Results 601-620 of 1,371 for speaker:Máire Hoctor

Toxic Waste. (26 Jun 2008)

Máire Hoctor: If there were any risks to human health, the employees would be notified. When the EPA has monitored the situation, there is no difficulties with that.

Toxic Waste. (26 Jun 2008)

Máire Hoctor: I have just explained that there is no notice because there is no health risk.

Toxic Waste. (26 Jun 2008)

Máire Hoctor: The level of contamination overground has been identified but what exists underground and the extent and nature of it have not been clearly quantified.

Toxic Waste. (26 Jun 2008)

Máire Hoctor: This is unfinished work that must be continued on the site.

Toxic Waste. (26 Jun 2008)

Máire Hoctor: I must remind Deputy Clune that this site was only taken over by the Government five years ago.

Toxic Waste. (26 Jun 2008)

Máire Hoctor: Toxic materials that were on the surface were identified at that time but I repeat what is underneath or the extent of it have not been fully quantified.

Toxic Waste. (26 Jun 2008)

Máire Hoctor: A full site investigation at surface level was carried out. The EPA was aware at all times of the work that was carried out.

Toxic Waste. (26 Jun 2008)

Máire Hoctor: I think we agree that the EPA is extremely stringent in monitoring any potential threats to human safety and life. We have every confidence that human life is being preserved in this and that there is no risk to anybody. However, we know that there must be a long-term plan for this site. That has not be determined yet. Far more work must be done in respect of the full extent of that work...

Toxic Waste. (26 Jun 2008)

Máire Hoctor: I am not absolutely certain how many reports were carried out. I understand that at least three were carried out.

Toxic Waste. (26 Jun 2008)

Máire Hoctor: The previous reports were summarised in the most recent report that was published. All hazardous waste was exported to Germany. The tip area has been there for decades and the Department took it over in 2003. The Government now takes responsibility for it and will consider all the issues. The Naval Service has been kept fully informed of all activities carried out.

Toxic Waste. (26 Jun 2008)

Máire Hoctor: I have already answered that question in respect of the EPA.

Toxic Waste. (26 Jun 2008)

Máire Hoctor: First, I do not need any sympathy from Deputy Coveney. Second, the immediate problem we are now addressing was caused by the inadequate actions of the contractor.

Toxic Waste. (26 Jun 2008)

Máire Hoctor: A subcontractor was brought in by Hammond Lane. The site has been properly managed over the years and we believe it has a future. However, it will require consultation with local people, the Department and people who understand waste sites. The EPA has been involved at all times.

Toxic Waste. (26 Jun 2008)

Máire Hoctor: Anybody who knew anything about how Irish Steel worked would have known there was contamination on the site.

Toxic Waste. (26 Jun 2008)

Máire Hoctor: At no point was it ignored by Government or the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government. The Government took responsibility by taking over the site in 2003. However, the problem arose only when the subcontractor failed to carry out its work according to the compliance standards. The EPA is working with the local authority which is working with the Department on this matter.

Toxic Waste. (26 Jun 2008)

Máire Hoctor: It is the intention of the Minister to bring forward to Government proposals for the long-term future of the site. In the meantime the Minister has also given a commitment to meet with local residents.

Written Answers — Health Services: Health Services (25 Jun 2008)

Máire Hoctor: Operational responsibility for the management and delivery of health and personal social services was assigned to the Health Service Executive under the Health Act 2004. Therefore, the Executive is the appropriate body to consider the particular case raised by the Deputy. My Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to arrange to have the case investigated...

Written Answers — Health Services: Health Services (25 Jun 2008)

Máire Hoctor: Operational responsibility for the management and delivery of health and personal social services was assigned to the Health Service Executive under the Health Act 2004. Therefore, the Executive is the appropriate body to consider the particular case raised by the Deputy. My Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to arrange to have the case investigated...

Written Answers — Health Services: Health Services (25 Jun 2008)

Máire Hoctor: Operational responsibility for the management and delivery of health and personal social services was assigned to the Health Service Executive under the Health Act 2004. Therefore, the Executive is the appropriate body to consider the particular case raised by the Deputy. My Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to arrange to have the matter...

Seanad: Older Persons: Statements (Resumed) (25 Jun 2008)

Máire Hoctor: I thank all the contributors to this debate and commend the Senators for their interest in what is an exciting area, most certainly for me as the recently appointed Minister of State with responsibility for older people. I want to return to some of the issues raised by Senators, both last week and today. The issue of elder abuse was raised. It was the main topic for discussion at a...