Results 1,981-2,000 of 11,861 for speaker:Brian Hayes

Seanad: Promissory Note Arrangement: Statements (14 Feb 2013)

Brian Hayes: I am in the hands of the Senators. We are taking the reduction in public sector numbers beyond belief in terms of their implementation. I will kick on, as the saying goes.

Seanad: Promissory Note Arrangement: Statements (14 Feb 2013)

Brian Hayes: I will do that.

Seanad: Promissory Note Arrangement: Statements (14 Feb 2013)

Brian Hayes: I have heard Sinn Féin's criticism that the Government did not demand a repudiation of the promissory notes. However, as Sinn Féin knows from its experience during the Good Friday Agreement negotiations, it is pointless sticking rigidly to a position that will prevent an agreement which is in everyone?s interests. Sinn Féin knows that full well as the party showed through its negotiating...

Seanad: Promissory Note Arrangement: Statements (14 Feb 2013)

Brian Hayes: I thank the Leas-Chathaoirleach for the opportunity to come before the House to set out in a comprehensive way the Government's position following the decision taken last week concerning the promissory notes. The elimination of the promissory notes last week meant it was a good week for our country and people. As a people, we can look forward once again with positive expectations. The...

Leaders' Questions (14 Feb 2013)

Brian Hayes: Give up your aul sins.

Leaders' Questions (14 Feb 2013)

Brian Hayes: What about four years ago?

Written Answers — Department of Public Expenditure and Reform: Garda Stations Refurbishment (14 Feb 2013)

Brian Hayes: Current accommodation occupied by An Garda Síochána in Athlone comprises the original Garda Station, the former adjacent Government Offices and the nearby former Eircom premises. It is intended to carry out a major refurbishment project at this location. In that regard, a significant amount of preparatory work has been completed by the Office of Public Works (OPW) on design and...

Topical Issue Debate: Radon Gas Levels (13 Feb 2013)

Brian Hayes: I said they are dying from lung cancer.

Topical Issue Debate: Radon Gas Levels (13 Feb 2013)

Brian Hayes: There are two issues here. The first issue falls under the remit of the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government as his Department has responsibility for the Radiological Protection Institute of Ireland and for how we deal with high levels of radon gas in domestic homes. The second issue is the treatment of the property tax. When the Revenue Commissioners values a group...

Topical Issue Debate: Radon Gas Levels (13 Feb 2013)

Brian Hayes: The Deputy is aware that the Finance Bill is published today. I would advise him to submit an amendment on the issue and I am sure the Minister will deal with the matter when the Bill comes before the House.

Topical Issue Debate: VAT Rates (13 Feb 2013)

Brian Hayes: I suspect the useful suggestion by the Deputy would be a winner with the public if it was followed in this House.

Topical Issue Debate: VAT Rates (13 Feb 2013)

Brian Hayes: I am taken by the Deputy's argument for health and prevention. She accepts that the rate cannot be reduced to zero under the confines of the directive but it could be set at 9% or 13.5% if the Minister for Finance was so minded. She will be aware that we had to increase VAT in budget 2012 as part of the adjustment process. She might put her argument to the Minister, who I understand has...

Topical Issue Debate: Radon Gas Levels (13 Feb 2013)

Brian Hayes: Ireland has comparatively high levels of radon, which is a naturally occurring radioactive gas with no colour, taste or smell. Ireland's unique geology, while providing us with our beautiful landscape, also gives rise to indoor radon levels that are above the European average. Homes in Ireland with radon concentrations above the national reference level of 200 becquerels per metre cubed are...

Topical Issue Debate: VAT Rates (13 Feb 2013)

Brian Hayes: I am pleased to take the opportunity to speak on behalf of the Minister for Finance on the question of the VAT treatment of nicotine replacement patches posed by the Deputy. I thank her for raising the matter on the day in question. It is apt, given the importance of today, a campaign day to encourage people to give up smoking. I congratulate the Deputy on raising the matter on the floor...

Written Answers — Department of Public Expenditure and Reform: Insurance Coverage (13 Feb 2013)

Brian Hayes: I wish to clarify that the contacts I have had with the Irish Insurance Federation (IIF) solely concern the difficulty some people are experiencing in obtaining flood cover insurance in areas in which the OPW has carried out flood defence works. These discussions are centred on the establishment of a sustainable system of information exchange with the insurance industry identifying flood...

Written Answers — Department of Public Expenditure and Reform: Public Procurement Tenders (12 Feb 2013)

Brian Hayes: I propose to take Questions Nos. 314 to 316, inclusive, and 318 together. The Government website www.etenders.gov.ie is a fully managed electronic tendering system that meets Ireland’s requirements in relation to the European Union’s requirements to meet the EU target for achievement of 100% capability for electronic tendering. This website is the official Government website...

Written Answers — Department of Public Expenditure and Reform: Coastal Protection (12 Feb 2013)

Brian Hayes: The Office of Public Works allocated funding to Kerry County Council of €100,000 under the Minor Flood Mitigation Works & Coastal Protection Scheme in February, 2012 for embankment strengthening works at this location. This funding has now been drawn down by the Council. The number of homes at risk from flooding, as identified by the Council at this location, would not justify the...

Written Answers — Department of Public Expenditure and Reform: Coastal Protection (12 Feb 2013)

Brian Hayes: The Office of Public Works is not aware of coastal erosion issues at this location. Investigation of this matter is the responsibility of Kerry County Council in the first instance. It is open to the Council to apply for funding under the Minor Flood Mitigation Works and Coastal Protection Scheme. Any application received will be assessed under the revised eligibility criteria for coastal...

Written Answers — Department of Public Expenditure and Reform: Garda Station Closures (12 Feb 2013)

Brian Hayes: The OPW is required to manage its property portfolio in the most efficient and effective manner that provides the optimum value to the taxpayer. The policy with regard to closed Garda stations is as follows: 1. Identify, in the first instance, if other State Bodies, including government departments and the wider public sector has a use for the property. 2. If there is no other State use...

Written Answers — Department of Public Expenditure and Reform: Garda Station Closures (12 Feb 2013)

Brian Hayes: There is no agreement in place providing rights to any adjacent property owner for the purchase of Ballacolla Garda Station. There are reciprocal rights of access between the Office Of Public Works and the owner of the former Garda residence to the rear of the Garda station to allow access to each others property for the purpose of maintaining shared services.