Results 1,041-1,060 of 2,815 for speaker:Tony Killeen

Fishing Industry Development. (20 May 2008)

Tony Killeen: We must also take account of the fact that we are trying to achieve objectives and are working against the background of the Cawley report and other information and realities pertaining to the fishing industry. It would be far better to spend a few weeks or, at worst, a few months longer trying to achieve the appropriate outcome. Judgments must be made on this as we proceed to deal with the...

Afforestation Programme. (20 May 2008)

Tony Killeen: The number of privately owned hectares of forestry planted in each of the past 20 years has been set out in tabular format and will be included in the Official Report. It ranges from 2,954 hectares in 1987 to 6,947 hectares last year. I fully acknowledge the contribution made to the forestry sector to date by private landowners and farmers with the vision to adopt forestry as a viable land...

Afforestation Programme. (20 May 2008)

Tony Killeen: Deputy Sheehan will be aware of the Malone report, which examined all of the issues mentioned by him, as well as a number of other issues that affect the acreage being afforested each year. The report contains 18 principal recommendations, some of which are being implemented at present and some of which refer to the FEPS programme. One recommendation, which specifically proposed the...

Afforestation Programme. (20 May 2008)

Tony Killeen: I am not aware of the specific nature of the commitment made by the former Minister, Deputy Coughlan.

Afforestation Programme. (20 May 2008)

Tony Killeen: That is one of a number of issues being considered in the context of new legislation.

Afforestation Programme. (20 May 2008)

Tony Killeen: The undertaking is that legislation will be introduced in this area. In the context of this legislation——

Afforestation Programme. (20 May 2008)

Tony Killeen: The legislation will examine this issue, as well as a considerable number of other issues. The Deputy and Members from all sides in both Houses will have an opportunity to make a case on scientific grounds, on the basis of the Malone report and other evidence, whether economic or otherwise. A judgment will be made on that basis.

Afforestation Programme. (20 May 2008)

Tony Killeen: I assure the Deputy this is one of the issues to which the working group will give close consideration. It will be interesting to ascertain the impact of the reduction from eight hectares to five hectares. In the event of the working group making a recommendation in this regard, I certainly will look on it favourably, if possible.

Proposed Legislation. (20 May 2008)

Tony Killeen: Following a comprehensive review of the Forestry Act 1946, the heads of a proposed forestry Bill have been drafted and submitted to me for consideration. I am studying the implications of the Bill and hope to be in a position to present it to the Government shortly. I hope to publish the forestry Bill in the autumn. The main objective in proposing a new forestry Bill is to introduce one...

School Accommodation. (29 Apr 2008)

Tony Killeen: I thank the Deputy for raising this matter as it provides me with the opportunity to outline to the House, on behalf of the Minister for Education and Science, the position regarding the proposed building project for Ballymahon vocational school, County Longford. I will outline the procedures involved in selecting school building projects for inclusion in a school building programme. All...

Natural Heritage Areas. (29 Apr 2008)

Tony Killeen: I thank Deputy Sheahan for raising this matter, which I will be taking on behalf of my colleague, the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government, Deputy John Gormley. Special areas of conservation, SACs, are proposed for designation under the European Communities (Natural Habitats) Regulations 1997. These regulations transpose the 1992 habitats directive and provide a...

Written Answers — Air Pollution: Air Pollution (29 Apr 2008)

Tony Killeen: I refer to the reply to Question No. 363 of 17 October 2007. The position has not changed. Air quality assessment is the responsibility of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and air quality management is a matter for local authorities informed by air quality measurement data. The EPA's Air Quality in Ireland 2006, published on 10 October 2007, contains details of the monitoring and...

Written Answers — Fire Safety: Fire Safety (29 Apr 2008)

Tony Killeen: Under Section 10 of the Fire Services Act 1981 a fire authority is statutorily required to make adequate provision for a fire service in its functional area. Section 26 of the Fire Services Act 1981 requires each fire authority which maintains a fire brigade to prepare (and, as occasion requires, revise) plans for fire and emergency operations showing the provision made by it in respect of...

Written Answers — Fire Service: Fire Service (24 Apr 2008)

Tony Killeen: The provision of a fire service in its functional area, including the establishment and maintenance of a fire brigade, the assessment of fire cover needs, the provision of a premises and the making of such other provisions as it considers necessary or desirable, is a statutory function of individual fire authorities under section 10 of the Fire Services Act 1981. The Department's role is one...

Dublin Bay Development Plan. (23 Apr 2008)

Tony Killeen: I thank Deputy Bruton for raising this important matter to which I am responding on behalf of the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government, Deputy John Gormley. At the outset, I wish to make it clear that under section 30 of the Planning and Development Act 2000, the Minister is precluded from exercising any power or control concerning any individual planning application or...

Written Answers — Offshore Exploration: Offshore Exploration (23 Apr 2008)

Tony Killeen: As was outlined in response to question number 278 on 12th March 2008, during 2007, two finds were made in the North Celtic Sea Basin off the south coast. Providence Resources Limited identified an oil accumulation at the Hook Head prospect in block 50/11 while Island Oil and Gas Limited encountered gas at the Schull prospect in block 57/2. In addition, Island Oil and Gas Limited...

Mining Industry. (23 Apr 2008)

Tony Killeen: I have no plans to introduce a specific scheme to provide for compensation to people suffering health problems as a consequence of working in underground mines. While mining requires a State mining facility lease or licence under the Minerals Development Acts 1940 to 1999, it is undertaken in this country by private enterprise. Accordingly any issue of compensation would be a matter between...

Mining Industry. (23 Apr 2008)

Tony Killeen: Deputy Coonan is correct in saying that previous Ministers have grappled unsuccessfully with this matter. I am not familiar with whatever undertakings he is referring to prior to the election, but I am sure he will make that information available to me at some stage. The fundamental difference between the situation in this country and in the United Kingdom is that the British mining...

Mining Industry. (23 Apr 2008)

Tony Killeen: I will certainly examine that element. There is a short time period within which the State had some responsibility in this regard — a more direct responsibility than employers in other instances. Unfortunately, if a solution is to be found on that narrow point, the information I have is that it would benefit no more than a handful of people, perhaps as few as two or three. Deputy Coonan...

Written Answers — Radon Gas Levels: Radon Gas Levels (22 Apr 2008)

Tony Killeen: The Government's approach in relation to radon measurement and remediation is similar to that of the majority of EU Member States. Our efforts, together with those of the Radiological Protection Institute of Ireland are concentrated on increasing public awareness of the health risks posed by radon exposure in the home and workplace, and on advising householders and others to address the risk...