Results 61-80 of 8,873 for speaker:Batt O'Keeffe

Domestic Refuse Charges: Motion (Resumed). (16 Feb 2005)

Batt O'Keeffe: It is important to stress that such waivers are not uniform in character.

Domestic Refuse Charges: Motion (Resumed). (16 Feb 2005)

Batt O'Keeffe: They vary in scope between local authorities which reflects local judgments about local circumstances. While waiver schemes have not been a significant feature in areas served by private operators, local authorities have the power in such circumstances to make appropriate arrangements to deal with cases of hardship. This issue has not been pinpointed as part of the debate. As with charges in...

Domestic Refuse Charges: Motion (Resumed). (16 Feb 2005)

Batt O'Keeffe: These discussions are as a consequence of the issue being raised under social partnership arrangements and Sustaining Progress. It is to be hoped that there will be an early conclusion to this dialogue.

Domestic Refuse Charges: Motion (Resumed). (16 Feb 2005)

Batt O'Keeffe: We have an increasingly sophisticated and effective waste management system. These services are progressively being funded by those who benefit most from them based on the pay by use principle. The charges reflect the actual cost of providing waste services in individual localities, and the Government has long recognised that the waiving of charges in certain limited circumstances may be...

Domestic Refuse Charges: Motion (Resumed). (16 Feb 2005)

Batt O'Keeffe: I take issue with Deputy Higgins who cited statistics from 2001. He was selective with regard to recycling. Recycling of municipal waste has increased from 9% in 1998 to 28% in 2003, and packaging waste recycling has increased from 15% in 1998 to 42% in 2003.

Written Answers — Fire Stations: Fire Stations (16 Feb 2005)

Batt O'Keeffe: In May 2004, my Department approved in principle a proposal by Cork County Council for the provision of an extension and the carrying out of refurbishment works to Youghal fire station. However, I understand that Cork County Council does not now intend to proceed with this proposal and is preparing a proposal for the provision of a new fire station. On receipt, this proposal will be...

Written Answers — Fire Stations: Fire Stations (22 Feb 2005)

Batt O'Keeffe: In July 2004, my Department conveyed approval to Kilkenny County Council to invite tenders for the construction of a new fire station at Freshford at an estimated all-in cost of €590,000. The council's tender proposals are awaited in the Department.

Written Answers — Fire Stations: Fire Stations (22 Feb 2005)

Batt O'Keeffe: Kilkenny County Council's proposal for a new fire station at Castlecomer is being considered in my Department in the context of the fire services capital programme having regard to the overall availability of resources and priorities under the programme.

Seanad: Totalisator (Amendment) Bill 2005: Second Stage. (2 Mar 2005)

Batt O'Keeffe: Only the Senator could afford that.

Planning and Development (Amendment) Bill 2005: Second Stage (Resumed). (9 Mar 2005)

Batt O'Keeffe: That is something new for Deputy Gilmore.

Planning and Development (Amendment) Bill 2005: Second Stage (Resumed). (9 Mar 2005)

Batt O'Keeffe: I thank Deputies for their contributions, which I have noted. I also thank Deputy Gilmore for introducing the Bill. It presents an opportunity to highlight deficiencies relating to planning and development issues within housing estates. It gives Deputies an opportunity to highlight the fact that there are inefficiencies within the system and that non-cooperation in terms of the proper...

Planning and Development (Amendment) Bill 2005: Second Stage (Resumed). (9 Mar 2005)

Batt O'Keeffe: Under the law, local authorities are obliged to pursue these issues. Under the Act, members of local authorities must ensure that, if complaints are lodged, city and county managers must ensure this happens.

Planning and Development (Amendment) Bill 2005: Second Stage (Resumed). (9 Mar 2005)

Batt O'Keeffe: I say to Deputy Gilmore that the debate is worthwhile. Serious legal and constitutional issues will have to be considered when examining this Bill but we can make progress on these matters on Committee Stage. At the same time, it is an important exercise that we send a clear signal from this House that there must be compliance with the Planning and Development Act.

Planning and Development (Amendment) Bill 2005: Second Stage (Resumed). (9 Mar 2005)

Batt O'Keeffe: Sinn Féin seeks devolvement of power and then blames the Government for local authorities carrying out their functions.

Planning and Development (Amendment) Bill 2005: Second Stage (Resumed). (9 Mar 2005)

Batt O'Keeffe: The Deputy cannot have it both ways. This is typical of Sinn Féin. It has a hand here, there and everywhere.

Planning and Development (Amendment) Bill 2005: Second Stage (Resumed). (9 Mar 2005)

Batt O'Keeffe: The Deputy should not make me go into the relationship between Sinn Féin, the IRA and criminal activity in this country.

Planning and Development (Amendment) Bill 2005: Second Stage (Resumed). (9 Mar 2005)

Batt O'Keeffe: The Deputy is in no position to lecture anyone in this House having heard an interview he gave recently.

Planning and Development (Amendment) Bill 2005: Second Stage (Resumed). (9 Mar 2005)

Batt O'Keeffe: In his lifetime, the Deputy has struck many raw nerves with tragic consequences.

Planning and Development (Amendment) Bill 2005: Second Stage (Resumed). (9 Mar 2005)

Batt O'Keeffe: Deputy McHugh will give a lesson in Galway mathematics.

Planning and Development (Amendment) Bill 2005: Second Stage (Resumed). (9 Mar 2005)

Batt O'Keeffe: As always, Deputy Morgan is being magnanimous.