Results 43,741-43,760 of 46,456 for speaker:Simon Harris

Written Answers — Department of Public Expenditure and Reform: Garda Station Closures (7 Oct 2014)

Simon Harris: The Minister for Justice, as part of An Garda Síochána's rationalisation programme, announced the closure of 139 Garda stations between 2012 and 2013. The Office Of Public Works (OPW) has responsibility to manage properties which have been deemed surplus to the requirements of An Garda Síochána. The OPW policy for disposing of these surplus State properties is as...

Seanad: Adjournment Matters: Garda Station Closures (2 Oct 2014)

Simon Harris: I will take the Senator's three questions. He asked whether the 16 stations that have been given for community use all went through the same process where consideration was given first to their disposal on the open market. I will check this out as most of this happened before my appointment, but my understanding is that they did. The commissioners make an evaluation as to whether there is...

Seanad: Adjournment Matters: Garda Station Closures (2 Oct 2014)

Simon Harris: The Senator has asked a fair question whether, even if the OPW Commissioners were to dispose of the Garda station in Kilfinane and the disposal were not to take place for a significant period, if the OPW consider an interim use. I will raise that issue with my officials and will come back directly to the Senator.

Seanad: Adjournment Matters: Garda Station Closures (2 Oct 2014)

Simon Harris: I thank Senator Heffernan for his kind words on my appointment. I very much appreciate them. I also appreciate the opportunity afforded by the Adjournment debate raised by him for me to update Seanad Éireann on closed Garda stations and what has happened to date, and to respond to the question of the cost of maintaining such premises. In relation to the State's property assets, the...

Seanad: Adjournment Matters: Garda Station Closures (2 Oct 2014)

Simon Harris: I thank the Senator.

Written Answers — Department of Public Expenditure and Reform: Flood Prevention Measures (2 Oct 2014)

Simon Harris: Local flooding issues are a matter, in the first instance, for each Local Authority to investigate and address. The Local Authority may carry out flood mitigation and coastal protection works using its own resources. It may also apply to the Office of Public Works for funding for flood mitigation works under the Minor Flood Mitigation Works and Coastal Protection Scheme. If Kerry County...

Written Answers — Department of Public Expenditure and Reform: Flood Prevention Measures (2 Oct 2014)

Simon Harris: I propose to take Questions Nos. 86 and 87 together. Moneycashen, which consists of parts of the townlands of Kilmore, Cloghane & Knoppoge in the Cashen area, was identified through the national Preliminary Flood Risk Assessment (PFRA) as a location where coastal flood risk was potentially significant. A detailed assessment is being carried out under the Shannon Catchment Flood Risk...

Written Answers — Department of Public Expenditure and Reform: Departmental Records (2 Oct 2014)

Simon Harris: The information requested by the Deputy, as it relates to the Office of Public Works, is not readily available in the format requested. The Commissioners of Public Works are currently assembling the information. The Commissioners would point out that they would not be able to comment as to whether documents stored on behalf of client Departments and or Offices would be intended for the...

Written Answers — Department of Public Expenditure and Reform: Drainage Schemes Status (2 Oct 2014)

Simon Harris: The Office of Public Works has statutory responsibility for the maintenance of the Glore River, which forms part of the Moy Arterial Drainage Scheme. Works are progressing at present on this river as part of the OPW arterial drainage maintenance programme for 2014. Due to low water some works may be delayed. Liaison is continuing with the environmental stakeholders and, with continued...

European Stability Mechanism (Amendment) Bill 2014: Second Stage (1 Oct 2014)

Simon Harris: I did not interrupt the Deputy and I listened to him for 20 minutes. I would like him to do the same. The budget will be announced in the House in two weeks and the agreement should be seen in that context. I also refer to a point raised by Deputy Creighton on the issue of the IMF early repayment and her viewpoint on the sale of bonds. These are very separate issues and this was...

European Stability Mechanism (Amendment) Bill 2014: Second Stage (1 Oct 2014)

Simon Harris: I thank all Deputies from all sides of the House for their constructive contributions to this discussion. We have had a broad range of views expressed and I acknowledge that we have received support for the Bill from Members on all sides of the House, although not all Members, given the opposition of Deputy Peter Mathews. The purpose of the legislation is to make provision for the...

Seanad: Valuation (Amendment) (No. 2) Bill 2012: Committee Stage (1 Oct 2014)

Simon Harris: The Bills Office will amend the title in the consolidated Bill after Committee Stage.

Seanad: Valuation (Amendment) (No. 2) Bill 2012: Committee Stage (1 Oct 2014)

Simon Harris: I am informed that one does not change the name of a sub-part of a Bill on Committee Stage.

Seanad: Valuation (Amendment) (No. 2) Bill 2012: Committee Stage (1 Oct 2014)

Simon Harris: I said we will refer in future to occupier assisted valuation as this term more accurately describes what will happen in practice. The Senator has correctly quoted the Minister, Deputy Howlin, on Second Stage but we are trying to introduce a balanced system whereby the occupier can provide more information to the Valuation Office or provide an alternative valuation. This system will allow...

Seanad: Valuation (Amendment) (No. 2) Bill 2012: Committee Stage (1 Oct 2014)

Simon Harris: I do not agree with the assertion that this is markedly different. There was always an intention that the rate payer could provide his or her own valuation to the Valuation Office and this remains the case. I am trying to be clear that there is a situation where the Valuation Office will have to assess a valuation - it need not accept a valuation that is provided. This system is more...

Seanad: Valuation (Amendment) (No. 2) Bill 2012: Committee Stage (1 Oct 2014)

Simon Harris: I have been led to believe that amendments Nos. 27 to 30, inclusive, are also included in the group.

Seanad: Valuation (Amendment) (No. 2) Bill 2012: Committee Stage (1 Oct 2014)

Simon Harris: We are now moving to a set of amendments to Part 5A of the Bill, which was originally intended to introduce an element of self-assessment for ratepayers. This is an issue we have already touched upon in the debate, particularly the contribution from Senator Tom Sheahan. Before detailing specific amendments, I wish to give some background to the changes proposed for the new Part 5A. The use...

Seanad: Valuation (Amendment) (No. 2) Bill 2012: Committee Stage (1 Oct 2014)

Simon Harris: I can send the Senator a copy.

Seanad: Valuation (Amendment) (No. 2) Bill 2012: Committee Stage (1 Oct 2014)

Simon Harris: Not any more.

Seanad: Valuation (Amendment) (No. 2) Bill 2012: Committee Stage (1 Oct 2014)

Simon Harris: While I do not like to disagree with Senator Byrne, for the sake of disagreement because it all has been far too harmonious, the local property tax changes this structure as local authorities now receive a revenue base from residences within their county or authority area. County and city councillors have a decision to make on whether they wish to keep all of it at the same national rate or...