Results 81-100 of 1,338 for speaker:Kathleen O'Meara

Seanad: Planning and Development (Amendment) Bill, 2002: Committee and Remaining Stages. (11 Dec 2002)

Kathleen O'Meara: I take it that local authorities will collect the levy.

Seanad: Planning and Development (Amendment) Bill, 2002: Committee and Remaining Stages. (11 Dec 2002)

Kathleen O'Meara: Is the levy payable on commencement of the building or on the point of sale? A community gain levy of €1,000 applies to each planning permission for housing given after 20001 in the North Tipperary County Council area. This is a social, cultural and community fund, which is a good, but the collection of the money is not as simple as it might appear. Unless a person is employed to travel...

Seanad: Planning and Development (Amendment) Bill, 2002: Committee and Remaining Stages. (11 Dec 2002)

Kathleen O'Meara: This is a very useful amendment in the light of our earlier discussion. It is necessary to ensure the levy is not passed on to the purchaser. Amendment agreed to. Government amendment No. 6: In page 14, line 6, to delete "subsection (7)(b)" and substitute "subsection (8)(b)".

Seanad: Planning and Development (Amendment) Bill, 2002: Committee and Remaining Stages. (11 Dec 2002)

Kathleen O'Meara: I am aware that this matter was raised by Deputy Gilmore. As the change will probably only affect urban areas and in-fill sites, I support the amendment. Amendment agreed to. Question proposed: "That section 4, as amended, stand part of the Bill."

Seanad: Planning and Development (Amendment) Bill, 2002: Committee and Remaining Stages. (11 Dec 2002)

Kathleen O'Meara: I oppose the section. Question put and declared carried. NEW SECTION. Government amendment No. 9: In page 14, before section 5, but in PART 2 of the Bill, to insert the following new section: 5.–Section 97(3)(b) of the Principal Act is amended by substituting '0.1 hectares' for '0.2 hectares'.". Amendment agreed to. Section 5 agreed to. Sections 6 to 13, inclusive, agreed to. SECTION 14....

Seanad: Planning and Development (Amendment) Bill, 2002: Committee and Remaining Stages. (11 Dec 2002)

Kathleen O'Meara: While section 14 appears innocuous at first glance – it is certainly incomprehensible – the explanatory memorandum is more revealing. It states the section "amends section 262(4) which provides that certain regulations made under the Act are subject to a requirement to get positive approval." I have no reason to disagree with this. However, the memorandum continues: "This amendment would...

Seanad: Planning and Development (Amendment) Bill, 2002: Committee and Remaining Stages. (11 Dec 2002)

Kathleen O'Meara: I thank the Minister for his complex reply.

Seanad: Planning and Development (Amendment) Bill, 2002: Committee and Remaining Stages. (11 Dec 2002)

Kathleen O'Meara: I accept that and while I agree with the Minister up to a point, it strikes me that introducing what appears to be a technical, minor amendment, could have major implications. As I am not sure I fully understand the complex reply given by the Minister, I wish to tease out the amendment and get a second opinion before agreeing to it. This case provides a good illustration of the need for a gap...

Seanad: Planning and Development (Amendment) Bill, 2002: Committee and Remaining Stages. (11 Dec 2002)

Kathleen O'Meara: This section contains very welcome provisions which give more flexibility to voluntary housing bodies. I commend the Minister for introducing them.

Seanad: Planning and Development (Amendment) Bill, 2002: Committee and Remaining Stages. (11 Dec 2002)

Kathleen O'Meara: I agree with Senator Kitt regarding the excellent work being done by the voluntary housing sector. It has introduced a broader range of availability and has ensured that sectors which may not be taken care of by local authorities because of their own demands may be taken care of by the voluntary groups. There is no doubt that the fact such housing schemes are all purely rental has been a...

Seanad: Planning and Development (Amendment) Bill, 2002: Committee and Remaining Stages. (11 Dec 2002)

Kathleen O'Meara: It is my understanding that the Dáil is to take Second Stage of the Bill on Friday. That means Report Stage could be accommodated tomorrow. I know we discussed this earlier but I raised a serious issue under section 14 and I sought time for its consideration.

Seanad: Planning and Development (Amendment) Bill, 2002: Committee and Remaining Stages. (11 Dec 2002)

Kathleen O'Meara: I thank the Minister for his approach to Committee Stage. We have had a good discussion on the amendments, although more time should have been made available. I look forward to future encounters with the Minister on legislation.

Seanad: Immigration Bill, 2002: Committee Stage. (18 Dec 2002)

Kathleen O'Meara: On a point of order, on the same matter, it has come to my attention that in an interview published in The Irish Times today, the Minister indicated that further amendments will be tabled to this Bill. These are amendments which are not—

Seanad: Immigration Bill, 2002: Committee Stage. (18 Dec 2002)

Kathleen O'Meara: It is relevant.

Seanad: Immigration Bill, 2002: Committee Stage. (18 Dec 2002)

Kathleen O'Meara: I would appeal to you, a Chathaoirligh.

Seanad: Immigration Bill, 2002: Committee Stage. (18 Dec 2002)

Kathleen O'Meara: I support the comments made by my colleagues on this side of the House. The inevitable effect of "vehicle" covering every vehicle entering the country is to reinforce a sense of fortress Ireland. The perception will be that any foreigners coming through our ports in a car of any shape, form or description will inevitably bear a question mark over them. It would be appropriate for the Minister...

Seanad: Immigration Bill, 2002: Committee Stage. (18 Dec 2002)

Kathleen O'Meara: I am seeking a similar clarification. What is the effect of paragraph (a)? Must an immigration officer inspect everyone or can he use his discretion? Paragraph (c) refers to each non-national on board. The legislation is aimed at non-nationals. Part of the reason we tabled this amendment was to specify non-nationals, as the Minister did in paragraph (c).

Seanad: Immigration Bill, 2002: Committee Stage. (18 Dec 2002)

Kathleen O'Meara: We are taking this debate seriously.

Seanad: Immigration Bill, 2002: Committee Stage. (18 Dec 2002)

Kathleen O'Meara: I ask the Minister and Senator Jim Walsh to appreciate that we on this side are not being obstructive or pedantic. In the long tradition in this House we are proud to play our role in closely examining legislation and giving it the scrutiny it deserves, especially if it happens to be the second last sitting day before Christmas and it is legislation such as this. The legislation requires line...

Seanad: Immigration Bill, 2002: Committee Stage. (18 Dec 2002)

Kathleen O'Meara: As Senator Terry pointed out, the Bill will make it more difficult for people to enter the country illegally. Consequently, it will inevitably have the effect of making it more difficult for asylum seekers – I do not like the term "genuine asylum seekers"– to seek asylum here.