Results 1,821-1,840 of 4,726 for speaker:Malcolm Noonan

Written Answers — Department of Housing, Planning, and Local Government: EU Regulations (7 Dec 2023)

Malcolm Noonan: The final steps in the proposed Nature Restoration Regulation process are approaching, with the European Parliament vote on the matter likely to take place early next year. If the Regulation is approved, Member States will then need to develop and implement National Restoration Plans. The proposed Regulation provides that restoration targets relating to drained peatlands, including...

Written Answers — Department of Housing, Planning, and Local Government: Wildlife Regulations (6 Dec 2023)

Malcolm Noonan: I propose to take Questions Nos. 100 and 101 together. Licences under Section 35(4) of the Wildlife Acts, as amended, allows for certain use of decoys but may only be granted for ‘scientific research or for another purpose approved of by the Minister’. The use of decoy crows has not been authorised for the purpose of protecting crops and animal feed by farmers. However, the...

Renters: Motion (Resumed) [Private Members] (5 Dec 2023)

Malcolm Noonan: That is not true.

Renters: Motion (Resumed) [Private Members] (5 Dec 2023)

Malcolm Noonan: These matters are being considered in detail by the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage, and the Office of the Attorney General. The general scheme of the residential tenancies (right to purchase) Bill was approved by the Government on 24 October as the basis for priority legal drafting. That drafting is under way with the aim of publication during the Oireachtas session. ...

Renters: Motion (Resumed) [Private Members] (5 Dec 2023)

Malcolm Noonan: I might begin by addressing a number of the points raised by Deputies. I thank all the Deputies for their contributions. If it is okay, I will revert to Deputy Bacik on the issue of Housing Agency valuations and market values. Deputy O'Callaghan raised points about the RTB and the dispute resolution in respect of deposits. Legislation to improve the efficiency of the RTB, along with...

Written Answers — Department of Housing, Planning, and Local Government: Animal Culls (5 Dec 2023)

Malcolm Noonan: My Department’s National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) is responsible for the implementation of a suite of National and EU legislation in relation to invasive alien species in Ireland. There are no plans at present in my Department for a nationwide cull of American mink. My Department also leads on the development of a National Management Plan for Invasive Alien Species. This...

Written Answers — Department of Housing, Planning, and Local Government: Hare Coursing (5 Dec 2023)

Malcolm Noonan: The following hare coursing meetings have been monitored by NPWS staff during the 2023/24 hare coursing season: Kilflynn; Liscannor; Ennis and Clarecastle; Westmeath United; Abbeydorney; Ballyheigue; Edenderry; Loughrea; Ballinagar; Thurles; Castleisland; Fermoy and Grange; Freshford; Listowel; New Ross; Nenagh; Regional and Tradaree; Co. Cavan and Westport; Ballyduff; Enniscorthy; Killimer...

Written Answers — Department of Housing, Planning, and Local Government: Departmental Meetings (5 Dec 2023)

Malcolm Noonan: I can confirm that the representations referred to have been received by my Office. The details of the request have been passed on to the National Parks and Wildlife Service, and a response will issue shortly regarding the licensing/permit process for this proposed event.

Written Answers — Department of Housing, Planning, and Local Government: Special Protection Areas (5 Dec 2023)

Malcolm Noonan: An application for compensation has been received in the Department from the individual referred to in the Question. My Department is currently reviewing the correspondence received and will be in contact with the individual at the earliest available opportunity.

Written Answers — Department of Housing, Planning, and Local Government: Invasive Species Policy (5 Dec 2023)

Malcolm Noonan: I propose to take Questions Nos. 324, 325 and 326 together. My Department’s National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) is responsible for the implementation of a suite of National and EU legislation in relation to invasive alien species in Ireland. Under this legislative framework, landowners are responsible for dealing with invasive alien species on their land. This includes mink, an...

Written Answers — Department of Housing, Planning, and Local Government: Planning Issues (5 Dec 2023)

Malcolm Noonan: The National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) of my Department have been working with Galway County Council in relation to this project since 2016. It is a condition of the planning permission given by An Bord Pleanála that NPWS must agree to method statements relating to the Construction Stage prepared by Galway County Council. Two method statements prepared by Galway County Council,...

Written Answers — Department of Housing, Planning, and Local Government: Land Issues (5 Dec 2023)

Malcolm Noonan: The National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) of my Department occasionally purchases land for strategic and conservation purposes. Such acquisitions are considered on a case by case basis. In light of the commercial sensitivity of such considerations, I am not in a position to comment on individual sites.

Committee on Public Petitions: Reform of Insurance for Thatched Heritage Buildings: Discussion (30 Nov 2023)

Malcolm Noonan: I thank the committee for the invitation to attend today. Since I was before this committee a year ago, my Department has undertaken a range of initiatives designed to assist the owners and occupiers of thatched buildings. It will take time for these initiatives to take full effect but I am confident that the steps we have taken will reduce the incidence of fire in thatched buildings and...

Committee on Public Petitions: Reform of Insurance for Thatched Heritage Buildings: Discussion (30 Nov 2023)

Malcolm Noonan: I might come in first and ask the Minister of State, Deputy Carroll MacNeill, to speak from her side. Since I was in here last, we have made significant progress, as the Deputy has heard from both of us. There has been really good collaboration. We are talking about very practical supports and advice to the owners of thatched properties. While it is a pilot scheme, it is intended to roll...

Committee on Public Petitions: Reform of Insurance for Thatched Heritage Buildings: Discussion (30 Nov 2023)

Malcolm Noonan: I will ask Daniel to come in on that if that is okay.

Committee on Public Petitions: Reform of Insurance for Thatched Heritage Buildings: Discussion (30 Nov 2023)

Malcolm Noonan: The Senator referred to a number of issues as regards the styles of thatch and some properties being modernised inside or modern-ish buildings. I gave the example of the Thatch, in Cloneen, Tipperary. There are some fabulous older businesses still managing to operate from these buildings. There are a lot of traditional thatches where the owners have kept absolutely pure to the original...

Committee on Public Petitions: Reform of Insurance for Thatched Heritage Buildings: Discussion (30 Nov 2023)

Malcolm Noonan: On the grants, we will not have a fuller picture as to the drawdown for a few weeks yet, but there has certainly been very good uptake of the grant schemes to date. The increases in recent years have proven very popular. There is always a challenge with sourcing skilled craftspeople and thatchers in particular. That is always an issue, as are materials. We need a certain degree of...

Committee on Public Petitions: Reform of Insurance for Thatched Heritage Buildings: Discussion (30 Nov 2023)

Malcolm Noonan: Our Department circulated information on that core group of 320-odd thatched property owners to other thatched property owners to encourage wider membership and participation in the scheme. On the Cathaoirleach's second question, which was what we would say to the petitioner if she were here today, what we have outlined today represents significant progress since we were here last year. We...

Electoral (Amendment) Bill 2023: Report and Final Stages (29 Nov 2023)

Malcolm Noonan: I move amendment No 7: In page 4, line 7, to delete “this Act” and substitute “this Act (other than section 5)”.