Results 1,161-1,180 of 9,994 for speaker:John Gormley
- Written Answers — Departmental Agencies: Departmental Agencies (17 Jun 2010)
John Gormley: To implement a commitment in the Programme for Government in 2007, re-iterated in the renewed Programme for Government in October 2009, a review of the Environmental Protection Agency commenced in February 2010 following the appointment of members on 2 February 2010. The review's terms of reference are as follows: i) To review the legislation governing the EPA, including the licensing...
- Written Answers — Water Charges: Water Charges (17 Jun 2010)
John Gormley: In December 2009, following a decision by Government, I informed the House that I would be bringing forward proposals for the installation of water meters in households served by public water supplies. These proposals will give effect to the commitment in the renewed Programme for Government to introduce charging for domestic water in a way that is fair, significantly reduces waste and is...
- Written Answers — Water and Sewerage Schemes: Water and Sewerage Schemes (17 Jun 2010)
John Gormley: I refer to the reply to questions Nos. 337 and 342 of 5 May 2010 which sets out the position on the Pallasgreen, Bruff and Hospital Sewerage Schemes.
- Written Answers — Local Government Charges: Local Government Charges (17 Jun 2010)
John Gormley: The Local Government (Charges) Act 2009, which gives effect to the â¬200 charge on non-principal private residences, defines "owner" at section 1 as "a person . . . who . . . is entitled to receive the rent of the property, or where the property is not let, would be so entitled if it were so let". Where a property is willed or gifted to an individual and a right of residence is retained by...
- Written Answers — Local Government Charges: Local Government Charges (17 Jun 2010)
John Gormley: The Local Government (Charges) Act 2009, which sets out the detail of the â¬200 charge on non-principal private residences, is structured from a starting position of a universal liability for the charge in respect of residential property. It goes on to exempt certain properties and owners from the charge, the most significant exemption being where a property is occupied by the owner as his...
- Written Answers — Tax Code: Tax Code (16 Jun 2010)
John Gormley: Motor tax on commercial and goods vehicles is governed by the unladen weight of the vehicle. In order to be taxed at the commercial or goods rate, a vehicle must be constructed or adapted for use as a commercial or goods vehicle and used for the conveyance of goods or burden in the course of a trade or profession. This generally means that passenger seats must be removed in order to allow...
- Written Answers — Farm Plan Scheme: Farm Plan Scheme (16 Jun 2010)
John Gormley: My Department will continue to accept new applicants to the National Parks & Wildlife Service (NPWS) Farm Plan Scheme for designated areas and commonages subject to available funding. Applications to join the scheme will be screened on the basis of conservation priorities, biodiversity added value and the overall cost. The criteria for entry to the hen harrier element of the scheme will...
- Written Answers — Foreshore Licences: Foreshore Licences (16 Jun 2010)
John Gormley: I refer to the reply to Question No. 457 of 18 May 2010. My Department subsequently advised Cork County Council of the arrangements to be made for public advertisement of the application. I understand, however, that the local authority has now decided to await the outcome of a planning application for the development before proceeding further with the foreshore application.
- Written Answers — National Parks and Wildlife Service: National Parks and Wildlife Service (16 Jun 2010)
John Gormley: A response to this invitation issued from my office on 10 June 2010. I am not in a position to attend the proposed meeting. However, I have requested that my Department's National Parks and Wildlife Service be available to attend on my behalf.
- Seanad: Dog Breeding Establishments Bill 2009: Report and Final Stages (16 Jun 2010)
John Gormley: I have explained in detail the genesis of the amendments, how I have engaged with the specific stakeholders and the amendments' complexity. I will state to Senator O'Donovan that I also wrote to the Taoiseach and that he must accept my bona fides on this matter. I do not write to the Taoiseach lightly on such issues but I did so because this spells out in detail exactly what I had in mind....
- Seanad: Dog Breeding Establishments Bill 2009: Report and Final Stages (16 Jun 2010)
John Gormley: I have explained to the Senator on two occasions why that is the case.
- Seanad: Dog Breeding Establishments Bill 2009: Report and Final Stages (16 Jun 2010)
John Gormley: It is not disrespectful in any way to Members of this House. Quite simply, it is due to time constraints and the complexity of the issue which requires the input of the Parliamentary Counsel. This militated against us in introducing the amendments in this House, but as the Senator knows only too well, they must be endorsed by this House.
- Seanad: Dog Breeding Establishments Bill 2009: Report and Final Stages (16 Jun 2010)
John Gormley: Not only did the people on the working group do first year in veterinary medicine, they were veterinary experts. That is the reason they were in the working group in the first place. The amendment would have the effect of not including any bitch less than two years old. That is the key issue. It is fairly incredible that the Senators could envisage a Bill to regulate puppy farms which...
- Seanad: Dog Breeding Establishments Bill 2009: Report and Final Stages (16 Jun 2010)
John Gormley: By way of introduction, I inform the House that my Department has engaged with the stakeholders with a view to addressing any fears various interest group might have about the proposed legislation. Many of these fears were highlighted by Senators on Committee Stage, including concerns about inspections, the financial implications, breeding limitations, micro-chipping and the overall effect...
- Seanad: Dog Breeding Establishments Bill 2009: Report and Final Stages (16 Jun 2010)
John Gormley: I said I was signalling that I would introduce amendments.
- Seanad: Dog Breeding Establishments Bill 2009: Report and Final Stages (16 Jun 2010)
John Gormley: I thank the Senator who talked about a lack of respect. I have the highest respect for this House. His party leader called for its abolition, but I have never gone that far. If the Senator wants to talk about a lack of respect for this House, he should use other examples, not me.
- Seanad: Dog Breeding Establishments Bill 2009: Report and Final Stages (16 Jun 2010)
John Gormley: I am confident that the Bill, as amended, will safeguard the welfare of dogs in breeding establishments and ensure a thriving greyhound industry leading to the creation of employment by enhancing standards and the reputation of dog breeding in Ireland. The amendments will be subject to further advice from the Parliamentary Counsel and represent significant concessions to respond to the needs...
- Seanad: Dog Breeding Establishments Bill 2009: Report and Final Stages (16 Jun 2010)
John Gormley: That was rough wording. I was trying to be helpful because Senator Bradford asked for it.
- Seanad: Dog Breeding Establishments Bill 2009: Report and Final Stages (16 Jun 2010)
John Gormley: I certainly accept the sentiments behind the amendment and agree that we require greater efficiency at local authority level. That is why I have set up a local authority efficiency review group chaired by Mr. Pat McLoughlin, and it is to report shortly. However, at this time to be proscriptive and tell each local authority how to do its business in this regard is not something I envisage in...
- Written Answers — Foreshore Licences: Foreshore Licences (15 Jun 2010)
John Gormley: This application is in the final stage of processing and I expect to make a determination on it very shortly.