87 DÁIL ÉIREANN Dé Máirt, 6 Nollaig, 2005 Tuesday, 6th December, CEISTEANNA I gcomhair FREAGRA Ó BHÉAL QUESTIONS FOR ORAL ANSWER

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1 87 DÁIL ÉIREANN 3699 Dé Máirt, 6 Nollaig, 2005 Tuesday, 6th December, 2005 CEISTEANNA I gcomhair FREAGRA Ó BHÉAL QUESTIONS FOR ORAL ANSWER Chun an Taoisigh: To the Taoiseach. 1. To ask the Taoiseach if he will report on the recent work of the special interdepartmental group chaired by his Department to oversee and monitor the appointment of public relations consultants in other Government Departments; and if he will make a statement on the matter. Enda Kenny. [30011/05] 2. To ask the Taoiseach the progress made to date in 2005 regarding the work of the interdepartmental group chaired by his Department which was established to monitor the appointment of public relation consultants by other Government Departments; and if he will make a statement on the matter. Pat Rabbitte. [31499/05] 3. To ask the Taoiseach if he will report on the work of the special interdepartmental group which monitors the appointment of public relations consultants to Government Departments. Joe Higgins. [32464/05] 4. To ask the Taoiseach if he will report on the special interdepartmental group chaired by his Department which will monitor the appointment of public relations consultants to Government Departments; and if he will make a statement on the matter. Trevor Sargent. [34053/05] 5. To ask the Taoiseach if a date has been set for the commencement of the next round of the social partnership negotiations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. Enda Kenny. [30013/05] 6. To ask the Taoiseach if he will report on the current state of the social partnership process and his role therein; and if he will make a statement on the matter. Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin. [31431/05] 7. To ask the Taoiseach the developments in terms of talks on a successor to the Sustaining Progress agreement; when he will meet with the social partners; and if he will make a statement on the matter. Trevor Sargent. [31433/05] 8. To ask the Taoiseach if he will report on his recent correspondence with the Irish Congress of Trade Unions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. Trevor Sargent. [31435/05] 9. To ask the Taoiseach his views on the implications for social partnership of the decision of SIPTU and ICTU to defer decisions on whether or not to enter talks on a possible new agreement due to concerns regarding the Irish Ferries dispute and other cases involving exploitation of workers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. Pat Rabbitte. [31495/05] P.T.O.

2 To ask the Taoiseach if he has received a response to the letter he sent to ICTU on measures he is proposing to protect employment standards; the measures he proposed in the letter; and if he will make a statement on the matter. Pat Rabbitte. [31496/05] 11. To ask the Taoiseach the steps he intends to take to solve the impasse regarding the next round of social partnership talks; and if he will make a statement on the matter. Phil Hogan. [31635/05] 12. To ask the Taoiseach the Government strategy regarding future pay talks; the timescale regarding the conclusion of those talks; and if he will make a statement on the matter. Phil Hogan. [31861/05] 13. To ask the Taoiseach the role he is taking regarding the proposed withdrawal from social partnership by SIPTU and other trade unions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. Eamon Ryan. [31593/05] 14. To ask the Taoiseach if he will report on his recent contacts with the social partners. Joe Higgins. [32466/05] 15. To ask the Taoiseach his views on whether a new social partnership agreement can be reached; and if he will make a statement on the matter. Phil Hogan. [37872/05] 16. To ask the Taoiseach his assessment of the implications for talks on a new social partnership agreement of recent developments in the Irish Ferries dispute; and if he will make a statement on the matter. Brendan Howlin. [37877/05] 17. To ask the Taoiseach the progress his Department has made in meeting the bilingual demands of the Official Languages Act 2003; and if he will make a statement on the matter. Trevor Sargent. [30217/05] 18. Chun a fhiafraí den Taoiseach an dtabharfaidh sé tuairisc ar chur i bhfeidhm Acht na dteangacha Oifigiúla ina Roinn. Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin. [31432/05] 19. To ask the Taoiseach if he will report on progress made by his Department in implementing the bilingual requirements of the Official Languages Act Joe Higgins. [36867/05] 20. To ask the Taoiseach his plans to commemorate the Easter Rising of 1916; and if he will make a statement on the matter. Enda Kenny. [31337/05] 21. To ask the Taoiseach the commemorative events it is planned to undertake in 2006 to mark the 90th anniversary of the 1916 Easter Rising; and if he will make a statement on the matter. Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin. [31429/05] 22. To ask the Taoiseach the position regarding plans to commemorate the 1916 Rising; and if he will make a statement on the matter. Finian McGrath. [32456/05] 23. To ask the Taoiseach the proposals which he has to commemorate the 1916 Easter Rising; and if he will make a statement on the matter. Pat Rabbitte. [32736/05] 24. To ask the Taoiseach if independent Deputies will be involved in discussions to progress the 90th anniversary of the 1916 Rising. Finian McGrath. [33756/05]

3 To ask the Taoiseach his plans for commemorating the 1916 Easter Rising; and if he will make a statement on the matter. Trevor Sargent. [34054/05] 26. To ask the Taoiseach if, arising from his recent announcement regarding commemoration of the 1916 Rising, he has plans for an annual ceremony to mark the first meeting of Dáil Éireann in January 1919; and if he will make a statement on the matter. Pat Rabbitte. [35327/05] 27. To ask the Taoiseach his proposals for marking the 90th anniversary of the 1916 Easter Rising in Joe Higgins. [36868/05] 28. To ask the Taoiseach the position regarding the dialogue between the Government, churches and faith communities which he referred to in his reply to Parliamentary Question Nos 1 to 4 of 14 December 2004; the structure the dialogue is taking; the number of meetings that have been held; the person who has represented the Government side; if he expects the dialogue to come to any conclusions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. Pat Rabbitte. [35124/05] 29. To ask the Taoiseach if he will report on the ongoing dialogue between the Government, the main churches and faiths; and if he will make a statement on the matter. Enda Kenny. [36486/05] 30. To ask the Taoiseach the progress made in establishing the dialogue between the Government, churches and faith communities announced by the Government in December 2004; and if he will make a statement on the matter. Trevor Sargent. [36688/05] 31. To ask the Taoiseach the nature of the dialogue that has taken place between the Government, churches and faith communities which he referred to in his reply to Parliamentary Questions Nos. 1 to 4 of 14 December 2004; and if he will make a statement on the matter. Joe Higgins. [36869/05] 32. To ask the Taoiseach if he will report on his recent contacts with the US administration. Joe Higgins. [36481/05] 33. To ask the Taoiseach if he will report on his recent contacts with the political parties in Northern Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. Enda Kenny. [36485/05] 34. To ask the Taoiseach the contacts which he has had with the British Prime Minister Mr Tony Blair, or the British Government regarding new legislation introduced in the UK by the Northern Ireland Secretary Mr Peter Hain permitting an amnesty for on the run terrorists suspects; the implications for legislation in the Republic; and if he will make a statement on the matter. Trevor Sargent. [36691/05] 35. To ask the Taoiseach if he will make a statement on his most recent contacts with the political parties in Northern Ireland. Pat Rabbitte. [37652/05] 36. To ask the Taoiseach the nature of the discussions he has had with the British Prime Minister, Mr. Tony Blair or other representatives of the British Government regarding British legislation to deal with the position of persons still wanted for serious terrorist offences; if his attention has been drawn to the terms of the British legislation prior to its publication; and if he will make a statement on the matter. Pat Rabbitte. [37653/05] P.T.O.

4 To ask the Taoiseach if he has received representations from the SDLP regarding British legislation to deal with the position of persons still wanted for serious terrorist offences; the response he has made to these representations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. Pat Rabbitte. [37654/05] 38. To ask the Taoiseach if he will report on recent contacts he has had with the US administration. Trevor Sargent. [37989/05] 39. To ask the Taoiseach if he will make a statement on the Estimate for his Department for Pat Rabbitte. [36142/05] 40. To ask the Taoiseach his Department s Estimate for 2006; the way in which it differs from his Estimate for 2005; and if he will make a statement on the matter. Enda Kenny. [37776/05] 41. To ask the Taoiseach if he will make a statement on his Department s 2006 Estimates. Trevor Sargent. [37987/05] 42. To ask the Taoiseach if he will report on the November 2005 meeting of the cross-departmental team on infrastructure and public private partnerships; and if he will make a statement on the matter. Enda Kenny. [36484/05] 43. To ask the Taoiseach the issues discussed at the November 2005 crossdepartmental team on infrastructure and public private partnerships; and if he will make a statement on the matter. Trevor Sargent. [37990/05] 44. To ask the Taoiseach the progress of the McEntee Commission investigating the 1974 Dublin and Monaghan bombings; and if he will make a statement on the matter. Trevor Sargent. [36690/05] 45. To ask the Taoiseach when he expects to receive the report of the McEntee Commission into aspects of the 1974 Dublin and Monaghan bombings; and if he will make a statement on the matter. Pat Rabbitte. [37655/05] 46. To ask the Taoiseach the expected timeframe for the completion of the Report of the Commission of Investigation into the Dublin and Monaghan Bombings Joe Higgins. [38011/05] 47. To ask the Taoiseach the costs which have accrued to his Department in respect of the McEntee Commission; and if he will make a statement on the matter. Enda Kenny. [38081/05] 48. To ask the Taoiseach if he will report on his meeting with the British Prime Minister, Mr. Tony Blair in Spain on 28 November 2005; and if he will make a statement on the matter. Enda Kenny. [37545/05] 49. To ask the Taoiseach if he will report on his attendance at the Euromed Conference in Barcelona; and if he will make a statement on the matter. Enda Kenny. [37546/05] 50. To ask the Taoiseach if he will report on his visit to Croatia; and if he will make a statement on the matter. Enda Kenny. [37547/05]

5 To ask the Taoiseach if he will make a statement on his attendance at the recent Euromed summit in Barcelona. Pat Rabbitte. [37548/05] 52. To ask the Taoiseach the matters discussed and conclusions reached at his meeting with the British Prime Minister, Mr. Tony Blair on the margins of the Euromed summit. Pat Rabbitte. [37549/05] 53. To ask the Taoiseach if he will make a statement on his recent visit to Hungary. Pat Rabbitte. [37656/05] 54. To ask the Taoiseach if he will make a statement on his recent visit to Croatia. Pat Rabbitte. [37657/05] 55. To ask the Taoiseach if he has received an agenda for the December 2005 EU Summit; his priorities for the summit; and if he will make a statement on the matter. Pat Rabbitte. [37658/05] 56. To ask the Taoiseach the foreign visits he will undertake during 2006; and if he will make a statement on the matter. Enda Kenny. [37778/05] 57. To ask the Taoiseach if he will report on the outcome of the Euro-Mediterranean summit held in Barcelona at the end of November 2005; and if he will make a statement on the matter. Trevor Sargent. [37986/05] 58. To ask the Taoiseach if he will report on his meeting with the Cypriot President, Mr. Tassos Papadopoulos in November 2005; and if he will make a statement on the matter. Trevor Sargent. [37988/05] 59. To ask the Taoiseach if he will report on his meeting with the President of the Republic of Cyprus Mr Tassos Papadopoulos. Joe Higgins. [38005/05] 60. To ask the Taoiseach if he will report on his meeting with the Hungarian Prime Minister Mr Ferenc Gyurcsany in Budapest. Joe Higgins. [38006/05] 61. To ask the Taoiseach if he will report on his meeting with the Croatian Prime Minister Mr Ivo Sanader in Zagreb. Joe Higgins. [38007/05] 62. To ask the Taoiseach the matters discussed and conclusions reached at the Euromed Summit in Barcelona; and if he will make a statement on the matter. Joe Higgins. [38008/05] 63. To ask the Taoiseach if he will report on bilateral meetings he held on the margins of the Euromed Summit in Barcelona. Joe Higgins. [38009/05] 64. To ask the Taoiseach if he has contacted the German Chancellor Ms Angela Merkel since she took office. Joe Higgins. [38010/05] 65. To ask the Taoiseach the number of Freedom of Information requests received by his Department during November 2005; and if he will make a statement on the matter. Enda Kenny. [37777/05] P.T.O.

6 3704 CEISTEANNA AR SONRAÍODH UAIN DÓIBH QUESTIONS NOMINATED FOR PRIORITY Chun an Aire Fiontar, Trádála agus Fostaíochta: To the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment. 66. To ask the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment his plans to review Competition Law here; and if he will make a statement on the matter. Phil Hogan. [37999/05] 67. To ask the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the number of inspections carried out by the labour inspectorate of his Department to ensure payment of the national minimum wage in 2004 and to date in 2005; if his attention has been drawn to the concerns expressed by labour inspectors that they do not have adequate resources to police the national minimum wage; if his attention has further been drawn to calls by trade unions for additional resources to enable the Labour Inspectorate to deal with exploitation of non-national workers particularly in the construction industry; the steps he is taking to address this situation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. Brendan Howlin. [37973/05] 68. To ask the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment his Department s strategy to prevent the displacement of workers and their replacement with lower paid workers who are subjected to exploitative terms and conditions. Arthur Morgan. [37971/05] 69. To ask the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment his views of the continuing deterioration in industrial relations at Irish Ferries; and if he will make a statement on the matter. Phil Hogan. [38000/05] 70. To ask the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the steps he proposes to take to address the serious problem of bullying in the workplace; his proposals to introduce new legislation to implement the recommendations of the expert advisory group on workplace bullying; and if he will make a statement on the matter. Paudge Connolly. [37972/05] CEISTEANNA EILE OTHER QUESTIONS Chun an Aire Fiontar, Trádála agus Fostaíochta: To the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment. 71. To ask the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the reason for the decrease in the employment rate of disabled persons in 2005 when there is \70 million being spent on training and support to achieve the opposite effect. Dan Boyle. [37923/05] 72. To ask the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if his Department has devised a concerted employment strategy for the Mallow hub-town; the components of such strategy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. Pat Rabbitte. [37876/05] 73. To ask the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if it is intended to fill the recently vacated post of Chief Science Adviser; if the filling of the post will be by advertisement and open competition; and if he will make a statement on the matter. Ruairi Quinn. [37880/05]

7 To ask the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if, in regard to his announcement of the recruitment of an additional 11 labour inspectors, the number that have been appointed to date in 2005; when he expects the full number to be appointed; if they will be concentrated on any particular area of work; the ratio between the number of labour inspectors and the number in the workforce; the establishment level of the labour inspectorate and the actual number of posts filled at the latest date for which figures are available; and if he will make a statement on the matter. Jack Wall. [37890/05] 75. To ask the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment his views on whether the labour inspectorate do the not have the number of inspectors necessary to carry out their duties in respect of the increased workforce and in particular to inspect the treatment of the growing number of migrant workers here. Seán Crowe. [37918/05] 76. To ask the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment his views on the fact that Ireland s expenditure on research and development, according to the european innovation scoreboard and cited by the National Competitiveness Council, stands at just over 50% of the EU25 average; and if he will make a statement on the matter. Paul Connaughton. [37868/05] 77. To ask the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment his response to the recent report of the Pensions Ombudsman, which included particular criticism of employers in the construction industry; the action he intends to take arising from the report; and if he will make a statement on the matter. Willie Penrose. [37197/05] 78. To ask the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the reason for the 8% cut in Budget 2006 for Enterprise Ireland s grants to industry as contained in the 2006 Estimates. Bernard Allen. [37858/05] 79. To ask the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment when he intends to publish and enact the promised new legislative proposals to strengthen the provisions of the Competition Act 2002 to specifically prohibit the fixing of minimum retail prices by suppliers, unfair discrimination, and the payment of advertising allowances and hello money (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. Eamon Gilmore. [37882/05] 80. To ask the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if, in view of the low rate of acceptance of grants by employers to support the entry of disabled persons into the workplace, the measures he has taken to raise awareness of such a scheme amongst employers. Dan Boyle. [37924/05] 81. To ask the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if his attention has been drawn to the fact that facilities available in County Clare for the training of FÁS apprentices are inadequate; if training facilities will be provided for FÁS apprentices in Ennis (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. Pat Rabbitte. [37904/05] 82. To ask the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if funding will be provided in 2006 to develop a post primary programme to compliment the discover primary science initiative; and if he will make a statement on the matter. Jan O Sullivan. [32753/05] 83. To ask the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the progress made with regard to the Government s proposals to provide legal protection on a sectoral basis P.T.O.

8 3706 for whistleblowers who may wish to expose illegalities or wrongdoing on the part of their employers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. Brian O Shea. [37896/05] 84. To ask the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment his views on the recently published report from the National Competitiveness Council The Competitiveness Challenge 2005; and if he will make a statement on the matter. Seymour Crawford. [37867/05] 85. To ask the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if his attention has been drawn to the fact that youth unemployment has been consistently over twice the overall national rate of unemployment in the past four years (details supplied); the efforts his Department is making to tackle youth unemployment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. David Stanton. [37919/05] 86. To ask the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment his plans to review the community employment scheme particularly in relation to core services provided to persons with disabilities; his views on mainstreaming the core funding of those services; and if he will make a statement on the matter. Phil Hogan. [37541/05] 87. To ask the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the action he intends to take on the threatened closure of a plant (details supplied) in County Sligo; and if he will make a statement on the matter. Damien English. [37857/05] 88. To ask the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the action his Department has taken following reports of mistreatment of periwinkle pickers of the North Dublin coast; and if he will make a statement on the matter. Richard Bruton. [37863/05] 89. To ask the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the efforts being made by the job employment creation agencies to bring jobs to Donegal; and if he will make a statement on the matter. Dinny McGinley. [37855/05] 90. To ask the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the action he proposes to take to address the increasingly serious issue of the rapidly rising cost base for both manufacturing and service industry here; if he has examined the various contributory factors with a view to remedial action in early date in order to avert job losses or relocation to other jurisdictions arising from a lack of competitiveness; and if he will make a statement on the matter. Bernard J. Durkan. [37853/05] 91. To ask the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the progress made to date in 2005 with regard to consideration of the discussion document covering the operation of the labour inspectorate; and if he will make a statement on the matter. Jan O Sullivan. [37889/05] 92. To ask the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the costs incurred by the State, at the latest date for which figures are available, arising from the various inquiries instigated by or on behalf of his Department; the element of these costs which have been recovered from the other parties involved; and if he will make a statement on the matter. Michael D. Higgins. [37893/05] 93. To ask the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the circumstances and terms under which the Chief Science Adviser, Mr. Barry McSweeney recently departed his post; if compensation or severance package was paid to Mr. McSweeney; and if he will make a statement on the matter. Ruairi Quinn. [37879/05]

9 To ask the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment when he expects to fill the vacancy in the Competition Authority caused by the resignation of a person (details supplied). Olivia Mitchell. [37862/05] 95. To ask the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment when he will visit County Kerry to meet with Tralee Chamber of Commerce and other groups and agencies to discuss the absence of foreign direct investment in the county; and if he will make a statement on the matter. Jimmy Deenihan. [37934/05] 96. To ask the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment his views on proposals to ban energy efficiency, recycling and other eco-labels on the grounds of non-tariffbarriers that are to be discussed as part of the non-agricultural market access talks at the sixth WTO ministerial meeting in Hong Kong from 13 to 18 December Paul Gogarty. [37928/05] 97. To ask the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment when action will be taken to address the unacceptable situation whereby Competition Law is being mischievously used by the Competition Authority to attack the rights of certain workers, in particular actors, musicians, film crews and freelance journalists to be collectively represented. Arthur Morgan. [37910/05] 98. To ask the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if his Department intends taking extra action to improve the industrial and economic climate of the Shannon region following the decision to end the Shannon stop-over; and if he will make a statement on the matter. Liam Twomey. [37875/05] 99. To ask the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the steps he is taking to develop the county enterprise board investment programmes in the Border, Midlands and Western region; and if he will make a statement on the matter. Denis Naughten. [37539/05] 100. To ask the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the number of employers who have been subjected to inspections by the labour inspectorate in the past 12 months; and the number of these employers which employ migrant workers. Caoimhghín ÓCaoláin. [37916/05] 101. To ask the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if the Tarbert, Ballylongford, Ballybunion part of north Kerry will be designated a special targeted area for investment under the new brief which he proposes for Shannon development; and if he will make a statement on the matter. Jimmy Deenihan. [37935/05] 102. To ask the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the number of meetings which have been held by the interdepartmental committee on unemployment in Donegal; and when it is expected that they will publish the recommendations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. Dinny McGinley. [37854/05] 103. To ask the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment his plans for the future of city and county enterprise boards; and if he will make a statement on the matter. John Perry. [37860/05] 104. To ask the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if a submission has been made to the Competition Authority with regard to the proposed purchase of the Meteor mobile phone company and NTL cable company; and if he will make a statement on the matter. Eamon Ryan. [34537/05] P.T.O.

10 To ask the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment his views on whether there is a conflict of interest within his Department where at present the Competition Authority which is attacking the rights of certain workers, in particular actors, musicians, film crews and freelance journalists to be collectively represented falls under the aegis of his Department while his Department also has responsibility for workers rights. Seán Crowe. [37917/05] 106. To ask the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment his plans to review the eligibility criteria for funding from county enterprise boards; and if he will make a statement on the matter. Denis Naughten. [37540/05] 107. To ask the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if he has received a copy of the report by the ESRI entitled Degrees of Equality: Gender Pay Differentials Among Recent Graduates; and the action he is taking to tackle the issue of gender pay differentials. Caoimhghín ÓCaoláin. [37915/05] 108. To ask the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the efforts his Department is making to encourage older persons to re-enter the workforce; the barriers older persons face when attempting to rejoin the workforce; the supports and services available to these persons to assist with labour force re-entry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. David Stanton. [37920/05] 109. To ask the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment his views on the actions of Irish Ferries in ignoring the Labour Court recommendations whereby the Court rejected claims by the company management that the future viability of the company was dependent on proceeding with its proposals for replacing staff with low paid agency workers from Eastern Europe and elsewhere. Arthur Morgan. [37909/05] 110. To ask the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment his views on an amendment to the Competition Act 2002 to reinstate the right of self-employed actors to be members of and represented by a trade union in pursuit of improved pay and conditions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. Jack Wall. [37899/05] 111. To ask the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the resources his Department has in place to ensure that environmental issues affecting business, such as climate change, sustainable production and sustainable consumption are being adequately addressed. John Gormley. [37930/05] 112. To ask the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the number of fatal and serious accidents in the workplace which have been recorded since the enactment of the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work Act 2005; if he has satisfied himself that existing and planned resources will be sufficient to facilitate close monitoring and full implementation of all provisions of this legislation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. Brendan Howlin. [37901/05] 113. To ask the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the position in regard to each of the inquiries being carried out by or on behalf of his Department; the projected date for the conclusion of each such investigation; the inquiries in respect of which reports have been referred to the Director of Public Prosecutions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. Kathleen Lynch. [37892/05] 114. To ask the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the position of persons aged between 50 and 55 employed in community employment schemes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. Simon Coveney. [37873/05]

11 To ask the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if his attention has been drawn to reports of research indicating that job satisfaction has a particular influence on mental health; if his attention has further been drawn to the fact that depression and anxiety are the most common reasons for absenteeism; if specific measures have been taken by his Department to alert employers to the need to tackle the issue of job dissatisfaction in order to avoid these consequences; and if he will make a statement on the matter. Thomas P. Broughan. [37902/05] 116. To ask the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the progress made to date in 2005 with regard to the establishment of the new National Consumer Agency; if the membership of the board of the agency has been finalised; the number of meetings held by the board to date in 2005; the number of full time staff the agency will have and the numbers appointed to date in 2005; and if he will make a statement on the matter. Mary Upton. [37887/05] 117. To ask the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if, in view of the fact that IDA factories in County Mayo are being sold off as car showrooms and that west of Ireland manufacturing companies are being encouraged to move their business as far away as China, his views on whether manufacturing, fishing and agriculture are all in decline in the west of Ireland; his plans to improve this constantly deteriorating situation in the western region; and if he will make a statement on the matter. Jerry Cowley. [37542/05] 118. To ask the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment his views on the implications for the Irish cable TV and internet sector on the recent approval by the Competition Authority of the acquisition of NTL by Liberty Global; and if he will make a statement on the matter. Thomas P. Broughan. [34345/05] 119. To ask the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment his views on whether the new National Consumer Agency, when it is put on a statutory footing should be represented at social partnership talks; and if he will make a statement on the matter. Bernard Allen. [37874/05] 120. To ask the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the progress made to date in 2005 with regard to his consultations regarding the possible establishment of a Joint Labour Committee to protect the interests of domestic workers, especially in view of evidence of exploitation of domestic workers from abroad; and if he will make a statement on the matter. Róisín Shortall. [37885/05] 121. To ask the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment his Department s estimate of the savings which will be made on an average family s weekly shopping bill arising from his decision to abolish the Groceries Order; the timetable of when this saving will be achieved; and if he will make a statement on the matter. Eamon Gilmore. [37881/05] 122. To ask the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment his assessment of the implications for labour relations here of the decision of Irish Ferries to reject a recent Labour Court decision in regard to the dispute regarding the proposed replacement of Irish workers with lower paid workers from other countries; his views on the approach being adopted by Irish Ferries to the dispute, including the use of security firms and the covert sending on board of workers intended to replace existing crew members; and if he will make a statement on the matter. Liz McManus. [37878/05] 123. To ask the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the investigation his Department has held into the circumstances in which 11 immigrant workers were reported P.T.O.

12 3710 to have been abandoned off an island near Skerries in County Dublin; the outcome of such investigation; if his Department intends to take action arising from this incident; and if he will make a statement on the matter. Joe Costello. [37883/05] 124. To ask the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if, in line with the Government s stated commitment to childcare, he will set about a reform of the childcare industry whereby childcare workers would have an entitlement to a career structure to include payscales, pension rights, promotional and training structures; and if he will make a statement on the matter. Catherine Murphy. [37921/05] 125. To ask the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the measures he intends to take to reduce the high and rising incidence of workplace fatalities; and if he will make a statement on the matter. Emmet Stagg. [37897/05] 126. To ask the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the number of persons on community employment places at 1 January, 2003, 1 January 2004, 1 January 2005 and the anticipated numbers at 31 December 2005; if his attention has been drawn to the difficulties faced by many community and voluntary groups due to the shortage of community employment places; if changes are planned with regard to eligibility to participate in the scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. Kathleen Lynch. [37891/05] 127. To ask the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the number of persons who have resigned as members of the Competition Authority within the past 15 months; the number of vacancies on the authority; the steps he is taking to have these vacancies filled; and if he will make a statement on the matter. Emmet Stagg. [37898/05] 128. To ask the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment his views on whether his Department should take a role in a system of regulatory impact assessments of new legislation before it is brought to the Houses of the Oireachtas; and if he will make a statement on the matter. Enda Kenny. [37870/05] 129. To ask the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the legislative changes he may consider in response to the dispute at Irish Ferries and the practice of companies operating in the market here being able to flout minimum wage and other employment laws; the communications he has had with the European Commission to examine the way in which such compliance might be enforced with employment laws here under current European laws. Paul Gogarty. [37932/05] 130. To ask the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment his views on whether the Competition Authority is adequately funded; and if he will make a statement on the matter. Simon Coveney. [37866/05] 131. To ask the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the position which the Government has taken within European Union negotiations in advance of the nonagricultural market access talks which are due to take place in Hong Kong; his views on whether the arguments raised by development non-governmental organisations that the further removal of tariffs being proposed by the European Union and other developed countries will only lead to poor-country Governments facing balance of payments problems, loss of tax revenue, downward pressure on workers conditions and rights and the undermining of their future industrial development prospects. Trevor Sargent. [37931/05]

13 To ask the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the reason so many disabled persons do not partake in ordinary FÁS courses in view of the initial decision to mainline the training of disabled persons, especially when statistical evidence reveals that participants of segregated courses are at a disadvantage in the labour market. Ciarán Cuffe. [37925/05] 133. To ask the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the nature of the over-claim of Ireland s European Social Fund; and the person who was responsible for the irregularities that led to the withdrawal of \15.6 million by the European Commission. Eamon Ryan. [37922/05] 134. To ask the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment when legislation will be introduced to regulate management companies; and if he will make a statement on the matter. Fergus O Dowd. [36596/05] 135. To ask the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if he intends to create new public holidays or to transfer existing public holidays to new dates; if assurance will be given that there will be no attempt to downgrade or transfer the existing Mayday holiday; and if he will make a statement on the matter. Brian O Shea. [37895/05] 136. To ask the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment his views on the use by employers of security companies established to deal with the threats from global terrorism to impose exploitative employment regimes which contradict existing employment agreements. Aengus Ó Snodaigh. [37914/05] 137. To ask the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the implications for Ireland of the decision of the European Parliament to vote in favour of the latest REACH proposals; and if he will make a statement on the matter. Fergus O Dowd. [36603/05] 138. To ask the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment his plans to deal with the situation at Irish Ferries; if he expects a knock on effect; if the situation in regard to staffing has a precedent or is likely to set one; if he is conscious of the implications for future partnership agreements arising therefrom; and if he will make a statement on the matter. Bernard J. Durkan. [37852/05] 139. To ask the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the progress which has been made to date in 2005 on the proposal to explore the potential for green consumerism as was suggested as an action to be undertaken in his Department s Sustainable Development Strategy John Gormley. [37929/05] 140. To ask the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment his views on the continuing reports of ill treatment of immigrant workers; the steps he intends to take to deal with this matter; and if he will make a statement on the matter. Joe Costello. [37884/05] 141. To ask the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment his plans to increase the strength of the labour inspectorate. Martin Ferris. [37912/05] 142. To ask the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if he has had correspondence with the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government or local authorities with respect to increases in rates for businesses; and if he will make a statement on the matter. Billy Timmins. [37544/05] P.T.O.

14 To ask the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if his Department has data indicating the extent to which radon is present in workplaces here; if an investigation has taken place into radon identification and remediation measures in the workplace; and if he will make a statement on the matter. Willie Penrose. [37903/05] 144. To ask the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the transfer of duties from his Department to the Department of Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs; and if he will make a statement on the matter. Padraic McCormack. [37859/05] 145. To ask the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the numbers of deaths and injuries reported arising from industrial accidents in each year from 2000 to 2004 and to date in 2005; the further steps he intends to take to reduce the level of such accidents; and if he will make a statement on the matter. Michael D. Higgins. [37894/05] 146. To ask the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment his response to the National Competitiveness Council s recently published document Competitiveness Challenge 2005; and if he will make a statement on the matter. Mary Upton. [37888/05] 147. To ask the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if, in view of the stance adopted by Irish Ferries in relation to its workforce, he supports a change in labour law to afford greater protection to seafarers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. Brendan Howlin. [37900/05] 148. To ask the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment his views on whether the audit level for small businesses should be raised; and if he will make a statement on the matter. Shane McEntee. [37865/05] 149. To ask the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the legislation which his Department intends to bring forward in the next 12 months to improve workers rights. Martin Ferris. [37911/05] 150. To ask the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment his views on proposals that his Department should be split into two separate Department s namely a Department of Labour Affairs and a Department of Enterprise and Trade. Aengus Ó Snodaigh. [37913/05] 151. To ask the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the employment rights available under Irish or EU law to ship workers employed by shipping companies operating under the Irish flag; if such workers have pension rights here; if they pay PRSI and PAYE contributions to the State; and if he will make a statement on the matter. Catherine Murphy. [37933/05] 152. To ask the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the number of nonnational workers required in 2006 to ensure all job vacancies are filled; and if he will make a statement on the matter. Paul Connaughton. [37871/05] 153. To ask the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if he will report on the recent work of the National Competitiveness Council; and if he will make a statement on the matter. Trevor Sargent. [37550/05]

15 CEISTEANNA LE haghaidh FREAGRAÍ SCRÍOFA QUESTIONS FOR WRITTEN ANSWER 3713 Chun an Taoisigh: To the Taoiseach. *154. To ask the Taoiseach the value of exports from Irish mink farms for the years 2001 to 2005 inclusive; the value of the products of Irish mink farms to the Irish economy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. Mary Upton. [37642/05] *155. To ask the Taoiseach the areas in which output from fur farms appeal in agricultural statistics compiled by his Department. Dan Boyle. [37460/05] *156. To ask the Taoiseach if all Northern elected representatives are invited to speak in the Houses of the Oireachtas. Finian McGrath. [37536/05] *157. To ask the Taoiseach if members of staff at his Department were involved in the preparation of a document (details supplied) published by the National Forum on Europe; and if he will make a statement on the matter. Bernard Allen. [37537/05] *158. To ask the Taoiseach the net value of exports and imports in the most recently available statistical year between this country and the 49 least developed countries in the world. Dan Boyle. [37946/05] Chun an Tánaiste agus Aire Sláinte agus Leanaí: To the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children. *159. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the number of foreign adoptions in the past five years; the countries of origin of the children concerned; and if she will make a statement on the matter. David Stanton. [37659/05] *160. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the average time it takes for a person who wishes to adopt a child from an outside country to be assessed; the procedures involved; and if she will make a statement on the matter. David Stanton. [37660/05] *161. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the countries with which the State has an adoption agreement; her plans to make further agreements with other countries; and if she will make a statement on the matter. David Stanton. [37661/05] *162. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the age restrictions placed on couples who wish to adopt children from outside the State; and if she will make a statement on the matter. David Stanton. [37662/05] *163. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children if suitable housing and support services will be provided as part of a dedicated aftercare plan for young persons leaving care. Joe Higgins. [38079/05] *164. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children when the findings of the Madden Inquiry will be published; and if she will make a statement on the matter. Jimmy Deenihan. [37558/05] *165. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children if assistance will be given to a person (details supplied) in Dublin 9 with a disability in getting employment as P.T.O.

16 3714 part of the 3% quota for persons with disabilities; and if this person will be given the maximum support. Finian McGrath. [37559/05] *166. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children if she will make a statement on the contents of a letter (details supplied) in relation to issues concerning the report of the Commission on Assisted Human Reproduction. Gay Mitchell. [37560/05] *167. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children if funding will be made available to meet the concerns of Dublin 12 Domestic Violence Service (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. Gay Mitchell. [37561/05] *168. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the position regarding a person (details supplied) in County Cork who has been waiting since early 2005 for a recliner chair. Bernard Allen. [37562/05] *169. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children if she will respond to a group (details supplied) in Dublin 7 for funding in Budget 2006 in view of the increase in domestic violence in the home. Olivia Mitchell. [37567/05] *170. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the steps the Government have taken and will take to ensure that persons with disabilities and their families are represented on existing and future bioethics committees and working groups. Aengus Ó Snodaigh. [37580/05] *171. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children if she will make a statement on the funding delivered to independent living initiatives aimed at providing disabled persons with adequate resources and services to organise their own lives as they wish, including a breakdown of spending each year for the past five years. Aengus Ó Snodaigh. [37581/05] *172. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children if there is any provision made in the Health Estimates 2006 for the continuation of the Cúram Home Care Grant; if there is provision for the payment of the grant to those who have been awarded the grant but have not been paid; her plans for the continuation of the grant scheme; and if she will make a statement on the matter. Breeda Moynihan-Cronin. [37585/05] *173. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the number, description, individual and total cost of each health report published by her Department since this Government first took office in 1997 to date in 2005; and if she will make a statement on the matter. Enda Kenny. [37587/05] *174. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children if she will review the scheme of funding for a group (details supplied); if the vital services provided by this organisation will be sustained; and if she will make a statement on the matter. Mary Upton. [37593/05] *175. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the special arrangements in place within her Department and at the point of service delivery to meet the needs of the traveller community; and if her attention has been drawn to particular difficulties experienced by members of the travelling community in accessing services. Charlie O Connor. [37594/05] *176. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the name of the business advisors that were recruited by the former Eastern Regional Health Authority

17 3715 and the former Southern Health Board to prepare a business plan for the 850 community nursing units that were announced in 2002; the amount paid to each of these business partners for 2002, 2003, 2004 and to date in 2005; and if she will make a statement on the matter. Enda Kenny. [37602/05] *177. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the purpose that a building currently under construction will be used for (details supplied); if alternative proposals were considered; the timeframe for completing the works; and if she will make a statement on the matter. Michael Lowry. [37606/05] *178. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the number of neurologists in practice here; the timescale for increasing the ratio of neurologists to population to meet the European average; and if she will make a statement on the matter. Brendan Howlin. [37611/05] *179. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children further to Parliamentary Question No. 211 of 2 November 2005 when a person (details supplied) in County Clare will receive an ear and throat appointment; and if she will make a statement on the matter. Pat Breen. [37621/05] *180. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children when a CT scanner will be provided at Portlaoise General Hospital; and if she will make a statement on the matter. Olwyn Enright. [37622/05] *181. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the community care areas of the Health Service Executive northern area where a vacancy exists for a community doctor and in each case the length of time the position has remained vacant; the number of children who have missed out on a development screening due to the fact that there was no community doctor available; and if she will make a statement on the matter. Róisín Shortall. [37632/05] *182. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children if she will respond to correspondence (details supplied) regarding the need for adequate funding for essential services for victims of domestic violence; and if she will make a statement on the matter. Joe Costello. [37633/05] *183. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children if a proper community home will be found for a person (details supplied). Finian McGrath. [37646/05] *184. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children if there was a clause in the contract for the purchase of the Bon Secour property in Tuam prohibiting its use as a site for a future health facility; and if she will make a statement on the matter. Paddy McHugh. [37672/05] *185. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children if the contract of sale entered into between the Bon Secours Sisters (details supplied) and the former Western Health Board included a clause which prohibited the new owners from engaging in the provision of health services to the local community; if there are other clauses inserted into the contract; and if she will make a statement on the matter. Paul Connaughton. [37677/05] *186. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the reason a full and detailed reply to a previous Parliamentary Question has not yet issued from the Health P.T.O.

18 3716 Service Executive; if the matter will be investigated and when this person will be called for an MRI scan. Michael Ring. [37743/05] *187. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the reason a reply to a previous Parliamentary Question has not yet issued from the Health Service Executive; and if she will investigate this matter. Michael Ring. [37744/05] *188. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the reason a company (details supplied) does not have a license for a drug here even though it is widely available in the United Kingdom and elsewhere; and if she will make a statement on the matter. John Gormley. [37750/05] *189. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the replacement for voluntary admissions to psychiatric units if they were abolished; and if she will make a statement on the matter. John Gormley. [37751/05] *190. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children her views on whether all information leaflets regarding herbal products should contain the possible side effects of taking these products; the steps she intends to take to ensure this situation happens; and if she will make a statement on the matter. John Gormley. [37752/05] *191. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the research which is being carried out here into the benefits of the Buteyko Breathing Method as a safe, natural asthma management technique, which can be used in conjunction with medication if required; and if she will make a statement on the matter. John Gormley. [37753/05] *192. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the number of long term community beds at present for elderly persons; the number provided since 1997; the breakdown of the figures per county; and if she will make a statement on the matter. Liz McManus. [37757/05] *193. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the guidelines for proposals for private hospitals on public lands; and if she will make a statement on the matter. Liz McManus. [37758/05] *194. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children when a person (details supplied) in County Roscommon will receive an audiology appointment; the reason for the ongoing delays; and if she will make a statement on the matter. Denis Naughten. [37781/05] *195. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the status of the plans to move Temple Street Children s Hospital to a new location; the reason for the delay in proceeding with these plans; the overall cost of the project, and the additional capacity which will be provided and the resultant additional staffing requirements; and the date when the project will commence and complete. Richard Bruton. [37800/05] *196. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the level of dental health fitness obtained by primary school children when leaving school; if resources allow for best services to be provided; and if she will make a statement on the matter. Enda Kenny. [37820/05] *197. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the provisions which exist to advise her Department and the Health Service Executive of private hospital development proposals; the cost benefit analysis which is carried out by her Department;

19 3717 if the Health Service Executive have input to this analysis; if the approval of the Health Service Executive is necessary for such projects to proceed; the policy approach adopted by her Department and the Health Service Executive; and if such proposals have to be submitted for evaluation to the NDFA in view of the tax expenditure cost of such developments. Joan Burton. [37833/05] *198. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the number of applications or proposals which have been advised to her Department in respect of private hospital developments; the location of such proposals; the estimated number of beds in each project; the estimated capital cost of each proposal; the estimated tax relief in respect of each proposal; the timescale for the delivery of each proposal; and if she will make a statement on the matter. Joan Burton. [37835/05] *199. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children if an independent enquiry will be established into the death of a person (details supplied) at the Mid-Western Regional Hospital, Limerick. Dan Neville. [37943/05] *200. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children if positions have been approved and are being filled in relation to the treatment of childhood diabetes in the southern region of the Health Service Executive. Dan Boyle. [37944/05] *201. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the level of funding for step down geriatric care in the southern region of the Health Service Executive; and if it is intended to increase this funding in Dan Boyle. [37945/05] *202. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the timescale set out by the Parliamentary Affairs Division for replying to Parliamentary Questions referred by her that relate to the management and delivery of health and personal social services, which are the responsibility of the Health Service Executive under the Health Act 2004; and if she will make a statement on the matter. Niall Blaney. [37978/05] *203. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children when speech therapy will commence for a person (details supplied) in County Mayo who has been assessed as high priority. Michael Ring. [37980/05] *204. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the steps she has taken to make personal care packages available for the elderly, in particular the level of funding provided to the Health Services Executive for personal care packages and for home help. Barry Andrews. [37985/05] *205. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children if her attention has been drawn to the 18 month waiting list for assessment of children for speech and language therapy in County Kildare; if her attention has been drawn to the fact that the number of therapists in County Kildare has not increased since 1998 and that the increase in population since then with no provision of additional therapists has led to the creation of the waiting list; her views on whether the early assessment is crucial for these children; and if she will increase staffing to reduce the waiting list. Emmet Stagg. [38001/05] *206. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children her plans to introduce risk equalisation in the health insurance market; the timescale for its likely introduction; and if she will make a statement on the matter. Paudge Connolly. [38012/05] *207. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children if she has satisfied herself that the strategy to tackle homelessness is effectively dealing with the problem in P.T.O.

20 3718 Dublin; if there is a group who are not accessing any service; and if there are initiatives to reach them. Richard Bruton. [38014/05] *208. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children if she will make a statement on the lack of refuge spaces in the Dublin region for women fleeing domestic violence; and her plans to address the issue. Aengus Ó Snodaigh. [38023/05] *209. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the number of nurses on duty at night in Ballina District Hospital; the patient nurse ratio in the hospital at night; and if she will make a statement on the matter. Jerry Cowley. [38032/05] *210. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the cost of extending general practitioners only card to the rest of the population who are not covered by any medical card. Liz McManus. [38041/05] *211. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the reason vitamin B12 was removed from the drugs refund scheme; and if she will make a statement on the matter. Jimmy Deenihan. [38043/05] *212. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the cost of providing general practitioner only cards for persons under five years of age; the cost of providing general practitioner only cards for children under 10; and the cost of providing general practitioner only cards to all school going children. Liz McManus. [38044/05] *213. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children if strict regulations will be introduced in relation to visiting hours at hospitals and nursing homes and that not more than two visitors per day be allowed to visit a patient as this could reduce the spread of the MRSA superbug; and if she will make a statement on the matter. James Breen. [38073/05] *214. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children if installation of a CT scanner in Ennis General Hospital will be sanctioned in view of the fact that it will not impact on the Health Service Executive budget as funding is in place for same; and if she will make a statement on the matter. James Breen. [38074/05] *215. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the number and location of needle exchange facilities in areas (details supplied); and the number of drug users who use these facilities. Tony Gregory. [38104/05] *216. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children if one hour home care will be approved for a person (details supplied) in County Kilkenny; if the mobility allowance will be approved; and if the matter will be expedited. John McGuinness. [38191/05] *217. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children her views on the practise of developing health centres in conjunction with pharmacies; and if she will make a statement on the matter. Denis Naughten. [38192/05] *218. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children when she intends to publish the two pharmacy bills; if she intends to implement the recommendations of the pharmacy review group that their should be no business relationship between dispensing and prescribing; and if she will make a statement on the matter. Denis Naughten. [38193/05]