Results 4,581-4,600 of 7,278 for speaker:Dick Roche

Proposed Legislation. (14 Feb 2006)

Dick Roche: I am aware of the comments made by the SIPO commission. My major concern is the evident lacuna which was demonstrated in this House in a number of contributions in recent months. I will continue to keep my eye on all aspects that touch on the issue of public confidence in the elected or administrative sides of local government. The current arrangements I have with the SIPO commission and...

Proposed Legislation. (14 Feb 2006)

Dick Roche: The idea has some merit but it came about in a different set of circumstances in Britain where local government operates on a different basis. The executive functions that are the preserve of officials here are sometimes shared by councillors in Britain and this followed a series of extraordinary corruption cases. It is not always necessary to follow the British model slavishly but the point...

Proposed Legislation. (14 Feb 2006)

Dick Roche: We can discuss it later. It is a very interesting area of discussion.

Waste Management. (14 Feb 2006)

Dick Roche: The short answer to the Deputy's question is "no", as I do not propose to introduce legislation on the lines suggested in the question. Incineration with energy recovery forms an important part of a modern, integrated and sustainable approach to waste management consistent with the internationally accepted waste hierarchy. Its role is fully recognised within the European Union environmental...

Waste Management. (14 Feb 2006)

Dick Roche: Regrettably, there is no zero waste option. While remarkable progress has been made in the area of waste reduction and recycling, this will not solve the waste problem and it is fatuous for the Deputy to suggest otherwise. If Deputies Morgan or McCormack wish to check the record, they will learn that I stated that if I were asked to tolerate a very large landfill or a well run modern...

Waste Management. (14 Feb 2006)

Dick Roche: Did I say it the wrong way around?

Waste Management. (14 Feb 2006)

Dick Roche: I would much prefer to live next door to an incinerator than a dump.

Waste Management. (14 Feb 2006)

Dick Roche: As I stated, if the choice was between one or the other——

Waste Management. (14 Feb 2006)

Dick Roche: Deputy Morgan also asked whether there is scientific opinion to support his hypothesis that a blanket ban on incineration would be a positive development. While that may well be the case, there is also a vast preponderance of scientific evidence to suggest the type of blanket ban the Deputy proposes would be economically untenable, result in the closure of several important industries here...

Waste Management. (14 Feb 2006)

Dick Roche: I can think of many disastrous, poisonous processes which might by closer to home in the Deputy's case than incineration.

Waste Management. (14 Feb 2006)

Dick Roche: The answer to the Deputy's question is "no".

EU Directives. (14 Feb 2006)

Dick Roche: The need for the regulations arises from the 1991 EU nitrates directive which imposes specific obligations on all member states to protect waters against pollution from agricultural sources. As Deputies are aware, a 2004 judgment of the European Court of Justice held Ireland to be in breach of the directive by failing to implement a nitrates action plan. As a result of this judgment we are...

EU Directives. (14 Feb 2006)

Dick Roche: I have not yet received advice or proposals from Teagasc for amendments of the regulations. Any advice received by Teagasc would be carefully considered by me and by the Minister for Agriculture and Food. I cannot give any commitments regarding advice which has not yet been formulated or received.

EU Directives. (14 Feb 2006)

Dick Roche: I understand there was a proposal or suggestion that Teagasc might be willing to provide some additional information. As I stated in the reply, anything that is supported by robust science will be examined. However, it must be supported by robust science as otherwise we would be deluding ourselves and doing a grave disservice to Irish agriculture.

EU Directives. (14 Feb 2006)

Dick Roche: I refer the Deputy to my earlier answer. Some 72% of all phosphorus and 83% of all nitrate inputs into water in Ireland come from agriculture. There is no point in slithering around the place and trying to avoid those facts.

EU Directives. (14 Feb 2006)

Dick Roche: I agree with the Deputy that the derogation is the most important point. The derogation deals with the nitrates side of the issue and is the most critical issue. The Commission has agreed to allow me to continue with the negotiations on the derogation. The regulations needed to be signed on Sunday, 11 December, which I did, in order that the following day we could go to the nitrates...

Register of Electors. (14 Feb 2006)

Dick Roche: In law, preparation of the register of electors is a matter for each local registration authority. It is their duty to ensure, as far as possible and with the co-operation of the public, the accuracy and comprehensiveness of the register. On 28 June 2005, when the House last discussed this issue, I confirmed that I share the concerns that have been expressed on the quality of the register....

Register of Electors. (14 Feb 2006)

Dick Roche: I will take the second point first. I am not sure if it is possible to use the census of population, which has a very specific focus. It is an interesting thought. I am open to any suggestion that might work. Regarding Kildare, as the Deputy knows, I have allocated a huge increase in the resources of local authorities in the past two years — the Government has been in the fortunate position...

Register of Electors. (14 Feb 2006)

Dick Roche: I would not disagree with the Deputy on the last point because, frankly, some local authorities are not doing a good job, although others are doing an excellent job. With regard to the reference to Kildare County Council, which features frequently in the affairs of this House more for criticism than anything else, I have made the point about the resources. With regard to the Private Members'...

EU Directives. (14 Feb 2006)

Dick Roche: I propose to take Questions Nos. 107 and 112 together. As indicated in reply to Priority Question No. 105 on today's Order Paper, the regulations which give effect to Ireland's nitrates action programme under the nitrates directive provide for nutrient management planning in line with the environmental requirements of the directive and long-standing guidelines published by Teagasc. I also...