Results 2,481-2,500 of 4,726 for speaker:Malcolm Noonan

Saincheisteanna Tráthúla - Topical Issue Debate: Water Services (3 May 2023)

Malcolm Noonan: The Deputy is correct. That is certainly what the Department, the Minister, Deputy Darragh O'Brien, and I want to achieve. A multi-annual programme is in place to assist bringing resolution in respect of DPI. Such infrastructure is a temporary short-term solution that dragged. We are conscious that the issues with DPI need to be resolved from the point of view of the environmental...

Saincheisteanna Tráthúla - Topical Issue Debate: Water Services (3 May 2023)

Malcolm Noonan: A small number of housing estates nationally rely on developer-provided water services infrastructure, commonly referred to as DPI, for their water services. The infrastructure concerned mainly consists of wastewater treatment facilities, with a small number providing drinking water services for the estate. The majority of estates with DPI are legacy issues from the mid-1990s to the...

Seanad: Nithe i dtosach suíonna - Commencement Matters: Environmental Policy (3 May 2023)

Malcolm Noonan: I thank the Senator for raising the issue. The Minister, Deputy Ryan, and his Department have not been made aware of any deterioration in the situation regarding abandoned vehicles. However, the Minister and I are of the view that it is important that the enforcement bodies stay on top of this matter. The Senator highlighted a significant issue. We have seen considerable improvements in...

Seanad: Nithe i dtosach suíonna - Commencement Matters: Environmental Policy (3 May 2023)

Malcolm Noonan: If there are specific issues in relation to vehicles such as the number plate having been removed, there are other identifying factors on the vehicle, including the chassis numbers and so on. I believe, however, that 97% is a high level of compliance. It is way beyond the minimum requirement at EU level. The Department is very much on top of it and continues to monitor it. If there are...

Seanad: Nithe i dtosach suíonna - Commencement Matters: Transport Costs (3 May 2023)

Malcolm Noonan: I welcome the opportunity to discuss this important issue. I understand that the Senator’s question concerns the new national fares strategy, as she has outlined, and particularly as it affects and pertains to her area of Newbridge in Kildare. I reassure the Senator that the Government is strongly committed to providing a cost-efficient public transport sector, including affordable...

Seanad: Nithe i dtosach suíonna - Commencement Matters: Transport Costs (3 May 2023)

Malcolm Noonan: Again, the Senator's efforts in highlighting this have been commendable. To support the objective of ensuring this equity, under budget 2023 some €563 million of funding has been secured for the PSO and Local Link services to provide State operators under contract by the NTA. This has been seen and felt right across the country. Funding was also provided for continuation of the 20%...

Seanad: Nithe i dtosach suíonna - Commencement Matters: Motor Fuels (3 May 2023)

Malcolm Noonan: We were talking about this outside the Chamber earlier. I have family members who have classic cars - Renaults and Ford Anglias. It is something that I have great affection for. The move to E10 this year is one of several transport measures that will achieve a 50% reduction in transport emissions by 2030. Details of the move were set out in the Renewable Fuels for Transport Policy...

Seanad: Nithe i dtosach suíonna - Commencement Matters: Motor Fuels (3 May 2023)

Malcolm Noonan: That is not the case. Of the 77 responses from the consultation on the move to E10, more than 60 were received from classic car owners or enthusiasts in classic vehicle clubs. Many of the respondents were supportive of the move to E10. There probably are issues. In this regard, I mentioned possible corrosion. There is still an opportunity owing to there still being a limited supply of...

Seanad: Nithe i dtosach suíonna - Commencement Matters: Motor Fuels (3 May 2023)

Malcolm Noonan: There is an additive that can be used, and there is a public awareness campaign. It is important to engage. The experience in other countries has not been negative.

Seanad: Nithe i dtosach suíonna - Commencement Matters: Greenways Provision (3 May 2023)

Malcolm Noonan: I thank the Senator for the opportunity to discuss this issue on behalf of the Minister for Transport. The safeguarding of environment and natural habitats is a hugely important issue. The Government is conscious of fulfilling our statutory obligations in this regard, as well as being committed to the EU biodiversity strategy for 2030. As set out in the strategy for the future development...

Seanad: Nithe i dtosach suíonna - Commencement Matters: Greenways Provision (3 May 2023)

Malcolm Noonan: I reassure the Senator that he is correct. We cannot have one project that will deliver an environmental benefit but could potentially be injurious to another environmental objective, namely, our habitats. It is critical that a rigorous process is in place to support projects as they move forward. They must go through rigorous screening, environmental impact assessment and appropriate...

Seanad: Public Water Connection Charges: Motion (26 Apr 2023)

Malcolm Noonan: I thank Senators Garvey, Martin and Pauline O'Reilly for bringing forward this important motion. It is great to see universal support for it in the House. I will try to address some of the points raised by Senators. There is no doubt that the roll-out of water refill stations across the country is very popular, especially with young people. Buying bottled water is hugely expensive,...

Rent Reduction Bill 2023: Second Stage [Private Members] (26 Apr 2023)

Malcolm Noonan: I thank Deputies Murphy, Boyd Barrett, Smith, Canney and Barry for bringing forward this Bill. The Government opposes the Bill. Aside from its technical, practical and operational shortcomings, it would in all likelihood face a significant risk of legal challenge and is highly likely to have a severely detrimental effect on the supply of rental property in an already constrained market....

Historic and Archaeological Heritage Bill 2023: Second Stage (25 Apr 2023)

Malcolm Noonan: I move: "That the Bill be now read a Second Time." Is mór an onóir domsa Bille na hOidhreachta Stairiúla agus Seandálaíochta, 2023 a cur faoi bhráid na Dála. I am pleased and honoured to bring the Historical and Archaeological Heritage Bill 2023 before the House today. This important Bill provides a new framework to modernise and bolster the law that...

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Housing, Planning and Local Government: Housing for All: Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage (Resumed) (25 Apr 2023)

Malcolm Noonan: Gabhaim buíochas leis an Seanadóir. Moore Street is certainly progressing. I am aware that this issue is frustrating and that the Senator has been raising it consistently. My understanding is the design team has been appointed. I will be dealing with the Historic and Archaeological Heritage Bill this afternoon in the Dáil and I give an assurance that we will be on site on...

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Housing, Planning and Local Government: Housing for All: Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage (Resumed) (25 Apr 2023)

Malcolm Noonan: We will get back to the Deputy with an update on that.

Saincheisteanna Tráthúla - Topical Issue Debate: Housing Provision (19 Apr 2023)

Malcolm Noonan: I thank the Deputies. Before I respond, I should point out this matter was raised in the Chamber last night in the context of the Sinn Féin Private Members' motion. Deputy Harkin also raised it in relation to the north west. The Government is cognisant and mindful of the challenges facing local authorities and people and families across the country, not just in the greater Dublin area...

Saincheisteanna Tráthúla - Topical Issue Debate: Housing Provision (19 Apr 2023)

Malcolm Noonan: I reassure the Deputies that we are providing housing. It is not an issue of passing the buck to local authorities. There is collective responsibility and the Government is mindful of that. Resources and funding are not obstacles to the urgent efforts required. More than €215 million has been allocated to homeless services, including homeless prevention in 2023. This funding will...

Saincheisteanna Tráthúla - Topical Issue Debate: Tax Rebates (19 Apr 2023)

Malcolm Noonan: I am not sure whether the prepared reply I am going to outline will give any further assurances to the Deputy but it is the response of the Department. The VAT treatment of goods and services is subject to EU VAT law, with which Irish VAT law must comply. In accordance with the EU VAT directive, farmers can elect whether to register for VAT in respect of their farming business. Farmers who...

Saincheisteanna Tráthúla - Topical Issue Debate: Tax Rebates (19 Apr 2023)

Malcolm Noonan: As I outlined, in accordance with the EU VAT directive, farmers can elect whether to register for VAT in respect of their farming business. I take on board the Deputy made about larger farms being more inclined towards VAT registration, but for many small farmers, registering for VAT is an unnecessary complexity that is not possible to justify given the small-scale nature of their business....