Results 1,701-1,720 of 9,994 for speaker:John Gormley
- Written Answers — Tax Code: Tax Code (4 Mar 2010)
John Gormley: The â¬200 charge on non-principal private residences, which was introduced in the Local Government (Charges) Act 2009, is payable in respect of any residential property in the State in which the owner does not live as his or her sole or main residence. The country of residence of the owner is irrelevant for the purposes of the Act.
- Written Answers — Regulation of Professional Bodies: Regulation of Professional Bodies (4 Mar 2010)
John Gormley: The regulation of the architectural profession in France is a matter for the competent authorities in that country. In Ireland, the eligibility criteria for registration of the title of "Architect" are set out in Section 14 of the Building Control Act 2007. Section 21 of the Act provides for the appointment of a Technical Assessment Board to consider applications for registration from...
- Written Answers — Planning Issues: Planning Issues (4 Mar 2010)
John Gormley: Planning legislation does not place restrictions on the height of hedges or trees nor does it make any particular provision for recognition of a right to light or remedy from any other nuisance which may be caused by trees in an urban residential area. Complaints relating to matters such as trees or shrubs overhanging a property are normally addressed, where necessary, under civil law...
- Written Answers — Local Government Structures: Local Government Structures (4 Mar 2010)
John Gormley: Under the Local Government Act 2001 there are 29 county councils, including South Dublin County Council, and 5 city councils, each of which is responsible for the full range of local authority functions in their respective areas. The general issue of local government structures will be addressed in the White Paper on Local Government. The approach to the White Paper is currently under...
- Written Answers — Special Areas of Conservation: Special Areas of Conservation (4 Mar 2010)
John Gormley: Turf cutting on the bog in question, which is a designated raised bog Natural Heritage Area, is due to cease by end 2013, on the expiry of the 10 year period of grace that was allowed following its designation in 2004. Turf cutting can continue on the 96% of bogs that are not designated raised bogs. In the light of the damage caused by turf cutting and associated drainage to the small number...
- Seanad: Dog Breeding Establishments Bill 2009: Committee Stage (Resumed) (3 Mar 2010)
John Gormley: I thank Senators for their contributions. The working group recommended against microchipping greyhounds because of concerns that the practice could affect performance. Since then, however, a comprehensive report produced in the UK revealed that microchipping does not affect greyhound performance. Legislation is being drafted in that jurisdiction to microchip greyhounds. I was not casting...
- Seanad: Dog Breeding Establishments Bill 2009: Committee Stage (Resumed) (3 Mar 2010)
John Gormley: I can see the press release already.
- Seanad: Dog Breeding Establishments Bill 2009: Committee Stage (Resumed) (3 Mar 2010)
John Gormley: The proposed amendments would have the effect of creating separate regulatory regimes for dog breeding establishments, one for greyhounds and a second for other breeds. It is as simple as that. The Bill seeks to put the protection and welfare of all dogs in our breeding establishments at its core. It is the intention to ensure that regulation will improve the reputation of the Irish dog...
- Seanad: Dog Breeding Establishments Bill 2009: Committee Stage (Resumed) (3 Mar 2010)
John Gormley: I am imagining a scenario in which greyhounds are reared alongside other breeds in a kennel. Are we to make an exemption for the greyhounds?
- Seanad: Dog Breeding Establishments Bill 2009: Committee Stage (Resumed) (3 Mar 2010)
John Gormley: That is the point.
- Seanad: Dog Breeding Establishments Bill 2009: Committee Stage (Resumed) (3 Mar 2010)
John Gormley: I am not.
- Seanad: Dog Breeding Establishments Bill 2009: Committee Stage (Resumed) (3 Mar 2010)
John Gormley: I am describing the reality of the situation. Is that all right?
- Seanad: Dog Breeding Establishments Bill 2009: Committee Stage (Resumed) (3 Mar 2010)
John Gormley: I do.
- Seanad: Dog Breeding Establishments Bill 2009: Committee Stage (Resumed) (3 Mar 2010)
John Gormley: It will be claim and counter claim. I understand the needs of Opposition Members and adversarial politics but the Senators' claims cannot be substantiated.
- Seanad: Dog Breeding Establishments Bill 2009: Committee Stage (Resumed) (3 Mar 2010)
John Gormley: The Senators are trying to make the case that, first, I am undermining the greyhound industry and, second, I have insufficient respect for it. Neither claim is true, however. Horseracing, the greyhound industry and other rural pursuits are vital to our tourism sector. I have seen the press releases put out by RISE and other organisations. I am sure Senators are aware of the campaign which...
- Seanad: Dog Breeding Establishments Bill 2009: Committee Stage (Resumed) (3 Mar 2010)
John Gormley: The Senator is on a roll so he might as well keep going.
- Seanad: Dog Breeding Establishments Bill 2009: Committee Stage (Resumed) (3 Mar 2010)
John Gormley: None of the Senators' claims stands up to scrutiny. When it comes to rural pursuits in general, I have no difficulty with angling or shooting. The programme for Government makes no mention of hare coursing or fox hunting. The accusation that we are undermining the greyhound industry by stealth is nonsensical and does not stand up to scrutiny. I have listened to the contributions of...
- Seanad: Dog Breeding Establishments Bill 2009: Committee Stage (Resumed) (3 Mar 2010)
John Gormley: Yes. I understand there were to be draft amendments to that effect and I am sure Members will put down amendments as well. Let us look at this in a constructive way.
- Seanad: Dog Breeding Establishments Bill 2009: Committee Stage (Resumed) (3 Mar 2010)
John Gormley: I thank Senator Coffey for his contribution. He indicated on Committee Stage last week that he will propose a revised amendment which would have the effect of excluding greyhound breeders from the registration charges provided for under this Bill. I do not propose to apply the same exemption from fees to the Irish Greyhound Board as I did to the Hunting Association of Ireland-affiliated...
- Seanad: Dog Breeding Establishments Bill 2009: Committee Stage (Resumed) (3 Mar 2010)
John Gormley: I will try to be clear and precise, as Senators have requested. It needs to be understood this is an animal welfare Bill. I accept that the 1958 Act which has been mentioned was introduced to encourage the greyhound industry. I ask Senators to believe me when I say I am not trying to undermine the greyhound industry in any way. I hope they accept my bona fides in that regard. I am trying...