Results 18,761-18,780 of 29,533 for speaker:Brendan Howlin

Written Answers — Department of Public Expenditure and Reform: Public Park Access (27 May 2014)

Brendan Howlin: During the recent storms over 100 trees were felled at Mooghaun, Newmarket on Fergus, Co. Clare, rendering the site dangerous to the public. The majority of the site is however now open following remedial work by the Office of Public Works (OPW). The OPW has temporarily fenced off a narrow pathway from its works compound to the viewing platform site so that works there can continue...

Written Answers — Department of Public Expenditure and Reform: Office of Public Works Properties (27 May 2014)

Brendan Howlin: The Garda station at Clonmany, Co. Donegal is currently operational and any sale of land at the rear would depreciate the overall value of the site. The Commissioners of Public Works are therefore not in a position to accede to the request.

Written Answers — Department of Public Expenditure and Reform: Ministerial Pensions (27 May 2014)

Brendan Howlin: There are currently 119 former Ministers in receipt of a Ministerial pension. The estimated cost to the Exchequer is  €3,723,643 with an average Ministerial pension of €31,291. The final audited figure for 2013 will be available when the relevant Finance Accounts are published in September 2014.

Written Answers — Department of Public Expenditure and Reform: Departmental Budgets (27 May 2014)

Brendan Howlin: All moneys allocated to Government Departments are voted upon by Dáil Éireann. If there is an underspend it reverts to the Exchequer. Where a deficit arises there is a requirement for a supplementary estimate voted upon by Dáil Éireann. My Department cannot reallocate money between Departments; the only mechanism through which money can be reallocated is through a vote...

Written Answers — Department of Public Expenditure and Reform: Flood Relief Schemes Data (27 May 2014)

Brendan Howlin: Consultants were appointed by the Office of Public Works (OPW) in December 2010 to undertake a study of the flooding problem in Bandon. The proposed recommendations in the completed study were brought to formal public exhibition in June 2012 under the Arterial Drainage Acts. The proposed scheme which would provide protection to over 360 properties in the town was welcomed at the time by the...

Written Answers — Department of Public Expenditure and Reform: VAT Rebates (27 May 2014)

Brendan Howlin: The former Finglas Garda Station is licensed by the Office of Public Works (OPW) to Finglas Childcare Ltd. Any issue concerning VAT waivers on renovation works being carried out is a matter between the Revenue Commissioners and Finglas Childcare Ltd.

Written Answers — Department of Public Expenditure and Reform: Capital Programme Expenditure (27 May 2014)

Brendan Howlin: The Government's public capital plan is set out in Infrastructure and Capital Investment 2012-2016: Medium Term Exchequer Framework which was published in November 2011. The Framework outlines the Government's key capital strategic priorities for the period out to 2016. While most of this investment will lead to construction activity, there is also provision in the Framework...

Written Answers — Department of Public Expenditure and Reform: Freedom of Information Legislation (27 May 2014)

Brendan Howlin: The Freedom of Information Bill 2013, which comprises a comprehensive reform and modernisation of Ireland's FOI regime completed Committee Stage in the Dail last November. I am currently finalising the Report Stage amendments for the Bill which, following approval by Government, will be published for consideration by Dáil Éireann in due course. 

Written Answers — Department of Public Expenditure and Reform: Public Procurement Regulations (27 May 2014)

Brendan Howlin: Public Procurement is governed by EU and National rules. The aim of these rules is to promote an open, competitive and non-discriminatory public procurement regime which delivers best value for money. It would be a breach of the EU rules for a public body to favour or discriminate against particular candidates on grounds such as nationality, organisational size, etc. and there are...

Written Answers — Department of Public Expenditure and Reform: Commencement of Legislation (27 May 2014)

Brendan Howlin: The Oireachtas (Ministerial and Parliamentary Offices) (Amendment) Act was signed into law on 12thApril 2014. Section 6 provides that commencement of the Act would be subject to Ministerial Order, or Orders, as necessary. The relevant Order, and another Order under the Act, were prepared in the normal way in the Office of the Parliamentary Counsel and were signed by the Minister...

Written Answers — Department of Public Expenditure and Reform: Leader's Allowance Issues (27 May 2014)

Brendan Howlin: I refer the Deputy to my reply on 15 April 2014 to her previous question on this matter (number 284 - ref. 17940/14).

Written Answers — Department of Public Expenditure and Reform: Legislative Measures (28 May 2014)

Brendan Howlin: I refer to my reply to Parliamentary Question No. 314 of 27 May 2014.

Written Answers — Department of Public Expenditure and Reform: Semi-State Bodies (28 May 2014)

Brendan Howlin: In response to the Deputy's question I can confirm that there are no commercial semi-State companies under the aegis of my Department.

Written Answers — Department of Public Expenditure and Reform: Flood Relief Schemes Applications (28 May 2014)

Brendan Howlin: The Office of Public Works (OPW) has no current application for funding from North Tipperary County Council for works at this location under the Minor Flood Mitigation Works & Coastal Protection Scheme.

Ceisteanna - Questions - Priority Questions: Legislative Measures (4 Jun 2014)

Brendan Howlin: The following are the legislative provisions under my remit that have been passed by the Oireachtas and have yet to come into effect. The first is the Construction Contracts Act 2013, the aim of which is to have a new system which will both reduce the non-payment exposure of subcontractors and provide an effective remedy for them should non-payment occur. The Bill passed all Stages in the...

Ceisteanna - Questions - Priority Questions: Legislative Measures (4 Jun 2014)

Brendan Howlin: The Deputy asked me two questions. Regarding his first one as to why I did not commence the Oireachtas (Ministerial and Parliamentary Offices) (Amendment) Act immediately, I engaged in consultation with the affected people. Deputy Catherine Murphy, who is present in the Chamber, will confirm that there is a requirement to have a lead-in time for people to make necessary arrangements. I...

Ceisteanna - Questions - Priority Questions: Legislative Measures (4 Jun 2014)

Brendan Howlin: I have indicated the two Acts that have not commenced and the reasons for that delay. In regard to the National Lottery Act 2013, my recollection is that it was brought fully into effect on the day the national lottery contract was signed. The establishment of a banking inquiry is nothing to do with me. Under the terms of the relevant Act, it is a matter solely for the Houses of the...

Ceisteanna - Questions - Priority Questions: Public Private Partnerships Cost (4 Jun 2014)

Brendan Howlin: On Tuesday, 13 May, I announced phase 4 of the infrastructure stimulus projects. This phase involves €200 million of Exchequer investment to fund projects in a range of sectors, including road schemes, social housing to meet acute needs arising in that area, and a range of tourism-related works that will help to support long-term jobs in that sector.  This...

Ceisteanna - Questions - Priority Questions: Public Private Partnerships Cost (4 Jun 2014)

Brendan Howlin: All of the €200 million stimulus I recently announced is coming from the dividend paid to the State by ESB and Bord Gáis Éireann from the sale of assets. On the Deputy's second question, I have no notice in regard to water investment. I would have sought a briefing on the issue if I had known the Deputy was going to inquire about it. However, what I will say, in general...

Ceisteanna - Questions - Priority Questions: Public Private Partnerships Cost (4 Jun 2014)

Brendan Howlin: I have already answered that question inasmuch as it is each line Department which is responsible for the oversight and maintenance of projects within their own area. The Deputy told us her question was out of order but then asked a series of supplementary questions on the question on which I am not briefed, so it is not reasonable that I would be asked to answer them. However, in general...