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 27 of 33
Tue, 14 Feb 2017
oral
Urban Renewal Schemes
Joan Burton
4. Deputy Joan Burton asked the Taoiseach his plans to provide an update on the Dublin north inner city task force; and the terms of reference, chair and timescale. [4574/17]
Tue, 14 Feb 2017
written
Schools Building Projects Applications
Joan Burton
188. Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Education and Skills if the design team for a new school (details supplied) has submitted the review of the impact to tender documents for the project arising from changes introduced in public works contracts; if the design team has submitted revised tender documents for the project; if the review and tender documents have been approved by his Department; when tenders will be invited for the project; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6970/17]
Tue, 14 Feb 2017
written
Schools Building Projects Applications
Joan Burton
189. Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Education and Skills if he has reviewed the costed brief change for a new school (details supplied); if approval for the preparation of tender documents has issued to the school; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6971/17]
Tue, 14 Feb 2017
written
School Patronage
Joan Burton
213. Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Education and Skills the progress to date in the Government reaching its target of 400 non-denominational and multidenominational schools by 2030; the number of such schools to be opened in 2017; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7305/17]
Tue, 14 Feb 2017
written
Rent Controls
Joan Burton
234. Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Housing, Planning, Community and Local Government the detail of the report of the Residential Tenancies Board relating to rent inflation in Maynooth in the past six quarters; if the position will be reviewed after 31 March 2017; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6863/17]
Tue, 14 Feb 2017
written
Rent Controls
Joan Burton
235. Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Housing, Planning, Community and Local Government if he will inquire from the Housing Agency the reason the towns of Clane, Kilcock and Kill, County Kildare, were not recommended by it for possible designation by the Residential Tenancies Board as rent pressure zones; if they can be reviewed now; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6864/17]
Tue, 14 Feb 2017
written
Money Advice and Budgeting Service
Joan Burton
293. Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Social Protection if his attention has been drawn to the plans to regionalise the MABS services; if a cost benefit analysis has been carried out on this proposal; his views on the current governance of the MABS services; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7233/17]
Tue, 14 Feb 2017
written
Maternity Benefit
Joan Burton
294. Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Social Protection if the decision on the application for maternity benefit by a person (details supplied) could be reviewed in view of their long-term employment history and contributions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7291/17]
Tue, 14 Feb 2017
written
Flood Relief Schemes Status
Joan Burton
320. Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if he has formally approved funding for the lower Morrell river flood relief scheme in County Kildare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6969/17]
Tue, 14 Feb 2017
written
Land Acquisition
Joan Burton
336. Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage, Regional, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs if her Department has initiated contact with the owners of an estate (details supplied) regarding its forthcoming sale and the future status of the 5,000 acre site that is currently enjoyed as a public amenity; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [7255/17]
Tue, 14 Feb 2017
written
Register of Cultural Objects
Joan Burton
337. Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage, Regional, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs when the register for protected cultural items was most recently reviewed; the criteria by which additional items can be added to the register; the means by which an application can be made to add to the register; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [7256/17]
Tue, 14 Feb 2017
written
Nursing Education
Joan Burton
389. Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Health his views on whether there is a need for accelerated nursing degrees similar to those available in the UK in order to address the shortage of applicants for nursing positions in the HSE and to attract mature students into the profession; if he has raised with the Department of Education and Skills the need for such degrees to be approved by the HEA and introduced in third level institutions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6793/17]
Tue, 14 Feb 2017
written
Hospital Waiting Lists
Joan Burton
404. Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Health when a cataract operation will be carried out for a person (details supplied) in University Hospital Waterford; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6859/17]
Tue, 14 Feb 2017
written
Hospital Services
Joan Burton
405. Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Health the reason funding has not been provided for the endoscopy unit, new physical medicine, physical therapy, oncology services and day procedure departments at Naas General Hospital; when funding will be provided; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6862/17]
Tue, 14 Feb 2017
written
Mental Health Services Data
Joan Burton
459. Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Health the 24-7 emergency facilities that are available to persons presenting with mental health issues here out of hours; the region that these are provided in; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7112/17]
Tue, 14 Feb 2017
written
Mental Health Services Data
Joan Burton
460. Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Health the number incidents that have been recorded in the national incident management system in 2014, 2015 and 2016 between children and adults in adult psychiatric units at approved mental health hospitals; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7113/17]
Thu, 9 Feb 2017
written
Rail Network Expansion
Joan Burton
244. Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if the timetable for the delivery of the DART underground linking Heuston and Connolly stations is under review; the timetable for the delivery of new rail and light rail infrastructure for the greater Dublin area; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6414/17]
Wed, 8 Feb 2017
written
Mental Health Services
Joan Burton
203. Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Health the names of the hospitals where 24-7 liaison psychiatry is available in emergency departments nationwide; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6160/17]
Wed, 8 Feb 2017
written
Hospital Staff Data
Joan Burton
204. Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Health the number of clinical nurse specialists in posts as part of the clinical self-harm programme, including their location and their hours of operation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6161/17]
Wed, 8 Feb 2017
written
Primary Care Services Provision
Joan Burton
205. Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Health the services that are up and running in dual diagnosis in primary care; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6163/17]
Tue, 7 Feb 2017
written
Schools Building Projects Status
Joan Burton
232. Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Education and Skills if he has cleared the tender report for a school (details supplied); if a letter of intent has been cleared for issuing to the preferred tenderer; when construction of the new school is likely to commence; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5666/17]
Tue, 7 Feb 2017
written
Hospital Accommodation Provision
Joan Burton
435. Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Health if he will give consideration to the inclusion of phase 3c of Naas General Hospital in the revised capital plan during the mid-term review of the capital plan; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5718/17]
Tue, 7 Feb 2017
written
International Agreements
Joan Burton
626. Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if his attention has been drawn to the concerns regarding the continued operation of the Aviation (Preclearance) Act 2009 and associated agreements in Irish airports during President Trump's Administration and that Ireland would facilitate nationality based discrimination against persons born in Syria, Iraq, Iran, Libya, Yemen, Sudan and Somalia; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5435/17]
Thu, 2 Feb 2017
written
Jury Service
Joan Burton
57. Deputy Joan Burton asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality her views on a gender balance on juries; the steps she will take to ensure same; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [5089/17]
Wed, 1 Feb 2017
written
Summer Works Scheme
Joan Burton
174. Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Education and Skills if his attention has been drawn to the fact that safety works at a school (details supplied) committed to by his Department under the 2015 summer works scheme have not been carried out; when are they scheduled to be carried out; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4705/17]
Wed, 1 Feb 2017
written
Rural Development Plan
Joan Burton
244. Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage, Regional, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs if she will provide a list of the 600 towns that are to receive investment and support under the action plan for rural development; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4813/17]
Tue, 31 Jan 2017
oral
Brexit Issues
Joan Burton
2. Deputy Joan Burton asked the Taoiseach the outcome of his discussion with the British Prime Minister, Ms Theresa May, regarding her 12-point plan for the United Kingdom leaving the European Union. [2739/17]
Tue, 31 Jan 2017
oral
Official Engagements
Joan Burton
10. Deputy Joan Burton asked the Taoiseach if he has had discussions with the Trump Administration in the United States of America regarding President Trump's stated support for Brexit and other member states leaving the European Union. [2740/17]
Tue, 31 Jan 2017
oral
Official Engagements
Joan Burton
18. Deputy Joan Burton asked the Taoiseach the discussions he has had with the new US Administration concerning Brexit and a US and UK trade deal. [4577/17]
Tue, 31 Jan 2017
oral
Rural Development Plan
Joan Burton
46. Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage, Regional, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the details of grants and supports her Department proposes for the restoration of properties in rural towns and villages; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4314/17]
Tue, 31 Jan 2017
oral
Banking Sector
Joan Burton
55. Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage, Regional, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the progress of the investigation of the establishment of a public banking system here by her department; the likely timeframe of the investigation; the stakeholders involved; the way in which interested parties can make a submission to the investigation; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4074/17]
Tue, 31 Jan 2017
written
Heritage Promotion
Joan Burton
58. Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage, Regional, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs if her Department will examine a nationwide plan for the development of village design statements that would ensure all future planning and development takes full cognisance of the historic character and protects the character and heritage of villages. [4078/17]
Tue, 31 Jan 2017
written
Film Industry Development
Joan Burton
66. Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage, Regional, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs if her attention has been drawn to the ongoing campaign in County Wicklow regarding securing the future of studios (details supplied) and the concerns of employees and the local community; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4077/17]
Tue, 31 Jan 2017
written
Cultural Policy
Joan Burton
72. Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage, Regional, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs if she has had any engagement with stakeholders in the music industry regarding the establishment of a music industry task force with wide representation and which would examine a range of issues including the impact of intellectual property and copyright legislation and enforcement in both the music and technology industries, supports for the business of music education and a dedicated office similar to the Irish Film Board for the music sector. [4076/17]
Tue, 31 Jan 2017
written
Help-To-Buy Scheme Administration
Joan Burton
73. Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage, Regional, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs if media reports are accurate that her Department is seeking the extension of first-time buyers' grants to purchasers of second-hand homes in rural areas; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4075/17]
Tue, 31 Jan 2017
written
Commercial Rates Valuation Process
Joan Burton
88. Deputy Joan Burton asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality the measures her Department proposes in conjunction with the Department of Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation under point 76 of the Action Plan for Rural Development to conduct a revaluation of commercial properties in nine rural counties; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4113/17]
Tue, 31 Jan 2017
written
Gaelcholáistí Issues
Joan Burton
251. Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Education and Skills further to Parliamentary Question No. 100 of 18 January 2017, if the enrolment to an institution (details supplied) for September 2017 will be the determining factor in demonstrating viability for the establishment of a Gaelcholáiste in north Kildare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4482/17]
Tue, 31 Jan 2017
written
Archival Material
Joan Burton
275. Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Housing, Planning, Community and Local Government the supports in place for the development and protection of county archive services to preserve local cultural patrimony. [4095/17]
Tue, 31 Jan 2017
written
Social Inclusion and Community Activation Programme Funding
Joan Burton
276. Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Housing, Planning, Community and Local Government if the investment of €37.5 million, as outlined in point 50 of the Action Plan for Rural Development, to implement the social inclusion and community activation programme is in addition to the funds previously committed by the Department of Social Protection to the programme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4112/17]
Tue, 31 Jan 2017
written
Rural Development Plan
Joan Burton
277. Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Housing, Planning, Community and Local Government the way his Department proposes to review planning legislation to allow the change of use of vacant commercial properties in cities, towns and villages, including vacant or under-utilised areas over ground floor premises, into residential units without having to go through the planning process, as outlined in point 6 of the action plan for rural development; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4114/17]
Tue, 31 Jan 2017
written
Flood Risk Insurance Cover Provision
Joan Burton
364. Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the proposals his Department is working on in conjunction with the OPW to strengthen the engagement with the insurance industry to improve the availability of flood insurance cover, in view of the State's ongoing investment in flood defence schemes as per point 70 in the Action Plan for Rural Development; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4109/17]
Tue, 31 Jan 2017
written
Arts Funding
Joan Burton
389. Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage, Regional, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs if she has agreed to carry over funding for the 1916 commemoration to the general arts, culture and film programme 2017; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4079/17]
Tue, 31 Jan 2017
written
Arts Funding
Joan Burton
390. Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage, Regional, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs if the Government will commit to the long-term goal of increasing arts funding to the European average of 0.6% of GDP. [4080/17]
Tue, 31 Jan 2017
written
Arts Funding
Joan Burton
391. Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage, Regional, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs her plans to increase funding in the arts over the lifetime of the Government; and her views on whether funding for the Arts Council and the Irish Film Board should be doubled. [4081/17]
Tue, 31 Jan 2017
written
Arts Funding
Joan Burton
392. Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage, Regional, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs if she will create an arts capital fund, modelled after the sports capital fund, to ensure better long-term funding for Irish arts. [4082/17]
Tue, 31 Jan 2017
written
Artists' Remuneration
Joan Burton
393. Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage, Regional, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs if she will liaise with the Minister for Social Protection to examine the supports for working artists in the social welfare system; if she will relax activation rules for working artists to allow them to support themselves in view of the fact they produce the art and cultural pieces for which Ireland is rightly proud. [4083/17]
Tue, 31 Jan 2017
written
World Heritage Sites
Joan Burton
394. Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage, Regional, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the Government’s plan to pursue more applications for UNESCO world heritage status for more of Ireland's national landmarks (details supplied). [4084/17]
Tue, 31 Jan 2017
written
Irish Language
Joan Burton
395. Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage, Regional, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the way in which she will work with her colleague, the Minister for Education and Skills, to ensure that parents can access second level education through Irish, especially in areas with proven demand for Gaelscoileanna. [4085/17]
Tue, 31 Jan 2017
written
Irish Language
Joan Burton
396. Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage, Regional, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs if the Government will provide extra funding to Gaeltacht areas to encourage greater use of the language and better economic prospects for those living in Gaeltacht areas. [4086/17]
Tue, 31 Jan 2017
written
Cultural Policy
Joan Burton
397. Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage, Regional, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the way in which the Government plans to ensure arts funding is used to ensure minority and new Irish voices are heard as part of cultural output. [4087/17]
Tue, 31 Jan 2017
written
Cultural Policy
Joan Burton
398. Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage, Regional, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs her plans to support the development of the creative industries sector; if she has reviewed the report from the previous Joint Committee on Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation on the hearings on examining the potential for job creation, innovation and balanced economic development in the creative economy; and if she will implement the recommendations of the report in tandem with the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation. [4088/17]
Tue, 31 Jan 2017
written
Cultural Policy
Joan Burton
399. Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage, Regional, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs if she has liaised with the Minister for Education and Skills with regard to the development of contemporary art education at primary and secondary level in schools. [4090/17]
Tue, 31 Jan 2017
written
Cultural Policy
Joan Burton
400. Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage, Regional, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs her plans to develop a national cultural strategy up to 2025. [4091/17]
Tue, 31 Jan 2017
written
Cultural Policy
Joan Burton
401. Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage, Regional, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs her plans to develop musical education and make instruments available to young persons and the general population through facilitating schools, youth groups and libraries to enhance their music resources and the provision of access to musical training and instruments for the benefit of local communities. [4092/17]
Tue, 31 Jan 2017
written
Cultural Policy
Joan Burton
402. Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage, Regional, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs if she has examined any proposals to facilitate, on a national basis, the use of vacant retail premises by exhibiting artists based on successful schemes (details supplied). [4093/17]
Tue, 31 Jan 2017
written
Heritage Promotion
Joan Burton
403. Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage, Regional, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs if her Department will examine a nationwide plan for the development of village design statements that would ensure all future planning and development takes full cognisance of the historic character and protect the character and heritage of villages. [4094/17]
Tue, 31 Jan 2017
written
Cultural Policy
Joan Burton
404. Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage, Regional, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs if she will work with the Minister for Health to develop and roll out an arts and health strategy across acute and children’s hospitals and across the community health sector; and the other innovative approaches being considered to use the arts as a means to promote well-being across society. [4096/17]
Tue, 31 Jan 2017
written
Cultural Policy
Joan Burton
405. Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage, Regional, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the action she is taking with her Government colleagues to systematically address social, geographic and economic barriers to full participation in the artistic and cultural life of the country, particularly for children and young persons. [4097/17]
Tue, 31 Jan 2017
written
Arts in Education Charter
Joan Burton
406. Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage, Regional, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the plans in place to ensure the better integration of the arts into education and broadening the focus on science, technology, engineering and maths, STEM, into science, technology, engineering, arts and maths, STEAM; her plans to expand the ambition and resourcing of the arts in education charter and to continue to work with the Department of Education and Skills to further enhance the position of arts subjects within the curriculum at primary and secondary level. [4098/17]
Tue, 31 Jan 2017
written
Cultural Policy
Joan Burton
407. Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage, Regional, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs if she will urgently begin preparation of a global arts forum for Ireland, similar to the structure of the Global Irish Economic Forum, which would highlight indigenous talent and map a strong and healthy future for arts and culture at home and abroad. [4099/17]
Tue, 31 Jan 2017
written
Departmental Titles
Joan Burton
408. Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage, Regional, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs if Department of Arts, Heritage, Regional, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs is the title of her Department and whether she anticipates there will be any further changes to the name of her Department or her Department’s functions; the sections of staff which have been assigned or transferred between Departments as a consequence of changes to her ministerial and departmental structure; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4100/17]
Tue, 31 Jan 2017
written
Brexit Issues
Joan Burton
409. Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage, Regional, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the role she will have in the Government’s post-Brexit strategy in view of her responsibility for regional affairs and the potentially very negative impact of Brexit on the Border area; if there is a specific unit in her Department to deal with the impact of Brexit on the Border region; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4102/17]
Tue, 31 Jan 2017
written
Arts Funding
Joan Burton
410. Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage, Regional, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs her views on the recent comments by a person (details supplied) that the Arts Council should be getting three or four times the amount of funding it receives from the Government; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4103/17]
Tue, 31 Jan 2017
written
Arts Funding
Joan Burton
411. Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage, Regional, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the approach she is taking to ensure that the €50 million spent in 2016 on commemoration will be retained in the arts budget for 2017 for the benefit of the arts and culture nationally; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4104/17]
Tue, 31 Jan 2017
written
Cultural Policy
Joan Burton
412. Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage, Regional, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs if she will appoint an expert panel of artists and cultural managers to advise her and her Department as proposed by the national campaign for the arts; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4105/17]
Tue, 31 Jan 2017
written
Cultural Policy
Joan Burton
413. Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage, Regional, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs her views on proposals that would mandate all local authorities to publish individual arts plans and cultural strategies and for local authority arts spending to be mandatory and ring-fenced on an annual basis; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4106/17]
Tue, 31 Jan 2017
written
Post Office Network
Joan Burton
414. Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage, Regional, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the way in which her Department proposes to oversee and monitor the implementation of actions to support the post office network, arising out of the report of the post office renewal board and the post office hub working group, as outlined in point 20 of the Action Plan for Rural Development; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4111/17]
Tue, 31 Jan 2017
written
Drug and Alcohol Task Forces
Joan Burton
513. Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Health when a co-ordinator will be recruited for the South Inner City Drugs and Alcohol Task Force to carry out the vital work of direct provision of services and support to the projects and local community organisations operating within its remit; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3944/17]
Tue, 31 Jan 2017
written
Hospital Waiting Lists
Joan Burton
595. Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Health further to his view that the waiting list for gynaecological appointments in Cork University Maternity Hospital is appalling and unacceptable, if his attention has been drawn to the fact that the waiting time for such gynaecological appointments at the Coombe hospital is a year; his views on whether this is appalling and unacceptable also; and if he will provide funding to reduce the waiting time at the Coombe Hospital in view of his commitment to do so for Cork University Maternity Hospital. [4483/17]
Tue, 31 Jan 2017
written
National Broadband Plan Data
Joan Burton
665. Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment his role in the implementation of the national broadband plan; the number of homes in each county he expects to have 30 Mbps broadband speed by 2020; the number of businesses in each county which will be affected by the plan; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4101/17]
Tue, 31 Jan 2017
written
Metropolitan Area Networks Programme
Joan Burton
666. Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the percentage of commercial customers who have availed of the metropolitan area networks, MANs, installed in rural Ireland; the actions to be taken as per action point 240 in the action plan for rural development; if the take up of the MANs can be improved, including through a review of the pricing and other arrangements relating to connections; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4107/17]
Tue, 31 Jan 2017
written
Rural Transport Services
Joan Burton
698. Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the proposals his Department is working on in conjunction with the NTA to deliver on action points 250 to 254 of the action plan for rural development to work with rural communities to assess and implement improvements to existing rural transport routes and develop new rural transport routes as necessary; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4108/17]
Tue, 31 Jan 2017
written
Regional Airports
Joan Burton
699. Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the work his Department has carried out to date regarding the investment of €10 million in regional airports, in particular Waterford Airport; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4110/17]
Tue, 31 Jan 2017
written
Copyright Legislation Review
Joan Burton
739. Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation if she will undertake a full review of the rights of artists here, including a thorough examination of existing copyright laws and the current Competition Act. [4089/17]
Thu, 26 Jan 2017
written
Pension Provisions
Joan Burton
94. Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Social Protection if sole traders and self employed persons who are in dispute with the Revenue Commissioners on reaching pension age are disqualified from securing the State pension; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3543/17]
Wed, 25 Jan 2017
oral
Northern Ireland
Joan Burton
6. Deputy Joan Burton asked the Taoiseach the contact he has had with Ms Arlene Foster, former First Minister of Northern Ireland, since the resignation of the Northern Ireland deputy First Minister, Mr. Martin McGuinness. [1716/17]
Wed, 25 Jan 2017
oral
Taoiseach's Meetings and Engagements
Joan Burton
19. Deputy Joan Burton asked the Taoiseach the outcome of his discussions with the Spanish Prime Minister, Mr. Rajoy, during his recent visit to Spain. [2741/17]
Wed, 25 Jan 2017
written
Northern Ireland
Joan Burton
82. Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the contact he has had with the Northern Ireland Secretary of State, Mr. James Brokenshire MP, since the resignation of the Northern Ireland deputy First Minister, Mr. Martin McGuinness. [1815/17]
Wed, 25 Jan 2017
written
Planning Issues
Joan Burton
129. Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Housing, Planning, Community and Local Government the number of planning enforcement notices and actions taken against owners of housing units that have put these units into a company (details supplied) and are acting as bed and breakfasts, by local authority; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3252/17]
Wed, 25 Jan 2017
written
Planning Issues
Joan Burton
130. Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Housing, Planning, Community and Local Government the number of planning applications received by local authorities to change housing units to bed and breakfasts in the past year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3253/17]
Wed, 25 Jan 2017
written
Housing Issues
Joan Burton
131. Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Housing, Planning, Community and Local Government if he will provide a copy of all correspondence to the local authorities from his Department in relation to a company (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3254/17]
Wed, 25 Jan 2017
written
Housing Issues
Joan Burton
132. Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Housing, Planning, Community and Local Government if his Department carried out any research in relation to the number of housing units that are now operating similar to a company (details supplied) and resulting in a loss to the rental stock; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3255/17]
Wed, 25 Jan 2017
written
Housing Issues
Joan Burton
133. Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Housing, Planning, Community and Local Government if his Department carried out any research in relation to the number of housing units that are now operating similar to a company (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3256/17]
Wed, 25 Jan 2017
written
Housing Issues
Joan Burton
134. Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Housing, Planning, Community and Local Government the action he intends to take to prevent any further loss of rental stock to a company (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3257/17]
Wed, 25 Jan 2017
written
Housing Issues
Joan Burton
135. Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Housing, Planning, Community and Local Government if he raised the issue of the loss of housing units to a company (details supplied) with the four chief executive officers of the four Dublin local authorities; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3258/17]
Tue, 24 Jan 2017
written
Third Level Funding
Joan Burton
178. Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Education and Skills if he has read the USI position paper on the funding of higher education regarding the effects a loan scheme would have on students; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2981/17]
Tue, 24 Jan 2017
written
State Examinations Reviews
Joan Burton
179. Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Education and Skills if he will provide a progress report on junior certificate syllabus, subject and assessment reforms and his key priorities in this regard for 2017 and 2018; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2982/17]
Tue, 24 Jan 2017
written
Apprenticeship Programmes
Joan Burton
180. Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Education and Skills his views on the uptake in the number of apprenticeships by females; if his Department has proposals to address the issue; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2983/17]
Tue, 24 Jan 2017
written
Pupil-Teacher Ratio
Joan Burton
181. Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Education and Skills his plans to reduce class sizes and build on the measures to reduce class sizes in previous budgets; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2984/17]
Tue, 24 Jan 2017
written
Education Policy
Joan Burton
182. Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Education and Skills the way in which he plans to progress the three areas in the education sector that he has identified as his core priority areas of focus in the sector, including helping children with special needs, supporting schools and building a stronger bridge between education and the workplace; the reason he has prioritised these three areas; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2985/17]
Tue, 24 Jan 2017
written
Education Policy
Joan Burton
183. Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Education and Skills his plans to reform the model of leadership in schools; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2986/17]
Tue, 24 Jan 2017
written
Pupil-Teacher Ratio
Joan Burton
184. Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Education and Skills the primary and post-primary average class size figures for Ireland and for other EU member states; his plans to tackle large class size concerns; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2987/17]
Tue, 24 Jan 2017
written
Teaching Council of Ireland
Joan Burton
185. Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Education and Skills if there are remaining sections of the Teaching Council (Amendment) Act 2015 to be commenced; the timeframe for commencing such sections; and the number of fitness to teach complaints received and processed to date since he commenced these provisions in July 2016. [2988/17]
Tue, 24 Jan 2017
written
Education Policy
Joan Burton
186. Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Education and Skills when he proposes to publish a draft of the education (parent and student charter) Bill; the details of the proposed pre-legislative scrutiny process; and the timeframe for this. [2989/17]
Tue, 24 Jan 2017
written
Teaching Council of Ireland
Joan Burton
187. Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Education and Skills the way in which he will address concerns that the Teaching Council, in the absence of a statutory complaints procedure for use at school level, will be expected to address complaints which are better resolved at local level and thus have less resources to deal with very serious complaints which may arise. [2990/17]
Tue, 24 Jan 2017
written
Third Level Admissions Assistance
Joan Burton
188. Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Education and Skills the specific measures he plans in order to deal with concerns regarding third level student support and funding challenges for third level institutions. [2991/17]
Tue, 24 Jan 2017
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Teachers' Remuneration
Joan Burton
189. Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Education and Skills his view on whether there is a clear pay disparity between teachers recruited before 1 January 2011 and those recruited thereafter with regard to pay equality for teachers; his further views on whether it is unacceptable to maintain such pay disparities; his plans to address pay equality issues beyond the steps already agreed in relation to restoration of a qualification allowance payment; the cost of restoring teachers recruited since 1 January 2011 to the previous pay scale; the elements which make up this cost; and the number of teachers affected. [2992/17]
Tue, 24 Jan 2017
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School Admissions
Joan Burton
190. Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Education and Skills if he has reviewed the recently published Labour Party Equal Status (Admission to School) Bill; his views on the aims and objectives of the Bill; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2993/17]
Tue, 24 Jan 2017
written
Teachers' Remuneration
Joan Burton
191. Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Education and Skills his plans to issue a directive on implementing pay deductions for members of teachers' unions that rejected working additional hours under the Croke Park agreement; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2994/17]
Tue, 24 Jan 2017
written
School Curriculum
Joan Burton
192. Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Education and Skills the status of the roll-out of the junior cycle reform process; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2995/17]