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if he has received the report from the boundary committee regarding the local election boundaries that are to be used in next year's local elections in May 2014; when he intends to publish the report; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26156/13]

Defence Forces Training

Andrew Doyle

191. Deputy Andrew Doyle asked the Minister for Defence if he will outline in tabular form from in respect of the years 2000-2012 the number of times Kilpedder rifle range in County Wicklow was used for training activity by the Irish Defence Forces and any other use; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26153/13]

Government-Church Dialogue

Andrew Doyle

201. Deputy Andrew Doyle asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the discussions he has had with colleagues at the 27 May meeting he hosted in Dublin at the informal meeting of EU agriculture and fisheries Ministers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26108/13]

Abortion Services

Andrew Doyle

243. Deputy Andrew Doyle asked the Minister for Health regarding the Protection of Life During Pregnancy Bill 2013, if there is a cut-off in the timeframe with regard to when medical experts suggest a termination would be allowed; the person that will decide that a mother is suicidal or expressing suicidal ideation; if a baby may be terminated three weeks before term; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26158/13]

Aviation Issues

Andrew Doyle

255. Deputy Andrew Doyle asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will outline the legal status and legislative basis for the Federal Air Marshal Service of the Transportation Security Administration of the United States Department of Homeland Security and their passage through airports here; if they are required to notify his Department of their possession of foreign registered firearms when arriving or departing on flights between Ireland and the United States; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26150/13]

EU-Israel Aviation Agreement

Andrew Doyle

257. Deputy Andrew Doyle asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will outline the details of the EU-Israel Aviation Agreement; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25963/13]

The Gathering Events

Andrew Doyle

264. Deputy Andrew Doyle asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will outline the complete list of projects and events as part of The Gathering 2013 in an area (details supplied) that have received funding from his Department either directly or indirectly; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26154/13]

Government-Church Dialogue

Andrew Doyle

265. Deputy Andrew Doyle asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will outline his recent contribution to the International Transport Forum in Leipzig, Germany, on 24 May 2013; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26184/13]

Parking Provision

Andrew Doyle

266. Deputy Andrew Doyle asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport when he expects the car parking facilities at the Cherrywood and Brides Glen Luas stops to begin construction, in view of the fact that the sites that are there at present are awaiting development; if his attention has been drawn to the fact that in spite of no car parking facilities at the last two stops on the Luas green line, the local authority, Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council, is in the process of installing parking bays and has begun the initial steps of installing paid parking metres outside the Cherrywood Luas stop; his views on whether this will prevent people from availing of this public transport facility and instead pressure them to drive in their cars into Dublin and further into the city; if he will liaise with the local authority to prevent paid parking metres being installed until the car parking facilities at either one of these Luas stops is complete; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26187/13]

Undocumented Irish in the USA

Andrew Doyle

132. Deputy Andrew Doyle asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the steps officials in his Department and the Embassy of Ireland in Washington DC are taking regarding the Immigration Bill that is currently before the US Senate, particularly on the issue of the possible ramifications it will have have on future J1 visas that many thousands of Irish college students avail of every summer; if new fees will be introduced on employers who would hire J1 students for the usual 12 week period; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25748/13]

Humanitarian Aid

Andrew Doyle

133. Deputy Andrew Doyle asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he will give details of Ireland's potential role in the European Commission initiative that was announced in September 2012 regarding the European Voluntary Humanitarian Aid Corps; the way he envisages Irish citizens engaging with this initiative that is similar to the United States of America's Peace Corps; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25852/13]

EU Presidency Engagements

Andrew Doyle

134. Deputy Andrew Doyle asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he will give details of the recent Western Balkans Conference that was recently held at Farmleigh; if he will provide the complete list of bilateral meetings that he had with EU member states and other non-EU member states; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25857/13]

Tax Code

Andrew Doyle

151. Deputy Andrew Doyle asked the Minister for Finance the length of time that a 9% VAT rate will apply to the hospitality and tourism sectors in view of the positive impact it is having on promoting economic growth; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25189/13]

EU Directives

Andrew Doyle

169. Deputy Andrew Doyle asked the Minister for Finance if he or officials in his Department have received representations from the industry stakeholders regarding the Markets in Financial Instruments Directive regarding the expansion or watering down of the Directive; the persons from whom these representations came; the discussions involved; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25432/13]

Mortgage Arrears Proposals

Andrew Doyle

170. Deputy Andrew Doyle asked the Minister for Finance if he will outline the workings and procedures that Irish banks are using under the Central Bank of Ireland's code of conduct on mortgage arrears; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25436/13]

Schools Building Projects Expenditure

Andrew Doyle

224. Deputy Andrew Doyle asked the Minister for Education and Skills the stage of a proposed extension to a school (details supplied) in County Wicklow; if he will outline in tabular form the costs that have been incurred by his Department in the project to date, including surveying, planning, legal fees and others; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25071/13]