Results 2,541-2,560 of 7,278 for speaker:Dick Roche

National Climate Change Strategy. (8 Nov 2006)

Dick Roche: If the same circular letter is sent 500 times ——

National Climate Change Strategy. (8 Nov 2006)

Dick Roche: In answer to the Deputy's second question, I think we will reach our target. We have already identified 14.6 million tonnes of savings out of a target of almost 15.3 million tonnes, as well as a series of measures which were not calculated as part of the 14.6 million tonnes but will take us beyond the target. The bioheat programme could allow for reductions of 160,000 tonnes, a figure which...

National Climate Change Strategy. (8 Nov 2006)

Dick Roche: I do not have that information to hand but I will revert to the Deputy with it. The submissions will be published in due course. I do not agree with the hypothesis that Ireland, uniquely, should establish a legal mandatory limit. Of course it would be better if we did not have to buy carbon credits but, whether a tonne of carbon is produced in Dublin or New Delhi, the same problem arises...

Housing Grants. (8 Nov 2006)

Dick Roche: During the 1990s, the Radiological Protection Institute of Ireland carried out a nationwide survey of radon gas in domestic dwellings. The survey involved the measurement of radon in approximately 11,000 houses nationwide. Based on the results of this survey, the RPII estimated that approximately 7% of the national housing stock, 91,000 houses, have radon concentration levels in excess of...

Housing Grants. (8 Nov 2006)

Dick Roche: It is not quite the same thing.

Housing Grants. (8 Nov 2006)

Dick Roche: Ventilation does not simply mean leaving windows and doors open.

Housing Grants. (8 Nov 2006)

Dick Roche: While I appreciate the humour, it is not necessarily counter to the advice on insulation. We will leave that to one side.

Housing Grants. (8 Nov 2006)

Dick Roche: To the extent that anybody advises people to leave their windows or doors open, I will remove that advice. Discussion on the introduction of a radon gas remedial works grant scheme took place in 1997 and I believe it was announced that such a scheme would be introduced. Again, it was to be subject to moneys being found in the then relevant Departments and as the Deputy knows, that did not...

Housing Grants. (8 Nov 2006)

Dick Roche: I will think about the Deputy's last point, although I am not making a promise on it. I am aware this is an issue in which he has taken a particular interest. The other point the Deputy made is good. Part C of the Building Regulations 1997 and the technical guidance document provide the basis on which buildings should be dealt with. We do not have statistics on it but the Deputy may have...

Housing Grants. (8 Nov 2006)

Dick Roche: I was aware of that but there were cases where, for example, membranes were put down in a careless way. That defeats the entire purpose and to the extent that is happening, it must be stopped. I thank the Deputy for his contribution.

Motor Taxation. (8 Nov 2006)

Dick Roche: I am currently examining the feasibility of more closely aligning motor taxation with rated CO2 emissions particularly for the private car category which accounts for nearly 80% of the national vehicle fleet. No decisions have yet been made on the specific changes that may emerge from this exercise; current motor tax rates have remained unchanged since 2004. However, I will be ensuring that...

Motor Taxation. (8 Nov 2006)

Dick Roche: I do not want to anticipate any changes of a fiscal nature that might be made, and motor taxation in general is of a fiscal nature, but the Deputy is correct. The national vehicle fleet including cars, vans etc. on our roads has increased steadily and as I said when Deputy O'Dowd was not listening——

Motor Taxation. (8 Nov 2006)

Dick Roche: ——the collection rate for motor tax has improved significantly. It is up 10% while the vehicle fleet grew only 6% last year. This could be done in a way that is revenue neutral or in a way that is not revenue neutral. The general point I am making is that it would be a good idea to move to charging a tax, which more directly reflects the emissions from the pipe of a vehicle. That is...

Motor Taxation. (8 Nov 2006)

Dick Roche: The Deputy knows I am not a shrinking violet; I am inclined to grasp difficult positions. I have listened to what he said.

Motor Taxation. (8 Nov 2006)

Dick Roche: I am grateful for that, although he does not always support me. I do not have figures on the largest number of individual vehicle miles. I will inquire if we have HGV figures but if he wants to put down a written question I will get them for the Deputy.

Waste Management. (8 Nov 2006)

Dick Roche: I propose to take Questions Nos. 10, 13 and 119 together. Irish waste management policy is based on the internationally recognised integrated approach to waste management, the main emphasis of which is on waste prevention, reuse and recycling. Landfill is the least preferable option from an environmental perspective. It is planned to decrease its contribution over time as recycling levels...

Waste Management. (8 Nov 2006)

Dick Roche: Yes. I have initiated a process of public consultation on the future economic regulation of the waste management sector. That process has attracted over 50 submissions, including a submission from the industry body that was mentioned in one of the questions. The wide-ranging remit of the process of public consultation has been approved by the Government. The process will have regard to...

Waste Management. (8 Nov 2006)

Dick Roche: We have made €100 million available since 2002.

Waste Management. (8 Nov 2006)

Dick Roche: The Deputy is correct. I am familiar with the industry. I would like to strike a note of caution. Deputies are familiar with Adam Smith's comment that when two businessmen get together, they sometimes conspire against the public interest. A degree of special pleading is taking place, particularly on the part of the Confederation of European Waste-to-Energy Plants. The basic argument...

Waste Management. (8 Nov 2006)

Dick Roche: Such facilities make it much easier for people to recycle. A general review of the whole area of waste regulation is under way, as I have said. The self-serving arguments which are being made by some interests within the industry have to be balanced with the public good.