Results 2,161-2,180 of 14,706 for speaker:Phil Hogan

Written Answers — Department of Environment, Community and Local Government: Capital Programme Expenditure (10 Dec 2013)

Phil Hogan: I propose to take Questions Nos. 337 and 340 together. My Department is responsible for a wide range of capital programmes, including in the areas of housing, water services, environmental protection, local government services, and community and rural development. The Revised Estimates for Public Services 2013, published by the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform earlier this...

Written Answers — Department of Environment, Community and Local Government: Water and Sewerage Schemes Status (10 Dec 2013)

Phil Hogan: The Kinvara Sewerage Scheme is included as a Network Contract and a Waste Water Treatment Plant Upgrade contract to start in my Department’s Water Services Investment Programme 2010 – 2013. My Department approved Galway County Council’s Design Review Report for the scheme in January 2012. I understand that the Council is currently preparing Contract Documents for the scheme.

Written Answers — Department of Environment, Community and Local Government: Building Regulations Application (10 Dec 2013)

Phil Hogan: I propose to take Questions Nos. 341 and 343 together. The Building Control Acts 1990 to 2007 set out a clear statutory framework for construction activity based on:- clear legal standards as set out in the Building Regulations; - detailed Technical Guidance Documents to outline how these standards can be achieved in practice; - the burden and responsibility for compliance resting first...

Written Answers — Department of Environment, Community and Local Government: Animal Breeding Regulations (10 Dec 2013)

Phil Hogan: The implementation of the Dog Breeding Establishments Act is a matter for local authorities, who also hold information in relation to dog breeding establishments registered with them.  My Department publishes data annually concerning the dog control functions of local authorities, including information on the number of dog breeding establishments registered by each local authority. ...

Other Questions: Pyrite Resolution Board Membership (5 Dec 2013)

Phil Hogan: As Deputies Clare Daly and Ellis will be aware, the State has no responsibility whatsoever in this.

Other Questions: Pyrite Resolution Board Membership (5 Dec 2013)

Phil Hogan: That is the legal position. I know Deputy Clare Daly does not have to accept it. Notwithstanding that, like Priory Hall, I have made a considerable effort to resolve this issue. I acknowledge the significant work of our late good friend, Shane McEntee, the first anniversary of whose untimely death is approaching. Because of that, I would be looking for the co-operation of all groups in...

Other Questions: Pyrite Resolution Board Membership (5 Dec 2013)

Phil Hogan: These questions are in the names of Deputy Cowen and Deputy Ellis. Earlier this year, my colleague, the Minister of State for housing and planning, Deputy Jan O'Sullivan, published the Government's homelessness policy statement in which the Government's aim to end long-term homelessness by the end of 2016 was outlined. I indicated already, on Question No. 7, much of the response of the...

Other Questions: Pyrite Resolution Board Membership (5 Dec 2013)

Phil Hogan: NAMA properties generally that were put forward were not only for the homeless but for all social housing provision. There have been a number of difficulties, not only with the financial allocations but also with the number of legal issues in relation to some of these estates. I agree with Deputy Cowen that it is not an matter of throwing money at the problem. There is far too much being...

Other Questions: Unfinished Housing Developments (5 Dec 2013)

Phil Hogan: The Deputies correctly referred to demand for social housing and the need for new initiatives to address social housing provision. I alluded to a number of initiatives being taken by the Department. We are also reviewing housing policy to ascertain whether more can be done. The condition of the 40 housing estates to be demolished is such that it would cost a substantial amount to rectify...

Other Questions: Fire Safety Regulations (5 Dec 2013)

Phil Hogan: As the Deputy noted, I do not have direct responsibility for this matter, although I have responsibility for policy. While the Fire Safety Acts and their implementation are matters for each fire authority, we continue to be in touch with local authorities about this very important issue. I have taken a number of initiatives this year with regard to problems in certain developments,...

Other Questions: Fire Safety Regulations (5 Dec 2013)

Phil Hogan: I will not assume the role the Deputy has assumed of being an inspector for fire service provision for a particular dwelling. If she provides me with details, I will have the case investigated. I will not micro-manage the system as fire safety is a devolved function to local authorities. Perhaps the Deputy has a close relationship with the local authority in question. If she makes...

Other Questions: Fire Safety Regulations (5 Dec 2013)

Phil Hogan: I did not see them.

Other Questions: Fire Safety Regulations (5 Dec 2013)

Phil Hogan: I take what the Deputy has said at face value as she is not prone to exaggeration. If she provides details of the case, I will be glad to investigate it. I provided a great deal of information on estates during my previous appearance in the House at Question Time. Perhaps the Deputy was pleased to receive additional information of which she might not have been aware.

Other Questions: Pyrite Resolution Board Membership (5 Dec 2013)

Phil Hogan: I have always made it clear that I believe the parties identified in the report of the independent pyrite panel as having a responsibility to provide solutions for affected homeowners should contribute to the resolution of the pyrite issue. In the past 18 months or thereabouts I have tried to bring about a resolution of the issue involving these parties. Unfortunately, this did not prove...

Other Questions: International Agreements (5 Dec 2013)

Phil Hogan: In the absence of substantial research activity being carried out in Antarctica by the State, Ireland would not enjoy voting rights under the treaty even if it signed and ratified it. I do not know what useful purpose there would be in prioritising it, but we will work with our partners in the European Union, as we do on all issues relating to climate change, and we will make our views known...

Other Questions: Electoral Reform (5 Dec 2013)

Phil Hogan: The Electoral (Amendment) (Political Funding) Act (Commencement) Order 2012, signed on 27 September 2012, commenced sections 1, 2, 27 and 40 to 44, inclusive, of the Act with effect from that date. Sections 1 and 2 contain technical provisions. Sections 27, 40 and 41 introduced requirements on registered political parties to furnish an annual statement of accounts to the Standards in Public...

Other Questions: Local Authority Housing Issues (5 Dec 2013)

Phil Hogan: The rental accommodation scheme is operated by the Department in conjunction with the Department of Social Protection. Approximately €50 million will be spent in 2013 on assisting local authorities in providing essential accommodation under certain criteria for particular clients on their social housing lists. The same sum will be available in 2014, in conjunction with the Department...

Other Questions: Local Authority Housing Issues (5 Dec 2013)

Phil Hogan: With regard to Deputy Stanley's question, I will get the figures for him on the social leasing scheme. I do not have them with me today, but I will provide the information for 2013 and 2014.

Other Questions: Local Authority Housing Issues (5 Dec 2013)

Phil Hogan: It is not included in my reply, and I apologise for that. I will refer back to the Deputy with the figure later today. On housing policy in general, the Department is reviewing the policy and the Minister of State, Deputy Jan O'Sullivan, is very conscious that new initiatives are required. We must also get the incremental purchase scheme up and running, apart from the direct provision we...

Other Questions: Unfinished Housing Developments (5 Dec 2013)

Phil Hogan: A total of 40 estates are earmarked for demolition in 2014. They have been identified at this stage but, for commercially sensitive reasons, we are not able to give the Deputy their locations. We expect to proceed with that in 2014, with the co-operation of the unfinished estates resolution panel and the local authorities.