Results 4,841-4,860 of 9,994 for speaker:John Gormley

Special Areas of Conservation. (9 Jul 2008)

John Gormley: I am not out of touch. I am outlining the current position. We are not dealing with hoppers.

Special Areas of Conservation. (9 Jul 2008)

John Gormley: The Deputy wants answers and clarity and I am providing that. I take the Deputy's point.

Special Areas of Conservation. (9 Jul 2008)

John Gormley: That is what we are dealing with, not hoppers. Last night, the Deputy's colleague correctly stated people voted "No" in the recent referendum because they were resentful about their right to cut turf being affected and a campaign of misinformation was pursued on this matter.

Special Areas of Conservation. (9 Jul 2008)

John Gormley: We need to clarify this. All of us have a duty as elected representatives to tell people the truth regarding this matter. People say they cannot use the traditional hopper for turf cutting, which is not the case. Deputy Naughten asked what my Department has done. Only last week we provided exemptions for microrenewables in order that people in the affected areas can erect wind turbines and...

Special Areas of Conservation. (9 Jul 2008)

John Gormley: I can do that but my officials are well aware of that, particularly those on the ground. They try to engage the public and I have spoken to rangers. I met the ranger in Galway recently who informed me about the campaign of misinformation on this matter. Deputy Naughten contacted my Department regarding the scientific information. My officials indicated they are compiling it and they will...

Special Areas of Conservation. (9 Jul 2008)

John Gormley: This issue of restricting turf cutting must be put in perspective, as it involves 32 bogs this year. I recently listened to "Sunday Miscellany" and a romantic story about the end of the turf cutter.

Special Areas of Conservation. (9 Jul 2008)

John Gormley: Turf cutting can continue on our blanket bogs and that message needs to be disseminated.

National Development Plan: Motion (Resumed) (9 Jul 2008)

John Gormley: I wish to share time with Deputy Beverley Flynn and Deputy Frank Fahey.

National Development Plan: Motion (Resumed) (9 Jul 2008)

John Gormley: I welcome the opportunity of contributing to this debate on foot of announcements by the Minister for Finance on the measures agreed by the Government to take action in addressing our public finances. Yesterday, the Taoiseach made a particularly apt comment when he said: While we must not overstate the difficulties, equally we must not understate the necessity for decisive action. We must...

Written Answers — Public Service Charges: Public Service Charges (9 Jul 2008)

John Gormley: Government policy since 1998 has been to exempt from water charges water services used by households for ordinary domestic purposes. That policy has been accommodated in the wording of Article 9 of the EU Water Framework Directive, is reflected in legislation and was reiterated in section 105 of the Water Services Act 2007. Accordingly, I have no plans to introduce domestic water charges.

Written Answers — Planning Issues: Planning Issues (9 Jul 2008)

John Gormley: I have no specific function in relation to the encouragement of marina developments. Section 10(2) of the Planning and Development Act 2000 requires development plans to include objectives for the preservation, improvement and extension of amenities and recreational amenities. The First Schedule to the Act states that development plans may also include objectives for regulating, promoting or...

Written Answers — Special Areas of Conservation: Special Areas of Conservation (9 Jul 2008)

John Gormley: I propose to take Questions Nos. 52, 63, 81 and 89 together. My Department's Report on the Status of Habitats and Species in Ireland is the first comprehensive compilation of the status of those habitats, animals and plants in Ireland which have protected status under national and EU law. The Report highlights the pressures and threats that habitats and species face in Ireland including...

Written Answers — Local Government: Local Government (9 Jul 2008)

John Gormley: I published the Green Paper, Stronger Local Democracy — Options for Change on 22 April 2008. The Green Paper presents a set of options which share a common theme of strengthening local democratic leadership. For example, Stronger Local Democracy proposes a Regional Mayor for Dublin to meet the strategic challenges the city faces. The Paper also suggests that local leadership,...

Written Answers — Water Quality: Water Quality (9 Jul 2008)

John Gormley: The obligation to protect groundwater quality derives, in the main, from its suitability for use as a source for drinking water supply. In line with the requirements of the EU Water Framework Directive, the EPA carries out a national groundwater monitoring programme which is used to assess the general state of groundwater quality and groundwater levels in Ireland. The key indicators for...

Written Answers — Register of Electors: Register of Electors (9 Jul 2008)

John Gormley: 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. The Programme for Government contains a commitment to establish an independent Electoral Commission. The Commission's responsibilities will include...

Written Answers — Environmental Legislation: Environmental Legislation (9 Jul 2008)

John Gormley: In areas for which my Department has responsibility the European Commission is currently in correspondence in respect of 29 cases relating to possible infringements of EU environmental legislation. These cases are at various stages of proceedings. My Department is working hard to resolve these cases as soon as possible. I propose to circulate in the Official Report a tabular statement...

Written Answers — Environmental Pollution: Environmental Pollution (9 Jul 2008)

John Gormley: I propose to take Questions Nos. 58, 59 and 74 together. The environmental challenge presented by the former steelworks on Haulbowline is a considerable one. It is the legacy of an industrial past. It is also the case that for many years the steelworks were a significant employer in the Cork area and an important part of the local economy. The site has the potential once again to contribute...

Written Answers — Departmental Surveys: Departmental Surveys (9 Jul 2008)

John Gormley: Neither I, nor my predecessors, have initiated any health and safety studies related to the functions of the Department in the past five years. Under the terms of the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work Act 2005 and subsequent regulations, the Department must ensure the safety, health and welfare of all staff in the workplace. The Department is committed to ensuring that appropriate measures...

Written Answers — Nuclear Plants: Nuclear Plants (9 Jul 2008)

John Gormley: Ireland has long been concerned about the threat to this country posed by the large and complex nuclear reprocessing site at Sellafield. The policies and actions of this Government continue to reflect the firm position that Sellafield is an unacceptable threat to Ireland and that it should be decommissioned and closed in a safe and orderly manner. Since coming into office I have articulated...

Written Answers — Waste Management: Waste Management (9 Jul 2008)

John Gormley: I propose to take Questions Nos. 67 and 90 together. Council Directive 1999/31/EC on the landfill of waste sets challenging targets for the diversion of biodegradable municipal waste from landfill. In the case of Ireland, the diversion rates required are projected to equate to 59% for 2010, 73% by 2013 and 80% by 2016 for this particular waste stream. The recent National Waste Report 2006...