Ceisteanna Parlaiminte

Job Creation Data

Damien English

289. Deputy Damien English asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation the total number of jobs created and lost in 2013 by companies supported by the IDA, Enterprise Ireland and other agencies under the aegis of his Department in County Meath; if he will provide the information in tabular form for each agency; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5480/14]

Mental Health Awareness

Damien English

778. Deputy Damien English asked the Minister for Health in view of the fact that the programme for Government contains a commitment to develop a national dementia strategy and in view of the fact that this strategy is at an advanced stage of preparation, if assurances will be given to the estimated 41,000 persons here with dementia and to their families that the plan will be published in the first quarter of 2014; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [55492/13]

Health Services Staff Recruitment

Damien English

337. Deputy Damien English asked the Minister for Health if he will evaluate the prospects of the moratorium on recruitment being lifted for the Health Service Executive's optometry service for children in primary schools, so that clinical staff can be employed to treat children assessed at school and placed on a treatment waiting list; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [54807/13]

Health Services Staff Recruitment

Damien English

338. Deputy Damien English asked the Minister for Health his plans to alleviate the waiting list for follow on treatment for children that have been screened at primary school and have been placed on the waiting list for optometry services by the Health Service Executive specifically in County Meath; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [54808/13]

Student Grant Scheme Applications

Damien English

244. Deputy Damien English asked the Minister for Education and Skills the position regarding an application for a higher education grant in respect of a person (details supplied); the reason for the delay; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [54245/13]

Medical Card Applications

Damien English

617. Deputy Damien English asked the Minister for Health when a review will be completed in relation to a medical card application in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Meath; the reason for the delay; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [54249/13]

Overseas Development Aid Expenditure

Damien English

36. Deputy Damien English asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the total amount spent to date in 2013 by Irish Aid in order to reduce poverty and hunger, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa where the needs are greatest and by supporting long-term development and providing humanitarian assistance in over 80 countries, on behalf of the Irish people; the total amount spent by Irish Aid through private sector companies; the total number of private sector companies in receipt of payments from Irish Aid; the total amount spent by Irish Aid through private sector companies based here; the total number of such companies; the total amount spent by Irish Aid through private sector companies not based here; the total number of such companies; and if he will provide the information in tabular form. [53644/13]

Departmental Offices

Damien English

116. Deputy Damien English asked the Minister for Social Protection the position regarding the refurbishment works at the community welfare office in Enfield, County Meath; the date on which works are scheduled for completion; the date on which she expects services for customers of her Department to be operational at this location; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [53640/13]

Orthodontic Service Waiting Lists

Damien English

232. Deputy Damien English asked the Minister for Health if he will evaluate the prospects of the moratorium on recruitment being lifted for the Health Service Executive's orthodontic service in order that clinical staff can be employed to treat children assessed and placed on the category 4c treatment waiting list; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53641/13]

Health Services Staff Issues

Damien English

233. Deputy Damien English asked the Minister for Health the options for the transfer of staff within the Health Service Executive, or for the HSE to utilise clinical staff resources within the service, in order to alleviate waiting lists for treatments; the services for which such transfers-utilisation of staff can occur; his plans for enhancing such transfers-utilisation of staff in the future; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53642/13]

Orthodontic Service Waiting Lists

Damien English

234. Deputy Damien English asked the Minister for Health his plans to alleviate the waiting list for treatment for children who have been assessed and have been placed on the category 4c waiting list of the orthodontic services of the Health Service Executive; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53643/13]

Sports Funding

Damien English

243. Deputy Damien English asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will outline all available financial and non-financial supports available to minority sports clubs and to the national associations of minority sports here, such as American football; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53646/13]

Tax Clearance Certificates

Damien English

159. Deputy Damien English asked the Minister for Finance if an application for a tax clearance certificate by a community sporting organisation (details supplied) in County Limerick has been received; if a decision will be made shortly on this application; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53013/13]

Registration of Births

Damien English

178. Deputy Damien English asked the Minister for Social Protection with regard to the registration of a birth here, if a mother or father who was not in a position to present as an informant at the time of the registration of the birth at the registrar's office can subsequently have the birth certificate of his or her child amended so that he or she can be recorded as an informant of the birth on the birth certificate; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [47957/13]

Registration of Births

Damien English

179. Deputy Damien English asked the Minister for Social Protection with regard to the written text of the birth certificate, if she has plans to amend the wording Faisnéiseoir A/Informant A and Faisnéiseoir B/Informant B contained within this document, to better reflect that the informants are the parents present at the registration of the birth at the registrar's office; if she has plans to remove the wording Sonraí Neamh-chláraithe/Details Not Registered in the case of there being only one informant present at the registration of the birth; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [47958/13]

Student Grant Scheme Appeals

Damien English

103. Deputy Damien English asked the Minister for Education and Skills the reason a person (details supplied) in County Meath was refused a higher education grant on the grounds of their residency status even though they are in posession of a stamp 4 GNIB card; the reason this person was not granted a full review of their original application in view of information provided; the reason for refusal; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47481/13]

Schools Building Projects Status

Damien English

284. Deputy Damien English asked the Minister for Education and Skills if he will provide an update on his plans for the provision of accommodation for Navan Educate Together national school, County Meath; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45876/13]

Schools Building Projects Status

Damien English

285. Deputy Damien English asked the Minister for Education and Skills if he will provide an update on his plans for the provision of accommodation for St. Mary's Special School, Johnstown, County Meath; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45877/13]

School Transport Availability

Damien English

306. Deputy Damien English asked the Minister for Education and Skills when a decision will be made in relation to a school bus route extension (details supplied); the reason for the delay in this decision; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46346/13]

Traffic Fines

Damien English

788. Deputy Damien English asked the Minister for Justice and Equality with regard to the issuing of fixed charge notices pertaining to motoring offences, if he is satisfied that the use of standard post ensures effective delivery of such notices; if he or his Department have plans for the development of a cost effective system of recorded delivery for such notices; if there has been any communication between An Garda Síochána and An Post regarding the introduction of such a system of recorded delivery; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46392/13]

Tobacco Control Measures

Damien English

1014. Deputy Damien English asked the Minister for Health further to Parliamentary Question No. 104 of 15 October 2013, regarding his Department's participation in the high level implementation group to oversee the project plan for the introduction of plain packaging of tobacco products and where his Department outlined to the group from an intellectual property perspective the potential issues arising in relation to domestic and international law, the issues that he referred to in his response; if they are significant in terms of framing the proposed legislation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46446/13]

Tobacco Control Measures

Damien English

230. Deputy Damien English asked the Minister for Health further to Parliamentary Question No. 104 of 15 October 2013, regarding his Department's participation in the high-level implementation group to oversee the project plan for the introduction of plain packaging of tobacco products and where his Department outlined to the group from an intellectual property perspective the potential issues arising in relation to domestic and international law, the issues that he referred to in his response; if they are significant in terms of framing the proposed legislation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45559/13]

Haddington Road Agreement Implementation

Damien English

47. Deputy Damien English asked the Minister for Education and Skills in respect of the stance taken by the ASTI regarding the Haddington Road agreement, if his attention has been drawn to the fact that secondary school teachers who are not members of any trade union will be deemed or classified by his Department as members of the ASTI trade union; that such teachers without union membership have been advised by his Department that if they do not wish to be treated or classified as such that they should join the TUI rather than maintain their position as non-union members; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43055/13]

Broadband Services Provision

Damien English

75. Deputy Damien English asked the Minister for Education and Skills the position regarding the provision of broadband services at a primary school (details supplied) in County Meath; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43483/13]

Intellectual Property Protocol

Damien English

102. Deputy Damien English asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation if his attention has been drawn to a study published on 1 October 2013 by the European Patents Office and the Office for the Harmonisation of the Internal Market that 35% of all European economic activity arises from intellectual property rights; if he will provide a comparable percentage figure for Ireland; the steps he is taking to ensure that the Government protects the intellectual property rights of companies trading in the Irish market; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43056/13]

EU-US Trade

Damien English

103. Deputy Damien English asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation his views on the current state of negotiations of a transatlantic trade and investment partnership between the EU and US; his views on whether the partnership should include clauses empowering EU and US based companies to take private legal cases directly against Governments at international tribunals where they find that national laws in areas such as public health, environmental and social protection infringe their right to business; the implications of such a clause for Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43057/13]

Tobacco Control Measures

Damien English

104. Deputy Damien English asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation if his Department is participating in the high level implementation group to oversee the project plan for the introduction of plain packaging of tobacco products; if his officials will highlight the extent of illicit trade in the tobacco sector and the negative impact it is having on jobs in the retail sector; if he will summarise the viewpoints expressed by his Department to the group; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43058/13]

Broadband Services Provision

Damien English

197. Deputy Damien English asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources his views on the progress of the implementation of the national broadband plan; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43300/13]

Broadband Services Speeds

Damien English

198. Deputy Damien English asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the way persons living in rural areas of County Meath will benefit from high speed broadband under the national broadband plan; the areas in County Meath by electoral division that will benefit under this scheme; and the timeframe for the delivery of high speed broadband for each of these areas. [43301/13]

Tobacco Control Measures

Damien English

387. Deputy Damien English asked the Minister for Health if his Department and the Revenue Commissioners are participating in the high-level implementation group to oversee the project plan for the introduction of plain packaging of tobacco products; the number of meetings his Department and the Revenue Commissioners have been represented at to date; if he or his officials will highlight the extent of illicit trade in the tobacco sector and the negative impact it is having on jobs in the retail sector; if he will summarise the viewpoints expressed by his Department and the Revenue Commissioners to the group; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43059/13]

Tobacco Control Measures

Damien English

396. Deputy Damien English asked the Minister for Health if he will set out the stages, indicative dates, any other associated time or submission targets or deadlines by which his Department will conduct the regulatory impact analysis on proposed legislation on plain packaging of tobacco products; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43060/13]

Motor Tax Exemptions

Damien English

148. Deputy Damien English asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if he will examine the potential to bring into effect a concessionary rate of road tax for compact tractors, those being under 50 bhp, as it would be beneficial to encourage the purchase and use of such vehicles on health and safety grounds for the agricultural and ground care sectors, especially as such vehicles when sold are required to be fitted with safety equipment that is not necessary on other vehicles, such as quad bikes, used for similar purposes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42562/13]

Financial Services Regulation

Damien English

97. Deputy Damien English asked the Minister for Finance his plans to liaise with the Australian authorities in order to facilitate the acquisition of mortgages from financial institutions here by Irish citizens who are currently residing in Australia, and who are prevented from doing so under the Australian Corporation Act that was introduced in 2004; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41242/13]

Departmental Staff Data

Damien English

408. Deputy Damien English asked the Minister for Social Protection the total number of personnel in her Department that work on medical assessments; the number of medical assessors currently employed by her Department; the number of these who, in addition to being qualified doctors, have attained specialist medical qualifications; if she will list such specialist medical qualifications; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [41100/13]

Invalidity Pension Application Numbers

Damien English

409. Deputy Damien English asked the Minister for Social Protection the number of invalidity pension applications made to her Department for each of the years 2010, 2011, 2012, and to date in 2013; the number of refusals for each of theses years; if she will provide the information in tabular readable form. [41101/13]

Family Income Supplement Appeals

Damien English

100. Deputy Damien English asked the Minister for Social Protection when a decision will issue on an appeal for family income supplement in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Meath in relation to a 2012 claim; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [38933/13]

FÁS Training Programmes Data

Damien English

246. Deputy Damien English asked the Minister for Education and Skills the number of FÁS training courses currently in each of the north east counties, Meath, Louth, Cavan and Monaghan; the title and short description of each training course in each county; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37831/13]

FÁS Training Programmes Data

Damien English

247. Deputy Damien English asked the Minister for Education and Skills if he is satisfied that the number and type of training courses available in County Meath is sufficient to cater for the population base there; his plans to provide additional FÁS training courses in County Meath; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37832/13]

FÁS Training Programmes Data

Damien English

248. Deputy Damien English asked the Minister for Education and Skills the way resources are allocated to each of the counties in the north east, namely Meath, Louth, Cavan and Monaghan, for the provision of FÁS training courses; the way the population is taken into account in this regard; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37833/13]

Hospital Accommodation Provision

Damien English

1470. Deputy Damien English asked the Minister for Health the number of Health Service Executive beds in the Louth/Meath region that are allocated for respite care services; the number of such beds that are not used seven nights per week; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38010/13]

Medical Qualifications

Damien English

1523. Deputy Damien English asked the Minister for Health his plans to have a health profession, that of nuclear medicine technologist, recognised by the State; the process of having such a health profession recognised; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38268/13]

Medical Qualifications

Damien English

1524. Deputy Damien English asked the Minister for Health the position regarding efforts to have a health qualification, namely that of nuclear medicine technology recognised by the State; the process of having such a health qualification recognised; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38269/13]

Disability Allowance Application Numbers

Damien English

334. Deputy Damien English asked the Minister for Social Protection the number of claimants currently on disability allowance and all other disability related payments; the percentage of the working age population this represents; the way this compares with equivalent labour forces in each country of the European Union; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [36524/13]

National Internship Scheme Eligibility

Damien English

362. Deputy Damien English asked the Minister for Social Protection her plans to develop the JobBridge scheme so that those in the crafts industry here, who are predominately self-employed, can become eligible for participation in this scheme so that their business could benefit and grow from the addition of the internship programme to the stage that additional employees could be taken on at a future stage; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [36777/13]

Fish Farming

Damien English

627. Deputy Damien English asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine with regard to trout and salmon farming on land, the plans he has to introduce containment measures, such as closed containment farms, that would significantly reduce water column pollution from feed, faeces and chemical waste and contamination of the sea bed under farms, eliminate the risk of disease and parasite transfer from such operations to wild stock; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36776/13]

Pharmacy Services

Damien English

748. Deputy Damien English asked the Minister for Health his plans to enhance the role of pharmacists here that would see this profession being allowed to diagnose minor ailments and supply appropriate treatments; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36773/13]

Home Care Packages

Damien English

749. Deputy Damien English asked the Minister for Health his plans for the Health Service Executive to outsource or put to tender enhanced home care packages; the savings that are expected to realised through this process; the new or additional measures that will be introduced for the betterment of community care by this; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36775/13]

Excise Duties Yield

Damien English

69. Deputy Damien English asked the Minister for Finance if he will provide a breakdown of excise returns by category and month from January 2011 to June 2013, inclusive, in tabular form. [35654/13]

Tobacco Seizures

Damien English

70. Deputy Damien English asked the Minister for Finance if he will provide an update on the number of tobacco seizures in each month since January 2011; the amount of cigarettes and tobacco seized in each month since January 2011; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35655/13]

Regulatory Impact Assessment Submissions

Damien English

71. Deputy Damien English asked the Minister for Finance if he will be making a submission to the Department of Health's regulatory impact analysis on proposed legislation on plain packaging of tobacco products; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35657/13]

Regulatory Impact Assessment Submissions

Damien English

129. Deputy Damien English asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation if his Department will be making a submission to the Department of Health’s Regulatory Impact Analysis on proposed legislation on plain packaging of tobacco products; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35656/13]

Tobacco Control Measures

Damien English

1115. Deputy Damien English asked the Minister for Health his plans to hold a public consultation on the introduction of plain packaging for cigarettes; when this consultation will begin; if the drafting of the legislation will commence after the consultation has been completed and submissions assessed by his officials; if these submissions will be published online; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35134/13]

Regional Road Network

Damien English

1195. Deputy Damien English asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the measures he has taken to date in 2013 to protect the regional road network nationally; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35105/13]

Regional Road Network

Damien English

1196. Deputy Damien English asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the measures he has taken to date in 2013 to protect the local road network nationally; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35106/13]

Road Improvement Schemes

Damien English

1197. Deputy Damien English asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport further to his announcement of the 5 June 2013 whereby an additional €50,000,000 for the repair and restoration of regional and local roads was issued, if he is confident that each local authority will prioritise works over the summer and autumn months to repair and restore the roads most in need of repair work in the first instance; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35107/13]

Regional Road Network

Damien English

1198. Deputy Damien English asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport to outline his plans for the protection of the regional and local road networks nationally; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35108/13]

Higher Education Institutions Expenditure

Damien English

325. Deputy Damien English asked the Minister for Education and Skills the total annual cost in Trinity College Dublin of providing free open online courses worldwide as part of a new global partnership with Futurelearn; if he will provide a breakdown of the cost of the programme design, server maintenance, advertising and any other line item costs associated with free online courses; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31777/13]

Higher Education Institutions Expenditure

Damien English

326. Deputy Damien English asked the Minister for Education and Skills if he will provide an overview of the headline financial situation in terms of revenue, deficit and debt in Trinity College Dublin, University College Dublin, University College Cork, NUI Galway, NUI Maynooth, Dublin City University and the University of Limerick; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31778/13]

EU-IMF Programme of Support Issues

Damien English

436. Deputy Damien English asked the Minister for Social Protection her views on the recently published European Commission country specific recommendations for Ireland under the Europe 2020 strategy which recommended that faster progress in implementing certain key policies, including in terms of activation redeployment of staff as case managers, outsourcing certain activation functions to private sector providers and reforming employment support schemes, is needed; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [31513/13]

National Dementia Strategy Implementation

Damien English

675. Deputy Damien English asked the Minister for Health if he will provide an update on the progress of the National Dementia Strategy, which will seek to increase awareness, ensure early diagnosis and intervention, and enhance community based services for persons living with Alzheimer's disease and other dementias; when he expects the report to be finalised and published; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31848/13]

Student Support Schemes Issues

Damien English

104. Deputy Damien English asked the Minister for Education and Skills the reason for the delay in issuing copy correspondence from Student Universal Support Ireland in relation to an appeal on an application for higher education grant in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Meath; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30924/13]

Banking Sector Issues

Damien English

228. Deputy Damien English asked the Minister for Finance his views on the decision by Irish banks not to implement the business to business aspect of SEPA for February 2014; if he has discussed the implications of this for business with the Central Bank; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30702/13]

Banking Sector Issues

Damien English

229. Deputy Damien English asked the Minister for Finance the conditions under SEPA in which a business can seek a refund of a direct debit within eight weeks from the date on which the amount was debited from the account of the debtor; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30704/13]

Banking Sector Issues

Damien English

230. Deputy Damien English asked the Minister for Finance the conditions under SEPA in which a business can seek a refund of an unauthorised transaction within 13 months from the date on which the amount was debited from the account of the debtor; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30705/13]

Banking Sector Issues

Damien English

231. Deputy Damien English asked the Minister for Finance if he has any concerns regarding the availability of credit for business following the changes being introduced by SEPA and the non-implementation of the business to business element; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30706/13]

Local Authority Housing Rents

Damien English

645. Deputy Damien English asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if a person participating in the JobBridge scheme has their payment included in the calculation for means within the differential rent scheme means tested; if the rules are consistently applied by each local authority; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28100/13]

Citizenship Applications

Damien English

196. Deputy Damien English asked the Minister for Justice and Equality when a decision will issue on an application for citizenship in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Meath; the reason for the delay in same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24597/13]

Bus Éireann Services

Damien English

726. Deputy Damien English asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if his attention has been drawn to the difficulties that commuters face in accessing bus services on route 109, Dublin to Cavan, at the Mater Hospital and Navan Road bus stops, specifically the 4.30pm and 5.30pm M3 motorway service originating from Busáras, due to there not being enough capacity for passengers; if he will raise the matter with Bus Éireann; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24358/13]

Unemployment Statistics

Damien English

172. Deputy Damien English asked the Minister for Social Protection further to a report commissioned from the Economic and Social Research Institute by her Department entitled Work and Poverty in Ireland: An Analysis of the Central Statistics Office Survey on Income and Living Conditions 2004-2010 and published jointly in 2012; her views on this report highlighting that the rate of joblessness at household level here was very high by European standards even during the boom years prior to the recent recession; and if this requires structural reforms of the social welfare system to remedy the situation. [23577/13]

Social Welfare Offices

Damien English

173. Deputy Damien English asked the Minister for Social Protection the number of Intreo offices that are currently operational; the number that she or her Department plan to open in the future; when these will be opened; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [23578/13]

Sports Capital Programme Applications

Damien English

70. Deputy Damien English asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport in view of the high demand by local and regional sporting clubs to access funds under the successful 2012 Sports Capital Programme, if he will outline the future plans he has to support this community and voluntary sector; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22912/13]

Road Safety Strategy

Damien English

80. Deputy Damien English asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport in view of higher than expected levels of fatalities and injuries experienced on Irish roads to date in 2013, the actions he or his Department are considering to enhance safety for all road users; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22911/13]

Tobacco Control Measures

Damien English

592. Deputy Damien English asked the Minister for Health if he will provide an update on negotiations between member states on the European Commission’s proposal for a revision of the tobacco products directive; if a political agreement or partial agreement is likely to be reached between member states on this important public health legislation at the EPSCO Council meeting in June 2013; if he will detail the contact he, his officials or the Irish permanent representative have had with their Lithuanian and Greek counterparts on this directive; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22219/13]

EU Directives

Damien English

593. Deputy Damien English asked the Minister for Health if he will provide a detailed update on the progress of the EU’s clinical trials proposal and two medical devices proposals which could have an impact on the 25,000 people employed in the pharma and medical technologies sectors here; if these proposals will be on the agenda for the EPSCO Council meeting in June 2013; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22220/13]

Cross-Border Health Initiatives

Damien English

594. Deputy Damien English asked the Minister for Health if he will confirm that the European Commission’s Proposal for a decision on serious cross-border threats to health remains a priority for the Irish EU Presidency; if he will provide a detailed update on the current status of this proposal; if the proposal will be discussed at forthcoming meetings of the Working Party on Public Health in May and June 2013; if, in view of the recent horse meat scandal, the specific issue of contaminated foodstuffs will be discussed in relation to the proposal; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22221/13]

Pupil-Teacher Ratio

Damien English

93. Deputy Damien English asked the Minister for Education and Skills with regard to the pupil-teacher ratio, if he will outline the way that this figure is calculated for primary schools; if he will list the posts that are used for this calculation and the posts that are not used for this calculation;; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19356/13]

Tourism Capital Investment Programme

Damien English

55. Deputy Damien English asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport further to the measures introduced for the tourism industry since March 2011; his views on whether these measures have had a positive impact on the industry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15031/13]

Hospital Waiting Lists

Damien English

132. Deputy Damien English asked the Minister for Health the measures that have been taken to tackle inpatient and day case waiting lists in Our Lady’s Hospital, Navan, County Meath; the impact of these measures; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14297/13]

Tobacco Control Measures

Damien English

146. Deputy Damien English asked the Minister for Finance if his attention has been drawn to the fact that the recently published Retail Ireland submission to the Department of Health’s June 2012 consultation on the Your Health is Your Wealth public health framework which warns that ever higher taxation and proposals to introduce plain packaging of tobacco products would be a further boon to the illegitimate supply channel; if he agrees with the Retail Ireland position; if he has communicated any such concerns to the Department of Health; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11200/13]

Hidden Economy Monitoring Group Remit

Damien English

147. Deputy Damien English asked the Minister for Finance further to Parliamentary Question No. 80 of 23 January 2013, if he will provide details of the persons who make up the hidden economy monitoring group; if he will elaborate on the areas of the hidden economy covered by the group's remit; if he will provide a detailed description of the group's work since its inception; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11202/13]

Public Procurement Contracts

Damien English

240. Deputy Damien English asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform his plans to begin the process of reviewing the government form of contract which were introduced in 2007 to deal with cost and time overruns on large public sector projects the contracts which is now due to be reviewed by the GCCC under the aegis of his Department; if he will outline when the review will begin; if he will provide the name, title and Department of the individual members of the GCCC; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11195/13]

EU Directives

Damien English

460. Deputy Damien English asked the Minister for Health the progress made on the EU medical devices and clinical trials directives; if his attention has been drawn to the fact that a number of med-tech and pharma industry bodies have raised concerns that progress has been slow and that more should be done to progress these directives; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11197/13]

Tobacco Control Measures

Damien English

461. Deputy Damien English asked the Minister for Health his views on the joint submission, recently received by his Department to its June 2012 consultation on the Your Health is Your Wealth public health framework from the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, TransAtlantic Business Dialogue, Emergency Committee for American Trade, National Association of Manufacturers, National Foreign Trade Council and US Council for International Business; if his attention has been drawn to the fact that this submission calls on the Irish Government to exercise great caution when considering the possible introduction of legislation that could damage Ireland’s reputation as a leading jurisdiction for intellectual property rights; if he is concerned that EU proposals in a number of fields could threaten Ireland’s reputation for having a strong intellectual property rights regime and as a result, impact on foreign direct investment here; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11198/13]

EU Directives

Damien English

508. Deputy Damien English asked the Minister for Health the progress that the Irish EU Presidency has made to date in progressing the EU medical devices and clinical trials directives; if these dossiers remain a priority for the Irish EU Presidency; if his attention has been drawn to the concerns raised by a number of med-tech and pharma industry bodies that progress to date on these directives has been slow; if additional resources will be allocated during the Irish Presidency to ensure that this issue is a top priority during our tenure; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11196/13]

Tobacco Control Measures

Damien English

509. Deputy Damien English asked the Minister for Health the number of submissions made to the public consultation on the EU tobacco products directive which closed on 16 January 2013; if he will publish the submissions made on this important legislative proposal; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11203/13]

Northern Ireland Issues

Damien English

66. Deputy Damien English asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if his attention has been drawn to the fact that the Stormont Assembly Minister, David Ford, denied until the last minute compassionate parole to persons (details supplied); if he will raise with Minister Ford at their next meeting the need to address compassionately requests from both in view of the limbo position in which they have been placed, having being neither charged with an offence, nor given a release date, granted bail or seeing the evidence against them; and his views on a royal pardon issued to one of the persons in the 1970s being conveniently misplaced. [8957/13]

Accident and Emergency Departments Waiting Times

Damien English

30. Deputy Damien English asked the Minister for Health the actions taken to tackle overcrowding and the use of trolleys in the accident and emergency department in Connolly Hospital, Dublin; the impact of these measures; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7568/13]

Accident and Emergency Departments Waiting Times

Damien English

75. Deputy Damien English asked the Minister for Health the actions taken to tackle overcrowding and the use of trolleys in the accident and emergency department in Our Lady’s Hospital, Navan, County Meath, and the impact of these measures; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7552/13]

Departmental Funding

Damien English

213. Deputy Damien English asked the Taoiseach if he will provide details of all funding programmes in his Department that community, voluntary and sporting organisations may apply to for funding; if he will provide a brief overview of each programme; the opening and closing dates of each programme; the minimum and maximum amounts of funding that may be applied for; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5390/13]

Departmental Funding

Damien English

219. Deputy Damien English asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he will provide details of all funding programmes in his Department that community, voluntary and sporting organisations may apply to for funding; if he will provide a brief overview of each programme; the opening and closing dates of each programme; the minimum and maximum amounts of funding that may be applied for; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5384/13]

Departmental Funding

Damien English

259. Deputy Damien English asked the Minister for Finance if he will provide details of all funding programmes in his Department that community, voluntary and sporting organisations may apply to for funding; if he will provide a brief overview of each programme; the opening and closing dates of each programme; the minimum and maximum amounts of funding that may be applied for; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5383/13]

Departmental Funding

Damien English

310. Deputy Damien English asked the Minister for Education and Skills if he will provide details of all funding programmes in his Department that community, voluntary and sporting organisations may apply to for funding; if he will provide a brief overview of each programme; the opening and closing dates of each programme; the minimum and maximum amounts of funding that may be applied for; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5381/13]

Departmental Funding

Damien English

362. Deputy Damien English asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if he will provide details of all funding programmes in his Department that community, voluntary and sporting organisations may apply to for funding; if he will provide a brief overview of each programme; the opening and closing dates of each programme; the minimum and maximum amounts of funding that may be applied for; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5388/13]

Departmental Funding

Damien English

381. Deputy Damien English asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation if he will provide details of all funding programmes in his Department that community, voluntary and sporting organisations may apply to for funding; if he will provide a brief overview of each programme; the opening and closing dates of each programme; the minimum and maximum amounts of funding that may be applied for; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5386/13]

Departmental Funding

Damien English

437. Deputy Damien English asked the Minister for Social Protection if she will provide details of all funding programmes in her Department that community, voluntary and sporting organisations may apply to for funding; if she will provide a brief overview of each programme; the opening and closing dates of each programme; the minimum and maximum amounts of funding that may be applied for; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [5389/13]

Departmental Funding

Damien English

520. Deputy Damien English asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht if he will provide details of all funding programmes in his Department that community, voluntary and sporting organisations may apply to for funding; if he will provide a brief overview of each programme; the opening and closing dates of each programme; the minimum and maximum amounts of funding that may be applied for; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5377/13]

Departmental Funding

Damien English

533. Deputy Damien English asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if he will provide details of all funding programmes in his Department that community, voluntary and sporting organisations may apply to for funding; if he will provide a brief overview of each programme; the opening and closing dates of each programme; the minimum and maximum amounts of funding that may be applied for; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5379/13]

Local and Community Development Programme Planning

Damien English

567. Deputy Damien English asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if he will provide details of all funding programmes in his Department that community, voluntary and sporting organisations may apply to for funding; if he will provide a brief overview of each programme; the opening and closing dates of each programme; the minimum and maximum amounts of funding that may be applied for; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5382/13]

Departmental Funding

Damien English

641. Deputy Damien English asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if he will provide details of all funding programmes in his Department that community, voluntary and sporting organisations may apply to for funding; if he will provide a brief overview of each programme; the opening and closing dates of each programme; the minimum and maximum amounts of funding that may be applied for; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5387/13]

Departmental Funding

Damien English

680. Deputy Damien English asked the Minister for Defence if he will provide details of all funding programmes in his Department that community, voluntary and sporting organisations may apply to for funding; if he will provide a brief overview of each programme; the opening and closing dates for each programme; the minimum and maximum amounts of funding that may be applied for; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5380/13]