Results 2,221-2,240 of 2,990 for speaker:Ossian Smyth

Ceisteanna Eile - Other Questions: Flood Risk Management (27 Jun 2023)

Ossian Smyth: In response to Deputy Connolly regarding dates, the only date I have available is that the scoping of the revised works should be agreed in the third quarter of 2023 between Galway City Council, the OPW and the scheme consultants. I am happy to take any additional questions that she wants to refer to me or to the Minister of State, Deputy O'Donovan. Deputy Conway-Walsh asked whether the...

Ceisteanna Eile - Other Questions: Flood Risk Management (27 Jun 2023)

Ossian Smyth: I am advised that the project is delayed due to the review and update of the design flow and water level data. This review, since the completion of the western CFRAM study, resulted in several years of additional flow and water level recordings being used. Together with detailed wave overtopping analysis, this has resulted in a potentially significant increase in flood risk to several areas...

Ceisteanna Eile - Other Questions: Office of Public Works (27 Jun 2023)

Ossian Smyth: Tógfaidh mé an cheist seo ar son an Aire Stáit, an Teachta O'Donovan. The Office of Public Works is committed to protecting, promoting and enhancing biodiversity across its operations. The OPW biodiversity action strategy 2022-26 identifies strategic actions to help deliver Government policy. As part of that strategy, the knowledge, creativity, commitment and innovation of...

Ceisteanna Eile - Other Questions: Office of Public Works (27 Jun 2023)

Ossian Smyth: Under action 1.1, the OPW is currently in the process of recruiting an OPW biodiversity manager at assistant principal level. Interviews for this post are due to take place in early July and once appointed, the biodiversity manager role will be supported by a team of two ecologists and a clerical officer. The ecologists will be recruited following the appointment of the biodiversity manager...

Ceisteanna Eile - Other Questions: Office of Public Works (27 Jun 2023)

Ossian Smyth: Deputy Ó Cathasaigh refers to two recommendations from the Citizens' Assembly on Biodiversity Loss. Nos. 100 and 101 relate to the revision of the Arterial Drainage Act 1945 and consideration of schemes such as room for the river. The OPW has been co-operating with its Dutch counterparts and the Minister of State, Deputy O'Donovan, has spoken enthusiastically about the work it has done...

Ceisteanna Eile - Other Questions: Public Procurement Contracts (27 Jun 2023)

Ossian Smyth: I thank the Deputy. My Department has made significant progress on incorporating environmental, economic and social considerations into public procurement which must be undertaken in accordance with the EU directives. In 2018, the OGP within my Department published an information note entitled Incorporating Social Considerations into Public Procurement. The OGP subsequently issued Circular...

Ceisteanna Eile - Other Questions: Public Procurement Contracts (27 Jun 2023)

Ossian Smyth: Specifically, the programme for Government includes a target of updating all procurement frameworks for green procurement within the first three years of Government, so in other words within this week. The Deputy is absolutely right. I believe we are on target to meet that. Throughout that time I have convened a committee that covers not just our central procurement arrangements that come...

Ceisteanna Eile - Other Questions: Public Procurement Contracts (27 Jun 2023)

Ossian Smyth: I agree it is unfortunate if we produce guidelines that do not produce the correct outcomes. However, the OGP's function and powers are not to direct Departments in how to do things. It provides the information and the guidance, but the decision that something must be done in a Department is one taken by Government. If the Government wants to direct that every Department must buy electric...

Energy (Windfall Gains in the Energy Sector) (Temporary Solidarity Contribution) Bill 2023: Second Stage (Resumed) (29 Jun 2023)

Ossian Smyth: I will respond to Deputy Whitmore. I heard that only a little more than 18 hours' notice was given to submit amendments. I am not involved in making those decisions, but I contacted the Bills Office just before this debate. I am waiting for a reply and I have requested an extension on the timeframe for the tabling of amendments.

Energy (Windfall Gains in the Energy Sector) (Temporary Solidarity Contribution) Bill 2023: Second Stage (Resumed) (29 Jun 2023)

Ossian Smyth: There will be a different piece of legislation.

Energy (Windfall Gains in the Energy Sector) (Temporary Solidarity Contribution) Bill 2023: Second Stage (Resumed) (29 Jun 2023)

Ossian Smyth: Go on. I dare the Deputy.

Planning and Development Regulations 2023: Referral to Joint Committee (4 Jul 2023)

Ossian Smyth: I move: That the proposal that Dáil Éireann approves the following Regulations in draft: (i) Planning and Development (Fees for Certain Applications) Regulations 2023, (ii) Planning and Development (Amendment) (No. XX) Regulations 2023, and (iii) Planning and Development (Exempted Development) (No. 4) Regulations 2023, copies of which has been laid in draft form before...

Energy (Windfall Gains in the Energy Sector) (Temporary Solidarity Contribution) Bill 2023: Committee and Remaining Stages (5 Jul 2023)

Ossian Smyth: I thank Deputy O'Rourke for tabling these amendments. I am opposing these amendments on two grounds, which I will go through. The specified date in this Bill, as referred to under section 2, provides for when the temporary solidarity contribution is to be payable by an energy company and section 8, which provides for when an energy company must make a return to the Revenue Commissioners. ...

Energy (Windfall Gains in the Energy Sector) (Temporary Solidarity Contribution) Bill 2023: Committee and Remaining Stages (5 Jul 2023)

Ossian Smyth: I was asked why I ruled certain amendments out of order. As I am sure Deputies are aware, I do not have the power to rule amendments in or out of order. Second, I was asked why the legislation will not apply to wind farms and solar farms. It will apply only to oil refineries and fossil fuel producers. A second item of legislation, to be published before the recess, will apply to excess...

Energy (Windfall Gains in the Energy Sector) (Temporary Solidarity Contribution) Bill 2023: Committee and Remaining Stages (5 Jul 2023)

Ossian Smyth: The provision is not in Article 17 but elsewhere in the regulation, where it is specified that the proceeds’ distribution measures must be "clearly defined, transparent, proportionate, non-discriminatory and verifiable". There are reporting requirements and we are going to follow them as they are. It is important we present this information, but I do not propose to accept the amendment.

Energy (Windfall Gains in the Energy Sector) (Temporary Solidarity Contribution) Bill 2023: Committee and Remaining Stages (5 Jul 2023)

Ossian Smyth: Once again, this is existing EU law. It is a regulation and is in force. It requires that the distribution of these funds be verifiable and be transparent. They will be. They will be reported on according to the regulation.

Energy (Windfall Gains in the Energy Sector) (Temporary Solidarity Contribution) Bill 2023: Committee and Remaining Stages (5 Jul 2023)

Ossian Smyth: I thank the Deputies for these amendments. This Bill provides for a surcharge to be applied to overdue payments. The surcharges currently provided in this Bill are a 5% surcharge on returns not delivered between three and six months of the specified date, and a 10% surcharge on returns delivered within six months of the specified date. These surcharge percentages and timeframes are...

Energy (Windfall Gains in the Energy Sector) (Temporary Solidarity Contribution) Bill 2023: Committee and Remaining Stages (5 Jul 2023)

Ossian Smyth: This is a levy that we are introducing on unfair profits. These are super-excess profits that were earned by energy companies during the period of a war. We are levying them at 75% of the excess profits and we expect to collect that levy. I fully trust that the Revenue will be capable of collecting this money, as it has certainly proven itself capable. It is a very large bill. The...

Seanad: Ban on Dumping New Products Bill 2022: Second Stage (5 Jul 2023)

Ossian Smyth: I thank Senator Boylan for bringing forward a constructive environmental Bill. I am very happy to see any Senator bring forward constructive suggestions on how to make a better environment. I am going to say, for a start, that the Government shares the objectives of this legislation. I have spoken to my colleagues and we are not going to oppose this Bill for this reason. It is an affront...

Seanad: Nithe i dtosach suíonna - Commencement Matters: Broadband Infrastructure (6 Jul 2023)

Ossian Smyth: The national broadband plan is the largest capital project in the State. I have the honour of being responsible for delivering it. We are connecting or passing approximately 8,000 homes per month at the moment. Half of all homes, businesses and farms in rural Ireland will have gigabit internet available by next year. The project is moving at speed. I will bring the House up to date about...