Results 2,461-2,480 of 7,983 for speaker:Peter Burke

Select Committee on Housing, Planning and Local Government: Regulation of Providers of Building Works Bill 2022: Committee Stage (3 Mar 2022)

Peter Burke: It is a very difficult issue around which to set parameters. My view is that when you have an independent board that has the skill set, it will be acting in the public interest, especially when they are being appointed and we have committed to the board having the required skills and experience to enable it to discharge its functions. It provides a significant safeguard with regard to how...

Select Committee on Housing, Planning and Local Government: Regulation of Providers of Building Works Bill 2022: Committee Stage (3 Mar 2022)

Peter Burke: We will have a look at that and revert to the committee.

Select Committee on Housing, Planning and Local Government: Regulation of Providers of Building Works Bill 2022: Committee Stage (3 Mar 2022)

Peter Burke: This section deals with the competence criteria by which the board shall determine an applicants’ suitability for registration and includes the relevant standards, building regulations and other appropriate regulations. A provider of building works has certain obligations under the construction products regulation so it is appropriate to include this in the list of requirements....

Select Committee on Housing, Planning and Local Government: Regulation of Providers of Building Works Bill 2022: Committee Stage (3 Mar 2022)

Peter Burke: I must, unfortunately, oppose amendment No. 29. It seeks to require an applicant for registration to possess latent defects insurance. Latent defects insurance is taken out on a project-by-project basis and it is not practical that registration could be conditioned on the possession of such insurance. In addition, while a builder of residential or non-residential buildings should possess...

Select Committee on Housing, Planning and Local Government: Regulation of Providers of Building Works Bill 2022: Committee Stage (3 Mar 2022)

Peter Burke: The Deputy's point is well made and we will consider how we can further promote latent defects insurance. Specifically on the amendment, such insurance is not attached to the entity but to the project. That is why we cannot accept the amendment.

Select Committee on Housing, Planning and Local Government: Regulation of Providers of Building Works Bill 2022: Committee Stage (3 Mar 2022)

Peter Burke: I must oppose these amendments Nos. 30 to 32, inclusive. This section requires an applicant to confirm any convictions for certain relevant offences or orders under the Building Control Act 1990 within the previous ten years or since the establishment of the register, whichever is the shorter period. The legal advice is that any amendment would need to consider the relevant provisions and...

Select Committee on Housing, Planning and Local Government: Regulation of Providers of Building Works Bill 2022: Committee Stage (3 Mar 2022)

Peter Burke: That absolutely is the legal advice from the Attorney General's office, which we have to consider. We can take a further look at it but at this point in time, the advice is very clear that to go back into the past one has to consider that. I am not a legal expert. That is the advice from the Attorney General's office.

Select Committee on Housing, Planning and Local Government: Regulation of Providers of Building Works Bill 2022: Committee Stage (3 Mar 2022)

Peter Burke: We are still considering it. That is just the advice at the moment.

Select Committee on Housing, Planning and Local Government: Regulation of Providers of Building Works Bill 2022: Committee Stage (3 Mar 2022)

Peter Burke: We will look at it. We are still considering it. I just need to be honest and frank that this is the advice at the moment. I can understand the point the Deputy makes.

Select Committee on Housing, Planning and Local Government: Regulation of Providers of Building Works Bill 2022: Committee Stage (3 Mar 2022)

Peter Burke: I am advised it is adequate time for the board to meet and approve it.

Select Committee on Housing, Planning and Local Government: Regulation of Providers of Building Works Bill 2022: Committee Stage (3 Mar 2022)

Peter Burke: I will read the substantive reply, which may provide some good news for the Deputy. Amendments Nos. 33 and 34 seek to shorten from 90 days to 20 days the period within which the board must make a decision on any application for registration or renewal. A meeting of the board is required to make a decision on an application for registration or renewal and so 20 days is not sufficient....

Select Committee on Housing, Planning and Local Government: Regulation of Providers of Building Works Bill 2022: Committee Stage (3 Mar 2022)

Peter Burke: We will not be accepting this amendment as the Bill provides a wide range of training providers that can be used by registrants to provide evidence of continuing professional development, CPD. Sections 28 and 29 of the Bill, in relation to competence criteria and eligibility for registration, provide that the Minister or the board may consult with SOLAS, among other bodies, when determining...

Seanad: Housing Policy: Motion (2 Mar 2022)

Peter Burke: I thank the Civil Engagement Group for its motion, all the Senators who spoke on the motion and those in the Gallery for listening to the debate. In the first instance, I will outline where I am coming from in the debate. It is as someone who holds a weekly clinic in my home town of Mullingar and hears every week from many vulnerable people who are looking for sustainable housing solutions...

Written Answers — Department of Housing, Planning, and Local Government: Vacant Properties (2 Mar 2022)

Peter Burke: Addressing vacancy and maximising the use of existing housing stock is a primary concern of this Government, as demonstrated by one of the four pathways dedicated solely to this priority area in the new Housing for All strategy. The most recent figures available from Census 2016 indicate that there were 183,000 vacant homes nationwide, a 20% reduction on figures reported in Census 2011...

Written Answers — Department of Education and Skills: School Admissions (2 Mar 2022)

Peter Burke: 131. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the future planning requirement for primary school places in Mullingar with specific reference to current demand versus the number of places that are available; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11890/22]

Written Answers — Department of Justice and Equality: Student Visas (2 Mar 2022)

Peter Burke: 148. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality the average processing time for student visas, both short stay C visas and long stay D visas; the actions she will take to ensure that visas are processed in a timely manner; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11822/22]

Written Answers — Department of Justice and Equality: Student Visas (2 Mar 2022)

Peter Burke: 149. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality the measures that are in place to ensure the timely delivery of student visas for student applicants travelling from Nigeria to pursue periods of study in third-level colleges. [11823/22]

Written Answers — Department of Justice and Equality: Student Visas (2 Mar 2022)

Peter Burke: 150. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality the way that the processing time of visa applications can be expedited to ensure competitive markets are tapped into by third-level colleges in view of investment into student recruitment drives to countries such as Nigeria; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11824/22]

Seanad: Situation in the Middle East: Statements (1 Mar 2022)

Peter Burke: I thank all of the Senators for their remarks. Many points have been raised and I will address a few on behalf of the Minister for Foreign Affairs, Deputy Coveney, and the Minister of State, Deputy Colm Brophy. I underline that the Government shares the concerns of Senators regarding the situation in Israel and the occupied Palestinian territories, and the plight of the Palestinian people....

Written Answers — Department of Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht: Arts Policy (1 Mar 2022)

Peter Burke: 335. To ask the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht when the live performance support scheme No. 4 will be open to new entrants; when the closing date will be; and the timeframe that will be covered by this scheme. [11692/22]