Environment

527 Deputy James Reilly asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government when a decision on the application for a licence for a hunt (details supplied) will be made as all additional queries and information have been supplied to his Department by the hunt; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27566/07]

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 6 November 2007

527 Deputy James Reilly asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government when a decision on the application for a licence for a hunt (details supplied) will be made as all additional queries and information have been supplied to his Department by the hunt; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27566/07]

526 Deputy David Stanton asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the impact wild mink are having; the estimated number of wild mink in each region here; the action his Department is taking with reference to wild mink; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27532/07]

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 6 November 2007

526 Deputy David Stanton asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the impact wild mink are having; the estimated number of wild mink in each region here; the action his Department is taking with reference to wild mink; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27532/07]

525 Deputy David Stanton asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the spread and problems caused by Nuttall’s pondweed; the measures being taken to control this non-native plant; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27531/07]

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 6 November 2007

525 Deputy David Stanton asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the spread and problems caused by Nuttall’s pondweed; the measures being taken to control this non-native plant; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27531/07]

524 Deputy Damien English asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he is satisfied that there are no health risks related to exposure from electromagnetic radiation associated with 400kV power lines; and if he will make a statement regarding the health risks for residents living within the vicinity of such lines. [27486/07]

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 6 November 2007

524 Deputy Damien English asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he is satisfied that there are no health risks related to exposure from electromagnetic radiation associated with 400kV power lines; and if he will make a statement regarding the health risks for residents living within the vicinity of such lines. [27486/07]

523 Deputy Damien English asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he will change regulations to ensure that all 400kV power lines are placed underground; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27483/07]

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 6 November 2007

523 Deputy Damien English asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he will change regulations to ensure that all 400kV power lines are placed underground; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27483/07]

522 Deputy Damien English asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the amount of planning fees received by each local authority for each of the years 2004, 2005, 2006 and to date in 2007 in tabular readable form. [27468/07]

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 6 November 2007

522 Deputy Damien English asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the amount of planning fees received by each local authority for each of the years 2004, 2005, 2006 and to date in 2007 in tabular readable form. [27468/07]

521 Deputy Damien English asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the number of planning applications made to each local authority for each of the years 2004, 2005, 2006 and to date in 2007 in tabular readable form. [27467/07]

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 6 November 2007

521 Deputy Damien English asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the number of planning applications made to each local authority for each of the years 2004, 2005, 2006 and to date in 2007 in tabular readable form. [27467/07]

520 Deputy Damien English asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the refusal rate for planning permission in each local authority for each of the years 2004, 2005, 2006 and to date in 2007 in tabular readable form. [27466/07]

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 6 November 2007

520 Deputy Damien English asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the refusal rate for planning permission in each local authority for each of the years 2004, 2005, 2006 and to date in 2007 in tabular readable form. [27466/07]

519 Deputy Damien English asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the amount his Department paid for the third quarter in 2007 for car mileage expenses; the amount paid to cover rail and bus ticket expenses; if he will compare these with amounts for the third quarter of 2006; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27465/07]

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 6 November 2007

519 Deputy Damien English asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the amount his Department paid for the third quarter in 2007 for car mileage expenses; the amount paid to cover rail and bus ticket expenses; if he will compare these with amounts for the third quarter of 2006; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27465/07]

518 Deputy Damien English asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government his future plans for the compensation agreed under the special areas of conservation and special protection areas with landowners. [27461/07]

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 6 November 2007

518 Deputy Damien English asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government his future plans for the compensation agreed under the special areas of conservation and special protection areas with landowners. [27461/07]

517 Deputy Damien English asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the status of the draft conservation plans for special areas of conservation and special protection areas; and the position regarding the public consultation process to date in 2007. [27460/07]

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 6 November 2007

517 Deputy Damien English asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the status of the draft conservation plans for special areas of conservation and special protection areas; and the position regarding the public consultation process to date in 2007. [27460/07]

516 Deputy Damien English asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he is satisfied that sufficient resources are available to ensure that requests for information under national and European legislation to his Department are being acknowledged and responded to within the required timeframe. [27459/07]

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 6 November 2007

516 Deputy Damien English asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he is satisfied that sufficient resources are available to ensure that requests for information under national and European legislation to his Department are being acknowledged and responded to within the required timeframe. [27459/07]

515 Deputy Damien English asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he will report on gender balance at each grade in his Department and in agencies that come under the aegis of his Department. [27457/07]

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 6 November 2007

515 Deputy Damien English asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he will report on gender balance at each grade in his Department and in agencies that come under the aegis of his Department. [27457/07]

514 Deputy Damien English asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the languages in which his Department’s telephone messages are recorded; and if his Department’s messages include a version in the Irish language. [27456/07]

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 6 November 2007

514 Deputy Damien English asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the languages in which his Department’s telephone messages are recorded; and if his Department’s messages include a version in the Irish language. [27456/07]

513 Deputy Damien English asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the budget for each county development board in 2006 and 2007; if he is satisfied regarding the work being carried out by the respective boards; and his plans to change the functions and structures of the boards. [27455/07]

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 6 November 2007

513 Deputy Damien English asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the budget for each county development board in 2006 and 2007; if he is satisfied regarding the work being carried out by the respective boards; and his plans to change the functions and structures of the boards. [27455/07]

512 Deputy Damien English asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he will appoint a person to deal with the problem of litter as recommended by IBAL; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27454/07]

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 6 November 2007

512 Deputy Damien English asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he will appoint a person to deal with the problem of litter as recommended by IBAL; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27454/07]

511 Deputy Damien English asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the number of people prosecuted for litter offences in the first six months of 2007; the number of on the spot fines made; the way this compares to the first six months of 2006; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27453/07]

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 6 November 2007

511 Deputy Damien English asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the number of people prosecuted for litter offences in the first six months of 2007; the number of on the spot fines made; the way this compares to the first six months of 2006; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27453/07]

510 Deputy Damien English asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the number of people who have a dog licence as of 31 December 2006; the amount of money this raised in 2006; the number of people prosecuted for not having a dog licence; the estimated number of people who do not have a dog licence who own a dog; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27452/07]

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 6 November 2007

510 Deputy Damien English asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the number of people who have a dog licence as of 31 December 2006; the amount of money this raised in 2006; the number of people prosecuted for not having a dog licence; the estimated number of people who do not have a dog licence who own a dog; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27452/07]

509 Deputy Damien English asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the number of radon measuring kits purchased from the Radiological Protection Institute of Ireland since 5 April 2007; the resulting levels of radon; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27451/07]

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 6 November 2007

509 Deputy Damien English asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the number of radon measuring kits purchased from the Radiological Protection Institute of Ireland since 5 April 2007; the resulting levels of radon; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27451/07]

508 Deputy Jim O’Keeffe asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the number of fires leading to death or serious injury in each of the past five years and to date in 2007; and if he has fire safety proposals. [27422/07]

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 6 November 2007

508 Deputy Jim O’Keeffe asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the number of fires leading to death or serious injury in each of the past five years and to date in 2007; and if he has fire safety proposals. [27422/07]

507 Deputy Charlie O’Connor asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he will discuss with South Dublin County Council the proposal made by a group (details supplied) in Dublin 24 to set up a Tallaght community planning forum; if such provision is possible under current legislation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27421/07]

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 6 November 2007

507 Deputy Charlie O’Connor asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he will discuss with South Dublin County Council the proposal made by a group (details supplied) in Dublin 24 to set up a Tallaght community planning forum; if such provision is possible under current legislation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27421/07]

506 Deputy Joe McHugh asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government his Department’s position in relation to major scheme funding with regard to the Rathmullan water scheme; if funding will be released under the water conservation programme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27415/07]

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 6 November 2007

506 Deputy Joe McHugh asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government his Department’s position in relation to major scheme funding with regard to the Rathmullan water scheme; if funding will be released under the water conservation programme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27415/07]

505 Deputy Phil Hogan asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he will engage in consultation with newsagents and newspaper owners to assist them in the implementation of new EU regulations regarding the disposal of unsold papers from January 2008; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27412/07]

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 6 November 2007

505 Deputy Phil Hogan asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he will engage in consultation with newsagents and newspaper owners to assist them in the implementation of new EU regulations regarding the disposal of unsold papers from January 2008; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27412/07]

504 Deputy Lucinda Creighton asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the EU Directives awaiting incorporation into Irish law in his Department; the deadline for incorporation; the date he foresees for implementation of each directive; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27311/07]

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 6 November 2007

504 Deputy Lucinda Creighton asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the EU Directives awaiting incorporation into Irish law in his Department; the deadline for incorporation; the date he foresees for implementation of each directive; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27311/07]

503 Deputy Kieran O’Donnell asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the number and grades of staff employed in Minister for State with responsibility for Older People’s Office; and the annual cost of those staff. [27290/07]

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 6 November 2007

503 Deputy Kieran O’Donnell asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the number and grades of staff employed in Minister for State with responsibility for Older People’s Office; and the annual cost of those staff. [27290/07]

502 Deputy Kieran O’Donnell asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the number and grades of staff employed in Minister for State with special responsibility for Environment and Energy’s Office; and the annual cost of those staff. [27277/07]

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 6 November 2007

502 Deputy Kieran O’Donnell asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the number and grades of staff employed in Minister for State with special responsibility for Environment and Energy’s Office; and the annual cost of those staff. [27277/07]

501 Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the performance objectives set out in respect of posts in which bonuses in his Department are paid; the way the performance is measured; and the way the performance related to the targets set. [27264/07]

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 6 November 2007

501 Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the performance objectives set out in respect of posts in which bonuses in his Department are paid; the way the performance is measured; and the way the performance related to the targets set. [27264/07]

500 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the number, for each Minister of State assigned to his Department, of staff in their private office; the number of these who are civil servants; the number who are not; the cost to the Exchequer of the salaries and expenses in a full year for the civil servants and non civil service staff; if he will provide the information in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27252/07]

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 6 November 2007

500 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the number, for each Minister of State assigned to his Department, of staff in their private office; the number of these who are civil servants; the number who are not; the cost to the Exchequer of the salaries and expenses in a full year for the civil servants and non civil service staff; if he will provide the information in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27252/07]

499 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the number, for each Minister of State assigned to his Department, of staff in their constituency office; the number of these who are civil servants; the number who are not; the cost to the Exchequer of the salaries and expenses in a full year for the civil servants and non civil service staff; if she will provide the information in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27237/07]

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 6 November 2007

499 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the number, for each Minister of State assigned to his Department, of staff in their constituency office; the number of these who are civil servants; the number who are not; the cost to the Exchequer of the salaries and expenses in a full year for the civil servants and non civil service staff; if she will provide the information in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27237/07]

498 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the number of staff in his private office; the number of these who are civil servants; the number who are not; the cost to the Exchequer of the salaries and expenses in a full year for the civil servants and non-civil service staff; if he will provide the information in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27222/07]

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 6 November 2007

498 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the number of staff in his private office; the number of these who are civil servants; the number who are not; the cost to the Exchequer of the salaries and expenses in a full year for the civil servants and non-civil service staff; if he will provide the information in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27222/07]

497 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the number of staff in his constituency office; the number of these who are civil servants; the number who are not; the cost to the Exchequer of the salaries and expenses in a full year for the civil servants and non-civil service staff; if he will provide the information in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27207/07]

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 6 November 2007

497 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the number of staff in his constituency office; the number of these who are civil servants; the number who are not; the cost to the Exchequer of the salaries and expenses in a full year for the civil servants and non-civil service staff; if he will provide the information in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27207/07]

496 Deputy Enda Kenny asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he will examine the need for a town council for Lucan in view of the fact that it now has a population of 38,000 and needs its own dedicated local authority; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27182/07]

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 6 November 2007

496 Deputy Enda Kenny asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he will examine the need for a town council for Lucan in view of the fact that it now has a population of 38,000 and needs its own dedicated local authority; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27182/07]

495 Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he will amend the Derelict Sites Act 1980 to ensure that commercial and residential properties are not allowed to fall into dereliction and that the amended Act be strengthened in order that such properties can be procured by compulsory purchase by local authorities; and if he will ensure that all derelict site fees are fully pursued and collected by local authorities under existing legislation. [27108/07]

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 6 November 2007

495 Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he will amend the Derelict Sites Act 1980 to ensure that commercial and residential properties are not allowed to fall into dereliction and that the amended Act be strengthened in order that such properties can be procured by compulsory purchase by local authorities; and if he will ensure that all derelict site fees are fully pursued and collected by local authorities under existing legislation. [27108/07]

494 Deputy Michael Kennedy asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he will investigate the feasibility of imposing a levy on the sale of cable ties used for public postering and that this levy be disbursed to local authorities to cover their costs in the removal of these cable ties from public utility poles and for the tracking of their use; the legislation that will be needed to do same; if he has proposals in place in relation to these matters; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27067/07]

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 6 November 2007

494 Deputy Michael Kennedy asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he will investigate the feasibility of imposing a levy on the sale of cable ties used for public postering and that this levy be disbursed to local authorities to cover their costs in the removal of these cable ties from public utility poles and for the tracking of their use; the legislation that will be needed to do same; if he has proposals in place in relation to these matters; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27067/07]

493 Deputy John Perry asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government when a rural renewal eligibility inspection will be carried out by officials from his Department for a person (details supplied) in County Sligo; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27041/07]

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 6 November 2007

493 Deputy John Perry asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government when a rural renewal eligibility inspection will be carried out by officials from his Department for a person (details supplied) in County Sligo; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27041/07]

492 Deputy Emmet Stagg asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government further to Parliamentary Question No. 617 of 23 October 2007 and No. 559 of 16 October 2007 if he will answer that part of the question that referred to future provision of water for human consumption for County Kildare and whether plans are being prepared to provide such supply from the River Shannon; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27001/07]

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 6 November 2007

492 Deputy Emmet Stagg asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government further to Parliamentary Question No. 617 of 23 October 2007 and No. 559 of 16 October 2007 if he will answer that part of the question that referred to future provision of water for human consumption for County Kildare and whether plans are being prepared to provide such supply from the River Shannon; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27001/07]

491 Deputy Willie Penrose asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he will take steps to ensure that a mortgage assistance payment due to a person (details supplied) in County Westmeath which has been duly approved, will now be awarded; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26920/07]

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 6 November 2007

491 Deputy Willie Penrose asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he will take steps to ensure that a mortgage assistance payment due to a person (details supplied) in County Westmeath which has been duly approved, will now be awarded; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26920/07]

490 Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he will set out the regulations, including reference to the specific article and paragraph which details when a local authority may attach conditions which make significant changes to the original and advertised planning application, without requiring a separate application; if he will provide this Deputy with any circulars which set out the way a planning authority must act when they make significant changes to an original planning application under conditions; the criteria that is applied to determining what is significant and what is not in these circumstances; his views on whether local authorities acting in this way place potential objectors at a disadvantage; and his plans to require a further notice to be erected or other such means to notify interested parties of the proposed changes to the original proposal for such circumstances. [26888/07]

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 6 November 2007

490 Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he will set out the regulations, including reference to the specific article and paragraph which details when a local authority may attach conditions which make significant changes to the original and advertised planning application, without requiring a separate application; if he will provide this Deputy with any circulars which set out the way a planning authority must act when they make significant changes to an original planning application under conditions; the criteria that is applied to determining what is significant and what is not in these circumstances; his views on whether local authorities acting in this way place potential objectors at a disadvantage; and his plans to require a further notice to be erected or other such means to notify interested parties of the proposed changes to the original proposal for such circumstances. [26888/07]

362 Deputy Enda Kenny asked the Minister for Education and Science her views on whether the learning environment in primary schools in County Mayo where teachers have not been appointed is unduly effected; if she will make arrangements to have this position rectified; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26971/07]

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 6 November 2007

362 Deputy Enda Kenny asked the Minister for Education and Science her views on whether the learning environment in primary schools in County Mayo where teachers have not been appointed is unduly effected; if she will make arrangements to have this position rectified; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26971/07]

343 Deputy Enda Kenny asked the Minister for Education and Science her views on whether the learning environment in primary schools in County Mayo where teachers have not been appointed is unduly affected; if she will make arrangements to have this position rectified; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26873/07]

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 6 November 2007

343 Deputy Enda Kenny asked the Minister for Education and Science her views on whether the learning environment in primary schools in County Mayo where teachers have not been appointed is unduly affected; if she will make arrangements to have this position rectified; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26873/07]

83 Deputy Kathleen Lynch asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if she will revise the conditions of the forestry environment scheme to make it more attractive to farmers; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27083/07]

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 6 November 2007

83 Deputy Kathleen Lynch asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if she will revise the conditions of the forestry environment scheme to make it more attractive to farmers; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27083/07]

68 Deputy Ciarán Lynch asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if she plans to address the anomalies in the REP scheme where commonage land does not qualify for the mixed grazing supplementary top-up of €1000; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27082/07]

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 6 November 2007

68 Deputy Ciarán Lynch asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if she plans to address the anomalies in the REP scheme where commonage land does not qualify for the mixed grazing supplementary top-up of €1000; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27082/07]

Flexibility in Rebuilding American Fisheries Act of 2007

United States · United States Congress · 6 November 2007

Flexibility in Rebuilding American Fisheries Act of 2007 - Amends the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act to require fishery management plans, amendments, or regulations for overfished fisheries to specify a time period for ending overfishing and rebuilding the fishery that is as short as practicable. (Current law requires that the time period be as short as possible.) Modifies the exceptions to the requirement that such period not exceed ten years. Requires, when the Secretary of Commerce extends the period under specified provisions, that the maximum rebuilding time not exceed the sum of the initial ten-year period, the expected time to rebuild the stock absent any fishing mortality and under prevailing environmental conditions, and the mean generation time of the stock.

Order of the Court of First Instance (First Chamber) of 6 November 2007.#Cemex UK Cement Ltd v Commission of the European Communities.#Action for annulment - Environment - Directive 2003/87/EC - Scheme for greenhouse gas emission allowance trading - Commission Decision approving the United Kingdom national allocation plan for emission allowances - Competence of the Member States as regards the individual allocation of emission allowances - Lack of direct and individual concern - Inadmissibility.#Case T-13/07.

European Union · Court of Justice of the European Union · 6 November 2007

Renewable Fuels Strategy Act of 2007

United States · United States Congress · 5 November 2007

Renewable Fuels Strategy Act of 2007 - Expresses the sense of Congress that U.S. agricultural, forest, and working land should: (1) provide from renewable resources at least 25% of the total energy consumed in the United States; and (2) continue to produce safe, abundant, and affordable food, feed, and fiber. Amends federal transportation law to require the manufacture each model year of increasing percentages of flexible fuel automobiles. Sets forth a minimum renewable fuels infrastructure assurance program under which the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) shall issue regulations to ensure the installation of renewable fuel pumps, including a system of production credits. Instructs the Director of the National Institute of Standards and Technology to develop standards for biofuel dispenser systems. Amends the Petroleum Marketing Practices Act to prohibit any franchisor from restricting a franchisee from installing alternative fuel pumps or selling alternative fuel. Directs the Secretary of Energy to establish grants for: (1) state, tribal, and local governments to implement an infrastructure corridors program for renewable fuels; and (2) installation, replacement, or conversion of motor fuel storage and dispensing infrastructure for renewable fuel. Amends the Energy Policy Act of 2005 to instruct the Secretary to implement a research, development, and demonstration program regarding infrastructure for existing transportation fuel distribution and new alternative distribution. Directs the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) to prescribe regulations requiring manufacturers of automobiles to prominently display a permanent badge or emblem on each automobile that indicates it is capable of operating on alternative fuel. Amends the Energy Policy Act of 1992 to set forth a federal agency renewable fuel purchasing requirement. Amends the Energy Policy and Conservation Act (EPCA) to require that flexible fuel vehicles of the federal fleet be operated on alternative fuels. Requires the head of each federal agency to install a renewable fuel pump at each domestic federal fleet fueling center under its jurisdiction. Authorizes public access to federal alternative refueling stations. Authorizes construction of a Capitol complex renewable fuel refueling station.

Global Change Research Improvement Act of 2007

United States · United States Congress · 5 November 2007

Global Change Research Improvement Act of 2007 - Amends the Global Change Research Act of 1990 to: (1) rename the Committee on Earth and Environmental Sciences as the Committee on Global Change Research; (2) revise requirements governing such Committee, including requiring the Committee to develop a strategic plan for the U.S. Global Change Research Program; (3) establish an Integrated Program Office for such Program in the Office of Science and Technology Policy; (4) authorize funding for the National Science Foundation (NSF) for research grants on climate change; and (5) repeal a declaration that such Act does not preclude or delay federal planning or action to address the threats of stratospheric ozone depletion or global climate change. Requires the NSF Director and the Administrator of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) to arrange with the National Academy of Sciences to study the: (1) status of ice sheet melt and movement; and (2) science on the potential impacts of climate change on patterns of tropical cyclone development. Requires the President to establish guidelines and implement a plan that requires specified agencies to adopt policies to ensure the integrity of scientific communications. Requires the Administrator to implement a program to address aging work force issues in climate science, global change, and certain other research focuses. Amends the National Climate Program Act to direct the Secretary of Commerce to establish within NOAA a National Climate Service. Requires the Administrator to appoint a National Climate Service Advisory Council. Amends the National Science and Technology Policy, Organization, and Priorities Act of 1976 to establish within the legislative branch a Science and Technology Assessment Service, to consist of a Science and Technology Board and a Director, to coordinate and develop information for Congress relating to the uses and application of technology. Amends the National Institute of Standards and Technology Act to authorize the Secretary to perform research to develop enhanced measurements, calibrations, standards, and technologies to enable the reduction of greenhouse gases (GHG). Requires: (1) the Secretary to develop standards and measurement technologies to calculate GHGs; (2) the Director of the Institute to establish a research program on climate change standards and processes; (3) the Institute's National Measurement Laboratories to conduct specified research on developing material and manufacturing processes designed for energy efficiency and reduced GHG emissions; and (4) the Director to utilize the National Voluntary Laboratory Accreditation Program to establish a program to satisfy the needs for accreditation in measuring GHG production. Authorizes the Director, through the Manufacturing Extension Partnership Program, to develop a program to support the implementation of new green manufacturing technologies and techniques by small business manufacturers. Requires the Secretary to establish within NOAA a program of scientific research on abrupt climate change.

To amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to extend certain expiring provisions, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 5 November 2007

Amends the Internal Revenue Code to extend through 2009: (1) the taxpayer election to expense certain environmental remediation costs; (2) the energy efficient appliance tax credit; and (3) the tax deduction for certain expenses of elementary and secondary school teachers. Increases the maximum allowable amount of such deduction to $500.

Veterinärrechtsänderungsgesetz 2007

Austria · National Council · 2 November 2007

Bundesgesetz, mit dem das Tierseuchengesetz, das Arzneiwareneinfuhrgesetz 2002, das Tierarzneimittelkontrollgesetz und das Rezeptpflichtgesetz geändert werden (Veterinärrechtsänderungsgesetz 2007)

Tierschutzgesetz, Änderung

Austria · National Council · 2 November 2007

Bundesgesetz, mit dem das Tierschutzgesetz geändert wird

218 Deputy Jim O’Keeffe asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he will detail and itemise the performance based bonuses or other bonuses paid to Secretaries General and Assistant Secretaries in his Department and Offices in the past 12 months; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26810/07]

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 1 November 2007

218 Deputy Jim O’Keeffe asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he will detail and itemise the performance based bonuses or other bonuses paid to Secretaries General and Assistant Secretaries in his Department and Offices in the past 12 months; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26810/07]