Environment

36 Mr. Connaughton asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he will actively oppose new nuclear plants which may be proposed for the west coast of Great Britain; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16611/06]

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 4 May 2006

36 Mr. Connaughton asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he will actively oppose new nuclear plants which may be proposed for the west coast of Great Britain; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16611/06]

35 Mr. G. Mitchell asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he has satisfied himself that the operators of the nuclear plant at Sellafield have changed their accounting and reporting procedures to ensure that nuclear materials are not diverted from the peaceful uses following the European Commission’s formal warning to the British Nuclear Group Sellafield; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16610/06]

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 4 May 2006

35 Mr. G. Mitchell asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he has satisfied himself that the operators of the nuclear plant at Sellafield have changed their accounting and reporting procedures to ensure that nuclear materials are not diverted from the peaceful uses following the European Commission’s formal warning to the British Nuclear Group Sellafield; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16610/06]

34 Mr. McEntee asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the total number of persons employed in local authorities; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16633/06]

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 4 May 2006

34 Mr. McEntee asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the total number of persons employed in local authorities; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16633/06]

33 Mr. Neville asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the steps he intends to take to control the number of stray domestic pets, particularly dogs and cats; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16623/06]

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 4 May 2006

33 Mr. Neville asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the steps he intends to take to control the number of stray domestic pets, particularly dogs and cats; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16623/06]

31 Mr. Boyle asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the main findings identified to date as the barriers to the use and marketing of recyclable material by the Market Development Group set up by the Department of the Environment in 2004. [16642/06]

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 4 May 2006

31 Mr. Boyle asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the main findings identified to date as the barriers to the use and marketing of recyclable material by the Market Development Group set up by the Department of the Environment in 2004. [16642/06]

30 Mr. Gilmore asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the number of Government Departments which have dedicated biodiversity units; the number and names of local authorities that have appointed heritage officers and dedicated biodiversity units as set down in the National Biodiversity Plan 2002-2007; the number of Government agencies and Departments which have drawn up sectoral biodiversity action plans; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16451/06]

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 4 May 2006

30 Mr. Gilmore asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the number of Government Departments which have dedicated biodiversity units; the number and names of local authorities that have appointed heritage officers and dedicated biodiversity units as set down in the National Biodiversity Plan 2002-2007; the number of Government agencies and Departments which have drawn up sectoral biodiversity action plans; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16451/06]

101 Mr. McGinley asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he will introduce nationally applicable building guidelines which will require a significant percentage of energy needs to be supplied by renewable energy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16604/06]

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 4 May 2006

101 Mr. McGinley asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he will introduce nationally applicable building guidelines which will require a significant percentage of energy needs to be supplied by renewable energy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16604/06]

29 Mr. G. Mitchell asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he will introduce new building guidelines for larger developments which will include CHP and district heating; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16609/06]

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 4 May 2006

29 Mr. G. Mitchell asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he will introduce new building guidelines for larger developments which will include CHP and district heating; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16609/06]

92 Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government his views on demands to have the NESC report recommendations for a net increase of 73,000 units of social housing included in the National Development Plan 2007-2013 which is being prepared. [16554/06]

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 4 May 2006

92 Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government his views on demands to have the NESC report recommendations for a net increase of 73,000 units of social housing included in the National Development Plan 2007-2013 which is being prepared. [16554/06]

28 Mr. Ferris asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the targets, in respect of social housing which he is proposing should be included in the new National Development Plan 2007-2013 which is being prepared. [16556/06]

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 4 May 2006

28 Mr. Ferris asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the targets, in respect of social housing which he is proposing should be included in the new National Development Plan 2007-2013 which is being prepared. [16556/06]

27 Ms Enright asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government when the €6 million in extra funding for sports, cultural and community facilities announced recently by him will be made available; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16619/06]

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 4 May 2006

27 Ms Enright asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government when the €6 million in extra funding for sports, cultural and community facilities announced recently by him will be made available; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16619/06]

32 Ms O. Mitchell asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he will meet with local authorities to encourage the use of low emission and environmentally friendly vehicles; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16608/06]

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 4 May 2006

32 Ms O. Mitchell asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he will meet with local authorities to encourage the use of low emission and environmentally friendly vehicles; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16608/06]

26 Ms O. Mitchell asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he will enter into discussions to direct and encourage in every possible way local authorities to set targets for the reduction of their CO2 emissions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16607/06]

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 4 May 2006

26 Ms O. Mitchell asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he will enter into discussions to direct and encourage in every possible way local authorities to set targets for the reduction of their CO2 emissions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16607/06]

91 Mr. Quinn asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government his views on the continuing failure of Dublin City Council and the contractors responsible for the Ringsend sewage treatment plant to solve the long running odour problems associated with the treatment plant; and his views on whether or not the experience at Ringsend will affect future decisions regarding the use of private public partnerships in the provision of public facilities and services, particularly for sewage treatment and drinking water treatment. [16470/06]

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 4 May 2006

91 Mr. Quinn asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government his views on the continuing failure of Dublin City Council and the contractors responsible for the Ringsend sewage treatment plant to solve the long running odour problems associated with the treatment plant; and his views on whether or not the experience at Ringsend will affect future decisions regarding the use of private public partnerships in the provision of public facilities and services, particularly for sewage treatment and drinking water treatment. [16470/06]

25 Mr. Quinn asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government his views on whether that an independent inquiry should be conducted into the issues which have arisen at the Ringsend sewage treatment plant, following the assertion that it will take at least another 18 months to solve the odour problems at the plant. [16471/06]

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 4 May 2006

25 Mr. Quinn asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government his views on whether that an independent inquiry should be conducted into the issues which have arisen at the Ringsend sewage treatment plant, following the assertion that it will take at least another 18 months to solve the odour problems at the plant. [16471/06]

72 Mr. Deasy asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he has had discussions with the various local authorities with a view to enabling An Post to undertake the updating of the voters register, having particular regard to the need to ensure that a body with the nationwide network of An Post should be given the job which would in fact be complimentary to services already undertaken through the post office and delivery service; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13816/06]

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 4 May 2006

72 Mr. Deasy asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he has had discussions with the various local authorities with a view to enabling An Post to undertake the updating of the voters register, having particular regard to the need to ensure that a body with the nationwide network of An Post should be given the job which would in fact be complimentary to services already undertaken through the post office and delivery service; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13816/06]

24 Mr. Hayes asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if the enumerators employed to conduct the Census will be used to bring the electoral register up to date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16617/06]

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 4 May 2006

24 Mr. Hayes asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if the enumerators employed to conduct the Census will be used to bring the electoral register up to date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16617/06]

109 Ms Harkin asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government his views on the analysis contained in the recent EPA report on water quality that agriculture is a more significant contributor to river and lake pollution than sources such as local authorities; and if he has satisfied herself with the method of analysis and measurement used to identify causes of pollution. [12362/06]

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 4 May 2006

109 Ms Harkin asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government his views on the analysis contained in the recent EPA report on water quality that agriculture is a more significant contributor to river and lake pollution than sources such as local authorities; and if he has satisfied herself with the method of analysis and measurement used to identify causes of pollution. [12362/06]

45 Mr. M. Higgins asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he intends to provide resources and direction for local authorities to carry out the numerous recommendations set out in the Environmental Protection Agency’s third National Implementation Report on the Phosphorus Regulations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16465/06]

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 4 May 2006

45 Mr. M. Higgins asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he intends to provide resources and direction for local authorities to carry out the numerous recommendations set out in the Environmental Protection Agency’s third National Implementation Report on the Phosphorus Regulations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16465/06]

23 Dr. Upton asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government his views on the trend highlighted in the Environmental Protection Agency’s third National Implementation Report on the Phosphorus Regulations, which shows that there was a marked decline in the 2001-2003 period in the number and percentage of river stations falling into the Q5 category on the biological water quality scale the Q-index; if his attention has been drawn to the fact that this is part of a continuing decline; and if he intends to provide direction and resources to local authorities to identify and rectify the causes of this decline as such action has been identified in the report as a matter of urgency. [16464/06]

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 4 May 2006

23 Dr. Upton asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government his views on the trend highlighted in the Environmental Protection Agency’s third National Implementation Report on the Phosphorus Regulations, which shows that there was a marked decline in the 2001-2003 period in the number and percentage of river stations falling into the Q5 category on the biological water quality scale the Q-index; if his attention has been drawn to the fact that this is part of a continuing decline; and if he intends to provide direction and resources to local authorities to identify and rectify the causes of this decline as such action has been identified in the report as a matter of urgency. [16464/06]

22 Mr. G. Murphy asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he consults regularly with the Irish Planners Institute in relation to planning issues generally; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16596/06]

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 4 May 2006

22 Mr. G. Murphy asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he consults regularly with the Irish Planners Institute in relation to planning issues generally; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16596/06]

21 Ms Enright asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the number of European Directives for which he is responsible and which have been transposed into Irish law; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16620/06]

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 4 May 2006

21 Ms Enright asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the number of European Directives for which he is responsible and which have been transposed into Irish law; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16620/06]

20 Mr. McEntee asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if the Quigley Report has been implemented in full; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16632/06]

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 4 May 2006

20 Mr. McEntee asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if the Quigley Report has been implemented in full; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16632/06]

19 Mr. Allen asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government his views on recent media reports that the implementation of the Energy Performance in Building Directive will be delayed due to staff shortages; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16594/06]

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 4 May 2006

19 Mr. Allen asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government his views on recent media reports that the implementation of the Energy Performance in Building Directive will be delayed due to staff shortages; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16594/06]

18 Mr. Gogarty asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government his views on the fact that almost three quarters of recyclable material is recycled abroad; and if he has satisfied himself with the recycling certification system of exported recyclable material, particularly material ultimately exported outside the EU. [16643/06]

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 4 May 2006

18 Mr. Gogarty asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government his views on the fact that almost three quarters of recyclable material is recycled abroad; and if he has satisfied himself with the recycling certification system of exported recyclable material, particularly material ultimately exported outside the EU. [16643/06]

17 Ms Lynch asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if his attention has been drawn to the fact that compact fluorescent bulbs, which use 80% less electricity than conventional light bulbs, are subject to a 50 cent EMF charge under the WEEE Directive while conventional, less energy-efficient bulbs are not subject to such a charge; if he has satisfied himself that with a situation whereby consumers are charged extra for choosing an environmentally friendly product; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16452/06]

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 4 May 2006

17 Ms Lynch asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if his attention has been drawn to the fact that compact fluorescent bulbs, which use 80% less electricity than conventional light bulbs, are subject to a 50 cent EMF charge under the WEEE Directive while conventional, less energy-efficient bulbs are not subject to such a charge; if he has satisfied himself that with a situation whereby consumers are charged extra for choosing an environmentally friendly product; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16452/06]

65 Mr. Gormley asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if, in view of rising oil prices he will recommend that all local area plans call for construction energy efficiency standards in line with those adopted by Fingal County Council for Cappagh, Ballymun, Balbriggan north west, Balbriggan south east and Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown for Kilternan. [16647/06]

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 4 May 2006

65 Mr. Gormley asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if, in view of rising oil prices he will recommend that all local area plans call for construction energy efficiency standards in line with those adopted by Fingal County Council for Cappagh, Ballymun, Balbriggan north west, Balbriggan south east and Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown for Kilternan. [16647/06]

16 Mr. Sargent asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if his Department will be supporting the energy efficiency initiative taken by Fingal County Council by recommending that additional funding be allocated by the Department of Finance, in particular for the recent Castlelands local area plan in Balbriggan; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16649/06]

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 4 May 2006

16 Mr. Sargent asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if his Department will be supporting the energy efficiency initiative taken by Fingal County Council by recommending that additional funding be allocated by the Department of Finance, in particular for the recent Castlelands local area plan in Balbriggan; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16649/06]

15 Ms O’Sullivan asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if funds will be provided by his Department in order to conduct research into the efficacy and cost effectiveness of the various measures that could possibly be taken to improve water quality in order that sectors such as farmers, industry and the forestry sector will be in a position to meet the various requirements under the Water Framework Directive and the Phosphorus Regulations, as recommended by the Environmental Protection Agency. [16466/06]

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 4 May 2006

15 Ms O’Sullivan asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if funds will be provided by his Department in order to conduct research into the efficacy and cost effectiveness of the various measures that could possibly be taken to improve water quality in order that sectors such as farmers, industry and the forestry sector will be in a position to meet the various requirements under the Water Framework Directive and the Phosphorus Regulations, as recommended by the Environmental Protection Agency. [16466/06]

14 Mr. Crowe asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the number of reports he has received from the Private Residential Tenancies Board on registration of landlords since the enactment of the Residential Tenancies Act 2004. [16553/06]

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 4 May 2006

14 Mr. Crowe asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the number of reports he has received from the Private Residential Tenancies Board on registration of landlords since the enactment of the Residential Tenancies Act 2004. [16553/06]

38 Mr. Connaughton asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government his views on whether the recent RTÉ drama, Fallout, represents an accurate picture of the likely effect of a major explosion at the Sellafield plant; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16612/06]

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 4 May 2006

38 Mr. Connaughton asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government his views on whether the recent RTÉ drama, Fallout, represents an accurate picture of the likely effect of a major explosion at the Sellafield plant; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16612/06]

13 Mr. Stagg asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government when the national emergency plan for an accident at the nuclear plant at Sellafield was last tested; his views on whether it should be reviewed in view of the recent dramatic presentation of such an accident and its consequences; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16518/06]

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 4 May 2006

13 Mr. Stagg asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government when the national emergency plan for an accident at the nuclear plant at Sellafield was last tested; his views on whether it should be reviewed in view of the recent dramatic presentation of such an accident and its consequences; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16518/06]

12 Mr. Deenihan asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government his views on remarks that a nominee of his to the advisory committee of the Environmental Protection Agency forwarded a letter from the managing director of an illegal dump addressed to him to the Environmental Protection Agency’s deputy director-general; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16616/06]

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 4 May 2006

12 Mr. Deenihan asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government his views on remarks that a nominee of his to the advisory committee of the Environmental Protection Agency forwarded a letter from the managing director of an illegal dump addressed to him to the Environmental Protection Agency’s deputy director-general; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16616/06]

11 Mr. Wall asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the progress he has made to date in considering measures to regulate or reform the waste collection system nationally with respect to the findings of the Competition Authority in 2005 that the system was not working well for the consumer; the principal measures he is considering; if he intends to include a national waiver scheme in his plan; and when he intends to present his detailed proposals to the Houses of the Oireachtas. [16462/06]

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 4 May 2006

11 Mr. Wall asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the progress he has made to date in considering measures to regulate or reform the waste collection system nationally with respect to the findings of the Competition Authority in 2005 that the system was not working well for the consumer; the principal measures he is considering; if he intends to include a national waiver scheme in his plan; and when he intends to present his detailed proposals to the Houses of the Oireachtas. [16462/06]

10 Ms B. Moynihan-Cronin asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government his views on the provision of greater access to environmental information and on the importance of public participation in the planning process; the work that has occurred to date in respect of the ratification of the Aarhus agreement and the transposition of the two EU Directives associated with the agreement; and when the ratification of the agreement will be complete. [16480/06]

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 4 May 2006

10 Ms B. Moynihan-Cronin asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government his views on the provision of greater access to environmental information and on the importance of public participation in the planning process; the work that has occurred to date in respect of the ratification of the Aarhus agreement and the transposition of the two EU Directives associated with the agreement; and when the ratification of the agreement will be complete. [16480/06]

100 Mr. Perry asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the response he has received from local authorities regarding the operation and implementation of the rental accommodation scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16636/06]

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 4 May 2006

100 Mr. Perry asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the response he has received from local authorities regarding the operation and implementation of the rental accommodation scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16636/06]

9 Mr. Crawford asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the number of households in the rental accommodation scheme; the cost of the project to date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16587/06]

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 4 May 2006

9 Mr. Crawford asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the number of households in the rental accommodation scheme; the cost of the project to date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16587/06]

8 Mr. Kenny asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the latest figures on the cost of storage of electronic voting machines; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16628/06]

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 4 May 2006

8 Mr. Kenny asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the latest figures on the cost of storage of electronic voting machines; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16628/06]

7 Ms Burton asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the steps he is taking to assist persons in housing affordability black spots, such as Dublin, in view of the fact that house prices in the capital have risen by 2.8% this year compared to a rate of 2.4% elsewhere in the country. [16455/06]

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 4 May 2006

7 Ms Burton asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the steps he is taking to assist persons in housing affordability black spots, such as Dublin, in view of the fact that house prices in the capital have risen by 2.8% this year compared to a rate of 2.4% elsewhere in the country. [16455/06]

6 Mr. Sherlock asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the steps he intends to take to update the electoral register and to curb electoral fraud. [16476/06]

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 4 May 2006

6 Mr. Sherlock asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the steps he intends to take to update the electoral register and to curb electoral fraud. [16476/06]

5 Mr. Gregory asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if, in view of the potential for electoral fraud arising from the large-scale inaccuracies in the electoral register, all voters will be required to produce identification before being permitted to cast their vote. [16791/06]

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 4 May 2006

5 Mr. Gregory asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if, in view of the potential for electoral fraud arising from the large-scale inaccuracies in the electoral register, all voters will be required to produce identification before being permitted to cast their vote. [16791/06]

4 Mr. McCormack asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the action he intends to take to ensure that local authorities construct more social and affordable housing; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16825/06]

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 4 May 2006

4 Mr. McCormack asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the action he intends to take to ensure that local authorities construct more social and affordable housing; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16825/06]

3 Mr. Morgan asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the actions he is taking to curb house price increases and to address the fact that increasing numbers of first-time buyers, in particular, continue to fall below the housing affordability threshold. [16670/06]

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 4 May 2006

3 Mr. Morgan asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the actions he is taking to curb house price increases and to address the fact that increasing numbers of first-time buyers, in particular, continue to fall below the housing affordability threshold. [16670/06]

2 Mr. Gilmore asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the number of dwellings delivered to date under Part V of the Planning and Development Act 2000; the number of such units which were for social housing and for affordable housing; the number of private house completions since the commencement date of the Planning and Development Act 2000; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16671/06]

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 4 May 2006

2 Mr. Gilmore asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the number of dwellings delivered to date under Part V of the Planning and Development Act 2000; the number of such units which were for social housing and for affordable housing; the number of private house completions since the commencement date of the Planning and Development Act 2000; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16671/06]

1 Mr. O’Dowd asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government his Department’s position on the transportation of MOX fuel; if contacts have been made on this matter; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16826/06]

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 4 May 2006

1 Mr. O’Dowd asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government his Department’s position on the transportation of MOX fuel; if contacts have been made on this matter; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16826/06]

Clean Air Planning Act of 2006

United States · United States Congress · 4 May 2006

Clean Air Planning Act of 2006 - Amends the Clean Air Act to establish national pollutant tonnage limitations for sulfur dioxide, nitrogen oxides, mercury, and carbon dioxide. Provides for review and revision of annual tonnage limitations. Directs the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to: (1) establish a nitrogen oxide allowance trading program; (2) promulgate regulations to ensure the equitable issuance of such allowances to facilities that use more than one energy source to produce electricity and facilities that produce electricity in addition to another service or product; (3) establish a reserve of such allowances to be set aside for use by new units that is not less than 5% of the total allowances allocated to affected units for the calendar year; (4) allocate a certain proportion of such allowances to affected units (certain fossil fuel-fired electric generating facilities) in a certain period; (5) establish a nitrogen oxide allowance transfer system; and (6) provide for the use and transfer of such allowances. Subjects specified units to annual emission limitations for inlet mercury. Directs the Administrator to: (1) establish a carbon dioxide allowance trading program; (2) promulgate regulations relating to offsets produced by agricultural sequestration practices; (3) establish a reserve of carbon dioxide allowances to be allocated to new affected units and to a clean coal technology reserve; and (4) allocate a specified amount of carbon dioxide allowances to certain units; and (5) promulgate regulations that provide for the issuance, certification, and use of offset allowances (and early reduction allowances) for greenhouse gas reduction or sequestration projects. Authorizes the use and transfer of allowances in other carbon dioxide allowance trading programs that are approved by the Administrator for the use of the allowances. Revises the new source review program to set forth performance standards for sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxides for each affected unit that has been in operation 50 or more years as of January 1, 2020. Revises the sulfur dioxide allowance program to establish an allowance reserve for new units. Requires the Secretary of Commerce, acting through the Administrator of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), to issue air quality forecasts and air quality warnings as part of the mission of the Department of Commerce. Requires the EPA Administrator to promulgate regulations limiting emissions from electric utility steam generating units of hazardous air pollutants, other than mercury.

To exclude from admission to the United States aliens who have made investments contributing to the enhancement of the ability of Cuba to develop its petroleum resources, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 4 May 2006

States that it shall be U.S. policy to: (1) undertake measures to deny the Cuban regime the financial resources to engage in activities that threaten U.S. national security and other interests, threaten the environment and natural resources of northern Cuba and Florida, and prolong the dictatorship that oppresses the Cuban people; and (2) deter foreign investments that would enhance the Cuban regime's ability to develop its petroleum resources. Amends the Cuban Liberty and Democratic Solidarity (LIBERTAD) Act of 1996 to exclude from U.S. entry an alien who: (1) is an officer or principal of an entity, or a shareholder who owns a controlling interest in an entity that makes an investment (as defined by this Act) of $1 million or more (or any combination of investments that equals or exceeds $1 million in any 12-month period), that significantly contributes to Cuba's ability to develop petroleum and natural gas resources off its north coast; or (2) is a spouse, minor child, or agent of such person. Exempts on a case-by-case basis entries: (1) for medical reasons or property-related litigation; or (2) where a transition government is in place. Defines "investment" for purposes of this Act. Directs the President to impose two or more specified export, procurement, financial institution, loan, or Export-Import Bank sanctions if the President determines that a person has made an investment of $1 million or more (or any combination of investments that in the aggregate equals or exceeds $1 million in any 12-month period) that contributes to the enhancement of Cuba's ability to develop petroleum resources of the submerged lands of Cuba's northern coast.

Clean Energy Partnership Act of 2006

United States · United States Congress · 4 May 2006

Clean Energy Partnership Act of 2006 - Directs the Secretary of Energy to provide grants to local governments and school districts covering up to 20% of the costs they incur in implementing clean energy projects funded by project-specific comprehensive clean energy plans to adopt cleaner or more efficient energy technologies in their buildings and vehicle fleets. Requires the Secretary to give preference to local governments and school districts that demonstrate a prior commitment to environmental conservation and will engage in the full range of clean energy projects, including energy conservation measures, the use of alternative and renewable energy sources, and clean energy infrastructure development.

Depleted Uranium Munitions Suspension and Study Act of 2006

United States · United States Congress · 4 May 2006

Depleted Uranium Munitions Suspension and Study Act of 2006 - Requires the Secretary of Defense to direct that all elements of the Department of Defense (DOD) suspend use of depleted uranium munitions until the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) certifies to certain congressional committees that use of such munitions in future conflicts: (1) will not pose a likely long-term or residual threat to the health of U.S. or NATO military personnel; and (2) will not jeopardize the health of civilian populations in the area of such use. Suspends federal approval of the foreign sale or export of munitions containing depleted uranium until the Secretary of HHS has made such certification. Limits future exports to stocks certified free of transuranic matter by the Secretary of Defense. Requires the Comptroller General to investigate and report to Congress on the contamination of stocks of depleted uranium munitions with transuranic elements. Requires the Director of the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry and the Director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention jointly to conduct a comprehensive study of the health effects of exposure to depleted uranium munitions on veterans and on their children born after their respective exposures to uranium. Directs the Secretary of Defense to provide to the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (Administrator) a list and maps of all sites in the United States where depleted uranium munitions have been used or produced. Requires the Administrator to study and report to Congress and the Secretary of Defense on the possible depleted uranium contamination of the soil, air, water, and vegetation of each listed site. Directs the Secretary of Defense to develop a plan for mitigation and cleanup at each site.

Judgment of the Court (Second Chamber) of 4 May 2006.#Commission of the European Communities v United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland.#Failure to fulfil obligations -Directive 85/337/EEC - Assessment of the effects of certain projects on the environment - Project carried out without prior application for development consent or assessment - Action inadmissible.#Case C-98/04.

European Union · Court of Justice of the European Union · 4 May 2006