Parliamentary questions

EU Directives

Alan Farrell

525. Deputy Alan Farrell asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources his views on the EC targets to increase the number of charging points for electric cars here by 2020; his plans in relation to this policy; if he will be engaging in talks with the industry; if there has been a projected cost of this policy to the Exchequer; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5180/13]

HSE Staffing

Alan Farrell

772. Deputy Alan Farrell asked the Minister for Health his views on the conditions and working hours of junior doctors in the Health Service Executive; his plans to engage with the Irish Medical Organisation to re-examine their working hours; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5181/13]

Vaccination Programme

Alan Farrell

773. Deputy Alan Farrell asked the Minister for Health his policy regarding the addition of the meningitis vaccination to the national vaccination programme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5182/13]

Rent Supplement Scheme Administration

Alan Farrell

164. Deputy Alan Farrell asked the Minister for Social Protection the number of persons who have left or changed rent supplemented accommodation this year due to the reduction in rent supplement allowable since January 2012; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [3924/13]

Action Plan for Jobs

Alan Farrell

20. Deputy Alan Farrell asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation his plans for an action plan for jobs in 2013; when this is due to be published; the number of submissions received; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3181/13]

Public Sector Reform Implementation

Alan Farrell

14. Deputy Alan Farrell asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if he will outline, as per the current Croke Park agreement, the structures that have been put in place by the Implementation Body for Departments that are underperforming; the penalties in place for such Departments; if the implementation process of the Croke Park agreement will be revisited in the negotiation process for 2014 to enhance the incentive for changes to take place on a more individual Departmental basis; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2835/13]

Job Creation Issues

Alan Farrell

57. Deputy Alan Farrell asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the number of jobs that have been created to date as a result of the EU €2 billion stimulus package; the number that will be put in place by end 2013; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2836/13]

Education Standards

Alan Farrell

232. Deputy Alan Farrell asked the Minister for Education and Skills his views on the recent report carried out by employers groups that shows a concern of writing ability of Irish graduates; if he will be acting on this report to address the issue; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2423/13]

Job Creation Issues

Alan Farrell

312. Deputy Alan Farrell asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation his views on the Social Justice Ireland report that stated Ireland is behind targets agreed with the EU on job creation as agreed as part of Europe strategy 2010, particularly with reference to the method of calculation that was used by the EU in the creation of these targets; the way that Ireland compares to other jurisdictions in the EU in this respect, and if he will pinpoint the difficulties that Ireland is having in its achievement of these targets; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2424/13]

Tobacco Control Measures

Alan Farrell

590. Deputy Alan Farrell asked the Minister for Health if he will consider on the possibility of increasing to 21 years the legal age for a person to purchase and use tobacco products due to the increasing number of smokers amongst young women; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2422/13]

NAMA Portfolio Issues

Alan Farrell

33. Deputy Alan Farrell asked the Minister for Finance if there is a liaison facility in place in the National Assets Management Agency for homeowners of properties owned by developers who are under the remit of NAMA in order to resolve ongoing issues of health and safety requirements in these developments; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1767/13]

Obesity Levels

Alan Farrell

6. Deputy Alan Farrell asked the Minister for Health if he will provide an update on proposals to reduce the €1.6 billion costs related to obesity to the Exchequer; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [56885/12]

Food Industry Development

Alan Farrell

49. Deputy Alan Farrell asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the impact that the introduction of a sugar tax or an increase in regulation of the food industry in relation to matters of obesity would have on the food industry here; if there has been stakeholder contact with him since these recommendations have been made; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [55809/12]

Garda Síochána Ombudsman Commission Issues

Alan Farrell

88. Deputy Alan Farrell asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if any consultation process occurred between his Department and the British Government prior to the announcement of the G8 summit in Enniskillen in relation to the requirement for extra security forces; if there will be extra security required in Irish airports and on the border in the run up and during the G8 Summit in 2013; the loations from which resources will be taken in respect of this project; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [54352/12]

Pyrite Panel Report Implementation

Alan Farrell

62. Deputy Alan Farrell asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the response he has received from industry stakeholders regarding the repair of homes affected by pyrite; the contact that has been made with all stakeholders named by him for those who have not engaged with his Department to date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [54229/12]

Nuclear Plants

Alan Farrell

73. Deputy Alan Farrell asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if he will advise on any possible risk factors that may be brought about by the decommissioning and cleaning up of Sellafield; his role in monitoring this process and protecting the environment and persons in exposed areas of the east coast of Ireland due to the difficulty that has arisen out of what has been regarded as the historical neglect of the plant in recent reports by the UK National Audit Office; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [54230/12]

Proposed Legislation

Alan Farrell

232. Deputy Alan Farrell asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if new proposals being drawn for lobbying legislation and a register of lobbyists will contain information on resources and methods used by lobbying groups; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [54260/12]

Housing Adaptation Grants Expenditure

Alan Farrell

391. Deputy Alan Farrell asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if further funding will be provided to Fingal County Council in order to fund housing adaptations grants that have been approved but unable to complete due to lack of funding; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [54259/12]

Garda Remuneration

Alan Farrell

472. Deputy Alan Farrell asked the Minister for Justice and Equality his plans to review the payment of the pre Christmas allowance for unsocial working hours for the period of November prior to 2013 for members of the Gardaí; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [54573/12]

Hospital Services

Alan Farrell

672. Deputy Alan Farrell asked the Minister for Health if he will provide an update on the expansion of the Cystic Fibrosis unit at St. James' Hospital, Dublin, to facilitate its planned 34 patient capacity; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [54572/12]

Public Transport Provision

Alan Farrell

699. Deputy Alan Farrell asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his views on the impact that the LUAS link up will have on Dublin city transport links throughout 2013; if this will have an impact on tourists expected to visit the capital through the Gathering; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [54571/12]

Alternative Energy Projects

Alan Farrell

13. Deputy Alan Farrell asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources his proposals to accelerate an increase in renewable energy resources through wind, wave and sustainable biomass as an alternative to importing fuels; the groups that are responsible for reporting this matter; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53156/12]

Architectural Heritage

Alan Farrell

34. Deputy Alan Farrell asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht his proposals for conservation grants on State owned buildings on Mountjoy Square, Dublin; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52863/12]

Unemployment Levels

Alan Farrell

126. Deputy Alan Farrell asked the Minister for Social Protection her method of determining up to date figures on unemployment hotspots around the country; the measures she has introduced to target these areas specifically; the proposals in place to target these areas; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [53166/12]

The Gathering Expenditure

Alan Farrell

141. Deputy Alan Farrell asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht his role in the gathering 2013 in particular with regard to possible events that focus on our reputation in the arts and that will promote Gaeltacht areas; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53168/12]

Domestic Violence Incidence

Alan Farrell

195. Deputy Alan Farrell asked the Minister for Justice and Equality his views on the current facilities available if an emergency barring order is required for victims of domestic violence and if there is a requirement to extend this facility; the possibility of revisiting legislation surrounding domestic violence in the near future relating to funding and the extension of protection to persons who are not cohabiting; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53282/12]

Medicinal Products Supply

Alan Farrell

222. Deputy Alan Farrell asked the Minister for Health his plans in relation to epilepsy medication in the Health Bill 2012; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53165/12]

The Gathering Expenditure

Alan Farrell

252. Deputy Alan Farrell asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the events that are confirmed as part of the Gathering 2013 that will focus of our reputation in the arts and that will promote Gaeltacht areas; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53167/12]

The Gathering Expenditure

Alan Farrell

723. Deputy Alan Farrell asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will advise on the marketing strategy for The Gathering worldwide; when the campaign was launched overseas; the cost of this project to the Exchequer; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52723/12]

Road Safety Strategy

Alan Farrell

724. Deputy Alan Farrell asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will provide an update on the road safety strategy for 2013 and if he will advise specifically in relation to the speed limit review and the role of education in road safety matters; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52724/12]

Sports Capital Programme Applications

Alan Farrell

725. Deputy Alan Farrell asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will provide an update on the Sports Capital Grants for 2012; when an announcement will be made; if there will be an earlier application date set for 2013 due to the large volume of applicants in 2012; the other supports that will be provided to sporting clubs outside of this grant system; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52725/12]

Sport and Recreational Development

Alan Farrell

726. Deputy Alan Farrell asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will outline his contact with the Professional Footballers' Association of Ireland and his views on the future and sustainability of professional football in Ireland, particularly with reference to the wage level of League of Ireland footballers, and funding provided to the Football Association of Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52726/12]

Dublin Bus Services

Alan Farrell

744. Deputy Alan Farrell asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the number of routes that Dublin Bus are operating at a loss; his views on the cost of outsourcing these routes to private transport companies as a cost reducing measure while protecting routes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52859/12]

Child Benefit Eligibility

Alan Farrell

61. Deputy Alan Farrell asked the Minister for Finance the feasibility and cost of taxing child benefit for high income earners who may fall over a defined high income threshold; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52097/12]

Tax Code

Alan Farrell

68. Deputy Alan Farrell asked the Minister for Finance the possible impact that a sugar tax would have on inflation; his views on the possibility of reducing VAT for some healthier foods in order to neutralise the impact of inflation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52099/12]

State Properties

Alan Farrell

96. Deputy Alan Farrell asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the State owned buildings currently not in use; his proposals for these buildings; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52094/12]

State Properties

Alan Farrell

97. Deputy Alan Farrell asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform his plans for the use of the former Garda Station building in Rush, County Dublin; the possibility of this building being offered on a short term basis to a local community group as requested; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52095/12]

Employment Support Services

Alan Farrell

132. Deputy Alan Farrell asked the Minister for Social Protection the success rate on the pathways to works scheme since its establishment; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [52096/12]

Health Services Provision

Alan Farrell

199. Deputy Alan Farrell asked the Minister for Health if he will provide an update on planned advances in diabetic paediatric services to widen the availability of insulin pumps for children under five years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52092/12]

Health Services Provision

Alan Farrell

200. Deputy Alan Farrell asked the Minister for Health the diabetes services that have been funded in the Health Service Executive National Service Plan and the services currently in place, particularly with reference to the number of footcare posts and a retinopathy screening programme [52093/12]

Tax Code

Alan Farrell

201. Deputy Alan Farrell asked the Minister for Health his views in relation to the proposed impact of a sugar tax on the food and drinks industry; its international success rate of reducing consumption of unhealthy foods; if he will consider the possibility of reducing VAT for some healthier foods in order to neutralise the impact of inflation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52098/12]

Public Procurement Tenders

Alan Farrell

41. Deputy Alan Farrell asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the progress made through reform of the procurement services throughout the country; the method that has been applied and the savings that have been achieved in 2012; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51431/12]

Public Sector Reform Review

Alan Farrell

47. Deputy Alan Farrell asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the number of days' annual leave that employees are permitted to carry over to a following year; the timescale in which they are required to be taken; if there is provision within the Croke Park agreement to impose a cap on the number of days allowed to be carried over; his views on the way a restriction on carried over days may improve services due to the elimination of prolonged annual leave; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51428/12]

Credit Availability

Alan Farrell

144. Deputy Alan Farrell asked the Minister for Education and Skills the research his Department has regarding the current availability of student loans; the engagement his Department has undergone in relation to ensuring colleges offer a direct debit facility for student contribution fees or the plans he may have to follow this strategy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50882/12]

Teacher Recruitment

Alan Farrell

148. Deputy Alan Farrell asked the Minister for Education and Skills if he will outline his Department's forecast in relation to the recruitment of teachers between now and 2016 when an extra 80,000 pupils will be in the system; when this recruitment will commence; if these posts will be of a permanent stature irrespective of the recruitment embargo; the effect this will have on public service reduction in the medium term; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51214/12]

Budget 2013

Alan Farrell

180. Deputy Alan Farrell asked the Minister for Finance his views on the possibility of reforming the budget process to take into account the impact that budget 2013 announcements have on the retail industry in the run up to the Christmas period; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51002/12]

Schools Building Projects Status

Alan Farrell

238. Deputy Alan Farrell asked the Minister for Education and Skills if he will advise on the tendering process for building the eight proposed new schools to be funded by the European Investment Bank Private Public Partnership; the conditions of eligibility that will apply; if the process will be open to developers in receipt of assistance through the National Assets Management Agency; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51001/12]

Jobseeker's Allowance Payments

Alan Farrell

354. Deputy Alan Farrell asked the Minister for Social Protection the number of persons who have been identified as participating in full-time study while incorrectly claiming jobseeker's payments in 2011 and 2012; the number of these persons who continued to claim these benefits by proving that they have ceased their education in order to continue to receive their benefits; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [50998/12]

Social Welfare Appeals Delays

Alan Farrell

355. Deputy Alan Farrell asked the Minister for Social Protection if there is a review process for persons that are initially refused social welfare payments based on the same information on which they win their appeal; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [50999/12]

NAMA Social Housing Provision

Alan Farrell

437. Deputy Alan Farrell asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the number of empty housing units in Dublin in which the development is under the remit of the National Assets Management Agency; the number of housing units required by Dublin City Council, Fingal County Council and Dun Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council; his views on the viability of using State owned properties that are under the remit of NAMA as accommodation for these families and persons as an alternative to sourcing extra funding for new properties; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51003/12]