Results 3,361-3,380 of 6,797 for speaker:Darren O'Rourke

Energy Security: Statements (27 Oct 2022)

Darren O'Rourke: The war in Ukraine has exposed how vulnerable this State is to volatility in the international energy markets and reinforced the need to radically reduce our dependence on fossil fuels and become energy-independent. Ireland imports a little over 70% of the energy we use and this is well over the EU average of 58%. Oil accounts for 45% of primary energy needs and gas for a further 34%. All...

Ceisteanna ar Pholasaí nó ar Reachtaíocht - Questions on Policy or Legislation (27 Oct 2022)

Darren O'Rourke: The next time the Dáil sits, COP27 will be under way. The conference will hear that greenhouse gas emissions were at record levels last year. Ireland has ambitious targets that are agreed. They include a 51% reduction in emissions by 2030. To achieve that, offshore wind will play a significant role. Our ports will also play a significant role but they will need to be ready. We know...

Development (Emergency Electricity Generation) Bill 2022: Committee and Remaining Stages (26 Oct 2022)

Darren O'Rourke: May I speak to my amendment at this stage?

Development (Emergency Electricity Generation) Bill 2022: Committee and Remaining Stages (26 Oct 2022)

Darren O'Rourke: I will speak to Deputy Smith's amendment on the report. My amendment is on the same theme. As I mentioned, there is a need to measure emissions. This Bill is emergency legislation introduced in exceptional circumstances. There are significant risks associated with it and the opportunity for increased scrutiny, accountability and review is an important one that should be taken.

Development (Emergency Electricity Generation) Bill 2022: Committee and Remaining Stages (26 Oct 2022)

Darren O'Rourke: I move amendment No. 9: In page 7, between lines 25 and 26, to insert the following: “Report on the Implementation 12.(1) The Minister shall, within 6 months of the passing of this Act, lay a report before both Houses of the Oireachtas following a post-enactment review. (2) Within one month of the laying of the report before both Houses of the Oireachtas, the Minister and...

Development (Emergency Electricity Generation) Bill 2022: Committee and Remaining Stages (26 Oct 2022)

Darren O'Rourke: I will be brief because the point has been mad with regard to this amendment. I want to make a point about some of the other amendments in the grouping. I support all of them, especially amendment No. 5 in the name of Deputy Bacik. It does what a number of other amendments seek to do, namely to increase transparency, accountability, scrutiny and the assessment of the particular projects...

Development (Emergency Electricity Generation) Bill 2022: Second Stage (26 Oct 2022)

Darren O'Rourke: It is ironic. Such is the curtailed nature of this whole debate, the Minister of State cannot deliver the most basic of remarks reflecting the contents of the Bill within the guillotined time he has. Perhaps the Minister of State, Deputy Ossian Smyth, knows how we feel on this side of the House on so many occasions when it comes to legislation and emergency legislation from the Minister. ...

Select Committee on Transport, Tourism and Sport: Communications Regulation Bill 2022: Committee Stage (26 Oct 2022)

Darren O'Rourke: The issue of commencement has been raised. From reading the legislation, I believe the Minister has, as usual, discretion regarding the commencement of various sections. Is there ongoing engagement with telecommunications companies? Obviously, a whole new regime will be brought into play. Will there be advance notice? I presume there will be significant new regulatory and administrative...

Public Transport: Motion [Private Members] (25 Oct 2022)

Darren O'Rourke: I thank everyone who contributed to the debate. The Minister of State, Deputy Naughton, stated that some elements of the motion "do not properly reflect the progress to date in this area, the work currently under way or the Government's future plans for public transport." I do not know what that means. We have set out, for example, in the area of Connecting Ireland, the rural bus plan...

Public Transport: Motion [Private Members] (25 Oct 2022)

Darren O'Rourke: I move: That Dáil Éireann: notes: — that the transport sector accounts for 17.7 per cent of our total greenhouse gas emissions, and investment in public transport can play a central role in helping to reduce carbon emissions; — that expanding affordable, accessible and reliable public transport infrastructure across the island can deliver environmental,...

Written Answers — Department of Employment Affairs and Social Protection: Social Welfare Eligibility (25 Oct 2022)

Darren O'Rourke: 477. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection the reason that illness benefit recipients are excluded from the autumn double payment and the Christmas bonus payment; if this matter will be reviewed; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [53348/22]

Written Answers — Department of Employment Affairs and Social Protection: Social Welfare Eligibility (25 Oct 2022)

Darren O'Rourke: 478. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection if she will list, by social welfare payment type, those included and excluded from the autumn double payment and the Christmas bonus payment; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [53349/22]

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Climate Action: COP27: Discussion (25 Oct 2022)

Darren O'Rourke: I thank the witnesses. In relation to the non-proliferation treaty, the Energy Charter Treaty, the recent report about energy security and what infrastructure might be needed in the future in Ireland, what are Mr. McEvilly's thoughts on how all of that can be squared? The energy security review came with a short list and a long list of options.

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Climate Action: COP27: Discussion (25 Oct 2022)

Darren O'Rourke: Would it be consistent with that non-proliferation treaty that is being spoken of?

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Transport, Tourism and Sport: Bus Coach Sector: Discussion (19 Oct 2022)

Darren O'Rourke: I thank the witnesses. We examined this previously. To extend the 20% fare reduction to the CBO sector would cost in the region of €24 million over a 12-month period. Is it safe to say that it would be an ask today for that 20% fare reduction to be extended to the commercial bus operator sector?

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Transport, Tourism and Sport: Bus Coach Sector: Discussion (19 Oct 2022)

Darren O'Rourke: We do not have to go outside my constituency as we have Ashbourne Connect in our area, which is reducing services.

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Transport, Tourism and Sport: Bus Coach Sector: Discussion (19 Oct 2022)

Darren O'Rourke: That is something the committee should pick up on because it is making a difference in those services, as we can see. Mr. Crowley raised fuel variation clauses the last time he was before the committee. Has there been any progress on that? Has the situation improved or deteriorated?

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Transport, Tourism and Sport: Bus Coach Sector: Discussion (19 Oct 2022)

Darren O'Rourke: The committee has had hearings previously relating to other sectors and we have seen progress from Government. It is something we should continue to pursue.

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Transport, Tourism and Sport: Bus Coach Sector: Discussion (19 Oct 2022)

Darren O'Rourke: Mr. Conway raised the issue in his opening statement about the challenges in delivering on licences and dealing with local authorities. He specifically mentioned that there is a demand from the NTA that services be fully operational by 7 November. Will he provide some information on the common-sense flexibility the commercial coach industry is asking for? What is it asking for specifically?

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Transport, Tourism and Sport: Bus Coach Sector: Discussion (19 Oct 2022)

Darren O'Rourke: What services does this relate to?