Results 9,621-9,640 of 14,706 for speaker:Phil Hogan

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Environment, Culture and the Gaeltacht: European Union Presidency and Environment Council Meeting: Discussion (13 Dec 2012)

Phil Hogan: I thank the Chairman for his remarks. By the end of next week, we will have achieved all of the targets outlined to the committee last January, which does not often happen. This does not happen by accident but by way of a great deal of hard work by the Government and its officials. I take this opportunity to thank my officials who have worked exceptionally hard in the past year on a body...

Finance (Local Property Tax) Bill 2012: Second Stage (14 Dec 2012)

Phil Hogan: Deputy Wallace is not left wing.

Finance (Local Property Tax) Bill 2012: Second Stage (14 Dec 2012)

Phil Hogan: I hope Deputy McConalogue will make a better contribution than the previous speaker.

Finance (Local Property Tax) Bill 2012: Second Stage (14 Dec 2012)

Phil Hogan: In preparing for my contribution on this debate, I reflected on the passage of the legislation which gave effect to the household charge one year ago. Dire predictions were made at that time by certain Deputies, some of whom augured or even advocated mass civil disobedience. Nobody in any government of which I am aware would desire to introduce a new tax, but it has to be done if we are to...

Finance (Local Property Tax) Bill 2012: Second Stage (14 Dec 2012)

Phil Hogan: The need for it arose due to the economic and fiscal difficulties which we inherited. People were coming in the door from the troika and the Members of the then Government did not even know they were on their way. This is the serious matter we have inherited.

Finance (Local Property Tax) Bill 2012: Second Stage (14 Dec 2012)

Phil Hogan: I recognise that certain Fianna Fáil Deputies are suffering confusion about the matter. They negotiated this tax with the troika but now they are in Opposition, they are against it.

Finance (Local Property Tax) Bill 2012: Second Stage (14 Dec 2012)

Phil Hogan: We still have a bit to go on the new Fianna Fáil. Despite grave warnings about doomsday scenarios by people who regard themselves as socialists, I am pleased to report the household charge has been a success.

Finance (Local Property Tax) Bill 2012: Second Stage (14 Dec 2012)

Phil Hogan: Deputy Cowen should know better than anyone how this was negotiated. The household tax has raised almost €113 million and 70% of liable owners have registered to pay it. That is a big difference from the 30% Deputy Healy predicted last year. I take this opportunity to thank the silent majority of the people who understand the difficulties we face and are prepared to contribute to...

Finance (Local Property Tax) Bill 2012: Second Stage (14 Dec 2012)

Phil Hogan: Despite the efforts and rhetoric of Deputy Higgins and others, the majority have complied with this law. They are legally compliant because they want to be responsible citizens in helping us to overcome our economic and financial difficulties. The politics of realism of so many people have prevailed over the politics of scaremongering and intimidation. The people who advocated against it...

Written Answers — Department of Environment, Community and Local Government: Tribunals of Inquiry (18 Dec 2012)

Phil Hogan: The Moriarty Tribunal made two recommendations for changes to company law, as follows: that a provision similar to section 172 of the UK Companies Act, 2006 be adopted, together with the adoption of additional implementation or enforcement measures.; that consideration be given by the Oireachtas, and/or by the Company Law Review Group, to enacting provisions similar to those contained in Part...

Written Answers — Department of Environment, Community and Local Government: Local Authority Charges (18 Dec 2012)

Phil Hogan: Local authorities are under a statutory obligation to levy rates on any property used for commercial purposes in accordance with the details entered in the valuation lists prepared by the independent Commissioner of Valuation under the Valuation Act 2001.  The levying and collection of rates are matters for each individual local authority. Under the legislation the person liable for...

Written Answers — Department of Environment, Community and Local Government: Departmental Expenditure (18 Dec 2012)

Phil Hogan: My Department is compiling the information requested and will forward it to the Deputy shortly.

Written Answers — Department of Environment, Community and Local Government: Climate Change Policy (18 Dec 2012)

Phil Hogan: At the UN Climate Change Conference in Doha, Parties agreed to adopt a second commitment period to the Kyoto Protocol from 2013 to 2020 as part of an overall balanced package of measures to progress negotiations towards a single, global, legally binding climate agreement for all Parties by 2015. Apart from EU Member States, the other Parties who have indicated that they will join the second...

Written Answers — Department of Environment, Community and Local Government: Pyrite Issues (18 Dec 2012)

Phil Hogan: My Department has no function in regard to the matter outlined in the question. The issue of liability in particular circumstances would be a matter for determination by the parties themselves and/or their legal representatives.

Written Answers — Department of Environment, Community and Local Government: Local Authority Finances (18 Dec 2012)

Phil Hogan: I refer to the reply to Question No. 373 of 4 December which sets out the position in this matter.

Written Answers — Department of Environment, Community and Local Government: Local Government Reform (18 Dec 2012)

Phil Hogan: The Workforce Planning Group was made up as follows: Barry Quinlan: Principal Officer, Department of the Environment, Community and Local Government. Daniel McLoughlin: Manager – Westmeath County Council Hubert Kearns: Manager – Sligo County Council Conn Murray: Manager – Limerick City and County Council. Peter Caulfield: Director of Service – Fingal County...

Written Answers — Department of Environment, Community and Local Government: Local Government Reform (18 Dec 2012)

Phil Hogan: The Local Government Efficiency Review Implementation Group was established on 29 April 2011. The Implementation Group is independently chaired by Mr. Pat McLoughlin (Chief Executive, Irish Payments Services Organisation, and former chairperson of the Local Government Efficiency Review Group). In addition to the Chair, the members of the Implementation Group are as follows: -Mr. Des...

Written Answers — Department of Environment, Community and Local Government: Local Authority Staff (18 Dec 2012)

Phil Hogan: The total number of staff employed by Sligo County Council on 31 December 2011 on a whole time equivalent basis (WTE) was 488.74. This represents a reduction of 127 WTE or 21% from the June 2008 figure of 615.9. The most recent figure available, for end September 2012, shows a further reduction to 462.38 WTE, indicating that staff numbers at the Council have reduced by 25% since 2008. My...

Written Answers — Department of Environment, Community and Local Government: Public Sector Pay (18 Dec 2012)

Phil Hogan: Pay policy in the public service is dealt with at central level by my colleague the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform.

Written Answers — Department of Environment, Community and Local Government: Local Authority Staff (18 Dec 2012)

Phil Hogan: One City and County Manager has been appointed, following an open competition by the Public Appointments Service, since 27 July 2012 as indicated in the following table. Local Authority Manager Date of Appointment Limerick City Council and Limerick County Council Mr. Conn Murray 15/08/12 In accordance with Section 145 (4) of the Local Government Act 2001 where a position of manager...