Results 741-760 of 5,587 for speaker:Kevin Humphreys

Seanad: Planning and Development (Amendment) Bill 2016: Report Stage (Resumed) (13 Jun 2018)

Kevin Humphreys: I second the amendment.

Seanad: Planning and Development (Amendment) Bill 2016: Report Stage (Resumed) (13 Jun 2018)

Kevin Humphreys: In seconding the amendment, I recognise that local authorities do a public consultation process on Part 8 planning which is also important and informs the planning process. To be honest with the Minister of State, he needs to talk to a lot of the local authorities on Part 8 planning. Part 8 planning would be an excellent way to deal with the housing crisis rather than the rapid build...

Seanad: Planning and Development (Amendment) Bill 2016: Report Stage (Resumed) (13 Jun 2018)

Kevin Humphreys: I second the amendment.

Seanad: Planning and Development (Amendment) Bill 2016: Report Stage (Resumed) (13 Jun 2018)

Kevin Humphreys: I have no problem with the introduction of fees for pre-planning consultation meetings. This consultation mechanism assists the introduction of good and strong planning permissions. I would be anxious for the fees to be set at a manageable level, especially in the case of small developments. They should not act as a disincentive for small infill developments in the city. I ask the...

Seanad: Planning and Development (Amendment) Bill 2016: Report Stage (Resumed) (13 Jun 2018)

Kevin Humphreys: I have a certain amount of concern. What happened in the case of the proposed Apple data centre in the west of Ireland was totally wrong. It probably robbed key infrastructure and jobs from that area. I am conscious that we could have a knee-jerk reaction to what happened in that case. These data centres are huge consumers of energy. We have problems regarding climate change. Most data...

Seanad: Planning and Development (Amendment) Bill 2016: Report Stage (Resumed) (13 Jun 2018)

Kevin Humphreys: What proof does the Minister of State have that there is a demand for this type of shared accommodation, other than the case being made by developers? This type of shared accommodation is basically student accommodation for adults. A recent survey found that adults do not want to share accommodation when they reach the age of 25 years to 30 years. Professionals, building works, clerical...

Seanad: Planning and Development (Amendment) Bill 2016: Report Stage (Resumed) and Final Stage (13 Jun 2018)

Kevin Humphreys: I wholeheartedly support the vacant site levy and compliment the former Minister of State, Senator Paudie Coffey, and the former Minister, Deputy Alan Kelly for pressing the issue. Unfortunately, the Attorney General's opinion at the time was that we had to give people a window of opportunity. I certainly wanted the levy to start at a lot more than 3%, but we are beginning to move in the...

Seanad: Planning and Development (Amendment) Bill 2016: Report Stage (Resumed) and Final Stage (13 Jun 2018)

Kevin Humphreys: Just de-zone the land.

Seanad: Planning and Development (Amendment) Bill 2016: Report Stage (12 Jun 2018)

Kevin Humphreys: I recognise the Minister of State's good intentions. I do not think he is trying to pull a fast one on this. Marine spatial planning is a key function that needs to be embedded in legislation. Senator Grace O'Sullivan touched on Dublin Bay. Most of the beaches in Dublin Bay had a no bathing notice during the fine weather for reasons that were pointed out at a very high level at the...

Seanad: Planning and Development (Amendment) Bill 2016: Report Stage (12 Jun 2018)

Kevin Humphreys: Most Senators are not questioning the work ethic or integrity of the Minister of State on this matter or the level of commitment he has shown in this and the other House on the Bill. However, I have a concern about the process. As Senator Paudie Coffey said, we are all including the framework in the Bill. To me, it represents the foundations. However, we are only including it on Report...

Seanad: Planning and Development (Amendment) Bill 2016: Report Stage (12 Jun 2018)

Kevin Humphreys: I second the amendment. I am sure the Minister of State is aware that the Multi-Unit Development Act is very much outdated. Right across the country residents of multi-unit developments such as apartment blocks are running into significant problems regarding the repair of what is basically a faulty build in the first instance. Anything that would assist in ensuring compliance in the...

Seanad: Order of Business (30 May 2018)

Kevin Humphreys: I had intended to raise the Adoption (Information and Tracing) Bill but as it has been very eloquently dealt with by the previous speaker, I will not try to bring out that type of sentiment again. However, it would be useful for the House if we could get that back on track, have an informed debate and try to get the legislation through. I very much support the comments in regard to climate...

Seanad: Radiological Protection (Amendment) Bill 2018: Committee and Remaining Stages (30 May 2018)

Kevin Humphreys: I support the amendment as well. It is important that we monitor and measure exactly the progress being made. Radon gas is a killer and this is a worthwhile amendment to the Bill. Both Houses would be able to ensure that the policy we ask to be implemented is implemented and that there is a regular check on that. We have a responsibility to ensure that the job is done. Senator Leyden is...

Seanad: Order of Business (3 May 2018)

Kevin Humphreys: I second Senator Ó Ríordáin's proposal to amend the Order of Business. After the Order of Business yesterday, I introduced a Bill on short-term lettings. Yesterday evening, I was targeted by an ad for hassle-free hospitality for short-term lets. When I filled in the form, Airsorted offered €5,250 a month profit on letting a two-bedroom house in the centre of Dublin....

Seanad: Order of Business (3 May 2018)

Kevin Humphreys: There is also the cost of flood insurance.

Seanad: Free Education (Prohibition of Fees and Charges) Bill 2018: First Stage (3 May 2018)

Kevin Humphreys: I second the proposal.

Seanad: CervicalCheck Screening Programme: Statements (3 May 2018)

Kevin Humphreys: Hear, hear.

Seanad: CervicalCheck Screening Programme: Statements (3 May 2018)

Kevin Humphreys: I believe the concerns of the Minister are genuine. I welcome the interaction he has had with all political parties; he is trying to resolve the issue and put solutions in place. I have not had an opportunity to see the letter circulated to GPs; it would be helpful if that could be circulated to everyone. We have to discuss good governance. I do not believe the HSE has good governance....

Seanad: Order of Business (2 May 2018)

Kevin Humphreys: I thank the Leader for responding so quickly to the many requests from various Members of the House for the Minister to come before the House. As I understand it, he will attend tomorrow, and I thank the Leader for his speedy action on this. There will be a time for accountability. As for language such as "heads will roll", all that must be dealt with, but in a timely manner. What really...

Seanad: Order of Business (2 May 2018)

Kevin Humphreys: I am really disappointed that it has come to the point where they have to protest outside the TV3 studios. I propose a change to the Order of Business that No. 14 be taken before No. 1.