News & Statements

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.

Reply from Minister Phil Hogan T.D.

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.

Gender equality must be central to post Millennium Development Goals framework

Fine Gael TD for Dublin South and Chair of the Dáíl All-Party Interest Group on Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights and Development, Olivia Mitchell, has today (Tuesday) said that achieving all of the Millennium Development Goals depends on access to reproductive health and rights by the world's poorest women who are the family providers.

National Lottery Bill 2012

I support the objective in principle of raising capital sums from State assets. If ever we needed to sweat our assets it is now in Ireland's hour of greatest need, or what we hope is our greatest need.

Topical Issue Debate on Overseas Development Aid

I thank the Ceann Comhairle for providing me with a timely opportunity to raise this issue. I also thank the Minister of State, Deputy Hayes, for attending in the Dáil. I appreciate the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade has much on his hands at present.