Ceisteanna Parlaiminte

Rent Supplement Scheme Payments

Brendan Smith

106. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Social Protection the total number of recipients of rent supplement in 2011, 2012 and to date in 2013; the discussions she has held with the National Assets Management Agency and the Department of the Environment, Community and Local Government in relation to social housing lists and procuring suitable housing stock to tackle social housing lists; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11112/13]

Household Benefits Scheme

Brendan Smith

290. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Social Protection if she will outline the changes to the household benefits package in budget 2012 and budget 2013; the expenditure incurred under these schemes in 2012; the estimated expenditure for 2013; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11457/13]

Government Bonds

Brendan Smith

29. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Finance if EUROSTAT has indicated that it is considering including bonds issued by the National Asset Management Agency in the calculation of Ireland’s general Government debt; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10622/13]

Inland Waterways Maintenance

Brendan Smith

158. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the position regarding the proposal to extend the Shannon navigation towards Dowra, County Cavan; when it is proposed to lodge a new planning permission application; the likely timescale for construction of this project if planning permission is granted; the projected overall financial investment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10745/13]

Departmental Legal Costs

Brendan Smith

37. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if he is seeking further reductions in legal costs incurred by the State across all Departments and State bodies; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10407/13]

Sale of State Assets

Brendan Smith

46. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform when the proceeds from the sale of State assets will be available for investment in the economy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10410/13]

Water Meters Installation

Brendan Smith

219. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if his attention has been drawn to the fact that one of the conditions for inclusion on the subcontractor panel for water metering work is a minimum annual turnover of €400,000; his views on whether this threshold is too high and will deny small scale operators the opportunity to apply for work; if he will ensure that this threshold is substantially reduced which would ensure a better distribution of contracts both to smaller scale operators and on a geographic basis; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10726/13]

Telecommunications Services Provision

Brendan Smith

104. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the way he plans to expand Ireland's digital economy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10070/13]

Irish Language Issues

Brendan Smith

155. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he has had any recent discussions with members of the Northern Ireland Executive in relation to the Irish Language Act; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10108/13]

Northern Ireland Issues

Brendan Smith

164. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the recent discussions he has had with the British Government in relation to the De Silva report and the need to have a full public enquiry into the murder of Pat Finucane; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10343/13]

Schools Building Projects Status

Brendan Smith

272. 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 present stage of this project; when the project is likely to proceed to the next stage; the likely timescale for construction; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10345/13]

Schools Building Projects Status

Brendan Smith

273. 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 present stage of this project; when the project is likely to proceed to the next stage; the likely timescale for construction; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10346/13]

Schools Building Projects Status

Brendan Smith

274. 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 present stage of this project; when the project is likely to proceed to the next stage; and the likely timescale for construction. [10347/13]

Flood Relief Schemes Funding

Brendan Smith

300. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform when he will provide funding or to have work undertaken to deal with flooding problems caused by the River Reane in the Fenagh area near Ballinamore, County Leitrim; if his attention has been drawn to the concerns of the local community in relation to the damage caused by recent flooding; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10327/13]

EU Programmes

Brendan Smith

301. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the likely timeframe for the introduction of a successor programme to the peace III programme; when he proposes to announce the level of funding to be provided by both the Irish and British Governments following the European Council decision to continue funding for the peace programme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10328/13]

IDA Staff

Brendan Smith

316. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation if it is acceptable that the Industrial Development Agency have no official designated to cover the north east area; if this is the only region in the country with no designated IDA official; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10344/13]

EU Presidency Priorities

Brendan Smith

405. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the proposals he has to advance the EU digital economy during the Irish Presidency of the EU; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8925/13]

Business Regulation

Brendan Smith

47. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation the progress that has been made in reducing the multiplicity of licences required by businesses on foot of the Forfás report last year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9074/13]

Voluntary Housing Sector

Brendan Smith

162. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the State supports currently available under the two schemes to voluntary housing bodies; the relevant legislation under which this is available; the details of the relevant schemes and the category of bodies/clients availing of them and specifically, in relation to the funding of family homes as provided by voluntary bodies, if he will outline his policy in relation to providing a sale scheme option for tenants; the number of schemes this option has been introduced to date; the legislative provision under which same was allowed; his plans to bring equity to the system and allow families in long term voluntary housing estates to purchase their homes; his views on the matter and in all cases if he will provide the legislative framework under which the various aspects are covered; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9410/13]

Water Charges Introduction

Brendan Smith

163. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government his plans to introduce domestic water meters; the way this will be done with apartment blocks/multiple occupancy units; if each apartment owner/occupier will have a separate metering system or if it will be done using a single supply with a management company collecting the charge from each owner; if an option will be given to pay separately if a democratic decision amongst apartments owners can be made; the way waivers or reduced charges will be allocated to pensioners and persons of limited means if charges were done in bulk through a management company; if he will clarify issues for concerned residents of apartment and multi occupancy units; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9411/13]

Northern Ireland Marching Season

Brendan Smith

1. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he has discussed with the Northern Ireland Secretary of State the need to bring clarity to the exact authority of the Parades Commission and its jurisdiction over non-notified parades in view of the fact that difficulties have recently emerged with non-notified parades; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9179/13]

Undocumented Irish in the USA

Brendan Smith

4. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he will outline his views on the recent immigration reform initiative; the plans he has to discuss 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. [9180/13]

Northern Ireland Issues

Brendan Smith

73. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the position regarding the proposed Bill of Rights for Northern Ireland as provided for in the Good Friday Agreement; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9181/13]

Northern Ireland Issues

Brendan Smith

74. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he has discussed with the Northern Ireland Secretary of State or with the Northern Ireland Executive any new initiatives to deal with sectarian violence; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9173/13]

Foreign Conflicts

Brendan Smith

204. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he will report on the most recent discussions in relation to Mali at the European Foreign Affairs Council; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8194/13]

Foreign Conflicts

Brendan Smith

205. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if the recent Foreign Affairs EU Council extended the EU sanctions package against Syria beyond the end of March; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8196/13]

Overseas Development Aid Oversight

Brendan Smith

218. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the proposals there are to introduce as a condition of funding under overseas development aid that recipient countries should provide adequately for civil society space as outlined in a document (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8906/13]

Rural Transport Services Provision

Brendan Smith

757. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will ensure that full consultation is carried out with all stakeholders, particularly the existing rural transport providers, in relation to the establishment of new structures for the delivery of rural transport; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8195/13]

General Practitioner Services

Brendan Smith

15. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Health the progress that has been made on securing a new general practitioner contract; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7499/13]

National Positive Ageing Strategy Publication

Brendan Smith

42. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Health when the national positive ageing strategy will be brought forward; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7514/13]

Ministerial Meetings

Brendan Smith

113. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he will outline the issues discussed at his recent meeting with the Northern Ireland Secretary of State; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7910/13]

EU Funding

Brendan Smith

114. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the funding that will be provided for the new PEACE programme; the level of funding to be provided both North and South; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7912/13]

Job Creation

Brendan Smith

195. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation if any special initiatives will be undertaken by his Department or the State's industrial promotion agencies to assist in the provision of much needed employment in County Monaghan taking into account the recent loss of jobs at a number of enterprises (details supplied) in County Monaghan; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7911/13]

Rural Development Programme Funding

Brendan Smith

251. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government when approval will issue in respect of a project (details supplied) in County Monaghan; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7913/13]

Proposed Legislation

Brendan Smith

27. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs when she will bring forward the adoption tracing and information legislation; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [7340/13]

European Parliament Membership

Brendan Smith

45. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the discussions he has had with the President of the European Parliament in regard to the need to retain the present level of Irish membership of the European Parliament; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7590/13]

Veterinary Inspection Service Staff

Brendan Smith

168. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will confirm that there will be no change to the status of the district veterinary office, County Cavan; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7591/13]

Afforestation Programme

Brendan Smith

157. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the number of applications received in 2011 and 2012 for grants and premiums to plant land with forestry; the number rejected; the broad reasons for these rejections; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6991/13]

Disadvantaged Areas Scheme Payments

Brendan Smith

169. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the number of farmers that were written to in relation to their 2012 disadvantage payments under the stocking density rule; the number that have been refused a derogation to date, including after appeal, broken down between the three payment categories: less favoured areas, severely disadvantaged areas and mountain areas; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6975/13]

Online Business Voucher Scheme

Brendan Smith

433. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if his attention has been drawn to the proposal made by Eircom to ComReg to reduce telephone line rental; if he will ensure that this proposal, if approved, will be applicable to all customers irrespective of location; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6942/13]

Garda Deployment

Brendan Smith

507. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if his attention has been drawn to concerns in relation to the decision to disband the Cavan-Monaghan divisional drugs unit in view of the valuable work that it had undertaken since its establishment; if his attention has been drawn to the need to continue this work, including drug seizures and dealing with other offences connected with illegal drugs; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6928/13]

Global Economic Forum

Brendan Smith

44. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the proposals, if any, he has to host another Global Irish Economic Forum; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6466/13]

Exports Growth

Brendan Smith

45. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he will comment on the effects of exports to Britain during January due to the strengthening of the euro against sterling; the present outlook for such exports; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6467/13]

Scottish Independence

Brendan Smith

46. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade his views on Scottish membership of the European Union if their referendum result favours independence; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6468/13]

Rural Recreation Promotion

Brendan Smith

150. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government his plans for the further development of the rural recreation sector in 2013; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5582/13]

Dormant Accounts Fund Management

Brendan Smith

186. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the programmes he intends running under the dormant accounts programme in 2013; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5585/13]

Undocumented Irish in the USA

Brendan Smith

221. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade his plans, if any, to discuss with the United States authorities, the proposed new Immigration Reform Bill; the way this proposal could benefit the undocumented Irish; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5524/13]

Human Rights Issues

Brendan Smith

222. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he will outline the details of discussions, if any, he has had to date with the British Government in relation to a Bill of Rights for Northern Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5525/13]

Trade Agreements

Brendan Smith

375. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation if he will ensure during the Irish Presidency of the EU that any proposed EU/Canada Trade Deal does not threaten the viability of Irish and EU Agriculture; if his attention has been drawn to the fact that an agreement of large tariff-free volumes of Canadian imports would cause significant market damage for Irish exports to the European Union, particularly for the beef and pigmeat sectors; if he will ensure that any moves to liberalise trade for sensitive products including beef and pigmeat are resisted; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5526/13]

Schemes for the Elderly

Brendan Smith

505. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Social Protection the changes/savings that have been made in the schemes for the elderly including the household benefit scheme, fuel allowance, smokeless coal supplement in the past three years from 1 January 2010; the dates of each change; the reduction to the individual Dublin area of each measure and overall for the three years; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [5929/13]