Results 4,701-4,720 of 11,114 for speaker:Damien English

Topical Issue Debate: Urban Development (29 Sep 2016)

Damien English: I thank the Deputy for raising this important issue and giving me the opportunity to outline the position from my point of view and that of the Minister, Deputy Simon Coveney, regarding town centre development in Naas. I had the opportunity to view the site with Deputy Durkan and county council officials on Tuesday during my visit to Naas County Council. I can see exactly what the problem...

Topical Issue Debate: Traveller Accommodation (29 Sep 2016)

Damien English: I am grateful for the opportunity to address the House on the important matter of Traveller accommodation. I thank the Deputy for raising this issue and for the opportunity to correct the record. The senior Minister could not be present and he sends his apologies. I work with him in the Department and I am here on his behalf. He is directly involved in this issue. The Minister is not in...

Topical Issue Debate: Traveller Accommodation (29 Sep 2016)

Damien English: It is not relative; it is a silly way of approaching any issue.

Topical Issue Debate: Traveller Accommodation (29 Sep 2016)

Damien English: I should clarify that Louth County Council is the authority with statutory responsibility for the assessment of accommodation needs of Travellers and the preparation, adoption and implementation of Traveller accommodation programmes, TAPs, in the Louth area. Following the removal of families from Woodlands Park halting site in January, the county council commenced a review of its Traveller...

Seanad: Commencement Matters: House Purchase Schemes (29 Sep 2016)

Damien English: It is good to be back here again. I thank Senator Ó Domhnaill for raising this issue. It is important to bring clarity. Like many schemes, people do not always know about them until they go looking for them. In our offices people have asked about them in the past and we have pointed them in the right direction. Generally, if someone wants a loan through this mechanism, they will...

Seanad: Commencement Matters: House Purchase Schemes (29 Sep 2016)

Damien English: To be clear, imagination works both ways. We will take on board any idea that the Senator has, but I will not force anyone to take out a loan. The loan is available, but people are choosing not to avail of it. They are choosing local authority products instead. It is not that people do not know. The 1,100 people who chose the other mortgage would have been aware of both options. It is...

Seanad: Commencement Matters: House Purchase Schemes (29 Sep 2016)

Damien English: No, the Senator said-----

Seanad: Commencement Matters: House Purchase Schemes (29 Sep 2016)

Damien English: The money is available and the product is there for people who meet the criteria. I am open to ideas. As to imagination, the Senator should not blame the officials if he has no ideas either.

Seanad: Commencement Matters: House Purchase Schemes (29 Sep 2016)

Damien English: I did not hear them.

Seanad: Commencement Matters: House Purchase Schemes (29 Sep 2016)

Damien English: I agree with that one.

Written Answers — Department of Housing, Planning, Community and Local Government: Pyrite Panel Report Implementation (29 Sep 2016)

Damien English: The Pyrite Resolution Act 2013 provides the statutory framework for the establishment of the Pyrite Resolution Board and for the making of a pyrite remediation scheme to be implemented by the Board with support from the Housing Agency. The pyrite remediation scheme is a scheme of “last resort” and is limited in its application and scope to dwellings which have significant...

Written Answers — Department of Housing, Planning, Community and Local Government: Pyrite Resolution Board (29 Sep 2016)

Damien English: The Pyrite Resolution Act 2013 provides for the making of a pyrite remediation scheme by the Pyrite Resolution Board for certain dwellings affected by significant pyrite damage. The full conditions for eligibility under the scheme are set out in the scheme, which is available on the Board’s website (www.pyriteboard.ie). Applications must be submitted to the Board online at . The...

Water Charges: Motion [Private Members] (28 Sep 2016)

Damien English: I could give the Deputy lessons.

Water Charges: Motion [Private Members] (28 Sep 2016)

Damien English: It is also not factual when the Deputy said that it can be privatised. It cannot be privatised without the Irish public deciding it that way. It is written in law, it is there. As I said in the previous debate on this issue, let us focus on the goals that we do agree with and work constructively to chart a path towards an efficient and effective provision and funding for water services. ...

Water Charges: Motion [Private Members] (28 Sep 2016)

Damien English: That is fine, I am asking where it wants to take the money from. If it is not too much trouble maybe it will point it out at some stage. Or it may want to wait two weeks until the budget. It might outline its thoughts on that as well.

Water Charges: Motion [Private Members] (28 Sep 2016)

Damien English: Good, thank you, I will make sure I get it.

Water Charges: Motion [Private Members] (28 Sep 2016)

Damien English: It is much more fun when we have a discussion.

Water Charges: Motion [Private Members] (28 Sep 2016)

Damien English: All countries, including Ireland, need to act sustainably in managing, protecting and providing this fundamental natural resource. We all agree on that. We need to be fully cognisant of these challenges as part of the debate on future water services funding. This is why we need to focus the debate purely on water in the months ahead and not people's own personal agendas. Behind the concept...

Water Charges: Motion [Private Members] (28 Sep 2016)

Damien English: I was going to talk about the leakage again-----

Water Charges: Motion [Private Members] (28 Sep 2016)

Damien English: I have only about ten seconds left.