Results 821-840 of 4,700 for speaker:Noel Ahern

Seanad: State Airports (15 Oct 2008)

Noel Ahern: As Senator Buttimer will be aware, Joe Gantly recently stepped down from his position as the chairman of Cork Airport. He held the position since 2004 and I would like to record in this House my appreciation for the work he did in that post and to wish him well in the future. Under the stewardship of Joe Gantly, Cork Airport greatly expanded its passenger base. Last year was the 15th...

Seanad: State Airports (15 Oct 2008)

Noel Ahern: I do not know, but I believe "shortly" means weeks rather than months. However, the key point, regardless of what was said a couple of years ago, is that the board of Cork Airport is taking on a debt of €113 million and getting assets of €220 million. Most of the debt was accrued or built up from building infrastructure at Cork.

Seanad: State Airports (15 Oct 2008)

Noel Ahern: While we are very generous in Dublin——

Seanad: State Airports (15 Oct 2008)

Noel Ahern: We are not Santa Claus, either. It would be unusual for the DAA to build infrastructure in Cork while accepting all the debt.

Seanad: State Airports (15 Oct 2008)

Noel Ahern: The Dublin Airport Authority is accepting half of it. Cork is doing well.

Seanad: Cycling Facilities. (15 Oct 2008)

Noel Ahern: I am taking this matter for the Minister, Deputy Noel Dempsey, and will set out his ambition for cycling as a sustainable travel mode throughout the country. As Senator Ross knows, it is regrettable that reliance on cycling has diminished considerably over a number of years. He mentioned that a unit in the Department is working on a sustainable transport and travel action plan which is due...

Seanad: Cycling Facilities. (15 Oct 2008)

Noel Ahern: I realise that. It was good to hear Senator Ross's support for the measures. While many people talk about the need for cycling, when something was done yesterday, it was the cause of a bit of merriment. It was good to lighten the mood and to hear a few giggles because much of the Minister's speech was probably not very interesting news. While we all say nice things about cycling, it is...

Seanad: Cycling Facilities. (15 Oct 2008)

Noel Ahern: Some of them are already happening such as the green schools travel module. It is reaching many school children and is one way to change the culture and to get young people to use bicycles. That has been hugely successful. I hope the plan will go to Cabinet and will be more than a list of aspirations. I cannot speak too authoritatively about that at this stage. It is visionary in many...

Seanad: Cancer Screening Programme (15 Oct 2008)

Noel Ahern: I am taking the Adjournment on behalf of my colleague, the Minister for Health and Children, Deputy Mary Harney. Senators Doherty and Keaveney seem to be up to speed on what is happening, so I am not sure this reply will provide them with any additional information. I understand the ongoing discussions are about quality assurance standards and as Senator Keaveney said, further discussions...

Seanad: Cancer Screening Programme (15 Oct 2008)

Noel Ahern: I can only pass on the queries of the Senators to the Minister for Health and Children. There were one or two paragraphs in my reply that would seem to provide the answers. I cannot give — and I do not think the Minister will give — the outcome of the discussions that are taking place locally. That is where the issue will be resolved. If it is a matter of reaching the required...

Written Answers — Road Safety: Road Safety (14 Oct 2008)

Noel Ahern: The matter of inappropriate driving behaviour by certain young drivers is a complex issue and is being addressed in a multifaceted manner through educational, regulatory and enforcement measures. Under the Road Safety Authority Act 2006 (Conferral of Functions) Order 2006 (S.I. No 477 of 2006), vehicle standards and driver education are matters for the Road Safety Authority. Enforcement of...

Written Answers — Coast Guard Service: Coast Guard Service (14 Oct 2008)

Noel Ahern: I propose to take Questions Nos. 145 and 147 together. It is my intention to strengthen the Irish Coast Guard and Maritime Administration to meet the needs of this country well into the 21st century. In that context, a decision on the location of co-ordination centres on the west coast will be taken shortly and the extensive range of views and representations made to date will be considered....

Written Answers — Road Safety: Road Safety (8 Oct 2008)

Noel Ahern: I propose to take Questions Nos. 242 and 243 together. In June 2006 my predecessor approved certification criteria for safety belt installations in buses (both school buses and other buses) based on the standards for safety belt installations under the EU motor vehicle type-approval system, and with a indicative introduction date of 1 September 2008. Prior to June 2006, Bus Éireann had...

Written Answers — Harbour Authorities: Harbour Authorities (8 Oct 2008)

Noel Ahern: The Harbours (Amendment) Bill 2008 has been introduced in the Seanad and will shortly commence its passage through the Houses. The primary purpose of the Bill is to give effect to certain aspects of the Ports Policy Statement, which was launched in January 2005. One of the key recommendations of the Ports Policy Statement was the need to enhance port company performance through reform of the...

Seanad: Harbours (Amendment) Bill 2008: Second Stage (8 Oct 2008)

Noel Ahern: I am pleased to introduce the Harbours (Amendment) Bill 2008 for the consideration of the House. The primary purpose of the Bill is to give effect to certain aspects of the Government's ports policy which was launched in January 2005. In line with the objectives of the ports policy, this Bill will underpin and enhance further the commercial freedom conferred on the State's port companies...

Written Answers — Ministerial Appointments: Ministerial Appointments (7 Oct 2008)

Noel Ahern: Port company board appointments are made in accordance with Section 30 of the Harbours Act 1996. In advance of such appointments Section 30(7) of the Harbours Act 1996 provides that nominations are sought from relevant organisations. Such recommendations are considered when making appointments. However, appointments remain at the discretion of the Minister. In the case of the six vacancies...

Written Answers — Port Development: Port Development (7 Oct 2008)

Noel Ahern: The Port of Cork Company is continuing to engage in discussions with a number of interested parties and stakeholders with a view to the latter commencing a new passenger and freight service on the Cork-Swansea route. The Port of Cork Company also completed a feasibility study on the route and this indicated that a service, subject to procuring a suitable vessel, could be feasible for year...

Written Answers — Emergency Service Vehicles: Emergency Service Vehicles (7 Oct 2008)

Noel Ahern: Under the Road Safety Authority Act 2006 (Conferral of Functions) Order 2006 (S.I. No 477 of 2006) this is a matter for the Road Safety Authority, in relation to regulations on vehicle equipment and use.

Written Answers — Port Development: Port Development (7 Oct 2008)

Noel Ahern: The Irish Maritime Development Office published mid-year analysis of traffic through ports in the State that showed a reduction in the volume of cargo during the first half of 2008. The data indicated a fall in container traffic volume compared to the same six months of 2007, with lift on/lift off traffic declining by 4% and roll on/roll off traffic declining by 3%. The changed economic...

Seanad: Schools Building Projects (7 Oct 2008)

Noel Ahern: The position with St. Mary's Church of Ireland primary school, Royal Oak Road, Bagenalstown, is as Senator Phelan outlined. It is a co-educational school catering for boys and girls from junior infants to sixth class inclusive. The enrolment at 30 September 2007 was 82 pupils. The school has a current staffing of a principal, three teachers and one learning support teacher. In 2005 the...