Results 4,501-4,520 of 9,994 for speaker:John Gormley
- Water Quality. (27 Nov 2008)
John Gormley: Not only have I been in touch with the managers of local authorities, but the EPA, which has been given extra supervisory powers and extra resources and staff, has also been in contact with the various local authorities. The EPA is putting the authorities under a certain amount of pressure, which is only right, to step up to the plate and ensure people are getting the best quality drinking...
- Waste Disposal. (27 Nov 2008)
John Gormley: There were some 1.2 million tonnes of waste recycled in 2006, of which approximately 75% was exported. Approximately 36% of municipal waste is now recycled as compared to the national target of 35% recycling by 2013. The Government's policy statement, Preventing and Recycling Waste â Delivering Change, identified a lack of sustainable and economically attractive markets and outlets for...
- Waste Disposal. (27 Nov 2008)
John Gormley: Given the economies of scale, it makes sense to co-operate with our colleagues in Northern Ireland and to have a glass recycling facility on any part of the island. The Deputy is correct that we also need to develop a facility for paper and cardboard and a proposal has been made. However, we must reach an agreement with our colleagues in Northern Ireland because this was to be done on an...
- Waste Disposal. (27 Nov 2008)
John Gormley: I agree with the Deputy. I liaise closely with those in the recycling industry. I will be holding another meeting shortly. I have received the report from the action group. The composting industry can employ many people and I regard it as a win-win situation. The statutory instrument on composting, which I will publish shortly, will ensure that the food waste from our restaurants and...
- Electoral Reform. (27 Nov 2008)
John Gormley: The rules and procedures concerning elections are a key component of our democratic system of government and the electoral law is an important part of the responsibilities of my Department. As a measure of the legislative activity this involves, the House may wish to note that five Electoral Bills have been brought before this House by my Department and enacted in the past four years. The...
- Electoral Reform. (27 Nov 2008)
John Gormley: I thank the Leas-Cheann Comhairle for that clarification. The Deputy said he had a number of questions but essentially he only had one and that was whether I was going to introduce legislation to allow civil servants to participate in the political process. The answer to that question is a firm "No". The Deputy has made a big play and he has completely misconstrued it, probably...
- Electoral Reform. (27 Nov 2008)
John Gormley: It is not until such time as the Deputy chooses to put it into the public arena and wilfully misinterpret something. I do not believe that civil servants â who, by the way, do such an outstanding job â should be engaged in political activity in any shape or form. It is as simple as that.
- Electoral Reform. (27 Nov 2008)
John Gormley: Is the Deputy asking if I am on a slippery slope?
- Electoral Reform. (27 Nov 2008)
John Gormley: The Deputy's party has church gate collections etc., but I do not intend to go into its fund-raising activities over the years. Does the Deputy ask the person who is contributingââ
- Electoral Reform. (27 Nov 2008)
John Gormley: ââif they are a civil servant? The Deputy is raising matters that are ridiculous. You were right a Leas-Cheann Comhairle, I did not hear a question either.
- Recycling Policy. (27 Nov 2008)
John Gormley: Representatives from the waste industry met with officials in my Department on 24 October 2008 to discuss industry concerns regarding the sudden drop in international demand for recycled materials. Their principal issue of concern was the need rapidly to increase the storage capacity of existing permitted and licensed facilities. Immediately following this meeting, my Department contacted...
- Recycling Policy. (27 Nov 2008)
John Gormley: I thought I had given much clarity on this issue earlier when I responded to Deputy Joanna Tuffy. I outlined exactly the percentages relating to the export of recyclates. Paper and cardboard is exported. There is a difficulty with the price received for these particular products because it has decreased due to the collapse of the market in China and elsewhere. We have examined the...
- Recycling Policy. (27 Nov 2008)
John Gormley: There was no cost for the report because it was compiled by my Department. The Department along with the main players in the industry went through the various options and then came up with recommendations. I hope to publish the report shortly. The environment spokespersons from the Opposition parties will be invited.
- Order of Business (27 Nov 2008)
John Gormley: I am not the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food.
- Motor Vehicle (Duties and Licences) (No. 2) Bill 2008: Order for Second Stage (27 Nov 2008)
John Gormley: I move: "That Second Stage be taken now."
- Motor Vehicle (Duties and Licences) (No. 2) Bill 2008: Second Stage (27 Nov 2008)
John Gormley: I move: "That the Bill be now read a Second Time." The purpose of the Bill is to give legislative effect to the increases in motor tax rates and trade plate licences contained in the financial resolution on motor tax passed by the Dáil on 14 October 2008. The financial resolution and this Bill provide for increases in motor tax of 4% for cars below 2.5 litres, and CO2 bands A to D; and 5%...
- Motor Vehicle (Duties and Licences) (No. 2) Bill 2008: Second Stage (Resumed) (27 Nov 2008)
John Gormley: Not if one looks at the Bill. That is the evidence.
- Motor Vehicle (Duties and Licences) (No. 2) Bill 2008: Second Stage (Resumed) (27 Nov 2008)
John Gormley: I used the bicycle again this morning. The Deputy might talk to his own leader who travels in his Mercedes at taxpayers' expense.
- Motor Vehicle (Duties and Licences) (No. 2) Bill 2008: Second Stage (Resumed) (27 Nov 2008)
John Gormley: When will Deputy Bannon's party leader do that? He is chauffeur driven around in his Mercedes.
- Motor Vehicle (Duties and Licences) (No. 2) Bill 2008: Second Stage (Resumed) (27 Nov 2008)
John Gormley: That is total bull.