Results 6,481-6,500 of 11,114 for speaker:Damien English

Seanad: Statute Law Revision Bill 2016: Second Stage (15 Nov 2016)

Damien English: What about the Senator's party's history?

Seanad: Statute Law Revision Bill 2016: Second Stage (15 Nov 2016)

Damien English: Before I begin my closing remarks I thank the Members for their co-operation. I also thank them for the very informed and topical discussion, as well as the history lesson in which I will not get involved.

Seanad: Statute Law Revision Bill 2016: Second Stage (15 Nov 2016)

Damien English: The Bill we have been considering this evening proposes to repeal spent and obsolete Acts enacted between 1922 and 1950. This is the first comprehensive review of Acts enacted by the Oireachtas and will result in a significant reduction in the size of the Statute Book for that period. This Bill is the sixth statute law revision Bill in a programme which aims to ensure that Ireland has a...

Seanad: Statute Law Revision Bill 2016: Second Stage (15 Nov 2016)

Damien English: It is the case that JobBridge scheme, participants were involved in the work on this Bill a few years ago and they did great work. The scheme was very successful and I understand that all of the participants went on to secure full-time jobs. I do not share Senator Paul Gavan's views on JobBridge and believe the scheme was quite successful in many cases. While I would accept that the scheme...

Written Answers — Department of Housing, Planning, Community and Local Government: Environmental Policy (16 Nov 2016)

Damien English: The Building Regulations, which are primarily concerned with the safety and well-being of persons in and around buildings, set down mandatory performance standards for buildings, and these performance standards are regularly reviewed and upgraded over time. The statutory requirements are set out in twelve parts (classified as parts A to M) included under the Second Schedule to the Building...

Seanad: Commencement Matters: Value for Money Reviews (16 Nov 2016)

Damien English: I thank Senator Colm Burke for raising this matter this morning. Local authorities are under statutory obligation to levy rates on any property used for commercial purposes in accordance with the details entered into the valuation list prepared by the independent Commissioner of Valuation pursuant to the Valuation Act 2001. Rates income data are published by the local authorities in their...

Seanad: Commencement Matters: Value for Money Reviews (16 Nov 2016)

Damien English: It would be worthwhile for this House, or a committee of the House, to have a debate on rates and the value of the contribution from business. It would be relevant in the context of the debate we will be having in the months ahead on water and other charges. In addition to the national arrangements I have outlined, there will be plenty of opportunity for reports to collect and analyse data...

Seanad: Commencement Matters: Shannon Airport Facilities (16 Nov 2016)

Damien English: The Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade, Deputy Charles Flanagan, sends his apologies as he cannot be here today. On 6 July this year, when the Senator raised the issue of the US military aircraft landing at Shannon Airport, the Minister informed this House that the Air Navigation (Foreign Military Aircraft) Order 1952 gives the Minister for Foreign Affairs primary responsibility for the...

Seanad: Commencement Matters: Shannon Airport Facilities (16 Nov 2016)

Damien English: It is Senator Gavan's credibility that is at stake. When he last raised this issue in July it was proven that what he suggested was not the case. The Minister, Deputy Flanagan, is not hiding. He is unable to be here today. I have come here today on his behalf to present the facts. The facts are as set out.

Seanad: Commencement Matters: Shannon Airport Facilities (16 Nov 2016)

Damien English: The arrangements at Shannon are based on international rules.

Seanad: Commencement Matters: Shannon Airport Facilities (16 Nov 2016)

Damien English: The operation at Shannon is based on international best practice.

Seanad: Commencement Matters: Shannon Airport Facilities (16 Nov 2016)

Damien English: Bilateral relations between friendly nations are founded on mutual trust, with both parties having an interest in maintaining that trust. This arrangement has been in place at Shannon for the past 20 or 30 years.

Seanad: Commencement Matters: Shannon Airport Facilities (16 Nov 2016)

Damien English: Despite this issue constantly being raised what is suggested has never been proven.

Ceisteanna - Questions - Priority Questions: Local Authority Housing Provision (17 Nov 2016)

Damien English: The development of new social housing in Galway city is, in the first instance, a matter for the local authority. However, it is something the Department is taking very seriously, and the Minister, Deputy Coveney, has visited Galway three or four times in the past couple of months. The idea behind Rebuilding Ireland is to work with local authorities to drive change in this area. Since...

Ceisteanna - Questions - Priority Questions: Local Authority Housing Provision (17 Nov 2016)

Damien English: I will do my best to answer the question Deputy Connolly tabled, which relates to the detailed figures.

Ceisteanna - Questions - Priority Questions: Local Authority Housing Provision (17 Nov 2016)

Damien English: I went through the figures. The Deputy asked what we are going to do and whether there is an issue with funding. It is not an issue of funding any more. We have made it clear to all local authorities that we are in a position to work with them on projects across all the initiatives. We will work to tailor the needs of each county. The Minister and I are trying to visit every local...

Ceisteanna - Questions - Priority Questions: Local Authority Housing Provision (17 Nov 2016)

Damien English: The Department, the Minister and I are in touch with every local authority on a weekly, if not daily, basis at this stage. The idea behind having an action plan is to drive change. We recognise that the financial and human resources were not there in recent years in order to drive the kind of change that is needed. Galway City Council is in a position to increase its numbers. Its previous...

Ceisteanna - Questions - Priority Questions: Housing Data (17 Nov 2016)

Damien English: No, one will not.

Ceisteanna - Questions - Priority Questions: Housing Data (17 Nov 2016)

Damien English: They are getting bricks and mortar.

Ceisteanna - Questions - Priority Questions: Housing Data (17 Nov 2016)

Damien English: People are paying the price.