Results 24,741-24,760 of 27,613 for speaker:Heather Humphreys

Written Answers — Department of Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht: Departmental Properties (22 Nov 2016)

Heather Humphreys: The management of properties occupied by staff of my Department and of those bodies under its aegis in the Dublin City Council area is in general a matter for the Office of Public Works. However, I am advised that Waterways Ireland, one of the two North-South Implementation Bodies co-sponsored by my Department, owns the Royal Canal and Grand Canal corridors and their adjoining towpaths...

Written Answers — Department of Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht: World Heritage Sites (22 Nov 2016)

Heather Humphreys: The report in question is the responsibility of the Office of Public Works (OPW), as managers of the particular World Heritage site referred to. I understand from OPW that the full record of the conservation works undertaken over a number of years will be published in accordance with UNESCO requirements. The compilation of the report, which will form a substantial series of volumes, has been...

Written Answers — Department of Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht: Historical Records (22 Nov 2016)

Heather Humphreys: There exist a number of historically important original documents in the possession of the State written by Pádraig Pearse during the 1916 Rising and during his subsequent imprisonment. Following consultation with the relevant institutions under the aegis of my Department, it is a shared view that the amount being sought for this one letter – between €1m and €1.5m -...

Seanad: Heritage Bill 2016: Committee Stage (Resumed) (17 Nov 2016)

Heather Humphreys: Go raibh maith agat. I just wanted to-----

Seanad: Heritage Bill 2016: Committee Stage (Resumed) (17 Nov 2016)

Heather Humphreys: I am sorry.

Seanad: Heritage Bill 2016: Committee Stage (Resumed) (17 Nov 2016)

Heather Humphreys: I will respond to some of the concerns raised by Senators at our last meeting. I recognise that hedgerows are important wildlife habitats, providing food, shelter, corridors of movement, nests and hibernation sites for many of our native flora and fauna. It has always been my intention that the change in the timing of cutting set out in section 8 of the Bill would not interfere with any of...

Seanad: Heritage Bill 2016: Committee Stage (Resumed) (17 Nov 2016)

Heather Humphreys: I thank all Senators for their contributions. All birds are protected under existing law. It is incumbent on anyone cutting a hedge not to interfere with nests or birds during the period in which they are allowed to cut. It is incumbent on them under the rules and regulations not to do so.

Seanad: Heritage Bill 2016: Committee Stage (Resumed) (17 Nov 2016)

Heather Humphreys: It is incumbent on anyone cutting a hedge not to interfere with birds or nests. There seems to be a misunderstanding about this and I have consulted widely on the Bill. The Senator referred to a letter about a meeting. I have met those involved in the environmental pillar. They were consulted and those concerned sent me a letter shortly after I had met them. I do not know how many times...

Seanad: Heritage Bill 2016: Committee Stage (Resumed) (17 Nov 2016)

Heather Humphreys: No; it is included in the regulations.

Seanad: Heritage Bill 2016: Committee Stage (Resumed) (17 Nov 2016)

Heather Humphreys: If farmers and others need to carry out heavier cutting of hedges, including grubbing or flailing, they must do so during the existing permitted period, from 1 September to the end of February. They cannot do so in August.

Seanad: Heritage Bill 2016: Committee Stage (Resumed) (17 Nov 2016)

Heather Humphreys: I acknowledge that the Bill may appear complex and complicated to some, but I am happy to work through it and address the Senators' concerns. I informed Senators last week that I would accept the first part of amendment No. 6 in principle as it provided for the inclusion of notices served by a local authority on landowners under section 70(2) of the Roads Acts as an exempted activity under...

Seanad: Heritage Bill 2016: Committee Stage (Resumed) (17 Nov 2016)

Heather Humphreys: I was told that this Bill was too long and too complicated. What I was saying is that I am happy to sit here with the Senators and go through it line by line because I do accept that it is complicated and that there are a number of different issues within it. Let me make it very clear that hedges impact on road safety. We accept that. It can happen. I have responsibility for the dates...

Seanad: Heritage Bill 2016: Committee Stage (Resumed) (17 Nov 2016)

Heather Humphreys: What Senator Higgins referred to will be dealt with in section 8 of the Bill; I am currently dealing with section 1 and section 10.

Written Answers — Department of Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht: Departmental Funding (17 Nov 2016)

Heather Humphreys: Since 2011, funding has been provided by my Department, by way of grant aid, as a contribution to the Green Schools programme, an environmental education programme for schools administered by An Taisce. This funding is reviewed on an annual basis. Grants have also been provided on occasion to help fund biodiversity awareness projects carried out by An Taisce, such as the Nature’s Way...

Written Answers — Department of Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht: Wildlife Rangers Appointments (17 Nov 2016)

Heather Humphreys: My Department is currently working with the Public Appointments Service to create a Conservation Ranger panel from which gaps across the country will be filled. The campaign was advertised by the Public Appointments Service on 11 November 2016 , on , and is open for applications until the 1 stDecember.

Written Answers — Department of Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht: Easter Rising Commemorations (17 Nov 2016)

Heather Humphreys: I propose to take Questions Nos. 195 and 196 together. There exist a number of historically important original documents in the possession of the State written by Pádraig Pearse during the 1916 Rising and during his subsequent imprisonment. Following consultation with the relevant institutions under the aegis of my Department, it is a shared view that the amount being sought for...

Post Office Network: Motion [Private Members] (16 Nov 2016)

Heather Humphreys: I acknowledge the commitment shown by the Deputies who have spoken on this motion. I also acknowledge the presence in the Visitors Gallery of members of the Irish Postmasters' Union. It is clear from what has been said that there is a strong wish for the post office network not only to survive, but to thrive in an increasingly digital world. I commend the Members on bringing the motion...

Written Answers — Department of Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht: Urban Renewal Schemes (15 Nov 2016)

Heather Humphreys: Action 5.12 of the Action Plan for Housing and Homelessness contains a commitment that my Department and the Department of Housing, Planning, Community and Local Government will work together to provide funding for a range of demonstration projects across the country as part of the Town and Village Renewal Initiative. The objective of this action is to support the revitalisation of towns and...

Written Answers — Department of Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht: Forestry Sector (15 Nov 2016)

Heather Humphreys: Officials of my Department visited the site in question and met with relevant individuals late last year and subsequently reported on the matter. Targeted tree planning has been carried out at the site - originally a plantation which had become neglected over the past 25 years - as part of a ten year management plan for the woodland to encourage natural regeneration. The activities...

Written Answers — Department of Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht: Hare Coursing (10 Nov 2016)

Heather Humphreys: I refer to the Deputy to my reply to Parliamentary Question No 140 of 8 November 2016.Staff of my Department were present at this coursing event to monitor it and I have asked for a report on the matter.