Results 17,281-17,300 of 21,489 for speaker:Alan Kelly

Other Questions: Electoral Reform (23 Apr 2015)

Alan Kelly: The Deputy makes a valid point and we will certainly examine it. I cannot commit to getting it done before the by-election, although I will see if it is possible. We will take advice on the matter and revert to the Deputy and the House. However, the issue is validly put and must be seriously examined.

Other Questions: Island Communities (23 Apr 2015)

Alan Kelly: Hear, hear.

Other Questions: Electoral Reform (23 Apr 2015)

Alan Kelly: Provisions for the layout of the ballot paper for Dáil elections are set out in section 88 of the Electoral Act 1992, as amended. Over the years, many suggestions have been made for change to the format and layout of ballot papers. These include blacking or shading the empty emblem box for non–party candidates and the use of the word "independent" instead of "non-party". The...

Other Questions: Electoral Reform (23 Apr 2015)

Alan Kelly: The Deputy has raised a number of issues and this is one. I will examine it. The Deputy and others, who take a keen interest in this, as we all should, have raised several issues. It is a valid argument and it is something we will be able to deal with over time. I must take some advice on it, particularly legal advice, but at this juncture it is something I would consider favourably.

Other Questions: Homeless Persons Supports (23 Apr 2015)

Alan Kelly: I respect the sincerity in which the Deputy asks this question. I have always said, and I wish to be fair to Deputies across the Chamber who have worked with me on it, that this issue is above political to-ing and fro-ing. Many measures are being taken and examined. We are constantly examining other ways in which we can facilitate. We listed 80 actions and implemented them before...

Other Questions: Homeless Persons Supports (23 Apr 2015)

Alan Kelly: We have delivered quicker on voids. We are looking at other measures, including in relation to rent. They are being concluded or are being examined at the moment. I also wish to repeat something to the Deputy.

Other Questions: Homeless Persons Supports (23 Apr 2015)

Alan Kelly: As the Minister responsible, I need co-operation from many different areas, in particular, from politicians. A number of measures I announced have been welcomed and implemented and have had huge dramatic impacts.

Other Questions: Homeless Persons Supports (23 Apr 2015)

Alan Kelly: However, I need local authorities, in particular, to play ball in relation to this.

Other Questions: Homeless Persons Supports (23 Apr 2015)

Alan Kelly: It is our ambition to meet our targets in respect of ending involuntary long-term homelessness. I will deal with two issues in the short time available to me. First, to conclude my earlier point, I need the co-operation of local authorities. In some cases, that has not been forthcoming. Given its role in relation to the refurbishment of certain apartments in O'Devaney Gardens, Dublin City...

Other Questions: Local Authority Housing (23 Apr 2015)

Alan Kelly: As the Deputy is well aware, I announced delivery targets under the social housing strategy for all local authorities which took into account proposals submitted by the local authorities themselves for the delivery of units for the period 2015 to 2017. It is important to stress that every local authority, including the Deputy's local authority, had to put forward their own proposals. They...

Other Questions: Local Authority Housing (23 Apr 2015)

Alan Kelly: The answer to that question is "Yes". We have worked with every local authority, including the local authority in the Deputy's constituency, to ensure that what they have requested is being prioritised. We are working with the local authorities on that and are being as flexible as we can to help sign off on projects that can be turned around as quickly as possible, whether that be new...

Other Questions: Local Authority Housing (23 Apr 2015)

Alan Kelly: I am happy the Deputy asked that question because I want to outline to the House the level of management the Department is putting into this as it is such an important issue. All the local authority housing managers and directors are currently meeting with my Department. That is the level of seriousness with which we are taking this issue. Yesterday, myself and the Minister of State,...

Other Questions: Homeless Persons Supports (23 Apr 2015)

Alan Kelly: I thank the Deputy for his question. The long-term solution to homelessness is to increase the supply of homes, particularly in terms of social housing. In November 2014, I launched the Government’s Social Housing Strategy: 2020. This is a six-year strategy which is intended to deliver over 110,000 social housing tenancies through the provision of 35,000 new social housing units, at...

Ceisteanna - Questions - Priority Questions: Housing Provision (23 Apr 2015)

Alan Kelly: More than €500 million will go to Dublin between now and the end of 2017. The Deputy can challenge the figures all he wants, but that is real money. I have some news for the Deputy concerning the targets he has so eloquently addressed. As regards the targets set for the four local authorities in Dublin, we asked them all what they wanted. We met with them and discussed it in...

Ceisteanna - Questions - Priority Questions: Housing Provision (23 Apr 2015)

Alan Kelly: I have secured the largest budget for social housing in the history of the State. The Deputy referred to Dún Laoghaire. We have had a substantial engagement with the local council there. However, he omits the fact that there is a mix, including purchasing units in some cases. The Deputy has often spoken about boarded-up social houses, which we call voids. They are being turned...

Ceisteanna - Questions - Priority Questions: Housing Provision (23 Apr 2015)

Alan Kelly: This is real money that is fixed and ring-fenced for this purpose. It will have a dramatic impact. I want to see it being turned around as quickly as possible. We have weekly meetings with the Dublin housing taskforce and I also chair a monthly meeting with all the relevant parties to ensure that this situation is being turned around as quickly as possible. The Deputy should remember...

Ceisteanna - Questions - Priority Questions: Irish Water Funding (23 Apr 2015)

Alan Kelly: I thank the Deputy for the question. The establishment of Irish Water, which is an integral component of the Government’s water sector reform strategy, will lead to lower costs and improved services in the future, providing much better outcomes for customers and the environment. Irish Water is being funded by a combination of domestic and non-domestic water charges, Government...

Ceisteanna - Questions - Priority Questions: Irish Water Funding (23 Apr 2015)

Alan Kelly: There will be no smoke and mirrors in any aspect of this or the water conservation grant. The domestic revenue to be delivered is €271 million. There will be several measures in place to enable people to pay, and they will be facilitated by flexi-pay options, etc. There will also be enforcement mechanisms in the legislation, which the Deputy awaits eagerly and which will be...

Ceisteanna - Questions - Priority Questions: Irish Water Funding (23 Apr 2015)

Alan Kelly: The EUROSTAT decision has not been deferred. That is a matter for EUROSTAT. It is an independent body and its independence is critical and necessary. I just want to nail that one.

Ceisteanna - Questions - Priority Questions: Irish Water Funding (23 Apr 2015)

Alan Kelly: That is a matter for EUROSTAT. It is not a matter for this Government. I hope the Deputy knows that. It is up to EUROSTAT to make its decisions. There will not be a shortfall in respect of the figures the Deputy quoted. Legislation on enforcement will be brought through the Houses to ensure that the income I stated, €500 million, will be delivered. I am very confident of that....