Results 1,921-1,940 of 4,717 for speaker:Martin Mansergh

Written Answers — Departmental Properties: Departmental Properties (3 Jul 2008)

Martin Mansergh: I propose to take Questions Nos. 52 and 53 together. Further to Parliamentary Question No. 604, ref no 26456/08, the following documentation details the information pertaining to State-owned buildings plus buildings and car parking facilities that are leased by the Commissioners of Public Works on behalf of Government Departments. With regard to tenancy/occupancy termination the Commissioners...

Written Answers — Garda Stations: Garda Stations (3 Jul 2008)

Martin Mansergh: A sketch scheme is practically completed to provide for a redevelopment of the existing Garda Station site for both a Garda Station and a Courthouse. The feasibility study will require the approval of both client services before proceeding to detailed design. Financial provision for projects proceeding to detailed design is provided for from the annual provision of the Garda Building...

Written Answers — Ownership of Lands: Ownership of Lands (3 Jul 2008)

Martin Mansergh: A number of interested parties have made applications for property allegedly transferred by or agreed to be sold by a Company now dissolved. The parties have been advised by the Chief State Solicitor's Office that they need to clarify their respective titles and reach a consensus between them before consideration can be given to a waiver application under Section 31 of the State Property Act...

Statements on Climate Change (3 Jul 2008)

Martin Mansergh: I have a lot of sympathy for the last point made by Deputy Creed. Climate change is a global issue but we have national and international responsibilities. As well as being a matter to be addressed in its own right, it intertwines with key issues such as the price and security of food, water and energy supplies. Actions that address one problem, while having a deleterious impact on another,...

Written Answers — National Monuments: National Monuments (2 Jul 2008)

Martin Mansergh: I refer the Deputy to the replies to Parliamentary Questions 207 of 30 January 2008, 178 of 19 February 2008 and 75 of 6 March 2008. The position regarding the provision of a visitor centre remains unchanged from the answer provided on 6 March 2008. It is envisaged that the series of maintenance and conservation projects, including major construction works at Cormac's Chapel, on the Rock of...

Seanad: OECD Report on Integrated Public Service Reform: Statements (2 Jul 2008)

Martin Mansergh: I thank all those who contributed to the debate. Thinking back on my own time as a Member, I miss the pronounced views on these subjects one often hears from the Independent benches. The only politicised contribution was made by Senator Twomey. We have had excellent political leadership over the past decade, especially on the economy. The past 20 years have been miraculous and, inevitably,...

Seanad: OECD Report on Integrated Public Service Reform: Statements (2 Jul 2008)

Martin Mansergh: The Senator has a legitimate point when he refers to the demographic structure of this country compared to that of other countries. However, we have a significantly smaller public service than some of those countries. I do not believe the size of the public service is disproportionate or out of kilter, even taking account of our stage of development. I disagree with the Senator on that...

Seanad: OECD Report on Integrated Public Service Reform: Statements (2 Jul 2008)

Martin Mansergh: I am pleased to be in the House today to discuss the OECD review of the public service, Towards an Integrated Public Service. The public service has served this country exceptionally well. Those involved deserve a great deal of credit for the peace process, Ireland's successful engagement with the European Union — even if temporarily disrupted — and the fantastic economic and social...

Written Answers — Energy Efficiency: Energy Efficiency (1 Jul 2008)

Martin Mansergh: The Office of Public Works carried out a pilot 'Staff Energy Awareness' programme in two groups of five buildings between March and September 2007. The following outlines the buildings that were included and the savings achieved: Group 1 Building Electrical Heating Fuel (Gas/Oil) % % Áras Mhic Dhiarmada -2 -35 Ballyfermot SWO +3 -24 Finglas SWO -24 -23 Longford Government Office +7...

Written Answers — World Heritage Sites: World Heritage Sites (1 Jul 2008)

Martin Mansergh: The State's Tentative List for consideration for nomination to UNESCO for World Heritage Site status will shortly be reviewed. This review will be conducted under the auspices of the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government with assistance from the Office of Public Works. The Rock of Cashel, which is on the current tentative list, dating back to 1992, will be considered...

Intoxicating Liquor Bill 2008: Second Stage (Resumed) (1 Jul 2008)

Martin Mansergh: I wish to share time with Deputy Noel O'Flynn. I mentioned to my wife a few minutes ago I would be home late because I would be discussing the Intoxicating Liquor Bill. She told me to have fun but I assured her it would be a dry debate.

Intoxicating Liquor Bill 2008: Second Stage (Resumed) (1 Jul 2008)

Martin Mansergh: This is a very important Bill but it should, like some alcoholic drinks, be allowed to mature. We receive representations about social disorder, particularly as it occurs late at night on streets, in estates and in waste areas. There are complaints of intimidation, harassment and sometimes violence. There is a broader issue than just the commercial interests from which we have received...

Intoxicating Liquor Bill 2008: Second Stage (Resumed) (1 Jul 2008)

Martin Mansergh: Public policy is to encourage and build on those.

Intoxicating Liquor Bill 2008: Second Stage (Resumed) (1 Jul 2008)

Martin Mansergh: At the same time it must be said that moderate social alcohol consumption enhances the quality of life, whether it is at home or in a pub. In some instances alcohol consumption can even be good for health.

Intoxicating Liquor Bill 2008: Second Stage (Resumed) (1 Jul 2008)

Martin Mansergh: When my brother was born in the Rotunda in 1941, the habit was to give nursing mothers a pint of Guinness.

Intoxicating Liquor Bill 2008: Second Stage (Resumed) (1 Jul 2008)

Martin Mansergh: Being able to get alcohol and other things until quite late in the evening is one of the amenities of modern life. We should not adopt an over-puritanical zeal. I am reminded of Sir Toby Belch's retort to Malvolio in "Twelfth Night", "Dost thou think, because thou art virtuous, there shall be no more cakes and ale?" On the other hand, we should not encourage uncontrolled consumption and...

Intoxicating Liquor Bill 2008: Second Stage (Resumed) (1 Jul 2008)

Martin Mansergh: Most if not all public representatives have received detailed representations from the retail trade, focused on the practicalities of some of the proposed regulations. I am glad the Minister has indicated that detailed discussions and negotiations are taking place on a voluntary code of practice, independently monitored and enforced. If achieved, such a code will be a welcome and...

Seanad: Public Private Partnerships (26 Jun 2008)

Martin Mansergh: I thank the Senator for raising this matter. I accept the depths of public concern he has expressed and the importance of the social issue. The future of the five PPP projects in question remains a matter of high priority within the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government and Dublin City Council. At the outset, I want to reiterate the point that has been made previously...

Seanad: Leinster Lawn (26 Jun 2008)

Martin Mansergh: I thank Senator Ross for raising an important issue, with which, on a personal basis, I had some dealings as a member of the Commission of the Houses of the Oireachtas up to May 2007. Walking to and from the Department of the Taoiseach, I would have seen the transformation-excavations which took place in 1999. Part of Leinster Lawn was temporarily converted into a car park in 1999 to...

Seanad: Leinster Lawn (26 Jun 2008)

Martin Mansergh: It is not possible for me to give an assurance of the type sought by the Senator.