Results 20,781-20,800 of 21,047 for speaker:Alan Kelly

Rail Interconnector (20 Apr 2011)

Alan Kelly: To be straight with the Deputy, of course it is a good idea. As a concept it really works and in theory there would be huge support for it. Given the financial reality, however, we must look at prioritisation. I agree there is a restriction on return for these lines because of the lack of interconnectivity and I hope we will get there at some stage in the future. Having said that, there...

Commission of Inquiry into Banking Sector: Statements (20 Apr 2011)

Alan Kelly: When reading the Nyberg report last night, I recalled a moment when the scale of the devastation the Irish banking crisis came to the fore at the European Parliament. In my former capacity as an MEP, I was attending a private meeting with Commissioner Almunia - the man in charge of state aid rules in Europe - to discuss the matter of the bailout of Anglo Irish Bank. The Commissioner,...

Public Transport (20 Apr 2011)

Alan Kelly: I propose to take Questions Nos. 29, 49 and 59 together. The Deloitte report on the cost and efficiency of Dublin Bus and Bus Éireann identified significant scope for the redesign and more efficient operation of the Dublin Bus network to provide a more attractive service for existing and potential users. The redesign would achieve more frequent, streamlined and reliable services. Following...

Public Transport (20 Apr 2011)

Alan Kelly: I thank the Deputy for his passionate reply.

Public Transport (20 Apr 2011)

Alan Kelly: As a former tourism executive, I am aware of the huge merit of such visits and their potential for the country. As far as the Government is concerned, the review that has been carried out is working. The main features of the redesigned network are an increase in the number of high frequency routes, more direct alignment of routes to and from key areas of work and leisure, greater use of...

Public Transport (20 Apr 2011)

Alan Kelly: To be fair, it is impossible to find more funding in this environment. I have some sympathy for the argument that the subvention given to Dublin Bus is low by comparison to that given to similar operators in other countries. It is a fair point and one I have made on previous occasions. The economic environment in which we find ourselves is very unfortunate. If we take money from another...

Public Transport (20 Apr 2011)

Alan Kelly: The review will not be stopped. It is not fair to describe its purpose as being to secure cutbacks. Its purpose is to obtain as much as possible for what we have. I have made an offer on specific hardship cases which need to be addressed and this will be done. We must be realistic, however. While routes and other issues raised by the Deputy are matters for Dublin Bus, in a number of cases...

Public Transport (20 Apr 2011)

Alan Kelly: While I would not necessarily fully subscribe to the option to which the Deputy refers, every option is on the table and will be examined, including, if necessary, by the relevant committee.

Public Transport (20 Apr 2011)

Alan Kelly: I understand and respect the reason this issue raises passions in local communities. We have encouraged as much consultation as possible. While I am open to correction, I understand demographic profiling has been done. I will ensure a full answer is provided to the Deputy's questions in this regard. When I meet the relevant authorities I will emphasise again the need for skeleton services,...

Road Network (20 Apr 2011)

Alan Kelly: Following the establishment of the National Transport Authority in December 2009, responsibility for the delivery of an integrated transport system, including funding for quality bus corridors in the greater Dublin area, is a matter for the National Transport Authority. I have, therefore, asked the National Transport Authority to send the relevant information to the Deputy. I ask him to...

Road Network (20 Apr 2011)

Alan Kelly: I presume the Deputy's concerns relate to the greater Dublin area. The National Transport Authority is examining this matter, although it is not the subject of a review. I could request that such a review be carried out to examine matters such as the times at which the bus corridors can be used by vehicles other than buses, the success rate of each bus corridor measured against key...

Seanad: Order of Business (1 Apr 2009)

Alan Kelly: Senator Daly would do better to look at the policies that got us to this stage rather than trying——

Seanad: Order of Business (1 Apr 2009)

Alan Kelly: ——to deflect attention from the fact the Government has performed so poorly.

Seanad: Order of Business (1 Apr 2009)

Alan Kelly: My colleague, Senator Alex White, referred to the fact that on budget day we want to hear from the Government some initiatives on job creation. Has the Government some initiatives to deal with the issue of what we will do with our graduates, which is becoming a significant problem. There simply are not placements or job opportunities for many of them. Their options are limited. I would...

Seanad: Order of Business (1 Apr 2009)

Alan Kelly: We were promised a new accident and emergency wing in Limerick hospital. I drove by the hospital yesterday and I did not see it spring up. We were promised a new strategy on ambulances. Five times I have asked the Health Service Executive for its proposal on ambulances in the mid-west and it has not been able to inform me.

Seanad: Order of Business (1 Apr 2009)

Alan Kelly: It is a disgrace what it is doing to these regional hospitals and there will be many more under attack after Nenagh and Ennis. It is the people of rural Ireland who are being let down by the Government once more.

Seanad: Seanad Reform: Motion (11 Mar 2009)

Alan Kelly: I compliment Senator O'Toole and his colleagues on tabling this motion, which I will support. As my colleague, Senator Hannigan, said, let us just get on with it. This House needs to be reformed. We have been talking about it for long enough and it is something the Green Party proposed a long time ago. I look forward to that happening and will wholeheartedly support it. There was a...

Seanad: Seanad Reform: Motion (11 Mar 2009)

Alan Kelly: On many occasions, that does not happen. Perhaps I am breaking with tradition but I compliment the Green Party which has the best track record in terms of the relevant Minister attending. I do not know, but perhaps it is the novelty of sitting in that seat. I thank the Minister, Deputy Gormley, for that.

Seanad: Seanad Reform: Motion (11 Mar 2009)

Alan Kelly: If the House is to be relevant and if we want the press to cover debates, the scenario where Ministers are sent into the House, fall half asleep and do not listen to us is crazy and cannot be allowed to continue.

Seanad: Order of Business (4 Mar 2009)

Alan Kelly: Hear, hear.