Parliamentary questions

Property Taxation Exemptions

Martin Heydon

397. Deputy Martin Heydon asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the reason an estate (details supplied) in County Kildare is not included on the exempt unfinished estates list for the purposes of local property tax; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15338/13]

Property Taxation Exemptions

Martin Heydon

402. Deputy Martin Heydon asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the reason an estate (details supplied) in County Kildare is not included on the exempt unfinished estates list for the purposes of local property tax; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15364/13]

Property Taxation Exemptions

Martin Heydon

403. Deputy Martin Heydon asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the reason an estate (details supplied) in County Kildare is not included on the exempt unfinished estates list for the purposes of local property tax; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15365/13]

Property Taxation Exemptions

Martin Heydon

404. Deputy Martin Heydon asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the reason an estate (details supplied) in County Kildare is not included on the exempt unfinished estates list for the purposes of local property tax; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15366/13]

Pension Provisions

Martin Heydon

460. Deputy Martin Heydon asked the Minister for Defence the reason an army pension has been reduced in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15342/13]

Driving Licences

Martin Heydon

147. Deputy Martin Heydon asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if the introduction of the new credit card style driving licence which was introduced in January 2013 will be reviewed to allow customers to bring their own photos with them to be scanned while applying for the licence; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13504/13]

School Enrolments

Martin Heydon

224. Deputy Martin Heydon asked the Minister for Education and Skills the options open to a person (details supplied) in County Kildare whose daughter is not eligible for a primary school place due to her age; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12732/13]

Croke Park Agreement Review

Martin Heydon

180. Deputy Martin Heydon asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the way negotiations on pay talks with gardaí differ to that of other public servants; if it is possible to redress any perceived imbalance in representation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10891/13]

Alcohol Advertising

Martin Heydon

129. Deputy Martin Heydon asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his views on the implications of a ban on alcohol sponsorship for sporting events and teams at both a micro and macro level; his views on whether such a ban on local sponsors will have a negative impact on local teams and organisations in small communities; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8586/13]

Accident and Emergency Services Provision

Martin Heydon

11. Deputy Martin Heydon asked the Minister for Health the actions taken to tackle overcrowding and the use of trolleys in the accident and emergency department in Naas General Hospital, County Kildare, and the impact of these measures; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7551/13]

Pension Provisions

Martin Heydon

230. Deputy Martin Heydon asked the Minister for Finance the position regarding the taxation of Department of Social Protection pensions pre-2012 in view of the fact that certain taxpayers such as a person (details supplied) in County Kildare are now being assessed for 2010 and 2011; if there has been a change in the Revenue policy in relation to the collection of backdated tax on these pensions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6947/13]

Wildlife Protection

Martin Heydon

419. Deputy Martin Heydon asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht if his attention has been drawn to the concerns of persons subject to lamping on their lands; the protection, if any, his Department may provide; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7367/13]

Shared Ownership Scheme

Martin Heydon

469. Deputy Martin Heydon asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if he will provide an update on the review of the shared ownership scheme operated by local authorities, in particular the annual increases of 4.5% on the rental portion, which is causing financial stress to owners who are trying to manage repayments; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7218/13]

RAPID Programme

Martin Heydon

167. Deputy Martin Heydon asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government in view of the potential change to the RAPID scheme, if it is envisaged that additional funding will be provided to local authorities who have RAPID areas under their jurisdictions to assist with these extra commitments or if local authorities will be required to source funds from existing resources for this purpose; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5404/13]

Water Services Registrations

Martin Heydon

188. Deputy Martin Heydon asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if he will provide an update on the implementation of the Water Services (Amendment) Act 2012 to include the numbers and overall percentages of septic tanks that have been registered on a county basis; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5405/13]

Medical Card Applications

Martin Heydon

817. Deputy Martin Heydon asked the Minister for Health if a medical card application being reviewed will be expedited in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5435/13]

National Raised Bog Management Plan Discussions

Martin Heydon

46. Deputy Martin Heydon asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht in relation to the national raised bog of special area of conservation management plan, the progress that has been made to date on formulation of the plan; when he expects it to be finalised; the anticipated outcome of the plan to be; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4408/13]

Flood Risk Assessments

Martin Heydon

116. Deputy Martin Heydon asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the studies or assessments that have been carried out regarding the concerns of flooding as a result of the regeneration process in a raised bog special area of conservation (details supplied) in County Kildare; if there are plans to carry out further studies; if he will consider the provision of some funding to communities in the affected areas to carry out their own investigations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4620/13]

Unfinished Housing Developments

Martin Heydon

140. Deputy Martin Heydon asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if his attention has been drawn to the serious concerns of residents in private housing estates which are not yet taken in charge but where the developer is inactive and public lighting within the estate is not being maintained causing health and safety concerns as estates are in darkness; the provisions made in these cases; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4731/13]

Property Taxation Application

Martin Heydon

282. Deputy Martin Heydon asked the Minister for Finance the position regarding the property tax and those in shared ownership properties; if they are liable for the tax; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4522/13]

Property Taxation Application

Martin Heydon

283. Deputy Martin Heydon asked the Minister for Finance the position regarding the options for the payment of the property tax; if there is a facility to pay the tax by instalments; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4523/13]

Inter-Country Adoptions

Martin Heydon

640. Deputy Martin Heydon asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs if her attention has been drawn to the difficulties being experienced by prospective adoptive parents in the process of adopting from Bulgaria; the measures she and the Adoption Authority of Ireland are taking to remedy these difficulties; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4421/13]

Student Grant Scheme Delays

Martin Heydon

134. Deputy Martin Heydon asked the Minister for Education and Skills if provision will be made for those who may be refused Student Universal Support Ireland grants following the delays and may then want to defer their courses based on that decision, even though the official deadline for deferral decisions has now passed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2427/13]

General Practitioner Services

Martin Heydon

616. Deputy Martin Heydon asked the Minister for Health the progress that has been made on the commitment to provide free general practitioner care and other benefits to those who are on the high tech drugs scheme; the timeline for the implementation of same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2655/13]

Turf Cutting Compensation Scheme Issues

Martin Heydon

115. Deputy Martin Heydon asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht if he will provide an update on the progress of turf deliveries to family members under the agreed compensation scheme for a special area of conservation bog in County Kildare (details supplied); when he expects all deliveries to be complete; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [56147/12]

Jobseeker's Benefit Applications

Martin Heydon

122. Deputy Martin Heydon asked the Minister for Social Protection if, in view of the recently announced reduction in jobseeker's benefit to nine months, she will consider a corresponding reduction in the eligibility period for entry to community employment scheme from 12 months to 9 months to allow all those on the live register equal access to such an important scheme; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [55909/12]

Cyber Security Policy

Martin Heydon

139. Deputy Martin Heydon asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the measures he is taking to review the use of social networking sites here, particularly for young persons most at risk from cyberbullying; the action that can be taken to restrict and reduce their impact, especially on young persons; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [55939/12]

Cyber Security Policy

Martin Heydon

165. Deputy Martin Heydon asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if in view of recent tragedies his attention has been drawn to the concerns of many regarding the dangers for young person's of several social networking sites; the measures he has considered within legislation to protect those young Irish persons subject to and most vulnerable to cyberbullying; his plans regarding same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [55935/12]

Road Tolls

Martin Heydon

259. Deputy Martin Heydon asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if a person (details supplied) in County Kildare could be considered for an exemption from M50 tolls due to medical reasons without adaptations to their car or an exemption from motor tax; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [55815/12]

FÁS Training Programmes

Martin Heydon

153. Deputy Martin Heydon asked the Minister for Education and Skills has his attention been drawn to a delay in the organisation of FÁS training courses for apprentices usually run in January (details supplied), when a decision will be made in relation to whether these courses will go ahead; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [55680/12]

Redundancy Rebates

Martin Heydon

272. Deputy Martin Heydon asked the Minister for Social Protection if, in view of the recent budget announcement to abolish the redundancy rebate for employers, she will now consider an exemption for this rebate for small businesses who are already struggling with many costs and who if they need to make persons redundant may now have to cut other costs which may lead to further job losses; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [55670/12]

Consular Services Representations

Martin Heydon

52. Deputy Martin Heydon asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if his attention has been drawn to a situation (details supplied) regarding investment properties; if his Department has had any involvement or plan to have any involvement; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53534/12]

Pension Provisions

Martin Heydon

65. Deputy Martin Heydon asked the Minister for Finance if his attention has been drawn to a proposal (details supplied) regarding the pension levy; if he has considered same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53498/12]

Local Authority Housing Waiting Lists

Martin Heydon

187. Deputy Martin Heydon asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the options available to a person (details supplied) in County Kildare who cannot get on the housing list in the local authority; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53657/12]

Health Services Provision

Martin Heydon

710. Deputy Martin Heydon asked the Minister for Health if his attention has been drawn to the ongoing difficulties with the allocation of funding to a now completed domestic refuge (details supplied) in County Kildare; the number of women and children who are being turned away; if he can work to seek a final resolution to the issue; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53034/12]

Exchequer Revenue

Martin Heydon

66. Deputy Martin Heydon asked the Minister for Finance the proportion of every euro spent in the State that remains in the State; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51825/12]

Third Level Fees

Martin Heydon

83. Deputy Martin Heydon asked the Minister for Education and Skills if arrangements will be made for discretion to be applied in cases where those who may be refused Student Universal Support Ireland grants following processing delays subsequently drop out of courses as a result of this decision but incur fees for the first semester due to the late drop-out; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51783/12]

Tenant Purchase Scheme Applications

Martin Heydon

159. Deputy Martin Heydon asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if the issue of the purchase of houses by tenants of cooperative housing schemes will be considered as part of the recently announced review and reform of tenant purchase schemes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51710/12]

Physical Education

Martin Heydon

147. Deputy Martin Heydon asked the Minister for Education and Skills his plans to include physical education on the school curriculum in view of its health benefits and advantages in the prevention of issues such as obesity and diabetes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51335/12]

Long-Term Illness Scheme Eligibility

Martin Heydon

616. Deputy Martin Heydon asked the Minister for Health if he will provide an update on progress on the introduction of the free GP card to those on the long term illness scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51449/12]

Hospital Appointments Status

Martin Heydon

271. Deputy Martin Heydon asked the Minister for Health if a person (details supplied) in County Kildare who is waiting on essential surgery in St. James's Hospital in Dublin will be prioritised; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50528/12]

Carer's Allowance Applications

Martin Heydon

371. Deputy Martin Heydon asked the Minister for Social Protection if carer's allowance will be expedited in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [49752/12]

Personal Insolvency Act

Martin Heydon

493. Deputy Martin Heydon asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if there will be protections in place under the personal insolvency arrangements to guard against a scenario (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49818/12]

School Staffing

Martin Heydon

144. Deputy Martin Heydon asked the Minister for Education and Skills his plans to introduce a system whereby teachers may transfer closer to where they are living; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49167/12]

Public Sector Pensions Expenditure

Martin Heydon

173. Deputy Martin Heydon asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the terms of the Public Service Pension Reduction; the timeframe it remains in place; if it is paid by both public servants and civil servants; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49346/12]

Health Action Plan

Martin Heydon

299. Deputy Martin Heydon asked the Minister for Health the progress made to date in implementing and ratifying the national environmental health action plan relating to environmental health here; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49337/12]

Horse Racing Industry Funding

Martin Heydon

97. Deputy Martin Heydon asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine his views on the future funding of the horse racing industry, the need for a multi annual solution that would provide some stability for the industry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48405/12]

Farm Partnerships

Martin Heydon

98. Deputy Martin Heydon asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if progress has been made on broadening farm partnerships beyond solely dairy partnerships; the options open to those who operate enterprises other than dairy who wish to form a recognised farm partnership; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48379/12]

Bullying in the Workplace

Martin Heydon

254. Deputy Martin Heydon asked the Minister for Finance if his attention has been drawn to any complaints of bullying, mis-selling or malpractice made against any of the executives of the pillar banks or their subsidiaries; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48559/12]

Bullying in the Workplace

Martin Heydon

255. Deputy Martin Heydon asked the Minister for Finance if his attention has been drawn to any investigations of bullying, mis-selling or malpractice in Irish banks or their subsidiaries, which have been carried out while the institutions were in public ownership, and if he is satisfied with the findings or such report and its conclusions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48570/12]

Special Educational Needs Staffing

Martin Heydon

298. Deputy Martin Heydon asked the Minister for Education and Skills the position regarding an embargo on the employment of special needs assistants; and if he will review the case of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47618/12]

Hospital Procedures

Martin Heydon

995. Deputy Martin Heydon asked the Minister for Health the options available to patients who previously would have been able to access treatment under the national treatment purchase fund; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47377/12]

Health Services Staff Issues

Martin Heydon

1120. Deputy Martin Heydon asked the Minister for Health the progress made in filling a public Health Service Executive position (details supplied) in County Kildare; the timeline for the completion of the process; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48191/12]

Tax Reliefs Availability

Martin Heydon

55. Deputy Martin Heydon asked the Minister for Finance the reason a tax concession which previously existed to ease the administrative burden where small payments were made to those under 50 from pension schemes that were being wound up has been curtailed; if this situation will be reviewed; if Revenue will correspond with an organisation (details supplied) which has been having difficulties in getting a response on this matter; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46970/12]

Mortgage Interest Relief Application

Martin Heydon

65. Deputy Martin Heydon asked the Minister for Finance if his attention has been drawn to the fact that some of the major banks have as yet still not passed on the increased mortgage interest relief granted as part of last years budget to customers; the action he has taken or plan to take in this matter; when he expects it to be resolved; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47136/12]

Unfinished Housing Developments

Martin Heydon

146. Deputy Martin Heydon asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the options open to the many residents of unfinished housing estates throughout the country who are unable to access completion or maintenance works for their estates where the developer is either no longer trading or just uncooperative and uncontactable, where legal enforcement procedures by the local authorities can take prolonged periods of time and in many cases where serious safety concerns exist; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47088/12]

Building Regulations Amendments

Martin Heydon

148. Deputy Martin Heydon asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the position regarding the Building Control (Amendment) Regulations 2012; if he has considered the inclusion of architectural technologists as persons qualified to provide certification of the design or completion of building works under these new regulations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47135/12]

Housing Adaptation Grants Funding

Martin Heydon

102. Deputy Martin Heydon asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if he will consider a reduction in the contribution required from local authorities towards housing adaptation grants in view of the many schemes that are currently suspended around the country despite the great need from those who are ill or elderly from housing adaptation works; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46189/12]

School Staffing

Martin Heydon

268. Deputy Martin Heydon asked the Minister for Education and Skills if he will review the case of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare who was appointed to a position, turning down other opportunities in the process, and has now been removed from the position due to qualifications which were known in advance; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46365/12]

Air Services Provision

Martin Heydon

54. Deputy Martin Heydon asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will develop and publish an aviation policy for the State, setting out a clear vision for the development of this sector over the coming decade; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45208/12]

Air Services Provision

Martin Heydon

68. Deputy Martin Heydon asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if, in the event of a new national aviation policy being prepared, he will consider the status and regulation of small local airfields and local flying activity which has an impact on local businesses and residents; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45209/12]

Tax Code

Martin Heydon

103. Deputy Martin Heydon asked the Minister for Finance further to Parliamentary Question No. 52 of 11 October 2012, if it is possible to introduce a threshold for boards of management for small school projects so that the additional administration work set out in that reply is not necessary for minor maintenance repair works for example broken window, broken boiler; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45548/12]

Turbary Rights

Martin Heydon

184. Deputy Martin Heydon asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the work his Department has carried out to investigate the impact that the halting of turf cutting and plans to raise water table levels would have on adjoining private homes in an area (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45212/12]

The Gathering Expenditure

Martin Heydon

321. Deputy Martin Heydon asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will provide an update on the Gathering project 2013; if he will provide details of the way local community groups can get involved; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45162/12]

Social Welfare Offices

Martin Heydon

90. Deputy Martin Heydon asked the Minister for Social Protection her plans for expansion and improvement works at the Newbridge Local Social Welfare Office, County Kildare, which is experiencing poor and cramped conditions for both employees and visitors to the office; the progress that has been made on these works; the timeline for the completion of same; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [44099/12]

Redundancy Rebates

Martin Heydon

104. Deputy Martin Heydon asked the Minister for Social Protection if she will consider a proposal (details supplied) to amend recent changes to the employer redundancy rebate provisions to make exception for small companies who satisfy certain criteria relating to turnover and staff numbers to alleviate the burden on these companies most at risk and to avoid this change becoming a disincentive for such companies to take on additional staff in the first place; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [44098/12]

Health Services Staff Issues

Martin Heydon

698. Deputy Martin Heydon asked the Minister for Health if he will provide an update on the progress made in filling a public Health Service Executive position (details supplied) in County Kildare; the timeline for the completion of this process; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44793/12]

Health Services Staff Issues

Martin Heydon

699. Deputy Martin Heydon asked the Minister for Health if he will provide an update on the progress made in filling a public Health Service Executive position (details supplied) in County Kildare; the timeline for the completion of this process; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44794/12]

Broadband Services Provision

Martin Heydon

14. Deputy Martin Heydon asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources his plans for implementing the new National Broadband Plan to areas now covered by the national broadband scheme provided by 3 Ireland; if he will consider the prioritisation of areas in the country where broadband levels are still very basic and many still rely on dial up services; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43738/12]

Tax Code

Martin Heydon

52. Deputy Martin Heydon asked the Minister for Finance the reasons for the changes introduced in the Finance Act 2011 and effective from January of this year, which have placed the responsibility on boards of management in schools for complying with RCT requirements and VAT returns when making payments to contractors; the arrangements in place to assist schools with the additional administrative workload these changes now require; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44008/12]

Road Safety Issues

Martin Heydon

439. Deputy Martin Heydon asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the position regarding the location of mobile speed cameras; if these locations are ever altered or varied; if they are specific to accident black spots; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42815/12]

Psychological Assessments

Martin Heydon

144. Deputy Martin Heydon asked the Minister for Education and Skills the reason a person (details supplied) in County Kildare has been waiting three years for an National Educational Psychological Service assessment, when they were deemed a priority by their school; if this case will be expedited; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41304/12]

Broadband Services Provision

Martin Heydon

112. Deputy Martin Heydon asked the Minister for Communications; Energy and Natural Resources in view of the recent publication of the new National Broadband Plan, the plans in place to bring high speed broadband to an area (details supplied) in County Kildare; the process that residents in this area should follow to secure such a service; if his attention has been drawn to the current service levels in this area; the number of applications from this area that were received for the rural broadband scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40743/12]

Broadband Services Provision

Martin Heydon

113. Deputy Martin Heydon asked the Minister for Communications; Energy and Natural Resources in view of the recent publication of the new National Broadband Plan, the plans in place to bring high speed broadband to an area (details supplied) in County Kildare; the process that residents in this area should follow to secure such a service; if his attention has been drawn to the current service levels in this area; the number of applications from this area that were received for the rural broadband scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40744/12]

Adult Education

Martin Heydon

84. Deputy Martin Heydon asked the Minister for Education and Skills if he will review the funding of a programme (details supplied) which has announced that it is due to close on 31 October with the loss of nine jobs due to a cessation of funding from Offaly VEC; if he will consider in his review the additional costs that these nine job losses will bring on the State, the great service that this programme has provided to the families and children of counties Offaly and Kildare since its establishment in 1997; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39614/12]

Child Care Services

Martin Heydon

676 Deputy Martin Heydon asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the amount and value of the recent allocation of child care funding that was awarded to facilities in County Kildare; the way this compares with other areas of the country; and if she will make a statement on the matter.
[36279/12]

Financial Services Regulation

Martin Heydon

104 Deputy Martin Heydon asked the Minister for Finance the steps he is taking to try and ensure that the recent reduction in ECB lending rates is passed on to Irish consumers by the Irish banks as was the intention of the ECB; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
[34706/12]

Tax Code

Martin Heydon

43 Deputy Martin Heydon asked the Minister for Finance his plans for reform of the betting tax model; the tax structures that are being considered; the progress that it is being made regarding same; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
[32756/12]

Rent Supplement Scheme

Martin Heydon

91 Deputy Martin Heydon asked the Minister for Social Protection further to Parliamentary Question No. 89 of 20 June 2012, if a case for rent allowance in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare will be reviewed; and if she will make a statement on the matter.
[32928/12]

Sports Capital Programme

Martin Heydon

129 Deputy Martin Heydon asked the Minister for Transport; Tourism and Sport the number and value of applications received for the recently closed sports capital grant programme; the timeline for deciding on applications; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32050/12]

The Gathering

Martin Heydon

111 Deputy Martin Heydon asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will provide an update on progress made regarding The Gathering; his views on the best ways for local community groups to become involved; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
[32053/12]

Drug Pricing Agreement

Martin Heydon

637 Deputy Martin Heydon asked the Minister for Health if he will provide an update on the negotiation of a revised drug pricing agreement between the Irish Pharmaceutical Healthcare Association and the Health Service Executive; if the terms of the old agreement remain in place while negotiations are ongoing; if his attention has been drawn to the lack of price reduction in Lipitor from when it came off patent on 1 June as a result of this agreement; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
[32191/12]

Medical Cards

Martin Heydon

662 Deputy Martin Heydon asked the Minister for Health if a medical card review which is currently with Health Service Executive will be expedited in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
[32321/12]