Results 9,201-9,220 of 9,994 for speaker:John Gormley

EU Fines (8 Jul 2010)

John Gormley: I have had extensive discussions with former Commissioner Dimas. Commissioner Potocnik has taken over from him. I made it a priority to speak to the Commissioners directly in the company of a number of officials. I had similar conversations with them. I discussed possible outstanding infringements and did so very comprehensively. I was probably not the only Minister responsible for the...

EU Fines (8 Jul 2010)

John Gormley: Yes. I spoke on the issue at the Joint Committee on the Environment, Heritage and Local Government. It is an extremely important issue, yet it is being used for political purposes. Misinformation is being circulated. I am sure the Acting Chairman, Deputy O'Connor, has seen-----

EU Fines (8 Jul 2010)

John Gormley: The concept of the urban-rural divide, which is totally false, is regrettable. Let there be no mistake that it is being used for political purposes.

EU Fines (8 Jul 2010)

John Gormley: During my tenure as Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government, I have not believed we will be fined. We are taking every precaution possible and doing the work necessary, although we are playing catch-up.

Emergency Planning (8 Jul 2010)

John Gormley: The role of my Department during a severe weather event is to ensure that the local authorities are prepared to respond promptly to ameliorate the worst effects regarding those aspects of an emergency for which they have direct responsibility and that they act in co-operation with the other principal response agencies – An Garda Síochána and the Health Service Executive – and the...

Emergency Planning (8 Jul 2010)

John Gormley: Deputies should examine what occurred and how we responded. Our efforts compare favourably with those taken in the UK, Germany, France or anywhere that experienced a cold spell. We managed to keep our primary routes clear of snow. We also managed to ensure we had-----

Emergency Planning (8 Jul 2010)

John Gormley: There were no fatalities. The Minister of State with responsibility for housing deserves considerable credit, as not a single homeless person died during the period.

Emergency Planning (8 Jul 2010)

John Gormley: The emergency agencies worked well. Deputy Durkan believes it was by the grace of God,-----

Emergency Planning (8 Jul 2010)

John Gormley: -----but it was through a co-ordinated effort by everyone involved. Not only does the Minister of State deserve credit, but the agencies worked well together. In light of how promptly the National Roads Authority, NRA, and others worked - I attended the meetings everyday - and the fact that we managed to preserve the salt-----

Emergency Planning (8 Jul 2010)

John Gormley: As far as I am concerned, we must review events and learn any necessary lessons to ensure we handle matters better every time. It is a question of progression-----

Emergency Planning (8 Jul 2010)

John Gormley: -----and enhancing those plans. Where visibility is concerned, crucial during each event, be it the flooding or the cold snap, was the fact that we managed to communicate with local communities. Local radio stations played an important role in this regard. Having served on the committee and chaired a number of the meetings, the system worked well. Of course, lessons can and should be...

Emergency Planning (8 Jul 2010)

John Gormley: It was never a matter of letting local authorities fend for themselves.

Emergency Planning (8 Jul 2010)

John Gormley: The local authorities were part of a co-ordinated response.

Water and Sewerage Schemes (8 Jul 2010)

John Gormley: It will be a long response.

Water and Sewerage Schemes (8 Jul 2010)

John Gormley: It is no problem. I will try to provide my colleagues opposite with the most important aspects.

Water and Sewerage Schemes (8 Jul 2010)

John Gormley: I propose to take Questions Nos. 11, 22 and 40 together. Reports by the Environmental Protection Agency, EPA, have identified septic tanks and other on-site waste water treatment systems as a potential source of water pollution, particularly of ground water sources, which are an important source of drinking water for many people. This is particularly the case in areas with sensitive...

Water and Sewerage Schemes (8 Jul 2010)

John Gormley: I want to let Deputy Durkan know that on the publication of the joint committee's report I wrote to the Chairman to note that its recommendations were both timely and welcome, and to assure the committee that its report was being carefully considered. I expect that the issues raised in the report will be addressed comprehensively in the proposals that I will be bringing forward to give...

Written Answers — Litter Pollution: Litter Pollution (8 Jul 2010)

John Gormley: The Litter Pollution Acts 1997 to 2009 provide a strong statutory framework for combating litter pollution. Under the Acts, the primary management and enforcement response to littering must come from the local authorities. Therefore, it is a matter for each local authority to decide on the most appropriate enforcement actions in their areas, taking account of local circumstances and...

Written Answers — Register of Architects: Register of Architects (8 Jul 2010)

John Gormley: Section 14 of the Building Control Act 2007 sets out the eligibility criteria for registration in the statutory register of architects. It also includes a provision to address the position of practically trained persons in that it includes a category for those who have been assessed as eligible for registration by the Technical Assessment Board in accordance with the practical experience...

Written Answers — Planning Issues: Planning Issues (8 Jul 2010)

John Gormley: I recently announced a planning review to assess the application of planning legislation, policy and guidance within the development plan and development management systems at local level. The review will consider what measures may be required to ensure a consistent approach to these issues across all planning authorities, and to improve the delivery of planning services generally. To assist...