Results 1,041-1,060 of 4,717 for speaker:Martin Mansergh

Written Answers — Departmental Properties: Departmental Properties (3 Nov 2009)

Martin Mansergh: While the reinstatement of Leinster Lawn was undertaken by the Office of Public Works out of funds provided to that Office, the management of the Leinster House complex, including the question of permitting access to the Lawn by the general public, is a matter for the Houses of the Oireachtas Commission.

Written Answers — Flood Relief: Flood Relief (3 Nov 2009)

Martin Mansergh: The Office of Public Works has no statutory responsibility for the boglands at the townlands referred to by the Deputy in his question. It is the understanding of the Commissioners of Public Works that responsibility for the drainage of the particular boglands lies with the Sugarstown and Kilfane Drainage District, which is overseen by the Local Authority.

Written Answers — Flood Relief: Flood Relief (3 Nov 2009)

Martin Mansergh: The Commissioners of Public Works expect that the ecologists report regarding potential measures to address the flood problem at Roundfort - Hollymount will be finalised by mid-November.

Written Answers — Flood Relief: Flood Relief (3 Nov 2009)

Martin Mansergh: The Office of Public Works understands that Dublin City Council has completed detailed design for the North City Arterial Water Main, which incorporates the Clontarf Flood Defence Project. The water main project is to be funded by the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government. Dublin City Council and the Office of Public Works have had discussions in relation to funding...

Written Answers — National Monuments: National Monuments (3 Nov 2009)

Martin Mansergh: Venues in the Parade Tower and the Duchess Boardroom, Kilkenny Castle can be made available for hire for the purpose indicated. The person in question should contact the Events Manager in Kilkenny Castle to arrange viewings of the venue and discuss terms and arrangements for the hire of the facility.

Written Answers — Drainage Schemes: Drainage Schemes (3 Nov 2009)

Martin Mansergh: The Commissioners of Public Works have no responsibility for maintenance of the River Barrow. Responsibility for the section of the river referred to lies with the Barrow Drainage Board, that is, the Local Authorities in Counties Carlow, Kildare and Laois. Waterways Ireland carries out a certain amount of maintenance of the Barrow in relation to its navigational aspect.

Written Answers — Departmental Properties: Departmental Properties (3 Nov 2009)

Martin Mansergh: In the time available to answer the question, it has not been possible to compile the information sought by the Deputy. However, the information will be compiled shortly and forwarded to the Deputy as soon as possible.

Written Answers — Coastal Protection: Coastal Protection (3 Nov 2009)

Martin Mansergh: The Commissioners of Public Works wrote to Local Authorities in July 2009 requesting them to identify significant coastal erosion issues in their areas, their proposals for dealing with them and the order of priority in which they consider they should be addressed. Waterford County Council did not submit an application for funding at that time. It is intended to invite proposals from Local...

Written Answers — Courts Service: Courts Service (3 Nov 2009)

Martin Mansergh: I propose to take Questions Nos. 379 and 380 together. The provision of Court accommodation is the responsibility of the Courts Service, in accordance with the Courts Service Act, 1998. I have forwarded your specific questions to the Courts Service for direct response to you.

Written Answers — Road Network: Road Network (3 Nov 2009)

Martin Mansergh: I am advised by the Commissioners of Public Works that the bridge in question is a public road bridge and, as such, is the responsibility of Westmeath County Council.

Mortgage Arrears: Motion (3 Nov 2009)

Martin Mansergh: I move amendment No. 1: To delete all words after "Dáil Éireann" and substitute the following: "notes that: - legal repossessions of home owners reported by the institutions covered by the guarantee amount to 20 in the first nine months of this year; - the mortgage interest subsidy scheme provides an important safety net for mortgage borrowers who get into difficulties and that more than...

Mortgage Arrears: Motion (3 Nov 2009)

Martin Mansergh: I believe the script will be circulated nonetheless. Most of the proposals by parties in advance of the last election were measures to keep the housing boom going. As far as Government revenues from stamp and other duties were concerned, they were used for economic and social purposes, such as extra special needs assistants, roads, higher pensions, child benefit and benchmarking for the...

Mortgage Arrears: Motion (3 Nov 2009)

Martin Mansergh: The suggestion that some commentators make again and again that thousands of ordinary families are at risk of being evicted from their homes shortly is very far from the truth.

Mortgage Arrears: Motion (3 Nov 2009)

Martin Mansergh: I accept the situation needs to be very closely monitored and this suggestion was made often during the debate on the National Asset Management Agency, NAMA, but there is no evidence to date of an increase in repossessions. The proposal for a lengthy moratorium is highly dangerous in terms of financial market perceptions and the effect they might have on the funding of the banks on which the...

Public Transport Regulation Bill 2009: [Seanad] Second Stage (3 Nov 2009)

Martin Mansergh: I welcome the introduction of the Public Transport Regulation Bill 2009. The Road Transport Act 1932 belongs to a different era, when we had an extensive loss-making rail system and a bad road system. The spirit of the times was perhaps closer to the command economy than to the era of competition. The Minister is to be congratulated not only on bringing the reform of the 1932 Act, which...

Public Transport Regulation Bill 2009: [Seanad] Second Stage (3 Nov 2009)

Martin Mansergh: Mr. Smith, like me, comes from County Tipperary. The paradox is that Tipperary town was once reputed to have had the highest number of licensed premises per head of population, yet the birthplace of Fr. Matthew was just five miles away.

Public Transport Regulation Bill 2009: [Seanad] Second Stage (3 Nov 2009)

Martin Mansergh: A Fine Gael councillor lives in that house these days. The Deputy might know him.

Public Transport Regulation Bill 2009: [Seanad] Second Stage (3 Nov 2009)

Martin Mansergh: Councillor Michael Fitzgerald. I am convinced that people will adapt, as they have to other changes. It is not the case that one can only drink alcohol in a pub; one can drink tea, coffee, minerals and non-alcoholic beers. Much of the downturn in the trade has to do with other economic factors, the fact that there is a sharp recession and, in some cases, the fact that there has not been...

Seanad: National Asset Management Agency Business Plan: Statements (29 Oct 2009)

Martin Mansergh: I thank all 16 Senators - more than one in four of the Members of this House - who contributed to what has been a very constructive debate overall. A very large number of points were raised and I will do my best in the time available to answer them. To pick up the general point made by Senator Bradford, he said correctly that this is not about saving the banks or developers but about saving...

Seanad: National Asset Management Agency Business Plan: Statements (29 Oct 2009)

Martin Mansergh: One has to look beyond the confines of this Bill. It raises a general issue about the confidentiality of the tax system except, obviously, where people are gazetted for reasons of tax evasion. I am simply expressing a reservation about that. The Senator can of course put these points to the Minister for Finance when the legislation comes through the House. If the toxic loan valuation paid...