Parliamentary questions

Schools Building Projects Status

Brendan Smith

72. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Education and Skills the position on the proposed building project for a school (details supplied) in County Cavan; the current stage of this project; when the project is likely to proceed to the next stage; the likely timescale for construction; if this project will be progressed as quickly as possible in view of the high rental costs for temporary accommodation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28518/13]

Rural Recreation Promotion

Brendan Smith

48. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if Comhairle na Tuaithe has made any recommendation in relation to legislating for countryside access; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28058/13]

Dormant Accounts Fund Deposits

Brendan Smith

66. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the net inflow of funds from dormant accounts in the years 2011, 2012 and to date in 2013; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28055/13]

Diplomatic Representation Expenditure

Brendan Smith

114. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the costs of repair and maintenance by country, of property assets owned by the State as part of foreign diplomatic missions, including embassies, consulates, chanceries and other diplomatic representation as well as residential property used by the State for its diplomatic activity; and the costs of any improvement works carried out on those buildings in the years 2011, 2012 and 2013. [27072/13]

Rockall Island

Brendan Smith

131. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the position regarding negotiations over ownership of Rockall and the steps being taken by him to secure Ireland’s territorial claim; the developments, if any, in the four way talks between Ireland, Iceland, the UK and Denmark; if Iceland made a submission to the UN Commission on the Limits of the Continental Shelf; if he will confirm whether sovereignty of Rockall does not impact on Ireland’s mineral and fishing rights; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28034/13]

Departmental Expenditure

Brendan Smith

132. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the reason his Department has not spent €44 million allocated to it as shown in the end of May Exchequer returns; if he expects this underspend to be corrected by the end of the year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28035/13]

Property Taxation Administration

Brendan Smith

162. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Finance if he will clarify matters in relation to the property tax; the estimate for a full year of this tax and if estimates are available for each county; the estimate for the full county of Dublin, including the four local authorities; if the proceeds from property tax will go into general Exchequer; when the power for a local authority to increase the tax will commence; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26846/13]

Local Government Fund

Brendan Smith

548. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if the proceeds from property tax are directly linked to Government grants to local authorities under his Department; if there is any commitment regarding link between where the property tax is raised and where it will be spent; if there will be any restrictions at that stage on the way a local authority spends the additional tax or if it will be up to the local authority to decide; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26846/13]

Medicinal Products Availability

Brendan Smith

941. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Health if he will clarify the position regarding supply and or availability of medication (details supplied) under the various drug schemes; if such medication is available under any circumstances; the extra documentation necessary to support a case for inclusion of this medication under current schemes; if there is an appeal process; if there is an alternative approved medication; if guidance will be offered on the way this necessary medication to curtail this life threatening illness can be obtained; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26844/13]

Emigrant Support Services

Brendan Smith

56. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade his views on the recent actions of the Irish International Immigrant Centre in Boston in relation to a young J1 Irish visa holder; his views on the adequacy and suitability of advice provided by such centres; if he has received a comprehensive report on this particular incident; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26556/13]

Foreign Conflicts

Brendan Smith

57. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the outcome of discussions at the EU Foreign Affairs Council meeting of 27 May 2013 in relation to the ongoing conflict in Syria and the humanitarian crisis in that region; if any new initiatives were approved; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26560/13]

Foreign Conflicts

Brendan Smith

58. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade his views on the request of the Irish-Syrian Solidarity Campaign in relation to the call by the local co-ordinating committees of the opposition in Syria for a no-fly zone; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26561/13]

Middle East Peace Process

Brendan Smith

59. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if any new initiatives were discussed at the recent EU Foreign Affairs Council in relation to the urgent need to renew the Middle East peace process; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26562/13]

Undocumented Irish in the USA

Brendan Smith

61. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he will outline the up to date position in relation to the new E3 visa initiative; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26593/13]

Undocumented Irish in the USA

Brendan Smith

62. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he will outline the up to date position in relation to the Immigration Reform Bill; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26594/13]

Fodder Crisis

Brendan Smith

252. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will extend the imported fodder transport scheme for at least a further two weeks in view of the difficulties facing the farming community particularly in areas such as counties Cavan and Monaghan where very unfavourable weather conditions continue to prolong and intensify the fodder crisis and farm income problems; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26533/13]

Garda Station Closures

Brendan Smith

188. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the proposals for the future status of Redhills Garda Station, County Cavan; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26192/13]

Sports Capital Programme Expenditure

Brendan Smith

267. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport when it is proposed to launch another sports capital programme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26191/13]

Teacher Training Provision

Brendan Smith

82. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Education and Skills the way new teachers will manage to gain the hours necessary to complete their probation if he radically reduces the substitute teaching hours available as a result of proposals included in the Croke Park 2 agreement; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25497/13]

Fee Paying Schools

Brendan Smith

87. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Education and Skills the number of private schools his Department are in negotiations with regarding entry into the free fees scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25500/13]

Overseas Development Aid Oversight

Brendan Smith

130. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he will ensure that the proposals arising from the conference, Scaling up EU Impact on Community Resilience and Nutrition, organised by Alliance 2015 will be given detailed consideration at the forthcoming EU Foreign Affairs (Development) Council; the proposals, if any, he has to ensure that the conclusions of that conference are given further consideration following the Foreign Affairs Council meeting; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25609/13]

Foreign Conflicts

Brendan Smith

137. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the progress made to date in the United Nations adopting a resolution in relation to the Syrian conflict following the statement issued by Secretary of State, Senator Kerry and the Russian Foreign Minister; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25916/13]

Foreign Conflicts

Brendan Smith

138. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he has raised with the United Nations or in other international fora the urgent need for the international community to meet its commitments regarding humanitarian aid for Syria and that particular region; the level of humanitarian aid that has been provided to that region in relation to commitments made by the international community; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25917/13]

Schools Building Projects Status

Brendan Smith

301. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Education and Skills the up-to-date position regarding the proposed building project for a school (details supplied) in County Cavan; the stage of this project at present; when it is proposed to have the project proceed to the next stage; the likely timescale for the project to advance to construction stage; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25924/13]

Departmental Funding

Brendan Smith

396. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Social Protection if funding will be restored for a project (details supplied); if this request will be given urgent consideration in view of the fact that this project has assisted many homeless persons to gain work experience and the many benefits that follow from such work placements; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [25630/13]

Turf Cutting Compensation Scheme

Brendan Smith

112. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the proposals, if any, he has to deal with the difficulties encountered by turf cutters on the Moneybeg and Clareisland Bogs in counties Meath and Westmeath who wish to avail of the relocation option but cannot due to the non-availability of a suitable bog within a reasonable distance; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24962/13]

National Raised Bog Management Plan Discussions

Brendan Smith

113. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the progress made to date, following the Private Members' motion in Dáil Éireann in 2012, in relation to the cessation of turf cutting on raised bog special areas of conservation; the progress that has been made with the European Commission in relation to those bogs described by him as problematic and his commitment to press the Commission for flexibility; if the proposal for a phased transition plan that was progressed by officials in discussions with the Turf Cutters and Contractors' Association has been discussed with the European Commission; if it is still being considered as the basis for a resolution of outstanding difficulties; if he will outline the status of this plan; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24963/13]

International Workplace Safety Standards

Brendan Smith

15. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation the discussions he has had with his EU counterparts regarding the safety standards upheld in production facilities operated by companies exporting to the EU, in view of the Dhaka factory disaster; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23177/13]

Inland Waterways Development

Brendan Smith

168. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the position regarding the feasibility study that has been underway for some time in relation to the proposed extension of the Erne Navigation from Belturbet to Killykeen and Killeshandra; when this study will be completed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24538/13]

Tax Avoidance Issues

Brendan Smith

71. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Finance the actions that he will take to assist in combatting international tax evasion; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23938/13]

Courts Service

Brendan Smith

549. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if he will confirm that there will be no change to the status of Clones District Court, County Monaghan; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24363/13]

Courts Service

Brendan Smith

550. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if he will confirm that there will be no change to the status of Ballyconnell District Court, County Cavan; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24374/13]

Foreign Conflicts

Brendan Smith

1. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the progress he has made in conjunction with his EU colleagues in relation to building a UN consensus for a negotiated peace settlement in Syria; the steps he has taken to ensure that all States meet their committed financial obligations for humanitarian assistance to the region; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23488/13]

Northern Ireland Marching Season

Brendan Smith

4. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the discussions he has held with the Northern Secretary of State, the Northern Executive, Parades Commission and the PSNI in relation to the upcoming marching season in view of the flag protests over the past number of months; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23489/13]

Undocumented Irish in the USA

Brendan Smith

17. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the discussions he has had with advocacy groups on behalf of the undocumented Irish in the United States in regard to proposed immigration reform; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23180/13]

Illegal Israeli Imports

Brendan Smith

72. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he will outline the preparatory work carried out to date in relation to the introduction of labelling requirements and boycotting of products from illegal Israeli settlements; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23499/13]

Illegal Israeli Imports

Brendan Smith

73. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he will outline the most recent discussions at European Union Foreign Affairs Council in relation to the labelling and boycotting of products from illegal Israeli settlements; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23500/13]

Cycling Policy

Brendan Smith

19. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the way he will support initiatives that aim to improve the urban cycling experience for commuters in large urban areas; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22975/13]

Pupil-Teacher Ratio

Brendan Smith

148. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Education and Skills if his attention has been drawn to the concerns of boards of management and parents' associations of smaller fee-charging schools in relation to the increase in the pupil-teacher ratio; if his attention has been drawn to the serious impact such increases will have on such schools, particularly schools under the patronage of Protestant Churches; his views on whether such schools provide a very important educational resource for many children in rural areas; the proposals, if any, he has to assist such schools remain viable; his views on whether those schools play an important role in the plurality and diversity in educational provision; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23325/13]

Fodder Crisis

Brendan Smith

242. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will consider the issues raised in correspondence (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23368/13]

Suicide Prevention

Brendan Smith

98. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Health his policy for reducing suicide rates; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22615/13]

Broadband Services Provision

Brendan Smith

414. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the level of broadband telecommunications infrastructure available in Bailieboro, County Cavan and the area serviced by the telephone exchange in that town; the proposals, if any, there are to upgrade this broadband connectivity; when such upgrading will be undertaken; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23033/13]

Local Government Reform

Brendan Smith

430. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government his views on the AMAI Policy Document on Municipal District Councils; if he will give further consideration to the request of this Association to retain town councils; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22251/13]

Sports Capital Programme Eligibility

Brendan Smith

742. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will clarify the conditions on which national lottery and or sports grants are issued; if there is any clawback conditions involved in relation to a sports club and or community facility which subsequently becomes a private commercial organisation; if claw-back exists, the number of years for which it exists; if the claw-back is graduated, if details of same can be outlined; the period in years after which the grant allocation is beyond claw-back; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22730/13]

Sports Capital Programme Eligibility

Brendan Smith

743. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the various sports grants paid to sports and or community club as per (details supplied); how far back his Department records go; and if a statement can be made on the matter as part of the club has now become a commercial business with no formal connection to the club; if the grants should be repaid; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22731/13]

Child Development

Brendan Smith

11. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs if there are plans to introduce a parent strategy. [21845/13]

State Banking Sector Regulation

Brendan Smith

56. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Finance the position in relation to interest rate increases other than those linked to ECB movements of financial institutions substantially owned by the State; his policy on same; if the financial institutions involved must notify or seek approval from his Department before implementing such increases; the number of cases that have been granted or refused approval in the last two years; if he will list the State owned institutions; in the last two years, if he will indicate the number of increases that each has made above the ECB tracker movements; the sum percentage total of these increases for each of these institutions; if he will outline the gap in the spread between tracker and actual rate currently in use or announced for each institution; the way he will explain to a person with an AIB loan the reason they will not issue instructions to AIB, being State owned, not to proceed with such rate increases; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21950/13]

Agriculture Schemes Payments

Brendan Smith

175. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine his plans to introduce an appropriate compensation scheme for farmers whose herds are affected with BVD; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21917/13]

Disadvantaged Areas Scheme Application Numbers

Brendan Smith

25. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the number of farmers who applied under the disadvantaged areas payment scheme for 2012; the number who have received their payments; the number who have had their payments rejected; the number still under consideration broken down by county; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21481/13]

Foreign Conflicts

Brendan Smith

58. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if any new initiatives are being considered at the European Union Foreign Affairs Council in relation to the ongoing conflict in Syria and the catastrophic humanitarian situation in that region; if the European Union has had negotiations recently with the United Nations in relation to the urgent need for the Security Council to achieve an agreed resolution which is long awaited; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21861/13]

Ministerial Meetings

Brendan Smith

59. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he will report on his recent meetings with the Northern Ireland Secretary of State and members of the Northern Ireland Executive; the issues discussed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21871/13]

Air Services Provision

Brendan Smith

60. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the discussions, if any, he has had in relation to the need to develop direct flight connections between Ireland and west coast USA in view of the potential to develop further trade opportunities; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21881/13]

EU Presidency Agenda

Brendan Smith

89. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Defence if he will provide a progress report on Ireland's EU Presidency in so far as it relates to defence; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21306/13]

Overseas Development Aid Provision

Brendan Smith

119. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the position regarding our Third World aid and our spend for each of the past four years in actual terms, as a per cent of GDP; his current policy regarding reaching 0.7% by 2015; if same is still the target; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21548/13]

Pensions Levy Issues

Brendan Smith

157. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Finance the position regarding the levy imposed on private pension funds; the date on which this commenced; the length of time it will be in place; the levies that have been collected to date; if the legislation was tested by the courts; if there is a firm committment to end this levy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21546/13]

VAT Rebates

Brendan Smith

158. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Finance if he will clarify the matter in relation to VAT refunds on disabled persons extensions and walk-in showers for elderly with mobility problems; if he will outline the projects which do not allow the applicant to apply to the Revenue Commissioners for VAT refund; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21549/13]

Services for People with Disabilities

Brendan Smith

414. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Health the funding provided generally for disability services in each of the past four years to disability agencies generally; to St. Michael's House and, in relation to St. Michael's House, the services that have been curtailed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21547/13]

Road Network

Brendan Smith

434. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the up to date position regarding the proposed development of the N2 Clontibret to the Border road scheme and the A5 road project; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21400/13]

Local Authority Expenditure

Brendan Smith

37. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the total estimated cost of additional councillors in Dublin under Putting People First. [20445/13]

Security of the Elderly

Brendan Smith

41. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the amount of money made available for the seniors scheme this year; the amount sanctioned to date; the amount paid out; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20472/13]

Energy Prices

Brendan Smith

109. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the way he can help reduce electricity costs for business; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20238/13]

Schools Refurbishment

Brendan Smith

267. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform when a design team will be appointed in respect of a project (details supplied); the likely timescale for the necessary remedial works to be undertaken; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20401/13]

European Council Meetings

Brendan Smith

51. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he will outline the issues discussed at the most recent European Union Foreign Affairs Council meeting; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19663/13]

European Council Meetings

Brendan Smith

52. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if any new initiatives were discussed at the most recent European Union Foreign Affairs Council meeting in relation to Syria, particularly in relation to humanitarian issues in that region; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19664/13]

Northern Ireland Issues

Brendan Smith

53. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he will outline the most recent discussions he has had with the Northern Ireland Secretary of State and members of the Northern Ireland Executive in relation to parades during 2013, particularly in view of the difficulties in December and January with non-notified parades; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19662/13]

Schools Building Projects Status

Brendan Smith

79. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Education and Skills the position regarding the proposed building project at a school (details supplied) in County Cavan; when this project will proceed to the next stage; the likely timescale for construction work to commence; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19682/13]

Trade Agreements

Brendan Smith

90. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation the position regarding the proposed European Union-United States trade agreement; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19677/13]

Beef Sector

Brendan Smith

91. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation if he will outline the proposals he has tabled to protect the beef sector within the European Union in the event of a EU-US trade agreement being formalised; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19678/13]

Water and Sewerage Schemes Funding

Brendan Smith

149. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the funding that will be provided by his Department under the rural water programme to Cavan County Council for 2013; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19679/13]

Water and Sewerage Schemes Funding

Brendan Smith

150. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the funding that will be provided by his Department under the rural water programme to Monaghan County Council for 2013; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19680/13]

Household Charge Exemptions

Brendan Smith

152. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if he will list the estates in County Cavan that were exempt from payment of the household charge; if any of these estates are now liable for payment of the property tax; the reason for such exemptions being removed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19688/13]

Retail Sector

Brendan Smith

121. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation the terms of reference for the proposed Interdepartmental Group to consider further possible measures to assist the retail sector, as per action 309 in Jobs Action Plan for Jobs 2013, the proposed membership of same group; if there will be retailers on the group; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18659/13]

Public Sector Staff Recruitment

Brendan Smith

22. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform his views on whether excess costs have been incurred in payments to former civil servants interviewing candidates for public service jobs; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17871/13]

Emigrant Support Services

Brendan Smith

47. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the total funding provided in 2013 for emigrant support programmes; the organisations and the programmes to be funded this year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18120/13]

Good Friday Agreement

Brendan Smith

48. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he will outline the further discussions he proposes to hold with the Northern Ireland Secretary of State in relation to the proposed Bill of Rights in Northern Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18121/13]

Humanitarian Aid

Brendan Smith

49. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if there is adequate monitoring being undertaken to ensure that humanitarian aid is reaching those most in need in Syria and in neighbouring areas; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18124/13]

Foreign Conflicts

Brendan Smith

50. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he will outline the most recent discussions he has held at bilateral level with other member states of the European Union or at the European Union Foreign Affairs Council in regard to the ongoing conflict in Syria; if the European Union proposes any new initiatives for this region; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18126/13]

International Relations

Brendan Smith

54. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he will outline the most recent discussions that have been held at European Union level in relation to North Korea; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18162/13]

Asbestos Remediation Programme

Brendan Smith

100. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Education and Skills if grant aid will be approved in respect of a project that needs to be undertaken urgently as outlined in written representations (details supplied) in County Cavan; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18119/13]

Peace and Reconciliation Programme

Brendan Smith

110. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if he will outline the position regarding the proposed Peace IV Programme; the likely timescale for the introduction of this programme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18117/13]

Agriculture Schemes Payments

Brendan Smith

224. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Agriculture; Food and the Marine the proposals, if any, he has to assist farmers who are experiencing ongoing difficulties due to the poor weather conditions and severe fodder shortage; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18122/13]

Medical Card Eligibility

Brendan Smith

234. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Health the payments currently paid to general practitioners in respect of medical card patients; the details of the individual charges for each category of card holder, that is, child, adult, family, over 70 years, GP visit only card or whatever way the charges are structured; the additional payments made; the make-up of same, be that pensions, surgery, maintenance or upgrading, staff and so on; if he will list the normal GP services which are not covered by medical card, that is, driving test forms, blood tests and so on; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17773/13]

Preschool Services

Brendan Smith

145. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs her plans to introduce a second free preschool year; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17299/13]

Property Taxation Exemptions

Brendan Smith

206. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Finance if a waiver or reduction in the amount of the household tax will be made available to senior citizens, particularly those with a disability as many senior citizens in this category do not have the resources to meet additional household payments; his plans to introduce or consider introducing a waiver or reduction for senior citizens and or senior citizens with a disability; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16884/13]

Special Educational Needs Staffing

Brendan Smith

447. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Education and Skills the position regarding a school (details supplied) in Dublin 9; if he intends to increase the number of special needs assistants to the school and bring the complement back to that which existed in 2012; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16888/13]

Waste Management

Brendan Smith

807. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if he is considering introducing a national waste management bin collection waiver for senior citizens and low income families, as many senior citizens and low income families do not have the sufficient financial resources to meet additional household payments; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16885/13]

Vehicle Clamping

Brendan Smith

1352. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will clarify the rules, protocols or regulations that private clamping firms operate under; if there is a national body through which his Department talks with clamping firms; the agreements, formal or informal under which they operate; if there is a level of discussion or understanding ongoing; the way complaints to his Department in relation to perceived abuse of power are dealt with; the forum that is used for exchanging views; his plans to formalise matters; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16887/13]

Undocumented Irish in the USA

Brendan Smith

1. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the progress he has made in discussions with the US officials and President Obama regarding the E-3 visa programme for Irish citizens and the status of the undocumented Irish in upcoming immigration reform legislation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15822/13]

Foreign Conflicts

Brendan Smith

4. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the progress made at the 22 and 23 March EU discussions on Syria; the future steps that will be taken by the European Union to address the problems; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15823/13]

North-South Ministerial Council

Brendan Smith

51. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he will outline the proposals, if any, there are to discuss the Narrow Water bridge proposal at North-South Ministerial Council level; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15575/13]

Foreign Conflicts

Brendan Smith

68. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the outcome of discussions in relation to Syria at the recent EU Foreign Affairs Council meeting; the decisions taken and follow up action by the EU; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15885/13]

Graduate Support Schemes

Brendan Smith

69. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the initiatives he proposes to take to encourage more Irish graduates to apply for jobs in European Union Institutions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15886/13]

Northern Ireland Issues

Brendan Smith

70. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the discussions, if any, he has had with the Northern Ireland Secretary of State or with members of the Northern Ireland Executive in relation to parades and their oversight over the coming months; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15887/13]

EU Enlargement

Brendan Smith

71. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the status of applications of countries that have applied for membership of the European Union; the likely timescale for the progression of such applications; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15890/13]

European Council Meetings

Brendan Smith

72. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he will report on the issues discussed at the recent Foreign Affairs Council meeting; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15891/13]

Fuel Laundering

Brendan Smith

95. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Finance if he is satisfied that the powers assigned to the Revenue Commissioners and other statutory agencies are adequate to deal with illegal trading in diesel and other fuel products which results in a major financial loss to the Exchequer and distorts trade on a local basis; the proposals, if any, he intends to introduce to deal with these issues; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15889/13]

Schools Building Projects Status

Brendan Smith

112. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Education and Skills the position regarding a proposed building project for a school (details supplied) in County Cavan; when this project is expected to move to the next stage; the likely timescale for the project to reach construction stage; if his attention has been drawn to the fact there is an urgent need to provide appropriate permanent accommodation in view of the sizeable increase in enrolment in this school over the past number of years; the substantial costs involved in renting accommodation on a different site and the extra demands on personnel with a second school site apart from the main school; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15882/13]

Water and Sewerage Schemes Funding

Brendan Smith

169. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the funding provided by his Department on a yearly basis under the rural water programme to Cavan County Council from 2007 to 2013, inclusive; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15883/13]

Water and Sewerage Schemes Funding

Brendan Smith

170. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the funding provided by his Department on a yearly basis under the rural water programme to Monaghan County Council from 2007 to 2013, inclusive; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15884/13]

Local Authority Expenditure

Brendan Smith

171. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the total cost to local authorities from 2008 to 2012 on a yearly basis arising from clean up operations due to illegal smuggling and illegal trading in diesel; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15888/13]