Results 1,921-1,940 of 7,082 for speaker:John Paul Phelan

Seanad: Landlord and Tenant (Ground Rents) (Amendment) Bill 2017: Second Stage (29 Nov 2017)

John Paul Phelan: At the outset, I wish to acknowledge the former Ceann Comhairle. When I was a Member of this House, he was the Ceann Comhairle of the other House. I did not have any opportunity to cross him then and I do not think I will have any opportunity to cross him now. I also acknowledge the other people from Monaghan who are here; Councillor Campbell, whom I have known for years, and in particular...

Topical Issue Debate: Housing Assistance Payment (22 Nov 2017)

John Paul Phelan: I never mentioned homelessness.

Topical Issue Debate: Housing Assistance Payment (22 Nov 2017)

John Paul Phelan: The Deputy might learn some day that when he asks a direct question, he gets a script from the Department. In order to give accurate information, Ministers are requested to do this. The Chair will know that other Members, including Deputy O'Rourke, are not supposed to have scripts when they are speaking in the House but that is a Standing Order that is not observed by anybody. In regard...

Topical Issue Debate: Housing Assistance Payment (22 Nov 2017)

John Paul Phelan: I thank Deputy O'Rourke for raising this issue, which I am dealing with on behalf of the Minister, Deputy Eoghan Murphy, who cannot be here today. I will begin by addressing the last point that the Deputy raised regarding the delay in the processing of applications for HAP. The point he makes in that regard is a fair one and I will certainly take up that issue because local government is in...

Seanad: Councillors' Conditions: Statements (Resumed) (22 Nov 2017)

John Paul Phelan: Yes.

Seanad: Councillors' Conditions: Statements (Resumed) (22 Nov 2017)

John Paul Phelan: Or she.

Seanad: Councillors' Conditions: Statements (Resumed) (22 Nov 2017)

John Paul Phelan: I acknowledge those who spoke tonight and indeed last week. I think it is fair to say that tonight's contributions were quite different. They were more objective and less grand-standing-----

Seanad: Councillors' Conditions: Statements (Resumed) (22 Nov 2017)

John Paul Phelan: I welcome the opportunity to clarify some things such as the abolition of the difference between city and county councillors, as introduced in the reform of local government, and the measure to ensure city councillors are treated in the same way and are no longer subject to a six-month delay. There was previously a certain view that municipal districts should be treated differently to area...

Seanad: Councillors' Conditions: Statements (Resumed) (22 Nov 2017)

John Paul Phelan: I will never forget-----

Seanad: Councillors' Conditions: Statements (Resumed) (22 Nov 2017)

John Paul Phelan: I will never forget it, that is why I wanted to remind the Seanad that councillors will be treated the same. I am happy to be able to say that secretarial support, on the basis that Oireachtas Members can vouch it, will apply under this scheme. It will not have to be registered agency secretaries but will apply to people who have a PPS number and when details of work that has been carried...

Written Answers — Department of Housing, Planning, and Local Government: Local Authority Expenditure (21 Nov 2017)

John Paul Phelan: The Association of Irish Local Government (AILG) is a networking, policy development and training resource for the elected members of Ireland's local authorities. The Local Authority Members Association (LAMA) acts as a body for the representation of the interests of elected members of local authorities. Section 225 of the Local Government Act 2001, as amended, provides that a...

Seanad: Commencement Matters: Planning Issues (16 Nov 2017)

John Paul Phelan: I thank Senator Boyhan for raising the issue. This is a timely issue to discuss in light of recent planning decisions in other parts of the country which were delayed and caused significant problems. The Planning and Development (Strategic Infrastructure) Act 2006 was introduced to ensure that designated national strategic infrastructure would be subject to a faster planning process. The...

Seanad: Commencement Matters: Planning Issues (16 Nov 2017)

John Paul Phelan: I agree with the Senator that a person should not have to travel to Dublin to view a planning application. Under the terms of the legislation, such applications will be displayed in his or her local authority area, as well as in the board's headquarters. The usual facilities are available in county council and city council offices to facilitate members of the public who wish to make...

Seanad: Commencement Matters: Planning Issues (16 Nov 2017)

John Paul Phelan: I take the points made by the Senator about the other issues involved.

Seanad: Councillors' Conditions: Statements (16 Nov 2017)

John Paul Phelan: I am aware that this a matter close to the Leas-Chathaoirleach's own heart, which is why I made myself available at short notice. I thank Senator Buttimer for the invitation to attend this afternoon so as to update the Members of Seanad Éireann on the important issue of supports for elected members of local authorities across the country. Effective local government structures are an...

Seanad: Councillors' Conditions: Statements (16 Nov 2017)

John Paul Phelan: The public service commission will be employed, in advance of the next local elections and regardless of who the Minister is in the future, to ensure that councillors' pay is related to that of civil servants, and that councillors and their representatives will not have to go cap in hand to a Minister. Instead, they should get the same incremental supports that the Civil Service grade would...

Seanad: Councillors' Conditions: Statements (16 Nov 2017)

John Paul Phelan: Yes.

Seanad: Water Services Bill 2017: Committee and Remaining Stages (15 Nov 2017)

John Paul Phelan: I commend Senator Ó Céidigh on his chairing of the water services committee. He stepped into the breach, so to speak, and did a fine job in reaching a resolution on this matter. I join with him in thanking the officials. When I have been in this Chamber when it was elsewhere, I was not immune to giving out about officials but the officials from my Department have had six water...

Seanad: Water Services Bill 2017: Committee and Remaining Stages (15 Nov 2017)

John Paul Phelan: The army council might be called into action again if media reports are correct about the leadership of the party in the South.

Seanad: Water Services Bill 2017: Committee and Remaining Stages (15 Nov 2017)

John Paul Phelan: In enacting this Bill we are providing funding clarity and certainty for Irish Water so it can deliver a public water system that provides a safe and secure supply of water to our homes and communities, as well as the water-intensive industries that sustain approximately 400,000 jobs in the country and the wider economy. We are providing funding certainty so the utility can address major...