Results 6,481-6,500 of 9,994 for speaker:John Gormley

Written Answers — Building Regulations: Building Regulations (19 Dec 2007)

John Gormley: The certification of products is the responsibility of the National Standards Authority of Ireland (NSAI). When the issue of pyrite arose, and following an intervention from my Department, the NSAI moved quickly to reconvene their Aggregates Panel in order to give urgent consideration to publication of additional guidance in relation to appropriate protocols for testing underfloor infill...

Written Answers — Public Transport: Public Transport (19 Dec 2007)

John Gormley: My Department's Sectoral Plan, prepared under the Disability Act 2005, provides that local authorities develop co-ordination arrangements with local transport operators to improve the accessibility of public roads, footpaths, streets and crossings leading to ground, air and sea transport facilities and accessible routes to and from public transport. The Sectoral Plan also provides that...

Written Answers — Departmental Bodies: Departmental Bodies (19 Dec 2007)

John Gormley: The previous question referred to is No. 196 of 22 November 2007. In response, I indicated that ten state bodies and boards under the aegis of my Department were established in the period since 1997 and that one of the bodies concerned evolved from the restructuring of an existing body. I refer to the reply to Question no. 364 of 19 October 2007 which provided information regarding the annual...

Written Answers — EU Directives: EU Directives (19 Dec 2007)

John Gormley: The process to transpose Directive 2003/35/EC is well advanced with legislation completed to amend the majority of the relevant consent systems pertaining to that Directive within the Irish legislative framework. While work is continuing on the outstanding issues, and will be finalised by the Departments concerned at the earliest possible date, the European Commission has initiated Article...

Written Answers — EU Directives: EU Directives (19 Dec 2007)

John Gormley: My Department replied to the Letter of Formal Notice on 19 November 2007 and a bilateral meeting will be held with the European Commission in early 2008 to address any remaining concerns which the Commission may have in relation to the case.

Written Answers — Ministerial Appointments: Ministerial Appointments (19 Dec 2007)

John Gormley: There is ongoing liaison between my Department and authorities, bodies and agencies under the aegis of my Department, during the course of normal day to day business. Advice received in this context is not costed. In regard to advice obtained though consultants, the information requested is set out in the table. The first two items in the table would relate to capital expenditure. In...

Written Answers — Policy on Local Government: Policy on Local Government (19 Dec 2007)

John Gormley: It is a matter for each local authority to deal with requests for access to information by a parliamentary representative as expeditiously as possible and in accordance with a proper level of customer service. In this regard local authorities are required to put in place arrangements to ensure that systems, procedures and time frames equivalent to those used by them in relation to...

Written Answers — Decentralisation Programme: Decentralisation Programme (19 Dec 2007)

John Gormley: Under the decentralisation programme, all Dublin based operations of my Department are being decentralised, with the exception of Met Éireann, ENFO, the Private Rented Tenancies Board and a small co-ordination section which it is proposed to retain in Dublin to assist with the Department's Dáil and other business. A total of 682 Dublin based posts will be transferred to four locations in...

Written Answers — Carbon Budget: Carbon Budget (18 Dec 2007)

John Gormley: I was pleased to be able to present Ireland's first ever carbon budget on 6 December. Its purpose is to show how Government decisions on spending and taxation measures affect Ireland's greenhouse gas emissions, to demonstrate that Government decisions on climate change are consistent with overall economic and budgetary policy and to give a clear indication of the progress that is being made...

Written Answers — Proposed Legislation: Proposed Legislation (18 Dec 2007)

John Gormley: In August 2006, my Department published a consultation paper on options for future regulation of the waste sector. Submissions were invited on whether there is a need for a regulator for the sector, if so what model of regulator might be most appropriate and what powers any such regulator should be given. Following consideration of over fifty, many very detailed, submissions received which...

Written Answers — Election Management System: Election Management System (18 Dec 2007)

John Gormley: I am aware of recent developments in the Netherlands in relation to electronic voting, including an official report which recommends a move away from the current electronic voting system in operation in that country. I understand that the Dutch Parliament will debate the report in the New Year. My Department also maintains contact with other developments internationally in relation to...

Written Answers — Community and Recreational Facilities: Community and Recreational Facilities (18 Dec 2007)

John Gormley: I refer to the replies to Question No. 145 of 10 October 2007 and Question No. 284 of 7 November 2007. The adoption of development plans and local area plans is a reserved function of elected members. The Planning and Development Act 2000 sets out the steps that must be followed by the Council, the requirements for consultation with the public and key stakeholders, including the Minister for...

Written Answers — Proposed Legislation: Proposed Legislation (18 Dec 2007)

John Gormley: Arising from previous research completed by the Institute of Public Administration on behalf of the Department in 2004, my Department commissioned further research by a Trinity College / Dublin City University joint team to establish a clear profile of formal systems for regulating lobbyists in public life in certain jurisdictions, thereby facilitating an assessment of their relevance to...

Written Answers — Local Government Reform: Local Government Reform (18 Dec 2007)

John Gormley: I propose to take Questions Nos. 76 and 99 together. In accordance with the Programme for Government, my Department will be publishing a Green Paper on local government reform early in the new year. The Green Paper will examine a number of issues with the objective of making local government more transparent and responsive, and will set out options for reform in advance of a subsequent White...

Written Answers — Register of Electors: Register of Electors (18 Dec 2007)

John Gormley: In law the preparation of the Register of Electors is a matter for each local registration authority. It is their duty to ensure, as far as possible and with the cooperation of the public, the accuracy and comprehensiveness of the Register. In their work in this area, local authorities do not compile data which would permit specific conclusions to be drawn relating to levels of overall...

Written Answers — Election Management System: Election Management System (18 Dec 2007)

John Gormley: I propose to take Questions Nos. 78, 552 and 553 together. The Commission on Electronic Voting in its Final Report last year concluded that the electronic voting equipment chosen for use in Ireland could be used, subject to further work which it also recommended. I am at present considering the next steps to be taken in relation to this project. In this, I am taking into account the work of...

Written Answers — Waste Management: Waste Management (18 Dec 2007)

John Gormley: I refer to the reply to Question No. 63 on today's order paper.

Written Answers — Greenhouse Gas Emissions: Greenhouse Gas Emissions (18 Dec 2007)

John Gormley: I propose to answer Question Nos. 80 and 95 together. I refer to the reply to Question No. 61 on today's Order Paper. According to Article 2 of the Kyoto Protocol, the protection and enhancement of sinks and reservoirs of greenhouse gases and the promotion of sustainable forest management practices, afforestation and reforestation are among the policies the Parties may implement to meet their...

Written Answers — Housing Estate Completions: Housing Estate Completions (18 Dec 2007)

John Gormley: As Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government I have overall responsibility for the legislative and policy framework governing the planning system. The enforcement of planning control is a matter for individual planning authorities, who have substantial enforcement powers under the Planning and Development Acts 2000 – 2006. With regard to action against unauthorised...

Written Answers — Community and Recreational Facilities: Community and Recreational Facilities (18 Dec 2007)

John Gormley: A new initiative for the provision of skateboard facilities by local authorities was introduced in 2005. Each City and County Council was invited to submit expressions of interest for grant assistance towards the provision of a skateboard park in its area. Thirty-seven proposals from 25 local authorities were received by the deadline. All applications were assessed by my Department in...