Results 6,581-6,600 of 9,994 for speaker:John Gormley

Energy Efficiency Standards. (18 Dec 2007)

John Gormley: I am happy for the Deputy to continue.

Energy Efficiency Standards. (18 Dec 2007)

John Gormley: If people are using lightbulbs to heat their houses, that represents a very inefficient use of a lightbulb. The calculations I received are from reliable people in Sustainable Energy Ireland who have done much work in this area and I will call on them again when we set up the consultative group. I am convinced about the value of this initiative. I spoke to my counterparts, including Hilary...

Energy Efficiency Standards. (18 Dec 2007)

John Gormley: ——it would be great if its members were to share our enthusiasm for this measure to enhance sustainability.

Energy Efficiency Standards. (18 Dec 2007)

John Gormley: No.

Energy Efficiency Standards. (18 Dec 2007)

John Gormley: I do not agree. If the Deputy is saying that the introduction of motor taxation based on CO2 emissions is not a green initiative——

Energy Efficiency Standards. (18 Dec 2007)

John Gormley: It will happen in July. While I am speculating, I would like to think it is our participation in government that has resulted in such initiatives. I concede the Deputy has made some valid points on some difficulties in this regard that must be examined. One concerns the question of the light fittings. That is the reason we have allowed a year for the introduction this measure. However,...

Energy Efficiency Standards. (18 Dec 2007)

John Gormley: The then Government went ahead with it——

Energy Efficiency Standards. (18 Dec 2007)

John Gormley: ——and it was an enormous success. People said it could not be done but it was done. Believe it or not Deputy, I consulted the Minister, Deputy Martin, on this issue and we had a long meeting on it. The Deputy raised the issue of the cost of the bulbs. One CFL bulb can save €170 over the lifetime of a bulb. The cost of the bulbs are reducing all the time. By the time we introduce...

Waste Management. (18 Dec 2007)

John Gormley: I refer to the reply to Question No. 63. As indicated, I, as Minister, set policy and determine the implementation of policy on waste. I have a range of powers and functions under the waste management legislation which enable me to exercise this role. In particular I have the power to issue directions on policy to require changes to waste plans, although this power does not apply...

Waste Management. (18 Dec 2007)

John Gormley: With regard to the Deputy's first question, the terms of reference for the review have been agreed and a steering committee has been appointed. I was anxious to ensure balance on the steering committee so I have appointed a number of people from non-governmental organisations, An Taisce and so forth, to sit on it. This will ensure the procurement process is correct and that we get a policy...

Waste Management. (18 Dec 2007)

John Gormley: That was incorrect. I received advice not only from the Attorney General, but also from an eminent senior counsel from outside the House, and both confirmed it was not possible. The question of whether it is possible in respect of other regional waste plans can be considered but a number of other options must also be investigated, such as financial arrangements for funding incineration. It...

Motor Taxation. (18 Dec 2007)

John Gormley: I propose to take Questions Nos. 69 and 102 together. At local motor tax offices, there will be no change in the arrangements for the processing of motor tax applications. The national vehicle and driver file, NVDF, which is managed centrally by the vehicle registration unit in Shannon, will be adjusted to provide for the application of CO2 based rates in respect of cars registered from 1...

Written Answers — Architectural Heritage: Architectural Heritage (13 Dec 2007)

John Gormley: The Irish Heritage Trust was established in 2006 with a mandate to acquire for public access major important heritage properties where the State does not wish to acquire them directly and where there is imminent risk to their heritage value. In 2006 my Department provided a sum of €430,998 to meet the establishment and initial running costs of the Irish Heritage Trust. In the current year...

Written Answers — Decentralisation Programme: Decentralisation Programme (13 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 — Departmental Expenditure: Departmental Expenditure (13 Dec 2007)

John Gormley: With the exception of payments of €6,410 to Dublin City Council in respect of waste collection and €7,300 to Veolia (Luas Company) in respect of the Department's staff Travel Pass scheme no other advance payments have been made in respect of works or services commissioned by my Department. As I have no function in the matter, information is not available in my Department on such...

Written Answers — Wildlife Conservation: Wildlife Conservation (13 Dec 2007)

John Gormley: Council Directive No. 79/409/EEC on the conservation of wild birds is implemented in Ireland under the Wildlife Acts. Under the terms of the Directive all EU member States, including Ireland, are bound to take measures to protect all wild birds and their habitats. The Directive allows member States to make derogations from its protective measures in certain circumstances. While there are no...

Written Answers — Departmental Properties: Departmental Properties (13 Dec 2007)

John Gormley: I am advised by the Office of Public Works (OPW), who have responsibility for maintenance work in the Custom House, that 33% of the bulbs are compact fluorescent light bulbs and 5% are light emitting diode bulbs. The OPW is due to carry out a survey of all lighting in the Custom House shortly with a view to installing energy efficient lighting throughout the building.

Written Answers — Local Authority Charges: Local Authority Charges (12 Dec 2007)

John Gormley: Article 9.1 of the EU Water Framework Directive requires Member States to take account of the principle of water services cost recovery, including environmental and resource costs, in accordance with the polluter pays principle. The Directive is being implemented in Ireland in relation to the non-domestic sector, including those engaged in the provision of educational, recreational or...

Written Answers — Proposed Legislation: Proposed Legislation (12 Dec 2007)

John Gormley: Work is underway in my Department in drafting regulations to implement the majority of the recommendations of the Working Group to Review the Management of Dog Breeding Establishments. The question of whether or not to provide exemptions for specific types of organisations, or breeding establishments, from the requirements of the proposed regulations is being considered in the context of this...

Written Answers — Departmental Expenditure: Departmental Expenditure (12 Dec 2007)

John Gormley: I presume that the Question refers to the social and community facilities capital schemes of 2006 and 2007. The allocation for 2008 reflects experience with the schemes to date and the level of drawdown of this grant aid by local authorities. The allocation will be sufficient to fund all approved projects.