Results 3,641-3,660 of 4,673 for speaker:Seán Canney

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Rural and Community Development: Smart Community Initiative: Discussion (6 Feb 2019)

Seán Canney: It is great to hear such positivity from the young people in the room. I compliment Ms Keogh and Mr. Ellingstad on their belief and positive enthusiasm. It is an example to us all.

Written Answers — Department of Communications, Climate Action and Environment: Inland Fisheries Ireland (5 Feb 2019)

Seán Canney: I propose to take Questions Nos. 531 and 533 together. The Eel Support Scheme is being administered by inland Fisheries Ireland (IFI). Correspondence issued from IFI in the first instance to applicants whose applications were deemed not to meet the criteria for the Support scheme. This was to facilitate possible appeals to the decision of IFI as regards eligibility or other matters. I will be...

Written Answers — Department of Rural and Community Development: Scheme to Support National Organisations (5 Feb 2019)

Seán Canney: I propose to take Questions Nos. 588 and 589 together. The Scheme to Support National Organisations in the Community and Voluntary Sector (SSNO) is a key element of my Department's support for the role of the sector in contributing to the development of strong and vibrant civil society and in improving outcomes for those most disadvantaged. The scheme provides multi-annual funding...

Written Answers — Department of Rural and Community Development: Departmental Programmes (30 Jan 2019)

Seán Canney: The Digital Innovation Programme was launched in 2018 with the aim of supporting digital development in Local Authority areas for the benefit of communities. Applications are required to meet certain criteria that include the project being Local Authority-led and providing evidence that the project will take an innovative approach and provide a public benefit. Collaborative projects and...

No Consent, No Sale Bill 2019: Second Stage [Private Members] (29 Jan 2019)

Seán Canney: Apologies, it does require a money message.

No Consent, No Sale Bill 2019: Second Stage [Private Members] (29 Jan 2019)

Seán Canney: I am sure. I cannot emphasis strongly enough how disastrous this Bill would be for this country. Its effects will only be negative and wide reaching. For the consumers it seeks to protect, they will simply see a mortgage market which has limited funds to lend, increased mortgage interest rates and the possibility of an increase in repossessions. For the financial system, it will add...

No Consent, No Sale Bill 2019: Second Stage [Private Members] (29 Jan 2019)

Seán Canney: On behalf of the Government, I also offer my sympathy to those affected by that tragedy. The Government is opposing this Bill because it does nothing to strengthen consumer protection while it would cause severe damage to the mortgage market with potentially major impacts on financial stability and ultimately on the economy. The apparent logic behind Deputy Pearse Doherty's Bill is that...

No Consent, No Sale Bill 2019: Second Stage [Private Members] (29 Jan 2019)

Seán Canney: -----of our banking system over time. The Government is working to ensure that our banks are able to invest in households and businesses and provide the credit and lending that is needed, all the while ensuring that the most appropriate and effective framework of consumer protection is in place. This Bill does not in any way support or complement these key priorities. Aside from...

Written Answers — Department of Rural and Community Development: Mobile Telephony Services (29 Jan 2019)

Seán Canney: In 2017, officials from my Department, the Department of Communications, Climate Action and Environment and a small number of Local Authorities met to examine the potential for mapping mobile phone black spots in Ireland. On foot of these meetings, an invitation was issued in late 2017 to all Local Authorities to provide data on 5-6 prioritised local black spots. Some Local...

Written Answers — Department of Rural and Community Development: Mobile Telephony Services (29 Jan 2019)

Seán Canney: In 2017, officials from my Department, the Department of Communications, Climate Action and Environment and a small number of Local Authorities met to examine the potential for mapping mobile phone black spots in Ireland. On foot of these meetings, an invitation was issued in late 2017 to all Local Authorities to provide data on 5-6 prioritised local black spots. Some Local...

Ceisteanna Eile - Other Questions: Illegal Dumping (24 Jan 2019)

Seán Canney: I agree with the Deputy, that for large-scale items which were previously collected or delivered free of charge, some of the grant money of €2 million that I mentioned has been used to do exactly what he is saying. I agree that we need to incentivise people to dispose of what they have in a legal way. We also need to have an awareness campaign to highlight the issue of prosecution....

Ceisteanna Eile - Other Questions: Illegal Dumping (24 Jan 2019)

Seán Canney: Under the national waste enforcement steering committee, a network of regulatory bodies work together to target illegal dumping. In 2019 specific priorities are the enforcement of large-scale illegal activity requiring multi-agency responses; identification of sites where illegal dumping occurs for enforcement; and creating regional multi-agency fora with An Garda Síochána in each...

Ceisteanna Eile - Other Questions: Illegal Dumping (24 Jan 2019)

Seán Canney: Illegal dumping is rife. It is a particular problem in my area of Galway East, but it is rife throughout the country and we need to do something about it. The review that is ongoing will inform us on enforcement and helping local authorities and how effective enforcement and prosecutions have been. I do not actually have the number of prosecutions to hand. That is part of the overall...

Ceisteanna Eile - Other Questions: Energy Prices (24 Jan 2019)

Seán Canney: Section 10A of the Electricity Regulation Act sets out the procedure under which a policy direction may be issued to the Commission for Regulation of Utilities, CRU. The legislation sets out details of the tasks and, inter alia, restrictions, timelines and consultation requirements with the independent regulator and the Oireachtas. Energy markets in Ireland operate within a European...

Ceisteanna Eile - Other Questions: Energy Prices (24 Jan 2019)

Seán Canney: I would not like to see a return to price fixing. Long-standing Government energy policy since 1999, aligned with the thrust of the European policy, has focused on the importance of increasing retail market competition, which results in a choice for consumers. Government policy has supported competition to drive down prices. Data from approved price comparison websites such as bonkers.ieor...

Ceisteanna Eile - Other Questions: Energy Prices (24 Jan 2019)

Seán Canney: I reiterate that EU restrictions are the main reason such a policy direction is not being considered. In addition, it is clear that such a move would run counter to the thrust of long-standing Government policy on energy, which favours competition. Moreover, the CRU has carried out investigations of energy market competition in recent years and recommended a range of new measures which are...

Ceisteanna Eile - Other Questions: Energy Prices (24 Jan 2019)

Seán Canney: There is no reason not to switch.

Ceisteanna Eile - Other Questions: Mining Industry (24 Jan 2019)

Seán Canney: I am familiar with the site and the area. Gyproc, part of the Saint Gobain construction materials provider, operates a gypsum mine in Drummond, County Monaghan, and has a factory in Kingscourt, County Cavan. The company employs more than 160 people in the Cavan-Monaghan area. Mining operations have been taking place in the area since 1936. On 19 December 2018, a crown hole, often...

Ceisteanna Eile - Other Questions: Mining Industry (24 Jan 2019)

Seán Canney: To clarify, the first collapse in the ground was as a result of pillars that collapsed. The second was the result of what they technically call a roof collapse, where the surface went down in a circle. Both of these are being investigated, and that includes independent auditors looking at the results. Gyproc has undertaken to produce all maps to the residents. It will also produce all of...

Ceisteanna Eile - Other Questions: Mining Industry (24 Jan 2019)

Seán Canney: The Deputy correctly points out that water was pumped into the mines and that changed the whole dynamic. That is something my Department will be looking at. Ireland has a mining heritage that extends back to the Bronze Age. It has occurred at hundreds of sites, the majority of which are not the legal responsibility of the State. The Department maintains an inventory of sites at which...