Results 4,001-4,020 of 45,510 for speaker:Simon Harris

Statute Law Revision Bill 2015: From the Seanad (9 Jul 2015)

Simon Harris: This is a drafting amendment to include the words "Commission regarding" before the words "Bank of Ireland" so as to identify the type of instrument in the subject matter in the interests of consistency, as is done with the other instruments in the Bill. It is a technical amendment for clarity purposes.

Statute Law Revision Bill 2015: From the Seanad (9 Jul 2015)

Simon Harris: They are.

Statute Law Revision Bill 2015: From the Seanad (9 Jul 2015)

Simon Harris: Yes. I am satisfied that is it.

Statute Law Revision Bill 2015: From the Seanad (9 Jul 2015)

Simon Harris: This is also a drafting amendment to rectify a typographical error in the subject matter of a proclamation of 1768 which incorrectly refers to Northern Ireland rather than Northumberland. Again, it is technical in nature.

Written Answers — Department of Public Expenditure and Reform: Lease Agreements (9 Jul 2015)

Simon Harris: This property was originally taken under lease by the Commissioners of Public Works in 1967 for a term of 75 years. The building was disposed of in 2004 and the Commissioners of Public Works no longer have an interest in the property.

Written Answers — Department of Public Expenditure and Reform: Lease Agreements (9 Jul 2015)

Simon Harris: Agriculture House is not held on a leasehold basis. It is a State-owned building and was purchased by the Commissioners of Public Works in 1986. There are no rental payments in respect of the property since that date.

Written Answers — Department of Public Expenditure and Reform: Flood Relief Schemes Status (14 Jul 2015)

Simon Harris: As indicated to the Deputy in my reply to Parliamentary Question No 166 of 7thJuly, the Skibbereen Flood Relief Scheme is expected to be submitted to the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform shortly for Confirmation i.e. statutory approval under the Arterial Drainage Acts, once the necessary documentation has been finalised by Cork County Council's consultants. The Confirmation process...

Written Answers — Department of Public Expenditure and Reform: Flood Prevention Measures (15 Jul 2015)

Simon Harris: The Catchment Flood Risk Assessment and Management (CFRAM) Programme is currently being undertaken by the Office of Public Works (OPW) in partnership with its consultants, local authorities and other stakeholders, in line with national flood policy and the EU Directive (2007/EC/60). The six studies in the current Programme are assessing flood risk in 300 Areas for Further Assessment (AFAs)...

Written Answers — Department of Public Expenditure and Reform: Departmental Offices (15 Jul 2015)

Simon Harris: This reply relates to leases held by the Commissioners of Public Works who haveachieved savings in annual rent every year since 2008 through a targeted lease rationalisation programme, reducing both the annual rental bill and the property footprint along with targeted rent review negotiations. Overall, the cumulative value of savings delivered under the lease rationalisation and...

Seanad: Commencement Matters: National Lottery Funding Disbursement (15 Jul 2015)

Simon Harris: I thank Senator Whelan for raising this matter and giving me an opportunity to respond on behalf of my colleague, the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform, Deputy Howlin, who is unable to attend. I will begin by giving the background to the sale of the national lottery licence. In view of the prevailing economic challenges, the Government decided to explore the opportunities presented...

Seanad: Commencement Matters: National Lottery Funding Disbursement (15 Jul 2015)

Simon Harris: The Senator can take it that the Minister, Deputy Howlin, accepted Deputy Maureen O'Sullivan's amendment in the Dáil because he wanted the Government of the day to have the flexibility to provide some of this funding to areas related to the natural environment, as long as that is possible when the Government is looking at the pot of money that is available. I have had an engagement on...

Seanad: Houses of the Oireachtas (Appointments to Certain Offices) Bill 2014: Second Stage (15 Jul 2015)

Simon Harris: I am happy to be here to deputise for my colleague, the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform, Deputy Brendan Howlin, in addressing the Seanad on the subject of the Houses of the Oireachtas (Appointments to Certain Offices) Bill 2014. The Bill before us is as passed in Dáil Éireann on 9 July last. The main purpose of the Bill is to change the method of appointing the chief...

Seanad: Houses of the Oireachtas (Appointments to Certain Offices) Bill 2014: Second Stage (15 Jul 2015)

Simon Harris: I thank all the Senators who participated on Second Stage of the Bill. The points made in the course of the debate were put forward in a manner that was meant to be constructive and reasonable. There is no doubt there is quite a level of interest in the Bill because of the importance of these roles in ensuring the smooth and effective administration of business in both Houses of the...

Seanad: Houses of the Oireachtas (Appointments to Certain Offices) Bill 2014: Second Stage (15 Jul 2015)

Simon Harris: -----as well as his intention to pursue the matter on Committee Stage. There is no point in suggesting that the current system is some sort of a panacea. Under the current legislative arrangements, as I said, the Clerk of the Dáil is appointed by the Taoiseach on the recommendation of the Ceann Comhairle, following consultation by the latter with the Oireachtas Commission. Many of the...

Written Answers — Department of Public Expenditure and Reform: Flood Risk Assessments (16 Jul 2015)

Simon Harris: The Office of Public Works (OPW) is currently undertaking a comprehensive programme of assessment for 300 mainly urban Areas for Further Assessment (AFAs) across all national river catchments through the Catchment Flood Risk Assessment and Management (CFRAM) Programme. The AFAs were selected following a national Preliminary Flood Risk Assessment in 2011. Under the CFRAM Programme, detailed...

Written Answers — Department of Public Expenditure and Reform: Departmental Properties (16 Jul 2015)

Simon Harris: The Commissioners of Public Works have completed a space audit of the Department of Agriculture, Food and Marine's accommodation in the State owned Government Offices, Abbeyleix Road, Portlaoise and of space leased for the Department at Knockmay, Portlaoise. The Commissioners will be liaising directly with the Department on the outcomes of the surveys to ascertain how best to consolidate...

Written Answers — Department of Public Expenditure and Reform: Architectural Heritage (16 Jul 2015)

Simon Harris: As per my previous answer to Parliamentary Question No. 188 on 14 January 2015: The Office of Public Works has no plans to restore Kilmacurragh House as the property was acquired for the purpose of preserving the arboretum, which was considered a significant piece of heritage, and on condition that the house would not be restored. The OPW is considering options to ensure that the remaining...

Written Answers — Department of Public Expenditure and Reform: Office of Public Works Expenditure (16 Jul 2015)

Simon Harris: In order to provide a comprehensive response to the questions raised, current expenditure on the Office of Public Works (OPW) Vote has been included in addition to capital investment expenditure by the OPW in Co Cork for the years 2011 to 14 July 2015. Expenditure on Office of Public Works Vote in County Cork (€) 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 (to 14/7/15) Total Purchase of...

Written Answers — Department of Public Expenditure and Reform: Office of Public Works Projects (16 Jul 2015)

Simon Harris: The Office of Public Works (OPW) has developed plans to provide improved pedestrian access from the Council owned car park linking the existing paths to the Grianan of Aileach. These works commenced last October and were carried out by the OPW's direct labour force but were suspended during the winter as weather conditions made progress impossible. In this instance, the entire hill is...

Written Answers — Department of Public Expenditure and Reform: Office of Public Works Properties (16 Jul 2015)

Simon Harris: The Grianan of Aileach is a National Monument which attracts large numbers of visitors. While there is a Council owned carpark at the base of the Grianan, the Office of Public Works (OPW) does not currently provide a guide service or visitor facilities at the site. Further development within the area in the care of the OPW, the footprint of the monument, would not be possible as the entire...