Results 20,621-20,640 of 21,047 for speaker:Alan Kelly

Taxi Regulations (12 Jan 2012)

Alan Kelly: The committee has completed its work.

Taxi Regulations (12 Jan 2012)

Alan Kelly: It has. The final document was signed off by the committee. I chair it so I know it has seen it. The work has been completed and recommendations have been made.

Taxi Regulations (12 Jan 2012)

Alan Kelly: Subsequent to it being published it can be considered. I have spoken to the committee Chairman, Deputy Ciarán Lynch, and I already indicated I am willing to go before the committee to discuss it.

Written Answers — Cycle Facilities: Cycle Facilities (12 Jan 2012)

Alan Kelly: The Government set out its commitment to invest in the National Cycle Policy in the Programme for Government. The National Cycle Policy calls for a wide programme of action including investment in cycling infrastructure and soft measures to promote cycling. I recognise that the development of safe cycle routes is a key factor in encouraging more people to cycle and encouraging those who...

Written Answers — Public Transport: Public Transport (12 Jan 2012)

Alan Kelly: The public transport services provided by the CIÉ operating companies in 2012 are a matter for the companies concerned in conjunction with the National Transport Authority. I have referred the Deputy's question to the National Transport Authority for direct reply. Please inform my private office if you do not receive a reply within ten working days. Notwithstanding the NTA's statutory...

Written Answers — Cycle Facilities: Cycle Facilities (12 Jan 2012)

Alan Kelly: Recognising the success of the Dublinbikes scheme, the Programme for Government commits my Department to look to extend the scheme to other cities and integrate the scheme more effectively with public transport links. Following an analysis, carried out at my request, on the potential for the extension of the Dublinbikes scheme to other cities, consultations on the potential for and means of...

Rural Transport Services (12 Jan 2012)

Alan Kelly: As a fellow rural Deputy, I know the Deputy is very passionate on the issue as I am. The maintenance and development of rural passenger transport services is one of the principal objectives of my Department and I intend to make significant progress on it in 2012. The programme for Government acknowledges the importance of transport for rural communities and includes a commitment to...

Rural Transport Services (12 Jan 2012)

Alan Kelly: I agree with the sentiments of the Deputy's comments. From an Exchequer point of view, I will try to protect the service as much as is practicable. I take on board the Deputy's comments in regard to the National Transport Authority. As suggested by Deputy Bannon, we will be looking at greater integration and structures and would welcome his support in this regard. We will need to look at...

Taxi Regulation (12 Jan 2012)

Alan Kelly: I announced the taxi regulation review on 8 June last in line with the commitment in the programme for Government. The review group, under my chairmanship, completed its report in December last and I have circulated the report to relevant Ministers and their Departments with a view to early consideration of the outcome of the review by the Government. Once the Government has had an...

Taxi Regulation (12 Jan 2012)

Alan Kelly: I thank the Deputy for his submission on this matter. The issue of enforcement which he correctly stated is very much addressed in the report and it is one that we must address. We need a new process for enforcement of current and future regulations and changes. That is one of the primary and most important aspects of the report. We need to ensure that rogue traders, those who should not...

Taxi Regulation (12 Jan 2012)

Alan Kelly: That is an issue that will be addressed in the report.

Public Transport (12 Jan 2012)

Alan Kelly: Public transport fares are a matter for the CIE operating companies in conjunction with the National Transport Authority. I am aware that the NTA approved a range of fare increases in respect of the CIE companies recently which took effect earlier this month. It is the responsibility of the NTA to make a determination on any future fare increases as appropriate. Notwithstanding the NTA's...

Public Transport (12 Jan 2012)

Alan Kelly: The Department and the NTA have been working hard in various ways to encourage a greater uptake of public transport services. In the context of fare increases, it is important to point out that serious savings are to be made by consumers who choose, as we are encouraging them to do, to avail of the integrated ticket, the leap card. Using a leap card can lead to savings of as much as 9% in...

Public Transport (12 Jan 2012)

Alan Kelly: In an ideal world we would not be contemplating fare increases. Given the costs associated with the various companies, many of which are fixed, and in the light of the price of fuel, there is an inevitability to the imposition of fare increases. However, as the Deputy has acknowledged on previous occasions, there is a way of mitigating the impact of these increases through use of the leap...

Written Answers — Sustainable Transport: Sustainable Transport (11 Jan 2012)

Alan Kelly: I am fully supportive of the Tralee to Fenit Greenway. Given the project's potential to contribute to both sustainable transport goals and to local tourism, the funding commitment from my Department remains in place. While the route is primarily a matter for Kerry County Council to progress, I understand that they are experiencing difficulties due to encroachment onto CIE lands. I therefore...

Written Answers — Public Transport: Public Transport (11 Jan 2012)

Alan Kelly: I propose to take Questions Nos. 1028 and 1033 together. Responsibility to develop, procure, implement, operate and maintain the integrated ticketing system in the Greater Dublin Area (GDA) became the function of the National Transport Authority (NTA) with effect from 30th September 2010 in accordance with section 58 of the DTA Act 2008. The Leap card was launched for sale on 12th December...

Written Answers — Departmental Expenditure: Departmental Expenditure (15 Dec 2011)

Alan Kelly: I have received reports on the Value for Money and policy Review of the RTP as well as on the Local Integration Transport Studies (LITS). It is proposed to publish both reports together shortly in the context of plans for the future of the RTP as well as to achieve better efficiency through integration of Exchequer funded transport services. The issues at stake do not just involve my...

Written Answers — Taxi Regulations: Taxi Regulations (15 Dec 2011)

Alan Kelly: The regulation of the taxi industry, including issues relating to enforcement activities, is a matter for the National Transport Authority (NTA) under the Taxi Regulation Act, 2003. I have arranged for the Deputy's specific request to be sent to the NTA. If you do not get a response within ten working days please advise my private office. I hope to submit the final report of the taxi review...

European Summit: Motion (8 Dec 2011)

Alan Kelly: I thank all Deputies who have contributed to today's extensive debate. It is always welcome to have matters relating to Ireland and the European Union debated in the House. As a former Member of the European Parliament and the Joint Committee on European Scrutiny, I have been a strong promoter of better engagement between the House and our European institutions. This is needed now more...

European Summit: Motion (8 Dec 2011)

Alan Kelly: -----and to give a clear, unanimous mandate to the Taoiseach so he can have the House's full support in the critical negotiations tonight and this weekend. As a former MEP, I can safely say that, by and large and regardless of their political colours, our elected representatives in Brussels and Strasbourg wear the green jersey every week and get the best for our country. Irrespective of...