Results 5,541-5,560 of 7,278 for speaker:Dick Roche

Written Answers — Environmental Policy: Environmental Policy (11 Oct 2005)

Dick Roche: I propose to take Questions Nos. 542, 543 and 546 together. The product in question, genetically modified oilseed rape GT73, was authorised by the European Commission on 31 August 2005 for importation into the European Community for use as animal feed and for industrial use. Article 23 of Directive 2001/18/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council specifies the conditions under which...

County Boundaries. (6 Oct 2005)

Dick Roche: I have just noticed the word "terminate" in the Deputy's submission.

County Boundaries. (6 Oct 2005)

Dick Roche: At the behest of this Government.

County Boundaries. (6 Oct 2005)

Dick Roche: I had not noticed the use of the word "terminate" in the final sentence of the Deputy's submission. What is most interesting is that county boundaries were drawn in 1604 when the last county, Wicklow, was created. We have such a passionate interest in county boundaries. The Deputy was really winning up to the point where he pointed out that Kilkenny might lose some of its star hurlers. As a...

Recycling Facilities. (6 Oct 2005)

Dick Roche: I am grateful to Deputy Catherine Murphy for raising the issue. She has made a passionate case for County Kildare and I accept that. I will try to explain how the manner in which recycling is funded is somewhat different to the general fund. This could not be a better week in which to raise the issue of waste management and recycling for many reasons. I disagree that the provision of...

Written Answers — Grant Payments: Grant Payments (6 Oct 2005)

Dick Roche: My Department is providing funding of €2 million to local authorities for the provision of playground facilities in 2005. Each city and county council, including Kildare County Council, has been allocated €60,000 to meet the cost of purchase and delivery of play equipment. The location of the playgrounds which are to benefit from these allocations is a matter for local authorities to decide.

Written Answers — Motor Vehicle Registration: Motor Vehicle Registration (6 Oct 2005)

Dick Roche: Section 60(3) of the Finance Act 1993 specifies a range of bodies, including the Revenue Commissioners and the Garda, who shall have access to and may inspect and examine, records in respect of vehicle and driving licences. The competent authorities for licensing vehicles and drivers in other EU member states are also among the bodies empowered in this connection. The relevant competent...

Written Answers — Grant Payments: Grant Payments (6 Oct 2005)

Dick Roche: In July 2004 my Department concluded an agreement with the farming pillar under Sustaining Progress which involved increased rates of compensation for the cessation of turf cutting in bogs that have been proposed as designated conservation areas. This agreement incorporates retrospective provisions benefiting landowners who participated in the original 1999 scheme for disposal of raised bogs...

Written Answers — Grant Payments: Grant Payments (6 Oct 2005)

Dick Roche: In July 2004 my Department concluded an agreement with the farming pillar under Sustaining Progress which involved increased rates of compensation for the cessation of turf cutting in bogs that have been proposed as designated conservation areas. This agreement incorporates retrospective provisions benefiting landowners who participated in the original 1999 scheme for disposal of raised bogs...

Written Answers — EU Directives: EU Directives (6 Oct 2005)

Dick Roche: Thermal performance and insulation standards for new dwellings under part L of the building regulations have been progressively increased since their introduction in 1992 and are due for further upward adjustment by 2008. The national climate change strategy, NCCS, proposed that 1997 part L standards, operative since 1 July 1998, be significantly increased in two phases in mid-2002 and 2005....

Written Answers — Waste Management: Waste Management (6 Oct 2005)

Dick Roche: Under the Air Pollution Act 1987, the occupier of any premises, other than a private dwelling, is required to use the best practicable means to limit and, if possible, to prevent emissions, including smoke emissions, from such premises. In addition, the occupier of any premises is prohibited from causing or permitting an emission in such a quantity or manner as to be a nuisance. The Act...

Written Answers — EU Directives: EU Directives (6 Oct 2005)

Dick Roche: The Ozone in Ambient Air Regulations 2004, which transpose Directive 2002/3/EC, were signed on 11 February 2004. Under these regulations, the directive is being implemented and enforced by the Environmental Protection Agency. This includes responsibility for ensuring, or causing to be ensured, that ozone monitoring equipment is accurate and appropriately situated. The 2004 regulations require...

Written Answers — Grant Payments: Grant Payments (6 Oct 2005)

Dick Roche: In July 2004 my Department concluded an agreement with the farming pillar under Sustaining Progress which involved increased rates of compensation for the cessation of turf cutting in bogs that have been proposed as designated conservation areas. This agreement incorporates retrospective provisions benefiting landowners who participated in the original 1999 scheme for disposal of raised bogs...

Seanad: Sport and Recreational Development. (6 Oct 2005)

Dick Roche: I acknowledge the positive interest Senator Terry has always had in this matter. Sadly, the development of Abbotstown became a political football, if I may mix metaphors, last year. Serious damage was done to the public interest. I am not a sportsperson, I must admit, but I believe that sport plays a vital part in the life of a nation. Traditionally we have not looked favourably on this area,...

Seanad: Sport and Recreational Development. (6 Oct 2005)

Dick Roche: The Senator will appreciate that I cannot predict the details of the Minister for Finance's budget, nor can any other Deputy or Minister who might come before this House. There is a commitment to this and the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism, Deputy O'Donoghue, has made a very valiant case for the project. All of us in public life must deal responsibly with an issue like this and I agree...

Seanad: Sport and Recreational Development. (6 Oct 2005)

Dick Roche: Similar encouragement from other Members of Dáil Éireann would be helpful.

Seanad: Wildlife Conservation. (6 Oct 2005)

Dick Roche: I thank the Senator for raising the issue and also for his kind words. I will give him an assurance regarding guns in the park, as I understand how sincerely he is concerned about that matter. The Wildlife Acts enable my Department to make orders providing for open seasons for the hunting of wild red, sika or fallow deer. In general, the open season for stags runs from 1 September to 31...

Seanad: Wildlife Conservation. (6 Oct 2005)

Dick Roche: I am aware that is a concern of the Senator. The trend of a hugely increasing red deer population has led to concerns being raised on how to control the overall population. There is also substantial evidence of ecological damage as a consequence of expanding deer populations. My Department must have regard to such concerns and considerations. The trend in red deer population numbers shows...

Seanad: Wildlife Conservation. (6 Oct 2005)

Dick Roche: I am aware of the Senator's concerns and believe we are ad idem on the issue of trophy-hunting, something I do not want to see. The culling and the allowed hunting are meant to keep all the species in check. There has been something of an explosion in the red deer population in the area. We do not have wolves or other predators in Kerry. It will continue to be the case that deer will be dealt...

Seanad: Water and Sewerage Schemes. (6 Oct 2005)

Dick Roche: Senator Brennan has show huge personal interest in this matter. The fact that so much progress is being made is due, in no small way, to the fact that he has a charming way of nagging the Minister of the day to ensure that progress is made in an area that is important to him. My Department's Water Services Investment Programme 2004-2006, which was published in May 2004, includes funding for...