Environment

142. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the oversight that occurs of voluntary housing bodies in relation to their financing; and his views on whether it is appropriate that a voluntary housing body would undertake commercial loans and expenditure from its capital budget to purchase and refurbish offices when it already has offices which remain empty. [49902/13]

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 21 November 2013

142. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the oversight that occurs of voluntary housing bodies in relation to their financing; and his views on whether it is appropriate that a voluntary housing body would undertake commercial loans and expenditure from its capital budget to purchase and refurbish offices when it already has offices which remain empty. [49902/13]

141. Deputy Tom Fleming asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if he will meet with the Kerry Oireachtas Members and the members of Killarney Town Council at an early date to discuss the case Killarney has to make in respect of retaining its mayor from 2014 onwards; if he will take into consideration the fact that Killarney is the capital of tourism in Ireland and allow it in future to elect its own mayor; if he will take into consideration the fact that the mayor is extremely important to Killarney's business and hospitality industry, even more so than in most other towns and cities; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49889/13]

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 21 November 2013

141. Deputy Tom Fleming asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if he will meet with the Kerry Oireachtas Members and the members of Killarney Town Council at an early date to discuss the case Killarney has to make in respect of retaining its mayor from 2014 onwards; if he will take into consideration the fact that Killarney is the capital of tourism in Ireland and allow it in future to elect its own mayor; if he will take into consideration the fact that the mayor is extremely important to Killarney's business and hospitality industry, even more so than in most other towns and cities; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49889/13]

140. Deputy Ann Phelan asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government under whose ownership an estate (details supplied) in County Carlow resides, the estate being a category 4 unfinished housing estate; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49845/13]

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 21 November 2013

140. Deputy Ann Phelan asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government under whose ownership an estate (details supplied) in County Carlow resides, the estate being a category 4 unfinished housing estate; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49845/13]

139. Deputy Tony McLoughlin asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government following the decision to transfer the senior alert unit from Tubbercurry to Dublin, the future plans for the Government buildings at Tubberrcurry, County Sligo; the sections that are currently operating out of this building; the number of staff associated with these sections; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49842/13]

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 21 November 2013

139. Deputy Tony McLoughlin asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government following the decision to transfer the senior alert unit from Tubbercurry to Dublin, the future plans for the Government buildings at Tubberrcurry, County Sligo; the sections that are currently operating out of this building; the number of staff associated with these sections; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49842/13]

138. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government further to the contradiction between recent statements by Fingal County Council, based on visual inspections, that there were no substantive issues in relation to fire safety in the Martello estate in Balbriggan and the professional opinion of persons (details supplied), based on opening-up surveys, that there were serious fire safety concerns, the actions open to residents who need their homes made safe. [49837/13]

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 21 November 2013

138. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government further to the contradiction between recent statements by Fingal County Council, based on visual inspections, that there were no substantive issues in relation to fire safety in the Martello estate in Balbriggan and the professional opinion of persons (details supplied), based on opening-up surveys, that there were serious fire safety concerns, the actions open to residents who need their homes made safe. [49837/13]

137. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if he will reverse his decision to impose 50% rates on commercial premises that are not in use; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49985/13]

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 21 November 2013

137. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if he will reverse his decision to impose 50% rates on commercial premises that are not in use; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49985/13]

Crooked River Collaborative Water Security Act of 2013

United States · United States Congress · 21 November 2013

Crooked River Collaborative Water Security Act of 2013 - Amends the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act to modify the boundary of the Crooked River, Oregon. Requires an applicant, in any application submitted to the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) relating to hydropower development at Bowman Dam (including turbines and appurtenant facilities), to: (1) analyze any impacts to the scenic, recreational, and fishery resource values of the Crooked River that may be caused by development; (2) propose mitigation for such impacts; and (3) propose measures to ensure that any associated access facilities shall not impede the free-flowing nature of the River below the Dam. Requires 5,100 acre-feet of water to be released annually from the Crooked River federal reclamation project in Oregon to serve as mitigation for the city of Prineville groundwater pumping, pursuant to Oregon law. Directs the city to make payment to the Secretary for such water in accordance with applicable Bureau of Reclamation policies, directives, and standards. Authorizes the Secretary, consistent with the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (NEPA), to contract exclusively with the city for additional amounts in the future at the city's request. Directs the Secretary, on a "first fill" priority basis, to store in, and when called for in any year, to release from the Reservoir: (1) 68,273 acre feet of water annually to fulfill all 16 Bureau of Reclamation contracts existing as of January 1, 2011; (2) up to 2,740 acre feet of water annually to supply the McKay Creek lands; (3) 10,000 acre feet of water annually to the North Unit Irrigation District or the contract holders, upon request, pursuant to Temporary Water Service Contracts; and (4) 5,100 acre-feet of water annually to mitigate the city's groundwater pumping, with the release of that water to occur not based on an annual call, but instead pursuant to the release required by this Act and the annual release schedule developed pursuant to this Act. Requires any water stored under this Act that is not called for and released by the end of the irrigation season to be: (1) carried over to the subsequent water year; and (2) accounted for as part of the "first fill" storage quantities of such water year, but not to exceed the maximum "first-fill" storage quantities described by this Act. Directs the Secretary to release from Prineville Reservoir all remaining stored water quantities consistent with this Act. Directs the Commissioner of Reclamation to develop annual release schedules for the remaining stored water quantities and the water that serves as mitigation for the city's groundwater pumping. Declares that any water stored in one water year that is not released during that year: (1) shall be carried over to the subsequent water year; (2) may be released for downstream fish and wildlife resources until the reservoir reaches maximum capacity; and (3) shall be credited, once maximum capacity is reached, to the first-fill storage quantities, but not to exceed the maximum "first-fill" storage quantities described by this Act. Directs the Commissioner of Reclamation to: (1) project reservoir water levels over the course of the year; and (2) make such projections available to the public, the Director of the National Marine Fisheries Service, and the Director of the United States Fish and Wildlife Service. Authorizes any landowner within Ochoco Irrigation District, Oregon, to repay construction costs of project facilities allocated to that landowner's lands within that District. Provides that upon discharge of the obligation for repayment of allocated construction costs, those lands shall not be subject to specified ownership and full-cost pricing limitations. Requires the Secretary of the Interior, upon the request of a landowner who has repaid project construction costs, to provide certification of freedom from ownership and pricing limitations. Modifies the District's reclamation contracts on approval of the District directors to: (1) authorize the use of water for instream purposes in order for the District to engage in, or take advantage of, conserved water projects and temporary instream leasing as authorized by Oregon law; and (2) include within the district boundary approximately 2,742 acres in the vicinity of McKay Creek, classify approximately 685 of such acres as irrigable, and provide the District with stored water from Prineville Reservoir for purposes of supplying those lands. Directs the Bureau of Reclamation to participate in management planning meetings every year with the state, the Confederated Tribes of the Warm Springs Reservation of Oregon, municipal, agricultural, conservation, recreation, and other interested stakeholders to plan for dry-year conditions. Authorizes the Secretary, in any year, to release any quantity of 10,000 acre-feet of specified water for the benefit of downstream fish and wildlife if the North Unit Irrigation District or other eligible Reclamation contract holders have not initiated contracting with the Bureau for any quantity of such water by June 1 of any year.

A resolution expressing support for improvement in the collection, processing, and consumption of recyclable materials throughout the United States.

United States · United States Congress · 21 November 2013

Expresses support for: (1) improvement in the collection, processing, and consumption of recyclable material throughout the United States in order to create well-paying jobs, foster innovation and investment in recycling infrastructure, and stimulate the economy; (2) strengthening the U.S. manufacturing base in order to rebuild the domestic economy; (3) a competitive marketplace for recyclable materials; (4) the trade of recyclable commodities; (5) U.S. policies that promote recycling and recyclable materials, that promote using recyclable materials as feedstock to produce new basic materials and finished products, and that establish the equitable treatment of recycled materials; (6) research and development of new technologies to more efficiently and effectively recycle materials such as automobile shredder residue and cathode ray tubes and to remove materials that are impediments to recycling; (7) Design for Recycling to ensure that a good can be recycled safely and economically at the end of its useful life; and (8) the participation of U.S. households, businesses, and governmental entities in recycling programs. Recognizes that the U.S. scrap recycling industry is critical to the future of the United States.

SHARE Act

United States · United States Congress · 21 November 2013

Sportsmen's Heritage And Recreational Enhancement Act of 2013 or the SHARE Act of 2013 - Title I: Hunting, Fishing and Recreational Shooting Protection Act - Hunting, Fishing, and Recreational Shooting Protection Act - Amends the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) to exclude from the definition of "chemical substance" for purposes of such Act: (1) any component of any pistol, revolver, firearm, shell, or cartridge the sale of which is subject to federal excise tax, including shot, bullets and other projectiles, propellants, and primers; and (2) any sport fishing equipment the sale of which is subject to federal excise tax and sport fishing equipment components. Title II: Target Practice and Marksmanship Training Support Act - Target Practice and Marksmanship Training Support Act - Amends the Pittman-Robertson Wildlife Restoration Act to: (1) authorize a state to pay up to 90% of the costs of acquiring land for, expanding, or constructing a public target range; (2) authorize a state to elect to allocate 10% of a specified amount apportioned to it from the federal aid to wildlife restoration fund for such costs; (3) limit the federal share of such costs under such Act to 90%; and (4) require amounts provided for such costs under such Act to remain available for expenditure and obligation for five fiscal years. Shields the United States from any civil action or claim for money damages for injury to or loss of property, personal injury, or death caused by an activity occurring at a public target range that is funded by the federal government pursuant to such Act or located on federal land, except to the extent provided under the Federal Tort Claims Act with respect to the exercise or performance of a discretionary function. Urges the Chief of the Forest Service and the Director of BLM to cooperate with state and local authorities and other entities to carry out waste removal and other activities on any federal land used as a public target range to encourage its continued use for target practice or marksmanship training. Title III: Public Lands Filming - Requires the Secretary of the Interior and the Secretary of Agriculture (USDA), for any film crew of five persons or fewer, to require a permit and assess an annual fee of $200 for commercial filming activities or similar projects on federal land and waterways administered by the Secretary. Makes such a permit valid for such activities or projects that occur in areas designated for public use during public hours on all federal land and waterways administered by the Secretary for a 12-month period. Title IV: Polar Bear Conservation and Fairness Act - Polar Bear Conservation and Fairness Act of 2013 - Amends the Marine Mammal Protection Act of 1972 to direct the Secretary of the Interior to issue a permit for the importation of any polar bear part (other than an internal organ) from a polar bear taken in a sport hunt in Canada to any person who submits proof that the polar bear was legally harvested before May 15, 2008 (currently by February 18, 1997), when polar bears were listed as a threatened species by the Department of the Interior. Title V: Permanent Electronic Duck Stamp Act - Permanent Electronic Duck Stamp Act of 2013 - Grants the Secretary of the Interior permanent authority to authorize any state to issue electronic duck stamps. Sets forth state electronic duck stamp application requirements. Allows the Secretary to determine the number of new states permitted per year to participate in the electronic duck stamp program. Instructs the Secretary to require electronic stamp revenue and customer information collected by each state to be transmitted in accordance with a written agreement between the Secretary and the state. Title VI: Access to Water Resources Development Projects Act - Recreational Lands Self-Defense Act of 2013 - Prohibits the Secretary of the Army from promulgating or enforcing any regulation that prohibits an individual from possessing a firearm at a water resources development project administered by the Chief of Engineers if: (1) the individual is not otherwise prohibited by law from possessing the firearm, and (2) the possession of the firearm is in compliance with the law of the state in which the project is located. Title VII: Wildlife and Hunting Heritage Conservation Council Advisory Committee - Amends the Fish and Wildlife Coordination Act to establish the Wildlife and Hunting Heritage Conservation Council Advisory Committee to advise the Secretaries of the Interior and Agriculture (USDA) on wildlife and habitat conservation, hunting, and recreational shooting. (Abolishes the Wildlife and Hunting Heritage Conservation Council.) Title VIII: Recreational Fishing and Hunting Heritage and Opportunities Act - Recreational Fishing and Hunting Heritage and Opportunities Act - Declares that recreational fishing and hunting are environmentally acceptable and beneficial activities that occur and can be provided on public lands and waters without adverse effects on other uses or users. Requires a federal public land management official, in cooperation with the respective state and fish and wildlife agency, to exercise the authority of the official under law, including regarding land use planning, to facilitate the use of, and access to, federal public land for fishing, sport hunting, and recreational shooting, except as described in this Act. Requires the heads of federal public land management agencies to exercise their discretion in a manner that supports and facilitates hunting, recreational fishing, and recreational shooting opportunities, to the extent authorized under applicable law. Prohibits actions taken under this Act or actions concerning the National Wildlife Refuge System under the National Wildlife Refuge System Administration Act of 1966 from being considered to be a major federal action significantly affecting the quality of the human environment. Prohibits public land management officials from being required to consider the existence or availability of recreational fishing, hunting, or shooting opportunities on adjacent or nearby lands in the planning for or determination of which public lands are open for these activities or in the setting of levels of use for these activities on public lands, unless the combination or coordination of such opportunities would enhance the opportunities available to the public. Requires that Bureau of Land Management (BLM) and Forest Service land, excluding land on the Outer Continental Shelf, be open to recreational fishing, hunting, or shooting unless the managing agency acts to close lands to such activity. Permits closures or restrictions on such land for purposes including resource conservation, public safety, energy or mineral production, energy generation or transmission infrastructure, water supply facilities, national security, protection of private property rights, or compliance with other law. Requires agencies to: (1) lease or permit use of federal public land for shooting ranges, and (2) designate specific land for recreational shooting activities. Declares that the provision of opportunities for hunting, fishing, recreational shooting, and the conservation of fish and wildlife to provide sustainable use recreational opportunities on designated wilderness areas on federal public lands constitutes the measures necessary to meet the minimum requirements for the administration of such areas. Provides that such declaration does not authorize or facilitate commodity development, use, or extraction, motorized recreational access or use that is not otherwise allowed under the Wilderness Act, or permanent road construction or maintenance within designated wilderness areas. Reaffirms the provisions of the Wilderness Act that stipulate that wilderness purposes are "within and supplemental to" the purposes of the underlying federal land unit. Requires the head of each federal agency, when seeking to carry out fish and wildlife conservation programs and projects or providing fish and wildlife dependent recreation opportunities on designated wilderness areas, to implement these supplemental purposes while not impeding on the underlying conservation purpose. Prohibits such implementation from authorizing or facilitating commodity development, use or extraction, or permanent road construction or use within designated wilderness areas. Requires biennial reports on closures of federal public lands to sport hunting, recreational fishing, or shooting. Sets forth requirements for specified closures or significant restrictions involving 640 or more contiguous acres of federal public land or water to hunting or recreational fishing or related activities. Instructs federal public land agencies to consult with the advisory councils specified in Executive Orders 12962 (relating to recreational fisheries) and 13443 (relating to the facilitation of hunting heritage and wildlife conservation) in carrying out this Act.

Community Fire Safety Act of 2013

United States · United States Congress · 21 November 2013

Community Fire Safety Act of 2013 - Amends the Safe Drinking Water Act to exempt fire hydrants from certain prohibitions against the use of lead pipes, solder, and flux. Directs the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to: (1) consult with and seek the advice of the National Drinking Water Advisory Council on potential changes to federal regulations pertaining to lead; and (2) request the Council to consider sources of lead throughout drinking water distribution systems, including through components used to reroute drinking water during distribution system repairs.

Water Trust Fund Act of 2013

United States · United States Congress · 21 November 2013

Water Trust Fund Act of 2013 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to establish in the Treasury a Water Infrastructure Investment Trust Fund. Appropriates to such Fund amounts equivalent to the fees received in the Treasury before January 1, 2019, under this Act. Requires 85% of amounts in the Fund to be available to the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for making capitalization grants under the Federal Water Pollution Control Act (commonly known as the Clean Water Act or CWA), and 15% to be available to the Secretary of the Treasury for carrying out the innovative financing program established under this Act. Prohibits amounts in the Fund from being made available for a fiscal year unless the amount of funds appropriated to the Clean Water State Revolving Fund through annual capitalization grants is not less than the average of the annual amounts provided in capitalization grants under the CWA for the immediately preceding five-fiscal-year period. Directs the Secretary to: (1) implement a program under which the Secretary provides a label suitable for placement on products (for a fee of three cents per unit) to inform consumers that the manufacturer, producer, or importer of the product and other stakeholders participate in the Fund and are contributing to America's clean water; and (2) deposit amounts received in the Treasury. Directs the Secretary to: (1) establish an innovative financing program to make financial assistance available for projects eligible for assistance from a state water pollution control revolving fund established pursuant to the CWA, and (2) model the program after the Transportation Infrastructure Finance and Innovation Act of 1998 program.

Brief van de minister van Infrastructuur en Milieu over welke consequenties zij verbindt aan het door de rechtbank Rotterdam vernietigde besluit om de snelheid op de A13 in Rotterdam te verhogen

Netherlands · House of Representatives · 21 November 2013

Brief van de minister van Infrastructuur en Milieu over welke consequenties zij verbindt aan het door de rechtbank Rotterdam vernietigde besluit om de snelheid op de A13 in Rotterdam te verhogen

Erhöhung der Nationalparkförderung

Austria · National Council · 20 November 2013

Antrag der Abgeordneten Mag. Gerald Hauser, Kolleginnen und Kollegen betreffend die längst überfällige Erhöhung der Nationalparkförderung

172. Deputy Willie Penrose asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the co-financing funding that will be available from the Government under the rural development plan between 2014 and 2020 under which approximately €330 million per annum is available from the EU; if consideration is being given to include measures that will be supported in terms of investment aid, land mobility and agri-environment in such a plan; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49789/13]

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 20 November 2013

172. Deputy Willie Penrose asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the co-financing funding that will be available from the Government under the rural development plan between 2014 and 2020 under which approximately €330 million per annum is available from the EU; if consideration is being given to include measures that will be supported in terms of investment aid, land mobility and agri-environment in such a plan; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49789/13]

145. Deputy Shane Ross asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the number of quangos operating under the aegis of his Department; the total number of directors sitting on their boards; the aggregate fees incurred by the State in paying the remuneration of directors of these quangos; the number of quangos that have been created since the formation of the Government; the number that have been disbanded over the period; the projected cost to the taxpayer of the establishment and operation of these new quangos; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49953/13]

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 20 November 2013

145. Deputy Shane Ross asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the number of quangos operating under the aegis of his Department; the total number of directors sitting on their boards; the aggregate fees incurred by the State in paying the remuneration of directors of these quangos; the number of quangos that have been created since the formation of the Government; the number that have been disbanded over the period; the projected cost to the taxpayer of the establishment and operation of these new quangos; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49953/13]

144. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if and when consideration will be given to the approval of the group-small sewerage scheme at Kilmacraddock, Maynooth, County Kildare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49808/13]

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 20 November 2013

144. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if and when consideration will be given to the approval of the group-small sewerage scheme at Kilmacraddock, Maynooth, County Kildare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49808/13]

143. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if his attention has been drawn to the fact that the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform told Dáil Éireann that payments to everybody the public purse should be known; if his Department received any form of representations or communications from the County and City Managers Association and-or the Local Government Management Agency requesting that payments to retiring county managers should not be made public; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49782/13]

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 20 November 2013

143. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if his attention has been drawn to the fact that the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform told Dáil Éireann that payments to everybody the public purse should be known; if his Department received any form of representations or communications from the County and City Managers Association and-or the Local Government Management Agency requesting that payments to retiring county managers should not be made public; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49782/13]

142. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if his attention has been drawn to the fact that in a reply to a parliamentary question on 27 September 2012, he divulged that the payments to the Westmeath county manager who retired on 3 January 2006 consisted of a lump sum-gratuity payment of €200,000 and an annual pension of €51,000; and that the payments to the Monaghan county manager who retired on 30 November 2010 consisted of a lump sum payment of €201,000 and an annual pension of €68,290; in a reply to a parliamentary question on 4 July 2013 he divulged that the payments to the Wexford county manager who retired on 30 November 2012 consisted of a lump sum payment of €202,000 and an annual pension of €67,548; if he will now divulge the payments made to the Sligo county manager who retired on 3 November 2013; the reason the Sligo county manager received a much larger sum than the aforementioned county managers; the type of bonus system that was in place to ensure increased payments for the retiring Sligo county manager; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49781/13]

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 20 November 2013

142. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if his attention has been drawn to the fact that in a reply to a parliamentary question on 27 September 2012, he divulged that the payments to the Westmeath county manager who retired on 3 January 2006 consisted of a lump sum-gratuity payment of €200,000 and an annual pension of €51,000; and that the payments to the Monaghan county manager who retired on 30 November 2010 consisted of a lump sum payment of €201,000 and an annual pension of €68,290; in a reply to a parliamentary question on 4 July 2013 he divulged that the payments to the Wexford county manager who retired on 30 November 2012 consisted of a lump sum payment of €202,000 and an annual pension of €67,548; if he will now divulge the payments made to the Sligo county manager who retired on 3 November 2013; the reason the Sligo county manager received a much larger sum than the aforementioned county managers; the type of bonus system that was in place to ensure increased payments for the retiring Sligo county manager; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49781/13]

141. Deputy Jerry Buttimer asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the amount of commercial rates written off as bad debts over the past six years for each local authority; the total revenue stream lost to local authorities as a result of commercial rates written off as bad debts; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49772/13]

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 20 November 2013

141. Deputy Jerry Buttimer asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the amount of commercial rates written off as bad debts over the past six years for each local authority; the total revenue stream lost to local authorities as a result of commercial rates written off as bad debts; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49772/13]

140. Deputy Ann Phelan asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if he will clarify the amount of funding being allocated to counties Carlow and Kilkenny as part of the housing adaptation programme for 2014; if he will consider removing the monetary figure attached to the funding such as the €6,000 for walk-in shower, €10,500 for housing aid for older people grants, €30,000 for HGDs and instead base each application on its own merit, on a case-by-case basis; if he will consider prioritising cases of elderly couples who are in receipt of the contributory-non-contributory pension only for adaptation grants; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49761/13]

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 20 November 2013

140. Deputy Ann Phelan asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if he will clarify the amount of funding being allocated to counties Carlow and Kilkenny as part of the housing adaptation programme for 2014; if he will consider removing the monetary figure attached to the funding such as the €6,000 for walk-in shower, €10,500 for housing aid for older people grants, €30,000 for HGDs and instead base each application on its own merit, on a case-by-case basis; if he will consider prioritising cases of elderly couples who are in receipt of the contributory-non-contributory pension only for adaptation grants; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49761/13]

139. Deputy Ann Phelan asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if his Department plans to implement a mortgage-to-rent scheme for families who are experiencing severe financial difficulty; the merits of implementing such a scheme in respect of its ability to retain the family home as another measure of dealing with the level of indebtedness that families currently have; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49757/13]

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 20 November 2013

139. Deputy Ann Phelan asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if his Department plans to implement a mortgage-to-rent scheme for families who are experiencing severe financial difficulty; the merits of implementing such a scheme in respect of its ability to retain the family home as another measure of dealing with the level of indebtedness that families currently have; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49757/13]

138. Deputy John Browne asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the total amount of moneys accumulated to date in the dormant accounts fund since its inception; the amount available at present; his plans to allocate such funds; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49731/13]

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 20 November 2013

138. Deputy John Browne asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the total amount of moneys accumulated to date in the dormant accounts fund since its inception; the amount available at present; his plans to allocate such funds; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49731/13]

70. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Finance the extent to which savings from other jurisdictions might be attracted here post the exit from the bailout programme with particular reference to the need to create an attractive environment for economic recovery; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49795/13]

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 20 November 2013

70. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Finance the extent to which savings from other jurisdictions might be attracted here post the exit from the bailout programme with particular reference to the need to create an attractive environment for economic recovery; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49795/13]

Federal Employees Responsible Investment Act

United States · United States Congress · 20 November 2013

Federal Employees Responsible Investment Act - Establishes the Corporate Responsibility Stock Index Fund as an investment option under the Thrift Savings Fund. Directs the Federal Retirement Thrift Investment Board to select a minimum of one index for such Fund comprised of stocks that have been analyzed and selected using basic criteria, including corporate governance, environmental practices, workplace relations and benefits, product safety and impact, international operations and human rights, involvement with repressive regimes, and community relations.

A bill to modify the efficiency standards for grid-enabled water heaters.

United States · United States Congress · 20 November 2013

Amends the Energy Policy and Conservation Act (EPCA) to provide additional energy conservation standards applicable to grid-enabled water heaters (those intended for use as part of an electric thermal storage or demand response program). Requires annual reports from: (1) manufacturers of such water heaters regarding the quantity of the products shipped each year, and (2) utilities and other demand response and thermal storage program operators regarding the quantity of products activated for their programs. Requires the Secretary of Energy (DOE) to publish analyses of data collected from such reports and to establish procedures to prevent product diversion if sales of the products exceed by at least 15% the quantity activated for use in the demand response and thermal storage programs annually. Maintains the standards and publication procedures established by this Act until the Secretary determines that such water heaters do not require a separate efficiency requirement. Requires the Secretary to consider the impact of EPCA electric water heater standards on thermal storage and demand response programs, including on energy savings, electric bills, electric reliability, integration of renewable resources, and the environment. Makes unlawful, with respect to grid-enabled water heaters not used as part of an electric thermal storage or demand response program, the knowing and repeated distribution of activation keys, enabling of full operation of the products, or removing or making illegible their labels.

New Mexico Native American Water Settlements Technical Corrections Act

United States · United States Congress · 20 November 2013

New Mexico Native American Water Settlements Technical Corrections Act - Amends the Taos Pueblo Indian Water Rights Settlement Act to include among the uses of the Taos Pueblo Water Development Fund the reconstruction, replacement, rehabilitation, or repair of water or wastewater infrastructure. Eliminates fiscal year limits on the mandatory appropriation of funds for: (1) the Taos Pueblo Water Development Fund, and (2) grants to eligible non-Pueblo entities for mutual-benefit projects. Amends the Aamodt Litigation Settlement Act to eliminate fiscal year limits on the mandatory appropriation of funds for: (1) the planning, design, and construction of a regional water system and the conduct of environmental compliance activities; and (2) the Aamodt Settlement Pueblos' Fund. Amends the Omnibus Public Land Management Act of 2009 to authorize appropriations for the planning and design of conjunctive use wells in the San Juan River Basin, Little Colorado River Basin, and Rio Grande Basin in New Mexico. (Currently, funds are authorized for the construction or rehabilitation and operation and maintenance of those wells.) Alters the percentages of funds authorized for the Navajo-Gallup Water Supply Project, conjunctive use wells, and San Juan River Irrigation Projects that may be made available for: (1) the survey, recovery, protection, preservation, and display of archaeological resources in the area of a Project facility or conjunctive use well; and (2) purchasing land and constructing and maintaining facilities to mitigate the loss of, and improve conditions for the propagation of, fish and wildlife.

Federal Employees Responsible Investment Act

United States · United States Congress · 20 November 2013

Federal Employees Responsible Investment Act - Establishes the Corporate Responsibility Stock Index Fund as an investment option under the Thrift Savings Fund. Directs the Federal Retirement Thrift Investment Board to select a minimum of one index for such Fund comprised of stocks that have been analyzed and selected using basic criteria, including corporate governance, environmental practices, workplace relations and benefits, product safety and impact, international operations and human rights, involvement with repressive regimes, and community relations.

Decision No 1386/2013/EU of the European Parliament and of the Council of 20 November 2013 on a General Union Environment Action Programme to 2020 ‘Living well, within the limits of our planet’ Text with EEA relevance

European Union · EUR-Lex · 20 November 2013

proposition de résolution Modalités du montage juridique et financier et l'environnement du contrat retenu in fine pour la mise en oeuvre de l'éco-taxe poids lourds

France · Senate · 19 November 2013

605. Deputy James Bannon asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine when a person (details supplied) in County Longford will receive their payment of REP scheme, disadvantaged area scheme and single farm payment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49413/13]

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 19 November 2013

605. Deputy James Bannon asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine when a person (details supplied) in County Longford will receive their payment of REP scheme, disadvantaged area scheme and single farm payment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49413/13]

601. Deputy James Bannon asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine when a person (details supplied) in County Longford will receive their payment of REP scheme and disadvantaged area scheme which is due to them; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49395/13]

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 19 November 2013

601. Deputy James Bannon asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine when a person (details supplied) in County Longford will receive their payment of REP scheme and disadvantaged area scheme which is due to them; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49395/13]

489. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if Departmental Circular PD 1/06 which provides that the existence of a management company to maintain elements of common buildings, carry out landscaping and so on must not impact upon the decision by the planning authority to take in charge roads and related infrastructure where a request to do so is made, has been amended in any substantial way since the circular was issued in 2006; if the definition of a house in the Planning and Development Act 2000 continues to apply to both houses and apartments; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49607/13]

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 19 November 2013

489. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if Departmental Circular PD 1/06 which provides that the existence of a management company to maintain elements of common buildings, carry out landscaping and so on must not impact upon the decision by the planning authority to take in charge roads and related infrastructure where a request to do so is made, has been amended in any substantial way since the circular was issued in 2006; if the definition of a house in the Planning and Development Act 2000 continues to apply to both houses and apartments; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49607/13]

488. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government which local authorities, if any, will not consider the taking in charge of a housing estate where a management company exists and further requires the management company to be removed or dissolved before it considers taking the estate in charge; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49595/13]

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 19 November 2013

488. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government which local authorities, if any, will not consider the taking in charge of a housing estate where a management company exists and further requires the management company to be removed or dissolved before it considers taking the estate in charge; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49595/13]

487. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if local authorities have statutory immunity in situations where development bonds have been allowed to lapse; if he will specify in what circumstances that immunity applies; in the absence of immunity what sanctions do local authorities have to ensure such development bonds do not lapse; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49592/13]

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 19 November 2013

487. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if local authorities have statutory immunity in situations where development bonds have been allowed to lapse; if he will specify in what circumstances that immunity applies; in the absence of immunity what sanctions do local authorities have to ensure such development bonds do not lapse; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49592/13]

486. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if he has had any contact with the Department of Justice and Equality regarding interpretive difficulties arising from the language used in section 1 of the Multi-Unit Developments Act 2011; in particular the wording used to define the terms "multi-unit development" and "residential unit" which has resulted in difficulties where such estates require taking in charge; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49590/13]

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 19 November 2013

486. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if he has had any contact with the Department of Justice and Equality regarding interpretive difficulties arising from the language used in section 1 of the Multi-Unit Developments Act 2011; in particular the wording used to define the terms "multi-unit development" and "residential unit" which has resulted in difficulties where such estates require taking in charge; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49590/13]

485. Deputy Terence Flanagan asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government his views on the roll-out of shared services in local authorities and the savings that have been made over the past two years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49505/13]

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 19 November 2013

485. Deputy Terence Flanagan asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government his views on the roll-out of shared services in local authorities and the savings that have been made over the past two years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49505/13]

484. Deputy Terence Flanagan asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government his views on the role out of one-stop-shops in local authorities and the savings that have been made over the past two years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49502/13]

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 19 November 2013

484. Deputy Terence Flanagan asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government his views on the role out of one-stop-shops in local authorities and the savings that have been made over the past two years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49502/13]

483. Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if there is anything in legislation that prevents local authorities from including an e-mail address on all public notices that involve inviting public submissions including, for example, Part 8 planning proposals, notices under road traffic legislation, derelict sites notices and so forth; his views on whether it is good practice for local authorities to facilitate submissions by e-mail from members of the public in such instances; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49456/13]

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 19 November 2013

483. Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if there is anything in legislation that prevents local authorities from including an e-mail address on all public notices that involve inviting public submissions including, for example, Part 8 planning proposals, notices under road traffic legislation, derelict sites notices and so forth; his views on whether it is good practice for local authorities to facilitate submissions by e-mail from members of the public in such instances; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49456/13]

482. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the level of investment which will be required in Irish Water in order to fully comply with the EU water framework directive; the way the present funding arrangements for local government can be expected to shoulder this expense without a significant deterioration in the funding of other essential services; if it is expected to rely more on the central fund to meet these expenses in advance of the coming onstream of revenue from water charges; if so, the way this is planned to happen and the time period of same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49452/13]

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 19 November 2013

482. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the level of investment which will be required in Irish Water in order to fully comply with the EU water framework directive; the way the present funding arrangements for local government can be expected to shoulder this expense without a significant deterioration in the funding of other essential services; if it is expected to rely more on the central fund to meet these expenses in advance of the coming onstream of revenue from water charges; if so, the way this is planned to happen and the time period of same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49452/13]

481. Deputy Sean Fleming asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if he will reconsider the decision not to allow certain works be included in a contract (details supplied) in County Laois; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49437/13]

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 19 November 2013

481. Deputy Sean Fleming asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if he will reconsider the decision not to allow certain works be included in a contract (details supplied) in County Laois; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49437/13]

480. Deputy Willie Penrose asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if he will provide details of the money allocated for the upgrading and renovation of local authority houses in counties Westmeath and Longford; the amount of moneys under each appropriate head that will be allocated to each local authority in 2014; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49433/13]

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 19 November 2013

480. Deputy Willie Penrose asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if he will provide details of the money allocated for the upgrading and renovation of local authority houses in counties Westmeath and Longford; the amount of moneys under each appropriate head that will be allocated to each local authority in 2014; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49433/13]

479. Deputy Willie Penrose asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government when the housing assistance payment will be introduced and if deduction at source has been agreed with all stakeholders; his plans to defray the additional costs that will be incurred by local authorities who will have to implement same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49431/13]

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 19 November 2013

479. Deputy Willie Penrose asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government when the housing assistance payment will be introduced and if deduction at source has been agreed with all stakeholders; his plans to defray the additional costs that will be incurred by local authorities who will have to implement same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49431/13]

478. Deputy Willie Penrose asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government when section 62 of the Housing Act will be amended to enable more effective and focused action to be taken by local authorities to help combat anti-social behaviour; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49430/13]

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 19 November 2013

478. Deputy Willie Penrose asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government when section 62 of the Housing Act will be amended to enable more effective and focused action to be taken by local authorities to help combat anti-social behaviour; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49430/13]

477. Deputy Willie Penrose asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government when the extension to Longford fire station will be sanctioned, as the local authority is ready to proceed once sanction is received; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49428/13]

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 19 November 2013

477. Deputy Willie Penrose asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government when the extension to Longford fire station will be sanctioned, as the local authority is ready to proceed once sanction is received; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49428/13]

476. Deputy Willie Penrose asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the level of loss of income that will arise for the local authorities in counties Westmeath and Longford as a result of the planned abolition of the non-principal private residence charge; the way this will be compensated for by the local property tax; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49427/13]

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 19 November 2013

476. Deputy Willie Penrose asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the level of loss of income that will arise for the local authorities in counties Westmeath and Longford as a result of the planned abolition of the non-principal private residence charge; the way this will be compensated for by the local property tax; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49427/13]

475. Deputy Willie Penrose asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government when progress will be made in respect of the regional water supply scheme in Lanesboro, County Longford, in respect of which a preliminary report was submitted to the Department by Longford County Council in May 2013; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49425/13]

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 19 November 2013

475. Deputy Willie Penrose asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government when progress will be made in respect of the regional water supply scheme in Lanesboro, County Longford, in respect of which a preliminary report was submitted to the Department by Longford County Council in May 2013; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49425/13]

474. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the regulatory procedures in place to control private waste operators; if there is any mechanism in place to require private waste operators to seek approval in advance on whether they may increase the price and collection practices for their waste collection services. [49412/13]

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 19 November 2013

474. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the regulatory procedures in place to control private waste operators; if there is any mechanism in place to require private waste operators to seek approval in advance on whether they may increase the price and collection practices for their waste collection services. [49412/13]

473. Deputy Dominic Hannigan asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the amount of funding provided to each organisation in the community and voluntary pillar under the fund to facilitate engagement in the social partnership process in the years 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011 and 2012; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49344/13]

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 19 November 2013

473. Deputy Dominic Hannigan asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the amount of funding provided to each organisation in the community and voluntary pillar under the fund to facilitate engagement in the social partnership process in the years 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011 and 2012; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49344/13]

472. Deputy Dominic Hannigan asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the membership and work of the water affordability working group; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49343/13]

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 19 November 2013

472. Deputy Dominic Hannigan asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the membership and work of the water affordability working group; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49343/13]

471. Deputy Alan Farrell asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if he will consider the potential to apply reductions or waivers from planning application fees or rates to protected structures; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49339/13]

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 19 November 2013

471. Deputy Alan Farrell asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if he will consider the potential to apply reductions or waivers from planning application fees or rates to protected structures; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49339/13]