Results 3,761-3,780 of 9,994 for speaker:John Gormley
- Written Answers — Register of Electors: Register of Electors (26 Feb 2008)
John Gormley: I propose to take Questions Nos. 496 and 497 together. In law the preparation of the Register of Electors is a matter for each local registration authority. It is their duty to ensure, as far as possible and with the cooperation of the public, the accuracy and comprehensiveness of the Register. In working to compile the Register for 2007/8, which was in force at the general election last...
- Written Answers — International Agreements: International Agreements (26 Feb 2008)
John Gormley: Ireland signed the Aarhus Convention on Access to Information, Public Participation in Decision-Making and Access to Justice in Environmental Matters on 25 June 1998. Progress towards ratification of the Convention is closely aligned with work at EU level and, in that context, the European Union has adopted two Directives as part of the ratification process for the Convention. These deal...
- Written Answers — Planning Issues: Planning Issues (26 Feb 2008)
John Gormley: Under the Planning Acts 2000-2006, all development, unless specifically exempted under the Acts or associated Regulations, requires planning permission. Any development that is carried out without planning permission, or that does not comply with the terms of a planning permission, is unauthorised development, and may be subject to enforcement action by a planning authority. Part VIII of the...
- Written Answers — Environmental Policy: Environmental Policy (26 Feb 2008)
John Gormley: I propose to take Question Nos. 500 and 501 together. The Environmental Liability Directive (2004/35/EC) is a major initiative aimed at preventing and remedying environmental damage by giving effect to the polluter pays principle. It aims to do this by holding operators whose activities have caused environmental damage financially liable for remedying this damage. It does not, however,...
- Written Answers — Water and Sewerage Schemes: Water and Sewerage Schemes (26 Feb 2008)
John Gormley: The Carrickmacross Sewerage Scheme is approved for funding under the Water Services Investment Programme 2007-2009, at an estimated cost of â¬22 million. Work on the network element of the scheme is expected to commence shortly. Monaghan County Council also propose to extend and refurbish the existing Wastewater Treatment Plant in the town. The Council's Tender Documents for the work are...
- Written Answers — Departmental Transport: Departmental Transport (26 Feb 2008)
John Gormley: The amount spent by my Department on taxi hire from 2004 to 2008 is set out in the table below. Our records do not separately identify taxi costs for 2003. I understand from the company employed by my Department to provide taxi services that over 10% of its fleet is wheelchair accessible which enables the company to provide such taxis when required. Details in relation to bodies under the...
- Written Answers — Architectural Qualifications: Architectural Qualifications (26 Feb 2008)
John Gormley: I understand that qualifications for "Architectural Technologist" and "Architectural Technician" are underpinned by the Qualifications (Education and Training) Act 1999, which comes under the remit of my colleague, the Minister for Education and Science. The 1997 Report of the Strategic Review Committee on the Construction Industry â Building Our Future Together â recommended that the...
- Written Answers — Water and Sewerage Schemes: Water and Sewerage Schemes (26 Feb 2008)
John Gormley: The Shannagarry/Garryvoe/Ballycotton Sewerage Scheme is included in my Department's Water Services Investment Programme 2007-2009 as a scheme to start construction in 2009 at an estimated cost of â¬3.78m. Cork County Council's Preliminary Report for the scheme, received last month, is being examined in my Department and is being dealt with as quickly as possible.
- Written Answers — Environmental Policy: Environmental Policy (26 Feb 2008)
John Gormley: Maps of all designated areas are available at no charge on the website www.npws.ie or can be obtained from my Department's National Parks and Wildlife Service via FREEPHONE 1800 40 5000. In addition, in order to ensure that the maximum number of people are notified of the proposed designation of an area as a candidate Special Area of Conservation, the Department advertises the intended...
- Written Answers — Arts Funding: Arts Funding (26 Feb 2008)
John Gormley: Information supplied to my Department by local authorities indicated that, at 31 December 2006, seven local authorities employed Arts Officers.
- Written Answers — Arts Funding: Arts Funding (26 Feb 2008)
John Gormley: The collection of these data over the range of functions administered by my Department and the large number of capital projects involved is not warranted in terms of cost and resources required. My Department is at present updating the register of projects commissioned by local authorities under the public per cent for art scheme in respect of capital funding received from all public...
- Written Answers — Oireachtas Reform: Oireachtas Reform (26 Feb 2008)
John Gormley: The Programme for Government contains a commitment to determine the extent of cross-party agreement on the recommendations of the April 2004 Report on Seanad Reform by the Seanad Sub-Committee on Seanad Reform, and to advance proposals for implementation. The Report sets out comprehensive recommendations for further consideration and action concerning the composition, functions and future...
- Waste Management. (27 Feb 2008)
John Gormley: I will sort out the matter on the question referred to by Deputy Hogan. The programme for Government includes a commitment to a review of waste management planning. The procurement process for such a review is under way. While respecting the statutory position of local authorities under the Waste Management Acts to make and review waste management plans, the review will inform the...
- Waste Management. (27 Feb 2008)
John Gormley: I have given the preliminary figures on this to the Deputy and have made them known outside the House. These preliminary figures are based on waste of 3.2 million tonnes arising nationally. This can be reduced by 1.7 million tonnes through a recycling rate of 50%. I am confident we can reach such a recycling rate, if not beyond that, particularly in Dublin. Some 800,000 tonnes of this can...
- Waste Management. (27 Feb 2008)
John Gormley: Fine Gael sure has changed its position. On reading its manifestoââ
- Waste Management. (27 Feb 2008)
John Gormley: I have seen how Fine Gael voted in the past on the 1996 Act. It voted for the 1998 waste plan for Dublin. The Dublin assistant city manager recently stated that this gave him the legal imprimatur to go ahead with a 600,000 tonnes incinerator in Dublin city. Fine Gael needs to get its own line straightened on this.
- Waste Management. (27 Feb 2008)
John Gormley: I made my views known. If the Deputy looks at the planning Acts, they state the Government's policy. I stated my policy clearly. I will meet the Environmental Protection Agency next Monday to discuss MBT. There are several complex issues surrounding MBT such as the moisture content of actual residual product and at what stage it can be regarded as landfill material or inert. I am...
- Waste Disposal. (27 Feb 2008)
John Gormley: The review referred to is the nationwide review of pay-by-use domestic waste collection charges in Ireland, prepared for the EPA by the Department of Geography, Trinity College, Dublin. Waste management services have traditionally been provided at local level, with individual arrangements being locally determined and tailored to local circumstances. The present legal framework, as determined...
- Waste Disposal. (27 Feb 2008)
John Gormley: The Deputy has highlighted inconsistencies among local authorities. I am aware of inconsistencies across the board, in planning, waste management and a range of other areas. We are introducing efficiency criteria and considering how to obtain greater efficiencies and consistency in all areas. The most recent legal advice suggests that in an area serviced by the private sector the local...
- Waste Disposal. (27 Feb 2008)
John Gormley: Waste charges and waivers are recurring issues that have been raised in the context of social partnership. My Department has engaged with the Department of Social and Family Affairs to explore all of the issues involved. These discussions, unfortunately, did not identify a role for the social welfare system in providing income support for waste charges. However, there were further...