Results 481-500 of 2,156 for speaker:Tom Parlon

Seanad: Appropriation Act 2004: Statements. (8 Feb 2005)

Tom Parlon: The Senator should not tell me about the Tánaiste turning on her heel if he was not there. He knows nothing about what took place. He did not have the good manners to attend.

Seanad: Appropriation Act 2004: Statements. (8 Feb 2005)

Tom Parlon: The Senator sounds very hurt to me.

Seanad: Appropriation Act 2004: Statements. (8 Feb 2005)

Tom Parlon: I think the puncture was the bigger upset to the Senator.

Seanad: Appropriation Act 2004: Statements. (8 Feb 2005)

Tom Parlon: Keep it country.

Seanad: Appropriation Act 2004: Statements. (8 Feb 2005)

Tom Parlon: Boxcar Paschal.

Seanad: Appropriation Act 2004: Statements. (8 Feb 2005)

Tom Parlon: I thank all the Senators for their contributions. In the main, they were positive, though there was at least one exception. Senator John Paul Phelan referred to the tax bill, an issue taken up by Senator Mansergh. The fact that we have the lowest unemployment rate in Europe and that wages have almost doubled contributes to the extremely substantial tax take we now enjoy. Despite the massive...

Seanad: Appropriation Act 2004: Statements. (8 Feb 2005)

Tom Parlon: One hopes so. They may even get right up into the Slieve Blooms.

Seanad: Appropriation Act 2004: Statements. (8 Feb 2005)

Tom Parlon: I do not want to get into this issue in too much depth, but the pass was designed with the best expertise of the Central Fisheries Board and the OPW. It has been found somewhat deficient and every effort is being made to sort that out. However, having visited it yesterday, I must say that the main reason that such a great deal of money was expended was to avoid flooding. I hope that Kilkenny...

Seanad: Appropriation Act 2004: Statements. (8 Feb 2005)

Tom Parlon: The Senator referred to the south Galway flooding. I had personal experience when I was a lobbyist for farmers in the area and more recently as Minister of State with responsibility for the OPW. I did not initiate the schemes and was never down there launching any of them; I must correct the Senator on that point. However, the three main criteria for any flood scheme are that engineering must...

Seanad: Appropriation Act 2004: Statements. (8 Feb 2005)

Tom Parlon: It is open to all the local authorities to pursue a PPP. It is up to Castlebar Town Council. One of the issues is that one needs a certain scale of operation to justify the extra costs involved. I believe the Senator mentioned a figure of €50 million. It would certainly need to be in that range.

Seanad: Appropriation Act 2004: Statements. (8 Feb 2005)

Tom Parlon: Senator Mooney referred to the famous Department of Agriculture and Food building in Drumshanbo. For a long time, Leitrim and Wicklow were the only two counties without their own district veterinary office. The Wicklow case has been sorted out and Drumshanbo is promised an office, the OPW having bought the site. I regret to say that I did not realise that was the case. I give the Senator a...

Seanad: Appropriation Act 2004: Statements. (8 Feb 2005)

Tom Parlon: I will take that issue up with the Senator later.

Finance Bill 2005: Second Stage (Resumed). (9 Feb 2005)

Tom Parlon: I am glad to have the opportunity to contribute to this debate and to raise a number of important issues that may assist the debate on taxation matters. The measures contained in the Bill consolidate the budget and are evidence of the continued commitment of the Government to pursue fiscal policies which promote growth in our economy, reward work and alleviate the burden on taxpayers,...

Written Answers — Planning Issues: Planning Issues (9 Feb 2005)

Tom Parlon: Under the 2001 planning and development regulations, planning permission is not required for the erection of fencing of 1.2m in height or less. The timber post and rail fence erected along a section of the river bank at Maudlin Street, Kilkenny, falls within this category. A detailed consultation process took place between the Office of Public Works, the local authority and the various local...

Written Answers — Sculpture Siting: Sculpture Siting (9 Feb 2005)

Tom Parlon: The sculpture was originally located on the river bank close to Lacken Weir and was disturbed as a result of the drainage scheme works. Provision for reinstatement of the sculpture was included in the plans for the area and discussions with the local authority are currently ongoing. As the sculpture is located on local authority property, OPW's discussions are with Kilkenny Borough Council.

Written Answers — Lacken Weir Fish Pass: Lacken Weir Fish Pass (9 Feb 2005)

Tom Parlon: The extension to the fish pass at Lacken Weir, Kilkenny, was fabricated in early January. Costs for same and the labour costs for installation have not yet been received by OPW. The Department of Communications, Marine and Natural Resources and the Southern Regional Fisheries Board are satisfied that the extension is suitable. The next action to be taken is the establishment of a long-term...

Written Answers — National Monuments: National Monuments (9 Feb 2005)

Tom Parlon: I confirm that lightning protection was installed recently to protect the folly and that the condition of the folly continues to be monitored. In the event of any essential repairs being required, these will be undertaken. In addition, consideration is being given to the provision of a CCTV security system around the folly to combat vandalism. However, as indicated in replies to similar...

Written Answers — Decentralisation Programme: Decentralisation Programme (15 Feb 2005)

Tom Parlon: FÁS has responsibility for the sourcing and purchase of its own decentralisation site in Birr. It has informed the Commissioners of Public Works that an advanced stage has been reached in the acquisition of a suitable site.

Written Answers — Flood Relief: Flood Relief (15 Feb 2005)

Tom Parlon: The Deputy is aware that the Office of Public Works is anxious to have all works carried out on those areas along the River Tolka designated as having a high flood risk. Dublin City Council officials have informed the OPW that they have agreed plans with the developer in question, which will result in works on the wall commencing in the next few weeks. Work on the design of the bridge is also...

Written Answers — Flood Relief: Flood Relief (15 Feb 2005)

Tom Parlon: The Office of Public Works has no responsibility for works being carried out at Spencer Dock. These works are being carried out by Dublin City Council. However, I am informed that the work in question has not stopped and that the council expects the works to be completed on schedule.