Results 17,961-17,980 of 18,851 for speaker:Fergus O'Dowd

Official Languages Act 2003: Motion. (15 Feb 2006)

Fergus O'Dowd: I do not mind. People have been on to me from Dingle and An Daingean about using either name. The other issue I want to raise is the policy on the production of bilingual booklets and reports. This is a serious issue because it uses up much of our resources. I already mentioned that I support the Act and do not have a problem with it in principle. However, the printing of so much material, of...

Official Languages Act 2003: Motion. (15 Feb 2006)

Fergus O'Dowd: Yes, shorter. They should be mion, bríomhar, gach rud iontu agus gan bheith leadránach. I do not suggest the Minister litter the pages of his publications with his photograph. God forbid any Minister or politician would do that. Let us get real on this matter. There is much bumph and rubbish in these publications that makes them a waste of money.

Official Languages Act 2003: Motion. (15 Feb 2006)

Fergus O'Dowd: It is a waste of money. There is no problem with people accepting the principle of what the Minister is doing, but if we end up with more publications that require larger bins we will soon need four or five bins in each room in Leinster House to hold all the material we receive. Will the Minister carry the cudgel for us on this issue and go back to the Cabinet table and tell them we want no...

Written Answers — Planning Issues: Planning Issues (14 Feb 2006)

Fergus O'Dowd: Question 120: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he plans to amend legislation in light of the recent review of An Bord Pleanála decisions by a company (details supplied) which found that there is a need for a clear direction from his Department regarding future residential developments in Dublin and other major cities; and if he will make a statement...

Written Answers — Animal Welfare: Animal Welfare (14 Feb 2006)

Fergus O'Dowd: Question 627: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government his views on the findings of the report from the working group's review of the management of dog breeding establishments; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5377/06]

Written Answers — Animal Welfare: Animal Welfare (14 Feb 2006)

Fergus O'Dowd: Question 628: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he will commit to the swift implementation of the report from the working group's review of the management of dog breeding establishments; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5378/06]

Written Answers — Planning Issues: Planning Issues (14 Feb 2006)

Fergus O'Dowd: Question 208: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if his Department regularly monitors planning decisions; his plans to address problems which may have arisen in relation to the quality of such decisions arising at a policy or planning authority level; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5266/06]

Written Answers — Harbours and Piers: Harbours and Piers (14 Feb 2006)

Fergus O'Dowd: Question 378: To ask the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources his proposals to further extend the pier at Clogherhead, County Louth; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5285/06]

Written Answers — Residency Permits: Residency Permits (14 Feb 2006)

Fergus O'Dowd: Question 512: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if the case of a person (details supplied) in County Donegal will be reviewed. [5159/06]

Written Answers — Local Authority Funding: Local Authority Funding (14 Feb 2006)

Fergus O'Dowd: Question 625: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he has satisfied himself that the level of different waste collection charges in different counties is fair and equitable; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5374/06]

Written Answers — Local Authority Staff: Local Authority Staff (14 Feb 2006)

Fergus O'Dowd: Question 626: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the number of professional planners employed here; his views on whether there is a sufficient number; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5375/06]

Rent Supplement: Motion. (14 Feb 2006)

Fergus O'Dowd: Deputy McCormack raised the administration of the disabled person's scheme. In that connection, I thank God for the Ombudsman, Ms Emily O'Reilly, who recently overturned the decision of a local authority in County Louth to refuse disabled person's grant to a mentally ill person because it failed to take into account the serious problems the person faced. More intervention is needed in terms...

Building Control Bill 2005: Second Stage. (14 Feb 2006)

Fergus O'Dowd: Those who enforce the legislation feel that certification cannot be issued retrospectively. An adequate system must be put in place before building commences in order to ensure that it is safe for everyone. The changes proposed by the Minister in the context of the recognition of the professional qualifications of architects, engineers or surveyors are important and welcome. The professional...

Building Control Bill 2005: Second Stage. (14 Feb 2006)

Fergus O'Dowd: That is my point.

Building Control Bill 2005: Second Stage. (14 Feb 2006)

Fergus O'Dowd: That would not be too bad for someone who was Minister for Finance. More emphasis should be placed on interviewing applicants for such a career. Many young people wish to attain the highest standards in the context of professions into which they wish to enter. They wish to be doctors, architects, teachers, etc., but may not achieve the required points. However, they may have shown an interest...

Building Control Bill 2005: Second Stage. (14 Feb 2006)

Fergus O'Dowd: He has two days——

Building Control Bill 2005: Second Stage. (14 Feb 2006)

Fergus O'Dowd: The Ceann Comhairle should throw him out of the House.

Building Control Bill 2005: Second Stage. (14 Feb 2006)

Fergus O'Dowd: Deputy Twomey made some important and specific points which, I hope, will be dealt with in the context of the legislation. The points he raised must be addressed immediately. Under the current system, Members are informed about legislation on a Thursday and it is introduced on the following Tuesday. We should be given the opportunity reflect for a longer period on legislation — which I...

Building Control Bill 2005: Second Stage. (14 Feb 2006)

Fergus O'Dowd: It would be of assistance if Members were given two weeks notice before Bills are published so that we might research them properly. It will benefit the debate if we have time to study legislation. I welcome the contact I have had from the Royal Institute of Architects of Ireland and others in the short time we have known about this Bill. Those to whom I refer provided me with important...

National Spatial Strategy. (14 Feb 2006)

Fergus O'Dowd: I welcome the Minister's response. I am not being rude but I cannot hear the Minister clearly. It may be the way the sound is being transmitted. It is distorted on this side.