Results 4,801-4,820 of 4,893 for speaker:Séamus Brennan

Light Rail Project. (4 May 2004)

Séamus Brennan: The road building programme will cost approximately €8 billion over the next five years. The public transport programme will cost €3.5 billion. That is still a very——

Light Rail Project. (4 May 2004)

Séamus Brennan: I have the figure of €3.5 billion, which includes the CIE subvention. That is all taxpayers' funds.

Light Rail Project. (4 May 2004)

Séamus Brennan: I have not got that information.

Road Traffic Offences. (4 May 2004)

Séamus Brennan: The penalty points system currently applies in respect of the offences of breaching a speed limit, motor insurance and the failure of a driver to wear a seat belt or to ensure that a passenger under 17 years of age is appropriately restrained in a mechanically propelled vehicle. The system was first introduced in October 2002 in respect of speed limit offences. In the intervening period some...

Road Traffic Offences. (4 May 2004)

Séamus Brennan: The Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform has discussed the strategy of tackling speeding with the Garda Commissioner on many occasions. The question of when and where the Garda does its speed checks is an operational matter for the Garda Commissioner but he knows my views, which are not too dissimilar to those of the Deputy. To be truly effective, the Garda must start targeting the...

Rail Safety. (4 May 2004)

Séamus Brennan: I intend to make the necessary order formally establishing the railway safety commission as soon as possible following the enactment of the Railway Safety Bill. With the co-operation of the Houses of the Oireachtas, I expect the Bill, which completed Committee Stage in the Dáil on 7 May 2003, to be enacted before the summer recess. I am satisfied that the implementation of the provisions of...

Rail Safety. (4 May 2004)

Séamus Brennan: I am working to have Report Stage of the relevant legislation taken in the House this session. The Deputy will be aware of why it was delayed. We had a considerable discussion on the inclusion of the intoxicants provision in the legislation.

Rail Safety. (4 May 2004)

Séamus Brennan: I have now cleared this with Government and will soon have proposals for the House on the matter. I look forward to discussing it with the Deputy when it is before the House. I do not have an interim inspectorate appointed. What I do have is a railway safety inspector, who serves as the interim inspectorate——

Rail Safety. (4 May 2004)

Séamus Brennan: There is no formal commission.

Rail Safety. (4 May 2004)

Séamus Brennan: No, but the chief railway inspecting officer of the Department of Transport has legal powers which are quite strong and serious. I take the Deputy's point that they are not strong enough, which is why the Railway Safety Bill is on the Order Paper. I agree with the Deputy that CIE should not investigate itself, nor should the RPA. The Railway Safety Bill, of which Second and Committee Stages...

Rail Safety. (4 May 2004)

Séamus Brennan: I heard the Deputy make that point also. All those dangers exist and everybody should be aware that there can be dangers attached to any public transport system. I have asked the RPA to promote safety regarding the Luas. People must exercise caution and be aware of the safety regulations that apply to any new public transport system. I encourage them to do so in the case of the Luas.

Rail Safety. (4 May 2004)

Séamus Brennan: That is not the case. The chief railway inspecting officer is fully entitled to carry out a statutory inquiry in accordance with section 7 of the Regulation of Railways Act 1871. Whenever the chief railway inspecting officer——

Rail Safety. (4 May 2004)

Séamus Brennan: That is why the new Bill is before the House. The legislation requires strengthening.

Rail Safety. (4 May 2004)

Séamus Brennan: The Railway Safety Bill, which is on the Order Paper, will give it the necessary powers.

Rail Safety. (4 May 2004)

Séamus Brennan: Report Stage will be taken in a few weeks.

Seanad: Road Safety: Statements. (29 Apr 2004)

Séamus Brennan: I offer you my sincere apologies. I overlooked doing the correct thing when I met you last time. Today's debate gives me the opportunity to update the House on the developments in road safety policy. Over the past six years, there has been a distinct improvement in our road safety performance. Indeed, over the past 18 months, improvement has been dramatic. However, the need for constant...

Seanad: Road Safety: Statements. (29 Apr 2004)

Séamus Brennan: Newton's law was recently dropped.

Written Answers — Environmental Pollution: Environmental Pollution (30 Mar 2004)

Séamus Brennan: The activities of helicopters are regulated by the Irish Aviation Authority. If members of the public believe that certain helicopters are flying below the permitted altitudes they should address their concerns to the authority.

Written Answers — Environmental Pollution: Environmental Pollution (30 Mar 2004)

Séamus Brennan: Arising out of the tragic accident on Wellington Quay, Dublin, on 21 February last a Garda investigation is under way and, in addition, Dublin Bus has launched its own company inquiry to determine the cause and the circumstances surrounding the accident. The inquiry will investigate the circumstances of the accident to establish its causes and any contributory factors and will make...

Written Answers — Public Transport: Public Transport (30 Mar 2004)

Séamus Brennan: The primary aim of my proposals for reform of the regulatory framework for public transport is to provide for independent, economic regulation of public transport services. The Railway Safety Bill is currently before the Houses and this provides that the railway safety commission will have responsibility for safety regulation on the railways. There is an extensive body of legislation...