Results 6,481-6,500 of 18,851 for speaker:Fergus O'Dowd

Ceisteanna - Questions - Priority Questions: Fisheries Protection (30 Apr 2013)

Fergus O'Dowd: As Deputy Colreavy will be aware, the 2007 EU eel regulations, drafted in response to the endangered status of the European eel, required EU states, including Ireland, to develop eel management plans. Based on the scientific facts available, a recommendation of this plan was that Ireland close both the commercial and recreational eel fisheries in 2008. In June 2012, the status of eel in...

Ceisteanna - Questions - Priority Questions: Fisheries Protection (30 Apr 2013)

Fergus O'Dowd: Deputy Colreavy acknowledged the serious situation that exists in regard to the availability of eels. By 2011, glass eel recruitment had fallen to 5% of the levels obtaining between 1960 and 1979. For every 100 glass eels available in the 1960s and 1970s, only five are available now. It is possible that the stocks could disappear and that eels could become extinct in this generation. We...

Ceisteanna - Questions - Priority Questions: Fisheries Protection (30 Apr 2013)

Fergus O'Dowd: The life cycle of the eel is between 20 and 50 years. Eels leave Irish waters to breed in the Saragossa Sea, which is thousands of kilometres away, and drift back to the European landmass on the currents. The purpose of all of our actions is to conserve the eel stock and ensure eels survive and are able to get out to sea. It will take a long time for stocks to recover, which means it will...

Other Questions: Offshore Exploration (30 Apr 2013)

Fergus O'Dowd: I propose to take Questions Nos. 94 and 102 together. Ireland stands to benefit greatly from its natural resources of oil and gas both financially and through strengthened energy security of supply. In respect of financial benefits, taxation on profits from production clearly is the most significant means by which Ireland stands to benefit. Substantial benefits also would result from...

Other Questions: Offshore Exploration (30 Apr 2013)

Fergus O'Dowd: In response to the Deputy, it is clear that it will significantly increase Ireland's supply of natural gas that, for instance, will come from the Corrib. This is an absolutely undeniable fact and patently and clearly is the case. It also is a fact there is significantly increased interest in Irish offshore oil and gas. We must find the oil and gas to bring it ashore and must make it...

Non-Use of Motor Vehicles Bill 2013: Second Stage (Resumed) (1 May 2013)

Fergus O'Dowd: I thank all of the Deputies who contributed. Their contributions were interesting and thought provoking. The analysis on all sides of the House has been excellent. A point was well made by everyone, particularly Deputy Finian McGrath today, is that the Bill's primary purpose is to close a loophole. If we are losing between €50 million and €55 million per annum through motor...

Non-Use of Motor Vehicles Bill 2013: Referral to Select Committee (1 May 2013)

Fergus O'Dowd: I move:That the Bill be referred to the Select Sub-Committee on the Environment, Community and Local Government pursuant to Standing Order 82A(3)(a) and (6)(a) and 126(1).

Written Answers — Department of Environment, Community and Local Government: Irish Water Establishment (1 May 2013)

Fergus O'Dowd: I refer to the reply to Question No. 176 of 17 April 2013 which outlines the position in the matter.

Housing (Amendment) Bill 2013: Second Stage (Resumed) (9 May 2013)

Fergus O'Dowd: They have also produced some of the most responsible voters.

Housing (Amendment) Bill 2013: Second Stage (Resumed) (9 May 2013)

Fergus O'Dowd: They have produced some of the best Deputies too.

Housing (Amendment) Bill 2013: Second Stage (Resumed) (9 May 2013)

Fergus O'Dowd: Admhaím i dtosach go bhfuil an cheart ag an Teachta sa mhéid a dúirt sí faoi thithíocht agus daoine ag lorg tithe, go mórmhór ina dáilcheantar féin. Tá an taithí chéanna agamsa i gContae Lú le blianta fada anuas. Aontaím go bhfuil sé an-tábhachtach go mbeidh daoine a bhfuil tithíocht ag teastáil uathu...

Housing (Amendment) Bill 2013: Referral to Select Committee (9 May 2013)

Fergus O'Dowd: I move:That the Bill be referred to the Select Sub-Committee on Environment, Community and Local Government pursuant to Standing Order 82A(3)(a) and (6)(a) and 126(1) of the Standing Orders relative to Public Business.

Written Answers — Department of Communications, Energy and Natural Resources: Exploration Industry Data (15 May 2013)

Fergus O'Dowd: In the event that a future producing oil or gas field were to extend over more than one exploration authorisation, or more than a single jurisdiction, then the principle of unitisation would be of relevance. Existing geological and geophysical data, including seismic surveys, would in the first instance inform the unitisation process.

Committee on Environment, Culture and the Gaeltacht: Select Sub-Committee on the Environment, Community and Local Government: Non-Use of Motor Vehicles Bill 2013: Committee Stage (16 May 2013)

Fergus O'Dowd: Táim sásta bheith anseo inniu.

Committee on Environment, Culture and the Gaeltacht: Select Sub-Committee on the Environment, Community and Local Government: Non-Use of Motor Vehicles Bill 2013: Committee Stage (16 May 2013)

Fergus O'Dowd: That is not part of this legislation, but it was mentioned on Second Stage. The Department has engaged consultants to undertake a review of the producer responsibility initiative model in Ireland. The report on the review which will be ready in the coming months is expected to make recommendations in a number of areas, including on end of life vehicles. I hope the issue raised by the...

Committee on Environment, Culture and the Gaeltacht: Select Sub-Committee on the Environment, Community and Local Government: Non-Use of Motor Vehicles Bill 2013: Committee Stage (16 May 2013)

Fergus O'Dowd: It is not part of the Bill. The briefing material might state it is, but it is not included in the legislation. I will ensure the Department contacts the Deputy after the meeting to answer his query.

Committee on Environment, Culture and the Gaeltacht: Select Sub-Committee on the Environment, Community and Local Government: Non-Use of Motor Vehicles Bill 2013: Committee Stage (16 May 2013)

Fergus O'Dowd: The question relates to the different amounts charged, where if a person pays for a full year, it is cheaper than paying by the quarter. The difference is due to the administrative costs involved.

Committee on Environment, Culture and the Gaeltacht: Select Sub-Committee on the Environment, Community and Local Government: Non-Use of Motor Vehicles Bill 2013: Committee Stage (16 May 2013)

Fergus O'Dowd: The three and six month tax rates are set at a higher figure than the annual fee to take account of the extra workload involved for the national vehicle driver file in motor tax offices and the additional reminders sent on the date of each renewal. The current half and quarter year duty rates are 55.5% and 28.25% of the annual rate, which rates have remained constant since 1960. The annual...

Committee on Environment, Culture and the Gaeltacht: Select Sub-Committee on the Environment, Community and Local Government: Non-Use of Motor Vehicles Bill 2013: Committee Stage (16 May 2013)

Fergus O'Dowd: The difficulty with making payments by direct debit is that when someone ceases to pay, the Department will not receive the money expected. As I hear the Deputy's remarks, I will talk to the Department about the matter.

Committee on Environment, Culture and the Gaeltacht: Select Sub-Committee on the Environment, Community and Local Government: Non-Use of Motor Vehicles Bill 2013: Committee Stage (16 May 2013)

Fergus O'Dowd: There are 4.6 million road tax transactions. Theoretically, that number could rise to 15 million if everyone opted to make quarterly payments.