Environment

232 Ms Shortall asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government when the full breakdown and full details of the assessment of housing needs, carried out in 2005, will be available; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19024/06]

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 18 May 2006

232 Ms Shortall asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government when the full breakdown and full details of the assessment of housing needs, carried out in 2005, will be available; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19024/06]

231 Mr. Kehoe asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if a site been acquired in Wexford for the proposed decentralised offices; if not, if a site has been identified; the length of time before the site will be acquired and offices ready for occupation; the expected timeframe for the decentralisation of staff to these offices; the number of staff who have applied and are ready to transfer with his Department to Wexford; if sufficient numbers have not applied directly from his Department, other suitable applicants to the central applications facility have been identified and approached to decentralise to Wexford; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19023/06]

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 18 May 2006

231 Mr. Kehoe asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if a site been acquired in Wexford for the proposed decentralised offices; if not, if a site has been identified; the length of time before the site will be acquired and offices ready for occupation; the expected timeframe for the decentralisation of staff to these offices; the number of staff who have applied and are ready to transfer with his Department to Wexford; if sufficient numbers have not applied directly from his Department, other suitable applicants to the central applications facility have been identified and approached to decentralise to Wexford; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19023/06]

230 Ms Burton asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the functions which have been delegated to each Minister of State at his Department; the date on which the relevant order was made; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18933/06]

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 18 May 2006

230 Ms Burton asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the functions which have been delegated to each Minister of State at his Department; the date on which the relevant order was made; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18933/06]

165 Mr. Sargent asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food if she will capitalise on the heightened awareness of the potential for direct sales of farm produce following the popular campaign to have farmers and the wider community exercise traditional market rights before 1 May 2006 in towns and villages and some designated crossroads throughout the country; and if she will meet with the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government to establish a programme of re-establishing such community run farmers’ markets. [18994/06]

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 18 May 2006

165 Mr. Sargent asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food if she will capitalise on the heightened awareness of the potential for direct sales of farm produce following the popular campaign to have farmers and the wider community exercise traditional market rights before 1 May 2006 in towns and villages and some designated crossroads throughout the country; and if she will meet with the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government to establish a programme of re-establishing such community run farmers’ markets. [18994/06]

10 Mr. Sargent asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food if she will capitalise on the heightened awareness of the potential for direct sales of farm produce following popular campaign to have farmers and the wider community exercise traditional market rights before 1 May 2006 in towns and villages and even some designated crossroads throughout the country; and if she will meet with the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government to establish a programme of re-establishing such community run farmers’ markets. [18750/06]

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 18 May 2006

10 Mr. Sargent asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food if she will capitalise on the heightened awareness of the potential for direct sales of farm produce following popular campaign to have farmers and the wider community exercise traditional market rights before 1 May 2006 in towns and villages and even some designated crossroads throughout the country; and if she will meet with the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government to establish a programme of re-establishing such community run farmers’ markets. [18750/06]

Corporate Average Fuel Economy Reform Act of 2006

United States · United States Congress · 18 May 2006

Corporate Average Fuel Economy Reform Act of 2006 - Amends federal transportation law to direct the Secretary of Transportation to prescribe minimum corporate average fuel economy (CAFE) standards for passenger automobiles, including standards that are based on one or more vehicle attributes that relate to fuel economy. Requires the Secretary of Transportation, when deciding maximum feasible average fuel economy for passenger automobiles, to consider (in addition to current considerations) motor vehicle safety, emissions, and the need of the United States to reduce its dependence on oil for transportation. Solicits comment from the Department of Energy (DOE) (currently) and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) before the Secretary issues a notice for a proposed or amended CAFE standard. Allows manufacturers to earn credits which may be applied to any five (currently, three) consecutive model years after the year in which they were earned if the average fuel economy of passenger automobiles manufactured by a manufacturer in a particular model year exceeds an applicable established average fuel economy standard. Permits trading credits between passenger-automobile production and non-passenger-automobile production. Requires civil penalties assessed by the Secretary or by a Court against a person who violates CAFE standards to be credited to a Department of Transportation (DOT) account and made available to carry out a program of research and development into fuel saving automotive technologies and to support the CAFE program.

Community Water Treatment Hazards Reduction Act of 2006

United States · United States Congress · 18 May 2006

Community Water Treatment Hazards Reduction Act of 2006 - Amends the Safe Drinking Water Act to require the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to: (1) compile a list of all high-consequence facilities; and (2) notify each owner and operator of a water facility that is included on the list. Requires the Administrator, in determining whether a facility is a high-consequence water facility, to consider: (1) the number of people located in the vulnerability zone for each substance of concern that could be released at the water facility; (2) the critical infrastructure served by the facility; (3) any use by the facility of large quantities of one or more substances of concern; and (4) the quantity and volume of annual shipments of substances of concern to or from the facility. Defines "vulnerability zone" as a geographic area that would be affected by a worst-case release of certain hazardous substances. Requires the Administrator to classify high-consequence water facilities into three tiers and give priority to matters relating to the security of high-consequence water facilities based on the classification. Makes mandatory the designation as a high-consequence facility of those whose vulnerability zone contains more than 10,000 individuals. Prohibits the Administrator from reclassifying such a facility into a tier with a lower priority. Requires the owner or operator of a high-consequence water facility to submit to the Administrator an options feasibility assessment (including a cost estimate) concerning the use of inherently safer technologies no later than 90 days after receiving notice that such facility is listed. Requires the Administrator, subject to the availability of grant funds, to issue an order requiring a facility to eliminate the use of substances of concern and to adopt safer technologies. Authorizes the Administrator to seek enforcement of an order. Directs the Administrator to provide grants to high-consequence facilities for use in paying capital expenditures directly required to complete the transition of such facility to the use of safer technologies.

Opinion of Advocate General Sharpston delivered on 18 May 2006.#Commission of the European Communities v Grand Duchy of Luxemburg.#Failure of a Member State to fulfil obligations - Environment - Directive 2000/60/EC - Failure to notify implementing measures - Obligation to adopt framework legislation in national law - None - Incomplete implementation of or failure to implement Articles 2, 7(2) and 14.#Case C-32/05.

European Union · Court of Justice of the European Union · 18 May 2006

Unfall mit Tiertransporter

Austria · National Council · 17 May 2006

Schriftliche Anfrage der Abgeordneten Mag. Brigid Weinzinger, Kolleginnen und Kollegen an den Bundesminister für Verkehr, Innovation und Technologie betreffend Unfall mit Tiertransporter

Unfall mit Tiertransporter

Austria · National Council · 17 May 2006

Schriftliche Anfrage der Abgeordneten Mag. Brigid Weinzinger, Kolleginnen und Kollegen an die Bundesministerin für Inneres betreffend Unfall mit Tiertransporter

Wasserrechtsgesetznovelle 2006

Austria · National Council · 17 May 2006

Bericht des Ausschusses für Land- und Forstwirtschaft über die Regierungsvorlage (1356 d.B.): Bundesgesetz, mit dem das Wasserrechtsgesetz 1959 geändert wird (Wasserrechtsgesetznovelle 2006)

332 Mr. Gilmore asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if the Government intends to ban management companies in housing estates. [18854/06]

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 17 May 2006

332 Mr. Gilmore asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if the Government intends to ban management companies in housing estates. [18854/06]

331 Ms C. Murphy asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the local authorities which indicated they had included a management company obligation as a condition of planning permission for housing developments; if the practice has ceased for similar new developments; the measures local authorities informed him they intend to take to overcome problems for housing developments where inappropriate planning conditions on management companies applied; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18708/06]

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 17 May 2006

331 Ms C. Murphy asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the local authorities which indicated they had included a management company obligation as a condition of planning permission for housing developments; if the practice has ceased for similar new developments; the measures local authorities informed him they intend to take to overcome problems for housing developments where inappropriate planning conditions on management companies applied; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18708/06]

330 Ms C. Murphy asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the number of housing estates over seven years that remain to be taken in charge per county; the number of housing units contained in these estates; the number of housing estates over two years that remain to be taken in charge per county; the number of housing units contained in these estates; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18707/06]

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 17 May 2006

330 Ms C. Murphy asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the number of housing estates over seven years that remain to be taken in charge per county; the number of housing units contained in these estates; the number of housing estates over two years that remain to be taken in charge per county; the number of housing units contained in these estates; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18707/06]

329 Ms C. Murphy asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if his Department instructed all local authorities to include a requirement for open spaces in housing estates to be vested in the local authority as part of the taking in charge process; if so, when such a guideline was issued; the measures he has taken or intends to take in order to afford the greatest possible protection to older estates where such a requirement did not apply; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18706/06]

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 17 May 2006

329 Ms C. Murphy asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if his Department instructed all local authorities to include a requirement for open spaces in housing estates to be vested in the local authority as part of the taking in charge process; if so, when such a guideline was issued; the measures he has taken or intends to take in order to afford the greatest possible protection to older estates where such a requirement did not apply; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18706/06]

328 Ms C. Murphy asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the amount awarded to each local authority in respect of disabled persons grants in 2005; the amount allocated and not taken up in 2004; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18705/06]

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 17 May 2006

328 Ms C. Murphy asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the amount awarded to each local authority in respect of disabled persons grants in 2005; the amount allocated and not taken up in 2004; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18705/06]

327 Mr. McGuinness asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the dates on which he received submissions from Waterford and Kilkenny local authorities regarding the application from Waterford Council to extend their county boundary; the cost incurred by each authority relative to the issue; if he will make a decision on the matter; if he will request both authorities to co-operate at county level to establish a joint development plan rather than adjusting county boundaries; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18683/06]

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 17 May 2006

327 Mr. McGuinness asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the dates on which he received submissions from Waterford and Kilkenny local authorities regarding the application from Waterford Council to extend their county boundary; the cost incurred by each authority relative to the issue; if he will make a decision on the matter; if he will request both authorities to co-operate at county level to establish a joint development plan rather than adjusting county boundaries; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18683/06]

326 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if plastic silage wrappers will be collected from farmers; the reason farmers are not allowed to dispose of plastic silage wrappers to their nearest local authority; and if there are discussions expected to take place to deal with this problem. [18682/06]

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 17 May 2006

326 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if plastic silage wrappers will be collected from farmers; the reason farmers are not allowed to dispose of plastic silage wrappers to their nearest local authority; and if there are discussions expected to take place to deal with this problem. [18682/06]

325 Mr. Cuffe asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the change in methodologies that have been used in the compiling of the assessment of need of housing between the 2002 and the 2005 assessments; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18681/06]

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 17 May 2006

325 Mr. Cuffe asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the change in methodologies that have been used in the compiling of the assessment of need of housing between the 2002 and the 2005 assessments; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18681/06]

324 Mr. Gilmore asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the date in summer 2006 on which he expects to commence a pilot project on affordable homes for renting; the length of time the project will run for; and if and when it is planned to roll such a strategy out nationwide. [18680/06]

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 17 May 2006

324 Mr. Gilmore asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the date in summer 2006 on which he expects to commence a pilot project on affordable homes for renting; the length of time the project will run for; and if and when it is planned to roll such a strategy out nationwide. [18680/06]

323 Mr. Gilmore asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the date in summer 2006 on which he expects to introduce a new, simpler and streamlined affordable housing scheme; and the way in which this scheme will operate. [18679/06]

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 17 May 2006

323 Mr. Gilmore asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the date in summer 2006 on which he expects to introduce a new, simpler and streamlined affordable housing scheme; and the way in which this scheme will operate. [18679/06]

315 Mr. Gilmore asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government his strategy for ensuring that housing development includes an appropriate social mix and provides necessary social infrastructure; if he intends to repeal the Planning and Development Amendment Act 2002 to ensure that developers are bound to create an appropriate social mix in housing developments rather than buying their way out of the arrangement. [18671/06]

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 17 May 2006

315 Mr. Gilmore asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government his strategy for ensuring that housing development includes an appropriate social mix and provides necessary social infrastructure; if he intends to repeal the Planning and Development Amendment Act 2002 to ensure that developers are bound to create an appropriate social mix in housing developments rather than buying their way out of the arrangement. [18671/06]

314 Mr. Gilmore asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the reforms which will be applied to the disabled person grant and the essential repairs grant following the review of these grants. [18670/06]

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 17 May 2006

314 Mr. Gilmore asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the reforms which will be applied to the disabled person grant and the essential repairs grant following the review of these grants. [18670/06]

322 Mr. Gilmore asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the operation of and the conditions for qualification under the new tenant purchase scheme proposed in the new Housing Strategy Framework; when he expects this scheme to be piloted; and when he expects it to be fully operational. [18678/06]

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 17 May 2006

322 Mr. Gilmore asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the operation of and the conditions for qualification under the new tenant purchase scheme proposed in the new Housing Strategy Framework; when he expects this scheme to be piloted; and when he expects it to be fully operational. [18678/06]

321 Mr. Gilmore asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the new proposals for improvements in the governance of the voluntary and co-operative housing sector under the new Housing Strategy Framework. [18677/06]

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 17 May 2006

321 Mr. Gilmore asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the new proposals for improvements in the governance of the voluntary and co-operative housing sector under the new Housing Strategy Framework. [18677/06]

320 Mr. Gilmore asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the reforms that will be brought into force in respect of the new Housing Strategy Framework indicating which ones will require the bringing forward of legislation and when such legislation will be expected to be drafted and to come before Dáil Éireann in respect of improvements in the provision of housing advice; new means of assessing need; implementation of a fair rents policy across all social housing tenures; and improved management and maintenance of local authority housing stock and services to tenants. [18676/06]

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 17 May 2006

320 Mr. Gilmore asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the reforms that will be brought into force in respect of the new Housing Strategy Framework indicating which ones will require the bringing forward of legislation and when such legislation will be expected to be drafted and to come before Dáil Éireann in respect of improvements in the provision of housing advice; new means of assessing need; implementation of a fair rents policy across all social housing tenures; and improved management and maintenance of local authority housing stock and services to tenants. [18676/06]

319 Mr. Gilmore asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the supports, including resources, guidelines and other measures, that will be available to local authorities under the new Housing Strategy Framework in their attempts to tackle anti-social behaviour. [18675/06]

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 17 May 2006

319 Mr. Gilmore asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the supports, including resources, guidelines and other measures, that will be available to local authorities under the new Housing Strategy Framework in their attempts to tackle anti-social behaviour. [18675/06]

318 Mr. Gilmore asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the role that public private partnerships are expected to play in regenerating areas as laid down under the new Housing Strategy Framework. [18674/06]

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 17 May 2006

318 Mr. Gilmore asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the role that public private partnerships are expected to play in regenerating areas as laid down under the new Housing Strategy Framework. [18674/06]

317 Mr. Gilmore asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the provisions which are laid down in the new Housing Strategy Framework to prioritise the management and maintenance of social housing estates; the timeframe for the rejuvenation of all run-down social housing estates and remedial works to improve local authority housing; the estimated cost of the proposed regeneration of all run down social housing estates nationally and remedial works to improve local authority housing; the amount of this funding which will be provided by his Department or by central funds; and the amount local authorities will be expected to provide themselves. [18673/06]

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 17 May 2006

317 Mr. Gilmore asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the provisions which are laid down in the new Housing Strategy Framework to prioritise the management and maintenance of social housing estates; the timeframe for the rejuvenation of all run-down social housing estates and remedial works to improve local authority housing; the estimated cost of the proposed regeneration of all run down social housing estates nationally and remedial works to improve local authority housing; the amount of this funding which will be provided by his Department or by central funds; and the amount local authorities will be expected to provide themselves. [18673/06]

316 Mr. Gilmore asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if the new Housing Strategy Framework will include energy efficiency systems and installations, such as the provision of double glazing for all social housing stock, both existing and planned, under the commitment to better quality social housing in the framework. [18672/06]

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 17 May 2006

316 Mr. Gilmore asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if the new Housing Strategy Framework will include energy efficiency systems and installations, such as the provision of double glazing for all social housing stock, both existing and planned, under the commitment to better quality social housing in the framework. [18672/06]

313 Mr. Gilmore asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the measures to be introduced in respect of housing for those with special needs, including travellers, to improve inter-agency co-operation where there is a care dimension additional to accommodation needs; and when he expects these measures to be introduced. [18669/06]

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 17 May 2006

313 Mr. Gilmore asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the measures to be introduced in respect of housing for those with special needs, including travellers, to improve inter-agency co-operation where there is a care dimension additional to accommodation needs; and when he expects these measures to be introduced. [18669/06]

312 Mr. Gilmore asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the funding arrangements planned to support increased delivery by the voluntary and co-operative sector; the arrangements and measures which have been developed to date; the arrangements, which have been put into place and are operational; and when he hopes to have the completed suite of arrangements operational. [18668/06]

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 17 May 2006

312 Mr. Gilmore asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the funding arrangements planned to support increased delivery by the voluntary and co-operative sector; the arrangements and measures which have been developed to date; the arrangements, which have been put into place and are operational; and when he hopes to have the completed suite of arrangements operational. [18668/06]

311 Mr. Gilmore asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the amount which the capital funding limits for voluntary and co-operative sector housing will be raised under the new housing strategy; the extent of consultation with the sector in determining these new limits; if the limits are reflective of the real cost of building currently and the expected costs in the short to medium future; and how often the limits will be reviewed in future. [18667/06]

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 17 May 2006

311 Mr. Gilmore asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the amount which the capital funding limits for voluntary and co-operative sector housing will be raised under the new housing strategy; the extent of consultation with the sector in determining these new limits; if the limits are reflective of the real cost of building currently and the expected costs in the short to medium future; and how often the limits will be reviewed in future. [18667/06]

310 Mr. Gilmore asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the schedule including deliverables and timeframes for 2006, 2007 and 2008 for the completion of the RAS scheme; the number of recipients of rent supplement he expects to be accommodated by the RAS scheme for each of the years 2006, 2007 and 2008; and the number of rent supplement recipients who have been accommodated under the scheme to date. [18666/06]

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 17 May 2006

310 Mr. Gilmore asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the schedule including deliverables and timeframes for 2006, 2007 and 2008 for the completion of the RAS scheme; the number of recipients of rent supplement he expects to be accommodated by the RAS scheme for each of the years 2006, 2007 and 2008; and the number of rent supplement recipients who have been accommodated under the scheme to date. [18666/06]

309 Mr. Gilmore asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the number of the 6,000 social housing units planned in the local authority sector for 2006 which have been started to date. [18665/06]

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 17 May 2006

309 Mr. Gilmore asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the number of the 6,000 social housing units planned in the local authority sector for 2006 which have been started to date. [18665/06]

308 Mr. Gilmore asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the number of social housing units which are expected to be started and the number expected to be completed in the local Government sector in 2006, 2007 and 2008; the number of social housing units which are expected to be started and the number expected to be completed in the voluntary and co-operative sector in 2006, 2007 and 2008. [18664/06]

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 17 May 2006

308 Mr. Gilmore asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the number of social housing units which are expected to be started and the number expected to be completed in the local Government sector in 2006, 2007 and 2008; the number of social housing units which are expected to be started and the number expected to be completed in the voluntary and co-operative sector in 2006, 2007 and 2008. [18664/06]

307 Mr. Gilmore asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the amendments that will be made to the existing Residential Density Guidelines in order to deal with the design and management of apartments. [18663/06]

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 17 May 2006

307 Mr. Gilmore asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the amendments that will be made to the existing Residential Density Guidelines in order to deal with the design and management of apartments. [18663/06]

301 Mr. Gilmore asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the number of social housing units, affordable housing units and voluntary housing sector units produced here in the past decade; and the amount of social housing units, affordable housing units and voluntary housing sector units respectively produced here in the past decade, each expressed as a proportion of the total number of houses built here during that time. [18657/06]

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 17 May 2006

301 Mr. Gilmore asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the number of social housing units, affordable housing units and voluntary housing sector units produced here in the past decade; and the amount of social housing units, affordable housing units and voluntary housing sector units respectively produced here in the past decade, each expressed as a proportion of the total number of houses built here during that time. [18657/06]

306 Mr. Gilmore asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the estimated capital cost of investing in infrastructure aimed at delivering high levels of housing and improved affordability over the next five, 10 and 15 years. [18662/06]

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 17 May 2006

306 Mr. Gilmore asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the estimated capital cost of investing in infrastructure aimed at delivering high levels of housing and improved affordability over the next five, 10 and 15 years. [18662/06]

304 Mr. Gilmore asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the programme of investment in social and affordable housing for the years 2006, 2007 and 2008 respectively as set out under the new Housing Policy Framework. [18660/06]

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 17 May 2006

304 Mr. Gilmore asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the programme of investment in social and affordable housing for the years 2006, 2007 and 2008 respectively as set out under the new Housing Policy Framework. [18660/06]

300 Mr. Gilmore asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the Exchequer capital investment for each of the years 2006, 2007 and 2008, in respect of social housing; the amount in respect of affordable housing for each of the years 2006, 2007 and 2008; the amount in respect of voluntary and co-operative housing for each of the years 2006, 2007 and 2008. [18656/06]

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 17 May 2006

300 Mr. Gilmore asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the Exchequer capital investment for each of the years 2006, 2007 and 2008, in respect of social housing; the amount in respect of affordable housing for each of the years 2006, 2007 and 2008; the amount in respect of voluntary and co-operative housing for each of the years 2006, 2007 and 2008. [18656/06]

305 Mr. Gilmore asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the policy directions planned under the new Housing Policy Framework over the medium term; and the timeframe defined by the medium term for the purposes of the policy framework. [18661/06]

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 17 May 2006

305 Mr. Gilmore asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the policy directions planned under the new Housing Policy Framework over the medium term; and the timeframe defined by the medium term for the purposes of the policy framework. [18661/06]

303 Mr. Gilmore asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the key recommendations of the NESC report, Housing in Ireland: Performance and Policy, which will be implemented under the new housing policy framework. [18659/06]

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 17 May 2006

303 Mr. Gilmore asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the key recommendations of the NESC report, Housing in Ireland: Performance and Policy, which will be implemented under the new housing policy framework. [18659/06]

302 Mr. Gilmore asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the key Government policies and policy directions aimed at ensuring a quality living environment for householders and communities in view of the estimated rise of 1 million people here over the next fifteen years; and the number of social and affordable housing units he estimates will be required in five, 10 and 15 years time. [18658/06]

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 17 May 2006

302 Mr. Gilmore asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the key Government policies and policy directions aimed at ensuring a quality living environment for householders and communities in view of the estimated rise of 1 million people here over the next fifteen years; and the number of social and affordable housing units he estimates will be required in five, 10 and 15 years time. [18658/06]

299 Mr. Gilmore asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the reason for the delay in publishing the new housing policy statement (details supplied), which was due to be published in early 2006. [18655/06]

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 17 May 2006

299 Mr. Gilmore asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the reason for the delay in publishing the new housing policy statement (details supplied), which was due to be published in early 2006. [18655/06]

298 Mr. Gilmore asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if the preparation of the new housing policy statement (details supplied) has been completed; the date on which he expects the completed document to be published in full; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18654/06]

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 17 May 2006

298 Mr. Gilmore asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if the preparation of the new housing policy statement (details supplied) has been completed; the date on which he expects the completed document to be published in full; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18654/06]

297 Mr. Deenihan asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the criteria that enables a person who has a mental or physical disability to be assisted while voting; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18653/06]

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 17 May 2006

297 Mr. Deenihan asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the criteria that enables a person who has a mental or physical disability to be assisted while voting; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18653/06]

Clean EDGE Act of 2006

United States · United States Congress · 17 May 2006

Clean Energy Development for a Growing Economy Act of 2006, or the Clean EDGE Act of 2006 - Instructs the President to develop measures to reduce U.S. dependence on foreign petroleum imports by reducing petroleum in end-uses. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to modify or create specified alternative fuel, vehicle, and energy tax credits. Amends the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act to direct the Secretary of Agriculture to establish a low-interest loan program for farmer-owned retail delivery of alternative fuels. Amends the Clean Air Act to authorize the President to promulgate rules to increase renewable fuel content of motor fuels and clean energy sources. Directs the Secretary of Transportation to develop Transit-Oriented Development Corridors. Declares that it is unlawful to sell crude oil, gasoline, or petroleum distillates at a price exceeding certain standards. Amends the Clayton Act to declare unlawful for any person to refuse to engage in certain regular petroleum or natural gas marketing practices with the primary intention of increasing prices or creating a market shortage. Oil and Gas Traders Oversight Act of 2006 - Amends the Commodity Exchange Act to instruct the Commodities Futures Trading Commission to promulgate rules governing reporting and recordkeeping for positions involving energy commodities. Amends the Food Stamp Act of 1977 and the United States Housing Act of 1937 regarding utility costs. Amends the Small Business Act and the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act to authorize the Administrator of the Small Business Administration and the Secretary of Agriculture, respectively, to make loans to small business concerns injured by significant increases in gas and heating oil prices. Prescribes specified measures to realize improved vehicle fuel economy. Amends the Public Utility Regulatory Policies Act of 1978, the Energy Policy Act of 1992, and the Energy Policy Act of 2005 with respect to federal agency purchases of renewable energy products. Establishes the Clean Energy Security Collaborative. Instructs the Secretary of Transportation to establish the National Motor Vehicle Efficiency Improvement Program. Amends the Global Environmental Protection Assistance Act of 1989 to direct the President to establish a Task Force on International Clean Energy Cooperation. Establishes the Interagency Center in the Office of International Energy Market Development of the Department of Energy. Provides for clean energy assistance to developing countries. Instructs the Secretary of Energy to establish the Office of Advanced Energy Research, Technology Development, and Deployment. Prescribes guidelines for a near-term vehicle technology program. H-Prize Act of 2006 - Directs the Secretary of Energy to award competitive cash prizes biennially to advance hydrogen energy technologies. Expresses the sense of Congress that no tax should be imposed on hydrogen fuel before January 1, 2014. Authorizes the Secretary of Education to award grants to postsecondary educational institutions to train 10,000 individuals in green building and zero-energy home design and construction. Establishes the Clean Energy Investment Administration (CEIA). Amends the Energy Policy and Conservation Act to direct Secretary of Energy to establish a Strategic Gasoline and Fuel Reserve. Establishes the Strategic Gasoline and Fuel Reserve Fund. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to eliminate certain tax incentives for major integrated oil companies. Amends the Energy Policy Act of 2005 to repeal certain oil and gas royalty provisions.

To direct the Secretary of the Interior to establish a demonstration program to facilitate landscape restoration programs within certain units of the National Park System established by law to preserve and interpret resources associated with American history, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 17 May 2006

Directs the Secretary of the Interior, acting through the Director of the National Park Service, to carry out a demonstration program that provides that receipts from timber sales shall be retained for expenditure within units of the National Park System from which the timber is removed as part of an approved plan for the restoration or protection of park resources or values. Instructs the Secretary to permit each of the existing 24 National Battlefields, National Battlefield Parks, National Military Parks, and National Battlefield Sites to participate in the demonstration program if the unit has in place a general management plan, cultural landscape plan, or other resources management plan approved pursuant to the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 that identifies specific timber for removal for purposes of cultural or historic landscape restoration or fuel load reduction. Requires each unit selected to participate in the demonstration program to retain receipts from the sale or disposal of timber removed. Provides for such receipts to be available for expenditure for within a unit for the following purposes only: (1) landscape restoration; (2) interpretive services; (3) eradication of disease, insects, or invasive species; or (4) fuel load reduction. Requires the Secretary to submit a report containing a specific timeline for timber removal in each of the units authorized to participate in such demonstration program.

Good Samaritan Clean Watershed Act

United States · United States Congress · 17 May 2006

Good Samaritan Clean Watershed Act - Authorizes the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) or a state or Indian tribe with an approved remediation program to issue a permit to a Good Samaritan to remediate inactive or abandoned mines. Defines "Good Samaritan" as a person that: (1) did not cause the historic mine residue at the inactive or abandoned mines; (2) is not liable or responsible under federal, state, or tribal law for remediation of such residue; and (3) does not have an ownership interest in such site during or since the creation of the residue. States that to be eligible for a remediation permit, projects: (1) shall have the purpose of mitigating the effects of historic mine residue to improve the environment; and (2) are not in mines that are included on the National Priorities List of the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act of 1980 (CERCLA) or mines that are subject to enforcement or response actions. Provides conditions for permit issuance, including environmental improvement and financial resources requirements and consideration of objections by land management agencies and public trustees. Deems permit activities to be compliant with the Federal Water Pollution Control Act (Clean Water Act or CWA) and CERCLA. Precludes the imposition of costs or damages under CWA and CERCLA related to the permit activities, except where the permittee's actions exacerbate the pollution as a result of gross negligence or intentional misconduct. Provides for the transfer, modification, or termination of permits and the role of the permitting authority. Requires the permitting authority to provide notice of the application for remediation of a mine site to: (1) designated lead state or tribal agencies; (2) local governments within a 20-mile radius of the project site; (3) federal, state, and tribal agencies that may have an interest in the application; and (4) the public. Authorizes the Administrator to enforce this Act and prescribes civil monetary penalties.