Results 4,141-4,160 of 11,242 for speaker:Noel Dempsey

Written Answers — Motor Fuels: Motor Fuels (9 Jul 2008)

Noel Dempsey: I propose to take Questions Nos. 219 and 220 together. The EU Energy Tax Directive incorporated special derogations which allowed specific excise duty reliefs to be applied in a number of Member States below the EU minimum duty rate. In the case of public transport services under my responsibility, these derogations included reduced rates to apply to fuel used for scheduled bus services....

Written Answers — Rail Network: Rail Network (9 Jul 2008)

Noel Dempsey: I refer the Deputy to my answer to Parliamentary Question 25380/08 of 1st July 2008. The position has not changed.

Written Answers — Road Network: Road Network (9 Jul 2008)

Noel Dempsey: I understand this question relates to road works on the R403 road between Straffan and Barberstown Cross and that the contract between Kildare County Council and the contractor in respect of works at that location is currently the subject of arbitration in accordance with the conditions of contract. This is a matter between the parties to the contract and my Department has no function in the...

Seanad: Dublin Transport Authority Bill 2008 [Seanad Bill amended by Dáil]: Report and Final Stages (9 Jul 2008)

Noel Dempsey: There were several amendments relating to public transport facilities and services. The definition of "interchange facilities" was amended to include park and ride, a matter which was raised in the Seanad. This makes clear that the DTA's traffic management plan must deal with park and ride issues. The section dealing with the integrated timetables was amended to make it clear that it was...

Seanad: Dublin Transport Authority Bill 2008 [Seanad Bill amended by Dáil]: Report and Final Stages (9 Jul 2008)

Noel Dempsey: Integrated ticketing is a project where one does not see significant progress while the background work is being carried out. The integrated ticketing board was set up by my predecessor around 2006. Since that time, it has made substantial progress. Currently it has the back-room facilities required to ensure we have an efficient, effective integrated ticketing project. Tenders have been...

Seanad: Dublin Transport Authority Bill 2008 [Seanad Bill amended by Dáil]: Report and Final Stages (9 Jul 2008)

Noel Dempsey: This group deals with CIE and RPA matters and amends their parent Acts. The first two amendments, amendments Nos. 54 and 55, relate to the requirement that CIE obtain the consent of the Minister for the disposal of property. They provide for setting by order the minimum threshold above which consent must be sought. The terms of the directorate of the RPA were changed to make it clear that...

Seanad: Dublin Transport Authority Bill 2008 [Seanad Bill amended by Dáil]: Report and Final Stages (9 Jul 2008)

Noel Dempsey: The amendments in this group clarify the planning processes with regard to railway orders. The first amendment makes it clear that a planning application to An Bord Pleanála for railway development done by way of railway order is complete and there is no requirement to also go through the standard planning process for any aspect of the development. The second amendment relates to An Bord...

Seanad: Dublin Transport Authority Bill 2008 [Seanad Bill amended by Dáil]: Report and Final Stages (9 Jul 2008)

Noel Dempsey: These are a group of technical or drafting amendments and typographical corrections. They are straightforward and make the Bill more readable.

Seanad: Dublin Transport Authority Bill 2008 [Seanad Bill amended by Dáil]: Report and Final Stages (9 Jul 2008)

Noel Dempsey: I thank Members and staff of the House for facilitating this Bill. We had a good debate during which a number of issues were raised. I was able to accept some of the amendments proposed in this House and I undertook to consider others before I introduced the Bill in the Dáil. I am grateful for the constructive approach Senators took and for the suggestions they made to improve the Bill....

Seanad: Dublin Transport Authority Bill 2008 [Seanad Bill amended by Dáil]: Report and Final Stages (9 Jul 2008)

Noel Dempsey: We are not in the least embarrassed to say it. When Séamus Brennan was general secretary of Fianna Fáil, he made a huge effort to encourage young people to join the party. He attracted a number of people, including a several Members who joined the party as a direct result of his efforts to get young people interested in politics. The last big job he and I did together was the formation of...

Seanad: Dublin Transport Authority Bill 2008 [Seanad Bill amended by Dáil]: Report and Final Stages (9 Jul 2008)

Noel Dempsey: This group of amendments relates to the membership of the authority and the advisory council. With regard to the authority, the Bill always provided for a chairperson and nine members and that remains the case. On Committee Stage in the Seanad, the bar on local authority members serving on the Dublin transport authority was discussed. This bar was subsequently removed by amendments. A...

Seanad: Dublin Transport Authority Bill 2008 [Seanad Bill amended by Dáil]: Report and Final Stages (9 Jul 2008)

Noel Dempsey: On the question of representation for commuters and others, I already provided a breakdown in respect of the membership of the advisory council. Four of the members of the council will be representative of the public interest and will be appointed by the Minister. These individuals can be nominated by different interest groups. Therefore, the concerns to which the Senator refers in this...

Seanad: Dublin Transport Authority Bill 2008 [Seanad Bill amended by Dáil]: Report and Final Stages (9 Jul 2008)

Noel Dempsey: This group of amendments deals with enhanced accountability, reporting and consultation arrangements. It was always the case that, under the Bill, the Joint Committee on Transport could call the chairperson and chief executive officer to account for their stewardship of the authority. The Minister for Transport retains direct political responsibility and ultimate accountability for the DTA...

Seanad: Dublin Transport Authority Bill 2008 [Seanad Bill amended by Dáil]: Report and Final Stages (9 Jul 2008)

Noel Dempsey: One of the amendments in this group takes account of a concern originally expressed by Senator Brendan Ryan in respect of legal professional privilege. The amendment makes it clear that when authorised officers of the DTA seek documents and records from another organisation, there is no requirement to provide documents which would otherwise be protected by legal professional privilege. As...

Seanad: Dublin Transport Authority Bill 2008 [Seanad Bill amended by Dáil]: Report and Final Stages (9 Jul 2008)

Noel Dempsey: Amendment No. 26 relates to the insertion of two additional paragraphs to section 48 which provides the statutory basis for the authority to enter into public transport service contracts in respect of the provision of bus, rail, light rail and metro services. Section 48(3)(o), as amended by the Dáil, responds to concerns expressed in regard to the terms and conditions of employment for...

Seanad: Dublin Transport Authority Bill 2008 [Seanad Bill amended by Dáil]: Report and Final Stages (9 Jul 2008)

Noel Dempsey: I have no evidence that PSO money which is given to subsidise non-commercial or non-viable routes is not being spent on them. The latest value for money study I saw on this seemed to indicate that everything was in order. However, I would be the first to admit that the system we have at present in regard to PSOs, the payments, subsidies and so on is not transparent enough. There are...

Seanad: Dublin Transport Authority Bill 2008 [Seanad Bill amended by Dáil]: Report and Final Stages (9 Jul 2008)

Noel Dempsey: The opportunity was taken with everybody's co-operation to change the basis for appointing transport officers who are employed by the Road Safety Authority. They inspect road haulage operations and check tachograph readings, transport company records and compliance with the legislation. They perform an important road safety function. The result of the amendment will be that transport...

Written Answers — Departmental Appointments: Departmental Appointments (8 Jul 2008)

Noel Dempsey: The table below provides the information required by the Deputy in relation to Special Advisors appointed to my Department. Name Date of appointment Salary Scale James Fegan 7 May 2008 €90,468-€104,863 Olive Stephens 7 May 2008 €84,066- €97,747

Written Answers — Departmental Staff: Departmental Staff (8 Jul 2008)

Noel Dempsey: The table below provides the information required by the Deputy. Rank/Grade Number Salary Scale Higher Executive Officer 1 €45,422 — €57,656 Clerical Officer 1 €23,802 — €38,593 Clerical Officer 1 €23,802 — €38,593 Special Adviser 1 €84,066 — €97,747

Written Answers — Ministerial Staff: Ministerial Staff (8 Jul 2008)

Noel Dempsey: The table below provides the information required by the Deputy. Rank/Grade Number Salary Scale Executive Officer 1 €31,394 — €49,809 Clerical Officer 1 €23,802 — €38,593 Personal Secretary 1 €433.42 — €805.75 per week Personal Assistant 1 €45,422 — €53,688 Special Adviser 1 €90,468 — €104,863