Alan Farrell, TD

To ask the Minister for Finance if he will outline the projected implications of introducing a higher rate of tax on income earners over €100,000 on industry and competitiveness here; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

To ask the Minister for Finance the number of businesses that have availed of tax relief on research and development as outlined in the Finance Bill 2012; the way this compares to 2010 and 2011; if there are available statistics on the benefit of the scheme; if it is due to be increased in 2013; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

To ask the Minister for Social Protection her method of determining up to date figures on unemployment hotspots around the country; the measures she has introduced to target these areas specifically; the proposals in place to target these areas; and if she will make a statement on the matter.

To ask the Minister for Finance if he will outline the benefits to extending the current rate of mortgage interest relief for first time buyers; the projected cost of extending the scheme to the Excheque, and his rationale for the possible cessation of the scheme in 2013; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

To ask the Minister for Health his views regarding the office of the Ombudsman Report entitled Too Old to be Equal; the recommendations therein; and if he has begun the process of changing the mobility allowance scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

To ask the Minister for Health his views regarding the office of the Ombudsman Report entitled Too Old to be Equal; the recommendations therein; and if he has begun the process of changing the mobility allowance scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

To ask the Minister for Finance his views on the possibility of imposing a levy or tax on the pension sums of more than €100,000 administered to former employees of banks only covered by the State guarantee; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

To ask the Minister for Health his policy regarding the addition of the meningitis vaccination to the national vaccination programme; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

To ask the Minister for Health his views regarding the office of the Ombudsman Report entitled Too Old to be Equal; the recommendations therein; and if he has begun the process of changing the mobility allowance scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

I thank the Minister for the opportunity to contribute to the statement on the report of the pyrite panel. The report is a significant step in addressing a serious issue for tens of thousands of individuals across north Leinster.