Parliamentary questions

Departmental Expenditure

Michael McGrath

191. Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if he will provide in tabular form, in respect of 2011, the number of payments issued by his Department and each agency within the remit of his Department to suppliers in respect of the supply of goods and services; splitting the payments between those issued within 30 days of receipt of the invoice; between 30 and 60 days of receipt of the invoice; between 60 and 90 days of receipt of the invoice; between 90 and 120 days of receipt of the invoice; and in excess of 120 days of receipt of the invoice. [45014/12]

Departmental Expenditure

Michael McGrath

203. Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if he will provide in tabular form, in respect of 2011, the number of payments issued by his Department and each agency within the remit of his Department to suppliers in respect of the supply of goods and services; splitting the payments between those issued within 30 days of receipt of the invoice; between 30 and 60 days of receipt of the invoice; between 60 and 90 days of receipt of the invoice; between 90 and 120 days of receipt of the invoice; and in excess of 120 days of receipt of the invoice. [45017/12]

Departmental Expenditure

Michael McGrath

220. Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if he will provide in tabular form, in respect of 2011, the number of payments issued by his Department and each agency within the remit of his Department to suppliers in respect of the supply of goods and services; splitting the payments between those issued within 30 days of receipt of the invoice; between 30 and 60 days of receipt of the invoice; between 60 and 90 days of receipt of the invoice; between 90 and 120 days of receipt of the invoice; and in excess of 120 days of receipt of the invoice. [45022/12]

Departmental Expenditure

Michael McGrath

232. Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Defence if he will provide in tabular form, in respect of 2011, the number of payments issued by his Department and each agency within the remit of his Department to suppliers in respect of the supply of goods and services; splitting the payments between those issued within 30 days of receipt of the invoice; between 30 and 60 days of receipt of the invoice; between 60 and 90 days of receipt of the invoice; between 90 and 120 days of receipt of the invoice; and in excess of 120 days of receipt of the invoice. [45015/12]

Departmental Expenditure

Michael McGrath

241. Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will provide in tabular form, in respect of 2011, the number of payments issued by his Department and each agency within the remit of his Department to suppliers in respect of the supply of goods and services; splitting the payments between those issued within 30 days of receipt of the invoice; between 30 and 60 days of receipt of the invoice; between 60 and 90 days of receipt of the invoice; between 90 and 120 days of receipt of the invoice; and in excess of 120 days of receipt of the invoice. [45011/12]

Departmental Expenditure

Michael McGrath

264. Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs if she will provide in tabular form, in respect of 2011, the number of payments issued by her Department and each agency within the remit of her Department to suppliers in respect of the supply of goods and services; splitting the payments between those issued within 30 days of receipt of the invoice; between 30 and 60 days of receipt of the invoice; between 60 and 90 days of receipt of the invoice; between 90 and 120 days of receipt of the invoice; and in excess of 120 days of receipt of the invoice. [45013/12]

Departmental Expenditure

Michael McGrath

278. Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Health if he will provide in tabular form, in respect of 2011, the number of payments issued by his Department and each agency within the remit of his Department to suppliers in respect of the supply of goods and services; splitting the payments between those issued within 30 days of receipt of the invoice; between 30 and 60 days of receipt of the invoice; between 60 and 90 days of receipt of the invoice; between 90 and 120 days of receipt of the invoice; and in excess of 120 days of receipt of the invoice. [45020/12]

Departmental Expenditure

Michael McGrath

312. Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will provide in tabular form, in respect of 2011, the number of payments issued by his Department and each agency within the remit of his Department to suppliers in respect of the supply of goods and services; splitting the payments between those issued within 30 days of receipt of the invoice; between 30 and 60 days of receipt of the invoice; between 60 and 90 days of receipt of the invoice; between 90 and 120 days of receipt of the invoice; and in excess of 120 days of receipt of the invoice. [45025/12]

Disability Allowance Application Numbers

Michael McGrath

57. Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Social Protection if she will clarify if eligibility criteria for the disability allowance have changed over the past year; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [44420/12]

Departmental Banking

Michael McGrath

124. Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Taoiseach if he will provide, in tabular form if possible, a list of the bank accounts used by his Department and separately any agencies within the remit of his Department; the purpose of each bank account and the financial institution the bank account is with; the total amount of any interest charged or bank fees incurred by his Department and separately by each agency in 2011 and anticipated figure for 2012; the percentage of payments issued by his Department and each agency which are issued electronically and if the Department agency has any special arrangement in place on the issue of bank charges and fees; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44857/12]

Departmental Banking

Michael McGrath

149. Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he will provide, in tabular form if possible, a list of the bank accounts used by his Department and separately any agencies within the remit of his Department; the purpose of each bank account and the financial institution the bank account is with; the total amount of any interest charged or bank fees incurred by his Department and separately by each agency in 2011 and anticipated figure for 2012; the percentage of payments issued by his Department and each agency which are issued electronically and if the Department agency has any special arrangement in place on the issue of bank charges and fees; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44850/12]

National Treasury Management Agency Staff

Michael McGrath

198. Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Finance the amount of money spent in 2010, 2011 and to date in 2012 broken down between money spent on print media, broadcast media, online media and so on by the National Treasury Management Agency on advertising the various State savings products. [44445/12]

Debt Collectors Regulation

Michael McGrath

220. Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Finance his plans to regulate persons or firms who are hired to provide debt collection services; if he has any record of the number of persons or firms providing such services at the present time; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44778/12]

Departmental Banking

Michael McGrath

224. Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Finance if he will provide, in tabular form if possible, a list of the bank accounts used by his Department and separately any agencies within the remit of his Department; the purpose of each bank account and the financial institution the bank account is with; the total amount of any interest charged or bank fees incurred by his Department and separately by each agency in 2011 and anticipated figure for 2012; the percentage of payments issued by his Department and each agency which are issued electronically and if the Department agency has any special arrangement in place on the issue of bank charges and fees; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44849/12]

Pensions Levy Yield

Michael McGrath

225. Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Finance the amount of money collected by way of the levy on pension funds in 2011 and 2012; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44865/12]

Departmental Banking

Michael McGrath

262. Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Education and Skills if he will provide, in tabular form if possible, a list of the bank accounts used by his Department and separately any agencies within the remit of his Department; the purpose of each bank account and the financial institution the bank account is with; the total amount of any interest charged or bank fees incurred by his Department and separately by each agency in 2011 and anticipated figure for 2012; the percentage of payments issued by his Department and each agency which are issued electronically and if the Department agency has any special arrangement in place on the issue of bank charges and fees; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44847/12]

Student Grant Scheme Applications

Michael McGrath

263. Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Education and Skills if he will expedite a higher education grant in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Cork; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44863/12]

Departmental Banking

Michael McGrath

281. Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if he will provide, in tabular form if possible, a list of the bank accounts used by his Department and separately any agencies within the remit of his Department; the purpose of each bank account and the financial institution the bank account is with; the total amount of any interest charged or bank fees incurred by his Department and separately by each agency in 2011 and anticipated figure for 2012; the percentage of payments issued by his Department and each agency which are issued electronically and if the Department agency has any special arrangement in place on the issue of bank charges and fees; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44854/12]

Departmental Banking

Michael McGrath

293. Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation if he will provide, in tabular form if possible, a list of the bank accounts used by his Department and separately any agencies within the remit of his Department; the purpose of each bank account and the financial institution the bank account is with; the total amount of any interest charged or bank fees incurred by his Department and separately by each agency in 2011 and anticipated figure for 2012; the percentage of payments issued by his Department and each agency which are issued electronically and if the Department agency has any special arrangement in place on the issue of bank charges and fees; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44852/12]

Departmental Banking

Michael McGrath

357. Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Social Protection if she will provide, in tabular form if possible, a list of the bank accounts used by her Department and separately any agencies within the remit of her Department; the purpose of each bank account and the financial institution the bank account is with; the total amount of any interest charged or bank fees incurred by her Department and separately by each agency in 2011 and anticipated figure for 2012; the percentage of payments issued by her Department and each agency which are issued electronically and if the Department agency has any special arrangement in place on the issue of bank charges and fees; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [44855/12]

Pension Fund Fees

Michael McGrath

359. Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Social Protection if, arising from the introduction of the levy on pension schemes, the review into fees charged by pensions providers has been reviewed; and if she will specify the reductions in fees that have been achieved. [44862/12]

Departmental Banking

Michael McGrath

382. Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht if he will provide, in tabular form if possible, a list of the bank accounts used by his Department and separately any agencies within the remit of his Department; the purpose of each bank account and the financial institution the bank account is with; the total amount of any interest charged or bank fees incurred by his Department and separately by each agency in 2011 and anticipated figure for 2012; the percentage of payments issued by his Department and each agency which are issued electronically and if the Department agency has any special arrangement in place on the issue of bank charges and fees; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44843/12]

Departmental Banking

Michael McGrath

397. Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if he will provide, in tabular form if possible, a list of the bank accounts used by his Department and separately any agencies within the remit of his Department; the purpose of each bank account and the financial institution the bank account is with; the total amount of any interest charged or bank fees incurred by his Department and separately by each agency in 2011 and anticipated figure for 2012; the percentage of payments issued by his Department and each agency which are issued electronically and if the Department agency has any special arrangement in place on the issue of bank charges and fees; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44845/12]

Departmental Banking

Michael McGrath

443. Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if he will provide, in tabular form if possible, a list of the bank accounts used by his Department and separately any agencies within the remit of his Department; the purpose of each bank account and the financial institution the bank account is with; the total amount of any interest charged or bank fees incurred by his Department and separately by each agency in 2011 and anticipated figure for 2012; the percentage of payments issued by his Department and each agency which are issued electronically and if the Department agency has any special arrangement in place on the issue of bank charges and fees; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44848/12]

Debt Collectors Regulation

Michael McGrath

479. Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if he has concerns that persons with a serious criminal record are currently performing debt collection functions on behalf of persons or firms; his plans to address the issue; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44780/12]

Departmental Banking

Michael McGrath

480. Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if he will provide, in tabular form if possible, a list of the bank accounts used by his Department and separately any agencies within the remit of his Department; the purpose of each bank account and the financial institution the bank account is with; the total amount of any interest charged or bank fees incurred by his Department and separately by each agency in 2011 and anticipated figure for 2012; the percentage of payments issued by his Department and each agency which are issued electronically and if the Department agency has any special arrangement in place on the issue of bank charges and fees; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44853/12]

Departmental Banking

Michael McGrath

492. Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Defence if he will provide, in tabular form if possible, a list of the bank accounts used by his Department and separately any agencies within the remit of his Department; the purpose of each bank account and the financial institution the bank account is with; the total amount of any interest charged or bank fees incurred by his Department and separately by each agency in 2011 and anticipated figure for 2012; the percentage of payments issued by his Department and each agency which are issued electronically and if the Department agency has any special arrangement in place on the issue of bank charges and fees; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44846/12]

Departmental Banking

Michael McGrath

554. Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will provide, in tabular form if possible, a list of the bank accounts used by his Department and separately any agencies within the remit of his Department; the purpose of each bank account and the financial institution the bank account is with; the total amount of any interest charged or bank fees incurred by his Department and separately by each agency in 2011 and anticipated figure for 2012; the percentage of payments issued by his Department and each agency which are issued electronically and if the Department agency has any special arrangement in place on the issue of bank charges and fees; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44842/12]

Departmental Banking

Michael McGrath

570. Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs if she will provide, in tabular form if possible, a list of the bank accounts used by her Department and separately any agencies within the remit of her Department; the purpose of each bank account and the financial institution the bank account is with; the total amount of any interest charged or bank fees incurred by her Department and separately by each agency in 2011 and anticipated figure for 2012; the percentage of payments issued by her Department and each agency which are issued electronically and if the Department agency has any special arrangement in place on the issue of bank charges and fees; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [44844/12]

Departmental Banking

Michael McGrath

704. Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Health if he will provide, in tabular form if possible, a list of the bank accounts used by his Department and separately any agencies within the remit of his Department; the purpose of each bank account and the financial institution the bank account is with; the total amount of any interest charged or bank fees incurred by his Department and separately by each agency in 2011 and anticipated figure for 2012; the percentage of payments issued by his Department and each agency which are issued electronically and if the Department agency has any special arrangement in place on the issue of bank charges and fees; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44851/12]

Departmental Banking

Michael McGrath

738. Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will provide, in tabular form if possible, a list of the bank accounts used by his Department and separately any agencies within the remit of his Department; the purpose of each bank account and the financial institution the bank account is with; the total amount of any interest charged or bank fees incurred by his Department and separately by each agency in 2011 and anticipated figure for 2012; the percentage of payments issued by his Department and each agency which are issued electronically and if the Department agency has any special arrangement in place on the issue of bank charges and fees; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44856/12]

Broadband Services Provision

Michael McGrath

6. Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if he will outline the key targets under his newly launched broadband strategy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43701/12]

Mortgage Interest Relief Expenditure

Michael McGrath

50. Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Finance if he plans to review the decision to end mortgage interest relief for first time buyers at the end of 2012; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43971/12]

Mortgage Interest Relief Expenditure

Michael McGrath

51. Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Finance if he will set out in tabular form the number of persons who have received mortgage interest relief each year for the past 10 years; the total amount provided in mortgage interest relief each year for the past 10 years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43972/12]

Pension Provisions

Michael McGrath

24. Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the number of pension schemes taking part in the pensions insolvency scheme; his plans for the future development of the scheme; the amount of State resources that are available to support it; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43403/12]

Departmental Properties

Michael McGrath

62. Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Education and Skills his plans for the future use of a former school building (details supplied) in County Cork; if he will clarify the current ownership arrangements stating the role of the Catholic diocese and his Department; his plans to sign over the building to the diocese; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43542/12]

Primary Care Centres Provision

Michael McGrath

221. Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Health if he will provide a detailed history of the Health Service Executive's plan to develop a primary care centre in Carrigaline, County Cork, including details of the original ranking of Carrigaline on the HSE's priority list; and if the ranking changed when the criteria for the selection of primary care centre locations was amended. [43511/12]

Back to Education Allowance Eligibility

Michael McGrath

93. Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Education and Skills the discussions he has had with the Department of Social Protection regarding changes to the qualification criteria for the back to education allowance to enable those who are unemployed to qualify sooner for the back to education allowance; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43072/12]

Property Taxation Application

Michael McGrath

153. Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Finance if he has requested Revenue to begin preparation for the collection of a residential property tax; if he has asked his Department or the Economic and Social Research Institute to examine the potential consumer behavioural impact of a residential property tax; if he is currently examining residential stamp duty and the non-principle private residence tax as part of his plans in respect of a property tax; if he intends to hold discussions with relevant parties on the implications of a property tax for the residential housing market; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42750/12]

NAMA Receivers

Michael McGrath

161. Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Finance the number of cases, if any, in which the National Assets Management Agency has undertaken any form of disciplinary action in respect of any of its employees; and, in each case, if he will provide details of the reasons such disciplinary action was undertaken and the outcome of same. [43014/12]

Special Educational Needs Staffing

Michael McGrath

198. Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Education and Skills when he expects to have an Autism Spectrum Disorders unit open at a school (details supplied) in County Cork; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42703/12]

Flood Relief Schemes Applications

Michael McGrath

284. Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the position regarding a certain flood relief project (details supplied) in County Cork; and if he will confirm when a decision on funding will issue. [42956/12]

Departmental Schemes

Michael McGrath

307. Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Jobs; Enterprise and Innovation when he expects to have the temporary partial loan guarantee scheme up and running; and if he will advise of the terms and conditions that will apply for applicant businesses. [43343/12]

Departmental Expenditure

Michael McGrath

489. Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Defence if he will provide a detailed breakdown of the amount expended by his Department on Civil Defence for 2011. [43352/12]

Defence Forces Personnel

Michael McGrath

490. Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Defence further to parliamentary question No. 443 of 2 October 2012, the reason one officer was promoted in advance of the remaining 34; the date he expects the remainder to be promoted; and the reason it took 12 months to process his instruction. [43353/12]

Children's Rights Referendum

Michael McGrath

547. Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs in the context of the forthcoming referendum on Children's rights, if she will outline her commitment to providing sufficient resources to ensure the imprescriptible rights of the child including health and education and the individualised nature of children’s needs are met; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [42606/12]

Budget 2013

Michael McGrath

1. Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Finance if he has raised with the Troika the possibility of substituting a range of alternative taxation measures for the property tax in Budget 2013; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42464/12]

European Stability Mechanism

Michael McGrath

4. Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Finance if he or the National Pensions Reserve Fund has examined the implications of the European Stability Mechanism investing in the pillar banks; if he has studied the mechanism by which this may take place; if an up to date valuation of the State's investment in the pillar banks has been prepared; if the joint technical paper with the Troika in respect of the promissory note has been completed; his plans for its publication; the progress that is being made in respect of restructuring the promissory note; the date on which he expects this to be concluded; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42465/12]

Economic Growth Initiatives

Michael McGrath

8. Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Finance his views on the opinion of the Fiscal Council that economic growth forecasts from his Department are systematically biased upwards; his plans to improve forecasting models with the Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42287/12]

Tax Reliefs Availability

Michael McGrath

75. Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Finance in relation to the deadline of 31 December 2012 for first time buyers to avail of mortgage interest relief, if he will explain specifically the stage a borrower has to have reached in order to qualify, for example, mortgage drawn down and mortgage repayment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42406/12]