Results 2,881-2,900 of 4,700 for speaker:Noel Ahern

Written Answers — Local Authority Housing: Local Authority Housing (16 Feb 2006)

Noel Ahern: Most local authorities have locally based computer support for their housing functions. However, these need upgrading to provide for their complete housing management needs and the information needs of my Department. Consequently, the Local Government Computer Services Board, LGCSB, has been commissioned to develop an integrated housing project on behalf of local authorities and my...

Written Answers — Local Authority Housing: Local Authority Housing (16 Feb 2006)

Noel Ahern: My Department received applications on 2 February 2006 from Wexford Borough Council for funding under the remedial works scheme to refurbish flats in the two areas in question. These proposals are currently under examination and decisions will be conveyed to the council as soon as possible.

Seanad: Water and Sewerage Schemes. (16 Feb 2006)

Noel Ahern: Senator Finucane understands the history of this case. My Department is continuing to promote investment under the national development plan for the provision of modern environmental infrastructure to support social and economic objectives. Last December the Department published the Water Services Investment Programme 2005-07, consisting of almost 900 water and sewerage schemes at different...

Seanad: Water and Sewerage Schemes. (16 Feb 2006)

Noel Ahern: I do not know what other projects are involved. It is grouped with Hospital, Pallasgreen and Bruff. My knowledge of the geography is limited. Is Oola on the Limerick road?

Seanad: Water and Sewerage Schemes. (16 Feb 2006)

Noel Ahern: Yes. I do not suggest that everything comes out of the Department on housing or waste water in the same week as it is received. However, if the Senator can identify where the logjam is, he should by all means let us know. This case was way down the priority list. That may have been revised over the years because of pressure at local level. For good or bad, attempts are made to group projects...

Seanad: Dublin Port Tunnel. (16 Feb 2006)

Noel Ahern: On behalf of the Minister for Transport, I would like to point out that the planning, design and implementation of national road improvement projects, including the Dublin Port tunnel, is a matter for the National Roads Authority, NRA, and the local authorities concerned, in this case Dublin City Council. The Minister for Transport is, of course, anxious that the Dublin Port tunnel is...

Seanad: Dublin Port Tunnel. (16 Feb 2006)

Noel Ahern: Professionals, including Tim Brick and his team of engineers, are working on this project. Brown and Root are the international supervisors of the work. The Minister is not supervising the project in person. Of course accidents should not happen but minor ones do. I am sure it can be put right. It is a matter of timing. I do not believe work on the tunnel has stopped as a result. The experts...

Written Answers — Community Development: Community Development (15 Feb 2006)

Noel Ahern: The centre referred to in the Deputy's question has received substantial funding of €3,221,647 from the young people's facilities and services fund to cover construction and fit out costs. I understand that a small saving was made in the main construction costs. However, this funding is being used on the ongoing further capital development of the centre. Additionally, funding for the...

Written Answers — Homeless Persons: Homeless Persons (15 Feb 2006)

Noel Ahern: Decisions as to the homeless status of individuals are matters for the local authority concerned. The definition of homelessness in the Housing Act 1988 provides for a wide range of circumstances on the basis of which, in the opinion of the authority, a person may be deemed homeless. The independent review of the implementation of homeless strategies, which I published last week and which is...

Rent Supplement: Motion (Resumed). (15 Feb 2006)

Noel Ahern: I know about reality.

Rent Supplement: Motion (Resumed). (15 Feb 2006)

Noel Ahern: Do not mind the percentages. They mean nothing.

Rent Supplement: Motion (Resumed). (15 Feb 2006)

Noel Ahern: Talk about numbers.

Rent Supplement: Motion (Resumed). (15 Feb 2006)

Noel Ahern: We need to get the Irish Council for Social Housing on board to do that.

Rent Supplement: Motion (Resumed). (15 Feb 2006)

Noel Ahern: I am trying.

Written Answers — Local Authority Housing: Local Authority Housing (14 Feb 2006)

Noel Ahern: I propose to take Questions Nos. 110, 159 and 177 together. Under the rental accommodation scheme, RAS, local authorities are providing accommodation for certain recipients of SWA rent supplement who have been assessed as having a long-term housing need. The initial project to transfer rent supplement recipients of 18 months or more continuous duration is due to be completed by the end of...

Written Answers — Housing Policy: Housing Policy (14 Feb 2006)

Noel Ahern: There have been huge advances in housing over the past decade. Overall housing supply has increased dramatically, in response to demands arising from economic growth and demographic change. About one third of Ireland's houses have been built in the past decade and 2005 saw a further year of record housing output, with close to 81,000 new homes completed. Latest forecasts suggest that our...

Written Answers — Housing Policy: Housing Policy (14 Feb 2006)

Noel Ahern: The Government has actively addressed the issue of housing affordability. Our policy has been to make housing supply more responsive to demand in order to improve affordability and access to housing — particularly for first time buyers. There is clear evidence that this policy is having effect. Last year, 2005, was the eleventh year of record overall house completions with more than 80,000...

Written Answers — House Prices: House Prices (14 Feb 2006)

Noel Ahern: I propose to take Questions Nos. 123, 140, 160 and 203 together. I refer to the reply to Question No. 103 on today's Order Paper.

Written Answers — Grant Payments: Grant Payments (14 Feb 2006)

Noel Ahern: Details of capital funding for disabled persons and essential repairs grant schemes in 2006 will be made available in the Revised Estimates for Public Services 2006 which will be published later this month.

Written Answers — Housing Aid for the Elderly: Housing Aid for the Elderly (14 Feb 2006)

Noel Ahern: I propose to take Questions Nos. 133 and 644 together. The special housing aid for the elderly scheme, administered by a task force under the aegis of my Department and operated by the Health Service Executive, was established to provide assistance to improve the housing conditions of elderly persons living alone in unfit and insanitary conditions. Typically, the work undertaken would be...