Results 4,621-4,640 of 11,114 for speaker:Damien English

Written Answers — Department of Housing, Planning, Community and Local Government: Urban Renewal Schemes (17 Nov 2016)

Damien English: The Programme for a Partnership Government, published in May 2016, sets out the ambitious priority attached to urban regeneration by the Government, incorporating a series of specific actions aimed at facilitating the regeneration of our urban centres, many of which have been adversely impacted by our recent economic difficulties. The Government’s Action Plan for Housing and...

Seanad: Commencement Matters: Value for Money Reviews (16 Nov 2016)

Damien English: I thank Senator Colm Burke for raising this matter this morning. Local authorities are under statutory obligation to levy rates on any property used for commercial purposes in accordance with the details entered into the valuation list prepared by the independent Commissioner of Valuation pursuant to the Valuation Act 2001. Rates income data are published by the local authorities in their...

Seanad: Commencement Matters: Value for Money Reviews (16 Nov 2016)

Damien English: It would be worthwhile for this House, or a committee of the House, to have a debate on rates and the value of the contribution from business. It would be relevant in the context of the debate we will be having in the months ahead on water and other charges. In addition to the national arrangements I have outlined, there will be plenty of opportunity for reports to collect and analyse data...

Seanad: Commencement Matters: Shannon Airport Facilities (16 Nov 2016)

Damien English: The Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade, Deputy Charles Flanagan, sends his apologies as he cannot be here today. On 6 July this year, when the Senator raised the issue of the US military aircraft landing at Shannon Airport, the Minister informed this House that the Air Navigation (Foreign Military Aircraft) Order 1952 gives the Minister for Foreign Affairs primary responsibility for the...

Seanad: Commencement Matters: Shannon Airport Facilities (16 Nov 2016)

Damien English: It is Senator Gavan's credibility that is at stake. When he last raised this issue in July it was proven that what he suggested was not the case. The Minister, Deputy Flanagan, is not hiding. He is unable to be here today. I have come here today on his behalf to present the facts. The facts are as set out.

Seanad: Commencement Matters: Shannon Airport Facilities (16 Nov 2016)

Damien English: The arrangements at Shannon are based on international rules.

Seanad: Commencement Matters: Shannon Airport Facilities (16 Nov 2016)

Damien English: The operation at Shannon is based on international best practice.

Seanad: Commencement Matters: Shannon Airport Facilities (16 Nov 2016)

Damien English: Bilateral relations between friendly nations are founded on mutual trust, with both parties having an interest in maintaining that trust. This arrangement has been in place at Shannon for the past 20 or 30 years.

Seanad: Commencement Matters: Shannon Airport Facilities (16 Nov 2016)

Damien English: Despite this issue constantly being raised what is suggested has never been proven.

Written Answers — Department of Housing, Planning, Community and Local Government: Environmental Policy (16 Nov 2016)

Damien English: The Building Regulations, which are primarily concerned with the safety and well-being of persons in and around buildings, set down mandatory performance standards for buildings, and these performance standards are regularly reviewed and upgraded over time. The statutory requirements are set out in twelve parts (classified as parts A to M) included under the Second Schedule to the Building...

Companies (Accounting) Bill 2016 - Second Stage: Second Stage (Resumed) (15 Nov 2016)

Damien English: On behalf of the two Ministers responsible for the Department, of which I am not one, the Minister, Deputy Mitchell O'Connor, and the Minister of State, Deputy Breen, I thank Deputies for their valuable contributions to the debate on the Companies (Accounting) Bill. I missed the early part of the debate but I know there is much support for the Bill. The importance of it is well recognised....

Companies (Accounting) Bill 2016 - Second Stage: Second Stage (Resumed) (15 Nov 2016)

Damien English: I particularly welcome the general expressions of support for the overall objective of the Bill, as well as many of its key features, such as simplification and transparency. It is of course true that small and micro Irish companies have been waiting to apply the benefits of this Bill. Once it is enacted, those companies will find their financial reporting requirements more straightforward...

Companies (Accounting) Bill 2016: Referral to Select Committee (15 Nov 2016)

Damien English: I move:That the Bill be referred to the Select Committee on Justice and Equality pursuant to Standing Orders 84A(3)(a) and 194(1) of the Standing Orders relative to Public Business.

Seanad: Commencement Matters: Alternative Energy Projects (15 Nov 2016)

Damien English: I thank the Senator for raising this issue. There are no specific planning guidelines in place in respect of solar farms and I have no proposals to bring forward such guidelines at the present time. Under the Planning and Development Act 2000, as amended, each planning authority's development plan is required to set out an overall strategy for the proper planning and sustainable development...

Seanad: Commencement Matters: Alternative Energy Projects (15 Nov 2016)

Damien English: As I said, this is kept under review. I will discuss it with the Ministers, Deputies Coveney and Naughten. I am conscious that there has been a ramp up in the applications received in recent months or certainly in the past year, and it appears that many more will be submitted. We will closely monitor that. I draw the Senator's attention to guidelines for key infrastructure, including...

Seanad: Commencement Matters: Planning Issues (15 Nov 2016)

Damien English: I thank Senator Davitt for raising this issue. As a Deputy who represents rural areas and who shares some common ground with the Senator, I understand the logic and motive behind this and I also understand the frustration that is often experienced with the planning system. I accept the Senator's point and know he has asked for this proposal to be made in good faith.As Minister, my role in...

Seanad: Commencement Matters: Planning Issues (15 Nov 2016)

Damien English: I understand the sentiments expressed. I will compare our position with that in other countries to determine whether we could address the issue without infringing the criteria for public participation. Legally, we cannot infringe on them and do not want to do so, but I know exactly what the Senator is trying to say. I will discuss the issue with our experts on planning to determine whether...

Seanad: Statute Law Revision Bill 2016: Second Stage (15 Nov 2016)

Damien English: It is a pleasure to bring the Statute Law Revision Bill to the House. Its purpose is to repeal spent and obsolete public general Acts passed between 1922 and 1950. As the first comprehensive review of Acts passed by the Oireachtas, the Bill will result in a significant reduction in the size of the Statute Book for this period. In total, some 297 Acts, accounting for 42% of the 707 enforced...

Seanad: Statute Law Revision Bill 2016: Second Stage (15 Nov 2016)

Damien English: What about the Senator's party's history?

Seanad: Statute Law Revision Bill 2016: Second Stage (15 Nov 2016)

Damien English: Before I begin my closing remarks I thank the Members for their co-operation. I also thank them for the very informed and topical discussion, as well as the history lesson in which I will not get involved.