Environment

123 Deputy Eoghan Murphy asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government, further to Parliamentary Question No. 524 of 14 September 2011, if any decision has been made on how the household charge will be implemented. [28039/11]

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 6 October 2011

123 Deputy Eoghan Murphy asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government, further to Parliamentary Question No. 524 of 14 September 2011, if any decision has been made on how the household charge will be implemented. [28039/11]

122 Deputy Eoghan Murphy asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the provisions in place to ensure that all public toilets are in working order and well maintained; and if there are any proposals to increase the number of public toilet facilities. [28038/11]

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 6 October 2011

122 Deputy Eoghan Murphy asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the provisions in place to ensure that all public toilets are in working order and well maintained; and if there are any proposals to increase the number of public toilet facilities. [28038/11]

121 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if he will approve the contract documents to allow Roscommon County Council to proceed with the upgrading of the treatment plants on its four regional water schemes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28035/11]

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 6 October 2011

121 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if he will approve the contract documents to allow Roscommon County Council to proceed with the upgrading of the treatment plants on its four regional water schemes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28035/11]

120 Deputy Paudie Coffey asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the effect the establishment of the State company Irish Water will have on investment in our infrastructure; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27981/11]

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 6 October 2011

120 Deputy Paudie Coffey asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the effect the establishment of the State company Irish Water will have on investment in our infrastructure; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27981/11]

119 Deputy Robert Dowds asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the most up to date annual cost of providing bin waivers in certain counties (details supplied); and whom pay for same. [27978/11]

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 6 October 2011

119 Deputy Robert Dowds asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the most up to date annual cost of providing bin waivers in certain counties (details supplied); and whom pay for same. [27978/11]

118 Deputy Robert Dowds asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the number of current bin waivers for certain local authorities (details supplied). [27976/11]

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 6 October 2011

118 Deputy Robert Dowds asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the number of current bin waivers for certain local authorities (details supplied). [27976/11]

117 Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if he has undertaken any assessment of the viability of social housing bonds as discussed in the programme for Government. [27678/11]

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 6 October 2011

117 Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if he has undertaken any assessment of the viability of social housing bonds as discussed in the programme for Government. [27678/11]

3 Deputy Mick Wallace asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will maintain the current level of funding to REP scheme, agri-environment options scheme and the disadvantaged areas payment in budget 2012; if he will acknowledge that many small farmers are dependent upon schemes such as these and will be very negatively impacted by any reduction in funding; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28142/11]

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 6 October 2011

3 Deputy Mick Wallace asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will maintain the current level of funding to REP scheme, agri-environment options scheme and the disadvantaged areas payment in budget 2012; if he will acknowledge that many small farmers are dependent upon schemes such as these and will be very negatively impacted by any reduction in funding; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28142/11]

Coast Guard Authorization Act for Fiscal Years 2012 and 2013

United States · United States Congress · 6 October 2011

Coast Guard Authorization Act for Fiscal Years 2012 and 2013 - Authorizes FY2012-FY2013 appropriations for the Coast Guard for: (1) operation and maintenance; (2) acquisition, construction, rebuilding, renovation, and improvement of aids to navigation, shore and offshore facilities, vessels, aircraft, and related equipment; (3) research, development, testing, and evaluation of technologies, materials, and human factors directly related to improving the performance of the Coast Guard's mission in search and rescue, aids to navigation, marine safety, marine environmental protection, enforcement of laws and treaties, ice operations, oceanographic research, and defense readiness; (4) retired pay, payments under the Retired Serviceman's Family Protection and Survivor Benefit Plans, and medical and dental care of retired personnel and dependents; (5) alteration or removal of bridges over U.S. navigable waters; (6) environmental compliance and restoration functions; and (7) the Coast Guard Reserve program. Authorizes, at specified levels for each such fiscal year, end-of-year strength for active duty personnel and average military training student loads. Requires the Coast Guard, subject to exceptions, to be the sole supplier of icebreaking services, on an advancement or reimbursable basis, to each federal agency requiring such services. Revises the acquisition workforce expedited hiring authority in the Coast Guard Authorization Act of 2010 to: (1) authorize the Commandant of the Coast Guard to designate any category of specified acquisition workforce positions as positions for which there is a shortage of candidates or a critical hiring need, and (2) extend such authority to September 30, 2015. Modifies personnel provisions to: (1) increase to three the authorized number of Reserve Officers in an active status not on active duty in the grades of rear admiral (lower half) and rear admiral, and (2) revise the standards applicable to the selection of officers recommended for promotion and the original appointment of permanent commissioned officers. Entitles foreign nationals permitted to receive instruction at the Coast Guard Academy to the same emoluments (in addition to pay and allowances) as other appointed cadets. Extends eligibility for enrollment in the Coast Guard Auxiliary to aliens lawfully admitted for permanent residence. Requires that a policy on sexual harassment and sexual violence be prescribed for Academy personnel including cadets. Sets forth authority for the Secretary of the department in which the Coast Guard is operating (Secretary) to: (1) enter contracts or orders for materials, storage, and planning in advance of a contract or order for construction of a vessel; (2) acquire and maintain polar icebreakers; and (3) construct or lease facilities in the Aleutian Island-Bering Sea operating area. Eliminates the National Response Unit under the Federal Water Pollution Control Act. Transfers the Unit's national response functions (currently, carried out by the Secretary acting through such Unit) directly to the Secretary. Establishes a Support of Seafarers Fund from which the Secretary is authorized to: (1) pay the necessary support of seafarers entering, remaining, or paroling into the United States while involved in an investigation, reporting, documentation, or adjudication of any matter related to the administration or enforcement of any treaty, law, or regulation by the Coast Guard and seafarers abandoned in the United States; and (2) if necessary to avoid serious injustice, reimburse certain shipowners or operators who file a bond or surety satisfactory and provide necessary support of a seafarer. Defines a "seafarer" as an alien crewman employed or engaged on board a vessel subject to the jurisdiction of the United States, excluding vessels owned (and bareboats chartered and operated) by the United States, a U.S. state or political subdivision, or a foreign nation that are not engaged in commerce. Amends the federal shipping law requirements that must be satisfied before the Secretary is authorized to delegate to a foreign classification society the authority to: (1) issue certificates of inspection for certain vessels, (2) approve plans required for issuing certificates of inspection and compliance for certain U.S. offshore facilities under the Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act, and (3) conduct related inspections and examinations. Expands such requirements to include a determination by the Secretary of State that such a society does not provide comparable services in or for the government of a country designated by the Secretary of State as a State Sponsor of Terrorism and requires the revocation of any such existing delegation. Sets forth provisions that: (1) require the Commandant to determine the improvements necessary to make the St. George, Alaska harbor a fully functional harbor of refuge throughout the year; (2) increase amounts from the Oil Spill Liability Trust Fund invested in income producing securities; (3) direct conveyance, without consideration, of the Coast Guard Cutter STORIS to the STORIS Museum under specified conditions; and (4) prohibit vessels transported in Dry Dock #2 from being considered merchandise when connected to electrical and various other utilities in Ketchikan, Alaska.

Water Infrastructure Resiliency and Sustainability Act of 2011

United States · United States Congress · 6 October 2011

Water Infrastructure Resiliency and Sustainability Act of 2011 - Requires the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to: (1) establish the Water Infrastructure Resiliency and Sustainability Program to provide grants to owners or operators of water systems for programs or projects to increase the resiliency or adaptability of the systems to any ongoing or forecasted changes to the hydrologic conditions of a U.S. region; and (2) give priority to owners or operators of water systems that are at the greatest and most immediate risk of facing significant negative impacts due to changing hydrologic conditions. Requires the Administrator to ensure that the list of grant applications funded include a substantial number that propose to use innovative approaches that: (1) promote more efficient water use, water conservation, water reuse, or recycling; (2) use decentralized, low-impact development technologies and nonstructural approaches, including practices that use, enhance, or mimic the natural hydrological cycle or protect natural flows; (3) reduce stormwater runoff or flooding by protecting or enhancing natural ecosystem functions; (4) modify, upgrade, enhance, or replace existing water system infrastructure in response to changing hydrologic conditions; (5) improve water quality or quantity for agricultural and municipal uses, including through salinity reduction; and (6) provide multiple benefits, including to water supply enhancement or demand reduction, water quality protection or improvement, increased flood protection, and ecosystem protection or improvement.

Stop Child Abuse in Residential Programs for Teens Act of 2011

United States · United States Congress · 6 October 2011

Stop Child Abuse in Residential Programs for Teens Act of 2011 - Directs the Assistant Secretary for Children and Families of the Department of Health and Human Services to require each location of a covered program to meet specified minimum standards if individually or together with other locations it has an effect on interstate commerce. Defines "covered program" as one operated by a public or private entity that with respect to one or more children unrelated to the program owner or operator: (1) provides a residential environment; and (2) operates with a focus on serving children with emotional, behavioral, or mental health problems or disorders, or problems with alcohol or substance abuse. Directs the Assistant Secretary to: (1) implement an ongoing review process for investigating and evaluating reports of child abuse and neglect; (2) establish public websites with information about each covered program, as well as a national toll-free telephone hotline to receive complaints; (3) establish civil penalties for violations of standards; and (4) establish a process to ensure that complaints received by the hotline are promptly reviewed by persons with appropriate expertise. Requires the Assistant Secretary to refer any violation of such standards to the Attorney General for appropriate action. Authorizes the Attorney General to file such a complaint on his or her own initiative regardless of whether such a referral has been made. Amends the Child Abuse Prevention and Treatment Act to establish additional eligibility requirements for grants to states to prevent child abuse and neglect at residential programs. Require such states to develop policies and procedures to prevent child abuse and neglect at covered programs consistent with the standards specified by this Act. Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) to study outcomes for children in both private and public covered programs under this Act encompassing a broad representation of treatment facilities and geographic regions.

Department of Homeland Security Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2012

United States · United States Congress · 6 October 2011

Department of Homeland Security Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2012 - Amends the Homeland Security Act of 2002 (HSA) to establish in the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) an Under Secretary for Policy who shall conduct long-range, risk-based, strategic planning for DHS. Directs the Secretary of DHS to designate a DHS official to coordinate efforts to counter homegrown violent Islamist extremism in the United States. Provides for the Office of International Affairs within DHS to be headed by an Assistant Secretary for International Affairs (currently, by a Director) who shall establish minimum requirements for training and supporting staff who are deployed abroad. Repeals the provisions establishing the Office of Domestic Preparedness. Directs the Secretary to conduct the quadrennial homeland security review in calendar year 2013. Revises the contents of such review. Requires the Secretary to establish: (1) an Acquisition Review Board, (2) a Capabilities and Requirements Council, and (3) an Acquisition Professional Career Program. Directs the Chief Procurement Officer and the Chief Human Capital Officer to submit a five-year strategic plan for DHS's acquisition workforce. Directs the Under Secretary for Management to establish a process to provide for the independent evaluation of the integrity and quality of major acquisitions. Modifies HSA provisions regarding fusion centers to provide for a DHS National Network of Fusion Centers Initiative to establish partnerships with state and major urban area fusion centers. Directs the Secretary to: (1) assign personnel with expertise in security of mass transit systems to participating state and major urban area fusion centers located in high-risk jurisdictions, and (2) develop a comprehensive strategy for the coordinated development and deployment of information sharing computer networks of DHS. Authorizes the Secretary to convert competitive service positions to excepted service positions as necessary to carry out DHS intelligence functions. 9/11 Review Commission Act - Establishes in the legislative branch a National Commission to Review the National Response Since the Terrorist Attacks of September 11, 2001. Amends HSA to direct: (1) the Secretary to issue a biodefense strategy that establishes detailed strategic biodefense objectives for DHS's mission areas; (2) DHS's Office of Intelligence and Analysis to support homeland security-focused intelligence analysis of terrorist plans to conduct attacks against the nation involving chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear materials; (3) the Under Secretary for Science and Technology to produce a terrorism risk assessment of such threats; (4) the Administrator of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to assist state, local, and tribal authorities in promoting individual and community preparedness and collective response to such attacks; (5) the Secretary to carry out a program to detect a biological attack or event that poses a high risk to homeland security; (6) the Secretary to require the Under Secretary for Science and Technology to assess whether the development of technological screening capabilities for biological agents, pandemic influenza, and other infectious diseases should be undertaken by the Science and Technology Directorate to supportscreening at ports of entry and for other homeland security purposes; (7) the FEMA Administrator to develop a communications plan to provide information to the public related to such attacks; (8) the Secretary to develop response guidelines concerning weapons of mass destruction; (9) the Secretary to use the best available integrated plume models to enable rapid response activities following a chemical, biological, nuclear, or radiological attack or event; (10) the Under Secretary for Science and Technology to conduct tailored risk assessments to inform prioritization of national recovery activities; (11) the Secretary to issue guidance for cleanup and restoration of areas exposed to chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear materials; and (12) the Secretary to develop exercises that address analysis, indoor environmental cleanup methods, and decontamination standards. Amends HSA to direct: (1) the Assistant Administrator of the Grants Programs Directorate to serve as the Authorization Liaison Officer within FEMA; (2) the FEMA Administrator, the Assistant Secretary for Health Affairs, and the National Metropolitan Medical Response System Working Group to conduct a review of the Metropolitan Medical Response System Program; and (3) the Under Secretary for Science and Technology to conduct research to assist state, local, and tribal leaders and the private sector in developing the tools and methods to enhance rural preparation for and response to terrorist attacks and other incidents. Directs the Secretary to: (1) submit a comprehensive strategy for gaining operational control of the international borders between U.S. ports of entry in five years, and (2) maintain a force of not fewer than 21,300 Border Patrol agents and not fewer than 2,200 agents assigned to the northern border. Establishes in United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) a Border Enforcement Security Task Force program. Provides for a six-month pilot program to test the use of autonomous unmanned vehicles to patrol the maritime environment along the northern border and the land environment along the southern border. Directs the Secretary to issue Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation Business Travel Cards. Establishes a Director of Operational Test and Evaluation. Authorizes a bioforensics analysis center in DHS to provide support for specified law enforcement and intelligence-related investigations and actions. Directs the Under Secretary for Science and Technology to establish a Homeland Security Science and Technology Fellows Program to facilitate the temporary placement of scientists in components of DHS with a need for scientific and technological expertise. Establishes within the Directorate of Science and Technology a Science and Technology Advisory Committee. Amends HSA to require the Director for the Domestic Nuclear Detection Office to: (1) have specified authorities and responsibilities for all radiological and nuclear research, development, testing, and evaluation programs of DHS; and (2) provide support to assist state, local, and tribal entities in implementing preventive radiological and nuclear detection capabilities. Requires the DHS Secretary to develop a five-year plan of investments necessary to implement DHS's responsibilities under the domestic component of the global nuclear detection architecture. See Something, Say Something Act of 2011 - Amends HSA to provide civil immunity to any person who, in good faith based on objectively reasonable suspicion, makes a voluntary report to an authorized official of suspicious activity indicating that an individual may be engaging in an act of terrorism.

Clean Construction Act of 2011

United States · United States Congress · 6 October 2011

Clean Construction Act of 2011 - Requires all off-road diesel equipment and on-road diesel equipment operating for at least 80 hours over the life of a federal-aid highway construction project or public transportation construction project within a PM2.5 nonattainment or maintenance area to have diesel emission control technology installed. Applies the same requirement to all covered equipment used on a covered public transportation construction project within a PM2.5 nonattainment or maintenance area. Defines: (1) "off-road diesel equipment" as a vehicle (including covered equipment) that is powered by a nonroad diesel engine of at least 50 horsepower and not intended for highway use; and (2) "on-road diesel equipment" as any self-propelled vehicle that operates on diesel fuel, is designed to transport persons or property on a street or highway, and has a gross vehicle weight of at least 14,000 pounds. Directs the Secretary of Transportation (DOT) to approve as part of the federal share of cost of a federal-aid highway construction project or public transportation construction project an amount equal to the state expenditure for acquiring and installing diesel emission control technology, if the state expenditure meets certain criteria. Directs the Secretary and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator to establish jointly a streamlined process to ensure that states may: (1) quantify the emissions reductions achieved under this Act; and (2) include such reductions in state implementation plans for national primary and secondary ambient air quality standards under the Clean Air Act to demonstrate progress toward, attainment of, or maintenance of such standards.

Stop Child Abuse in Residential Programs for Teens Act of 2011

United States · United States Congress · 6 October 2011

Stop Child Abuse in Residential Programs for Teens Act of 2011 - Directs the Assistant Secretary for Children and Families of the Department of Health and Human Services to require each location of a covered program to meet specified minimum standards if individually or together with other locations it has an effect on interstate commerce. Defines "covered program" as one operated by a public or private entity that with respect to one or more children unrelated to the program owner or operator: (1) provides a residential environment; and (2) operates with a focus on serving children with emotional, behavioral, or mental health problems or disorders, or problems with alcohol or substance abuse. Directs the Assistant Secretary to: (1) implement an ongoing review process for investigating and evaluating reports of child abuse and neglect; (2) establish public websites with information about each covered program, as well as a national toll-free telephone hotline to receive complaints; (3) establish civil penalties for violations of standards; and (4) establish a process to ensure that complaints received by the hotline are promptly reviewed by persons with appropriate expertise. Requires the Assistant Secretary to refer any violation of such standards to the Attorney General for appropriate action. Authorizes the Attorney General to file such a complaint on his or her own initiative regardless of whether such a referral has been made. Amends the Child Abuse Prevention and Treatment Act to establish additional eligibility requirements for grants to states to prevent child abuse and neglect at residential programs. Requires such states to develop policies and procedures to prevent child abuse and neglect at covered programs consistent with the standards specified by this Act. Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) to study outcomes for children in both private and public covered programs under this Act encompassing a broad representation of treatment facilities and geographic regions.

MRSA-Bakterien

Austria · National Council · 5 October 2011

Schriftliche Anfrage der Abgeordneten Ing. Heinz-Peter Hackl, Kolleginnen und Kollegen an den Bundesminister für Gesundheit betreffend MRSA-Bakterien <i>(in Geflügelfleisch)</i>

Verbot von glyphosat-hältigen Pflanzenschutzmitteln in Österreich

Austria · National Council · 5 October 2011

Bericht des Ausschusses für Konsumentenschutz über den Antrag 1635/A(E) der Abgeordneten Dipl.-Ing. Dr. Wolfgang Pirklhuber, Kolleginnen und Kollegen betreffend Verbot von glyphosat-hältigen Pflanzenschutzmitteln in Österreich

Terrorismuspräventionsgesetz 2010 sowie das Strafgesetzbuch und die Strafprozessordnung 1975 zur Verbesserung des strafrechtlichen Schutzes der Umwelt

Austria · National Council · 5 October 2011

Bericht des Justizausschusses über die Regierungsvorlage (674 d.B.): Bundesgesetz, mit dem das Strafgesetzbuch zur Verhinderung von Terrorismus (Terrorismuspräventionsgesetz 2010) geändert wird <br><br>sowie <br><br>über die Regierungsvorlage (1392 d.B.): Bundesgesetz, mit dem das Strafgesetzbuch und die Strafprozessordnung 1975 zur Verbesserung des strafrechtlichen Schutzes der Umwelt geändert werden

MRSA-Bakterien

Austria · National Council · 5 October 2011

Schriftliche Anfrage der Abgeordneten Ing. Heinz-Peter Hackl, Kolleginnen und Kollegen an den Bundesminister für Land- und Forstwirtschaft, Umwelt und Wasserwirtschaft betreffend MRSA-Bakterien <i>(in Geflügelfleisch)</i>

Hundehaltung in Österreich

Austria · National Council · 5 October 2011

Schriftliche Anfrage der Abgeordneten Bernhard Vock, Kolleginnen und Kollegen an die Bundesministerin für Justiz betreffend Hundehaltung in Österreich

MRSA-Bakterien

Austria · National Council · 5 October 2011

Schriftliche Anfrage der Abgeordneten Ing. Heinz-Peter Hackl, Kolleginnen und Kollegen an den Bundesminister für Arbeit, Soziales und Konsumentenschutz betreffend MRSA-Bakterien <i>(in Geflügelfleisch)</i>

Hundebisse in Oberösterreich

Austria · National Council · 5 October 2011

Schriftliche Anfrage der Abgeordneten Bernhard Vock, Kolleginnen und Kollegen an die Bundesministerin für Inneres betreffend Hundebisse in Oberösterreich <i>(Hunde mit erhöhtem Gefährdungspotenzial)</i>

WORKFORCE SAFETY: ENSURING A RESPONSIBLE REGULATORY ENVIRONMENT

United States · United States House of Representatives · 5 October 2011

166 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if the submission made to the stakeholder consultations undertaken by him last year as a result of the European Court of Justice ruling on septic tanks and other on-site wastewater treatment systems are available as public record. [27905/11]

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 5 October 2011

166 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if the submission made to the stakeholder consultations undertaken by him last year as a result of the European Court of Justice ruling on septic tanks and other on-site wastewater treatment systems are available as public record. [27905/11]

165 Deputy Marcella Corcoran Kennedy asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if he will provide a detailed breakdown for each county, of the retired personnel from his Department on full pensions who are now in consultancy contracts with his Department or local government in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27846/11]

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 5 October 2011

165 Deputy Marcella Corcoran Kennedy asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if he will provide a detailed breakdown for each county, of the retired personnel from his Department on full pensions who are now in consultancy contracts with his Department or local government in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27846/11]

164 Deputy Joanna Tuffy asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the position regarding proposals to put in place a national household waste collection waiver system; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27843/11]

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 5 October 2011

164 Deputy Joanna Tuffy asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the position regarding proposals to put in place a national household waste collection waiver system; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27843/11]

163 Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the value of commercial rates collected by each local authority in the country for each of the past three years; the value of rates written off by each local authority for each of the past three years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27836/11]

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 5 October 2011

163 Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the value of commercial rates collected by each local authority in the country for each of the past three years; the value of rates written off by each local authority for each of the past three years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27836/11]

162 Deputy Michael P. Kitt asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if he has received a copy of the Dublin Simon Community report on the 26% increase rise in rough sleepers; his plans to increase housing units for long-term homeless and young homeless persons; if his attention has been drawn to an estimated 23,000 vacant properties in the Dublin area; the estimated numbers of homeless in the gateway cities and towns; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27809/11]

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 5 October 2011

162 Deputy Michael P. Kitt asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if he has received a copy of the Dublin Simon Community report on the 26% increase rise in rough sleepers; his plans to increase housing units for long-term homeless and young homeless persons; if his attention has been drawn to an estimated 23,000 vacant properties in the Dublin area; the estimated numbers of homeless in the gateway cities and towns; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27809/11]

161 Deputy John Browne asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government when an approval for a recycling centre (details supplied) will be approved by him. [27797/11]

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 5 October 2011

161 Deputy John Browne asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government when an approval for a recycling centre (details supplied) will be approved by him. [27797/11]

160 Deputy Paschal Donohoe asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if the funding that he has allocated for the construction of social housing units at a location (details supplied) will be used in an alternative way to acquire lands in that vicinity for the future provision of social housing there; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27782/11]

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 5 October 2011

160 Deputy Paschal Donohoe asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if the funding that he has allocated for the construction of social housing units at a location (details supplied) will be used in an alternative way to acquire lands in that vicinity for the future provision of social housing there; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27782/11]

159 Deputy Paschal Donohoe asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if there has been any discussion between him and Dublin City Council in respect of extending the timeframe for funding for the provision of social housing units at a location (details supplied) in Dublin 1; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27781/11]

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 5 October 2011

159 Deputy Paschal Donohoe asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if there has been any discussion between him and Dublin City Council in respect of extending the timeframe for funding for the provision of social housing units at a location (details supplied) in Dublin 1; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27781/11]

158 Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the funding provided to Monaghan County Council for unfinished housing estates; the amount allocated per housing estate; his plans to allocate additional funding to the council; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27773/11]

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 5 October 2011

158 Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the funding provided to Monaghan County Council for unfinished housing estates; the amount allocated per housing estate; his plans to allocate additional funding to the council; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27773/11]

157 Deputy Dominic Hannigan asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the requirement for local authorities to notify owners of second properties that the non-principal private residence charge is due; if there is none, his plans to introduce same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27772/11]

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 5 October 2011

157 Deputy Dominic Hannigan asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the requirement for local authorities to notify owners of second properties that the non-principal private residence charge is due; if there is none, his plans to introduce same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27772/11]

156 Deputy Gerry Adams asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if his attention has been drawn to reports from EU bodies that consideration is being given to the reclassification of all incinerator ash as hazardous waste; and if any discussions have taken place within his Department or with the Environmental Protection Agency or other bodies on this issue. [27760/11]

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 5 October 2011

156 Deputy Gerry Adams asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if his attention has been drawn to reports from EU bodies that consideration is being given to the reclassification of all incinerator ash as hazardous waste; and if any discussions have taken place within his Department or with the Environmental Protection Agency or other bodies on this issue. [27760/11]

155 Deputy Joan Collins asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if his attention has been drawn to the fact that the Local Government Audit Service report on Financial Management Reporting in Local Authorities (Report No. 24) published in 2007, recommended that financial management reports should be provided to the elected council on a regular basis, at least quarterly, to support councillors in their financial governance role in local authorities; if his further attention has been drawn to the fact that the management of Sligo County Council has consistently failed to comply with these recommendations and that the management of Sligo County Council has, despite requests from the elected council, failed to provide reports on the council’s finances; if he will consider introducing regulations to compel the council management to provide the elected council with quarterly financial reports; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27758/11]

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 5 October 2011

155 Deputy Joan Collins asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if his attention has been drawn to the fact that the Local Government Audit Service report on Financial Management Reporting in Local Authorities (Report No. 24) published in 2007, recommended that financial management reports should be provided to the elected council on a regular basis, at least quarterly, to support councillors in their financial governance role in local authorities; if his further attention has been drawn to the fact that the management of Sligo County Council has consistently failed to comply with these recommendations and that the management of Sligo County Council has, despite requests from the elected council, failed to provide reports on the council’s finances; if he will consider introducing regulations to compel the council management to provide the elected council with quarterly financial reports; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27758/11]

154 Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the status of sections of the Planning and Development Act 2010 relating to substitute consent for quarries; when these sections, sections 74 and 75 of the Planning and Development Act 2010, will be brought into effect; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27741/11]

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 5 October 2011

154 Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the status of sections of the Planning and Development Act 2010 relating to substitute consent for quarries; when these sections, sections 74 and 75 of the Planning and Development Act 2010, will be brought into effect; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27741/11]

153 Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if he will establish a centralised debt management service for local authorities; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27727/11]

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 5 October 2011

153 Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if he will establish a centralised debt management service for local authorities; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27727/11]

REFRESH Act of 2011

United States · United States Congress · 5 October 2011

Rural Economic Farm and Ranch Sustainability and Hunger Act of 2011 or the REFRESH Act of 2011 - Amends the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 to direct the Secretary of Agriculture (USDA), regarding all covered commodities and peanuts during each of the 2013-2017 crop years, to give the operator, tenant, or sharecropper on a farm an opportunity to make an annual election to receive aggregate risk and revenue management (ARRM) payments for the crop year for which the election is made. (Replaces the average crop revenue election program with the ARRM program.) Repeals the direct and counter-cyclical payment programs for covered commodities and peanuts beginning with the 2013 crop year. Suspends permanent price support authority through December 31, 2017. Amends the Federal Crop Insurance Act to: (1) authorize the Commodity Credit Corporation (CCC) to offer supplemental coverage based on an area yield and loss basis to cover that portion of a crop loss not covered under the producer's individual yield and loss basis insurance plan, (2) require CCC to offer a whole farm insurance plan that allows a producer to qualify for an indemnity if actual gross farm revenue is below 80% of the producer's average gross farm revenue, and (3) extend and expand the adjusted gross revenue insurance pilot program. Amends the Federal Agriculture Improvement and Reform Act of 1996 to repeal the sugar loan program. Eliminates tariffs on: (1) raw sugar cane, (2) beet sugar, and (3) certain refined sugar. Establishes through December 31, 2017: (1) a dairy producer margin protection program, and (2) a dairy market stabilization program. Revises milk marketing order provisions. Eliminates: (1) the dairy product and permanent milk price support programs, (2) the milk income loss contract program, and (3) the dairy export incentive program. Amends the Food Security Act of 1985 to: (1) extend and modify the conservation reserve program; (2) eliminate the pilot program for enrollment of wetland and buffer acreage in the conservation reserve; (3) establish an easement benefits program to protect land, wildlife, and water and to address conservation initiative issues; and (4) establish in lieu of the environmental quality incentives program a working land program to promote agricultural production, forest management, and environmental quality. Extends: (1) the conservation of private grazing land program, (2) the grass roots source water protection program, (3) the Great Lakes basin program for soil erosion and sediment control, (4) the Chesapeake Bay watershed program, (5) the voluntary public access and habitat incentive program, and (6) the reservation of funds for the cooperative conservation partnership initiative. Amends the Healthy Forests Restoration Act of 2003 to eliminate the healthy forests reserve program. Amends the Food and Nutrition Act to revise the supplemental nutrition assistance program (SNAP, formerly the food stamp program). Extends: (1) the Indian reservation food distribution program, (2) pilot projects to evaluate health and nutrition promotion, (3) healthy urban food enterprise development centers, (4) the authorization of appropriations for Food and Nutrition Act programs, (5) commodity purchase authority, and (6) emergency food program infrastructure grants. Extends: (1) the commodity distribution program, (2) the commodity supplemental food program, and (3) the surplus commodities to special nutrition projects program. Extends: (1) the fresh fruits and vegetables for schools and service institutions program, (2) the senior farmers' market nutrition program, (3) the nutrition information and awareness program, and (4) the hunger-free communities program. Amends the Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002 to: (1) provide grants for the provision of biobased product information to organizations that have large procurement needs or vehicle fleets, or that produce products with which biobased products or biofuels can be integrated; (2) provide for agreements with qualifying entities for energy efficiency loan demonstration projects; (3) provide interest-free loans to eligible entities for loans to consumers to implement energy efficiency measures; and (4) eliminate the feeedstock flexibility program for bioenergy producers. Extends: (1) the rural energy for America program, (2) the biomass crop assistance program, and (3) the rural energy savings program.

Resources and Ecosystems Sustainability, Tourist Opportunities, and Revived Economies of the Gulf Coast States Act of 2011

United States · United States Congress · 5 October 2011

Resources and Ecosystems Sustainability, Tourist Opportunities, and Revived Economies of the Gulf Coast States Act of 2011 - Establishes the Gulf Coast Restoration Trust Fund to be available for expenditures to the Gulf Coast states of Alabama, Florida, Louisiana, Mississippi, and Texas solely for: (1) coastal restoration projects and activities; (2) mitigation of damage to, and restoration of, fish, wildlife, or natural resources; (3) implementation of a federally approved marine, coastal, or comprehensive conservation management plan; (4) programs to promote tourism, the consumption of seafood produced from the Gulf Coast region, and education regarding the natural resources of such region; (5) planning assistance and administrative costs; (6) workforce development, job creation, and other economic development projects ; (7) improvements to state parks in coastal areas affected by the Deepwater Horizon oil spill; (8) mitigation of the ecological and economic impact of outer Continental Shelf activities and the impacts of such oil spill or promotion of the long-term ecological or economic recovery of the Gulf Coast region through the funding of infrastructure projects; and (9) coastal flood protection and infrastructure directly affected by coastal wetland losses, beach erosion, or the impacts of such oil spill. Requires the Secretary to deposit in the Fund 80% of all administrative and civil penalties paid after this Act's enactment, pursuant to a court order, negotiated settlement, or other instrument in accordance with the Federal Water Pollution Control Act (commonly known as the Clean Water Act), in connection with the explosion on, and sinking of, the mobile offshore drilling unit Deepwater Horizon. Amends the Clean Water Act to require 35% of amounts made available from the Fund in any fiscal year to be available to the Gulf Coast states in equal shares for ecological and economic restoration of the Gulf Coast ecosystem. Authorizes a governor of a Gulf Coast state, in awarding contracts for such a project or program, to give a preference to individuals and companies that reside in, are headquartered in, or are principally engaged in business in, a Gulf Coast state. Establishes the Gulf Coast Ecosystem Restoration Council to: (1) publish a Comprehensive Plan for, and to undertake, projects and programs to restore and protect the natural resources, ecosystems, fisheries, marine and wildlife habitats, beaches, coastal wetlands, and economy of the Gulf Coast region; (2) update such Plan every five years; (3) coordinate the development of consistent policies, strategies, plans, and activities &nbsp;addressing the restoration and protection of the Gulf Coast region and associated research; and (4) prepare an integrated financial plan and recommendations for coordinated budget requests for the amounts proposed to be expended by the federal agencies represented on the Council for projects and programs in the Gulf Coast states. Requires 60% of the total amount made available from the Fund to be disbursed to the Council to carry out the Plan and oil spill restoration projects, programs, and activities that will improve the ecosystems or economy of the Gulf Coast region. Establishes within the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) the Gulf Coast Ecosystem Restoration Science, Observation, Monitoring, and Technology Program, under which the NOAA Administrator shall provide grants to establish and operate a center of excellence in each of the Gulf Coast states. Requires each center to focus its curriculum on science, technology, and monitoring in at least one of the following: (1) coastal and deltaic sustainability, restoration and protection; (2) coastal fisheries and wildlife ecosystem research and monitoring; (3) offshore energy development; (4) sustainable and resilient growth and economic and commercial development; and (5) comprehensive observation, monitoring, and mapping of the Gulf. Allocates 5% of Fund amounts to such Program. Establishes the Gulf of Mexico Research Endowment to be administered by the Secretary of Commerce for use in providing long-term funding for such Program. Prohibits the Gulf Coast Restoration Trust Fund from being used: (1) for any existing or planned research headed by the NOAA, unless as agreed to in writing by the grant recipient entity; (2) to implement existing regulations or to initiate new regulations promulgated or proposed by NOAA; or (3) to develop or approve a new limited access privilege program (as defined under the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act) for any fishery under the jurisdiction of the South Atlantic, Mid-Atlantic, New England, or Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Councils. Requires: (1) the Council to establish a fishery and ecosystem endowment to ensure the long-term sustainability of the ecosystem, fish stocks, the fish habitat, and the recreational, commercial, and charter fishing industry in the Gulf of Mexico; and (2) NOAA to administer such endowment. Prohibits funds made available under this Act from being used for federal land acquisition.

Renewable Fuel Standard Elimination Act

United States · United States Congress · 5 October 2011

Renewable Fuel Standard Elimination Act - Amends the Clean Air Act to repeal the Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) renewable fuel program.

Renewable Fuel Standard Flexibility Act

United States · United States Congress · 5 October 2011

Renewable Fuel Standard Flexibility Act - Amends the Clean Air Act to require the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA): (1) by August 1 and by the end of November each year, to determine and publish the U.S. corn stocks-to-use ratio for the current crop year; and (2) to waive the renewable fuel program's requirements for the rest of the calendar year following the August determination or for the next calendar year following the November determination by reducing the national quantity of renewable fuel otherwise required by specified amounts based on the ratio determined. Prohibits: (1) waivers granted under this Act from affecting the volume of advanced biofuel under such program, or (2) the Administrator from allowing any volume of conventional biofuel to be used to satisfy the requirement for advanced biofuel.

REFRESH Act of 2011

United States · United States Congress · 5 October 2011

Rural Economic Farm and Ranch Sustainability and Hunger Act of 2011 or the REFRESH Act of 2011 - Amends the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 to direct the Secretary of Agriculture (USDA), regarding all covered commodities and peanuts during each of the 2013-2017 crop years, to give the operator, tenant, or sharecropper on a farm an opportunity to make an annual election to receive aggregate risk and revenue management (ARRM) payments for the crop year for which the election is made. (Replaces the average crop revenue election program with the ARRM program.) Repeals the direct and counter-cyclical payment programs for covered commodities and peanuts beginning with the 2013 crop year. Suspends permanent price support authority through December 31, 2017. Amends the Federal Crop Insurance Act to: (1) authorize the Commodity Credit Corporation (CCC) to offer supplemental coverage based on an area yield and loss basis to cover that portion of a crop loss not covered under the producer's individual yield and loss basis insurance plan, (2) require CCC to offer a whole farm insurance plan that allows a producer to qualify for an indemnity if actual gross farm revenue is below 80% of the producer's average gross farm revenue, and (3) extend and expand the adjusted gross revenue insurance pilot program. Amends the Federal Agriculture Improvement and Reform Act of 1996 to repeal the sugar loan program. Eliminates tariffs on: (1) raw sugar cane, (2) beet sugar, and (3) certain refined sugar. Establishes through December 31, 2017: (1) a dairy producer margin protection program, and (2) a dairy market stabilization program. Revises milk marketing order provisions. Eliminates: (1) the dairy product and permanent milk price support programs, (2) the milk income loss contract program, and (3) the dairy export incentive program. Amends the Food Security Act of 1985 to: (1) extend and modify the conservation reserve program; (2) eliminate the pilot program for enrollment of wetland and buffer acreage in the conservation reserve; (3) establish an easement benefits program to protect land, wildlife, and water and to address conservation initiative issues; and (4) establish in lieu of the environmental quality incentives program a working land program to promote agricultural production, forest management, and environmental quality. Extends: (1) the conservation of private grazing land program, (2) the grass roots source water protection program, (3) the Great Lakes basin program for soil erosion and sediment control, (4) the Chesapeake Bay watershed program, (5) the voluntary public access and habitat incentive program, and (6) the reservation of funds for the cooperative conservation partnership initiative. Amends the Healthy Forests Restoration Act of 2003 to eliminate the healthy forests reserve program. Amends the Food and Nutrition Act to revise the supplemental nutrition assistance program (SNAP, formerly the food stamp program). Extends: (1) the Indian reservation food distribution program, (2) pilot projects to evaluate health and nutrition promotion, (3) healthy urban food enterprise development centers, (4) the authorization of appropriations for Food and Nutrition Act programs, (5) commodity purchase authority, and (6) emergency food program infrastructure grants. Extends: (1) the commodity distribution program, (2) the commodity supplemental food program, and (3) the surplus commodities to special nutrition projects program. Extends: (1) the fresh fruits and vegetables for schools and service institutions program, (2) the senior farmers' market nutrition program, (3) the nutrition information and awareness program, and (4) the hunger-free communities program. Amends the Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002 to: (1) provide grants for the provision of biobased product information to organizations that have large procurement needs or vehicle fleets, or that produce products with which biobased products or biofuels can be integrated; (2) provide for agreements with qualifying entities for energy efficiency loan demonstration projects; (3) provide interest-free loans to eligible entities for loans to consumers to implement energy efficiency measures; and (4) eliminate the feeedstock flexibility program for bioenergy producers. Extends: (1) the rural energy for America program, (2) the biomass crop assistance program, and (3) the rural energy savings program.

Motie Wiegman-van Meppelen Scheppink over een driedimensionale benadering van interferentiegebieden

Netherlands · House of Representatives · 5 October 2011

Motie Wiegman-van Meppelen Scheppink over een driedimensionale benadering van interferentiegebieden

Motie Wiegman-van Meppelen Scheppink over wettelijke verankering van de registratieplicht

Netherlands · House of Representatives · 5 October 2011

Motie Wiegman-van Meppelen Scheppink over wettelijke verankering van de registratieplicht

Motie Van Veldhoven/Samsom over overleg met provincies

Netherlands · House of Representatives · 5 October 2011

Motie Van Veldhoven/Samsom over overleg met provincies

Motie Van Veldhoven/Van der Werf over minimale rendementseisen

Netherlands · House of Representatives · 5 October 2011

Motie Van Veldhoven/Van der Werf over minimale rendementseisen

Motie Wiegman-van Meppelen Scheppink over een ruimere energiebalans

Netherlands · House of Representatives · 5 October 2011

Motie Wiegman-van Meppelen Scheppink over een ruimere energiebalans

Motie Van der Werf over een aanvullende regeling

Netherlands · House of Representatives · 5 October 2011

Motie Van der Werf over een aanvullende regeling

registrierte und mit Bescheid zugelassene Zucht- und Liefereinrichtungen

Austria · National Council · 4 October 2011

Schriftliche Anfrage der Abgeordneten Mag. Christiane Brunner, Kolleginnen und Kollegen an den Bundesminister für Land- und Forstwirtschaft, Umwelt und Wasserwirtschaft betreffend registrierte und mit Bescheid zugelassene Zucht- und Liefereinrichtungen <i>(gem. § 15a Tierversuchsgesetz)</i>

Feuerwerkskörper und toxische Stoffe - Kontrollmaßnahmen

Austria · National Council · 4 October 2011

Schriftliche Anfrage der Abgeordneten Mag. Johann Maier, Kolleginnen und Kollegen an den Bundesminister für Land- und Forstwirtschaft, Umwelt und Wasserwirtschaft betreffend Feuerwerkskörper und toxische Stoffe - Kontrollmaßnahmen

611 Deputy James Bannon asked the Minister for Health the plans he has to address the concerns of the inspector of mental health services who has described the built environment at St. Loman’s Hospital, Mullingar, County Westmeath as very poor and has recommended the closure of three of the five wards at the hospital with a potential loss of 61 beds and highlighted an open drain in a toilet, peeling paint and lack of privacy in dormitories and bathrooms; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27256/11]

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 4 October 2011

611 Deputy James Bannon asked the Minister for Health the plans he has to address the concerns of the inspector of mental health services who has described the built environment at St. Loman’s Hospital, Mullingar, County Westmeath as very poor and has recommended the closure of three of the five wards at the hospital with a potential loss of 61 beds and highlighted an open drain in a toilet, peeling paint and lack of privacy in dormitories and bathrooms; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27256/11]