Results 3,461-3,480 of 4,726 for speaker:Malcolm Noonan

Written Answers — Department of Housing, Planning, and Local Government: Departmental Funding (7 Apr 2022)

Malcolm Noonan: In November 2021 I announced €4m in funding for the Historic Structures Fund (HSF) 2022. The HSF is a competitive grant scheme for conservation works to heritage structures in both private and public ownership. Grants of between €15,000 and €50,000 are available under Stream 1, and of between €50,000 and €200,000 under Stream 2. Applications are made in...

Vacant Properties: Motion [Private Members] (6 Apr 2022)

Malcolm Noonan: I will try to respond to some of the points raised. I agree with Deputy Berry about the Curragh camp. I have written to the Minister for Defence on this. As a demonstration project, it could deliver sustainable housing for the Curragh, and the plans are important. Deputy Chris Andrews and I have spoken before about the redevelopment of the Dublin city flats, which are important from the...

Written Answers — Department of Housing, Planning, and Local Government: Departmental Funding (6 Apr 2022)

Malcolm Noonan: My Department awarded a sum of €350,000 in 2021 for project referred to in the Question. The project is being led by Mayo County Council who have just completed detailed designs for the works. Subject to minor amendments, the Council expect to progress the project through to the construction tender stage shortly. My Department remains committed to supporting this project.

Saincheisteanna Tráthúla - Topical Issue Debate: Coroners Service (5 Apr 2022)

Malcolm Noonan: As stated previously, the Minister, Deputy McEntee, has no role in the timing and conduct of post-mortem examinations. The direction of post-mortem examinations is solely a matter for the coroner concerned. However, the Department of Justice has appointed three coroners to the Dublin district to actively support the Coroner Service in carrying out its statutory functions. This should have...

Saincheisteanna Tráthúla - Topical Issue Debate: Wastewater Treatment (5 Apr 2022)

Malcolm Noonan: Gabhaim buíochas arís leis an Teachta as an gceist seo faoi áiseanna fuíolluisce ar An gCeathrú Rua a ardú. Geallaim go bhfuil an Rialtas tiomanta do mhaoiniú suntasach a chur ar fáil d'Uisce Éireann. Again, I have a stock response here but this an issue that I will take back through the Department to Irish Water. I am not fully familiar with...

Saincheisteanna Tráthúla - Topical Issue Debate: Coroners Service (5 Apr 2022)

Malcolm Noonan: Gabhaim buíochas leis an Teachta as an gceist seo a ardú. I would like to convey the apologies of my colleague, the Minister for Justice, Deputy McEntee, who regrets she cannot be here for this matter due to another commitment. On behalf of the Minister, I would like to thank Deputy McAuliffe for raising this important matter. As he said, it is very distressing for families to...

Saincheisteanna Tráthúla - Topical Issue Debate: Local Authorities (5 Apr 2022)

Malcolm Noonan: I assure the Deputy I will take this matter back to the Department. I agree with him. A conclusion should have been brought to the discussions between the Department and the HSE to provide clarity to families. Perhaps the issue here is that medical aids and devices such as a hoist require the assistance of a carer and specialised training. That may be the matter under negotiation. As I...

Saincheisteanna Tráthúla - Topical Issue Debate: Local Authorities (5 Apr 2022)

Malcolm Noonan: I would appreciate that.

Saincheisteanna Tráthúla - Topical Issue Debate: Wastewater Treatment (5 Apr 2022)

Malcolm Noonan: Gabhaim mo bhuíochas leis an Teachta as an gceist seo a ardú inniu agus as an seans a thabhairt dom dualgas Uisce Éireann a leagan amach. Tá an freagra as Béarla, agus tá brón orm faoi sin. The Water Services Acts 2007 to 2017 set out arrangements in place for the delivery of water and wastewater services by Irish Water and for the scrutiny and...

Saincheisteanna Tráthúla - Topical Issue Debate: Local Authorities (5 Apr 2022)

Malcolm Noonan: I thank the Deputy for articulating the case of Alexis and her family and the comments by the OT about improving the quality of care and reducing physical discomfort. These are really vital issues for her care, well-being and her quality of life. My Department provides funding to local authorities under the suite of housing adaptation grants for older people and people with a disability to...

Childcare Fees: Motion [Private Members] (5 Apr 2022)

Malcolm Noonan: On behalf of the Minister, Deputy O'Gorman, I welcome the opportunity to close the debate on this motion. This is a sector I have a huge interest in. I have been a volunteer at a direct level with community childcare for some 20 years now, as Deputy Funchion would know. It is a sector I truly value, as we all do. I commend the Minister on the work he has been doing since his...

Written Answers — Department of Housing, Planning, and Local Government: Special Areas of Conservation (5 Apr 2022)

Malcolm Noonan: Raised Bogs are extremely rare in global and European terms. Ireland holds approximately 50% of all raised bogs remaining in the Atlantic region of North West Europe and so we have a particular responsibility for their conservation at an international level. The National Raised Bog Special Areas of Conservation Management Plan 2017-2022, approved by government and published in 2017, sets out...

Written Answers — Department of Housing, Planning, and Local Government: Invasive Species Policy (5 Apr 2022)

Malcolm Noonan: My Department is responsible for the implementation of the Wildlife Acts and the European Communities (Birds and Natural Habitats) Regulations 2011, both of which prohibit activities to introduce or spread invasive species. In addition to national legislation, EU Regulation 1143/2014 on Invasive Alien Species also provides for a range of concerted EU wide measures to be taken with respect to...

Written Answers — Department of Housing, Planning, and Local Government: Housing Provision (5 Apr 2022)

Malcolm Noonan: The project that the Question refers to is a significant initiative which will support communities, and create exciting opportunities for recreation and ways to experience interesting places from new perspectives. Waterways Ireland obtained planning permission for the Project, a 46 kilometre stretch from Lowtown to Athy, including the canal side works and the roadside works. Work commenced on...

Written Answers — Department of Housing, Planning, and Local Government: Grazing Rights (5 Apr 2022)

Malcolm Noonan: The Wildlife Act 1976 prohibits the burning of vegetation growing on uncultivated land between 1 March and 31 August annually. I have no power to permit burning during that period. In relation to the six month period between 1 September and the end of February annually, the Wildlife Act 1976 does notprohibit such burning, although special rules may apply in certain areas such as in Special...

Written Answers — Department of Housing, Planning, and Local Government: Heritage Sites (5 Apr 2022)

Malcolm Noonan: Under the provisions of the National Monuments Acts, my Department has established and maintains a Record of Monuments and Places (RMP) which affords legal protection to all recorded archaeological sites and monuments in the State, including those on agricultural land. I am advised that reports of the decision referred to were erroneous and the Department of Agriculture, Food and Marine has...

Seanad: Nithe i dtosach suíonna - Commencement Matters: School Enrolments (30 Mar 2022)

Malcolm Noonan: As the Leas-Chathaoirleach correctly said, I am taking this Commencement matter on behalf of my colleague, the Minister for Education, Deputy Foley. She sends her apologies for her inability to attend this morning. I thank the Senator for raising the matter, which provides me with an opportunity to clarify the current position in relation to secondary school places in Kildare. In order to...

Seanad: Nithe i dtosach suíonna - Commencement Matters: School Enrolments (30 Mar 2022)

Malcolm Noonan: As I outlined in the statement, it is important that we look at those areas of duplication where, for a number of reasons, parents might be applying to a number of schools. The Department is working pro-actively with the schools involved to try and address those issues. The figure may not be as high as the Senator proposes here. However, the Minister will take on board the comments the...

Seanad: Nithe i dtosach suíonna - Commencement Matters: Special Educational Needs (30 Mar 2022)

Malcolm Noonan: I am also taking this matter on behalf of the Minister for Education. I thank the Senator for making his points so well. I pay tribute to all schools that are adapting and consistently implementing best practice in teaching and integrating children with additional needs in school. Some very impressive work in that regard is going on throughout the country. This year, the Department of...

Seanad: Nithe i dtosach suíonna - Commencement Matters: Special Educational Needs (30 Mar 2022)

Malcolm Noonan: The module is, in effect, mandatory. The Céim standards, the standards for initial teacher education published by the Teaching Council in November 2020, have strengthened the definition of “inclusive education” to include “any aspect of teachers’ learning aimed at improving their capacity to address and respond to the diversity of learners’ needs; to...