Environment

26 Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if his attention has been drawn to the fact that persons are being removed from the housing list of local authorities on the basis that they do not live in overcrowded conditions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24111/11]

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 15 September 2011

26 Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if his attention has been drawn to the fact that persons are being removed from the housing list of local authorities on the basis that they do not live in overcrowded conditions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24111/11]

40 Deputy Brian Stanley asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the measures he plans to use to modernise local government that are underway in parallel with the efficiency local government review group’s recommendations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24092/11]

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 15 September 2011

40 Deputy Brian Stanley asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the measures he plans to use to modernise local government that are underway in parallel with the efficiency local government review group’s recommendations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24092/11]

32 Deputy Michael Moynihan asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if he is committed to publishing the White Paper on local government; when he expects this to be published; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24086/11]

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 15 September 2011

32 Deputy Michael Moynihan asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if he is committed to publishing the White Paper on local government; when he expects this to be published; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24086/11]

25 Deputy Seán Crowe asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the date on which he will introduce a local government reform package; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24094/11]

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 15 September 2011

25 Deputy Seán Crowe asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the date on which he will introduce a local government reform package; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24094/11]

24 Deputy Timmy Dooley asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if he has completed his study on the economic impact of eliminating the cap on the size of retail premises; and if he has taken any decision on this matter. [21072/11]

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 15 September 2011

24 Deputy Timmy Dooley asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if he has completed his study on the economic impact of eliminating the cap on the size of retail premises; and if he has taken any decision on this matter. [21072/11]

23 Deputy Sandra McLellan asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if his attention has been drawn to the situation in which many persons who bought their homes from a local authority under the shared ownership scheme are now unable to sell and move on due to the fact that the council share has remained at an artificially high price which would force any seller to take a loss; and his plans to support these persons in moving on to more suitable housing. [24115/11]

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 15 September 2011

23 Deputy Sandra McLellan asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if his attention has been drawn to the situation in which many persons who bought their homes from a local authority under the shared ownership scheme are now unable to sell and move on due to the fact that the council share has remained at an artificially high price which would force any seller to take a loss; and his plans to support these persons in moving on to more suitable housing. [24115/11]

22 Deputy Jonathan O’Brien asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if his attention has been drawn to any breaches of international limits for trihalomethanes in public water supplies here currently being analysed by the Environmental Protection Agency; if his further attention has been drawn to the fact that these are carcinogenic chemicals; his plans to address this situation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24103/11]

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 15 September 2011

22 Deputy Jonathan O’Brien asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if his attention has been drawn to any breaches of international limits for trihalomethanes in public water supplies here currently being analysed by the Environmental Protection Agency; if his further attention has been drawn to the fact that these are carcinogenic chemicals; his plans to address this situation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24103/11]

21 Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if his attention has been drawn to the current practice of removing persons from council waiting lists if they are on the rental accommodation scheme on the basis that they are adequately housed; and if he supports this practice. [24110/11]

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 15 September 2011

21 Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if his attention has been drawn to the current practice of removing persons from council waiting lists if they are on the rental accommodation scheme on the basis that they are adequately housed; and if he supports this practice. [24110/11]

49 Deputy Joan Collins asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if he will allay concerns among thousands of council housing applicants across the country that his new social housing policy, which envisages replacing directly provided council housing with various leasing arrangements with private landlords, amounts to a hand-out to landlords, developers and banks at the expense of the housing needs of lower income families and their legitimate expectation for security of tenure and decent quality housing; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24239/11]

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 15 September 2011

49 Deputy Joan Collins asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if he will allay concerns among thousands of council housing applicants across the country that his new social housing policy, which envisages replacing directly provided council housing with various leasing arrangements with private landlords, amounts to a hand-out to landlords, developers and banks at the expense of the housing needs of lower income families and their legitimate expectation for security of tenure and decent quality housing; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24239/11]

20 Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if he will address the growing concerns among thousands of council housing applicants, many of whom have been on housing lists for seven, eight and nine years, that his new social housing policy, focused on leasing arrangements with private landlords and other bodies, will mean that those applicants will never now have a home of their own with proper security of tenure, and growing concerns about the likely decline in housing and maintenance standards that such a policy will entail; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24236/11]

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 15 September 2011

20 Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if he will address the growing concerns among thousands of council housing applicants, many of whom have been on housing lists for seven, eight and nine years, that his new social housing policy, focused on leasing arrangements with private landlords and other bodies, will mean that those applicants will never now have a home of their own with proper security of tenure, and growing concerns about the likely decline in housing and maintenance standards that such a policy will entail; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24236/11]

19 Deputy Martin Ferris asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the date on which he will publish the full list of powers and responsibilities that he proposes to give to a company (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24096/11]

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 15 September 2011

19 Deputy Martin Ferris asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the date on which he will publish the full list of powers and responsibilities that he proposes to give to a company (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24096/11]

18 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government his plans for the provision of adequate treatment, storage and transmission facilities in respect of domestic drinking water supply; the degree to which plans currently exist to adequately meet such requirements in the future; if water is likely to be sourced from ground water or otherwise; the extent to which conclusive evidence or research exists to enable strategic decisions to be made; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24148/11]

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 15 September 2011

18 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government his plans for the provision of adequate treatment, storage and transmission facilities in respect of domestic drinking water supply; the degree to which plans currently exist to adequately meet such requirements in the future; if water is likely to be sourced from ground water or otherwise; the extent to which conclusive evidence or research exists to enable strategic decisions to be made; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24148/11]

47 Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if he will explain the financial logic, in terms of making best use of public funds, behind his new social housing policy and its focus on providing social housing through leasing and other arrangements with private landlords and bodies rather than through the direct provision of new local authority housing; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24235/11]

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 15 September 2011

47 Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if he will explain the financial logic, in terms of making best use of public funds, behind his new social housing policy and its focus on providing social housing through leasing and other arrangements with private landlords and bodies rather than through the direct provision of new local authority housing; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24235/11]

46 Deputy Sandra McLellan asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government his plans to invest in long-term development of the public housing stock. [24114/11]

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 15 September 2011

46 Deputy Sandra McLellan asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government his plans to invest in long-term development of the public housing stock. [24114/11]

17 Deputy Joan Collins asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the way the new social housing policy and its focus on providing social housing through leasing and arrangements with private landlords rather than through the direct provision of new local authority housing makes any financial sense; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24240/11]

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 15 September 2011

17 Deputy Joan Collins asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the way the new social housing policy and its focus on providing social housing through leasing and arrangements with private landlords rather than through the direct provision of new local authority housing makes any financial sense; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24240/11]

16 Deputy Jonathan O’Brien asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government his findings as regards using the Derelict Sites Act 1990 for ghost estates; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24102/11]

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 15 September 2011

16 Deputy Jonathan O’Brien asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government his findings as regards using the Derelict Sites Act 1990 for ghost estates; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24102/11]

14 Deputy Brian Stanley asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government his plans to reduce the number of local authority managers and the number of directors of services as part of his cost-cutting initiatives; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24093/11]

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 15 September 2011

14 Deputy Brian Stanley asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government his plans to reduce the number of local authority managers and the number of directors of services as part of his cost-cutting initiatives; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24093/11]

13 Deputy Mary Lou McDonald asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government his views on the status of the St. Teresa’s Gardens, Dublin, application for regeneration funding. [24112/11]

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 15 September 2011

13 Deputy Mary Lou McDonald asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government his views on the status of the St. Teresa’s Gardens, Dublin, application for regeneration funding. [24112/11]

12 Deputy Luke ‘Ming’ Flanagan asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the percentage of the resources allocated to the Ballymun regeneration programme, Dublin, that has been spent on the salaries of the top management and on consultants; if the same percentage will prevail in the Limerick regeneration programme; his views on the high fees charged and the excessive salaries paid to the directors and management; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23965/11]

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 15 September 2011

12 Deputy Luke ‘Ming’ Flanagan asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the percentage of the resources allocated to the Ballymun regeneration programme, Dublin, that has been spent on the salaries of the top management and on consultants; if the same percentage will prevail in the Limerick regeneration programme; his views on the high fees charged and the excessive salaries paid to the directors and management; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23965/11]

11 Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the reason he decided not to proceed with the introduction of a waste facility levy as part of the Environment (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill; if he now supports incineration; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24080/11]

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 15 September 2011

11 Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the reason he decided not to proceed with the introduction of a waste facility levy as part of the Environment (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill; if he now supports incineration; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24080/11]

9 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the progress made to date on addressing the issue of funding food projects under the Leader programme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23973/11]

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 15 September 2011

9 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the progress made to date on addressing the issue of funding food projects under the Leader programme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23973/11]

39 Deputy Derek Keating asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government in view of the fact that the private refuse contractor (details supplied) has imposed an administrative charge of €60 per household in Dublin, his views that this contravenes his policy of polluter pays; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24237/11]

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 15 September 2011

39 Deputy Derek Keating asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government in view of the fact that the private refuse contractor (details supplied) has imposed an administrative charge of €60 per household in Dublin, his views that this contravenes his policy of polluter pays; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24237/11]

10 Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government his plans to introduce competitive tendering for the waste collection market; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24089/11]

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 15 September 2011

10 Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government his plans to introduce competitive tendering for the waste collection market; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24089/11]

7 Deputy Derek Keating asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the control that he has over the imposition of charges by private contractors who are replacing the local authority refuse collection service; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24238/11]

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 15 September 2011

7 Deputy Derek Keating asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the control that he has over the imposition of charges by private contractors who are replacing the local authority refuse collection service; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24238/11]

113 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the extent to which it is intended to regulate the operation of septic tanks with particular reference to inspection and-or regulation charges; the way such charges will apply; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24364/11]

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 15 September 2011

113 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the extent to which it is intended to regulate the operation of septic tanks with particular reference to inspection and-or regulation charges; the way such charges will apply; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24364/11]

44 Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if in advance of the new requirement, he announced recently, whereby local authorities are to provide an annual inspection of septic tanks, he consulted with the local authorities concerned; and if he is satisfied they have adequate resources to carry out this work; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23970/11]

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 15 September 2011

44 Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if in advance of the new requirement, he announced recently, whereby local authorities are to provide an annual inspection of septic tanks, he consulted with the local authorities concerned; and if he is satisfied they have adequate resources to carry out this work; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23970/11]

38 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if he will outline his plans for the registration of septic tanks; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23972/11]

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 15 September 2011

38 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if he will outline his plans for the registration of septic tanks; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23972/11]

28 Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if he will clarify the position regarding septic tanks in view of the uncertainty following recent media reports; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23974/11]

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 15 September 2011

28 Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if he will clarify the position regarding septic tanks in view of the uncertainty following recent media reports; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23974/11]

15 Deputy eán Fleming asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government his views that the charge for inspecting and monitoring septic tanks is discriminatory in that it targets rural dwellers only and that the very principle of taxation is that it must be fair and equitable; and if he will make a statement. [24071/11]

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 15 September 2011

15 Deputy eán Fleming asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government his views that the charge for inspecting and monitoring septic tanks is discriminatory in that it targets rural dwellers only and that the very principle of taxation is that it must be fair and equitable; and if he will make a statement. [24071/11]

8 Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the cost involved in establishing a new system for the inspection and monitoring of the performance of all septic tanks; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24062/11]

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 15 September 2011

8 Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the cost involved in establishing a new system for the inspection and monitoring of the performance of all septic tanks; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24062/11]

6 Deputy Barry Cowen asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if he has examined other jurisdictions who have also had to introduce a new system for inspecting and monitoring septic tanks but who managed to avoid the imposition of any charges on households; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24067/11]

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 15 September 2011

6 Deputy Barry Cowen asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if he has examined other jurisdictions who have also had to introduce a new system for inspecting and monitoring septic tanks but who managed to avoid the imposition of any charges on households; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24067/11]

5 Deputy John Halligan asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the proposed cost per household per annum for these water charges; if he will define the free allowance per household; if there is to be a waiver system in place for those households struggling on low incomes, in receipt of social welfare payments and old age pensions; if he will provide information on the proposed creation of a semi-State owned water company called Irish Water; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24394/11]

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 15 September 2011

5 Deputy John Halligan asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the proposed cost per household per annum for these water charges; if he will define the free allowance per household; if there is to be a waiver system in place for those households struggling on low incomes, in receipt of social welfare payments and old age pensions; if he will provide information on the proposed creation of a semi-State owned water company called Irish Water; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24394/11]

4 Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if funding will be provided to the RAPID scheme in Rathkeale, County Limerick before the year end; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24273/11]

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 15 September 2011

4 Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if funding will be provided to the RAPID scheme in Rathkeale, County Limerick before the year end; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24273/11]

3 Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government further to Parliamentary Question No. 222 of 20 July 2011, the reason the revised NSAI standard recommendation, which amended the building regulations technical guidance document TGD C, is deemed inadequate by the main non-Homebond insurer of houses affected by heave-inducing pyrite, and that this insurer demands in addition to the requirements in the NSAI amendment that replacement fill comply with TRL 447 (2005) sulphate specification for structural backfills, to ensure that there will be no further heave; and if he will immediately rectify this deficient specification in order to protect householders results. [24393/11]

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 15 September 2011

3 Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government further to Parliamentary Question No. 222 of 20 July 2011, the reason the revised NSAI standard recommendation, which amended the building regulations technical guidance document TGD C, is deemed inadequate by the main non-Homebond insurer of houses affected by heave-inducing pyrite, and that this insurer demands in addition to the requirements in the NSAI amendment that replacement fill comply with TRL 447 (2005) sulphate specification for structural backfills, to ensure that there will be no further heave; and if he will immediately rectify this deficient specification in order to protect householders results. [24393/11]

2 Deputy Brian Stanley asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government his plans to introduce a publicly funded septic tank registration, inspection and retrofitting scheme, including a scheme of grants, in order to comply with the 1975 Council Directive on Waste, as amended, which the European Court of Justice has ruled that Ireland breached in 2009; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24274/11]

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 15 September 2011

2 Deputy Brian Stanley asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government his plans to introduce a publicly funded septic tank registration, inspection and retrofitting scheme, including a scheme of grants, in order to comply with the 1975 Council Directive on Waste, as amended, which the European Court of Justice has ruled that Ireland breached in 2009; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24274/11]

1 Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government when he will introduce the septic tank registration and inspection charge; the rate at which it will be set; if he will consider other alternatives to imposing this charge on rural communities; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24272/11]

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 15 September 2011

1 Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government when he will introduce the septic tank registration and inspection charge; the rate at which it will be set; if he will consider other alternatives to imposing this charge on rural communities; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24272/11]

Empowering Local Educational Decisionmaking Act of 2011

United States · United States Congress · 15 September 2011

Empowering Local Educational Decisionmaking Act of 2011 - Replaces title II (Preparing, Training, and Recruiting High Quality Teachers and Principals) of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 (ESEA) with a new title II (Fund for the Improvement of Teaching and Learning) program. Moves teacher liability and internet safety provisions to title IX (General Provisions) of the ESEA. Allocates grants to states and, through them, subgrants to local educational agencies (LEAs) pursuant to a formula that apportions: (1) 20% of the funding to states and LEAs on the basis of their share of students aged 5-17 on the national and state level, respectively; and (2) 80% of such funding on the basis of their share of impoverished students in that age group. Requires states to use 95% of those funds for subgrants to LEAs, with the remainder being used for specified state activities. Lists the projects which the subgrants may fund, including: (1) teacher and principal evaluation systems that are based in significant part on student achievement and growth; (2) teacher and principal recruitment, training, and retention efforts; (3) model instructional programs in the core academic subjects; and (4) measures that improve students' access to school library materials, postsecondary level coursework, and extended learning opportunities. Requires those projects to meet certain principles of effectiveness and undergo a periodic evaluation to assess their progress in providing students with a high-quality education taught by effective teachers. Directs the Secretary of Education to: (1) provide technical assistance to grantees and subgrantees, (2) evaluate title II activities, and (3) award competitive grants to national nonprofit organizations for teacher training programs. Replaces title IV (21st Century Schools) of the ESEA with a new title IV (Safe and Healthy Students) program. Moves the gun-free schools requirement and part C (Environmental Tobacco Smoke) of title IV to title IX (General Provisions) of the ESEA. Allots grants to states and, through them, subgrants to LEAs in amounts that reflect their share of impoverished children aged 5-17 on the national and state level, respectively. Requires states to use 98% of those funds for subgrants to LEAs. Requires the subgrants to be used to develop, implement, and evaluate comprehensive programs and activities that: (1) improve students' physical and mental health, diet, and physical fitness; (2) prevent and reduce substance abuse, school violence, and bullying; and (3) strengthen parent and community involvement in these efforts. Requires those programs and activities to meet certain principles of effectiveness and undergo a periodic evaluation to assess their progress in improving students' safety, health, and fitness. Amends title VI (Flexibility and Accountability) of the ESEA to allow LEAs to transfer up to 100% of their allocations under titles II and IV between the two programs or into the school improvement program under part A of title I. Allows states to do the same with the amounts allotted to them under such programs for nonadministrative state level activities. Amends title IX of the ESEA to establish an approval and disapproval process for state and LEA applications under titles II and IV. Repeals: (1) parts B (Student Reading Skills Improvement Grants), F (Comprehensive School Reform), and G (Advanced Placement Programs), and the Close Up Fellowship program under title I of the ESEA; and (2) parts A (Innovative Programs) and D (Fund for the Improvement of Education) under title V of the ESEA.

Renewable Fuel Parity Act of 2011

United States · United States Congress · 15 September 2011

Renewable Fuel Parity Act of 2011 - Amends the Clean Air Act to revise the renewable fuel program to include: (1) "cellulosic biofuel" within the definition of "advanced biofuel," and (2) fuel derived from algae among the types of fuels eligible for consideration as advanced biofuel.

Health Equity and Accountability Act of 2011

United States · United States Congress · 15 September 2011

Health Equity and Accountability Act of 2011 - Amends the Public Health Service Act, the Social Security Act, and the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act to expand the collection and analysis of data in programs of the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). Sets forth provisions to improve cultural competence in federal health care programs and services, including by establishing the Robert T. Matsui Center for Cultural and Linguistic Competence in Health Care. Requires the Secretary of Health and Human Services (Secretary) to engage in activities to improve health workforce diversity, including by: (1) establishing a working group, a technical clearinghouse, and an advisory committee; (2) awarding grants to academic institutions, (3) establishing a health and health care disparities education program, and (4) providing for scholarships, loan repayment and loan forgiveness, and research fellowships. Health Empowerment Zone Act of 2011 - Provides for the establishment of health empowerment zones in communities that experience disproportionate disparities in health status and health care. Requires the Secretary to engage in activities to improve the quality of and access to health care, including by expanding access to health care and health care insurance for immigrants, increasing Medicaid payments to territories and to Native Hawaiian health centers, and providing for border health grants. Sets forth programs to reduce health disparities affecting minorities and rural residents. Establishes an Office of Minority Health in the Department of Veterans Affairs Sets forth provisions to improve health for women and children, including by expanding access to federal programs for immigrant women and children, creating public awareness campaigns, engaging in activities to eliminate disparities in maternal health outcomes, and establishing programs to reduce teenage pregnancies. Expands Medicare coverage of marriage and family therapist services and mental health counselor services. Provides for community mental health services to be offered through federally-qualified behavioral health centers. Lung Cancer Mortality Reduction Act of 2011 - Requires the Secretary to implement the Lung Cancer Mortality Reduction Program to achieve a reduction of at least 25% in the mortality rate of lung cancer by 2017. Prostate Research, Outreach, Screening, Testing, Access, and Treatment Effectiveness Act of 2011 or the PROSTATE Act - Requires the Secretary of Veterans Affairs (VA) to take action to address prostate cancer, including by establishing the Interagency Prostate Cancer Coordination and Education Task Force. Viral Hepatitis and Liver Cancer Control and Prevention Act of 2011 - Requires the Secretary to implement programs to address hepatitis B and hepatitis C. Bone Marrow Failure Disease Research and Treatment Act of 2011 - Requires the Secretary to establish the National Acquired Bone Marrow Failure Disease Registry. Requires the Secretary to carry out activities to expand the Minority HIV/AIDS Initiative. National Black Clergy for the Elimination of HIV/AIDS Act of 2011 - Provides for a program of grants to public health agencies and faith-based organizations to address HIV/AIDS in the African-American community. Justice for the Unprotected Against Sexually Transmitted Infections among the Confined and Exposed Act or the JUSTICE Act - Permits community organizations to distribute sexual barrier protection devices (e.g., condoms) and to engage in sexually transmitted infection counseling and prevention education in federal correctional facilities. Stop AIDS in Prison Act of 2011 - Requires the Bureau of Prisons to develop a comprehensive policy to provide HIV testing, treatment, and prevention for inmates. Minority Diabetes Initiative Act - Requires the Secretary to conduct research and other activities with respect to diabetes in minority populations. Sets forth provisions regarding the use of health information technology to reduce health disparities. Prohibits discrimination in federal health programs or activities. Requires the Secretary to establish the Office of Health Disparities in the Office for Civil Rights and to establish civil rights compliance offices in each HHS agency that administers health programs. Directs the President to enforce Executive Order 12898 (requires federal agencies to take actions to achieve environmental justice) as federal law. Amends the Department of Agriculture Reorganization Act of 1994 to establish in the Department of Agriculture (USDA) a Healthy Food Financing Initiative.

Pipeline Infrastructure and Community Protection Act of 2011

United States · United States Congress · 15 September 2011

Pipeline Infrastructure and Community Protection Act of 2011 - Prescribes or revises requirements for safety and environmental protection in pipeline transportation. Defines the term "major consequence violation" to mean a violation that contributed to a pipeline incident resulting in: (1) one or more deaths or injuries or illnesses requiring in-patient hospitalization; or (2) environmental harm exceeding $250,000 in estimated damages, including property loss (other than the value of natural gas or hazardous liquid lost or damage to pipeline facility equipment). Subjects to a civil penalty of $250,000 per day any person that the Secretary of Transportation has found to have committed a major consequence violation of a pipeline marking or excavation notification requirement, pipeline safety standard or regulation, or order. Authorizes the Secretary to impose a civil penalty on a person who obstructs or prevents an inspection or investigation of a gas pipeline or hazardous liquid pipeline. Prescribes a maximum civil penalty of $2.5 million for a related series of major consequence violations. Prohibits a state one-call notification program from exempting mechanized excavation, municipalities, state agencies, or their contractors from its one-call notification system requirements. Requires the Secretary to issue regulations subjecting offshore hazardous liquid gathering lines (except production pipelines or flow lines) as well as those located within Gulf of Mexico inlets to the same standards and regulations as other hazardous liquid pipelines. Directs the Secretary to prescribe a regulation to require the use of automatic or remote-controlled shut-off valves (or equivalent technology) on pipelines. Directs the Secretary to review the ability of a transmission pipeline operator to respond to a hazardous liquid or gas release from a pipeline segment located in a high consequence area. Requires the Secretary to prescribe regulations to require the use of excess flow valves, or equivalent technology, on new or entirely replaced distribution branch services, multi-family facilities, and small commercial facilities located in high-density population areas and environmentally sensitive areas. Directs the Secretary to evaluate specified questions with respect to integrity management safety system requirements. Requires the Secretary to maintain: (1) a monthly updated summary of all completed and final natural gas and hazardous liquid pipeline inspections conducted by or reported to the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA), (2) a detailed summary of each gas and hazardous liquid pipeline operator's approved emergency response plan, and (3) an updated map of all pipelines located in high consequence areas that are required to meet integrity management safety regulations. Directs the Secretary to conduct biennially a follow-up survey to measure progress of gas pipeline operators in implementing plans for the safe management and replacement of cast iron pipe in their systems. Directs the Secretary to update a report to Congress on leak detection systems used by operators of hazardous liquid pipelines and transportation-related flow lines. Requires the Secretary to review procedures for the National Response Center to provide coordinated notification to all relevant state and local emergency response officials and revise such procedures as appropriate. Requires pipeline owners and operators to provide immediate telephonic notice to the National Response Center within one hour following the discovery of a release of a hazardous liquid, carbon dioxide, or gas. Revises national pipeline mapping system requirements to require each pipeline operator to provide the Secretary certain geospatial or technical data, including design and material specifications. Authorizes the Secretary to engage in activities supporting the exchange of information with domestic and international organizations about the public and environmental risks from pipeline facilities. Authorizes the Secretary to collect geospatial or technical data on transportation-related oil flow lines (pipelines transporting oil off the grounds of the well across areas not owned by the producer). Authorizes the Secretary to provide technical assistance to Alaska to achieve coordinated oversight of the construction and operation of new and prospective Alaskan pipeline systems. Authorizes the Secretary to require persons proposing the construction, expansion, or operation of certain new gas or hazardous liquid pipelines (including construction inspections and oversight) to pay the costs of pipeline design safety reviews the Secretary conducts. Establishes in the Treasury the Pipeline Safety Design Review Fund. Sets forth certain factors the Secretary shall consider in granting a pipeline operator's application for a waiver (for up to five years, reviewable) of any pipeline standard. Treats as a hazardous liquid any non-petroleum fuels, including biofuels, that are flammable, toxic, or corrosive or would be harmful to the environment if released in significant quantities. Directs the Secretary to prescribe minimum safety standards for the pipeline transportation of carbon dioxide in gaseous form. Directs the Secretary to study whether hazardous liquid pipeline regulations are sufficient to regulate the transportation of diluted bitumen by pipeline, including whether any increase in risk of release exists for pipelines transporting it. Directs the Secretary to study the transportation of non-petroleum hazardous liquids by pipeline, including the extent to which the safety of such lines is unregulated by states. Directs the Secretary to increase the number of PHMSA personnel by a total of 39 full-time employees to carry out the pipeline safety program. Directs the Secretary to prescribe specified administrative enforcement regulations. Directs the Secretary to require gas pipeline operators to verify records for all interstate and intrastate gas transmission lines in class 3 and class 4 locations and class 1 and class 2 high consequence areas constructed before July 1, 1970, to reflect accurately the pipelines' physical and operational characteristics and confirm their established maximum allowable operating pressures. Directs the Secretary to evaluate whether current pipeline safety regulations regarding cover over buried pipeline at crossings of inland bodies of water with a width of at least 100 feet from high water mark to high water mark are sufficient to prevent a release of hazardous liquid. Directs the Secretary to review all unregulated onshore gas and hazardous liquid gathering lines. Reauthorizes through FY2014 programs for gas and hazardous liquid pipeline safety, emergency response grants, one-call notification, state damage prevention, community pipeline safety information grants, and pipeline transportation research and development.

Pharmaceutical Stewardship Act of 2011

United States · United States Congress · 15 September 2011

Pharmaceutical Stewardship Act of 2011 - Establishes the National Pharmaceutical Stewardship Organization as a nonprofit private corporation whose board of directors shall be appointed by the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Requires the Organization to begin implementation of a certified national pharmaceutical stewardship program within two years. Requires each manufacturer and brand owner of a drug marketed in the United States to participate in such program or another certified national pharmaceutical stewardship program. Establishes requirements for program certification, including requirements to: (1) provide a system to facilitate the collection and disposal of any drug that is a household waste, as defined under the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act, that is delivered to the program by an individual in the United States; and (2) collect and dispose of drugs in a manner that is safe and secure, that results in incineration of the drug in accordance with the hazardous waste incineration requirements under the Solid Waste Disposal Act, that protects patient information, and that is accessible and, in the case of a controlled substance, consistent with the Controlled Substances Act. Prohibits programs from imposing fees on individuals for delivery or disposal of a drug. Establishes a program certification process, including requiring the Administrator to consult with the Administrator of the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) on the adequacy of the proposed program's security measures for collection, transportation, and disposal of drugs, disposal systems, and mechanisms for secure tracking and handling. Authorizes the Administrator to suspend certification of a program if necessary to protect the public from imminent danger. Requires the Director of National Drug Control Policy to establish a campaign to increase public awareness of how drugs may be lawfully disposed consistent with public safety, public health, and environmental protection. Requires the Administrator to establish an interagency commission, to be known as the Commission on Drug Disposal and its Public Safety, Public Health, and Environmental Impacts, to develop a strategy to: (1) prevent the entry of drugs into the nation's water supply and environment consistent with current public safety standards, and (2) protect public health and promote public safety by reducing diversion and the risk of abuse and accidental overdose. Requires the Comptroller General (GAO) to report on drugs and drug byproducts in surface water and groundwater in the United States within a year.

Order of the President of the General Court of 15 September 2011.#Europäischer Wirtschaftsverband der Eisen- und Stahlindustrie (Eurofer) ASBL v European Commission.#Interim relief - Environment - Allocation of greenhouse gas emission allowances free of charge in accordance with Directive 2003/87/EC - Setting of the product benchmarks the subject of the Commission’s decision - Application for interim measures - Admissibility - Urgency.#Case T-381/11 R.

European Union · Court of Justice of the European Union · 15 September 2011

Order of the President of the General Court of 15 September 2011.#Hüttenwerke Krupp Mannesmann GmbH and Others v European Commission.#Interim relief - Environment - Allocation of greenhouse gas emission allowances free of charge in accordance with Directive 2003/87/EC - Setting of the product benchmarks the subject of the Commission’s decision - Application for interim measures - Admissibility - Urgency.#Case T-379/11 R.

European Union · Court of Justice of the European Union · 15 September 2011

Judgment of the Court (First Chamber) of 15 September 2011.#Land Hessen v Franz Mücksch OHG.#Reference for a preliminary ruling: Bundesverwaltungsgericht - Germany.#Environment - Directive 96/82/EC - Control of major-accident hazards involving dangerous substances - Prevention - Appropriate distances between areas of public use and establishments where large quantities of dangerous substances are present.#Case C-53/10.

European Union · Court of Justice of the European Union · 15 September 2011

Elektrofahrräder

Austria · National Council · 14 September 2011

Schriftliche Anfrage der Abgeordneten Dr. Dagmar Belakowitsch-Jenewein, Kolleginnen und Kollegen an den Bundesminister für Land- und Forstwirtschaft, Umwelt und Wasserwirtschaft betreffend Elektrofahrräder <i>(Verkaufszahlen sowie durchschnittlicher Stromverbrauch)</i>

"Recycling" von medizinischen Einwegprodukten - Kosteneinsparungen durch validierte Aufbereitungsverfahren

Austria · National Council · 14 September 2011

Schriftliche Anfrage der Abgeordneten Dr. Andreas Karlsböck, Kolleginnen und Kollegen an den Bundesminister für Gesundheit betreffend "Recycling" von medizinischen Einwegprodukten - Kosteneinsparungen durch validierte Aufbereitungsverfahren

Kaffeekapseln

Austria · National Council · 14 September 2011

Schriftliche Anfrage der Abgeordneten Dr. Dagmar Belakowitsch-Jenewein, Kolleginnen und Kollegen an den Bundesminister für Land- und Forstwirtschaft, Umwelt und Wasserwirtschaft betreffend Kaffeekapseln <i>(Entsorgung im Hausmüll)</i>

Energiebilanz Kaffeekapseln

Austria · National Council · 14 September 2011

Schriftliche Anfrage der Abgeordneten Dr. Dagmar Belakowitsch-Jenewein, Kolleginnen und Kollegen an den Bundesminister für Wirtschaft, Familie und Jugend betreffend Energiebilanz <i>(für Herstellung und Entsorgung von)</i> Kaffeekapseln

"Recycling" von medizinischen Einwegprodukten - Kosteneinsparungen durch validierte Aufbereitungsverfahren

Austria · National Council · 14 September 2011

Schriftliche Anfrage der Abgeordneten Dr. Andreas Karlsböck, Kolleginnen und Kollegen an die Bundesministerin für Verkehr, Innovation und Technologie betreffend "Recycling" von medizinischen Einwegprodukten - Kosteneinsparungen durch validierte Aufbereitungsverfahren

785 Deputy Pat Breen asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will report on the status of an application for agri-environment options scheme (details supplied) in respect of persons (details supplied) in County Clare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24130/11]

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 14 September 2011

785 Deputy Pat Breen asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will report on the status of an application for agri-environment options scheme (details supplied) in respect of persons (details supplied) in County Clare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24130/11]