Results 561-580 of 19,173 for speaker:Shane Ross

Covid-19 (Transport): Statements (13 May 2020)

Shane Ross: I will send the Deputy a written reply.

Covid-19 (Transport): Statements (13 May 2020)

Shane Ross: I thank the Deputy for the points he raised. Bus Éireann continues to explore options for protective screens in the driver's cab area in those vehicles that do not already have them. The company has begun trialling portable screens on coaches. According to guidance provided by the health authorities, the risk of contracting Covid-19 from handling cash is negligible, but this measure...

Covid-19 (Transport): Statements (13 May 2020)

Shane Ross: It is difficult to be succinct about the voucher system because it is complicated but I will be as quick as I can in replying.

Covid-19 (Transport): Statements (13 May 2020)

Shane Ross: It is a problem that was addressed today by the European Commission, as the Deputy probably realises. The Commission has said that it is imperative that people who are entitled to a cash refund get one. That is not negotiable. Ryanair and other airlines are offering vouchers but that must be done on a voluntary basis. In other words, there is no way that the European Commission will allow...

Covid-19 (Transport): Statements (13 May 2020)

Shane Ross: The plan is not out yet, but it is coming. A public transport plan will come out shortly. It is not out yet, as I said in my initial speech, but it will be coming out shortly. At the moment, phase one is all-important and we are confident about all the phases. Let us not say that everything is written in stone forever because, as I said in reply to another Deputy, this thing is moving...

Covid-19 (Transport): Statements (13 May 2020)

Shane Ross: As far as I know, the NTA is engaging with every possible stakeholder. All I can say is that I have had absolutely no negative reaction from any stakeholders saying they are not being engaged with. It is quite obvious that the unions are being engaged with because I have already paid tribute to the fact that they have been highly co-operative in what they have been doing. They have been...

Covid-19 (Transport): Statements (13 May 2020)

Shane Ross: It would be absolutely reprehensible if that were to be used as a cover. I give the Deputy a guarantee that I will keep an eye on that because anybody who exploits this situation for commercial or other advantage should be tackled immediately. That is not something that could be tolerated. As long as I am Minister - I do not know how long that will be - I will keep an eye on that, because...

Covid-19 (Transport): Statements (13 May 2020)

Shane Ross: I do not know the answer, but that is a matter for the insurance companies. The insurance companies made this pledge. It is not a Government promise.

Covid-19 (Transport): Statements (13 May 2020)

Shane Ross: The Minister for Finance pushed them to it, but it is something the insurance companies have said and they will decide it. I do not have a clue, but we will make sure they do it.

Covid-19 (Transport): Statements (13 May 2020)

Shane Ross: The Deputy is absolutely right. There is a lot in what he says and the questions are perfectly fair. Nothing will be like it was before and we are stepping into the unknown. There is no doubt about that. In terms of making any definitive statements about what will happen next week, the week after that or the week after that and how much it will cost over a year or two, I do not know.

Covid-19 (Transport): Statements (13 May 2020)

Shane Ross: I will answer the Deputy's question if he does not interrupt me. It is like old times but the Deputy might give me time to answer. We are in the dark here but we can say that for next week, which is what the Deputy referred to, and phase 1, we are confident. I have talked to the NTA, and who better to talk to than the NTA about this? I have talked to the bus companies about this also....

Covid-19 (Transport): Statements (13 May 2020)

Shane Ross: I am sorry. I was going to get to that before the Deputy interrupted me.

Covid-19 (Transport): Statements (13 May 2020)

Shane Ross: I know, but I cannot answer all the Deputy's questions in the limited time available.

Covid-19 (Transport): Statements (13 May 2020)

Shane Ross: I have not had those discussions. That would be something the NTA would have and not me. It would be its duty to do that, and it will certainly do it.

Covid-19 (Transport): Statements (13 May 2020)

Shane Ross: I thank the Deputy for giving me some time to answer the questions, it is the first time that this has happened. Across Dublin, public authorities are taking the opportunity to rethink how their urban centres are set out and how they allocate limited space to the different demands. Similarly, at a national level, we must rethink how we allocate road space and ensure we place the pedestrian...

Covid-19 (Transport): Statements (13 May 2020)

Shane Ross: I will deal with as many as I can but that will probably be very few. I apologise if that is the case. Deputy O'Dowd referred to the statement by Mr. Dermot O'Leary, the head of the NBRU, regarding the metro and BusConnects. There will be no go-slow on those projects. I wish to take this opportunity to thank the members of the NBRU for the fantastic job they have done on the front line...

Covid-19 (Transport): Statements (13 May 2020)

Shane Ross: I congratulate both the Sinn Féin Deputies on getting here. These were their maiden speeches. I thank them very much for their contributions and wish them successful and long careers in the Dáil. Deputy Cronin said she does not have much confidence with regard to safety on public transport. Dr. Tony Holohan addressed the issue of masks, which the Deputy raised, yesterday. He...

Covid-19 (Transport): Statements (13 May 2020)

Shane Ross: Do not exaggerate the problem. The Deputy is right that it is a problem. It was acknowledged and identified as a problem last week. I met with the Minister, Deputy Coveney, the Minister for Justice and Equality and the Minister for Health. If I am wrong, it could have been with officials. There have been so many meetings. The three Departments certainly got together to address the...

Covid-19 (Transport): Statements (13 May 2020)

Shane Ross: The Deputy is right that there will be a loss to Transport Infrastructure Ireland in various functions that it carries out. There will be a loss from toll takings. It estimates that there will be a loss of between €57 million and €92 million, which is substantial. There will also be losses due to traffic guarantees but I do not think it will be as high as that. I do not have...

Written Answers — Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport: Community Involvement Scheme (13 May 2020)

Shane Ross: The improvement and maintenance of regional and local roads is the statutory responsibility of the relevant local authority in accordance with the provisions of Section 13 of the Roads Act 1993. Works on those roads are funded from the Council's own resources supplemented by State road grants. The initial selection and prioritisation of works is a matter for decision by the local authority....