Results 3,241-3,260 of 4,717 for speaker:Martin Mansergh

Seanad: School Accommodation (27 Feb 2009)

Martin Mansergh: I am taking this Adjournment matter on behalf of my colleague, the Minister for Education and Science, Deputy Batt O'Keeffe. I thank the Senator for raising this matter. It is clear from his presentation that issues must be addressed. He has provided me with the opportunity to outline to the House the Government's strategy for capital investment in education projects and the current...

Seanad: School Accommodation (27 Feb 2009)

Martin Mansergh: In response to the Senator's first point, as I understand it, the summer works scheme is back in action again this year, having been suspended last year, and it may be in a position to address some of the more immediate problems faced by the school.

Seanad: Crime Prevention (27 Feb 2009)

Martin Mansergh: I thank the Senator for raising this matter on the Adjournment. I can confirm she has raised with me various matters relating to Carndonagh in the recent past. The Garda Reserve is a part-time volunteer force that was established in August 2006. In particular, the reserve was established to enhance the links between the Garda Síochána and local communities through the deployment of...

Seanad: Crime Prevention (27 Feb 2009)

Martin Mansergh: I will certainly communicate the Senator's desires and requests in that regard to the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform.

Written Answers — Departmental Expenditure: Departmental Expenditure (3 Mar 2009)

Martin Mansergh: Various phases of refurbishment work have been completed in recent years at Iveagh House. Plans for the refurbishment of the first and second floor offices at the rear of Iveagh House were well advanced but this phase was put on hold in 2008 due to financial constraints. The cost of these works was estimated at €1.45 million.

Written Answers — Departmental Property: Departmental Property (3 Mar 2009)

Martin Mansergh: Buildings which have been vacated by Government Departments in Dublin over the last five years, to facilitate a move to another location within Dublin are listed as follows together with the reasons for such moves. 2004 Date Property Location Reasons for move/current status 28 February 2004 Tallaght Driving Test Centre Unit 1, Belgard Industrial Estate Lease expired — property...

Written Answers — Decentralisation Programme: Decentralisation Programme (3 Mar 2009)

Martin Mansergh: Planning permission for the construction of new offices and ancillary facilities for the Property Registration Authority in Roscommon Town was granted, subject to conditions, by Roscommon County Council in November 2008. Following receipt of the planning permission, the preferred tenderer selected by the Office of Public Works to undertake the project was instructed to commence preparation...

Written Answers — Decentralisation Programme: Decentralisation Programme (3 Mar 2009)

Martin Mansergh: The Office of Public Works (OPW) commenced operations in the OPW advance office in Claremorris in September 2007, and this office has a current staffing complement of 30. OPW has also acquired the site for their permanent decentralised office in Claremorris. OPW is now progressing the Claremorris decentralisation project on a phased basis. Phase One will provide an office for 104 posts,...

Written Answers — Garda Stations: Garda Stations (3 Mar 2009)

Martin Mansergh: The Commissioners of Public Works operate the Garda Accommodation programme from a prioritised list provided by the Garda Authorities. Financial resources are set aside based on planned works arising from this list. From the most recent list available, Hollymount Garda Station is placed at number 42. It will be progressed in accordance with that rating and subject to the Garda Authorities...

Written Answers — Flood Relief: Flood Relief (3 Mar 2009)

Martin Mansergh: The aerial survey has provided additional topographical information of the Neale area to assist engineering staff of the Office of Public Works who are endeavouring to identify a feasible and cost effective solution to the flooding problem there. However, no such solution has been identified so far. Mayo County Council are awaiting a report from a hydrogeologist, which may also provide...

Written Answers — Flood Relief: Flood Relief (3 Mar 2009)

Martin Mansergh: The National Parks and Wildlife Service has raised certain concerns regarding the potential environmental impact of the works proposed by the Office of Public Works to alleviate flooding at Hollymount. The OPW, together with Mayo County Council, are in discussions with the National Parks and Wildlife Service to try to address these concerns. It is not possible to indicate a timescale for...

Written Answers — Flood Relief: Flood Relief (3 Mar 2009)

Martin Mansergh: The Office of Public Works agreed in December last year to contribute to the cost of a study by Kerry County Council that will examine the causes of flooding in Sneem and make recommendations to address them. The OPW will consider any flood alleviation measures identified by the study that are cost effective and environmentally acceptable, having regard to the availability of resources.

Written Answers — Flood Relief: Flood Relief (3 Mar 2009)

Martin Mansergh: Responsibility for Coastal Flood Risk Management and Coastal Erosion has only recently transferred to the Office of Public Works. I am advised that the Commissioners of Public Works are not aware of a request to provide funding for works in this area. It would not be normal for the Commissioners to provide funding retrospectively for works which they did not authorise or for which they did...

Investment of the National Pensions Reserve Fund and Miscellaneous Provisions Bill 2009: Committee and Remaining Stages (4 Mar 2009)

Martin Mansergh: I cannot accept this amendment.

Investment of the National Pensions Reserve Fund and Miscellaneous Provisions Bill 2009: Committee and Remaining Stages (4 Mar 2009)

Martin Mansergh: I will do that now, if the Deputy wishes.

Investment of the National Pensions Reserve Fund and Miscellaneous Provisions Bill 2009: Committee and Remaining Stages (4 Mar 2009)

Martin Mansergh: At present the commission can accept contributions only from the Central Fund. This section will enable the commission to accept funds or assets for the benefit of fund from sources other than the Central Fund if so directed by the Minister. This is effectively the counterpart of the power given to the Minister under section 6 to transfer shareholdings or other assets into the fund. To the...

Investment of the National Pensions Reserve Fund and Miscellaneous Provisions Bill 2009: Committee and Remaining Stages (4 Mar 2009)

Martin Mansergh: There is no particular definition of what funds would or would not be covered. I do not want to set up lines of speculation or conspiracy with regard to any particular category. As it stands, the Deputy could put forward a range of possible scenarios but, in practice, we are not talking about anything as exciting as, for example, selling off the ESB in order to put the proceeds of it into...

Investment of the National Pensions Reserve Fund and Miscellaneous Provisions Bill 2009: Committee and Remaining Stages (4 Mar 2009)

Martin Mansergh: The dividend on the bank preference shares, those of AIB, Bank of Ireland, will go to the fund.

Investment of the National Pensions Reserve Fund and Miscellaneous Provisions Bill 2009: Committee and Remaining Stages (4 Mar 2009)

Martin Mansergh: It is a reasonable request that this be highlighted in the overall report in regard to the NTMA so that people can see where this figures. The Deputy's observations will be conveyed further.

Investment of the National Pensions Reserve Fund and Miscellaneous Provisions Bill 2009: Committee and Remaining Stages (4 Mar 2009)

Martin Mansergh: I move amendment No. 1: In page 4, lines 31 and 32, to delete all words from and including "in" in line 31 down to and including "underwriting" in line 32. Section 3(e) provides that the NPRF commission can advise the Minister for Finance on a proposed investment or underwriting about which the Minister proposes to give a direction under section 19A or 19B. There is a bit of a mismatch here...