Results 3,741-3,760 of 9,994 for speaker:John Gormley

Written Answers — Water and Sewerage Schemes: Water and Sewerage Schemes (26 Mar 2009)

John Gormley: The Tuam Town Water Supply and Sewerage Scheme Stage 2 is included for funding in my Department's Water Services Investment Programme 2007-2009. I approved Galway County Council's tender recommendation for the scheme in October 2008. Subsequent contract arrangements are a matter for the County Council.

Written Answers — Natural Heritage Areas: Natural Heritage Areas (26 Mar 2009)

John Gormley: I understand that this application is currently being progressed within the Chief State Solicitor's Office. However, it is not possible, at this stage, to be definitive as to when the transaction may be completed.

Written Answers — Water and Sewerage Schemes: Water and Sewerage Schemes (25 Mar 2009)

John Gormley: The procurement, operation and management of public waste water treatment and collection systems are the responsibility of the relevant local authority. Regulation 3(b) of the European Communities (Waste Water Treatment) (Prevention of Odours and Noise) Regulations, 2005, requires local authorities to ensure that their waste water treatment plants are operated and maintained so as to avoid...

Written Answers — Water and Sewerage Schemes: Water and Sewerage Schemes (25 Mar 2009)

John Gormley: The combined Dromcollogher, Hospital, Pallasgreen and Bruff Sewerage Scheme is included for funding in my Department's Water Services Investment Programme 2007-2009. Further consideration is being given to Limerick County Council's Preliminary Report for the scheme following receipt of additional information from the Council in December 2008.

Written Answers — Pension Provisions: Pension Provisions (24 Mar 2009)

John Gormley: I propose to take Questions Nos. 829, 831 and 836 together. The Financial Emergency Measures in the Public Interest Act 2009 states that any public servant who is a member of a public service pension scheme, is entitled to a benefit under such a scheme, or receives a payment in lieu of membership in such a scheme, is subject to a deduction from their remuneration. In 2008, retained...

Written Answers — Water Quality: Water Quality (24 Mar 2009)

John Gormley: According to the most recent EPA report on water quality, published in November 2008, there has been a slight improvement in the overall quality of river waters and the level of serious pollution continues to be low. Nutrient enrichment continues to be the biggest threat to water quality, primarily from agricultural and municipal sources. Implementation of the EU Water Framework Directive is...

Written Answers — Departmental Expenditure: Departmental Expenditure (24 Mar 2009)

John Gormley: I propose to take Questions Nos. 832 and 835 together. The National Development Plan 2007-2013 provides for expenditure of €4.75 billion on water services infrastructure over the period of the Plan. Expenditure in 2007 and 2008 on water services infrastructure is set out in the table. Year Exchequer Non-Exchequer Total € million € million € million 2007 496.678 90.0 586.678 2008...

Written Answers — Underground Power Cables: Underground Power Cables (24 Mar 2009)

John Gormley: In March 2007 the Government published the report of the Expert Group on the Health Effects of Electromagnetic Fields (EMF). Following the publication of the Expert Group Report the responsibilities then held by the Department of Communications, Energy and Natural Resources in relation to the health effects of EMF were transferred to my Department. The Expert Group Report examined a wide...

Written Answers — Heritage Council: Heritage Council (24 Mar 2009)

John Gormley: Since 1999, the Heritage Council, under the aegis of my Department, has developed a partnership programme with local authorities to facilitate the employment of Heritage Officers. To date, my Department has provided funding of €4.4 million to the Heritage Council for the programme and the initial intake of three Heritage Officers under it has now grown to twenty eight. The employment of...

Written Answers — Ministerial Transport: Ministerial Transport (24 Mar 2009)

John Gormley: Neither I, nor my advisors, have used the Government jet at any stage since June 2007.

Written Answers — Ministerial Transport: Ministerial Transport (24 Mar 2009)

John Gormley: Neither I, nor my advisors, have used Government helicopters at any stage since June 2007.

Written Answers — Water and Sewerage Schemes: Water and Sewerage Schemes (24 Mar 2009)

John Gormley: The Burncourt and Fethard Regional Water Supply Scheme is approved for funding under my Department's Water Services Investment Programme 2007-2009 at an estimated cost of €14.5 million. My Department awaits the submission of South Tipperary County Council's contract documents for this scheme.

Written Answers — Departmental Expenditure: Departmental Expenditure (24 Mar 2009)

John Gormley: The total cost incurred in 2008 on the National Climate Change Campaign was €7,130,525. The table provides a breakdown of the areas covered by this expenditure. The budget for 2009 is €3.5 million. The campaign is designed to raise public awareness of climate change, its causes, impacts and implications for Ireland. It includes the change.ie website which features a carbon...

Written Answers — Land Purchases: Land Purchases (24 Mar 2009)

John Gormley: Contracts were prepared in respect of this application to sell bogland to my Department under the Designated Bog Compensation Scheme. However, recently it was found that the ownership of some of the land proposed for sale is in question. Consequently, the vendor's solicitor has asked to have the draft contract revised to exclude this land. My Department, through the Chief State Solicitor's...

Written Answers — Wildlife Act: Wildlife Act (24 Mar 2009)

John Gormley: The use of traps, snares and nets in relation to wildlife is governed by the Wildlife Act, 1976 (Approved Traps, Snares and Nets) Regulations 2003. Glue traps do not meet the requirements set by these Regulations and are, therefore, illegal. Accordingly, I do not intend to licence the use of these traps.

Written Answers — Local Authority Funding: Local Authority Funding (24 Mar 2009)

John Gormley: My Department operated the Social and Community Facilities Capital Scheme in 2006 and 2007. It is not proposed to introduce a new scheme at this time.

Written Answers — World Heritage Sites: World Heritage Sites (24 Mar 2009)

John Gormley: Last October I established an Expert Advisory Group to carry out a review of Ireland's 1992 Tentative List of potential sites for nomination for inscription on the World Heritage List. The Group has been asked to identify those sites in Ireland, for inclusion on a new Tentative List, which they consider best meet the UNESCO criteria for inscription on the World Heritage List. The Group is...

Written Answers — Recycling Policy: Recycling Policy (24 Mar 2009)

John Gormley: I am fully committed to achieving the highest possible levels of recycling for paper, cardboard and other materials, and to the continuing development of a national network of waste recycling facilities. Since 2002, over €100 million has been allocated by my Department to local authorities to assist in the capital costs of establishing and developing such facilities. The Government's...

Written Answers — Ministerial Staff: Ministerial Staff (24 Mar 2009)

John Gormley: I propose to take Questions Nos. 850 and 851 together. There are no drivers employed directly by me. Under a long-standing arrangement, all Government Ministers are provided with a State car which is driven by a member of An Garda Síochána from a pool of Gardaí which are allocated on a full-time basis to Ministers. These Gardaí provide personal protection in addition to their driving...

Written Answers — Schools Building Projects: Schools Building Projects (24 Mar 2009)

John Gormley: I propose to take Questions Nos. 852 and 853 together. Section 10(2)(l) of the Planning and Development Act 2000 requires a development plan to include objectives for "the provision, or facilitation of the provision, of services for the community including, in particular, schools, crèches and other education and childcare facilities". This requirement is restated in my Department's...