Results 801-820 of 1,441 for speaker:Ann Phelan

Other Questions: Taxi Regulations (4 Dec 2014)

Ann Phelan: The regulation of the small public service vehicle, SPSV, industry is a matter for the NTA under the provisions of the Taxi Regulation Act 2013. I have referred the Deputy's question to it for direct reply. Provision is made in the NTA's regulations for the grant of rural hackney licences. The Minister has no role in the matter. For the local area hackney licence, there is no requirement...

Other Questions: Taxi Regulations (4 Dec 2014)

Ann Phelan: We are probably discussing two distinct issues. The rural hackney licence to which I referred is flexible and responds to local demand. Features of the local area hackney licence include confirmation of the need for a proposed local area hackney service from either an established body representing local business or a community group that has been granted charitable status by Revenue; an...

Other Questions: Taxi Regulations (4 Dec 2014)

Ann Phelan: I take the Deputy's points on board. We will raise the matter with the NTA. I will discuss it with my ministerial colleagues.

Seanad: Adjournment Matters: Compulsory Purchase Orders (25 Nov 2014)

Ann Phelan: I thank the Senator for raising this extremely important issue and allowing me the opportunity to discuss the important Dublin to Galway greenway. The economic and social benefits to local communities from the delivery of greenways in their locality is fully recognised by my Department. The issue of greenways is of particular interest to me as it crosses all three areas of responsibility in...

Seanad: Adjournment Matters: Compulsory Purchase Orders (25 Nov 2014)

Ann Phelan: It is prudent that the community is involved in the negotiations and whatever consultation process is taking place, it is very important that the community is aware of it. I understand the concerns of landowners about CPO. It causes consternation in communities when we do very large infrastructural projects. However, having listened to all the considered opinions of the locals on the...

Seanad: Report of Commission for the Economic Development of Rural Areas: Statements (19 Nov 2014)

Ann Phelan: It would be an understatement to say that all the diverse opinions and issues that were raised in this House this afternoon are a reflection of the challenge that I have in addressing the issues in rural areas. As Senator O'Neill said, I am largely responsible for everything outside Dublin, Cork, Limerick and Galway. I understand how the difficulties we have suffered in recent years and the...

Topical Issue Debate: Food Quality Assurance Scheme (19 Nov 2014)

Ann Phelan: The Deputy is very passionate about this issue and live exports involve another full debate. Today we are concentrating on the quality assurance scheme and the number of farmers signing up to it demonstrates that there is a level of faith in it. The Minister, Deputy Simon Coveney, has worked hard to mediate in the forum on the matters raised by the Deputy. At the beef forum last week...

Topical Issue Debate: Food Quality Assurance Scheme (19 Nov 2014)

Ann Phelan: I wish to inform the House that the Minister, Deputy Coveney, is unavailable. He is currently at a Cabinet meeting and he sends his apologies. The Bord Bia beef and lamb quality assurance scheme is an integrated scheme under which the producer and the processing plant work in partnership to provide the customer with quality-assured products, as the Deputy has outlined. The scheme describes...

Seanad: Report of Commission for the Economic Development of Rural Areas: Statements (19 Nov 2014)

Ann Phelan: I welcome the opportunity to address the House on my role as the Minister of State with responsibility for the implementation of the report of the Commission for the Economic Development of Rural Areas, more generally known as the CEDRA report. Coming from a rural community, I have a strong and personal interest in energising rural communities. I was very honoured and privileged to have...

Topical Issue Debate: Agrifood Sector (23 Oct 2014)

Ann Phelan: I thank the Deputy for his positive contribution. What is required now is vigilance. As the Deputy will know, even when an animal strays off the farm and dies of natural causes, that animal's identification tag is pursued to ensure it was disposed of in a correct way and for traceability purposes is removed from the national database. When one is doing one's farming records, all that has...

Topical Issue Debate: Strategic Infrastructure Provision (23 Oct 2014)

Ann Phelan: I draw the Deputy's attention to the fact environmental impact statements are part of the planning process. They have been transposed into legislation. The proposed construction of the fuel pipeline from Dublin Port to Dublin Airport is a private development. It will be required to go through the full rigours of the planning process. Consideration of a planning application will require...

Topical Issue Debate: Agrifood Sector (23 Oct 2014)

Ann Phelan: I thank the Deputy for raising this very important issue. I understand these are very valuable animals and in some cases the money to buy them was borrowed, so the investment is gone. The integrity of our beef industry is of the utmost importance to the economy and to Ireland's worldwide reputation as a food-producing country. I assure the Deputy that every step is taken to safeguard this...

Topical Issue Debate: Strategic Infrastructure Provision (23 Oct 2014)

Ann Phelan: I thank the Deputy for helping to raise awareness of the issue. I am taking this Topical Issue matter on behalf of the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government, Deputy Alan Kelly. The Department has no involvement with this project, nor has the Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport. I understand from newspaper reports that a company called the Independent Pipeline...

Topical Issue Debate: Radio Broadcasting Issues (23 Oct 2014)

Ann Phelan: I understand the Deputy's concern, as local radio services are extremely important in isolated rural areas in particular. That aspect of the matter is not lost on me. As the Deputy outlined, the group in question is currently in receipt of funding through the local and community development programme, LCDP, and has been advised that it will be funded under LCDP for the remainder of 2014. ...

Topical Issue Debate: Radio Broadcasting Issues (23 Oct 2014)

Ann Phelan: I will pursue the matter with the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government, Deputy Alan Kelly. I am aware of how important such services are for rural areas, in particular in Connemara. I am most familiar with Connemara West and all the good things it does. I urge the Deputy to pursue also the application through the Department of Social Protection. I am happy to...

Order of Business (16 Oct 2014)

Ann Phelan: No, that is not the case.

Order of Business (16 Oct 2014)

Ann Phelan: What about the property tax? There was a 95% compliance rate.

Written Answers — Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport: Rural Transport Services Provision (16 Oct 2014)

Ann Phelan: The National Transport Authority (NTA) has responsibility for the regulation of the small public service vehicle (SPSV) industry under the provisions of the Taxi Regulation Act 2013. It also responsible for the administration for the Rural Transport Programme. I have referred your question to the NTA for its consideration and direct reply to you. Please advise my private office if you do not...

Agriculture Industry: Motion (Resumed) [Private Members] (8 Oct 2014)

Ann Phelan: I will preface my contribution to the debate by explaining my role as Minister of State with responsibility for rural affairs. While I am not directly responsible for issues arising inside the farm gate, I do have a supportive function. Specifically, my role is to co-ordinate the work of the many agencies and Departments operating in this space. I have a strong personal and ministerial...

Topical Issues: Road Safety (7 Oct 2014)

Ann Phelan: We are all trying to deal with these issues through county councils as they fall into the area of nuisance. On the issue of the consumption of alcohol in public places, county councils were able to introduce by-laws that reinforced the work of gardaí to deter such conduct. I suggest the Deputy asks Dublin City Council to introduce the by-laws necessary to underpin the work of the...