Environment

434 Mr. Kehoe asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the funding provided by his Department for sheltered housing units in County Wexford in 2004 and to date in 2005; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39702/05]

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 15 December 2005

434 Mr. Kehoe asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the funding provided by his Department for sheltered housing units in County Wexford in 2004 and to date in 2005; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39702/05]

433 Mr. Naughten asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he will purchase lands currently for sale in the village of Tulsk, County Roscommon (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39925/05]

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 15 December 2005

433 Mr. Naughten asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he will purchase lands currently for sale in the village of Tulsk, County Roscommon (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39925/05]

249 Mr. Penrose asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food if she has received correspondence from a person (details supplied) in County Westmeath in regard to the REP scheme payment; if this payment will be paid out without any further delay; if she will investigate the reason the payment of same has been delayed and the person who made the decision thereto; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [39740/05]

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 15 December 2005

249 Mr. Penrose asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food if she has received correspondence from a person (details supplied) in County Westmeath in regard to the REP scheme payment; if this payment will be paid out without any further delay; if she will investigate the reason the payment of same has been delayed and the person who made the decision thereto; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [39740/05]

Clean Water Trust Act of 2005

United States · United States Congress · 15 December 2005

Clean Water Trust Act of 2005 - Amends the Federal Water Pollution Control Act (FWPCA) to establish in the Treasury the Clean Water Trust Fund, to be funded by user fees, to finance certain FWPCA programs and activities, including: (1) water pollution reduction and control; (2) technical assistance for small rural communities; (3) the National Center for Utility Management; (4) grants to states and interstate agencies to assist in the management of pollution control programs; (5) watershed pilot projects; (6) regional water pollution control; (7) alternative water source projects; (8) sewer overflow control; (9) fisheries habitat protection, restoration, and enhancement; and (10) wetlands restoration. Authorizes the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to make grants to nonprofit organizations to: (1) provide technical assistance to rural and small municipalities for wastewater infrastructure financing; and (2) establish a National Center for Utility Management to promote improved management of public wastewater utilities. Revises: (1) eligibility requirements for grants for sewage collection systems; and (2) state water pollution revolving fund provisions. Establishes a grant program under FWPCA to address the most serious water pollution problems. Authorizes the Administrator to: (1) make grants to states, nonprofit organizations, and other entities for fresh water, estuarine, and marine fisheries habitat protection, preservation, and restoration; and (2) make grants to states for wetlands restoration. Revises funding allocations for state water pollution control projects and activities serving Indian tribes and reservations.

348 Mr. Wall asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if his Department will allocate money for environmental works to be carried out on an estate (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39629/05]

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 14 December 2005

348 Mr. Wall asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if his Department will allocate money for environmental works to be carried out on an estate (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39629/05]

347 Mr. Wall asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if his attention has been drawn to the need for upgrading works to be carried out on an estate (detailssupplied) in County Kildare; if funding is available to carry out such work; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39628/05]

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 14 December 2005

347 Mr. Wall asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if his attention has been drawn to the need for upgrading works to be carried out on an estate (detailssupplied) in County Kildare; if funding is available to carry out such work; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39628/05]

346 Mr. Kehoe asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he will increase the level of capital funding for secondary roads in County Wexford in view of the dangerous condition of many of these roads in the south and west of the county due to a lack of resources. [39507/05]

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 14 December 2005

346 Mr. Kehoe asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he will increase the level of capital funding for secondary roads in County Wexford in view of the dangerous condition of many of these roads in the south and west of the county due to a lack of resources. [39507/05]

345 Mr. Kehoe asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government his views on whether there is an urgent and growing need for sheltered housing in Enniscorthy, County Wexford; his plans for providing a higher level of capital funding for sheltered housing; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39505/05]

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 14 December 2005

345 Mr. Kehoe asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government his views on whether there is an urgent and growing need for sheltered housing in Enniscorthy, County Wexford; his plans for providing a higher level of capital funding for sheltered housing; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39505/05]

344 Mr. Perry asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the ministerial orders or directives he has issued on the provision of a new fire station in Ballymote, County Sligo; if his attention has been drawn to the fact that the present facility is totally inadequate, contravening the health and safety regulations; if his attention has further been drawn to the fact that Ballymote fire station serves a rapidly growing population centre and needs facilities where firefighters can train to further enhance their skills; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39450/05]

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 14 December 2005

344 Mr. Perry asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the ministerial orders or directives he has issued on the provision of a new fire station in Ballymote, County Sligo; if his attention has been drawn to the fact that the present facility is totally inadequate, contravening the health and safety regulations; if his attention has further been drawn to the fact that Ballymote fire station serves a rapidly growing population centre and needs facilities where firefighters can train to further enhance their skills; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39450/05]

343 Mr. Stagg asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the number of persons who are homeless and without shelter in Dublin city and who are obliged to sleep in the open each night; if his attention has been drawn to the fact that a number of such persons have died of the cold as a result since the onset of winter; and his plans to provide emergency shelter to prevent further deaths in 2005. [39447/05]

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 14 December 2005

343 Mr. Stagg asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the number of persons who are homeless and without shelter in Dublin city and who are obliged to sleep in the open each night; if his attention has been drawn to the fact that a number of such persons have died of the cold as a result since the onset of winter; and his plans to provide emergency shelter to prevent further deaths in 2005. [39447/05]

342 Ms C. Murphy asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if an amendment to the Planning and Development Act 2000 will be made to allow ownership of a certain portion of the overall number of child care facilities built as a condition of planning permission to be handed over by the developer to the relevant planning authority in order that same can be leased to not for profit community child care groups; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39446/05]

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 14 December 2005

342 Ms C. Murphy asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if an amendment to the Planning and Development Act 2000 will be made to allow ownership of a certain portion of the overall number of child care facilities built as a condition of planning permission to be handed over by the developer to the relevant planning authority in order that same can be leased to not for profit community child care groups; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39446/05]

341 Mr. Wall asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if the cap of €165,000 in regard to shared ownership applications will be increased or raised in view of the cost of housing; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39441/05]

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 14 December 2005

341 Mr. Wall asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if the cap of €165,000 in regard to shared ownership applications will be increased or raised in view of the cost of housing; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39441/05]

340 Mr. Wall asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the number of applications for reconstruction loans by local authorities in each of the past three years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39440/05]

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 14 December 2005

340 Mr. Wall asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the number of applications for reconstruction loans by local authorities in each of the past three years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39440/05]

339 Mr. Wall asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the agencies or bodies his Department provides funding to or is administratively responsible for, and those agencies and bodies that his Department is responsible for in respect of Government policy; and if he will make a statement on the matter [39425/05]

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 14 December 2005

339 Mr. Wall asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the agencies or bodies his Department provides funding to or is administratively responsible for, and those agencies and bodies that his Department is responsible for in respect of Government policy; and if he will make a statement on the matter [39425/05]

338 Mr. Penrose asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the position with the remedial work scheme in respect of Dalton Park, Mullingar, County Westmeath; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39328/05]

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 14 December 2005

338 Mr. Penrose asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the position with the remedial work scheme in respect of Dalton Park, Mullingar, County Westmeath; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39328/05]

337 Mr. Deenihan asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if his attention has been drawn to the recent High Court judgment on planning irregularities within Dublin City Council’s planning department including the clear abuse of the planning process by senior planning officials; the action he intends to take to put procedures in place to ensure accountability not only in Dublin City Council but in every local authority in the country to protect persons and to ensure due process exists for all citizens; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39327/05]

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 14 December 2005

337 Mr. Deenihan asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if his attention has been drawn to the recent High Court judgment on planning irregularities within Dublin City Council’s planning department including the clear abuse of the planning process by senior planning officials; the action he intends to take to put procedures in place to ensure accountability not only in Dublin City Council but in every local authority in the country to protect persons and to ensure due process exists for all citizens; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39327/05]

336 Ms C. Murphy asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if a policy directive will issue to local authorities under section 29 of the Planning and Development Act 2000 regarding keeping free from further housing development the open spaces within housing estates that were a requirement under planning law when the permission was granted but were not vested in the local authority and are technically held by the developer; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39326/05]

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 14 December 2005

336 Ms C. Murphy asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if a policy directive will issue to local authorities under section 29 of the Planning and Development Act 2000 regarding keeping free from further housing development the open spaces within housing estates that were a requirement under planning law when the permission was granted but were not vested in the local authority and are technically held by the developer; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39326/05]

335 Ms C. Murphy asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government when the review by a company (details supplied) into the funding of local government will be published; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39325/05]

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 14 December 2005

335 Ms C. Murphy asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government when the review by a company (details supplied) into the funding of local government will be published; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39325/05]

334 Mr. Wall asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the number of applications received by local authorities for the provision of isolated cottages in each of the past three years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39439/05]

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 14 December 2005

334 Mr. Wall asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the number of applications received by local authorities for the provision of isolated cottages in each of the past three years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39439/05]

333 Mr. Perry asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he will ensure funding for a company (details supplied) under the EU Peace II extension programme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39336/05]

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 14 December 2005

333 Mr. Perry asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he will ensure funding for a company (details supplied) under the EU Peace II extension programme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39336/05]

Spent Nuclear Fuel On-Site Storage Security Act of 2005

United States · United States Congress · 14 December 2005

Spent Nuclear Fuel On-Site Storage Security Act of 2005 - Amends the Nuclear Waste Policy Act of 1982 to prescribe guidelines for the transfer of spent nuclear fuel, within six years after enactment of this Act, from spent nuclear fuel pools into spent nuclear fuel dry casks at an independent spent fuel storage facility licensed by the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) and located at the power reactor site. Instructs the Secretary of Energy to: (1) make grants to compensate a contractor for expenses incurred in carrying out such transfer; and (2) accept the conveyance of title to a spent nuclear fuel dry cask (including its contents) from the contractor following certification of compliance by the NRC. Confers upon the Secretary full responsibility (including financial responsibility) for the possession, stewardship, maintenance, and monitoring of all spent nuclear fuel transferred to the Secretary. Requires the Secretary to accept the conveyance of title to all spent nuclear fuel with respect to which, before enactment of this Act, the NRC has certified that certain contractors have completed transfer to spent nuclear fuel dry casks in compliance with applicable regulations.

Spent Nuclear Fuel On-Site Storage Security Act of 2005

United States · United States Congress · 14 December 2005

Spent Nuclear Fuel On-Site Storage Security Act of 2005 - Amends the Nuclear Waste Policy Act of 1982 to prescribe guidelines for the transfer of spent nuclear fuel, within six years after enactment of this Act, from spent nuclear fuel pools into spent nuclear fuel dry casks at an independent spent fuel storage facility licensed by the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) and located at the power reactor site. Instructs the Secretary of Energy to: (1) make grants to compensate a contractor for expenses incurred in carrying out such transfer; and (2) accept the conveyance of title to a spent nuclear fuel dry cask (including its contents) from the contractor following certification of compliance by the NRC. Confers upon the Secretary full responsibility (including financial responsibility) for the possession, stewardship, maintenance, and monitoring of all spent nuclear fuel transferred to the Secretary. Requires the Secretary to accept the conveyance of title to all spent nuclear fuel with respect to which, before enactment of this Act, the NRC has certified that certain contractors have completed transfer to spent nuclear fuel dry casks in compliance with applicable regulations.

Clean Lakes, Estuaries, and Rivers Act of 2005

United States · United States Congress · 14 December 2005

Clean Lakes, Estuaries, and Rivers Act of 2005 - Amends the Federal Water Pollution Control Act, commonly known as the Clean Water Act, to repeal the definition of "oil and gas exploration, production, processing, or treatment operations or transmission facilities."

Entschließungsantrag zur Vierten Verordnung zur Änderung der Verpackungsverordnung (G-SIG: 16000122)

Germany · German Bundestag · 14 December 2005

Definition des Begriffs &quot;Verpackung&quot;, stoffliche Verwertung von Kleinstverpackungen und Prüfbericht an den Bundestag, Überarbeitung des europäischen Verpackungsrechts <p> </p>

Offene Fragen zur Entsorgung radioaktiver Abfälle klären - Verantwortung für nachfolgende Generationen übernehmen (G-SIG: 16010089)

Germany · German Bundestag · 14 December 2005

Rückkehr zur Zwei-Endlagerstrategie, Eignung des Standorts Gorleben, Ausbau von &quot;Schacht Konrad&quot; und Öffnung des Endlagers für die Öffentlichkeit, Bund-Länder-Vereinbarung mit der Energiewirtschaft betr. Endlager <p> </p>

Klimaschutz-Offensive 2006 (G-SIG: 16010084)

Germany · German Bundestag · 14 December 2005

Förderung des Kyotoprozesses auf internationaler Ebene: Nutzung der Kyotoinstrumente (u.a. Emissionshandel, gemeinsame Implementierung/JI) auf sub-nationaler Ebene, Klimaschutzprojekte in Entwicklungsländern, Weiterentwicklung des europäischen Handels mit Zertifikation, Kohlendioxid-Einlagerung in unterirdischen Lagerstätten, Realisierung von Klimaschutzprojekten mit geringem bürokratischen Aufwand, Verringerung von CO2-Emissionen um 30 v.H. bis 2020, Einbeziehung des Verkehrssektors und der Wärmegewinnung für Gebäude in den Emissionshandel Kyotoprozess auf nationaler Ebene: Entwicklung einer Brennstoffzellen- und Wasserstofftechnologie, Energieeinsparung in Gebäuden; (Weitere FDP-Anträge zum Klimaschutz: 14/7073, 15/4665, 15/4948, 15/5731 und 15/5871) <p> </p>

Das Fluglärmgesetz unverzüglich und sachgerecht modernisieren (G-SIG: 16010087)

Germany · German Bundestag · 14 December 2005

Novellierung des Fluglärmgesetzes: Interessenausgleich zwischen den Beteiligten, Anwendungsbereich, Grenzwerte, Nachtschutzzonen, realistische Berechnungsgrundlagen für Fluglärm, Bauverbot in der Schutzzone, Anpassung untergesetzlicher Regelungen <p> </p>

Directive 2005/88/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 14 December 2005 amending Directive 2000/14/EC on the approximation of the laws of the Member States relating to the noise emission in the environment by equipment for use outdoors (Text with EEA relevance)

European Union · EUR-Lex · 14 December 2005

493 Mr. Bruton asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the value of investment undertaken in 2004 and to date in 2005 under PPP, distinguishing those involving tolling; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40153/05]

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 13 December 2005

493 Mr. Bruton asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the value of investment undertaken in 2004 and to date in 2005 under PPP, distinguishing those involving tolling; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40153/05]

492 Ms C. Murphy asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government when he expects Kildare County Council to receive permission to commence the expansion of the Leixlip waste water treatment plant; if funding will be included to overcome existing problems with sewer pipes leading to the plant currently being treated with chemicals to deal with the smell in Leixlip village; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39292/05]

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 13 December 2005

492 Ms C. Murphy asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government when he expects Kildare County Council to receive permission to commence the expansion of the Leixlip waste water treatment plant; if funding will be included to overcome existing problems with sewer pipes leading to the plant currently being treated with chemicals to deal with the smell in Leixlip village; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39292/05]

491 Mr. Gormley asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the legislative steps he is taking to preserve institutional lands; if the Government is of the view that these lands should be maintained in community and public ownership; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39255/05]

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 13 December 2005

491 Mr. Gormley asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the legislative steps he is taking to preserve institutional lands; if the Government is of the view that these lands should be maintained in community and public ownership; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39255/05]

490 Mr. Howlin asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the position with regard to the decentralisation of his Department to Wexford; if a site has been acquired; the number of staff who have indicated their willingness to move to Wexford; when the new headquarters will begin construction; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39064/05]

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 13 December 2005

490 Mr. Howlin asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the position with regard to the decentralisation of his Department to Wexford; if a site has been acquired; the number of staff who have indicated their willingness to move to Wexford; when the new headquarters will begin construction; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39064/05]

489 Mr. Ó Fearghaíl asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the number of works in lieu of council housing applications that have been received by his Department on a county basis in each of the past three years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39063/05]

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 13 December 2005

489 Mr. Ó Fearghaíl asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the number of works in lieu of council housing applications that have been received by his Department on a county basis in each of the past three years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39063/05]

488 Mr. Ó Fearghaíl asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if the scheme of works in lieu of council housing is still in operation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39062/05]

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 13 December 2005

488 Mr. Ó Fearghaíl asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if the scheme of works in lieu of council housing is still in operation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39062/05]

487 Mr. Penrose asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the reports or professional advice he relies upon in formulating his Department’s policy with regard to the implementation of the nitrates directive from 1 January 2006; if he has satisfied himself that the regulation as formulated by his Department will not be unnecessarily and wrongly in the name of protecting the water environment, significantly affected in an adverse way, some of the farm enterprises, in particular pig and poultry production; if the original advice received from Teagasc has been subject to revision; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39061/05]

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 13 December 2005

487 Mr. Penrose asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the reports or professional advice he relies upon in formulating his Department’s policy with regard to the implementation of the nitrates directive from 1 January 2006; if he has satisfied himself that the regulation as formulated by his Department will not be unnecessarily and wrongly in the name of protecting the water environment, significantly affected in an adverse way, some of the farm enterprises, in particular pig and poultry production; if the original advice received from Teagasc has been subject to revision; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39061/05]

486 Mr. Gilmore asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government in respect of each Minister of State within his Department, the number of staff broken down by grade employed within their private and constituency office; the number of staff who are permanent civil servants; the number who are political appointees; the annual cost of each office in terms of salary, overtime and expenses; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39033/05]

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 13 December 2005

486 Mr. Gilmore asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government in respect of each Minister of State within his Department, the number of staff broken down by grade employed within their private and constituency office; the number of staff who are permanent civil servants; the number who are political appointees; the annual cost of each office in terms of salary, overtime and expenses; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39033/05]

485 Mr. P. Breen asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government further to Parliamentary Question No. 500 of 29 November 2005, the land area covered by the various special areas of conservation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38938/05]

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 13 December 2005

485 Mr. P. Breen asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government further to Parliamentary Question No. 500 of 29 November 2005, the land area covered by the various special areas of conservation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38938/05]

484 Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the basis on which the assistant secretary at his Department’s planning division and the assistant secretary of corporate services recommend that a person, details supplied, be appointed. [38891/05]

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 13 December 2005

484 Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the basis on which the assistant secretary at his Department’s planning division and the assistant secretary of corporate services recommend that a person, details supplied, be appointed. [38891/05]

483 Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the reason none of the eligible applicants, which were confined to senior archaeologists in his Department’s heritage section, were interviewed; the reason these persons were only invited to submit a form describing their work, previous experience and other relevant information; and if he will report on the matter. [38890/05]

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 13 December 2005

483 Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the reason none of the eligible applicants, which were confined to senior archaeologists in his Department’s heritage section, were interviewed; the reason these persons were only invited to submit a form describing their work, previous experience and other relevant information; and if he will report on the matter. [38890/05]

482 Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the way in which a person (details supplied) now the Department’s chief archaeologist, who has a basic BA degree in archaeology and no track record of archaeological excavations or publications, succeeded in getting the post in July 2003 ahead of candidates with superior qualifications and professional experience; and if he will report on the matter. [38889/05]

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 13 December 2005

482 Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the way in which a person (details supplied) now the Department’s chief archaeologist, who has a basic BA degree in archaeology and no track record of archaeological excavations or publications, succeeded in getting the post in July 2003 ahead of candidates with superior qualifications and professional experience; and if he will report on the matter. [38889/05]

481 Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government his views on the fact that his Department’s chief archaeologist (details supplied) only has a basic BA degree in archaeology and no track record of archaeological excavations or publications, despite the job specification for chief archaeologist requiring, among other things, a person with strong leadership qualities, management skills and sound judgment who would motivate and manage a staff of 40 and provide expert professional advice on archaeology as required. [38888/05]

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 13 December 2005

481 Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government his views on the fact that his Department’s chief archaeologist (details supplied) only has a basic BA degree in archaeology and no track record of archaeological excavations or publications, despite the job specification for chief archaeologist requiring, among other things, a person with strong leadership qualities, management skills and sound judgment who would motivate and manage a staff of 40 and provide expert professional advice on archaeology as required. [38888/05]

480 Mr. Cuffe asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he has satisfied himself with Kilkenny County Council’s and the Environmental Protection Agency’s handling of the waste water treatment plant, details supplied, in County Kilkenny; and his views on whether no expansion of the facility should occur until the environmental concerns relating to the facility have been satisfactorily addressed. [38873/05]

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 13 December 2005

480 Mr. Cuffe asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he has satisfied himself with Kilkenny County Council’s and the Environmental Protection Agency’s handling of the waste water treatment plant, details supplied, in County Kilkenny; and his views on whether no expansion of the facility should occur until the environmental concerns relating to the facility have been satisfactorily addressed. [38873/05]

479 Mr. Gilmore asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government when a housing scheme, details supplied, in County Dublin will be approved; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38792/05]

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 13 December 2005

479 Mr. Gilmore asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government when a housing scheme, details supplied, in County Dublin will be approved; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38792/05]

478 Mr. Howlin asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if his Department has received an application from Wexford County Council for pre-tender approval for a proposed sheltered housing scheme sponsored by an association (details supplied) in County Wexford; when a decision will be made in relation to this application; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38726/05]

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 13 December 2005

478 Mr. Howlin asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if his Department has received an application from Wexford County Council for pre-tender approval for a proposed sheltered housing scheme sponsored by an association (details supplied) in County Wexford; when a decision will be made in relation to this application; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38726/05]

477 Mr. Howlin asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the position regarding an application by Wexford Borough Council for approval to provide an extension to the family home of persons; if he can expedite approval in order that the work can be put in hand without further delay; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38711/05]

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 13 December 2005

477 Mr. Howlin asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the position regarding an application by Wexford Borough Council for approval to provide an extension to the family home of persons; if he can expedite approval in order that the work can be put in hand without further delay; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38711/05]

476 Mr. O’Dowd asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if his attention has been drawn to difficulties in the implementation of the Planning and Development Act 2000 regarding the registration of quarries; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38691/05]

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 13 December 2005

476 Mr. O’Dowd asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if his attention has been drawn to difficulties in the implementation of the Planning and Development Act 2000 regarding the registration of quarries; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38691/05]

475 Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the criteria governing spending by a local authority of moneys accruing when, for example, a local authority sells a parcel of land; the categories of projects or items on which such moneys can be spent; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38658/05]

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 13 December 2005

475 Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the criteria governing spending by a local authority of moneys accruing when, for example, a local authority sells a parcel of land; the categories of projects or items on which such moneys can be spent; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38658/05]

474 Mr. Bruton asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if there is a different motor taxation rate applicable to estate cars, depending on whether it is for use for commercial purposes or for private purposes; and the respective rates of motor tax. [39038/05]

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 13 December 2005

474 Mr. Bruton asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if there is a different motor taxation rate applicable to estate cars, depending on whether it is for use for commercial purposes or for private purposes; and the respective rates of motor tax. [39038/05]

473 Mr. Ferris asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if officials from this State submitted objections to the assessment report on GT73 (details supplied) sent to the EU Commission from the Netherlands; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39034/05]

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 13 December 2005

473 Mr. Ferris asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if officials from this State submitted objections to the assessment report on GT73 (details supplied) sent to the EU Commission from the Netherlands; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39034/05]

472 Mr. Boyle asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government his views on the findings of the latest edition of the permanent TSB-ESRI house price index which shows that the rate of house price growth has risen faster in the four months July-October 2005, 4.2%, than in the first half of 2005,2.6%. [38913/05]

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 13 December 2005

472 Mr. Boyle asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government his views on the findings of the latest edition of the permanent TSB-ESRI house price index which shows that the rate of house price growth has risen faster in the four months July-October 2005, 4.2%, than in the first half of 2005,2.6%. [38913/05]