Results 561-580 of 5,311 for speaker:Tom Hayes

Forestry Bill 2013: Report Stage (Resumed) (10 Jul 2014)

Tom Hayes: That was a concern, which is why the amendment was tabled. Basically, we do not need that power. Deputy Ferris raised the issue.

Forestry Bill 2013: Report Stage (Resumed) (10 Jul 2014)

Tom Hayes: I do not see the need for amendments Nos. 15, 16 and 21. Consequently, I do not propose to accept them. There is already legislation in place that entitles citizens to information on forestry and to participate in forestry planning. I remind the Deputies that my Department, like all other Departments, is a public body that allows access to information on the environmental regulation, which...

Forestry Bill 2013: Report Stage (Resumed) (10 Jul 2014)

Tom Hayes: I welcome Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett's positive attitude to forestry. However, that is a debate for the future and I would welcome that discussion. The benefits of forestry are not known. Many people do not appreciate forestry until such time as they come to understand the business of forestry, trees and the environment. I would welcome a debate or legislation in this area in the future....

Forestry Bill 2013: Report Stage (Resumed) (10 Jul 2014)

Tom Hayes: I agree with the Deputy that we need joined-up thinking. It is important to have it across Departments. The Department of the Environment, Community and Local Government and the county councils have their responsibilities and whether it is in regard to pollution or whatever, responsibility for it rests with the Department of the Environment, Community and Local Government. The Forest...

Forestry Bill 2013: Report Stage (Resumed) (10 Jul 2014)

Tom Hayes: The substitution of the word "ensuring" with "so as to ensure" is simply a rewording of the existing text.

Forestry Bill 2013: Report Stage (Resumed) (10 Jul 2014)

Tom Hayes: Yes, exactly. It does not alter the intention of the provision. The existing text already obliges the Minister to ensure that forestry operations and activities that are regulated under the Bill are compatible with the water framework directive. I do not believe that this amendment is necessary and I cannot therefore accept it.

Forestry Bill 2013: Report Stage (Resumed) (10 Jul 2014)

Tom Hayes: The process in which we are involved is Forest Europe. We are trying to develop a forestry business that is commercially viable. This is important for our country. We will take all environmental issues on board, but Forest Europe is the way we will do that in concert with other European countries.

Forestry Bill 2013: Report Stage (Resumed) (10 Jul 2014)

Tom Hayes: Regarding amendment No. 6, I remind Deputies that the Government introduced an amendment to section 5(l) on Committee Stage, which reads "to promote the production and use of timber". Therefore, this issue has been adequately addressed. As regards amendments Nos. 14 and 68, section 5 already provides to the Minister a number of promotional functions in facilitating the development of...

Forestry Bill 2013: Report Stage (Resumed) (10 Jul 2014)

Tom Hayes: In amendment No. 9, the Deputy is correct to highlight the potential harmful effect of airborne pollution on forests and other habitats. However, responsibility for controlling and monitoring pollution, including airborne pollution, and ensuring Ireland is protected from its harmful effects rests with the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government, partially via the...

Forestry Bill 2013: Report Stage (Resumed) (10 Jul 2014)

Tom Hayes: I am taking amendments Nos. 4, 5, 8 and 16a together. I addressed the proposed amendments Nos. 4, 5 and 8 in a comprehensive manner on Committee Stage. The Government is totally committed to the advancement of the principle of sustainable development in Ireland. In 2012 my colleague, the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government, Deputy Phil Hogan, published Our...

Forestry Bill 2013: Report Stage (Resumed) (10 Jul 2014)

Tom Hayes: There is no difficulty in that regard. It is currently being enforced without any problems arising.

Forestry Bill 2013: Report Stage (Resumed) (10 Jul 2014)

Tom Hayes: The Deputy had sought clarification in regard to the situation at Gougane Barra. I researched what happened in Gougane Barra in regard to the felling of trees and believe it would be helpful to clarify this for the House before we continue with this Bill. I assure the Deputy that Coillte was acting on instructions and following best scientific advice from the Department regarding...

Forestry Bill 2013: Report Stage (Resumed) (10 Jul 2014)

Tom Hayes: I am not in a position to agree this amendment. As I already stated on Committee Stage, for international and national reporting requirements Ireland has defined a forest area as being at least 0.1 hectare as described in the Bill. We are committed to using the same forest definition for reporting to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change. The Food and Agricultural Organisation...

Strategic Banking Corporation of Ireland Bill 2014: Second Stage (10 Jul 2014)

Tom Hayes: Have you a ticket bought, Timmy?

Forestry Bill 2013: Report Stage (9 Jul 2014)

Tom Hayes: It is important to point out in relation to Gougane Barra that the decision was based on positive findings of disease. The decision was based on scientific advice and helped to prevent the spread of the disease. That was the reason the trees were taken down. The importance of ancient woodlands was raised by Deputies on Committee Stage. These sites contribute to biodiversity and are...

Forestry Bill 2013: Report Stage (9 Jul 2014)

Tom Hayes: I have stated already that it is the responsibility of the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht, Deputy Deenihan. The Bill strengthens the basis for actions and supports. I am quite happy that we are doing that and must disagree with the Deputy.

Forestry Bill 2013: Order for Report Stage (9 Jul 2014)

Tom Hayes: I move: "That Report Stage be taken now."

Forestry Bill 2013: Report Stage (9 Jul 2014)

Tom Hayes: One learns much through forestry.

Topical Issue Debate: Bank Branch Closures (3 Jul 2014)

Tom Hayes: In the first part of my contribution I outlined the position from the banking perspective. Deputy Byrne accepted that the Minister for Finance cannot interfere in the closure of bank branches. Deputy Byrne is an experienced public representative. I have encountered the phenomenon in my constituency and I understand the fear to which she referred. Such fear and concern is real. People...

Topical Issue Debate: Bank Branch Closures (3 Jul 2014)

Tom Hayes: I thank Deputy Catherine Byrne for raising this important topic. I am aware of the recent Ulster Bank announcement in regard to the closure of branches and sub-offices over the next few months. This is a commercial and operational matter for Ulster Bank. Ulster Bank is part of the Royal Bank of Scotland group and the bank had previously announced its intention to reduce its network and...