Results 20,541-20,560 of 21,047 for speaker:Alan Kelly

Taxi Regulations (9 May 2012)

Alan Kelly: I am delighted the Deputy supports the majority of the recommendations of the review group. The extension of the nine-year rule to 14 years in certain circumstances recognises the difficult situation in which many taxi-drivers find themselves. No Minister responsible for this area has met taxi driver representatives as often as I have met them in this report phase. Along with that we need...

Taxi Regulations (9 May 2012)

Alan Kelly: On the latter question, no firm decisions have been made in that area but it is being investigated. The Deputy seems to imply that the taxi drivers did not speak about the requirement to change the nine-year rule previously. The drivers we met understood that consumers needed to have confidence in their vehicles. The consumer groups' representatives on the committee stated clearly that...

Rural Transport Services (9 May 2012)

Alan Kelly: This question relates to proposals for integrated rural transport. Following a Government decision last January I allocated responsibility for the rural transport programme, RTP, and for the integration agenda to the National Transport Authority, NTA. I also announced the establishment of the national integrated rural transport committee, NIRTC, chaired by the NTA to oversee a more...

Rural Transport Services (9 May 2012)

Alan Kelly: I thank the Deputy for his comments. As the Deputy knows, mine is a very rural constituency and this issue is something about which I am very passionate. I thank him for his support for the initiative. Much of this is common sense. The issue should not be about rural transport, but about transport in rural areas, which should not be a different issue than for other areas. People who live...

Road Safety Authority (Commercial Vehicle Roadworthiness) Bill 2012 [Seanad]: Second Stage (Resumed) (2 May 2012)

Alan Kelly: I extend my thanks to all Deputies for their contributions. This is important legislation. I have been pleased by the approach, consistent with successive Dáileanna, whereby parties have worked together in the area of road safety. The issue has not been divisive politically and has been worked on closely by all parties. I have been encouraged by the support for the Bill and I hope it...

Road Safety Authority (Commercial Vehicle Roadworthiness) Bill 2012 [Seanad]: Second Stage (Resumed) (2 May 2012)

Alan Kelly: No. From day one the licence will identify organ donors. On the other issue the Deputy raised regarding tinted windows, passing the test and the case he specified, I will investigate that issue through my office and I hope to revert to him quickly on it because it is an issue that deserves to be raised. Deputy Finian McGrath raised the issue of safety in the port tunnel, another issue I...

Road Safety Authority (Commercial Vehicle Roadworthiness) Bill 2012 [Seanad]: Referral to Select Sub-Committee (2 May 2012)

Alan Kelly: I move: That the Bill be referred to the Select Sub-Committee on Transport, Tourism and Sport pursuant to Standing Order 82A(3)(a).

Written Answers — Taxi Regulations: Taxi Regulations (2 May 2012)

Alan Kelly: The regulation of the taxi industry, including issues related to the issuing of small public service vehicle licences, is a matter for the National Transport Authority (NTA). I have arranged for your question to be forwarded to the NTA for a direct response. If you do not receive a response within ten working days, please notify my private office.

Road Safety Authority (Commercial Vehicle Roadworthiness) Bill 2012 [Seanad]: Second Stage (Resumed) (2 May 2012)

Alan Kelly: Therefore, Deputy Willie O'Dea has great talents in that aspect.

Road Safety Authority (Commercial Vehicle Roadworthiness) Bill 2012 [Seanad]: Second Stage (Resumed) (2 May 2012)

Alan Kelly: I am pleased Deputy Shane Ross thinks Deputy Willie O'Dea has great talents in that aspect.

Road Safety Authority (Commercial Vehicle Roadworthiness) Bill 2012 [Seanad]: Second Stage (Resumed) (2 May 2012)

Alan Kelly: Were they just for driving?

Road Network (1 May 2012)

Alan Kelly: I thank the House for giving me the opportunity to deal with this matter in the absence of the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport, Deputy Leo Varadkar. The Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport has responsibility for overall policy and funding the national roads programme. However, the planning, design and implementation of individual national road projects are matters for the...

Road Network (1 May 2012)

Alan Kelly: I accept the project has taken a considerable length of time. I know the value of such a road, as I am familiar with the area and the towns affected. I have been subject to delays there on many occasions in my current job and previous ones. The scheme is valuable, but, unfortunately, given the economic environment, as the Deputy is aware, funding is an issue. However, we are working with...

Road Safety Authority (Commercial Vehicle Roadworthiness) Bill 2012 [Seanad]: Second Stage (1 May 2012)

Alan Kelly: I move: "That the Bill be now read a Second Time." The Bill that I am introducing to the House will establish a legislative framework for commercial vehicle roadworthiness testing, or CVR, in the State. It will see the functions of local authorities on CVR being assumed by the Road Safety Authority, RSA. It will also provide for a change to the administrative arrangements associated with...

Written Answers — Taxi Regulations: Taxi Regulations (26 Apr 2012)

Alan Kelly: I propose to take Questions Nos. 231 to 233, inclusive, together. The regulation of the taxi industry, including issues related to taxi rental and the areas of operation of taxis, is a matter in the first instance for the National Transport Authority (NTA) under the Taxi Regulation Act, 2003. I have arranged for your question to be forwarded to the NTA for a direct response. If he does not...

Written Answers — Taxi Regulations: Taxi Regulations (24 Apr 2012)

Alan Kelly: I propose to take Questions Nos. 784 to 786, inclusive, and 791 together. The National Transport Authority (NTA) is the statutory body responsible, in accordance with the Taxi Regulation Act, 2003, for the regulation of the taxi sector in Ireland, including issues related to the transfer of SPSV licences, controls on fares and related charges and the area of operation for licensed drivers. I...

Written Answers — Cycle Facilities: Cycle Facilities (18 Apr 2012)

Alan Kelly: I propose to take Questions Nos. 1404 to 1407, inclusive, together. Recognising the success of the Dublinbikes scheme, the Programme for Government commits my Department to look to extend the scheme and to integrate it more effectively with public transport links. Dublin City Council has published the Dublinbikes Strategic Planning Framework 2011-2016 to guide the development of the scheme....

Written Answers — National Transport Authority: National Transport Authority (18 Apr 2012)

Alan Kelly: This is a matter for the National Transport Authority (NTA) and I have referred the Deputy's question to the NTA for direct reply. Please inform my private office if you do not receive a reply within ten working days.

Written Answers — Taxi Regulations: Taxi Regulations (18 Apr 2012)

Alan Kelly: The National Transport Authority (NTA), is the lead agency with responsibility for implementation of the Taxi Regulation Review Report recommendations. The NTA will provide progress reports on a quarterly basis to the Taxi Advisory Committee, which includes representation from the taxi industry. In the case of a number of medium term actions identified in the Report there will be follow up...

Written Answers — Taxi Industry: Taxi Industry (18 Apr 2012)

Alan Kelly: As part of the Taxi Regulation Review an economic analysis of the taxi market was undertaken, which included an analysis of taxi prices. The International comparison of taxi prices suggests that prices for taxis appear to be somewhat above average in Ireland relative to other countries. However, the conclusion of the analysis was that fares in Ireland are very similar to what one would...