Results 5,581-5,600 of 18,851 for speaker:Fergus O'Dowd

Report by the Interdepartmental Working Group on Mortgage Arrears: Statements (Resumed) (20 Oct 2011)

Fergus O'Dowd: Nobody has a monopoly on wisdom and this debate is a constructive engagement by a democratic Parliament to bring the best ideas to the fore and resolve this issue without excluding any views. Tens of thousands of young people who bought their homes during the boom have since lost their jobs and are saddled with mortgages they cannot repay. The interdepartmental working group was established...

Cross-Border Projects (8 Nov 2011)

Fergus O'Dowd: I am taking this matter on behalf of the Minister for Public Service and Reform, Deputy Howlin. The Border uplands project is a joint venture between Fermanagh District Council and the county councils of Cavan, Leitrim and Sligo. This project will greatly enhance the region's landscape tourism product by creating much needed outdoor access and recreational and amenity infrastructure in the...

Cross-Border Projects (8 Nov 2011)

Fergus O'Dowd: This is a very good project and we are anxious that it proceed as soon as possible. We are hopeful that an agreement will be reached between the North and South which will allow letters of offer, currently on hold, to be issued. If this does not happen shortly, I will ask the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform, Deputy Howlin, to see what steps can be taken to unblock projects. It...

Fuel Laundering (8 Nov 2011)

Fergus O'Dowd: I thank Deputy Phelan and Deputy Dowds for their views and proposals. I will bring them to the attention of the Minister. I am pleased to take this opportunity to speak on behalf of the Minister for Finance on the subject of fuel laundering. This form of tax evasion is a matter the Government takes very seriously, particularly given the current economic climate. I am informed by the...

Fuel Laundering (8 Nov 2011)

Fergus O'Dowd: I again wish to agree with both Deputies that this issue is serious and must be dealt with. Obviously, the notes I have to hand were written before I heard what the Deputies had to say, but I will bring their comments directly to the attention of the Minister concerned as they make a lot of sense. Deputy Dowds made an important point on traceability and accountability and the fuel's origin...

Fuel Laundering (8 Nov 2011)

Fergus O'Dowd: Yes, I will ask the Minister to so do.

Access to Central Treasury Funds (Commission for Energy Regulation) Bill 2011 [Seanad] : Second Stage (8 Nov 2011)

Fergus O'Dowd: Níl éinne eile chun caint.

Access to Central Treasury Funds (Commission for Energy Regulation) Bill 2011 [Seanad] : Second Stage (8 Nov 2011)

Fergus O'Dowd: Tá mé sásta freagra a thabhairt. Ba mhaith liom buíochas a ghabháil leis na Teachtaí as ucht a gcuid tuairimí a nochtú agus cuidiú a thabhairt don Bhille seo go bunúsach. Má tá fadhbanna faoi leith ag baint leis - luaigh siad fadhbanna áirithe - is féidir linn smaoineamh níos mó a dhéanamh orthu ar an chéad Chéim eile. Tá súil agam nach fada go mbeidh an...

Access to Central Treasury Funds (Commission for Energy Regulation) Bill 2011 [Seanad]: Referral to Select Committee (8 Nov 2011)

Fergus O'Dowd: I move: That the Bill be referred to the Select Sub-Committee on Communications, Energy and Natural Resources pursuant to Standing Order 82A(3)(a) and (6)(a).

Energy (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill 2011: Second Stage (Resumed) (9 Nov 2011)

Fergus O'Dowd: Deputy Ferris may speak for himself .

Energy (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill 2011: Second Stage (Resumed) (10 Nov 2011)

Fergus O'Dowd: I congratulate Deputy Nulty on his maiden speech in the Dáil and wish him well. No doubt he will be here for many years. I thank the Deputies for their contributions to the debate today and yesterday. The debate was very constructive and well put together. Regardless of one's political party, it is clear that when legislation is in the common good, people sign up to it in terms of...

Energy (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill 2011: Referral to Select Committee (10 Nov 2011)

Fergus O'Dowd: I move: That the Bill be referred to the Select Sub-Committee on Communications, Energy and Natural Resources pursuant to Standing Order 82A(3)(a)(6)(a).

Commercial Rates: Motion (22 Nov 2011)

Fergus O'Dowd: That is typical.

Seanad: Telecommunications Services (22 Nov 2011)

Fergus O'Dowd: I thank Senator Clune for raising the important matter of international communications connectivity. I am also glad to have the opportunity to highlight the factors that must be considered by the Government before any decisions to intervene in commercial markets can be taken. I am well aware of the Hibernia Atlantic Express project and welcome any investment such as this project that would...

Seanad: Telecommunications Services (22 Nov 2011)

Fergus O'Dowd: I am glad Senator Clune has brought this to my attention. I will point this out to the Department. It is critical that such facts of which the Department may not be aware are brought to its attention.

Written Answers — Alternative Energy Projects: Alternative Energy Projects (29 Nov 2011)

Fergus O'Dowd: The Government announced the establishment of the New Economy and Recovery Authority (NewERA), in line with the Programme for Government on 29 September last. NewERA has been established on a non-statutory basis as a Shareholder Executive within the NTMA. NewERA will carry out the corporate governance function, from a shareholder perspective, of ESB, Bord Gáis, EirGrid, Bord na Móna and...

Water Services (Amendment) Bill 2011 [Seanad]: Second Stage (Resumed) (30 Nov 2011)

Fergus O'Dowd: The EPA annual report contains all of the data on water quality and if one queries the boil notices and the reasons for them, one gets all the data on fecal contamination.

Water Services (Amendment) Bill 2011 [Seanad]: Second Stage (Resumed) (30 Nov 2011)

Fergus O'Dowd: It all is there.

Social Welfare Benefits: Motion (Resumed) (30 Nov 2011)

Fergus O'Dowd: I do not think he sailed on the Marita Ann.

Social Welfare Benefits: Motion (Resumed) (30 Nov 2011)

Fergus O'Dowd: He obviously got through to the Deputy.