Results 6,721-6,740 of 18,851 for speaker:Fergus O'Dowd

Ceisteanna - Questions - Priority Questions (5 Dec 2013)

Fergus O'Dowd: And I cannot read the answer.

Ceisteanna - Questions - Priority Questions (5 Dec 2013)

Fergus O'Dowd: Is Question Time cancelled?

Finance (No. 2) Bill 2013: Report Stage (Resumed) (5 Dec 2013)

Fergus O'Dowd: May I step out to take an urgent call?

Finance (No. 2) Bill 2013: Report Stage (Resumed) (5 Dec 2013)

Fergus O'Dowd: I propose that the sitting be suspended for five minutes until 10.57 a.m.

Finance (No. 2) Bill 2013: Report Stage (Resumed) (5 Dec 2013)

Fergus O'Dowd: The fines applicable to an offence of evasion or attempted evasion of excise duty on excisable products were increased significantly in the Finance Acts 2008 and 2010. For a summary conviction, the set fine was increased to €5,000. For a conviction on indictment, the maximum fine was increased tenfold to €126,970, or where the value of the goods concerned, including duty and...

Finance (No. 2) Bill 2013: Report Stage (Resumed) (5 Dec 2013)

Fergus O'Dowd: On the face of it, there is an issue, but I do not believe the amendment, as structured, would resolve the issue. There could be unintended consequences. If trial judges believed defendants did not have the ability to pay the full fine, they would be forced to impose sentences or, more likely, suspended sentences in all cases and no fines would be paid.

Finance (No. 2) Bill 2013: Report Stage (Resumed) (5 Dec 2013)

Fergus O'Dowd: Section 52, which is opposed by Deputy Boyd Barrett, confirms the budget increases in the rates of tobacco products tax which, when VAT is included, amount to 10 cent on a pack of 20 cigarettes in the most popular price category with pro rata increases on other tobacco products. As a result of the budget increase, the price of a pack of 20 cigarettes in the most popular price category has...

Finance (No. 2) Bill 2013: Report Stage (Resumed) (5 Dec 2013)

Fergus O'Dowd: The amendments proposed by Deputies Doherty and Boyd Barrett would have the result of deleting the budget increases in the rates of alcohol products tax. These increases, when VAT is included, amount to 10 cent on a pint of beer or cider, 10 cent on a measure of spirits and 50 cent on a bottle of wine, with pro rata increases for other products. The expected yield from these increases is...

Finance (No. 2) Bill 2013: Report Stage (Resumed) (5 Dec 2013)

Fergus O'Dowd: The taxation of remote betting operators is designed to level the playing field with traditional bookmakers and the Betting (Amendment) Bill 2013, published in July, provides the regulatory framework for this. The Bill was subject to a three-month standstill period under the EU technical standards directive. This commenced in July and a number of communications seeking clarification around...

Supplementary Estimates for Public Services 2013 (5 Dec 2013)

Fergus O'Dowd: I move the following Supplementary Estimates: Vote 18 — Shared Services (Supplementary Estimate)That a supplementary sum not exceeding €1,000 be granted to defray the charge which will come in course of payment during the year ending on the 31st day of December, 2013, for the salaries and expenses of Shared Services. Vote 31 — Transport, Tourism and Sport (Supplementary...

Finance (No. 2) Bill 2013: Report Stage (Resumed) and Final Stage (5 Dec 2013)

Fergus O'Dowd: I thank Deputies for their comments on the proposed amendments to section 71 of the Bill which provides for the introduction of an additional levy of 0.15% on pension scheme assets in 2014 and 2105. The existing levy of 0.6% which was introduced in 2011 to fund the jobs initiative will cease to apply on 31 December 2014. Amendment No. 36 seeks to delete section 71 from the Bill, while...

Finance (No. 2) Bill 2013: Report Stage (Resumed) and Final Stage (5 Dec 2013)

Fergus O'Dowd: Under the legislation, provision is made for it to end by that date.

Finance (No. 2) Bill 2013: Report Stage (Resumed) and Final Stage (5 Dec 2013)

Fergus O'Dowd: As I understand it, the legislation makes provision for it to finish on that date.

Written Answers — Department of Environment, Community and Local Government: Irish Water Staff (5 Dec 2013)

Fergus O'Dowd: The Water Services Act 2013 provided for the establishment of Irish Water as an independent subsidiary under the Companies Acts within the Bord Gáis Éireann Group. The Act also provided Irish Water with the necessary powers to undertake the domestic water metering progamme. The Water Services (No. 2) Bill 2013, which was published on 2 December 2013, will provide for the transfer of...

Written Answers — Department of Environment, Community and Local Government: National Pensions Reserve Fund Investments (5 Dec 2013)

Fergus O'Dowd: I propose to take Questions Nos. 8 and 17 together. A key objective of the water sector reform programme is to rationalise the cost of the current service delivery and ensure more efficient operation of water services by moving from 34 water services authorities to a single body; following enactment of the Water Services (No. 2) Bill 2013 which is currently being considered bythe Seanad,...

Written Answers — Department of Communications, Energy and Natural Resources: Hydraulic Fracturing Policy (5 Dec 2013)

Fergus O'Dowd: The map referenced by the Deputy is a risk map that does not replace site specific investigations, but is appropriate for evaluating impact of potential contaminant release at the surface, or near surface, e.g. on site wastewater treatment systems, licensed landspreading and landfills. With respect to exploration for unconventional gas, the map would be appropriate for assessing the risk...

Written Answers — Department of Communications, Energy and Natural Resources: Food Security (10 Dec 2013)

Fergus O'Dowd: I propose to take Questions Nos. 301, 302 and 318 together. The 2009 Renewable Energy Directive sets all Member States a binding target that 10% of the energy used in the transport sector must come from renewable sources by 2020. In all Member States, biofuels will be the largest contributor to meeting this obligation and all biofuels used in doing so must comply with a strict set of...

Written Answers — Department of Environment, Community and Local Government: Departmental Staff Data (10 Dec 2013)

Fergus O'Dowd: I refer to the reply to Questions Nos. 109 and 120 of 4 December which states that t he recruitment of staff is a matter for Irish Water. The information requested is not available in my Department.

Seanad: Water Services (No. 2) Bill 2013: Committee Stage (10 Dec 2013)

Fergus O'Dowd: This amendment is a technical amendment which will facilitate a phased approach to the commencement of the legislation. For example, it may be necessary to commence the repeal of aspects of the Water Services Act 2007 and the Water Services Act 2013 on a staged basis - in other words it will not all happen on the same day. The Department will consult closely with the Office of the Attorney...

Seanad: Water Services (No. 2) Bill 2013: Committee Stage (10 Dec 2013)

Fergus O'Dowd: These amendments are to provide clarification regarding responsibility for the operation and maintenance of storm water sewers. The Bill as published provides that the ownership of the storm water sewer network would remain vested in the local authorities. These amendments provide that the local authorities would also retain responsibility for maintenance and supervision of the storm water...