Results 15,501-15,520 of 15,536 for speaker:Helen McEntee

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Transport and Communications: EirGrid Grid25 Project: Discussion (20 Nov 2013)

Helen McEntee: I thank the groups for attending and for their presentations. As Deputy Coffey said, it is important that everybody should have their say. Until recently, this issue only affected counties Meath, Cavan and Monaghan. I am from County Meath and, although I am only recently elected, it was an issue my father worked out but it is suddenly being put into the public sphere more. The greatest...

Social Welfare and Pensions Bill 2013: Second Stage (Resumed) (24 Oct 2013)

Helen McEntee: We have all been listening to the debates for the past few hours and weeks. I think we can all agree that the past few years have not been easy. We have had tough budgets. This year is no exception. Every Department has had to make savings and cuts and the Department of Social Protection is no different. It had to make savings of €226 million this year which was no easy feat....

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Public Service Oversight and Petitions: Ombudsman and Information Commissioner: Discussion with Nominee (23 Oct 2013)

Helen McEntee: Will that happen here?

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Public Service Oversight and Petitions: Ombudsman and Information Commissioner: Discussion with Nominee (23 Oct 2013)

Helen McEntee: I welcome Mr. Tyndall to the committee. Although this is not an interview, he has been sufficiently quizzed by all. He has expressed some very well thought out ideas and plans for the future, should he be successful, based on experience. Most importantly he said many complaints brought before the Ombudsman should not be there and I agree. Many of them could be resolved before they reach...

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Transport and Communications: Scrutiny of EU Legislative Proposals (23 Oct 2013)

Helen McEntee: I thank the delegation for its presentation. In theory this proposal is a great idea, but there is a possibility of disruption. As Mr. O’Brien said, each market has its own needs. How will the Department address this? I agree with Deputy Coffey that this is a matter of national importance. Much of the industry has reacted negatively to it. Will the delegation expand on how it...

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Public Service Oversight and Petitions: Public Petitions Received: Discussion (9 Oct 2013)

Helen McEntee: If possible, could we examine whether there is legislation in place for county councils regarding the height of hedgerows? It is not the same as trees but if there is no legislation in place, could this become part of the legislation we are seeking from the Minister of State, Deputy Jan O'Sullivan?

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Transport and Communications: Forthcoming Transport, Telecommunications and Energy Council: Discussion with Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport (9 Oct 2013)

Helen McEntee: I thank the Minister for his presentation. The Commission's proposal aims to clarify a number of grey areas. Must the airlines and the industry agree before the proposals can go ahead? Is it possible that cases could be brought before the European courts arguing against financial or administrative burdens on the airlines?

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Transport and Communications: Forthcoming Transport, Telecommunications and Energy Council: Discussion with Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport (9 Oct 2013)

Helen McEntee: Will the Minister require full consent from the airlines and other bodies involved?

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Transport and Communications: EU Transport Matters: Discussion with Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport (2 Oct 2013)

Helen McEntee: I congratulate Mr. O'Mahony on negotiating seven of the eight packages during the Presidency. What is the Department's current focus for the future? Lithuania now holds the Presidency. What issues are being focused on now and what is most important for Mr. O'Mahony? That is a broad question.

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Transport and Communications: EU Transport Matters: Discussion with Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport (2 Oct 2013)

Helen McEntee: I thank Mr. O'Mahony for his presentation. What will be the effect on Ireland, if any, of the failure to conclude an airports package during the Irish Presidency? How does Mr. O'Mahony foresee negotiations developing under the Lithuanian Presidency? Will he expand on the recreational package to which he referred?

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Transport and Communications: EU Framework on Market Access and Financial Transparency of Ports: Discussion with Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport (2 Oct 2013)

Helen McEntee: I note attempts to legislate have been rejected twice previously but I think Ms Lally has explained the position. How is this regulation different from the previous two measures?

Written Answers — Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport: Road Tolls (1 Oct 2013)

Helen McEntee: 122. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his plans to provide a toll holiday for HGVs; the motorways and toll roads he will be trialing; if he will consider using the M1 and M3 motorways as part of the toll holiday trial. [40874/13]

Written Answers — Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport: Sports Capital Programme Administration (1 Oct 2013)

Helen McEntee: 649. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport when the sports capital grants will become available; and when may interested groups begin submitting their interest in same. [41077/13]

Private Members' Business - Cuts in Education: Motion (Resumed) [Private Members] (25 Sep 2013)

Helen McEntee: This morning I was on local radio with Deputy Jonathan O'Brien who has moved this Private Members' motion. We discussed cuts, education and everything that has surrounded this debate. The first thing I said on radio was that our education system is not perfect. It was a fairly straightforward simple statement to make. The second thing I said was that our education services have been...

Private Members' Business - Cuts in Education: Motion (Resumed) [Private Members] (25 Sep 2013)

Helen McEntee: He is on his way.

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Transport and Communications: Dún Laoghaire Harbour Company: Discussion with Chairperson Designate (18 Sep 2013)

Helen McEntee: I apologise for being late. I was attending another meeting. I am not sure if Ms Scott-Lennon was asked a question on county councils. Meath and Louth County Councils are to work with Drogheda Port. I am interested in how this co-operation will work. How does Ms Eithne Scott-Lennon envisage such co-operation developing between the Dún Laoghaire Harbour Company and Dún...

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Education and Social Protection: Down's Syndrome Education Equality: Discussion (11 Sep 2013)

Helen McEntee: I asked about input into the report.

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Education and Social Protection: Down's Syndrome Education Equality: Discussion (11 Sep 2013)

Helen McEntee: Ms Griffin argued that the model works in general, but we have seen how it does not work. Professor Buckley suggested that parents are possibly dumbing down their children, if that is the correct description, so that they can access resource hours. However, many parents, including those in the gallery, do their utmost to ensure their children reach their highest potential. We must be...

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Transport and Communications: Rural Transport Programme: Discussion with National Transport Authority (23 Jul 2013)

Helen McEntee: I apologise for my absence earlier as I had another meeting. I am sure the witnesses have covered the questions I had. I welcome the new programme. Coming from Meath, I know Flexibus works extremely well there and the people there welcome the programme. Does the National Transport Authority intend using any one area in which to pilot the scheme? When I spoke to the Minister he agreed...

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Transport and Communications: CIE Group Financial Situation: Discussion with Group Management (18 Jul 2013)

Helen McEntee: Where will the €35 million and the further €20 million in savings be made?