Results 11,641-11,660 of 18,851 for speaker:Fergus O'Dowd

Water Charges: Motion (Resumed) [Private Members] (7 May 2014)

Fergus O'Dowd: The introduction of water charges is a very important step in creating a sustainable water utility. We need to ensure that the water system can provide adequate security of supply for employment and our towns and cities and to promote economic development. The people of Ireland deserve first-class water services and this Government is ensuring they will be delivered.

Water Charges: Motion (Resumed) [Private Members] (7 May 2014)

Fergus O'Dowd: Thank you-----

Water Charges: Motion (Resumed) [Private Members] (7 May 2014)

Fergus O'Dowd: I thank the Chair for the opportunity to speak. I would like to address some of the issues raised and to mention that I have heard some very important points tonight, particularly from my colleague, Deputy Kirk. A number of constructive points have been made, all of which bear thinking about. This is the sort of debate we need in the context of how we can change things for the better.

Water Charges: Motion (Resumed) [Private Members] (7 May 2014)

Fergus O'Dowd: I am sorry; I did not interrupt anybody.

Water Charges: Motion (Resumed) [Private Members] (7 May 2014)

Fergus O'Dowd: I am trying to concentrate on the very positive, constructive contributions made by Deputy Kirk and others on the other side of the House and to respond in like manner. There is now a great deal of clarity on the situation regarding domestic water charges. There has been a rigorous analysis of the funding model to ensure we have a system which is fair and efficient and provides an incentive...

Water Charges: Motion (Resumed) [Private Members] (7 May 2014)

Fergus O'Dowd: I want my time back for that roar.

Water Charges: Motion (Resumed) [Private Members] (7 May 2014)

Fergus O'Dowd: As I said, in essence, this results in free water for children. I believe these are very progressive and good rules, regulations and legislation which mean that children's consumption is actually free. Extensive consideration has also been given to providing supports to vulnerable households. In this regard, the Government has agreed on additional affordability measures to assist...

Water Charges: Motion (Resumed) [Private Members] (7 May 2014)

Fergus O'Dowd: This is a debate on a motion tabled by the Opposition, and the rules are as agreed by the Members of the House. Any questions that are asked in regard to other issues will be answered in due course by the process that we all agree on, which is called parliamentary questions. I suggest the Deputies table questions.

Water Charges: Motion (Resumed) [Private Members] (7 May 2014)

Fergus O'Dowd: Irish Water is also making every effort to support households in paying their bills and has announced that it will introduce a range of payment options for customers. These will include an easy payment option for customers who wish to make regular payments of not less than €10 per transaction.

Water Charges: Motion (Resumed) [Private Members] (7 May 2014)

Fergus O'Dowd: The Government is committed to ensuring that Irish Water serves the interests of all its customers. The regulator has been provided with statutory powers to act as the economic regulator. All of Irish Water's charges will be subject to regulatory approval and all the processes around that will be subject to approval. It is not what Irish Water wants to do; it is what the CER gives it the...

Water Charges: Motion (Resumed) [Private Members] (7 May 2014)

Fergus O'Dowd: People are giving out more about Fianna Fáil than anything else.

Topical Issue Debate: Water Services Provision (6 May 2014)

Fergus O'Dowd: I am shocked that Irish Water has not responded to the Deputy's e-mail of more than one week ago. That is not good enough and I will ask it to investigate the issue urgently. Everybody is entitled to a response to his or her queries, whether he or she is a Member of the Oireachtas through the 1890 278278 telephone number or the e-mail facility or an ordinary member of the public. One of...

Topical Issue Debate: Water Services Provision (6 May 2014)

Fergus O'Dowd: I thank Deputy Doyle for raising this important matter in the House. However, the Department has no responsibility for, or role in, the management, maintenance or operation of water infrastructure. This is a matter for Uisce Éireann, the water services authority, which is responsible under statute for the operation, maintenance and management of water infrastructure. Local...

Other Questions: Electricity Transmission Network (6 May 2014)

Fergus O'Dowd: His leader bought two.

Other Questions: Hydraulic Fracturing Policy (6 May 2014)

Fergus O'Dowd: On the other side of the argument is the fact that fracking or unconventional gas extraction has absolutely transformed the American economy and that the country has become an exporter, rather than an importer, of energy. The fundamental question concerns what process, if any, the Government is allowing. The answer is absolutely none. A decision was made in the February before we took...

Other Questions: Hydraulic Fracturing Policy (6 May 2014)

Fergus O'Dowd: I stand to be corrected, but on the latter point, as I understand it, submissions were sought by the EPA before anything happened. I understand the agency has received thousands of submissions, all of which are being gone through. There has been total transparency and total involvement. The views expressed to the EPA will obviously have to be considered. Reference was made to community...

Other Questions: Hydraulic Fracturing Policy (6 May 2014)

Fergus O'Dowd: Absolutely. That is our commitment. We will not progress any application or accept any further application until the study has been completed and debated.

Other Questions: Hydraulic Fracturing Policy (6 May 2014)

Fergus O'Dowd: I cannot speak for what happens in the Six Counties. Perhaps the Deputy is in a position to do so.

Other Questions: Hydraulic Fracturing Policy (6 May 2014)

Fergus O'Dowd: I thank the Deputy for tabling her question. I wish to make it clear that I have not read today's edition of The Guardian. Unlike her, I have not had the time to do so. Now that she has brought the relevant article to my attention, however, I will certainly read it. I reassure her that I read everything I can find about developments relating to fracking. I visited America recently and...

Other Questions: Hydraulic Fracturing Policy (6 May 2014)

Fergus O'Dowd: Applications for licences to carry out exploration and production activities in jurisdictions outside the Republic of Ireland are matters solely for the authorities in those jurisdictions. Other than statutory trans-boundary consultation, the Irish authorities have no role in the consideration of such applications. On the broader issue of unconventional gas exploration, officials in my...