Environment

450 Mr. P. McGrath asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government when he is likely to publish the Construction Industry Federation Bill; the stage the proposed Bill is at; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23447/04]

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 5 October 2004

450 Mr. P. McGrath asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government when he is likely to publish the Construction Industry Federation Bill; the stage the proposed Bill is at; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23447/04]

449 Ms B. Moynihan-Cronin asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if his Department’s website is up to date; the frequency with which it is updated; if all press releases from his Department are posted on the website; if so the frequency with which they are posted; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23438/04]

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 5 October 2004

449 Ms B. Moynihan-Cronin asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if his Department’s website is up to date; the frequency with which it is updated; if all press releases from his Department are posted on the website; if so the frequency with which they are posted; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23438/04]

448 Mr. Naughten asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if funding will be approved for the upgrading of the west Roscommon water supply scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23405/04]

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 5 October 2004

448 Mr. Naughten asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if funding will be approved for the upgrading of the west Roscommon water supply scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23405/04]

447 Mr. Penrose asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the timescale for the finalisation of the draft national action programme under the nitrates directive; if, with regard to page 13 of the said draft, consideration will be given to amend the assertion made therein, that under no circumstances may nitrate be applied to cereal or tillage crops during the autumn and winter period; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23341/04]

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 5 October 2004

447 Mr. Penrose asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the timescale for the finalisation of the draft national action programme under the nitrates directive; if, with regard to page 13 of the said draft, consideration will be given to amend the assertion made therein, that under no circumstances may nitrate be applied to cereal or tillage crops during the autumn and winter period; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23341/04]

446 Mr. J. Bruton asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he has received a request for the statutory designation of Newcastle Lough as a natural heritage area at Kilmainhamwood, Kells, County Meath; if the question of designation of such locations will be decided during 2005; and if not the reason therefor. [23237/04]

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 5 October 2004

446 Mr. J. Bruton asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he has received a request for the statutory designation of Newcastle Lough as a natural heritage area at Kilmainhamwood, Kells, County Meath; if the question of designation of such locations will be decided during 2005; and if not the reason therefor. [23237/04]

445 Mr. O’Shea asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the proposals he has in regard to overhauling or replacing the totally unsatisfactory public water supply in the Ring Gaeltacht, County Waterford; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23222/04]

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 5 October 2004

445 Mr. O’Shea asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the proposals he has in regard to overhauling or replacing the totally unsatisfactory public water supply in the Ring Gaeltacht, County Waterford; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23222/04]

444 Mr. Neville asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the position regarding the five year housing plan submitted by Limerick County Council to his Department. [23200/04]

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 5 October 2004

444 Mr. Neville asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the position regarding the five year housing plan submitted by Limerick County Council to his Department. [23200/04]

443 Mr. Wall asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government his Department’s plans to investigate the provision of extra funding for the home improvement scheme for the elderly as operated by the South West Area Health Board; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23498/04]

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 5 October 2004

443 Mr. Wall asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government his Department’s plans to investigate the provision of extra funding for the home improvement scheme for the elderly as operated by the South West Area Health Board; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23498/04]

257 Mr. Penrose asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the reason her Department is seeking repayment from the estate of a person (details supplied) in County Westmeath; the further reason the spouse of the person was not allowed to continue for the final and fifth year of the REP scheme plan; if she will take steps to have the matter reviewed; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [23334/04]

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 5 October 2004

257 Mr. Penrose asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the reason her Department is seeking repayment from the estate of a person (details supplied) in County Westmeath; the further reason the spouse of the person was not allowed to continue for the final and fifth year of the REP scheme plan; if she will take steps to have the matter reviewed; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [23334/04]

Emergency Supplemental Appropriations for Hurricane Disasters Assistance Act, 2005

United States · United States Congress · 5 October 2004

Emergency Supplemental Appropriations for Hurricane Disasters Assistance Act, 2005 - Makes FY 2005 emergency supplemental appropriations for additional storm disaster assistance to: (1) the Department of Agriculture for the Forest Service for the National Forest System, including for capital improvements and maintenance; (2) the Department of Commerce for the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration for operations, research, and facilities, procurement, acquisition, and construction; (3) the Department of Defense for military personnel for the Navy and Airforce, operation and maintenance of the Army, Navy, Airforce, Defense-Wide, Army Reserve, Navy Reserve, Army National Guard and Air National Guard, the Defense Health Program, Other Procurement, Air Force and Procurement, Defense-Wide, military construction for the Navy and Army Reserve, the Base Realignment and Closure Account, Family Housing, Operation and Maintenance, Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Air Force, and the Working Capital Fund, Defense-Wide; (4) the Department of Health and Human Services for the Public Health and Social Services Emergency Fund; (5) the Department of Homeland Security for the Disaster Relief Fund; (6) the U.S. Coast Guard for operating expenses; (7) the Department of Housing and Urban Development for the Community Development Fund; (8) the Department of the Interior for the U.S. Geological Survey for surveys, investigations, and research, the Fish and Wildlife Service for resource management and for construction, the National Park Service for construction and major maintenance; (9) the Department of Justice for the Federal Prison System for buildings, facilities, salaries, and expenses; (10) the Department of Transportation for the Federal Aviation Administration for operations, emergency assistance to airports (to be derived from the Airport and Airway Trust Fund), the Federal Highway Administration for the Emergency Relief Program (to be derived from the Highway Trust Fund other than the Mass Transit Account); (11) the Department of Veterans Affairs for the Veterans Health Administration for medical services, facilities, and administration, for general operating expenses, the National Cemetery Administration, and construction and minor projects; (12) the Corps of Engineers-Civil Works for general operation and maintenance, flood control and coastal emergencies, and Flood Control, Mississippi River and Tributaries, Arkansas, Illinois, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri, and Tennessee; (13) the Environmental Protection Agency for buildings and facilities; (14) the Agency for International Development for International Disaster and Famine Assistance; (15) the National Aeronautics and Space Administration for space flight capabilities; (16) the Small Business Administration for the Disaster Loans Program Account; and (17) the Executive Office of the President for unanticipated needs.

Commission Regulation (EC) No 1733/2004 of 5 October 2004 amending Regulation (EC) No 635/2004 fixing the exchange rates applicable to certain direct aids and structural or environmental measures in 2004

European Union · EUR-Lex · 5 October 2004

Kerosin-Ablass der vom Flughafen Zürich-Kloten startenden Flugzeuge ausschließlich über dem Südwesten Baden-Württembergs; Auswirkungen auf Gesundheit und Umwelt (G-SIG: 15042862)

Germany · German Bundestag · 1 October 2004

255 Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if there have been discussions between officials of his Department and the health boards and local authorities regarding the need to provide appropriate housing in the community which can address the accommodation needs of persons with schizophrenia and their carers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23147/04]

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 30 September 2004

255 Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if there have been discussions between officials of his Department and the health boards and local authorities regarding the need to provide appropriate housing in the community which can address the accommodation needs of persons with schizophrenia and their carers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23147/04]

254 Mr. Boyle asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the role his Department plays in monitoring the quality of performance of builders and building companies in the area of house repairs and renovations. [23132/04]

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 30 September 2004

254 Mr. Boyle asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the role his Department plays in monitoring the quality of performance of builders and building companies in the area of house repairs and renovations. [23132/04]

252 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the number of persons on waiting lists in respect of the disabled person’s grant scheme throughout the country; the action he proposes to take to address this serious issue; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23085/04]

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 30 September 2004

252 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the number of persons on waiting lists in respect of the disabled person’s grant scheme throughout the country; the action he proposes to take to address this serious issue; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23085/04]

251 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the extent to which he has examined areas of substandard housing throughout the country; if he has plans or proposals to address the issue; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23084/04]

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 30 September 2004

251 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the extent to which he has examined areas of substandard housing throughout the country; if he has plans or proposals to address the issue; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23084/04]

250 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the extent to which he proposes to take steps to prevent the destruction of national monuments, sites or buildings in the course of road or other building requirements, having due regard for the economic need and the potential to re-route such developments away from sensitive areas; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23083/04]

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 30 September 2004

250 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the extent to which he proposes to take steps to prevent the destruction of national monuments, sites or buildings in the course of road or other building requirements, having due regard for the economic need and the potential to re-route such developments away from sensitive areas; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23083/04]

249 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the plans he has to avoid the repetition of procrastinated discussions, debate and legal action with serious financial consequences in the context of road or other modern development works that appear to impinge on historic sites or monuments; if he has given any instructions to the relevant authorities on the issue; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23082/04]

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 30 September 2004

249 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the plans he has to avoid the repetition of procrastinated discussions, debate and legal action with serious financial consequences in the context of road or other modern development works that appear to impinge on historic sites or monuments; if he has given any instructions to the relevant authorities on the issue; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23082/04]

248 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if his attention has been drawn to the recent concerns expressed in respect of over pricing in the housing market; if he proposes to take steps to address the issues raised; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23081/04]

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 30 September 2004

248 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if his attention has been drawn to the recent concerns expressed in respect of over pricing in the housing market; if he proposes to take steps to address the issues raised; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23081/04]

247 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the number of families accommodated to date since the initiation of the affordable housing initiative; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23080/04]

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 30 September 2004

247 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the number of families accommodated to date since the initiation of the affordable housing initiative; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23080/04]

246 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the number of national monuments or sites currently under archaeological investigation or in the course of excavation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23079/04]

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 30 September 2004

246 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the number of national monuments or sites currently under archaeological investigation or in the course of excavation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23079/04]

245 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the further expenditure he intends to undertake in respect of electronic voting; the total moneys expended to date in this regard; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23078/04]

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 30 September 2004

245 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the further expenditure he intends to undertake in respect of electronic voting; the total moneys expended to date in this regard; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23078/04]

244 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government his Department’s policy in respect of landfill sites; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23077/04]

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 30 September 2004

244 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government his Department’s policy in respect of landfill sites; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23077/04]

243 Ms O. Mitchell asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the number of employees in each county and city council for the month of June for 2002 to 2004 inclusive. [23070/04]

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 30 September 2004

243 Ms O. Mitchell asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the number of employees in each county and city council for the month of June for 2002 to 2004 inclusive. [23070/04]

242 Mr. McGuinness asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if applications from Kilkenny County Council and Kilkenny Borough Council under the central heating programme 2004 have been approved; if so, the level of grant being made available; if the €12 million has been allocated; and if so, the amount allocated to each local authority. [23053/04]

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 30 September 2004

242 Mr. McGuinness asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if applications from Kilkenny County Council and Kilkenny Borough Council under the central heating programme 2004 have been approved; if so, the level of grant being made available; if the €12 million has been allocated; and if so, the amount allocated to each local authority. [23053/04]

241 Mr. McHugh asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he will give approval for a project (details supplied) in County Galway to proceed to construction stage. [23049/04]

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 30 September 2004

241 Mr. McHugh asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he will give approval for a project (details supplied) in County Galway to proceed to construction stage. [23049/04]

240 Mr. Stagg asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government, further to Question No. 388 of 6 April 2004, if additional funding will be made available to Kildare County Council to carry out upgrading of local roads in the Straffan area in addition to the direct links between the M4 and the N7; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23037/04]

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 30 September 2004

240 Mr. Stagg asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government, further to Question No. 388 of 6 April 2004, if additional funding will be made available to Kildare County Council to carry out upgrading of local roads in the Straffan area in addition to the direct links between the M4 and the N7; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23037/04]

239 Mr. Connaughton asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government when the upgrade of the water supply to Loughrea town, County Galway, will take place; if this project will include the provision of a water pipeline to Kilrickle to supply the needs of over 100 houses which have had no proper water supply for over 25 years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23035/04]

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 30 September 2004

239 Mr. Connaughton asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government when the upgrade of the water supply to Loughrea town, County Galway, will take place; if this project will include the provision of a water pipeline to Kilrickle to supply the needs of over 100 houses which have had no proper water supply for over 25 years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23035/04]

95 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the position in regard to participation in the REP scheme in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [23099/04]

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 30 September 2004

95 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the position in regard to participation in the REP scheme in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [23099/04]

93 Mr. Crawford asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the reason she urged farmers to apply for the REP scheme and yet failed to provide the staff and overtime to allow the files to be processed; her views on whether farmers have a right to feel aggrieved that moneys due to them in July 2004 have still not been paid three months later; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [23024/04]

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 30 September 2004

93 Mr. Crawford asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the reason she urged farmers to apply for the REP scheme and yet failed to provide the staff and overtime to allow the files to be processed; her views on whether farmers have a right to feel aggrieved that moneys due to them in July 2004 have still not been paid three months later; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [23024/04]

76 Mr. Howlin asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the estimated cost to the Exchequer of work to decontaminate a site (details supplied) in County Cork, following the recent decision of the High Court that the liquidator was not responsible for these costs; the steps being taken to ensure the decontamination of the site; when it is expected that this work will be completed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22569/04]

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 30 September 2004

76 Mr. Howlin asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the estimated cost to the Exchequer of work to decontaminate a site (details supplied) in County Cork, following the recent decision of the High Court that the liquidator was not responsible for these costs; the steps being taken to ensure the decontamination of the site; when it is expected that this work will be completed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22569/04]

75 Ms O’Sullivan asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the progress made to date in the review of the retail planning guidelines relating to floor-space cap on retail warehouses; when he expects that the process will be completed, in view of the fact that he told Dáil Éireann on 2 June 2004 that it would be finished shortly; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22579/04]

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 30 September 2004

75 Ms O’Sullivan asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the progress made to date in the review of the retail planning guidelines relating to floor-space cap on retail warehouses; when he expects that the process will be completed, in view of the fact that he told Dáil Éireann on 2 June 2004 that it would be finished shortly; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22579/04]

73 Ms Burton asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he intends to implement the reported recommendation of the NESC that the Government should introduce measures to assist first-time buyers to meet the cost of the deposit on a new house; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22561/04]

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 30 September 2004

73 Ms Burton asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he intends to implement the reported recommendation of the NESC that the Government should introduce measures to assist first-time buyers to meet the cost of the deposit on a new house; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22561/04]

72 Dr. Upton asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if his attention has been drawn to the major problem caused by feral cats; if he has plans to introduce legislation to deal with this problem; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20079/04]

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 30 September 2004

72 Dr. Upton asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if his attention has been drawn to the major problem caused by feral cats; if he has plans to introduce legislation to deal with this problem; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20079/04]

69 Mr. Sargent asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he will elaborate on statements he made at the Association of Municipal Authorities of Ireland’s 91st annual conference in Listowel recently regarding the reason county managers and town clerks have yet to apply for grants of €300 million from his Department; the projects which would qualify for allocation of such grants in view of the extensive need for community facilities such as playgrounds; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22624/04]

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 30 September 2004

69 Mr. Sargent asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he will elaborate on statements he made at the Association of Municipal Authorities of Ireland’s 91st annual conference in Listowel recently regarding the reason county managers and town clerks have yet to apply for grants of €300 million from his Department; the projects which would qualify for allocation of such grants in view of the extensive need for community facilities such as playgrounds; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22624/04]

68 Mr. Penrose asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government his view on the report of the Standards in Public Office Commission into the operation of the electoral Act; his views on the argument made by the commission that there is no case for increasing spending limits for general elections and its warning of the dangers of increasing donation limits; the position with regard to his review of the Electoral Act 1997; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22581/04]

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 30 September 2004

68 Mr. Penrose asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government his view on the report of the Standards in Public Office Commission into the operation of the electoral Act; his views on the argument made by the commission that there is no case for increasing spending limits for general elections and its warning of the dangers of increasing donation limits; the position with regard to his review of the Electoral Act 1997; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22581/04]

67 Mr. Crowe asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government when the review of local authority SPCs will be completed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22611/04]

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 30 September 2004

67 Mr. Crowe asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government when the review of local authority SPCs will be completed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22611/04]

66 Mr. Rabbitte asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the position with regard to the promised regulations concerning end of life vehicles; when the regulations will come into operation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22584/04]

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 30 September 2004

66 Mr. Rabbitte asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the position with regard to the promised regulations concerning end of life vehicles; when the regulations will come into operation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22584/04]

64 Mr. Eamon Ryan asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government his plans to ensure that Ireland complies with European directives to increase insulation standards in buildings; and if his attention has been drawn to the fact that house prices are likely to be affected in the future according to their performance in terms of energy efficiency. [22635/04]

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 30 September 2004

64 Mr. Eamon Ryan asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government his plans to ensure that Ireland complies with European directives to increase insulation standards in buildings; and if his attention has been drawn to the fact that house prices are likely to be affected in the future according to their performance in terms of energy efficiency. [22635/04]

63 Mr. Wall asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if his attention has been drawn to the severe difficulties created for elderly persons and those with disability due to the inability of local authorities to meet demands for payments under the disabled person’s grant; if he will provide additional funding for councils in order to allow them to meet this urgent need; if he will consider placing the scheme on a statutory basis; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22587/04]

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 30 September 2004

63 Mr. Wall asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if his attention has been drawn to the severe difficulties created for elderly persons and those with disability due to the inability of local authorities to meet demands for payments under the disabled person’s grant; if he will provide additional funding for councils in order to allow them to meet this urgent need; if he will consider placing the scheme on a statutory basis; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22587/04]

62 Mr. Quinn asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if his attention has been drawn to the recent report from the EU Commission that Ireland has one of the worst records among member states in implementing EU directives on the environment and the earlier statement from Commissioner Wallstrom that failure to apply EU law meant that citizens here are not receiving the level of environmental protection to which they are entitled; his views on these criticisms; the steps he is taking to address them; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22583/04]

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 30 September 2004

62 Mr. Quinn asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if his attention has been drawn to the recent report from the EU Commission that Ireland has one of the worst records among member states in implementing EU directives on the environment and the earlier statement from Commissioner Wallstrom that failure to apply EU law meant that citizens here are not receiving the level of environmental protection to which they are entitled; his views on these criticisms; the steps he is taking to address them; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22583/04]

59 Mr. Costello asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he has received the report of the National Traveller Accommodation Consultative Committee on the review of the Housing (Traveller Accommodation) Act 1998; if he will report on the main findings of the report; the action he intends to take arising from the report; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22565/04]

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 30 September 2004

59 Mr. Costello asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he has received the report of the National Traveller Accommodation Consultative Committee on the review of the Housing (Traveller Accommodation) Act 1998; if he will report on the main findings of the report; the action he intends to take arising from the report; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22565/04]

253 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the reason adequate finances have not been provided to Kildare County Council to facilitate requirements under the disabled persons grant scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23086/04]

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 30 September 2004

253 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the reason adequate finances have not been provided to Kildare County Council to facilitate requirements under the disabled persons grant scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23086/04]

58 Mr. Stagg asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if his attention has been drawn to the fact that the disabled persons grant and the essential repairs grant schemes have ceased in County Kildare due to a shortfall in finance of €4 million; if the provision of additional finance will be arranged for the council to allow the backlog of applications to be cleared and the acceptance of new applications; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22588/04]

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 30 September 2004

58 Mr. Stagg asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if his attention has been drawn to the fact that the disabled persons grant and the essential repairs grant schemes have ceased in County Kildare due to a shortfall in finance of €4 million; if the provision of additional finance will be arranged for the council to allow the backlog of applications to be cleared and the acceptance of new applications; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22588/04]

57 Ms O’Sullivan asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he will report on the main provisions of the proposed National Infrastructure Bill; if the heads of the Bill have been brought before Government and approved; when the Bill is likely to be published and brought before Dáil Éireann; if it is intended that incinerators will fall within the remit of the National Infrastructure Board; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22578/04]

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 30 September 2004

57 Ms O’Sullivan asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he will report on the main provisions of the proposed National Infrastructure Bill; if the heads of the Bill have been brought before Government and approved; when the Bill is likely to be published and brought before Dáil Éireann; if it is intended that incinerators will fall within the remit of the National Infrastructure Board; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22578/04]

55 Mr. Quinn asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he will list the cases in which the European Commission has initiated legal action or announced that it intends to take legal action arising from the failure by this country to implement EU directives for which his Department has responsibility; the steps he is taking to ensure that all of these directives are implemented in full; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22582/04]

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 30 September 2004

55 Mr. Quinn asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he will list the cases in which the European Commission has initiated legal action or announced that it intends to take legal action arising from the failure by this country to implement EU directives for which his Department has responsibility; the steps he is taking to ensure that all of these directives are implemented in full; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22582/04]

54 Ms Lynch asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if his attention has been drawn to the procedural difficulties experienced by Wicklow County Council and other councils in regard to finalisation of draft development plans; if he intends to introduce amendments to the planning legislation to address these difficulties; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22571/04]

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 30 September 2004

54 Ms Lynch asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if his attention has been drawn to the procedural difficulties experienced by Wicklow County Council and other councils in regard to finalisation of draft development plans; if he intends to introduce amendments to the planning legislation to address these difficulties; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22571/04]

74 Ms McManus asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he has received further reports from the electronic voting commission; if not, when he expects to receive further reports; if it is intended to use electronic voting in by-elections that may be held; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22572/04]

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 30 September 2004

74 Ms McManus asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he has received further reports from the electronic voting commission; if not, when he expects to receive further reports; if it is intended to use electronic voting in by-elections that may be held; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22572/04]

70 Mr. Cuffe asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he has studied the recent referendum in Venezuela in which both manual and electronic voting was used; and his views on whether elements of its voting system can be incorporated into this country’s voting system. [22626/04]

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 30 September 2004

70 Mr. Cuffe asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he has studied the recent referendum in Venezuela in which both manual and electronic voting was used; and his views on whether elements of its voting system can be incorporated into this country’s voting system. [22626/04]

53 Mr. Allen asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the locations at which the electronic voting machines are stored; the number of machines in each location; the annual cost of storage at each location; and if he proposes to use these machines in the forthcoming by-elections in Kildare and Meath. [22602/04]

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 30 September 2004

53 Mr. Allen asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the locations at which the electronic voting machines are stored; the number of machines in each location; the annual cost of storage at each location; and if he proposes to use these machines in the forthcoming by-elections in Kildare and Meath. [22602/04]