Results 6,541-6,560 of 14,706 for speaker:Phil Hogan

Written Answers — Property Taxation: Property Taxation (21 Jun 2012)

Phil Hogan: An independently-chaired Inter-Departmental Expert Group was established to consider the structures and modalities for an equitable valuation-based property tax. The Group has recently completed its work and submitted its report to me. The approach to the report will be considered by the Government in due course.

Written Answers — Water and Sewerage Schemes: Water and Sewerage Schemes (21 Jun 2012)

Phil Hogan: The Water Services Investment Programme 2010 – 2013, provides for the development of a comprehensive range of new water services infrastructure in County Kerry. The Programme includes contracts under construction and to commence to the value of over €92 million in the country during the period of the Programme. A Contract for a wastewater treatment plant for Tarbert is included amongst...

Written Answers — Departmental Reports: Departmental Reports (21 Jun 2012)

Phil Hogan: I understand that the Pyrite Panel will be submitting its report to me in the coming days and I intend to publish it as quickly as possible after reviewing it.

Written Answers — Appointments to State Boards: Appointments to State Boards (21 Jun 2012)

Phil Hogan: I will shortly be seeking expressions of interest from persons willing to serve on the Building Regulations Advisory Body. This opportunity will be advertised publicly on my Department's website in the near future. I anticipate a high level of interest and I look forward to making suitable appointments in the coming months.

Written Answers — Local Authority Funding: Local Authority Funding (21 Jun 2012)

Phil Hogan: I refer to the replies to Question numbers 864 of 18 April 2012 and 273 of 8 May 2012, and Sligo County Council's decision to engage an independent financial consultant to prepare a report on the financial position of the Council. The report is intended to inform and advise the Council members and management on possible ways forward in dealing with the challenging financial circumstances of...

Written Answers — Local Authority Staff: Local Authority Staff (21 Jun 2012)

Phil Hogan: The number of persons employed by Sligo County Council in 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011 and to date in 2012, is set out in the table below on a whole time equivalent basis (WTE). Sligo County Council Permanent WTE Temporary WTE Total WTE December 2008 527.23 59.57 586.8 December 2009 498.37 31.55 529.92 December 2010 485.45 25.00 510.45 December 2011 467.18 21.56 488.74 March 2012 463.51...

Written Answers — Local Authority Staff: Local Authority Staff (21 Jun 2012)

Phil Hogan: As of 31 March, 2012 there were 235.8 local authority staff, consisting of City and County Managers, Assistant Managers and Directors of Service, on salary scales the maximum points of which are in excess of €100,000. The breakdown by local authority is provided in the following table. Cork City 9 Dublin City 36.8 Galway City 5 Limerick City 4 Waterford City 5 Carlow 6 Cavan 5...

Written Answers — Burial Grounds: Burial Grounds (21 Jun 2012)

Phil Hogan: The management and maintenance of burial grounds is entirely a matter for each local authority concerned and one in which my Department has no direct function. Local authorities also have a general power to make bye-laws in relation to burial grounds, including bye-laws in relation to headstones. The making of such bye-laws is a matter for decision by individual local authorities and is a...

Written Answers — Local Authority Charges: Local Authority Charges (21 Jun 2012)

Phil Hogan: I refer to the reply to Question No. 483 of 19 June 2012 which sets out the position in this matter.

Written Answers — Building Regulations: Building Regulations (21 Jun 2012)

Phil Hogan: The recent adjournment of the legal proceedings at Priory Hall for a period of three months to allow for a conciliation process chaired by Justice Finnegan provides an appropriate context for the parties concerned to work together towards identifying a way forward in relation to this complex problem. Out of respect for the process approved by the Supreme Court, and for Justice Finnegan, it...

Written Answers — An Teanga Gaeilge: An Teanga Gaeilge (21 Jun 2012)

Phil Hogan: Ní thagann Ceann Comhairimh nó a bhfoireann díreach faoi Acht na dTeangacha Oifigiúla, 2003. I dtreoirlínte a eisítear roimh gach toghchán chuig Ceann Comhairimh molann mo Roinn go ndéanfadh siad cinnte de go bhfuil oifigigh ceannais and cléirigh vótaíochta sa Ghaeltacht ábalta a chuid gnó a dhéanamh tré Gaeilge. Iarrtar ar Ceann Comhairimh freisin, sna treoirlínte, a...

Written Answers — Dormant Accounts Fund: Dormant Accounts Fund (20 Jun 2012)

Phil Hogan: I am advised that the Central Bank is bound by strict confidentiality requirements under Section 33AK (1) (b) (i) of the Central Bank Act 1942, as amended, regarding disclosure of supervisory information relating to financial institutions. The Central Bank has developed a framework for reviewing, assessing and mitigating risks which have emerged in various industry sectors and across...

Written Answers — Dormant Accounts Fund: Dormant Accounts Fund (20 Jun 2012)

Phil Hogan: My attention has not been drawn to any evidence of practices being employed within any financial institutions subject to the Dormant Accounts Acts as a means of avoiding making transfers to the Dormant Accounts Fund. If the Deputy has such evidence, it should be made available to the relevant authorities.

Written Answers — Motor Taxation: Motor Taxation (20 Jun 2012)

Phil Hogan: A review of options for the improvement in Vehicle Registration Tax (VRT) and motor tax revenues in future years was announced on Budget day, 6 December 2011. Interested parties were invited to make submissions regarding the proposed revision in the current system of VRT and motor tax to adjust CO2 bands and rates in line with technological advances in motor vehicles while maintaining a...

Written Answers — Control of Dogs: Control of Dogs (20 Jun 2012)

Phil Hogan: The responsibilities of dog owners in relation to the removal of faeces deposited by dogs in a public place, and in relation to the control of dogs, are set out in the Litter Pollution Act 1997 and the Control of Dogs Acts 1986 and 1992, respectively. These Acts also set out the functions and duties of local authorities in these areas, including powers of enforcement. The ongoing...

Written Answers — Household Charge: Household Charge (20 Jun 2012)

Phil Hogan: The Local Government (Household Charge) Act 2011 and the Local Government (Household Charge) Regulations 2012 provide the legislation underpinning the household charge. The household charge is on a self assessment basis and interpretation of the legislation is a matter for legal advice in individual cases and ultimately a matter for the Courts. The Local Government (Household Charge) Act...

Written Answers — Noise Pollution: Noise Pollution (20 Jun 2012)

Phil Hogan: The Programme for Government includes a commitment to take further steps to address noise pollution, inter alia , through the introduction of fixed payment notices (also known as on-the-spot fines) and provision for mediation procedures between neighbours. The development of new noise legislation by my Department will be considered in the context of this commitment; however, as indicated in...

Written Answers — Motor Taxation: Motor Taxation (20 Jun 2012)

Phil Hogan: I have no plans currently to introduce a monthly payment option for motor tax. The current half-yearly and quarterly payment options incorporate a surcharge to cover the higher administrative costs involved in processing such applications. The estimated annual income from the increased charges for half-year and quarterly vehicle licences is in the region of €20m. Were a monthly pro-rata...

Written Answers — Water Meters: Water Meters (20 Jun 2012)

Phil Hogan: My Department has prepared detailed cost estimates for the metering programme. However, it would be inappropriate to release these estimates in advance of the procurement process. The framework for water charges, including any costs associated with the meter, will be determined as part of the regulatory process.

Written Answers — Library Projects: Library Projects (19 Jun 2012)

Phil Hogan: Under Section 78 of the Local Government Act 2001, the provision of premises and facilities in the public library service is a matter for each local authority in its capacity as a library authority. My Department provides capital funding towards approved refurbishment and renovation, and new library projects carried out by local authorities, subject to availability of resources. Under the...