Results 4,281-4,300 of 4,717 for speaker:Martin Mansergh

Euro Area Loan Facility Bill 2010: Second Stage (Resumed) (18 May 2010)

Martin Mansergh: Yes, I have read it several times.

Euro Area Loan Facility Bill 2010: Second Stage (Resumed) (18 May 2010)

Martin Mansergh: Yes, I do.

Euro Area Loan Facility Bill 2010: Second Stage (Resumed) (18 May 2010)

Martin Mansergh: There is a theoretical debate in Europe on whether the current situation requires more economic and monetary union. I represent the country on the EU budget council and the reality is that there is no willingness among our partners to put more funds into the EU budget. In fact, many of them would like to put even less money into it. We have an interest in defending the sums that are put...

Written Answers — Garda Stations: Garda Stations (18 May 2010)

Martin Mansergh: The acquisition of a site for a new District Headquarters in Portlaoise has not yet been completed. Other property solutions for the accommodation requirements at Portlaoise are being actively examined. The proposed site acquisition will be finalised should it transpire that the best option is a new site.

Written Answers — Departmental Properties: Departmental Properties (18 May 2010)

Martin Mansergh: The former Government Offices, Kells Road, Navan, is located on a very valuable and strategic site, which will be retained by the State. In this regard, the Office of Public Works is currently evaluating a range of options for the long-term use of this property. To maintain the basic fabric of the building and prevent further deterioration, limited services are being maintained in the...

Written Answers — Peat Silt Deposits: Peat Silt Deposits (18 May 2010)

Martin Mansergh: Following representations on behalf of the property owner, an Office of Public Works official carried out an inspection of the lands affected by the silt deposit on 22 April. Given the peat-like composition of the material and the fact that there is a Bord na Mona extraction facility nearby, the OPW will refer the matter to that organisation for direct reply to the Deputy.

Seanad: Arts in Education (18 May 2010)

Martin Mansergh: I thank Senator Keaveney for raising this topic. I am replying on behalf of my colleague, the Minister for Tourism, Culture and Sport, Deputy Mary Hanafin. I thank the Senator for her very useful and passionate contribution to this topic. I am aware from her many previous interventions in this area, not to mention her background, that the question of arts in education is very important to...

Seanad: Arts in Education (18 May 2010)

Martin Mansergh: Until recently, some banks played a significant role in the sponsorship of the arts. Putting on my other hat as Minister of State at the Department of Finance, I do not think it is realistic to think banks are selling their art collections solely for the purpose of sponsoring the arts in education. I suspect they have rather more pressing financial requirements. I want to be realistic on...

Seanad: Construction Contracts Bill 2010: Second Stage (19 May 2010)

Martin Mansergh: I commend Senator Feargal Quinn for his initiative in introducing the Construction Contracts Bill 2010 and his interesting and informative speech on it. The Government takes this matter seriously. Senator Joe O'Toole will be glad to know that more Departments than the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government are interested in the legislation.

Seanad: Construction Contracts Bill 2010: Second Stage (19 May 2010)

Martin Mansergh: The Department of Finance is interested in it, as well as Senator Joe O'Toole's old friends in the Department of the Taoiseach.

Seanad: Construction Contracts Bill 2010: Second Stage (19 May 2010)

Martin Mansergh: The Bill's main purpose is to provide a mechanism whereby prior notice of an intention to withhold sums from payments otherwise due must be given, or payments must be made in full. In addition, it proposes an adjudication procedure to deal quickly with disputes about payments. The Bill is described in its explanatory and financial memorandum presented by Senator Feargal Quinn as being "in...

Seanad: Construction Contracts Bill 2010: Second Stage (19 May 2010)

Martin Mansergh: The Government is conscious of the difficulties encountered by many subcontractors in obtaining payment from main contractors for work undertaken. This is a serious problem affecting all parts of the industry. I know Senators from every part of the House are fully aware of the problem and of the need to take steps to deal with it. Specific cases in a constituency context have also been...

Written Answers — Flood Relief: Flood Relief (20 May 2010)

Martin Mansergh: I propose to take Questions Nos. 72 and 73 together. In March this year, I announced allocations to 15 Local Authorities totalling €6.7m for flood mitigation measures to address localised flooding problems, including many areas affected by the unprecedented flood events in 2009. My Officials have recently completed an assessment of additional information and new applications received and I...

Written Answers — Driving Tests: Driving Tests (20 May 2010)

Martin Mansergh: A trawl of local Estate Agents has been carried out and a list of potentially suitable alternative locations for a Driving Test Centre is being compiled. An inspection of these properties will be undertaken by OPW personnel in the near future. In the meantime, the Driving Test Centre in Skibbereen continues to operate from its existing premises having relocated to 1st floor offices.

Written Answers — State Properties: State Properties (25 May 2010)

Martin Mansergh: The Commissioners of Public Works on behalf of the Minister for Finance are responsible for the management of property under Sections 28, 29, 30 and 31 of the State Property Act; as a result of companies being dissolved either voluntarily or as a result of being struck off the Companies Register, the assets of the company become vested in the Minister for Finance. Following advice from the...

Written Answers — Departmental Properties: Departmental Properties (26 May 2010)

Martin Mansergh: As part of their rationalisation programme, the Department of Agriculture Fisheries and Food have informed the Commissioners of Public Works that they wish to move their Dockgate operation to Athenry and the Commissioners are assisting them in this regard. The Commissioners of Public Works hold the lease on the Dockgate premises in Galway occupied by the Department of Agriculture Fisheries...

Written Answers — Trade Opportunities: Trade Opportunities (1 Jun 2010)

Martin Mansergh: EXPO 2010 opened in Shanghai, China on 1 May 2010 and remains open until 31 October 2010. Under the direction of the nominated Commissioner General for the Irish exhibition, the Office of Public Works was requested by the Government to design and manage the construction of the Ireland pavilion. The procurement and installation of the exhibition within the pavilion, based on an outline...

Written Answers — Departmental Property: Departmental Property (1 Jun 2010)

Martin Mansergh: I propose to take Questions Nos. 126 and 127 together. The Commissioners of Public Works have leased two premises in Tubbercurry and these leases are due to expire on 13 July 2012. The terms of the leases for each building involved are as follows: 14 July 2008 until 13 July 2012 1 June 2006 until 13 July 2012 (the initial expiry date of 31 May 2008 was extended to coincide with the term of...

Written Answers — River Management: River Management (1 Jun 2010)

Martin Mansergh: In early May, Mayo County Council contacted the Office of Public Works (OPW) in relation to the collapse of sections of retaining walls along the Castlebar River. The OPW understands that the Council will shortly submit an application for funding for remedial works under the minor flood mitigation works scheme. If an application is received, it will be assessed by the OPW having regard to...

Written Answers — Departmental Properties: Departmental Properties (1 Jun 2010)

Martin Mansergh: There are no unoccupied dwelling houses owned by the Office of Public Works in the Dublin region.