Results 701-720 of 839 for speaker:Michael Kennedy

Dublin Transport Authority Bill 2008 [Seanad]: Second Stage (Resumed). (21 May 2008)

Michael Kennedy: I welcome that the Bill addresses the requirement to consolidate all public transportation into one authority. Commuters in my area and throughout the greater Dublin region are under pressure. The authority will free our congested roads from the agencies charged with taking care of them, public transport and funding. The Bill will ensure the overhauling of these aspects. The landscape of...

Dublin Transport Authority Bill 2008 [Seanad]: Second Stage (Resumed). (21 May 2008)

Michael Kennedy: The Deputy would not need that help. He has two quotas. Of primary importance is the linking of regular Dublin Bus services — I would describe them as Nipper services — from large housing estates with various metro and DART stops. It will revolutionise the legendary Dublin North, Louth, Meath, Wicklow and Kildare commutes and reverse our constituents' daily reliance on cars to get into...

Literacy Levels. (21 May 2008)

Michael Kennedy: Deputy Quinn did it himself.

Irish Economy: Motion (Resumed) (14 May 2008)

Michael Kennedy: Tá áthas orm caint ar an ábhar seo. I congratulate the Minister, Deputy Brian Lenihan, on his important role as Minister for Finance. I have no doubt he will continue the great work carried out by his predecessor, the Taoiseach, Deputy Brian Cowen. It gives me pleasure to speak on this subject, especially on the day the ESRI issued a report indicating the Irish economy will grow by over...

Irish Economy: Motion (Resumed) (14 May 2008)

Michael Kennedy: I wonder if she will be disappointed as things improve when she will have to look for another stick with which to attempt to beat the Government's policy.

Irish Economy: Motion (Resumed) (14 May 2008)

Michael Kennedy: I take umbrage with Deputy Burton's assertion that our policy-makers are belatedly responding to the country's economic situation. There is no denial of Ireland's economic state on this side of the House but merely a steely determination to get on with running the country and not spend our time talking ourselves into a recession. The one thing Deputy Burton got right is the strength of the...

Irish Economy: Motion (Resumed) (14 May 2008)

Michael Kennedy: Since the advent of this Government and the previous one, economic growth has averaged over 7% per annum. While this has fallen in recent years, today's ESRI report predicts a return to over 5% growth in the next five years or so. The same economic fundamentals to which Deputy Burton referred are ultimately the same factors which will prevent us from plunging into the economic pit of...

Irish Economy: Motion (Resumed) (14 May 2008)

Michael Kennedy: She showed extremely bad taste. Lest she forget, these Ministers managed a period of unparalleled success and prosperity and they are members of a party which was voted into Government by a majority. The Deputy's party and her colleagues in Fine Gael failed to achieve that aim. She should remember that her cheap shots are likely to offend the people who voted for us. If there was an Oscar...

Irish Economy: Motion (Resumed) (14 May 2008)

Michael Kennedy: Last night's contribution from her was nothing but a piece of performance art.

Defamation Bill 2006 [Seanad]: Second Stage (Resumed) (14 May 2008)

Michael Kennedy: Ba mhaith liom comhghairdeas a dhéanamh leis an tAire Dlí agus Cirt, Comhionannais agus Athchóirithe Dlí, Deputy Dermot Ahern. Tá mé cinnte go ndéanfaidh sé jab sár mhaith san oifig sin. I take this opportunity to wish Deputy Dermot Ahern every success in his new post as Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform. I have no doubt that, being a solicitor, he has a tremendous...

Leaders' Questions (14 May 2008)

Michael Kennedy: That is what many of them wanted.

Written Answers — Rail Network: Rail Network (13 May 2008)

Michael Kennedy: Question 258: To ask the Minister for Transport the position regarding the DASH2 project; when completion is expected; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18130/08]

Written Answers — Registration of Title: Registration of Title (8 May 2008)

Michael Kennedy: Question 92: To ask the Minister for Finance if he will arrange for the transfer of deeds (details supplied) to Fingal County Council, as there are various issues which need resolving; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17294/08]

Written Answers — School Accommodation: School Accommodation (8 May 2008)

Michael Kennedy: Question 385: To ask the Minister for Education and Science if his attention has been drawn to the increase in demand for school places at a school (details supplied); if the school's application for further accommodation has been accepted; the position regarding the situation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17146/08]

Management Companies (Housing Developments): Motion (8 May 2008)

Michael Kennedy: The Dublin North constituency has a large number of apartment block developments. It is essential that in existing developments roads, lights, public open spaces, etc. come under the immediate control of local authorities. The main problem with management companies is that people feel they are paying charges for services that fall under the remit of local authorities. There must be a clear...

Management Companies (Housing Developments): Motion (8 May 2008)

Michael Kennedy: Deputy Brian Hayes claimed he has the secret. He might pass it over to this side of the House.

Management Companies (Housing Developments): Motion (8 May 2008)

Michael Kennedy: In my experience it is difficult for politicians to access apartment blocks to canvass.

Electricity Regulation (Amendment) (EirGrid) Bill 2008: Second Stage (Resumed) (30 Apr 2008)

Michael Kennedy: I have much contact with farmers within my constituency who point out that the transferring of the growth of food products to energy sources is causing problems for them in terms of the cost of products, fertilisers, etc. Equally, the ordinary citizen has seen an increase in the cost of food, primarily because of lack of supply. If there is one thing that should bring about the rapid...

Electricity Regulation (Amendment) (EirGrid) Bill 2008: Second Stage (Resumed) (30 Apr 2008)

Michael Kennedy: I welcome the opportunity to speak on this important Bill. In terms of the electricity market, it is crucial that a company such EirGrid is a strong independent State company developing to meet the electricity needs of the country for the future. It is vital that we facilitate the early delivery of the east-west electricity interconnector. I mention that in particular because others have...

Written Answers — Noise Pollution: Noise Pollution (29 Apr 2008)

Michael Kennedy: Question 481: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the position regarding the draft legislation being prepared to govern house alarms and noise pollution; when he expects the legislation to come before the House; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16478/08]