Results 7,981-8,000 of 14,706 for speaker:Phil Hogan

Seanad: Local Government Reform: Statements, Questions and Answers (1 Feb 2012)

Phil Hogan: I will wait to respond then.

Seanad: Local Government Reform: Statements, Questions and Answers (1 Feb 2012)

Phil Hogan: I thank the Senators for their constructive contributions. This is an opportunity for people to indicate to me their views on how local government should be reformed. I realise full well the sentiments as expressed by Senators in that a considerable amount of paperwork has been produced over many years but very little action. I hope they will see some change in that attitude and that the...

Seanad: Local Government Reform: Statements, Questions and Answers (1 Feb 2012)

Phil Hogan: I do not regard this particular policy proposal as a White Paper but rather an action plan. We have enough documents in the Department. I am anxious to make the announcement as soon as possible about whatever is ready and I will put those proposals to Government as soon as possible. Equally, I wish to do so when I am ready and when I am of the view we have the appropriate co-operation,...

Seanad: Local Government Reform: Statements, Questions and Answers (1 Feb 2012)

Phil Hogan: The defensive attitude will not work with me. Everything will have to be justified as to what is appropriate. We cannot have structures in place on paper and in theory because they must also have a practical application and function. That will be the ultimate situation. I established the local development alignment group to bring together many of the activities in communities which are...

Seanad: Local Government Reform: Statements, Questions and Answers (1 Feb 2012)

Phil Hogan: In the next few weeks I will have completed the work of the local development alignment group to see what measures can be put in place as part of the local government package to bring community and local government closer together. Senator Mac Conghail referred to citizens' participation. Proposals to allow greater active participation by the public and communities will be developed. I do...

Seanad: Local Government Reform: Statements, Questions and Answers (1 Feb 2012)

Phil Hogan: This will be examined in the context of the governance aspects of the reform programme. This may take a little longer than the structural reform but between now and 2014, a fundamental rebalancing will see county and city managers being chief executive officers of the members who are directly elected by the people. The question is asked whether big equals efficient. Cost savings have to be...

Seanad: Local Government Reform: Statements, Questions and Answers (1 Feb 2012)

Phil Hogan: The original proposal from the former Minister, Mr. John Gormley, had an additional layer of local government called "directly elected mayor". I am not in favour of that.

Seanad: Local Government Reform: Statements, Questions and Answers (1 Feb 2012)

Phil Hogan: The cost was €8 million to which we cannot subscribe at present. We do not need additional structures. I assure Senator David Cullinane that the gateway of Waterford will not be diluted with or without Ferrybank. It will be protected and strengthened and its city status will be maintained. I agree with Senator Ó Murchú on the issue of identify. As a county colours person, like me, I...

Seanad: Local Government Reform: Statements, Questions and Answers (1 Feb 2012)

Phil Hogan: I will give them plenty of time in order that they may have the appropriate locations from which to request a mandate from the people. They will have 17 or 18 months notice of where they will stand in the forthcoming local elections. I expect to address local government reform in the next term rather than wait for constitutional conventions to report. I will do my utmost to set out the...

Seanad: Local Government Reform: Statements, Questions and Answers (1 Feb 2012)

Phil Hogan: If people see that they have power to implement decisions at local authority level, more people will be interested in participation. At present, that is not the case. I hope that by the 2014 local elections people will see I am serious about giving more power, and with power comes responsibility. Equally they may have to make tough decisions. However, that is the essence of what we all do...

Seanad: Local Government Reform: Statements, Questions and Answers (1 Feb 2012)

Phil Hogan: The process will start at the 2014 local elections with a rebalancing of power to councillors, more accountability, more alignment between local elected members in community groups and a better system of local government that will attract more people to participate either by being elected to the local authority or participating, through the community sector, in enhancing the economic and...

Seanad: Water Services (Amendment) Bill 2011 [Seanad Bill amended by the Dáil]: Report and Final Stages (1 Feb 2012)

Phil Hogan: The Senator is advocating that the country should be in contempt of the European Court of Justice.

Seanad: Water Services (Amendment) Bill 2011 [Seanad Bill amended by the Dáil]: Report and Final Stages (1 Feb 2012)

Phil Hogan: How does the Senator propose to solve the issue then?

Seanad: Water Services (Amendment) Bill 2011 [Seanad Bill amended by the Dáil]: Report and Final Stages (1 Feb 2012)

Phil Hogan: How will the Senator solve it?

Seanad: Water Services (Amendment) Bill 2011 [Seanad Bill amended by the Dáil]: Report and Final Stages (1 Feb 2012)

Phil Hogan: Senator Byrne should tell us what the solution is.

Seanad: Water Services (Amendment) Bill 2011 [Seanad Bill amended by the Dáil]: Report and Final Stages (1 Feb 2012)

Phil Hogan: I look forward to the Senator's solution.

Seanad: Water Services (Amendment) Bill 2011 [Seanad Bill amended by the Dáil]: Report and Final Stages (1 Feb 2012)

Phil Hogan: We are obliged to implement the European Court of Justice judgment which Senator Byrne's Government did not do.

Seanad: Water Services (Amendment) Bill 2011 [Seanad Bill amended by the Dáil]: Report and Final Stages (1 Feb 2012)

Phil Hogan: No.

Seanad: Water Services (Amendment) Bill 2011 [Seanad Bill amended by the Dáil]: Report and Final Stages (1 Feb 2012)

Phil Hogan: We are dealing with the fact that we have to comply with the ruling.

Seanad: Water Services (Amendment) Bill 2011 [Seanad Bill amended by the Dáil]: Report and Final Stages (1 Feb 2012)

Phil Hogan: Senator Byrne should tell me how to do it.