Results 4,781-4,800 of 11,242 for speaker:Noel Dempsey

Written Answers — Air Services: Air Services (27 Jun 2007)

Noel Dempsey: The Irish Aviation Authority (IAA) is the agency within the remit of my Department which is the designated body responsible for overseeing the operating standards of aircraft, including helicopters. Regarding the regulations and requirements for helicopter operations operating to/from an open space in the proximity of a densely populated residential area, the IAA has informed me that the...

Written Answers — Driving Licences: Driving Licences (27 Jun 2007)

Noel Dempsey: Under the Road Safety Authority Act 2006 (Conferral of Functions) Order 2006 (S.I. No. 477 of 2006) the Road Safety Authority has responsibility for the oversight of the driving licensing system, driver testing and the issuing of certificates of competency.

Order of Business (28 Jun 2007)

Noel Dempsey: There is a climate of gloom over the Opposition benches.

Roads Bill 2007 [Seanad]: Second Stage (28 Jun 2007)

Noel Dempsey: I move: "That the Bill be now read a Second Time." I take this opportunity to wish the Ceann Comhairle every success in his new position. The Roads Bill 2007 represents an important step in ensuring the implementation of the most modern and efficient system of levying tolls on national roads. It puts forward measures to further improve the efficient and cost effective delivery of the...

Roads Bill 2007 [Seanad]: Second Stage (28 Jun 2007)

Noel Dempsey: It would not be unusual for me.

Roads Bill 2007 [Seanad]: Second Stage (28 Jun 2007)

Noel Dempsey: If the Deputy would send out some of the jobs in his constituency we would be delighted to reverse the flow of traffic.

Rail Services. (28 Jun 2007)

Noel Dempsey: Transport 21 includes a Luas line connecting St. Stephen's Green with Liffey junction on the Maynooth suburban railway line. This project is being considered in two phases — one connecting the two existing Luas lines in the city centre; and the other extending the line northwards via Broadstone and Grangegorman to Liffey junction. In November 2005, the Railway Procurement Agency began a...

Rail Services. (28 Jun 2007)

Noel Dempsey: The answer to the question posed by the Deputy is that I do not know. It is not completely in my hands nor those of the RPA. There are outside agencies, such as the city council, which must be consulted, as it is doing a study on transport in the city centre area. The overall finishing date for the project is 2012, as I indicated earlier. I do not disagree with the Deputy in that there is...

State Airports. (28 Jun 2007)

Noel Dempsey: The Government's objective with regard to aviation policy is to facilitate and encourage as wide a range as possible of reliable, regular and competitive commercial air services to maximise opportunities for Irish tourism, trade and industry. The State airports have a vital role in this overall policy and will be restructured as independent airport authorities under the State Airports Act...

State Airports. (28 Jun 2007)

Noel Dempsey: I would not take as pessimistic a view as the Deputy of our airports and aviation policy generally. Undoubtedly there are difficulties but an action plan has been in place since May 2005 and on which work is progressing. In regard to Shannon Airport, my predecessor prepared that airport as best he could for what would happen. He gave signals long in advance of what would happen in regard to...

Harbour Authorities. (28 Jun 2007)

Noel Dempsey: Dublin Port is the country's premier port. In 2006, it handled 79% of the ro-ro trade and 62% of the lo-lo trade. Therefore, the capacity provided at Dublin Port is of critical national economic importance. The national spatial strategy identifies strategic merit in relieving pressure on Dublin through targeted interventions in building up port capacity elsewhere. In 2006, Dublin City...

Harbour Authorities. (28 Jun 2007)

Noel Dempsey: The current policy on the port is as I outlined. It is a strategic port and of national importance. It is nearing its capacity and we must examine ways and means of either expanding that capacity or operating in a different manner. We cannot do that in isolation from a range of considerations in regard to Dublin Bay, urban regeneration and various plans on which a variety of groups,...

Harbour Authorities. (28 Jun 2007)

Noel Dempsey: Dublin Port is an independent entity. It is up to the port to decide what it will do in regard to targeted intervention. Since I took up this brief, I understand it has purchased a port at Greenore and that it is transferring some of its business there. That type of decision is one for the port, not for the Department. Regarding proposals that have been put forward about Bremore, that is a...

Harbour Authorities. (28 Jun 2007)

Noel Dempsey: It was clearly set out a number of years ago that Government policy was to make the ports independent, commercial entities. A ports policy was clearly outlined, namely, that they are to operate in a commercial manner. There has been a loosening of various ties, strings and control over recent years to try to allow them to be commercial. As far as I am concerned, policy will continue in...

Public Transport. (28 Jun 2007)

Noel Dempsey: At present, bus services are authorised under the Road Transport Act 1932 and the Transport Act 1958. The programme for Government includes a commitment to improve bus services under Transport 21 by reforming bus licensing to facilitate the optimum provision of services by creating a level playing field for all market participants. The new licensing regime will be designed in a manner...

Public Transport. (28 Jun 2007)

Noel Dempsey: My absolute priority is to ensure the DTA legislation is published and that the authority will be established as quickly as possible. Immediately thereafter, I intend to reform the bus market and the Transport Acts 1932 and 1958. In my ten or 12 years of experience as a Minister, I have learned that one cannot have 25 priorities because none of them would ever be dealt with properly.

Taxi Regulations. (28 Jun 2007)

Noel Dempsey: I understand the Commission for Taxi Regulation is currently completing an assessment of the submissions received on its recent consultation paper on vehicle standards for small public service vehicles. The paper incorporated a number of proposed changes in vehicle specifications and standards, including in the area of accessibility. I also understand the commission has commenced a...

Taxi Regulations. (28 Jun 2007)

Noel Dempsey: I completely agree with the Deputy in respect of this matter. As soon as a very robust business case is made available to the Department, I will consider the matter. However, I am not going to spend taxpayers' money without first being in possession of a proper, fully costed proposal. Such a proposal has not yet been forthcoming. I would be very favourably disposed towards increasing...

Taxi Regulations. (28 Jun 2007)

Noel Dempsey: I will look at the issues raised by both Deputies. I am aware of the outline of the proposal put by the commission. We have responded to the commission in respect of the initial proposal and asked it to be more firm on matters like purchase prices and to give us a better business case in respect of that issue. It is the proposal discussed by the Deputy. I will look at the issue raised by...

Light Rail Project. (28 Jun 2007)

Noel Dempsey: I propose to take Questions Nos. 7, 18 and 65 together.