Results 261-280 of 2,099 for speaker:Ivor Callely

Seanad: Road Traffic Bill 2004: Committee Stage. (14 Dec 2004)

Ivor Callely: I agree with the principle of the Deputy's argument. I have indicated that work on the legislation is ongoing, but we have to ensure that it is watertight. We do not want to complicate other matters that might help to improve road safety.

Seanad: Road Traffic Bill 2004: Committee Stage. (14 Dec 2004)

Ivor Callely: I refer to developments in mobile telephone technology and similar platforms, which would be banned if we were to take certain steps in legislation. We need to wait and to give those who are working on the legislative framework an opportunity to present an appropriate Bill. If the Senator speaks to representatives of the Garda, I am sure they will clarify whether the use of a mobile telephone...

Seanad: Road Traffic Bill 2004: Committee Stage. (14 Dec 2004)

Ivor Callely: All of us would probably conclude that it does not fall under either category, although we would look differently on the use of mobile telephones by a driver whose hands should be on the steering wheel, for example while travelling at speed or turning a corner. Perhaps the Garda is bringing prosecutions in such cases.

Seanad: Road Traffic Bill 2004: Committee Stage. (14 Dec 2004)

Ivor Callely: No. I understand that has not happened.

Seanad: Road Traffic Bill 2004: Committee Stage. (14 Dec 2004)

Ivor Callely: I have good news on both counts. We must strike a happy balance regarding road safety, as suggested by Senator Jim Walsh. Before I came into the House, I looked up road death statistics for 1996, 1997 and 1998. In 1996 there were 453 road deaths, in 1997 there were 472 and in 1998 there were 458. Speed was a contributory factor in some of these accidents. There have been 359 road deaths to...

Seanad: Road Traffic Bill 2004: Committee Stage. (14 Dec 2004)

Ivor Callely: As a northsider, just like Senator Quinn, I am delighted to announce that I am encouraging great expenditure on the rail system on the north side of the city. One may be delayed a little more than is normal because of the work taking place. However, it is good news because it will lead to improved frequency and capacity.

Seanad: Road Traffic Bill 2004: Committee Stage. (14 Dec 2004)

Ivor Callely: It is happening under my watch and I am particularly pleased about that.

Seanad: Road Traffic Bill 2004: Committee Stage. (14 Dec 2004)

Ivor Callely: It might not have happened if I had not been in the Department but it is now happening. Excusing the pun, it will continue to roll as long as I am in the Department and I will keep it on track. A couple of decisions have been made on safety barriers that the House will welcome, namely, the construction of any motorway will include the appropriate safety barrier. The work being done on the...

Seanad: Road Traffic Bill 2004: Committee Stage. (14 Dec 2004)

Ivor Callely: Yes. The manager will have authority on regional and national roads should it be so required. That is a temporary measure for a maximum period of 12 months. The Garda Síochána handles matters such as oil spills, which may not require a reduction in the speed limit. This normally does not require changing the speed limit for any length of time because it is an acute problem which is dealt...

Seanad: Road Traffic Bill 2004: Committee Stage. (14 Dec 2004)

Ivor Callely: No, but the gardaí normally divert the traffic. I met the Assistant Garda Commissioner and the chief superintendent recently on issues concerning the M50 and St. John's Road and other recent incidents. I have asked them to come back to me with a contingency plan to deal with incidents such as oil spills or accidents, which cause traffic disruption. I am waiting to hear from them on that.

Seanad: Road Traffic Bill 2004: Committee Stage. (14 Dec 2004)

Ivor Callely: No. The speed limit on motorways or roads is the maximum limit and people are asked to apply appropriate speeds depending on the weather and other conditions that might affect their driving. The Garda does not have power to change the limit. My Department is considering intelligent traffic management systems to have the appropriate mechanism on our modern road network by which we could use an...

Seanad: Road Traffic Bill 2004: Committee Stage. (14 Dec 2004)

Ivor Callely: I thank Senator Quinn for his comments but I am being cautious because this is not really within my remit. That issue is not within my Department's remit of responsibility. It is a matter for the Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform. However, I will come back to the Senator with the 2005 programme. Both myself and the Minister for Transport, Deputy Cullen, are keen to witness an...

Seanad: Road Traffic Bill 2004: Committee Stage. (14 Dec 2004)

Ivor Callely: All signs will be changed before the changeover to metric speed limits at midnight on 19 January.

Seanad: Road Traffic Bill 2004: Committee Stage. (14 Dec 2004)

Ivor Callely: Perhaps the Senator would let me know where the signs are located.

Seanad: Road Traffic Bill 2004: Committee Stage. (14 Dec 2004)

Ivor Callely: I do not want Members to think there may be a problem. In recent times we have witnessed successfully applied and well thought-out changeovers on a national basis. The commitment of those involved was visible. With regard to this changeover, the 58,000 signs which will be in place after 20 January 2005 have been ordered and received and are now in situ. They are currently being distributed to...

Seanad: Road Traffic Bill 2004: Committee Stage. (14 Dec 2004)

Ivor Callely: Yes. It is clear and all Departments involved are satisfied the targets will be met.

Seanad: Road Traffic Bill 2004: Committee Stage. (14 Dec 2004)

Ivor Callely: We are not changing speed limits, we are only changing signs.

Seanad: Road Traffic Bill 2004: Committee Stage. (14 Dec 2004)

Ivor Callely: That will not be required. Section 12(1) states: "On the commencement of section 9, bye-laws made under section 46 ... of the Principal Act continue in force and are deemed to be bye-laws for the purposes of that section 9 and are to be read as applying...". All we are doing is changing from imperial to metric speed limits.

Seanad: Road Traffic Bill 2004: Committee Stage. (14 Dec 2004)

Ivor Callely: Yes.

Seanad: Road Traffic Bill 2004: Committee Stage. (14 Dec 2004)

Ivor Callely: I will deal with the last speaker's questions first. The detection of an offence will always rest with the Garda Síochána. Other issues of outsourcing will be a matter for the administration involved in collecting the fixed charge.