Richard Bruton, TD

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?

Cork South Central Fine Gael TD and member of the Constitutional Convention, Jerry Buttimer, in welcoming the extension of time granted to the Constitutional Convention, has said that this will enable it to complete its work as delegated by the Oireachtas. Deputy Buttimer was commenting after Dáil Éireann approved a Resolution following a decision of Government to extend the mandate given to the Constitutional Convention to complete its programme of works until 31st March 2014.

Fine Gael Dublin South Central TD, Catherine Byrne, has today (Wednesday) welcomed the announcement of a €10 million investment by the Teeling Whiskey Company in a new distillery and visitor centre at Newmarket Square in Dublin's Liberties. The distillery will create over 30 new jobs as well as 50 jobs in the construction phase.

Fine Gael Waterford Deputy, Paudie Coffey, has today (Wednesday) said the decision by the Government to establish an independent expert panel to consider the possibility of putting high power cables underground is positive a move. Deputy Coffey, in his submission to Eirgrid, sought full transparency and clarity around the overhead options versus underground options and this will now be addressed by an independent panel of experts.

Clare Fine Gael Senator, Martin Conway, has today (Wednesday) called on the Minister for Justice and Equality, Alan Shatter TD, and the Garda Commissioner to consider extending the role of the Garda Reserve to include initiatives to reduce crime against the elderly. Senator Conway raised the issue with Minister Shatter during a Seanad adjournment debate this week.

Fine Gael Meath East TD, Regina Doherty, has today (Wednesday) welcomed a commitment from the Minister of State with responsibility for the OPW, Brian Hayes, that €348,000 is to be reinvested in heritage sites. Minister Hayes made his comments at a meeting of the Select Sub Committee on Public Expenditure and Reform.

Fine Gael TD for Dublin South West and Minister of State at the Department of Finance and the OPW, Brian Hayes, has today (Wednesday) announced that he is putting his name forward as a candidate for nomination to run in the Dublin constituency in the upcoming European Parliament elections.

Fine Gael Dublin Senator, Cáit Keane, has today (Wednesday) called for a re-assessment of the new commercial rates set by Dublin City Council for Croke Park and the Aviva Stadium, after it was announced that rates will more than double on each stadium. Senator Keane added that the Government should re-examine the new Valuation Bill to include a derogation for sporting organisations.

Clare Fine Gael TD, Joe Carey, has suggested old car tyres should be used in port, coastal and river areas, to help prevent flooding and erosion. Deputy Carey added that the move could help to prevent the sort of damage caused by the recent storms in coastal areas around the country.