Parliamentary questions

European External Action Service

Andrew Doyle

66. Deputy Andrew Doyle asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade his views on the recent publication of Review 2013 by the European External Action Service, EEAS, two years after the creation of the body, discussing a range of short, medium and longer term proposals and suggestions for the organisation and functioning of the European Union's diplomatic corps; his views on whether the direction of its being more than a foreign ministry, combining elements of a development and defence ministry is the correct approach for a twenty-first century Europe; if he will outline Ireland's current deployment to the EEAS and detail Ireland's contribution over the first two years of existence of the EEAS; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41060/13]

Public Transport Issues

Andrew Doyle

81. Deputy Andrew Doyle asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he believes commuters and regional areas in the commuter belt and greater Dublin area will benefit as a result of the tendering out of particular routes and public service obligation, PSO, routes when the current contract expires; if the next tendering phase will result in a transparent decision making process; if he will outline the ramifications for particular routes in County Wicklow (details supplied) as a result of the competition in public transport in the bus market as proposed by the National Transport Authority; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40790/13]

Air Services Provision

Andrew Doyle

142. Deputy Andrew Doyle asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if his attention has been drawn to the fact that no current direct flight exists between Ireland and the Silicon Valley or San Francisco areas in California; if he believes such a direct air link would provide an employment boost to the Irish economy in terms of foreign direct investment given that Silicon Valley is a central hub for worldwide technology companies; the discussions he and his departmental officials have held with multinational employers or airlines on this matter in the past two years; if he believes such a route would be hugely beneficial for Ireland given the pre-clearance for US customs and immigration at Dublin Airport; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33283/13]

Private Schools

Andrew Doyle

226. Deputy Andrew Doyle asked the Minister for Education and Skills the amount of funding his Department has allocated or committed to paying off the debts of a college (details supplied) in County Kilkenny, including outstanding loans, the move from a 21:1 to 23:1 teacher ratio and the college's switch from a private to public school; if he will outline any other expenditure incurred by his Department as result of this switch between 2012 and into the 2013-14 school year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40449/13]

Petroleum and Gas Exploration

Andrew Doyle

433. Deputy Andrew Doyle asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if he will discuss the expert advice on offshore oil and gas exploration, development and production and their tax and fiscal terms; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40797/13]

Vehicle Registration Issues

Andrew Doyle

487. Deputy Andrew Doyle asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if a log book may be released to An Garda Síochána for a vehicle (details supplied) in County Wicklow for its inspection in order to pay road tax at the large public service vehicle rate, in view of the fact that the vehicle registration tax has been paid; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41124/13]

Medical Card Reviews

Andrew Doyle

586. Deputy Andrew Doyle asked the Minister for Health the reason a medical card keeps being reviewed for a person (details supplied) in County Wicklow; when the current medical card is due to expire; if his attention has been drawn to the significant administrative burden that is placed on a person every time a review takes place and a person has to submit documentation; if the medical card may be secured until the person's son turns 18 years and completes his secondary education; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40591/13]

Employment Support Services

Andrew Doyle

131. Deputy Andrew Doyle asked the Minister for Social Protection if she will provide an update on the establishment of an Intreo office in Bray, County Wicklow, due to be operational in late 2013; the services that will be available at the office; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [40178/13]

Social Insurance Issues

Andrew Doyle

133. Deputy Andrew Doyle asked the Minister for Social Protection if she will provide a detailed explanation regarding credits for past periods of employment for the benefit of receiving social welfare; the lapse periods that are currently in operation and the reason they exist; if a person is permitted to buy back their credits; if she will provide a detailed outline of all the rules in place; when each of the rules currently in place came into effect; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [40216/13]

Water and Sewerage Schemes Funding

Andrew Doyle

167. Deputy Andrew Doyle asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the recent and future investments in the Dunlavin sewerage scheme as part of the Water Services Investment Programme 2010-2013; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40148/13]

Road Signage

Andrew Doyle

172. Deputy Andrew Doyle asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government further to Parliamentary Question No. 1692 on 18 September 2013, if there is legislation regarding signs and signage based on lands adjacent to different categories of roads throughout Ireland, in view of his Department's responsibility for such under the Planning and Development Act 2013 as amended; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40193/13]

EU Meetings

Andrew Doyle

228. Deputy Andrew Doyle asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the parameters of the discussions held with Ministerial colleagues at the Meeting of Ministers for Agriculture and Fisheries, AGRI-FISH, in Vilnius, Lithuania, on 23 September 2013; if he will detail any agreement reached; if he will provide an update in matters discussed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40329/13]

Garda Recruitment

Andrew Doyle

40. Deputy Andrew Doyle asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if priority or recognition will be given to current and serving reserve members of An Garda Síochána during the upcoming recruitment process for full time members during the upcoming Public Appointments Service competition; if the upcoming recruitment for entry in mid-2014 will contain a good mix between current reserve members of the force and ordinary members of the public; his views on whether there will be significant benefits to giving priority to existing members of the voluntary Garda Reserve in view of the fact that there are over 1,200 currently serving of whom many would be in a position to become full-time members of the force; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39816/13]

Dáil Reform

Andrew Doyle

108. Deputy Andrew Doyle asked the Taoiseach if he will provide an update on a possible referendum to provide constitutional status to the committees of the Houses of the Oireachtas, as committed to in the programme for Government; when he expects such a Bill to come before the Oireachtas before being put before the people; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37407/13]

Statutory Instruments

Andrew Doyle

109. Deputy Andrew Doyle asked the Taoiseach the measures taken to ensure all that statutory instruments are placed on the Irish Statute Book website in a timely manner; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37420/13]

Departmental Functions

Andrew Doyle

128. Deputy Andrew Doyle asked the Taoiseach if he will discuss the re-configuration of the EU affairs and co-ordination division of his Department, in conjunction with the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, in view of the conclusion of the Irish Presidency of the Council of the European Union; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39119/13]

Departmental Websites

Andrew Doyle

131. Deputy Andrew Doyle asked the Taoiseach if he will outline in tabular form, each Internet domain that his Department or body under the aegis of his Department has registered online, from 2010 onwards in either .ie or other format since his Department first established an online presence; the date on which each domain was initially registered and for what intended purpose; the amount each domain and associated hosting has cost on a yearly basis from when each domain was first registered; the date on which each domain is expiring; if he intends to renew each domain when it comes up for renewal; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39127/13]

International Economic Co-operation

Andrew Doyle

139. Deputy Andrew Doyle asked the Taoiseach if he will provide the main findings in the recent report on wider Irish and UK plans for closer economic co-operation in the fields of energy, agri-business, finance and research and development; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36960/13]

Departmental Agencies Staff Recruitment

Andrew Doyle

144. Deputy Andrew Doyle asked the Taoiseach the steps he intends to take to ensure semi-State bodies and other organisations and bodies under the remit of his Department advertise vacant positions through the Public Appointments Service and publicjobs.ie that is in a clear and transparent manner; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39288/13]

EU Meetings

Andrew Doyle

368. Deputy Andrew Doyle asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the parameters of the discussions held with EU ministerial colleagues at the Informal Energy Council in Vilnius, Lithuania on 19 and 20 September 2013; the agreements reached; if he will provide an update on matters discussed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39292/13]

National Transport Authority

Andrew Doyle

571. Deputy Andrew Doyle asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if Bus Éireann will provide an update on the provision of a new bus shelter at a location (details supplied) in County Wicklow; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39436/13]

Haddington Road Agreement

Andrew Doyle

48. Deputy Andrew Doyle asked the Minister for Finance the outstanding issues at the Central Bank of Ireland regarding working hours and compliance with the Haddington Road agreement; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38853/13]

VAT Rates Reductions

Andrew Doyle

55. Deputy Andrew Doyle asked the Minister for Finance the cost and loss to the Exchequer to date as a result of lowering the rate to 9% on tourism related industries; the economic growth has been seen in this sector as a result of the VAT rate being reduced in 2011; if the lowered VAT rate has had the positive impact that his Department had expected; his views on whether there is merit to continuing on the 9% rate for this sector beyond its initial cut-off point in December 2013; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38921/13]

VAT Rates Reductions

Andrew Doyle

56. Deputy Andrew Doyle asked the Minister for Finance his views on whether the reduction of VAT to 9% on tourism related industries could be extended to other sectors of the economy on a trial basis; his views on whether this would have a positive impact of Ireland's road to economic recovery; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38922/13]

Schools Building Projects Administration

Andrew Doyle

68. Deputy Andrew Doyle asked the Minister for Education and Skills if he will ensure that his Department follow up with the architects of a school being built (details supplied) in County Wicklow and ensure that a pedestrian crossing is installed for the safety of pupils at the school, as is required by the approved planning by the local authority; if he will clarify the ownership of the section of the road where the crossing is to be built; the persons who are financing the construction of the crossing and the cost of same; if he will detail the persons who will be undertaking the construction; when the construction will begin; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38893/13]

Quality and Qualifications Ireland Accreditation

Andrew Doyle

70. Deputy Andrew Doyle asked the Minister for Education and Skills if Ireland recognises PhDs from universities in each of the other 27 EU member states; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38919/13]

Telephone Directories

Andrew Doyle

118. Deputy Andrew Doyle asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources his plans to remove a households automatic right to a physical copy of a phonebook under the European Communities (Electronic Communications Networks and Services)(Universal Service and Users' Rights) Regulations 2003; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38872/13]

Dairy Sector

Andrew Doyle

156. Deputy Andrew Doyle asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the position regarding the Dairy Council of Northern Ireland's case against the National Dairy Council, NDC, with the European Commission Directorate-General for Competition for its campaign on locally produced milk; his views on whether the NDC campaign breaches single market rules under EU law; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38870/13]

Child and Family Agency Establishment

Andrew Doyle

164. Deputy Andrew Doyle asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the reason for the decision to rename the Child and Family Support Agency to the Child and Family Agency; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [38917/13]

Medical Card Eligibility

Andrew Doyle

181. Deputy Andrew Doyle asked the Minister for Health if he will confirm that a person (details supplied) in County Wicklow will continue to retain their medical card once the current card expires in October 2013; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38864/13]

Hospital Appointment Status

Andrew Doyle

183. Deputy Andrew Doyle asked the Minister for Health if he will ensure that a person (details supplied) in County Wicklow receives a hospital appointment as soon as possible; if he will expedite this case; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38883/13]

Harbours and Piers Maintenance

Andrew Doyle

199. Deputy Andrew Doyle asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if the funding for the harbour dredging in Arklow, County Wicklow is ring-fenced and secure while the Office of the Chief State Solicitor drafts the necessary legal documentation, following approval in principle for this proposal in August 2013; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38912/13]

Military Aircraft Landings

Andrew Doyle

67. Deputy Andrew Doyle asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade further to Parliamentary Questions Nos. 562 of 9 July 2013 and 164 of 16 July 2013, the number of notifications given to his Department when military or State aircraft applied for authorisation traffic rights when carrying Heads of State or Heads of Government from other nations in the past five years; the number that have been approved and rejected; if he will outline in tabular form the nations involved and the date of each landing here; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36991/13]

Ministerial Meetings

Andrew Doyle

70. Deputy Andrew Doyle asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade his recent engagements with the Governor of the US State of California, Jerry Brown, on his recent visit here in July 2013; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37030/13]

EU Meetings

Andrew Doyle

71. Deputy Andrew Doyle asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the outcomes of the Foreign Affairs Council that took place in Brussels on 22 July 2013; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37073/13]

Rapid Response Initiative

Andrew Doyle

73. Deputy Andrew Doyle asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he will outline current operations of Ireland’s humanitarian standby roster, the Rapid Response Corps; the number of applications received during the 2013 recruitment drive; the number of persons called for interview; if he will provide details on the number of persons successful in the interview stage before moving onto the second stage of the recruitment process, a two-part training course; the number of persons he intends to bring onto the 2013 roster as a result of this initiative; the way this recruitment drive was communicated and if his Department went to lengths to seek the most suitably qualified persons; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37111/13]

Diplomatic Representation

Andrew Doyle

74. Deputy Andrew Doyle asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he will discuss the re-configuration of the EU affairs and co-ordination division in conjunction with the Department of the Taoiseach, in view of the conclusion of the Irish Presidency of the Council of the European Union; if he will outline the diplomatic postings, that will be made at assistant principal, first secretary, third secretary, administrative officer and higher executive officer levels; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37154/13]

Diplomatic Representation

Andrew Doyle

75. Deputy Andrew Doyle asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the different ranks and grades in his Department and Irelands diplomatic corps; the comparisons that can be made in the ranks between different Government Departments and the Cvil Service; the number of persons in each rank-grade within his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37155/13]

Diplomatic Representation

Andrew Doyle

76. Deputy Andrew Doyle asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he will provide an update and history on diplomatic relations and engagement between Ireland and Morocco; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37157/13]

Passport Services

Andrew Doyle

77. Deputy Andrew Doyle asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he will provide an update on the transfer of the passport service to the Department of Justice and Equality which is currently introducing a number of service enhancements as part of the Government’s integrated reform delivery plan; his views that the transferring of the service to an independent executive agency of the Department of Justice and Equality is the correct way forward for the issuing and security of Irish passports; if he has considered ensuring the issuing of passport remains an important function of either his Department or the Department of Justice and Equality without the need to outsource it; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37163/13]

Trade Missions

Andrew Doyle

78. Deputy Andrew Doyle asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he will provide an update on his political and trade mission to China that took place in July and August 2013; if he will provide a list of engagements he had on the visit, in view of the importance of a trade and investment focus, attracting investment and growing exports; if he will provide an update on the strategic partnership agreement of Irish-Chinese relations; if he had the opportunity to raise the issue of the need for a direct commercial air route between Ireland and Asia as part of Ireland's national aviation policy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37204/13]

Diplomatic Representation

Andrew Doyle

79. Deputy Andrew Doyle asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade when he expects the United States of America to fill the vacancy of ambassador to Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37236/13]

Election Monitoring Missions

Andrew Doyle

80. Deputy Andrew Doyle asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if Ireland was requested, through the EU, OSCE or otherwise to take part in or assist in any form the international election observer monitoring in Zimbabwe as part of its presidential election in July 2013 and August 2013; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37239/13]

Trade Missions

Andrew Doyle

81. Deputy Andrew Doyle asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he will discuss the recent deal to provide full market liberalisation of Irish salmon exports to China, following lengthy negotiations between his Department, the Sea Fisheries Protection Authority and Ireland's diplomatic missions with Chinese authorities; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37271/13]

Overseas Development Aid

Andrew Doyle

82. Deputy Andrew Doyle asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he will outline the details of Irish Aid's recent joint review of its work on nutrition in Malawi; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37327/13]

Foreign Conflicts

Andrew Doyle

84. Deputy Andrew Doyle asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade his concerns, if any, at the rising tension between the United Kingdom and Spain regarding the issue of Gibraltar; if he shares many EU Foreign Ministers' concerns of any proposed border fee that would exist and the effect it would have for Irish passport holders living, working and holidaying in the region; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37338/13]

Diplomatic Representation

Andrew Doyle

85. Deputy Andrew Doyle asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he has considered altering its diplomatic accreditation to Egypt as a result of recent civil unrest and events taking place in the country; if he believes an embassy of Ireland can still operate effectively in the current climate in the country; if his attention has been drawn to the other nations who have recalled their diplomatic missions in the country; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37374/13]

UN Issues

Andrew Doyle

86. Deputy Andrew Doyle asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he will outline Ireland's priorities for the 68th Session of the General Assembly of the United Nations in New York; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37382/13]

Diplomatic Representation

Andrew Doyle

87. Deputy Andrew Doyle asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he will provide in tabular form the diplomatic missions of Ireland through embassies, consulates, honorary consuls and otherwise which are actively engaging in social media, namely in terms of Facebook and Twitter accounts; the reason not all embassies have taken to Twitter yet; areas in which his Department is particularly proactive in this regard; when he expects remaining missions to become active online; if he intends to get every diplomatic mission onto various social media platforms as part of digital diplomacy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37387/13]

Diplomatic Representation

Andrew Doyle

88. Deputy Andrew Doyle asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he expects any officials in his Department, either based in Ireland or elsewhere, to be considered for appointment as an EU ambassador at one of the various European External Action Service diplomatic missions around the world in the near future; if he believes Ireland lost out when the EEAS was established a number of years ago when no Irish Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade officials were awarded any senior positions within the organisation; the way he and his Department intend to change this in the future; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37395/13]

Register of Electors

Andrew Doyle

89. Deputy Andrew Doyle asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the procedures in place for allowing Irish diplomats posted abroad to vote in elections here; if such persons are allowed to vote in general elections, Dáil by-elections, presidential elections, local elections, European Parliament elections and referendums; if such votes are cast in the person's home constituency for all the various forms of elections; if officials from his Department on secondment to international bodies abroad are entitled to vote; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37406/13]

EU Meetings

Andrew Doyle

90. Deputy Andrew Doyle asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he will provide an update on and discuss the outcomes of the most recent General Affairs Council that took place; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37412/13]

EU Meetings

Andrew Doyle

91. Deputy Andrew Doyle asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the parameters of the discussions held with ministerial colleagues at the informal meeting of Ministers for Foreign Affairs - Gymnich - in Vilnius, Lithuania on 6 and 7 September 2013; if he will detail any agreements reached; if he will provide an update on matters discussed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37415/13]

Overseas Development Aid

Andrew Doyle

92. Deputy Andrew Doyle asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he will provide an update on Ireland's commitment to spending the internationl target of 0.7% on overseas aid by 2015; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37454/13]

Overseas Development Aid Provision

Andrew Doyle

93. Deputy Andrew Doyle asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if his Department provides aid to Egypt; if so, if he will provide a breakdown of the amount of aid that was allocated to Egypt and spent on a year by year basis since 2007 to date; if Ireland contributes indirectly to aid in Egypt through the European Union or otherwise; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37456/13]

EU Meetings

Andrew Doyle

98. Deputy Andrew Doyle asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he will discuss the outcomes of the emergency Foreign Affairs Council meeting that took place on 21 August 2013 regarding the situation in Egypt; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37549/13]

Foreign Conflicts

Andrew Doyle

99. Deputy Andrew Doyle asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade his views on the alleged use of chemical weapons in Syria in August 2013; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37551/13]

Foreign Conflicts

Andrew Doyle

109. Deputy Andrew Doyle asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade his views on the possible loopholes contained in the EU arms restrictions against Egypt; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38044/13]

Passport Services

Andrew Doyle

111. Deputy Andrew Doyle asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the mechanisms that have been put in place to have the passport office notify passport holders when their passports are due to expire; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38321/13]

Departmental Staff Recruitment

Andrew Doyle

112. Deputy Andrew Doyle asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the number of interns that have been based in his Department and the period of time in each case from 2011 to date in 2013; if he will break down the figures between those in the JobBridge scheme, other paid internships and other unpaid internships; if he will further break down these figures between his Department's sections here and at each diplomatic mission abroad, stating whether they were paid or unpaid; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38322/13]

Overseas Development Aid

Andrew Doyle

114. Deputy Andrew Doyle asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he will outline the main points in the Irish Aid Annual Report 2012; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38353/13]

European Year of Development

Andrew Doyle

117. Deputy Andrew Doyle asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade his views on a recent proposal at European level to designate 2015 as the European Year of Development; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38636/13]

European Council Meetings

Andrew Doyle

118. Deputy Andrew Doyle asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the parameters of the discussions held with Ministerial colleagues at the Informal General Affairs Council in Vilnius, Lithuania on 29 and 30 August 2013; if he will provide detail of any agreements reached; if he will provide an update on matters discussed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38640/13]

Vehicle Registration

Andrew Doyle

141. Deputy Andrew Doyle asked the Minister for Finance the font styles that are permitted to be used on Irish car registration plates; the date on which the last review of such fonts was conducted by the relevant authority; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38267/13]

State Banking Sector

Andrew Doyle

152. Deputy Andrew Doyle asked the Minister for Finance the percentage sharehold that the Government has in the Bank of Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37016/13]

Tax Reliefs Availability

Andrew Doyle

155. Deputy Andrew Doyle asked the Minister for Finance if discussions have been held between officials in his Department on reintroducing a car scrappage scheme in the coming twelve months; if discussions have taken place with other Departments; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37050/13]

Financial Services Regulation

Andrew Doyle

156. Deputy Andrew Doyle asked the Minister for Finance further to Parliamentary Question No. 111 on 18 July 2013; his views that the IBAN format for account identification will be suitable for the single euro payments area in view of the fact that the traditional means of account identification here such as Bank's National Sort Code and Account Numbers will no longer be used; his views that both Bank Identifier Code and IBAN will continue to enable easy and burdenless transactions and financial dealings for both consumer and businesses here working with the United States of America; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37058/13]

European Central Bank

Andrew Doyle

161. Deputy Andrew Doyle asked the Minister for Finance the arrangements his Department has in place for a liaison office to the European Central Bank in Frankfurt Germany; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37138/13]

European Central Bank

Andrew Doyle

167. Deputy Andrew Doyle asked the Minister for Finance if he supports recent proposals by the European Central Bank to publish the minutes of the Governing Council meetings that are held on a monthly basis, as opposed to the 30-year embargo; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37240/13]

Credit Unions

Andrew Doyle

170. Deputy Andrew Doyle asked the Minister for Finance the measures being taken to ensure the future of credit unions in an area (details supplied) in County Wicklow; the current proposals he and his Department have for safeguarding the community institutions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37269/13]

Fiscal Policy

Andrew Doyle

171. Deputy Andrew Doyle asked the Minister for Finance if he will outline the parameters of the medium-term economic plan for Ireland once we exit the international bail-out programme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37272/13]

Departmental Bodies

Andrew Doyle

180. Deputy Andrew Doyle asked the Minister for Finance the current status of the proposed amalgamation of the Office of the Pensions Ombudsman and the Office of the Financial Services Ombudsman; the progress made on this to date; when he expects this merger to be complete; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37376/13]

Excise Duties

Andrew Doyle

181. Deputy Andrew Doyle asked the Minister for Finance his views on freezing the excise duty on motor fuels in respect of the upcoming budget; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37394/13]

Property Taxation Administration

Andrew Doyle

183. Deputy Andrew Doyle asked the Minister for Finance if the Revenue Commissioners will provide a certificate to persons wishing to sell their home to prove that the local property tax has been paid up to a particular date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37410/13]

European Council Meetings

Andrew Doyle

184. Deputy Andrew Doyle asked the Minister for Finance the parameters of the discussions held with ministerial colleagues at the 3252nd Economic and Financial Affairs (ECOFIN) Council meeting in Brussels on 9 July 2013; the agreements reached; if he will provide an update on matters discussed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37411/13]

European Council Meetings

Andrew Doyle

185. Deputy Andrew Doyle asked the Minister for Finance the parameters of the discussions held with Ministerial colleagues at the Informal Meeting of Ministers for Economic and Financial Affairs in Vilnius, Lithuania from 13 to 14 September 2013; if he will detail any agreements reached; if he will provide an update on matters discussed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37418/13]

Crime Prevention

Andrew Doyle

191. Deputy Andrew Doyle asked the Minister for Finance the measures that are being taken by State owned financial institutions to combat ATM fraud; his views on the current level of scamming that is taking place; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37548/13]

Credit Unions Restructuring

Andrew Doyle

192. Deputy Andrew Doyle asked the Minister for Finance the role of the Credit Union Restructuring Board; its activities since it was established; his views on whether having the board independently separate from the Central Bank of Ireland is the best use of this body; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37550/13]

Banking Sector Regulation

Andrew Doyle

224. Deputy Andrew Doyle asked the Minister for Finance if he will provide an update on the European Commission's plans to regulate the shadow banking sector; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38243/13]

Public Sector Staff Recruitment

Andrew Doyle

240. Deputy Andrew Doyle asked the Minister for Finance the steps his Department intend to take to ensure semi-State bodies and other organisations and bodies under the remit of his Department advertise vacant positions through the Public Appointments Service and publicjobs.ie that is in a clear and transparent manner; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39253/13]

School Patronage

Andrew Doyle

270. Deputy Andrew Doyle asked the Minister for Education and Skills if he will provide an update on the patronage applications received by his Department for the new post-primary school set to open in North Wicklow in 2016; the number of applications received; when he expects to be in a position to make an announcement; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36919/13]

European University Institute

Andrew Doyle

279. Deputy Andrew Doyle asked the Minister for Education and Skills the work Ireland has undertaken as the chair of the High Council of the European University Institute in Florence, Italy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37128/13]

Universities Global Rankings

Andrew Doyle

280. Deputy Andrew Doyle asked the Minister for Education and Skills further to Parliamentary Question 223 on 18 July 2013 regarding U-Multirank, if he will confirm that all third level institutions here, universities and colleges, have registered their interest; if he will provide in tabular form which third level institutions have and have not registered to date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37133/13]

Student Grant Scheme Eligibility

Andrew Doyle

287. Deputy Andrew Doyle asked the Minister for Education and Skills if he will outline all grants that are available to Irish students who have accepted postgraduate and masters level courses at universities in Northern Ireland for the 2013/2014 academic year; the criteria for availing of such a grant; if Student Universal Support Ireland are to cover such students for the 2013/2014 academic year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37233/13]

Education and Training Boards Staff

Andrew Doyle

288. Deputy Andrew Doyle asked the Minister for Education and Skills if he will outline in tabular form on the record of Dáil Éireann the new board members of each new of the 16 new Education and Training Boards that replaced the 33 Vocational Education Committees; to include the Cathaoirleach/Chairperson and Leas Cathaoirleach/Vice Chairperson of each new board; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37234/13]

Third Level Course Accreditation

Andrew Doyle

291. Deputy Andrew Doyle asked the Minister for Education and Skills if he will take steps and measures to ensure that third level education institutions here are not allowed to commence courses until they receive full and proper accreditation from the relevant bodies, here or elsewhere within the EU; the measures that the Higher Education Authority are taking to ensure cases where programmes are cancelled in the middle of a degree are not cancelled; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37276/13]

School Curriculum

Andrew Doyle

297. Deputy Andrew Doyle asked the Minister for Education and Skills if he will consider implementing a review of the leaving certificate agricultural science syllabus, in view of the fact that 7,414 students sat the exam based on the syllabus in 2013, of which many aspects are in need of an update; if his attention has been drawn to the fact that demand for third-level agri-food courses increased at the Central Applications Office by 10% in 2013, representing the steepest rise in demand for courses; if he will consider implementing teacher guidelines for the subject; if he will refer the matter to the National Council for Curriculum and Assessment; when he expects to receive the review; when the new syllabus will be first examined by students in second level schools; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37360/13]

University Rankings

Andrew Doyle

384. Deputy Andrew Doyle asked the Minister for Education and Skills his views on the fact that the majority of Ireland's seven universities dropped places in the QS world university rankings table; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38305/13]

Third Level Fees

Andrew Doyle

408. Deputy Andrew Doyle asked the Minister for Education and Skills if consideration has been given within his Department in the past two and a half years regarding a student loan system, as opposed to the college grant system; if such a student loan system would be State funded; if his attention has been drawn to the substantial number of families who are currently over the threshold of the current grant system and are struggling to pay college costs; if his attention has been drawn to the student loan system operating in the UK; if he will examine a sustainable loan repayment system for Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38571/13]

Appointments to State Boards

Andrew Doyle

439. Deputy Andrew Doyle asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the steps he and his Department intend to take to ensure semi-State bodies and other organisations and bodies under various Government Departments advertise vacant positions through the Public Appointments Service and www.publicjobs.ie that is in a clear and transparent manner; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37032/13]

Office of the Ombudsman Staff

Andrew Doyle

442. Deputy Andrew Doyle asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the number of expressions of interest he and his Department received from persons interested in being appointed to the Office of the Ombudsman following on from public advertisement for the position over the summer; if he is satisfied with the procedure undertaken to seek the suitable candidates for the position; if the Public Appointments Service was used for this purpose and if not, the reason for same; if interview took place; the number of persons interviewed and by whom; if he intends to bring forward candidates for the position to the Oireachtas Joint Committee on Public Service Oversight and Petitions for scrutiny and questioning prior to the approval of a candidate by the Government; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37127/13]

Freedom of Information Legislation

Andrew Doyle

443. Deputy Andrew Doyle asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if he will consider including Bus Átha Cliath - Dublin Bus-Bus Éireann, Coillte Teoranta, Commissioners for Irish Lights, amongst others that are currently exempted under section 1, Part 2 in the Freedom of Information Bill 2013 for the purpose of transparency of public funding; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37231/13]

Freedom of Information Legislation

Andrew Doyle

444. Deputy Andrew Doyle asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the reason he has included only Iarnród Éireann in the Freedom of Information Bill 2013 and not other transportation agencies such as Dublin Bus and Bus Éireann; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37232/13]

Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership

Andrew Doyle

477. Deputy Andrew Doyle asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation if his Department is monitoring the current Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership talks currently under way in Washington DC; if his Department has examined the initial position papers that the EU has made public on various aspects of the negotiations regarding the specific agricultural, food, marine and other related matters contained with the talks; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36989/13]

Company Law

Andrew Doyle

478. Deputy Andrew Doyle asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation if he or officials in his Department have discussed changing current legislation dealing with the disclosure of profits by supermarket chains and major supermarket groups, in view of the fact that they are not revealing profit figures and their financial data based on their operations here; if his attention has been drawn to the fact that although some publish turnover data, the profits are not disclosed; if he believes profit margins should be disclosed on their Irish operations like other sectors in the economy; his views that the argument of competitive disadvantage will disappear if they are all legally obliged to disclose such information; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37361/13]

Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership

Andrew Doyle

491. Deputy Andrew Doyle asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation if his Department is monitoring the current Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership talks currently under way in Washington DC; if his Department has examined the initial position papers that the EU has made public on various aspects of the negotiations; if these positions are in the best interests of Ireland in each case; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36988/13]

Industrial Development

Andrew Doyle

493. Deputy Andrew Doyle asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation the number of visits carried out by the Industrial Development Agency to County Wicklow to date in 2013; if they were accompanied by potential investors on each visit; the outcome of such visits; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37038/13]

Legislative Process

Andrew Doyle

494. Deputy Andrew Doyle asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation the parties, in addition to the Office of Parliamentary Counsel in the Office of the Attorney General, involved in the drafting of the Companies Bill 2012; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37047/13]

Trade Missions

Andrew Doyle

495. Deputy Andrew Doyle asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation if he will provide an update on the outcomes of his five day trade and investment mission to China and Japan in July 2013; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37055/13]

Trade Data

Andrew Doyle

497. Deputy Andrew Doyle asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation if he will outline Ireland's economic and trade co-operation with Morocco; if he will provide a breakdown in the annual trading figures for the past two years between the two countries; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37156/13]