Results 2,701-2,720 of 11,242 for speaker:Noel Dempsey

Written Answers — Public Transport: Public Transport (16 Jun 2009)

Noel Dempsey: A number of pilot initiatives have taken place both in Dublin Bus and Bus Éireann in relation to more sustainable fuels for its fleet. The commitment in the Programme for Government relating to biofuels has been superseded by the more ambitious targets for transport as set out in the Government's Smarter Travel policy, launched by me in February, 2009. Specifically, in relation to public...

Written Answers — Service for People with Disabilities: Service for People with Disabilities (16 Jun 2009)

Noel Dempsey: I understand from the firm that provides taxi services to my Department that 10% of its fleet are wheelchair accessible. The cost of taxi services provided to my Department was €23,737 in 2008 and €6,487 in 2009 (to date). Insofar as the agencies under the aegis of my Department are concerned, the arrangements for the procurement of required taxi services are matters to be dealt with...

Written Answers — Rail Network: Rail Network (16 Jun 2009)

Noel Dempsey: Proposals for the reopening of closed railway lines are a matter for Iarnród Éireann to consider in the first instance. There is no plan to reopen the line from Midleton to Youghal in the short to medium term, and the project is not included in Transport 21. However, I understand that the Cork County planners have preserved the existing railway line for the potential reopening of the...

Written Answers — Marine Safety: Marine Safety (16 Jun 2009)

Noel Dempsey: Irish Coast Guard officials are in discussion with the Office of Public Works concerning planning arrangements for the commissioning and installation of an Integrated Communications System (ICS) at Valentia and Malin Head Marine Rescue Coordination Sub-Centres.

Seanad: Aviation (Preclearance) Bill 2009: Report and Final Stages (16 Jun 2009)

Noel Dempsey: I made it clear on Committee Stage that preclearance officers will not be allowed to carry any weapons in the preclearance area. The use of any type of weapon by preclearance officers was entirely rejected by the Irish negotiating team during the preclearance discussions. We were specific and clear on the matter and that was agreed. It was made clear beyond doubt in the agreement that...

Seanad: Aviation (Preclearance) Bill 2009: Report and Final Stages (16 Jun 2009)

Noel Dempsey: I very much appreciate what the Senator is trying to do and I do not disagree with his intent in this regard. I gave the matter some thought following the discussion we had. I know Senator Ryan feels strongly that the Bill should be reworded to avoid the use of "expedient" and "expediency". These probably have a different meaning in everyday language than in legal parlance and that is...

Seanad: Aviation (Preclearance) Bill 2009: Report and Final Stages (16 Jun 2009)

Noel Dempsey: The reason I quoted the example of a minor was that it was only one possible case and was not intended to be an exhaustive list of cases. The Senator came up with some examples in his amendment. I will look at it again to see whether there is any wording or phrase we might use to try to meet the concern of everybody. I will consider leaving out "or is otherwise expedient" but I believe...

Seanad: Aviation (Preclearance) Bill 2009: Report and Final Stages (16 Jun 2009)

Noel Dempsey: This Government amendment was drafted on foot of a similar amendment by the Labour Party Senators and is purely technical, concerning the alignment of the words "shall not enter" in section 7. In the printed text of the Bill the words are associated with section 7(1) (d) when the intention is that they also refer to paragraphs (a), (b) and (c) of section 7(1). The amendment now makes it...

Seanad: Aviation (Preclearance) Bill 2009: Report and Final Stages (16 Jun 2009)

Noel Dempsey: I thank the Senators for engaging in such a positive way with the passage of the Bill and for proposing amendments. There were not many because the Bill was reasonably straightforward, although its drafting was complicated. I thank the Senators for the proposals and amendments. I thank the staff in the House, my staff and everybody involved in bringing forward the Bill.

Written Answers — Departmental Reports: Departmental Reports (11 Jun 2009)

Noel Dempsey: Both Bus Átha Cliath and Bus Éireann have commenced work on the implementation of the Deloitte report's recommendations. Furthermore, implementation of recommendations in the report relating to bus priority, integrated ticketing, demand management measures, bus licensing and the move to PSO contracts are already being pursued by my Department, in conjunction with Bus Éireann, Dublin Bus,...

Written Answers — Rail Services: Rail Services (11 Jun 2009)

Noel Dempsey: The Transport 21 capital investment programme for rail is the strategy for the development of our rail network. Under this programme, Iarnród Éireann have already delivered and are continuing to deliver projects to significantly increase the frequency and capacity of rail services throughout the State. These include: - A new fleet of trains including new Intercity trains on all lines, and...

Written Answers — Air Accident Investigations: Air Accident Investigations (11 Jun 2009)

Noel Dempsey: On 21 April 2009, following consultation with all interested parties, the Air Accident Investigation Unit (AAIU) of the Department of Transport published a Synoptic Final Report into a Serious Incident concerning an MD-83 aircraft near Dublin Airport on 16 August 2007. The Investigation of this Serious Incident was conducted in accordance with the Annex 13 provisions to the Convention on...

Ryan Report on the Commission to Inquire into Child Abuse: Motion (Resumed) (11 Jun 2009)

Noel Dempsey: I thank my colleagues for the opportunity to say a few words during this important debate. I served as Minister at the Department of Education and Science for two and a half years, during which time I dealt with this issue and met with many of the survivors individually and in groups. At all times during my meetings with the survivors they stated their need to be believed, to get an...

Seanad: Aviation (Preclearance) Bill 2009: Committee Stage (11 Jun 2009)

Noel Dempsey: Having considered further the provisions of sections 3 and 5 of the Bill, I have decided to propose to amend the Bill to create the new subsections (3) and (4) to section 3. That is what this amendment is about. The proposed subsection 3(3) provides that in proceedings regarding a failure to make an accurate written declaration of all goods required to be declared, it shall be a good...

Seanad: Aviation (Preclearance) Bill 2009: Committee Stage (11 Jun 2009)

Noel Dempsey: I understand the concern behind amendments Nos. 3 and 4 but amendment No. 3 would appear to do the opposite to what the Senators intend. The intent of the legislation is that there be limited searching powers for preclearance officers and provision in this regard is included in the Bill. The proposed amendments relate to the functions of preclearance officers, specifically in regard to the...

Seanad: Aviation (Preclearance) Bill 2009: Committee Stage (11 Jun 2009)

Noel Dempsey: This is a technical amendment to correctly align the reference to the preclearance officer in line 31 of page 7 to ensure there is no doubt that the powers of the preclearance officer refer to the entirety of subsection (3) as intended. The amendment clarifies that issue.

Seanad: Aviation (Preclearance) Bill 2009: Committee Stage (11 Jun 2009)

Noel Dempsey: The first purpose of the Government's amendment No. 6 is to correctly align the words "may without warrant" in line 21 of page 8 so that there is no doubt that they refer to the entirety of subsection (1) as intended. That is a technical change. There is a further proposed change at paragraph (1)(B)(II) clarifying the reference to a designated medical practitioner. The amendment specifies...

Seanad: Aviation (Preclearance) Bill 2009: Committee Stage (11 Jun 2009)

Noel Dempsey: No, it does not. I understand the Senator's concern, but the intent in the legislation, as is clearly stated, is that this cannot happen with a person of the other sex present except where it is otherwise expedient. The inclusion of the words "otherwise expedient" does not remove the previous obligation, it just adds a protection for people such as minors. I understand the Senator's point...

Seanad: Aviation (Preclearance) Bill 2009: Committee Stage (11 Jun 2009)

Noel Dempsey: This amendment arises under section 13, which provides for privileges and immunities for citizens of the USA who are assigned to carry out preclearance functions. Section 13(4) provides that the Minister may, after consultation with the US, require the departure from the State of a preclearance officer in certain circumstances, which are outlined. The provision in the Bill reflects the...

Seanad: Aviation (Preclearance) Bill 2009: Committee Stage (11 Jun 2009)

Noel Dempsey: I thank the Senator for his amendment. He was correct in stating there is already a provision under existing legislation with regard to this issue. The Criminal Justice (Public Order) Act 1994 outlines the penalties for the offence of assaulting a member of the Garda Síochána, which carries a higher penalty on indictment than that outlined in this Bill. I agree with the Senator that...