Results 41-60 of 839 for speaker:Michael Kennedy

Transport 21: Statements (Resumed) (14 Nov 2007)

Michael Kennedy: Tá mé lán sásta labhairt ar an ábhar seo. I welcome the opportunity to speak on this report on Transport 21. Never before in the history of this State have we had such an ambitious programme for transportation. Spending €34 billion over a ten year period is significant and it will revolutionise transportation modes for every citizen in this country. Most reasonable people...

Transport 21: Statements (Resumed) (14 Nov 2007)

Michael Kennedy: They have certainly got their facts wrong on the metro-north project. Breaking down €34 billion equates to €9.4 million per day over ten years. I think the Deputy might understand that.

Transport 21: Statements (Resumed) (14 Nov 2007)

Michael Kennedy: There will be 175 million extra public transportation users, including 75 million extra suburban rail passengers. The metro system will take us from the city to the airport in 17 minutes, rivalling our counterparts in London and Paris. There will be 80,000 more bus passengers per day, with 169 extra buses coming on stream in the next few years.

Transport 21: Statements (Resumed) (14 Nov 2007)

Michael Kennedy: It is not pie in the sky. It is reality.

Transport 21: Statements (Resumed) (14 Nov 2007)

Michael Kennedy: Let us wait and see over the next couple of years. The Luas and the metro will be used by 80 million passengers; some 30 million people are already using the Luas. It proves the point that people use good public transportation systems, and I have no doubt that the metro will be the same. Creating park and ride facilities is an important component of Transport 21. We must endeavour to keep...

Transport 21: Statements (Resumed) (14 Nov 2007)

Michael Kennedy: ——and for realigning the metro. That is the reason for the metro being a couple of months behind schedule, if it is behind schedule at all. Those who are negative in their criticism should recognise that the Government would be criticised if it did not listen to people via public consultations. At the end of this ten-year period, everyone's quality of life throughout the country will...

Transport 21: Statements (Resumed) (14 Nov 2007)

Michael Kennedy: It is ludicrous to suggest the metro project should not happen.

Transport 21: Statements (Resumed) (14 Nov 2007)

Michael Kennedy: No one in the north Dublin region does not want a metro. It is badly needed. To have prominent Fine Gael Members claiming the metro project should not happen is ridiculous.

Transport 21: Statements (Resumed) (14 Nov 2007)

Michael Kennedy: To describe it as disingenuous would be an understatement. It is ridiculous to suggest we should tell the price the Minister expects to those companies tendering for the project. As an insurance broker, it would make my job and that of my staff easier if potential clients told us the price we could be up against.

Transport 21: Statements (Resumed) (14 Nov 2007)

Michael Kennedy: I suggest the Fine Gael Deputies opposite inform their colleague that the people of Dublin city want a metro transport system.

Transport 21: Statements (Resumed) (14 Nov 2007)

Michael Kennedy: Will the Deputy muzzle Senator Donohoe and others?

Written Answers — Anti-Social Behaviour: Anti-Social Behaviour (14 Nov 2007)

Michael Kennedy: Question 156: To ask the Minister for Social and Family Affairs his views on the levels of anti-social behaviour activities being exercised by certain tenants in receipt of rental supplements; if there are plans to give powers or responsibilities to community welfare officers in relation to the social behaviour of tenants; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28941/07]

Charities Bill 2007: Second Stage (Resumed) (15 Nov 2007)

Michael Kennedy: I thank the Minister of State and the team of officials in the Department of Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs for preparing this Bill after so many years. The introduction of the Bill not only enlivens debate on this important issue but focuses the minds of the public on the many shortcomings of the legislation. I warmly welcome the Bill and respect what it seeks to achieve in...

Foreign Orphanages. (20 Nov 2007)

Michael Kennedy: I thank the Ceann Comhairle for allowing me to speak on this topic concerning orphanages in Bulgaria. Although not immediately significant to this Parliament, this is an incredibly important and tragic issue which requires the greatest possible airing. Some Deputies may have seen a BBC documentary on Sunday entitled "Bulgaria's Abandoned Children". It was made by film-maker Kate Blewett who...

Voluntary Health Insurance (Amendment) Bill 2007 [Seanad]: Second Stage (27 Nov 2007)

Michael Kennedy: Under the 1972 directive, VHI, with other insurers, was granted a derogation from meeting the prudential obligations to be met by most insurance undertakings. VHI has continued to operate as a statutory body and is exempt from the prudential requirements of the Financial Regulator, an independent prudential regulator having responsibility for all authorised insurers. As of 28 February this...

Written Answers — Road Network: Road Network (27 Nov 2007)

Michael Kennedy: Question 282: To ask the Minister for Transport the Government's commitment to the outer orbital route/Leinster orbital route, bearing in mind the identification of the Drogheda, Navan and Naas section of the road as the optimum part of the route in April 2007; when funding will be allocated to the project; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30568/07]

Written Answers — Public Transport: Public Transport (27 Nov 2007)

Michael Kennedy: Question 302: To ask the Minister for Transport when the Dublin Bus Swords service will be sanctioned to use the Dublin Port Tunnel; if this can be expedited; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31075/07]

Written Answers — Housing Management Companies: Housing Management Companies (27 Nov 2007)

Michael Kennedy: Question 616: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the position regarding the interdepartmental committee set up in the wake of the Law Reform Commission's consultation paper on property management companies; if the committee has started meeting; if it has made any findings or recommendations yet; when he expects to be in a position to take action on these...

Situation in Zimbabwe: Motion (4 Dec 2007)

Michael Kennedy: I congratulate Deputy Barry Andrews for giving us the opportunity to speak today. The question is whether our Taoiseach should go to the Lisbon summit. It is my belief that he should because it will give him a firm hand, along with our European partners, to ensure that human rights abuses are raised and discussed with Zimbabwean officials.

Situation in Zimbabwe: Motion (4 Dec 2007)

Michael Kennedy: This can only be done if we show a firm commitment by attending. Abstaining will achieve nothing. The fact is that 52 other African countries are attending and it is an opportunity for us to show solidarity with them. I certainly believe that this is more than just an informal little chat. It is about Ireland as a member of the EU joining with its EU partners in ensuring that we enter...