119 Mr. M. Higgins asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if she has received the post budget analysis offered by CORI's justice commission; if her attention has been drawn to its conclusion that not enough was done in the 2004 budget to tackle social exclusion effectively and that its impact on tackling substantial poverty and inequality will be limited; and if she will make a statement on the matter.
[3870/04]
90 Mr. M. Higgins asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if the benefits of economic prosperity have yet to be reinvested to help the economically disadvantaged in Irish society; and if she will make a statement on the matter.
[3869/04]
338 Mr. M. Higgins asked the Minister for Health and Children if, due to the lengthy delay in the publication of two reports dealing with Galway Hospice, one by the hospice itself, and the other by the Western Health Board, he will facilitate the intervention of an independent professional authority to make the residential beds in the hospice available to the public.
[3668/04]
28 Mr. M. Higgins asked the Minister for Defence the progress which has been made by the interdepartmental working group to seek alternative solutions for the provision of funding for helicopters required by the Air Corps; when he expects to receive the report of the group; when he expects a decision to be made on this issue; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
[3293/04]
17 Mr. M. Higgins asked the Minister for Defence his plans for the provision of a new fleet of light utility helicopters for the Air Corps; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
[3294/04]
175
D'fhiafraigh Mr. M. Higgins den Aire Gnóthaí Pobail, Tuaithe agus Gaeltachta cén dul chun cinn atá déanta i leith Foras na Gaeilge a dhílárú; agus an ndéanfaidh sé ráiteas ina leith.
[3111/04]
216
D'fhiafraigh Mr. M. Higgins den Aire Gnóthaí Pobail, Tuaithe agus Gaeltachta cé mhéad airgid a bheidh ar fáil dó i 2004 leis an Acht Teanga a chur i bhfeidhm; agus an ndéanfaidh sé ráiteas ina leith.
[3112/04]
174 Mr. M. Higgins asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the total number of persons awaiting payment of the first-time buyer's grant at the latest date for which figures are available; the reason for the long delay in making these payments; the steps being taken to ensure that all such grants are paid without further delay; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
[2861/04]
171 Mr. M. Higgins asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the main provisions of the proposed National Infrastructure Bill; if the heads of the Bill have yet been brought before Government and approved; when the Bill is likely to be published and brought before Dáil Éireann; if it is intended that incinerators will fall within the remit of the national infrastructure board; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
[2860/04]
51 Mr. M. Higgins asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the measures he intends to being forward to deal with the activities of criminal gangs in regard to his address to the Oireachtas Joint Committee on Justice, Equality, Defence and Women's Rights on 9 December 2003; when he expects the legislation will be published; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
[2433/04]
134 Mr. M. Higgins asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform when the Government plans to publish the report of the inquiry being carried out by Mr. Justice Peter Cory into allegations that some members of the security forces in the Republic and in Northern Ireland may have co-operated with terrorist organisations; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
[30498/03]
14 Mr. M. Higgins asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the action being taken to combat the reported trafficking of women, especially from Eastern Europe, for purposes of prostitution here; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
[2508/04]
191 Mr. M. Higgins asked the Minister for Transport the number of payments made to date by the Taxi Hardship Panel and the average amount paid out; the number of outstanding claims before the Panel; when he expects that these will be disposed of; his plans to provide for a compassionate payments scheme for those who do not fit into any of the existing categories but who have clearly suffered hardship; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
[2116/04]
188 Mr. M. Higgins asked the Minister for Transport when he expects the taxi regulator will be appointed; the reason for the delay in making the appointment; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
[2117/04]
878 Mr. M. Higgins asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform when a decision will be made on an application for residency status by a person (details supplied) in County Cork under section 3 of the Immigration Act 1999; and the reason for the delay in this decision.
[1520/04]
187 Mr. M. Higgins asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of persons who held medical cards in June 2002 and the latest date for which figures are available; the proportion of the population this represents in respect of each such date; when it is intended to implement the commitment to extend eligibility for medical cards so as to bring in more than 200,000 extra people; the new guidelines for eligibility for medical cards, published this month; the number of additional people he estimates will qualify as a result of these changes; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
[1893/04]
210 Mr. M. Higgins asked the Minister for Health and Children the legislation planned arising from the health reform programme and the status of the Bills listed in the legislative programme; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
[1894/04]
2 Mr. M. Higgins asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the Government's position on the peace process proposals that have recently emerged from the Geneva talks; the contacts his officials may have had with both sides; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
[30537/03]
64 Mr. M. Higgins asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the progress to date in regard to the liquidation of IFI; if all obligations to the workforce have been satisfactorily discharged; if all pension entitlements will be met; the amount the State will receive as a 51% shareholder in IFI; and if she will make a statement on the matter.
[29912/03]
64 Mr. M. Higgins asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the progress to date in regard to the liquidation of IFI; if all obligations to the workforce have been satisfactorily discharged; if all pension entitlements will be met; the amount the State will receive as a 51% shareholder in IFI; and if she will make a statement on the matter.
[29912/03]
9 Mr. M. Higgins asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the initiative the quartet proposes to take on its proposals known as the road map for peace in the Middle East.
[26695/03]
2 Mr. M. Higgins asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the number of civilian casualties estimated to have lost their lives to date in the recent war in Iraq; the details of the commitment made by Ireland at the recent pledging conference in Madrid; the conditions attached; the information he has regarding the locations and the circumstances in which prisoners taken in Iraq are being held by the occupying powers; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
[26892/03]
8 Mr. M. Higgins asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the number of redundancies notified to her Department during 2000, 2001, 2002 and to date in 2003; if the number of notified redundancies in September 2003 showed an increase of 61% over the figure for September 2002; the steps being taken to deal with the sharp increase in redundancies; and if she will make a statement on the matter.
[24475/03]
107 Mr. M. Higgins asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the terms of reference of the review of enterprise in rural areas; when he expects that the review will be completed; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
[24049/03]
107 Mr. M. Higgins asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the terms of reference of the review of enterprise in rural areas; when he expects that the review will be completed; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
[24049/03]
23 Mr. M. Higgins asked the Minister for the Environment Heritage and Local Government the plans the Government has for an apartment building scheme for homeless persons; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
[23593/03]
18 Mr. M. Higgins asked the Minister for the Environment Heritage and Local Government the plans he has to promote awareness among non-nationals of their right to be included on the electoral register and to vote in the local elections and, in respect of EU citizens, the right to vote in European elections; if advertising or promotional campaigns are planned by his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
[23594/03]
105 Mr. M. Higgins asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the conditions which have led the Taoiseach to suggest that Irish troops may serve in Iraq; the requirements the Government will seek in a new Security Council resolution of the UN; the discussions in this regard his Department has had with European Union partners and the United States of America; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
[21410/03]
105 Mr. M. Higgins asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the conditions which have led the Taoiseach to suggest that Irish troops may serve in Iraq; the requirements the Government will seek in a new Security Council resolution of the UN; the discussions in this regard his Department has had with European Union partners and the United States of America; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
[21410/03]
75 Mr. M. Higgins asked the Minister for Defence further to his reported comments in Brussels on 19 May 2003, the changes he is seeking to have made in the Defence Acts to allow Irish troops to participate in peacekeeping operations not specifically authorised by the United Nations; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
[18767/03]
75 Mr. M. Higgins asked the Minister for Defence further to his reported comments in Brussels on 19 May 2003, the changes he is seeking to have made in the Defence Acts to allow Irish troops to participate in peacekeeping operations not specifically authorised by the United Nations; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
[18767/03]
2 Mr. M. Higgins asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the Government's position on control of the Iraqi oil resources and in particular the Government's views on a Security Council resolution which would give control of such resources to the occupying powers; and the arrangements he favours to follow the oil for food programme which is due for renewal in early June 2003.
[14988/03]
9 Mr. M. Higgins asked the Minister for Education and Science if it is intended to initiate a review of the leaving certificate with a view to placing greater emphasis on continuous assessment and project work; if so, the nature of the review proposed; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
[10194/03]
48 Mr. M. Higgins asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if, on behalf of the Government and in view of the catastrophic consequences of the continuation of a war in Iraq, he will instruct Ireland's permanent representative at the United Nations to initiate a uniting for peace initiative in accordance with Resolution 377 of 3 February 2003 - Chapter V - to call an emergency session of the General Assembly to discuss the grave situation into which the world has been plunged; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
[10316/03]
48 Mr. M. Higgins asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if, on behalf of the Government and in view of the catastrophic consequences of the continuation of a war in Iraq, he will instruct Ireland's permanent representative at the United Nations to initiate a uniting for peace initiative in accordance with Resolution 377 of 3 February 2003 - Chapter V - to call an emergency session of the General Assembly to discuss the grave situation into which the world has been plunged; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
[10316/03]
109 Mr. M. Higgins asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the Government's position on a pre-emptive strike against Iraq; the reasons for the Government's support for a second resolution of the Security Council of the UN before Resolution 1441 had been concluded; if the Government supports the French and German proposal for greater resources and additional time to enable the UN inspectors to complete their task; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
[6395/03]
109 Mr. M. Higgins asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the Government's position on a pre-emptive strike against Iraq; the reasons for the Government's support for a second resolution of the Security Council of the UN before Resolution 1441 had been concluded; if the Government supports the French and German proposal for greater resources and additional time to enable the UN inspectors to complete their task; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
[6395/03]
134 Mr. M. Higgins asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism the number of locations for the development of a new national stadium that are being considered by the Government; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
[5601/03]
134 Mr. M. Higgins asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism the number of locations for the development of a new national stadium that are being considered by the Government; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
[5601/03]
105 Mr. M. Higgins asked the Minister for Defence the current role of the Office of Emergency Planning; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
[4669/03]
105 Mr. M. Higgins asked the Minister for Defence the current role of the Office of Emergency Planning; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
[4669/03]
34 Mr. M. Higgins asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if, in view of newly published material, he will work at the UN Security Council to have redress made to the people of West Papua for UN collusion in the unacceptable Act of Choice in 1969 and urge it to undo the tragedy which has followed; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
[26516/02]
27 Mr. M. Higgins asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the reasons permanent members of the Security Council were given copies of the declaration by Iraq in relation to weapons of mass destruction as required by UN resolution ahead of the other members of the Security Council; if political pressure will not be exerted on the inspection team working under Dr. Hans Blix; and his views on whether the Security Council's evaluation of both the weapons report and the interim and final reports of the inspectors' work will be the definitive one.
[26586/02]
34 Mr. M. Higgins asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if, in view of newly published material, he will work at the UN Security Council to have redress made to the people of West Papua for UN collusion in the unacceptable Act of Choice in 1969 and urge it to undo the tragedy which has followed; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
[26516/02]
27 Mr. M. Higgins asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the reasons permanent members of the Security Council were given copies of the declaration by Iraq in relation to weapons of mass destruction as required by UN resolution ahead of the other members of the Security Council; if political pressure will not be exerted on the inspection team working under Dr. Hans Blix; and his views on whether the Security Council's evaluation of both the weapons report and the interim and final reports of the inspectors' work will be the definitive one.
[26586/02]
77
D'fhiafraigh Mr. M. Higgins den Aire Gnóthaí Pobail, Tuaithe agus Gaeltachta an bhfuil sé ar intinn aige Bille na dTeangacha Oifigiúla (Comhionannas), 2002, a tharraingt siar ós rud é go bhfuil ísliú 10% sa Mheastachán don Ghaeilge agus don Ghaeltacht i 2003; agus an ndéanfaidh sé ráiteas ina leith.
[24470/02]
77
D'fhiafraigh Mr. M. Higgins den Aire Gnóthaí Pobail, Tuaithe agus Gaeltachta an bhfuil sé ar intinn aige Bille na dTeangacha Oifigiúla (Comhionannas), 2002, a tharraingt siar ós rud é go bhfuil ísliú 10% sa Mheastachán don Ghaeilge agus don Ghaeltacht i 2003; agus an ndéanfaidh sé ráiteas ina leith.
[24470/02]
61 Mr. M. Higgins asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the procedures used for evaluating the recent list of organisations and individuals adopted by the Council of Foreign Ministers of the European Union as constituting a threat of terrorism; the origin of such a list; the reason, in particular, for the inclusion of a peace negotiator in the conflict in the Philippines (details supplied); and his views on the significance and implications of such a list now constituting a common position within the European Union.
[21672/02]
59 Mr. M. Higgins asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if the authority of the Security Council of the United Nations regarding all judgments on compliance with the Charter of the United Nations and its resolutions will be vindicated in all matters relating to the current situation in Iraq; if the Government's position is one of support for the United Nations, opposition to unilateral military action or pre-emptive strikes, and that Irish facilities, including Shannon Airport, will cease to be used for preliminary military purposes in the current or a future situation.
[21671/02]
61 Mr. M. Higgins asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the procedures used for evaluating the recent list of organisations and individuals adopted by the Council of Foreign Ministers of the European Union as constituting a threat of terrorism; the origin of such a list; the reason, in particular, for the inclusion of a peace negotiator in the conflict in the Philippines (details supplied); and his views on the significance and implications of such a list now constituting a common position within the European Union.
[21672/02]