Results 20,701-20,720 of 21,047 for speaker:Alan Kelly

Rural Transport Services (29 Sep 2011)

Alan Kelly: I probably come from a smaller rural community than Deputy Troy and, therefore, am very conscious of and passionate about this issue. I fully intend to support transport services in rural areas because I know their value very much. The two reports will be published very shortly. The issues that will transcend not just the Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport but also other areas are...

Rural Transport Services (29 Sep 2011)

Alan Kelly: The reports will be published in the coming weeks. The pilot schemes are in the north west and north east. The findings are contained in the reports and when they are published the Deputy will see them. There is value in integrating services in rural areas and there is value in examining school transport and HSE transport. I would have preferred if the previous Government had considered a...

Written Answers — Taxi Regulations: Taxi Regulations (28 Sep 2011)

Alan Kelly: The regulation of the taxi industry, including matters related to both drivers' knowledge of the local area and quality of vehicles, is a matter for the National Transport Authority (NTA) under the Taxi Regulation Act 2003. The NTA is committed to introducing a comprehensive Skills Development Programme in line with international best practice and, to this end, made it compulsory for new...

Written Answers — Taxi Regulations: Taxi Regulations (27 Sep 2011)

Alan Kelly: This is a matter for the National Transport Authority and not one in which I have any role. I have forwarded the question onto the NTA for direct reply. Please contact my private office if you do not receive a reply within ten working days.

Written Answers — Departmental Expenditure: Departmental Expenditure (20 Sep 2011)

Alan Kelly: A short description of each of 31 projects that were approved under the Smarter Travel Project Fund early in 2010 is available at www.smartertravel.ie/Smarter-Travel-Project-Fund/Funded-proj ects. One further project, led by County Sligo Leader Partnership, which explores synergies and seeks opportunities to support the integration of transport services in Counties Sligo and Leitrim between...

Written Answers — Cycle Facilities: Cycle Facilities (15 Sep 2011)

Alan Kelly: In accordance with the Programme for Government, I am investing in the National Cycle Policy which calls for a wide programme of action including publicity, education, development of a national cycle network; investment in cycling infrastructure and demonstration projects, including off-road cycle tracks in rural locations; legislative change; improved enforcement of traffic laws and support...

Seanad: Future of Local and Rural Transport: Statements (15 Sep 2011)

Alan Kelly: I went on a detour for a couple of years.

Seanad: Future of Local and Rural Transport: Statements (15 Sep 2011)

Alan Kelly: Thank you. I thank Senators for their comments and questions. When previously a Member of this House, I told myself that if I ever got the opportunity to hold the position of Minister or Minister of State, I would always endeavour to answer as directly and fairly as possible any questions put to me. I will endeavour to do so today. I will try to respond to questions in the order they were...

Seanad: Future of Local and Rural Transport: Statements (15 Sep 2011)

Alan Kelly: I do not doubt it. I can imagine in my own area that man would be on the one run for a week. I have met the people in Woodlawn and will raise the highlighted issue. I understand exactly where they are coming from. There is an issue relating to timetabling and I will revert on the issue. Changing a timetable takes some time and there is a domino effect with consequences along the line....

Seanad: Future of Local and Rural Transport: Statements (15 Sep 2011)

Alan Kelly: I thank the Chair for giving me the opportunity to address the House on the future of the rural transport programme. It does not seem that long since I was a Member of this House. Many Senators are passionate about this issue, as I am. Coming from the village of Portroe, on the border of Tipperary and Clare, I know public transport is an issue. This is not just an urban issue but one that...

Written Answers — Driving Tests: Driving Tests (14 Sep 2011)

Alan Kelly: It is standard practice across the EU and internationally for driving licensing laws to provide for routine medical and eyesight reports for older drivers. The cut-off point in Ireland has been fixed at age 70 since these rules were first introduced in 1964. The reason why a medical practitioner rather than an optician is specified is that the level of testing envisaged is meant to pick up...

Written Answers — Taxi Regulations: Taxi Regulations (14 Sep 2011)

Alan Kelly: The regulation of the small public service vehicle (SPSV) sector, including matters relating to multiple licence holders, is a matter for the National Transport Authority (NTA). I have referred the Deputy's request for information to the NTA for direct reply. Please advise my Office if you do not receive a reply within ten working days.

Written Answers — Departmental Programmes: Departmental Programmes (14 Sep 2011)

Alan Kelly: The future of the Programme is being considered in the context of the available budget for 2011 and the National Recovery Plan. The programme is one I believe has considerable merit and although the scope and scale originally envisaged for the scheme is no longer possible given the current fiscal situation, there may be some scope to proceed with a scheme scaled back in size as Smarter Travel...

Written Answers — Integrated Ticketing: Integrated Ticketing (14 Sep 2011)

Alan Kelly: Responsibility to develop, procure, implement, operate and maintain the integrated ticketing system in the Greater Dublin Area became the function of the National Transport Authority (NTA) with effect from 30th September 2010. I understand from the NTA, however, that good progress is being made on the project and it has now progressed towards the final stage of intensive testing. Luas have...

Written Answers — Rural Transport Services: Rural Transport Services (14 Sep 2011)

Alan Kelly: Thirty-six rural community transport groups are being funded under my Department's Rural Transport Programme (RTP), which is operational in every county and plays an important role in combating rural isolation. These groups are working towards maximising coverage in their operational areas having regard to local public transport service needs and the availability of resources. The Free...

Written Answers — Taxi Regulations: Taxi Regulations (14 Sep 2011)

Alan Kelly: The regulation of the taxi industry, including matters related to vehicle standards, is a matter for the National Transport Authority (NTA) under the Taxi Regulation Act 2003. The NTA is currently reviewing the small public service vehicle standards and is in the process of undertaking a public consultation on proposed measures this year with a view to advancing new regulations to come into...

Written Answers — Public Service Vehicles: Public Service Vehicles (21 Jul 2011)

Alan Kelly: I propose to take Questions Nos. 719 and 720 together. The regulation of the small public service vehicle sector, including the rules in relation to hackney licensing or the transfer of licences, is a matter for the National Transport Authority under the Public Transport Regulation Act 2009. I have referred the Deputy's Question to the authority for direct reply. The Deputy should advise my...

Written Answers — Smarter Travel Scheme: Smarter Travel Scheme (21 Jul 2011)

Alan Kelly: The future of the Smarter Travel Areas Programme is currently under active consideration in the context of the available budget for 2011 and the National Recovery Plan. The size and availability of funding for the delivery of a Smarter Travel Areas programme of any scale must be considered in the context of the Government's and my Department's overall priorities. I appreciate that a great...

Written Answers — Taxi Regulations: Taxi Regulations (21 Jul 2011)

Alan Kelly: I refer the Deputy to the answer to Questions No. 467 and 474 of 12 July 2011. As I stated then, the operation and management of the taxi rank at the St. James's Hospital is the responsibility of the Management Board of the hospital. I will arrange to forward the Deputy's question to my colleague, the Minister for Health for direct response in this regard.

Written Answers — Taxi Regulation: Taxi Regulation (20 Jul 2011)

Alan Kelly: In my announcements of the 8th and 24th June respectively I have clarified the terms of reference and the membership of the Taxi Regulation Review Group, in line with the commitment in the Programme for Government. The aim of the review is to enable the necessary further reforms of the sector to allow consumers to have confidence in the taxi system while also ensuring that legitimate...