Results 1,781-1,800 of 26,018 for speaker:Kieran O'Donnell

Seanad: Local Government (Mayor of Limerick) and Miscellaneous Provisions Bill 2023: Second Stage (24 Jan 2024)

Kieran O'Donnell: The mayor will propose the budget in Limerick.

Seanad: Local Government (Mayor of Limerick) and Miscellaneous Provisions Bill 2023: Second Stage (24 Jan 2024)

Kieran O'Donnell: I thank Senators for their frank and open contributions. Obviously they have detailed knowledge of working with local authority members. In the time I have I will go through the points they raised. Senator McGahon made reference to the fresh start principle. That will apply not only to people in insolvency arrangements, but also to people who have been divorced or separated. It provides...

Seanad: Local Government (Mayor of Limerick) and Miscellaneous Provisions Bill 2023: Second Stage (24 Jan 2024)

Kieran O'Donnell: The legislation defines what powers are retained by the CEO. Every other power goes to the mayor. In Limerick we have DACs, which are development companies set up through the local authority. They currently report to the CEO. They will now report to the mayor. That is something I specifically got included in the legislation, because I wanted to ensure the mayor has that role. If the...

Seanad: Local Government (Mayor of Limerick) and Miscellaneous Provisions Bill 2023: Second Stage (24 Jan 2024)

Kieran O'Donnell: There is a review.

Seanad: Local Government (Mayor of Limerick) and Miscellaneous Provisions Bill 2023: Second Stage (24 Jan 2024)

Kieran O'Donnell: I look forward to debating-----

Seanad: Local Government (Mayor of Limerick) and Miscellaneous Provisions Bill 2023: Second Stage (24 Jan 2024)

Kieran O'Donnell: There is a review after five years.

Seanad: Local Government (Mayor of Limerick) and Miscellaneous Provisions Bill 2023: Second Stage (24 Jan 2024)

Kieran O'Donnell: I have no doubt we will have that debate during the planning-----

Seanad: Local Government (Mayor of Limerick) and Miscellaneous Provisions Bill 2023: Second Stage (24 Jan 2024)

Kieran O'Donnell: I very much look forward to working with the Senators on Committee, Report and Final Stages. As I mentioned, I propose to bring Government amendments to the Bill to make small tweaks to the director general functions and miscellaneous provisions relating to financing of the Housing Finance Agency and the Land Development Agency which are Government priorities. There may be some other...

Seanad: Local Government (Mayor of Limerick) and Miscellaneous Provisions Bill 2023: Second Stage (24 Jan 2024)

Kieran O'Donnell: I will always consider amendments.

Seanad: Local Government (Mayor of Limerick) and Miscellaneous Provisions Bill 2023: Second Stage (24 Jan 2024)

Kieran O'Donnell: Pardon?

Seanad: Local Government (Mayor of Limerick) and Miscellaneous Provisions Bill 2023: Second Stage (24 Jan 2024)

Kieran O'Donnell: I accepted amendments on Committee and Report-----

Seanad: Local Government (Mayor of Limerick) and Miscellaneous Provisions Bill 2023: Second Stage (24 Jan 2024)

Kieran O'Donnell: Everyone has the same aspirations here. I go back to the fundamental principles; the people of Limerick voted for his. Ultimately, I am responsible to them. They voted on a particular plebiscite. That is in the Bill. There is a review mechanism within three years and we can expand the role. I see this as the start of a process, with many things happening and originating in Limerick. I...

Seanad: Local Government (Mayor of Limerick) and Miscellaneous Provisions Bill 2023: Second Stage (24 Jan 2024)

Kieran O'Donnell: It was remiss of me. I again compliment Tim O'Connor who was chair of the IAG. It did phenomenal work, much of which is reflected in the Bill, including on the príomh comhairleoir and the leas príomh comhairleoir. I also compliment the executive in Limerick City and County Council and, in particular, the elected councillors for their engagement on this. This is something...

Housing and Homeless Prevention: Motion (Resumed) [Private Members] (23 Jan 2024)

Kieran O'Donnell: The Deputy is wrong on that.

Housing and Homeless Prevention: Motion (Resumed) [Private Members] (23 Jan 2024)

Kieran O'Donnell: There were 19 contributors. I want to acknowledge the importance of the debate. I really want to echo what the Minister said and to reaffirm our commitment to tackling homelessness and solving the housing crisis. Since the formation of this Government, we have been committed to long-term sustainable solutions to homelessness, accelerating the supply of homes including building of...

Housing and Homeless Prevention: Motion (Resumed) [Private Members] (23 Jan 2024)

Kieran O'Donnell: When people buy a home, they should have control over that home. We cannot have them just as glorified tenants. It is hugely important for Sinn Féin to spell it out. It is very well to throw out a figure of €300,000 without putting flesh on it. With the schemes we have, including the local authority affordable housing scheme, people can get up to a 40% discount and still...

An tOrd Gnó - Order of Business (23 Jan 2024)

Kieran O'Donnell: I thank the Deputy for his question. It is a matter that he has raised previously. I will make a number of points. Under the local authority affordable purchase scheme, local authorities are involved with developers in building homes and seek expressions of interest for them from the public.

An tOrd Gnó - Order of Business (23 Jan 2024)

Kieran O'Donnell: No, before they are built. Extending the first home scheme so that people can express an upfront interest in availing of it needs to be considered. I will take this matter up directly with the Minister, Deputy Darragh O’Brien, and our Department.

An tOrd Gnó - Order of Business (23 Jan 2024)

Kieran O'Donnell: I thank Deputy Gould. I fully understand his earnestness in terms of the regeneration projects in Cork. He specifically name-checked Mayfield and Knocknaheeny. I will follow up with the Minister, Deputy O'Brien, and the Department to find out exactly what is going on and we will give the Deputy a written response.

Written Answers — Department of Housing, Planning, and Local Government: Housing Schemes (23 Jan 2024)

Kieran O'Donnell: Housing for All commits to reviewing the Housing Adaptation Grants for Older People and People with a Disability scheme and a report on the review has been prepared by my Department. The review was informed by engagement with external stakeholders, including the Department of Health, the HSE, the Disability Federation of Ireland and the Irish Wheelchair Association. Written submissions were...