Ceisteanna Parlaiminte

Revenue Commissioners Reports

Robert Dowds

178. Deputy Robert Dowds asked the Minister for Finance the next steps he will be taking to fill the data gaps identified in the recent spillover analysis of Irish tax policy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4268/16]

Road Traffic Offences

Robert Dowds

112. Deputy Robert Dowds asked the Minister for Justice and Equality since 1 August 2015, the number of cyclists on a pedal cycle convicted of cycling without reasonable consideration, having no front lamp or rear lamp lit during lighting-up hours, and failing to stop for a school warden sign, proceeding into a pedestrianised street or area, past traffic lights when the red lamp is illuminated, past cycle traffic lights when the red lamp is lit, and beyond a stop line, barrier or half barrier at a railway level crossing, swing bridge or lifting bridge, when the red lamps are flashing. [3418/16]

Employment Rights

Robert Dowds

303. Deputy Robert Dowds asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation his views on a matter (details supplied) regarding the mandatory three hours of continuous work for employees. [1282/16]

Legal Costs

Robert Dowds

811. Deputy Robert Dowds asked the Minister for Education and Skills the reason University College Dublin did not submit for taxation the costs it was awarded by the Circuit Court and High Court (details supplied) between 12 March 2007 and 29 January 2013; and the magnitude of these costs. [1254/16]

Aviation Museum

Robert Dowds

310. Deputy Robert Dowds asked the Minister for Defence to outline the possibility of developing an aviation museum at Baldonnel Aerodrome in County Dublin, given its long association with the Irish Air Corps and given that the first east-west flight across the Atlantic left from there. [46344/15]

Civil Aviation Regulation

Robert Dowds

621. Deputy Robert Dowds asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the law on the use of drones by private citizens. [44085/15]

Disability Allowance Data

Robert Dowds

59. Deputy Robert Dowds asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Social Protection the number of persons who are receiving a disability allowance, the number in Clondalkin, and the number in Lucan, County Dublin. [41964/15]

Tax Reliefs Availability

Robert Dowds

79. Deputy Robert Dowds asked the Minister for Finance if there are any tax arrangements in place to assist the Gaelic Players Association through the elite athletics sports scheme; if there is a record of the numbers of beneficiaries, and of the cost to the Exchequer; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42040/15]

Prescriptions Charges

Robert Dowds

180. Deputy Robert Dowds asked the Minister for Health the rationale for the €2.50 charge for the acquisition of medicine for those with a medical card. [41963/15]

Rail Services

Robert Dowds

220. Deputy Robert Dowds asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the amount of annual subvention to Iarnród Éireann for each of the past five years. [41962/15]

Departmental Funding

Robert Dowds

221. Deputy Robert Dowds asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the amount of funding allocated to the Gaelic Players Association in the years from 1999 to 2015 in tabular form; if he is satisfied with the operation of the scheme, or if he has any plans to recast it; if he is satisfied that the scheme provides value for money; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42039/15]

Bank IT Systems

Robert Dowds

207. Deputy Robert Dowds asked the Minister for Finance if he has instructed the Irish banks to upgrade their out-of-date information and technology infrastructure and systems since Bank of Ireland recently experienced difficulties in this regard. [40362/15]

Rainwater Harvesting Systems Provision

Robert Dowds

513. Deputy Robert Dowds asked the Minister for Education and Skills if she will provide grants to schools for facilities for water harvesting. [40187/15]

State Claims Agency

Robert Dowds

58. Deputy Robert Dowds asked the Minister for Finance the names of the barristers who were appointed to each of the State Claims Agency panels; and the fees each of these barristers received in 2014 and in 2015 to date in State Claims Agency claims. [39713/15]

State Claims Agency

Robert Dowds

59. Deputy Robert Dowds asked the Minister for Finance the names of the barristers who are not on the State Claims Agency panels and who have been instructed in State Claims Agency claims since the panels were established; and the fees received by each of these barristers in 2014 and in 2015 to date in State Claims Agency claims. [39714/15]

Departmental Staff

Robert Dowds

104. Deputy Robert Dowds asked the Minister for Justice and Equality when she will appoint a new Secretary General to her Department; and the reason for the delay. [39679/15]

Voluntary Housing Sector

Robert Dowds

155. Deputy Robert Dowds asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the housing agencies operating and receiving Government funding; and the amount they received in the past three years. [39678/15]

Personal Public Service Numbers

Robert Dowds

184. Deputy Robert Dowds asked the Minister for Finance further to Parliamentary Question No. 286 of 3 November 2015, the reason a deceased foreign person who never held Irish citizenship and left a legacy to a resident here must be given a personal public service number; and if he will ensure it is made easier for such an Irish relative to declare the gift for tax purposes. [39372/15]

Departmental Programmes

Robert Dowds

556. Deputy Robert Dowds asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the reason it took until June 2015 for his Department to publish the low carbon energy roadmap produced for it in December 2013. [39428/15]

Departmental Programmes

Robert Dowds

557. Deputy Robert Dowds asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if he has received an update to the low carbon roadmap produced in December 2013 and published in June 2015, which does not assume that there will be an unlimited quantity of bioenergy available for import to Ireland, and which does not assume that carbon capture and storage technology will be available; and, if so, if he will supply a copy to this Deputy. [39429/15]

Renewable Energy Generation

Robert Dowds

558. Deputy Robert Dowds asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources how he is ensuring, in accordance with the policy set out in One World, One Future, that the development of low carbon energy policies by his Department takes account of the actual and potential negative impacts of developed countries sourcing large quantities of bioenergy in developing countries; and if his Department has consulted with the Department of the Environment, Community and Local Government regarding this issue. [39430/15]

Aviation Issues

Robert Dowds

581. Deputy Robert Dowds asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport when each of the runways at Cork, Donegal, Dublin, Galway, Ireland West-Knock, Kerry, Shannon, Sligo and Waterford airports last had their numbers redesignated because of the movement of the magnetic North Pole; and if it is currently known when each will next need to be re-designated. [39007/15]

Personal Public Service Numbers Data

Robert Dowds

87. Deputy Robert Dowds asked the Minister for Finance the reason the Revenue Commissioners insist on receiving a personal public service number for a deceased foreigner who is leaving a legacy to an Irish resident; and if he will ensure that the process for paying tax on such a legacy is simplified. [38716/15]

Personal Public Service Numbers Data

Robert Dowds

167. Deputy Robert Dowds asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Social Protection if she will clearly outline the process for getting a personal public service number on her Department's website. [37330/15]

Personal Public Service Numbers

Robert Dowds

268. Deputy Robert Dowds asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Social Protection why the system of acquiring personal public service numbers for non-Irish citizens was changed recently, whereby such persons now have to pre-arrange an interview online; and the reason this change was not indicated beforehand on her Department's website. [38300/15]

Personal Public Service Numbers Data

Robert Dowds

286. Deputy Robert Dowds asked the Minister for Finance the reason it is necessary to get a personal public service number for a deceased foreigner who is leaving a legacy to an Irish relative; and if he will ensure that the process for getting such a legacy is simplified. [37331/15]

Employment Rights

Robert Dowds

371. Deputy Robert Dowds asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation the action he will take to tackle the problem of zero hour contracts. [38302/15]

Immigration Policy

Robert Dowds

528. Deputy Robert Dowds asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if she will ensure that persons visiting the Garda Síochána National Immigration Bureau offices receive information in the location of the processes involved, in terms of both getting work and getting a personal public service number. [37332/15]

Visa Applications

Robert Dowds

599. Deputy Robert Dowds asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the conditions under which a Kosovan national living in Germany may come to live here to become a carer for a disabled Irish person. [38303/15]

Mother and Baby Homes Inquiries

Robert Dowds

628. Deputy Robert Dowds asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs his views on a submission (details supplied) regarding the mother and baby homes commission of investigation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37790/15]

Bioenergy Strategy

Robert Dowds

1133. Deputy Robert Dowds asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources given that the quantity of bioenergy on the planet is inherently limited, the steps he has taken to ensure that energy planning for transition to a low-carbon society does not assume the unlimited availability of bioenergy. [37707/15]

Bioenergy Strategy

Robert Dowds

1134. Deputy Robert Dowds asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the policies he has in place, or is considering putting in place, to ensure bioenergy use is sustainable, both qualitatively and quantitatively. [37708/15]

Health Services Provision

Robert Dowds

451. Deputy Robert Dowds asked the Minister for Health for an update on the delivery of primary health care centres on the Convent Road in Clondalkin; on the Rowlagh in North Clondalkin; at Ballyowen; and at Lucan, in County Dublin. [36188/15]

Garda Misconduct Allegations

Robert Dowds

181. Deputy Robert Dowds asked the Minister for Justice and Equality to set out her views on a television report (details supplied) which outlined shortcomings in the behaviour of An Garda Síochána and of the Garda Síochána Ombudsman Commission in respect of some citizens. [35648/15]

Tax Code

Robert Dowds

263. Deputy Robert Dowds asked the Minister for Finance the income tax obligation of those who provide Airbnb in their homes. [34409/15]

Tax Code

Robert Dowds

264. Deputy Robert Dowds asked the Minister for Finance if those who provide Airbnb and who earn less than €12,000 per year in so doing, are exempt from income tax up to that amount. [34410/15]

Tax Code

Robert Dowds

265. Deputy Robert Dowds asked the Minister for Finance if persons providing Airbnb may be subject to retrospective tax; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34411/15]

Immigration Controls

Robert Dowds

432. Deputy Robert Dowds asked the Minister for Justice and Equality her plans to address the high level of queries in the Garda Síochána National Immigration Bureau; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [34415/15]

Immigration Controls

Robert Dowds

433. Deputy Robert Dowds asked the Minister for Justice and Equality her plans to ensure that persons who attend the Garda Síochána National Immigration Bureau office are fully informed of the next steps they need to undertake if they are looking for employment, for example, that a job offer is required before they can apply for a personal public service number. [34416/15]

Long-Term Illness Scheme Eligibility

Robert Dowds

487. Deputy Robert Dowds asked the Minister for Health the reason Crohn's disease is not on the long-term illness scheme; the estimated number of persons who suffer from this condition; the projected change in this figure in the next ten years; his plans to add this disease to the list of conditions covered by the long-term illness scheme. [34046/15]

Dietary Allowance Administration

Robert Dowds

32. Deputy Robert Dowds asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Social Protection her plans to increase the funding for persons in receipt of a diet allowance because of specific medical conditions; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [33693/15]

Climate Change Policy

Robert Dowds

56. Deputy Robert Dowds asked the Minister for Finance if Ireland will make a contribution to the Green Climate Fund and, if so, the extent of the contribution, and when it will be paid. [33692/15]

Schools Building Projects Status

Robert Dowds

560. Deputy Robert Dowds asked the Minister for Education and Skills if she will provide an update and timescale for the extension works for Lucan Community College, Lucan, County Dublin. [33437/15]

Overseas Missions

Robert Dowds

571. Deputy Robert Dowds asked the Minister for Defence if he will provide an update on the work being done by the Irish Naval Service saving refugees in the Mediterranean Sea. [32329/15]

University Legal Fees

Robert Dowds

1204. Deputy Robert Dowds asked the Minister for Education and Skills the legal costs to date of University College Dublin in Record No. 2006/07275 (Circuit Court) and Record No. 2007 52 CA (High Court). [30576/15]

School Curriculum

Robert Dowds

1358. Deputy Robert Dowds asked the Minister for Education and Skills the number of hours per week that are spent teaching Irish in primary schools. [32323/15]

School Curriculum

Robert Dowds

1359. Deputy Robert Dowds asked the Minister for Education and Skills the number of hours per week that are spent teaching Irish in secondary schools. [32324/15]

School Curriculum

Robert Dowds

1360. Deputy Robert Dowds asked the Minister for Education and Skills the number taking Irish at junior certificate level; and the number receiving each, A,B,C and so on, grade for the past three years. [32325/15]

School Curriculum

Robert Dowds

1361. Deputy Robert Dowds asked the Minister for Education and Skills the number taking Irish as a subject at leaving certificate level; the number receiving each grade for the past three years. [32326/15]

School Curriculum

Robert Dowds

1362. Deputy Robert Dowds asked the Minister for Education and Skills the number of students at junior certificate level who have received exemptions from Irish; and the reason they received exemptions. [32327/15]

School Curriculum

Robert Dowds

1363. Deputy Robert Dowds asked the Minister for Education and Skills the number of students at leaving certificate level who have received exemptions from Irish; and the reason they received exemptions. [32328/15]

Long-Term Illness Scheme

Robert Dowds

212. Deputy Robert Dowds asked the Minister for Health the policy regarding the provision for specially adapted shoes or orthopaedic shoes under the long-term illness scheme; the entitlement for same per year; the possibility of receiving more than one pair of shoes per calendar year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29438/15]

Medicinal Products Prices

Robert Dowds

164. Deputy Robert Dowds asked the Minister for Health the extent of the charge for items of medication for persons with medical cards. [27825/15]

Medicinal Products Prices

Robert Dowds

165. Deputy Robert Dowds asked the Minister for Health if there is a maximum to the charges for multiple items of medication for persons on medical cards; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27826/15]

Motor Insurance Regulation

Robert Dowds

248. Deputy Robert Dowds asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if purchasers of motorcycles and scramblers must have them taxed and insured before they leave their place of purchase; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27979/15]

Motor Insurance Regulation

Robert Dowds

249. Deputy Robert Dowds asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if purchasers of motor cars must have them taxed and insured before they leave their place of purchase; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27980/15]

Special Educational Needs Staff

Robert Dowds

463. Deputy Robert Dowds asked the Minister for Education and Skills if there is a sufficient number of special needs assistants to meet demand at primary level in the forthcoming academic year; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27010/15]

Banking Sector Regulation

Robert Dowds

77. Deputy Robert Dowds asked the Minister for Finance if he, as representative of Allied Irish Banks' largest shareholder, will request senior management of the bank to reconsider its decision to outsource the application development management division; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26807/15]

Social and Affordable Housing Maintenance

Robert Dowds

216. Deputy Robert Dowds asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the extent of progress in making housing voids habitable again in each of the four local authorities in the Dublin area; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26677/15]

Homeless Accommodation Provision

Robert Dowds

265. Deputy Robert Dowds asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if he will confirm that his Department has instructed local authorities to allocate no more than 50% of available housing to persons who are designated as homeless; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26500/15]

Mortgage Interest Rates

Robert Dowds

85. Deputy Robert Dowds asked the Minister for Finance further to Parliamentary Question No. 324 of 9 June 2015, if it is his understanding that the new mortgage products leading to lower payments for borrowers, which he has received a commitment from the banks to roll out in July 2015, will be available to all variable rate mortgage holders, including investors and-or those holding buy-to-let mortgages; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25445/15]

Robert Dowds

362. Deputy Robert Dowds asked the Minister for Justice and Equality her plans to alter the workings of the direct provision system for asylum seekers. [24696/15]

Legislative Programme

Robert Dowds

363. Deputy Robert Dowds asked the Minister for Justice and Equality her plans to introduce legislation regarding asylum provision; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24697/15]

Construction Contracts

Robert Dowds

594. Deputy Robert Dowds asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if there are ways to block rogue builders from any further involvement in the construction industry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24711/15]

Water Charges Exemptions

Robert Dowds

595. Deputy Robert Dowds asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if exemptions from water charges are available to persons who suffer from Parkinson's disease, multiple sclerosis or other debilitating conditions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24712/15]

Pyrite Resolution Board Remit

Robert Dowds

609. Deputy Robert Dowds asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the responsibilities of the Pyrite Resolution Board in relation to repair of roads, footpaths, and pipework within an estate adversely affected by the presence of pyrite. [24968/15]

Beit Collection

Robert Dowds

662. Deputy Robert Dowds asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht her views on the sale of art and artefacts from the Beit collection; if she will intervene to prevent the sale of any further artworks or artefacts from the collection; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [25017/15]

Housing Adaptation Grant

Robert Dowds

243. Deputy Robert Dowds asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if the Health Service Executive will supply bathroom adaptations for persons with a disability living in council-owned accommodation. [24337/15]

Housing Adaptation Grant

Robert Dowds

244. Deputy Robert Dowds asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if the Health Service Executive Cherry Orchard facility, Dublin 10, will supply bathroom adaptations for persons with disabilities living in council-owned accommodation; his views on best practice in this regard; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24338/15]

Housing Adaptation Grant

Robert Dowds

245. Deputy Robert Dowds asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if the Health Service Executive will install a walk-in-shower in respect of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 22. [24339/15]

Road Safety

Robert Dowds

864. Deputy Robert Dowds asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the legal standing of the closed circuit television footage which is due to commence at the accident blackspot at the red line Luas in Dublin 7. [22970/15]

Sports Capital Programme Expenditure

Robert Dowds

229. Deputy Robert Dowds asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the amount of funding the Football Association of Ireland has been given in grants by the State, in each of the years 2008 to 2014; and if the association was required to submit its accounts in order to draw down any funding that was provided. [22718/15]

Mortgage Interest Rates

Robert Dowds

324. Deputy Robert Dowds asked the Minister for Finance if he will introduce legislation to compel the banks to reduce the rate of variable mortgages to bring it close to parity with average European variable mortgage rates, in view of the fact that the average European variable mortgage rate is significantly lower than that here; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21943/15]

Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership

Robert Dowds

409. Deputy Robert Dowds asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation if the introduction of investor-state dispute settlements to Ireland, as part of the proposed Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership trade agreement between the European Union and the United States of America, could lead to the State being sued for enormous sums of money by private corporations if the Government were to enact any legislation or implement any policy which threatened the profitability of such a corporation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21512/15]

Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership

Robert Dowds

410. Deputy Robert Dowds asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation his views on the current suing of the German Government by a Swedish energy company, using an investment state dispute settlement which forms part of their bi-lateral trade agreement, for billions of euro on foot of the German Government's decision to phase out the use of nuclear energy, and whether the proposed Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership agreement between the European Union and the United States of America could lead to the State being sued in a similar manner for changing its regulatory environment or its public policy, and whether such a threat of being sued would act as a deterrent to any future Government from making regulations which were in the public interest. [21513/15]

Food Safety Standards

Robert Dowds

442. Deputy Robert Dowds asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine his views that the proposed new transatlantic trade and investment partnership trade agreement could lead to a substantial fall in food safety standards for Irish consumers, which may threaten the health of members of the public if they were to ingest harmful substances through foodstuffs imported from the United States of America, which has far lower food safety standards than the European Union, and if his Department has expressed a view on this matter to the Department of Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21514/15]

Waste Management

Robert Dowds

1033. Deputy Robert Dowds asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government his plans to introduce a bin waiver scheme. [21433/15]

Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership

Robert Dowds

1037. Deputy Robert Dowds asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government his views that the proposed transatlantic trade and investment partnership trade agreement could lead to a significant weakening of environmental protection regulations; if he has expressed such concerns to the Department of Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21483/15]

Tax Credits

Robert Dowds

261. Deputy Robert Dowds asked the Minister for Finance the cost of increasing the standard rate income tax band to €40,000. [19854/15]

Tax Credits

Robert Dowds

262. Deputy Robert Dowds asked the Minister for Finance the savings from withdrawing the personal tax credit for those earning above €100,000, at a withdrawal rate of 20%. [19855/15]

Tax Credits

Robert Dowds

263. Deputy Robert Dowds asked the Minister for Finance the savings from fully withdrawing the personal tax credit for those earning €100,000. [19856/15]

Tax Credits

Robert Dowds

264. Deputy Robert Dowds asked the Minister for Finance the revenue generated from applying the 3% universal social charge surcharge to pay as you earn employees who earn more than €100,000 per annum. [19857/15]

International Education

Robert Dowds

469. Deputy Robert Dowds asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the changes she is proposing to the working holiday arrangements of international students while they are studying English; her views that reducing such working holiday arrangements would aversely affect the competitive advantage enjoyed by these schools when attracting international students; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [20614/15]

Commencement of Legislation

Robert Dowds

255. Deputy Robert Dowds asked the Minister for Justice and Equality when the commencement order for the National Vetting Bureau (Children and Vulnerable Persons) Act 2012 will be signed. [19712/15]

Public Transport Provision

Robert Dowds

240. Deputy Robert Dowds asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the process of opening bus routes to open competition; the extent of this process; the current status of this process; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19068/15]

Industrial Disputes

Robert Dowds

241. Deputy Robert Dowds asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the impact, or otherwise, on workers in Bus Éireann and Bus Átha Cliath of certain bus routes being put out to open competition. [19069/15]

Public Transport Provision

Robert Dowds

242. Deputy Robert Dowds asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will provide a list of the bus routes being put out to open competition; if he will provide an explanation for this process for each of these bus routes; and the stage the process for each of these routes is currently at. [19070/15]

Legislative Process

Robert Dowds

215. Deputy Robert Dowds asked the Taoiseach the number of Private Members' Bills that have been passed since this Dáil was elected in 2011. [18136/15]

Voluntary Housing Sector

Robert Dowds

532. Deputy Robert Dowds asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if it is the local authority or the voluntary housing organisation which own the homes rented to tenants by organisations such as Cluid or the National Association of Building Co-operatives; his views on the role of voluntary housing organisations in tackling the housing crisis; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17414/15]

National Internship Scheme Data

Robert Dowds

60. Deputy Robert Dowds asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Social Protection the extent to which persons move from JobBridge to full-time employment; and in view of the upturn in employment her plans to gradually phase out the JobBridge programme. [16330/15]

Tax Yield

Robert Dowds

115. Deputy Robert Dowds asked the Minister for Finance the current rate of deposit interest retention tax; the amount collected in the past three financial years; his plans to alter the operation of the tax; and the exemptions that are available to the tax. [16346/15]

Tax Code

Robert Dowds

167. Deputy Robert Dowds asked the Minister for Finance the position regarding inheritance tax; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14599/15]

Rail Network Expansion

Robert Dowds

864. Deputy Robert Dowds asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his views on whether Iarnród Éireann should open the brand new railway station at Kishogue, which has been closed since its construction several years ago, when the Phoenix Park tunnel is opened to passenger traffic between Heuston Station and Connolly Station. [14165/15]

Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership

Robert Dowds

90. Deputy Robert Dowds asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation if the Investor State Dispute resolution mechanism of the proposed Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership trade agreement between the European Union and the United States of America will hold precedence over Irish court decisions or Irish law; and if so, if he will state his full and unequivocal opposition to any agreement which includes a mechanism of any trade agreement that would enable companies to ignore Irish court decisions or Irish law under any circumstances. [13818/15]

Food Safety Standards

Robert Dowds

91. Deputy Robert Dowds asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation if the proposed Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership trade agreement which is currently being discussed will allow for meat products from the United States of America, which may have been exposed to angel dust, growth hormones or other chemical treatment in their production, to be sold on Irish shelves; and if so, the measures that will be in place to ensure that Irish consumers are fully aware that the meat they are eating may not be in compliance with Irish or European Union food standards. [13819/15]

Human Rights

Robert Dowds

213. Deputy Robert Dowds asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he supports the recent comments of his counterpart, the Swedish Minister for Foreign Affairs, Ms Margot Wallström, on the appalling treatment of women and abuse of human rights in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia; and if he has or will indicate his support to Ms Wallström and the Swedish Government at a meeting of European Union Foreign Affairs Ministers. [13817/15]

Pension Levy

Robert Dowds

255. Deputy Robert Dowds asked the Minister for Finance when the pension levy on private pensions will be removed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12720/15]

Proposed Legislation

Robert Dowds

372. Deputy Robert Dowds asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the position regarding the new legislation for asylum seekers; and when she expects it to be before Dáil Éireann; and the implications it will have for the long-standing asylum seekers here. [12686/15]

Long-Term Illness Scheme Eligibility

Robert Dowds

438. Deputy Robert Dowds asked the Minister for Health the reason only patients with certain long term-illnesses are eligible for free medication that is not means tested, while patients with other chronic long-term illnesses such Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis receive no assistance with the cost of their medication; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13563/15]

National Positive Ageing Strategy Implementation

Robert Dowds

501. Deputy Robert Dowds asked the Minister for Health when the implementation of the national positive ageing strategy will commence; and when the consultation process will commence. [13225/15]