Results 20,801-20,820 of 20,934 for speaker:Mattie McGrath

Accountability of Government Agencies and Companies: Motion (Resumed) (11 Nov 2009)

Mattie McGrath: While the Government is to be commended on its achievements in upgrading our roads and public transport infrastructure, issues arise with regard to CIE and accountability in the National Roads Authority. As a member of a Government party, I am restrained and must vote with the Government to keep it in business. I will not, however, be gagged or silenced on the National Roads Authority.

Accountability of Government Agencies and Companies: Motion (Resumed) (11 Nov 2009)

Mattie McGrath: Deputy Dooley is well able to speak on his own behalf. I appreciate that some fascinating, imaginative and constructive work has been done in many road projects. The M50 upgrade is a case in point, while the Red Cow interchange is a fine example of well designed infrastructure that works well. Many of those who drove past the construction site in the past two and a half years did not...

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

Mattie McGrath: Question 367: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government his progress on the plan for housing delivering homes and sustaining communities; the funding of this plan to date in 2009; his views on whether the goals of this plan are achievable; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40256/09]

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

Mattie McGrath: Question 368: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the number of approved applicants waiting to be housed throughout the State; the number waiting in south Tipperary; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40257/09]

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

Mattie McGrath: Question 369: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the number of incremental purchase schemes in existence throughout the State; the number of persons that have applied under these schemes; if there has been a large interest in these schemes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40258/09]

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

Mattie McGrath: Question 370: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if his attention has been drawn to the number of applications under the housing adaptation schemes which had to be returned to applicants due to a lack of funding both throughout the State and in south Tipperary; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40259/09]

Written Answers — Work Permits: Work Permits (4 Nov 2009)

Mattie McGrath: Question 156: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the status of an employment permit application in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Tipperary; when she envisages the application will be dealt with; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [39446/09]

Government Charges on Businesses: Motion (21 Oct 2009)

Mattie McGrath: I support the Government amendment. As other speakers have said, it is all about restoring our competitiveness. It is important that we remain competitive and return to where we used to be. I acknowledge the measures taken by the Government to help enterprises, especially in the SME sector. We are currently acting at too slow a pace and I urge the Minister and his colleagues to do more to...

Written Answers — Higher Education Grants: Higher Education Grants (20 Oct 2009)

Mattie McGrath: Question 589: To ask the Minister for Education and Science the criteria that is used by vocational education committees when determining the bill type which is acceptable as a utility bill when assessing candidates as independent mature candidates; the utility bills that are acceptable when assessing such applications to local VECs; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36790/09]

Site Acquisitions. (14 Oct 2009)

Mattie McGrath: Ba mhaith liom cúpla nóimeíd a ghabháil don rud uafásach. I wish to raise the matter of a site for Gaelscoil Chluain Meala in my home town in Tipperary. It is an important matter but it has proven very difficult, as there has been a long gestation period in the search for a new school for the community. This perilous position has persisted for almost 15 years. There is a wonderful...

Written Answers — Grant Payments: Grant Payments (14 Oct 2009)

Mattie McGrath: Question 296: To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when the area aid premiums will be paid to a person (details supplied) in County Tipperary in view of the fact that the delay in payment is causing hardship; if he will ensure this payment will be awarded as soon as possible; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36083/09]

Written Answers — Grant Payments: Grant Payments (14 Oct 2009)

Mattie McGrath: Question 297: To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when the area aid premiums will be awarded to a person (details supplied) in County Tipperary in view of the fact that the delay is causing hardship; if he will ensure this payment will be awarded as soon as possible; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36084/09]

Written Answers — Road Network: Road Network (13 Oct 2009)

Mattie McGrath: Question 217: To ask the Minister for Transport the position in relation to the National Roads Authority taking over regional and local roads; the person who made the decision to transfer these powers to the NRA from the local authorities; the persons consulted in the decision making process; when the change is due to take place; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35344/09]

FÁS: Motion (Resumed) (7 Oct 2009)

Mattie McGrath: It is with a heavy heart that I stand here this evening to speak on this Private Members' motion on what happened at FÁS. I can remember a good many years ago when we started off with AnCO and then moved on to FÁS. I mention the organisation's many schemes, such as the community employment schemes, the social economy schemes and community service programmes, its proud history and the...

National Asset Management Agency Bill 2009: Second Stage (Resumed) (7 Oct 2009)

Mattie McGrath: I thank Deputy Hayes for prompting me on what he would like me to say. I welcome the publication of the National Asset Management Agency Bill and I take the opportunity to congratulate our Minister, Deputy Brian Lenihan, on his excellent work on the matter. He has shown great leadership in recent months and, while the job he has been given is extremely difficult, he is doing a good job of...

National Asset Management Agency Bill 2009: Second Stage (Resumed) (7 Oct 2009)

Mattie McGrath: I was concerned about the major risk that we as a Government are taking on, and shared the concerns of every citizen in Ireland. Many of us did not and still do not understand how NAMA will work and are worried about whether it will work out. I was obliged to raise these concerns on behalf of my constituents recently. I am pleased the Minister took steps to make his proposed legislation...

Written Answers — Local Authority Charges: Local Authority Charges (23 Sep 2009)

Mattie McGrath: Question 154: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the situation regarding the new property tax in respect of a person who owns one house here, which is their principal residence while in the country, but who also owns another home in another country as they work between both countries; whether they would be obliged to pay the new tax; and if he will make a...

Written Answers — Communications Masts: Communications Masts (22 Sep 2009)

Mattie McGrath: Question 92: To ask the Minister for Finance his policy on the erection of communication masts at Garda stations; if the masts require planning permission; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32041/09]

Public Appointments Transparency Bill 2008: Second Stage. (22 Sep 2009)

Mattie McGrath: I also compliment Deputy Varadkar on his initiative in bringing forward this legislation. I wish to pay tribute to the Minister of State, Deputy Mansergh, a colleague of mine in the South Tipperary constituency, on the role he played as an adviser to many former Taoisigh and various Departments before becoming a Member of the Houses. The Bill proposes that Oireachtas committees should...

Criminal Law (Home Defence) Bill 2009: Second Stage (17 Sep 2009)

Mattie McGrath: I wish to share time with Deputies Conlon, Collins and Johnny Brady. The subject matter of the Bill before the House is of considerable interest to Members and citizens. It is also an issue in which I have a keen interest. We are all aware of cases in which persons have entered a house or property without adequate excuse and with criminal intent, resulting in injury or death. Such cases...