Results 3,621-3,640 of 4,673 for speaker:Dessie Ellis

Ceisteanna - Questions - Priority Questions: Public Transport (18 Oct 2012)

Dessie Ellis: It is very disappointing, particularly following the launch of the 80 new buses and a further 60 for the industry, that we are going back to CIE and Dublin Bus to say that assets will have to be sold, whether older buses or otherwise, to make up the shortfall in moneys. There is a need to be more imaginative. Is there any way of addressing the fuel issue and looking at where cheaper fuel...

Ceisteanna - Questions - Priority Questions: Public Transport (18 Oct 2012)

Dessie Ellis: To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his plans to improve the provision of public transport and smarter travel options across the State while at the same time reducing the public transport subvention; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45456/12]

Ceisteanna - Questions - Priority Questions: Public Transport (18 Oct 2012)

Dessie Ellis: I have said many times that we have one of the lowest subventions for public transport in Europe and the Minister has agreed. Even last year, CIE received €316 million and this year the amount is €242 million. Even with the €36 million, it is still only €278 million. If we continue to cut like this, we will hit vital services even more. We have increased fares and...

Report of the Pyrite Panel: Statements (Resumed) (18 Oct 2012)

Dessie Ellis: I am very pleased this issue is finally being discussed formally in the Dáil and I welcome the report and the Minister's response. I take this opportunity to give credit to the families affected by pyrite contamination and the Pyrite Action Group, many of whom have taken the time to come here today. These people spearheaded this campaign and have fought their corner with dignity and...

Written Answers — Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport: Taxi Regulations (18 Oct 2012)

Dessie Ellis: To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his plans for the implementation of uniform decals for taxis. [45129/12]

Other Questions: Human Rights Issues (17 Oct 2012)

Dessie Ellis: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade in view of the ongoing threats to trade unionists, civil society leaders, and human rights and defence lawyers, his views regarding the recent 50% cut in the petrol allowance that is given by the Colombian Government in order that trade union and civil society leaders can use protective vehicles. [44811/12]

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Transport and Communications: Public Service Obligation Bus Contracts: Discussion (17 Oct 2012)

Dessie Ellis: I thank Mr. Murphy for the presentation he made. The contracts are due for renewal in 2014. The big fear is that Bus Éireann would be privatised. I am not clear on the EU directive. Is it telling us that we must go to tender and follow the directive to the letter or could we adopt a different attitude? I seek clarity on the issue. How much does the NTA scrutinise public and...

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Transport and Communications: Public Service Obligation Bus Contracts: Discussion (17 Oct 2012)

Dessie Ellis: I thank the delegation for its presentation. Are there opportunities for Bus Éireann to expand its services? I know that compared with other EU countries, we provide one of the lowest rates of subvention to public transport. If the subvention continues to be reduced we will not be able to provide the routes. We must look to new areas. Will there be further job losses arising from...

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Transport and Communications: Public Service Obligation Bus Contracts: Discussion (17 Oct 2012)

Dessie Ellis: Mr. Mullins said there is room in the PSO contracts for the State to run services in these small areas on a subsidised basis. Is it intended to seek funding under the PSO contract to work those routes and perhaps offer a service at some stage on that basis?

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Transport and Communications: Public Service Obligation Bus Contracts: Discussion (17 Oct 2012)

Dessie Ellis: I thank the delegation for their presentations. Those involved in this industry face many challenges. Mr. Mullins stated that where jobs were lost as a result of members of his organisation taking over routes, consideration would be given to employment of the people concerned. This is an issue of major concern. There is concern that major companies in the Coach Tourism and Transport...

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: International Relations (17 Oct 2012)

Dessie Ellis: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if his attention has been drawn to the difficulties being experienced by the families of Cuban 5, Miami 5 in accessing visas to visit loved ones incarcerated in jail, that some of the families have never been able to have visit them; and his views on this matter. [44823/12]

Written Answers — Department of Social Protection: Rent Supplement Scheme Applications (17 Oct 2012)

Dessie Ellis: To ask the Minister for Social Protection the reason rent supplement in respect of a person (details supplied) has not been paid to them. [44986/12]

Home Help and Home Care Services: Motion [Private Members] (16 Oct 2012)

Dessie Ellis: I am ashamed to be a Member of a House which has to debate whether we give dignity and care to our vulnerable older citizens. Life is a cycle. As they grow older, people become more dependent on others to support and to help them. It is natural, especially for generations which lived and worked without the strong protection of legislation on health and safety or workers' rights. How many...

Written Answers — Department of Social Protection: Household Benefits (16 Oct 2012)

Dessie Ellis: To ask the Minister for Social Protection when her Department and the Department of the Environment and Local Government will report on the housing assistance reform, in particular on the introduction of the new housing assistance payment; and if the detail of the report will be made available to Members of the Oireachtas in advance of Budget 2013. [44567/12]

Written Answers — Department of Finance: NAMA Staff Qualifications (16 Oct 2012)

Dessie Ellis: To ask the Minister for Finance his plans to appoint a National Assets Management Agency board member with experience in social housing and community development as allowed for in the National Assets Management Agency Act 2009; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44352/12]

Written Answers — Department of Environment, Community and Local Government: Social and Affordable Housing Provision (16 Oct 2012)

Dessie Ellis: To ask the Minister for Environment, Community and Local Government if he will provide a breakdown of the new 3,800 units identified for social housing use on the basis of the responsible local authority. [44312/12]

Written Answers — Department of Environment, Community and Local Government: Social and Affordable Housing Provision (16 Oct 2012)

Dessie Ellis: To ask the Minister for Environment, Community and Local Government the properties that are currently on offer for leasing to approved housing bodies; and if he will specify which units are now occupied or in the process of being occupied. [44313/12]

Written Answers — Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport: EU Funding (16 Oct 2012)

Dessie Ellis: To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the applications for Ten-T funding he has made or plans to make, and for which projects. [44832/12]

Order of Business (11 Oct 2012)

Dessie Ellis: The Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport, Deputy Varadkar, at a recent meeting of the North-South Ministerial Council, dealing with cross-Border issues, agreed that the harmonisation of penalty points would be implemented. More legislation on penalty points has been promised once the speed limit review concludes. Is legislation required in relation to the speed limit review? Will the...

Order of Business (11 Oct 2012)

Dessie Ellis: I have just asked a question about promised legislation. We need to deal with the ludicrous situation whereby people who commit driving offences escape punishment both North and South of the Border. It is a ridiculous situation.