Results 13,261-13,280 of 18,851 for speaker:Fergus O'Dowd

Energy (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill 2011: Referral to Select Committee (10 Nov 2011)

Fergus O'Dowd: I move: That the Bill be referred to the Select Sub-Committee on Communications, Energy and Natural Resources pursuant to Standing Order 82A(3)(a)(6)(a).

Energy (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill 2011: Second Stage (Resumed) (9 Nov 2011)

Fergus O'Dowd: Deputy Ferris may speak for himself .

Access to Central Treasury Funds (Commission for Energy Regulation) Bill 2011 [Seanad] : Second Stage (8 Nov 2011)

Fergus O'Dowd: Níl éinne eile chun caint.

Access to Central Treasury Funds (Commission for Energy Regulation) Bill 2011 [Seanad] : Second Stage (8 Nov 2011)

Fergus O'Dowd: Tá mé sásta freagra a thabhairt. Ba mhaith liom buíochas a ghabháil leis na Teachtaí as ucht a gcuid tuairimí a nochtú agus cuidiú a thabhairt don Bhille seo go bunúsach. Má tá fadhbanna faoi leith ag baint leis - luaigh siad fadhbanna áirithe - is féidir linn smaoineamh níos mó a dhéanamh orthu ar an chéad Chéim eile. Tá súil agam nach fada go mbeidh an...

Access to Central Treasury Funds (Commission for Energy Regulation) Bill 2011 [Seanad]: Referral to Select Committee (8 Nov 2011)

Fergus O'Dowd: I move: That the Bill be referred to the Select Sub-Committee on Communications, Energy and Natural Resources pursuant to Standing Order 82A(3)(a) and (6)(a).

Cross-Border Projects (8 Nov 2011)

Fergus O'Dowd: I am taking this matter on behalf of the Minister for Public Service and Reform, Deputy Howlin. The Border uplands project is a joint venture between Fermanagh District Council and the county councils of Cavan, Leitrim and Sligo. This project will greatly enhance the region's landscape tourism product by creating much needed outdoor access and recreational and amenity infrastructure in the...

Cross-Border Projects (8 Nov 2011)

Fergus O'Dowd: This is a very good project and we are anxious that it proceed as soon as possible. We are hopeful that an agreement will be reached between the North and South which will allow letters of offer, currently on hold, to be issued. If this does not happen shortly, I will ask the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform, Deputy Howlin, to see what steps can be taken to unblock projects. It...

Fuel Laundering (8 Nov 2011)

Fergus O'Dowd: I thank Deputy Phelan and Deputy Dowds for their views and proposals. I will bring them to the attention of the Minister. I am pleased to take this opportunity to speak on behalf of the Minister for Finance on the subject of fuel laundering. This form of tax evasion is a matter the Government takes very seriously, particularly given the current economic climate. I am informed by the...

Fuel Laundering (8 Nov 2011)

Fergus O'Dowd: I again wish to agree with both Deputies that this issue is serious and must be dealt with. Obviously, the notes I have to hand were written before I heard what the Deputies had to say, but I will bring their comments directly to the attention of the Minister concerned as they make a lot of sense. Deputy Dowds made an important point on traceability and accountability and the fuel's origin...

Fuel Laundering (8 Nov 2011)

Fergus O'Dowd: Yes, I will ask the Minister to so do.

Report by the Interdepartmental Working Group on Mortgage Arrears: Statements (Resumed) (20 Oct 2011)

Fergus O'Dowd: Nobody has a monopoly on wisdom and this debate is a constructive engagement by a democratic Parliament to bring the best ideas to the fore and resolve this issue without excluding any views. Tens of thousands of young people who bought their homes during the boom have since lost their jobs and are saddled with mortgages they cannot repay. The interdepartmental working group was established...

Written Answers — Departmental Funding: Departmental Funding (19 Oct 2011)

Fergus O'Dowd: The Government announced the establishment of the New Economy and Recovery Authority (NewERA), in line with the Programme for Government on 29 September last. NewERA is being initially established on a non-statutory basis as a Shareholder Executive within the NTMA. NewERA will carry out the corporate governance function, from a shareholder perspective, of ESB, Bord Gáis, EirGrid, Bord na...

Written Answers — State Agencies: State Agencies (19 Oct 2011)

Fergus O'Dowd: The Government announced the establishment of the New Economy and Recovery Authority (NewERA), in line with the Programme for Government on 29th September last. NewERA is being initially established on a non-statutory basis as a Shareholder Executive within the NTMA. NewERA will carry out the corporate governance function, from a shareholder perspective, of ESB, Bord Gáis, EirGrid, Bord na...

Waste Management (18 Oct 2011)

Fergus O'Dowd: I called the first public meeting on it.

Waste Management (18 Oct 2011)

Fergus O'Dowd: I am very familiar with this issue and for several years have been concerned about the operation of the waste facility at Whiteriver, and about the whole issue of the incinerator at Carranstown and the history of how it came about. I certainly commend the residents on their activity in ensuring, particularly in recent years, any release of toxic or noxious gases into the air has been dealt...

Waste Management (18 Oct 2011)

Fergus O'Dowd: It is clear that the residents, Deputy Nash and I agree on the fundamental issue that no hazardous ash should be dumped at the facility. The statutory authority to decide this issue does not rest with the Deputy, me or Louth County Council but with the Environmental Protection Agency. I am sure the Deputy, if he has not already done so, will inform the agency of his concerns which I...

Private Rented Accommodation (18 Oct 2011)

Fergus O'Dowd: Following serious concerns regarding fire safety at Priory Hall, Dublin City Council acted quickly and withdrew its tenants from the development approximately two years ago. Private tenants were advised by the council at the time that serious safety concerns existed. Dublin City Council initiated legal proceedings on 17 August, 2010 in respect of compliance with fire safety regulations....

Private Rented Accommodation (18 Oct 2011)

Fergus O'Dowd: I completely agree with Deputy Broughan in the context of his concerns regarding families and people, young and old, who have been discommoded. I am aware that there has been a particular impact on young children and senior residents. I understand that there are some 96 senior citizens involved. The High Court has ordered that the families be accommodated at the place at which they are...

Private Rented Accommodation (18 Oct 2011)

Fergus O'Dowd: I agree with the Deputy and he is absolutely correct. As I stated earlier, what he outlined is the intention of the Minister, Deputy Hogan, and this Government. They will ensure that from when these regulations become mandatory, another case like this will never happen again. The Deputy is right in saying the process has not worked, which is why the current appalling case has come about....

Private Rented Accommodation (18 Oct 2011)

Fergus O'Dowd: I agree with Deputy Ellis and the position must change radically. I stated to the two previous Deputies that the Government is absolutely committed to this. There is no reason a meeting with the residents' association cannot be accommodated as soon as possible. Those people would have experience of how badly things can go wrong in the construction industry. They are the victims but their...