Environment

98 Deputy Terence Flanagan asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the position regarding unfinished housing estates and his plan to tackle this issue; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11046/11]

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 12 May 2011

98 Deputy Terence Flanagan asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the position regarding unfinished housing estates and his plan to tackle this issue; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11046/11]

97 Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government his plans to ensure that emergency personnel have equipment to measure carbon monoxide when attending the scene of an emergency. [11023/11]

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 12 May 2011

97 Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government his plans to ensure that emergency personnel have equipment to measure carbon monoxide when attending the scene of an emergency. [11023/11]

96 Deputy Joan Collins asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the funding provided for each urban regeneration project in 2011; the status of the current regeneration projects; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10992/11]

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 12 May 2011

96 Deputy Joan Collins asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the funding provided for each urban regeneration project in 2011; the status of the current regeneration projects; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10992/11]

95 Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if the non-principal private residence charge is payable on investment properties at which an owner can avail of tax relief and capital allowances including section 23 type relief, section 50 type relief, including student accommodation, nursing homes, tourist accommodation and hotel accommodation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11064/11]

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 12 May 2011

95 Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if the non-principal private residence charge is payable on investment properties at which an owner can avail of tax relief and capital allowances including section 23 type relief, section 50 type relief, including student accommodation, nursing homes, tourist accommodation and hotel accommodation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11064/11]

Northwest Straits Marine Conservation Initiative Reauthorization Act of 2011

United States · United States Congress · 12 May 2011

Northwest Straits Marine Conservation Initiative Reauthorization Act of 2011 - Amends the Northwest Straits Marine Conservation Initiative Act to define "Northwest Straits" as the marine waters of the Strait of Juan de Fuca and of Puget Sound from the Canadian border to the south end of Snohomish County, Washington. Sets forth the membership of the Northwest Straits Advisory Commission. Directs the Secretary of Commerce, acting through the Under Secretary for Oceans and Atmosphere, to appoint an employee of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) to serve as a liaison between the Commission and the Department of Commerce and to attend the Commission's meetings and events as a nonvoting participant. States the goal of the Commission as the protection and restoration of the marine waters, habitats, and species of the Northwest Straits region in Washington to achieve ecosystem health and sustainable resource use. Enumerates the duties of the Commission and establishes benchmarks for its work. Authorizes the Manager of the Shorelands and Environmental Assistance Program of Washington's Department of Ecology, upon the recommendation of the Commission and the Director of the Padilla Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve, to appoint and terminate a Director of the Commission. Requires the Director to be confirmed by the Commission. Provides for the establishment of marine resources committees in specified counties of Washington. Authorizes the Directors of the Commission and the Reserve to establish the Northwest Straits Marine Conservation Foundation as a nonprofit foundation to support the Commission and the marine resources committees established by this Act. Authorizes appropriations to the Secretary of Commerce for such Commission to carry out such Act.

Flint Hills Preservation Act

United States · United States Congress · 12 May 2011

Flint Hills Preservation Act - Amends the Clean Air Act to require states and the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), in determining whether an exceedance or violation of a national ambient air quality standard has occurred with respect to a specific air pollutant, to exclude data from a particular air quality monitoring location if emissions from prescribed fires in the Flint Hills Region cause a concentration of the air pollutant at the location to be in excess of the standard. Prohibits, if such emission data is excluded: (1) the Administrator from finding that a state has failed to enforce, or that a person has violated, a state implementation plan (SIP) for national primary or secondary ambient air quality standards as a result of such emissions; or (2) a state from finding that a person has violated, or from bringing an enforcement action for violation of, a SIP for such standards as a result of such emissions. Prohibits: (1) the Administrator from requiring, or a state from adopting, a smoke management plan under such Act in connection with any prescribed fire in such region; and (2) a building, structure, facility, or installation from being treated as a stationary source under new stationary source performance standards as a result of such prescribed fires. Provides that no person shall be required to obtain or modify an operating permit under Title V of the Clean Air Act in connection with such a prescribed fire.

SAFER Drilling Act

United States · United States Congress · 12 May 2011

Save America from Environmentally Reckless Drilling Act or SAFER Drilling Act - Amends the Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act to direct the Secretary of the Interior to require, as a condition and term of any exploration plan or any development and production plan, that the applicant submit and implement an oil spill containment and cleanup plan (to be approved by the Secretary and the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency [EPA]) capable of handling a worst-case scenario oil spill. Describes required plan contents. Allows approval by the Administrator only if the applicant has demonstrated adequate technology, organization, resources, and capacity both to contain and to prevent shoreline contamination by a significant proportion of a worst-case spill, and to provide for long-term cleanup and remediation of the marine and coastal environments. Authorizes cancellation of a lease (without compensation) upon failure of the lease holder to submit an exploration plan or development and production plan in accordance with this Act or to implement an approved oil spill containment and cleanup plan.

Increase American Energy Production Now Act of 2011

United States · United States Congress · 12 May 2011

Increase American Energy Production Now Act of 2011 - Establishes in the Department of the Interior: (1) a Bureau of Ocean Energy Management to administer a program of offshore energy and mineral resources management on the Outer Continental Shelf (OCS), (2) a Bureau of Safety and Environmental Enforcement to administer safety and environmental enforcement activities related to such resources, (3) a National Oil and Gas Health and Safety Academy to train Department of the Interior personnel, and (4) an Office of Natural Resources Revenue to administer offshore royalty and revenue management functions. Abolishes the Minerals Management Service and transfers specified functions to such Bureaus and Office. Requires the Secretary of the Interior to: (1) certify compliance with federal employee ethics laws annually; and (2) establish an Outer Continental Shelf Safety and Environmental Advisory Board to advise the Secretary and the Directors of such Bureaus on safe and environmentally compliant energy and mineral resource exploration, development, and production activities. Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act Amendments of 2011 - Amends the Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act (OCSLA), including by: (1) establishing and revising regulations to provide for operational safety and the protection of the marine and coastal environment of OCS natural resources; (2) setting forth minimum requirements for regulatory standards for blowout preventers, well design, and cementing; (3) requiring the Secretary of the Interior (Secretary) to review the minimum financial responsibility requirements for leases by May 11, 2011, and every five years thereafter; (4) limiting an oil and gas lease of submerged OCS lands to a tract of 5,760 acres; (5) requiring geological exploration permits to include environmental and natural resource conservation requirements; (6) increasing civil penalties for violations; (7) directing the Secretary to require that lessees obtain a permit before any significant modification of a well design; (8) requiring lessees to submit development and production plans for oil and gas leases in the Gulf of Mexico; (9) revoking provisions concerning royalty relief for oil and gas leases in the Planning Areas offshore Alaska; (10) requiring the President to publish a final determination of the boundaries of coastal states projected seaward to the outer margin of the OCS; and (11) prohibiting the Secretary from issuing any license or permit authorizing drilling for oil and gas on the OCS unless the applicant has an approved response plan. Requires the Secretary to take action to apply such requirements to existing leases. Amends the Clean Air Act to require the Chemical Safety and Hazard Investigation Board to make recommendations on preventing an accidental fire, explosion, or release involving an offshore oil or gas exploration or production facility to the Secretary and the Commandant of the Coast Guard. Amends the Energy Policy Act of 2005 to repeal provisions relating to: (1) incentives for natural gas production from deep wells in shallow waters in the Gulf of Mexico; (2) royalty relief for deep water production in the Gulf of Mexico; and (3) a rebuttable presumption that the use of a categorical exclusion under the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 would apply to specified actions by the Secretary in managing the public lands, or to the Secretary of Agriculture in managing National Forest System Lands, if the activity is conducted pursuant to the Mineral Leasing Act for the purpose of exploration or development of oil or gas. Amends the Federal Oil and Gas Royalty Management Act of 1982 to increase civil penalties for violations of such Act. Directs the Secretary to: (1) complete a pilot project assessing costs and benefits of automatic transmission of certain data produced under federal leases on the OCS, (2) ensure accurate determination and reporting of BTU values of natural gas from federal leases to ensure accurate royalty payments, (3) publish regulations concerning required recordkeeping of natural gas measurement data, and (4) publish regulations prescribing when a lessee must report and pay royalties on oil and gas. Applies any royalty under an OCS lease to oil that is saved, removed, sold, or discharged, without regard to whether the oil is lost or used on, or for the benefit of, the lease. Gulf Coast Restoration Act - Establishes: (1) the Gulf Coast Ecosystem Restoration Fund for the conservation, protection, and restoration of the Gulf Coast in accordance with State Coastal Ecosystem Restoration Plans; and (2) the Gulf Coast Ecosystem Restoration Task Force to review and approve such plans. Requires the Chairman of the Council on Environmental Quality (CEQ) to establish or designate a Regional Coordination Council for each of the Coordination Regions designated by this Act, which shall submit to CEQ strategic plans to foster comprehensive, integrated, and sustainable development and use of ocean, coastal, and Great Lakes resources, while protecting marine ecosystem health and sustaining the long-term economic and ecosystem values of such waters. Establishes the Ocean Resources Conservation and Assistance Fund, amounts from which shall be used for activities and grants that contribute to the conservation, protection, maintenance, and restoration of ocean, coastal, and Great Lakes ecosystems. Oil Spill Accountability and Environmental Protection Act of 2011 - Amends the Oil Pollution Act of 1990 to: (1) repeal the limitation on the liability of the responsible party for an offshore facility for damages and removal costs that result from a discharge of oil into or upon the navigable waters or adjoining shorelines or the U.S. exclusive economic zone (EEZ); (2) increase the amount of financial responsibility required for offshore facilities and guarantors of an offshore facility to $300 million; (3) make responsible parties for vessels or facilities from which oil is discharged liable for damages to human health; (4) authorize the President to require a responsible party to provide information about claims in the event of a spill of national significance; and (5) extend liability to any corporation, partnership, or other person (other than an individual) having an ownership interest exceeding 25% in any responsible party. Limits the: (1) exploration, development, or production of resources in, on, above, or below the EEZ to vessels owned by U.S. citizens; and (2) exploration, development, or production of oil or natural gas in, on, above, or below the EEZ to facilities built in the United States. Sets forth provisions concerning safety management systems and standards for mobile offshore drilling units. Amends the Federal Water Pollution Control Act (commonly known as the Clean Water Act) to: (1) revoke the President's authorization to allow tank vessels and facilities to operate without a plan to respond to the discharge of oil or hazardous substances, and (2) require the National Contingency Plan to include guidelines regarding the use of containment booms to contain a discharge of oil or a hazardous substance. Requires the President to: (1) issue a revised regulation for the development of the schedule for the use of dispersants, other chemicals, and other spill mitigating devices and substances; (2) undertake a rulemaking concerning standards for ceasing and removing a worst case discharge of oil or a hazardous substance and for mitigating or preventing a substantial threat of such discharge; (3) create a database to track all discharges of oil or hazardous substances; and (4) delegate specified responsibilities with respect to oil discharges to the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the Secretary of the department in which the Coast Guard is operating, the Secretary of Transportation (DOT), and the Secretary of the Interior. Requires the Commandant to inventory and maintain a database of vessels operating in U.S. waters that are capable of meeting oil spill responses needs designated in the National Contingency Plan. Oil Pollution Research and Development Program Reauthorization Act of 2011 - Amends the Oil Pollution Research and Development Program, including by: (1) revising membership requirements of the Interagency Coordinating Committee on Oil Pollution Research; (2) requiring such Committee to develop a national information clearinghouse on oil discharge; (3) removing requirements that the Coast Guard conduct port oil pollution minimization demonstration projects with the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey and the Port of New Orleans, Louisiana; and (4) requiring such Committee to establish the Oil Pollution Research Advisory Committee. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to eliminate: (1) the $1 billion per incident limitation on expenditures from the Oil Spill Liability Trust Fund for cleanup of oil spills, and (2) restrictions on the borrowing authority of such Trust Fund. Requires diligent development by the leaseholder of each lease authorizing the exploration for or development or production of oil or natural gas issued under the Mineral Leasing Act, the Naval Petroleum Reserves Production Act of 1976 (NPRPA), the OCSLA, and the Mineral Leasing Act for Acquired Lands, in order to ensure timely production. Directs the Secretary of the Interior to issue regulations to establish an annual production incentive fee with respect to federal onshore and offshore lands subject to an oil or natural gas production lease under which production is not occurring. Amends the NPRPA to direct the Secretary to accelerate competitive and environmentally responsible leasing of oil and gas in the National Petroleum Reserve in Alaska (NPR-A), including at least one lease sale during each of calendar years 2011-2016. Directs the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) to facilitate the construction of oil and natural gas pipelines from or through the NPR-A to existing transportation or processing infrastructure on the North Slope of Alaska. Prescribes general requirements for project labor agreements and pipeline maintenance. Amends NPRPA to repeal provisions concerning: (1) renewing leasing of oil and gas in the NPR-A; (2) expiration of a lease if no oil or gas is produced from a lease within 30 years of its issuance; (3) expiration of a lease covering lands capable of producing oil or gas in paying quantities for failing to produce such quantities due to circumstances beyond the lessee's control; and (4) waiving, suspending, or reducing rental fees or royalties. Study of Ways to Improve the Accuracy of the Collection of Federal Oil, Condensate, and Natural Gas Royalties Act of 2011 - Requires the Secretary of the Interior to enter into an arrangement with the National Academy of Engineering to study whether any of specified actions would improve the accuracy of collection of royalties on production of oil, condensate, and natural gas under leases of federal lands (including submerged and deep water lands) and Indian lands. Offshore Oil and Gas Worker Whistleblower Protection Act of 2011 - Prohibits employers from discharging, or discriminating against, a covered employee for providing information for, or participating in, proceedings related to violations of the Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act. Amends the National Wildlife Refuge System Administration Act of 1966 to make any person or instrumentality that destroys, causes the loss of, or injures any refuge resource liable for the amount of the response costs and resulting damages and interest on amounts paid in satisfaction of claims under such Act. Amends the Coastal Zone Management Act of 1972 (CZMA) to authorize the Secretary of Commerce to make grants to coastal states to ensure sufficient response capabilities to address impacts of oil spills. Requires the Secretary of the Interior to establish a Flow Rate Technical Group to develop expertise in measuring and estimating flow rates and spill volumes.

Infrastructure Jobs and Energy Independence Act

United States · United States Congress · 12 May 2011

Infrastructure Jobs and Energy Independence Act - Deems the Draft Proposed Outer Continental Shelf Oil and Gas Leasing Program 2010-2015 issued by the Secretary of the Interior to be approved as a final oil and gas leasing program under the Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act. Deems the Secretary to have issued a final environmental impact statement for the Program under the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969. Directs the Secretary to: (1) conduct a lease sale in each outer Continental Shelf (OCS) planning area for which there is a commercial interest in purchasing federal oil and gas production leases; (2) prepare an inventory of U.S. offshore energy resources; and (3) promulgate regulations concerning the production of oil or gas resources of the OCS, including regulating the installation of surface facilities, mitigating the impact of such facilities on coastal vistas, and allowing onshore facilities to draw upon such resources that are within 10 miles of shore. Extends from three geographical miles to nine nautical miles a coastal state's allowable seaward boundary. Repeals the moratorium on oil and gas leasing in: (1) any area east of the Military Mission Line in the Gulf of Mexico; (2) any area in the Eastern Planning Area that is within 125 miles of the Florida coastline; and (3) specified areas within the Central Planning Area and within 100 miles of the Florida coastline. Requires the Secretary of the Interior to issue a final leasing plan for the Eastern Gulf of Mexico for all areas where there exists commercial interest in purchasing federal oil and gas leases for production. Specifies revenue sharing percentages for sums received from leasing offshore pursuant to this Act, including 30% for producing states. Prohibits revenues collected from leases prior to this Act's enactment from being affected by this Act. Gives the President authority to waive requirements relating to the approval of oil and natural gas activity deemed to be important to national interests. Amends the Clean Air Act to: (1) revise the definition of "renewable biomass" to include trees, tree residue, and slash and pre-commercial thinnings that are from forestlands on public lands; and (2) require new source review regulations relating to the construction of a new source or the modification of an existing source to provide that routine maintenance and repair do not constitute a modification of an existing source. Requires the Secretary of Energy (DOE) to: (1) implement a grant and loan program for the construction or modernization of coal fired generation units to enable use of technology to reduce greenhouse gases; (2) publish a plan to exchange a specified amount of light grade petroleum from the Strategic Petroleum Reserve for heavy grade petroleum plus additional cash bonus bids that reflect the difference in market value; and (3) set aside net proceeds from such exchange for the Energy Independence and Security Fund (to be established by this Act). Provides for Fund allocations to the Energy Transformation Acceleration Fund, specified Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy accounts, the Weatherization Assistance Program, specified Fossil Energy Research and Development accounts, the Basic Energy Sciences account. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to: (1) extend through 2019 tax credits for energy conservation and production, including credits for producing electricity from renewable resources, alternative fuel vehicles and refueling property expenditures, residential energy efficiency and solar energy and fuel cell property expenditures, and biodiesel and renewable diesel used as fuel; (2) extend through 2018 the tax deduction for energy efficient commercial buildings; (3) increase the limitation on the issuance of new clean renewable energy bonds; (4) allow an additional tax deduction for the cost of installing mechanical insulation property; (5) extend through 2019 the tax credit for fuel cell motor vehicles, advanced lean burn technology motor vehicles, hybrid motor vehicles, alternative fuel motor vehicles, and plug-in conversions; (6) repeal the limitation on the number of hybrid and advanced lean-burn technology vehicles eligible for such credit; (7) extend through 2019 the tax credit for plug-in electric drive motor vehicles; (8) allow a new tax credit for the purchase of a motor vehicle identified by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) as the most efficient vehicle in its class; and (9) allow an excise tax credit through 2019 for alternative fuels and fuel mixtures involving compressed or liquefied natural gas or liquefied petroleum gas. Sets forth provisions concerning the use of electric drive vehicles and alternative fuel motor vehicles. Requires that at least 10% of the federal fleet be plug-in electric drive vehicles by FY2014, with such percentage increasing by at least 2% (up to 50%) each fiscal year. Directs states to permit light-duty plug-in electric drive vehicles and alternative fuel motor vehicles to use HOV lanes. Directs the Secretary of Energy to: (1) provide grants to assist local governments in the installation of recharging facilities for electric drive vehicles; and (2) guarantee loans for any purchaser of at least 5,000 battery systems that use advanced battery technology. Includes innovative low-carbon technology projects as projects eligible for loan guarantees made by the Secretary of Energy for innovative technologies. Requires programs or directives established by this Act concerning increasing diversification and efficiency of transportation and electric systems, but not extensions of tax credits, to be offset with funds in the Carbon Free Reserve.

Employment Protection Act of 2011

United States · United States Congress · 12 May 2011

Employment Protection Act of 2011 - Requires the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), prior to issuing a regulation, policy statement, guidance, or other requirement, implementing any new or substantially altered program, or issuing or denying any permit, to analyze its impact on employment levels and economic activity, disaggregated by state. Requires such analysis to include estimated job losses and decreased economic activity due to the denial or issuance of permits, including permits issued under the Federal Water Pollution Control Act (commonly known as the Clean Water Act). Requires the Administrator to: (1) post such analysis on EPA's website and request governors of states experiencing more than a de minimis negative impact to post such analysis in their capitols; (2) hold public hearings in each state in which a requirement, program, or permit will have more than a de minimis negative impact; and (3) give notice of such impact in a state to such state's congressional delegation, governor, and legislature at least 45 days prior to the effective date of such requirement or program or the denial or issuance of a permit. Defines "de minimis negative impact" to mean: (1) with respect to employment levels, a loss of more than 100 jobs; and (2) with respect to economic activity, a decrease in economic activity of more than $1,000,000 over any calendar year.

Northwest Straits Marine Conservation Initiative Reauthorization Act of 2011

United States · United States Congress · 12 May 2011

Northwest Straits Marine Conservation Initiative Reauthorization Act of 2011 - Amends the Northwest Straits Marine Conservation Initiative Act to define "Northwest Straits" as the marine waters of the Strait of Juan de Fuca and of Puget Sound from the Canadian border to the south end of Snohomish County, Washington. Sets forth the membership of the Northwest Straits Advisory Commission. Directs the Secretary of Commerce, acting through the Under Secretary for Oceans and Atmosphere, to appoint an employee of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) to serve as a liaison between the Commission and the Department of Commerce and to attend the Commission's meetings and events as a nonvoting participant. States the goal of the Commission as the protection and restoration of the marine waters, habitats, and species of the Northwest Straits region in Washington to achieve ecosystem health and sustainable resource use. Enumerates the duties of the Commission and establishes benchmarks for its work. Authorizes the Manager of the Shorelands and Environmental Assistance Program of Washington's Department of Ecology, upon the recommendation of the Commission and the Director of the Padilla Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve, to appoint and terminate a Director of the Commission. Requires the Director to be confirmed by the Commission. Provides for the establishment of marine resources committees in specified counties of Washington. Authorizes the Director of the Commission and the Director of the State of Washington Department of Ecology to establish the Northwest Straits Marine Conservation Foundation as a nonprofit foundation to support the Commission and the marine resources committees established by this Act.

Judgment of the Court (Fourth Chamber) of 12 May 2011.#Bund für Umwelt und Naturschutz Deutschland, Landesverband Nordrhein-Westfalen eV v Bezirksregierung Arnsberg.#Reference for a preliminary ruling: l’Oberverwaltungsgericht für das Land Nordrhein-Westfalen - Germany.#Directive 85/337/EEC - Environmental impact assessment - Aarhus Convention - Directive 2003/35/EC - Access to justice - Non-governmental organisations for the protection of the environment.#Case C-115/09.

European Union · Court of Justice of the European Union · 12 May 2011

Klimatransparenz in der Förderpolitik - Was wurde aus EmScen?

Austria · National Council · 11 May 2011

Schriftliche Anfrage der Abgeordneten Mag. Christiane Brunner, Kolleginnen und Kollegen an den Bundesminister für Wirtschaft, Familie und Jugend betreffend Klimatransparenz in der Förderpolitik - Was wurde aus EmScen <i>(Modellsystem zur Beurteilung der Emissionswirksamkeit von</i> <i>Klimaschutzmaßnahmen in Österreich)</i> ?

Klimatransparenz in der Förderpolitik - Was wurde aus EmScen?

Austria · National Council · 11 May 2011

Schriftliche Anfrage der Abgeordneten Mag. Christiane Brunner, Kolleginnen und Kollegen an die Bundesministerin für Verkehr, Innovation und Technologie betreffend Klimatransparenz in der Förderpolitik - Was wurde aus EmScen <i>(Modellsystem zur Beurteilung der Emissionswirksamkeit von</i> <i>Klimaschutzmaßnahmen in Österreich)</i> ?

Klimatransparenz in der Förderpolitik - Was wurde aus EmScen?

Austria · National Council · 11 May 2011

Schriftliche Anfrage der Abgeordneten Mag. Christiane Brunner, Kolleginnen und Kollegen an den Bundesminister für Land- und Forstwirtschaft, Umwelt und Wasserwirtschaft betreffend Klimatransparenz in der Förderpolitik - Was wurde aus EmScen <i>(Modellsystem zur Beurteilung der Emissionswirksamkeit von</i> <i>Klimaschutzmaßnahmen in Österreich)</i> ?

140 Deputy Andrew Doyle asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the amount of staff time and money that has gone into assisting the Department of the Environment, Community and Local Government in its efforts to deal with abandoned horses for the years 2008, 2009 and 2010; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10844/11]

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 11 May 2011

140 Deputy Andrew Doyle asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the amount of staff time and money that has gone into assisting the Department of the Environment, Community and Local Government in its efforts to deal with abandoned horses for the years 2008, 2009 and 2010; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10844/11]

117 Deputy Seán Ó Fearghaíl asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government his plans to amend the grant schemes which provide support for the adaptation or improvement of homes occupied by elderly or disabled persons; if he will consider putting in place a multi-annual funding stream for local authorities in order to achieve more efficient use of resources; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10927/11]

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 11 May 2011

117 Deputy Seán Ó Fearghaíl asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government his plans to amend the grant schemes which provide support for the adaptation or improvement of homes occupied by elderly or disabled persons; if he will consider putting in place a multi-annual funding stream for local authorities in order to achieve more efficient use of resources; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10927/11]

116 Deputy Seán Ó Fearghaíl asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the number of income-related old Housing Finance Agency loans still in payment on a county basis; if his attention has been drawn to the fact that mortgage protection insurance on these loans may be inadequate; if his further attention has been drawn to the fact that some loans may not be issued at all and that some home owners may be unaware their debt is unsecured; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10926/11]

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 11 May 2011

116 Deputy Seán Ó Fearghaíl asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the number of income-related old Housing Finance Agency loans still in payment on a county basis; if his attention has been drawn to the fact that mortgage protection insurance on these loans may be inadequate; if his further attention has been drawn to the fact that some loans may not be issued at all and that some home owners may be unaware their debt is unsecured; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10926/11]

115 Deputy Thomas Pringle asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government when the Killybegs WWTP will go to tender as part of the Donegal Bay waste management plan group B; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10853/11]

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 11 May 2011

115 Deputy Thomas Pringle asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government when the Killybegs WWTP will go to tender as part of the Donegal Bay waste management plan group B; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10853/11]

114 Deputy Dan Neville asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the position regarding funding under the Dormant Accounts Fund in respect of a club (details supplied) in County Limerick; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10823/11]

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 11 May 2011

114 Deputy Dan Neville asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the position regarding funding under the Dormant Accounts Fund in respect of a club (details supplied) in County Limerick; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10823/11]

113 Deputy Seán Kenny asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the number of additional fire appliances and fire fighting equipment he has provided to Dublin Fire Brigade for the years 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010 and to date in 2011 and the number of requests that are currently outstanding within his Department for additional resources. [10815/11]

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 11 May 2011

113 Deputy Seán Kenny asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the number of additional fire appliances and fire fighting equipment he has provided to Dublin Fire Brigade for the years 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010 and to date in 2011 and the number of requests that are currently outstanding within his Department for additional resources. [10815/11]

112 Deputy Patrick O’Donovan asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if a legal impediment exists preventing local authorities from publishing the names of those persons successfully detected of illegal dumping; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10809/11]

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 11 May 2011

112 Deputy Patrick O’Donovan asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if a legal impediment exists preventing local authorities from publishing the names of those persons successfully detected of illegal dumping; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10809/11]

111 Deputy Sean Fleming asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government when he will issue comprehensive guidance on mortgage arrears to local authorities; the consultation process and the persons involved in drawing up these guidelines; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10776/11]

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 11 May 2011

111 Deputy Sean Fleming asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government when he will issue comprehensive guidance on mortgage arrears to local authorities; the consultation process and the persons involved in drawing up these guidelines; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10776/11]

110 Deputy Sean Fleming asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government his plans to obtain information on the number of mortgages issued on a local authority basis, including those issued by the Housing Finance Agency or other State organisations as appropriate; the number of these mortgages that are in arrears, the extent of the problem; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10775/11]

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 11 May 2011

110 Deputy Sean Fleming asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government his plans to obtain information on the number of mortgages issued on a local authority basis, including those issued by the Housing Finance Agency or other State organisations as appropriate; the number of these mortgages that are in arrears, the extent of the problem; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10775/11]

109 Deputy Terence Flanagan asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government when he will sign the statutory instruments regarding puppy farms; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10771/11]

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 11 May 2011

109 Deputy Terence Flanagan asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government when he will sign the statutory instruments regarding puppy farms; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10771/11]

108 Deputy Marcella Corcoran Kennedy asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if he will review a decision by a local authority (details supplied) in relation to front line services; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10758/11]

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 11 May 2011

108 Deputy Marcella Corcoran Kennedy asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if he will review a decision by a local authority (details supplied) in relation to front line services; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10758/11]

107 Deputy Patrick O’Donovan asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government to review the practice of charging of commercial rates on community child-care initiatives that are registered charities and not for profit organisations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10751/11]

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 11 May 2011

107 Deputy Patrick O’Donovan asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government to review the practice of charging of commercial rates on community child-care initiatives that are registered charities and not for profit organisations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10751/11]

Offshore Production and Safety Act of 2011

United States · United States Congress · 11 May 2011

Offshore Production and Safety Act of 2011 - Amends the Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act to direct the Secretary of the Interior (Secretary) to require an exploration plan to incorporate a third-party reviewed response plan which describes the means and timeline to contain and terminate an ongoing discharge of oil. Requires the Secretary to certify, as a prerequisite to plan approval, the technological feasibility of methods proposed to be used under a response plan, as demonstrated by the potential lessee through simulation, demonstration, or other means. Directs the Secretary of Energy (DOE), acting through the DOE Office of Science, to use specified funds to study, in collaboration with the DOE Office of Fossil Energy, means of improving prevention methodologies and technological responses to oil spills and mitigating the effects of oil spills on natural habitat. Requires the DOE Secretary, as part of the study, to convene a task force to assess: (1) such methodologies and technological response to the blowout and explosion of the mobile offshore drilling unit Deepwater Horizon on April 20, 2010, and the resulting hydrocarbon releases into the environment; as well as (2) the adequacy of existing technologies for prevention and responses to deep water oil spills. Directs the Comptroller General to study existing federal capabilities and legal authorities to prevent and respond to oil spills. Instructs the Secretary to conduct certain oil and gas lease sales within specified deadlines. States that such lease sales are considered to satisfy the requirements of the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969. Prohibits the Secretary from issuing a permit without ensuring that the proposed drilling operations meet all: (1) critical safety system requirements, including blowout prevention; and (2) oil spill response and containment requirements. Requires the Secretary to decide whether to issue a permit within 30 days after receiving an application. Allows up to two 15-day extensions of such deadline. Prescribes implementation procedures. Imposes a deadline for a final decision on certain permit applications under existing leases. Directs the Secretary to extend by one year the terms of certain oil and gas leases (covered leases) for the Gulf of Mexico outer Continental Shelf (OCS) region. Establishes any district court within the Fifth Circuit as the exclusive venue for civil actions relating to covered energy projects on leased federal land in the Gulf of Mexico unless there is no proper venue within that circuit. Bars such a civil action unless it is filed within 60 days after the final federal action to which it relates. Sets forth a standard of review under which: (1) the court is directed to hear and determine any covered civil action as expeditiously as possible; and (2) any judicial review of a covered civil action makes a presumption that the administrative findings and conclusions relating to the challenged federal action or decision are correct. Sets restrictions on prospective relief. Prohibits federal payment of attorneys' fees, expenses, and other court costs to any party in a covered civil action under this Act.

Sacramento-San Joaquin Valley Water Reliability Act

United States · United States Congress · 11 May 2011

San Joaquin Valley Water Reliability Act - Amends the Central Valley Project Improvement Act (CVPIA) to redefine &quot;anadromous fish&quot; for purposes of such Act as those native stocks of salmon and sturgeon that, as of October 30, 1992, were present in the Sacramento and San Joaquin Rivers and their tributaries and ascend those rivers and their tributaries to reproduce after maturing in San Francisco Bay or the Pacific Ocean. Excludes striped bass and American shad from such definition. Directs the Secretary of the Interior, upon request of the contractor, to renew any existing long-term repayment or water service contract that provides for the delivery of water from the Central Valley Project (CVP) for a period of 40 years and renew such contracts for successive 40-year periods. Requires a contract entered into or renewed pursuant to this provision to include a provision that requires the Secretary to charge only for water actually delivered. Directs the Secretary to take actions to facilitate and expedite CVP water transfers. Prohibits the Secretary from imposing mitigation or other requirements on a proposed transfer. Authorizes the Secretary to modify CVP operations to provide reasonable water flows of suitable quality, quantity, and timing to protect all life stages of anadromous fish. Prohibits the Secretary from requiring a payment to the CVP Restoration Fund, or environmental restoration or mitigation fees not otherwise provided by law, as a condition to providing for storage or conveyance of non-CVP water. Requires the Secretary to submit a plan for the expenditure of funds in the Fund, including a cost effectiveness analysis of each expenditure. Establishes a Restoration Fund Advisory Board. Considers all requirements of the Endangered Species Act of 1973 (ESA) to be fully met for the protection and conservation of the species listed pursuant to that Act for the operations of the CVP and the California State Water Project (SWP) if such Projects are operated in a manner consistent with the &quot;Principles for Agreement of the Bay-Delta Standards Between the State of California and the Federal Government&quot; dated December 15, 1994 (Bay-Delta Accord). Preempts California requirements for the conservation of any species listed under ESA for the CVP and SWP that are more restrictive than the 1994 Bay-Delta Accord. Preempts any state law that imposes more restrictive requirements or regulations on activities authorized with respect to San Joaquin River restoration. Repeals the San Joaquin River Restoration Settlement Act. Directs the Secretary: (1) to cease any action to implement the San Joaquin River Restoration Settlement Act and the Stipulation of Settlement; (2) in each water year (October 1-September 30), commencing with the year starting on October 1, 2012, to modify Friant Dam operations so as to release the Restoration Flows (the minimum flow of 50 cubic feet per second at Sack Dam) for that water year; and (3) in cooperation with representatives of affected landowners, to develop and implement a least-cost plan to fully mitigate the impact on groundwater resources within the service area of the Friant Division, Hidden Unit, and Buchanan Unit of the CVP caused by the release of restoration flows. Establishes within the Treasury a San Joaquin River Fishery Restoration Fund. Prohibits the Secretary from distinguishing between natural-spawned and hatchery-spawned or otherwise artificially propagated strains of a species in making ESA determinations. Directs the Secretary, upon request of the contractor, to convert all existing long-term contracts with CVP contracts to contracts that require the repayment of the remaining construction costs identified in the most current version of the CVP schedule of Irrigation Capital Allocations by Contractor, by specified dates.

Nutria Eradication and Control Act of 2011

United States · United States Congress · 11 May 2011

Nutria Eradication and Control Act of 2011 - Amends the Nutria Eradication and Control Act of 2003 to revise the nutria eradication program by authorizing the Secretary of the Interior to provide financial assistance to Delaware, Louisiana, Maryland, North Carolina, Oregon, Virginia, and Washington (currently only to Maryland and Louisiana). Establishes the goals of such Program as: (1) eradicating nutria in Maryland; (2) eradicating or controlling nutria in Louisiana, Delaware, North Carolina, Oregon, Virginia, and Washington; and (3) restoring wetlands damaged by nutria. Requires that the Maryland program consist of management, research, and public education activities carried out in accordance with the United States Fish and Wildlife Service's document entitled "Eradication Strategies for Nutria in the Chesapeake and Delaware Bay Watersheds" dated March 2002 and updated in March 2009. Authorizes appropriations for FY2012-FY2016. Requires the Secretary and the National Invasive Species Council to develop long-term nutria control or eradication programs to: (1) significantly reduce and restore nutria damaged wetlands in Delaware, Oregon, North Carolina, Virginia, and Washington; and (2) promote voluntary, public-private partnerships to eradicate or control nutria and restore nutria-damaged wetlands in such states.

Disapproving a rule submitted by the Environmental Protection Agency relating to "Standards of Performance for New Stationary Sources and Emission Guidelines for Existing Sources: Sewage Sludge Incineration Units".

United States · United States Congress · 11 May 2011

Disapproves the rule submitted by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) relating to Standards of Performance for New Stationary Sources and Emission Guidelines for Existing Sources: Sewage Sludge Incineration Units.

Disapproving a rule submitted by the Environmental Protection Agency relating to "Standards of Performance for New Stationary Sources and Emission Guidelines for Existing Sources: Commercial and Industrial Solid Waste Incineration Units".

United States · United States Congress · 11 May 2011

Disapproves the rule submitted by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) relating to Standards of Performance for New Stationary Sources and Emission Guidelines for Existing Sources: Commercial and Industrial Solid Waste Incineration Units.

Disapproving a rule submitted by the Environmental Protection Agency relating to "National Emission Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutants for Area Sources: Industrial, Commercial, and Institutional Boilers".

United States · United States Congress · 11 May 2011

Disapproves a rule submitted by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) relating to National Emission Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutants for Area Sources: Industrial, Commercial, and Institutional Boilers.

Disapproving a rule submitted by the Environmental Protection Agency relating to "National Emission Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutants for Major Sources: Industrial, Commercial, and Institutional Boilers and Process Heaters".

United States · United States Congress · 11 May 2011

Disapproves a rule submitted by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) relating to National Emission Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutants for Major Sources: Industrial, Commercial, and Institutional Boilers and Process Heaters.

Bleimunition und Umweltgefährdung

Austria · National Council · 10 May 2011

Schriftliche Anfrage der Abgeordneten Mag. Johann Maier, Kolleginnen und Kollegen an den Bundesminister für Land- und Forstwirtschaft, Umwelt und Wasserwirtschaft betreffend Bleimunition und Umweltgefährdung

267 Deputy Tom Fleming asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government when contracts will be signed and when work will commence on a water treatment plant at a location (details supplied) in County Kerry. [10240/11]

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 10 May 2011

267 Deputy Tom Fleming asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government when contracts will be signed and when work will commence on a water treatment plant at a location (details supplied) in County Kerry. [10240/11]

266 Deputy Anne Ferris asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if his attention has been drawn to the issues affecting the forestry sector, specifically inconsistent implementation of the Planning and Development Act regarding road access to forests, which is preventing the thinning and felling of forests; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10181/11]

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 10 May 2011

266 Deputy Anne Ferris asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if his attention has been drawn to the issues affecting the forestry sector, specifically inconsistent implementation of the Planning and Development Act regarding road access to forests, which is preventing the thinning and felling of forests; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10181/11]

265 Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if approval will issue without further delay for a scheme (details supplied) in County Donegal; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10697/11]

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 10 May 2011

265 Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if approval will issue without further delay for a scheme (details supplied) in County Donegal; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10697/11]

264 Deputy Thomas Pringle asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government his plans to progress the backlog of foreshore applications; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10688/11]

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 10 May 2011

264 Deputy Thomas Pringle asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government his plans to progress the backlog of foreshore applications; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10688/11]

263 Deputy Joe McHugh asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if he will identify all assessments, reviews or reports being carried out by him under the terms of the EU-IMF programme of financial support; if these assessments, reviews or reports are being carried out internally by him or independently; when he expects each assessment, review and report to be completed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10657/11]

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 10 May 2011

263 Deputy Joe McHugh asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if he will identify all assessments, reviews or reports being carried out by him under the terms of the EU-IMF programme of financial support; if these assessments, reviews or reports are being carried out internally by him or independently; when he expects each assessment, review and report to be completed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10657/11]

262 Deputy Maureen O’Sullivan asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if he is satisfied that the discretion of the Dormant Accounts Board has been applied consistently to investments and disbursements over the life of the Dormant Accounts Fund; if, over the remaining life of the board, he can confirm that moneys in the investment and disbursements account shall be applied on the direction of the Dormant Accounts Board, for as long as the board continues in existence; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10600/11]

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 10 May 2011

262 Deputy Maureen O’Sullivan asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if he is satisfied that the discretion of the Dormant Accounts Board has been applied consistently to investments and disbursements over the life of the Dormant Accounts Fund; if, over the remaining life of the board, he can confirm that moneys in the investment and disbursements account shall be applied on the direction of the Dormant Accounts Board, for as long as the board continues in existence; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10600/11]

261 Deputy Maureen O’Sullivan asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if he is satisfied that the accounting procedures applicable to the Dormant Accounts Fund within both his own Department and within the Department of Finance are fully consistent with Part 6, section 41( a ) of the Dormant Accounts Act 2001: 41.—(1) The moneys in the investment and disbursement account shall be applied by the Agency, on the direction of the Board, for the following purposes: ( a ) programmes or projects that are designed to assist the personal, educational and social development of persons who are economically, educationally or socially disadvantaged or persons with a disability (within the meaning of the Equal Status Act, 2000) and, in particular, programmes or projects that are designed to assist primary school students with learning difficulties; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10599/11]

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 10 May 2011

261 Deputy Maureen O’Sullivan asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if he is satisfied that the accounting procedures applicable to the Dormant Accounts Fund within both his own Department and within the Department of Finance are fully consistent with Part 6, section 41( a ) of the Dormant Accounts Act 2001: 41.—(1) The moneys in the investment and disbursement account shall be applied by the Agency, on the direction of the Board, for the following purposes: ( a ) programmes or projects that are designed to assist the personal, educational and social development of persons who are economically, educationally or socially disadvantaged or persons with a disability (within the meaning of the Equal Status Act, 2000) and, in particular, programmes or projects that are designed to assist primary school students with learning difficulties; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10599/11]

260 Deputy Maureen O’Sullivan asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if he will report on the projected savings to the Exchequer in the event of the Dormant Accounts Board being abolished, as recommended in the report of the special group on public service numbers and expenditure programmes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10598/11]

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 10 May 2011

260 Deputy Maureen O’Sullivan asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if he will report on the projected savings to the Exchequer in the event of the Dormant Accounts Board being abolished, as recommended in the report of the special group on public service numbers and expenditure programmes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10598/11]

259 Deputy Maureen O’Sullivan asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if he will confirm the costs borne specifically by the Exchequer, and not by the fund itself arising from the operation of the Dormant Accounts Fund since it inception; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10597/11]

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 10 May 2011

259 Deputy Maureen O’Sullivan asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if he will confirm the costs borne specifically by the Exchequer, and not by the fund itself arising from the operation of the Dormant Accounts Fund since it inception; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10597/11]

258 Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if he will ensure that all valuable finished and partially finished properties in so called ghost estates are adequately insured; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10586/11]

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 10 May 2011

258 Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if he will ensure that all valuable finished and partially finished properties in so called ghost estates are adequately insured; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10586/11]

257 Deputy Dan Neville asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if he will review an application in respect of a club (details supplied) in County Limerick for funding under the Dormant Accounts Fund; and the details of when this matter will be assessed. [10576/11]

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 10 May 2011

257 Deputy Dan Neville asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if he will review an application in respect of a club (details supplied) in County Limerick for funding under the Dormant Accounts Fund; and the details of when this matter will be assessed. [10576/11]

254 Deputy Tony McLoughlin asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the allocation of funding for the provision of local authority housing for Sligo Borough Council in 2011 and 2012. [10568/11]

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 10 May 2011

254 Deputy Tony McLoughlin asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the allocation of funding for the provision of local authority housing for Sligo Borough Council in 2011 and 2012. [10568/11]

253 Deputy Tony McLoughlin asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the allocation of funding for the provision of local authority housing for Sligo County Council in 2011 and 2012. [10567/11]

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 10 May 2011

253 Deputy Tony McLoughlin asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the allocation of funding for the provision of local authority housing for Sligo County Council in 2011 and 2012. [10567/11]

252 Deputy Tony McLoughlin asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the level of funding allocation for the regeneration project at Sligo Borough Council; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10566/11]

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 10 May 2011

252 Deputy Tony McLoughlin asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the level of funding allocation for the regeneration project at Sligo Borough Council; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10566/11]

251 Deputy Peter Mathews asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if he will provide this Deputy with a copy of the interim report on the advisory group on unfinished housing developments that was completed last February; if he will provide a copy of the submission received from Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10557/11]

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 10 May 2011

251 Deputy Peter Mathews asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if he will provide this Deputy with a copy of the interim report on the advisory group on unfinished housing developments that was completed last February; if he will provide a copy of the submission received from Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10557/11]