Results 2,181-2,200 of 2,438 for speaker:Caít Keane

Seanad: Environment (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill 2014: Committee Stage (16 Jul 2015)

Caít Keane: We are the only country in Europe that does not have water charges. Water conservation is also important.

Seanad: Environment (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill 2014: Committee Stage (16 Jul 2015)

Caít Keane: It was shown that it is possible to come in 40% under the quota of the metering system if one conserves water. We must work harder on this. The €100 conservation grant will go to every household that registers with Irish Water, even those that do not pay a charge. Everybody must be encouraged.

Seanad: Environment (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill 2014: Committee Stage (16 Jul 2015)

Caít Keane: How does one do it? I am doing it. I got my oil tank cleaned out without spending any money and I am collecting rainwater from my roof and bringing it into my system. One can get a tap in Woodies DIY shop for €40 and put it into a tank.

Seanad: Environment (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill 2014: Committee Stage (16 Jul 2015)

Caít Keane: I have lots of water and I live in Dublin.

Seanad: Environment (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill 2014: Committee Stage (16 Jul 2015)

Caít Keane: As well as making economic sense, the driving force behind the introduction of water charges is the legal obligation to recover the cost of water services under article 9 of the water framework directive. That is why the last Government had to sign up to it. There was no choice. The EU water framework directive is based on the principle of the polluter pays and there is a legal obligation...

Seanad: Environment (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill 2014: Committee Stage (16 Jul 2015)

Caít Keane: I know the Members opposite are sensible when they actually think about it, and they know it is right but they just have to say it is wrong. I think politics would be an awful lot better if we all admitted that charging for water is the right thing to do. Those who cannot afford to pay will be facilitated and will have clean water. I am from Clifden and have paid water charges all my life....

Seanad: Environment (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill 2014: Committee Stage (16 Jul 2015)

Caít Keane: I mentioned the charges in Dublin as well. I live in Dublin.

Seanad: Environment (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill 2014: Committee Stage (16 Jul 2015)

Caít Keane: There has to be a plebiscite.

Seanad: Environment (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill 2014: Committee Stage (16 Jul 2015)

Caít Keane: We should take a look at the Environmental Protection Agency. Everyone must be answerable to something but when Members say things in the Seanad, they should ensure they are factually correct. The Environmental Protection Agency issued fines to private companies in the District Court and there were 16 last year. The list is on the EPA website but I will put some of the details on the...

Seanad: Environment (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill 2014: Committee Stage (16 Jul 2015)

Caít Keane: The list goes on.

Seanad: Environment (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill 2014: Committee Stage (16 Jul 2015)

Caít Keane: I know, but it was put on the record that there were no fines and that the fines were all county council ones.

Seanad: Environment (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill 2014: Committee Stage (16 Jul 2015)

Caít Keane: I just wanted to correct the record for the EPA.

Seanad: Urban Regeneration and Housing Bill 2015: Committee and Remaining Stages (17 Jul 2015)

Caít Keane: At 12.30 p.m. on Monday.

Seanad: Order of Business (20 Jul 2015)

Caít Keane: I want to comment briefly on the valid point made by Senator Fidelma Healy Eames. When she discussed the matter with me I pointed out that according to the regulations, the staff ratio for preschool children aged three to six years is 1:8. The issue is a valid one to raise, and I asked the Leader earlier to take it up with the Minister for Education and Skills, particularly on safety...

Seanad: Order of Business (20 Jul 2015)

Caít Keane: I am sorry, although I am sure he will not mind-----

Seanad: Order of Business (20 Jul 2015)

Caít Keane: -----because in terms of rehousing people he is almost a one man band, although he has volunteers. In terms of the problem of homelessness, we might consider having a dedicated officer in each county to determine the number of people who are homeless. Mr. and Mrs. Average who find themselves homeless might be interested in moving to the country. We should look anew at that. About ten...

Seanad: Environment (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill 2014: Report and Final Stages (21 Jul 2015)

Caít Keane: The Government offers grants under a variety of schemes. In the case of energy conservation, for example, the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland gives incentives to householders who insulate their attic to prevent heat escaping. If householders want to conserve water, the Government will give them a grant to encourage them in that regard. Perhaps we should charge some Senators for a...

Seanad: Environment (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill 2014: Report and Final Stages (21 Jul 2015)

Caít Keane: The Senator is opposed to people having to pay €100, but every household in the country with its own supply has been paying for water for years. I am absolutely surprised at the opposition of Senators, some of whom are ex-teachers, to these proposals. One of the main focuses of primary school education should be the importance of conservation and ensuring we preserve our environment...

Seanad: Environment (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill 2014: Report and Final Stages (21 Jul 2015)

Caít Keane: No, the Government is trying to put a stop to what has been going on for many years. It is about raising awareness and educating people, something which should have been done years ago.

Seanad: Environment (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill 2014: Report and Final Stages (21 Jul 2015)

Caít Keane: Does Senator Craughwell want me to tell him again?