Results 641-660 of 4,717 for speaker:Martin Mansergh

Seanad: National Archives (20 Jan 2010)

Martin Mansergh: When one discusses an issue, it is always easy to look for defects, deficiencies, shortcomings and flaws. However, there is very spacious accommodation for readers in the National Archives. They are served well and relatively quickly compared to other archives with which I am familiar in other parts of Europe.

Seanad: National Archives (20 Jan 2010)

Martin Mansergh: Another point which is totally under-estimated and to which digitisation may offer a solution in some aspects, though not all, is that in the modern age we generate vast quantities of paper. I remember when I was in the Department of Foreign Affairs in the 1970s and working on part 19 of a file on a particular subject, if I wished to retrieve parts seven, eight, nine and ten, for example, it...

Seanad: Flood Relief (20 Jan 2010)

Martin Mansergh: I thank the Senator for giving me an opportunity to come to the House to discuss the position in respect of the recent flooding which occurred in Skibbereen in November 2009. When Senator O'Donovan tabled the Adjournment matter that Tuesday, I was not aware I would be going to Skibbereen on the Friday. It had been my intention to visit the towns in west Cork but when I saw on Wednesday that...

Banking Crisis: Motion (Resumed) (20 Jan 2010)

Martin Mansergh: Hear, hear.

Written Answers — Flood Relief: Flood Relief (19 Jan 2010)

Martin Mansergh: Following flooding, in February 2008, of the railway line running between Limerick and Ennis at Ballycar, OPW Engineers met with Iarnród Éireann officials, at their request, to discuss the matter. OPW's environmental consultants for the Ennis Flood Relief Scheme were subsequently requested to submit a costed proposal for a flood study of the area at Ballycar. A proposal and quotation to...

Written Answers — Flood Relief: Flood Relief (19 Jan 2010)

Martin Mansergh: The Office of Public Works does not provide compensation for losses sustained to property as a result of flooding. However, in recognition of the devastation suffered by people due to the recent flooding, the Government has launched a Humanitarian Assistance Scheme, which is being administered by the Community Welfare Service on behalf of the Department of Social and Family Affairs. The aim...

Written Answers — Decentralisation Programme: Decentralisation Programme (19 Jan 2010)

Martin Mansergh: The Government has decided to defer the proposed decentralisation moves to Carlow and Mullingar for further consideration until 2011. Any matters relating to the sites in question will be clarified following that consideration.

Written Answers — Courts Service: Courts Service (19 Jan 2010)

Martin Mansergh: The provision of court accommodation is, in the first instance, a matter for the Courts Service. Preliminary plans have been prepared for the refurbishment and extension of the Courthouse in Waterford, taking account of initial discussions with the Judiciary locally, staff, and court users. Further consultations regarding these plans will be undertaken in January 2010. It is intended to...

Written Answers — Departmental Properties: Departmental Properties (19 Jan 2010)

Martin Mansergh: OPW and the Purchaser agreed to carry out certain works on the premises prior to closing the sale. OPW has discharged its responsibilities, but the Purchaser has yet to carry out the works he agreed. OPW will complete the sale when the Purchaser has executed these works.

Written Answers — Flood Relief: Flood Relief (19 Jan 2010)

Martin Mansergh: Detailed design of the second and final phase of the overall Fermoy flood relief project, including the Fermoy South and South West schemes, is currently under way and is expected to be completed by the third quarter of 2010, after which the procurement process for the appointment of a civil engineering contractor will be commenced. The contractor is expected to be appointed in late 2010 or...

Written Answers — Flood Relief: Flood Relief (19 Jan 2010)

Martin Mansergh: A Flood Risk Management Study of Portarlington identified a preferred option for a flood relief scheme. In the light of the publication of the Guidelines for Planning Authorities "The Planning System and Flood Risk Management", it is incumbent on the Local Authorities to consider flood risk and development needs of the town. On completion of this examination, I expect the Local Authorities...

Written Answers — Court Accommodation: Court Accommodation (19 Jan 2010)

Martin Mansergh: The provision of Court accommodation is, in the first instance, a matter for the Courts Service. Preliminary plans have been prepared for the refurbishment and extension of the Courthouse in Waterford, taking account of initial discussions with the Judiciary locally, staff, and court users. Further consultations regarding these plans will be undertaken in January 2010. It is intended to...

Written Answers — Flood Relief: Flood Relief (19 Jan 2010)

Martin Mansergh: The Office of Public Works captured a considerable amount of aerial survey data for the River Shannon from Boyle to Athlone during the period of the flooding events of 2009. OPW has requested local authorities, in the areas affected, to submit all available information on the flood events of November 2009. In addition, OPW has received further relevant data from other State agencies and the...

Written Answers — Flood Relief: Flood Relief (19 Jan 2010)

Martin Mansergh: I would like to take this opportunity to update the Deputy on my remarks to the House on November 24th, 2009 during the severe flooding that affected certain parts of the country at that time. Since I spoke on that occasion, the Government has undertaken a number of initiatives to address the situation. The most pressing issue at the time was to provide assistance to those immediately...

Written Answers — Flood Relief: Flood Relief (19 Jan 2010)

Martin Mansergh: The Office of Public Works is currently awaiting a response from the National Parks and Wildlife Service of the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government in relation to the ecologist's report regarding the proposed flood mitigation works.

Written Answers — Decentralisation Programme: Decentralisation Programme (19 Jan 2010)

Martin Mansergh: The Office of Public Works completed a confidential technical report on the Cairn Trade Centre building in Kiltimagh for the Department of Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs. It is my understanding that this report has recently been furnished to the owners of the building, IRD Kiltimagh Ltd, by the Department of Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs.

Banking Crisis: Motion (19 Jan 2010)

Martin Mansergh: I wish to share time with the Minister of State, Deputy Peter Power, and Deputies Mattie McGrath and Niall Blaney. I am pleased to speak to the House this evening on behalf of the Minister for Finance to elaborate further on the Government's comprehensive approach to framing an inquiry into the banking sector. The Minister indicated that he will participate in this debate tomorrow. I move...

Seanad: Financial Emergency Measures in the Public Interest (No. 2) Bill 2009: Report and Final Stages (18 Dec 2009)

Martin Mansergh: Notwithstanding the fact that this issue is not at the heart of this Bill, I am aware of the problem. Officials from one of the companies named by the Senator discussed the matter in some detail with me. In the spirit of Christmas, I will treat what he said as a pre-finance Bill submission and it will be considered on its merits in that context.

Seanad: National Monuments (18 Dec 2009)

Martin Mansergh: I can think of no more appropriate subject to be taking on the Adjournment three days short of the winter solstice.

Seanad: National Monuments (18 Dec 2009)

Martin Mansergh: The remains of the passage tomb at Knockroe lie in an agricultural landscape close to the Lingaun River and the boundary between counties Kilkenny and Tipperary. Its present appearance belies its importance. Known locally as the Coshel, it has long been regarded locally as a place of significance, its mysterious past and its relationship to a wider symbolic landscape accepted as an integral...