Results 5,741-5,760 of 15,805 for speaker:Michael Ring

Community Development. (29 Jan 2009)

Michael Ring: I am glad the Minister offered to come to committee and it is the place to discuss this. However, the Minister should do a cost analysis on these groups. The main concern is that one State agency is paying the other to keep the offices open. This is not why the Minister established them. His intent was to help create employment in the regions and this is not happening. We need an...

Community Development. (29 Jan 2009)

Michael Ring: It would be a lot cheaper.

Rural Transport Services. (29 Jan 2009)

Michael Ring: The Minister told me during his last session of parliamentary questions that he would have that report early in January. I hope we have it soon. Has the Minister provided funding in each Department to continue that pilot scheme for the year? It is important that it should continue. Has the Minister had discussions with the Minister for Social and Family Affairs so that a voucher system can...

Rural Transport Services. (29 Jan 2009)

Michael Ring: If that scheme was to be extended to the end of this year, will the funding be there for it? This issue is about money. If the Department does not have the money, then an extension of the pilot scheme will not happen.

Rural Transport Services. (29 Jan 2009)

Michael Ring: One of my findings from the committee report is that Dublin Bus, Luas and so on are costing much more. The schemes in rural Ireland cost only small amounts of money when compared to what is happening in the cities.

Rural Transport Services. (29 Jan 2009)

Michael Ring: I want to give the Minister some useful information.

Community Development. (29 Jan 2009)

Michael Ring: The Government has a policy of decentralisation, yet Eircom announced last week it is to remove half of its public telephone boxes. At one stage it had 8,500 and now the number has decreased to 4,500. With the next cull, there may be fewer than 2,000. Likewise, post offices are closing in rural areas throughout the State. There are currently some 1,200 in total and they are unevenly...

Community Development. (29 Jan 2009)

Michael Ring: The telephone was probably broken and had not been fixed.

Community Development. (29 Jan 2009)

Michael Ring: I am aware of a case in Mayo where it took Eircom a week to fix a telephone.

Community Development. (29 Jan 2009)

Michael Ring: However, all the smaller shops are closing. That is Government policy.

Community Development. (29 Jan 2009)

Michael Ring: I disagree with the Minister's views in regard to post offices and telephone boxes. The Government's policy is to decentralise State services, yet State agencies are withdrawing services from rural areas. The Minister referred to broadband provision. The Government gave a commitment last week to roll out broadband throughout the State, with a particular emphasis on rural areas. There was...

Written Answers — Voluntary Sector Funding: Voluntary Sector Funding (29 Jan 2009)

Michael Ring: Question 113: To ask the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the supports or initiatives which are to be introduced in 2009 to support the voluntary sector; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2811/09]

Written Answers — Social Welfare Benefits: Social Welfare Benefits (29 Jan 2009)

Michael Ring: Question 124: To ask the Minister for Social and Family Affairs when a person (details supplied) in County Mayo will be approved and awarded disability allowance at a higher rate and payment backdated accordingly. [2822/09]

Written Answers — School Transport: School Transport (29 Jan 2009)

Michael Ring: Question 154: To ask the Minister for Education and Science if a transport link will be provided in respect of persons (details supplied) in County Mayo. [2795/09]

Expenditure Control and Economic Strategy: Statements (3 Feb 2009)

Michael Ring: Hear, hear.

Expenditure Control and Economic Strategy: Statements (3 Feb 2009)

Michael Ring: There was no fire——

Expenditure Control and Economic Strategy: Statements (3 Feb 2009)

Michael Ring: ——over there today.

Expenditure Control and Economic Strategy: Statements (3 Feb 2009)

Michael Ring: The Fianna Fáil tyre has gone flat.

Written Answers — Hospital Services: Hospital Services (3 Feb 2009)

Michael Ring: Question 228: To ask the Minister for Health and Children the reason a person (details supplied) in County Mayo appeared for surgery and was told that there was no intensive care bed available. [3342/09]

Written Answers — Hospital Services: Hospital Services (3 Feb 2009)

Michael Ring: Question 229: To ask the Minister for Health and Children the reason a person (details supplied) in County Mayo was prepared for surgery and then told there was no intensive care bed available. [3343/09]