Ceisteanna Parlaiminte

Undocumented Irish in the USA

Brendan Smith

26. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the recent discussions he had in the United States on the Immigration Reform Bill; if he had meetings with groups representing the undocumented Irish; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35956/13]

North-South Implementation Bodies

Brendan Smith

27. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade his views that there is potential for formalised arrangements, within the North-South Ministerial Council, for closer collaboration in the area of further and higher education; if this area is being considered for closer North-South co-operation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35961/13]

North-South Implementation Bodies

Brendan Smith

28. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the up to date position on the review of the existing North-South Implementation Bodies, as provided for in the St. Andrews Agreement; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35973/13]

North-South Implementation Bodies

Brendan Smith

29. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the up to date progress on the establishment of additional North-South Implementation Bodies within the North-South Ministerial Council; if these issues have been discussed recently with the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland and members of the Northern Ireland Executive; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35974/13]

Good Friday Agreement

Brendan Smith

30. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the discussions he has had with the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, and with members of the Northern Ireland Executive on the need to establish the civic forum as provided for in section 56 of the Good Friday Agreement; the likely timescale for the establishment of this forum; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35975/13]

European Council Meetings

Brendan Smith

32. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the recent discussions that have been held at the Foreign Affairs Council on the Israeli-Palestine conflict; if this conflict will be the subject of discussion at the forthcoming meeting of the council; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36071/13]

Conflict Resolution

Brendan Smith

33. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the progress made since the joint announcement on 7 May, by Russia and the United States, of their agreement to organise an international conference on Syria as a follow-up to the Geneva conference of June 2012; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36072/13]

Humanitarian Aid

Brendan Smith

34. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the up to date position on the honouring of pledges made in Kuwait to provide adequate humanitarian assistance to Syria and the surrounding region; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36073/13]

Conflict Resolution

Brendan Smith

35. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if the ongoing conflict in Syria will be discussed at the next meeting of the EU Foreign Affairs Council; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36078/13]

Departmental Expenditure

Brendan Smith

36. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he will outline the expenditure profile for his Department up to the end of June 2013. [36079/13]

Northern Ireland Marching Season

Brendan Smith

44. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the recent discussions he has had with the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland and with members of the Northern Ireland Executive on the work of the Parades Commission; if his attention has been drawn to the concerns in some communities about proposed parades and the potential for violence; if he is satisfied that all efforts are being made, with all relevant parties, to ensure a peaceful season; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36199/13]

Northern Ireland Issues

Brendan Smith

45. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he will outline the most recent discussions he has had on the need to introduce an Irish language Act in Northern Ireland, as provided for in the St. Andrews Agreement; if he has had recent discussions with the Northern Ireland Secretary of State and with members of the Northern Executive; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36202/13]

Human Rights Issues

Brendan Smith

46. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the proposals he plans to raise with his counterparts at the EU Foreign Affairs Council regarding forced organ harvesting in China; if efforts have been made to adopt a common EU approach towards these unacceptable practices and abuses of human rights; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36203/13]

Human Rights Issues

Brendan Smith

47. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the discussions that have been held recently at political and official level with Chinese authorities in relation to forced organ harvesting; if his attention has been drawn to the widespread concerns expressed by many groups including the Irish Falun Dafa Association; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36204/13]

Overseas Development Aid Provision

Brendan Smith

51. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he will give detailed consideration to a matter relating to overseas development assistance (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36341/13]

Northern Ireland Marching Season

Brendan Smith

57. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the discussions he has had with the Northern Ireland Secretary of State, with members of the Northern Ireland Executive or with political party leaders on the thuggery and violence over the weekend of 12, 13 and 14 July; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36567/13]

Northern Ireland Marching Season

Brendan Smith

58. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if the work and remit of the Parades Commission is the subject of discussions at the North-South Ministerial Council; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36568/13]

Biofuel Production

Brendan Smith

59. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he supports the European Commission's proposal of a 5% limit on counting food crop-based biofuels towards the target for 10% of transport fuels to be generated using renewable energy by 2020; if he is concerned at the possible effects on food supply as a result of current EU policy particularly in developing countries; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36581/13]

Unmanned Aerial Vehicles

Brendan Smith

60. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the position regarding the use of drones in surveillance and in combat; the EU position on the use of drones; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36582/13]

Undocumented Irish in the USA

Brendan Smith

61. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he will report on his recent visit to Washington DC; if he will outline the current obstacles to comprehensive immigration reform being passed by the US Congress; the actions he will take to ensure these obstacles are overcome; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36583/13]

Human Rights Issues

Brendan Smith

62. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he will raise the ongoing violations of human rights within the Democratic Republic of Congo, DRC, at the UN Human Rights Council; if the resolution of the current conflict in the DRC remains a key objective of his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36584/13]

Schools Building Projects Expenditure

Brendan Smith

210. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Education and Skills when funding will be allocated for a project (details supplied) in County Cavan; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35970/13]

Schools Building Projects Status

Brendan Smith

211. 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 present stage of this project; when it is proposed that the project will move to the next stage; the likely timescale for construction to commence; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35976/13]

Schools Building Projects Status

Brendan Smith

212. 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. [35977/13]

Schools Building Projects Status

Brendan Smith

213. 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 present stage of this project; when the project is likely to proceed to the next stage; the likely timescale for construction; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35978/13]

Private Schools

Brendan Smith

249. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Education and Skills further to Parliamentary Question No. 148 of 15 May 2013, if he will provide further consideration to the widespread concerns of Boards of Management and Parents' Associations of smaller fee-charging schools in relation to the difficulties facing them; if specific additional assistance will be allocated to such schools; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36763/13]

Departmental Programmes

Brendan Smith

279. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the position regarding the PEACE IV Programme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36562/13]

Job Creation Issues

Brendan Smith

283. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation if any special initiatives will be undertaken by his Department or the State's industrial promotion agencies to assist in the provision of much needed employment in County Monaghan taking into account the loss of jobs at a number of enterprises in County Monaghan; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36070/13]

Job Initiatives

Brendan Smith

343. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Social Protection if she will provide additional placements for Tús for counties Cavan and Monaghan; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [36585/13]

Job Initiatives

Brendan Smith

355. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Social Protection if she will provide additional placements for the rural social scheme for Counties Cavan and Monaghan; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [36669/13]

Leader Programmes Funding

Brendan Smith

485. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if he will ensure that the level of funding for the Cavan/Monaghan LEADER Programme will be at least equal to the 2009 initial allocation in view of the many worthy and suitable projects that are eligible for grant assistance under this programme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36757/13]

Leader Programmes Funding

Brendan Smith

486. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if his attention has been drawn to the widespread concerns in relation to the reduction of funding for the Cavan/Monaghan LEADER Programme; if he will ensure that the level of funding will be restored to the original allocation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36769/13]

HSE Staffing

Brendan Smith

667. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Health if an early retirement scheme is available for employees of the Health Service Executive during 2013; if so, if he will outline the details of the scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36067/13]

Nursing Home Accommodation

Brendan Smith

726. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Health to set out his proposals to establish a forum on long-term residential care; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36569/13]

Primary Care Centres Provision

Brendan Smith

727. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Health the up-to-date position regarding the proposed primary care centre for Monaghan town; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36570/13]

Human Rights Issues

Brendan Smith

49. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he is satisfied that academic and medical freedom exists in Bahrain; the communications he has had with his counterpart in the Government of the Kingdom of Bahrain; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35650/13]

US Surveillance in EU Institutions

Brendan Smith

50. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if the EU's External Action Service has reported to the EU Foreign Affairs Council on the clarification sought from the United States concerning their use of surveillance in European Union institutions and member states; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35664/13]

Northern Ireland Issues

Brendan Smith

51. 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 Secretary of State for Northern Ireland and with members of the Northern Ireland Executive on the implementation of outstanding provisions in the Good Friday Agreement; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35665/13]

Northern Ireland Issues

Brendan Smith

52. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the discussions he has had with members of the Northern Ireland Executive on the initiative launched in mid-May entitled Together Building a United Community; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35666/13]

Illegal Israeli Imports

Brendan Smith

53. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the progress at EU level in developing guidelines on place of origin labelling for products from illegal Israeli settlements; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35667/13]

Water Charges Administration

Brendan Smith

81. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the specific measures that have been taken to ensure at least 20% of those employed in the roll-out of water meter installation are drawn from the unemployment register; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33760/13]

Undocumented Irish in the USA

Brendan Smith

139. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the actions he has taken to ensure that the Border Security, Economic Opportunity, and Immigration Modernization Act of 2013 is supported in the US Congress and in particular in the US House of Representatives; his views on the legislation's progress thus far; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34185/13]

North-South Ministerial Council

Brendan Smith

160. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he will outline the issues discussed at the recent North-South Ministerial Council; the proposals for follow-up action; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34911/13]

Road Projects Issues

Brendan Smith

163. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade his plans to meet the Northern Ireland Secretary of State and members of the Northern Ireland Executive on the need to put in place adequate funding to enable the Narrow Water bridge project proceed to construction; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35100/13]

Human Rights Issues

Brendan Smith

170. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade his views on the increasing use of self-immolation by protestors in Tibet; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35449/13]

Cross-Border Projects

Brendan Smith

1160. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his plans to advance to construction stage the Narrow Water Bridge project; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34913/13]

EU Presidency Expenditure

Brendan Smith

67. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the cost associated with publication of the special report on the Irish Presidency of the Council of the European Union in the Irish Independent on 5 July 2013, the Metro Herald on 2 July 2013 and any other similar publications, either online or printed, within the past month or planned; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33988/13]

Foreign Conflicts

Brendan Smith

70. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the discussions he has had with his European counterparts regarding the current political crisis in Egypt; if the EU is proposing to adopt a common approach on this crisis; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34128/13]

Broadband Services Provision

Brendan Smith

145. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the proposals, if any, there are to upgrade broadband connectivity in an area (details supplied) where a number of small businesses need better telecommunications; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34078/13]

Illegal Immigrants

Brendan Smith

7. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation his plans to amend the Employment Permits Act 2003 to provide recourse for undocumented foreign workers who have little recourse in cases of exploitation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33564/13]