Results 15,861-15,880 of 18,851 for speaker:Fergus O'Dowd

Dublin Transport Authority Bill 2008 [Seanad]: Report Stage (2 Jul 2008)

Fergus O'Dowd: Perhaps I can make it clear. Parliamentary questions are referred to the HSE rather than the Minister for Health and Children. If a parliamentary question is for the HSE, as we are all aware, sometimes it goes away to never, never land. Will the DTA be directly accountable through the Minister? If we ask him a parliamentary question about a new railway station proposed by the DTA, for...

Dublin Transport Authority Bill 2008 [Seanad]: Report Stage (2 Jul 2008)

Fergus O'Dowd: It is just like the HSE.

Dublin Transport Authority Bill 2008 [Seanad]: Report Stage (2 Jul 2008)

Fergus O'Dowd: I thank the Minister for taking on board the views I expressed in respect of this matter on Committee Stage. However, questions arise in respect of subsidiaries and the level of accountability that applies in respect of them. The fact that their activities will be commented upon in the annual report is something. However, people will be concerned that any such subsidiaries might be...

Dublin Transport Authority Bill 2008 [Seanad]: Report Stage (2 Jul 2008)

Fergus O'Dowd: I welcome the Minister's comments in regard to the establishment of these subsidiaries and acknowledge the points he made in regard to the annual report. If a difference of opinion arises regarding how money is being spent, will the DTA retain control over the finances and will it then become accountable for all expenditure?

Dublin Transport Authority Bill 2008 [Seanad]: Report Stage (2 Jul 2008)

Fergus O'Dowd: I move amendment No. 4: In page 12, line 40, after "Kildare," to insert "Drogheda and South Louth," The section of the Bill which deals with the definition of the DTA refers to the city of Dublin, the administrative counties of south Dublin, Fingal, Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown, Kildare, Wicklow and Meath and such other areas as may be declared by order of the Minister. It is clear the...

Dublin Transport Authority Bill 2008 [Seanad]: Report Stage (2 Jul 2008)

Fergus O'Dowd: Who is he?

Dublin Transport Authority Bill 2008 [Seanad]: Report Stage (2 Jul 2008)

Fergus O'Dowd: The weakness in the Bill is that it does not relate to a national transport authority. All of the problems we encounter stem from the geographical area to be covered by the authority. The problem is of the Minister's making because the cities of Cork, Limerick, Waterford and Galway all have problems with transport, yet there is no joined-up thinking. I suggest the Minister needs a national...

Dublin Transport Authority Bill 2008 [Seanad]: Report Stage (2 Jul 2008)

Fergus O'Dowd: I wish to return to the analysis of population growth in the region. I refer the Minister to the report compiled by the HSE on the location of the regional hospital. The maps are included on pages 12 and 18 of the report. I could not bring them with me today because when one prints them over a certain size, one cannot see them. The report examines population figures in 2006, 2015 and...

Dublin Transport Authority Bill 2008 [Seanad]: Order for Report Stage (2 Jul 2008)

Fergus O'Dowd: On a point of order, the Minister was not in a position on Committee Stage to advise Deputies as to the import of certain amendments. We have not yet been briefed on the amendments in question which have been included in the Bill. I ask for the Ceann Comhairle's direction in the matter.

Dublin Transport Authority Bill 2008 [Seanad]: Order for Report Stage (2 Jul 2008)

Fergus O'Dowd: With respect, it makes for very bad legislation when Deputies are refused a briefing and the Minister is unable to explain the reason Committee Stage amendments were tabled. In addition, we will not reach the amendments today due to time constraints. I am deeply concerned by this approach; it is disgraceful.

Dublin Transport Authority Bill 2008 [Seanad]: Order for Report Stage (2 Jul 2008)

Fergus O'Dowd: The problem is we will not reach them.

Dublin Transport Authority Bill 2008 [Seanad]: Order for Report Stage (2 Jul 2008)

Fergus O'Dowd: We do not know the reason some of the amendments have retrospective application because it has not been explained. Legislation should be debated fully. Despite not being given an explanation for the retrospective nature of the legislation and being unable to debate it, Members are being asked to swallow it hook, line and sinker. The Minister promised he would provide a briefing document....

Dublin Transport Authority Bill 2008 [Seanad]: Order for Report Stage (2 Jul 2008)

Fergus O'Dowd: A Cheann Comhairle, may I respond?

Dublin Transport Authority Bill 2008 [Seanad]: Order for Report Stage (2 Jul 2008)

Fergus O'Dowd: I must acknowledge two points.

Dublin Transport Authority Bill 2008 [Seanad]: Order for Report Stage (2 Jul 2008)

Fergus O'Dowd: While I accept that, it has always been normal procedure for officials of the Department to contact Deputies by telephone to discuss issues. For this reason, I am not satisfied with the communication sent by e-mail.

Dublin Transport Authority Bill 2008 [Seanad]: Order for Report Stage (2 Jul 2008)

Fergus O'Dowd: That is not correct. We did not receive a telephone call.

Dublin Transport Authority Bill 2008 [Seanad]: Report Stage (2 Jul 2008)

Fergus O'Dowd: I welcome the fact that the Minister has taken on board the point I made on Committee Stage. The location of park and ride facilities is a critical aspect of public transport in and out of the city of Dublin. The DTA will now have a specific role to play in the provision of such facilities. One of the difficulties is that the DTA will have responsibility for transport in Dublin and will...

Dublin Transport Authority Bill 2008 [Seanad]: Report Stage (2 Jul 2008)

Fergus O'Dowd: If a local authority wishes to work with the DTA in respect of the provision of park and ride facilities outside the latter's area, will the DTA be able to invest in such a project?

Order of Business (2 Jul 2008)

Fergus O'Dowd: I would like to make a point about the Dublin Transport Authority Bill 2008, which is to be considered by the House this evening. When, on Committee Stage, the Minister introduced at least two amendments which he was unable to explain, I was promised——

Order of Business (2 Jul 2008)

Fergus O'Dowd: I asked him to explain what the amendments meant.