Results 741-760 of 10,035 for speaker:Martin Cullen

Electoral (Amendment) Bill 2004: Report Stage. (4 May 2004)

Martin Cullen: It is probably the most sophisticated electronic voting system in the world although it may take people time to grapple with that fact.

Electoral (Amendment) Bill 2004: Report Stage. (4 May 2004)

Martin Cullen: No, the commission did not say that.

Electoral (Amendment) Bill 2004: Report Stage. (4 May 2004)

Martin Cullen: The commission goes out of its way to make the opposite point.

Electoral (Amendment) Bill 2004: Report Stage. (4 May 2004)

Martin Cullen: Not alone does it state what I quoted earlier, it states that it fully accepts that the standard of proof to give a positive opinion would be far higher than the standard of proof required to give a negative one and so it has opted for the lower standard. That is fair enough. The commission needs more time to conclude its investigation of the system. I have no argument with that and never...

Electoral (Amendment) Bill 2004: Report Stage. (4 May 2004)

Martin Cullen: I do not have a problem in that regard. Deputy Allen raised interesting questions, as did Deputy Gilmore. Now that this debate has moved on, I have similar views. There are issues coming down the tracks in terms of the conduct and administration of elections in this country. I am open to moving to a different system. I do not have a difficulty with that idea and am quite willing to engage in...

Electoral (Amendment) Bill 2004: Report Stage. (4 May 2004)

Martin Cullen: Everybody had two minutes in which to respond. I do not wish to challenge the Chair but it was my understanding that it was only the proposer of the amendment who had two minutes to speak. I am trying to respond to all Deputies who spoke on this matter. The issues raised are important. I wish to put on the record of the House that, in the broader context of where the future may lie, I have an...

Electoral (Amendment) Bill 2004: Report Stage. (4 May 2004)

Martin Cullen: At the time, I said, and the Taoiseach supported me, that if the commission did not give a clear and green light to the system, we would not pursue it.

Electoral (Amendment) Bill 2004: Report Stage. (4 May 2004)

Martin Cullen: The commission has clearly stated it needs more time to undertake testing. I do not take issue with that. I would have preferred if all the independent testing that had been done was alluded to in this report and given some credence. The bodies which undertook the international testing, all of which was made available, are substantive international bodies. There is no doubt in that regard. In...

Written Answers — Water and Sewerage Schemes: Water and Sewerage Schemes (4 May 2004)

Martin Cullen: The Drogheda waste water treatment plant extension is included in my Department's water services investment programme 2003-2005 as a scheme to commence construction this year. Louth County Council's design review report, water pricing report and contract documents for the scheme are being examined by my Department. They will be dealt with as quickly as possible. When the contract documents...

Written Answers — Water and Sewerage Schemes: Water and Sewerage Schemes (4 May 2004)

Martin Cullen: The scheme was approved for funding in my Department's water services investment programme 2003-2005 under the rural towns and villages initiative. Earlier this month Cork County Council submitted a revised preliminary report and supporting documentation to my Department. It will be dealt as quickly as possible.

Written Answers — Road Network: Road Network (4 May 2004)

Martin Cullen: Details of grant payments for each of the years 2000 to 2003, inclusive, and the 2004 grant allocation by my Department to South Dublin County Council, in respect of the realignment of the Greenhills Road, are as follows: Year Payment â'¬ 2000 21,586 2001 90,968 2002 124,048 2003 2,000,000 2004 1,500,000 (allocation)

Written Answers — Property Acquisitions: Property Acquisitions (4 May 2004)

Martin Cullen: My Department has had no discussions or negotiations about the acquisition of the property concerned.

Written Answers — Environmental Pollution: Environmental Pollution (4 May 2004)

Martin Cullen: It is open to a planning authority or An Bord Pleanála to refuse planning permission for landfill facilities on environmental pollution grounds. When permission is granted, matters on environmental pollution fall to be dealt with in the context of the determination by the Environmental Protection Agency of the related application for a waste licence. The agency is precluded from granting...

Written Answers — Electoral Review: Electoral Review (4 May 2004)

Martin Cullen: I propose to take Questions Nos. 255 to 263, inclusive, together. It would be inappropriate for me to comment on any of the recommendations of the independent CRC on Dáil constituencies before its report is considered by the Government and the Oireachtas in the context of the necessary legislation.

Written Answers — Voting Rights: Voting Rights (4 May 2004)

Martin Cullen: Eligibility to vote at a presidential election and a referendum is confined by the Constitution to Irish citizens only. A change would require a referendum to amend the Constitution.

Written Answers — Voting Rights: Voting Rights (4 May 2004)

Martin Cullen: I assume that the Deputy is referring to e-voters or electronic voters. This refers to EU citizens who are entitled to vote in local and European elections. All EU citizens, who are registered in accordance with electoral law, are entitled to vote at the European and local elections on 11 June. A number of measures have been undertaken to ensure that they are aware of their rights. My...

Written Answers — EU Directives: EU Directives (13 May 2004)

Martin Cullen: I intend to make regulations transposing Directive 2002/49/EC on the assessment and management of environmental noise into Irish law by 18 July 2004. My Department has been in discussions for some time with other relevant Departments, local authorities and transport bodies on the implementation of the main requirements of the directive. This includes the making of strategic noise maps by 30...

Leaders' Questions. (18 May 2004)

Martin Cullen: We were the first country to do that. The Deputy might acknowledge this.

Written Answers — Election Management System: Election Management System (18 May 2004)

Martin Cullen: The contract for the supply nationally of the electronic voting machines followed a testing programme undertaken in relation to the functionality and durability of the machines, as well as their use on a pilot basis at polls in seven constituencies. I am satisfied that the contract includes appropriate provisions for the protection of customer interests. The contract sets out acceptance...

Written Answers — Litter Pollution: Litter Pollution (18 May 2004)

Martin Cullen: The report of the litter monitoring body, co-ordinated by my Department, which was published in July 2003, provides valuable statistical data in relation to litter pollution in Ireland. Chewing gum is identified in the report as the single largest litter component in the food litter category and, after cigarette related litter, is the second largest litter component nationally. Fast-food...