Results 41,781-41,800 of 46,267 for speaker:Simon Harris

Written Answers — Department of Public Expenditure and Reform: Flood Relief Schemes Status (15 Dec 2015)

Simon Harris: As you are aware, the Ennis South Flood Relief Scheme is being progressed by Clare County Council (CCC) as the contracting authority under its powers, and with funding and advice as appropriate from the Office of Public Works (OPW). CCC and the OPW are working together to ensure that all possible options are examined to ensure maximum protection for properties along with maximum value for...

Written Answers — Department of Public Expenditure and Reform: Flood Relief Schemes Funding (15 Dec 2015)

Simon Harris: The Office of Public Works is fully committed to progressing all the flood defence projects for County Cork as quickly as possible. The Mallow North and Mallow South and West flood defence schemes are completed and are operational. Some additional works are being undertaken on the Mallow South and West Scheme. The second stage of a tender competition for a civil works contractor for...

Written Answers — Department of Public Expenditure and Reform: Flood Relief Schemes Status (15 Dec 2015)

Simon Harris: The table sets out the details for all major flood relief schemes in County Cork at planning, construction and post-construction phase, the period of construction, a breakdown of the annual funding for such schemes over the 2011-2015 period. Scheme Stage Period of Construction Cost €000 2011 Cost €000 2012 Cost €000 2013 Cost €000 2014 Cost €000 2015 * Co...

Written Answers — Department of Public Expenditure and Reform: Sports Facilities Provision (15 Dec 2015)

Simon Harris: I am advised by the Commissioners that the position remains unchanged from the response provided to the Deputy on 17 November last (PQ 229), in that the Commissioners of Public Works have no record of receiving an application from South Dublin County Council seeking a waiver of a parcel of land at Knockmitten Park, Clondalkin arising from the dissolution of Western Investments Ltd.

Written Answers — Department of Public Expenditure and Reform: Flood Relief Schemes Status (15 Dec 2015)

Simon Harris: In November 2013, the first stage of the procurement process for a civil works contractor to undertake the Bandon Flood Relief Scheme was commenced. This involved submission of a suitability assessment questionnaire by interested contractors. Following completion of this first stage assessment the process was challenged by an unsuccessful applicant on the grounds that they considered their...

Written Answers — Department of Public Expenditure and Reform: Departmental Properties (15 Dec 2015)

Simon Harris: The OPW's policy relating to non-operational properties is, firstly, to identify alternative State use. If there is no other State use for a property the OPW will then consider disposing of the property on the open market, if and when conditions prevail, in order to generate much needed revenue for the Exchequer. If no State requirement is identified or if a decision is taken not to dispose...

Written Answers — Department of Public Expenditure and Reform: Flood Prevention Measures (15 Dec 2015)

Simon Harris: Drainage Districts are areas where drainage schemes to improve land for agricultural purposes were constructed under the Arterial Drainage Act, 1925. 170 Drainage District Schemes were established, covering 4,600km of channel. The statutory duty of maintenance for these schemes lies with the Local Authorities concerned. The Office of Public Works (OPW) carries out its own programme of...

Written Answers — Department of Public Expenditure and Reform: Flood Relief Schemes Status (15 Dec 2015)

Simon Harris: I propose to take Questions Nos. 181 to 186, inclusive, together. The following table sets out the details for all major flood relief schemes in the counties indicated at planning, construction and post construction phase, the period of construction, a breakdown of the annual funding for such schemes over the 2011–2015 period. Scheme Stage Period of Construction Cost €000 2011...

Written Answers — Department of Public Expenditure and Reform: Flood Risk Insurance Cover (15 Dec 2015)

Simon Harris: The report from the Joint Committee on Finance, Public Expenditure and Reform was forwarded to my Office by the Clerk to the Committee on 27 May of this year. The report contains a number of observations and recommendations which inform and support the Office of Public Works in its ongoing engagement with Insurance Ireland in relation to the exchange of information on completed OPW flood...

Written Answers — Department of Public Expenditure and Reform: Flood Relief Schemes Status (15 Dec 2015)

Simon Harris: Galway County Council (GCC) is the Contracting Authority with overall responsibility for the management and implementation of the Dunkellin River and Aggard Stream Flood Relief Scheme, which is being funded by the Office of Public Works. GCC appointed the Engineering and Environmental Consultants needed to complete the design and to attain the necessary statutory permissions for the...

Written Answers — Department of Public Expenditure and Reform: Flood Relief Schemes Status (15 Dec 2015)

Simon Harris: The core strategy for addressing the significant flood risks in Athlone and in the Shannon River Basin District generally, is the Office of Public Works' (OPW) Catchment Flood Risk Assessment and Management (CFRAM) Programme. Athlone is one of 66 locations in the Shannon River Basin District and 300 locations nationwide that are being assessed under the Programme the purpose of which is to...

Coroners Bill 2015: Second Stage [Private Members] (11 Dec 2015)

Simon Harris: I thank Deputy Clare Daly and all those who contributed to the debate about these very important issues. I reiterate that it is the Minister's intention that the Government will not oppose this Bill on Second Stage. The Minister very much appreciates the intention behind the Bill and what the Deputy is trying to achieve. As the Minister has asked me to indicate, the legislation will...

Coroners Bill 2015: Second Stage [Private Members] (11 Dec 2015)

Simon Harris: On behalf of the Minister for Justice and Equality, Deputy Fitzgerald, who regrets that she is unable to attend this debate, I thank Deputy Clare Daly for bringing forward this Bill, which raises very important issues. Like the Deputy, I note the presence in the Gallery today of several people who have lost those very close to them in tragic circumstances. The Minister asked me, in...

Ramming of Garda Vehicles Bill 2015: Second Stage [Private Members] (11 Dec 2015)

Simon Harris: I again thank Deputy Griffin on behalf of the Minister for Justice and Equality for bringing forth this Bill. It is clear from Deputies' interventions that we are agreed on the need to ensure and, where possible, strengthen the protection of the Garda Síochána in the line of duty. Gardaí frequently find themselves in situations which most of us would not even wish to...

Ramming of Garda Vehicles Bill 2015: Second Stage [Private Members] (11 Dec 2015)

Simon Harris: On behalf of the Minister for Justice and Equality, Deputy Frances Fitzgerald, who is unable to be here this afternoon, I thank Deputy Griffin for bringing this Bill before the House. It is clear that the subject matter of the Bill is one to which we can all relate. We are very conscious of the important work done by people operating in front-line duties, in particular An Garda...

Finance (Local Property Tax) (Amendment) (No. 2) Bill 2015: Committee and Remaining Stages (11 Dec 2015)

Simon Harris: No.

Finance (Local Property Tax) (Amendment) (No. 2) Bill 2015: Committee and Remaining Stages (11 Dec 2015)

Simon Harris: We were dealing with the Bill while the Deputy was being populist.

Finance (Local Property Tax) (Amendment) (No. 2) Bill 2015: Committee and Remaining Stages (11 Dec 2015)

Simon Harris: We have already put measures in place for the people whose properties have been flooded.

Finance (Local Property Tax) (Amendment) (No. 2) Bill 2015: Committee and Remaining Stages (11 Dec 2015)

Simon Harris: I know Deputy Daly appreciates Deputy Lawlor’s interest in this and it is an issue he has raised. I accept Deputy Daly’s bona fides on this issue which she has been pursuing for some time. The Minister for Finance and I are very aware of the issues she is trying to address with her proposed amendments. I acknowledge the stressful situations that individuals face when issues...

Finance (Local Property Tax) (Amendment) (No. 2) Bill 2015: Committee and Remaining Stages (11 Dec 2015)

Simon Harris: Deputy Lawlor has summed up the position very well on behalf of the Government. It shows the hypocrisy of Sinn Féin policies North and South. The Bill is one in which the Government is undertaking to legislate in a number of areas where we gave commitments arising from the report of Dr. Thornhill. The Minister made it clear on budget day that it was his intention to do that. There...