Results 9,581-9,600 of 14,706 for speaker:Phil Hogan

Written Answers — Local Government Reform: Local Government Reform (8 Nov 2011)

Phil Hogan: I refer to the reply to Questions Nos. 15 and 19 of 20 October 2011, indicating that significant progress is being made in relation to a range of work relevant to the reform and development of local government in accordance with the Programme for Government. Initial decisions, as in the case of Limerick and Tipperary, have concentrated on structural consolidation at city and county level....

Written Answers — Consumer Protection: Consumer Protection (8 Nov 2011)

Phil Hogan: I refer to the reply to Question No. 114 of 3 November 2011 which deals comprehensively with the matters raised in the correspondence supplied.

Written Answers — Election Management System: Election Management System (8 Nov 2011)

Phil Hogan: The primary role of my Department in electoral matters is to provide an appropriate policy and legislative framework for a modern and efficient electoral system. Within that framework, local returning officers are responsible for all matters in connection with the actual conduct of elections and referendums, including the selection, appointment and training of polling station and count...

Written Answers — Dormant Accounts Fund: Dormant Accounts Fund (8 Nov 2011)

Phil Hogan: The Dormant Accounts Acts provide for an annual transfer by credit institutions and insurance undertakings of monies in accounts determined to be dormant into the Dormant Accounts Fund (DAF). Since its establishment in April 2003 to the end of August 2011, the transfers to the DAF have totalled some €626.59m, which includes interest earned of some €35.53m. Funds reclaimed in that period...

Written Answers — Flood Prevention: Flood Prevention (8 Nov 2011)

Phil Hogan: Flood risk management, including prevention and protection measures, are a matter for the Office of Public Works. I have no function in flood protection grant aid programmes for property owners.

Written Answers — Departmental Appointments: Departmental Appointments (8 Nov 2011)

Phil Hogan: I propose to take Questions Nos. 357 and 358 together. There are no former Government office holders serving on the boards of Agencies under the aegis of my Department.

Written Answers — Farm Management: Farm Management (3 Nov 2011)

Phil Hogan: I refer to the reply to Question No. 390 of 25 October 2011 which set out the position in this matter.

Written Answers — Local Government Charges: Local Government Charges (3 Nov 2011)

Phil Hogan: The €200 charge on non-principal private residences is payable by the owners of private rented accommodation, holiday homes and other non-principal residences. The most important exemption under the Local Government (Charges) Act 2009 is for a person's sole or main residence. However, any one individual can have only one such residence. In a situation where a person owns a property in...

Written Answers — Local Authority Charges: Local Authority Charges (3 Nov 2011)

Phil Hogan: Local authorities are under a statutory obligation to levy rates on any property used for commercial purposes in accordance with the details entered in the valuation lists prepared by the independent Commissioner of Valuation under the Valuation Act 2001. The levying and collection of rates are matters for each individual local authority. There is currently no legal provision to introduce a...

Written Answers — Animal Welfare: Animal Welfare (3 Nov 2011)

Phil Hogan: I propose to take Questions Nos. 107, 109 and 111 together. I refer to the reply to Questions Nos. 254 and 255 of 2 November 2011 which set out the position in this matter.

Written Answers — Building Control Act: Building Control Act (3 Nov 2011)

Phil Hogan: Part 3 of the Building Control Act 2007 provides for the registration of persons permitted to use the title of Architect while Parts 4 and 5 of the Act similarly provide for the registration of persons permitted to use the titles of Quantity Surveyor and Building Surveyor respectively. The Royal Institute of the Architects of Ireland (RIAI) has been designated as the registration body for...

Written Answers — Building Regulations: Building Regulations (3 Nov 2011)

Phil Hogan: In July 2011, I announced a number of measures to be advanced by my Department and local authorities with a view to improving compliance with, and oversight of, the requirements of the Building Regulations. In broad terms the measures will involve:- (a) the introduction of mandatory certificates of compliance by builders and designers of buildings confirming that the statutory requirements...

Written Answers — Wildlife Control: Wildlife Control (3 Nov 2011)

Phil Hogan: The matter referred to in the question is an animal welfare issue and is therefore for the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine. I have no function in relation to the matter raised.

Written Answers — Building Regulations: Building Regulations (3 Nov 2011)

Phil Hogan: A robust system of building control exists and this is demonstrated by the Priory Hall situation where the local authority is successfully using its powers to make the appropriate party responsible. I attach high priority to consumer protection in the area of quality construction of new dwellings. That is why, in July 2011, I announced a number of measures to be advanced by my Department and...

Written Answers — Departmental Expenditure: Departmental Expenditure (3 Nov 2011)

Phil Hogan: I propose to take Questions Nos. 115 and 116 together. At present, 328 staff in my Department are issued with hard copy payslips at an estimated annual cost of €7,800. Arrangements are underway to move 187 of these staff to electronic payslips over the coming weeks. Subject to IT security considerations, access to electronic payslips will be provided to as many as possible of the...

Written Answers — Local Authority Charges: Local Authority Charges (2 Nov 2011)

Phil Hogan: I presume the question refers to the use of data collected by a local authority for the purposes of its functions relating to the charge on non-principal private residences (NPPR) for other unrelated local authority functions. Section 11 of the Local Government (Charges) Act 2009 provides for data sharing and exchange for the purposes of the NPPR. The legislation does not provide for the...

Written Answers — Proposed Legislation: Proposed Legislation (2 Nov 2011)

Phil Hogan: I propose to take Questions Nos. 254 and 255 together. The Dog Breeding Establishments Act 2010 provides that all dog breeding establishments be required to register with the relevant local authority, that they pay a registration fee and that they meet a minimum set of veterinary, welfare and other standards, together with some associated requirements. Alongside the Dog Breeding...

Written Answers — Environmental Policy: Environmental Policy (2 Nov 2011)

Phil Hogan: I propose to take Questions Nos. 257, 258, 268, 269, 292, 294, 295 and 302 together. My immediate priority is to finalise a review of national climate policy in the light of existing and anticipated national greenhouse gas mitigation targets up to 2020. The review will be made available on my Department's website in the coming days and will provide the background for future policy...

Written Answers — Building Regulations: Building Regulations (2 Nov 2011)

Phil Hogan: I propose to take Questions Nos. 259, 260, 267 and 270 together. Dublin City Council is the prescribed authority in relation to the investigation of building control compliance issues at Priory Hall, and will act where necessary and appropriate in line with the standard arrangements in place for the discharge of their statutory functions. There are no proposals under consideration for an...

Written Answers — Local Authority Funding: Local Authority Funding (2 Nov 2011)

Phil Hogan: I have no plans to meet with the Sligo County Manager and Head of Finance. While it is a matter for each local authority, including Sligo County Council, to manage its own day-to-day finances in a prudent and sustainable manner, my Department is in ongoing consultation with the Council in relation to its financial position. I have had no written communication with Sligo County Council in...