Results 1,861-1,880 of 4,717 for speaker:Martin Mansergh

Seanad: Economic Situation: Statements (30 Sep 2008)

Martin Mansergh: I will pass on that question if the Senator does not mind.

Seanad: Economic Situation: Statements (30 Sep 2008)

Martin Mansergh: Obviously any actions in regard to that issue will have to await the Estimates and the budget. So far, I would heavily qualify that the repossessions have been relatively small. There was a reference in a number of contributions to negative equity. Negative equity mainly affects people who, for one reason or another, may need to sell. For people who intend to hold on to their property, if...

Seanad: Economic Situation: Statements (30 Sep 2008)

Martin Mansergh: I thank all Senators for contributing to the debate. At the beginning of the debate I believe Senator Twomey alleged that I had a lack of respect for this House. I have sat through a debate here and listened to everyone for three hours without interruption.

Seanad: Economic Situation: Statements (30 Sep 2008)

Martin Mansergh: I am very pleased to have this opportunity to address the Seanad and to contribute to this discussion on the current condition of the economy. I look forward to listening to the views of Members. For the information of Members, my colleague, the Minister for Finance, will introduce a Bill in the Dáil later this evening which will give powers to the measures taken earlier today to improve...

Written Answers — Departmental Properties: Departmental Properties (25 Sep 2008)

Martin Mansergh: The Office of Public Works is not actively considering the disposal of any property at this time.

Written Answers — Construction Projects: Construction Projects (25 Sep 2008)

Martin Mansergh: A tendering process for the appointment of a Civil Engineering Contractor has been completed and the Office of Public Works expects, subject to available funding, to appoint the successful contractor upon formal Confirmation of the Scheme with construction works to begin shortly afterwards.

Written Answers — Flood Relief: Flood Relief (25 Sep 2008)

Martin Mansergh: The National Flood Policy, which was adopted in 2004, requires that flood relief works carried out by the Office of Public Works be concentrated on areas where the likelihood and impact of flooding in terms of personal and economic damage is greatest, with particular emphasis on dwellings at risk. OPW's resources are fully committed to such priority schemes at present. The OPW is not in a...

Written Answers — Decentralisation Programme: Decentralisation Programme (25 Sep 2008)

Martin Mansergh: The total amount of expenditure to date under the Decentralisation Programme is approximately €244m. This includes the cost of site/property acquisitions, fit-out works and rent paid to date. All completed decentralised buildings acquired to date have been occupied by the Departments/Agencies concerned.

Written Answers — Flood Relief: Flood Relief (25 Sep 2008)

Martin Mansergh: I propose to take Questions Nos. 96, 105, 107 and 109 together. Maintenance works on the River Arra at Newcastle West, involving the removal of vegetation to improve water flow, were carried out by the Office of Public Works subsequent to the recent serious flood event. Similar works had been carried out in 2006. Dredging work was not carried out in recent years as it was not deemed necessary...

Written Answers — Architectural Heritage: Architectural Heritage (25 Sep 2008)

Martin Mansergh: Doneraile Park will continue to be managed and maintained by the Office of Public Works as a National Historic Park. An on-going programme of maintenance and improvement works is being carried-out to the range of historic buildings in the Park, including Doneraile House (Court) and adjoining coach-house, walled gardens and associated structures. These works include improved general landscape...

Written Answers — Architectural Heritage: Architectural Heritage (25 Sep 2008)

Martin Mansergh: The siting of the proposed Visitor Centre at Nenagh Castle is being re-examined and consultant architects are due to report on the matter shortly. The proposed Visitor Centre will then proceed to the planning stage. Work on the Keep has commenced with inspection works, initial condition assessment and mortar analysis and is progressing with the erection of scaffolding in preparation for...

Written Answers — Architectural Heritage: Architectural Heritage (25 Sep 2008)

Martin Mansergh: The number of visitors on an annual basis since 2000 is as follows: Year 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 to date Number 1,924 2,328 1,522 2,531 2,272 2,224 3,214 2,748 2,400 The Office of Public Works has provided signage panels to Limerick County Council which is responsible for their erection. There is no dedicated promotional budget for the Desmond Banqueting Hall. It forms...

Written Answers — Flood Relief: Flood Relief (25 Sep 2008)

Martin Mansergh: The Government allocated €382 million towards Flood Relief Activities in the National Development Plan from 2007 to 2013. Expenditure in 2007 was €23.1 million with anticipated expenditure in 2008 amounting to €29 million. The allocation for 2009 and subsequent years will be known when the annual Estimates are published.

Written Answers — Flood Relief: Flood Relief (25 Sep 2008)

Martin Mansergh: Office of Public Works staff respond as far as possible to all reports they receive of damage to private or public property and business as a result of flooding. Many of these requests do not generate formal reports as the position is outlined to interested parties in the course of discussions on the problem, and where OPW has a responsibility for maintenance of channels, necessary works are...

Irish Economy: Motion (Resumed) (25 Sep 2008)

Martin Mansergh: I strongly support the counter-motion put forward by the Government. Our economic difficulties may have specific domestic characteristics, but they do not exist in isolation. As a small, open economy external developments have a major impact and the global rise in commodity prices has contributed to an erosion of consumer spending power. The appreciation in the exchange rate has also...

Irish Economy: Motion (Resumed) (25 Sep 2008)

Martin Mansergh: The Government has taken four actions recently to address some of the difficulties. First, it is bringing forward the budget to mid-October, following some of the economies announced in July.

Irish Economy: Motion (Resumed) (25 Sep 2008)

Martin Mansergh: This action reflects the Government's commitment to provide clear economic leadership and the need to safeguard the gains our country has made by ensuring responsibility and appropriate action in the management of the public finances. The budget will seek to prioritise expenditure in the light of our changed budgetary position. As such, it will give clarity and confidence to investors,...

Irish Economy: Motion (Resumed) (25 Sep 2008)

Martin Mansergh: Obviously, improving our competitive position is essential to facilitating a rebalancing of our economy and reviving export growth.

Irish Economy: Motion (Resumed) (25 Sep 2008)

Martin Mansergh: I was in the Galway tent.

Written Answers — Flood Relief: Flood Relief (24 Sep 2008)

Martin Mansergh: I propose to take Questions Nos. 255, 257 and 361 together. The Office of Public Works is advancing a programme of Flood Risk Management measures in co-operation with other relevant Departments and the Local Authorities. OPW has a programme of works at various stages of design and execution to deal with localised flood risk from rivers. These are being undertaken in partnership with the...