Results 1,461-1,480 of 4,717 for speaker:Martin Mansergh

Investment of the National Pensions Reserve Fund and Miscellaneous Provisions Bill 2009: Committee and Remaining Stages (4 Mar 2009)

Martin Mansergh: In response to Deputy Rabbitte, as I understand it, the Minister made no commitment on the question of possible contributions being in abeyance. Section 6 amends section 18 of the principal Act in a number of respects. It allows the Minister to make the annual contribution to the National Pensions Reserve Fund in one lump sum or in several instalments. It also allows him to pay a sum of...

Investment of the National Pensions Reserve Fund and Miscellaneous Provisions Bill 2009: Committee and Remaining Stages (4 Mar 2009)

Martin Mansergh: I would not in the least wish to deny the problem outlined by Deputy Rabbitte. Considerable concern has been shared by myself and Deputy Rabbitte in recent times about the flow of credit to viable business. There certainly is, as he said, anecdotal evidence of cash flow financing difficulties.

Investment of the National Pensions Reserve Fund and Miscellaneous Provisions Bill 2009: Committee and Remaining Stages (4 Mar 2009)

Martin Mansergh: While falling demand for credit has undoubtedly played a role, the perception of limited credit availability, and anecdotes of actual instances, can be damaging at this time of fragile business and consumer confidence. This is the reason the Government decided that there should be an independent review of bank lending to provide an accurate picture of the current position to SMEs in Ireland....

Investment of the National Pensions Reserve Fund and Miscellaneous Provisions Bill 2009: Committee and Remaining Stages (4 Mar 2009)

Martin Mansergh: I move amendment No. 2: In page 9, to delete lines 42 to 49 and in page 10, to delete lines 1 and 2 and substitute the following: "(d) in section 739D by substituting for subsection (6)(l)— "(l) is— (i) the National Pensions Reserve Fund Commission or a Commission investment vehicle (within the meaning given by section 2 of the National Pensions Reserve Fund Act 2000 (as amended by...

Written Answers — Departmental Expenditure: Departmental Expenditure (3 Mar 2009)

Martin Mansergh: Various phases of refurbishment work have been completed in recent years at Iveagh House. Plans for the refurbishment of the first and second floor offices at the rear of Iveagh House were well advanced but this phase was put on hold in 2008 due to financial constraints. The cost of these works was estimated at €1.45 million.

Written Answers — Departmental Property: Departmental Property (3 Mar 2009)

Martin Mansergh: Buildings which have been vacated by Government Departments in Dublin over the last five years, to facilitate a move to another location within Dublin are listed as follows together with the reasons for such moves. 2004 Date Property Location Reasons for move/current status 28 February 2004 Tallaght Driving Test Centre Unit 1, Belgard Industrial Estate Lease expired — property...

Written Answers — Decentralisation Programme: Decentralisation Programme (3 Mar 2009)

Martin Mansergh: Planning permission for the construction of new offices and ancillary facilities for the Property Registration Authority in Roscommon Town was granted, subject to conditions, by Roscommon County Council in November 2008. Following receipt of the planning permission, the preferred tenderer selected by the Office of Public Works to undertake the project was instructed to commence preparation...

Written Answers — Decentralisation Programme: Decentralisation Programme (3 Mar 2009)

Martin Mansergh: The Office of Public Works (OPW) commenced operations in the OPW advance office in Claremorris in September 2007, and this office has a current staffing complement of 30. OPW has also acquired the site for their permanent decentralised office in Claremorris. OPW is now progressing the Claremorris decentralisation project on a phased basis. Phase One will provide an office for 104 posts,...

Written Answers — Garda Stations: Garda Stations (3 Mar 2009)

Martin Mansergh: The Commissioners of Public Works operate the Garda Accommodation programme from a prioritised list provided by the Garda Authorities. Financial resources are set aside based on planned works arising from this list. From the most recent list available, Hollymount Garda Station is placed at number 42. It will be progressed in accordance with that rating and subject to the Garda Authorities...

Written Answers — Flood Relief: Flood Relief (3 Mar 2009)

Martin Mansergh: The aerial survey has provided additional topographical information of the Neale area to assist engineering staff of the Office of Public Works who are endeavouring to identify a feasible and cost effective solution to the flooding problem there. However, no such solution has been identified so far. Mayo County Council are awaiting a report from a hydrogeologist, which may also provide...

Written Answers — Flood Relief: Flood Relief (3 Mar 2009)

Martin Mansergh: The National Parks and Wildlife Service has raised certain concerns regarding the potential environmental impact of the works proposed by the Office of Public Works to alleviate flooding at Hollymount. The OPW, together with Mayo County Council, are in discussions with the National Parks and Wildlife Service to try to address these concerns. It is not possible to indicate a timescale for...

Written Answers — Flood Relief: Flood Relief (3 Mar 2009)

Martin Mansergh: The Office of Public Works agreed in December last year to contribute to the cost of a study by Kerry County Council that will examine the causes of flooding in Sneem and make recommendations to address them. The OPW will consider any flood alleviation measures identified by the study that are cost effective and environmentally acceptable, having regard to the availability of resources.

Written Answers — Flood Relief: Flood Relief (3 Mar 2009)

Martin Mansergh: Responsibility for Coastal Flood Risk Management and Coastal Erosion has only recently transferred to the Office of Public Works. I am advised that the Commissioners of Public Works are not aware of a request to provide funding for works in this area. It would not be normal for the Commissioners to provide funding retrospectively for works which they did not authorise or for which they did...

Seanad: Financial Emergency Measures in the Public Interest Bill 2009: Committee and Remaining Stages. (27 Feb 2009)

Martin Mansergh: I am not conscious of having used the phrase, "raising revenue". I referred a great deal to cutting and reducing expenditure, which is not the same. In a strict technical fashion, the word used in the legislation is "deduction", as the word "levy" is a little loose and has given rise to the comments made by Senator White. There is the overriding need to reduce public expenditure of which...

Seanad: Hospitals Building Programme (27 Feb 2009)

Martin Mansergh: I thank Senator Regan for raising this issue. I take this Adjournment matter on behalf of my colleague, the Minister for Health and Children, Deputy Harney. It is a subject in which I have some interest. During parliamentary sessions, I live in the part of the city in which the National Rehabilitation Hospital is located. People throughout the State are referred to the facility. I am...

Seanad: Hospitals Building Programme (27 Feb 2009)

Martin Mansergh: Across many fields projects are in an advanced state of planning and a shortlist of tenderers has been selected. In most cases, but not all, the projects will go ahead but not at the pace envisaged in earlier financial circumstances. My reply was moderately positive, without the guarantee that Senator sought.

Seanad: School Accommodation (27 Feb 2009)

Martin Mansergh: I am taking this Adjournment matter on behalf of my colleague, the Minister for Education and Science, Deputy Batt O'Keeffe. I thank the Senator for raising this matter. It is clear from his presentation that issues must be addressed. He has provided me with the opportunity to outline to the House the Government's strategy for capital investment in education projects and the current...

Seanad: School Accommodation (27 Feb 2009)

Martin Mansergh: In response to the Senator's first point, as I understand it, the summer works scheme is back in action again this year, having been suspended last year, and it may be in a position to address some of the more immediate problems faced by the school.

Seanad: Crime Prevention (27 Feb 2009)

Martin Mansergh: I thank the Senator for raising this matter on the Adjournment. I can confirm she has raised with me various matters relating to Carndonagh in the recent past. The Garda Reserve is a part-time volunteer force that was established in August 2006. In particular, the reserve was established to enhance the links between the Garda Síochána and local communities through the deployment of...

Seanad: Crime Prevention (27 Feb 2009)

Martin Mansergh: I will certainly communicate the Senator's desires and requests in that regard to the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform.