Results 1,441-1,460 of 2,386 for speaker:Michael Finneran

Written Answers — Private Rented Accommodation: Private Rented Accommodation (3 Nov 2009)

Michael Finneran: The total cost to the State of the Rental Accommodation Scheme (RAS) was €53.03 million in 2008 and €59.11 million in 2009 (up to end September). The average rental cost per household in 2008 was €4,284, while the corresponding figure in 2009 (up to end of September) was €3,933. As the household cost data relate to the average cost per annum, it should be noted that this does not...

Written Answers — Local Authority Housing: Local Authority Housing (3 Nov 2009)

Michael Finneran: The Government continues to demonstrate strong commitment to the Ballymun Regeneration Project with almost €630m in Exchequer funding devoted to the project to date. While an allocation of €45m was provided in 2009, it has been possible, on foot of significant progress made on the project and the reallocation of funds between programmes, to recoup some €52.4m in respect of Ballymun...

Seanad: Gaming Regulations (3 Nov 2009)

Michael Finneran: I am grateful, as is the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform who regrets he cannot be here in person, for the opportunity to outline to Senators the position in respect of fixed odds betting terminals, commonly known as FOBTs. Senators may well be aware of the Minister's opposition to such machines from statements he has made in the other House on many occasions. The Minister has...

Seanad: Gaming Regulations (3 Nov 2009)

Michael Finneran: I will ask that the Minister or his office would correspond with the Senator to indicate whether an extension of the deadline of 30 September has been allowed or is being considered.

Seanad: Killarney Jarveys (3 Nov 2009)

Michael Finneran: As the Senator is aware, the national parks and wildlife service of my Department is trying to resolve the issue of horse dung in Killarney National Park by requiring that jaunting cars must be equipped with dung-catching devices when entering the park. The horse dung on the roads in the park is unsightly and smelly, is at odds with the national park ethos, conflicts with the beautiful...

Seanad: Killarney Jarveys (3 Nov 2009)

Michael Finneran: It was not the Department that initiated a High Court action. The opportunity for consultation exists and I have no doubt the NPWS is open to discussion. It is appropriate that consultation and discussion take place during the quiet tourism period to see if this matter can be resolved in time for the new season. The decision on the device has been taken.

Seanad: Killarney Jarveys (3 Nov 2009)

Michael Finneran: The consultation concerns the fact that the devices must be put on the horses or vehicles by the jarveys. I will ask the Department to consult with Senator Coghlan but the decision has been made and these devices must be worn.

Seanad: National Drugs Strategy (3 Nov 2009)

Michael Finneran: I thank the Senator for raising this as it affords me an opportunity to confirm once again the Government's commitment to working with the voluntary and co-operative housing sector to meet the housing needs of the disadvantaged and vulnerable in our society, particularly in the current challenging economic climate. I begin by reflecting on the successful relationship to date between my...

Seanad: National Drugs Strategy (3 Nov 2009)

Michael Finneran: My commitment to the homeless in particular is well known. It was the only area in the Department where there was an increase in the 2009 budget, of 5%. That was well-recognised by groups and by The Way Home. The homeless strategy is being implemented by the Department in consultation with local authorities. Senator Buttimer is probably aware that recently I extended the opportunity of...

Seanad: National Drugs Strategy (3 Nov 2009)

Michael Finneran: I am very conscious of the needs of the homeless and disadvantaged in society and my housing programme gives priority to them. With regard to the particular question on the drugs strategy, I suggest that the Senator places a further question with the House for the relevant Minister; I do not have that information available to me in this evening's response nor was it asked for in the question...

Seanad: National Drugs Strategy (3 Nov 2009)

Michael Finneran: The question tabled was on proposals for the payment of grants to Fellowship House. There was no further question and therefore I do not have any answer.

Written Answers — Social and Affordable Housing: Social and Affordable Housing (4 Nov 2009)

Michael Finneran: The site at Magee Barracks was one of the state lands assigned to the Affordable Housing Initiative. In light of the recent significant changes in the housing market, and the associated implications for affordable housing, I am reviewing the Affordable Housing Initiative, and the position with regard to the Magee Barracks site is being considered in that context. In addition, the Project...

Written Answers — Local Authority Funding: Local Authority Funding (4 Nov 2009)

Michael Finneran: In 2009, my Department has provided funding of just over €2.75 million to Cork City Council to support the extensions element of the Council's improvement works programme. An application to continue this programme has been received from the Council and will be considered in the context of the allocations to be made on foot of the outcome of the 2010 estimates process.

Written Answers — Social and Affordable Housing: Social and Affordable Housing (4 Nov 2009)

Michael Finneran: Housing authorities make available a broad range of social housing supports and options to those in need of housing. In particular the Rental Accommodation Scheme and the Social Housing Leasing Initiative provide access to a wider range of social housing than has traditionally been available under the Social Housing Investment Programme. These new supply options will make it easier for...

Written Answers — Urban Regeneration: Urban Regeneration (4 Nov 2009)

Michael Finneran: The October 2008 draft Limerick Regeneration Programme/Masterplan is a flexible and evolving plan for the physical, social and economic regeneration of the areas over the next decade. As is widely acknowledged, this programme will require significant investment of time and resources from public and private stakeholders in delivering the mixed use, mixed tenure sustainable communities...

Written Answers — Statutory Registration: Statutory Registration (5 Nov 2009)

Michael Finneran: Part 3 of the Building Control Act 2007 sets out the detailed requirements for registration of the title of "architect". Once statutory registration has formally commenced, it will be an offence for a person who - (i) not being registered under Part 3, uses the title "architect", either alone or in combination with any other words or letters, or name, title or description, implying that the...

Written Answers — Fire Stations: Fire Stations (10 Nov 2009)

Michael Finneran: I refer to the reply to Question No. 970 on 3 November in relation to this matter. The position is unchanged.

Written Answers — Local Authority Housing: Local Authority Housing (10 Nov 2009)

Michael Finneran: It is a statutory function of housing authorities to assist, provide or make arrangements for the provision of, accommodation for homeless persons, as defined in section 2 of the Housing Act 1988. I have no function in relation to specific aspects of local services. The operation and organisation of homeless services in Dublin is generally co-ordinated by the Homeless Agency, which is a...

Written Answers — Housing Policy: Housing Policy (10 Nov 2009)

Michael Finneran: The housing policy statement, Delivering Homes, Sustaining Communities, continues to provide a robust framework for addressing housing priorities in the years ahead. Considerable progress has been made on implementation of the programme and policy reforms outlined in the policy statement since its publication in February 2007. Relevant sections of my Department's Annual Reports and Annual...

Written Answers — Local Authority Housing: Local Authority Housing (10 Nov 2009)

Michael Finneran: The number of households on a local authority's waiting list continuously fluctuates as households on the list are allocated housing and new households apply for housing support. My Department does not hold information in relation to the numbers currently on waiting lists in local authorities. A statutory assessment of housing need is carried out every three years by all housing authorities...