Results 1,121-1,140 of 2,815 for speaker:Tony Killeen

Written Answers — Departmental Reports: Departmental Reports (18 Dec 2007)

Tony Killeen: The Government published the report of the Expert Group on the Health Effects of Electromagnetic Fields earlier this year. The Report examined a wide range of issues in relation to the potential health effects of electromagnetic fields, including those produced by electric appliances in the home and from electricity pylons. It answers many of the health risk questions raised by the public in...

Seanad: Broadband Access: Motion (12 Dec 2007)

Tony Killeen: I would prefer to engage with the points made by Senators Ross and O'Toole but it would be more informative if I deliver the script that sets out the current position. A world-class electronic communications sector is critical to our continued economic and social prosperity. As an economy we need to ensure we take full advantage of these technological developments to remain competitive. As...

Seanad: School Accommodation (12 Dec 2007)

Tony Killeen: I thank Senator Hannigan for raising this matter to which I am responding on behalf of the Minister for Education and Science, Deputy Mary Hanafin. It gives me an opportunity to outline to the Seanad the extent of the work which will be carried out under the school building and modernisation programme in the coming years and, in this context, the position with regard to the Le Chéile...

Seanad: Schools Building Projects (12 Dec 2007)

Tony Killeen: I am responding on behalf of the Minister for Education and Science, Deputy Mary Hanafin. I thank Senator Nicky McFadden for raising this matter as it provides me the opportunity to outline to the House the broader actions being taken by the Department of Education and Science to identify and address the long-term educational needs of the Athlone area and the position in regard to the...

Seanad: Broadband Access: Motion (12 Dec 2007)

Tony Killeen: The Minister, Deputy Ryan, and I were under the impression the debate was starting at 5.30 p.m. I apologise for the mix up. The reason he cannot be here is that we were both attending the meeting of the Cabinet committee on housing and infrastructure, during which this issue and others were discussed. He will be in the Chamber as soon as he can.

Written Answers — Library Projects: Library Projects (11 Dec 2007)

Tony Killeen: Provision of a public library service is a matter for the local authority concerned. The Department liaises regularly with local authorities as a matter of course in relation to a wide variety of library matters and provides capital assistance in respect of projects included in the public library capital programme. No firm proposals have been submitted to the Department by South Dublin...

Written Answers — Planning Issues: Planning Issues (11 Dec 2007)

Tony Killeen: I understand that the library authority in Kildare has made no final decision in respect of Kilcock. Further information regarding the other issues raised in the question may more appropriately be sought directly from the local authority.

Financial Resolution No. 5: General (Resumed) (6 Dec 2007)

Tony Killeen: I wish to share time with Deputies Mansergh and Finian McGrath and perhaps another Deputy.

Financial Resolution No. 5: General (Resumed) (6 Dec 2007)

Tony Killeen: I welcome the opportunity to speak briefly about the budget and will concentrate on those areas for which I have responsibility in conjunction with the two Ministers from the Green Party — the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government, Deputy Gormley, and the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources, Deputy Ryan. In respect of water services...

Seanad: Arts Funding (6 Dec 2007)

Tony Killeen: Go raibh maith agat, a Chathaoirligh. Gabhaim buíochas leis an Seanadóir. Government policy on the arts is set out in the programme for Government and will be elaborated further in the Department's statement of strategy 2008-2010 which is being developed. The Government's objective is to encourage and support the strategic development of the arts in local communities, both geographic and...

Seanad: Water Quality: Statements (6 Dec 2007)

Tony Killeen: I am grateful to the Senators who outlined their views on this important issue. Senator O'Reilly said that while the theme for the discussion is the rural water services programme, there are a number of other areas in the general water services programme that are of concern. While they do not come under my area of responsibility, I will respond to as many of them as I can. Senator O'Reilly...

Seanad: Water Quality: Statements (6 Dec 2007)

Tony Killeen: Undoubtedly it is. The distinction I was drawing is that it applies as a cap for waste water treatment for sewerage schemes. It creates some concerns in local authorities at management and local authority member levels. Initially the water services investment programme was directed mainly at major urban centres of population. A large proportion of that work has now been completed and most...

Seanad: Water Quality: Statements (6 Dec 2007)

Tony Killeen: The areas with a population of 1,000 or more are all included in the current programme. In the event that the EPA, in conjunction with the local authority, determines that a particular area not in the current scheme has a significant problem, there is a financial provision which can be drawn down in consultation with the EPA, the Department and the local authority to address very specific...

Seanad: Water Quality: Statements (6 Dec 2007)

Tony Killeen: To return to the topic we ought to have been discussing, the group water schemes, there is provision at this stage to address the principal outstanding schemes, some of which are in County Galway and some in County Mayo and a few others around the country. The design, build and operate process which has been applied to them is one that has shown a commendable level of success, although it is...

Seanad: Water Quality: Statements (6 Dec 2007)

Tony Killeen: I was under the impression go raibh an múinteoir an-crosta liom.

Seanad: Water Quality: Statements (6 Dec 2007)

Tony Killeen: I may continue a bit further then. I wish to address some of the issues raised by Senators. I have dealt with the issues raised by Senator Reilly. Senator Kelly referred to agricultural pollution. I acknowledge there have been problems and that the attempts to deal with them in County Cavan have been extraordinarily successful, as has been the general response of the agricultural...

Seanad: Motor Insurance (6 Dec 2007)

Tony Killeen: Third party motor insurance is required by law for the use of all mechanically propelled vehicles in a public place. Motor insurance is provided by private companies in an open and competitive market in which consumer interests can exert influence by seeking quotes and comparing costs before purchasing. Insurance companies, numbering 29 at present, are controlled by the Financial Regulator....

Seanad: Motor Insurance (6 Dec 2007)

Tony Killeen: There has been a 39% reduction in premia over a relatively short period. I will raise the other matter with the Minister and ask him to correspond directly with the Senator.

Seanad: Water Quality: Statements (6 Dec 2007)

Tony Killeen: Gabhaim buíochas leis na Seanadóirí a labhair ar an ábhar seo. I am pleased to apprise the Seanad of the current status of the implementation of water quality improvement plans under the rural water programme of the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government. The rural water programme is an integral part of the water services investment programme. It has put in place a...

Written Answers — Fire Services: Fire Services (29 Nov 2007)

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...