Results 8,701-8,720 of 11,242 for speaker:Noel Dempsey

Taxi Regulations. (9 Jul 2009)

Noel Dempsey: As the Deputy should be well aware, both the Garda and the transport officers are involved, and we have approximately 14,000 gardaí in the country. On the economic review, the Deputy has selectively quoted from that. He fails to note that the economic review also states that taxi journeys have increased by 25% in recent years.

Taxi Regulations. (9 Jul 2009)

Noel Dempsey: It is an increase. Demand has grown by 25%. The number of cabs has increased from almost 3,000 in 2000 to almost 27,500 in 2008. The current status of the industry, according to the Goodbody report, from the point of view of vehicle standards, knowledge and so on, is that "current overall level of cab services provided in Ireland as well as vehicle quality, vehicle cleanliness and...

Taxi Regulations. (9 Jul 2009)

Noel Dempsey: I am aware of the work of the CTR. I am also aware of the work done by the Joint Committee on Transport. A process of consultation is under way and the fair and reasonable approach is to wait until all of that work is compiled, look at it and then decide if further action is required in the areas for which I have direct responsibility. I will do that.

Public Transport. (9 Jul 2009)

Noel Dempsey: I understand from Dublin Bus that it has commenced implementation of the recommendations of the Deloitte report. The implementation process includes the application of the principles identified in the report, such as the amalgamation of route legs and the use of even headways between buses, as part of its cost recovery plan. The company has also commenced work on the review and redesign of...

Public Transport. (9 Jul 2009)

Noel Dempsey: The total cost of integrated ticketing will be €54 million. The amount spent so far is €19 million.

Public Transport. (9 Jul 2009)

Noel Dempsey: Yes, to the stage it is now at. The estimated total cost was in the region of €49 or €50 million. When tenders came in that was revised up to €54 million. That is the figure we are looking at. I hope the Dublin Transport Authority will be established and operational before the end of this year. The new chief executive officer has been notified of his appointment and some matters...

Public Transport. (9 Jul 2009)

Noel Dempsey: I accept the Deputy's basic point. I am sure Bus Átha Cliath will take note of the fact that there are areas where there are no services. I have seen some maps which illustrate this lack. There is nothing to stop private sector companies from operating in those areas. The forthcoming public transport Bill, which will reform the 1932 Act, will be a big help in attracting the private sector.

Public Transport. (9 Jul 2009)

Noel Dempsey: No, it does not.

Public Transport. (9 Jul 2009)

Noel Dempsey: There have been difficulties in the past. The 1932 Act is slow and cumbersome and is not fit for current purpose.

Public Transport. (9 Jul 2009)

Noel Dempsey: Significant progress has been made in the delivery of the ambitious programme of works to upgrade our public transport system set out in Transport 21. A number of public transport projects have already been completed. The new Docklands railway station has opened and Irish Rail has completely modernised its intercity rolling stock. The new Portlaoise traincare depot is open and operational...

Public Transport. (9 Jul 2009)

Noel Dempsey: Like the Deputy, I have been reading consistently negative comments in newspapers about metro north for as long as I have been in my Department and even prior to that time. Metro north is some people's pet hate and they continue to feed this feeling into the media.

Public Transport. (9 Jul 2009)

Noel Dempsey: However, the project's situation has not changed one iota. It is one of Transport 21's two key public projects. As the Deputy is aware from newspaper reports, it is being delayed in the planning process.

Public Transport. (9 Jul 2009)

Noel Dempsey: The two preferred tenderers are in place. As soon as the planning and tendering processes have concluded, the cost-benefit appraisal will be carried out. Once it proves positive, which I am certain will be the case, construction will commence. Any contracts we have signed must be honoured and those projects will continue. As to which projects might fall foul of the economic circumstances...

Public Transport. (9 Jul 2009)

Noel Dempsey: Its next stage, the railway order, is under consideration. No final decision will be made on the project until we get that order.

Proposed Legislation. (9 Jul 2009)

Noel Dempsey: A road traffic Bill that, inter alia, provides for a reduction in the blood alcohol concentration levels for drivers is nearing completion. The preparation of legislation takes time and I am sure Deputies will agree that it is important to get it right. The Bill will take account of the blood alcohol concentration levels proposed by the Road Safety Authority, RSA, last year. The...

Proposed Legislation. (9 Jul 2009)

Noel Dempsey: The sooner the better. My most recent information in this regard is that, unlike the breathalyser and so on, there is no effective roadside test for drugs. However, drugs can show up in blood and urine samples, so there is some level of detection of drugs. Anecdotal evidence indicates an increasing number of people are being caught with drugs, but not necessarily alcohol, in their system....

Proposed Legislation. (9 Jul 2009)

Noel Dempsey: I agree with the Deputy and I join him in appealing to those going to the concert to drive safely.

State Airports. (9 Jul 2009)

Noel Dempsey: While I am aware of recent press articles about suggestions by the airline concerned that it plans to stop passengers checking in any baggage from next year, my Department has not received any proposal of this nature to date. Security measures specifically in respect of both cabin and hold baggage are currently in place as part of the overall aviation security regime in the State. These...

State Airports. (9 Jul 2009)

Noel Dempsey: I do not know why the Deputy would seek a cost-benefit analysis that he knows does not exist. I am not quite sure about his logic.

State Airports. (9 Jul 2009)

Noel Dempsey: I will provide the Deputy with a very quick cost-benefit analysis, not even on the back of an envelope. The tax is €10 per passenger and the benefit will be €95 million this year and €156 million potentially in a full year. A month ago, I asked the Deputy where he would get the €95 million we would have to forgo if we did not impose the tax and I am still awaiting a response.