Results 29,521-29,540 of 33,214 for speaker:Paschal Donohoe

Seanad: Irish Airlines Superannuation Scheme: Statements (18 Nov 2014)

Paschal Donohoe: Let me conclude by responding to the issue affecting so many families. This issue has gone on for decades.

Seanad: Irish Airlines Superannuation Scheme: Statements (18 Nov 2014)

Paschal Donohoe: We now face a situation where we have a deficit of between €750 million and €800 million. That is the scale of the issue we face. The trustees wrote to me to say that, on the basis of all the work that has been done and all of the engagement that has taken place, they believe this to be the best outcome achievable in these circumstances.

Seanad: Irish Airlines Superannuation Scheme: Statements (18 Nov 2014)

Paschal Donohoe: As people are aware, some workers have voted on it. This application will go to the Pensions Authority, an independent body, which will make a decision in this regard. I have met people who are affected by this and who have paid into this scheme. Given the scale of the deficit and all of the work underway to deal with this, how can anybody be certain that more funding would be secured to...

Seanad: Irish Airlines Superannuation Scheme: Statements (18 Nov 2014)

Paschal Donohoe: If there is nothing to take its place, let me emphasise again-----

Seanad: Irish Airlines Superannuation Scheme: Statements (18 Nov 2014)

Paschal Donohoe: These are questions with which I have to grapple. This is the work the trustees have done and this is the process which has been undertaken. There is a deficit of €750 million which has a material affect on people. The employers, the unions, an expert panel and nearly every labour relations body in the country has worked to deliver-----

Seanad: Irish Airlines Superannuation Scheme: Statements (18 Nov 2014)

Paschal Donohoe: Those who say a different course of action should be found must consider the fact more funding has been found from employers-----

Seanad: Irish Airlines Superannuation Scheme: Statements (18 Nov 2014)

Paschal Donohoe: -----during this process as a result of the expert panel. I have to ask one question in regard to this. What would the alternative process be given where we stand now? From where could extra funding be found to make this better for people who are affected by this?

Seanad: Irish Airlines Superannuation Scheme: Statements (18 Nov 2014)

Paschal Donohoe: I responded to communication I received from the trustees who said they believed this was the best outcome that could be achieved in the circumstances.

Seanad: Irish Airlines Superannuation Scheme: Statements (18 Nov 2014)

Paschal Donohoe: This application will now go to the Pensions Authority, which will make a decision in regard to it.

Seanad: Irish Airlines Superannuation Scheme: Statements (18 Nov 2014)

Paschal Donohoe: I thank all the members for their contributions this evening on this very serious matter. A number of people have put to me whether I appreciate the gravity of this situation. I have met individuals who will be affected by this. I have heard from them on the challenges they face and the pressure they are under. I appreciate the personal consequences that pensioners and workers are facing...

Seanad: Irish Airlines Superannuation Scheme: Statements (18 Nov 2014)

Paschal Donohoe: There is a point that follows on from all of this in terms of the process. Let us emphasise what has happened here. Based on all of the work that has gone on, which has involved every labour body in this country and an expert panel and a huge amount of work from the employers and all concerned, the trustees have written to me saying they believe this to be the best outcome to be secured.

Seanad: Irish Airlines Superannuation Scheme: Statements (18 Nov 2014)

Paschal Donohoe: The trustees have written to me looking for this. I am conscious of the consequences people are facing here. There are two questions I would ask. How can anyone in this House be certain that a different outcome exists that is better than what is on the table at the moment? One that has less risk for people?

Seanad: Irish Airlines Superannuation Scheme: Statements (18 Nov 2014)

Paschal Donohoe: Last Friday, the trustee of the Irish airlines (general employees) superannuation scheme, known as the IASS, applied to the Pensions Authority for a section 50 direction and submitted a funding proposal to address the deficit in the IASS. The trustee requested that I commence with immediate effect sections 32B.(1) and 32B.(5) of the Air Navigation and Transport (Amendment) Act 1998, as...

Written Answers — Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport: Regional Road Network (18 Nov 2014)

Paschal Donohoe: The improvement and maintenance of regional and local roads such as those at side road off Ahane Road, County Kerry is the statutory responsibility of each local authority, in accordance with the provisions of Section 13 of the Roads Act 1993. Works on those roads are funded from local authorities' own resources supplemented by State road grants. I will announcing grant allocations...

Written Answers — Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport: Walking Facilities (18 Nov 2014)

Paschal Donohoe: The economic and social benefits to local communities from the delivery of greenways in their locality is fully recognised by my Department. However, the provision of incentives or compensation to land owners affected by the construction of a greenway through their lands is a matter for the local authority in charge of delivering the specific project given that the...

Written Answers — Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport: Departmental Agencies Expenditure (18 Nov 2014)

Paschal Donohoe: The issues raised by the Deputy are operational matters for Fáilte Ireland and Tourism Ireland.  I have referred the Deputy's Question to the tourism agencies for direct reply.  Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within ten working days.

Written Answers — Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport: Compulsory Purchase Orders (18 Nov 2014)

Paschal Donohoe: As the Deputy is aware local authorities may acquire land for, inter alia, public road projects under Section 213(2) of the Planning & Development Act 2000 and section 10 (as amended by section 86 of the Housing Act 1966) of the Local Government (No.2) Act 1960. Responsibility for legislation governing the area of land acquisition by local authorities lies with the Department of...

Written Answers — Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport: Road Tolls (18 Nov 2014)

Paschal Donohoe: As Minister for Transport, Tourism & Sport, I have responsibility for overall policy and funding in relation to the national roads programme.  The planning, design and implementation of individual road projects is a matter for the National Roads Authority (NRA) under the Roads Acts 1993 to 2007 in conjunction with the local authorities concerned. In the interests of efficiency...

Written Answers — Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport: Road Safety (18 Nov 2014)

Paschal Donohoe: Sections 4 to 8of the Road Traffic Act 2004 established speed limits for defined classes of roads, varying from 120 km/h on motorways to 50 km/h on public roads.  Other speed limits that may be applied under those sections, and section 9 of the Act, include 30 km/h; 60 km/h; and 100km/h. Under section 9 of the Act, statutory responsibility for setting special speed limits...

Written Answers — Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport: Road Projects Status (18 Nov 2014)

Paschal Donohoe: As Minister for Transport, Tourism & Sport, I have responsibility for overall policy and funding in relation to the national roads programme.  The planning, design and implementation of individual road projects is a matter for the National Roads Authority (NRA) under the Roads Acts 1993 to 2007 in conjunction with the local authorities concerned. As there are many competing...