Results 13,361-13,380 of 18,851 for speaker:Fergus O'Dowd
- Written Answers — Local Authority Charges: Local Authority Charges (8 Jun 2011)
Fergus O'Dowd: I propose to take Questions Nos. 143 and 147 together. In order to address a commitment in the Programme for Government, my Department is preparing proposals for the installation of meters on households connected to a public water supply. I expect to bring proposals on the matter to the Government for consideration shortly. Subject to Government approval, I expect the installation of water...
- Seanad: Water Charges: Motion (8 Jun 2011)
Fergus O'Dowd: Blood is thicker than water.
- Seanad: Water Charges: Motion (8 Jun 2011)
Fergus O'Dowd: It is magic.
- Written Answers — Water Charges: Water Charges (7 Jun 2011)
Fergus O'Dowd: For a number of years now, domestic water meters have been installed on group water supplies which were being upgraded under the Rural Water Programme. In addition, non-domestic water customers are required to be metered and I understand that the local authorities have now largely completed the installation of water meters in the non-domestic sector. However, my Department does not collect...
- Ministers and Secretaries (Amendment) Bill 2011: Second Stage (Resumed) (1 Jun 2011)
Fergus O'Dowd: That is something on which Deputy Dooley would never agree for the next 50 years because he would never be in the position.
- Ministers and Secretaries (Amendment) Bill 2011: Second Stage (Resumed) (1 Jun 2011)
Fergus O'Dowd: Was that when Deputy Dooley was collecting money from various premises?
- Ministers and Secretaries (Amendment) Bill 2011: Second Stage (Resumed) (1 Jun 2011)
Fergus O'Dowd: The Bill proposes a split in responsibilities and mixed competencies, which is not to be found anywhere else in the world. All claims by the Government to the contrary are untrue. Independent expert reviews of the Department of Finance recommended major reform, which is supported by all parties, but also explicitly advised against splitting the Department. The more one looks at the detail,...
- Ministers and Secretaries (Amendment) Bill 2011: Second Stage (Resumed) (1 Jun 2011)
Fergus O'Dowd: Fianna Fáil did that.
- Priority Questions (12 May 2011)
Fergus O'Dowd: NÃl an Teachta à CuÃv anseo.
- Government Programmes (12 May 2011)
Fergus O'Dowd: The Government has clearly set out its intention to ensure the semi-State sector plays a full role in Ireland's economic recovery. The State companies are engaged in a wide range of strategic activities and have significant investment programmes in place. We want to ensure these investment programmes are delivered to best effect in the interests of jobs and growth. The New Economic and...
- Government Programmes (12 May 2011)
Fergus O'Dowd: The key point is that the Government is ad idem, of one mind, on this. I refer the Deputy to page 14 of the programme for Government which makes very clear that, after due consideration, there will be a sale of State assets amounting up to â¬2 billion which will be part of, and in addition to, the national development plan. We need to keep the State companies focused on what they do best....
- Government Programmes (12 May 2011)
Fergus O'Dowd: The programme for Government states that up to â¬2 billion will be invested in NewERA. The key point is that the McCarthy report is being considered by Government and each Department will have its proposals in that regard. However, NewERA is predicated on getting investment from the State of non-essential State assets.
- NewERA Programme (12 May 2011)
Fergus O'Dowd: I propose to take Questions Nos. 9 and 30 together. I am working with the Minister, Deputy Rabbitte, and other relevant Ministers to ensure that all appropriate funding opportunities are leveraged to deliver on the NewERA objectives of job creation and economic growth. The report of the review group on State assets and liabilities has been published and is under active consideration by the...
- NewERA Programme (12 May 2011)
Fergus O'Dowd: Yes, absolutely.
- NewERA Programme (12 May 2011)
Fergus O'Dowd: Clearly, before coming into government, the plan was to use the money in the National Pensions Reserve Fund, the vast majority of which, or more than â¬10 billion had to be used to bail out the banks. Approximately â¬4.9 billion now remains in the National Pensions Reserve Fund and that is money that must be considered in respect of NewERA. On the sale of State assets, there are two ways...
- NewERA Programme (12 May 2011)
Fergus O'Dowd: The first point is that â¬4.9 billion is all that remains after the Deputy's party wrecked the economy. As I noted earlier, â¬10 billion of the money in the fund had to go to bailing out the banks. The troika has told the Government that it will examine fully any proposals the latter may have for the disposal of State assets for the creation of employment, such as the NewERA projects. I...
- NewERA Programme (12 May 2011)
Fergus O'Dowd: To be clear, yes, NewERA certainly will be established and yes, it will be the vehicle for those funds.
- NewERA Programme (12 May 2011)
Fergus O'Dowd: No, all jobs are important and the thousands of jobs the Government will create through NewERA will be extremely welcome nationwide, including in the Deputy's constituency.
- NewERA Programme (12 May 2011)
Fergus O'Dowd: I cannot do that because I am not a member of the Government.
- NewERA Programme (12 May 2011)
Fergus O'Dowd: It is being considered by the Government. A special sub-committee of the Government is dealing with all these issues. I assure the Deputy that NewERA is on that agenda and my specific job, on foot of a Government commitment, is to ensure the process by which NewERA will be set up and will manage the assets of the State will happen as soon as possible.