Results 28,721-28,740 of 34,885 for speaker:Seán Fleming

Protected Disclosures Bill 2013 [Seanad]: Second Stage (4 Feb 2014)

Seán Fleming: I commend the Minister on doing this. That individual had great foresight to know what the Minister was planning and to do it in advance of what the Minister was planning. Perhaps he took note of Members' discussions last year on whistleblowers. It is probable that if he was interested in the subject, he watched the debate and saw this issue. He did precisely what it says on the tin in...

Protected Disclosures Bill 2013 [Seanad]: Second Stage (4 Feb 2014)

Seán Fleming: I support the Minister on that choice. Section 5(7) states, “The motivation for making a disclosure is irrelevant to whether or not it is a protected disclosure.” That is an important decision. Just because someone has a gripe does not mean what they are saying is not true.

Protected Disclosures Bill 2013 [Seanad]: Second Stage (4 Feb 2014)

Seán Fleming: The Revenue Commissioners will always say a disgruntled ex-partner or ex-spouse is often their main source of information. Just because someone might have a beef with the person they are reporting does not mean what they are reporting is not true. It is better that the legislation does not rule a disclosure out of order because a whistleblower had a gripe. It will quickly emerge if a...

Protected Disclosures Bill 2013 [Seanad]: Second Stage (4 Feb 2014)

Seán Fleming: Yes, absolutely, but as the public would see it, they are all very much within the system. The Garda force involves 13,000 gardaí. I urge the Minister to allow them some representative voice in drawing up the regulations. I have suggested bodies with whom I have not consulted but I was immediately struck by the omission. I am sure the Department of Justice and Equality deliberately...

Protected Disclosures Bill 2013 [Seanad]: Second Stage (4 Feb 2014)

Seán Fleming: I welcome the opportunity to speak on the Protected Disclosures Bill, which most people will generally refer to as the whistleblowers bill. We welcome the legislation, which is good and important. It is part of the changing society in which we live. Years ago many people would not have been happy with legislation such as this but now people are more open and up-front in their dealings with...

Written Answers — Department of Environment, Community and Local Government: Tenant Purchase Scheme Administration (4 Feb 2014)

Seán Fleming: 449. To ask the Minister for Environment, Community and Local Government when a new scheme will be introduced to allow local authority tenants to purchase their houses; if he will provide details of the expected scheme and the way it will operate; the timescale for its introduction; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5081/14]

Written Answers — Department of Finance: Tax Rebates (4 Feb 2014)

Seán Fleming: 174. To ask the Minister for Finance when a tax refund will be paid in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Laois; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5242/14]

Written Answers — Department of Education and Skills: Third Level Fees (4 Feb 2014)

Seán Fleming: 244. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills his views on a joined-up approach between the Central Applications Office for third level education courses and the SUSI grants system because in some cases students apply for a course under the CAO only to find at a later date that it is not covered by a grant; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5439/14]

Written Answers — Department of Health: Health Services Provision (4 Feb 2014)

Seán Fleming: 638. To ask the Minister for Health when a sustainable long-term solution will be provided in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Laois; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5083/14]

Written Answers — Department of Health: Disabilities Services Funding (4 Feb 2014)

Seán Fleming: 685. To ask the Minister for Health the funding available for the disability services department in Tullamore, County Offaly for 2014; if this will lead to an increase or reduction in services for the region; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5421/14]

Written Answers — Department of Health: Autism Support Services (4 Feb 2014)

Seán Fleming: 686. To ask the Minister for Health the services available for persons with autism in the Laois/Offaly area; if provision will be made in the new service plan to improve these services in view of fact that 350 persons are registered with autism in the Laois/Offaly area; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5422/14]

Estimates for Public Services 2014 (30 Jan 2014)

Seán Fleming: On a point of order, given we are dealing with the Revised Estimates, during the Order of Business the Tánaiste indicated that he was not aware of any request from a committee to vary-----

Estimates for Public Services 2014 (30 Jan 2014)

Seán Fleming: Sorry, a Cheann Comhairle. You can help us.

Estimates for Public Services 2014 (30 Jan 2014)

Seán Fleming: There is a question you can help us with.

Estimates for Public Services 2014 (30 Jan 2014)

Seán Fleming: There is a question you can help us with. It is bad enough we are not being allowed to vote on these.

Public Accounts Committee: 2012 Annual Report of the Comptroller and Auditor General and Appropriation Accounts
Chapter 6 - Land Swap Arrangement in the Provision of Affordable Houses
Vote 13 - Office of Public Works (30 Jan 2014)

Seán Fleming: Subhead B7 refers to property maintenance and supplies.

Public Accounts Committee: 2012 Annual Report of the Comptroller and Auditor General and Appropriation Accounts
Chapter 6 - Land Swap Arrangement in the Provision of Affordable Houses
Vote 13 - Office of Public Works (30 Jan 2014)

Seán Fleming: B6 is the new works, alterations and additions. On that figure, the outturn was €40 million last year and yesterday's figure is €38 million. If the OPW is already down €20 million in the Estimate, in addition to the reduction it must take account of the €3.5 million. Does that not come out of compensation or legal fees? Is it the correct heading for this?

Public Accounts Committee: 2012 Annual Report of the Comptroller and Auditor General and Appropriation Accounts
Chapter 6 - Land Swap Arrangement in the Provision of Affordable Houses
Vote 13 - Office of Public Works (30 Jan 2014)

Seán Fleming: I will conclude by making a general comment for the Committee of Public Accounts. When Departments are presenting Estimates to the committee and issues arise out of public court judgments, it would be helpful to Members of the Oireachtas if they are included in the briefing notes in order that Members of the Oireachtas are conscious of why some of the figures are included, especially if they...

Public Accounts Committee: 2012 Annual Report of the Comptroller and Auditor General and Appropriation Accounts
Chapter 6 - Land Swap Arrangement in the Provision of Affordable Houses
Vote 13 - Office of Public Works (30 Jan 2014)

Seán Fleming: Because of the passage of time.

Public Accounts Committee: 2012 Annual Report of the Comptroller and Auditor General and Appropriation Accounts
Chapter 6 - Land Swap Arrangement in the Provision of Affordable Houses
Vote 13 - Office of Public Works (30 Jan 2014)

Seán Fleming: What you are saying, essentially, is this. Thirty-four million euro has been paid to date - €32.6 million by the judge, and there was interest that he got in addition, plus the developer's portion of legal fees that have been submitted so far, and a portion of fees from the Chief State Solicitor's office, which brings the sum up to €34 million paid out to date. However,...