Results 4,241-4,260 of 7,278 for speaker:Dick Roche

Local Authority Funding. (8 Mar 2006)

Dick Roche: As the Deputy will recognise, there is a significant variation in the calculations provided by Indecon. It is suggesting that if expenditure is kept to 3% of GNP, one will get the higher estimate of €5.8 billion by 2010. However, if one bases it on population trends, which is probably more realistic because it is what determines the costings of local authorities, the figure would be €3.8...

Local Authority Funding. (8 Mar 2006)

Dick Roche: I am talking about continuing a very good trend which the Government has set.

Local Authority Funding. (8 Mar 2006)

Dick Roche: In 1994, when the Deputy's party was in Government, it allocated €236 million. I acknowledge that this had increased significantly by 1997 to €339 million and it has increased even more significantly to €875 million in 2006. While one cannot project exactly what the figures will be, if the trend continues, significant amounts of money will be involved. On a number of the specific...

Local Authority Funding. (8 Mar 2006)

Dick Roche: I am pleased the Deputy has given me an opportunity to be more specific. In the area of motor tax, the Government has been able to grow the motor tax revenue into the fund for local authorities without changing the taxation base. This is also my intention for the foreseeable future.

Local Authority Funding. (8 Mar 2006)

Dick Roche: I am saying there have been remarkable improvements in this area. I am saying something else in regard to motor tax, with which I am sure the Deputy will assist me, because I will come before the House at some stage to deal with the issue of dodging motor tax. Efficiencies in collecting motor tax——

Local Authority Funding. (8 Mar 2006)

Dick Roche: The Deputy should allow me to answer the question. If we can deal with the issue of dodging motor tax, it will bring in an extra €40 million, which is a huge amount of money.

Local Authority Funding. (8 Mar 2006)

Dick Roche: I said what I said.

Local Authority Funding. (8 Mar 2006)

Dick Roche: I said that in 2005, for example, we were able to increase——

Local Authority Funding. (8 Mar 2006)

Dick Roche: I am saying that natural growth buoyancy, at which the Deputy sneered, has produced 7% more in 2005.

Local Authority Funding. (8 Mar 2006)

Dick Roche: It produced 10% more this year and my projection is that it will continue to produce that level of growth. If we deal with the issue of dodging, we will be able to put another significant amount of money into the fund.

Genetically Modified Organisms. (8 Mar 2006)

Dick Roche: The conclusions of the interdepartmental group on modern biotechnology, which were endorsed by the Government, said we should acknowledge the potential benefits of genetic engineering while maintaining a fundamental commitment to safety and environmental sustainability, based on scientific risk assessment and management. The Government continues to apply this precautionary principle. The...

Genetically Modified Organisms. (8 Mar 2006)

Dick Roche: I might well agree with several of the statements the Deputy made but I will not be able to go through them all individually. The Deputy illustrated why it is necessary that a precautionary element is adopted. Our policy is that we must comprehend the need to ensure risks are avoided in areas such as field to field tests. That is informed policy. There has been, and will continue to be, a...

Genetically Modified Organisms. (8 Mar 2006)

Dick Roche: I did not because it does not arise in this context. We have closely followed the line a group, which studied the whole issue of modern bio-technology, proposed to Government. That would be the case of whoever stands on this side. I also made the reasoned point that any policy which any Government operates must be within the context of the EU legislative framework. It is not possible to kick...

Environmental Policy. (8 Mar 2006)

Dick Roche: I met with Commissioner Dimas last week. I agree that climate change is of major global concern but it is another issue as to whether I would characterise it as he did. In the course of my discussions with him last week, I assured him of Ireland's commitment to meeting its Kyoto Protocol target. The national climate change strategy was designed to reduce domestic emissions of greenhouse gases...

Environmental Policy. (8 Mar 2006)

Dick Roche: I am sorry I missed the conference. I am sure it was most interesting. I would have attended it if it were possible.

Environmental Policy. (8 Mar 2006)

Dick Roche: I thank the Deputy. I will watch it with great interest.

Environmental Policy. (8 Mar 2006)

Dick Roche: The whole idea of the Kyoto Protocol is to deal with a global problem on a global basis.

Environmental Policy. (8 Mar 2006)

Dick Roche: Yes, it is a start. The Deputy is quite right. It is very important that countries which care about the future get involved in the process. It is sad that not every country views the Kyoto Protocol with the same degree of urgency as is apparent in Europe. I do not agree with the Deputy if it is the general tenor of his comments that there is a single silver bullet that will resolve this issue...

Environmental Policy. (8 Mar 2006)

Dick Roche: I do not believe it would be logical or sensible to suggest Ireland should impose restraints greater than in any other country in Europe. The Deputy's general point about the period beyond 2008-12 is correct. The targets will have to be even more ambitious. That is why it is important we take a variety of approaches to the problem. I do not disagree with the Deputy on this point, nor do I...

Environmental Policy. (8 Mar 2006)

Dick Roche: That point can be made, business to business trading costs will be higher than that but state to state trading figures are used in calculations. We have been clear on the methodology and the projected figures. We must create a balance that allows us to achieve our targets in the most cost effective way, not just in the cheapest way in the short term but in the medium and long term. That is...