Results 9,681-9,700 of 9,994 for speaker:John Gormley

Written Answers — Water Services: Water Services (23 Nov 2010)

John Gormley: The construction of a water reservoir at Ardmanagh East, Schull is proposed to be undertaken as part of Phase 2 of the Schull Water Supply Scheme which is included in my Department's Water Service investment Programme 2010-2012, as a scheme to advance through planning in the lifetime of the Programme, and the progression of the planning is currently a matter for Cork County Council. A copy...

Written Answers — Water and Sewerage Schemes: Water and Sewerage Schemes (23 Nov 2010)

John Gormley: No application for funding for this scheme has been submitted to my Department by Carlow County Council.

Written Answers — Water Services: Water Services (23 Nov 2010)

John Gormley: The Water Framework Directive establishes a legal framework for water management, for protection and restoration of waters, and for ensuring the long-term sustainable use of water. The Directive's river basin planning process involves an integrated planning approach with regard to land, water and ecosystem management, involving economic considerations and requiring a high level of public...

Written Answers — Departmental Funding: Departmental Funding (23 Nov 2010)

John Gormley: My Department does not provide grant assistance to registered charities dealing with the issue of institutional and religious abuse. Approved housing bodies which operate and manage accommodation financed by my Department's voluntary and co-operative funding schemes may have charitable status but this information is not collected by my Department. Capital funding amounting to €1.385...

Seanad: Protected Species (23 Nov 2010)

John Gormley: I thank the Senator for raising this matter and would first like to explain my responsibilities in respect of deer. All deer are protected species under the Wildlife Acts. Accordingly, deer may only be hunted under licence issued by the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government. The open season for most deer species, including Red, Fallow and Sika, operates annually from...

Seanad: Protected Species (23 Nov 2010)

John Gormley: I understand the Senator's point and thank her for raising the matter.

Written Answers — Water and Sewerage Schemes: Water and Sewerage Schemes (24 Nov 2010)

John Gormley: The Dungloe and Glenties Sewerage Schemes, which are to advance jointly, are included in the Water Services Investment Programme 2010 – 2012 among the list of contracts in Donegal to start in the period 2010 -2012. Donegal County Council's Tender Documents for the contract are under examination in my Department and are being dealt with as quickly as possible.

Written Answers — Motor Taxation: Motor Taxation (24 Nov 2010)

John Gormley: I propose to take Question Nos. 124 and 125 together. The information requested in respect of 2009 is set out in the following tables. Breakdown of Number of Vehicles and Motor Tax Receipts for Vehicles taxed as Private Standard in 2009 by Engine CC. Engine CC No. of Vehicles Motor Tax Receipts not over 1,000 150,193 27,165,763 1,001 to 1,100 7,616 2,143,283 1,101 to 1,200...

Written Answers — Litter Pollution: Litter Pollution (24 Nov 2010)

John Gormley: Under the Litter Pollution Acts 1997 to 2009, the primary response to litter is a matter for local authorities. It is the responsibility of each local authority to enforce the litter laws and to determine the most appropriate course of action to tackle litter pollution within the relevant legislation. The role of my Department is to provide the legislative framework within which to combat...

Departmental Agencies (25 Nov 2010)

John Gormley: There are some 20 agencies under my remit, and as part of the rationalisation programme for State agencies I have an active consolidation programme in train that will reduce this number by six. In June 2009, I established the Housing and Sustainable Communities Agency to amalgamate the national agencies that currently support our social and affordable housing programmes. These are the...

Departmental Agencies (25 Nov 2010)

John Gormley: We should pursue greater efficiencies wherever we can make them. However, I would point out that we are very much in line with the McCarthy report. The Deputy mentioned the efficiency review group, which is a group I introduced and which does very good work under Mr. McLoughlin. It has identified a number of efficiencies at local government level. My Department is on course with regard to...

Departmental Agencies (25 Nov 2010)

John Gormley: I am afraid so. Recently, I had a meeting with some Fine Gael councillors who objected to the idea of having the managers come together for various discussions.

Departmental Agencies (25 Nov 2010)

John Gormley: I pointed out to them that this proposal was in the Fine Gael document, but I do not think they were familiar with that document.

Departmental Agencies (25 Nov 2010)

John Gormley: Unfortunately, that is what happens. It is all very well to be theoretical on these issues, but we must also apply some practical backbone and see whether we can carry out these recommendations.

Departmental Agencies (25 Nov 2010)

John Gormley: Efficiencies have been made, in particular with regard to the organisation to which the Deputy has just referred and the authority has reduced staff numbers considerably. The other agencies mentioned will be kept under constant review. We are very cognisant of the fact that we are going through an unprecedented economic crisis and that we must, as a result, cut our cloth accordingly. I...

Severe Weather Events (25 Nov 2010)

John Gormley: The response to a severe weather event generally involves cross-departmental co-ordination and collaboration. My Department undertook the role of lead Department by chairing national level co-ordination in the case of last winter's severe weather events with local responses being undertaken by the principal response agencies in accordance with the major emergency management framework....

Severe Weather Events (25 Nov 2010)

John Gormley: The Deputy is correct. I have stated unequivocally that we missed the 1 November deadline. Despite the severe work pressures my Department faces, I hope we can complete the report in the next number of weeks. Once the report is completed I will have no difficulty meeting the joint committee, which I have already met on several occasions. I have discussed the issue with individual Deputies...

Severe Weather Events (25 Nov 2010)

John Gormley: The Deputy made a number of charges which were completely without foundation. He claimed there is no likelihood that I will come before the committee but I have not said that. He then raised extraneous matters which I will have to address. He spoke about legacy issues but he voted against important elements of the planning legislation. I assure him that the measures to which he referred...

Severe Weather Events (25 Nov 2010)

John Gormley: Parliamentary democracy is mocked when people act in that manner. I assure the Deputy I will do my best to ensure the report is completed in a timely fashion and I have no difficulty in appearing before the committee to answer any questions he and his colleagues may have.

National Assets Management Agency (25 Nov 2010)

John Gormley: National planning policy has undergone extensive reform through the recent enactment of the Planning and Development (Amendment) Act 2010. Its provisions will address many of the legacy planning issues which contributed to the property price bubble. The Act ensures greater oversight, integration and consistency between spatial plans at national, regional and local levels. It requires that...