Questions and answers published after July 2012 can be viewed here. Viewing by Government Department is possible by term or specific dates from March 2016 onwards. Written answers are published as received from departments. To see parliamentary questions published before July 2012, search in Dáil debates.
Questions and answers for Dáil or Seanad term
Page 121 of 126
Tue, 26 Feb 2013
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IDA Staff
Brendan Smith
316. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation if it is acceptable that the Industrial Development Agency have no official designated to cover the north east area; if this is the only region in the country with no designated IDA official; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10344/13]
Tue, 26 Feb 2013
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EU Presidency Priorities
Brendan Smith
405. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the proposals he has to advance the EU digital economy during the Irish Presidency of the EU; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8925/13]
Thu, 21 Feb 2013
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Business Regulation
Brendan Smith
47. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation the progress that has been made in reducing the multiplicity of licences required by businesses on foot of the Forfás report last year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9074/13]
Thu, 21 Feb 2013
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Voluntary Housing Sector
Brendan Smith
162. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the State supports currently available under the two schemes to voluntary housing bodies; the relevant legislation under which this is available; the details of the relevant schemes and the category of bodies/clients availing of them and specifically, in relation to the funding of family homes as provided by voluntary bodies, if he will outline his policy in relation to providing a sale scheme option for tenants; the number of schemes this option has been introduced to date; the legislative provision under which same was allowed; his plans to bring equity to the system and allow families in long term voluntary housing estates to purchase their homes; his views on the matter and in all cases if he will provide the legislative framework under which the various aspects are covered; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9410/13]
Thu, 21 Feb 2013
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Water Charges Introduction
Brendan Smith
163. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government his plans to introduce domestic water meters; the way this will be done with apartment blocks/multiple occupancy units; if each apartment owner/occupier will have a separate metering system or if it will be done using a single supply with a management company collecting the charge from each owner; if an option will be given to pay separately if a democratic decision amongst apartments owners can be made; the way waivers or reduced charges will be allocated to pensioners and persons of limited means if charges were done in bulk through a management company; if he will clarify issues for concerned residents of apartment and multi occupancy units; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9411/13]
Wed, 20 Feb 2013
oral
Northern Ireland Marching Season
Brendan Smith
1. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he has discussed with the Northern Ireland Secretary of State the need to bring clarity to the exact authority of the Parades Commission and its jurisdiction over non-notified parades in view of the fact that difficulties have recently emerged with non-notified parades; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9179/13]
Wed, 20 Feb 2013
oral
Undocumented Irish in the USA
Brendan Smith
4. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he will outline his views on the recent immigration reform initiative; the plans he has to discuss this initiative with the United States authorities in regard to the position of the undocumented Irish; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9180/13]
Wed, 20 Feb 2013
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Northern Ireland Issues
Brendan Smith
73. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the position regarding the proposed Bill of Rights for Northern Ireland as provided for in the Good Friday Agreement; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9181/13]
Wed, 20 Feb 2013
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Northern Ireland Issues
Brendan Smith
74. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he has discussed with the Northern Ireland Secretary of State or with the Northern Ireland Executive any new initiatives to deal with sectarian violence; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9173/13]
Tue, 19 Feb 2013
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Foreign Conflicts
Brendan Smith
204. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he will report on the most recent discussions in relation to Mali at the European Foreign Affairs Council; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8194/13]
Tue, 19 Feb 2013
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Foreign Conflicts
Brendan Smith
205. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if the recent Foreign Affairs EU Council extended the EU sanctions package against Syria beyond the end of March; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8196/13]
Tue, 19 Feb 2013
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Overseas Development Aid Oversight
Brendan Smith
218. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the proposals there are to introduce as a condition of funding under overseas development aid that recipient countries should provide adequately for civil society space as outlined in a document (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8906/13]
Tue, 19 Feb 2013
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Rural Transport Services Provision
Brendan Smith
757. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will ensure that full consultation is carried out with all stakeholders, particularly the existing rural transport providers, in relation to the establishment of new structures for the delivery of rural transport; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8195/13]
Thu, 14 Feb 2013
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General Practitioner Services
Brendan Smith
15. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Health the progress that has been made on securing a new general practitioner contract; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7499/13]
Thu, 14 Feb 2013
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National Positive Ageing Strategy Publication
Brendan Smith
42. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Health when the national positive ageing strategy will be brought forward; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7514/13]
Thu, 14 Feb 2013
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Ministerial Meetings
Brendan Smith
113. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he will outline the issues discussed at his recent meeting with the Northern Ireland Secretary of State; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7910/13]
Thu, 14 Feb 2013
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EU Funding
Brendan Smith
114. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the funding that will be provided for the new PEACE programme; the level of funding to be provided both North and South; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7912/13]
Thu, 14 Feb 2013
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Job Creation
Brendan Smith
195. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation if any special initiatives will be undertaken by his Department or the State's industrial promotion agencies to assist in the provision of much needed employment in County Monaghan taking into account the recent loss of jobs at a number of enterprises (details supplied) in County Monaghan; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7911/13]
Thu, 14 Feb 2013
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Rural Development Programme Funding
Brendan Smith
251. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government when approval will issue in respect of a project (details supplied) in County Monaghan; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7913/13]
Wed, 13 Feb 2013
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Proposed Legislation
Brendan Smith
27. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs when she will bring forward the adoption tracing and information legislation; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [7340/13]
Wed, 13 Feb 2013
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European Parliament Membership
Brendan Smith
45. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the discussions he has had with the President of the European Parliament in regard to the need to retain the present level of Irish membership of the European Parliament; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7590/13]
Wed, 13 Feb 2013
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Veterinary Inspection Service Staff
Brendan Smith
168. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will confirm that there will be no change to the status of the district veterinary office, County Cavan; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7591/13]
Tue, 12 Feb 2013
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Afforestation Programme
Brendan Smith
157. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the number of applications received in 2011 and 2012 for grants and premiums to plant land with forestry; the number rejected; the broad reasons for these rejections; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6991/13]
Tue, 12 Feb 2013
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Disadvantaged Areas Scheme Payments
Brendan Smith
169. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the number of farmers that were written to in relation to their 2012 disadvantage payments under the stocking density rule; the number that have been refused a derogation to date, including after appeal, broken down between the three payment categories: less favoured areas, severely disadvantaged areas and mountain areas; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6975/13]
Tue, 12 Feb 2013
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Online Business Voucher Scheme
Brendan Smith
433. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if his attention has been drawn to the proposal made by Eircom to ComReg to reduce telephone line rental; if he will ensure that this proposal, if approved, will be applicable to all customers irrespective of location; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6942/13]
Tue, 12 Feb 2013
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Garda Deployment
Brendan Smith
507. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if his attention has been drawn to concerns in relation to the decision to disband the Cavan-Monaghan divisional drugs unit in view of the valuable work that it had undertaken since its establishment; if his attention has been drawn to the need to continue this work, including drug seizures and dealing with other offences connected with illegal drugs; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6928/13]
Thu, 7 Feb 2013
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Global Economic Forum
Brendan Smith
44. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the proposals, if any, he has to host another Global Irish Economic Forum; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6466/13]
Thu, 7 Feb 2013
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Exports Growth
Brendan Smith
45. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he will comment on the effects of exports to Britain during January due to the strengthening of the euro against sterling; the present outlook for such exports; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6467/13]
Thu, 7 Feb 2013
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Scottish Independence
Brendan Smith
46. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade his views on Scottish membership of the European Union if their referendum result favours independence; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6468/13]
Tue, 5 Feb 2013
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Rural Recreation Promotion
Brendan Smith
150. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government his plans for the further development of the rural recreation sector in 2013; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5582/13]
Tue, 5 Feb 2013
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Dormant Accounts Fund Management
Brendan Smith
186. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the programmes he intends running under the dormant accounts programme in 2013; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5585/13]
Tue, 5 Feb 2013
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Undocumented Irish in the USA
Brendan Smith
221. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade his plans, if any, to discuss with the United States authorities, the proposed new Immigration Reform Bill; the way this proposal could benefit the undocumented Irish; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5524/13]
Tue, 5 Feb 2013
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Human Rights Issues
Brendan Smith
222. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he will outline the details of discussions, if any, he has had to date with the British Government in relation to a Bill of Rights for Northern Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5525/13]
Tue, 5 Feb 2013
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Trade Agreements
Brendan Smith
375. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation if he will ensure during the Irish Presidency of the EU that any proposed EU/Canada Trade Deal does not threaten the viability of Irish and EU Agriculture; if his attention has been drawn to the fact that an agreement of large tariff-free volumes of Canadian imports would cause significant market damage for Irish exports to the European Union, particularly for the beef and pigmeat sectors; if he will ensure that any moves to liberalise trade for sensitive products including beef and pigmeat are resisted; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5526/13]
Tue, 5 Feb 2013
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Schemes for the Elderly
Brendan Smith
505. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Social Protection the changes/savings that have been made in the schemes for the elderly including the household benefit scheme, fuel allowance, smokeless coal supplement in the past three years from 1 January 2010; the dates of each change; the reduction to the individual Dublin area of each measure and overall for the three years; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [5929/13]
Tue, 5 Feb 2013
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Dissident Republican Activity
Brendan Smith
676. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the discussions he has held with the Northern Executive and British Secretary of State for Northern Ireland on combatting the threat presented by militant dissident activity; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1560/13]
Tue, 5 Feb 2013
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HSE Funding
Brendan Smith
762. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Health if he will give consideration to the concerns outlined in correspondence (details supplied) regarding funding for general practice-primary care; if he will take into account the concerns of general practitioners about the difficulties that will arise due to the reduction in funding announced in budget 2013; if he will also take into account the additional difficulties that will arise particularly for rural practices; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5127/13]
Thu, 31 Jan 2013
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Alternative Energy Projects
Brendan Smith
17. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the extent to which he sees biofuels playing a role in renewable energy strategy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4762/13]
Thu, 31 Jan 2013
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EU Enlargement
Brendan Smith
53. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade his plans to advance the accession application of Bosnia during the Irish Presidency of the EU; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4838/13]
Thu, 31 Jan 2013
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Trade Agreements
Brendan Smith
55. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade his plans to advance the negotiations on a EU/United States trade agreement particularly in view of Prime Minister Cameron's recent remarks on British membership of the European Union; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4994/13]
Thu, 31 Jan 2013
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Overseas Development Aid Provision
Brendan Smith
56. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade his views on a recent report in relation to expenditure under his Department's overseas development aid (details supplied); if he is satisfied that all expenditure incurred was necessary and provided good value for this expenditure from the Exchequer; if he is satisfied that the existing methods of monitoring expenditure on such programmes on an ongoing basis are adequate; his plans to review such monitoring of expenditure; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5008/13]
Thu, 31 Jan 2013
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Teacher Redeployment
Brendan Smith
84. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Education and Skills if late applications will be accepted for access to the supplementary panel for eligible fixed term/temporary including substitutes and part-time primary teachers for the 2013/2014 school year; if such requests will be given urgent consideration in view of the fact that this was a new application process; if his attention has been drawn to the fact that his Department was informed that a small number of applications were received late due to illness of the applicants at the closing date of the 14 December 2012; if this matter will be reviewed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4995/13]
Thu, 31 Jan 2013
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Schools Building Projects Applications
Brendan Smith
85. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Education and Skills if he will approve funding for a school (details supplied) in County Cavan under his Department's emergency grant scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4997/13]
Thu, 31 Jan 2013
oral
Magdalen Laundries Issues
Brendan Smith
158. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Justice and Equality when he proposes to release the report on the Magdalen laundries; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5012/13]
Thu, 31 Jan 2013
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Food Safety Authority Role
Brendan Smith
223. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Health if he will confirm that the Food Safety Authority of Ireland will retain its status as an independent agency; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4993/13]
Wed, 30 Jan 2013
oral
Merger of Cultural Institutions
Brendan Smith
10. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the timeframe for his plans to merge the National Archives and the Irish Manuscripts Commission into the National Library; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4488/13]
Wed, 30 Jan 2013
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Emigrant Support Services
Brendan Smith
57. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the total funding allocated in the Estimates for 2012 for the emigrant support programme; the amount spent under this programme for 2012; if he will list the recipient organisations in each country; the level of funding provided to each organisation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4799/13]
Wed, 30 Jan 2013
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Emigrant Support Services
Brendan Smith
58. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the funding allocated in the Estimates for 2013 for the emigrant support programme; if he will list the organisations in each country that will receive funding under this programme; the amount per organisation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4800/13]
Wed, 30 Jan 2013
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Sports Capital Programme Applications
Brendan Smith
207. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the reason a sports capital programme 2012 application from a club (details supplied) in County Cavan was deemed invalid; if his attention has been drawn to the fact that this club submitted a very detailed application with all the appropriate accompanying documentation; if his further attention has been drawn to the fact that the club understood that its application met all the criteria of the scheme; the reason the application was unsuccessful; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4801/13]
Tue, 29 Jan 2013
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Social Welfare Benefits Applications
Brendan Smith
441. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Social Protection if she will outline the changes to the telephone allowance arising from Budget 2013; the level of expenditure incurred under this scheme in 2012; the projected expenditure for 2013; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4216/13]