Ceisteanna Parlaiminte

Medical Card Data

Brendan Smith

36. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Health the number of discretionary medical cards currently in use; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6948/14]

Undocumented Irish in the USA

Brendan Smith

77. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he has had contact with Members of the US Administration or Members of Congress following the recent comments by the speaker of the US House of Representatives, Mr. Boehner, on the immigration reform Bill in view of the need to regularise the position of many undocumented Irish in the United States; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7352/14]

Housing Issues

Brendan Smith

175. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government when approval will issue to Monaghan County Council in respect of a housing project (details supplied) in County Monaghan; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7353/14]

Passport Controls

Brendan Smith

45. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the checks made to ensure the security and integrity of Irish passports; if he will outline the staff selection process carried out before hiring staff to the Passport Office; if he is concerned at recent investigations into the Passport Office by An Garda Síochána; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7130/14]

Airport Security

Brendan Smith

144. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the cost of provision of security by gardaí for flights carrying US troops through Shannon Airport in 2012 and 2013; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7129/14]

Airport Security

Brendan Smith

158. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Defence the cost of provision of security by Defence Forces personnel for flights carrying US troops through Shannon Airport in 2012 and 2013; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7129/14]

Military Aircraft Landings

Brendan Smith

230. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the landing fees received by Shannon Airport in 2012 and 2013 for flights carrying US troops through the airport; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7129/14]

Waterways Ireland Expenditure

Brendan Smith

340. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the level of expenditure incurred to date in relation to the feasibility study and any other studies undertaken in respect of the proposed extension of the Erne Navigation from Belturbet to Killykeen and Killeshandra; if his Department proposes to review the decision not to proceed with this project any further; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6857/14]

Beef Genomics Scheme

Brendan Smith

520. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the precise costs involved for individual farmers in terms of genotype testing for suckler farmers who wish to partake in the beef genomics scheme for 2015; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6852/14]

Single Payment Scheme Eligibility

Brendan Smith

521. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the proposals, if any, he has to reverse his decision to incorporate the sheep grassland scheme payments into the single farm payment of sheep farmers where the benefits of the grassland scheme will be eroded under the single farm payment convergence and approximation mechanism to be implemented; if he will reverse his decision to abolish the sheep grassland scheme in order to preserve the income benefits to producers from that scheme and also the overall benefits to the sheep sector in terms of maintaining the national sheep flock; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6853/14]

Single Payment Scheme Eligibility

Brendan Smith

522. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if his attention has been drawn to the strong opposition among sheep farmers to his decision effectively to abolish the sheep grassland scheme in his recent announcement on the Common Agricultural Policy; if he will provide details of the analysis his decision was based on; if he will outline the mechanisms now in place to prevent a further fall in the national sheep flock; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6854/14]

Roads Maintenance Funding

Brendan Smith

673. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if funding will be allocated to the National Roads Authority this year in respect of necessary upgrading of the east-west route from Cootehill, County Cavan through Shercock and Carrickmacross to Dundalk; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6622/14]

Unmanned Aerial Vehicles

Brendan Smith

6. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Defence his views on the use of unmanned drones in military operations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1482/14]

Public Sector Pensions

Brendan Smith

80. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform when it is proposed to carry out actuarial estimates for the cost of public sector pensions; if it is proposed to carry out such estimates on a regular basis; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6116/14]

Ulster Canal Restoration Project

Brendan Smith

111. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the up to date position in regard to the proposed restoration of the Ulster Canal; when the project is likely to proceed to the next stage; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6079/14]

Horse Slaughtering Data

Brendan Smith

173. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the proposals he has 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. [6120/14]

Roads Maintenance Funding

Brendan Smith

260. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his proposals to provide additional grant aid to Cavan County Council for its non-national roadworks programme for 2014 in view of the recent deterioration in road conditions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6080/14]

Roads Maintenance Funding

Brendan Smith

261. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his proposals to provide additional grant aid to Monaghan County Council for its non-national roadworks programme for 2014 in view of the recent deterioration in road conditions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6081/14]

Foreign Conflicts

Brendan Smith

9. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if his attention has been drawn to the number of persons who have travelled from Ireland to fight in the Syrian civil war; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1506/14]

Northern Ireland Issues

Brendan Smith

150. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the proposals he has to discuss further with the First Minister and the 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. [4953/14]

Motor Tax Exemptions

Brendan Smith

489. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if he will ensure that no additional penalties are imposed on owners of old tractors where their registration is now being regularised; if due account will be taken of the inevitable delays that occur in preparing all documentation for processing; if his attention has been drawn to the fact that a considerable additional burden has been imposed on local motor taxation offices in dealing with such applications; if he will confirm that no financial penalties will be imposed on applicants where there is a delay in finalising registration; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5633/14]

Northern Ireland Issues

Brendan Smith

33. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade his plans to have further discussions 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. [4785/14]

Peace and Reconciliation Programme

Brendan Smith

69. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the total funding that will be provided by the European Union and by the British and Irish Governments for the Peace IV programme; when this programme is likely to be operational; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4756/14]

Medicinal Products Availability

Brendan Smith

212. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Health 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 any assistance available to meet the costs of such medication for patients who have to take this medication for life; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4771/14]

Road Projects

Brendan Smith

227. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the funding that will be made available to Cavan County Council for the roadworks programme for 2014; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4767/14]

Road Projects

Brendan Smith

228. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the funding that will be made available to Monaghan County Council for the roadworks programme for 2014; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4768/14]

UN Committees

Brendan Smith

164. 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; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4285/14]

Human Rights Issues

Brendan Smith

165. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he will provide an update on the resolution entitled Preventable Mortality and Morbidity of children under five years of age as a human rights concern at the Human Rights Council of the UN; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4286/14]

EU Membership

Brendan Smith

166. 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 British Foreign Secretary and with other members of the British Government concerning Britain's continued membership and participation in the European Union; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4289/14]

EU Meetings

Brendan Smith

167. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he will provide a detailed report on the recent EU Foreign Affairs Council meeting; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4291/14]

State Bodies Mergers

Brendan Smith

326. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if he will outline the up-to-date position regarding the proposal to merge Coillte and Bord na Móna; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4290/14]

Social and Affordable Housing Expenditure

Brendan Smith

560. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if he will provide details of the financial allocation to County Cavan under the social housing investment programme for the years 2010 to 2014, respectively; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4287/14]

Social and Affordable Housing Expenditure

Brendan Smith

561. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if he will provide details of the financial allocation to County Monaghan under the social housing investment programme for years 2010 to 2014, respectively; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4288/14]

Schools Building Projects Status

Brendan Smith

79. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Education and Skills the position regarding the proposed building project for a school (details supplied); the current 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. [3359/14]

Schools Building Projects Status

Brendan Smith

80. 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 likely timescale for construction; if this project will be progressed as quickly as possible in view of the increased enrolments over recent years and the very high rental costs for temporary accommodation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3360/14]

School Textbooks Rental Scheme

Brendan Smith

81. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Education and Skills if he will review the eligibility requirements for the book rental scheme with particular reference to the exclusion of schools that had already established their own schemes; if he will take into account the circumstances pertaining to a school (details supplied) in County Cavan; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3361/14]

School Textbooks Rental Scheme

Brendan Smith

82. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Education and Skills the number and the names of schools in County Cavan that will be grant aided under the new book rental scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3362/14]

School Textbooks Rental Scheme

Brendan Smith

83. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Education and Skills the number and the names of schools in County Monaghan that will be grant aided under the new book rental scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3363/14]

School Textbooks Rental Scheme

Brendan Smith

98. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Education and Skills if he will review the eligibility requirements for the book rental scheme with particular reference to the exclusion of schools which had already established their own schemes; if he will take into account the circumstances pertaining to a school as outlined in direct correspondence to him (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1942/14]

Capital Assistance Scheme Funding

Brendan Smith

214. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if he will provide details of all capital assistance grants allocated for housing to Cavan County Council for 2010 to 2014, inclusive; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2074/14]

Capital Assistance Scheme Funding

Brendan Smith

215. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if he will provide details of all capital assistance grants allocated for housing to Monaghan County Council for 2010 to 2014, inclusive; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2075/14]

Northern Ireland Issues

Brendan Smith

1. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the next steps to be taken to secure agreement among the panel of parties in the Northern Ireland Executive on the Haass proposals; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1505/14]

Foreign Conflicts

Brendan Smith

4. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if his attention has been drawn to the current number of Irish persons in Syria; if he will provide an update on Irish Aid’s provision of humanitarian assistance to that country and adjoining regions; if he has raised at the EU Foreign Affairs Council the need to have an urgent and effective response to assist in the refugee crisis there; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1506/14]

Northern Ireland Issues

Brendan Smith

6. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he discussed recently with the Northern Ireland Secretary of State the serious issues relating to collusion outlined in the publication, Lethal Allies: British Collusion in Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1480/14]

Undocumented Irish in the USA

Brendan Smith

8. 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 US Administration and Members of the US Congress in order to progress the Immigration Reform Bill in view of the difficult position facing many undocumented Irish; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1479/14]

Middle East Peace Process

Brendan Smith

12. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if the ongoing efforts of the United States Secretary of State, Mr. John Kerry, in the Middle East peace process will be discussed at the next EU Foreign Affairs Council; if he has had any direct contact with either the Israeli or Palestinian authorities or with the Secretary of State; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1481/14]

Overseas Development Aid Expenditure

Brendan Smith

17. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he will confirm that in applying the most recent reduction to Ireland’s overseas aid budget he will ensure that those programmes that are most directly linked to real and lasting changes for poor people are exempt from those cuts; if he will reaffirm his commitment to the 0.7% of GNP target for oversees development aid by 2015 as set out in the programme for Government; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1478/14]

Diplomatic Representation

Brendan Smith

71. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade his plans to establish new diplomatic missions and expand the diplomatic network; if he is considering re-opening the Vatican Embassy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1487/14]

Foreign Conflicts

Brendan Smith

80. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the assistance provided by Irish Aid to South Sudan; the proposals there are to provide additional humanitarian assistance; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1637/14]

Foreign Conflicts

Brendan Smith

81. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the assistance provided to date by Irish Aid to the Central African Republic; the proposals he has to provide further humanitarian assistance; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1638/14]

Humanitarian Aid

Brendan Smith

82. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the assistance provided by Irish Aid to date to the Philippines following the typhoon; the proposals there are to provide further humanitarian assistance; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1639/14]

EU Membership

Brendan Smith

83. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the number of countries that propose to apply for full membership of the European Union that have attained candidate status; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1640/14]

EU Membership

Brendan Smith

84. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the current status of the application by Turkey for full membership of the European Union; if he has had recent discussions with members of the Turkish Government or with other Members of the EU Foreign Affairs Council in relation to this application; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1641/14]

Leader Programmes Funding

Brendan Smith

524. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the proposals he has to provide further funding to the Cavan-Monaghan Leader programme following the reduction in May 2013 of the original allocation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1642/14]

Good Friday Agreement

Brendan Smith

66. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he has had recent discussions with the Northern Ireland Secretary of State and Members of the Northern Ireland Executive in relation to the Irish Language Act; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [54987/13]

Good Friday Agreement

Brendan Smith

67. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he has had recent discussions with the Northern Ireland Secretary of State and Members of the Northern Ireland Executive in relation to the proposal to establish a civic forum; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [54988/13]

EU Council Meetings

Brendan Smith

68. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the issues discussed at the EU Foreign Affairs Council meeting of 16 December 2013; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [54991/13]

Trade Agreements

Brendan Smith

69. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the progress made in relation to the proposed trade agreement between the European Union and Ukraine; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [54992/13]

Overseas Development Aid Expenditure

Brendan Smith

71. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he will confirm the cut to Ireland’s overseas aid budget for 2014; the criteria that he will use to determine which part of the programme he will cut; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [55021/13]

Overseas Development Aid Expenditure

Brendan Smith

72. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he will confirm that, in applying the most recent cuts to Ireland’s overseas aid budget, he will ensure that those programmes that are most directly linked to real and lasting changes for poor people are exempt from those cuts; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [55022/13]

Schools Building Projects Status

Brendan Smith

133. 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; if this project will be progressed as quickly as possible in view of the increased enrolments over recent years and the very high rental costs for temporary accommodation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [54916/13]

Inland Waterways Development

Brendan Smith

191. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the current position in regard to the proposed restoration of the Ulster Canal; when the project is likely to proceed to the next stage; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [54914/13]

Inland Waterways Development

Brendan Smith

192. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht if he has received the feasibility study on the proposed extension of the Erne navigation from Belturbet to Killeshandra and Killykeen; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [54915/13]

Leader Programmes Funding

Brendan Smith

221. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if additional funding will be provided to the Cavan-Monaghan Leader programme before the end of 2013; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [54993/13]

Garda Investigations

Brendan Smith

261. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if there have been any recent developments in the investigation into the Belturbet bombings in 1972 which caused the deaths of two young persons; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [54989/13]

Rural Environment Protection Scheme Payments

Brendan Smith

298. 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 and to date in 2013 under the REPS-AEOS schemes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [54910/13]

Rural Environment Protection Scheme Payments

Brendan Smith

299. 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 and to date in 2013 under the REPS-AEOS schemes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [54911/13]

Disadvantaged Areas Scheme Payments

Brendan Smith

300. 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 and to date in 2013 under the disadvantaged areas scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [54912/13]

Disadvantaged Areas Scheme Payments

Brendan Smith

301. 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 and to date in 2013 under the disadvantaged areas scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [54913/13]

Departmental Funding

Brendan Smith

403. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if additional funding will be provided to ensure that the Narrow Water Bridge project proceeds; his views on whether this project has the potential to increase cross-Border economic activity particularly in the tourist sector; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [54990/13]

Northern Ireland Issues

Brendan Smith

43. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the role his Department played in the commemorative lecture on the Downing Street Declaration; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [54593/13]

Northern Ireland Issues

Brendan Smith

48. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he has had any recent discussions with the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland or with members of the Northern Ireland Executive in relation to the proposed bill of rights for Northern Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [54701/13]

Humanitarian Aid

Brendan Smith

49. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if further assistance under the Irish Aid programme will be provided before the end of this year to assist with the deteriorating humanitarian situation in Syria and adjoining areas; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [54702/13]

Humanitarian Aid

Brendan Smith

50. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if further assistance under the Irish Aid programme will be provided before the end of this year to assist with the humanitarian issues arising from the typhoon in the Philippines; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [54703/13]

Human Rights Issues

Brendan Smith

51. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he raised at the recent meeting of the Foreign Affairs Council of the European Union the horrific and unacceptable actions of the North Korean Administration in the execution of Jang Song-thaek; if he has asked High Representative of the Union for foreign affairs, Catherine Ashton, to pursue this matter with the North Korean authorities; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [54741/13]

Human Rights Issues

Brendan Smith

52. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the bilateral communications he has had with the North Korean authorities, if any, in raising the serious human rights abuses in that country; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [54742/13]

School Textbooks Rental Scheme

Brendan Smith

237. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Education and Skills the reason schools which had already established a book rental scheme are excluded from the scheme of financial assistance announced recently; the proposals he has to include all schools in this scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [54210/13]

Pigmeat Sector

Brendan Smith

507. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the proposals his Department and Bord Bia have for an adequate marketing programme for pigmeat for 2014; the specific marketing initiatives that are planned; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [54374/13]

Garda Divisional Headquarters

Brendan Smith

166. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the position regarding the proposal to provide a new district Garda headquarters at Bailieborough, County Cavan; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53597/13]

Departmental Funding

Brendan Smith

209. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the present position regarding the application by Cavan County Council-Cavan Sports Partnership for funding to develop a skate park in Cavan town; when the application is likely to be approved; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [53598/13]

Diplomatic Representation

Brendan Smith

30. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the proposals he has to extend the embassy and consulate network; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53218/13]

Departmental Websites

Brendan Smith

31. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he will indicate in tabular form any expenditure by his Department since January 2012 on the Department's website; the expenditure since January 2012 on any other websites related to his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53243/13]

Location of Victims' Remains

Brendan Smith

91. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the contact he has had with the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland or members of the Northern Executive in relation to the work of the independent commission for the location of victims' remains; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48974/13]

Syrian Conflict

Brendan Smith

42. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he proposes to raise at the next EU Foreign Affairs Council meeting the ongoing crisis in Syria; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52415/13]

Humanitarian Aid

Brendan Smith

43. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he will raise at the next EU Foreign Affairs Council meeting the need for the European Union and indeed the international community in general to provide additional and much needed humanitarian assistance for Syria and adjoining areas; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52416/13]

Humanitarian Aid

Brendan Smith

44. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the total assistance provided to date in 2013 by Irish Aid for humanitarian assistance in Syria and adjoining areas; if it is proposed to provide further assistance before the end of this year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52417/13]

Humanitarian Aid

Brendan Smith

45. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the total assistance provided by Irish Aid to date to assist the relief efforts following Typhoon Haiyan; if there are proposals to provide further assistance; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52418/13]

Humanitarian Aid

Brendan Smith

46. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he proposes to raise at the next EU Foreign Affairs meeting the urgent need for the European Union and indeed the international community in general to provide much needed further humanitarian assistance for the Philippines; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52419/13]

Foreign Conflicts

Brendan Smith

47. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he will raise the escalating crisis in the Central African Republic at the next meeting of the Foreign Affairs Council of the European Union; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52443/13]

Foreign Conflicts

Brendan Smith

48. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the activities carried out by Irish Aid in the Central African Republic; if these activities have been affected by the current hostilities there; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52444/13]

Undocumented Irish in the USA

Brendan Smith

26. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the discussions he has had recently with the US Administration and-or with members of Congress regarding the need to progress the immigration reform Bill; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52145/13]

Enterprise Support Schemes

Brendan Smith

66. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation the specific projects that he plans for County Monaghan arising from the Infrastructure and Capital Investment Plan 2012-2016; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52140/13]

Enterprise Support Schemes

Brendan Smith

67. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation the specific projects that he plans for County Cavan arising from the Infrastructure and Capital Investment Plan 2012-2016; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52141/13]

Syrian Conflict

Brendan Smith

121. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if his attention has been drawn to the number of persons who have travelled from Ireland to fight in the Syrian civil war; if his Department has put in place procedures to ensure the reintegration into society of those who have joined the conflict upon their return to Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52058/13]

Northern Ireland Issues

Brendan Smith

44. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he has had any recent discussions with members of the British Government in relation to the need for an inquiry into the murder of Pat Finucane; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51946/13]

Northern Ireland Issues

Brendan Smith

45. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he has had discussions with the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland or with members of the Northern Ireland Executive regarding the recent comments of the PSNI Chief Constable regarding the increased illegal and violent activities by groups describing themselves as dissidents; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51947/13]

Northern Ireland Issues

Brendan Smith

46. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he has had discussions with the Northern Ireland Secretary of State and with the justice Minister in the Northern Ireland Executive regarding the concerns expressed by local communities in Northern Ireland about the increased violent activity by so-called dissidents; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51960/13]

EU Issues

Brendan Smith

47. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he has had any recent discussions with the British Foreign Secretary or with other members of the British Government regarding Britain's continued membership and participation in the European Union; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51970/13]

Leader Programmes Funding

Brendan Smith

270. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government when he will provide additional funding to the Cavan-Monaghan Leader group (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51941/13]

Leader Programmes Funding

Brendan Smith

271. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if he will provide additional funding with immediate effect to the Cavan-Monaghan Leader group as the reduction in funding of €2.1 million last May is having a very negative effect on a number of projects which have good employment potential and such projects are important to local communities; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51944/13]