Senator Maria Byrne

The Minster for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Simon Coveney TD, welcomed the outcome of today’s meeting of the EU Standing Committee on the Food Chain and Animal Health (SCOFCAH), which further discussed the ongoing issue of the mislabelling of meat

Discussion on the Reform of National Micro and Small Business Support Structures

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.

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.

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.

I thank the Minister of State for taking this issue. I am fully aware of the work the Department and relevant bodies are undertaking to implement the recommendations of the report of the pyrite panel. I acknowledge it is a long and complex process to oversee the implementation of these recommendations, particularly as priority has been given to remediation rather than any other issue. I find it necessary, however, to highlight a particular recommendation in section 22 of the report with regard to home insurance issues that may require a new and more robust approach by Departments.

Dail Speech congratulating the Government on the achievement of the deal.

I thank the Minister of State for taking this issue. I am fully aware of the work the Department and relevant bodies are undertaking to implement the recommendations of the report of the pyrite panel. I acknowledge it is a long and complex process to oversee the implementation of these recommendations, particularly as priority has been given to remediation rather than any other issue. I find it necessary, however, to highlight a particular recommendation in section 22 of the report with regard to home insurance issues that may require a new and more robust approach by Departments.

Dail Speech congratulating the Government on the achievement of the deal.

Laois TD and Fine Gael Party Chairman Charlie Flanagan has welcomed the decision by Minister Noonan to extend the fuel rebate to private coach operators in the county.