Parliamentary questions

Long-Term Illness Scheme Coverage

Simon Harris

227. Deputy Simon Harris asked the Minister for Health if consideration will be given to include irritable bowel syndrome on the long-term illness scheme due to the significant medical costs to those who have this condition; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9807/14]

School Enrolments

Simon Harris

228. Deputy Simon Harris asked the Minister for Education and Skills the advice his Department will provide to the parents of a person (details required) in County Wicklow who has not been able to secure a place on the leaving certificate applied programme in their locality; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8959/14]

Control of Dogs

Simon Harris

446. Deputy Simon Harris asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if the provisions of the Control of Dogs Act 1986 overrides the necessity to publicly tender the dog control service contract in County Wicklow (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9609/14]

Defence Forces Records

Simon Harris

566. Deputy Simon Harris asked the Minister for Defence when he will open recruitment for the Defence Forces; the recruitment process which applicants would need to undertake; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8881/14]

Autism Support Services

Simon Harris

70. Deputy Simon Harris asked the Minister for Education and Skills if his attention has been drawn to the issue of isolation or withdrawal rooms in ASD units in national schools here; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7044/14]

Autism Support Services

Simon Harris

71. Deputy Simon Harris asked the Minister for Education and Skills if his attention has been drawn to the number of schools that have constructed small, safe spaces as per the school design guide for ASD units; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7045/14]

Autism Support Services

Simon Harris

72. Deputy Simon Harris asked the Minister for Education and Skills if he will consider mandatory training for teachers assigned to ASD units in national schools. [7046/14]

Animal Welfare

Simon Harris

164. Deputy Simon Harris asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he intends to ban the removal of the dew claw from dogs considering this practice is already banned by the national vets body; if he will consider introducing such a ban in animal welfare legislation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6966/14]

Pensions Legislation

Simon Harris

170. Deputy Simon Harris asked the Minister for Finance the reason pension retirement bonds are not allowed by the Revenue Commissioners to qualify for the approved retirement fund; if such bonds resulted from a pension scheme which did not allow the approved retirement fund option; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6728/14]

Apprenticeship Programmes

Simon Harris

215. Deputy Simon Harris asked the Minister for Education and Skills the supports in place from his Department for apprentices here; the rationale behind the flat fee for apprentices attending institutes of technology during their apprenticeship; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6621/14]

School Patronage

Simon Harris

49. Deputy Simon Harris asked the Minister for Education and Skills if he will open a new Steiner Waldorf national school in Galway; if he will fully recognise the Raheen Wood and Mol an Óige national schools; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4633/14]

Youth Unemployment Measures

Simon Harris

117. Deputy Simon Harris asked the Minister for Social Protection if the issue of youth unemployment falls within the remit of a Cabinet sub-committee; the Departments and Ministries under which that responsibility for addressing youth unemployment falls; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2195/14]

Youth Guarantee

Simon Harris

132. Deputy Simon Harris asked the Minister for Social Protection if she has submitted her Department's plan for the implementation of the Youth Guarantee in Ireland; the actions in this plan; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2194/14]

Schools Building Projects Status

Simon Harris

75. Deputy Simon Harris asked the Minister for Education and Skills the position regarding plans for a new school building (details supplied); the timeline for commencement and completion of this building; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3252/14]

Departmental Agencies

Simon Harris

168. Deputy Simon Harris asked the Taoiseach the number of quangos, State agencies or organisations under the remit of his Department that have been merged, reformed or abolished since 2011; the details of each of these measures in tabular form; the cost saving or service delivery improvement which has resulted; how many more he expects to be merged, reformed or abolished and the timeline for same; if he will provide a full list of all agencies and organisations under his remit; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2255/14]

State Papers

Simon Harris

387. Deputy Simon Harris asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht if consideration will be given to reducing the 30-year rule for the release of State papers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2272/14]

Charities Regulation

Simon Harris

496. Deputy Simon Harris asked the Minister for Justice and Equality when he expects a Charity Regulator to be in place; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2273/14]

Departmental Bodies

Simon Harris

43. Deputy Simon Harris asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the number of quangos, State agencies or organisations under the remit of his Department that have been merged, reformed or abolished since 2011; the details of each of these measures in tabular form; the cost saving or service delivery improvement which has resulted; how many more he expects to be merged, reformed or abolished and the timeline for same; if he will provide a full list of all agencies and organisations under his remit; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1978/14]

Departmental Bodies

Simon Harris

62. Deputy Simon Harris asked the Minister for Finance the number of quangos, State agencies or organisations under the remit of his Department that have been merged, reformed or abolished since 2011; the details of each of these measures in tabular form; the cost saving or service delivery improvement which has resulted; how many more he expects to be merged, reformed or abolished and the timeline for same; if he will provide a full list of all agencies and organisations under his remit; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1977/14]

Departmental Bodies

Simon Harris

99. Deputy Simon Harris asked the Minister for Education and Skills the number of quangos, State agencies or organisations under the remit of his Department that have been merged, reformed or abolished since 2011; the details of each of these measures in tabular form; the cost saving or service delivery improvement which has resulted; how many more he expects to be merged, reformed or abolished and the timeline for same; if he will provide a full list of all agencies and organisations under his remit; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1975/14]

Departmental Bodies

Simon Harris

123. Deputy Simon Harris asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the number of quangos, State agencies or organisations under the remit of his Department that have been merged, reformed or abolished since 2011; the details of each of these measures in tabular form; the cost saving or service delivery improvement which has resulted; how many more he expects to be merged, reformed or abolished and the timeline for same; if he will provide a full list of all agencies and organisations under his remit; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1982/14]

Departmental Bodies

Simon Harris

139. Deputy Simon Harris asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation the number of quangos, State agencies or organisations under the remit of his Department that have been merged, reformed or abolished since 2011; the details of each of these measures in tabular form; the cost saving or service delivery improvement which has resulted; how many more he expects to be merged, reformed or abolished and the timeline for same; if he will provide a full list of all agencies and organisations under his remit; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1980/14]

Departmental Bodies

Simon Harris

158. Deputy Simon Harris asked the Minister for Social Protection the number of quangos, State agencies or organisations under the remit of her Department that have been merged, reformed or abolished since 2011; the details of each of these measures in tabular form; the cost saving or service delivery improvement which has resulted; how many more she expects to be merged, reformed or abolished and the timeline for same; if she will provide a full list of all agencies and organisations under her remit; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1983/14]

Departmental Bodies

Simon Harris

181. Deputy Simon Harris asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the number of quangos, State agencies or organisations under the remit of his Department that have been merged, reformed or abolished since 2011; the details of each of these measures in tabular form; the cost saving or service delivery improvement which has resulted; how many more he expects to be merged, reformed or abolished and the timeline for same; if he will provide a full list of all agencies and organisations under his remit; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1971/14]

Departmental Bodies

Simon Harris

189. Deputy Simon Harris asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the number of quangos, State agencies or organisations under the remit of his Department that have been merged, reformed or abolished since 2011; the details of each of these measures in tabular form; the cost saving or service delivery improvement which has resulted; how many more he expects to be merged, reformed or abolished and the timeline for same; if he will provide a full list of all agencies and organisations under his remit; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1973/14]

Departmental Bodies

Simon Harris

208. Deputy Simon Harris asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the number of quangos, State agencies or organisations under the remit of his Department that have been merged, reformed or abolished since 2011; the details of each of these measures in tabular form; the cost saving or service delivery improvement which has resulted; how many more he expects to be merged, reformed or abolished and the timeline for same; if he will provide a full list of all agencies and organisations under his remit; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1976/14]

Departmental Bodies

Simon Harris

228. Deputy Simon Harris asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the number of quangos, State agencies or organisations under the remit of his Department that have been merged, reformed or abolished since 2011; the details of each of these measures in tabular form; the cost saving or service delivery improvement which has resulted; how many more he expects to be merged, reformed or abolished and the timeline for same; if he will provide a full list of all agencies and organisations under his remit; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1981/14]

Public Service Reform Plan Update

Simon Harris

266. Deputy Simon Harris asked the Minister for Defence the number of quangos, State agencies or organisations under the remit of his Department that have been merged, reformed or abolished since 2011; the details of each of these measures in tabular form; the cost saving or service delivery improvement which has resulted; how many more he expects to be merged, reformed or abolished and the timeline for same; if he will provide a full list of all agencies and organisations under his remit; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1974/14]

Departmental Bodies

Simon Harris

279. Deputy Simon Harris asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the number of quangos, State agencies or organisations under the remit of his Department that have been merged, reformed or abolished since 2011; the details of each of these measures in tabular form; the cost saving or service delivery improvement which has resulted; how many more he expects to be merged, reformed or abolished and the timeline for same; if he will provide a full list of all agencies and organisations under his remit; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1970/14]

Departmental Bodies

Simon Harris

297. Deputy Simon Harris asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the number of quangos, State agencies or organisations under the remit of her Department that have been merged, reformed or abolished since 2011; the details of each of these measures in tabular form; the cost saving or service delivery improvement which has resulted; how many more she expects to be merged, reformed or abolished and the timeline for same; if she will provide a full list of all agencies and organisations under her remit; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1972/14]

Departmental Bodies

Simon Harris

317. Deputy Simon Harris asked the Minister for Health the number of quangos, State agencies or organisations under the remit of his Department that have been merged, reformed or abolished since 2011; the details of each of these measures in tabular form; the cost saving or service delivery improvement which has resulted; how many more he expects to be merged, reformed or abolished and the timeline for same; if he will provide a full list of all agencies and organisations under his remit; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1979/14]

Departmental Bodies

Simon Harris

354. Deputy Simon Harris asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the number of quangos, State agencies or organisations under the remit of his Department that have been merged, reformed or abolished since 2011; the details of each of these measures in tabular form; the cost saving or service delivery improvement which has resulted; how many more he expects to be merged, reformed or abolished and the timeline for same; if he will provide a full list of all agencies and organisations under his remit; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1984/14]

Northern Ireland Issues

Simon Harris

44. Deputy Simon Harris asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade his view on the talks chaired by Dr. Richard Haass into contentious issues in Northern Ireland; his views on the proposals put to all parties in Northern Ireland; the way he expects the issue to now progress; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1118/14]

Property Tax Collection

Simon Harris

151. Deputy Simon Harris asked the Minister for Finance the number of households which have not confirmed their payment method for the local property tax, excluding those who have opted for deferred payment; the way Revenue intends to pursue defaulters; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1549/14]

Property Tax Collection

Simon Harris

152. Deputy Simon Harris asked the Minister for Finance the way in which the Revenue Commissioners intend to pursue defaulters of the €100 household charge; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1550/14]

Departmental Policy Reviews

Simon Harris

199. Deputy Simon Harris asked the Minister for Education and Skills if he will provide an update on the review being undertaken on Irish language exemption; if consideration will be given to children with autism and Asperger's syndrome; when he expects this review to be complete; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [55480/13]

Pupil Data Collection

Simon Harris

214. Deputy Simon Harris asked the Minister for Education and Skills the actions he proposes to take to ensure that there are adequate primary school places in an area (details supplied) for this September; the number of primary school places that are available in that area; the number of children that will be in need of a school place in that area this September based on data his Department uses to project such things; if his Department has been in discussion with the primary school in the area; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1002/14]

Pupil Data Collection

Simon Harris

215. Deputy Simon Harris asked the Minister for Education and Skills the data his Department uses to determine the number of school places required in an area (details supplied); and based on that data the number of school places at primary level that will be required in that area for the next school year commencing in September 20014; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1004/14]

Bullying in Schools

Simon Harris

216. Deputy Simon Harris asked the Minister for Education and Skills if he will provide an update on the implementation of the action plan on bullying for schools; the actions that have been taken to progress the implementation of the following recommendations contained within the plan; new national anti-bullying policy for schools, review of teacher education support service provision, co-ordinated training and resource development for Boards of Management and parents and a new national anti-bullying website; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1006/14]

Flood Relief Schemes Applications

Simon Harris

257. Deputy Simon Harris asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the details of the applications that have been made from local authorities (details supplied) to the Office Of Public Works in 2011, 2012 and 2013 for projects to alleviate flooding; the amount sought in each application; the status of each application; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1108/14]

Flood Prevention Measures

Simon Harris

258. Deputy Simon Harris asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if he will provide an update on the Dargle flood protection scheme in Bray being funded by the Office of Public Works; the current status of the scheme; the works that have specifically been completed to date; the works that remain to be completed; the total budget the OPW has allocated for the project; when he expects the project to recommence; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1113/14]

Public Sector Staff Data

Simon Harris

263. Deputy Simon Harris asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the number of persons working in the public service and the Civil Service in each year from 2008 to date in 2014; the expected numbers in the public service and Civil Service by the end of 2014; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1005/14]

Small and Medium Enterprises Supports

Simon Harris

301. Deputy Simon Harris asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation when he expects a single, one stop shop website to be in place providing details of all Government and State agency initiatives to assist small and medium enterprises here and people who wish to set up a business for the first time here; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1042/14]

Youth Unemployment Measures

Simon Harris

302. Deputy Simon Harris asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation if he will provide details of any meetings he or his officials have had with youth groups or organisations working with or representing young people to explore ways of tackling youth unemployment here and ensuring that initiatives in place by Government in terms of employment and business support are accessible to young people and tailored for their needs where appropriate; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1045/14]

Jobs Initiative

Simon Harris

324. Deputy Simon Harris asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation if he will develop a national jobs strategy for young persons in an effort to better co-ordinate the various measures and supports in place and those which need to be put in place to help tackle youth unemployment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1458/14]

Youth Unemployment Measures

Simon Harris

335. Deputy Simon Harris asked the Minister for Social Protection her plans to specifically target the issue of youth unemployment here; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1044/14]

Youth Unemployment Measures

Simon Harris

363. Deputy Simon Harris asked the Minister for Social Protection her Department's plans to implement the youth guarantee here; the amount of funding allocated for same in 2014; the tangible benefits she believes it will have; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1041/14]

Rental Accommodation Scheme Administration

Simon Harris

364. Deputy Simon Harris asked the Minister for Social Protection when she envisages the administration of the rent supplement allowance transferring from her Department to local authorities; if she is satisfied that local authorities will have sufficient staff resources to oversee this transfer and administer this scheme; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1048/14]

Domiciliary Care Allowance Review

Simon Harris

365. Deputy Simon Harris asked the Minister for Social Protection the current status of a report she received on domiciliary care allowance and disability allowance; if she intends to implement the recommendations of this report; if she will outline the timeframe for implementation; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1050/14]

Household Charge Collection

Simon Harris

482. Deputy Simon Harris asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the number of households who failed to pay the €100 household charge; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1550/14]