Results 24,241-24,260 of 26,181 for speaker:Kieran O'Donnell

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...

An tOrd Gnó - Order of Business (30 Jan 2024)

Kieran O'Donnell: I thank the Deputy I acknowledge this is of interest to him and to other Members. We are currently finalising those deliberations with the Department of Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform and we really want to ensure it reflects the modern requirements under the housing adaptation grants. I hope we will come to that conclusion very quickly.

Seanad: Nithe i dtosach suíonna - Commencement Matters: Vacant Properties (31 Jan 2024)

Kieran O'Donnell: I acknowledge the indulgence of Senator Clonan in allowing us to proceed. I thank my colleague from Limerick, Senator Maria Byrne, for raising this important issue and allowing me the opportunity to provide an update on the vacant property refurbishment grant, know as the Croí Cónaithe grant. It is a key action under Housing for All, the Government's policy on housing. The vacant...

Seanad: Nithe i dtosach suíonna - Commencement Matters: Vacant Properties (31 Jan 2024)

Kieran O'Donnell: I thank Senator Byrne. As I have said, we want to see people in Limerick city and county taking up older properties. For those properties that have been vacant for more than two years and built prior to 2008 people will get a grant of €50,000 for either living in the house or renting it. If it is a derelict property they will get a further €20,000 to bring it up to...

Seanad: Nithe i dtosach suíonna - Commencement Matters: Hospital Waiting Lists (31 Jan 2024)

Kieran O'Donnell: No.

Seanad: Nithe i dtosach suíonna - Commencement Matters: Hospital Waiting Lists (31 Jan 2024)

Kieran O'Donnell: On a point of order, I am not here to take this matter. I came in for the previous debate. Out of respect for the House, I remained in the chair.

Seanad: Nithe i dtosach suíonna - Commencement Matters: Hospital Waiting Lists (31 Jan 2024)

Kieran O'Donnell: I will not be providing a response. I remained here out of respect for the House.

Seanad: Nithe i dtosach suíonna - Commencement Matters: Hospital Waiting Lists (31 Jan 2024)

Kieran O'Donnell: I am here out of respect for the House, of which I am a former Member.

Seanad: Nithe i dtosach suíonna - Commencement Matters: Hospital Waiting Lists (31 Jan 2024)

Kieran O'Donnell: Out of respect for the House and for Senator Clonan, I felt obliged to stay here for this debate. I am not going to respond to the debate. This is an issue I am aware of but I do not have a competence in. It does not come within my brief. I undertake to go back to the Minister to confirm what exactly happened here - I suspect it will also be followed up by the Seanad Office - namely, that...

Written Answers — Department of Housing, Planning, and Local Government: Departmental Schemes (31 Jan 2024)

Kieran O'Donnell: My Department provides Exchequer funding to local authorities to administer the suite of Housing Adaptation Grants for Older People and People with a Disability, which support older and disabled people living in private houses to adapt their home to meet their needs. The grants include the Housing Adaptation Grant for People with a Disability, the Mobility Aids Grant and the Housing Aid for...

Death of Former Taoiseach: Expressions of Sympathy (7 Feb 2024)

Kieran O'Donnell: I join others in paying tribute to a former distinguished Member of this House, John Bruton. I first extend my sympathy to his wife, Finola, their children and our colleague Deputy Richard Bruton. Above all, this is a personal loss, and that is something I would like to acknowledge. It is always very difficult to lose a father, a husband and a brother, and John was a colossus in their...

Death of Former Taoiseach: Expressions of Sympathy (7 Feb 2024)

Kieran O'Donnell: Frankie did not need it.

Seanad: Local Government (Mayor of Limerick) and Miscellaneous Provisions Bill 2023: Committee Stage (8 Feb 2024)

Kieran O'Donnell: I thank the House. This is important legislation, and I very much look forward to engaging with Members on it. We have an election due to take place on the same day as the local and European elections.I look forward to working with the House and enjoying its co-operation in getting the Bill through as expeditiously as possibly, although with a proper debate on the Bill, obviously. I thank...

Seanad: Local Government (Mayor of Limerick) and Miscellaneous Provisions Bill 2023: Committee Stage (8 Feb 2024)

Kieran O'Donnell: I appreciate that. To all Senators, to Senators Gavan, Higgins, Fitzpatrick and Maria Byrne, I appreciate the late time. These amendments are not related to the directly elected mayor, DEM. They are being brought in because there is an immediate need to increase funding around housing both to the LDA and to increase the borrowing capacity of the Housing Finance Agency. I have looked for...

Seanad: Local Government (Mayor of Limerick) and Miscellaneous Provisions Bill 2023: Committee Stage (8 Feb 2024)

Kieran O'Donnell: I thank the Senators. Amendment No. 3 is in the name of the Civil Engagement Group and relates to the provisions for holding the mayoral election and the structures associated with the office and would require those sections to be commenced within three months of the passing of the Act. I recognise the intent of the amendment. As a former councillor, and one who was granted the privilege...

Seanad: Local Government (Mayor of Limerick) and Miscellaneous Provisions Bill 2023: Committee Stage (8 Feb 2024)

Kieran O'Donnell: The Cabinet made a decision when the Bill was published that it would be held on the same day as the local elections. Obviously, that date has to be fully determined, but it is a window between 6 June and 9 June.

Seanad: Local Government (Mayor of Limerick) and Miscellaneous Provisions Bill 2023: Committee Stage (8 Feb 2024)

Kieran O'Donnell: Does the Acting Chairperson wish me to respond to amendments Nos. 4 to 7?

Seanad: Local Government (Mayor of Limerick) and Miscellaneous Provisions Bill 2023: Committee Stage (8 Feb 2024)

Kieran O'Donnell: Amendments Nos. 4 and 5 in the names of Sinn Féin Senators Gavan, Warfield and Boylan are similar to the amendments tabled in the Dáil. They propose to reduce the review period for this Bill, when enacted, from three years after the office of the mayor is established to two years.I fully agree that the operation and effectiveness of the legislation should be subject to a review...

Seanad: Local Government (Mayor of Limerick) and Miscellaneous Provisions Bill 2023: Committee Stage (8 Feb 2024)

Kieran O'Donnell: I think it would be more appropriate for Senator Higgins to make her contribution now.

Seanad: Local Government (Mayor of Limerick) and Miscellaneous Provisions Bill 2023: Committee Stage (8 Feb 2024)

Kieran O'Donnell: I thank the Civil Engagement Group for tabling amendment No. 6, which proposes to narrow the consultation on the review of the Act from consultation with Limerick City and County Council to consultation with only the elected council of Limerick City and County Council.