Results 3,321-3,340 of 9,994 for speaker:John Gormley

Written Answers — Seanad Reform: Seanad Reform (5 Dec 2007)

John Gormley: The Report on Seanad Reform by the Seanad Sub-Committee on Seanad Reform, published in April 2004, sets out comprehensive recommendations for further consideration and action concerning the composition, functions and future role of Seanad Éireann. The Report recommends significant reform of the Seanad electoral system, including the introduction of a 6 seat, directly elected higher...

Financial Resolution No. 5: General (Resumed) (6 Dec 2007)

John Gormley: I will deal with some aspects of the budget as well as dealing with the carbon budget.

Financial Resolution No. 5: General (Resumed) (6 Dec 2007)

John Gormley: I would be happy to——

Financial Resolution No. 5: General (Resumed) (6 Dec 2007)

John Gormley: It is not a matter that arises now but I would be happy to discuss the matter with Deputy Hogan.

Financial Resolution No. 5: General (Resumed) (6 Dec 2007)

John Gormley: I am happy to discuss the matter with Deputy Hogan.

Financial Resolution No. 5: General (Resumed) (6 Dec 2007)

John Gormley: I have answered the question.

Financial Resolution No. 5: General (Resumed) (6 Dec 2007)

John Gormley: I have answered the question.

Financial Resolution No. 5: General (Resumed) (6 Dec 2007)

John Gormley: I said I would discuss the matter with Deputy Hogan.

Financial Resolution No. 5: General (Resumed) (6 Dec 2007)

John Gormley: I welcome the opportunity to contribute to the debate as leader of the Green Party and as Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government.

Financial Resolution No. 5: General (Resumed) (6 Dec 2007)

John Gormley: I congratulate the Tánaiste on the presentation of the budget. He has demonstrated a clear pathway forward for the sound financial management of the economy. He has taken a balanced and constructive approach to the challenges that lie ahead. I particularly welcome the strong defining theme in his Budget Statement highlighting the Government's environmental agenda. My party fully endorses...

Financial Resolution No. 5: General (Resumed) (6 Dec 2007)

John Gormley: I am pleased today to introduce the first ever Irish carbon budget. The preparation of an annual carbon budget is a central commitment of An Agreed Programme for Government. The carbon budget marks the beginning of a new era. It is an era in which climate change moves to the heart of Government decision-making. It puts our responsibilities to tackle climate change on an equal footing with...

Financial Resolution No. 5: General (Resumed) (6 Dec 2007)

John Gormley: It recognises that the economy and the environment cannot be separated, and that the greatest risk to the economy is climate change. This carbon budget will serve a number of purposes. It will integrate climate change considerations into the Government's budgetary policy, as they must be integrated into the decision-making process across all sectors of Government. It will be a clear measure...

Financial Resolution No. 5: General (Resumed) (6 Dec 2007)

John Gormley: While the national climate change strategy proposed a levy on low efficiency bulbs, a more direct approach is necessary. The standard I will introduce will see an end to incandescent bulbs and will have to be met by all lightbulbs on the Irish market from January 2009. A national standard will create certainty for manufacturers and suppliers about the lamps that can be supplied and will...

Financial Resolution No. 5: General (Resumed) (6 Dec 2007)

John Gormley: Mine is not in the top band because it is a hybrid. The clear objective of this new motor tax system is to influence the purchasing decisions of consumers by rewarding the buyers of low-emission cars and charging a premium on less-efficient vehicles. From 1 July, anyone buying a new car or importing a car can make a choice for the environment by purchasing a low CO2 emitting car, and thus...

Financial Resolution No. 5: General (Resumed) (6 Dec 2007)

John Gormley: I will talk to the Deputy afterwards.

Financial Resolution No. 5: General (Resumed) (6 Dec 2007)

John Gormley: That is not a problem. As we proceed, there will be a need to keep the new arrangements under review to ensure the environmental objective is delivered while funding for local authorities is sustained. These new measures apply to new cars and newly imported cars only with effect from 1 July 2008. Cars registered before that date will continue to be taxed in future years under the existing...

Written Answers — Natural Heritage Areas: Natural Heritage Areas (6 Dec 2007)

John Gormley: Special Protection Areas for hen harriers are proposed for designation in accordance with Article 4 of the European Council Directive on the conservation of Wild Birds (79/409/EEC) as transposed into Irish law by the European Communities (Natural Habitats) Regulations, 1997. Under these Regulations a landowner may seek review of a proposed designation of land as a Special Protection Area by...

Written Answers — Departmental Meetings: Departmental Meetings (6 Dec 2007)

John Gormley: I propose to take Question Nos. 247 and 248 together. My Department has a Management Advisory Committee, consisting of the Secretary General and six Assistant Secretaries, which meets on a weekly basis. My Special Adviser attends these meetings for agenda items dealing with weekly Government and Oireachtas business and Ministerial diary priorities. The Ministers of State, the Special Advisers...

Written Answers — Ministerial Staff: Ministerial Staff (6 Dec 2007)

John Gormley: The current staffing position in the Ministerial Offices in my Department is set out in the tables below: Minister's Office Permanent Civil Servants Temporary Unestablished Civil Servants 10.5 4 Special Advisers* *One Special Adviser is the Department's Press & Information Officer and one is Programme Manager based in Government buildings. **Two officers job share in the post of...

Written Answers — Departmental Bodies: Departmental Bodies (6 Dec 2007)

John Gormley: I am not accountable to Dáil Éireann for the daily operational matters of any of the agencies or bodies under the aegis of my Department.