Results 5,381-5,400 of 14,706 for speaker:Phil Hogan

Written Answers — Dormant Accounts Fund: Dormant Accounts Fund (23 Nov 2011)

Phil Hogan: I have no plans at present to extend the Dormant Accounts legislation to credit unions. In practical terms, increasing the amount available in the Dormant Accounts Fund does not necessarily allow for the introduction of new dormant accounts measures or programmes. Government Departments and agencies must source monies for dormant accounts programmes and measures from their Exchequer...

Written Answers — Dormant Accounts Fund: Dormant Accounts Fund (23 Nov 2011)

Phil Hogan: The Dormant Accounts Acts provide for an annual transfer by credit institutions and insurance undertakings of monies in accounts determined to be dormant into the Dormant Accounts Fund (DAF). Since its establishment in April 2003 to the end of September 2011 the transfers to the DAF have totalled some €626.69m, which includes interest earned of some €35.63m. Funds reclaimed in that...

Written Answers — Dormant Accounts Fund: Dormant Accounts Fund (23 Nov 2011)

Phil Hogan: Several countries have successfully set up schemes in recent years to enable assets in dormant accounts to be reinvested in society. I have discussed the UK model with a delegation from the Dormant Accounts Board recently. That model enables banks, Buildings Societies and so on, to pass this money, on a voluntary basis, to the Big Lottery Fund for distribution for social and environmental...

Written Answers — Pension Provisions: Pension Provisions (23 Nov 2011)

Phil Hogan: Three chief executive officers or equivalents have retired from State agencies under the aegis of my Department in the past four years. The information requested is set out in the table. Retirements in the past four years Name of Body Number of retirements Severance Payment Gross Retirement Lump Sum€ Gross Annual Pension€ An Bord Pleanála 1 Not Applicable 364,617 121,539 Local...

Seanad: Water Services (Amendment) Bill 2011: Committee Stage (23 Nov 2011)

Phil Hogan: Yes.

Seanad: Water Services (Amendment) Bill 2011: Committee Stage (23 Nov 2011)

Phil Hogan: I do not think the official version will matter today.

Seanad: Water Services (Amendment) Bill 2011: Committee Stage (23 Nov 2011)

Phil Hogan: This legislation is about protecting ground-water which, as someone involved in employing people, I am sure Senator White would agree with. It is important that we have good quality water from the point of view of protecting public health and the environment and creating jobs. I am sorry that the Senator opposes it for this reason.

Seanad: Water Services (Amendment) Bill 2011: Committee Stage (23 Nov 2011)

Phil Hogan: I am sorry that Senator White opposes these matters and that Fianna Fáil has decided to oppose such laudable objectives. I put it to Senator Wilson that the powers of section 22 of the Water Service Act 2007 dealing with the appointment of authorised persons was brought in by his Government in 2007.

Seanad: Water Services (Amendment) Bill 2011: Committee Stage (23 Nov 2011)

Phil Hogan: Perhaps Senator Ó Domhnaill did not read it. It is already there. I am sorry but that is the fact.

Seanad: Water Services (Amendment) Bill 2011: Committee Stage (23 Nov 2011)

Phil Hogan: I realise it does not suit Senator Ó Domhnaill and I realise Senator Wilson has deeply held views about this matter but the powers of inspection are already in place and Fianna Fáil brought in further powers of inspection under the Dog Breeding Establishments Act.

Seanad: Water Services (Amendment) Bill 2011: Committee Stage (23 Nov 2011)

Phil Hogan: No, it is not different. Fianna Fáil allowed people from the ISPCA onto the premises of other people. Senator Ó Domhnaill voted for it.

Seanad: Water Services (Amendment) Bill 2011: Committee Stage (23 Nov 2011)

Phil Hogan: Fianna Fáil allowed people from outside the public service to enter premises as part of the building and energy rating legislation.

Seanad: Water Services (Amendment) Bill 2011: Committee Stage (23 Nov 2011)

Phil Hogan: I am trying to deal-----

Seanad: Water Services (Amendment) Bill 2011: Committee Stage (23 Nov 2011)

Phil Hogan: I did not interrupt Senator Ó Domhnaill.

Seanad: Water Services (Amendment) Bill 2011: Committee Stage (23 Nov 2011)

Phil Hogan: I seek the protection of the Chair.

Seanad: Water Services (Amendment) Bill 2011: Committee Stage (23 Nov 2011)

Phil Hogan: I thank the Acting Chairman. I can see that he was trying hard. Senator Ó Domhnaill should note that I dislike hypocrisy and if he wishes to be valid in respect of the arguments he makes he should examine the precedent he and his party created under the legislation I have outlined. The Senators have nothing to worry about now since they have voted through similar legislation in the past....

Seanad: Water Services (Amendment) Bill 2011: Committee Stage (23 Nov 2011)

Phil Hogan: There is no such thing as the 2008 EPA regulations dealing with planning matters, although that is what he referred to. This work will involve planning exemptions so that if one received planning permission in 1967, 1975 or 2010, one need not apply for planning permission. We simply wish to know whether the system of septic tanks in the country is working and, if it is not working, we must...

Seanad: Water Services (Amendment) Bill 2011: Committee Stage (23 Nov 2011)

Phil Hogan: They are. The Senator obviously does not know what is going on in the environment section in Donegal County Council. Whether one is on a river, stream, lake or an area of high risk, one is currently subject to inspection under the powers introduced by the previous Government in 2007.

Seanad: Water Services (Amendment) Bill 2011: Committee Stage (23 Nov 2011)

Phil Hogan: There are inspectors.

Seanad: Water Services (Amendment) Bill 2011: Committee Stage (23 Nov 2011)

Phil Hogan: A training programme will be put in place by the EPA and local authorities to train people who will conduct inspections. One does not send out people who do not know what they are doing. I am sure we do not do that under any legislation. The Senator should respect the fact that, under regulations, we are in a position to develop the necessary training and expertise to do the job, otherwise...