Results 521-540 of 14,706 for speaker:Phil Hogan

Other Questions: Water Charges Introduction (1 May 2014)

Phil Hogan: To answer the last question first, if Deputy Wallace can bring to my attention any specific examples in which subcontractors are not paying the proper rate I will be glad to investigate them. It will require €10 billion over the next 12 years to repair the leaking system we have. There has been under-investment over the years. A total of €120 million will be spent between...

Other Questions: Water Charges Introduction (1 May 2014)

Phil Hogan: If Deputy Daly wants to propose cutting budgets for housing, health, education or social protection to provide more capital funding for water, let her make this proposal. We have finite resources.

Other Questions: Water Charges Introduction (1 May 2014)

Phil Hogan: Otherwise we will have to increase income tax on workers. Is this what the Deputy advocates?

Other Questions: Water Charges Introduction (1 May 2014)

Phil Hogan: Perhaps she advocates more taxes on the so-called working person whose side she is on, as she has clearly indicated over the years.

Other Questions: Water Charges Introduction (1 May 2014)

Phil Hogan: The matters raised by Deputy Stanley are operational matters.

Other Questions: Water Charges Introduction (1 May 2014)

Phil Hogan: How does the Deputy expect me to know what is going on in Esker Hills? Ask Deputy Cowen - he lives nearer.

Other Questions: Water Charges Introduction (1 May 2014)

Phil Hogan: I will not get involved in answering questions on operational matters in the House-----

Other Questions: Water Charges Introduction (1 May 2014)

Phil Hogan: -----and the Deputy should not insult the intelligence of people by expecting me to know the answer. A first fix policy will be implemented by the Government-----

Other Questions: Water Charges Introduction (1 May 2014)

Phil Hogan: The Deputy asked a question about this. Let me answer it. Under the capital programme we will examine introducing a first fix free policy with regard to the area between the boundary of the property and the house, because people should not have to pay for legacy issues such as leaks for which they had no direct responsibility. Protocols have been worked out between Irish Water and local...

Other Questions: Water Charges Introduction (1 May 2014)

Phil Hogan: Irish Water and local authorities are working out a protocol, which will be resolved in the near future.

Other Questions: Water Charges Introduction (1 May 2014)

Phil Hogan: I propose to take Questions Nos. 9, 15, 25 and 29 together. As the Deputy knows, the programme for Government sets out a commitment to introduce water charges based on usage above a free allowance. The Government considers that charging based on usage is the fairest way to charge for water and it has, therefore, decided that water meters should be installed in households connected to...

Other Questions: Water Charges Introduction (1 May 2014)

Phil Hogan: An in-house study is being carried out by the engineering staff in my Department and Irish Water to see what can be done about particular categories of apartments and shared service connections and about how we can actually meter those properties more quickly than we anticipated. We are expecting to be able to meter some of those properties in 2015. Arising from the survey carried out by...

Ceisteanna - Questions - Priority Questions: Local and Community Development Programme Planning (1 May 2014)

Phil Hogan: The whole purpose of delivering these programmes is to reduce the level of administration as well as delivering the programmes. In 2013, the average administrative cost of delivering programmes through the LCDP has been 29%. Of €47 million allocated, some €14 million went in administration which is far too high. The structures of delivery will be assessed by the LCDC arising...

Ceisteanna - Questions - Priority Questions: Illegal Waste Dumping (1 May 2014)

Phil Hogan: Enforcement action against illegal waste activity is a matter for the local authorities and the Office of Environmental Enforcement, OEE, of the Environmental Protection Agency, EPA. The Minister's role is to provide the legislative and policy framework under which both local authority and EPA enforcement action against illegal dumping is initiated. My Department provides financial support...

Ceisteanna - Questions - Priority Questions: Illegal Waste Dumping (1 May 2014)

Phil Hogan: I agree with Deputy McGrath that many people act irresponsibly by dumping waste. All the Department can do is provide money to local authorities which must then provide additional resources if they wish to prioritise the issue in order to ensure that places are clean. I agree with the Deputy that illegal dumping is unacceptable. Small shopkeepers, in particular, are paying commercial rates...

Ceisteanna - Questions - Priority Questions: Illegal Waste Dumping (1 May 2014)

Phil Hogan: I am changing the legislation.

Ceisteanna - Questions - Priority Questions: Illegal Waste Dumping (1 May 2014)

Phil Hogan: There are currently on-the-spot fines of €150 for various offences, but I will extend that to fly-tipping. There is a maximum fine of €3,000 on summary conviction and a maximum fine of €130,000 on conviction and indictment.

Ceisteanna - Questions - Priority Questions: Litter Pollution (1 May 2014)

Phil Hogan: The Litter Pollution Acts 1997 to 2009 provide the statutory framework to combat littering and include provisions relating to dog fouling.  Under the Acts, the primary management and enforcement response to littering, including the provision of dog waste bags in public places, is a matter for local authorities. It is a matter for each local authority, including the Deputy's councillor...

Ceisteanna - Questions - Priority Questions: Litter Pollution (1 May 2014)

Phil Hogan: And cats.

Ceisteanna - Questions - Priority Questions: Litter Pollution (1 May 2014)

Phil Hogan: I hope the excellent councillor the Deputy mentions will do his job and prioritise the resources that are already in place in Dublin City Council to do the job the Deputy referred to in his question regarding dog fouling. It is a very important issue and it is a nuisance for people. There is a responsibility on certain individuals. There are already many enforcement measures in the Litter...