315 Mr. M. Higgins asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if, in view of the new proposed policy for applications for residency on the basis of the applicant being a non-Irish parent of an Irish-born child, the Government considered periods within the asylum process as acceptable qualifying periods to access State employment and education support.
[3117/05]
121 Mr. M. Higgins asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the situation with regard to Turkey’s application for membership of the European Union; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
[2771/05]
124 Mr. M. Higgins asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the position in relation to Burma, particularly in relation to the number of those who may have lost their lives or livelihoods in the recent tsunami disaster; his views on whether the recognition by the Government of the military regime has created any political or diplomatic opportunities; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
[2754/05]
88 Mr. M. Higgins asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the Government’s medium to long-term proposals with regard to aid for the victims of the recent tragic tsunami in south-east Asia and overseas aid in general; if the Government will reconsider its broken promise and provide for an allocation of 0.7% of GNP for overseas development aid; if the €10 million which has been set aside for aid for the victims of the disaster is money in addition to Ireland’s existing aid budget and not simply taken from the existing fund; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
[2911/05]
48 Mr. M. Higgins asked the Minister for Finance the position regarding the planned sale of State property announced by his Minister of State; if he will list the property sold to date and the amount raised; the way in which the money used has been raised; the properties it is planned to sell during 2005; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
[2470/05]
22 Mr. M. Higgins asked the Minister for Finance if he is satisfied that sufficient steps are being taken to combat tax evasion in view of the continuing high level of settlements reported by the Revenue Commissioners each quarter; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
[2471/05]
46 Mr. M. Higgins asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food if her attention has been drawn to the non-compliance of the Government with European directives on the conservation of protected species in the Owenriff river; the action she proposes to take regarding the source of this problem and its implications for Lough Corrib; if the forestry division of her Department has examined such recent research as is relevant in relation to the contribution of forestry to the ecological crisis facing some species in the river; if she proposes to meet with persons concerned from the communities and interests affected; and if she will make a statement on the matter.
[30943/04]
9 Mr. M. Higgins asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the action she proposes to take on foot of the representations made to her on behalf of persons (details supplied) who are seeking an independent evaluation of outstanding matters in agricultural practice and the consequences for their livelihood such as to enable both the spirit of the Supreme Court judgment on these matters, and natural justice in relation to loss and recovery, to be fulfilled.
[32276/04]
624 Mr. M. Higgins asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food if she will make a statement on the implementation of an undertaking given to examine the milk quota situation, possible super levy obligations, compensation for reduced price and non-payment of milk bonuses, to a person (details supplied), and referred to in a letter from an official of hers of 13 March 1997; if such implementation has taken place; and if she has plans to reach a conclusion on this matter.
[34197/04]
623 Mr. M. Higgins asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food if she will take steps to bring to a conclusion matters with which her Department was dealing as far back as 1983, and on which representations were made to her in 2004 in relation to the complex issues that need to be brought to a conclusion to enable the farming practices of a person (details supplied) to be vindicated and to continue; and if she will take on an initiative in this matter to achieve a just and final solution in the interests of all concerned.
[34196/04]
108 Mr. M. Higgins asked the Minister for Defence the details of the military police investigation into suggestions of two incidents of near mutinous behaviour on a Naval Service vessel; if these investigations involve allegations of sabotage on board the vessel; if the military investigation is concluded; the conclusions that have been reached from this investigation and if action has subsequently been taken; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
[1500/05]
59 Mr. M. Higgins asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the number of work permits issued to date under the new arrangements to give access to employment to the spouses of non-EEA nationals working here; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
[33738/04]
9 Mr. M. Higgins asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment when the promised legislation to put the employment permit regime on a comprehensive and sound statutory footing will be introduced; the reason for the delay in bringing forward the legislation, which was originally promised for 2003; if it is intended to replace the current work permit system with a green card system; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
[33737/04]
68
D’fhiafraigh Mr. M. Higgins den Aire Gnóthaí Pobail, Tuaithe agus Gaeltachta an raibh aon chruinniú aige leis an Roinn Oideachais agus Eolaíochta maidir le múineadh na Gaeilge ag an gcéad leibhéal, ag an dara leibhéal agus ag an tríú leibhéal; agus an ndéanfaidh sé ráiteas ina leith.
[33234/04]
59
D’fhiafraigh Mr. M. Higgins den Aire Gnóthaí Pobail, Tuaithe agus Gaeltachta cén dul chun cinn atá déanta maidir le moltaí Choimisiún na Gaeltachta a chur i bhfeidhm; agus an ndéanfaidh sé ráiteas ina leith.
[33235/04]
1 Mr. M. Higgins asked the Taoiseach the details of the new open dialogue announced recently between the Government and the churches and faith communities; the issues that will be discussed in this dialogue; when the discussions will begin; the churches that will be involved; if it is envisaged that a final report will be produced; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
[30104/04]
177 Mr. M. Higgins asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food if her attention and the attention of appropriate officials responsible within her Department have been brought to the non-compliance on the part of the Government with European directives on the conservation of protected species in the Owenriff river; the action her Department proposes to take as to the source of this problem and its implications for Lough Corrib; if the forestry division of her Department has examined such recent research as is relevant regarding the contribution of forestry to the ecological crisis facing some species in the river; if she proposes to meet those concerned from the communities and interests affected; and if she will make a statement on the matter.
[32831/04]
109 Mr. M. Higgins asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the results of the investigation carried out by his Department into the reported killing of a large number of seals on the Blasket Islands, County Kerry, in early November 2004; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
[32665/04]
58 Mr. M. Higgins asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of members of the Garda at the latest date for which figures are available; the number expected to be recruited during 2005; the number expected to retire or otherwise leave the force during 2005; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
[32493/04]
30 Mr. M. Higgins asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the steps being taken to deal with the significant increase in gun crime and rape recorded in the annual report of the Garda Commissioner for 2003; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
[32494/04]
92 Mr. M. Higgins asked the Minister for Transport if he has considered the implications for Irish foreign policy of allowing and subsidising the traffic of combatants through Shannon Airport for passage to, as described by the United Nations General Secretary, Mr. Kofi Annan, an illegal war; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
[30074/04]
76 Mr. M. Higgins asked the Minister for Transport if he intends requesting the NRA to introduce new safety measures for the M50, specifically, and the State’s other motorways in general, in view of the number of serious road accidents that have taken place in recent weeks; if these new measures will include the installation of median barriers on the M50; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
[32327/04]
109 Mr. M. Higgins asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the expected date for the bringing into commission of each of the unopened facilities in regard to the announcement of 14 September 2004; if the health boards have been provided with the resources to recruit the appropriate staff for these units; and if she will make a statement on the matter.
[31556/04]
29 Mr. M. Higgins asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children when the next hospital waiting list figures will be published; if there is preliminary information available on the figures; the reason for the delay in view of the fact that the equivalent figures were published at the beginning of November in 2003; and if she will make a statement on the matter.
[31557/04]
78 Mr. M. Higgins asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism if he has recently engaged in discussions with the IRFU and the FAI regarding the unavailability of Lansdowne Road for matches during the period in which it will be renovated; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
[31437/04]
193 Mr. M. Higgins asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children when the supervised residence for an association (details supplied) in County Galway will be opened and occupied in view of the urgent need for this facility to be operational, the great demand for this promised amenity and the fact that it has been built and been ready for use and occupation since June 2003.
[31082/04]
155 Mr. M. Higgins asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the reason €1 million was removed from the DCI allocation in order to facilitate the fulfilling of a commitment in relation to the Band Aid single.
[30702/04]
12 Mr. M. Higgins asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs his views on breaches of the Geneva Convention which may have arisen during the recent assault on Falluja; if he has expressed concern in this regard to representatives of the occupying forces; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
[30073/04]
7 Mr. M. Higgins asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the position on achievement of the eight world millennium development goals; the proportion of the pledges put in place; his estimation of the achievement of each of the goals by 2015; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
[30072/04]
4 Mr. M. Higgins asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs his views on whether the International Red Crescent was impeded in its task and refused access to persons needing food, water and medicines in Falluja; his further views on the statement of interim Prime Minister Allawi that there were no civilian casualties; the measures he has taken to inquire into compliance with the Geneva Conventions in the course of the recent assault on that city and elsewhere in Iraq; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
[30500/04]
377 Mr. M. Higgins asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the details of his response to the advice given by the UNHCR regarding the treatment of Iraqi asylum seekers, including those who have been rejected.
[29783/04]
264 Mr. M. Higgins asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he has discussed with the Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform, the advice given by the UN High Commissioner for Refugees regarding the way in which protection is to be provided to Iraqi asylum seekers including those who have been rejected.
[29784/04]
136 Mr. M. Higgins asked the Minister for Finance his views on the need for reform of the Stability and Growth Pact; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
[29858/04]
61 Mr. M. Higgins asked the Minister for Defence if he has plans to introduce a system whereby Army reservists would be used in overseas missions; his views on whether reservists may not have the same standard of training as full-time Army staff serving abroad; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
[28825/04]
125 Mr. M. Higgins asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if he has satisfied himself at the reported reduction in the level of insurance premiums in view of figures showing that Irish insurance companies are now making substantial profits; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
[28335/04]
91 Mr. M. Higgins asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if he has received the report he sought from the National Competitiveness Council on the implications for exporters of the decision by Aer Lingus to end most of its cargo services; the main findings of the report; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
[28334/04]
99
D’fhiafraigh Mr. M. Higgins den Aire Gnóthaí Pobail, Tuaithe agus Gaeltachta cén dul chun cinn atá déanta i leith an fhoclóra leictreonaigh Béarla-Gaeilge atá idir lámha ag Foras na Gaeilge; agus an ndéanfaidh sé ráiteas ina leith.
[27959/04]
81
D’fhiafraigh Mr. M. Higgins den Aire Gnóthaí Pobail, Tuaithe agus Gaeltachta conas is féidir a dheimhniú go mbeidh caighdeán Gaeilge ard a dhóthain ag daoine a lorgaíonn cead pleanála sa Ghaeltacht; agus an ndéanfaidh sé ráiteas ina leith.
[27960/04]
90 Mr. M. Higgins asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the number of legal proceedings being taken against the Government for its failure to comply with EU legislation designed to protect the environment; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
[27323/04]
133 Mr. M. Higgins asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the pension entitlement of a member of the Garda (details supplied) in regard to the Government announcement of 6 October 2004 that the person concerned was being dismissed from the force; if the pension will be awarded to this person; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
[27242/04]
98 Mr. M. Higgins asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if his attention has been drawn to recent calls from Amnesty International for the EU’s Justice and Home Affairs policies to provide better protection of human rights; his views on whether the EU’s Justice and Home Affairs agenda is disproportionately concentrated on security and illegal immigration issues; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
[25323/04]
173 Mr. M. Higgins asked the Minister for Transport if he intends to respond to the call made by the Chairman of the National Road Safety Council for a more structured investment in road safety in the December 2004 budget, especially in view of the continuing level of road deaths; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
[26960/04]
34 Mr. M. Higgins asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the position regarding the application of the European working time directive to non-consultant hospital doctors; if the directive is now being implemented in all hospitals; the impact on staffing rosters in hospitals; and if she will make a statement on the matter.
[26337/04]
19 Mr. M. Higgins asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children if her attention has been drawn to new figures showing that there are now 101,279 fewer persons holding medical cards than in 1997; if her attention has further been drawn to the severe difficulties placed on persons and families on low incomes who do not qualify for medical cards in meeting doctors’ and medical bills; when the Government intends to honour its commitment to reduce eligibility limits in order to provide medical card cover for another 200,000 persons; and if she will make a statement on the matter.
[26338/04]
336 Mr. M. Higgins asked the Minister for Education and Science if she proposes to place a school (details supplied) in County Galway on the building programme of 2005 as a matter of urgency in view of the school’s pressing need for such attention; if she is in receipt of a sizeable petition sent to her predecessor by the parent’s association on this matter; and if she will make a statement on the matter.
[26278/04]
164 Mr. M. Higgins asked the Minister for Education and Science when the school building programme for 2005 will be published; if considerations in that regard have been considered; the funding which will be allocated to the programme for 2005; and if she will make a statement on the matter.
[26115/04]
129 Mr. M. Higgins asked the Minister for Education and Science her opinion of the recommendation from the OECD for a new third level authority; and if she will make a statement on the matter.
[26116/04]
62 Mr. M. Higgins asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources if his attention has been drawn to the decision by the board of An Post to close its SDS parcel delivery division; if he has received communication from the General Secretary of the ICTU warning that the closing of SDS would be very damaging to the partnership process; if he has responded to ICTU; if he has raised the matter with the management of An Post; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
[25641/04]
8 Mr. M. Higgins asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources if his attention has been drawn to the severe difficulties created for pensioners of An Post by the decision of the company to freeze increases due to them under national pay agreements; if he has raised this matter with the management of An Post; the action he intends to take to ensure that pensioners receive the increases to which they are entitled; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
[25640/04]