Results 9,361-9,380 of 13,291 for speaker:Joe McHugh

Written Answers — Department of Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht: Scéim na bhFoghlaimeoirí Gaeilge (17 Sep 2014)

Joe McHugh: Tá áthas orm a chur in iúl don Teachta go bhfuil i gceist agam leanúint leis an gcúnamh atá ar fáil ó mo Roinnse faoi Scéim na bhFoghlaimeoirí Gaeilge in 2015. Mar chuid den ghnáthphlé a bhíonn ar siúl ag an tráth seo gach bliain, beidh cruinniú ag mo Roinn go luath le Comhchoiste Náisiúnta na...

Written Answers — Department of Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht: Foras na Gaeilge (17 Sep 2014)

Joe McHugh: Is mian liom aird an Teachta a tharraingt ar an bhfreagra a tugadh ar Cheist Dála Uimh 116 den 26 Meitheamh 2014.Léirítear sa tábla seo a leanas an caiteachas iarbhír a rinne Foras na Gaeilge ó na hallúntais chómhaoinithe a chuir mo Roinnse ar fáil don eagraíocht le linn na tréimhse ó 2011 go 2014: Bliain 2011 €m 2012...

Other Questions: Hydraulic Fracturing (17 Jul 2014)

Joe McHugh: While the term "hydraulic fracturing" is not defined in legislation, it is a well understood term. I can point the Deputy to a clear definition of the term provided on the Environmental Protection Agency's website in the context of the call for proposals issued on 22 November 2013 seeking tenders to undertake further detailed research on the potential impacts on the environment and human...

Other Questions: Hydraulic Fracturing (17 Jul 2014)

Joe McHugh: I share the Deputy's concerns. We have heard conflicting reports on the fracking process. North Dakota comes to mind. As part of the research, which has not yet been awarded, dual emphasis must be placed on the environment and human health. The Minister shares my concerns and the Department shares these two parameters as twofold concerns. The more detailed research programme will be...

Other Questions: Hydraulic Fracturing (17 Jul 2014)

Joe McHugh: Let us learn from experiences and let us be on the ball. We have a two-year period so we should use all aspects of the mechanics within the democratic House, such as the Joint Committee on Communications and Transport. The community must also be involved in the research over the two years. We must be open with people, learn from experiences and ensure every t is crossed and every i is...

Other Questions: Hydraulic Fracturing (17 Jul 2014)

Joe McHugh: We will be going over the same ground, if Members will forgive the pun. In November 2013, the Environmental Protection Agency, EPA, issued a call for tenders to engage the relevant expertise to conduct detailed research into the potential impacts of hydraulic fracturing technology. The selection process, overseen by a steering group that includes representatives from my Department and a...

Other Questions: Hydraulic Fracturing (17 Jul 2014)

Joe McHugh: Vigilance is key and there will be vigilance in the House. In framing public policy, we must review how we work with our communities and the community representation structures. Lessons must be learned from some of the bigger issues, such as pylons and the question of underground versus overground lines, and about how public policy must include the community. It must be part of this and,...

Ceisteanna - Questions - Priority Questions: Exploration Industry (17 Jul 2014)

Joe McHugh: As already stated, the Deputy's initial question was general in nature and referred to subterranean drilling. Obviously, the latter encompasses mining. I asked him to pose a specific question following my reply and he has done so by focusing on hydraulic fracturing, or fracking, of rock formations. There is no plan at present to allow hydraulic fracturing to take place. Both of our...

Ceisteanna - Questions - Priority Questions: Exploration Industry (17 Jul 2014)

Joe McHugh: The Deputy asked a specific question on protections for landowners. In any context, entry onto land is subject to the agreement of the owner.

Ceisteanna - Questions - Priority Questions: Exploration Industry (17 Jul 2014)

Joe McHugh: Mining on land occurs in this country and there are statutory processes and planning obligations which apply. There are no plans to get involved in the hydraulic fracturing process.

Ceisteanna - Questions - Priority Questions: Exploration Industry (17 Jul 2014)

Joe McHugh: I reiterate that entry onto land, be it on the surface or underground, is subject to the agreement of the owner. I am not going to waffle or bluff. That is the answer.

Ceisteanna - Questions - Priority Questions: Exploration Industry (17 Jul 2014)

Joe McHugh: Absolutely.

Ceisteanna - Questions - Priority Questions: Exploration Industry (17 Jul 2014)

Joe McHugh: I thank the Deputy for his kind words. I look forward to working with him and with the Minister and departmental officials. The Deputy's question is a broad one and my response reflects that. If there is a specific issue the Deputy wishes to raise, I will be happy to address it in my supplementary reply. Drilling is a normal part of mineral and hydrocarbon exploration and is...

Written Answers — Department of Communications, Energy and Natural Resources: Offshore Exploration (17 Jul 2014)

Joe McHugh: Since the 1960s, exploration activity in the Irish Offshore has yielded four commercial gas fields and no commercial oil discoveries. Exploration offshore Ireland is expensive due to its remoteness and water depths. The cost of drilling a single deep-water well in the Atlantic can be in excess of €100 million. Limited infrastructure, such as pipelines, terminals and platforms, pushes...

Written Answers — Department of Communications, Energy and Natural Resources: Exploration Licences (17 Jul 2014)

Joe McHugh: As the principal regulator for the petroleum exploration sector operating in the Irish offshore, my Department is in ongoing contact with exploration licence holders regarding the setting, monitoring and delivery of licence commitments along with the acquisition of seismic and other data. In addition, my Department engages with companies that are not currently involved in exploration in the...

Written Answers — Department of Communications, Energy and Natural Resources: Exploration Licences (17 Jul 2014)

Joe McHugh: Successful exploration for oil and gas would result in significant benefits for Ireland in a number of ways. In addition to the income that would accrue to the Exchequer through the oil and gas fiscal terms and the security of supply benefits that would result from an increased indigenous supply, there would also be considerable economic benefits generated by the associated development and...

Written Answers — Department of Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht: Údarás na Gaeltachta Issues (17 Jul 2014)

Joe McHugh: The sale of the company referred to by the Deputy was concluded following a comprehensive evaluation process to find a strategic investment partner which would ensure the future of the company, give maximum economic benefit to its employees, its suppliers, customers and other stakeholders, and thereby deliver the best value for the State. The Deputy will appreciate the constraints involved...

Written Answers — Department of Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht: Irish Language Issues (17 Jul 2014)

Joe McHugh: The project referred to by the Deputy involves a building of 1,418 square metres, comprising new offices for the local co-operative, a family resource centre and 3 enterprise units. The development is being overseen by Comharchumann Chorca Dhuibhne. My Department approved funding of €1,746,765 towards the cost of the project over a three year period. It is expected that the centre...

Written Answers — Department of Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht: Seirbhísí Farantóireachta (17 Jul 2014)

Joe McHugh: Mar is eol don Teachta, tháinig deireadh le conradh farantóireachta Árann ar 31 Eanáir 2013. Cé gur lorg mo Roinn léirithe spéise ag an am don tseirbhís seo ar an gcóras eTenders, ní bhfuarthas aon tairiscint. Bhí plé ina dhiaidh sin ag mo Roinn leis an bhfarantóir a bhí ag cur na seirbhíse ar fáil d'Árainn,...

Written Answers — Department of Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht: Tourism Industry (17 Jul 2014)

Joe McHugh: As the Deputy is aware, following a report undertaken by Cranfield University on behalf of my Department in 2001, airstrips were completed at Cleggan and on Inishbofin Island in 2007. Subsequently, a decision was taken on 10 July 2013 to dispose of the airstrips in view of the economic downturn, the ongoing cost of maintaining the airstrips and the position that my Department is unlikely, at...