Results 3,621-3,640 of 7,278 for speaker:Dick Roche

Written Answers — EU Directives: EU Directives (4 May 2006)

Dick Roche: The WEEE Directive allows producers to show the cost of recovering and recycling "historic" waste i.e. waste arising from electric and electronic products put on the market before 13 August 2005. These costs are referred to as Environmental Management Costs — or EMCs. They are not imposed by, or remitted to, the Government, but are paid by producers to the two collective compliance schemes...

Written Answers — Recycling Policy: Recycling Policy (4 May 2006)

Dick Roche: The export of waste is regulated by local authorities, in accordance with Council Regulation (EEC) No. 259/93 of 1 February 1993 on the supervision and control of waste within, into and out of, the European Community. Shipments of waste for recovery which are in compliance with the EU Waste Shipment Regulation are permissible to non-EU destinations subject to any restrictions are imposed by...

Written Answers — Building Regulations: Building Regulations (4 May 2006)

Dick Roche: I am aware of the report referred to in the Question which could have conveyed the impression that the introduction of energy performance certificates for new dwellings with effect from 1 January 2007 might be delayed by a shortage of building energy assessors. I have no reason to believe that this will be the case. It is estimated that up to 2,000 building professionals will have to be...

Written Answers — Departmental Reports: Departmental Reports (4 May 2006)

Dick Roche: In relation to the main response by the Government to the Quigley Report, I refer to the reply by the Taoiseach to Questions Nos. 1 to 4 of 6 December 2005. In addition the Department of Finance has issued, in September 2005, revised and consolidated procurement guidelines for the engagement of consultants. In so far as recommendations specifically affecting my Department are concerned,...

Written Answers — EU Directives: EU Directives (4 May 2006)

Dick Roche: My Department maintains an intensive programme in relation to the transposition and implementation of EU environmental legislation some 200 items of which, including more than 140 Directives, have by now been transposed in this country.

Written Answers — Planning Issues: Planning Issues (4 May 2006)

Dick Roche: The Irish Planning Institute are one of the key stakeholders in the planning system. They are often consulted by my Department on issues of the day and their views are considered carefully. For example, the IPI have made a comprehensive submission on my Department's Draft Development Management Guidelines, which will be fully considered before the Guidelines are finalised. Last week I...

Written Answers — Water Quality: Water Quality (4 May 2006)

Dick Roche: I propose to take Questions Nos. 23, 45 and 109 together. The Government is committed to tackling water pollution from all sources. The Local Government (Water Pollution) Act 1977 (Water Quality Standards for Phosphorus) Regulations 1998 provide for specified improvements in water quality conditions in rivers and lakes based on phosphorus concentrations or related water quality...

Written Answers — Election Management System: Election Management System (4 May 2006)

Dick Roche: I propose to take Questions Nos. 24 and 72 together. In law, 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. Last week, I announced a package of measures, to be implemented over the coming months, aimed at...

Written Answers — Water and Sewerage Schemes: Water and Sewerage Schemes (4 May 2006)

Dick Roche: I propose to take Questions Nos. 25 and 91 together. During 2005 Dublin City Council engaged independent consultants to undertake an extensive technical examination of the processes at the Ringsend Waste Water Treatment Plant and to identify all possible sources of odours. Following this examination a programme of works is to be carried out by the contractor operating the plant on behalf of...

Written Answers — Greenhouse Gas Emissions: Greenhouse Gas Emissions (4 May 2006)

Dick Roche: I propose to take Questions Nos. 26 and 32 together. Local authorities have an important role in contributing to reduced greenhouse gas emissions, through their functions in relation to planning, transport, housing and waste disposal. National targets for reduced greenhouse gas emissions in these sectors are set out in the National Climate Change Strategy. While it is not proposed to direct...

Written Answers — Departmental Schemes: Departmental Schemes (4 May 2006)

Dick Roche: I recently launched the new €6 million Social and Community Facilities Capital Scheme. This scheme, which will fund targeted capital developments, carried out through local authorities, is designed to enhance communities, address disadvantage and improve social cohesion at a local level. The new scheme will be in addition to existing grants and supports allocated to local authorities to...

Written Answers — Building Regulations: Building Regulations (4 May 2006)

Dick Roche: I propose to take Questions Nos. 29 and 101 together. The EU Energy Performance of Buildings Directive (2002/91/EC of 16 December 2002) requires that the economic, environmental and technical feasibility of alternative energy systems — including CHP, district heating and renewable energy systems — should be assessed during the design of large buildings over 1,000 m2. This requirement is...

Written Answers — Biodiversity Plans: Biodiversity Plans (4 May 2006)

Dick Roche: A Biodiversity Unit has been established within my Department and a biodiversity plan for my Department will be developed in the coming year. Each Government Department is responsible for their own implementation of the National Biodiversity Plan, including the recommendations regarding dedicated biodiversity units and sectoral action plans. The table indicates the local authorities that have...

Written Answers — Recycling Policy: Recycling Policy (4 May 2006)

Dick Roche: One of the main barriers to an improved and sustainable recycling performance is the lack of stable and economically attractive markets and outlets for recyclable materials and products manufactured from recycled products. The need for the establishment of a Market Development Group, which would oversee the development of a Market Development Programme, was outlined in the Delivering Change...

Written Answers — Control of Dogs: Control of Dogs (4 May 2006)

Dick Roche: The Control of Dogs Acts 1986 and 1992 place statutory responsibility for dog control and licensing services on local authorities. The implementation of the Acts is vested in local authorities who have power to appoint dog wardens, to provide shelters for stray and other dogs, to impose on-the-spot fines for a number of offences and to take prosecutions. Local authorities may also make...

Written Answers — Local Authority Staff: Local Authority Staff (4 May 2006)

Dick Roche: Based on information supplied by local authorities, the total number of persons employed by the authorities at 31 March 2006 was 34,192 (whole time equivalents), including 1,371 seasonal/temporary staff the majority of whom are engaged for periods not exceeding 12 months.

Written Answers — Nuclear Plants: Nuclear Plants (4 May 2006)

Dick Roche: On 15 February 2006, the EU Commission issued a warning to the operators of Sellafield, British Nuclear Group Sellafield Limited, (BNG SL) under Article 83(1) (a) of the Euratom Treaty. The decision to issue the warning was the result of a series of inspections carried out by Commission inspectors at the Sellafield plant. The Commission also requested the Group to implement the appropriate...

Written Answers — Nuclear Plants: Nuclear Plants (4 May 2006)

Dick Roche: I propose to take Questions Nos. 36, 67 and 73 together. Following the recent announcement regarding a review of the United Kingdom's progress under the medium and long-term Energy White Paper (2003) goals, a consultation document Our Energy Challenge: Securing clean, affordable energy for the long term, was launched on 23 January 2006 by the UK Minister of State for Energy. While the UK...

Written Answers — Environmental Policy: Environmental Policy (4 May 2006)

Dick Roche: My Department and the Environment and Heritage Service in Northern Ireland are cooperating in the implementation of the key actions recommended in the recent report Invasive Species in Ireland. Tendering has been completed for the award of a three-year contract to take forward the recommendations of the Report on an all-Ireland basis, and the award of the contract will be announced shortly....

Written Answers — Planning Issues: Planning Issues (4 May 2006)

Dick Roche: I propose to take Questions Nos. 39, 78 and 104 together. Many domestic renewable energy developments, including the placing of solar panels to the rear of houses, would be exempted development. Section 4(1)(h) of the Planning and Development Act 2000, provides that development consisting of the carrying out of works for the maintenance, improvement or other alteration of any structure is...