Results 1,621-1,640 of 2,386 for speaker:Michael Finneran

Seanad: Planning and Development (Amendment) Bill 2009: Report and Final Stages (1 Dec 2009)

Michael Finneran: I will make two points. With regard to determining the number of jobs to be created through the use of a proposed development, I have said I am prepared to consider statutory guidance in that respect to accompany the provisions included. Members will see that with the Government amendment, a local authority will have much discretion with regard to an extension. It is a matter for planning...

Seanad: Planning and Development (Amendment) Bill 2009: Report and Final Stages (1 Dec 2009)

Michael Finneran: Section 24 amends section 48 of the principal Act which provides for development contribution schemes to be drawn up by each planning authority and approved by the elected members following a public consultation process. The Bill redefines the definition of public infrastructure and facilities to provide local authorities with greater flexibility to use development levies, if needed, on a...

Seanad: Planning and Development (Amendment) Bill 2009: Report and Final Stages (1 Dec 2009)

Michael Finneran: I am very conscious of what Senator Quinn has said, which was supported by other Senators. I do not have any conflict with the concept or principle of the amendment. What I am saying is that already, under section 48(17) of the principal Act, there is provision for open space, recreational and community facilities, amenities and landscaping works. I am also conscious, as somebody who...

Seanad: Planning and Development (Amendment) Bill 2009: Report and Final Stages (1 Dec 2009)

Michael Finneran: I reject completely the assertion of any disrespect to this House or that the Bill is being rushed. Of the 31 amendments in front of this House, owing to proper investigation and judgment by the Parliamentary Counsel and Attorney General, approximately six need further study by those offices. It is appropriate this is done so that the proper response to amendments is given. Legislation is...

Seanad: Planning and Development (Amendment) Bill 2009: Report and Final Stages (1 Dec 2009)

Michael Finneran: The reason five or six amendments remain to be dealt with by the Parliamentary Counsel is my accommodation of Members.

Seanad: Planning and Development (Amendment) Bill 2009: Report and Final Stages (1 Dec 2009)

Michael Finneran: I have indicated as the Bill has progressed through the House that I am prepared to examine issues where there is a good, solid debate on them. I spent almost 14 years in the House and when I see a good, solid debate on an issue, rather than accept my brief, I take Members' comments on board and state I will examine them.

Seanad: Planning and Development (Amendment) Bill 2009: Report and Final Stages (1 Dec 2009)

Michael Finneran: Of the 31 amendments tabled on Report Stage, I received a response on 25. Six need further investigation.

Seanad: Planning and Development (Amendment) Bill 2009: Report and Final Stages (1 Dec 2009)

Michael Finneran: The reason I have asked the Parliamentary Counsel to do additional work is I am satisfied good points have been made in the House and I would like them to be teased out. I indicated I would address Senator Quinn's amendment which addressed a new issue. An Bord Pleanála's 18-week compliance rate in 2008 was 23% and, with this measure, is expected to increase to 50%. Inspectors' reports are...

Seanad: Planning and Development (Amendment) Bill 2009: Report and Final Stages (1 Dec 2009)

Michael Finneran: In view of the substantial obligations that planning authorities already have in regard to enforcement, I do not support the creation of an appeals mechanism, as proposed. In any case, this would result in a whole new area of work for An Bord Pleanála, which would be required in each case to inspect the development, review the entire dealings with the issue by a planning authority etc....

Seanad: Planning and Development (Amendment) Bill 2009: Report and Final Stages (1 Dec 2009)

Michael Finneran: I very much appreciate the heartfelt contributions made by Senator Ryan and the difficulties he and perhaps other Senators have encountered. I do not support the creation of an appeals mechanism, as proposed, because of the workload it would add to An Bord Pleanála. I am conscious of the contributions the Senator has made in this regard not only on this Stage but on Committee Stage. I...

Seanad: Planning and Development (Amendment) Bill 2009: Report and Final Stages (1 Dec 2009)

Michael Finneran: That is if the local authorities carry out the provisions of enforcement. This is the reason I have stated I am prepared to consider if it is possible to strengthen further the requirements of the planning authorities. If needs be, I will introduce an amendment on Committee Stage in the Dáil and then revert to this House.

Seanad: Planning and Development (Amendment) Bill 2009: Report and Final Stages (1 Dec 2009)

Michael Finneran: As stated on Committee Stage, the purpose of this amendment is to implement a recommendation of the Law Reform Commission to the effect that only the owners of properties should have a say in respect of whether a development should be taken in charge. The Law Reform Commission noted that the capital value of units owned may be affected where an estate is taken in charge. For example, where...

Seanad: Planning and Development (Amendment) Bill 2009: Report and Final Stages (1 Dec 2009)

Michael Finneran: Section 35 amends section 212 of the principal Act, which refers to developments by planning authorities. This is an enabling provision to allow such authorities to take proactive steps to protect areas of ecological importance. Much like the other provisions of section 212 of the principal Act, it remains within the discretion of a planning authority to take such measures as it sees fit....

Seanad: Cancer Screening Programme (1 Dec 2009)

Michael Finneran: I will be taking this Adjournment matter on behalf of my colleague, the Minister for Health and Children, Deputy Harney. I welcome the opportunity to address the House on male cancer services and cancer screening for male cancers. When we speak of male cancer, many people will automatically think of prostate cancer. Figures from the National Cancer Registry show that prostate cancer is the...

Seanad: Flood Relief (1 Dec 2009)

Michael Finneran: I thank Senator Buttimer for raising this matter. The Government recognises the devastation suffered by people in many areas of the country as a result of the recent floods. Community welfare service staff throughout the country have been providing huge support to families every day since this flooding occurred. They have already provided emergency financial and other assistance to...

Written Answers — Local Authority Housing: Local Authority Housing (2 Dec 2009)

Michael Finneran: Enquiries have been made with the local authority in this case and it is understood that the application is under active consideration by Arklow Town Council. The sanctioning of the application is entirely a matter for the local authority concerned.

Written Answers — Housing Policy: Housing Policy (2 Dec 2009)

Michael Finneran: Under section 58 of the Housing Act 1966, the management and maintenance of the local authority housing stock is a matter for individual authorities. Minimum standards for rental accommodation are prescribed in the Housing (Standards for Rented Houses) Regulations 2008, as amended by the Housing (Standards for Rented Houses) (Amendment) Regulations 2009, made under section 18 of the Housing...

Written Answers — Social and Affordable Housing: Social and Affordable Housing (2 Dec 2009)

Michael Finneran: A total of 3,652 affordable homes have been delivered under the Affordable Housing Initiative (AHI) in the period from 2003 to end June 2009, the bulk of which were delivered under Part V of the Planning and Development Acts, through land exchanges or through development on local authority owned lands. 62 units were developed directly on State lands, on a site in Athenry, County Galway, which...

Written Answers — Social and Affordable Housing: Social and Affordable Housing (2 Dec 2009)

Michael Finneran: A mortgage subsidy or, as appropriate, a rental subsidy under the Shared Ownership Scheme, is available to support home ownership for low income households with income below €28,000 in the previous tax year. This subsidy is intended to reduce the monthly outgoings of the purchaser. Alternatively, a mortgage allowance of €11,450 spread over 5 years is available to assist tenants or tenant...

Written Answers — Fire Stations: Fire Stations (2 Dec 2009)

Michael Finneran: Approval for the extension of Tallaght fire station was granted under the 2006 Fire Services Capital Programme. To date funding of €252,279 (€216,269 in 2006; €4,235 in 2007; €31,775 in 2008 and nil in 2009) has been provided to Dublin City Council in respect of this project. The Council has submitted a revised proposal for the development of Tallaght Fire station to the Department...