Results 781-800 of 4,700 for speaker:Noel Ahern

Written Answers — Housing Policy: Housing Policy (22 Feb 2005)

Noel Ahern: The Government's targets in regard to social housing are not set on the basis of a social housing stock per population. Quantifying targets in this manner would not be appropriate given the influence of demographic and economic factors on the level of need at any point in time. The focus of the Government's housing programmes is on responding to identified needs. A broad range of targeted...

Written Answers — Local Authority Housing: Local Authority Housing (22 Feb 2005)

Noel Ahern: My Department has not reduced the grant to the project referred to in the question. While the level of accommodation-related funding applicable to this type of project is, in the first instance, a matter for decision by the local authority in whose area the project is situated, my Department recoups to the authority 90% of such funding. In this context, Kilkenny County Council has been...

Written Answers — Housing Grants: Housing Grants (23 Feb 2005)

Noel Ahern: I assume the question refers to assistance from my Department under the voluntary housing capital assistance scheme. The number of local authorities that have sought funding under this scheme for the years 2002 to 2004 is set out in the following table: 2002 2003 2004 28 33 29 The available information on the number of units completed in each local authority area in respect of the...

Written Answers — Social and Affordable Housing: Social and Affordable Housing (23 Feb 2005)

Noel Ahern: Apart from the provision of housing units to the local authority on or off site, an agreement under part V of the Planning and Development Acts 2000 to 2004 provides for the transfer of land or sites to the local authority within the area of proposed development or within the functional area of the local authority; the transfer of fully or partially serviced sites to the local authority...

Written Answers — Social and Affordable Housing: Social and Affordable Housing (23 Feb 2005)

Noel Ahern: Access to affordable housing for first-time buyers is an important objective of Government housing policy and we will continue to monitor and review housing developments and policies as necessary to achieve this aim. Our policy has been to make housing supply more responsive to demand and, in this way, to bring moderation to house price increases, thus improving affordability and access,...

Written Answers — Local Authority Housing: Local Authority Housing (23 Feb 2005)

Noel Ahern: The management, maintenance and improvement of their rented dwellings is a matter for each housing authority. The powers conferred on them under the Housing Acts, including, where necessary, the recovery of possession, are intended to ensure they have the capacity to fulfil their responsibilities. Under the Litter Pollution Act 1997, the occupiers of residences let in two or more dwellings...

Seanad: National Spatial Strategy: Statements. (23 Feb 2005)

Noel Ahern: I thank Senators for their contributions to today's debate. While the spatial strategy has only been in place for two years and was always intended to constitute a long-term policy, some speakers have sought to convey the impression that everything should be achieved within a short space of time. A great deal of progress has been made to spread the message and embed the strategy in the plans...

Seanad: National Spatial Strategy: Statements. (23 Feb 2005)

Noel Ahern: I am simply saying that, overall, infrastructure and investment have side effects. While there are some who demand infrastructure and wish to be able to refer to the sums of money which have been spent in their counties, there will always be people with an opposing view. Many people with a nice standard of living are of the opinion that while it is nice to have access to infrastructure, it...

Seanad: National Spatial Strategy: Statements. (23 Feb 2005)

Noel Ahern: Senator Bannon was very contradictory and his reference to the M3 was especially ridiculous because of the mixed signals from his own party over the years, never mind the deal it would like with the Labour Party and perhaps more so——

Seanad: National Spatial Strategy: Statements. (23 Feb 2005)

Noel Ahern: Fine Gael would also like a deal with the Green Party. Opposition Members can agree on slagging the Government or come together to be against the Government.

Seanad: National Spatial Strategy: Statements. (23 Feb 2005)

Noel Ahern: They need to move beyond that and agree on something. There is no point——

Seanad: National Spatial Strategy: Statements. (23 Feb 2005)

Noel Ahern: Previous Governments, in which Opposition parties were members, might have been good for all-night Cabinet meetings. However, it is not all about debate; it is about delivery and making decisions and seeing them happen on the ground. Having a great debate is not an end in itself, rather a means to an end. It is all right if one makes a decision, but it is easy to come in here and criticise....

Seanad: National Spatial Strategy: Statements. (23 Feb 2005)

Noel Ahern: I agree that this whole debate is about infrastructure, which is being provided. Some €1,400 million has today been allocated for national roads, together with non-national roads. The figures being invested are enormous and many Members living in the country will see the results. I see them on my occasional visits around the country. Infrastructure is being provided and some great jobs have...

Seanad: National Spatial Strategy: Statements. (23 Feb 2005)

Noel Ahern: Draft guidelines are available.

Seanad: National Spatial Strategy: Statements. (23 Feb 2005)

Noel Ahern: We went through a consultation process, the views are in and the final guidelines will be put forward shortly.

Seanad: National Spatial Strategy: Statements. (23 Feb 2005)

Noel Ahern: I assure the House of the Government's ongoing and deep commitment to the full implementation and achievement of the objectives of the national spatial strategy. It is a Government policy, it will happen and it is happening. However, we first need to get the message out, including the policy and plans. There is no point in the Government alone speaking about them unless the policies and plans...

Dormant Accounts (Amendment) Bill 2004 [Seanad]: Second Stage (Resumed). (24 Feb 2005)

Noel Ahern: No one did.

Dormant Accounts (Amendment) Bill 2004 [Seanad]: Second Stage (Resumed). (24 Feb 2005)

Noel Ahern: They should be able to get it back at any stage.

Dormant Accounts (Amendment) Bill 2004 [Seanad]: Second Stage (Resumed). (24 Feb 2005)

Noel Ahern: There is a reserve.

Dormant Accounts (Amendment) Bill 2004 [Seanad]: Second Stage (Resumed). (24 Feb 2005)

Noel Ahern: Kerry would do very well.