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Parliamentary Question to the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government

To ask the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the basis on which the National Standards Authority of Ireland have been asked to report to his Department on the subject of pyrite testing; when this will be published; the consensus amongst stakeholders regarding the funding for testing for pyrite in properties; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Parliamentary Question to the Minister for Social Protection

To ask the Minister for Social Protection her views on the Free Legal Advice Centre 2012 report Not Fair Enough with regard to the appeals process in her Department, as well as outlining in detail the reforms that have been reported to have taken place to reduce waiting time for appeals; and if she will make a statement on the matter.

Parliamentary Question to the Minister for Health

To ask the Minister for Health his policy regarding the addition of the meningitis vaccination to the national vaccination programme; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Parliamentary Question to the Minister for Education and Skills

To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the average cost to provide a springboard course per person per year; the average cost of a FÁS student per year to the Exchequer; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Dáil Question to the Minister for Social Protection

To ask the Minister for Social Protection her views on the 2012 figures showing that almost 50% of applicants who were refused disability allowance were awarded the payment on appeal; and if she will make a statement on the matter.

Dáil Question to the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources

To ask the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources his views on the EC targets to increase the number of charging points for electric cars here by 2020; his plans in relation to this policy; if he will be engaging in talks with the industry; if there has been a projected cost of this policy to the Exchequer; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Coffey calls for DNA meat testing to become mandatory in the EU

Fine Gael Waterford Deputy, Paudie Coffey, has called for EU guidelines to be put in place to ensure that the DNA testing of meat is required on a continuous basis across the entire European Union

New driving licence organ donation initiative will help save lives

Statement by the Minister as Investigation into equine DNA in burgers continues

The Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Simon Coveney TD announced this evening his Department has received a test result confirming 75% equine DNA in a raw material ingredient at Rangeland Foods, Co Monaghan.

Minister Fitzgerald addresses EU Presidency Conference on Family Support in Dublin Castle

Frances Fitzgerald TD, Minister for Children & Youth Affairs has today said that EU policy developments as well as the development of the new Child and Family Support Agency in Ireland must include a priority focus on early intervention and family support so as to support both children and their parents.