Results 981-1,000 of 20,758 for speaker:Alan Kelly

Ceisteanna - Questions - Priority Questions: Bus Éireann Services (15 May 2013)

Alan Kelly: Deputy Donnelly is beginning to follow Deputy Ring's way of doing business. I did take the time to examine the changes that have taken place on this route. Decisions were made in early 2012 and some of them were amended on a number of occasions in May, August and September. Bus Éireann is even examining the introduction of new bus stops along the route and is engaging with local...

Ceisteanna - Questions - Priority Questions: Bus Éireann Services (15 May 2013)

Alan Kelly: I have no problem engaging with the officials and asking them to re-examine it. That is not an issue. A number of stops have been put in recently and they are looking at rejigging the stops. They are engaging with the local authorities on that. Maybe I will forward the information to Deputy Donnelly; he might not have all that detail. This is one of many routes that can be examined. We...

Ceisteanna - Questions - Priority Questions: Bus Éireann Services (15 May 2013)

Alan Kelly: I thank the Deputy for his confidence. I appreciate that.

Ceisteanna - Questions - Priority Questions: Dublin Bus Services (15 May 2013)

Alan Kelly: This question is about the Dublin Bus fleet. Following the establishment of the National Transport Authority, NTA, in December 2009, the implementation and development of infrastructure projects in the greater Dublin area such as the replacement and refurbishment of PSO buses, comes under the remit of the NTA. I am not aware there is any problem regarding the capacity of...

Ceisteanna - Questions - Priority Questions: Dublin Bus Services (15 May 2013)

Alan Kelly: Fair play to Deputy Wallace but I cannot see how this relates in any way to the question. This is a matter-----

Ceisteanna - Questions - Priority Questions: Dublin Bus Services (15 May 2013)

Alan Kelly: In fairness, that is not the question I received. This is a matter for the Minister for Justice and Equality. I have not read the report yet; it is being published at 3.30 p.m.

Ceisteanna - Questions - Priority Questions: Dublin Bus Services (15 May 2013)

Alan Kelly: I have not read the report on the penalty points issue. As I understand it, it is being published at 3.30 p.m. and the Minister will be dealing with it from there.

Ceisteanna - Questions - Priority Questions: Dublin Bus Services (15 May 2013)

Alan Kelly: I do not decide the questions or the order in which they are put.

Ceisteanna - Questions - Priority Questions: Dublin Bus Services (15 May 2013)

Alan Kelly: Neither can I answer on another Minister's behalf.

Ceisteanna - Questions - Priority Questions: Dublin Bus Services (15 May 2013)

Alan Kelly: I have not read the report which is only being published at 3.30 p.m. today.

Other Questions: Rail Services (15 May 2013)

Alan Kelly: This question is about planned investment in Irish Rail in the light of recent announcements on roads investment. I assume the Deputy is referring to the recent signing of a public private partnership road contract. This is the  first transport PPP since 2007 and  provides a significant confidence boost and evidence of continuing recovery in the economy. In implementing the...

Other Questions: Rail Services (15 May 2013)

Alan Kelly: Until the next capital programme is being considered we will not look at alternatives in regard to the DART or metro north. I am aware of the proposal for a spur to Dublin Airport to which the Deputy referred. The viability of that being included in the next capital programme is something we will have to consider closer to the date but I can confirm to the Deputy that we are not examining...

Other Questions: Rail Services (15 May 2013)

Alan Kelly: I understand that during the impact assessment period in respect of these projects impact assessment on other services is analysed. However, I would not like the Deputy to conclude that rail services are diminishing in regard to the type of service offered. To reiterate, we simply do not have the money for capital investment but a great deal of other work is taking place and we have put a...

Other Questions: Rail Services (15 May 2013)

Alan Kelly: It has worked for me.

Other Questions: Rail Services (15 May 2013)

Alan Kelly: I was never in one of those. He might tell me about them sometime. He might also tell me how often he takes the train.

Other Questions: Rail Services (15 May 2013)

Alan Kelly: Onboard facilities have improved dramatically. It is all about improving the passenger experience to attract more people to the network.

Other Questions: Industrial Disputes (15 May 2013)

Alan Kelly: I propose to take Question Nos. 8, 18, 27 and 87 together.  These relate to the industrial relations dispute at Bus Éireann. Deputies will be aware that the company and trade unions are in talks at the Labour Relations Commission following from last February's Labour Court recommendation on addressing the company's difficult financial position.  It has incurred accumulated...

Other Questions: Industrial Disputes (15 May 2013)

Alan Kelly: I thank the Deputy and I am sure his views are held sincerely. I, too, acknowledge the excellent workers in Bus Éireann. Friends of mine of many years work in the company and do a fantastic job. We want to ensure the 2,500 jobs in Bus Éireann are protected at this critical point. Staff costs at the company have increased in recent years. Bus Éireann operates three...

Other Questions: Industrial Disputes (15 May 2013)

Alan Kelly: I share the Deputy's abhorrence at attacks on bus drivers. This is disgraceful behaviour and those who carry out such attacks should be brought to justice. On the contributions that are being asked of staff, I have deliberately decided not to discuss the figures at this time. I did not have a problem discussing the issue previously and will do so again once the negotiations have...

Other Questions: Industrial Disputes (15 May 2013)

Alan Kelly: I welcome the Deputy's support for the process of negotiation under way in the Labour Relations Commission. I also acknowledge that the commission is engaged in separate discussions on a different matter. We should appreciate its willingness to deal with both issues at the same time. I thank the private bus operators for the contribution they made during the strike. Bus Éireann...