Results 8,381-8,400 of 8,873 for speaker:Batt O'Keeffe

Postal Services: Motion (Resumed) (6 Dec 2006)

Batt O'Keeffe: We have full employment.

Noise Bill 2006: Second Stage (28 Nov 2006)

Batt O'Keeffe: Action is being taken. The 2006 environmental noise regulations, which entered into force in March this year, give effect in Ireland to EU Directive 2002/49/EC relating to the assessment and management of environmental noise. Environmental noise is defined in the regulations as unwanted or harmful outdoor sound created by human activities, including noise emitted by means of transport, road...

Noise Bill 2006: Second Stage (28 Nov 2006)

Batt O'Keeffe: The Government takes the view that the matter should be referred to the Select Committee on Environment and Local Government for consideration. In referring the Bill to the select committee, it would be beneficial for all sides to do so on foot of an open and constructive debate in the House. I look forward, therefore, to hearing the views on all sides and to taking the matter forward in...

Noise Bill 2006: Second Stage (28 Nov 2006)

Batt O'Keeffe: Noise pollution is getting to Deputy McCormack too because he obviously did not hear me.

Noise Bill 2006: Second Stage (28 Nov 2006)

Batt O'Keeffe: That can be debated on Committee Stage.

Noise Bill 2006: Second Stage (28 Nov 2006)

Batt O'Keeffe: That is exactly what I am doing. The Deputy has been long enough in the House to know the procedure.

Noise Bill 2006: Second Stage (28 Nov 2006)

Batt O'Keeffe: That is an open debate.

Noise Bill 2006: Second Stage (28 Nov 2006)

Batt O'Keeffe: The dogs will welcome me.

Noise Bill 2006: Second Stage (28 Nov 2006)

Batt O'Keeffe: I welcome the opportunity to address the House on this Bill and to outline Government policy in this area. Environmental noise arises from a great many sources, from large scale activities such as industrial installations, urban road and rail traffic and major construction sites to more local noise associated with security alarms, social activity and general neighbourhood noise. Many...

Seanad: Road Network (22 Nov 2006)

Batt O'Keeffe: I thank the Senator for raising this important issue in the Clare area. It is also a matter of concern within the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government. I also welcome the opportunity to outline the progress being made in the significant resourcing of non-national roads in general and to outline the position on these schemes. In January this year the Minister...

Seanad: Schools Refurbishment (22 Nov 2006)

Batt O'Keeffe: I thank the Senator for raising this matter as it provides me with the opportunity to outline to the Seanad the progress being made by the Department of Education and Science under the school building and modernisation programme and to outline the position on capital funding applications from scoil náisiúnta Molaise, Old Leighlin, County Carlow. Modernising facilities in our 3,200 primary...

Seanad: Medicinal Products (22 Nov 2006)

Batt O'Keeffe: I am pleased to have the opportunity to answer this question on behalf of my colleague, Deputy Harney, the Minister for Health and Children. I welcome the opportunity to set out the Government's position and thank Senator Kitt for raising the matter. In 2005, the Cabinet committee on health agreed a range of options for containing growth in the State drugs bill. These options were based on...

Estimates for Public Services 2007: Motion (Resumed) (22 Nov 2006)

Batt O'Keeffe: I welcome the publication of the abridged Estimates for 2007 and, in particular, the commitment shown to maintaining high levels of provision for the wide range of essential public services and for the continued growth of infrastructural programmes across all Departments in response to the needs of an expanding population and a growing vibrant economy. Almost €2.9 billion is being provided...

Housing Policy: Motion (21 Nov 2006)

Batt O'Keeffe: Has the Deputy checked how many fell under Part V? How many had planning permission before Part V was introduced? These facts should be determined and then an accurate analysis should be carried out.

Housing Policy: Motion (21 Nov 2006)

Batt O'Keeffe: The county council can include such conditions in the county development plan.

Housing Policy: Motion (21 Nov 2006)

Batt O'Keeffe: The local authorities do not want to offer a reasonable price for the land.

Housing Policy: Motion (21 Nov 2006)

Batt O'Keeffe: The Deputy should talk to the Comptroller and Auditor General.

Seanad: Schools Building Projects. (15 Nov 2006)

Batt O'Keeffe: I thank Senator McCarthy for raising the matter as it affords me the opportunity to outline the Government's strategy for capital investment in education projects and to outline the position regarding Clonakilty community college. Modernising facilities in our 3,200 primary and 750 post-primary schools is not an easy task given the legacy of decades of under-investment in this area as well as...

Seanad: Schools Building Projects. (15 Nov 2006)

Batt O'Keeffe: Obviously I am aware of the concerns in Clonakilty. These concerns have been brought to the attention of the Minister. She has declared that the project is under active consideration and is part of the 2006-10 building programme.

Seanad: Local Government (Business Improvement Districts) Bill 2006: Report and Final Stages (15 Nov 2006)

Batt O'Keeffe: These are drafting amendments. I ask that they be accepted without debate.