Ceisteanna Parlaiminte

Northern Ireland Issues

Brendan Smith

42. 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 on the proposed bill of rights; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51235/13]

Northern Ireland Issues

Brendan Smith

43. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he has conveyed to the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland and to Members of the Northern Ireland Executive his concerns on the recent comments of the Attorney General for Northern Ireland on historical crimes; if he will state clearly that such an amnesty would not be acceptable; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51236/13]

Northern Ireland Issues

Brendan Smith

44. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he will ensure that in any discussions with the Haass talks that the interests of victims and survivors are dealt with comprehensively; his views on whether such talks must be victim centred and that the search for justice for victims and their families will not be abandoned; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51265/13]

Fodder Crisis

Brendan Smith

147. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if all applications from Counties Cavan and Monaghan under his Department's aid scheme towards the costs of transporting fodder have been finalised; if all payments have been made; the number of applications received; the number fully paid to date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51270/13]

Dental Services Provision

Brendan Smith

179. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Health his plans to restore dental services at Virginia Health Centre, County Cavan which services a large number of primary schools in that area; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51287/13]

Road Improvement Schemes

Brendan Smith

186. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if funding will be provided in 2014 towards the final stage and completion of improvement works along the N2 to Emyvale village, County Monaghan; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51234/13]

Departmental Staff Training

Brendan Smith

136. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he will provide, in tabular form, the language courses available to the staff of his Department; the number of staff members enrolled in these courses since March 2011 and in what language; if he will further provide in tabular form the language qualifications currently held by the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade staff by grade from third secretary upwards by language; if he will also provide the budget allocated from his Department for linguistic improvement courses for his staff; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50288/13]

Departmental Staff Training

Brendan Smith

137. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if his Department has a strategy to improve the linguistic ability of the staff of his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50289/13]

Human Rights Issues

Brendan Smith

138. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he will outline Ireland's position in relation to the EU's Eastern Partnership summit; his views on whether there will be substantial progress in the area of human rights between the attending countries and the European Union; if he will raise the case of the jailed Ukrainian opposition leader, Yulia Tymoshenko at this summit; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50291/13]

Peace and Reconciliation Programme

Brendan Smith

301. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform following on the recent conclusion of the multi-annual financial framework in the European Parliament, the level of funding that will be provided by the Government towards the Peace IV programme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50807/13]

National Monuments

Brendan Smith

302. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the funding that will be provided in 2014 in respect of a project (details supplied) in County Cavan; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50808/13]

Climate Change Policy

Brendan Smith

449. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if he will outline Ireland's position in the negotiations being conducted at the Warsaw climate change conference; if he is concerned by the recent decisions of the governments of Australia, Japan and Canada to downgrade their efforts to combat climate change; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50290/13]

Hospital Waiting Lists

Brendan Smith

211. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Health his proposals to provide an immediate improvement in the waiting times for outpatients on the orthopaedic list in the north east particularly Our Lady's Hospital, Navan; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49893/13]

Northern Ireland Issues

Brendan Smith

81. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he has made a formal submission to the panel of parties in the Northern Ireland Executive; if he will provide an update on any discussions he has had with Ambassador Richard Haass; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49226/13]

Humanitarian Aid

Brendan Smith

84. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he has discussed with his counterparts in the EU Foreign Affairs Council and with the European Commission the need for the EU and the international community to respond with the utmost urgency to the current humanitarian crisis in the Philippines; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49227/13]

Ministerial Meetings

Brendan Smith

89. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the action he has taken in response to the demand by Germany’s Social Democratic Party that Ireland raise its corporation tax rate; if he has raised this issue with his foreign affairs counterpart in Germany; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48973/13]

Surveillance Issues

Brendan Smith

98. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he has sought assurances from the Government of the United Kingdom and the US Administration that no surveillance has been conducted in this State by those authorities; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48976/13]

Northern Ireland Issues

Brendan Smith

105. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he has raised with the Northern Ireland Secretary of State the serious issues relating to collusion outlined in the recent publication, Lethal Allies: British Collusion in Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48977/13]

Overseas Development Aid

Brendan Smith

107. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the way Irish humanitarian aid to Syria has been utilised; if any aid committed to date has been used to battle the current polio endemic in that country; if he will provide an update on his engagement in the Syrian crisis; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48975/13]

Middle East Peace Process

Brendan Smith

123. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he will provide an update on his engagement with the Middle East peace talks; if he condemns the announcement by Israel that it plans to build new settlements in east Jerusalem; the actions he has taken as a result of same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48995/13]

Military Aircraft Landings

Brendan Smith

124. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he has any concerns at the use of Shannon Airport by United States military aircraft; the reason an aircraft armed with a fixed weapon landed in Shannon Airport in September; his views on whether there is a need for inspections of US military aircraft as they pass through Shannon Airport; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48996/13]

Common Foreign and Security Policy

Brendan Smith

125. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade his views on whether there is a need for political commitment at the highest level of the EU to ensure the development and provision by EU member states of capabilities for the operations of a Common Security and Defence Policy; if he supports an effective industrial and technology base to deliver those capabilities; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48997/13]

Road Projects

Brendan Smith

723. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the discussions he has had in relation to the need to finalise the required funding to bring the Narrow Water Bridge project to construction stage; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49246/13]

Northern Ireland Issues

Brendan Smith

30. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the proposals he has had to have further discussions with the Northern Ireland Secretary of State and with Members of the Northern Ireland Executive regarding the establishment of the civic forum; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48700/13]

Humanitarian Aid

Brendan Smith

31. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if further assistance will be provided as a matter of urgency towards the humanitarian efforts in the Philippines; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48702/13]

Humanitarian Aid

Brendan Smith

32. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he will raise at the EU Foreign Affairs Council the urgent need for substantial aid to be provided in respect of basic necessities such as food, shelter and housing for the victims of the recent typhoon in the Philippines; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48703/13]

Humanitarian Aid

Brendan Smith

33. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he has been in contact with the EU Commission in respect of the need to provide an adequate aid package at EU level to assist in the humanitarian efforts following the typhoon in the Philippines; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48704/13]

North-South Ministerial Council

Brendan Smith

34. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the issues discussed at the recent North-South Ministerial Council; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48711/13]

Disadvantaged Areas Scheme Application Numbers

Brendan Smith

179. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the number of applications received from County Cavan for the disadvantaged areas scheme 2013; the number of applications fully paid to date; when it is expected that all payments will be made; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48785/13]

Disadvantaged Areas Scheme Application Numbers

Brendan Smith

180. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the number of applications received from County Monaghan for the disadvantaged areas scheme 2013; the number of applications fully paid to date; when it is expected that all payments will be made; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48786/13]

Road Safety

Brendan Smith

208. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will review the recent decision to lower the permitted height of loaded trailers; if his attention has been drawn to the concern in the farming community of the additional costs that will arise for the agricultural sector due to the necessity to transport product such as fodder which arises on an ongoing basis; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48710/13]

Sports Capital Programme Administration

Brendan Smith

209. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport when the application process for the next sports capital programme will be launched; the level of funding allocated for this programme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48714/13]

Roads Maintenance

Brendan Smith

199. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if funding will be allocated to the National Roads Authority in 2014 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. [48389/13]

Northern Ireland Issues

Brendan Smith

59. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he will outline the proposals he conveyed to Ambassador Richard Haass during their recent meeting; if his Department forwarded a written submission on these all-party talks; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47569/13]

Northern Ireland Issues

Brendan Smith

60. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade his participation in the Economic Investment Conference held in Belfast on 10 and 11 October 2013; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47570/13]

Northern Ireland Issues

Brendan Smith

61. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he has been engaged in any discussions on the Together: Building a United Community Strategy; if he will outline any detailed proposals he has brought forward on this work; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47571/13]

Schools Building Projects Status

Brendan Smith

107. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Education and Skills the position regarding a proposed building project for a school (details supplied) in County Cavan; when this project will proceed to the next stage; the likely timescale for construction; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47566/13]

Leader Programmes Funding

Brendan Smith

159. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if he will provide additional funding to the Cavan-Monaghan Leader group as they have a number of important projects awaiting approval and these projects, if undertaken, will have substantial economic impact across the Cavan-Monaghan region; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47609/13]

Leader Programmes Funding

Brendan Smith

160. 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 with good employment potential; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47610/13]

European Council Meetings

Brendan Smith

33. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if the proposed Geneva II conference on the Syrian crisis was discussed at the recent EU Foreign Affairs Council; if the participants in the Conference have yet been finalised; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47361/13]

European Council Meetings

Brendan Smith

34. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if the humanitarian crisis in Syria and that region was discussed at the recent EU Foreign Affairs Council; if an update was given on the level of humanitarian aid provided by the international community compared to the pledges made some time ago; if the EU proposes to raise with other countries the need for humanitarian assistance for that region to be expedited and increased; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47362/13]

US Surveillance in EU Institutions

Brendan Smith

126. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the actions he has taken in response to the alleged surveillance of government and civilian communications in Europe by US authorities; if he has established if any such surveillance took place here; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47025/13]

US Surveillance in EU Institutions

Brendan Smith

127. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade further to Parliamentary Question No. 24 of 2 October 2013, if he will provide any subsequent information regarding and arising from his response and the Topical Issue raised on 2 July in Dáil Éireann; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47026/13]

Northern Ireland Issues

Brendan Smith

132. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he has raised with the Northern Ireland Secretary of State the serious issues relating to collusion outlined in the recent publication, Lethal Allies; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47095/13]

Public Sector Staff Remuneration

Brendan Smith

352. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if he will examine the pension paid to a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46048/13]

Trade Agreements

Brendan Smith

406. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation the measures that are provided for in the EU/Canada Trade Agreement to protect the Irish and European beef and pork sectors, in view of the major concessions on beef and pork ceded by the EU to Canada in the Agreement; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46486/13]

Inland Waterways Maintenance

Brendan Smith

597. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht if he will indicate the current stage of the proposed restoration of the Ulster Canal; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46485/13]

Northern Ireland Issues

Brendan Smith

745. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Justice and Equality his views on the British Government’s decision to rule out a public inquiry into the Omagh bombing by the Real IRA in 1998; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41185/13]

EU Issues

Brendan Smith

747. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the progress he has made in advancing the Irish role in EU judicial and home affairs co-operation as set out in the programme for Government; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41213/13]

Defined Benefit Pension Schemes

Brendan Smith

16. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources his position regarding the classification of the ESB's pension scheme; if he is satisfied that the ESB pension scheme meets the Pension Board's minimum funding standard. [44962/13]

Community Development Initiatives

Brendan Smith

51. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the projected reduction in funding for the RAPID and LCDP programmes in 2014; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44877/13]

Middle East Issues

Brendan Smith

72. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade his views on the recent World Bank report in relation to the costs to the Palestinian economy of €3.4 billion a year due to Israeli restrictions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45005/13]

Undocumented Irish in the USA

Brendan Smith

73. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he will provide an update in relation to the Immigration Reform Bill in the United States; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45006/13]

Schools Building Projects Status

Brendan Smith

99. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Education and Skills when a building project (details supplied) in County Cavan will progress to the next stage in view of the fact that there is an urgent need to provide additional permanent accommodation at this school; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45004/13]

School Accommodation

Brendan Smith

107. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Education and Skills the position regarding an application for additional permanent accommodation at a school (details supplied) in County Cavan; if this application will be processed as soon as possible as the school has outlined in detail to his Department the need for this building project; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45273/13]

Overseas Development Aid Provision

Brendan Smith

116. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the impact the €14.1 million reduction in the Irish Aid programme budget will have on its programmes, projects and services; the programmes, projects or services that will be cancelled as a result of this reduction; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44589/13]

Overseas Development Aid Provision

Brendan Smith

117. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he is still committed to the 0.7% of GNP target for overseas development aid; if he will seek to achieve this target by 2015 as set out in the programme for Government; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44590/13]

Diplomatic Representation

Brendan Smith

121. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade his plans to appoint a resident ambassador to the Holy See; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44884/13]

Diplomatic Representation

Brendan Smith

122. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade his plans to extend the Irish diplomatic and consular representation in 2014; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44885/13]

Diplomatic Representation

Brendan Smith

123. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the number of ambassadors assigned on a full-time basis and on a part-time basis to international organisations; the names of such organisations; the status of our representation at each one; the proposals he has to review such assignments; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44886/13]

Vocational Training Opportunities Scheme Numbers

Brendan Smith

207. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Education and Skills the number of persons in counties Cavan and Monaghan participating in the vocational training opportunities scheme in the college years 2012-13 and 2013-14; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44892/13]

Children and Family Services

Brendan Smith

475. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs her plans regarding the future use of a premises (details supplied) in County Monaghan. [44887/13]

Northern Ireland Issues

Brendan Smith

67. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade his proposals to have further discussions with the Northern Ireland Secretary of State and with Members of the Northern Ireland Executive in relation to the establishment of the Civic Forum; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44073/13]

School Enrolments

Brendan Smith

82. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Education and Skills if he will clarify the issue regarding catchment areas in relation to national schools; if he will clarify who establishes the catchment areas in the Dublin area; if the catchment areas are laid down by his Department or if they are negotiated locally by school authorities/patrons; the way in which parents can currently gain admission for their children to a school where children have been refused admission as the school is regarded as not within the catchment area of where the child lives; if the proposed amendments to admission policies will change criteria; the appropriate school under current regulations for children living at a particular location (details supplies) in Dublin 5; the way a parent may gain admission for their child to a school other than the designated one; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43914/13]

EU Programmes

Brendan Smith

97. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the position regarding the PEACE IV programme, the total funding to be allocated to this programme both North and South, the likely timescale for commencement of the programme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44055/13]

Free Travel Scheme Eligibility

Brendan Smith

116. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Social Protection the entitlement to avail of the free travel scheme for civil servants who retired early on health grounds who are on Civil Service pension only and who would be in receipt of invalidity pension but for the fact that they are civil servants; if she will outline such an individual's current entitlement to the free travel scheme; if she proposes to introduce an equivalent ruling allowing entitlement to proven cases who were forced to retire on health grounds; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [43911/13]

Jobseeker's Allowance Eligibility

Brendan Smith

117. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Social Protection if she will clarify the issue of entitlement or qualification on means testing basis to jobseeker's allowance for the self-employed persons; if she will clarify if some system equivalent to family income supplement may be devised; if part-payment of allowance may be given while they are still earning up to the means testing limit; if her attention has been drawn to some commentary that some officials in the Dublin area are advising Department clients to end their self-employment in order to qualify for assistance as many self-employed wish to continue working while earning an income below the means testing limit and who still wish to remain in the workforce; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [43915/13]

Fuel Allowance Payments

Brendan Smith

132. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Social Protection the number of weeks per year the fuel allowance is paid; the amount paid; those who qualify for this allowance; if an extension of this scheme by one week for recipients in 2012-13 will be included in the 2013-14 scheme; if she proposes any other changes to the scheme; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [44037/13]

Citizenship Applications

Brendan Smith

153. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if he will clarify the issue of the types and costs of the various Irish nationality certificates awarded; if the costs vary depending on whether the client is an EU citizen, other than EU national, an asylum grantee and so on; if cost to client in each case can be outlined; if cost in all cases is fully borne by the applicant and specifically say why cost to an EU citizen married to an Irish citizen is regarded as expensive considering that the administrative cost of such an application and the background examination into it would be less than other cases; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43913/13]

Alcohol Pricing

Brendan Smith

192. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Health his plans to ban below cost selling of alcohol; if legislation is required or if an order will be made to that effect under current legislation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44036/13]

Special Educational Needs Services Provision

Brendan Smith

81. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Education and Skills if he will give detailed consideration to the motion passed by a local authority (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42916/13]

Free Travel Scheme Review

Brendan Smith

115. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Social Protection if an interdepartmental working group was established to carry out a review of the operation of the current free travel scheme; if the group has completed its work; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [42919/13]

Meat Processing Plant Licences

Brendan Smith

176. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine when an application will be finalised in respect of a company (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42920/13]

Public Procurement Regulations

Brendan Smith

41. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if progress is being made on ensuring that public service procurement contracts are secured by Irish firms in a manner that is within EU guidelines; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42505/13]

School Enrolments

Brendan Smith

85. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Education and Skills his plans to regulate the admission of children to primary and post-primary schools; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42255/13]

Foreign Conflicts

Brendan Smith

1. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the engagement he has had at European Union level and at United Nations level in relation to the urgent need to bring an end to the ongoing conflict and loss of life in Syria; the efforts being made to ensure that the international community meets its obligations to provide adequate humanitarian assistance to Syria and adjoining areas in view of the very serious problems that have arisen due to the displacement of 6.5 million persons; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41479/13]

Northern Ireland Issues

Brendan Smith

4. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he will outline the engagement he has had to date with the Haass talks about flags, parades and legacy issues arising from the Troubles; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41480/13]

Undocumented Irish in the USA

Brendan Smith

78. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the progress to date of the immigration reform bill in the US Congress; the plans he has to advance this initiative with the United States authorities in regard to the position of the undocumented Irish; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41481/13]

Dublin Bus Services

Brendan Smith

119. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the engagement he has had with the Dublin Bus unions and management; if he will provide an update on the current impasse in industrial relations at the company; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40836/13]

Nursing Homes Support Scheme Application Numbers

Brendan Smith

25. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Health the numbers awaiting placement through the nursing homes support scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40006/13]

Departmental Expenditure

Brendan Smith

66. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the expenditure profile for his Department up to the end of August 2013; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40321/13]

Overseas Development Aid Provision

Brendan Smith

67. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade his plans to provide additional overseas development assistance for Syria and that region; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40322/13]

Peace and Reconciliation Programme

Brendan Smith

113. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform when the Peace IV Programme will become operational; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40319/13]

Housing Adaptation Grants Funding

Brendan Smith

176. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if additional funding will be provided to Cavan County Council in respect of housing adaptation grant for people with a disability, mobility aids housing grant and housing aid for older people; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40320/13]

Common Agricultural Policy Reform

Brendan Smith

72. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the action he will take to support the suckler cow sector as part of the Common Agricultural Policy reform 2013 implementation; the proposals he is considering to finance such support from CAP and national finances; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39539/13]

Beef Industry Issues

Brendan Smith

78. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the actions he has taken on foot of the horsemeat crisis to ensure that the issues raised at the time are dealt with; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39542/13]

Departmental Expenditure

Brendan Smith

25. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs if her Department will be required to reduce its expenditure in 2014; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [38719/13]

European External Action Service

Brendan Smith

42. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if the European External Action Service has received clarification from the United States authorities in relation to alleged surveillance by the United States at European Union offices; if he has received clarification from the United States Embassy in Dublin in relation to these allegations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38970/13]

Northern Ireland Issues

Brendan Smith

43. 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 with Members of the Northern Ireland Executive in relation to the establishment of a civic forum; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38973/13]

North South Ministerial Council

Brendan Smith

44. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the proposal for the next North-South Ministerial Council; the issues to be discussed at that meeting; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38974/13]

Diplomatic Representation

Brendan Smith

46. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the recent discussions he has had with Commissioner Ashton or at the European Union Foreign Affairs Council in relation to the Israeli-Palestine conflict; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39030/13]

Carbon Tax Collection

Brendan Smith

60. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Finance the arrangements in place for the collection of carbon tax on solid fuel products; if his attention has been drawn to widespread concern among traders, particularly in the Border counties, about the need for traders to pay the carbon tax at the time of purchasing the product rather than at the time of sale; if his attention has been drawn to the fact that such an arrangement is placing additional financial pressures on such traders; the proposals he has to change the method of collection of this tax; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38971/13]

Pupil-Teacher Ratio

Brendan Smith

76. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Education and Skills if his attention has been drawn to the wide-spread concerns of Boards of Management and Parents' Associations of smaller fee-charging schools in relation to the increase in the pupil/teacher ratio; if his attention has been drawn to the serious impact such increases will have on such schools, particularly schools under the patronage of Protestant Churches; his views on whether such schools provide a very important educational resource for many children in rural areas; the proposals he has to assist such schools to remain viable; his views on whether those schools play an important role in the plurality and diversity in educational provision; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39029/13]

National Monuments

Brendan Smith

9. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the timeframe for the restoration of the national monument at Moore Street, Dublin 1; the further difficulties that need to be overcome to ensure that redevelopment takes place in advance of the centenary anniversary of the 1916 Easter Rising; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38479/13]

Deer Hunting

Brendan Smith

27. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the further measures he has planned to protect the red deer stag; if he intends to change the licensing in this area; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38482/13]

Ministerial Meetings

Brendan Smith

119. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he will report on his recent visit to Belfast; if he will detail the meetings he had during that visit; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38804/13]

Ministerial Meetings

Brendan Smith

120. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the discussions he has had with the First Minister and the Deputy First Minister of the Northern Ireland Executive in relation to violence on the streets of Belfast during the summer months; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38805/13]

Ministerial Meetings

Brendan Smith

121. 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 in relation to violence on the streets of Belfast during the summer months; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38806/13]

Northern Ireland Issues

Brendan Smith

122. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade his views on the recent Amnesty eport in relation to the victims of violence in Northern Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38807/13]

Foreign Conflicts

Brendan Smith

123. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he will report on the recent European Union Council of Ministers' meeting; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38808/13]