Results 42,881-42,900 of 46,456 for speaker:Simon Harris

Topical Issue Debate: Coastal Protection (17 Feb 2015)

Simon Harris: I thank the Deputy for the specifics. It is very important to get this right. There is a time for studies and a time for action, but in relation to coastal erosion, it is very important that if the taxpayer is going to pump millions of euro, or more, into funding schemes related to coastal erosion, we get it right. To its credit, Clare County Council has submitted seven applications to my...

Topical Issue Debate: Coastal Protection (17 Feb 2015)

Simon Harris: I echo the Acting Chairman's words of congratulations to Deputy Michael McNamara and his fiancee and wish them both the very best on their recent engagement. I thank the Deputy for raising this important matter which, in fairness to him, he has consistently raised with me since my appointment to this role eight or nine months ago. Ireland is a maritime nation and so coastal flooding and...

Written Answers — Department of Public Expenditure and Reform: National Monuments (17 Feb 2015)

Simon Harris: Church Island in Lough Currane, Waterville, Co. Kerry is a National Monument in the care of the Commissioners of Public Works. The site is in the ownership of the State and is managed by the Commissioners locally through the National Monuments Depot at Killarney. Regular conservation and maintenance work is carried out at the Church Island site by Office of Public Works staff and it is...

Written Answers — Department of Public Expenditure and Reform: State Bodies Property (17 Feb 2015)

Simon Harris: The tender process for works at Waterville Coastguard Station is nearing completion. A contract will be placed on confirmation of funding by the Irish Coastguard Service.

Valuation (Amendment) (No. 2) Bill 2012 [Seanad]: Referral to Select Sub-Committee (12 Feb 2015)

Simon Harris: I move:That the Bill be referred to the Select Sub-Committee on Public Expenditure and Reform, pursuant to Standing Orders 82A(3)(a) and (6)(a) and 126(1) of the Standing Orders relative to Public Business.

Valuation (Amendment) (No. 2) Bill 2012 [Seanad]: Second Stage (Resumed) (12 Feb 2015)

Simon Harris: I thank Deputies on all sides for what has been a very constructive debate. A number of common themes have emerged. It is important to say, in the interests of honesty and bluntness, that not all the issues raised today can be resolved by a valuation Bill. This is a valuation Bill; it is not a magic wand. I acknowledged in my opening contribution that we had a really good engagement in...

Road Traffic (Amendment) Bill 2015: First Stage (12 Feb 2015)

Simon Harris: No.

Leaders' Questions (12 Feb 2015)

Simon Harris: Who is the dog?

Leaders' Questions (12 Feb 2015)

Simon Harris: The Deputy's party is intimidating the gardaí in the investigation.

Leaders' Questions (12 Feb 2015)

Simon Harris: The Deputy is undermining the Garda.

Leaders' Questions (12 Feb 2015)

Simon Harris: That is a disgrace.

Valuation (Amendment) (No. 2) Bill 2012 [Seanad]: Second Stage (12 Feb 2015)

Simon Harris: The Deputy's party did not give it the tools to do the job.

Valuation (Amendment) (No. 2) Bill 2012 [Seanad]: Second Stage (12 Feb 2015)

Simon Harris: They already pay water charges.

Valuation (Amendment) (No. 2) Bill 2012 [Seanad]: Second Stage (12 Feb 2015)

Simon Harris: He does not have discretion at the moment.

Valuation (Amendment) (No. 2) Bill 2012 [Seanad]: Second Stage (12 Feb 2015)

Simon Harris: True.

Valuation (Amendment) (No. 2) Bill 2012 [Seanad]: Second Stage (12 Feb 2015)

Simon Harris: I move: "That the Bill be now read a Second Time." I am pleased to have this opportunity to bring the Valuation (Amendment) (No. 2) Bill 2012, which was initiated in the Seanad, to this House. The primary purpose of the Bill is to introduce measures that will enable the Commissioner of Valuation to accelerate the national programme of revaluation of all commercial and industrial...

Valuation (Amendment) (No. 2) Bill 2012 [Seanad]: Second Stage (12 Feb 2015)

Simon Harris: I just asked for the script to be circulated when Deputy Fleming was out of the Chamber. I apologise to the House. Does he wish me to pause until the script is available?

Valuation (Amendment) (No. 2) Bill 2012 [Seanad]: Second Stage (12 Feb 2015)

Simon Harris: My apologies. We have a copy available now. This legislation is concerned with the valuation of property for rates purposes but not with the setting or collection of rates. The basis of assessment for valuation purposes is the net annual value of a property. The net annual value of a property is equivalent to the annual rent, exclusive of all payments in respect of rates, taxes,...

Written Answers — Department of Public Expenditure and Reform: Departmental Properties (12 Feb 2015)

Simon Harris: The Commissioners of Public Works confirm that the lease on Lissycasey Garda Station has expired. The Garda Station at Lissycasey, due to the current condition of the property, is in need of extensive refurbishment and requires considerable investment in order to meet modern regulatory requirements and to bring the property to a standard acceptable for use as a public building. An Garda...

Written Answers — Department of Public Expenditure and Reform: Flood Prevention Measures (12 Feb 2015)

Simon Harris: The river in question does not form part of any drainage scheme for which the Office of Public Works has maintenance responsibility. Local flooding issues are a matter, in the first instance, for Local Authorities to investigate and address and Louth County Council may carry out flood mitigation and coastal protection works using its own resources. The Office of Public Works operates...