Results 421-440 of 4,717 for speaker:Martin Mansergh

Written Answers — Flood Relief: Flood Relief (1 Jun 2010)

Martin Mansergh: The Office of Public Works received an application from Kerry County Council under the 2010 Minor Works and Coastal Protection Programme to provide funding for works at Incharee, Co. Kerry. The application is currently being assessed by my Officials, and additional information and clarification has being sought from Kerry County Council in order to conclude this evaluation.

Written Answers — Departmental Properties: Departmental Properties (26 May 2010)

Martin Mansergh: As part of their rationalisation programme, the Department of Agriculture Fisheries and Food have informed the Commissioners of Public Works that they wish to move their Dockgate operation to Athenry and the Commissioners are assisting them in this regard. The Commissioners of Public Works hold the lease on the Dockgate premises in Galway occupied by the Department of Agriculture Fisheries...

Written Answers — State Properties: State Properties (25 May 2010)

Martin Mansergh: The Commissioners of Public Works on behalf of the Minister for Finance are responsible for the management of property under Sections 28, 29, 30 and 31 of the State Property Act; as a result of companies being dissolved either voluntarily or as a result of being struck off the Companies Register, the assets of the company become vested in the Minister for Finance. Following advice from the...

Written Answers — Flood Relief: Flood Relief (20 May 2010)

Martin Mansergh: I propose to take Questions Nos. 72 and 73 together. In March this year, I announced allocations to 15 Local Authorities totalling €6.7m for flood mitigation measures to address localised flooding problems, including many areas affected by the unprecedented flood events in 2009. My Officials have recently completed an assessment of additional information and new applications received and I...

Written Answers — Driving Tests: Driving Tests (20 May 2010)

Martin Mansergh: A trawl of local Estate Agents has been carried out and a list of potentially suitable alternative locations for a Driving Test Centre is being compiled. An inspection of these properties will be undertaken by OPW personnel in the near future. In the meantime, the Driving Test Centre in Skibbereen continues to operate from its existing premises having relocated to 1st floor offices.

Seanad: Construction Contracts Bill 2010: Second Stage (19 May 2010)

Martin Mansergh: I commend Senator Feargal Quinn for his initiative in introducing the Construction Contracts Bill 2010 and his interesting and informative speech on it. The Government takes this matter seriously. Senator Joe O'Toole will be glad to know that more Departments than the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government are interested in the legislation.

Seanad: Construction Contracts Bill 2010: Second Stage (19 May 2010)

Martin Mansergh: The Department of Finance is interested in it, as well as Senator Joe O'Toole's old friends in the Department of the Taoiseach.

Seanad: Construction Contracts Bill 2010: Second Stage (19 May 2010)

Martin Mansergh: The Bill's main purpose is to provide a mechanism whereby prior notice of an intention to withhold sums from payments otherwise due must be given, or payments must be made in full. In addition, it proposes an adjudication procedure to deal quickly with disputes about payments. The Bill is described in its explanatory and financial memorandum presented by Senator Feargal Quinn as being "in...

Seanad: Construction Contracts Bill 2010: Second Stage (19 May 2010)

Martin Mansergh: The Government is conscious of the difficulties encountered by many subcontractors in obtaining payment from main contractors for work undertaken. This is a serious problem affecting all parts of the industry. I know Senators from every part of the House are fully aware of the problem and of the need to take steps to deal with it. Specific cases in a constituency context have also been...

Written Answers — Garda Stations: Garda Stations (18 May 2010)

Martin Mansergh: The acquisition of a site for a new District Headquarters in Portlaoise has not yet been completed. Other property solutions for the accommodation requirements at Portlaoise are being actively examined. The proposed site acquisition will be finalised should it transpire that the best option is a new site.

Written Answers — Departmental Properties: Departmental Properties (18 May 2010)

Martin Mansergh: The former Government Offices, Kells Road, Navan, is located on a very valuable and strategic site, which will be retained by the State. In this regard, the Office of Public Works is currently evaluating a range of options for the long-term use of this property. To maintain the basic fabric of the building and prevent further deterioration, limited services are being maintained in the...

Written Answers — Peat Silt Deposits: Peat Silt Deposits (18 May 2010)

Martin Mansergh: Following representations on behalf of the property owner, an Office of Public Works official carried out an inspection of the lands affected by the silt deposit on 22 April. Given the peat-like composition of the material and the fact that there is a Bord na Mona extraction facility nearby, the OPW will refer the matter to that organisation for direct reply to the Deputy.

Euro Area Loan Facility Bill 2010: Second Stage (Resumed) (18 May 2010)

Martin Mansergh: I will share time with Deputy Michael Mulcahy. The Minister for Finance has set out in detail the context of the Bill and its provisions. Notwithstanding arguments made, I welcome what I understand to be the support of the main Opposition parties for the Bill. European Union and euro membership are fundamental to our positioning as a country and our economic strategy. We have every interest...

Euro Area Loan Facility Bill 2010: Second Stage (Resumed) (18 May 2010)

Martin Mansergh: I have it here. Does the Deputy want me to read bits of it?

Euro Area Loan Facility Bill 2010: Second Stage (Resumed) (18 May 2010)

Martin Mansergh: That document needs to be examined closely to see if it stands up to the imperative necessity to deal with the issue of sovereign debt in this country. Jobs are important, but the most important stimulus for jobs will come from an improvement in competitiveness rather than specific stimulus measures.

Euro Area Loan Facility Bill 2010: Second Stage (Resumed) (18 May 2010)

Martin Mansergh: It is time the Fine Gael document was scrutinised and debated rather than simply having answers-----

Euro Area Loan Facility Bill 2010: Second Stage (Resumed) (18 May 2010)

Martin Mansergh: There is a serious question whether it is compatible with what is developing. I can understand why there are concerns about it.

Euro Area Loan Facility Bill 2010: Second Stage (Resumed) (18 May 2010)

Martin Mansergh: Yes, I have read it several times.

Euro Area Loan Facility Bill 2010: Second Stage (Resumed) (18 May 2010)

Martin Mansergh: Yes, I do.

Euro Area Loan Facility Bill 2010: Second Stage (Resumed) (18 May 2010)

Martin Mansergh: There is a theoretical debate in Europe on whether the current situation requires more economic and monetary union. I represent the country on the EU budget council and the reality is that there is no willingness among our partners to put more funds into the EU budget. In fact, many of them would like to put even less money into it. We have an interest in defending the sums that are put...