Results 18,561-18,580 of 19,173 for speaker:Shane Ross

Covid-19 (Transport): Statements (13 May 2020)

Shane Ross: I will answer the Deputy's question if he does not interrupt me. It is like old times but the Deputy might give me time to answer. We are in the dark here but we can say that for next week, which is what the Deputy referred to, and phase 1, we are confident. I have talked to the NTA, and who better to talk to than the NTA about this? I have talked to the bus companies about this also....

Covid-19 (Transport): Statements (13 May 2020)

Shane Ross: I am sorry. I was going to get to that before the Deputy interrupted me.

Covid-19 (Transport): Statements (13 May 2020)

Shane Ross: I know, but I cannot answer all the Deputy's questions in the limited time available.

Covid-19 (Transport): Statements (13 May 2020)

Shane Ross: I have not had those discussions. That would be something the NTA would have and not me. It would be its duty to do that, and it will certainly do it.

Covid-19 (Transport): Statements (13 May 2020)

Shane Ross: It would be absolutely reprehensible if that were to be used as a cover. I give the Deputy a guarantee that I will keep an eye on that because anybody who exploits this situation for commercial or other advantage should be tackled immediately. That is not something that could be tolerated. As long as I am Minister - I do not know how long that will be - I will keep an eye on that, because...

Covid-19 (Transport): Statements (13 May 2020)

Shane Ross: I do not know the answer, but that is a matter for the insurance companies. The insurance companies made this pledge. It is not a Government promise.

Covid-19 (Transport): Statements (13 May 2020)

Shane Ross: The Minister for Finance pushed them to it, but it is something the insurance companies have said and they will decide it. I do not have a clue, but we will make sure they do it.

Covid-19 (Transport): Statements (13 May 2020)

Shane Ross: It is difficult to be succinct about the voucher system because it is complicated but I will be as quick as I can in replying.

Covid-19 (Transport): Statements (13 May 2020)

Shane Ross: It is a problem that was addressed today by the European Commission, as the Deputy probably realises. The Commission has said that it is imperative that people who are entitled to a cash refund get one. That is not negotiable. Ryanair and other airlines are offering vouchers but that must be done on a voluntary basis. In other words, there is no way that the European Commission will allow...

Covid-19 (Transport): Statements (13 May 2020)

Shane Ross: The plan is not out yet, but it is coming. A public transport plan will come out shortly. It is not out yet, as I said in my initial speech, but it will be coming out shortly. At the moment, phase one is all-important and we are confident about all the phases. Let us not say that everything is written in stone forever because, as I said in reply to another Deputy, this thing is moving...

Covid-19 (Transport): Statements (13 May 2020)

Shane Ross: As far as I know, the NTA is engaging with every possible stakeholder. All I can say is that I have had absolutely no negative reaction from any stakeholders saying they are not being engaged with. It is quite obvious that the unions are being engaged with because I have already paid tribute to the fact that they have been highly co-operative in what they have been doing. They have been...

Covid-19 (Transport): Statements (13 May 2020)

Shane Ross: I thank the Deputy for the points he raised. Bus Éireann continues to explore options for protective screens in the driver's cab area in those vehicles that do not already have them. The company has begun trialling portable screens on coaches. According to guidance provided by the health authorities, the risk of contracting Covid-19 from handling cash is negligible, but this measure...

Covid-19 (Transport): Statements (13 May 2020)

Shane Ross: I will send the Deputy a written reply.

Covid-19 (Transport): Statements (13 May 2020)

Shane Ross: I have just enough time to say that I will make sure that we communicate with the Deputies in writing about all those issues. I counted 23 and I do not think I can deal with them all now. With regard to driving tests, since both Deputies asked, it would be reasonable to speculate that they will happen fairly late in the day.

Covid-19 (Transport): Statements (13 May 2020)

Shane Ross: I agree with the Deputy regarding deaths on the roads. It is disappointing. I am not sure whether I am going to answer his question because I agree with everything he said, so it is a bit difficult to respond. It is disappointing that in circumstances where there is so little traffic on the roads the road deaths have gone up. The explanations are difficult to understand. The statistics,...

Covid-19 (Transport): Statements (13 May 2020)

Shane Ross: I do not know where the Deputy's letter was sent. Does he know at what address he wrote to me?

Covid-19 (Transport): Statements (13 May 2020)

Shane Ross: The Deputy wrote to my office in the Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport.

Covid-19 (Transport): Statements (13 May 2020)

Shane Ross: If the Deputy wrote to my office, I will make inquiries.

Covid-19 (Transport): Statements (13 May 2020)

Shane Ross: I have already answered that question and outlined the plans. I will tell the Deputy what the situation is. As of Monday, 23 March, two local transport operators were contracted by the NTA to deliver Local Link services to Clare.

Covid-19 (Transport): Statements (13 May 2020)

Shane Ross: I have no plans to do so.