Results 1,521-1,540 of 2,156 for speaker:Tom Parlon

Written Answers — National Parks: National Parks (12 Apr 2005)

Tom Parlon: The principle governing the management of the Phoenix Park is its conservation and presentation as a national historic park. Within these parameters, the Office of Public Works in managing the Phoenix Park maintains a careful balance between competing interests for the optimum benefits for all users. In this context, it is considered that the existing playground in the People's Gardens, which...

Written Answers — National Parks: National Parks (12 Apr 2005)

Tom Parlon: Chesterfield Avenue was not originally constructed to deal with the current intense traffic volumes. As a result, it now needs both major repair works and the introduction of design features with a view to increasing safety and reducing the speed of traffic. A fully integrated plan for the renovation of Chesterfield Avenue has accordingly been prepared by my office, and it is intended to...

Written Answers — National Parks: National Parks (12 Apr 2005)

Tom Parlon: Chesterfield Avenue was not originally constructed to deal with the current intense traffic volumes. As a result, it now needs both major repair works and the introduction of design features with a view to increasing safety and reducing the speed of traffic. As part of the proposed fully integrated plan for the renovation of Chesterfield Avenue, which was developed in consultation with the...

Written Answers — Garda Stations: Garda Stations (12 Apr 2005)

Tom Parlon: I am advised by the Commissioners of Public Works that the OPW Waterford regional office is currently preparing a report, with costings for the necessary works to make the married quarters habitable. This report would be available by the end of this month when it will be forwarded to the Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform for their direction.

Written Answers — Flood Relief: Flood Relief (23 Mar 2005)

Tom Parlon: The Deputy will be aware that the Office of Public Works commissioned consultants in 2002 to carry out feasibility studies to assess flood risk and to develop flood alleviation schemes in the towns of Mallow and Fermoy in County Cork. Engineering reports were completed in late 2003 for both areas. Public information days were held in the spring of 2004 where the proposed works and the phased...

Written Answers — Flood Relief: Flood Relief (23 Mar 2005)

Tom Parlon: The humanitarian aid scheme approved by the Government following the serious flooding which affected various locations around the country in late October 2004 was for the relief of hardship arising from the flooding of people's homes. The cases to which the Deputy refers are among a small number of outstanding cases, which are the subject of ongoing consultation with the Irish Red Cross Society.

Seanad: Finance Bill 2005 [Certified Money Bill]: Committee and Remaining Stages. (23 Mar 2005)

Tom Parlon: However, it is significant.

Seanad: Finance Bill 2005 [Certified Money Bill]: Committee and Remaining Stages. (23 Mar 2005)

Tom Parlon: The Senator spoke about the State putting its hand in people's pockets. It amounts to the same thing.

Seanad: Finance Bill 2005 [Certified Money Bill]: Committee and Remaining Stages. (23 Mar 2005)

Tom Parlon: Senator Mansergh inquired about the updated booklet. I have been provided with it and it pertains to 2004. Having opened it at random, I notice that a certain establishment, namely, Doheny and Nesbitt's——

Seanad: Finance Bill 2005 [Certified Money Bill]: Committee and Remaining Stages. (23 Mar 2005)

Tom Parlon: It might be of interest to the House to note the visiting times.

Seanad: Finance Bill 2005 [Certified Money Bill]: Committee and Remaining Stages. (23 Mar 2005)

Tom Parlon: It is open all year except on Christmas Day, St. Stephen's Day and Good Friday.

Seanad: Finance Bill 2005 [Certified Money Bill]: Committee and Remaining Stages. (23 Mar 2005)

Tom Parlon: What is the booklet?

Seanad: Finance Bill 2005 [Certified Money Bill]: Committee and Remaining Stages. (23 Mar 2005)

Tom Parlon: It is free to enter. I will make the booklet available to the Senator.

Seanad: Finance Bill 2005 [Certified Money Bill]: Committee and Remaining Stages. (23 Mar 2005)

Tom Parlon: It might have been referred to before the Cathaoirleach entered. It lists the houses of significant interest that qualify for a tax exemption if their owners allow them to be visited by the public.

Seanad: Finance Bill 2005 [Certified Money Bill]: Committee and Remaining Stages. (23 Mar 2005)

Tom Parlon: On the recommendation, I notice the concern that the Mullingar accord is clearly being challenged on this issue.

Seanad: Finance Bill 2005 [Certified Money Bill]: Committee and Remaining Stages. (23 Mar 2005)

Tom Parlon: I happen to be familiar with the deal agreed between landowners and the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government because I was party to it. The deal involves the valuation of the land. Senator Bradford referred to lower prices being offered for land than was hitherto the case. The main discussion on this subject related to the size of a parcel of land. A farmer who loses...

Seanad: Finance Bill 2005 [Certified Money Bill]: Committee and Remaining Stages. (23 Mar 2005)

Tom Parlon: Such judgments are made by the Minister for Finance in each budget and I assume he will make such a judgment in the next budget. The last budget was unique in that it contained no excise duty increases. I cannot guarantee that the Minister will be as benign in the next budget.

Seanad: Finance Bill 2005 [Certified Money Bill]: Committee and Remaining Stages. (23 Mar 2005)

Tom Parlon: It is a recognition of the significantly lower levels of pollutants emitted by hybrid vehicles that this exemption is being extended. The exemption relates to continuously changing technology and is being extended on a two-year basis. We may have hydrogen cars or even more environmentally friendly cars in the future. The Minister will review the exemption at the end of 2006 and will extend it...

Seanad: Finance Bill 2005 [Certified Money Bill]: Committee and Remaining Stages. (23 Mar 2005)

Tom Parlon: The only attraction hybrid cars have is that their owners can qualify for the 50% reduction in excise duty. I do not think these vehicles will ever gain a foothold in the Irish market.

Seanad: Finance Bill 2005 [Certified Money Bill]: Committee and Remaining Stages. (23 Mar 2005)

Tom Parlon: Businesses have supported Government policies over the past few years because it has reduced taxes and taken a pro-business line. It is as easy for the Minister for Finance to extend the relief after two years rather than enshrine it in law and change it after two years. The measure will be reviewed but I believe that it is not the main attraction of hybrid cars. Car technology will change...