Results 6,261-6,280 of 14,706 for speaker:Phil Hogan

Written Answers — Household Charge: Household Charge (17 Jul 2012)

Phil Hogan: The Local Government (Household Charge) Act 2011 and the Local Government (Household Charge) Regulations 2012 provide the legislative basis for the household charge. Under the legislation, an owner of a residential property in the State on the liability date of 1 January is liable to pay the household charge by 31 March, unless otherwise exempted or entitled to claim a waiver. The Act...

Written Answers — Ministerial Allowances: Ministerial Allowances (17 Jul 2012)

Phil Hogan: Other than normal travel and subsistence expenses, no allowances along the lines suggested have been paid to me, or to Ministers of State at my Department, since 9 March 2011.

Written Answers — Public Private Partnerships: Public Private Partnerships (17 Jul 2012)

Phil Hogan: I propose to take Questions Nos. 480 to 483, inclusive, together. Policy and guidance in relation to Public Private Partnerships generally are matters for the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform. Local authorities are independent statutory bodies, with democratically elected councils and their own management system. Section 63(3) of the Local Government Act 2001 provides that, subject...

Written Answers — Water and Sewerage Schemes: Water and Sewerage Schemes (17 Jul 2012)

Phil Hogan: Responsibility for the administration of the Rural Water Programme has been devolved to local authorities since 1997. The selection and approval of individual schemes for advancement and funding under this programme, within the overall priorities set by my Department and subject to the block grant allocations provided is, therefore, a matter for the local authorities. Funding from my...

Written Answers — Dormant Accounts Fund: Dormant Accounts Fund (17 Jul 2012)

Phil Hogan: I propose to take Questions Nos. 489 and 490 together. The Dormant Accounts legislation allows for the disbursal of Dormant Accounts funding under the following themes: · To improve the quality of life and reduce isolation for people who are economically or socially disadvantaged (Category A – Economic and Social Disadvantage) · To improve opportunities for individuals who are...

Written Answers — Climate Change Policy: Climate Change Policy (17 Jul 2012)

Phil Hogan: The consultation attracted a very strong response, within excess of 600 submissions received. My Department is at an advanced stage in working through these submissions and the overview will be made available online as soon as possible.

Written Answers — Climate Change Policy: Climate Change Policy (17 Jul 2012)

Phil Hogan: I propose to take Questions Nos. 493 and 498 together. While I have not fixed a date at this stage, I do not envisage any delay in meeting the commitment to issue heads of a Climate Bill by the end of 2012. I foresee a central role for the Oireachtas Joint Committee on the Environment, Culture and the Gaeltacht in the policy development process, most importantly on the critical issue of...

Written Answers — Water and Sewerage Schemes: Water and Sewerage Schemes (17 Jul 2012)

Phil Hogan: I refer to the reply to Question No. 358 of 6 March, 2012, which sets out the position in this matter.

Written Answers — Departmental Agencies: Departmental Agencies (17 Jul 2012)

Phil Hogan: Section 28 of the Radiological Protection Act 1991 provides for the appointment of inspectors by RPII for the purposes of the Act. Section 29 sets out the powers of those appointed inspectors. In particular, Section 29(3) (a) provides that in pursuance of those powers the inspector has the power, inter alia, to enter at all times any building, land or other place, aircraft, marine vessel,...

Written Answers — Water and Sewerage Schemes: Water and Sewerage Schemes (17 Jul 2012)

Phil Hogan: The Falcarragh Sewerage Scheme is included in my Department's Water Services Investment Programme 2010 – 2013 as a scheme to advance through planning. Donegal County Council's Preliminary Report for this scheme was recently submitted to my Department. This report is under examination at present and a decision on the matter will be made as soon as possible.

Written Answers — Appointments to State Boards: Appointments to State Boards (17 Jul 2012)

Phil Hogan: Up to 3 July 2012, the latest date for which information is available, the position is as follows: Agency / Board Name of Appointee(Chairperson highlighted) Position Advertised An Bord Pleanála Dr. Mary Kelly (Chairperson) Yes Mr. Conall Boland (Deputy Chairperson) No Ms. Mary MacMahon No Mr. Michael Leary No Mr. Nicholas Mulcahy No Mr. Gabriel Dennison No Mr. Paddy Keogh No...

Written Answers — Appointments to State Boards: Appointments to State Boards (17 Jul 2012)

Phil Hogan: Since my appointment in March 2011 ten Chairpersons have been appointed or re-appointed to state boards under the aegis of my Department. To date three Chairpersons have met the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Environment, Culture and the Gaeltacht. Arrangements are being made for the Chairperson of An Bord Pleanala to appear before the Committee when the Annual report of that agency is...

Written Answers — Pension Provisions: Pension Provisions (17 Jul 2012)

Phil Hogan: The information requested is being compiled and will be forwarded to the Deputy as soon as possible.

Seanad: Local Government Reform (17 Jul 2012)

Phil Hogan: The Senator is very parochial.

Seanad: Local Government Reform (17 Jul 2012)

Phil Hogan: Tell the people why.

Seanad: Local Government Reform (17 Jul 2012)

Phil Hogan: I am aware that the Acting Chairman has a deep interest in these matters too.

Seanad: Local Government Reform (17 Jul 2012)

Phil Hogan: I thank Senators Bradford and Landy for raising this matter. They have a genuine interest in local government reform and have a genuine interaction with local representatives. The Government's broad policy approach to local government reform was set out in the programme for Government. My approach to taking this forward has been characterised by initial decisions in the cases of Limerick...

Seanad: Local Government Reform (17 Jul 2012)

Phil Hogan: On a point of information, our great friend, the late Senator Jack Daly, carried out a survey to find out whether the 1984 local elections should be postponed, and he received an 85% response.

Seanad: Local Government Reform (17 Jul 2012)

Phil Hogan: I can confirm to Senator Bradford that as part of the policy statement a boundary commission will have to be established for the purpose of looking at the wards in each county and local government area. That will be established by early September with a view to reporting in January 2013. That will give people who are interested in standing in the local elections 18 months to get their feet...

Seanad: Local Government Reform (17 Jul 2012)

Phil Hogan: It is hard to answer that question. When I put something to the Government I always do so on the basis that there will be a positive outcome, but I cannot prejudge the discussions that take place in Cabinet. I would like to have it sooner rather than later but, in fairness to my Cabinet colleagues, they should have an input into it. They will be having an input very shortly.