Results 1,121-1,140 of 7,082 for speaker:John Paul Phelan

Written Answers — Department of Housing, Planning, and Local Government: Valuation Office (13 Feb 2019)

John Paul Phelan: As indicated in my reply to Question No. 596 of 29 January 2019, the methodology concerned is based on relevant market analysis and in accordance with the provisions of the Valuation Acts 2001 to 2015. I have no plans to amend the legislation.

Written Answers — Department of Housing, Planning, and Local Government: Commercial Rates Calculations (12 Feb 2019)

John Paul Phelan: I propose to take Questions Nos. 761 and 767 together. The Valuation Acts 2001 to 2015 provide for the valuation of all commercial and industrial property for rating purposes. The Commissioner of Valuation is independent in the performance of his functions under the Acts and the making of valuations for rating is his sole responsibility. I, as Minister, have no function in decisions in...

Written Answers — Department of Housing, Planning, and Local Government: Legislative Measures (12 Feb 2019)

John Paul Phelan: The Local Government (Rates) Bill 2018 is currently before the Oireachtas and completed Second Stage in the Dáil recently. Given that the current legislative basis for the levying and collection of rates is spread over a number of enactments, some dating back to the 19th century, the Bill contains proposals for modernisation of the legislation governing commercial rates. Included in...

European Parliament Elections (Amendment) Bill 2019: Second Stage (6 Feb 2019)

John Paul Phelan: Perhaps it is more like three out of four if one includes the part of Ulster in the Connacht-Ulster constituency. I do not know whether anyone else present tonight has contested the European election before. I stood for election to Europe in 2009. I come from the part of Waterford city that is in Kilkenny. I recall canvassing in Oldcastle and places I had never been in before - and have...

European Parliament Elections (Amendment) Bill 2019: Second Stage (6 Feb 2019)

John Paul Phelan: The extent of the geographical difference and the difference in people's views on issues in the provincial system, as it was, were huge. There is a certain logic to having that south-eastern region with Munster in the Ireland South constituency. It is a matter we will have to consider in advance of any future realignment of European Parliament constituencies, because the terms of reference...

European Parliament Elections Bill 2019: Referral to Select Committee (6 Feb 2019)

John Paul Phelan: I move:That the Bill be referred to the Select Committee on Housing, Planning and Local Government pursuant to Standing Orders 84A(3)(a) and 149(1).

European Parliament Elections (Amendment) Bill 2019: Second Stage (6 Feb 2019)

John Paul Phelan: Most of the questions are about the issue of the two additional seats and their allocation. I gave a commitment to the Members that once the Government has approved those amendments they will be circulated. People will have enough advance notice and a chance to consider them. I have been asked directly about the direction of Government opinion. Essentially, there are two options. There...

European Parliament Elections (Amendment) Bill 2019: Second Stage (6 Feb 2019)

John Paul Phelan: That is far too big a question for me to answer here.

European Parliament Elections (Amendment) Bill 2019: Order for Second Stage (6 Feb 2019)

John Paul Phelan: I move: "That Second Stage be taken now."

European Parliament Elections (Amendment) Bill 2019: Second Stage (6 Feb 2019)

John Paul Phelan: I move: "That the Bill be now read a Second Time." In commending the European Parliament Elections (Amendment) Bill 2019 to this House I am asking Dáil to continue the long established practice of implementing in full the recommendations of independent electoral constituency reviews. As Deputies in this House are aware, a decision on the number of representatives to be elected to the...

Saincheisteanna Tráthúla - Topical Issue Debate: Local Electoral Area Boundary Committee Report (5 Feb 2019)

John Paul Phelan: I reiterate that I have written to the chairman requesting views not just from them but also from management and councillors in Wexford. More than half of the new Kilmuckridge area was previously in the Gorey district and there have been nine or ten changes to municipal districts across the country. Most of them are in respect of former boroughs, but, for instance, in County Kerry the...

Saincheisteanna Tráthúla - Topical Issue Debate: Local Electoral Area Boundary Committee Report (5 Feb 2019)

John Paul Phelan: First, it was not a personal request. The report conducted by one of the committees in respect of municipal districts recommended changes to nine or ten areas that were in conflict with stated Government policy. Changes to local electoral area boundaries may only be carried out following the completion of a review by an independent boundary committee. As Deputy Browne pointed out, these...

Written Answers — Department of Housing, Planning, and Local Government: Electoral Reform (5 Feb 2019)

John Paul Phelan: Electoral law allows for the taking of a poll at an election or referendum on any day of the week. In deciding on a particular day, a wide range of considerations are taken into account and ultimately there are advantages and disadvantages attaching to any day chosen. The flexibility in the legislation allows all relevant factors to be taken into account at any given time in setting the...

Saincheisteanna Tráthúla - Topical Issue Debate: Emergency Accommodation Provision (31 Jan 2019)

John Paul Phelan: Deputy Joan Collins is correct in what she stated regarding the current weather conditions. I even found it very cold walking in here at this time of the evening, and it will get colder. It is important that beds are available for rough sleepers. As the Deputy stated, that is often because they do not, for various reasons, engage with the system in normal weather conditions. I am told by...

Saincheisteanna Tráthúla - Topical Issue Debate: Home Care Packages (31 Jan 2019)

John Paul Phelan: There are certainly many families in this situation. Although it is no consolation, I deal with similar issues in my CHO area and it is often down to resources in different areas. On the bigger picture issue raised by the Deputy, the Department is engaged in the process of setting up a statutory, stand-alone scheme along the lines, I would expect, of the fair deal scheme that exists for...

Saincheisteanna Tráthúla - Topical Issue Debate: Emergency Accommodation Provision (31 Jan 2019)

John Paul Phelan: I thank the Deputy. The Government is fully committed to resolving homelessness. It is an absolute priority for the Department to deliver solutions to provide solutions for all of the individuals and families who do not have a home. In Dublin, where rough sleeping presents the biggest challenge, the Dublin Region Homeless Executive, DRHE, co-ordinates the delivery of homeless services...

Saincheisteanna Tráthúla - Topical Issue Debate: Respite Care Services Provision (31 Jan 2019)

John Paul Phelan: I certainly will pass this message on. I know from my own family the importance of respite hours and that Deputy Smith is not exaggerating the issues for those people concerned. I am not surprised they have taken to the streets because for the parents of children with either developmental or disability issues, the most important person in their lives is the child they want to help. I will...

Saincheisteanna Tráthúla - Topical Issue Debate: Home Care Packages (31 Jan 2019)

John Paul Phelan: I thank Deputy Crowe. I am taking this Topical Issue on behalf of my colleague, Minister of State, Deputy Jim Daly. In the case outlined by the Deputy, where 21 hours of home help is required, one could not but wish to see a person of that age and who still has her faculties in her family home situation. The Government's core stated objective is to promote care in the community so that...

Saincheisteanna Tráthúla - Topical Issue Debate: Respite Care Services Provision (31 Jan 2019)

John Paul Phelan: I am taking this debate on behalf of my colleague, the Minister of State at the Department of Health, Deputy Finian McGrath. As my version of the response does not reference specifically counties Cavan and Monaghan, if the Deputy needs me to obtain specific information, I will. The Government's ongoing priority is the safeguarding of vulnerable people in the care of the health service....

Local Government (Rates) Bill 2018: Referral to Select Committee (30 Jan 2019)

John Paul Phelan: I move:That the Bill be referred to the Select Committee on Housing, Planning and Local Government pursuant to Standing Orders 84A(3)(a) and 149.