Patrick O'Donovan, TD

I wish to thank the Senator for raising this matter on the adjournment today. I am speaking on behalf of the Minister for Justice, Equality and Defence who regrets that he is unable to be present due to other business.

Taoiseach Enda Kenny today apologised to abuse survivor Louise O’Keeffe.

This afternoon the Taoiseach, Enda Kenny T.D. met with a number of the families of the 11 people killed in Ballymurphy over a three day period in August 1971.

Frances Fitzgerald TD, Minister for Children and Youth Affairs today welcomes the publication of the General Scheme of the Children and Family Relationships Bill.

To ask the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if he will reconsider the proposed amendment S.I number 9 of the Building Control Amendment Regulations 2013 which if introduced could discourage the tradition of self builders here; and if he will make a statement on the matter?

To ask the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if it is the intention of Irish Water, as reported recently, to charge apartment dwellers on an average use basis rather than a metered basis; and if he will make a statement on the matter?

To ask the Minister for Finance if his attention has been drawn to the inconsistency that exists between the VAT Consolidation Act 2010 and a Revenue Commissioner leaflet on VAT for veterinary services which is a great concern of the professional dog groomers industry; if he will review this inconsistency and allow professional dog groomers to charge the 13.5% VAT rate which is currently available to veterinary practices that provide dog grooming services; and if he will make a statement on the matter?

To ask the Minister for Finance if he will consider making those with a pension fund of less than €300,000 a year which would have an approximate payment of €12,000 a year, similar to the non-contributory pension rate, exempt from paying the pension levy; and if he will make a statement on the matter?