Results 7,041-7,060 of 18,851 for speaker:Fergus O'Dowd

Seanad: Irish Water: Statements (22 Jan 2014)

Fergus O'Dowd: I thank Senators for their comments and for the views they have expressed. Most of those currently in the Chamber were present for the debates on the two items of legislation relating to water. I am on record as stating that the best debates on said legislation took place in this House and that the most questions in respect of the various matters under discussion have been raised here. I...

Seanad: Irish Water: Statements (22 Jan 2014)

Fergus O'Dowd: I am in the Acting Chairman's hands. If she wants me to sit down, I will do so.

Seanad: Irish Water: Statements (22 Jan 2014)

Fergus O'Dowd: I am in the business of accountability. My job is to be responsible to the Dáil and Seanad but I am to be shut up, that is fine, although I am not about to shut up. I want to make three further points because it is very important to send out these messages.

Seanad: Irish Water: Statements (22 Jan 2014)

Fergus O'Dowd: First, 36% of wastewater plants did not meet effluent standards in 2011. An EPA analysis shows that 570 incidents on licensed plants were reported in 2012. These are significant operational issues which must be addressed.

Seanad: Irish Water: Statements (22 Jan 2014)

Fergus O'Dowd: I did not interrupt the Senator. I wish to make one final point. The European Commission has launched a pilot infringement in respect of eight wastewater plants. Let us be clear-----

Seanad: Irish Water: Statements (22 Jan 2014)

Fergus O'Dowd: May I finish, please? I believe in transparency and accountability. It was my responsibility to bring the legislation establishing Irish Water through both Houses, although I was not responsible for the timetables. The legislation will ensure accountability and transparency and the Freedom of Information Act will apply to Irish Water. I will ask that all questions raised by Senators in...

Seanad: Irish Water: Statements (22 Jan 2014)

Fergus O'Dowd: On the point the Senator raises, I will outline what I believe should happen. Those who spent the sum in question are accountable. Mr. John Tierney must come before the committees, as he has done, and go through every single item of expenditure.

Seanad: Irish Water: Statements (22 Jan 2014)

Fergus O'Dowd: I did not interrupt Senator Mullen.

Seanad: Irish Water: Statements (22 Jan 2014)

Fergus O'Dowd: Members should go through every item of expenditure by Irish Water.

Seanad: Irish Water: Statements (22 Jan 2014)

Fergus O'Dowd: All the questions Senators have raised, specifically those raised by Senator Mullen with regard to expenditure, will be answered in the Oireachtas. There can be nothing hidden and full transparency must apply in respect of all of these costs. The Freedom of Information Act should apply to each and every cost from the moment the first penny was spent. The national water supply system is...

Seanad: Irish Water: Statements (22 Jan 2014)

Fergus O'Dowd: The Senator can contradict whatever she likes. Whatever she thinks is fine. I am telling her what was in the e-mail I received yesterday. She can contradict what she likes, but she cannot contradict the fact that this is what happened. Deputies Cowen and Kevin Humphreys were telephoned to explain that this should not have happened. The question of how parliamentary questions are answered...

Seanad: Irish Water: Statements (22 Jan 2014)

Fergus O'Dowd: The Senator referred to the orbital sewer.

Seanad: Irish Water: Statements (22 Jan 2014)

Fergus O'Dowd: The Senator specifically mentioned the Dublin outer sewer. One of the big problems in Dublin is the outer orbital sewer.

Seanad: Irish Water: Statements (22 Jan 2014)

Fergus O'Dowd: I understand that this waste water proposal, with which I am not entirely au fait, was made by Dublin City Council and the other local authorities in the relevant area. All of those issues transferred to Irish Water on the appointed day, which was 1 January last. The personnel in Irish Water would have to answer the questions about that project. The Senator also asked about contracts. If...

Betting (Amendment) Bill 2013: Second Stage (Resumed) (30 Jan 2014)

Fergus O'Dowd: Good.

Betting (Amendment) Bill 2013: Second Stage (Resumed) (30 Jan 2014)

Fergus O'Dowd: I thank all the Deputies for the welcome they have given to the Bill and for their considered contribution to the debate. While the Bill deals with the regulation of the remote gambling sector and provides the basis for the fair and equal tax treatment of all bookmakers, whether traditional or remote, the debate has covered a wide range of related issues. Several Deputies have commented on...

Betting (Amendment) Bill 2013: Referral to Select Committee (30 Jan 2014)

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

Topical Issue Debate: Inland Fisheries Ireland Funding (30 Jan 2014)

Fergus O'Dowd: I thank Deputy Mulherin for raising this matter. I have discussed it with her on a previous occasion and I am aware, therefore, of its importance to her and to the people of Ballina. Her key question relates to what is going to happen with regard to the commitments that have been made in respect of the town. I intend to contact the chief executive of Inland Fisheries Ireland, IFI,...

Topical Issue Debate: Inland Fisheries Ireland Funding (30 Jan 2014)

Fergus O'Dowd: I thank the Deputy for her comments. I will ensure that details on the costings relating to the design of the project at Cong will be made available to her as soon as possible. I will also ensure the proposed meeting will take place in the near future and that the stakeholders to whom she refers will be involved. I look forward to that meeting being held, hopefully in the next week or so.

Topical Issue Debate: Post Office Network (30 Jan 2014)

Fergus O'Dowd: On behalf of the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources, I wish to reassure the Deputy it is Government policy that An Post remains a strong and viable company, in a position to provide a high quality, nationwide postal service and to maintain a nationwide customer-focused network of post offices. Operational matters and the role of developing commercial strategies for the...