The Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) today unveiled a five-year strategic plan with a mission of transforming Ireland into a society based on sustainable energy structures, technologies and practices, and a vision of making Ireland a recognised global leader in sustainable energy.

Sustainable energy practices are already delivering significant savings to the Irish economy, with lowered business costs and household energy bills resulting from efficiency measures, and reduced fossil fuel imports from our increased use of renewable energy. Over the course of SEAI’s five-year strategy, new savings worth €6 billion over its lifetime will be generated by sustainable energy actions, at the same time supporting 5,000 - 10,000 jobs every year.

The strategic plan builds on the strong foundations already established by the Authority over the past eight years, and sets out the opportunities and actions for Ireland to become a global leader in both the use of sustainable energy and in the clean technology space where Ireland already has a considerable competitive advantage. The goals and actions for SEAI are detailed under the key heading areas of: electricity supply, heat supply, energy in buildings, energy efficient products and behaviour, energy in transport, research and innovation, and policy development and analysis.

Commenting on the strategy, Energy Minister Eamon Ryan TD, said: "Government has set a path for Ireland's new economy. It's green, innovative, knowledge-based and has the potential to set Ireland apart as a leading low carbon economy in the world. Above all it is sustainable. The new economy will bring savings - the EUR6 billion we can save over the lifetime of this strategy is the equivalent of our annual fossil fuel bill.

"It will bring investment and most importantly jobs for our people. SEAI's mission for the future is truly transformational. In the past 8 years, SEAI has grown as an organisation and shown it can deliver real change. Today's strategy combines vision with evidence-based policy and tested initiatives. I wish SEAI well in the fulfilment of this vision and its delivery on the ground."

SEAI Chief Executive, Professor Owen Lewis said: “In the lifetime of this strategy, I envisage that Ireland will have made substantial further gains – in renewable electricity, in upgrading the efficiency of buildings, in improving energy efficiency in business. We also want to see the start of strong export-led growth in sustainable energy products and services. While the strategy is focused on the future, the delivery of it is very much based in action now. Sustainable energy actions over the course of the next five years will deliver total savings worth €6 bn over their lifetime and at the same time support five to ten thousand jobs every year.”

Continuing he said: “And this is only the tip of the iceberg – ultimately we see that within the next 15 years, Ireland will develop a global reputation for research and development and clean technology services and products. Within 25 years, we envisage a national energy system totally rooted in local, green electricity, including a thriving marine renewable energy sector, and Ireland will actually be exporting electricity to Europe. These are the real opportunities for Ireland that will reduce our import dependence and our emissions, while at the same time creating jobs and enhancing competitiveness. What is required is a commitment from all levels of society to make this vision a reality for Ireland.”

Concluding Professor Lewis said: “SEAI is already contributing real benefits to Ireland now with action centred on energy savings, emissions reductions, and importantly, jobs. We look forward to working with all parts of society to deliver on the goals and actions set out in this strategy.”

Today also sees a name change for the Authority. Formerly known as Sustainable Energy Ireland (SEI), the Authority has reverted to its formal legal name, the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI), given to it in its establishing legislation in 2002.

About SEAI: The Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) has a mission to play a leading role in transforming Ireland into a society based on sustainable energy structures, technologies and practices. The Authority is financed by Ireland’s EU Structural Funds Programme co-funded by the Irish Government and the European Union A copy of the strategic plan can be down loaded at the SEAI website: www.seai.ie

Green Party Deputy Leader and Women’s Affairs spokesperson Mary White TD has welcomed today’s launch of the first ever Strategy on Domestic, Sexual and Gender-based Violence. The strategy, produced by Cosc, aims to deliver a co-ordinated Government response to the problems of domestic violence.

Deputy White said: “I welcome the inclusiveness of this strategy, which is built on extensive consultation across sectors such as justice, health and education. We need a co-ordinated approach if we are to help treat victims of domestic and sexual violence and prevent such violence occurring in the first place.

“All of us want a strategy that will end the pain of gender-based violence and now we must work towards delivering on that strategy. We must ensure that whatever finance is required will be put in place to support Rape Crisis Centres, Women’s Refuges, Women’s Aid Centres and centres that work towards combating gender-based violence.

Deputy White concluded: “I warmly welcome the publication of today’s strategy, the first ever of its kind in Ireland. We need to send out the message that there is no hiding place for these types of crimes – which are experienced by both men and women - in our society.” Full details on the development of this five year National Strategy and the wide ranging consultations that paved the way for its development are available at: www.cosc.ie/en/COSC/Pages/WP08000096

Green Party spokesperson on Women’s Affairs, Mary White TD has said the National Pensions Framework, launched by the Government last week, is a positive step in preventing poverty amongst Irish women.

Speaking today on International Women’s Day, the Green Party Deputy Leader said: “For decades in Ireland the pension cover and protection from poverty for elderly women was inadequate. Those who were in a position to work for some of their adult life often found themselves on the margins in later life. Examples such as the qualified adult allowance demonstrated the inequality between men and women in retirement years.

“The National Women’s Strategy 2007-2016 stated that a mandatory system of supplementary pensions would result in women being the main beneficiaries. I am pleased therefore that the new mandatory scheme, as outlined by the Government, should help women at risk of poverty in retirement age.

“Another positive aspect of the framework is the announcement that the homemakers’ disregard will be replaced by a system of credited contributions
in 2012, which will give homemakers up to 10 years of credited contributions towards a State pension. This provision should help the Government meet the target in the National Women’s Strategy, that qualifying conditions for contributory pensions are appropriate.”
Deputy White concluded: “I hope the occasion of International Women’s Day is used as an opportunity to raise awareness of the pensions issue amongst women.”

Green Party Leader and Minister for the Environment Minister for Housing has welcomed capital provision of €100 million for grants to improve or extend the private homes of older people and people with a disability in 2010. This does not include expenditure by local authorities on improving and extending their own social housing stock. The allocation represents a massive 31% increase on the initial allocations to local authorities in 2009.

Minister Gormley welcomed the funding against the backdrop of the tight constraints on the public finances for the Housing Adaptation Grant Schemes for Older People and People with a Disability. "These schemes are vitally important in assisting older people and people with a disability to continue living in their own homes and communities with the comfort and dignity that they deserve."

The Minsiter pointed out that a great many people require only very modest supports to continue living independently, close to their families and friends, provided their accommodation is secure and appropriate to their needs.

Expenditure under the Adaptation Grant Schemes for Older People and People with a Disability and the Special Housing Aid for the Elderly Scheme, during the lifetime of this Government, from 1997 to 2009, has totalled almost €674 million with more than 130,000 grants paid. Grants of up to €30,000 are available for improvement works and extensions to facilitate a person with a disability. Eligible works include provision of level access showers, installation of stair lifts, grab rails, access ramps etc. The Mobility Aids Grant scheme is available to fast track grants of up to €6,000 to address the mobility problems of a member of a household. In the case of older people, a grant of up to €10,500 is available to assist householders to have necessary repairs or improvements carried out to their homes. Over 130,000 older people or people with a disability have so far received grants to assist them in remaining in their own homes and in their own communities.

Schedule of allocations for the payment of the Housing Adaptation Grant Schemes for Older People and People with a Disability for private dwellings is attached.

Local Authority

Allocation

Carlow County Council €1,868,125 Cavan County Council €1,883,664 Clare County Council €3,125,000 Cork County Council €8,116,492 Donegal County Council €4,614,625 Dun Laoghaire/Rathdown €2,141,638 Fingal County Council €2,625,000 Galway County Council €2,529,370 Kerry County Council €4,061,250 Kildare County Council €3,750,000 Kilkenny County Council €1,867,500 Laois County Council €1,830,000 Leitrim Counrt Council €1,668,334 Limerick Counrt Council €1,936,567 Longford County Council €1,262,000 Louth County Council €2,695,500 Mayo County Council €3,720,000 Meath County Council €1,496,096 Monaghan County Council €2,096,834 North Tipperery County Council €1,651,250 Offaly County Council €2,250,000 Roscommon County Council €2,757,208 Slogo County Council €1,218,750 South Dublin County Council €4,766,000 South Tipperery County Council €3,126,666 Waterford County Council €1,702,500 Westmeath County Council €1,854,963 Wexford County Council €3,276,875 Wicklow County Council €2,609,992 City Councils   Cork City Council €2,707,916 Dublin City Council €14,208,334 Galway City Council €1,226,666 Limerick City Council €1,525,000 Waterford City Council €872,500 Borough Councils   Sligo Borough Council €625,000 Total €99,629,615

The Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government John Gormley T.D. has appointed Mr John Hennesssy as an authorized person to carry out an independent report in relation to the various risks and implications of the proposed incinerator to be located on the Poolbeg peninsula.

Mr Hennessey, a senior counsel and qualified accountant, was appointed pursuant to Section 224(2)(a) of the Local Government Act 2001, to prepare a report for the Minister relating to the nature and extent of the financial and related risks and consequences which may be faced by Dublin City Council in connection with its participation in the public private partnership to build the proposed facility.

Mr Hennessy is being asked to assess the financial risks should Dublin City Council and the three other Dublin local authorities be unable to meet the volumes of waste committed to in the ‘put-or-pay’ clause of the contract.

The Report should identify, explain and quantify the financial and related consequences for both the DCC, and the PPP Company associated with the Project proceeding in a range of different scenarios, including:

• Household waste volumes remain static.
• Household waste volumes fall by average 1% per annum over the period.
• Household waste volumes increase as projected in the EPA Waste Report 2008.
• Recycling rates commence at current recycling rates and remain static.
• Recycling rates commence at current recycling rates and increase by varying rates such as an average of 1%, 2%, 3% per annum over the period.
• Loss of of varying levels of market share.
• A combination of any of the foregoing.

The Report should also identify, explain and quantify the financial risks and consequences for DCC associated with the alteration or abandonment of the Project in a range of scenarios.

It is expected that Mr Hennessy will report back to the Minister in six weeks.

Minister Gormley said: “There have been a wide range of claims regarding this project, its financial viability, and the financial consequences of either proceeding with or abandoning it. I believe a proper and full independent examination by a qualified expert is required to bring clarity to these issues.”

Green Party Leader John Gormley today confirmed that TDs and Senators will be eligible to contest the election for the position of Mayor for Dublin due to be held later this year.
The general scheme of the Local Government (Dublin Mayor and Regional Authority) Bill 2010 contains draft provisions in relation to disqualifications from being elected Mayor, including being nominated for election. These draft provisions are based on current local government law in relation to the dual mandate.

The Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government has stated that the published Bill will not preclude members of the Oireachtas or of the European Parliament from standing for election as Mayor. However, an Oireachtas member or an MEP would be required to step down from that position if elected to the position of Mayor for Dublin.

Minister Gormley has already written to opposition party leaders and local government spokespersons inviting them to a meeting to discuss the proposed bill. He is happy to examine any positive measures suggested by the opposition to improve the legislation, and would urge them to take the opportunity to engage in creating a new position to provide leadership and vision for Dublin.

The Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government John Gormley T.D. today (24 February 2010) published details of legislation to provide for a directly elected Mayor for the Dublin region.

Under the proposed legislation in the general scheme of a Local Government (Dublin Mayor and Regional Authority) Bill 2010, the Mayor will have a range of substantial powers to establish and deliver a vision for Dublin. The Mayor’s election, from a population base of 1.2million, will also give the Mayor a unique mandate in Irish political life to act as leader and advocate of Dublin.

Under the new powers, the Mayor will develop and oversee policy for the Dublin Region in land-use planning, housing, waste management, and water services. The Mayor will also have a strong role in transport and traffic management throughout the region. The legislation will give the Mayor the authority and powers to implement the policies which the Mayor and the revamped Dublin Regional Authority lay down. The Mayor will have a role in the annual budgetary process for the Dublin local authorities, and will have the power to direct any of the four Dublin councils and their managers in relation to policy issues.

The Mayor will also chair a powerful Regional Development Board which will include major public sector, educational and enterprise interests from across the Dublin Region.

Minister Gormley said: “The Mayor for Dublin will enhance local democratic leadership and civic engagement in the Dublin Region. The office will raise the profile of Dublin, nationally and internationally and assist local government in taking the initiative in Dublin to support local and national economic recovery, and to drive and lead local development to hasten this recovery. I look forward to engaging on the debate on the legislation when it is presented to the Oireachtas and to a new exciting electoral contest later on this year.”

The general scheme sets out a new institutional framework for decision making in Dublin. The Mayor will have powers to draw up strategic plans in areas of land-use planning (and therefore housing), waste management and water services for implementation at the local level. The Dublin local authorities will be obliged to comply with those plans.

The objective of bringing greater coherence to land use and transportation policy in Dublin will be supported by a role key role for the Mayor in relation to transportation and traffic management in Dublin. The Minister is finalising provisions in this regard in consultation with the Minister for Transport, having regard to the change in role of the Dublin Transport Authority to the National Transport Authority.

The Mayor will be supported by a more focused 16 member regional authority (reduced from the current 30 members), with the Mayor acting as chairperson. The Authority will:

be responsible for adopting plans proposed by the Mayor (but subject to a procedure which allows for mayoral adoption where the Mayor considers that an inappropriate plan would be adopted);
oversee, advise and provide a forum for the Mayor to account for his or her actions;
provide a direct, ongoing, institutional link between the major Dublin local authorities and the Mayor.

In addition to the specific functions outlined above the draft scheme provides that the Mayor and Regional Authority will have general objectives to:

develop the Dublin Region in a manner which contributes to environmental sustainability, economic progress, social cohesion and the cultural vitality of the region,
provide efficient local government services through co-ordinating and maximising co-operation,
promote a coherent approach from relevant public and private sector interests,
promote the Dublin Region on a national and international basis,
co-ordinate the development of the Dublin Region with that of the Mid-East Region.

The Mayor and Regional Authority will work closely with the 4 major Dublin local authorities in pursuing these objectives.

A new Regional Development Board, chaired by the Mayor, will be established to replace the 4 city and county development boards of the Dublin local authorities. This Board will have a crucial role in assisting the Mayor in achieving his or her objectives for a vibrant economic, social and cultural city region. The Bill will allow for sub-committees to continue working at a more local level.

The Office’s staff will provide administrative support to the Mayor and Authority, and will be composed of approximately 30 personnel. A senior advisory team will be appointed directly by the Mayor for the duration of his or her tenure; the remainder of the Office’s staff will consist of personnel seconded or transferred from the Dublin local authorities, including the existing staff of the Dublin Regional Authority.

The Minister has also written to the leaders of the opposition parties inviting them or their local Government spokespeople to meet to discuss the proposed bill.

Minister Gormley concluded: “I believe a directly elected Mayor with real powers will be a hugely important step forward in terms of local Government reform in Ireland. I would hope that other political parties can engage in a positive away in this regard and I am willing to listen to any positive proposals that will enhance these proposals.”

"A Ceann Chomhairle, I thank you for the opportunity to explain to the House the circumstances of the clinic enquiry I received in June 2008 relating to an assault in September 2007 which were partially reported in the media this afternoon.

"A victim of an assault came to me to voice his frustration at the slow progress being made with a case where he alleged he had been head-butted when he told me he had reported vandalism to parents of a child he had seen trying to remove a road sign in their housing estate.

"My intention was to ensure the Gardaí were aware I had received a representation from a victim in an alleged assault and that the full preparation of the case would benefit from witnesses not yet interviewed being interviewed before proceeding further. The victim was afraid for his safety, meanwhile.

"I accept however that although my actions in contacting An Garda Siochána were not a criminal offence, under Section 6 of the Prosecutions of Offences Act 1974 such a communication could be deemed not lawful. In this regard, I accept I made an error of judgement. Accordingly I hereby tender my resignation forthwith as Minister of State for Food and Horticulture."

“I am greatly saddened by Trevor Sargent’s decision to resign as Minister of State.

“There is nobody in Leinster House – or in Irish politics generally – whom I admire more than Trevor. He has brought a unique mix of ability and talent, decency and honesty to Irish public life.

“Trevor’s departure is all the more difficult because he is more than just a colleague, he is a trusted friend and confidant.

“I note that in tendering his resignation he has acted promptly and without any self interest. That is totally in keeping with his approach to politics and the contribution he has made across the past four decades.

“Trevor will continue to serve the people of Dublin North as their TD with the same total dedication he has shown since June 1992. He will be missed from the Green Party team in government but he will continue to work closely with his parliamentary party colleagues.”

The Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government, Mr. John Gormley, T.D., today (22 February, 2010) formally announced the membership of the (EPA) Environmental Protection Agency Review Group

The establishment of the Review Group follows on from a commitment made in the Programme for Government of June 2007.

The purpose of the review is to assess the performance of the EPA, its scope and mandate, and to examine whether the Agency has the optimum structure and governance arrangements in place to continue to deliver its objectives effectively, particularly in view of its expanding role and additional functions.

The membership of the group is as follows:

• Dr. Kenneth Irvine, School of Natural Science, Zoology Department, Trinity College,
• Professor Sharon Turner, Chair of Environmental Law, Queens University Belfast
• Mr. Jack O’Sullivan, Director, Environmental Management Services
• Dr. Áine Ryall, Law Faculty, University College Cork.
• Mr. Fred Langeweg, former Deputy Director, Netherlands Environmental Assessment Agency
• Mr. Larry Stapleton, Former Director, Environmental Protection Agency
• Mr. John McCarthy, Assistant Secretary, Environment Division, Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government

The Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government will provide secretariat to the Group.

The Minister said “Given the key role played by the Agency in monitoring, maintaining and improving Ireland’s environmental performance, I attach a high level of importance to this Review. Good environmental governance is a key priority for me as Minister for Environment and for the Government as a whole, in particular as an essential element of sustainable development. The review is also important in the context of the Transforming Public Services agenda and need for efficiency and effectiveness in a resource constrained environment.”

As part of the Review, there will be a comprehensive consultation process involving the key stakeholders, including Government Departments/Agencies which interact with the EPA, local authorities, NGOs, business groups, and the general public.

The Minister concluded by “I have asked the Group to report to me before the autumn. The members of the Group possess the necessary skills and experience for the task. I wish the members well in their work and look forward to receiving the outcome of their deliberations on this wide and complex remit.”
The terms of reference of the Review Group are:

i) To review the legislation governing the EPA, including the licensing functions and the processes in place to ensure public participation and the various remedies and sanctions available to the EPA for enforcement provided in the Acts, and to identify any necessary improvements in the legislation;

ii) To assess the performance of the EPA against the mandate which it was given when it was originally established in 1993, in relation to the expanding goals which have been set for it in the past decade and in comparison with best practice elsewhere, and to identify any necessary improvements in the EPA’s procedures and approaches;

iii) To assess the scope of the EPA’s mandate and whether it could be strengthened to include other areas;

iv) To review the resources allocated to the EPA in relation to current obligations and further functions that may arise, on foot of EU legislation;

v) To assess the structures and governance of the EPA (including the operation of advisory committees and whether non-executive directors should be provided for; and

vi) To re-assess the ongoing relationship between the EPA and other parts of the environmental governance structure in Ireland, having regard to the environmental challenges facing Ireland and developments in society.

“The need to put in place more effective local government arrangements for the Limerick area has been widely accepted for some time,” said Mr John Gormley T.D., Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government, today (18 February 2010). The Limerick Local Government Committee, which I am establishing under the chairmanship of Mr Denis Brosnan, is being tasked to advise me on the most appropriate solution.” The Minister was speaking after meeting the Chair of the Committee, Mr Denis Brosnan.

The Committee, established under local government legislation, has been asked to prepare a report into the most appropriate arrangements for local government for the city and county of Limerick. It will examine various options, including boundary changes, the creation of a unified city and county authority, and alternative arrangements to share and/or coordinate functions, administration and leadership between the city and county authorities. The Committee is being established in the context of Government consideration of the White Paper on Local Government.

Mr Denis Brosnan, also chairs the Task Force on the Mid West, which is leading the response to the economic downturn in the Mid West. The other members of the Committee are Mr Maurice Carr, Mr John Cullen, Mr Brendan Tuohy and Ms Michelle Wilson.

The Committee will conduct a public consultation process to ensure that all stakeholders have an opportunity to express their views and perspectives to the Committee.

“A more appropriate system of governance needs to be put in place in Limerick if the city and region are to perform as a strong centre as envisaged in the National Spatial Strategy,” said Minister Gormley. “Greater local government coherence will also assist the major regeneration efforts which are currently underway.”

“I hope the Committee can conclude its work in a short number of months and I look forward to receiving the Committee’s report and recommendations,” concluded the Minister.

"Yesterday afternoon I met Willie O’Dea and he assured me that an article in today’s Limerick Leader would vindicate him. The article published today does not do that. In fact it does the opposite.
"At the very conclusion of yesterday’s Dail debate Mr O’Dea said his original actions in the matter were based on information given to him by An Garda Siochana. We were very concerned by this behaviour by a member of Government.

"We have also taken the view that Willie O’Dea’s comments and conduct during yesterday’s debate and in subsequent media appearances were inappropriate.

"All these factors have led us to conclude that Willie O’Dea could not continue as a member of this Government. The issue has already taken up too much energy and attention at a time when crucial economic challenges face the Irish people.

"We are committed to continuing to work with our partners in government to face those challenges."

Dear Colleagues,

It is always sad when a political colleague resigns. Deirdre de Burca’s decision to resign from the parliamentary party and the Seanad is no different.
But personal feelings cannot set aside certain key facts surrounding Deirdre’s decision to quit; the way she has chosen to present that decision; and the scathing, unfair and totally groundless criticisms she has levelled against Green Party leader, John Gormley.

It is a simple fact that Deirdre’s behaviour was driven by her failure to secure a senior EU post in Brussels. It is less known that she threatened John Gormley and her party colleagues that she would set out to damage the party if she did not get that job.

For the past two weeks, she has stayed away from parliamentary party meetings and communicated a number of threats and deadlines to her colleagues. It saddens me to say that I have found her behaviour to be deplorable.

We have already explained publicly that we supported her candidature for a job in Commissioner Geoghegan Quinn’s advisory team in Brussels because she was well qualified and suited for such a post. The Taoiseach was also favourable and representations were made.

But Commissioner Geoghegan Quinn had other plans and she could not see a role for Deirdre de Burca on her team. Everybody in Dublin had to accept that. A European Commissioner is totally independent and legally obliged to shun any direction from the former home government.
Critics of the Green Party have already feasted on Deirdre de Burca’s other claims. We have publicly rebutted these claims and will continue to do so.

But we must not waste too much energy here or become distracted from the job in hand. Strengthened by the stated support of eight out of 10 of our members – expressed as recently as just four months ago in a ballot at a special convention – we will continue to work in government at this most difficult time for all the Irish people.

I look forward to meeting as many of you as possible in the coming weeks. Thank you for your continued support and friendship.

Sincerely,

Mary White, Deputy Leader, Green Party/Comhaontas Glas.

The Green Party's TD and senators issued the following statement concerning Deirdre de Burca's resignation from the Parliamentary Party and from Seanad Éireann:

"We are disappointed by Deirdre's decision. We are aware that she has been unhappy with her situation for some time.

"The Parliamentary Party is totally united. We will continue to operate in a collegiate way.

"The Green Party is about implementing progressive policies and improving our society. We are serving in Government at a critical time for the country, and we have made tough choices that are vital to the peoples' interests.

"In Government we have brought about huge changes in Ireland's energy, planning and enterprise policies. In recent months we have introduced civil partnerships legislation, a levy on carbon and a major programme of political reform, including a directly elected mayor for Dublin this year. Our policies have created tens of thousands of new, valuable jobs.

"Our position has remained the same since entering Government in June 2007. We have come to do a job and as long as we are getting that job done we will stay. If we are not making progress, we will think again. Eight out of 10 of our members backed that view in 2007 when they endorsed the Party's entry into Government. Precisely the same number again backed that view in October 2009 when they were presented with the Renewed Programme for Government."

The Green Party's TD and senators issued the following statement concerning Deirdre de Burca's resignation from the Parliamentary Party and from Seanad Éireann:

"We are disappointed by Deirdre's decision. We are aware that she has been unhappy with her situation for some time.

"The Parliamentary Party is totally united. We will continue to operate in a collegiate way.

"The Green Party is about implementing progressive policies and improving our society. We are serving in Government at a critical time for the country, and we have made tough choices that are vital to the peoples' interests.

"In Government we have brought about huge changes in Ireland's energy, planning and enterprise policies. In recent months we have introduced civil partnerships legislation, a levy on carbon and a major programme of political reform, including a directly elected mayor for Dublin this year. Our policies have created tens of thousands of new, valuable jobs.

"Our position has remained the same since entering Government in June 2007. We have come to do a job and as long as we are getting that job done we will stay. If we are not making progress, we will think again. Eight out of 10 of our members backed that view in 2007 when they endorsed the Party's entry into Government. Precisely the same number again backed that view in October 2009 when they were presented with the Renewed Programme for Government."

The Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government, Mr John Gormley, T.D., has today (11 Feb. 2010) finalised the Local Government Act 2001 (Section 142) Regulations 2010. The new regulations will limit to expenditure by local authorities on conferences, seminars, other meetings or events. The new regime applies for 2010 and for each subsequent year.

Under the Regulations, annual expenditure from 2010 by local authorities in the following classes is limited, as follows:

County/City councils €4,700 Multiplied by the number of Councillors in the Local Authority Boroughs and certain large Town Councils that were formerly Urban District Councils (UDCs) €3,000 X by the number of Councillors in the Local Authority Town Councils that were formerly UDCs and certain larger former Town Commissioners €2,000 X by the number of Councillors in the Local Authority Other Town Councils that were formerly Town Commissioners €1,000 X by the number of Councillors in the Local Authority

Example:

In the case of a county/city council the maximum amount which may be paid for 2010 and subsequent years is €4,700 multiplied by the number of councillors in that particular local authority.

Details of the application of the limits to different classes of local authorities are set out in Regulation 2 and the Schedule to the Regulations.

The limits cover expenditure on attending domestic and foreign events and include costs associated with conference fees and travel/subsistence.

The Minister said “this is the first time any such limits have been set”. He went on to say “I have been concerned at both the level of expenditure on conference/seminars/events attended by councillors and the relevance of some of these. I have signalled this on a number of occasions, including when I met the three elected member associations (Association of County & City Councils, Association of Municipal Authorities of Ireland and Local Authority Members Association) last September. On that occasion I asked them to work with me and my Department in this regard. Against this background, I want to acknowledge the constructive way the associations have engaged on this issue.

The Minister stressed that while the limits set out in the Regulations are maximum amounts, they should not be seen as being a target or an amount deemed appropriate for a local authority in any given year. The Regulations specifically leave it open to each local authority to provide a lesser amount. The Minister has encouraged them to do so, and quite a number already do. In addition, the Minister will keep the operation of the Regulations under close review in this regard.

The limits are aimed at achieving better value for money and tackling spending in excess of €13,000 per councillor per year in some cases. They follow on a 25% cut in travel and subsistence allowances applied to councillors last year.

The Minister considers that councillors should have access to proper training and development to equip them to discharge their duties. In the light of this, he has issued directive guidelines under Section 142(5)(g) of the Local Government Act 2001, to accompany the Regulations. The guidelines, inter alia, set out requirements in relation to the provision of an appropriate training and development programme for councillors. In conclusion, the Minister said that “together the Regulations and the guidelines will achieve the twin objectives of limiting expenditure, while at the same time ensuring a targeted and comprehensive approach to meeting the training and development needs of councillors.”

Green Party TD for Dublin Mid West Paul Gogarty TD has welcomed the new vouched attendance-based expenses system TDs and Senators. However he has urged the Houses of the Oireachtas Commission to use the existing swipe system introduced on a pilot scheme for staff working in Leinster House rather than introduce an entirely new system or have representatives sign in.

Deputy Gogarty said: “I first called for a swipe card system and vouched expenses in 2002. When I saw machines being introduced into Leinster House last year I thought that at long last, members would have to verify their attendance when claiming expenses. But unfortunately this turned out to be a pilot system for staff working in the Houses of the Oireachtas.

"Now that existing machines are already in place it would be a seamless operation to issue swipe cards for TDs for claiming daily attendance allowances. For years TDs have been claiming expenses based on trust, but because of other factors that trust has broken down. Electronic verification would help to increase public confidence that the system is working properly,” said Deputy Gogarty.

The Green TD added that he saw no merit in allowing up to €15,000 of expenses to be unvouched. “Every cent should be vouched. We need to send out the right signals to the public that we are accountable for any expenses we incur.”

Green Party TD Ciaran Cuffe has welcomed a 9.5% cut in CO2 emissions across Oireachtas buildings in 2009. The Oireachtas Energy Management Plan has succeeded in reducing electricity use by 5.1% and heating by 18.6%.

Deputy Cuffe, a member of the Climate Change Committee said: “I’m delighted to see an almost 10% reduction in energy use in Leinster House and other Oireachtas buildings last year. It shows that with planning, reductions in energy use and real savings can be made.”

Deputy Cuffe said the reduction set an example for other places of work, saying: “As politicians, we can hardly call on others to reduce energy at work, while not doing the same ourselves.”

Reductions were made through smart-metering, changes to heating and cooling schedules and awareness raising through staff. The plan implemented findings of an energy audit carried out on the Oireachtas complex.

"The Houses of the Oireachtas are also replacing one of their gas fired boilers with a woodchip boiler. This biomass boiler has been installed and will be commissioned in the coming months. It will help further reduce the carbon footprint of the Leinster House complex and will aid the market for native Irish wood fuels as well as reducing dependence on imported gas,” said Deputy Cuffe.

Green Party Energy Minister Eamon Ryan today introduced the Energy (Biofuel Obligation and Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill 2010 to the Seanad.

With effect from July this year, the Bill will place an obligation on fuel suppliers to ensure that biofuels comprise 4% of their supplies. The scheme will be administered by the National Oil Reserves Agency (NORA) at no cost to the Exchequer.

Speaking in the Seanad, the Minister said, “This is an important departure for the motor and biofuels industries in Ireland. Biofuels will be an important fuel source for Ireland in the event of a disruption of our oil supplies. It is incumbent upon Government to source sustainable transport and heating fuels in Ireland.

Ireland is already transforming its power generation fuel supply and our overall energy use across the economy. This Bill is another step in this transformation.”

The Bill also grants additional powers to the Commission for Energy Regulation (CER) on the safety of liquefied natural gas (LNG) projects.

Green Party Deputy Leader Mary White TD has welcomed the discovery of five crates of whiskey which belonged to Irish explorer Ernest Shackleton, by the New Zealand Antarctic Heritage Trust. The crates had been buried for over 100 years under frozen ice and were discovered during excavations of the explorer’s hut.

Deputy White said: “As Ireland prepares to begin ratifying the Antarctic Treaty, I am delighted that the work of restoring Shackleton’s hut in Antarctica and this extraordinary find will once more put focus on the great Irish explorer. There is intense interest in polar history and Ireland is rightly proud of those who risked their lives in the advancement of science.”

The Antarctic Treaty was drawn up to protect the Antarctic and allow freedom for scientific research and was committed to in the revised Programme for Government. Deputy White said: “The eventual ratifying of the Treaty will bring enormous pride to many in Ireland who have long sought the ratification of the Treaty.

“I look forward to ongoing dialogue with the Minister for Foreign Affairs Micheal Martin TD to bring the necessary legislation forward to ratify the Treaty, to signal Ireland’s support for protecting Antarctica for educational and scientific and environmental posterity.”

The renewed Programme for Government states:

We will join with other nations in giving support to the worldwide effort to protect the Antarctic through ratifying the Antarctic Treaty.