Ceisteanna Parlaiminte

Hospital Services

Brendan Smith

655. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Health the number of medical-surgical procedures cancelled at Sligo General Hospital during the period from 1 October 2013 to 30 April 2014; if there has been a higher than normal rate of cancellation of procedures during that particular period; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21543/14]

Broadband Service Provision

Brendan Smith

131. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if his attention has been drawn to the widespread concerns of local residents and business operators in an area (details supplied) in County Monaghan regarding the inadequate level of broadband connectivity; his proposals to upgrade this service; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20727/14]

Northern Ireland Issues

Brendan Smith

30. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he has been in contact with the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland following her decision to reject the request of the families of 11 persons who were murdered in the Ballymurphy massacre for the establishment of a review panel to assess the evidence relating to the massacre. [20571/14]

Garda Deployment

Brendan Smith

158. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the number of gardaí in each Garda division in Cavan-Monaghan in 2009 to 2013, inclusive, and 2014; his proposals to increase the number of gardaí stationed in Cavan-Monaghan; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20569/14]

Firearms Licences

Brendan Smith

159. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if his attention has been drawn to the issues raised by the National Association of Regional Game Councils in relation to the licensing of firearms; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20590/14]

Defence Forces Personnel

Brendan Smith

162. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Defence the position regarding the request by PDFORRA for a further review of the 21 year limit on contracts for members of the Permanent Defence Force; if his attention has been drawn to the fact that this particular requirement will cause serious difficulties for many serving members who have mortgage and family commitments and who have the necessary skills and fitness levels to continue to serve beyond the 21 year limit; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20570/14]

Medical Aids and Appliances Applications

Brendan Smith

208. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Health if he will ensure that funding will be provided in respect of an application (details supplied) in County Cavan which has been approved for some time; if this request will be given urgent consideration as the person needs this particular medical appliance; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20593/14]

EU Issues

Brendan Smith

33. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the position regarding the European Union membership applications submitted by Serbia, Macedonia, Montenegro, Turkey and Iceland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19859/14]

European Council Meetings

Brendan Smith

34. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the proposals he put forward at the recent EU Foreign Affairs Council meeting in relation to sanctions to be imposed at EU level on Russia; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19901/14]

Northern Ireland Issues

Brendan Smith

35. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the recent initiatives he has taken or proposes to take in relation to the urgent need to reach agreement on the proposals outlined by Ambassador Haass; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19908/14]

Broadband Service Provision

Brendan Smith

110. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if his attention has been drawn to the totally inadequate broadband connectivity service available in areas (details supplied) in County Cavan; when the telecommunications infrastructure in this area will be upgraded to provide adequate service for both households and business; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19858/14]

Water and Sewerage Schemes Funding

Brendan Smith

126. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the arrangements that have been made, following the establishment of Irish Water, to continue the subvention to local authorities in respect of the ongoing costs of running group water schemes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19878/14]

Beef Exports

Brendan Smith

161. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the date on which China imposed a ban on beef imports from the European Union; if this ban is still applicable to all member states of the European Union; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19872/14]

Beef Exports

Brendan Smith

162. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the position regarding the ongoing efforts to have the ban on imports of Irish beef to China lifted; the recent discussions that have been held at political or official level; the likely timescale for the lifting of this ban; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19873/14]

Broadband Service Provision

Brendan Smith

437. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if his attention has been drawn to the widespread concerns of local residents and business operators in areas (details supplied) of County Monaghan regarding the totally inadequate level of broadband connectivity; his proposals to upgrade this much-needed service; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19654/14]

Human Rights Issues

Brendan Smith

38. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he will provide an update on the resolution entitled civil society space: creating and maintaining, in law and in practice a safe and enabling environment, at the Human Rights Council of the UN; if this issue was discussed at the Human Rights Council session in March 2014; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18442/14]

Northern Ireland Issues

Brendan Smith

39. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he has had any recent discussions with the Northern Ireland Secretary of State in relation to the proposed bill of rights for Northern Ireland, as provided for in the Good Friday Agreement; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18444/14]

Humanitarian Aid

Brendan Smith

40. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if the urgent need to provide much needed additional humanitarian aid for South Sudan was discussed at the recent EU Foreign Affairs Council meeting; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18445/14]

European Council Meetings

Brendan Smith

41. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he will outline the issues discussed at this week's Foreign Affairs Council meeting; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18446/14]

Dublin-Monaghan Bombings

Brendan Smith

42. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he raised last week in his discussions with the British Foreign Secretary the need for the British Government to respond positively and without further delay to the motions passed unanimously by Dáil Éireann requesting the British Government to release the papers and-or files pertaining to the Dublin-Monaghan bombings in 1974; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18447/14]

Dublin-Monaghan Bombings

Brendan Smith

43. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he raised last week in his discussions with the Northern Ireland Secretary of State the need for the British Government to respond positively and without further delay to the motions passed unanimously by Dáil Éireann requesting the British Government to release the papers and-or files pertaining to the Dublin-Monaghan bombings in 1974; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18448/14]

Northern Ireland Issues

Brendan Smith

44. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade his proposals to discuss further with the First Minister and Deputy First Minister in the Northern Ireland Executive the need to establish a civic forum; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18451/14]

Northern Ireland Issues

Brendan Smith

45. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he will provide an update regarding the actions he has taken to assist in progressing to a successful conclusion the Haass talks; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18453/14]

Northern Ireland Issues

Brendan Smith

46. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the most recent discussions he has had with the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland and Members of the Northern Ireland Executive on the urgent need to progress to a successful conclusion the proposals outlined by Ambassador Haass; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18454/14]

Humanitarian Aid

Brendan Smith

47. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if the failure of the international community to provide adequate humanitarian aid to Syria and that region was discussed at the recent EU Foreign Affairs Council, if he will outline the commitments made by the international community following the humanitarian aid pledging conference; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18455/14]

Undocumented Irish in the USA

Brendan Smith

48. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the progress made on the possibility of immigration reform legislation being passed by the United States Congress in 2014; the proposals, if any, he has to have further discussions with members of Congress and members of the US Administration; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18456/14]

Foreign Conflicts

Brendan Smith

49. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he has held discussions recently with the Ukrainian ambassador regarding the escalating crisis in Ukraine; if he is satisfied with the actions being taken at an EU level; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18510/14]

Foreign Conflicts

Brendan Smith

50. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he has held discussions recently with the Russian ambassador regarding the escalating crisis in Ukraine; if he is satisfied with the actions being taken at an EU level; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18511/14]

Humanitarian Aid

Brendan Smith

51. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if the urgent need to provide much needed additional humanitarian aid for South Sudan was discussed at the recent EU Foreign Affairs Council meeting; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18512/14]

Northern Ireland Issues

Brendan Smith

52. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the recent discussions he has had with the Northern Ireland Secretary of State or Members of the Northern Ireland Executive in relation to the Irish Language Act; the progress made in relation to this legislation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18521/14]

Schools Building Projects Status

Brendan Smith

99. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Education and Skills the position regarding 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 timescale for construction; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18449/14]

End of Life Vehicles Disposal

Brendan Smith

167. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the proposals under consideration to change the regulations in relation to end of life vehicles; the stakeholders that have been consulted on the proposed changes; if representatives of the metal processing business have been consulted; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18522/14]

Agri-Environment Options Scheme Payments

Brendan Smith

218. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the total payments made to farmers in County Monaghan in 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013 and to date in 2014 under REPS and AEOS; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18437/14]

Agri-Environment Options Scheme Payments

Brendan Smith

219. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the total payments made to farmers in County Cavan in 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013 and to date in 2014 under REPS and AEOS; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18438/14]

Animal Slaughtering Standards

Brendan Smith

223. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine his proposals to assist farmers who wish to dispose of horses in view of the poor market returns for such animals at present; if he proposes to introduce a scheme for the depopulation of horses; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18509/14]

Humanitarian Aid

Brendan Smith

149. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he raised at the most recent meeting of the European Union Foreign Affairs Council the ongoing serious conflict and loss of life in Syria and the need to provide additional humanitarian aid for Syria and adjoining countries; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18065/14]

Foreign Conflicts

Brendan Smith

150. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he raised at the most recent meeting of the EU Foreign Affairs Council the concerns and warnings of the UN's Chief Special Adviser on genocide prevention in relation to the high risk of genocide in the Central African Republic; if these issues have been raised by the European Union with the United Nations or other international organisations; the proposals, if any, there are to provide additional humanitarian aid to the Central African Republic; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18066/14]

Carbon Tax Implementation

Brendan Smith

210. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Finance if he will give urgent consideration to the issues raised in correspondence in relation to carbon tax on solid fuel products (details supplied); if his attention has been drawn to the serious concerns in this sector, particularly in the Border area as trade has been severely affected over the past year, taking in to account that there is no carbon tax on solid fuel in Northern Ireland and also a lower rate of VAT and that this is creating a very difficult trading environment for the solid fuel sector; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18062/14]

Pupil-Teacher Ratio

Brendan Smith

274. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Education and Skills if he will list the primary schools in counties Cavan and Monaghan that will be affected by changes in the pupil-teacher ratio with effect from September 2014; the impact on the staffing complement such changes will have on each of the schools concerned; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18057/14]

Broadband Service Provision

Brendan Smith

389. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the proposals to improve broadband telecommunications coverage in an area (details supplied) in County Cavan in view of the ongoing concerns of local residents and businesses in regard to the poor availability of broadband; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17623/14]

Local Authority Housing

Brendan Smith

424. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the position regarding an application submitted by Monaghan County Council in respect of a housing project (details supplied) in County Monaghan; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17709/14]

Pigmeat Sector

Brendan Smith

526. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if there have been any further developments regarding the ban by Russia on all imports of pigmeat from the EU; if he raised this issue at the most recent meeting of the European Union Council of Agriculture Ministers; if he has had any direct contact with the Russian authorities regarding the need to lift this ban; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17829/14]

Child Care Services Funding

Brendan Smith

558. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs her plans to provide capital funding for community and not-for-profit child care services which have not availed of grant assistance to date; the timescale for the introduction of such a scheme; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [18068/14]

Driver Licences

Brendan Smith

220. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his proposals to reduce the costs for persons who have to upgrade their driving licence and renew same more frequently due to recent changes in regulations, who in many instances are one-person business operations with small delivery trucks and so on, and who need to undertake a theory test and 12 driving lessons and achieve a certificate of competence; if his attention has been drawn to the widespread concern about these additional costs for small businesses and persons; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17260/14]

Garda Retirements

Brendan Smith

126. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if a Garda, who has reached the age of 50 years, is eligible to retire on a full pension even though they do not have full 30 years service, some nine months short of 30 years, by purchasing out the outstanding service or if there is any other option available; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16833/14]

Missing Persons

Brendan Smith

70. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if further contact will be made with the French authorities in relation to a missing Irish person in France (details supplied); if this request will be given urgent consideration in view of the concerns of the family; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16610/14]

Departmental Funding

Brendan Smith

733. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if specific funding has been allocated to Cavan County Council in respect of a project (details supplied); the level of funding provided for 2014; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16648/14]

Northern Ireland Issues

Brendan Smith

1. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he will provide an update regarding the actions he has taken to progress the completion of the Haass talks; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15505/14]

Foreign Conflicts

Brendan Smith

4. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he will provide an update on Ireland’s position regarding the escalating crisis in Ukraine; if he has held discussions with the Ukrainian or Russian ambassador on this topic; if he is satisfied with the actions being taken at a European Union level; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15506/14]

Human Rights Issues

Brendan Smith

13. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the actions he has taken alongside his EU counterparts regarding the deteriorating situation in Egypt; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15383/14]

Overseas Development Aid

Brendan Smith

16. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he is concerned at the recent outbreak of the Ebola virus in Guinea; if Irish Aid has any plans to support a response to this outbreak; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15250/14]

Undocumented Irish in the USA

Brendan Smith

20. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the progress made on the possibility of immigration reform legislation being passed by the United States Congress following the St. Patrick's week discussions between the Irish Government and the US Administration; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15251/14]

Trade Relations

Brendan Smith

25. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he has conducted an audit of Irish exporting companies that could be affected as a result of possible sanctions being placed by Russia on EU goods and services; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15249/14]

Scottish Referendum

Brendan Smith

30. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if his Department has examined the policy implications for Ireland of a "Yes" vote in the Scottish independence referendum; if he will support Scotland's application for membership of the EU; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15253/14]

Tax Code

Brendan Smith

55. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Finance the position regarding a person now in their 60s who was informally adopted during the early months of their life, cared for and raised by an aunt and her husband who have now died and left the family home-estate to them; the way problems which are now arising in relation to probate and taxation can be rectified (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15730/14]

Water and Sewerage Schemes Funding

Brendan Smith

156. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the provision being made to continue the necessary subvention payments to group water schemes to meet ongoing costs following the establishment of Irish Water; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15878/14]

Foreign Conflicts

Brendan Smith

60. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the Irish position regarding the independence campaign of the Lunda Tchokwe nation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15468/14]

Foreign Conflicts

Brendan Smith

61. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he is concerned by the human rights abuses taking place in Lunda Tchokwe; if he has raised these concerns at an EU level; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15469/14]

EU Issues

Brendan Smith

62. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he has raised at the Foreign Affairs Council of Ministers the need for the European Union to give maximum support to the settlement negotiations that are under way with the aim of the reunification of Cyprus following the 11 February joint declaration; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15605/14]

Public Sector Pensions

Brendan Smith

112. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if a public servant who has reached the age of 50 years is eligible to retire on a full pension even though he or she a few months short of a full 30 years service; if it is possible for the public servant to purchase the outstanding service incentivised retirement; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15455/14]

Inland Waterways Development

Brendan Smith

157. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht if he will provide an update in relation to the proposal to restore the Ulster Canal; when specific funding will be put in place for this major and important development; when the project is likely to proceed to the next stage; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15663/14]

On-farm Investment Schemes

Brendan Smith

196. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the schemes that will be funded under the on-farm capital investment proposed for the Rural Development Programme 2014-2020; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15509/14]

National Cycle Network

Brendan Smith

274. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the position regarding an application by Cavan, Leitrim and Sligo county councils for funding towards the development of a greenway on an old railway line; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15665/14]

Private Bus Operators

Brendan Smith

278. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if funding will be provided by the National Transport Authority towards the provision of a new bus service where Bus Éireann ceased operations and was in receipt of a subsidy (details supplied); if consideration will be given to this request of the coach operator, as an important service for a vast rural area is being provided by the operator and no other public transport is available in these areas; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15682/14]

Northern Ireland Issues

Brendan Smith

153. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the actions he has taken to progress the completion of the Haass talks; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15252/14]

Dental Services Provision

Brendan Smith

562. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Health if his attention has been drawn to the inadequate public dental services for the general Carrickmacross area, County Monaghan; if the current level of services will be reduced particularly affecting the services for primary school children; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15197/14]

Dental Services Provision

Brendan Smith

563. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Health his proposals to improve inadequate public dental services in Carrickmacross, County Monaghan and its general catchment area in County Monaghan; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15198/14]

Medical Aids and Appliances Applications

Brendan Smith

616. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Health when an application will be approved for an essential aid for a person (details supplied) in County Cavan in view of the long delay in processing and finalising this application; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15442/14]

Diplomatic Representation

Brendan Smith

37. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade when the Ireland House concept was first initiated; the number of locations that have an embassy-consulate co-located with the offices of other State agencies; when such developments took place; if there are proposals to develop further such facilities; if so, if he will name the locations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14636/14]

Departmental Staff Data

Brendan Smith

38. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the number of personnel employed in the trade division of his Department prior to March 2011; the number of personnel that are now employed in that division; his proposals to expand the role and responsibilities of this division; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14637/14]

Departmental Policy Reviews

Brendan Smith

39. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the position regarding the review of the trade, tourism and investment strategy that was launched in 2010; the timescale for this review to be completed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14678/14]

Departmental Functions

Brendan Smith

90. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation if he will outline the responsibilities of his Department in relation to the work of the Directorate General for Trade of the European Commission; if his Department has lead responsibility for all relevant work and negotiations with the trade Commissioner and his directorate; if he and his Department are the Irish participants in the European Council dealing with trade issues; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14625/14]

Departmental Functions

Brendan Smith

91. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation the number of personnel that were employed in the trade division of his Department prior to March 2011; the number employed in that division at present; the responsibilities of his Department in relation to trade promotion; the responsibilities that have been transferred to the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14686/14]

Departmental Functions

Brendan Smith

92. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation the responsibilities of the trade division of his Department in respect of international trade; the linkages, role and responsibilities his Department has with the World Trade Organisation or other international organisations with trade responsibilities; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14687/14]

EU Meetings

Brendan Smith

177. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he will provide an update on the recent meeting of the EU Foreign Affairs Council; the issues discussed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14208/14]

EU Meetings

Brendan Smith

178. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the proposals he put forward at the recent EU Foreign Affairs Council in relation to the serious difficulties in Ukraine; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14209/14]

Ministerial Dialogue

Brendan Smith

179. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he has discussed with the United States authorities the appointment of an ambassador; the likely timescale for such an appointment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14211/14]

Humanitarian Aid

Brendan Smith

180. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the total humanitarian aid provided to date for Syria and that region; the level of financial assistance being provided for 2014; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14212/14]

Humanitarian Aid

Brendan Smith

181. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the total humanitarian aid provided to date for the Philippines following the typhoon; the level of financial assistance being provided for 2014; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14213/14]

Humanitarian Aid

Brendan Smith

182. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if the failure of the international community to provide adequate humanitarian aid to Syria and that region was discussed at the recent EU Foreign Affairs Council; the commitments made by the international community following Humanitarian Aid Pledging Conference; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14214/14]

Single Payment Scheme Appeals

Brendan Smith

917. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the number of applications finalised to date under single farm payment and disadvantaged areas scheme where eligible land issues arose; the number of applications awaiting finalisation; the number of appeals submitted to the appeals office; the number of appeals decided upon; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14104/14]

Agri-Environment Options Scheme Payments

Brendan Smith

918. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the financial provision for agri-environment schemes in 2014; the expenditure to date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14105/14]

Rural Development Programme Projects

Brendan Smith

922. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the position regarding the 2014-2020 rural development plan; when will the necessary submission be made to the European Union Commission; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14166/14]

Disadvantaged Areas Scheme

Brendan Smith

923. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the position regarding the review of disadvantaged areas as part of the new Common Agricultural Policy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14184/14]

Agri-Environment Options Scheme Payments

Brendan Smith

924. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the update on payments made to date under the 2013 REP scheme 4 and AEOS 1, 2 and 3; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14186/14]

Haulage Industry

Brendan Smith

1265. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the outcome of discussions with British Transport Ministers and at the North-South Ministerial Council in relation to the serious difficulties facing the Irish haulage industry, particularly in the Border area, due to the new road user levy on HGVs weighing 12 tonnes or more for the use of roads in Northern Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13611/14]

Property Tax Assessments

Brendan Smith

42. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Finance if there is any provision to refund an overpayment of household property tax where a person who, when completing the household property tax form, ticked the incorrect band and hence is registered to pay an amount that does not reflect the actual value of the property and if there is provision to receive a refund; the provision there is to change the band to the one that is properly applicable to the property concerned; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12650/14]

Community Development Initiatives

Brendan Smith

159. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if he will provide details and favourable consideration to the requests made to him by the Irish Local Development Network on its engagement with the alignment working group; if he proposes to meet the ILDN at an early date to resolve these issues; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12651/14]

Water and Sewerage Schemes Provision

Brendan Smith

121. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the up-to-date position regarding a new application submitted by Monaghan County Council in respect of a project (details supplied) in County Monaghan; if this application will be finalised and approved at an early date as this project has been under consideration for a considerable length of time; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12334/14]

School Staffing

Brendan Smith

176. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Education and Skills if further consideration will be given to the detailed submission made in respect of the need to retain the current staffing complement at a school (details supplied); if he will ensure all of the issues outlined in the submission from the parents' association on the school's staffing needs and likely future enrolment will be taken into account with regard to the need to retain four teachers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12149/14]

Schools Building Projects Status

Brendan Smith

177. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Education and Skills the position regarding the proposed building project for a school (details supplied) in County Cavan; the current stage of the project; when the project is likely to proceed to the next stage; the timescale for construction; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12154/14]

Community Development Projects

Brendan Smith

276. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Social Protection if funding will be continued in respect of a project where valuable and much-needed employment has been created (details supplied); if urgent consideration will be given to the detailed appeal submitted to Pobal in respect of the need to continue financial assistance for this project; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12150/14]

Turf Cutting Compensation Scheme

Brendan Smith

290. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the total funding paid to date by county under the turf compensation scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12156/14]

Inland Waterways Development

Brendan Smith

291. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the current position regarding the proposed restoration of the Ulster Canal; when this project is likely to proceed to the next stage; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12157/14]

Rural Development Programme Funding

Brendan Smith

350. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if he will further consider a request by Monaghan County Council (details supplied) regarding the rural development programme funding; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11782/14]

Health Services Reports

Brendan Smith

582. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Health if he will confirm that there will be no change to the status of the Cavan-Monaghan integrated service area in the delivery of health services; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12151/14]

Health Services Reports

Brendan Smith

583. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Health if a review of the integrated services area in the delivery of health services has been completed; when this report will be published; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12153/14]

Hospital Staff Recruitment

Brendan Smith

584. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Health if there has been a reduction in the staffing complement at a hospital (details supplied); if so, if there are proposals to increase the staffing resources in this particular department of the hospital; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12155/14]

Capital Expenditure Programme

Brendan Smith

585. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Health the present position regarding a capital development project (details supplied) in County Cavan; when this project will proceed to the next stage; the likely timescale for construction; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12158/14]

Foreign Conflicts

Brendan Smith

40. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the outcome of the discussions at the EU Foreign Affairs Council meeting in relation to the difficulties in Ukraine; the proposals he put forward for discussion and for follow up by the EU in relation to this continuing political instability; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11425/14]