Results 6,801-6,820 of 14,706 for speaker:Phil Hogan

Seanad: Local Government Reform: Statements, Questions and Answers (1 Feb 2012)

Phil Hogan: I welcome the opportunity to discuss local government reform and I thank Senators for finding time for this matter on today's schedule of business. I make clear at the outset that I will not announce details of a reform programme today for two very good reasons, namely, proposals, other than those already announced, have not yet been decided and it would be pointless, and disrespectful, if I...

Seanad: Local Government Reform: Statements, Questions and Answers (1 Feb 2012)

Phil Hogan: We will look after that in Kilkenny.

Seanad: Local Government Reform: Statements, Questions and Answers (1 Feb 2012)

Phil Hogan: We had to look after Ferrybank when the Waterford crowd would not do it.

Seanad: Local Government Reform: Statements, Questions and Answers (1 Feb 2012)

Phil Hogan: I thank the Senators for their constructive contributions.

Seanad: Local Government Reform: Statements, Questions and Answers (1 Feb 2012)

Phil Hogan: I will wait to respond then.

Seanad: Local Government Reform: Statements, Questions and Answers (1 Feb 2012)

Phil Hogan: I thank the Senators for their constructive contributions. This is an opportunity for people to indicate to me their views on how local government should be reformed. I realise full well the sentiments as expressed by Senators in that a considerable amount of paperwork has been produced over many years but very little action. I hope they will see some change in that attitude and that the...

Seanad: Local Government Reform: Statements, Questions and Answers (1 Feb 2012)

Phil Hogan: I do not regard this particular policy proposal as a White Paper but rather an action plan. We have enough documents in the Department. I am anxious to make the announcement as soon as possible about whatever is ready and I will put those proposals to Government as soon as possible. Equally, I wish to do so when I am ready and when I am of the view we have the appropriate co-operation,...

Seanad: Local Government Reform: Statements, Questions and Answers (1 Feb 2012)

Phil Hogan: The defensive attitude will not work with me. Everything will have to be justified as to what is appropriate. We cannot have structures in place on paper and in theory because they must also have a practical application and function. That will be the ultimate situation. I established the local development alignment group to bring together many of the activities in communities which are...

Seanad: Local Government Reform: Statements, Questions and Answers (1 Feb 2012)

Phil Hogan: In the next few weeks I will have completed the work of the local development alignment group to see what measures can be put in place as part of the local government package to bring community and local government closer together. Senator Mac Conghail referred to citizens' participation. Proposals to allow greater active participation by the public and communities will be developed. I do...

Seanad: Local Government Reform: Statements, Questions and Answers (1 Feb 2012)

Phil Hogan: This will be examined in the context of the governance aspects of the reform programme. This may take a little longer than the structural reform but between now and 2014, a fundamental rebalancing will see county and city managers being chief executive officers of the members who are directly elected by the people. The question is asked whether big equals efficient. Cost savings have to be...

Seanad: Local Government Reform: Statements, Questions and Answers (1 Feb 2012)

Phil Hogan: The original proposal from the former Minister, Mr. John Gormley, had an additional layer of local government called "directly elected mayor". I am not in favour of that.

Seanad: Local Government Reform: Statements, Questions and Answers (1 Feb 2012)

Phil Hogan: The cost was €8 million to which we cannot subscribe at present. We do not need additional structures. I assure Senator David Cullinane that the gateway of Waterford will not be diluted with or without Ferrybank. It will be protected and strengthened and its city status will be maintained. I agree with Senator Ó Murchú on the issue of identify. As a county colours person, like me, I...

Seanad: Local Government Reform: Statements, Questions and Answers (1 Feb 2012)

Phil Hogan: I will give them plenty of time in order that they may have the appropriate locations from which to request a mandate from the people. They will have 17 or 18 months notice of where they will stand in the forthcoming local elections. I expect to address local government reform in the next term rather than wait for constitutional conventions to report. I will do my utmost to set out the...

Seanad: Local Government Reform: Statements, Questions and Answers (1 Feb 2012)

Phil Hogan: If people see that they have power to implement decisions at local authority level, more people will be interested in participation. At present, that is not the case. I hope that by the 2014 local elections people will see I am serious about giving more power, and with power comes responsibility. Equally they may have to make tough decisions. However, that is the essence of what we all do...

Seanad: Local Government Reform: Statements, Questions and Answers (1 Feb 2012)

Phil Hogan: The process will start at the 2014 local elections with a rebalancing of power to councillors, more accountability, more alignment between local elected members in community groups and a better system of local government that will attract more people to participate either by being elected to the local authority or participating, through the community sector, in enhancing the economic and...

Household Charge (2 Feb 2012)

Phil Hogan: As part of the efforts to close the gap between income and expenditure in the public finances, the 2012 Exchequer allocation to local government was reduced in budget 2012 by €164 million compared to 2011. The introduction of the household charge in 2012 is therefore timely to allow local authorities to have the necessary resources to deliver services to their communities at close to...

Household Charge (2 Feb 2012)

Phil Hogan: It is a hypothetical situation. The collection date for the charge is 31 March 2012. In line with the experience of the second home charge, approximately 4% or 5% were registered at the same time in the three-month registration period for that charge. We are not unduly concerned because people pay at the last minute in most cases because they have the use of that money for a longer period...

Household Charge (2 Feb 2012)

Phil Hogan: The schedule has been laid down but I am sure any Deputy can make a case to the county manager. Ultimately, the county and city managers are responsible for the care and management of the collection of the charge. It can be considered if the estates are deemed to have been omitted in error.

Household Charge (2 Feb 2012)

Phil Hogan: The strict letter of the law is that estates are liable for payment if they have not been included in the schedule outlined in legislation. Ultimately, like any scheme, if the Deputy makes a strong case to the local manager, it will be examined to see if a genuine mistake has been made.

Household Charge (2 Feb 2012)

Phil Hogan: The care and management of the scheme is in the charge of the local authority and the manager is in charge of that authority.