Results 29,281-29,300 of 32,983 for speaker:Paschal Donohoe

Written Answers — Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport: Road Projects (19 Nov 2014)

Paschal Donohoe: The planning, design and implementation of individual national road schemes are matters for the National Roads Authority (NRA) under the Roads Acts 1993-2007 in conjunction with the relevant road authorities. The main purpose of the Roads Bill 2014, which has completed Second Stage in the Dáil, is to facilitate the merger of the National Roads Authority (NRA) and the...

Written Answers — Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport: Regional Road Network (19 Nov 2014)

Paschal Donohoe: The improvement and maintenance of regional and local roads is the statutory responsibility of each local authority, in accordance with the provisions of Section 13 of the Roads Act 1993. Works on those roads are funded from local authorities' own resources supplemented by State road grants.  The initial selection and prioritisation of works to be funded is also a matter for the local...

Written Answers — Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport: Regional Road Network (19 Nov 2014)

Paschal Donohoe: As Minister for Transport, Tourism & Sport, I have responsibility for overall policy and funding in relation to the national roads programme.  The planning, design and implementation of individual road projects  is a matter for the National Roads Authority (NRA) under the Roads Acts 1993 to 2007 in conjunction with the local authorities concerned. Within its capital budget,...

Written Answers — Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport: Ministerial Transport (19 Nov 2014)

Paschal Donohoe: The information requested by the Deputy is being compiled and will be forwarded as soon as possible.

Seanad: Irish Airlines Superannuation Scheme: Statements (18 Nov 2014)

Paschal Donohoe: Senator O'Brien belittles the gravity of this situation-----

Seanad: Irish Airlines Superannuation Scheme: Statements (18 Nov 2014)

Paschal Donohoe: -----by standing up and making a point like this.

Seanad: Irish Airlines Superannuation Scheme: Statements (18 Nov 2014)

Paschal Donohoe: I have come in here to respond-----

Seanad: Irish Airlines Superannuation Scheme: Statements (18 Nov 2014)

Paschal Donohoe: The Senator knows I agreed to come to the House-----

Seanad: Irish Airlines Superannuation Scheme: Statements (18 Nov 2014)

Paschal Donohoe: -----as quickly as I could in a format determined by it.

Seanad: Irish Airlines Superannuation Scheme: Statements (18 Nov 2014)

Paschal Donohoe: Let me conclude by responding to the issue affecting so many families. This issue has gone on for decades.

Seanad: Irish Airlines Superannuation Scheme: Statements (18 Nov 2014)

Paschal Donohoe: We now face a situation where we have a deficit of between €750 million and €800 million. That is the scale of the issue we face. The trustees wrote to me to say that, on the basis of all the work that has been done and all of the engagement that has taken place, they believe this to be the best outcome achievable in these circumstances.

Seanad: Irish Airlines Superannuation Scheme: Statements (18 Nov 2014)

Paschal Donohoe: As people are aware, some workers have voted on it. This application will go to the Pensions Authority, an independent body, which will make a decision in this regard. I have met people who are affected by this and who have paid into this scheme. Given the scale of the deficit and all of the work underway to deal with this, how can anybody be certain that more funding would be secured to...

Seanad: Irish Airlines Superannuation Scheme: Statements (18 Nov 2014)

Paschal Donohoe: If there is nothing to take its place, let me emphasise again-----

Seanad: Irish Airlines Superannuation Scheme: Statements (18 Nov 2014)

Paschal Donohoe: These are questions with which I have to grapple. This is the work the trustees have done and this is the process which has been undertaken. There is a deficit of €750 million which has a material affect on people. The employers, the unions, an expert panel and nearly every labour relations body in the country has worked to deliver-----

Seanad: Irish Airlines Superannuation Scheme: Statements (18 Nov 2014)

Paschal Donohoe: Those who say a different course of action should be found must consider the fact more funding has been found from employers-----

Seanad: Irish Airlines Superannuation Scheme: Statements (18 Nov 2014)

Paschal Donohoe: -----during this process as a result of the expert panel. I have to ask one question in regard to this. What would the alternative process be given where we stand now? From where could extra funding be found to make this better for people who are affected by this?

Seanad: Irish Airlines Superannuation Scheme: Statements (18 Nov 2014)

Paschal Donohoe: I responded to communication I received from the trustees who said they believed this was the best outcome that could be achieved in the circumstances.

Seanad: Irish Airlines Superannuation Scheme: Statements (18 Nov 2014)

Paschal Donohoe: This application will now go to the Pensions Authority, which will make a decision in regard to it.

Seanad: Irish Airlines Superannuation Scheme: Statements (18 Nov 2014)

Paschal Donohoe: I thank all the members for their contributions this evening on this very serious matter. A number of people have put to me whether I appreciate the gravity of this situation. I have met individuals who will be affected by this. I have heard from them on the challenges they face and the pressure they are under. I appreciate the personal consequences that pensioners and workers are facing...

Seanad: Irish Airlines Superannuation Scheme: Statements (18 Nov 2014)

Paschal Donohoe: There is a point that follows on from all of this in terms of the process. Let us emphasise what has happened here. Based on all of the work that has gone on, which has involved every labour body in this country and an expert panel and a huge amount of work from the employers and all concerned, the trustees have written to me saying they believe this to be the best outcome to be secured.