Results 481-500 of 9,994 for speaker:John Gormley

Written Answers — Water Services: Water Services (19 Oct 2010)

John Gormley: I propose to take Questions Nos. 80 and 102 together. My Department is finalising proposals to give effect to the commitment in the renewed Programme for Government to introduce charges for water services in a way that is fair, significantly reduces waste and is easily applied. The proposals include the approach to be taken to the installation of water meters in households connected to public...

Written Answers — Electronic Voting Machines: Electronic Voting Machines (19 Oct 2010)

John Gormley: Following the Government decision not to proceed with implementation of electronic voting in Ireland, an Interdepartmental Task Force, chaired by my Department, was established to bring the project to an orderly conclusion and to oversee disposal of the equipment and termination of storage arrangements. To date, the Task Force has met five times, with its most recent meeting taking place in...

Written Answers — Turbary Rights: Turbary Rights (19 Oct 2010)

John Gormley: I propose to take Questions Nos. 83, 110 and 459 together. In May 2010, the Government confirmed the end of the 10 year derogation allowing a continuation of turf-cutting on raised bogs designated as Special Areas of Conservation (SACs) and Natural Heritage Areas (NHAs). The Government also established an Interim Compensation Scheme to compensate those who have been cutting turf on the 31...

Written Answers — Local Government Fund: Local Government Fund (19 Oct 2010)

John Gormley: The 2011 Local Government Fund will be financed from the full proceeds of motor tax income in 2011 and an annual contribution from the Exchequer. The Exchequer contribution to the Fund will be announced in the context of Budget 2011. I will continue to contribute to the general purpose funding of local authorities to the best extent possible, having regard to the current pressures on the...

Written Answers — Proposed Legislation: Proposed Legislation (19 Oct 2010)

John Gormley: The general scheme of a Monuments Bill was approved by Government in April 2010, and work towards preparation of the Bill is underway in the Office of the Attorney General. The Bill will provide a consolidated, updated and expanded legislative code to replace the National Monuments Acts 1930 to 2004 and a number of related enactments. It will include measures to streamline and improve...

Written Answers — Local Government Efficiency Review Group: Local Government Efficiency Review Group (19 Oct 2010)

John Gormley: The Report of the independent Local Government Efficiency Review Group, published in mid July, includes 106 recommendations for efficiency and other savings of €511m for the local government sector to be attained in the short, medium and long terms. These savings are comprised of €346m in efficiencies and €165m in improved cost recovery and revenue raising. The Report's findings and...

Written Answers — Emergency Planning: Emergency Planning (19 Oct 2010)

John Gormley: The Consultative Committee of the National Directorate for Fire and Emergency Management was established on 22 June, 2009 and is still in operation. The Consultative Committee provides a forum for representation and consultation with fire service stakeholder interests. The membership of the Consultative Committee is intended to reflect the three core business areas of the National...

Written Answers — Waste Disposal: Waste Disposal (19 Oct 2010)

John Gormley: The Northern Ireland Environment Agency (NIEA) will prioritise the order in which waste from the remaining sites in Northern Ireland will be dealt with under the Road Map agreed for tackling historical illegal movements of waste which was endorsed by Ministers from both this jurisdiction and Northern Ireland in October 2007. This prioritisation will be based on the risk of environmental...

Written Answers — Ethics in Public Office: Ethics in Public Office (19 Oct 2010)

John Gormley: Part 15 of the Local Government Act 2001 provides an ethical framework that requires both elected members and employees to maintain proper standards of integrity, conduct and concern for the public interest. The legislation is complemented by Codes of Conduct issued by the Minister. The framework sets out clear requirements and procedures for a councillor who has a pecuniary or other...

Written Answers — Local Authorities: Local Authorities (19 Oct 2010)

John Gormley: I propose to take Questions Nos. 92 and 111 together. As indicated in the reply to Question No. 453 on 12th October, 2010, a dedicated Cabinet Committee has been engaged in finalising the policy decisions for inclusion in the White Paper on Local Government. I intend to publish the White Paper as soon as possible following completion of the Government's deliberations.

Written Answers — Local Authority Elections: Local Authority Elections (19 Oct 2010)

John Gormley: I propose to take Questions Nos. 94 and 118 together. I refer to the reply to Priority Question No. 63 on today's order paper which sets out the position on this matter.

Written Answers — Water Services: Water Services (19 Oct 2010)

John Gormley: In 2007, all water services authorities (the 34 County and City Councils) were asked by my Department to review the operation of all water treatment plants and associated infrastructure and to ensure that the installation of continuous chlorine alarms and turbidity meters at appropriate locations at the treatment plant or in the distribution network was progressed without delay. This request...

Written Answers — Córas Úisce Poiblí: Córas Úisce Poiblí (19 Oct 2010)

John Gormley: Faoin Chlár Infheistíochta Séarachais 2010 – 2012, a bhfuil cóip de le fáil i Leabharlann an Oireachtais, tá forbairt beartaithe ar raon cuimsitheach de bhonneagar seirbhísí uisce nua i gContae na Gaillimhe. Tá Scéim Sholáthair Uisce Inis Mhóir - Uasghrádú an Ghléasra Chóireála san áireamh sa Chlár, i measc an liosta conarthaí sa chontae atá le tosú sa tréimhse 2010 -...

Written Answers — Environmental Protection Agency: Environmental Protection Agency (19 Oct 2010)

John Gormley: The review of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) promised in the Programme for Government commenced in February 2010. The review's terms of reference are as follows: i) To review the legislation governing the EPA, including the licensing functions and the processes in place to ensure public participation and the various remedies and sanctions available to the EPA for enforcement...

Written Answers — Foreshore Licences: Foreshore Licences (19 Oct 2010)

John Gormley: Work is well underway in my Department to modernise the foreshore consent regime and integrate it within the wider planning system. This includes preparatory work towards the necessary legislative changes, and assessment of the requirements for the development of a Marine Spatial Plan. Short-term administrative and regulatory measures are also being introduced to improve the throughput of...

Written Answers — Water and Sewerage Schemes: Water and Sewerage Schemes (19 Oct 2010)

John Gormley: It is a matter for each Water Services Authority to consider what wastewater treatment works need to be undertaken in their areas. Water Services Authorities were asked in July 2009 to submit an assessment of needs for water and sewerage services to my Department by 23 October 2009. In preparing these assessments, water services authorities were required to take into consideration key...

Written Answers — Docklands Redevelopment: Docklands Redevelopment (19 Oct 2010)

John Gormley: In conjunction with the Inter-Departmental Senior Officials Group which was established to consider the analysis and recommendations in the Cork Docklands Development Forum Report, my Department and Cork City Council is considering what enabling measures can be put in place to further progress the development of Cork Docklands, taking account of the changed economic circumstances and the...

Written Answers — Capital Projects: Capital Projects (19 Oct 2010)

John Gormley: In 2008, in the context of requirements relating to capital funding, my Department, following a competitive tendering process, commissioned Ernst and Young to carry out spot-checks on capital projects under construction in the period 2006 and 2007. In general, the report found good performance in relation to procurement and that local authorities comply with the relevant guidelines. The...

Written Answers — Severe Weather Events: Severe Weather Events (19 Oct 2010)

John Gormley: The fourth report of the Joint Committee on the Environment, Heritage and Local Government entitled The Management of Severe Weather Events in Ireland and Related Matters was published on 20 July 2010. As the Committee's report illustrates, the response to a severe weather event generally involves cross Departmental coordination and collaboration. A recommendation that my Department conduct...

Written Answers — National Biodiversity Plan: National Biodiversity Plan (19 Oct 2010)

John Gormley: In 2002, Ireland published its first National Biodiversity Plan. This Plan contained 91 actions, grouped under a number of themes, which reflected Ireland's commitment to the implementation of the objectives of the UN Convention on Biological Diversity. The overall objective of that Plan was to secure the conservation, including where possible the enhancement and sustainable use of biological...