Results 4,361-4,380 of 18,851 for speaker:Fergus O'Dowd
- Public Transport Regulation Bill 2009 [Seanad]: Report Stage (25 Nov 2009)
Fergus O'Dowd: It is all right, I am used to it. In 1999, the subsidy which Bus Ãireann got from the taxpayer was â¬7.4 million and in 2009, the subsidy went to â¬44.9 million.
- Public Transport Regulation Bill 2009 [Seanad]: Report Stage (25 Nov 2009)
Fergus O'Dowd: Essentially, the taxpayer is subsidising the CIE companies to the tune of almost â¬127 million per annum. In these amendments, Fine Gael is arguing that this is not good enough. The spectrum of control in the bus market is now going from the State operation which we currently have to a direct award system for Dublin Bus and Bus Ãireann. I acknowledge that the Minister, Deputy Dempsey, has...
- Public Transport Regulation Bill 2009 [Seanad]: Report Stage (Resumed) (25 Nov 2009)
Fergus O'Dowd: One cannot have a level playing pitch if one side is subsidised by the taxpayer. How does the Minister propose to discount to private operators the advantage public operators will secure through having the taxpayers foot the cost of putting a bus on the road? This is an important issue. The Freedom of Information Act expressly provides that individuals are not entitled to obtain sensitive...
- Public Transport Regulation Bill 2009 [Seanad]: Report Stage (Resumed) (25 Nov 2009)
Fergus O'Dowd: The Deputy is always on a tangent.
- Public Transport Regulation Bill 2009 [Seanad]: Report Stage (Resumed) (25 Nov 2009)
Fergus O'Dowd: I would be surprised if the regulations with regard to disability are not applied universally; otherwise, it is discrimination against disabled persons using either public or private transport. Many bus operators are small-time entrepreneurs on a small budget. They do their best to keep their buses on the road. Prior to this legislation, most of them were confined to small runs such as the...
- Public Transport Regulation Bill 2009 [Seanad]: Report Stage (Resumed) (25 Nov 2009)
Fergus O'Dowd: We want competition and choice. Notwithstanding my serious criticisms of the Bill, I ask the Minister to clarify that point. As regards the aviation sector, one of the largest European aviation companies, Ryanair, was founded by an Irishman. It is a fantastic company. If Deputy Broughan ever wishes to go to places far afield, such as east or west Germany or Russia, I am sure that company...
- Public Transport Regulation Bill 2009 [Seanad]: Report Stage (Resumed) (25 Nov 2009)
Fergus O'Dowd: Therefore, they would not secure the licence. It could be a significant factor in determining the application.
- Public Transport Regulation Bill 2009 [Seanad]: Report Stage (Resumed) (25 Nov 2009)
Fergus O'Dowd: That is clear then.
- Public Transport Regulation Bill 2009 [Seanad]: Report Stage (Resumed) (25 Nov 2009)
Fergus O'Dowd: Some form of economic charge needs to be imposed. I presume the levy will be imposed on everyone who applies for a licence. I ask the Minister to clarify the matter. Under Deputy Broughan's amendment, the levy would only apply to private operators. If it is applied to all applicants for a licence, it should be set at a level that is not prohibitive. It must be fair and equitable because...
- Public Transport Regulation Bill 2009 [Seanad]: Report Stage (Resumed) (25 Nov 2009)
Fergus O'Dowd: No, I have listened for aââ
- Public Transport Regulation Bill 2009 [Seanad]: Report Stage (Resumed) (25 Nov 2009)
Fergus O'Dowd: Hallelujah.
- Public Transport Regulation Bill 2009 [Seanad]: Report Stage (Resumed) (25 Nov 2009)
Fergus O'Dowd: These amendments go to the heart of the difference between the different parties with regard to the Bill. Some of the amendments are restrictive and would restrict fair and open competition between the public and private sector, particularly the Labour Party proposal that Bus Ãireann would have exclusive right to ownership and responsibility for planning and operating the provincial and...
- Public Transport Regulation Bill 2009 [Seanad]: Report Stage (Resumed) (25 Nov 2009)
Fergus O'Dowd: It is not agreed.
- Written Answers — Energy Resources: Energy Resources (25 Nov 2009)
Fergus O'Dowd: Question 67: To ask the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the position regarding an all island gas market following the successful completion of an all island electricity market; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43319/09]
- Written Answers — Vehicle Registration Numbers: Vehicle Registration Numbers (26 Nov 2009)
Fergus O'Dowd: Question 82: To ask the Minister for Finance his views on correspondence from a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43810/09]
- Written Answers — Departmental Correspondence: Departmental Correspondence (26 Nov 2009)
Fergus O'Dowd: Question 156: To ask the Minister for Transport his view on a matter (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43755/09]
- Written Answers — FÁS Training Programmes: FÁS Training Programmes (1 Dec 2009)
Fergus O'Dowd: Question 82: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the number of FÃS course providers or subcontracted FÃS course providers when evidence has been found that the exam results they have supplied to FÃS have been manipulated by such providers; the location at which such courses have been provided; the cost of providing same including training fees and...
- Written Answers — Budget Submissions: Budget Submissions (1 Dec 2009)
Fergus O'Dowd: Question 114: To ask the Minister for Finance his views on the recent submission from an organisation (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44176/09]
- Written Answers — Haulage Industry: Haulage Industry (1 Dec 2009)
Fergus O'Dowd: Question 192: To ask the Minister for Transport his views on a recent submission from an organisation (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44175/09]
- Written Answers — Sustainable Transport: Sustainable Transport (1 Dec 2009)
Fergus O'Dowd: Question 193: To ask the Minister for Transport if he has received a submission from Dundalk Town Council regarding the national competition for smarter travel areas; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44182/09]