Alan Farrell, TD

To ask the Minister for Social Protection her views on the Free Legal Advice Centre 2012 report Not Fair Enough with regard to the appeals process in her Department, as well as outlining in detail the reforms that have been reported to have taken place to reduce waiting time for appeals; and if she will make a statement on the matter.

To ask the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the basis on which the National Standards Authority of Ireland have been asked to report to his Department on the subject of pyrite testing; when this will be published; the consensus amongst stakeholders regarding the funding for testing for pyrite in properties; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

To ask the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if the budget for housing adaption grants have been approved for local authorities in 2013; and when this announcement is due to be made..

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.

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.

"The expansion of the fuel rebate scheme for private coach operators will benefit the local economy', according to Fine Gael TD for Dublin Fingal Alan Farrell, following the announcement that the original rebate for haulage companies granted by Fine Gael Minister for Finance Michael Noonan T.D. will now be available for private coach companies.

"The expansion of the fuel rebate scheme for private coach operators will benefit the local economy', according to Fine Gael TD for Dublin Fingal Alan Farrell, following the announcement that the original rebate for haulage companies granted by Fine Gael Minister for Finance Michael Noonan T.D. will now be available for private coach companies.