Results 481-500 of 8,873 for speaker:Batt O'Keeffe

Estimates for Public Services 2007: Motion (Resumed) (22 Nov 2006)

Batt O'Keeffe: I welcome the publication of the abridged Estimates for 2007 and, in particular, the commitment shown to maintaining high levels of provision for the wide range of essential public services and for the continued growth of infrastructural programmes across all Departments in response to the needs of an expanding population and a growing vibrant economy. Almost €2.9 billion is being provided...

Seanad: Road Network (22 Nov 2006)

Batt O'Keeffe: I thank the Senator for raising this important issue in the Clare area. It is also a matter of concern within the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government. I also welcome the opportunity to outline the progress being made in the significant resourcing of non-national roads in general and to outline the position on these schemes. In January this year the Minister...

Seanad: Schools Refurbishment (22 Nov 2006)

Batt O'Keeffe: I thank the Senator for raising this matter as it provides me with the opportunity to outline to the Seanad the progress being made by the Department of Education and Science under the school building and modernisation programme and to outline the position on capital funding applications from scoil náisiúnta Molaise, Old Leighlin, County Carlow. Modernising facilities in our 3,200 primary...

Seanad: Medicinal Products (22 Nov 2006)

Batt O'Keeffe: I am pleased to have the opportunity to answer this question on behalf of my colleague, Deputy Harney, the Minister for Health and Children. I welcome the opportunity to set out the Government's position and thank Senator Kitt for raising the matter. In 2005, the Cabinet committee on health agreed a range of options for containing growth in the State drugs bill. These options were based on...

Noise Bill 2006: Second Stage (28 Nov 2006)

Batt O'Keeffe: I welcome the opportunity to address the House on this Bill and to outline Government policy in this area. Environmental noise arises from a great many sources, from large scale activities such as industrial installations, urban road and rail traffic and major construction sites to more local noise associated with security alarms, social activity and general neighbourhood noise. Many...

Noise Bill 2006: Second Stage (28 Nov 2006)

Batt O'Keeffe: Action is being taken. The 2006 environmental noise regulations, which entered into force in March this year, give effect in Ireland to EU Directive 2002/49/EC relating to the assessment and management of environmental noise. Environmental noise is defined in the regulations as unwanted or harmful outdoor sound created by human activities, including noise emitted by means of transport, road...

Noise Bill 2006: Second Stage (28 Nov 2006)

Batt O'Keeffe: The Government takes the view that the matter should be referred to the Select Committee on Environment and Local Government for consideration. In referring the Bill to the select committee, it would be beneficial for all sides to do so on foot of an open and constructive debate in the House. I look forward, therefore, to hearing the views on all sides and to taking the matter forward in...

Noise Bill 2006: Second Stage (28 Nov 2006)

Batt O'Keeffe: Noise pollution is getting to Deputy McCormack too because he obviously did not hear me.

Noise Bill 2006: Second Stage (28 Nov 2006)

Batt O'Keeffe: That can be debated on Committee Stage.

Noise Bill 2006: Second Stage (28 Nov 2006)

Batt O'Keeffe: That is exactly what I am doing. The Deputy has been long enough in the House to know the procedure.

Noise Bill 2006: Second Stage (28 Nov 2006)

Batt O'Keeffe: That is an open debate.

Noise Bill 2006: Second Stage (28 Nov 2006)

Batt O'Keeffe: The dogs will welcome me.

Postal Services: Motion (Resumed) (6 Dec 2006)

Batt O'Keeffe: The Minister, Deputy Noel Dempsey, regrets he cannot address the House this afternoon. Following from yesterday's interesting debate, it is clear we are all agreed on the importance of the postal service and the post office network. A vibrant, efficient postal service is an important aspect of any successful economy and it is vital therefore that An Post continues to return to a secure...

Postal Services: Motion (Resumed) (6 Dec 2006)

Batt O'Keeffe: We have net immigration.

Postal Services: Motion (Resumed) (6 Dec 2006)

Batt O'Keeffe: We have full employment.

Financial Resolution No. 6: General (Resumed) (7 Dec 2006)

Batt O'Keeffe: I welcome the 2007 budget, particularly the commitment to maintaining high levels of provision for the wide range of essential public services and for its deliberate focus on those who most need the assistance of the State. I am pleased to note that it reflects the most comprehensive package of environmental measures ever announced in a budget. This package cuts across all major economic...

Financial Resolution No. 6: General (Resumed) (7 Dec 2006)

Batt O'Keeffe: That would have been a lose-lose situation. The Kyoto Protocol established that it makes good sense to buy carbon credits because it is concerned with a global reduction. By saying it would not avail of the carbon credit purchase scheme the Opposition signals to industry that it will shut it down, create unemployment and reduce confidence in the economy. It was better for us to take the...

Financial Resolution No. 6: General (Resumed) (7 Dec 2006)

Batt O'Keeffe: Deputy Roche recently signed a contract for carbon allowances worth €20 million with the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development following the approval of the Dáil on 30 November. The Government has approved the publication of the carbon fund Bill and intends to introduce it to the Oireachtas next week. This is only part of our approach to climate change. We are also committed...

Financial Resolution No. 6: General (Resumed) (7 Dec 2006)

Batt O'Keeffe: This will apply to all vehicles registered from 1 January 2008 and will complement the review of VRT announced by Deputy Cowen yesterday.

Financial Resolution No. 6: General (Resumed) (7 Dec 2006)

Batt O'Keeffe: Reducing emissions from the transport sector remains one of the key challenges on climate change and these measures along with those related to bio-fuels and other alternative energies announced yesterday will make a major contribution in this regard.