Results 41-60 of 11,654 for speaker:Helen McEntee

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Transport and Communications: EirGrid: Discussion with Chairman Designate (3 Dec 2013)

Helen McEntee: EirGrid is obviously adhering to research that has been conducted at EU level, but no actual study has been undertaken here in Ireland. Is this something that could possibly be looked at by EirGrid? In his capacity as chairman designate, could Mr. O'Connor raise this and bring it to EirGrid's attention?

Electricity Infrastructure: Motion (Resumed) [Private Members] (4 Dec 2013)

Helen McEntee: We have seen tonight that this is a very emotive issue. We have heard how many people are very upset and angry and they want to know where things are going and what is happening. We cannot blame those people as the issue is very contentious; we are wondering if the lines should be put overhead or underground and if it is feasible for the lines to go underground. We are also asking what is...

Written Answers — Department of Communications, Energy and Natural Resources: Renewable Energy Generation Issues (4 Dec 2013)

Helen McEntee: 88. To ask the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources his views on the Irish Planning Institute's claim that the renewable export framework is premature without an overall national energy plan and the completion of a national landscape strategy, which is required in response to Ireland’s ratification of the European landscape convention in 2002. [51991/13]

Written Answers — Department of Environment, Community and Local Government: Fire Safety Issues (4 Dec 2013)

Helen McEntee: 105. To ask the Minister for Environment, Community and Local Government following the evacuation of apartments in Navan due to fire safety issues, and in view of the fact that there have been other similar incidents in recent months, the measures being taken to ensure that other apartment blocks are inspected with regard to fire safety; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51992/13]

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Transport and Communications: Electricity Transmission Network: Discussion with EirGrid (4 Dec 2013)

Helen McEntee: I thank Mr. Slye and his team for coming before the committee. Obviously this is a very emotive and contentious issue, but I recognise that it is very important. We all recognise the importance of updating and expanding the national grid. EirGrid has an extremely important job to do, but we, as public representatives, have the job of representing the people who have elected us. The people...

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Transport and Communications: Electricity Transmission Network: Discussion with EirGrid (4 Dec 2013)

Helen McEntee: The problem I and many other people have is that when the consultation process started again, many overground routes were proposed but no regard was had to whether undergrounding was feasible, or whether it would cost three times or 20 times as much. No underground route was given to people along with the overground routes that were proposed. That is the problem here. If this issue had...

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Transport and Communications: Electricity Transmission Network: Discussion with EirGrid (4 Dec 2013)

Helen McEntee: When open days are held as part of the public consultation process, people need to see that possible underground routes are being addressed in the same way as the overhead routes. If that is happening, it is not coming across to people on the ground.

Topical Issue Debate: Schools Building Projects Status (11 Dec 2013)

Helen McEntee: The building of a new secondary school in the town of Kells is an extremely important issue for the town and the surrounding communities. The local community supports the building of a new school but wants it to be completed as soon as possible. It is equally important that the right site is chosen and the future and current needs are met. I and my colleague, Deputy Hannigan, other local...

Topical Issue Debate: Schools Building Projects Status (11 Dec 2013)

Helen McEntee: I thank the Minister for his response. There are technical issues that have to be addressed, such as costs and timely delivery. The fact that the landowner is willing to do a land swap and this could be completed within a short timeframe, under three months, would significantly speed up the process. A full review of both sites would be very worthwhile and will make clear what has been said.

Written Answers — Department of Justice and Equality: Irish Language Issues (11 Dec 2013)

Helen McEntee: 123. To ask the Minister for Justice and Equality the steps being taken by his Department to progress the recognition of Irish Sign Language as an official language; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53258/13]

Written Answers — Department of Justice and Equality: Youth Services Funding (11 Dec 2013)

Helen McEntee: 124. To ask the Minister for Justice and Equality the funding that will be made available to an organisation (details supplied) in view of the fact that it saves his Department thousands every year through the services it provides and by keeping people out of jail or juvenile facilities; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53259/13]

Committee on Transport and Communications: Select Sub-Committee on Transport, Tourism and Sport: Road Traffic (No. 2) Bill: Committee Stage (11 Dec 2013)

Helen McEntee: I move amendment No. 1: In page 8, line 27, to delete “6” and substitute “7”.At present, once a person receives 12 penalty points he or she is banned from driving. It has been brought to my attention that if a new system comes into play whereby a person who is caught speeding receives three penalty points, a learner or novice driver who equals or exceeds six...

Committee on Transport and Communications: Select Sub-Committee on Transport, Tourism and Sport: Road Traffic (No. 2) Bill: Committee Stage (11 Dec 2013)

Helen McEntee: Would the proposed change be viewed as giving people an option to behave recklessly on the roads?

Committee on Transport and Communications: Select Sub-Committee on Transport, Tourism and Sport: Road Traffic (No. 2) Bill: Committee Stage (11 Dec 2013)

Helen McEntee: I move amendment No. 2: In page 8, line 38, to delete “6” and substitute “7”.

Pyrite Resolution Bill 2013 [Seanad]: Second Stage (18 Dec 2013)

Helen McEntee: I wish to share my time with Deputy Alan Farrell.

Pyrite Resolution Bill 2013 [Seanad]: Second Stage (18 Dec 2013)

Helen McEntee: Deputies will have to forgive me; I am out of breath, because I ran from the Department of the Taoiseach to be here. I thank the Acting Chairman. To say I am delighted to be speaking on this legislation and seeing it before the Dáil is possibly the biggest understatement of the year. The legislation means so much to so many people who have put up with pyrite for so many years in what...

Written Answers — Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport: Traffic Management (19 Dec 2013)

Helen McEntee: 12. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the traffic statistics for Slane, County Meath during the recent toll holiday; the increase-decrease of HGV's through the village during the toll holiday period; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [54139/13]

Charities (Amendment) Bill 2014: Second Stage (Resumed) [Private Members] (22 Jan 2014)

Helen McEntee: I welcome the chance to speak in this debate. The community and voluntary sector is one of the largest in the State and it makes a huge contribution to the economy, not to mention society as a whole. We are all aware of community and voluntary groups' great importance. We recognise the role they play in supporting the State in areas such as health service delivery and community development....

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Transport and Communications: Tendering of Bus Services: National Transport Authority (22 Jan 2014)

Helen McEntee: I thank Mr. Murphy for his presentation. What regulation is involved or what balances or checks will be in place for Bus Éireann routes that will be tendered out to private coach companies. Mr. Murphy spoke about performance targets and cost savings, but it all comes down to cost. I disagree with Deputy Ellis that the delivery of service will suffer as I believe it will be the smaller...

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Transport and Communications: Tendering of Bus Services: National Transport Authority (22 Jan 2014)

Helen McEntee: If the contract for a bus route is priced €100 less than that of another company, I find it difficult to believe that if the company is paying a driver and paying for diesel, paying VAT and paying for all the other costs involved, another company can provide the service for €100 less. That is where the problem lies.