Results 2,841-2,860 of 9,994 for speaker:John Gormley

Written Answers — Electoral Register: Electoral Register (13 Oct 2009)

John Gormley: In law, the preparation of the Register of Electors is a matter for each local registration authority. It is their duty to ensure, as far as possible and with the cooperation of the public, the accuracy and comprehensiveness of the Register. In working to compile the Register for 2007/08, local authorities undertook and completed, with assistance from my Department, the most extensive...

Written Answers — Cultural Heritage: Cultural Heritage (13 Oct 2009)

John Gormley: The Convention for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage, which was adopted in 2003 relates to the intangible cultural heritage or living heritage. The ratification of the convention is a matter in the first instance for the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism in conjunction with the Department of Foreign Affairs. I have no function in this matter.

Written Answers — Motor Taxation: Motor Taxation (13 Oct 2009)

John Gormley: The surcharge on non-annual discs was designed to cover the higher administrative costs involved. Current surcharge levels are lower than the maximum permitted under motor tax law, and were slightly reduced in 2001. My Department is currently examining the legislation governing the operation of the motor tax system with a view to ensuring that the system can operate as efficiently and...

Written Answers — Tax Code: Tax Code (13 Oct 2009)

John Gormley: The Government has decided to broaden the revenue base of local authorities by introducing in this Act a charge on all non-principal private residences, including private rented accommodation, holiday homes and any other residential property that is not the owner's sole or main residence. The charge has been set at €200 per annum. A person who owns a property in this country which is not...

Written Answers — Water and Sewerage Schemes: Water and Sewerage Schemes (13 Oct 2009)

John Gormley: The combined Athea, Askeaton, Foynes, Glin and Shangolden Sewerage Scheme is included for funding in my Department's Water Services Investment Programme 2007-2009 and a Preliminary Report in respect of the scheme has been submitted to my Department. Local authorities were asked in July 2009 to submit an assessment of needs for water and sewerage services to my Department by 23 October 2009....

Written Answers — Building Control Measures: Building Control Measures (13 Oct 2009)

John Gormley: I refer to the reply to Questions Nos. 998, 1024, 1057 and 968 of 16 September 2009. I have no plans to suspend Part 3 of the Building Control Act 2007, which implements relevant Articles of the European Directive 2005/36/EC on the recognition of professional qualifications in respect of the architectural profession. Failure to implement Part 3 of the Act could leave the State in breach of...

Written Answers — Water Quality: Water Quality (13 Oct 2009)

John Gormley: Donegal County Council has submitted an application to my Department to carry out pipe replacement works on elements of the Rosses Regional Water Supply pipe network, including the Crolly area, under the Water Conservation Sub-Programme of my Department's Water Services Investment Programme. This proposal is under examination and will be dealt with a quickly as possible.

Written Answers — Turbary Rights: Turbary Rights (13 Oct 2009)

John Gormley: I understand the concerns of families who rely on turf-cutting for their domestic fuel supplies. There is no intention to restrict this activity on the vast majority of bogs within the State, where cutting may continue as before. The restrictions on domestic turf cutting on designated Raised Bogs affect only about 4% of the total area of bogland available for cutting. These restrictions are...

Written Answers — Grant Payments: Grant Payments (13 Oct 2009)

John Gormley: The initial 30% instalment of payment for participation in the Hen Harrier Farm Plan Scheme was approved for the person in question on 8 October 2009. The remaining 70% instalment for year one and the initial payment for year two will be paid together on completion of the first year of the relevant plan.

Written Answers — Tax Code: Tax Code (13 Oct 2009)

John Gormley: The Government has decided to broaden the revenue base of local authorities by introducing this charge on all non-principal private residences, including private rented accommodation, holiday homes and any other residential property that is not the owner's sole or main residence. The charge has been set at €200 per annum. The Local Government (Charges) Act 2009 is premised on a universal...

Written Answers — Water and Sewerage Schemes: Water and Sewerage Schemes (13 Oct 2009)

John Gormley: My Department awaits additional information from South Tipperary County Council in order to complete its examination of the Council's Preliminary Report for the Clonmel Town and Rural Water Supply Scheme, which is included for funding in my Department's Water Services Investment Programme 2007 – 2009. Local authorities were asked in July 2009 to submit an assessment of needs for water and...

Written Answers — Noise Pollution: Noise Pollution (13 Oct 2009)

John Gormley: There is a commitment to introduce comprehensive legislation on noise pollution within the lifetime of this Government. Earlier this year, following an extensive consultation process, the General Scheme of a Noise Nuisance Bill was prepared in my Department and approved by the Government. The Noise Nuisance Bill is included in Section A of the Government Legislation Programme published on 16...

Written Answers — EU Directives: EU Directives (13 Oct 2009)

John Gormley: Primary responsibility for the implementation of the Nitrates Regulations has rested with the local authorities since 2005. The Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food also checks for compliance with the Regulations during the cross-compliance inspections carried out as part of the Single Farm Payment scheme. Discussions are ongoing between my Department, the Department of Agriculture,...

Written Answers — Planning Issues: Planning Issues (13 Oct 2009)

John Gormley: The Planning and Development Act 2000, as amended, provides that planning authorities may zone and reserve lands as open space in their development plans and also facilitate the provision and siting of open space within their areas. Furthermore, the First Schedule to the Act provides that planning authorities may restrict, control and regulate the use and development of open space. The...

Written Answers — Local Government Services: Local Government Services (13 Oct 2009)

John Gormley: Under the Local Government Act 2001, responsibility for dealing with possible contraventions under the ethical framework for the local government service rests with local authorities. I have no function as Minister in this regard, and the information requested is not available in my Department.

Written Answers — Water and Sewerage Schemes: Water and Sewerage Schemes (13 Oct 2009)

John Gormley: The publication of the manual to which the Question refers is a matter for the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). I understand that the EPA expects to publish the manual at an early date.

Written Answers — Ministerial Correspondence: Ministerial Correspondence (13 Oct 2009)

John Gormley: As the economic advice referred to in the question was sought to inform the provision of pending legal advice by the Attorney General it would not be appropriate to make it available.

Written Answers — Planning Issues: Planning Issues (13 Oct 2009)

John Gormley: I propose to take Questions Nos. 415 and 416 together. I understand that the Annual Accounts of the Dublin Docklands Development Authority (DDDA) for 2008 are now being finalised within the Authority and will be submitted to my Department in the coming days, following which I will arrange for them to be considered by Government and laid before both Houses. In accordance with Section 25 of the...

Written Answers — Waste Disposal: Waste Disposal (13 Oct 2009)

John Gormley: I recently arranged for environmental consultants to prepare an Environmental Report, according to Strategic Environmental Assessment requirements, to inform the policy making process for waste management in respect of a proposed policy direction under section 60 of the Waste Management Act intended to achieve a number of objectives. One such objective is to seek to ensure that incineration...

Written Answers — Water Quality: Water Quality (8 Oct 2009)

John Gormley: The ruling in question refers to a case against Ireland in relation to the implementation of Directive 2006/113/EC on the quality of shellfish waters. Responsibility for this function transferred to my Department in November 2008. I am committed to improving water quality in all of our waters and I have strengthened the legislative framework considerably since taking office as well as...