Results 7,101-7,120 of 11,242 for speaker:Noel Dempsey

Seanad: Dublin Transport Authority Bill 2008 [Seanad Bill amended by Dáil]: Report and Final Stages (9 Jul 2008)

Noel Dempsey: There were several amendments relating to public transport facilities and services. The definition of "interchange facilities" was amended to include park and ride, a matter which was raised in the Seanad. This makes clear that the DTA's traffic management plan must deal with park and ride issues. The section dealing with the integrated timetables was amended to make it clear that it was...

Seanad: Dublin Transport Authority Bill 2008 [Seanad Bill amended by Dáil]: Report and Final Stages (9 Jul 2008)

Noel Dempsey: Integrated ticketing is a project where one does not see significant progress while the background work is being carried out. The integrated ticketing board was set up by my predecessor around 2006. Since that time, it has made substantial progress. Currently it has the back-room facilities required to ensure we have an efficient, effective integrated ticketing project. Tenders have been...

Seanad: Dublin Transport Authority Bill 2008 [Seanad Bill amended by Dáil]: Report and Final Stages (9 Jul 2008)

Noel Dempsey: This group deals with CIE and RPA matters and amends their parent Acts. The first two amendments, amendments Nos. 54 and 55, relate to the requirement that CIE obtain the consent of the Minister for the disposal of property. They provide for setting by order the minimum threshold above which consent must be sought. The terms of the directorate of the RPA were changed to make it clear that...

Seanad: Dublin Transport Authority Bill 2008 [Seanad Bill amended by Dáil]: Report and Final Stages (9 Jul 2008)

Noel Dempsey: The amendments in this group clarify the planning processes with regard to railway orders. The first amendment makes it clear that a planning application to An Bord Pleanála for railway development done by way of railway order is complete and there is no requirement to also go through the standard planning process for any aspect of the development. The second amendment relates to An Bord...

Seanad: Dublin Transport Authority Bill 2008 [Seanad Bill amended by Dáil]: Report and Final Stages (9 Jul 2008)

Noel Dempsey: These are a group of technical or drafting amendments and typographical corrections. They are straightforward and make the Bill more readable.

Seanad: Dublin Transport Authority Bill 2008 [Seanad Bill amended by Dáil]: Report and Final Stages (9 Jul 2008)

Noel Dempsey: I thank Members and staff of the House for facilitating this Bill. We had a good debate during which a number of issues were raised. I was able to accept some of the amendments proposed in this House and I undertook to consider others before I introduced the Bill in the Dáil. I am grateful for the constructive approach Senators took and for the suggestions they made to improve the Bill....

Seanad: Dublin Transport Authority Bill 2008 [Seanad Bill amended by Dáil]: Report and Final Stages (9 Jul 2008)

Noel Dempsey: We are not in the least embarrassed to say it. When Séamus Brennan was general secretary of Fianna Fáil, he made a huge effort to encourage young people to join the party. He attracted a number of people, including a several Members who joined the party as a direct result of his efforts to get young people interested in politics. The last big job he and I did together was the formation of...

Air Services. (10 Jul 2008)

Noel Dempsey: I thank the Ceann Comhairle for the opportunity to outline and give information on the background to the current situation at Dublin Airport. I want to bring Members up to date on the air traffic control problems at the airport. I am satisfied that, since these problems started, the IAA has done everything in its power to resolve the issues that arose. My Department has been in ongoing...

Air Services. (10 Jul 2008)

Noel Dempsey: I am repeating a portion of it to give continuity. The Deputy can let me know if I am repeating it but I do not think so.

Air Services. (10 Jul 2008)

Noel Dempsey: That paragraph is similar to one of the earlier ones. The air traffic control system is now operating at 70% capacity. This is giving rise to delays during the peak morning period. The process of verifying, diagnosing and testing the repaired system is now under way. The IAA is satisfied it has found the problem, identified the software problem and now, though it is at 70% capacity, it...

Air Services. (10 Jul 2008)

Noel Dempsey: As I stated, the Department is aware of this and has been in contact with the IAA during recent weeks with regard to the intermittent problems with the radar system at Dublin Airport. It was possible to resolve these and maintain operation of the system generally. None of these problems was as serious as that which occurred yesterday. We sought reports from the IAA on what happened and...

Air Services. (10 Jul 2008)

Noel Dempsey: The IAA has a responsibility for the safety of passengers in the air. Other bodies and organisations have responsibilities for looking after passengers on the ground. I do not know what level of communication there was between the IAA, the DAA and the airlines concerned. It is not the sole responsibility of the IAA to inform passengers of various airlines of what is happening other than...

Air Services. (10 Jul 2008)

Noel Dempsey: I answered a number of these questions earlier but the Department received assurances from the IAA when previous disruptions took place that the matter had been dealt with and resolved. I understand the authority is not in a position to say whether the problem detected yesterday was in any way related to the previous difficulties. That is why I have asked for a full report on this incident...

Air Services. (10 Jul 2008)

Noel Dempsey: All speakers have acknowledged that safety is a matter of significant concern for everyone and that this situation has led to inconveniences and difficulties for many people. It must also be acknowledged that this problem could not have occurred at a worse time of year, given the peak holiday season. Regarding points that I may not have addressed, a back-up system is available to and being...

Air Services. (10 Jul 2008)

Noel Dempsey: I would not say that, but something has gone wrong. The system is the most sophisticated available, but one malfunction in five years is one too many. The situation gives rise to the issues referred to by the Deputies and I will ask that they be addressed in the report. The IAA's report will be based on facts and the best people to get those facts are those who operate and know the system....

National Development Plan: Motion (Resumed) (10 Jul 2008)

Noel Dempsey: I understand I may be sharing my time with Deputy O'Rourke with the agreement of the House.

National Development Plan: Motion (Resumed) (10 Jul 2008)

Noel Dempsey: It may happen.

National Development Plan: Motion (Resumed) (10 Jul 2008)

Noel Dempsey: I entered this House in 1987. At that stage, the economy was in tatters. Tens of thousands of young people were emigrating, unemployment was 17% or 18%, inflation was through the roof and there appeared to be a very bleak future. The Acting Chairman will remember how the phrase "Will the last person leaving the island switch off the light?" was coined. A Fianna Fáil Government assumed...

National Development Plan: Motion (Resumed) (10 Jul 2008)

Noel Dempsey: The Government remains committed to the national development plan, including Transport 21.

National Development Plan: Motion (Resumed) (10 Jul 2008)

Noel Dempsey: The NDP is the basis——