Results 10,861-10,880 of 14,706 for speaker:Phil Hogan

Written Answers — Department of Environment, Community and Local Government: Local Authority Funding (28 May 2013)

Phil Hogan: In February 2009, my Department set out details of the financial requirements for local authorities relating to their overall management of capital and current accounts. These requirements flow directly from the requirement for Government finances as a whole to be managed in accordance with the Stability and Growth Pact established under the Maastricht Treaty, and the associated limitation on...

Written Answers — Department of Environment, Community and Local Government: Water and Sewerage Schemes Status (28 May 2013)

Phil Hogan: The Donegal (Group B) Wastewater Treatment Plants contract, of which Bundoran is one element, is included in my Department's Water Services Investment Programme 2010 - 2012 as a contract to start during the lifetime of the Programme. Donegal County Council's Tender Documents for the contract are under examination in my Department and a decision will be made as soon as possible.

Written Answers — Department of Environment, Community and Local Government: Local Authority Expenditure (28 May 2013)

Phil Hogan: I refer to the replies to Question Nos. 167 and 779 of 7 March 2013 and 16 April 2013 respectively, which addressed the position in this matter.

Written Answers — Department of Environment, Community and Local Government: Local Authority Finances (28 May 2013)

Phil Hogan: I refer to the replies to Question Nos. 161 and 162 of 21 November 2012 in which I indicated that sanction was conveyed to Sligo County Council on 8 November 2012, in accordance with Section 106 of the Local Government Act 2001, for the borrowing of €7.5 million by way of a term loan. The Council’s overdraft borrowing limit was revised to €4 million in conjunction with...

Written Answers — Department of Environment, Community and Local Government: Local Authority Staff Issues (28 May 2013)

Phil Hogan: I propose to take Questions Nos. 487 and 488 together. The names of the persons that participated on the Local Authority National Partnership Advisory Group (LANPAG) in the period 2002 to 2008, together with the body each represented, is outlined in the table below. The maximum number of participants at any one time is eighteen (nine management representatives and nine union representatives)....

Written Answers — Department of Environment, Community and Local Government: Non-Principle Private Residence Charge (28 May 2013)

Phil Hogan: The Local Government (Charges) Act 2009 broadened the revenue base of local authorities by introducing a charge on non-principal private residences. The self-assessed Charge is set at €200 and liability for it falls, in the main, on owners of rental, holiday and vacant properties. The legislative basis for the Non-Principal Private Residence Charge, as set out in the amended 2009 Act,...

Written Answers — Department of Environment, Community and Local Government: Non-Principal Private Residence Charge Collection (28 May 2013)

Phil Hogan: The Local Government (Charges) Act 2009 broadened the revenue base of local authorities by introducing a charge on non-principal private residences. The self-assessed charge is set at €200 and liability for it falls, in the main, on owners of rental, holiday and vacant properties. Under the Act, it is a function of a local authority to collect the Non-Principal Private Residence...

Written Answers — Department of Environment, Community and Local Government: Environmental Policy (28 May 2013)

Phil Hogan: In April 2012, I announced a public consultation to inform and assist a review of the smoky coal ban. Following a review of submissions received under this process, I gave effect to new consolidating solid fuel regulations, the Air Pollution Act (Marketing, Sale, Distribution and Burning of Specified Fuels) Regulations 2012 (S.I. No. 326 of 2012). These Regulations introduced a number of...

Written Answers — Department of Environment, Community and Local Government: European Union Citizens' Initiative (28 May 2013)

Phil Hogan: The European Union (Citizens’ Initiative) Regulations 2012 put in place the arrangements necessary for the implementation in Ireland of the European Union Citizens Initiative. They designate the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government as the Competent Authority for the certification of online collection systems and the verification and certification of Statements...

Written Answers — Department of Environment, Community and Local Government: Leader Programmes Funding (28 May 2013)

Phil Hogan: An estimated programme allocation of €370m is available under the Rural Development Programme (RDP) 2007-2013 for allocation to qualifying projects up to the end of 2013. There are 35 Local Action Groups contracted, on my Department’s behalf, to deliver the RDP throughout the country and these groups are the principal decision-makers in relation to the allocation of project...

Written Answers — Department of Environment, Community and Local Government: Leader Programmes Funding (28 May 2013)

Phil Hogan: An estimated programme allocation of €370m is available under Axis 3&4 (LEADER) of Rural Development Programme (RDP) 2007-2013 for allocation to qualifying projects up to the end of 2013. The programme aims to support the diversification of the rural economy and improve the quality of life in rural areas. Measures under the programme can provide funding for both rural tourism...

Written Answers — Department of Environment, Community and Local Government: Departmental Funding (28 May 2013)

Phil Hogan: My Department has no responsibility for, or role in, the management, maintenance or operation of wastewater treatment plants. Water services authorities, in this case Sligo County Council, are responsible for the provision of water services. I understand the property referred to in the Question is owned by Sligo County Council.

Seanad: Adjournment Matters: Voluntary Sector Funding (28 May 2013)

Phil Hogan: I am pleased to have the opportunity to address the Seanad on the funding scheme to support national organisations and thank the Senator for raising the issue. It was interesting to hear her speak about groups which need money seven months in advance of any decision being made and in advance of the budget and ask me to clarify issues which have not even been considered in the context of any...

Seanad: Adjournment Matters: Rural Development Programme Funding (28 May 2013)

Phil Hogan: I welcome the opportunity to respond to the issue raised by Senator O'Donovan and to clear up considerable misinformation on the alignment process with local government as well as the funding arrangements for the rural development programme. The Leader elements of the Rural Development Programme 2007 - 2013 finally commenced in February 2009 after a delay of more than two years, effectively...

Seanad: Adjournment Matters: Rural Development Programme Funding (28 May 2013)

Phil Hogan: There are sufficient moneys in the system in the Department of the Environment, Community and Local Government to pay for projects approved and in the queue for payment. If there is a difficulty in the evaluation of projects in the Department, we must obtain further information. That rarely happens and there should not be a difficulty if the projects have been submitted to the Department....

Seanad: Adjournment Matters: Child Care Qualifications (28 May 2013)

Phil Hogan: I am responding to this matter on behalf of my colleague, the Minister for Education and Skills. I thank the Senator for giving me the opportunity to outline the supports available to part-time students who have completed FETAC training in child care. The Department provides a range of further education programmes designed to cater for those who wish to upskill, including the back to...

Seanad: Adjournment Matters: Horse Racing Industry Development (28 May 2013)

Phil Hogan: I thank Senator Landy for raising this issue, which I am taking on behalf of my colleague, the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Deputy Coveney. The equine industry in Ireland is comprised of two elements, the thoroughbred sector and the sport horse sector. Horse Racing Ireland is responsible for the development of the thoroughbred sector, while Horse Sport Ireland is...

Written Answers — Department of Environment, Community and Local Government: Air Pollution (29 May 2013)

Phil Hogan: The Air Pollution Act (Marketing, Sale, Distribution and Burning of Specified Fuels) Regulations 2012 regulate the sale of solid fuel in the State and provide the basis for the smoky coal ban . The main legislative provisions that apply inside smoky coal ban areas include: a ban on the marketing, sale, distribution and burning of smoky coal; a requirement to sell solid fuel in sealed bags...

Written Answers — Department of Environment, Community and Local Government: Household Charge Collection (29 May 2013)

Phil Hogan: The Local Government Management Agency is administering the Household Charge system on a shared service/agency basis for all county and city councils. Queries concerning Household Charge operational matters should be directed to the Agency or to the relevant local authority.

Written Answers — Department of Environment, Community and Local Government: Public Procurement Regulations (29 May 2013)

Phil Hogan: The Public Procurement Guidelines issued by the National Public Procurement Policy Unit in the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform apply to all public sector bodies, including local authorities. I am advised that these Guidelines provide that supplies or services less than €5,000 in value may be purchased on the basis of verbal quotes from one or more competitive suppliers and...