Results 2,001-2,020 of 7,278 for speaker:Dick Roche

Carbon Fund Bill 2006: Second Stage (14 Dec 2006)

Dick Roche: I will give my response during my reply.

Carbon Fund Bill 2006: Second Stage (14 Dec 2006)

Dick Roche: I was not aware the debate would conclude this evening. My understanding is that a fuller debate will be allowed. I hope this is the case.

Carbon Fund Bill 2006: Second Stage (14 Dec 2006)

Dick Roche: Deputy Cregan is offering. I beg the Leas-Cheann Comhairle's pardon.

Carbon Fund Bill 2006: Second Stage (14 Dec 2006)

Dick Roche: I move: "That the Bill be now read a Second Time." The Government is committed to meeting Ireland's greenhouse gas emissions reduction target for the purpose of the Kyoto Protocol and we will do so in a manner which is logical and structured but without interfering in the growth and development of the nation. The fundamental elements of our strategy for meeting our target involve domestic...

Carbon Fund Bill 2006: Second Stage (14 Dec 2006)

Dick Roche: A good case could be made for conserving bogs because they are important to biodiversity and act as carbon sinks. This Government has done more than any previous one to designate bogs for protection. However, Deputy Gilmore's proposal could be very expensive. Who would explain to the workers in the two newly constructed peat power stations in the midlands why they are losing their jobs?...

Carbon Fund Bill 2006: Second Stage (14 Dec 2006)

Dick Roche: Any balanced judgment would suggest that such a ban is not a good idea.

Carbon Fund Bill 2006: Second Stage (14 Dec 2006)

Dick Roche: Deputy Cuffe suggested at a meeting of the Joint Committee on Environment and Local Government that we should reduce the significant level of investment we are making in motorways and invest those moneys in public transport. He made the valid point that public transport is important if we are to cut our emissions. I remind him that the Government is investing a great deal of money in...

Seanad: Local Government (Business Improvement Districts) Bill 2006 [Seanad Bill amended by the Dáil]: Report and Final Stages (14 Dec 2006)

Dick Roche: I welcome the opportunity to discuss this important legislation introduced in the Seanad by my colleague, Minister of State, Deputy Bat O'Keeffe, in June 2006. Senators present for that debate will recall that the main purpose of the Bill is to introduce a statutory basis for the operation of the business improvement district schemes in Ireland. I will now address the amendments made in the...

Seanad: Local Government (Business Improvement Districts) Bill 2006 [Seanad Bill amended by the Dáil]: Report and Final Stages (14 Dec 2006)

Dick Roche: I thank the Senators. Senator Brady made his point well. Local government is now big business. Close on €1 billion will be transferred under the heading of the general purposes grant from central government. The local authorities will raise approximately €600 million in development levies. It is important that councillors know exactly what they receive. Between current and capital...

Seanad: Local Government (Business Improvement Districts) Bill 2006 [Seanad Bill amended by the Dáil]: Report and Final Stages (14 Dec 2006)

Dick Roche: This amendment requires the rating authority to prepare a report on the submissions received by it following consultation on the business proposal under section 129(e). The objective of this amendment is to ensure reports are available to the public and members of the local authority. A key to the ultimate success of any BID proposal will be the extent to which there is meaningful...

Seanad: Local Government (Business Improvement Districts) Bill 2006 [Seanad Bill amended by the Dáil]: Report and Final Stages (14 Dec 2006)

Dick Roche: Senator Bannon made several good points. I agree that shopping locally makes good sense for a variety reasons. In addition to the argument put forth by Senator Bannon, it makes psychological sense because it means one does not drive oneself daft looking for a parking space. It is also better from an environmental perspective. Senator Bannon expressed particular concern that these proposals...

Seanad: Local Government (Business Improvement Districts) Bill 2006 [Seanad Bill amended by the Dáil]: Report and Final Stages (14 Dec 2006)

Dick Roche: This is a technical amendment which provides for the commencement of section 1, which is necessary for section 5 of the Bill, as passed by the Seanad, to come into effect. Section 5 provides that newly erected properties will be liable to pay a levy to local authorities from the date the properties are entered into. This ends the existing rating holiday whereby it is possible for a new...

Seanad: Local Government (Business Improvement Districts) Bill 2006 [Seanad Bill amended by the Dáil]: Report and Final Stages (14 Dec 2006)

Dick Roche: I have sympathy for those affected by the floods in the midlands. I have indicated to colleagues in the Lower House that I will assist in any way possible. On last night's Adjournment it was inquired whether the Army might be available to assist farmers with distributing fodder. Deputy Finneran was engaged with the Minister for Defence on this. I thank Senator Bannon for raising it even...

Seanad: Local Government (Business Improvement Districts) Bill 2006 [Seanad Bill amended by the Dáil]: Report and Final Stages (14 Dec 2006)

Dick Roche: I thank Senator Bannon and Senator Brady for their co-operation with this legislation. It was unfortunate that the time allocated for the Bill in the Lower House was less than that allocated in this House. It is hoped to get the scheme up and running quickly. I took on board some Opposition amendments because this is a good project. In future, the business community will look back on this...

International Agreements: Motions (14 Dec 2006)

Dick Roche: I move: That Dáil Éireann approves the terms of an agreement between Ireland and the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development (the World Bank) on participation in the Carbon Fund for Europe, copies of which were laid before Dáil Éireann on 8th December 2006.

International Agreements: Motions (14 Dec 2006)

Dick Roche: I move: That Dáil Éireann approves the terms of an agreement between Ireland and the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development (the World Bank) on participation in the second tranche of the BioCarbon Fund, copies of which were laid before Dáil Éireann on 8th December 2006.

Order of Business. (14 Dec 2006)

Dick Roche: The Deputy wants to close businesses.

Order of Business. (14 Dec 2006)

Dick Roche: That is nonsense.

Written Answers — Water and Sewerage Schemes: Water and Sewerage Schemes (13 Dec 2006)

Dick Roche: Finuge Village is part of Phase 1 of the Kerry Villages Waste Water which is included in my Department's Water Services Investment Programme 2005-2007 as a scheme to commence construction in 2007. My Department is currently awaiting submission by Kerry County Council of a Preliminary Report for the scheme. I understand that the Council is also developing a countywide strategy to optimise...

Written Answers — Water and Sewerage Schemes: Water and Sewerage Schemes (13 Dec 2006)

Dick Roche: I refer to the reply to Question No. 686 of 24 October 2006. The position is unchanged.