Results 20,481-20,500 of 21,489 for speaker:Alan Kelly

Taxi Regulation Bill 2012 [Seanad]: Second Stage (16 May 2013)

Alan Kelly: I move: "That the Bill be now read a Second Time." I am bringing forward the Taxi Regulation Bill 2012, as amended by the Seanad. This Bill provides a robust legislative basis for strengthened enforcement of the taxi regulations necessitating the updating and replacement of the current Taxi Regulation Act 2003. It is a good day for the taxi sector that this Bill is being brought forward,...

Good Friday Agreement: Motion (Resumed) [Private Members] (15 May 2013)

Alan Kelly: I am delighted to be present for the debate. When the people of the island of Ireland voted to approve the Good Friday Agreement 15 years ago they were hopeful of a future free of the violence and division which had scarred Northern Ireland for the previous 30 years. They believed that peace was possible and they wanted to see it become reality. In many ways, their wish has come true....

Ministers and Secretaries (Amendment) Bill 2012: Second Stage (15 May 2013)

Alan Kelly: Deputy Lawlor must have been very young then.

Other Questions: Industrial Disputes (15 May 2013)

Alan Kelly: Last year we paid Bus Éireann its fifth highest subvention ever. The Deputy raised the issue of staff. As stated previously, I have a number of friends who work for Bus Éireann and I know the company quite well. Its average staff cost per employee in 2007 was €46,653. Instead of decreasing, this figure rose to €51,603 in 2012. I wish to place on record a few...

Other Questions: Industrial Disputes (15 May 2013)

Alan Kelly: As Minister of State with responsibility for public transport, I assure the Deputy that under no circumstances is there a privatisation agenda. I do not know if he missed what I said earlier but last year Bus Éireann was provided with its fifth highest subvention ever. I have already outlined the position in respect of staff and I have no intention of discussing the quantum because to...

Other Questions: Industrial Disputes (15 May 2013)

Alan Kelly: I have already stated that the company received its fifth largest subvention ever last year.

Other Questions: Industrial Disputes (15 May 2013)

Alan Kelly: There are some issues with which Bus Éireann must deal. There is a reason that savings, which are outlined in the Labour Court recommendation, must be delivered. I sincerely wish all those involved the best of luck in their endeavours today.

Other Questions: Industrial Disputes (15 May 2013)

Alan Kelly: I thank the Deputy and I am sure his views are held sincerely. I, too, acknowledge the excellent workers in Bus Éireann. Friends of mine of many years work in the company and do a fantastic job. We want to ensure the 2,500 jobs in Bus Éireann are protected at this critical point. Staff costs at the company have increased in recent years. Bus Éireann operates three...

Other Questions: Industrial Disputes (15 May 2013)

Alan Kelly: I share the Deputy's abhorrence at attacks on bus drivers. This is disgraceful behaviour and those who carry out such attacks should be brought to justice. On the contributions that are being asked of staff, I have deliberately decided not to discuss the figures at this time. I did not have a problem discussing the issue previously and will do so again once the negotiations have...

Other Questions: Industrial Disputes (15 May 2013)

Alan Kelly: I welcome the Deputy's support for the process of negotiation under way in the Labour Relations Commission. I also acknowledge that the commission is engaged in separate discussions on a different matter. We should appreciate its willingness to deal with both issues at the same time. I thank the private bus operators for the contribution they made during the strike. Bus Éireann...

Other Questions: Rail Services (15 May 2013)

Alan Kelly: It has worked for me.

Other Questions: Rail Services (15 May 2013)

Alan Kelly: I was never in one of those. He might tell me about them sometime. He might also tell me how often he takes the train.

Other Questions: Rail Services (15 May 2013)

Alan Kelly: Onboard facilities have improved dramatically. It is all about improving the passenger experience to attract more people to the network.

Other Questions: Industrial Disputes (15 May 2013)

Alan Kelly: I propose to take Question Nos. 8, 18, 27 and 87 together.  These relate to the industrial relations dispute at Bus Éireann. Deputies will be aware that the company and trade unions are in talks at the Labour Relations Commission following from last February's Labour Court recommendation on addressing the company's difficult financial position.  It has incurred accumulated...

Ceisteanna - Questions - Priority Questions: Dublin Bus Services (15 May 2013)

Alan Kelly: This question is about the Dublin Bus fleet. Following the establishment of the National Transport Authority, NTA, in December 2009, the implementation and development of infrastructure projects in the greater Dublin area such as the replacement and refurbishment of PSO buses, comes under the remit of the NTA. I am not aware there is any problem regarding the capacity of...

Ceisteanna - Questions - Priority Questions: Dublin Bus Services (15 May 2013)

Alan Kelly: Fair play to Deputy Wallace but I cannot see how this relates in any way to the question. This is a matter-----

Ceisteanna - Questions - Priority Questions: Dublin Bus Services (15 May 2013)

Alan Kelly: In fairness, that is not the question I received. This is a matter for the Minister for Justice and Equality. I have not read the report yet; it is being published at 3.30 p.m.

Ceisteanna - Questions - Priority Questions: Dublin Bus Services (15 May 2013)

Alan Kelly: I have not read the report on the penalty points issue. As I understand it, it is being published at 3.30 p.m. and the Minister will be dealing with it from there.

Ceisteanna - Questions - Priority Questions: Dublin Bus Services (15 May 2013)

Alan Kelly: I do not decide the questions or the order in which they are put.

Ceisteanna - Questions - Priority Questions: Dublin Bus Services (15 May 2013)

Alan Kelly: Neither can I answer on another Minister's behalf.