Results 1,041-1,060 of 4,674 for speaker:Dessie Ellis

Written Answers — Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport: EU Funding (16 Oct 2012)

Dessie Ellis: To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the applications for Ten-T funding he has made or plans to make, and for which projects. [44832/12]

Other Questions: Human Rights Issues (17 Oct 2012)

Dessie Ellis: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade in view of the ongoing threats to trade unionists, civil society leaders, and human rights and defence lawyers, his views regarding the recent 50% cut in the petrol allowance that is given by the Colombian Government in order that trade union and civil society leaders can use protective vehicles. [44811/12]

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: International Relations (17 Oct 2012)

Dessie Ellis: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if his attention has been drawn to the difficulties being experienced by the families of Cuban 5, Miami 5 in accessing visas to visit loved ones incarcerated in jail, that some of the families have never been able to have visit them; and his views on this matter. [44823/12]

Written Answers — Department of Social Protection: Rent Supplement Scheme Applications (17 Oct 2012)

Dessie Ellis: To ask the Minister for Social Protection the reason rent supplement in respect of a person (details supplied) has not been paid to them. [44986/12]

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Transport and Communications: Public Service Obligation Bus Contracts: Discussion (17 Oct 2012)

Dessie Ellis: I thank the delegation for their presentations. Those involved in this industry face many challenges. Mr. Mullins stated that where jobs were lost as a result of members of his organisation taking over routes, consideration would be given to employment of the people concerned. This is an issue of major concern. There is concern that major companies in the Coach Tourism and Transport...

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Transport and Communications: Public Service Obligation Bus Contracts: Discussion (17 Oct 2012)

Dessie Ellis: Mr. Mullins said there is room in the PSO contracts for the State to run services in these small areas on a subsidised basis. Is it intended to seek funding under the PSO contract to work those routes and perhaps offer a service at some stage on that basis?

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Transport and Communications: Public Service Obligation Bus Contracts: Discussion (17 Oct 2012)

Dessie Ellis: I thank the delegation for its presentation. Are there opportunities for Bus Éireann to expand its services? I know that compared with other EU countries, we provide one of the lowest rates of subvention to public transport. If the subvention continues to be reduced we will not be able to provide the routes. We must look to new areas. Will there be further job losses arising from...

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Transport and Communications: Public Service Obligation Bus Contracts: Discussion (17 Oct 2012)

Dessie Ellis: I thank Mr. Murphy for the presentation he made. The contracts are due for renewal in 2014. The big fear is that Bus Éireann would be privatised. I am not clear on the EU directive. Is it telling us that we must go to tender and follow the directive to the letter or could we adopt a different attitude? I seek clarity on the issue. How much does the NTA scrutinise public and...

Report of the Pyrite Panel: Statements (Resumed) (18 Oct 2012)

Dessie Ellis: I am very pleased this issue is finally being discussed formally in the Dáil and I welcome the report and the Minister's response. I take this opportunity to give credit to the families affected by pyrite contamination and the Pyrite Action Group, many of whom have taken the time to come here today. These people spearheaded this campaign and have fought their corner with dignity and...

Ceisteanna - Questions - Priority Questions: Public Transport (18 Oct 2012)

Dessie Ellis: To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his plans to improve the provision of public transport and smarter travel options across the State while at the same time reducing the public transport subvention; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45456/12]

Ceisteanna - Questions - Priority Questions: Public Transport (18 Oct 2012)

Dessie Ellis: I have said many times that we have one of the lowest subventions for public transport in Europe and the Minister has agreed. Even last year, CIE received €316 million and this year the amount is €242 million. Even with the €36 million, it is still only €278 million. If we continue to cut like this, we will hit vital services even more. We have increased fares and...

Ceisteanna - Questions - Priority Questions: Public Transport (18 Oct 2012)

Dessie Ellis: It is very disappointing, particularly following the launch of the 80 new buses and a further 60 for the industry, that we are going back to CIE and Dublin Bus to say that assets will have to be sold, whether older buses or otherwise, to make up the shortfall in moneys. There is a need to be more imaginative. Is there any way of addressing the fuel issue and looking at where cheaper fuel...

Ceisteanna - Questions - Priority Questions: Homeless World Cup (18 Oct 2012)

Dessie Ellis: To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport in view of the increase in homelessness and the recent success of the Irish team at the Homeless World Cup, if he will provide funding for this initiative; if he will meet with representatives from the homeless street leagues to discuss the way the various State agencies at national and local level can best support this work; and if he will...

Ceisteanna - Questions - Priority Questions: Homeless World Cup (18 Oct 2012)

Dessie Ellis: I also congratulate the Irish Homeless World Cup team, which finished eight - a very creditable performance. There are a number of homeless street leagues in Cork, Galway, Waterford, Portlaoise, Longford, Wexford and Dublin. There is also one in Wheatfield Prison. Approximately 500 people participated in the street leagues and the primary target groups are the homeless, those dependent on...

Ceisteanna - Questions - Priority Questions: Homeless World Cup (18 Oct 2012)

Dessie Ellis: I agree that significant logistics are involved in organising to bring a team to the Homeless World Cup for which the FAI deserves great praise, as do the organisers and players. Can we look forward to Ireland hosting the Homeless World Cup? Has the Minister of State ever considered such a possibility? It would be well worth considering. It is sad we do not have more televised events like...

Ceisteanna - Questions - Priority Questions: Homeless World Cup (18 Oct 2012)

Dessie Ellis: What about hosting a Homeless World Cup?

Other Questions: Pilot Training Colleges (18 Oct 2012)

Dessie Ellis: The Irish Aviation Authority, a State organisation, granted the college a licence to operate. The authority was charged with ensuring the company had sufficient resources to provide training safely. The college never had the resources required for students to complete their courses. We now face a debacle in that a large number of people are left stranded abroad with huge debts. They are...

Other Questions: Pilot Training Colleges (18 Oct 2012)

Dessie Ellis: They were.

Other Questions: State Airports (18 Oct 2012)

Dessie Ellis: I thank the Minister for his response. The steering group is very important, as are the growth incentives and the recent announcement made by the Minister on the five flights between Shannon and Chicago. It shows we can look for new routes and find them. A debt exists and I am not clear on how appointing a new chief executive officer or directorship will deal with it. Will the State take...

Other Questions: State Airports (18 Oct 2012)

Dessie Ellis: It would get the rendition flights.