Results 321-340 of 2,386 for speaker:Michael Finneran

Written Answers — Local Authority Housing: Local Authority Housing (6 Jul 2010)

Michael Finneran: Part 4 of the 2009 Act provides for tenant purchase, along incremental purchase lines, of apartments in designated existing local authority complexes. Preparatory work is underway and I expect to make the necessary statutory instrument early in 2011 to enable the apartments sales scheme to be brought into operation as quickly as possible thereafter. Once the Regulations have been made...

Written Answers — Local Authority Housing: Local Authority Housing (6 Jul 2010)

Michael Finneran: My Department's Capital Assistance Scheme (CAS) provides funding to approved housing bodies of up to 100% of the approved costs of accommodation for older people, the homeless, persons with special needs, returning emigrants and victims of domestic violence. In February 2010, I announced the approval of funding for some 75 voluntary and co-operative housing projects at various locations...

Written Answers — Departmental Schemes: Departmental Schemes (6 Jul 2010)

Michael Finneran: In the case of housing adaptations carried out with assistance provided under my Department's suite of Housing Adaptation Grants for Older People and People with a Disability, relevant building works must be carried out in accordance with the Building Regulations and, in the case of new dwellings, in accordance with Part M of the Regulations in order to ensure visitability by people with...

Written Answers — Departmental Agencies: Departmental Agencies (1 Jul 2010)

Michael Finneran: Under the land aggregation scheme developed by my Department housing authorities may transfer residential lands on which there are outstanding loans from the Housing Finance Agency to a central agency when the loans fall due for redemption and on the basis that there are no short to medium term plans for the development of the land. In such cases it is not proposed to transfer debt from the...

Written Answers — Local Authority Housing: Local Authority Housing (1 Jul 2010)

Michael Finneran: My Department does not hold information on the number of housing authorities which include or disregard family income supplement payments in their differential rent schemes. The making and amending of rent schemes is the responsibility of local authorities as an integral part of their housing management functions, subject to broad principles laid down by my Department in Circular letter HRT...

Written Answers — Local Authority Housing: Local Authority Housing (1 Jul 2010)

Michael Finneran: At my Department's request, the Centre for Housing Research carried out an evaluation of the pilot central heating and insulation scheme for older people which was approved by my Department in May 2007. The scheme was targeted at 150 privately owned homes occupied by people aged sixty five and over, with annual incomes of €30,000 or less, in the Ballyfermot, Whitehall and Crumlin areas of...

Written Answers — Local Authority Housing: Local Authority Housing (1 Jul 2010)

Michael Finneran: I am deeply conscious of the difficulties experienced by people who are homeless and I have given very high priority to addressing the issue. Statutory responsibility in relation to the provision of accommodation for homeless persons rests with the housing authorities and the HSE has responsibility in relation to health and care services for homeless persons. My Department's role in relation...

Written Answers — Housing Statistics: Housing Statistics (30 Jun 2010)

Michael Finneran: My Department collates and publishes a wide range of housing statistics, the full range of which can be viewed on www.environ.ie. 6,112 houses have been completed up to end May 2010 and a more detailed breakdown by area is available on the website. Broad trends for construction activity, including housing, are contained in the annual Construction Industry Review and Outlook, an independent...

Seanad: Water Supply (30 Jun 2010)

Michael Finneran: I thank the Senator for raising this issue, which relates to water conservation works, which are a priority under my Department's water services investment programme. The main objectives of the water conservation programme are to reduce water loss in the public supply networks; to obtain value for money by deferring capital expenditure on new water supply schemes through improved supply and...

Seanad: Water Supply (30 Jun 2010)

Michael Finneran: My Department is awaiting the tender documents and the necessary supporting information from Donegal County Council. When that arrives, and even if it arrives tomorrow, I assure the Senator it will be dealt with as a matter of urgency.

Seanad: Water Supply (30 Jun 2010)

Michael Finneran: Phase 1.

Seanad: Social Welfare Benefits (30 Jun 2010)

Michael Finneran: I am taking this Adjournment matter on behalf of the Minister for Social Protection. The main objective of the free travel scheme administered by the Department is to encourage older people and people with disabilities to remain independent and active in the community. The scheme permits a recipient to travel for free on most CIE public transport services, Luas and a range of services...

Seanad: Social Welfare Benefits (30 Jun 2010)

Michael Finneran: I appreciate the point made by the Senator. Two issues arise, the first of which is that there is no provision or regulation in law for the transfer of a travel pass. The second, which is fundamental, is that the woman concerned does not have a travel pass, but that might change if her application for carer's allowance is successful. Perhaps the matter might be revisited at that time.

Regeneration Programme (29 Jun 2010)

Michael Finneran: I thank Deputy Perry for raising this matter and I welcome this opportunity to comment on these issues. I also welcome his support for my position on this matter. I know that to be his position locally in Cranmore and in Sligo. That information is readily available to me from people who are of the same opinion as myself, namely the residents of the Cranmore estate. I acknowledge Deputy...

Regeneration Programme (29 Jun 2010)

Michael Finneran: It is also subject to a decision by An Bord Pleanála and an oral hearing. I would say to the borough council it should, in the best interests of the citizens of Cranmore and Sligo, which is now a gateway town, reverse its decision regarding the change in the town development plan. Sligo County Council supports my position and that of my Department on this matter. I understand all the...

Regeneration Programme (29 Jun 2010)

Michael Finneran: As someone who had his second level education in Sligo, I know the town extremely well and am very keen that this be developed. The people of Cranmore are crying out for this development. It is estimated that more than €100 million will be invested in the region in developing that bridge and in the regeneration of Cranmore. This is dependent on a decision of the local borough council. I...

Social Welfare Benefits (29 Jun 2010)

Michael Finneran: I am taking the debate on behalf of the Minister for Social Protection. If the Deputy gives me the details of the case of woman she referred to as Mary, although that is not her real name, I will pass them directly to the Minister and ask him to have it investigated. On the broader issue of the difficulties experienced by carers in accessing funding under the carer's allowance, entitlement...

Foreshore Licences (29 Jun 2010)

Michael Finneran: I thank Deputies Ferris and Deenihan for raising this matter. I am very conscious of the economic potential of this project and I hope to throw some light on the matter in my reply. Following the enactment of the Foreshore and Dumping at Sea (Amendment) Act 2009, the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government assumed responsibility in January 2010 for a range of foreshore...

Written Answers — Social and Affordable Housing: Social and Affordable Housing (29 Jun 2010)

Michael Finneran: I refer to the reply to Question No. 351 of 3 February 2009. The position remains unchanged.

Written Answers — Fire Stations: Fire Stations (29 Jun 2010)

Michael Finneran: The provision of a fire service in its functional area, including the establishment and maintenance of a fire brigade, the assessment of fire cover needs and the provision of premises is a statutory function of individual fire authorities under section 10 of the Fire Services Act 1981. The Department's role is one of supporting and assisting fire authorities in delivering fire services...