Parliamentary questions

Schools Amalgamation

Brendan Griffin

253. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Education and Skills the number of two, three and four teacher schools that have embarked on the amalgamation process since the implementation of Budget 2012 teacher threshold increases; if he will provide a breakdown for each of the three sizes of school; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50751/13]

Schools Amalgamation

Brendan Griffin

254. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Education and Skills if he is satisfied that his Department provides enough assistance to any small school that wishes to explore the possibility of amalgamation with a nearby school; the process to be followed; the supports his Department provides; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50752/13]

School Staffing

Brendan Griffin

255. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Education and Skills if he would provide in tabular form the schools in County Kerry that have lost a teacher due to the implementation of budget 2012 teacher threshold increases; if he will categorise the information into two, three and four teacher categories; the academic years for which the teachers were lost; the enrolment numbers in each case; the total savings achieved in the county since the implementation of the changes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50753/13]

School Staffing

Brendan Griffin

256. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Education and Skills the total savings achieved since the implementation of the Budget 2012 teacher threshold changes, broken down into two, three and four teacher schools; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50754/13]

School Staffing

Brendan Griffin

257. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Education and Skills the process and time frame for a school that is a two-teacher school but will have in excess of 56 students in 2014-15 and beyond and wishes to apply to his Department for the allocation of a third teacher for 2014-2015; when it will need to apply; when it will be informed of a decision; the information it will need to supply and any other relevant information. [50756/13]

Departmental Agencies Board Remuneration

Patrick Nulty

258. Deputy Patrick Nulty asked the Minister for Education and Skills if the twelve directors of the National Council for Special Education receive any payment, allowance or other form of benefit in kind as part of their role; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50760/13]

Student Grant Scheme Applications

Michelle Mulherin

259. Deputy Michelle Mulherin asked the Minister for Education and Skills the reason there is a delay in processing the application to Student Universal Support Ireland in respect of a person (details supplied); when a decision will be expedited; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50781/13]

Student Grant Scheme Applications

Michelle Mulherin

260. Deputy Michelle Mulherin asked the Minister for Education and Skills the position regarding an application to Student Universal Support Ireland in respect of a person (details supplied); when a decision will be made; if he will expedite the application; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50782/13]

Student Grant Scheme Applications

Michelle Mulherin

261. Deputy Michelle Mulherin asked the Minister for Education and Skills the position regarding an application to Student Universal Support Ireland in respect of a person (details supplied); when a decision will be made; if he will expedite the application; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50783/13]

Special Educational Needs Service Provision

Bernard Durkan

262. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Education and Skills the total number of special needs places available at primary and second level schools throughout the country; the extent to which this is sufficient to meet the current and ongoing need; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50789/13]

Pupil-Teacher Ratio

Bernard Durkan

263. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Education and Skills the extent to which it has been found possible to maintain reasonable class sizes notwithstanding economic constraints; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50790/13]

Schools Building Projects Status

Bernard Durkan

264. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Education and Skills the total number of permanent school buildings improved or replaced by his Department in the past three years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50791/13]

School Accommodation

Bernard Durkan

265. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Education and Skills the total number of temporary or pre-fabricated school buildings already replaced by his Department in each of the past three years to date; the number currently in course thereof; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50792/13]

Student Universal Support Ireland Administration

Bernard Durkan

266. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Education and Skills the extent to which all applications for higher education grants submitted to date have been approved, rejected or are awaiting further information; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50793/13]

Skills Shortages

Bernard Durkan

267. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Education and Skills the extent to which his Department has entered into dialogue with a view to ensuring that the requirements of modern industry are being adequately met by the educational skills of modern graduates; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50794/13]

Skills Development

Bernard Durkan

268. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Education and Skills the extent to which educational up-skilling is facilitated throughout the educational system with particular reference to the need to meet the increased competition in the workplace; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50795/13]

Education Policy

Bernard Durkan

269. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Education and Skills the total number of students recorded as having dropped out at second and third level on an annual basis over the past four years to date; the extent if any to which provision has been made for such students to avail of a second educational opportunity; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50796/13]

School Evaluations

Bernard Durkan

270. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Education and Skills the extent to which he continues to have dialogue with the authorities of smaller rural or urban schools of any particular religious ethos with particular reference to the need to ensure that traditional places and requirements continue to be met; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50797/13]

Schools Building Projects Status

Bernard Durkan

271. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Education and Skills the number of deficient school buildings earmarked for replacement, upgrading or improvement throughout the country in the next 12 months; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50798/13]

Schools Building Projects Status

Bernard Durkan

272. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Education and Skills the number of requests received by his Department for the replacement of existing school buildings at primary and second level or the provision of new schools throughout County Kildare; the extent to which he expects the school building programme to meet this demand; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50799/13]

School Funding

Terence Flanagan

273. Deputy Terence Flanagan asked the Minister for Education and Skills if he will increase the grant aid given to the Artane School of Music to help it achieve its strategic plan 2013-16; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50802/13]

Special Educational Needs Staffing

Tony McLoughlin

274. Deputy Tony McLoughlin asked the Minister for Education and Skills the reason a school (details supplied) in County Sligo has been refused further special needs assistant support despite the increase of three additional pupils with special needs; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50803/13]

Irish Language

Seán Kyne

275. Deputy Seán Kyne asked the Minister for Education and Skills if he has considered the findings of the Chief Inspector's Report 2010-2012; and the steps he intends to take arising from the findings with particular reference to improving the quality of teaching and the quality of learning of the Irish language at post-primary level. [50836/13]

School Staffing

Michael Lowry

276. Deputy Michael Lowry asked the Minister for Education and Skills the sick leave entitlements for a person (details supplied) in County Tipperary; if the entire summer and Easter holidays will count towards the allowed period of sick leave; his views on whether this is fair; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50867/13]

National Lottery Licence Sale

Joe Higgins

277. Deputy Joe Higgins asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform his views on allegations of tax avoidance by a company (details supplied) which has been awarded the joint operation of the national lottery as covered recently in the British Press. [50393/13]

EU Funding

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin

278. Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the way macroeconomic conditionality will be applied to Irish drawdown of EU funds; what the recent agreement at EU level means for Ireland; the funding streams that will now be subject to this conditionality; the Irish position on macroeconomic conditionality; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50502/13]

Public Sector Staff Grades

Peter Mathews

279. Deputy Peter Mathews asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the number of persons employed in the Civil Service, broken down by grade, in each year 1989 to date in 2013; the number of persons elsewhere in the public service whose pay grades are linked to these, broken down by grade and year since 1989; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50568/13]

Departmental Banking

Ciaran Lynch

280. Deputy Ciarán Lynch asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the value of services provided to the public by his Department and entities reporting to his Department where a payment is accepted by debit or credit card; the percentage of additional charge that is applied to such transactions under the merchant agreement; the total value of the additional charge in respect of debit and credit cards in 2012; if any portion of the additional charge accrued to his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50139/13]

Semi-State Bodies Dividends

Eoghan Murphy

281. Deputy Eoghan Murphy asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform further to Parliamentary Question No. 244 of 12 November 2013, in respect of the NewERA strategy, if he has devised a strategy for the payment of dividends by State-owned companies to the Exchequer for the next five years. [50199/13]

Flood Relief Schemes Funding

Jack Wall

282. Deputy Jack Wall asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if the Office of Public Works will consider assisting with flood relief at a location (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50269/13]

Garda Station Closures

Jim Daly

283. Deputy Jim Daly asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform when a decision will issue to a community (details supplied) in County Cork regarding the handing over of a disused Garda station to a community project; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50397/13]

Flood Prevention Measures

Michelle Mulherin

284. Deputy Michelle Mulherin asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the stage of the flood risk management of the River Deel in Crossmolina; when he expects the consultant's report investigating the matter to be completed; when he expects further flood mitigation measures to be undertaken; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50520/13]

Semi-State Bodies Mergers

Éamon Ó Cuív

285. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform when the report on the possible merger of Coillte and Bord na Móna will be completed and when it will be presented to Government; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50529/13]

Consultancy Contracts Expenditure

Pearse Doherty

286. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the total number of contracts and their total financial cost awarded to a company (details supplied) by the Department of Finance in each of the years from 2008 to 2012, inclusive, and to date in 2013, or whatever years practicable; if all the contracts were winning public tenders; and if he will provide a breakdown of the contracts by date, purpose and individual value. [50659/13]

Consultancy Contracts Expenditure

Pearse Doherty

287. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the total number of contracts and their total financial cost awarded to a company (details supplied) by the Department of Finance in each of the years from 2008 to 2012, inclusive, and to date in 2013, or whatever years practicable; if all the contracts were winning public tenders; and if he will provide a breakdown of the contracts by date, purpose and individual value. [50661/13]

Consultancy Contracts Expenditure

Pearse Doherty

288. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the total number of contracts and their total financial cost awarded to a company (details supplied) by the Department of Finance in each of the years from 2008 to 2012, inclusive, and to date in 2013, or whatever years practicable; if all the contracts were winning public tenders; and if he will provide a breakdown of the contracts by date, purpose and individual value. [50663/13]

Consultancy Contracts Expenditure

Pearse Doherty

289. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the total number of contracts and their total financial cost awarded to a company (details supplied) by the Department of Finance in each of the years from 2008 to 2012, inclusive, and to date in 2013, or whatever years practicable; if all the contracts were winning public tenders; and if he will provide a breakdown of the contracts by date, purpose and individual value. [50667/13]

Consultancy Contracts Expenditure

Pearse Doherty

290. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the total number of contracts and their total financial cost awarded to a company (details supplied) by the Department of Finance in each of the years from 2008 to 2012, inclusive, and to date in 2013, or whatever years practicable; if all the contracts were winning public tenders; and if he will provide a breakdown of the contracts by date, purpose and individual value. [50669/13]

Consultancy Contracts Expenditure

Pearse Doherty

291. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the total number of contracts and their total financial cost awarded to a company (details supplied) by the Department of Finance in each of the years from 2008 to 2012, inclusive, and to date in 2013, or whatever years practicable; if all the contracts were winning public tenders; and if he will provide a breakdown of the contracts by date, purpose and individual value. [50671/13]

Consultancy Contracts Expenditure

Pearse Doherty

292. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the total number of contracts and their total financial cost awarded to a company (details supplied) by spending Government Departments in each of the years from 2008 to 2012, inclusive, and to date in 2013, or whatever years practicable; if all the contracts were winning public tenders; and if he will provide a breakdown of the contracts by date, purpose and individual value. [50672/13]

Consultancy Contracts Expenditure

Pearse Doherty

293. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the total number of contracts and their total financial cost awarded to a company (details supplied) by spending Government Departments in each of the years from 2008 to 2012, inclusive, and to date in 2013, or whatever years practicable; if all the contracts were winning public tenders; and if he will provide a breakdown of the contracts by date, purpose and individual value. [50674/13]

Consultancy Contracts Expenditure

Pearse Doherty

294. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the total number of contracts and their total financial cost awarded to a company (details supplied) by spending Government Departments in each of the years from 2008 to 2012, inclusive, and to date in 2013, or whatever years practicable; if all the contracts were winning public tenders; and if he will provide a breakdown of the contracts by date, purpose and individual value. [50676/13]

Consultancy Contracts Expenditure

Pearse Doherty

295. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the total number of contracts and their total financial cost awarded to a company (details supplied) by spending Government Departments in each of the years from 2008 to 2012, inclusive, and to date in 2013, or whatever years practicable; if all the contracts were winning public tenders; and if he will provide a breakdown of the contracts by date, purpose and individual value. [50678/13]

Consultancy Contracts Expenditure

Pearse Doherty

296. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the total number of contracts and their total financial cost awarded to a company (details supplied) by spending Government Departments in each of the years from 2008 to 2012, inclusive, and to date in 2013, or whatever years practicable; if all the contracts were winning public tenders; and if he will provide a breakdown of the contracts by date, purpose and individual value. [50680/13]

Consultancy Contracts Expenditure

Pearse Doherty

297. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the total number of contracts and their total financial cost awarded to a company (details supplied) by spending Government Departments in each of the years from 2008 to 2012, inclusive, and to date in 2013, or whatever years practicable; if all the contracts were winning public tenders; and if he will provide a breakdown of the contracts by date, purpose and individual value. [50682/13]

Consultancy Contracts Expenditure

Pearse Doherty

298. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the total number of contracts and their total financial cost awarded to a company (details supplied) by spending Government Departments in each of the years from 2008 to 2012, inclusive, and to date in 2013, or whatever years practicable; if all the contracts were winning public tenders; and if he will provide a breakdown of the contracts by date, purpose and individual value. [50684/13]

Garda Station Closures

Michael McCarthy

299. Deputy Michael McCarthy asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform when a decision will issue to a community association (details supplied) regarding the handing over of a disused Garda station to a community project; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50744/13]

Health Services Staff Data

Billy Kelleher

300. Deputy Billy Kelleher asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if he or his Department has at any stage since 9 March 2011 received a request for approval from the Department of Health for any salary or remuneration package with an annual value above €145,000 to be provided to any hospital administrator or hospital group administrator; if so, the date on which the approval was sought; if approval was given and when; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50778/13]

Peace and Reconciliation Programme

Brendan Smith

301. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform following on the recent conclusion of the multi-annual financial framework in the European Parliament, the level of funding that will be provided by the Government towards the Peace IV programme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50807/13]

National Monuments

Brendan Smith

302. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the funding that will be provided in 2014 in respect of a project (details supplied) in County Cavan; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50808/13]

Departmental Banking

Ciaran Lynch

303. Deputy Ciarán Lynch asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation the value of services provided to the public by his Department and entities reporting to his Department where a payment is accepted by debit or credit card; the percentage of additional charge that is applied to such transactions under the merchant agreement; the total value of the additional charge in respect of debit and credit cards in 2012; and if any portion of the additional charge accrued to his Department. [50137/13]

Enterprise Support Schemes

Eric J. Byrne

304. Deputy Eric Byrne asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation the various different types of funding available for start-up business and specifically targeted funding for new enterprises; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50173/13]

Company Law

Michael McGrath

305. Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation if he has plans, through the Companies Bill 2013, to ensure the mandatory disclosure of the beneficial ownership of each incorporated entity here; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50264/13]

Job Creation Data

Michelle Mulherin

306. Deputy Michelle Mulherin asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation the number of jobs created per month over the past 24 months broken down per sector and per county; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50274/13]

Job Creation Data

James Bannon

307. Deputy James Bannon asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation the number of jobs created and-or lost in each of the past three years to date in Counties Longford and Westmeath; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50309/13]

Action Plan for Jobs

Billy Kelleher

308. Deputy Billy Kelleher asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation the measures in place to help persons with a disability in the 2013 Action Plan for Jobs; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50352/13]

Action Plan for Jobs

Billy Kelleher

309. Deputy Billy Kelleher asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation the specific measures in the 2013 Action Plan for Jobs that will improve the employment opportunities of persons with a disability; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50353/13]

Job Creation

Finian McGrath

310. Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation if his attention has been drawn to the negative effect high commercial rates has on job creation in small business. [50446/13]

Job Creation

Finian McGrath

311. Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation if he will target assistance to the local small and medium enterprises sector in relation to job creation. [50448/13]

Enterprise Support Schemes

Finian McGrath

312. Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation if he will examine an entrepreneur local scheme to assist the setting up of small business. [50449/13]

Industrial Development

Charlie McConalogue

313. Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation further to Parliamentary Question No. 135 of 28 February 2013, if he will provide an update on whether the Industrial Development Agency Ireland has delivered on assurances which his Department received from IDA Ireland that it will in 2013 seek to target more than 130 new investments, secure €500 million of research and development expenditure and create 13,000 new jobs in its client companies; if he will clarify the element of new investment, research and development expenditure and new jobs that relate to County Donegal; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50571/13]

Job Creation

Lucinda Creighton

314. Deputy Lucinda Creighton asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation his views on whether the change to maternity leave, sick pay, and return to higher rate of PRSI for minimum wage workers will inhibit job creation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50618/13]

Industrial Development

Lucinda Creighton

315. Deputy Lucinda Creighton asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation his views on whether there is any additional scope to give Connect Ireland a broader mandate to compete with the Industrial Development Agency for investment in regions or states in America that the IDA has not proven successful in achieving investment or is under-resourced; if he will consider giving free rein to Connect Ireland on a pilot basis for such an initiative; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50619/13]

Departmental Agencies Staff Recruitment

Seán Kenny

316. Deputy Seán Kenny asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation the number of requests his Department received from the Industrial Development Agency Ireland in 2012 requesting permission to appoint additional staff; the number of these requests that have been approved, pending or refused; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50819/13]

Departmental Policy Reviews

Seán Kyne

317. Deputy Seán Kyne asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation if he will report on the progress of the preparation of the policy statement on entrepreneurship; the number of submissions received as part of the consultation process; and if he will confirm whether the policy statement will contain specific actions to be taken within a defined timeframe for promoting entrepreneurship. [50833/13]

Pension Provisions

James Bannon

318. Deputy James Bannon asked the Minister for Social Protection if it is possible for a person (details supplied) in County Longford to withdraw from their private pension in view of a change in their circumstances. [50276/13]

Unemployment Data

James Bannon

319. Deputy James Bannon asked the Minister for Social Protection the number of persons classified as unemployed in Counties Longford and Westmeath in 2011, 2012 and to date in 2013; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [50310/13]

Education and Training Provision

Patrick Nulty

320. Deputy Patrick Nulty asked the Minister for Social Protection if she will provide a breakdown of the 20,000 additional places, referred to by her in media statements, available and reserved for young unemployed persons for which she is responsible; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [50345/13]

Youth Unemployment Measures

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin

321. Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Social Protection her views on the findings in the recent OECD economic survey of Ireland which found that a comprehensive national strategy to tackle the very high unemployment rates among the young is lacking, that youth policy is fragmented, with several Departments taking individual action, and its recommendation that a more co-ordinated and tailored approach to the youth unemployment problem is required; the action she will take on foot of this report; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [50412/13]

Education and Training Provision

Patrick Nulty

322. Deputy Patrick Nulty asked the Minister for Social Protection the reason persons on a one parent family payment are excluded from participating in Momentum training courses administered by FÁS; and if she will alter the criteria to allow them to do so. [50441/13]

Employment Support Services

Finian McGrath

323. Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Social Protection if an employer PRSI waiver scheme would attract more jobs. [50450/13]

National Internship Scheme Administration

Jonathan O'Brien

324. Deputy Jonathan O'Brien asked the Minister for Social Protection the number of persons currently engaged in teaching internships through JobBridge; the number who have completed teaching internships through JobBridge; the number of those who have completed JobBridge teaching internships and subsequently entered full-time employment in a teaching position; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [50470/13]

Departmental Banking

Ciaran Lynch

325. Deputy Ciarán Lynch asked the Minister for Social Protection the value of services provided to the public by her Department and entities reporting to her Department where a payment is accepted by debit or credit card; the percentage of additional charge that is applied to such transactions under the merchant agreement; the total value of the additional charge in respect of debit and credit cards in 2012; if any portion of the additional charge accrued to her Department; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [50140/13]

Carer's Allowance Appeals

Seán Ó Fearghaíl

326. Deputy Seán Ó Fearghaíl asked the Minister for Social Protection if she will ensure that an appeal is processed in respect of an application for carer's allowance by a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [50152/13]

Jobseeker's Allowance Appeals

Patrick O'Donovan

327. Deputy Patrick O'Donovan asked the Minister for Social Protection if she will provide an update on an appeal for jobseeker's allowance in respect of a person (details supplied); when it is likely a decision will be made; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [50172/13]

National Internship Scheme Administration

Jerry Buttimer

328. Deputy Jerry Buttimer asked the Minister for Social Protection the reason a person (details supplied) in County Cork on blind pension is not eligible to participate in a JobBridge programme; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [50179/13]

Social Welfare Appeals Delays

Pat Deering

329. Deputy Pat Deering asked the Minister for Social Protection when a person (details supplied) in County Carlow will receive a decision on their social welfare appeal; and if she will expedite same. [50192/13]

Jobseeker's Allowance Eligibility

Bernard Durkan

330. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Social Protection the reason jobseeker's allowance was stopped in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; if it will be reinstated as soon as possible; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [50195/13]

Jobseeker's Allowance Appeals

Michael Creed

331. Deputy Michael Creed asked the Minister for Social Protection the position regarding a jobseeker's allowance appeal in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Cork; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [50204/13]

Invalidity Pension Appeals

Michael Creed

332. Deputy Michael Creed asked the Minister for Social Protection when it is expected a decision will be made on an invalidity pension appeal in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Cork; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [50205/13]

Carer's Allowance Appeals

Pat Deering

333. Deputy Pat Deering asked the Minister for Social Protection when a person (details supplied) in County Carlow will receive a decision on a carer's allowance appeal. [50248/13]

Domiciliary Care Allowance Appeals

Tom Fleming

334. Deputy Tom Fleming asked the Minister for Social Protection if she will expedite a domiciliary care allowance appeal in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Kerry; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [50249/13]

Youth Guarantee

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin

335. Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Social Protection the way the implementation of the youth guarantee is to be evaluated here; the person who will evaluate the guarantee; the framework that will be used; the best practice in this area; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [50251/13]

Youth Unemployment Measures

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin

336. Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Social Protection the number of young persons not in employment, education or training here; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [50252/13]

Youth Guarantee

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin

337. Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Social Protection the desired outcomes for the youth guarantee; the way results will be measured; the tracking mechanisms that will be put in place to monitor young persons on the guarantee and after they complete the guarantee; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [50253/13]

Social Welfare Appeals

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin

338. Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Social Protection if she will confirm that an appeal has been received by the Social Welfare Appeals Office on behalf of a person (details supplied); when a decision will issue; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [50254/13]

Domiciliary Care Allowance Review

Pat Breen

339. Deputy Pat Breen asked the Minister for Social Protection when a decision on domiciliary allowance will issue to a person (details supplied) in County Clare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [50261/13]

Health Contribution Refunds

Michael McGrath

340. Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Social Protection the number of persons who have made a re-claim in respect of being incorrectly charged the health levy in 2009 and 2010; the number of claims which have been adjudicated in favour of the claimant; the number rejected and the number currently outstanding; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [50280/13]

Health Contribution Refunds

Michael McGrath

341. Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Social Protection the approximate maximum number of additional claims her Department could face in respect of persons being incorrectly charged the health levy in 2009 and 2010; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [50281/13]

Health Contribution Refunds

Michael McGrath

342. Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Social Protection the steps she will take to ensure that all persons who may be entitled to a refund for being incorrectly charged the health levy in 2009 and 2010 are made aware of this fact and facilitated in so far as possible in making their claim; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [50282/13]

Fuel Allowance Eligibility

Patrick O'Donovan

343. Deputy Patrick O'Donovan asked the Minister for Social Protection if she will provide details of exceptions that may be made for the qualifying criteria for the fuel allowance scheme; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [50301/13]

Community Employment Schemes Eligibility

Michael McGrath

344. Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Social Protection if a person currently on jobseeker's allowance, and who meets all the qualifying criteria for a place on the community employment scheme, commences on the scheme and then subsequently receives a lump sum and no longer meets the criteria for jobseeker's allowance, will be allowed to remain on the community employment scheme for the duration of the place; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [50308/13]

Social Welfare Benefits Data

Stephen Donnelly

345. Deputy Stephen S. Donnelly asked the Minister for Social Protection the number of young persons under 25 years of age in receipt of jobseeker's allowance for less than six months; for more than six months and less than 12 months; for more than 12 months and less than 24 months; those in receipt of this payment for more than 24 months and less than 36 months; those in receipt for more than 36 months and less than 48 months and those in receipt for more than 48 months; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [50317/13]

Social Welfare Benefits Data

Stephen Donnelly

346. Deputy Stephen S. Donnelly asked the Minister for Social Protection the number of young persons aged 25 years in receipt of jobseeker's allowance for less than six months; for more than six months and less than 12 months; for more than 12 months and less than 24 months; those in receipt of this payment for more than 24 months and less than 36 months; those in receipt for more than 36 months and less than 48 months and those in receipt for more than 48 months; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [50319/13]

Local Employment Service

Stephen Donnelly

347. Deputy Stephen S. Donnelly asked the Minister for Social Protection if she will provide details of the 22 local employment services funded by her Department; the location of each; the funding provided to each in 2013; the number of jobseekers engaging in each LES in 2011, 2012 and to date in 2013; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [50321/13]

Departmental Funding

Stephen Donnelly

348. Deputy Stephen S. Donnelly asked the Minister for Social Protection the budget allocated in 2014 to implement the Your First EURES Job scheme announced on 14 October 2013; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [50322/13]

Departmental Staff Data

Stephen Donnelly

349. Deputy Stephen S. Donnelly asked the Minister for Social Protection the number of employment services officers/advisers currently employed by her Department to assist jobseekers; her plans to increase the number of employment/career advisers; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [50323/13]

Departmental Staff Data

Stephen Donnelly

350. Deputy Stephen S. Donnelly asked the Minister for Social Protection the number of employment services officers/advisors who will be assigned to implement the youth guarantee, in particular to ensure each young jobseeker gets a personalised needs assessment and employment plan; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [50324/13]

Employment Support Services

Stephen Donnelly

351. Deputy Stephen S. Donnelly asked the Minister for Social Protection the number of young persons under 25 years who have undertaken the Intreo registration and profile questionnaire process since the introduction of Pathways to Work in 2012; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [50325/13]

Employment Support Services

Stephen Donnelly

352. Deputy Stephen S. Donnelly asked the Minister for Social Protection the number of young persons under 25 years who were in receipt of jobseeker's allowance or benefit for one year or more who have undertaken the Intreo registration and profile questionnaire process since the introduction of Pathways to Work in 2012; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [50326/13]