Parliamentary questions

Alternative Energy Projects

Nicky McFadden

1192. Deputy Nicky McFadden asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will provide an update on the development of anaerobic digestion as a means of producing electricity and providing an added income option for farmers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37899/13]

Sugar Quotas Abolition

Nicky McFadden

1197. Deputy Nicky McFadden asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine his views on whether the agreement to abolish all EU sugar quotas from September 2017 will assist in re-establishing the sugar industry here; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37949/13]

Food Labelling

Nicky McFadden

1214. Deputy Nicky McFadden asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will outline some of the measures taken by his Department and the relevant agencies to improve the food traceability system here; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38273/13]

Children in Care

Nicky McFadden

1264. Deputy Nicky McFadden asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs if she will outline the role and rights of grandparents in cases where children are in care; if grandparents can be made party to proceedings from the outset; if there are situations which would allow for a near parental role to be ascribed to grandparents in circumstances where either parent is deemed unable to function in a parental role; if further rights could be ascribed to grandparents under the Rights of Grandparents Bill 2013; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [38271/13]

Health Services Staff

Nicky McFadden

1453. Deputy Nicky McFadden asked the Minister for Health the number of staff that have exited the health service since 2011 through retirement and voluntary redundancy; the cost savings accruing from this reduction; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37897/13]

Rare Diseases Strategy Implementation

Nicky McFadden

1454. Deputy Nicky McFadden asked the Minister for Health if he will provide an update on the progress being made on the development of a national plan for rare diseases; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37903/13]

Health Services Provision

Nicky McFadden

1455. Deputy Nicky McFadden asked the Minister for Health if he will consider the appointment of case workers in local health offices to provide a one-stop-shop service for family carers and those for whom they care; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37910/13]

Care Services

Nicky McFadden

1456. Deputy Nicky McFadden asked the Minister for Health if the Health Service Executive will consider developing nationally a patient discharge summary for all persons leaving hospital care in order that information can be shared with their family carer when the patient is in need of on-going care; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37911/13]

Hospital Services

Nicky McFadden

1460. Deputy Nicky McFadden asked the Minister for Health the progress being made on the development of the National Paediatric Children's hospital; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37950/13]

Nursing Homes Support Scheme Eligibility

Nicky McFadden

1461. Deputy Nicky McFadden asked the Minister for Health when the review of the fair deal scheme will be completed and published; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37953/13]

Vaccination Programme

Nicky McFadden

1525. Deputy Nicky McFadden asked the Minister for Health the measures being taken by the Health Service Executive to meet its childhood immunisation targets; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38277/13]

Road Safety Strategy

Nicky McFadden

1661. Deputy Nicky McFadden asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will report on progress being made by his Department to carry out policy reviews of drug driving legislation and speed limits under the road safety strategy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37905/13]

Road Safety

Nicky McFadden

1662. Deputy Nicky McFadden asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will provide an update on the review of speed limits nationally; the date on which new guidelines on road signage and speed limits will be introduced; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37913/13]

Special Educational Needs Services Provision

Nicky McFadden

349. Deputy Nicky McFadden asked the Minister for Education and Skills the way in which a proposed new model to improve the way resources for children with special educational needs are allocated to schools will be developed; the organisations and representative bodies involved in consultations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34729/13]

Social Welfare Benefits Waiting Times

Nicky McFadden

640. Deputy Nicky McFadden asked the Minister for Social Protection the actions taken by her Department to clear backlogs of social welfare claims processed in the Longford office; if there has been a subsequent improvement in processing times and responses as a result of these actions; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [35151/13]

Employment Support Services

Nicky McFadden

641. Deputy Nicky McFadden asked the Minister for Social Protection the number of integrated employment and support service Intreo offices operating here; if further offices will open this year; where those offices will open; if she will report on the success of Intreo offices so far in providing income and employment supports for job seekers; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [35172/13]

Public Services Card

Nicky McFadden

642. Deputy Nicky McFadden asked the Minister for Social Protection the progress being made in issuing public services cards; the rationale for their issue; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [35173/13]

Social Welfare Offices

Nicky McFadden

118. Deputy Nicky McFadden asked the Minister for Social Protection the position regarding the continuation of Granard social welfare office, County Longford; if figures are available on the number of persons attending the office's Monday information and claim taking service; if the office will continue to operate; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [33985/13]

Social Welfare Code Issues

Nicky McFadden

121. Deputy Nicky McFadden asked the Minister for Social Protection if she will ensure that carers are adequately protected so that they may continue to provide care rather than placing their loved ones in full-time care; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [34009/13]

Mental Health Services Provision

Nicky McFadden

225. Deputy Nicky McFadden asked the Minister for Health if a permanent secure psychiatric unit will be established in the west of Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33966/13]

Referendum on Marriage Equality

Nicky McFadden

422. Deputy Nicky McFadden asked the Minister for Justice and Equality when a referendum on the issue of marriage equality will take place; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33144/13]

Overseas Development Aid Provision

Nicky McFadden

159. Deputy Nicky McFadden asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the way in which Ireland's overseas aid programme will support agricultural research in developing countries, with a view to assisting farmers to grow more nutritious and sustainable food; the way in which access to markets can be improved; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31512/13]

Overseas Development Aid Provision

Nicky McFadden

160. Deputy Nicky McFadden asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the way in which Ireland's overseas aid programme is assisting developing countries to deal with and increase resilience to environmental hazards and climate change challenges; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31516/13]

Money Laundering

Nicky McFadden

255. Deputy Nicky McFadden asked the Minister for Finance if changes in respect of anti-money laundering requirements for the purchase of prize bonds can be balanced in order to ensure the need for appropriate anti-money laundering requirements while also allowing for convenience for ordinary customers who wish to purchase prize bonds as gifts; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32024/13]

Special Educational Needs Services Provision

Nicky McFadden

317. Deputy Nicky McFadden asked the Minister for Education and Skills if he will clarify the situation in relation to special needs assistants and resource teacher allocations; if he will bring certainty to parents and school communities that the necessary supports for children with special needs will be provided; if he will acknowledge the important role played by SNAs and resource teachers in ensuring that children with special needs progress and develop in the mainstream school setting; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31733/13]

Proposed Legislation

Nicky McFadden

424. Deputy Nicky McFadden asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation if a grocery code of conduct will be introduced to ensure fair commercial practices; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31460/13]

Water Services Provision

Nicky McFadden

496. Deputy Nicky McFadden asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if the working relationship that exists between the group water scheme sector and local authorities will remain in place following the establishment of Irish Water; if capital and subsidy supports to the GWS sector will be protected; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31507/13]

Septic Tank Inspections

Nicky McFadden

506. Deputy Nicky McFadden asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the period of time he envisages it will take to inspect all of the approximately 12,000 septic tanks in County Westmeath; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31596/13]

Asylum Support Services

Nicky McFadden

544. Deputy Nicky McFadden asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if a review of the direct provision system for asylum seekers will take place in order to ensure that international human rights standards are adhered to; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31519/13]

Agrifood Sector Issues

Nicky McFadden

588. Deputy Nicky McFadden asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will ensure that any deal reached on the Common Agricultural Policy will ensure a sustainable supply of raw materials at a competitive price for processors; that competitiveness within the agri-food sector is improved; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31459/13]

Medicinal Products Availability

Nicky McFadden

638. Deputy Nicky McFadden asked the Minister for Health the steps taken by his Department in conjunction with the pharmaceutical health care sector to allow for new and innovative medicines to be funded and for timely access to new medicines; if he acknowledges the strong link between innovation and better health outcomes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31509/13]

Tobacco Control Measures

Nicky McFadden

639. Deputy Nicky McFadden asked the Minister for Health the steps he is taking to ensure that the illicit tobacco trade does not benefit from any measures introduced to support a decrease in tobacco consumption; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31511/13]

Medicinal Products Prices

Nicky McFadden

641. Deputy Nicky McFadden asked the Minister for Health the measures he has taken to address the cost of medication here; if pharmacists are obliged to publish dispensing details and other fees; if greater price transparency could be achieved; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31518/13]

Proposed Legislation

Nicky McFadden

689. Deputy Nicky McFadden asked the Minister for Health if legislation will be implemented to regulate the use of sunbeds to assist in reducing the number of persons developing skin cancer; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32065/13]

Palliative Care Services

Nicky McFadden

692. Deputy Nicky McFadden asked the Minister for Health if he will ensure that patients in all regions of the country will have access to comprehensive hospice inpatient and home care services; if he will acknowledge the significant savings the provision of an adequate number of hospice beds could make by reducing admissions rates and length of stay in expensive acute hospitals; if 450 beds will be made available in the country; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32084/13]

Health Action Plan

Nicky McFadden

248. Deputy Nicky McFadden asked the Minister for Health if the National Asthma Programme will be included in next year's budget and the 2014 Health Service Executive Service Plan; if the first phase of asthma patients will be given a structured asthma review in 2014; if 17 clinical nurse specialist posts will be recruited to facilitate the roll out of the National Asthma Programme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31194/13]

Credit Review Office Remit

Nicky McFadden

181. Deputy Nicky McFadden asked the Minister for Finance if the credit review office limit of appeals could be raised from €500,000 to €3 million in order to better assist small and medium enterprises particularly seeking to re-finance debt from institutions that are in wind down mode; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30092/13]

Tax Code

Nicky McFadden

190. Deputy Nicky McFadden asked the Minister for Finance if the agricultural relief available to farmers to assist them in passing their farms to relatives in order to maintain a working farm within the family unit will be maintained; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30170/13]

Special Educational Needs Services Provision

Nicky McFadden

239. Deputy Nicky McFadden asked the Minister for Education and Skills if he will clarify the position for families with more than one child needing access to the July provision scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30087/13]

Nitrates Action Programme Review

Nicky McFadden

403. Deputy Nicky McFadden asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if the issue of calendar farming will be reviewed, in view of the fact that the severe weather conditions experienced by farmers in recent years has highlighted that restricting farming activity by specific dates is no longer viable; if prevailing weather and ground conditions will instead be considered; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30165/13]

Registration of Architects

Nicky McFadden

413. Deputy Nicky McFadden asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if a grandfather clause will be inserted into new legislation to enable architects who have many years of experience to be permitted to refrain from sitting exams in order to be registered with the Royal Institute of the Architects of Ireland; if an alternative method of registering experienced architects could be devised; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30152/13]

Renewable Energy Generation Targets

Nicky McFadden

151. Deputy Nicky McFadden asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if he will provide an update on progress made in achieving the renewable electricity target of 40% by 2020; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29721/13]

Nursing Home Services

Nicky McFadden

235. Deputy Nicky McFadden asked the Minister for Health if an enhanced framework that recognises and supports the increasing complex care requirements of nursing home residents will be introduced; if he will acknowledge that an appropriate model would create significant employment within the health care sector and support local economies and communities; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29756/13]

National Treatment Purchase Fund

Nicky McFadden

236. Deputy Nicky McFadden asked the Minister for Health if an independent appeals mechanism will be introduced to adequately address failure to agree necessary fees for nursing home care with the National Treatment Purchase Fund; if an independent appeals mechanism will be introduced to afford nursing homes the opportunity to address Health Information and Quality Authority judgments and conclusions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29757/13]

Nursing Home Services

Nicky McFadden

240. Deputy Nicky McFadden asked the Minister for Health if the private and voluntary nursing home sector will be enabled to meet the care requirements of an increasing ageing population, particularly in view of the large numbers of persons inappropriately placed in acute hospitals; if a strategy that supports private and voluntary nursing homes to meet the significant growth in demand for nursing home care will be implemented; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29835/13]

Millenium Development Goals

Nicky McFadden

64. Deputy Nicky McFadden asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if Ireland will spend 70 cents in every €100 on overseas aid by 2015 in line with the millennium development goals; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28784/13]

Voting Rights

Nicky McFadden

312. Deputy Nicky McFadden asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if voting rights will be extended to Irish citizens living abroad; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28759/13]

National Dementia Strategy Implementation

Nicky McFadden

209. Deputy Nicky McFadden asked the Minister for Health if he will ensure the national dementia strategy is published with an implementation plan, clearly defined leadership and lines of accountability, that timely diagnosis and cost effective post-diagnostic early interventions are core elements of the strategy, that there will be a commitment to enhancing the provision of education and community based support and service for carers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28499/13]

Further Education and Training Programmes Provision

Nicky McFadden

285. Deputy Nicky McFadden asked the Minister for Education and Skills if independently managed community education providers will continue to be recognised and resourced in supporting persons to develop personally, socially and economically; if the position of independently managed community education will be secured at this critical time of development for the new further education and training service; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27441/13]

Student Universal Support Ireland Administration

Nicky McFadden

295. Deputy Nicky McFadden asked the Minister for Education and Skills the measures to be taken by his Department in order to ensure a more efficient process in relation to the administration of the Student Universal Support Ireland student grant system; if he will ensure that the applications are processed as quickly as possible to avoid stress and financial hardship to students and parents; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27543/13]

Microenterprise Loan Fund Application Numbers

Nicky McFadden

364. Deputy Nicky McFadden asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation the number of persons in County Longford and County Westmeath who have applied for the microenterprise loan fund scheme since its establishment in October 2012; the number of those applications that were approved; the number of jobs that are being supported by these approved loans; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27448/13]

Social Welfare Fraud Issues

Nicky McFadden

449. Deputy Nicky McFadden asked the Minister for Social Protection the actions taken by her to tackle social welfare fraud; the savings made to date in 2013 as a result of those actions; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27593/13]

Energy Resources

Nicky McFadden

510. Deputy Nicky McFadden asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if he will outline the way a greater focus on developing energy efficiency can contribute to job creation; if investment will be secured at EU level for modern energy infrastructure; if the challenge posed by high energy prices will be addressed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26702/13]

Septic Tank Inspections

Nicky McFadden

582. Deputy Nicky McFadden asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the provisions that will be made for householders who have registered and qualify for a septic tank grant should it be necessary to upgrade their system prior to inspection by the respective County Council; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26892/13]

Fire Service Issues

Nicky McFadden

607. Deputy Nicky McFadden asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the impact of the national plan to consolidate fire services on the services provided in counties Westmeath and Longford; if all existing fire stations in both counties will remain open; which stations will offer services in cases of cardiac arrest; if he will clarify the position in relation to call vetting; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27537/13]

Crime Prevention

Nicky McFadden

686. Deputy Nicky McFadden asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if he will provide figures on the number of community alert and neighbourhood watch programmes that have been established so far in 2013 in counties Longford and Westmeath; the areas in which those programmes have been established; the total number of programmes now active in both counties; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26703/13]

Subsidiary Protection Administration

Nicky McFadden

689. Deputy Nicky McFadden asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if he will outline the details of new arrangements being made for the reform of processing subsidiary protection applications with a view to improving processing in the area of international protection; if there is a timeframe for the introduction of these new arrangements; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26782/13]

Garda Vetting Applications

Nicky McFadden

722. Deputy Nicky McFadden asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if extra staff will be recruited in the area of Garda vetting to ensure that applicants for youth work projects through community education schemes are processed as quickly as possible (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27443/13]

Fodder Crisis

Nicky McFadden

788. Deputy Nicky McFadden asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will outline the actions taken by his Department to assist farmers in counties Longford and Westmeath who are experiencing severe fodder shortages; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26701/13]

Food Harvest 2020 Strategy

Nicky McFadden

810. Deputy Nicky McFadden asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will provide an update on the Food Harvest 2020 targets, particularly in relation to export growth and dairy quotas; if the targets are on track to be met; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27551/13]

Child Care Services Regulation

Nicky McFadden

845. Deputy Nicky McFadden asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the steps being taken by her Department to ensure that adequate standards in crèches are adhered to; if she will ensure that the health, safety and well-being of children in the care of crèches is not compromised; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26783/13]

Youth Services Funding

Nicky McFadden

848. Deputy Nicky McFadden asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs if she has considered the study carried out by NUI Galway citing the Big Brother Big Sister programme as being a low cost and extremely effective intervention for vulnerable young persons; if funding for this programme will be maintained; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26802/13]

Diabetes Strategy

Nicky McFadden

930. Deputy Nicky McFadden asked the Minister for Health if he will outline the development of diabetes health services in counties Longford/Westmeath; if the Health Service Executive will fill sanctioned posts in critical areas of diabetes care, particularly in the areas of integrated diabetes care and footcare/podiatrist post in Mullingar hospital, County Westmeath; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26799/13]

Ambulance Service Provision

Nicky McFadden

1029. Deputy Nicky McFadden asked the Minister for Health if the air ambulance service operating from Custume Barracks, Athlone, County Westmeath, will be retained beyond the pilot programme ending this month; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27805/13]

Irish Coast Guard Issues

Nicky McFadden

1099. Deputy Nicky McFadden asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if the Lough Ree RNLI lifeboat service will become a permanent safety fixture on the lake and River Shannon after serving its 12-month probation; if he will acknowledge the important contribution the service has made to safety on the water since its operation in June 2012; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27529/13]

Broadband Service Speeds

Nicky McFadden

116. Deputy Nicky McFadden asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources his views on the statement by the UK communications regulator Ofcom that data speeds from the 4G technology LTE are likely to be of the order of 6 megabits per second on average; if that is the case, whether he considers LTE a suitable technology to deliver the target in the national broadband plan of a minimum of 30Mbps to the last 30% of population; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24844/13]

Broadband Service Speeds

Nicky McFadden

117. Deputy Nicky McFadden asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if he will confirm that the target in the national broadband plan for the last 30% of population of a minimum of 30Mbps is a measure of the true customer experience that will be achieved; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24845/13]

Consultancy Contracts

Nicky McFadden

118. Deputy Nicky McFadden asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if the winning consultants for the national broadband plan have met the turnover requirement in section 3.2A of the request for tenders; the additional documentation he has sought from them in this regard; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24846/13]

Consultancy Contracts

Nicky McFadden

119. Deputy Nicky McFadden asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if a company (details supplied), the winning consultants for the national broadband plan, will be subcontracting any element of the work; if so, the subcontractors involved; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24847/13]

Consultancy Contracts

Nicky McFadden

120. Deputy Nicky McFadden asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if he will publish the brief and assumptions under which the consultants to the national broadband plan will be asked to carry out a cost benefit analysis of the plan in line with the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform public spending code; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24848/13]

Consultancy Contracts

Nicky McFadden

121. Deputy Nicky McFadden asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if, in view of concerns regarding administrative delays in receiving EU state aid approval for the national broadband plan, he has notified the Commission in relation to this plan; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24849/13]

Schools Review

Nicky McFadden

101. Deputy Nicky McFadden asked the Minister for Education and Skills the position regarding school building work and emergency accommodation works in 2013 in respect of a school (details supplied) in County Westmeath; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24604/13]

Invalidity Pension Appeals

Nicky McFadden

153. Deputy Nicky McFadden asked the Minister for Social Protection when a decision will issue on an invalidity pension appeal in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Westmeath; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24585/13]

Health Services Provision

Nicky McFadden

245. Deputy Nicky McFadden asked the Minister for Health if he will clarify the position in relation to the provision of outpatient services at St Vincent's Care Centre in Athlone, County Westmeath; if those out-patient services will be maintained; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24527/13]

Hospital Services

Nicky McFadden

266. Deputy Nicky McFadden asked the Minister for Health the position regarding the provision of services at St Vincent's Hospital, Athlone, County Westmeath; if current services will be maintained; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23265/13]

Homeless Persons Supports

Nicky McFadden

331. Deputy Nicky McFadden asked the Minister for Social Protection if she has considered the moving n proposal from Focus Ireland to address unnecessary youth homelessness; if her Department will lead a network of relevant agencies to construct an activation package of education, training and support for young people in emergency accommodation; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22260/13]

Turf Cutting Compensation Scheme Relocation Options

Nicky McFadden

381. Deputy Nicky McFadden asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the position regarding turf-cutting at Lough Sheelin bog; if alternative bog will be provided for those who wish to continue turf-cutting; if his Department has been engaging with the Lough Sheelin Turf Cutters and Contractors Association; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22450/13]

Energy Conservation

Nicky McFadden

399. Deputy Nicky McFadden asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the way the national energy efficiency action plan can contribute to reducing energy bills for consumers, businesses and the public sector; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22261/13]

Job Creation Issues

Nicky McFadden

400. Deputy Nicky McFadden asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if he will outline the way he is supporting the Digital Hub Development Agency and the National Digital Research Centre; the potential for these services to create jobs in the digital enterprise sector; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22349/13]

Housing for People with Disabilities

Nicky McFadden

432. Deputy Nicky McFadden asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if Westmeath County Council will be involved in pilot projects to support persons with disabilities moving from institutional care to community based living during 2013; if she will outline the way the sourcing and delivery of units will be managed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22346/13]

Mortgage Resolution Processes

Nicky McFadden

80. Deputy Nicky McFadden asked the Minister for Finance the measures being taken to support variable rate mortgage holders in relation to engagement with banks; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22098/13]

Tobacco Control Measures

Nicky McFadden

224. Deputy Nicky McFadden asked the Minister for Health his views on the potential negative impact upon legitimate manufacturing jobs in a tobacco company in Mullingar, County Westmeath; the proposed EU tobacco laws as set forth under the European Union Tobacco Products Directive may have; if these manufacturing jobs will be protected without compromising the EU’s efforts to reduce smoking among young persons; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22021/13]

Sale of State Assets

Nicky McFadden

193. Deputy Nicky McFadden asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the position in relation to the proposed sale of harvesting rights on Coillte-owned land; if he acknowledges the significant role Irish forestry can play in investment and job creation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21450/13]

Carer's Allowance Appeals

Nicky McFadden

210. Deputy Nicky McFadden asked the Minister for Social Protection when a decision will issue on a carer's allowance appeal in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Longford in view of the fact that a minor error was made on the original application; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [21207/13]

Local Government Reform

Nicky McFadden

276. Deputy Nicky McFadden asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if he will provide an update on work being carried out by his Department to implement proposals for regional structures outlined in the Government's action programme on local government reform, including the rationalisation of ten regional bodies into three new regional assemblies; if eligibility for EU funding programmes will be maintained; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21531/13]

Asylum Applications

Nicky McFadden

297. Deputy Nicky McFadden asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if he will outline the way the Common European Asylum System will ensure that the European Union has a fair and effective system for processing asylum applications that is also robust and not open to abuse; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21449/13]

Army Barracks Closures

Nicky McFadden

305. Deputy Nicky McFadden asked the Minister for Defence if any arrangement for the future use of Columb Barracks, Mullingar, County Westmeath has been agreed upon; thet options that may be available to organisations who wish to express interest in using the premises [21195/13]

Mobility Allowance Eligibility

Nicky McFadden

386. Deputy Nicky McFadden asked the Minister for Health when a decision on an alternative method to the mobility allowance and motorised transport grant in order to provide for the needs of people in a manner that does not run counter to the Equal Status Acts will be made; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21202/13]

Health Reports

Nicky McFadden

410. Deputy Nicky McFadden asked the Minister for Health if he has considered the recent position paper by the Fit for Work Coalition; the recommendations for a cross departmental group to engage the expertise and insights of the coalition members in order to develop an intervention programme designed to improve the lives of persons living with musculoskeletal disorders and to reduce workplace absenteeism; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21530/13]

Property Taxation Administration

Nicky McFadden

167. Deputy Nicky McFadden asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if he will ensure that revenue collected from the local property tax is allocated in each local authority to the provision of adequate local services such as street lighting and waste collection; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20671/13]

Maternity Benefit Issues

Nicky McFadden

193. Deputy Nicky McFadden asked the Minister for Finance his views on the situation of women who do not receive a full salary top-up from maternity benefit tax; if those who do not receive salary top-ups from their employer should be made exempt from the tax; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20135/13]

Small and Medium Enterprises Supports

Nicky McFadden

269. Deputy Nicky McFadden asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation if he will identify some of the measures being taken to promote cost reductions for small and medium enterprises particularly in labour costs; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19762/13]

Energy Prices

Nicky McFadden

352. Deputy Nicky McFadden asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if he will identify some of the measures being taken to promote cost reductions for small and medium enterprises, particularly on energy costs; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19762/13]

Waste Management Issues

Nicky McFadden

382. Deputy Nicky McFadden asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if he will identify some of the measures being taken to promote cost reductions for small and medium enterprises particularly in relation to waste costs; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19762/13]

Departmental Funding

Nicky McFadden

496. Deputy Nicky McFadden asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs if she will commit to the continuation of adequate funding for the youth work sector in counties Longford and Westmeath; if she will ensure that no further cuts are made in the area of disadvantaged youth work; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [19772/13]

Youth Work Projects Funding

Nicky McFadden

498. Deputy Nicky McFadden asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs if she will outline the funding currently being provided to youth work projects in County Westmeath, including the SPY funded project and youth information services, Athlone Youth and Community Project, Athlone Youth Information Service and Mullingar Youth Project; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [19814/13]

Rural Transport Services Provision

Nicky McFadden

606. Deputy Nicky McFadden asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will ensure that the important elements of the rural transport scheme in Longford will remain in place, including local co-ordinators with a community based county structure rather than a regional network and door to door service; if he will further ensure that local providers will have the same opportunities to tender; if he will outline overall plans for the rural transport scheme in Longford; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19931/13]

Mental Health Services Provision

Nicky McFadden

225. Deputy Nicky McFadden asked the Minister for Health if he will provide an update on the replacement of the Central Mental Hospital; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19627/13]

National Children's Hospital Status

Nicky McFadden

226. Deputy Nicky McFadden asked the Minister for Health if he will provide an update on the development of the national children's hospital, Dublin; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19628/13]

Student Grant Scheme Applications

Nicky McFadden

104. Deputy Nicky McFadden asked the Minister for Education and Skills if a full Student Universal Support Ireland grant will be awarded to a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19484/13]