Results 401-420 of 20,758 for speaker:Alan Kelly

Written Answers — Taxi Regulations: Taxi Regulations (22 Nov 2011)

Alan Kelly: I understand that on 21 November the NTA has written to the Deputy clarifying the position as regards PQ No. 545 of 11 October 2011, which was referred to the NTA for reply direct to the Deputy. The NTA has completed a public consultation on vehicle standards with a view to advancing new regulations to come into force in 2012. As part of the review of the taxi sector announced by me on...

Written Answers — Taxi Regulations: Taxi Regulations (29 Nov 2011)

Alan Kelly: The regulation of the taxi industry, including the regulation of vehicle standards, is a matter for the National Transport Authority (NTA) under the provisions of the Public Transport Regulation Act 2009. Under the current regulatory regime for taxis, which is supported by the Taxi Regulation Act 2003, any applications for appeal of licensing decisions are a matter for the NTA and I do not...

Written Answers — Taxi Regulations: Taxi Regulations (29 Nov 2011)

Alan Kelly: The taxi regulation review is being carried out by a review steering group, which I am chairing. Good progress is being made on the review. Publication of the review report will of course be subject to Government approval and I would expect to submit the review proposals for Cabinet consideration at an early date.

Written Answers — Departmental Reports: Departmental Reports (6 Dec 2011)

Alan Kelly: Good progress is being made on the work of the review and I would expect to submit proposals for Cabinet consideration at an early date.

Financial Resolutions 2012: Financial Resolution No. 13: General (Resumed) (7 Dec 2011)

Alan Kelly: I propose to outline the main policies being pursued within my areas of responsibility as Minister of State at the Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport. It is a financially challenging environment and reductions in expenditure are necessary because of the dreadful legacy we have been left. However, we are maximising our resources and, in many ways, will enhance the lot of commuters,...

European Summit: Motion (8 Dec 2011)

Alan Kelly: I thank all Deputies who have contributed to today's extensive debate. It is always welcome to have matters relating to Ireland and the European Union debated in the House. As a former Member of the European Parliament and the Joint Committee on European Scrutiny, I have been a strong promoter of better engagement between the House and our European institutions. This is needed now more...

European Summit: Motion (8 Dec 2011)

Alan Kelly: -----and to give a clear, unanimous mandate to the Taoiseach so he can have the House's full support in the critical negotiations tonight and this weekend. As a former MEP, I can safely say that, by and large and regardless of their political colours, our elected representatives in Brussels and Strasbourg wear the green jersey every week and get the best for our country. Irrespective of...

European Summit: Motion (8 Dec 2011)

Alan Kelly: Some of the Opposition could learn from their approach. During this debate, Opposition Members raised the issue of the common consolidated corporate tax base, CCCTB. The Government has been clear, in that we will protect our right to set our own corporate taxation rate. This echoes what I stated in the European Parliament in November last year, namely, that we would never accept any diktat...

European Summit: Motion (8 Dec 2011)

Alan Kelly: Future generations of Irish children do not need these conditions to prevail again. That is why this Government through the Ministers, Deputies Howlin and Noonan, are making changes domestically to how we as a Government and country manage our budgets. These changes will bring about greater transparency and rigorous analysis never seen before. This weekend the challenge for all European and...

Written Answers — Departmental Expenditure: Departmental Expenditure (15 Dec 2011)

Alan Kelly: I have received reports on the Value for Money and policy Review of the RTP as well as on the Local Integration Transport Studies (LITS). It is proposed to publish both reports together shortly in the context of plans for the future of the RTP as well as to achieve better efficiency through integration of Exchequer funded transport services. The issues at stake do not just involve my...

Written Answers — Taxi Regulations: Taxi Regulations (15 Dec 2011)

Alan Kelly: The regulation of the taxi industry, including issues relating to enforcement activities, is a matter for the National Transport Authority (NTA) under the Taxi Regulation Act, 2003. I have arranged for the Deputy's specific request to be sent to the NTA. If you do not get a response within ten working days please advise my private office. I hope to submit the final report of the taxi review...

Written Answers — Sustainable Transport: Sustainable Transport (11 Jan 2012)

Alan Kelly: I am fully supportive of the Tralee to Fenit Greenway. Given the project's potential to contribute to both sustainable transport goals and to local tourism, the funding commitment from my Department remains in place. While the route is primarily a matter for Kerry County Council to progress, I understand that they are experiencing difficulties due to encroachment onto CIE lands. I therefore...

Written Answers — Public Transport: Public Transport (11 Jan 2012)

Alan Kelly: I propose to take Questions Nos. 1028 and 1033 together. Responsibility to develop, procure, implement, operate and maintain the integrated ticketing system in the Greater Dublin Area (GDA) became the function of the National Transport Authority (NTA) with effect from 30th September 2010 in accordance with section 58 of the DTA Act 2008. The Leap card was launched for sale on 12th December...

Rural Transport Services (12 Jan 2012)

Alan Kelly: As a fellow rural Deputy, I know the Deputy is very passionate on the issue as I am. The maintenance and development of rural passenger transport services is one of the principal objectives of my Department and I intend to make significant progress on it in 2012. The programme for Government acknowledges the importance of transport for rural communities and includes a commitment to...

Rural Transport Services (12 Jan 2012)

Alan Kelly: I agree with the sentiments of the Deputy's comments. From an Exchequer point of view, I will try to protect the service as much as is practicable. I take on board the Deputy's comments in regard to the National Transport Authority. As suggested by Deputy Bannon, we will be looking at greater integration and structures and would welcome his support in this regard. We will need to look at...

Taxi Regulation (12 Jan 2012)

Alan Kelly: I announced the taxi regulation review on 8 June last in line with the commitment in the programme for Government. The review group, under my chairmanship, completed its report in December last and I have circulated the report to relevant Ministers and their Departments with a view to early consideration of the outcome of the review by the Government. Once the Government has had an...

Taxi Regulation (12 Jan 2012)

Alan Kelly: I thank the Deputy for his submission on this matter. The issue of enforcement which he correctly stated is very much addressed in the report and it is one that we must address. We need a new process for enforcement of current and future regulations and changes. That is one of the primary and most important aspects of the report. We need to ensure that rogue traders, those who should not...

Taxi Regulation (12 Jan 2012)

Alan Kelly: That is an issue that will be addressed in the report.

Public Transport (12 Jan 2012)

Alan Kelly: Public transport fares are a matter for the CIE operating companies in conjunction with the National Transport Authority. I am aware that the NTA approved a range of fare increases in respect of the CIE companies recently which took effect earlier this month. It is the responsibility of the NTA to make a determination on any future fare increases as appropriate. Notwithstanding the NTA's...

Public Transport (12 Jan 2012)

Alan Kelly: The Department and the NTA have been working hard in various ways to encourage a greater uptake of public transport services. In the context of fare increases, it is important to point out that serious savings are to be made by consumers who choose, as we are encouraging them to do, to avail of the integrated ticket, the leap card. Using a leap card can lead to savings of as much as 9% in...