Results 4,981-5,000 of 32,593 for speaker:Paschal Donohoe

Other Questions: Public Transport (29 Apr 2015)

Paschal Donohoe: I covered some of this matter earlier in an answer to a priority question from Deputies Dooley and Ellis. At the end of last year, I met the unions regarding the matter and I instigated a process through the Labour Relations Commission, LRC, to respond to the issues the union leaders raised on behalf of their members. The Deputy asked about the terms and conditions of existing employees. I...

Other Questions: Public Transport (29 Apr 2015)

Paschal Donohoe: My intervention yesterday is the oddest example of neo-liberalism recently seen. Yesterday, I said employees whose routes might go to another company would not be required to move. This is a process in which both companies would be able to participate. The employee would have the choice. I recognise the legitimate concerns employees have raised, while also saying the Government is...

Other Questions: Public Transport (29 Apr 2015)

Paschal Donohoe: This is a new approach by the Deputy. If I had not done anything, she would accuse me of doing nothing. If I do something, she denies I did anything.

Other Questions: Public Transport (29 Apr 2015)

Paschal Donohoe: The Deputy went on to say I had not engaged on the matter. A few moments ago, I described the engagement I had with the unions directly and the length of the process that went on, through the LRC, that involved the unions and the employers, to seek to respond on the matters that are being dealt with. I pointed out that the approach being taken here in Ireland is entirely different from that...

Other Questions: Cycling Facilities Provision (29 Apr 2015)

Paschal Donohoe: As the Deputy will be aware, the greater Dublin area, GDA, covers the four Dublin local authority areas as well as Kildare, Meath and Wicklow. In 2013, the NTA finalised its detailed work on the preparation of a greater Dublin area cycle network plan, which aims to bring to bear the kind of planning overview to which the Deputy referred. The plan was formally adopted by the NTA board in...

Other Questions: Cycling Facilities Provision (29 Apr 2015)

Paschal Donohoe: I accept Deputy Murphy's point that in order for these routes to work well they must be integrated and cover relatively long distances. I had the opportunity to experience the success of the greenway in Mayo just over two weeks ago, in the company of the Minister of State, Deputy Ring. That was delivered in an integrated manner through the local authority, with the consent of many private...

Other Questions: Cycling Facilities Provision (29 Apr 2015)

Paschal Donohoe: I agree with Deputy Murphy's points. We are hoping, through our smarter travel initiative, to find ways to encourage more people to use public transport. The Deputy will be aware that the millionth Leap Card was issued in the Dublin area a few weeks ago. We are now extending that programme to different parts of the country. It is now being made available in Limerick, for example. I...

Other Questions: Harbour Authorities (29 Apr 2015)

Paschal Donohoe: ​The drafting of the Harbours Bill 2015 is almost complete and I will be seeking Government approval very soon to publish the Bill. The Bill will provide the legislative basis to one of the national ports policy's key recommendations, namely that governance of the designated ports of regional significance vest in more appropriate local authority-led governance structures. As the...

Other Questions: Harbour Authorities (29 Apr 2015)

Paschal Donohoe: It is a real pity that the Deputy has to use language such as "cabal" and "leeching" when talking about a group of people who are working within governance structures to secure a future for Dún Laoghaire Harbour. I have already outlined to the Deputy the model under which a port like Dún Laoghaire will be integrated into the local authority. I will take the decision on the manner...

Other Questions: Harbour Authorities (29 Apr 2015)

Paschal Donohoe: The Deputy's language of describing a group of people as a cabal is unacceptable.

Other Questions: Harbour Authorities (29 Apr 2015)

Paschal Donohoe: I am struck that whenever I make a genuine attempt to respond to matters that I accept are of interest, the colour of the Deputy's language intensifies and the pitch of his voice gets higher.

Other Questions: Harbour Authorities (29 Apr 2015)

Paschal Donohoe: These are important matters that need to be dealt with. As I have said in the House already, it is very important that an acceptable and secure plan is developed for the future of Dún Laoghaire Harbour. There is a group of people at the harbour who are working very hard to deliver that. I have outlined how I will deal with its integration in the future. As I have said, regardless of...

Other Questions: Mountain Rescue Service (29 Apr 2015)

Paschal Donohoe: I am aware of the measure announced recently by the Northern Ireland Minister for Justice doubling the funds provided by the Northern Ireland Executive to search and rescue volunteer groups. My Department recognises and acknowledges the contribution that these voluntary groups make to their communities and to the general public. As the Deputy is aware, my Department, through the Irish...

Other Questions: Mountain Rescue Service (29 Apr 2015)

Paschal Donohoe: I am aware that the volunteers in question do great work. The Minister of State, Deputy Ring, was heavily involved in the matter last year and has a great interest in it.

Other Questions: Mountain Rescue Service (29 Apr 2015)

Paschal Donohoe: As I said a special allocation of €200,000 was made last year as a result of the interest the Minister of State, Deputy Ring, and the Minister, Deputy Varadkar, had in the matter. That money was provided for the purchase of vehicles to allow the work the Deputy has described to be done better.

Spring Economic Statement (Resumed) (29 Apr 2015)

Paschal Donohoe: Okay.

Spring Economic Statement (Resumed) (29 Apr 2015)

Paschal Donohoe: It is important to reflect on the journey which has been made to date. We should do that because it will give us confidence in our ability to complete the journey and to realise the many dreams and hopes of the people of this country. It will also give us the confidence to deal with the fears that many people still have as a result of what happened in our economy. They also fear the...

Written Answers — Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport: Cycling Facilities Funding (29 Apr 2015)

Paschal Donohoe: ​To date, my Departments's funding initiatives for the delivery of greenways have been open to local authorities only.  Local Authorities have staff in place with the right skills, experience and knowledge to plan and procure cycle projects and can ensure that greenways fit in with the Development and Local Transport plans. They also have, generally, a...

Written Answers — Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport: Rail Services (29 Apr 2015)

Paschal Donohoe: The draft Framework "Investing in Our Transport Future: A Strategic Framework for Investment in Land Transport" was published for public and stakeholder consultation in August last. Having considered the submissions made, my Department has finalised the report and I plan to publish the revised final report soon.   The Framework concludes that the key challenge with regard to...

Written Answers — Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport: Airport Development Projects (29 Apr 2015)

Paschal Donohoe: ​The options and opportunities for the growth and development of the Airport were the subject of a Study Group established by the Taoiseach in January 2013 and chaired by Deputy John O'Mahony. A range of potential future scenarios for the future viability and growth of the Airport were considered as part of the Group’s deliberations. In examining potential future scenarios...