Results 3,981-4,000 of 13,291 for speaker:Joe McHugh

Written Answers — Department of Communications, Energy and Natural Resources: Exploration Industry Data (23 Oct 2014)

Joe McHugh: There have been no commercial discoveries of oil or gas within the territory of the State in the last five years. Ireland, however, has witnessed a positive upswing in the level of petroleum exploration activity in recent years, in particular acquisition of new seismic data. We need to see this translate into an increased level of exploration drilling in the coming years, if Ireland’s...

Written Answers — Department of Communications, Energy and Natural Resources: Inland Fisheries Ireland Staff (4 Nov 2014)

Joe McHugh: I propose to take Questions Nos. 1074 to 1076, inclusive, together. Inland Fisheries Ireland is the statutory body responsible for the protection, conservation, development and promotion of inland fisheries and sea angling resources and while its protection and conservation actions are often visible in the public domain and its scientific research is respected internationally, it also has a...

Written Answers — Department of Communications, Energy and Natural Resources: Inland Fisheries Ireland Remit (4 Nov 2014)

Joe McHugh: I am advised that matters relating to cleaning of a river or stream is an issue for the relevant Local Authority. In that context, consultation with Inland Fisheries Ireland (IFI) is normally undertaken by the Local Authority. IFI is the statutory body charged with ensuring the protection and conservation of our fisheries resource and habitats. I am advised that IFI met with a representative...

Written Answers — Department of Communications, Energy and Natural Resources: Inland Fisheries (4 Nov 2014)

Joe McHugh: I propose to take Questions Nos. 1082 and 1083 together. I am advised that following the initial identification, by Inland Fisheries Ireland (IFI), of the Asian Clam (Corbicula fluminea)in the ‘hot water’ stretch and ‘cut’ areas of Lough Ree at Lanesborough, early action was taken to install disinfection stations, erect warning signs and close the fishery to...

Written Answers — Department of Communications, Energy and Natural Resources: Mining Industry (4 Nov 2014)

Joe McHugh: I am advised that Iarnród Éireann, as part of their Railway Safety Improvement Scheme, are currently undertaking essential culvert renewal and stabilisation works to the railway embankment at the Avoca former mine site. This work is being undertaken under an agreement with this Department, which is contributing towards the cost of the work on the rail line that crosses the former...

Written Answers — Department of Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht: Severe Weather Events Response (4 Nov 2014)

Joe McHugh: I wish to refer the Deputy to the reply to Parliamentary Question No. 395 of 21 January 2014 in relation to this matter. At that time, my predecessor indicated that he had been in contact with the Minister for Environment, Community and Local Government and the Minister of State at the OPW with regard to damage done to island infrastructure as a result of the winter storms. I wish to inform...

Written Answers — Department of Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht: Ferry Services Provision (4 Nov 2014)

Joe McHugh: Although my Department was unsuccessful in its attempt to agree a contract as a result of a recent tender competition for the passenger ferry service between Árainn (Inis Mór) and Ros an Mhíl on the Galway mainland, the current operator has given an assurance that it will continue to provide the service at the same level as at present and that there will be no interruption to...

Written Answers — Department of Communications, Energy and Natural Resources: Fisheries Protection (6 Nov 2014)

Joe McHugh: I am advised that section 296(1) of the Fisheries (Consolidation) Act 1959, as amended by Section 11 and Schedule 4 of the Fisheries Act 1980, provides powers to authorised officers of Inland Fisheries Ireland to enter onto any land for the purpose of protection of fisheries. This provision applies universally to fisheries for the purpose of protection and therefore is not limited to a...

Social Welfare Bill 2014: Second Stage (Resumed) (11 Nov 2014)

Joe McHugh: Níl an ceart ag an Teachta.

Written Answers — Department of Communications, Energy and Natural Resources: Inland Waterways Maintenance (11 Nov 2014)

Joe McHugh: I am advised that matters relating to cleaning or maintenance of a river or stream is an issue for the relevant Local Authority. In that context, it would be the norm that the Local Authority would engage in consultation with, among others, Inland Fisheries Ireland (IFI) which is the statutory body charged with ensuring the protection and conservation of our fisheries resource and habitats....

Written Answers — Department of Communications, Energy and Natural Resources: Inland Fisheries (11 Nov 2014)

Joe McHugh: I am advised that the Lough Beag stream forms part of the Corrib catchment drainage programme which is managed by the Office of Public Works (OPW). I understand that this channel is monitored by OPW and also that the lower section of the stream is scheduled for drainage maintenance in 2015. I am further advised, as regards the concerns now expressed, that water levels in the Corrib catchment...

Written Answers — Department of Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht: Acht na dTeangacha Oifigiúla (11 Nov 2014)

Joe McHugh: Tá na comhlachtaí poiblí a thagann faoi scáth Acht na dTeangacha Oifigiúla 2003 liostáilte i gCéad Sceideal an Achta agus sna Rialacháin um Acht na dTeangacha Oifigiúla 2003 (Comhlachtaí Poiblí) 2006 (I.R. Uimh. 150 de 2006) a tháinig i bhfeidhm ar 1 Bealtaine 2006. Bunaíodh Uisce Éireann i mí an Mhárta 2013 mar...

Written Answers — Department of Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht: Departmental Bodies (11 Nov 2014)

Joe McHugh: I wish to refer the Deputy to my reply to Parliamentary Question No. 3 of 16 July 2014 in relation to this matter. As I stated in that reply, the sale of Údarás na Gaeltachta's shares in Arramara Teo to a Canadian company was approved by the board of Údarás on 1 March 2013, subject to Ministerial approval being obtained and legal details being agreed. Following an...

Written Answers — Department of Communications, Energy and Natural Resources: Hydraulic Fracturing Policy (18 Nov 2014)

Joe McHugh: As I have outlined on a number of occasions no decision will be made on any proposal for the use of hydraulic fracturing in exploration drilling as part of an unconventional gas exploration programme, until there has been time to consider the outcome of a major research programme, directed at examining the potential environmental impacts of hydraulic fracturing, which was recently...

Written Answers — Department of Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht: Irish Language (18 Nov 2014)

Joe McHugh: As already advised to the House, a decision on whether or not to extend the derogation for the use of Irish in the EU institutions for a further period of time is required by December 2015 at the latest. In that context, my Department, in conjunction with the Department of An Taoiseach, continues to be actively engaged with the EU institutions in order to formulate specific proposals on the...

Seanad: Adjournment Matters: Medical Cards (19 Nov 2014)

Joe McHugh: I thank the Senator for raising this issue and I am also conscious of the fact that she said she has heard it all before-----

Seanad: Adjournment Matters: Medical Cards (19 Nov 2014)

Joe McHugh: -----but I am also conscious that the Minister for Finance gave me a job to do. It is important to read the reply into the record from a formality point of view. To give a brief description of the scheme as it currently stands, it provides relief from vehicle registration tax and VAT on the purchase of a specially adapted vehicle, repayment of excise duty on fuel and an exemption from motor...

Seanad: Adjournment Matters: Hydraulic Fracturing Policy (19 Nov 2014)

Joe McHugh: I thank the Senator for the welcome back to my alma mater; we had many a good debate over a five-year period. It brings back nice memories indeed. I also thank the Senator for raising this matter. While I have outlined the Government's position on the issue of hydraulic fracturing on a number of occasions in Dáil Éireann, this is my first opportunity to discuss the matter in the...

Seanad: Adjournment Matters: Hydraulic Fracturing Policy (19 Nov 2014)

Joe McHugh: Yes.

Seanad: Adjournment Matters: Hydraulic Fracturing Policy (19 Nov 2014)

Joe McHugh: Prior to the start of the EPA research project, I had a number of meetings even during the summer. I met representatives of groups from Sligo. The Minister, Deputy White, and I had a meeting in Dublin with a group from Cavan County Council and Leitrim County Council. There are obvious concerns and I take them very seriously. While they exercised their right to make an application, the...