Results 781-800 of 1,441 for speaker:Ann Phelan

Written Answers — Department of Environment, Community and Local Government: Seniors Alert Scheme (14 Jan 2015)

Ann Phelan: I propose to take Questions Nos. 883, 911, 915 and 929 together. My Department manages the Seniors Alert Scheme which encourages community support for vulnerable older people in our communities by providing grant assistance towards the purchase and installation of personal monitored alarms to enable older persons, of limited means, to continue to live securely in their homes with...

Written Answers — Department of Environment, Community and Local Government: Local Government Reform (14 Jan 2015)

Ann Phelan: The Local Government Reform Act 2014 enhanced the powers of local authorities to take all appropriate steps to consult with and promote effective participation of local communities in local government. One of the principal implementing provisions will be the adoption by each local authority of a framework for public participation in local government. This sets out the mechanisms by which...

Written Answers — Department of Environment, Community and Local Government: Departmental Schemes (14 Jan 2015)

Ann Phelan: The funding scheme to support national organisations in the community and voluntary sector aims to provide multi-annual funding to national organisations towards core costs associated with the provision of services. Following a competitive application process, a new scheme commenced on 1 July 2014, which will run for a period of 24 months. On 18 July 2014, it was announced that bridging...

Written Answers — Department of Environment, Community and Local Government: Leader Programmes Applications (14 Jan 2015)

Ann Phelan: I am advised that the Mayo North East LEADER Partnership (MNELP) have received documentation in relation to this project from the promoter and will shortly be in a position to submit a claim to my Department for assessment.

Written Answers — Department of Environment, Community and Local Government: Leader Programmes Applications (14 Jan 2015)

Ann Phelan: A claim in respect of this project was received by my Department on 9 January 2015 for assessment. This process is expected to be completed shortly.

Written Answers — Department of Environment, Community and Local Government: Local and Community Development Programme (14 Jan 2015)

Ann Phelan: My Department’s Local and Community Development Programme (LCDP) superseded the Local Development Social Inclusion and the Community Development Programmes in 2010. LCDP is the largest social inclusion intervention of its kind in the State. The current Programme officially ended at the end of 2013 having operated for four years with funding of €281 million over that period. It...

Fourth Report of the Constitutional Convention on the Dáil Electoral System: Statements (18 Dec 2014)

Ann Phelan: The pre-legislative phase for the electoral commission begins in January 2015. The preparatory work for this task has commenced in the Department and the Government's legislation programme provides for the publication of an electoral commission Bill in 2015. I have listened to the debate in the House and, while everyone is talking about electoral and political reform, nobody really wants...

Seanad: Adjournment Matters: Palliative Care Facilities (18 Dec 2014)

Ann Phelan: I will raise the issue with the Minister for Health. The palliative care service is being developed in partnership with the Waterford hospice movement, which is the correct partner and which has generously undertaken to raise €6 million to cover the capital cost of the unit which is in line with other palliative care units proposed. This is a very important issue and I understand...

Seanad: Adjournment Matters: Schools Recognition (18 Dec 2014)

Ann Phelan: I thank the Senator for raising this matter which, as he said, I am taking on behalf of my colleague, the Minister for Education and Skills, Deputy Jan O'Sullivan. It provides me with the opportunity to clarify the current position on the recognition process for Mol an Oige Steiner national school, Ennistymon, County Clare. As the Senator will be aware, Mol an Oige Steiner national school...

Seanad: Adjournment Matters: Local and Community Development Programme Planning (18 Dec 2014)

Ann Phelan: I thank Senator Daly for raising this important issue. My Department's local and community development programme, LCDP, is the largest social inclusion intervention of its kind in the State. The current programme officially ended at the end of 2013, having operated for four years with funding of €281 million over that period. It is being implemented on a transitional basis for 2014,...

Seanad: Adjournment Matters: Palliative Care Facilities (18 Dec 2014)

Ann Phelan: I thank the Senator for raising what is an important issue, not least for the south east. I am aware of the related matters that he raised. I am taking this matter on behalf of the Minister for Health. The HSE is progressing with plans to develop a 20-bed specialist palliative care inpatient unit as part of a €20 million redevelopment at University Hospital Waterford. The new unit...

Fourth Report of the Constitutional Convention on the Dáil Electoral System: Statements (18 Dec 2014)

Ann Phelan: I am pleased today to provide to the Oireachtas the Government's response to the recommendations of the fourth report of the Constitutional Convention. The report is about the Dáil electoral system, one of the topics listed for consideration by the convention in the Oireachtas resolutions of 2012 approving the calling of the convention. The Government acknowledges the interest of the...

Topical Issue Debate (Resumed): Special Protection Areas Designation (17 Dec 2014)

Ann Phelan: We are introducing the GLAS scheme.

Topical Issue Debate (Resumed): Special Protection Areas Designation (17 Dec 2014)

Ann Phelan: As I said in my statement, these areas will get priority.

Topical Issue Debate (Resumed): Special Protection Areas Designation (17 Dec 2014)

Ann Phelan: All I can do is reiterate that I understand the Deputy's concerns and I met the smaller farmers. I understand the difficulty they face and how their incomes will be extremely difficult. As I am not the Minister with direct responsibility for it, I have conveyed my concerns to the Minister and will again. This is part of the GLAS scheme, which will prioritise these areas. On the other side...

Topical Issue Debate: NAMA Social Housing Provision (17 Dec 2014)

Ann Phelan: I understand the frustrations the Deputy is experiencing. I also understand the frustrations faced by the people he is trying house. It is very difficult when one is on the list and one knows there is the promise of accommodation, but it is out of one's control because so many other people must get their ducks in a row. I do not like to use that phrase but that is what must be done. I...

Topical Issue Debate (Resumed): Special Protection Areas Designation (17 Dec 2014)

Ann Phelan: I am replying on behalf of the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht, Deputy Heather Humphreys. The hen harrier and freshwater pearl mussel are endangered species protected under EU nature directives. The objective of the Department of Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht is to ensure that these important species are protected while, in parallel, ensuring that the work of farmers and...

Topical Issue Debate: NAMA Social Housing Provision (17 Dec 2014)

Ann Phelan: I thank Deputy Seán Kenny for raising this issue. The Department of the Environment, Community and Local Government works closely with NAMA, the Housing Agency, local authorities and approved housing bodies to deliver social housing. As of the end of quarter three of 2014, more than 2,000 available units identified by NAMA have been confirmed by local authorities as suitable for social...

Water Services Bill 2014: Report and Final Stages (17 Dec 2014)

Ann Phelan: At least we will have done the right thing.

Business of Dáil (9 Dec 2014)

Ann Phelan: At 12.37 p.m.