Results 7,201-7,220 of 11,114 for speaker:Damien English

Seanad: Commencement Matters: Community Employment Schemes Supervisors (19 Oct 2017)

Damien English: It is best to let the forum do its work. It was convened by the then Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform and will meet again in November. A process is in place.

Seanad: Commencement Matters: Community Employment Schemes Supervisors (19 Oct 2017)

Damien English: It is only a few weeks away. It is best to let that continue and see what comes out of it. We can debate the matter further at a later date. Again, I apologise. The Minister was caught up in the Dáil and could not be here to take the debate. The Senator must understand that a process is in place and it is best to let that continue its work for now.

Seanad: Commencement Matters: Schools Building Projects (19 Oct 2017)

Damien English: I thank the Senator for raising this matter as it allows me to provide an update on the current position regarding the planned developments at Roslyn Park in Dublin 4 and at the former Harold's Cross greyhound stadium in Dublin 6. The Minister apologises for being unable to attend the debate. I will address most of the issues raised by the Senator, but if he requires any additional...

Seanad: Commencement Matters: Schools Building Projects (19 Oct 2017)

Damien English: I will make sure the Minister gets back to the Senator without delay. The purchase of this key site for educational purposes is something I would expect to be welcomed by all.

Seanad: Commencement Matters: Schools Building Projects (19 Oct 2017)

Damien English: The intention is that the new facility will solve all the problems the Senator raised. I cannot comment, however, on which areas it will cover. The demographic analysis is looking at all the available options to ensure accommodation is found for all pupils who need it over the course of the coming years. Up to date data from birth certificates and child benefit records are utilised to work...

Housing: Motion [Private Members] (24 Oct 2017)

Damien English: I am listening.

Housing: Motion [Private Members] (24 Oct 2017)

Damien English: I thank Deputy Healy for tabling the motion. I know it is genuine and that most people's comments in this debate and in the debates on housing and homelessness we have had here have been pretty much genuine. I understand that. We might not agree with all parts of the motion but most people want to see the housing situation sorted for social and private housing because it affects many of...

Written Answers — Department of Housing, Planning, and Local Government: Planning Guidelines (24 Oct 2017)

Damien English: As one of the actions under the Strategy for the Rental Sector, my Department established a Working Group of all the major public stakeholders with a policy interest in short-term letting to develop guidance in relation to planning applications and changes of use relating to short-term lettings and to examine the need for new regulatory arrangements. The Working Group has...

Seanad: Commencement Matters: National Planning Framework (24 Oct 2017)

Damien English: Thank you, a Leas-Chathaoirligh. I thank Senator Gerald Nash for raising the issue. I wish to address it by taking two approaches, referring first to the local government legislation, and then to the final consultation of the national planning framework, which is at draft stage. I have read the Senator's submission to that consultation, as have many others. It is important to say that up...

Seanad: Commencement Matters: National Planning Framework (24 Oct 2017)

Damien English: I again take on board the views of Senator Nash again. The national planning framework is still only at draft stage. We purposely stayed away from naming new cities or new large towns. This is about trying to plan this country in a sustainable way and to realise the potential of all these larger towns, be they Drogheda, Navan, Sligo, Athlone, Dundalk or Mullingar, by giving them the...

Seanad: Commencement Matters: Pensions Reform (24 Oct 2017)

Damien English: I thank Senator James Reilly for raising this issue. The Minister, Deputy Regina Doherty, could not make it here today and sends her apologies. She has asked me to reply. The State contributory pension is primarily for people with sustained contributions towards the social insurance fund, which is financed by PRSI on a pay-as-you-go basis. It rewards such contributions with greater...

Seanad: Commencement Matters: Pensions Reform (24 Oct 2017)

Damien English: I do not have timelines yet but when the memorandum goes to the Government, it will outline timelines and pathways to resolving this issue. While the majority of those affected are women, it must be remembered it affected men's contributions too. I will relay the urgency of the matter to the Minister for Employment and Social Protection, Deputy Regina Doherty, as well as the Senator's...

Written Answers — Department of Housing, Planning, and Local Government: Pyrite Remediation Programme (25 Oct 2017)

Damien English: I propose to take Questions Nos. 276 and 277 together. The Pyrite Resolution Act 2013 provides the statutory framework for the Pyrite Remediation Scheme. The Pyrite Resolution Board, with the support of the Housing Agency, is responsible for the implementation of the pyrite remediation scheme. In accordance with the provisions of the Act, the Board is independent in the performance of its...

Written Answers — Department of Housing, Planning, and Local Government: Pyrite Resolution Board (25 Oct 2017)

Damien English: The Pyrite Resolution Act 2013 provides the statutory framework for the establishment of the Pyrite Resolution Board and for the making of a pyrite remediation scheme to be implemented by the Board with support from the Housing Agency. The pyrite remediation scheme is a scheme of “last resort” and is limited in its application and scope. The full conditions for eligibility...

National Planning Framework: Statements (Resumed) (26 Oct 2017)

Damien English: I agree.

National Planning Framework: Statements (Resumed) (26 Oct 2017)

Damien English: Yes. I am taking notes.

National Planning Framework: Statements (Resumed) (26 Oct 2017)

Damien English: They were built in Tipperary. It can be done if local authorities want to do it.

National Planning Framework: Statements (Resumed) (26 Oct 2017)

Damien English: The Deputy should check the facts.

National Planning Framework: Statements (Resumed) (26 Oct 2017)

Damien English: The Deputy can talk to the local authority about that.

National Planning Framework: Statements (Resumed) (26 Oct 2017)

Damien English: It is mentioned. The Deputy should read the document.