Results 5,661-5,680 of 18,851 for speaker:Fergus O'Dowd

Local Government (Household Charge) Bill 2011 [Seanad]: Committee Stage (Resumed) and Final Stages (14 Dec 2011)

Fergus O'Dowd: It may be helpful to the Deputy if I explained how the measure will be interpreted. A national directive would be necessary to set out what can or cannot be taken into account when offering exemptions. The same rules would have to apply to every manager. I presume this would be a reserved function for the manager and the council would not make the decision. This power is comparable to...

Local Government (Household Charge) Bill 2011 [Seanad]: Committee Stage (Resumed) and Final Stages (14 Dec 2011)

Fergus O'Dowd: I just want to reply to some of the amendments.

Local Government (Household Charge) Bill 2011 [Seanad]: Committee Stage (Resumed) and Final Stages (14 Dec 2011)

Fergus O'Dowd: I appreciate that the problem is time. I would like to talk about the issue of pyrite, which was raised by a number of people. The Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government, Deputy Hogan, has already taken appropriate measures to address problems arising from the presence of pyrite in hardcore material under the concrete ground-floor slabs in housing developments. In...

Local Government (Household Charge) Bill 2011 [Seanad]: Committee Stage (Resumed) and Final Stages (14 Dec 2011)

Fergus O'Dowd: I thank the Leas-Cheann Comhairle for that. In a democracy, it is our job to listen to what everybody has to say and then sum up at the end. The household charge as proposed under the current Bill is forecast to raise in the region of €160 million on full collection, and any significant reduction in that amount would have significant implications for the level of services that local...

Local Government (Household Charge) Bill 2011 [Seanad]: Committee Stage (Resumed) and Final Stages (14 Dec 2011)

Fergus O'Dowd: This is the heart of the matter.

Local Government (Household Charge) Bill 2011 [Seanad]: Committee Stage (Resumed) and Final Stages (14 Dec 2011)

Fergus O'Dowd: Tá nóiméad amháin fágtha agam.

Local Government (Household Charge) Bill 2011 [Seanad]: Committee Stage (Resumed) and Final Stages (14 Dec 2011)

Fergus O'Dowd: I am nearly finished lads.

Local Government (Household Charge) Bill 2011 [Seanad]: Committee Stage (Resumed) and Final Stages (14 Dec 2011)

Fergus O'Dowd: It simply beggars belief that Deputies could suggest-----

Local Government (Household Charge) Bill 2011 [Seanad]: Committee Stage (Resumed) and Final Stages (14 Dec 2011)

Fergus O'Dowd: -----that those in most need in our communities would be on salaries of up to €150,000. Let us get real. I urge the Deputies to withdraw the amendments. It is just ridiculous. The exemptions to the household charge, taken together with the waivers contained in the Bill, provide a reasonable level of protection for those in greatest need in our communities. As such, it is not proposed to...

Local Authority Charges (11 Jan 2012)

Fergus O'Dowd: I thank Deputy Farrell for raising this important issue. As he has made clear, the Minister, Deputy Phil Hogan, has already taken appropriate measures to address problems arising from the presence of pyrite in hard core material under the concrete ground floor slabs in housing developments. In September 2011, the Minister established an independent panel with the remit of seeking to...

Local Authority Charges (11 Jan 2012)

Fergus O'Dowd: I will ensure the Minister, Deputy Phil Hogan, is informed of the Deputy's views and suggestions and that he will respond directly to Deputy Farrell as soon as possible.

Gas Exploration (18 Jan 2012)

Fergus O'Dowd: There is potential for Ireland to enjoy both economic and energy security benefits from its indigenous oil and gas resources. These benefits will only be realised through effective exploration. Ireland has a policy of actively encouraging investment by relevant companies in exploration for oil and gas, both offshore and onshore. Where exploration or production takes place, it is subject to...

Gas Exploration (18 Jan 2012)

Fergus O'Dowd: I will answer the last question first. In Britain, a House of Commons committee has recommended that hydraulic fracturing can take place and will not damage the environment. Any decision made by Clare County Council is a matter for them. If they wish to change their development plan, that is their prerogative. However, if they are going to change it, the plan must go on public display and...

Gas Exploration (18 Jan 2012)

Fergus O'Dowd: The EPA has commissioned preliminary background research into all aspects of shale gas production in the form of a desktop study being carried out by the University of Aberdeen. In addition, the EPA will be commissioning more extensive research on hydraulic fracturing in 2012. A working group involving representatives from my Department and the EPA is currently developing specifications for...

Fishing Vessel Licenses (18 Jan 2012)

Fergus O'Dowd: Inland Fisheries Ireland, IFI, is the agency responsible for the issuing of oyster dredge licences under the 1959 Fisheries (Consolidation) Act. As the Deputy will appreciate, there are other consent processes required in order to engage in commercial oyster fishing. IFI does not have any powers in this regard but does ensure that licences are issued to established oyster fishermen. Prior...

Fishing Vessel Licenses (18 Jan 2012)

Fergus O'Dowd: IFI does operate a fair and transparent licensing application system. The key point is that only those whose main income is from oyster fishing will get the licence. They must show a record to this effect. Account is taken of oyster fishing activity in each of the preceding five years, and this has a bearing on the grade of licence. One must have a boat and the correct dredge. IFI...

Fishing Vessel Licenses (18 Jan 2012)

Fergus O'Dowd: The existing process allows for appeals. If one is refused a licence, one can appeal to the fishery officer, then at district level and finally a higher level. There are, therefore, three levels at which one can appeal. If one has been sick and submits a genuine written account stating one could not possibly have fished in the preceding years, this is taken into account. The system is...

Television Licence Fee (18 Jan 2012)

Fergus O'Dowd: He is still using a black and white set.

Gas Exploration (18 Jan 2012)

Fergus O'Dowd: I propose to take Questions Nos. 9 and 14 together. In October 2011, the Minister, Deputy Rabbitte, requested the Environmental Protection Agency, EPA, to conduct research and advise on the environmental implications of hydraulic fracturing as a means of extracting natural gas from underground reserves. The EPA is funding preliminary background research into the environmental aspects of...

Gas Exploration (18 Jan 2012)

Fergus O'Dowd: A.licensing option has been agreed and no fracking licence has been granted. If an application is made for the second phase, the exploration licence, the local authority will be involved as a planning application will be necessary. The Department will also seek advice from the EPA. I respect the agency's independence and professionalism and it has been consulted. The University of...