Environment

191 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the extent to which permission is required under the Planning Acts for the provision of satellite dishes, security cameras or micro-electricity wind generators on or near the external walls of dwelling houses or within the curtilage thereof; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42204/06]

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 7 December 2006

191 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the extent to which permission is required under the Planning Acts for the provision of satellite dishes, security cameras or micro-electricity wind generators on or near the external walls of dwelling houses or within the curtilage thereof; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42204/06]

190 Mr. O’Shea asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the proposals he has to ensure adequate funding for an organisation (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42186/06]

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 7 December 2006

190 Mr. O’Shea asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the proposals he has to ensure adequate funding for an organisation (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42186/06]

189 Mr. Collins asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if local authorities have the option to create and introduce a locally funded and administered refuse waiver scheme within its administrative area where the refuse collection service is provided by a private contractor. [42184/06]

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 7 December 2006

189 Mr. Collins asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if local authorities have the option to create and introduce a locally funded and administered refuse waiver scheme within its administrative area where the refuse collection service is provided by a private contractor. [42184/06]

188 Ms Cooper-Flynn asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government when he will approve the contract documents for Kiltimagh sewerage scheme and give approval to go to tender. [42159/06]

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 7 December 2006

188 Ms Cooper-Flynn asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government when he will approve the contract documents for Kiltimagh sewerage scheme and give approval to go to tender. [42159/06]

187 Ms Cooper-Flynn asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government when he will approve the design and review the report for Louisburgh water scheme. [42158/06]

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 7 December 2006

187 Ms Cooper-Flynn asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government when he will approve the design and review the report for Louisburgh water scheme. [42158/06]

186 Ms Cooper-Flynn asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government when he will approve contract documents on the Shrule and Kilmaine water scheme. [42157/06]

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 7 December 2006

186 Ms Cooper-Flynn asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government when he will approve contract documents on the Shrule and Kilmaine water scheme. [42157/06]

185 Mr. Morgan asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government his views on whether a property management company that engages in the practice of charging residents for amenities that are already being paid for by a local authority are guilty of fraudulent activity and that contracts signed by residents should be set aside; the way residents may be reimbursed for the payment of such services; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42146/06]

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 7 December 2006

185 Mr. Morgan asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government his views on whether a property management company that engages in the practice of charging residents for amenities that are already being paid for by a local authority are guilty of fraudulent activity and that contracts signed by residents should be set aside; the way residents may be reimbursed for the payment of such services; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42146/06]

184 Mr. Morgan asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if his attention has been drawn to the situation in an area (details supplied) in Dublin 15, where residents have been charged by their property management company for public lighting costs, for maintenance of common areas, despite these being paid by the local authority and not being in the ownership of the property management company and for public liability insurance for common areas that are not owned by the property management company. [42145/06]

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 7 December 2006

184 Mr. Morgan asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if his attention has been drawn to the situation in an area (details supplied) in Dublin 15, where residents have been charged by their property management company for public lighting costs, for maintenance of common areas, despite these being paid by the local authority and not being in the ownership of the property management company and for public liability insurance for common areas that are not owned by the property management company. [42145/06]

183 Mr. Morgan asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he will bring forward proposals that prevent developers and local authorities establishing property management companies in residential developments which are primarily made up of traditional housing units by the inclusion of duplex and apartments; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42144/06]

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 7 December 2006

183 Mr. Morgan asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he will bring forward proposals that prevent developers and local authorities establishing property management companies in residential developments which are primarily made up of traditional housing units by the inclusion of duplex and apartments; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42144/06]

182 Mr. Morgan asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government his Department’s policy on the practice of establishing property management companies in traditional housing estates; the measures he will take to ensure that local authorities end the practice of writing such conditions into planning agreements; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42143/06]

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 7 December 2006

182 Mr. Morgan asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government his Department’s policy on the practice of establishing property management companies in traditional housing estates; the measures he will take to ensure that local authorities end the practice of writing such conditions into planning agreements; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42143/06]

181 Mr. Howlin asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government his views on increasing the grant aid available for sewerage schemes (details supplied) to the same level as that available for group water schemes; the reason for the considerable difference in contributions by his Department as between these two schemes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42118/06]

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 7 December 2006

181 Mr. Howlin asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government his views on increasing the grant aid available for sewerage schemes (details supplied) to the same level as that available for group water schemes; the reason for the considerable difference in contributions by his Department as between these two schemes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42118/06]

Stormwater Enforcement and Permitting Act of 2006

United States · United States Congress · 7 December 2006

Stormwater Enforcement and Permitting Act of 2006 - Amends the Federal Water Pollution Control Act to direct the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to provide an operator a reasonable opportunity to correct a violation of a permit condition for a site with residential construction activity before initiation of an enforcement action, if such violation may be rectified by modifying, revising, or supplementing records or paperwork. Prohibits such an opportunity from being provided: (1) to the operator of any residential construction site that failed to obtain coverage under a national pollutant discharge elimination system permit; or (2) for a record or paperwork violation that resulted in a violation of a water quality standard. Prohibits more than one opportunity to correct violations of the same condition. Prohibits the Administrator from requiring a permit for stormwater runoff from such a site if: (1) the runoff enters a municipal separate storm sewer system that is covered by a permit and the operator is in compliance with runoff requirements; and (2) such site has minimal potential for soil erosion. Requires the Administrator to coordinate enforcement of stormwater discharge permits with states. Prohibits the Administrator from paying any state penalty for a violation of a permit for such a discharge. Requires the Administrator to establish a program that will develop and distribute to site operators a pamphlet that explains permitting requirements for stormwater discharges. Authorizes the Administrator or the state to issue a general permit for no more than five years on a state, regional, or nationwide basis to cover any category of discharges, sludge use, disposal practices, or facilities. Declares that the Administrator or state is not required to review, approve, or provide an opportunity for public comment on any application for a discharge under a general permit.

Northwestern New Mexico Rural Water Projects Act

United States · United States Congress · 7 December 2006

Northwestern New Mexico Rural Water Projects Act - Amends the Colorado River Storage Project Act to authorize the Secretary of the Interior to construct, operate, and maintain the Northwestern New Mexico Rural Water Supply Project. Establishes in the Treasury a Reclamation Water Settlements Fund. Authorizes the Secretary to request a transfer from the Fund to implement a congressionally approved settlement agreement that requires the Bureau of Reclamation to plan, design, and construct: (1) water supply infrastructure; or (2) a project to rehabilitate a water delivery system to conserve water or a project to improve environmental conditions associated with or affected by an existing reclamation project. Authorizes the Secretary to design, construct, operate, and maintain the Project in substantial accordance with the draft environmental impact statement prepared by the Bureau for the Project. Authorizes the Secretary to construct, operate, and maintain specified Project facilities to provide for the delivery of San Juan River water to the city of Gallup, New Mexico, the Navajo Nation, and the Jicarilla Apache Nation. Approves the agreement among New Mexico, the Navajo Nation, and the United States setting forth a stipulated and binding agreement signed on April 19, 2005. Directs the Secretary to: (1) enter into that agreement to the extent that it does not conflict with this Act; and (2) prepare a hydrographic survey to identify and quantify any historic or existing diversion or use of water by the Navajo Nation from the San Juan River Basin. Establishes in the Treasury the Navajo Nation Water Resources Development Trust Fund.

A resolution supporting the 200th anniversary of the nation's nautical charting and related scientific programs, which formed the basis for what is today the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration; and recognizing 200 years of research, service to the people of the United States, and stewardship of the marine environment by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and its predecessor agencies, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 7 December 2006

Recognizes: (1) the contributions of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and its predecessor agencies over a 200-year period in providing research, service, and stewardship of the marine environment; (2) the vision of President Thomas Jefferson in supporting the advancement of science and coastal surveys; and (3) the contributions of employees and officers of the Office of Coast Survey, the National Geodetic Survey, and the Center for Operational Oceanographic Products and Services of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.

Tax Relief and Health Care Act of 2006

United States · United States Congress · 7 December 2006

Tax Relief and Health Care Act of 2006 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to extend and modify certain expiring tax provisions relating to education, business investment and economic development, research, health care, environmental remediation, and energy conservation. Health Opportunity Patient Empowerment Act of 2006 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to provide tax and other incentives for funding health savings accounts. Medicare Improvements and Extension Act of 2006 - Amends the Social Security Act to extend and modify various Medicare and Medicaid provisions, including provisions relating to physician fee schedules, health care reporting requirements, hospital and medical provider reimbursements for certain medical procedures, Medicare fraud and abuse prevention, and the transitional medical assistance and abstinence education program. Gulf of Mexico Energy Security Act of 2006 - Instructs the Secretary of the Interior to offer certain areas in the Gulf of Mexico for oil and gas leasing. Surface Mining Control and Reclamation Act Amendments of 2006 - Amends the Surface Mining Control and Reclamation Act of 1977 to reauthorize the Abandoned Mine Reclamation Fund and reduce rate of reclamation fees payable by mine operators to the Fund. Allows certain mine operators to prepay health care premium liabilities to the Combined Benefits Fund. Modifies rules relating to the reimportation of exported tobacco products for personal use. Extends through 2008 tariff duties on ethyl alcohol (ethanol). Allows a tax exclusion of gain from the sale of certain mineral or geothermal interests. Extends the school choice scholarship program for low-income children in the District of Columbia. Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to conduct a study on establishing a uniform national database on elder abuse.

Judgment of the Court (Fifth Chamber) of 7 December 2006.#Commission of the European Communities v Kingdom of Belgium.#Failure of a Member State to fulfil obligations - Directive 2001/42/EC - Assessment of the effects of certain plans and programmes on the environment - Failure to transpose within the period prescribed.#Case C-54/06.

European Union · Court of Justice of the European Union · 7 December 2006

Judgment of the Court (Fifth Chamber) of 7 December 2006.#Commission of the European Communities v Grand Duchy of Luxemburg.#Failure of a Member State to fulfil obligations - Directive 2002/49/EC - Assessment and management of environmental noise - Failure to transpose within the period prescribed.#Case C-78/06.

European Union · Court of Justice of the European Union · 7 December 2006

321 Ms C. Murphy asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the amount levied by and paid to local authorities in the years 2004 and 2005 in commercial water charges; the amount per unit charged; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41991/06]

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 6 December 2006

321 Ms C. Murphy asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the amount levied by and paid to local authorities in the years 2004 and 2005 in commercial water charges; the amount per unit charged; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41991/06]

320 Ms C. Murphy asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the income in mortgage payments by local authority in the AFS for 2004 and 2005; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41990/06]

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 6 December 2006

320 Ms C. Murphy asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the income in mortgage payments by local authority in the AFS for 2004 and 2005; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41990/06]

319 Mr. O’Connor asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he will report on his efforts to deal with public concerns regarding Sellafield; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41944/06]

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 6 December 2006

319 Mr. O’Connor asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he will report on his efforts to deal with public concerns regarding Sellafield; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41944/06]

318 Mr. O’Connor asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the action he has taken to deal with the concerns regarding the 2007 voting register; if he will report on his contacts with South Dublin County Council in the matter; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41943/06]

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 6 December 2006

318 Mr. O’Connor asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the action he has taken to deal with the concerns regarding the 2007 voting register; if he will report on his contacts with South Dublin County Council in the matter; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41943/06]

317 Dr. Cowley asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if his attention has been drawn to the growing fury in the farming community over measures set down in the nitrates good agricultural practice statutory instrument, S.I. No. 378, which empowers forcible entry to the homes of farm families through court order where entry is otherwise refused, the searching of dwellings and the removal of records, including computers, from the premises and domestic sheds within the curtilage of dwellings in view of the fact that such measures are being viewed as oppressive; his views on this Government’s assault on the natural and constitutional rights of farm families, and the gross abuse of their privacy and enjoyment of the family home; his further views on removing the measures from the statutory instrument and the similar provision as set out in the Water Services Bill 2003 which he is currently piloting through Dáil Éireann; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41900/06]

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 6 December 2006

317 Dr. Cowley asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if his attention has been drawn to the growing fury in the farming community over measures set down in the nitrates good agricultural practice statutory instrument, S.I. No. 378, which empowers forcible entry to the homes of farm families through court order where entry is otherwise refused, the searching of dwellings and the removal of records, including computers, from the premises and domestic sheds within the curtilage of dwellings in view of the fact that such measures are being viewed as oppressive; his views on this Government’s assault on the natural and constitutional rights of farm families, and the gross abuse of their privacy and enjoyment of the family home; his further views on removing the measures from the statutory instrument and the similar provision as set out in the Water Services Bill 2003 which he is currently piloting through Dáil Éireann; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41900/06]

316 Mr. Sargent asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he will put in place a moratorium on trials of genetically modified organisms; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41899/06]

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 6 December 2006

316 Mr. Sargent asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he will put in place a moratorium on trials of genetically modified organisms; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41899/06]

315 Mr. Cuffe asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he will request the Radiological Protection Institute of Ireland to investigate the mystery illness of former Russian Premier Yegor Gaidar on his Irish visit, in view of the fact that news of his illness comes after a series of mysterious incidents involving Russian public figures over the past month; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41873/06]

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 6 December 2006

315 Mr. Cuffe asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he will request the Radiological Protection Institute of Ireland to investigate the mystery illness of former Russian Premier Yegor Gaidar on his Irish visit, in view of the fact that news of his illness comes after a series of mysterious incidents involving Russian public figures over the past month; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41873/06]

314 Mr. Dennehy asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if there has been progress made regarding efforts to phase out staged payments in relation to house building; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41847/06]

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 6 December 2006

314 Mr. Dennehy asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if there has been progress made regarding efforts to phase out staged payments in relation to house building; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41847/06]

313 Mr. Deenihan asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government when the preliminary report of Castle Island stage II will be approved by his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41812/06]

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 6 December 2006

313 Mr. Deenihan asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government when the preliminary report of Castle Island stage II will be approved by his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41812/06]

65 Mr. Broughan asked the Minister for Transport the discussions he has had with the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government regarding a joint effort at improving road traffic and planning legislation to curtail the increasing problem of the use of large trucks of several axles to deliver to small neighbourhood shops; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41620/06]

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 6 December 2006

65 Mr. Broughan asked the Minister for Transport the discussions he has had with the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government regarding a joint effort at improving road traffic and planning legislation to curtail the increasing problem of the use of large trucks of several axles to deliver to small neighbourhood shops; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41620/06]

Hurricanes Katrina and Rita Environmental Justice Act

United States · United States Congress · 6 December 2006

Hurricanes Katrina and Rita Environmental Justice Act - Defines "environmental justice" to mean the fair treatment of people of all races, cultures, and socioeconomic groups with respect to the development and implementation of laws affecting the environment. Requires the heads of federal agencies to make achieving environmental justice part of their missions by identifying and addressing disproportionately high and adverse effects of its programs on minority, low-income populations in the area affected by Hurricanes Katrina and Rita. Requires agencies to conduct programs in a manner to prevent discrimination. Establishes the Hurricanes Katrina and Rita Interagency Working Group on Environmental Justice. Includes among the functions of the working group providing guidance to federal and state agencies on criteria for identifying effects on such populations. Requires federal agencies to develop agency-wide environmental justice strategies that address disproportionately high and adverse effects or disproportionately low benefits of their programs with respect to minority, low-income populations. Requires such strategies to identify programs that should be revised to: (1) promote enforcement of all health and environmental statutes in areas with such populations; (2) ensure greater public participation; (3) improve research and data collection; and (4) identify differential patterns of use of natural resources among such populations. Establishes the Federal Hurricanes Katrina and Rita Environmental Justice Advisory Committee to provide independent advice and recommendations to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Working Group on areas relating to environmental justice.

Strengthening Public Health Protections in Major Disasters and Emergencies Act

United States · United States Congress · 6 December 2006

Strengthening Public Health Protections in Major Disasters and Emergencies Act - Amends the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act to authorize the President, if one or more chemicals or substances associated with potential acute or chronic human health effects are being or have been released in a major disaster area, to carry out a program for the protection, assessment, monitoring, and study of the health and safety of workers or volunteers who responded to Hurricane Katrina or Hurricane Rita or who respond to a major disaster or emergency, residents in a disaster area, or persons who are employed in, or who attend school, child care, or adult day care in, a disaster area. Authorizes the President to carry out such a program through a cooperative agreement with a medical institution or consortium of medical institutions, especially those located near the disaster area and any other area in which there reside groups of individuals that worked or volunteered in response to the disaster. Requires such institution to have appropriate experience in the areas of environmental or occupational health, toxicology, and safety. Directs the Secretary of Homeland Security, the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS), and the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to enter jointly into a contract with the National Academy of Sciences (NAS) to study and report on disaster area health and environmental protection and monitoring. Amends: (1) the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act to extend to September 30, 2010, the authority for the predisaster hazard mitigation program; and (2) the Public Health Service Act to authorize the use of preventive health services block grants for community outreach and education programs and other activities designed to address and prevent health and health care disparities.

Report from the Commission to the Council and the European Parliament on the implementation of directive 94/62/ec on packaging and packaging waste and its impact on the environment, as well as on the functioning of the internal market [SEC(2006) 1579]

European Union · European Commission · 6 December 2006

542 Mr. Stanton asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if an upper age limit applies regarding membership of State boards under his aegis; if so, the reason for the age limit; his plans to remove same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42080/06]

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 5 December 2006

542 Mr. Stanton asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if an upper age limit applies regarding membership of State boards under his aegis; if so, the reason for the age limit; his plans to remove same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42080/06]

541 Mr. S. Ryan asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the amount of expenditure on consultancy by his Department in 2003, 2004 and 2005; the number of consultants engaged by his Department in those years; and the steps which have been taken to reduce the expenditure on consultancy and the reliance on consultants by his Department in these years and for the future. [41722/06]

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 5 December 2006

541 Mr. S. Ryan asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the amount of expenditure on consultancy by his Department in 2003, 2004 and 2005; the number of consultants engaged by his Department in those years; and the steps which have been taken to reduce the expenditure on consultancy and the reliance on consultants by his Department in these years and for the future. [41722/06]

540 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if a request has been received from a group (details supplied) in County Kildare for funding; if he will give favourable consideration to same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41608/06]

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 5 December 2006

540 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if a request has been received from a group (details supplied) in County Kildare for funding; if he will give favourable consideration to same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41608/06]

539 Ms C. Murphy asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he knows the number of housing estates, as distinct from apartment developments, for which a condition of planning permission was imposed by the relevant local authority to establish a management company for maintenance of the common areas and services; if so, the number in each local authority area; if not, if he will seek such information; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41583/06]

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 5 December 2006

539 Ms C. Murphy asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he knows the number of housing estates, as distinct from apartment developments, for which a condition of planning permission was imposed by the relevant local authority to establish a management company for maintenance of the common areas and services; if so, the number in each local authority area; if not, if he will seek such information; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41583/06]

538 Mr. Crawford asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government when the second phase of the remedial works scheme for Mullaghmatt housing will take place; his views on whether there is a need to include an external works scheme on the private houses and boundary walls if this scheme is to meet its full potential; his views on whether this scheme deals with families who found themselves in a very difficult situation north of the Border at a time when the Northern Ireland troubles were at their worst and could clearly be designated for restoration under any cross-Border funding being provided to back up the St. Andrews Agreement; his further views on whether the immediate Border counties deserve a balanced support from funding that is made available from the Government to back up what is already promised from the UK; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41553/06]

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 5 December 2006

538 Mr. Crawford asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government when the second phase of the remedial works scheme for Mullaghmatt housing will take place; his views on whether there is a need to include an external works scheme on the private houses and boundary walls if this scheme is to meet its full potential; his views on whether this scheme deals with families who found themselves in a very difficult situation north of the Border at a time when the Northern Ireland troubles were at their worst and could clearly be designated for restoration under any cross-Border funding being provided to back up the St. Andrews Agreement; his further views on whether the immediate Border counties deserve a balanced support from funding that is made available from the Government to back up what is already promised from the UK; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41553/06]

537 Mr. P. Breen asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the progress that has been made in assessing the preliminary report from Clare County Council on the proposed Kilrush and Kilkee sewerage schemes; the funding that has been earmarked for these projects; the proposed construction timetable of these schemes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41512/06]

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 5 December 2006

537 Mr. P. Breen asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the progress that has been made in assessing the preliminary report from Clare County Council on the proposed Kilrush and Kilkee sewerage schemes; the funding that has been earmarked for these projects; the proposed construction timetable of these schemes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41512/06]

536 Mr. Bruton asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government his plans to develop the legal framework and the administrative structures to enhance the protection of animals outside of the commercial agricultural sphere; if he has conducted an audit of the adequacy of existing services to deal with problems in this area; and if he has identified the principal gaps in service which need to be developed. [41506/06]

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 5 December 2006

536 Mr. Bruton asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government his plans to develop the legal framework and the administrative structures to enhance the protection of animals outside of the commercial agricultural sphere; if he has conducted an audit of the adequacy of existing services to deal with problems in this area; and if he has identified the principal gaps in service which need to be developed. [41506/06]

535 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he will provide this Deputy with a copy of a set of regulations (details supplied). [41484/06]

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 5 December 2006

535 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he will provide this Deputy with a copy of a set of regulations (details supplied). [41484/06]

534 Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he will reduce from 18 months to 12 months the time that persons who have been deemed to be homeless must wait to qualify for the RAS scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41353/06]

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 5 December 2006

534 Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he will reduce from 18 months to 12 months the time that persons who have been deemed to be homeless must wait to qualify for the RAS scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41353/06]

533 Mr. Costello asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he will make provision for the establishment of small playschools on the same basis as small bed and breakfasts; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41318/06]

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 5 December 2006

533 Mr. Costello asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he will make provision for the establishment of small playschools on the same basis as small bed and breakfasts; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41318/06]

531 Ms Cooper-Flynn asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government when he will approve the contract documents for Ballina town water. [41293/06]

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 5 December 2006

531 Ms Cooper-Flynn asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government when he will approve the contract documents for Ballina town water. [41293/06]

532 Ms Cooper-Flynn asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government when he will give the go ahead for Foxford sewerage scheme as the preliminary report is with his Department since 2004 awaiting approval. [41294/06]

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 5 December 2006

532 Ms Cooper-Flynn asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government when he will give the go ahead for Foxford sewerage scheme as the preliminary report is with his Department since 2004 awaiting approval. [41294/06]

530 Ms Cooper-Flynn asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government when he will approve the preliminary report for Belmullet sewerage scheme as it is with his Department since 2004. [41292/06]

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 5 December 2006

530 Ms Cooper-Flynn asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government when he will approve the preliminary report for Belmullet sewerage scheme as it is with his Department since 2004. [41292/06]

529 Ms Cooper-Flynn asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government when he will give approval for the extension of water from the Carramore treatment works to Glevamoy. [41289/06]

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 5 December 2006

529 Ms Cooper-Flynn asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government when he will give approval for the extension of water from the Carramore treatment works to Glevamoy. [41289/06]

528 Mr. P. Breen asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the status of a cessation of turf-cutting scheme application form for persons (details supplied) in County Clare; if the contract has been completed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41269/06]

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 5 December 2006

528 Mr. P. Breen asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the status of a cessation of turf-cutting scheme application form for persons (details supplied) in County Clare; if the contract has been completed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41269/06]

527 Mr. Morgan asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the cost of providing a home composting unit to all houses here. [41262/06]

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 5 December 2006

527 Mr. Morgan asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the cost of providing a home composting unit to all houses here. [41262/06]

526 Ms Harkin asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government his views on putting in place a radon grants scheme in view of the high concentration of radon here; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41217/06]

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 5 December 2006

526 Ms Harkin asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government his views on putting in place a radon grants scheme in view of the high concentration of radon here; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41217/06]

525 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the reason a full and detailed reply was not issued in relation to a query that was raised with him. [41215/06]

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 5 December 2006

525 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the reason a full and detailed reply was not issued in relation to a query that was raised with him. [41215/06]

524 Mr. Morgan asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he plans to introduce legislation to ensure proper safety and control of designated smoking areas of public buildings, including pubs; if he will designate an agency to police this issue; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41214/06]

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 5 December 2006

524 Mr. Morgan asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he plans to introduce legislation to ensure proper safety and control of designated smoking areas of public buildings, including pubs; if he will designate an agency to police this issue; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41214/06]

523 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the amount spent by the national parks and wildlife service for the purchase of vehicles (details supplied) in each of the past three years; the number of vehicles purchased; and the number of rangers employed in that time frame, on an annual basis; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41211/06]

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 5 December 2006

523 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the amount spent by the national parks and wildlife service for the purchase of vehicles (details supplied) in each of the past three years; the number of vehicles purchased; and the number of rangers employed in that time frame, on an annual basis; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41211/06]