John Gormley

15. Mr. Gormley asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food if her attention has been drawn to the research by a person (details supplied); and if she will recommend farm management changes and better hedgerow development to reduce the incidents of tuberculosis in cattle here. [18758/06] (more…)

 94. Mr. Gormley asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if it is his intention to establish the Labour Inspectorate as a statutory body with enhanced powers, separate from his Department; and if so, the reason for this decision. [18472/06]
  98. Mr. Cuffe asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the reason for the delay in implementing the recommendations of the report on the mandate and resourcing of the Labour Inspectorate regarding the streaming of the record keeping requirements to tie in with the statements of pay; and when he expects the proposal to come into operation. [18468/06]
  143. Mr. Gormley asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if he intends to introduce legislation that will compel companies to inform labour inspectorates of breaches by contractors or sub-contractors in pay rates and employment standards that come to their attention. [18473/06]
   Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment (Mr. Martin): I propose to take Questions Nos. 79, 94, 98, and 143 together.
  The Social Partners, and the various Government Departments concerned, have been carefully considering a range of options that will underpin an enhanced employment rights compliance regime.  The staffing and resourcing of the Labour Inspectorate in the context of a possible new employment rights compliance model is just one feature of those considerations.
  The discussions have also included reflection on the obligations and responsibilities applying to main contractors and their subcontractors.  A consensus has already been established around the proposition that record keeping should be improved and that the information provided in Statements of Pay can be enhanced.  However, while considerable progress is being achieved on these, and other matters, a definitive conclusion is still awaited. The necessary steps to implement the various commitments that may emerge from the discussions will be undertaken without delay once those conclusions are finalised.

Deputy Gormley: The presentation by Dr. Cunnane was clear and concise. With regard to arthritis, can a price be placed on the lack of early detection in this country and the fact that we do not have proper infrastructure in place? Does the lay person need to be educated on recognising the symptoms because there are people who display them early on? What causes arthritis? Is it genetic or can it be brought on by certain activities? How does Ireland compare internationally? Are our rates higher because of our climate? What would the proper infrastructure cost?

29. Mr. Gormley asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the reason there is no link to the Office for Social Inclusion on the homepage of his Department’s website. [17544/06]
   Minister for Social and Family Affairs (Mr. Brennan): My Department provides a comprehensive information service to the public through a range of media such as publications, advertisements, Community Information centres etc.  The Department’s website, www.welfare.ie, which was launched in 1996 plays a key role in providing information to the public.  Over 100,000 people visit the site every month, with 2.5 million page visits so far this year.  It provides a valuable resource to customers with regard to the range of entitlements to social welfare schemes and services. (more…)

  39. Mr. Gormley asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs when he expects the new guidelines on poverty impact assessment to be finalised; and the policy application which they are designed to have. [17545/06] (more…)

329. Mr. Gormley asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of asylum seekers and refugees who have been here for a number of years without having their status clarified; the steps he intends to take to remedy this situation, such as the granting of an amnesty; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17077/06] (more…)

434. Mr. Gormley asked the Minister for Education and Science the person who has been given responsibility for addressing the recommendations of the 1995 report on Occupational Health and Safety in Education by the Health Service Authority advisory committee; the progress which has been made to date in implementing these recommendations; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17078/06] (more…)

395. Mr. Gormley asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the percentage of food which is imported into Ireland; the amount of vegetables and meat produced here now and the amount 10 years ago; if she will provide the food trade deficit figures; her views on whether there is a problem with food security here in the case of a major crisis; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [16389/06] (more…)

10. Mr. Gormley asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the reason for his decision to reduce the age of criminal responsibility from 12 years of age to ten years of age; his views on whether his intention to do so will be in direct contravention of the Children Act 2001 and therefore an erosion of 30 years work on the part of groups and individuals concerned with child welfare issues; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15693/06] (more…)

40. Mr. Gormley asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform whether it is appropriate to begin recruiting for the Garda Siochána reserve in May 2006 in view of the ongoing refusal of the Association of Garda Sergeants and Inspectors and the Garda Representative Association to co-operate with the reserve; his views on postponing this recruitment drive until such a time as there is agreement among rank and file gardaí on the reserve; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15694/06] (more…)