Environment

420. Deputy Joan Collins asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if his attention has been drawn to the fact that the outgoing Sligo county manager (details supplied) is a member of the finance and audit committee of the Local Government Management Agency; if his attention has been drawn to the fact that a function of that committee is to act as a source of independent advice on matters relating to financial management and control; if the Sligo county manager will continue to be a member of the finance and audit committee following his retirement from Sligo County Council; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48839/13]

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 19 November 2013

420. Deputy Joan Collins asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if his attention has been drawn to the fact that the outgoing Sligo county manager (details supplied) is a member of the finance and audit committee of the Local Government Management Agency; if his attention has been drawn to the fact that a function of that committee is to act as a source of independent advice on matters relating to financial management and control; if the Sligo county manager will continue to be a member of the finance and audit committee following his retirement from Sligo County Council; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48839/13]

419. Deputy Joan Collins asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if his attention has been drawn to the fact that for the past number of years the majority of members of Sligo County Council have adopted annual budgets recommended by the Sligo county manager that have led to massive deficits in the council's revenue budget each year; if his attention has been drawn to the fact that the accumulated debt of Sligo County Council is currently in excess of €80 million; if his attention has been drawn to the fact that because of its grave financial position, the council's bank has refused to increase its overdraft limit notwithstanding that such increase was approved by his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48838/13]

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 19 November 2013

419. Deputy Joan Collins asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if his attention has been drawn to the fact that for the past number of years the majority of members of Sligo County Council have adopted annual budgets recommended by the Sligo county manager that have led to massive deficits in the council's revenue budget each year; if his attention has been drawn to the fact that the accumulated debt of Sligo County Council is currently in excess of €80 million; if his attention has been drawn to the fact that because of its grave financial position, the council's bank has refused to increase its overdraft limit notwithstanding that such increase was approved by his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48838/13]

418. Deputy Joan Collins asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if his attention has been drawn to the fact that Sligo County Council is the only local authority in the State that has consistently, year after year, produced a deficit in its revenue account; if it is his intention to provide the council with a bailout when the new county manager takes office in 2014; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48837/13]

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 19 November 2013

418. Deputy Joan Collins asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if his attention has been drawn to the fact that Sligo County Council is the only local authority in the State that has consistently, year after year, produced a deficit in its revenue account; if it is his intention to provide the council with a bailout when the new county manager takes office in 2014; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48837/13]

417. Deputy Tom Barry asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if there are incentives for maintaining the standard of housing or sanctions if houses are left in serious disrepair. [48819/13]

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 19 November 2013

417. Deputy Tom Barry asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if there are incentives for maintaining the standard of housing or sanctions if houses are left in serious disrepair. [48819/13]

416. Deputy Tom Barry asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if he will provide the latest figures on the cost per county of repairing vacated social housing. [48818/13]

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 19 November 2013

416. Deputy Tom Barry asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if he will provide the latest figures on the cost per county of repairing vacated social housing. [48818/13]

415. Deputy Heather Humphreys asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the position regarding tax requirements for agricultural quad bikes; if he will consider introducing a similar system to the UK where farmers can register quads as light agricultural vehicles when using them on the road to travel distances of less than 1.5 km between sites; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49367/13]

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 19 November 2013

415. Deputy Heather Humphreys asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the position regarding tax requirements for agricultural quad bikes; if he will consider introducing a similar system to the UK where farmers can register quads as light agricultural vehicles when using them on the road to travel distances of less than 1.5 km between sites; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49367/13]

Endangered Species Management Self-Determination Act

United States · United States Congress · 19 November 2013

Endangered Species Management Self-Determination Act - Amends the Endangered Species Act of 1973 (ESA) to require the consent of the governor of a state in which a species is present for: (1) a determination of endangered or threatened species status by regulation, and (2) listing of the species as endangered or threatened by the Secretary of the Interior upon a determination by the Secretary of Commerce. Eliminates a rulemaking procedure involving the petitioning by an interested person for adding a species to, or removing a species from, the lists of endangered and threatened species. Defines "best scientific and commercial data," for purposes of determinations, to include any scientific evidence made available by any state agency. Subjects determinations by the Secretaries of the Interior and of Commerce to list species as endangered or threatened to congressional approval by joint resolution. Requires removal of each species listed on an approved list five years after the joint resolution is enacted. Provides a procedure for re-submission by the Secretary of the Interior, in consultation with the governor of each state in which the endangered or threatened species is present, of a list including a species so removed and subjects that list to approval by joint resolution. Eliminates the requirement for guidelines concerning petitions. Establishes a process for exclusive state regulation of endangered or threatened species determined by a state governor to be present only within that state. Precludes judicial review of any such action. Subjects the following to the process of intrastate regulation: (1) issuance of species conservation regulations, (2) recovery plan implementation, (3) species recovery monitoring, and (4) establishment of agency guidelines. Requires the Administrators of the Bonneville, Southeastern, Southwestern, and Western Area Power Administrations, except with respect to intrastate species regulation, to include in customer monthly billing statements information on the share of costs to the customer incurred as a result of ESA compliance. Allows an owner or lessee of any real property to submit to the Secretary of the Interior an application that includes any proposed use of the real property for a determination of whether the use will violate ESA. Deems the use to be compliant if the Secretary fails to respond within 90 days. Allows the owner or lessee to seek compensation (150% of the property's fair market value) if the use is determined to violate ESA and an action of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service diminishes the fair market value of any real property by at least 50% with respect to the intended use. Eliminates the award of attorney fees in citizen suits under ESA.

Community Fire Safety Act of 2013

United States · United States Congress · 19 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.

Endangered Species Management Self-Determination Act

United States · United States Congress · 19 November 2013

Endangered Species Management Self-Determination Act - Amends the Endangered Species Act of 1973 (ESA) to require the consent of the governor of a state in which a species is present for: (1) a determination of endangered or threatened species status by regulation, and (2) listing of the species as endangered or threatened by the Secretary of the Interior upon a determination by the Secretary of Commerce. Eliminates a rulemaking procedure involving the petitioning by an interested person for adding a species to, or removing a species from, the lists of endangered and threatened species. Defines "best scientific and commercial data," for purposes of determinations, to include any scientific evidence made available by any state agency. Subjects determinations by the Secretaries of the Interior and of Commerce to list species as endangered or threatened to congressional approval by joint resolution. Requires removal of each species listed on an approved list five years after the joint resolution is enacted. Provides a procedure for re-submission by the Secretary of the Interior, in consultation with the governor of each state in which the endangered or threatened species is present, of a list including a species so removed and subjects that list to approval by joint resolution. Eliminates the requirement for guidelines concerning petitions. Establishes a process for exclusive state regulation of endangered or threatened species determined by a state governor to be present only within that state. Precludes judicial review of any such action. Subjects the following to the process of intrastate regulation: (1) issuance of species conservation regulations, (2) recovery plan implementation, (3) species recovery monitoring, and (4) establishment of agency guidelines. Requires the Administrators of the Bonneville, Southeastern, Southwestern, and Western Area Power Administrations, except with respect to intrastate species regulation, to include in customer monthly billing statements information on the share of costs to the customer incurred as a result of ESA compliance. Allows an owner or lessee of any real property to submit to the Secretary of the Interior an application that includes any proposed use of the real property for a determination of whether the use will violate ESA. Deems the use to be compliant if the Secretary fails to respond within 90 days. Allows the owner or lessee to seek compensation (150% of the property's fair market value) if the use is determined to violate ESA and an action of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service diminishes the fair market value of any real property by at least 50% with respect to the intended use. Eliminates the award of attorney fees in citizen suits under ESA.

Geannoteerde agenda Transportraad 5 december 2013 en de stand van zaken van EU-dossiers op het terrein van infrastructuur en milieu

Netherlands · House of Representatives · 15 November 2013

Geannoteerde agenda Transportraad 5 december 2013 en de stand van zaken van EU-dossiers op het terrein van infrastructuur en milieu

Reactie op petitie Stichting Natuur en Milieu en petitie Stichting Leefbaar Buitengebied Gelderland

Netherlands · House of Representatives · 15 November 2013

Reactie op petitie Stichting Natuur en Milieu en petitie Stichting Leefbaar Buitengebied Gelderland

127. Deputy Frank Feighan asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if he will provide an update on the non principal private residence charge; if this charge has ceased for householders; and from what date. [48794/13]

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 14 November 2013

127. Deputy Frank Feighan asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if he will provide an update on the non principal private residence charge; if this charge has ceased for householders; and from what date. [48794/13]

126. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the number of meetings with his Department officials, a person (details supplied), the outgoing Chairperson of the County and City Managers Association, participated in; the dates of the said meetings; the purpose of each meeting; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48723/13]

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 14 November 2013

126. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the number of meetings with his Department officials, a person (details supplied), the outgoing Chairperson of the County and City Managers Association, participated in; the dates of the said meetings; the purpose of each meeting; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48723/13]

125. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if his attention has been drawn to the fact that the only member of council staff obliged to attend a statutory meeting of a local authority is a county-city manager who designates themselves meetings administrator; if his attention has been drawn to the fact that the formal calling of a council meeting must be done by notice from a meetings administrator; if his attention has been drawn to the fact that on a number of occasions when the Sligo County Manager wanted meetings of Sligo Borough Council to take place he designated himself as meetings administrator and issued notice for meetings in accordance with the Local Government Act 2001; if his attention has been drawn to the fact that on occasions when the County Manager did not want meetings of the borough council to take place he designated another official who refused to carry out the duties of meetings administrator; if regulations can be introduced to ensure that a county manager carries out his-her statutory duties in respect of the calling of meetings of a local authority; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48722/13]

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 14 November 2013

125. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if his attention has been drawn to the fact that the only member of council staff obliged to attend a statutory meeting of a local authority is a county-city manager who designates themselves meetings administrator; if his attention has been drawn to the fact that the formal calling of a council meeting must be done by notice from a meetings administrator; if his attention has been drawn to the fact that on a number of occasions when the Sligo County Manager wanted meetings of Sligo Borough Council to take place he designated himself as meetings administrator and issued notice for meetings in accordance with the Local Government Act 2001; if his attention has been drawn to the fact that on occasions when the County Manager did not want meetings of the borough council to take place he designated another official who refused to carry out the duties of meetings administrator; if regulations can be introduced to ensure that a county manager carries out his-her statutory duties in respect of the calling of meetings of a local authority; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48722/13]

124. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if he will elaborate on the statement made by the head of the Revenue Commissioners at the recent finance committee meeting where she was discussing the property tax where she clearly stated that the persons who are involved in the installation of water meters in Water Ireland will be used for the purpose of spying on householders and reporting with regard to the valuation which they put on their properties; if he will clarify what exactly is meant by this statement as the public deserve to know what exactly is going on between his Department and the Revenue Commissioners with regard to property tax; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48688/13]

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 14 November 2013

124. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if he will elaborate on the statement made by the head of the Revenue Commissioners at the recent finance committee meeting where she was discussing the property tax where she clearly stated that the persons who are involved in the installation of water meters in Water Ireland will be used for the purpose of spying on householders and reporting with regard to the valuation which they put on their properties; if he will clarify what exactly is meant by this statement as the public deserve to know what exactly is going on between his Department and the Revenue Commissioners with regard to property tax; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48688/13]

123. Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the policies and protocols which govern the management of local authority houses; the factors which influence a decision to keep individual properties boarded up for an extended period of time; his views on the current situation in an estate (details provided) in County Meath; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48673/13]

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 14 November 2013

123. Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the policies and protocols which govern the management of local authority houses; the factors which influence a decision to keep individual properties boarded up for an extended period of time; his views on the current situation in an estate (details provided) in County Meath; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48673/13]

122. Deputy Sean Fleming asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government when he will provide approval for a contract to be signed (details supplied) in County Laois; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48661/13]

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 14 November 2013

122. Deputy Sean Fleming asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government when he will provide approval for a contract to be signed (details supplied) in County Laois; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48661/13]

121. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if funding has been sanctioned to begin works on sewerage scheme (details supplied) in County Kerry; when it is envisaged that this project will commence; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48660/13]

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 14 November 2013

121. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if funding has been sanctioned to begin works on sewerage scheme (details supplied) in County Kerry; when it is envisaged that this project will commence; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48660/13]

120. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the amount of the gross lump sum, the gross severance gratuity and annual pension that has been paid to the retired Sligo County Manager (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48651/13]

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 14 November 2013

120. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the amount of the gross lump sum, the gross severance gratuity and annual pension that has been paid to the retired Sligo County Manager (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48651/13]

119. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if he will elaborate on his recent statement on RTE’s "Prime Time" programme when he said Sligo is one of the reasons we are reforming local authorities; if at any stage his Department expressed dissatisfaction with the Sligo County Manager and the council management team’s regarding the management of the council’s finances; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48650/13]

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 14 November 2013

119. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if he will elaborate on his recent statement on RTE’s "Prime Time" programme when he said Sligo is one of the reasons we are reforming local authorities; if at any stage his Department expressed dissatisfaction with the Sligo County Manager and the council management team’s regarding the management of the council’s finances; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48650/13]

118. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if his attention has been drawn to the fact that under the management of the Sligo County Manager (details supplied) and their management team, Sligo County Council has had the highest overall deficit balance of all county and city councils as outlined in its respective annual financial statements; if his attention has been drawn to the fact that Sligo County Council had a deficit of €2,815,649 on its revenue account for the year ending 31 December 2008, a deficit of €3,232,961 for the year ending 31 December 2009, a deficit of €2,463,505 for the year ending 31 December 2010, a deficit of €2,973,000 for the year ending 31 December 2011 and a deficit of €2,455,000 for the year ending 31 December 2012; that the council's total revenue-capital debt is now in excess of €80 million and growing; if he will consider amending the Local Government Act 2001 to allow the new County Manager to appoint a different management team when they take up their appointment with Sligo County Council; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48649/13]

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 14 November 2013

118. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if his attention has been drawn to the fact that under the management of the Sligo County Manager (details supplied) and their management team, Sligo County Council has had the highest overall deficit balance of all county and city councils as outlined in its respective annual financial statements; if his attention has been drawn to the fact that Sligo County Council had a deficit of €2,815,649 on its revenue account for the year ending 31 December 2008, a deficit of €3,232,961 for the year ending 31 December 2009, a deficit of €2,463,505 for the year ending 31 December 2010, a deficit of €2,973,000 for the year ending 31 December 2011 and a deficit of €2,455,000 for the year ending 31 December 2012; that the council's total revenue-capital debt is now in excess of €80 million and growing; if he will consider amending the Local Government Act 2001 to allow the new County Manager to appoint a different management team when they take up their appointment with Sligo County Council; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48649/13]

117. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if his attention has been drawn to the fact that 11 of the 12 serving councillors on Sligo Borough Council boycotted the retirement function for the outgoing Sligo County Manager; if an official from his Department represented the Department at the function; if he will identify the official who represented his Department; the purpose of his Department representative attending the function; the total costs incurred by his Department in respect of salary, overtime payment, travel and subsistence and so on for the said official; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48648/13]

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 14 November 2013

117. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if his attention has been drawn to the fact that 11 of the 12 serving councillors on Sligo Borough Council boycotted the retirement function for the outgoing Sligo County Manager; if an official from his Department represented the Department at the function; if he will identify the official who represented his Department; the purpose of his Department representative attending the function; the total costs incurred by his Department in respect of salary, overtime payment, travel and subsistence and so on for the said official; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48648/13]

116. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if his attention has been drawn to the fact that the north west assistant general secretary of the IMPACT trade union which represents the majority of staff in the Sligo local authorities said last week that the appointment of a new Sligo County Manager provides the incumbent with an opportunity to reconnect with council staff and the citizens of Sligo; if his attention has been drawn to the fact that the union states that it will be encouraging a more open and inclusive style of management; if he will take steps to encourage the management team in Sligo County Council to become more open and inclusive in its style of management; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48647/13]

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 14 November 2013

116. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if his attention has been drawn to the fact that the north west assistant general secretary of the IMPACT trade union which represents the majority of staff in the Sligo local authorities said last week that the appointment of a new Sligo County Manager provides the incumbent with an opportunity to reconnect with council staff and the citizens of Sligo; if his attention has been drawn to the fact that the union states that it will be encouraging a more open and inclusive style of management; if he will take steps to encourage the management team in Sligo County Council to become more open and inclusive in its style of management; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48647/13]

115. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if there is funding available to assist jobseekers who wish to take the mandatory one day course in water meter installation, in view of the commitment to 25% of jobs going to jobseekers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48636/13]

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 14 November 2013

115. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if there is funding available to assist jobseekers who wish to take the mandatory one day course in water meter installation, in view of the commitment to 25% of jobs going to jobseekers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48636/13]

114. Deputy Dominic Hannigan asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the steps residents in a village can take if they are unhappy with the results of a county council's water quality report if they feel the water is still sub-standard; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48634/13]

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 14 November 2013

114. Deputy Dominic Hannigan asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the steps residents in a village can take if they are unhappy with the results of a county council's water quality report if they feel the water is still sub-standard; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48634/13]

113. Deputy Lucinda Creighton asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government further to Parliamentary Question No. 355 of 22 October 2013, if he will provide in tabular form the exact amount of funding Irish Water will be raising for 2014 and 2015, broken down by each revenue stream, including Ireland Strategic Investment Fund, EIB, bank lending, capital markets facilities, State support; if he will provide the total amount of revenue that Irish Water will have on its balance sheet at the time of transfer of water services functions to Irish Water from 1 January 2014; if he will provide the total amount of that revenue which has been generated from direct Exchequer funding; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48610/13]

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 14 November 2013

113. Deputy Lucinda Creighton asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government further to Parliamentary Question No. 355 of 22 October 2013, if he will provide in tabular form the exact amount of funding Irish Water will be raising for 2014 and 2015, broken down by each revenue stream, including Ireland Strategic Investment Fund, EIB, bank lending, capital markets facilities, State support; if he will provide the total amount of revenue that Irish Water will have on its balance sheet at the time of transfer of water services functions to Irish Water from 1 January 2014; if he will provide the total amount of that revenue which has been generated from direct Exchequer funding; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48610/13]

112. Deputy Lucinda Creighton asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if he will provide in tabular form all projects that received funding under the water services investment programme in 2012 and 2013; if he will confirm that all of the allocation of €371 million in 2012 and €329 million in 2013 under the programme has been spent; if either of these Exchequer payments was used to fund any part of the domestic water metering programme; if he will detail for each year the total amount of Exchequer funding that was used to fund the domestic water metering programme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48601/13]

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 14 November 2013

112. Deputy Lucinda Creighton asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if he will provide in tabular form all projects that received funding under the water services investment programme in 2012 and 2013; if he will confirm that all of the allocation of €371 million in 2012 and €329 million in 2013 under the programme has been spent; if either of these Exchequer payments was used to fund any part of the domestic water metering programme; if he will detail for each year the total amount of Exchequer funding that was used to fund the domestic water metering programme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48601/13]

111. Deputy Lucinda Creighton asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government when the full cost of the domestic water metering programme of €539 million, excluding VAT, will be paid out by whichever party is responsible for payment; if any of the €240 million direct equity investment by the Exchequer in 2014 into Irish Water will be used to repay the liability of the bridging loan facility given by the National Pensions Reserve Fund to Irish Water in 2013; if any of the €240 million direct equity investment in 2014 by the Exchequer will be used for the cost of the domestic water metering programme; if the €240 million in direct equity investment by the Exchequer into Irish Water in 2014 is in addition to the €296 million Exchequer payment for the water services investment programme in 2014 as detailed in the Infrastructure and Capital Investment Programme 2012-2016; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48600/13]

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 14 November 2013

111. Deputy Lucinda Creighton asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government when the full cost of the domestic water metering programme of €539 million, excluding VAT, will be paid out by whichever party is responsible for payment; if any of the €240 million direct equity investment by the Exchequer in 2014 into Irish Water will be used to repay the liability of the bridging loan facility given by the National Pensions Reserve Fund to Irish Water in 2013; if any of the €240 million direct equity investment in 2014 by the Exchequer will be used for the cost of the domestic water metering programme; if the €240 million in direct equity investment by the Exchequer into Irish Water in 2014 is in addition to the €296 million Exchequer payment for the water services investment programme in 2014 as detailed in the Infrastructure and Capital Investment Programme 2012-2016; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48600/13]

110. Deputy Billy Timmins asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the position regarding motor tax declarations in respect of off-the-road vehicles (details supplied). [48596/13]

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 14 November 2013

110. Deputy Billy Timmins asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the position regarding motor tax declarations in respect of off-the-road vehicles (details supplied). [48596/13]

109. Deputy Lucinda Creighton asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if his Department has responsibility for determining how the local property tax revenue is spent; if he will outline his involvement in the decision to defer defining 80% of the proceeds of the local property tax to be retained in each local authority until 2015 as a decision taken in the context of budget 2014; if he will confirm the reason this decision was taken and the economic changes that occurred to force a change in the Government's position on the way in which these revenues were to be distributed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48674/13]

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 14 November 2013

109. Deputy Lucinda Creighton asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if his Department has responsibility for determining how the local property tax revenue is spent; if he will outline his involvement in the decision to defer defining 80% of the proceeds of the local property tax to be retained in each local authority until 2015 as a decision taken in the context of budget 2014; if he will confirm the reason this decision was taken and the economic changes that occurred to force a change in the Government's position on the way in which these revenues were to be distributed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48674/13]

108. Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if there is any assistance for a person (details supplied) in Dublin 5 who spent €2,200 on a stair lift and received nothing from the State. [48643/13]

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 14 November 2013

108. Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if there is any assistance for a person (details supplied) in Dublin 5 who spent €2,200 on a stair lift and received nothing from the State. [48643/13]

25. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the steps that have been implemented to improve standards with regard to the keeping of minks, with reference to the damage that can be done to the surrounding environment when minks are released or escape from captivity. [48141/13]

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 14 November 2013

25. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the steps that have been implemented to improve standards with regard to the keeping of minks, with reference to the damage that can be done to the surrounding environment when minks are released or escape from captivity. [48141/13]

SERVE Act of 2013

United States · United States Congress · 14 November 2013

Servicemember Education Reform and Vocational Enhancement Act of 2013 or the SERVE Act of 2013 - Authorizes the Secretary of Veterans Affairs or a state approving agency (SAA) to approve, for purposes of veterans' educational assistance provided through the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), a course that leads to an associate or higher degree only when such course is an eligible program offered by an institution of higher education that has entered into and is complying with a program approved by the Secretary of Education. Provides conditions under which the VA Secretary or an SAA may approve a course that does not lead to an associate or higher degree or is not approved by the Secretary of Education. Requires educational institutions that enroll veterans to: (1) provide, upon the request of the VA Secretary, information about their educational programs, including accreditation, tuition, and graduation rates for disclosure to veterans; and (2) provide academic or career counseling to such veterans. Requires each SAA, as a condition of receiving VA reimbursement for program approval activities, to conduct education and outreach activities to assist veterans in making well-informed choices about their education and successful transition into an educational environment. Requires: (1) SAAs to conduct annual audits of educational institutions that have VA program participants, and (2) the VA Secretary to conduct mandatory compliance reviews of such institutions. Requires the VA Secretary, in cooperation with specified federal officials and state agencies, to commence a five-state pilot program to assess the feasibility and advisability of developing policy, processes, and best practices to: (1) ensure the availability of educational assistance providing on-job or vocational training for military personnel who served on active duty on or after September 11, 2001, and (2) encourage veterans to pursue such educational assistance. Requires the VA Secretary, under such pilot program, to conduct outreach to members of the Armed Forces and veterans on the availability of such educational assistance, the benefits of such assistance, and the process for obtaining such assistance. Requires reports by the VA Secretary and the Secretary of Defense (DOD) under the post 9/11 educational assistance program to: (1) be disaggregated by for-profit and not-for-profit educational institutions; (2) include all substantiated reports of misrepresentation, waste, fraud, abuse by educational institutions at which veterans are enrolled in an educational program administered by VA or DOD; and (3) provide a list of all previously approved educational institutions serving veterans that are no longer in compliance with VA or DOD requirements for educational assistance programs.

Transportation Empowerment Act

United States · United States Congress · 14 November 2013

Transportation Empowerment Act - Declares the purposes of the Act, including returning maximum discretionary authority and fiscal responsibility to the states for all elements of the national surface transportation systems (excluding the Dwight D. Eisenhower National System of Interstate and Defense Highways). Prescribes a limitation on funding of transportation programs and projects carried out under this Act. Authorizes appropriations out of the Highway Trust Fund (HTF) (other than the Mass Transit Account) for FY2015-FY2019 for specified core programs under the federal-aid highway program, including: (1) metropolitan transportation planning, (2) emergency relief for highways and roads, (3) the federal lands transportation program, and (4) Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) administrative expenses. Authorizes a state to transfer and use excess federal-aid highway funds for any surface transportation project (including mass transit and rail). Limits federal assistance to states for highway bridge replacement and rehabilitation to bridges on the federal-aid highway system. Repeals the authorization of federal assistance to states for historic bridges. Repeals the transportation alternatives program. Declares that, beginning with FY2014, a highway construction or improvement project shall not be considered a federal project: (1) unless and until a state expends federal funds for the construction portion of such project, (2) solely by reason of the state expenditure of federal funds before the construction phase of the project (including for any environmental document or design work), or (3) upon state reimbursement to the federal government of the federal costs of such projects. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to make amounts in the HTF available for expenditure for core highway programs through FY2020. Requires the Secretary of Treasury to transfer from the HTF amounts equivalent to motorboat and aviation fuel taxes collected before October 1, 2022, to: (1) the Land and Water Conservation Fund, (2) the Sport Fish Restoration and Boating Trust Fund, and (3) the Airport and Airway Trust Fund. Requires the Secretary to pay from the HTF into the general fund of the Treasury amounts equivalent to the floor stocks refunds made before July 1, 2023. Prescribes a motor fuel tax rate schedule for financing of core highway programs. Terminates, on September 30, 2014, the authority of the Secretary to make certain transfers to the Mass Transit Account. Directs the Secretary, on October 1, 2014, to transfer all amounts in the Mass Transit Account to the Highway Account. Authorizes appropriations out of the HTF (other than the Mass Transit Account) for FY2015-FY2019 for the highway research and development program. Directs the Secretary to allocate to the states for surface transportation projects (including mass transit and rail) any excess highway tax receipts appropriated to the HTF in FY2016-FY2019. Reduces the excise taxes imposed on: (1) gasoline from 18.3 cents to 3.7 cents, (2) diesel fuel or kerosene from 24.3 cents to 5.0 cents, and (3) diesel-water fuel emulsion from 19.7 cents to 4.1 cents. Requires credits or refunds of certain floor stocks taxes on liquids imposed before October 1, 2019. Declares that this Act shall become effective only if the Director of the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) certifies that it is deficit neutral.

Transportation Empowerment Act

United States · United States Congress · 14 November 2013

Transportation Empowerment Act - Declares the purposes of the Act, including returning maximum discretionary authority and fiscal responsibility to the states for all elements of the national surface transportation systems (excluding the Dwight D. Eisenhower National System of Interstate and Defense Highways). Prescribes a limitation on funding of transportation programs and projects carried out under this Act. Authorizes appropriations out of the Highway Trust Fund (HTF) (other than the Mass Transit Account) for FY2015-FY2019 for specified core programs under the federal-aid highway program, including: (1) metropolitan transportation planning, (2) emergency relief for highways and roads, (3) the federal lands transportation program, and (4) Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) administrative expenses. Authorizes a state to transfer and use excess federal-aid highway funds for any surface transportation project (including mass transit and rail). Limits federal assistance to states for highway bridge replacement and rehabilitation to bridges on the federal-aid highway system. Repeals the authorization of federal assistance to states for historic bridges. Repeals the transportation alternatives program. Declares that, beginning with FY2014, a highway construction or improvement project shall not be considered a federal project: (1) unless and until a state expends federal funds for the construction portion of such project, (2) solely by reason of the state expenditure of federal funds before the construction phase of the project (including for any environmental document or design work), or (3) upon state reimbursement to the federal government of the federal costs of such projects. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to make amounts in the HTF available for expenditure for core highway programs through FY2020. Requires the Secretary of Treasury to transfer from the HTF amounts equivalent to motorboat and aviation fuel taxes collected before October 1, 2022, to: (1) the Land and Water Conservation Fund, (2) the Sport Fish Restoration and Boating Trust Fund, and (3) the Airport and Airway Trust Fund. Requires the Secretary to pay from the HTF into the general fund of the Treasury amounts equivalent to the floor stocks refunds made before July 1, 2023. Prescribes a motor fuel tax rate schedule for financing of core highway programs. Terminates, on September 30, 2014, the authority of the Secretary to make certain transfers to the Mass Transit Account. Directs the Secretary, on October 1, 2014, to transfer all amounts in the Mass Transit Account to the Highway Account. Authorizes appropriations out of the HTF (other than the Mass Transit Account) for FY2015-FY2019 for the highway research and development program. Directs the Secretary to allocate to the states for surface transportation projects (including mass transit and rail) any excess highway tax receipts appropriated to the HTF in FY2016-FY2019. Reduces the excise taxes imposed on: (1) gasoline from 18.3 cents to 3.7 cents, (2) diesel fuel or kerosene from 24.3 cents to 5.0 cents, and (3) diesel-water fuel emulsion from 19.7 cents to 4.1 cents. Requires credits or refunds of certain floor stocks taxes on liquids imposed before October 1, 2019. Declares that this Act shall become effective only if the Director of the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) certifies that it is deficit neutral.

Judgment of the Court (Fifth Chamber), 14 November 2013.#Liga para a Protecção da Natureza (LPN) and Republic of Finland v European Commission.#Appeal — Access to the documents of the institutions — Regulation (EC) No 1049/2001 — Third indent of Article 4(2) — Exception concerning the protection of the purpose of inspections, investigations and audits — Environmental information — Regulation (EC) No 1367/2006 — Article 6(1) — Documents relating to the pre-litigation stage of infringement procedures — Refusal of access — Obligation to examine specifically and individually the documents referred to in the request for access — Overriding public interest.#Joined Cases C‑514/11 P and C‑605/11 P.

European Union · Court of Justice of the European Union · 14 November 2013

Judgment of the Court (Fifth Chamber), 14 November 2013.#Environmental Manufacturing LLP v Office for Harmonisation in the Internal Market (Trade Marks and Designs) (OHIM).#Appeal — Community trade mark — Opposition proceedings — Figurative mark representing a wolf’s head — Opposition by the proprietor of the national and international figurative marks containing the word elements ‘WOLF Jardin’ and ‘Outils WOLF’ — Relative grounds for refusal — Detriment to the distinctive character of the earlier mark — Regulation (EC) No 207/2009 — Article 8(5) — Change in the economic behaviour of the average consumer — Burden of proof.#Case C‑383/12 P.

European Union · Court of Justice of the European Union · 14 November 2013

122. Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if he will support a matter (details supplied) regarding water meters. [48556/13]

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 13 November 2013

122. Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if he will support a matter (details supplied) regarding water meters. [48556/13]

121. Deputy Dominic Hannigan asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government his plans for lands (details supplied) in County Meath; when the Local Government Bill 2013 will be enacted; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48538/13]

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 13 November 2013

121. Deputy Dominic Hannigan asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government his plans for lands (details supplied) in County Meath; when the Local Government Bill 2013 will be enacted; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48538/13]

120. Deputy Jerry Buttimer asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if he will provide an update on the allocation of money for the upgrading and renovation of local authority houses, the amount of funding that will be provided to Cork City and County Councils; when the funding will be distributed to local authorities; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48537/13]

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 13 November 2013

120. Deputy Jerry Buttimer asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if he will provide an update on the allocation of money for the upgrading and renovation of local authority houses, the amount of funding that will be provided to Cork City and County Councils; when the funding will be distributed to local authorities; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48537/13]

119. Deputy Tom Fleming asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if he will provide additional funding, from unspent Leader funding, to North and East Kerry Development Board to enable the board to urgently provide the necessary grant aid and for a proposed facility (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48534/13]

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 13 November 2013

119. Deputy Tom Fleming asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if he will provide additional funding, from unspent Leader funding, to North and East Kerry Development Board to enable the board to urgently provide the necessary grant aid and for a proposed facility (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48534/13]

118. Deputy Tom Fleming asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if he will introduce a grant aid scheme to address the widespread high incidents of radon gas in homes, particularly in County Kerry where one home has been found with 26 times the acceptable level of the cancer causing radon gas, and of the 446 homes tested in the past year, one in six homes have radon levels in excess of the acceptable level; if he will take into consideration that homes are being devalued and all households are subject to the local property tax, and if he will immediately introduce a scheme to assist hard-pressed householders as the average cost of installing a system to address the problem is in the region of €850, with an annual running cost of €100; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48531/13]

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 13 November 2013

118. Deputy Tom Fleming asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if he will introduce a grant aid scheme to address the widespread high incidents of radon gas in homes, particularly in County Kerry where one home has been found with 26 times the acceptable level of the cancer causing radon gas, and of the 446 homes tested in the past year, one in six homes have radon levels in excess of the acceptable level; if he will take into consideration that homes are being devalued and all households are subject to the local property tax, and if he will immediately introduce a scheme to assist hard-pressed householders as the average cost of installing a system to address the problem is in the region of €850, with an annual running cost of €100; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48531/13]

117. Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if he will consider a request from the South West Mayo Development Company for €1.4 million in extra funding to support projects in the county; if he will acknowledge that SWMDC took an 18% reduction in funding earlier this year, despite having to take on extra work owing to the reorganisation of MFG territory; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48530/13]

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 13 November 2013

117. Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if he will consider a request from the South West Mayo Development Company for €1.4 million in extra funding to support projects in the county; if he will acknowledge that SWMDC took an 18% reduction in funding earlier this year, despite having to take on extra work owing to the reorganisation of MFG territory; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48530/13]

116. Deputy Alan Farrell asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government his plans to introduce an obligation for homeowners to test their properties for the presence of radon; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48525/13]

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 13 November 2013

116. Deputy Alan Farrell asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government his plans to introduce an obligation for homeowners to test their properties for the presence of radon; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48525/13]

115. Deputy Barry Cowen asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the timeframe for the retention of 80% of locally raised property tax revenue in each local authority area; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48521/13]

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 13 November 2013

115. Deputy Barry Cowen asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the timeframe for the retention of 80% of locally raised property tax revenue in each local authority area; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48521/13]

114. Deputy Barry Cowen asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if he will provide a county breakdown of the local government fund allocations in 2010, 2011, 2012 and to date in 2013; the estimated distribution for 2014; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48488/13]

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 13 November 2013

114. Deputy Barry Cowen asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if he will provide a county breakdown of the local government fund allocations in 2010, 2011, 2012 and to date in 2013; the estimated distribution for 2014; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48488/13]

113. Deputy Barry Cowen asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if he will provide a county breakdown of the amount of money spent and units upgraded under the improvement works in lieu of local authority housing scheme in 2010, 2011, 2012 and to date in 2013. [48484/13]

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 13 November 2013

113. Deputy Barry Cowen asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if he will provide a county breakdown of the amount of money spent and units upgraded under the improvement works in lieu of local authority housing scheme in 2010, 2011, 2012 and to date in 2013. [48484/13]

112. Deputy Barry Cowen asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if he will provide a county breakdown of the amount of money spent and units upgraded under the housing aid for older persons scheme in 2010, 2011, 2012 and to date in 2013. [48483/13]

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 13 November 2013

112. Deputy Barry Cowen asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if he will provide a county breakdown of the amount of money spent and units upgraded under the housing aid for older persons scheme in 2010, 2011, 2012 and to date in 2013. [48483/13]

111. Deputy Barry Cowen asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if he will provide a county breakdown of the amount of money spent and units upgraded under the mobility aids grant scheme in 2010, 2011, 2012 and to date in 2013. [48482/13]

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 13 November 2013

111. Deputy Barry Cowen asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if he will provide a county breakdown of the amount of money spent and units upgraded under the mobility aids grant scheme in 2010, 2011, 2012 and to date in 2013. [48482/13]

110. Deputy Maureen O'Sullivan asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if he will clarify arrangements for the north inner city of Dublin as the proposed system for local development is based on a structure the inner city does not have due to the absence of an inner city partnership; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48473/13]

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 13 November 2013

110. Deputy Maureen O'Sullivan asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if he will clarify arrangements for the north inner city of Dublin as the proposed system for local development is based on a structure the inner city does not have due to the absence of an inner city partnership; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48473/13]