Results 2,681-2,700 of 9,550 for speaker:Jack Chambers

Written Answers — Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport: National Car Test (30 May 2023)

Jack Chambers: Under European Directive 2014/45/EU on periodic roadworthiness testing, Ireland, like all Member States, must comply with the minimum specified intervals for carrying out such inspections. This is given effect in Irish law by the Road Traffic (National Car Test) Regulations 2017 (SI 415/2017), as amended. Regulation 3(2) of the 2017 Regulations provides that the initial test due date for...

Written Answers — Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport: National Car Test (30 May 2023)

Jack Chambers: The operation of the National Car Testing Service (NCTS) is the statutory responsibility of the Road Safety Authority and the Authority holds the information sought by the Deputy. I have referred the Deputy's query to the Authority for direct reply. I would ask the Deputy to contact my office if a response has not been received within ten days.

Written Answers — Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport: Air Services (25 May 2023)

Jack Chambers: I thank the Deputy for his continued interest in connectivity to this region. Although operated as an Exchequer funded Public Service Obligation (PSO) air service in the past, as is allowed under Regulation (EC) No 1008/2008 on common rules for the operation of air services in the Community, an air carrier has operated the Kerry/Dublin route on a commercial basis since July 2021. As...

Written Answers — Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport: Dublin Airport Authority (24 May 2023)

Jack Chambers: As the deputy will be aware, daa has the statutory responsibility to operate, manage and develop Dublin Airport. The Airport Noise Competent Authority (ANCA) is the Airport Noise Regulator, and is a separate and independent Directorate within Fingal County Council. As publicised on its website, in December 2022 ANCA commenced a review of the impact of aircraft noise on the...

Written Answers — Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport: Air Safety (24 May 2023)

Jack Chambers: The costs associated with the disturbance to aviation operations at Dublin airport caused by illegal drone activity at the airport are a matter for the airport operator, daa, and the airlines affected. As these are commercial matters, my Department does not have access to those costs. daa is expediting the deployment of additional counter drone technology to complement the already...

Written Answers — Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport: Driver Test (24 May 2023)

Jack Chambers: The operation of the national driving test service is the statutory responsibility of the Road Safety Authority and the information requested is held by them. I have therefore referred the specific part of the Question to the Authority for direct reply. I would ask the Deputy to contact my office if a response has not been received within ten days. I would like to assure the Deputy that my...

Written Answers — Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport: Official Engagements (24 May 2023)

Jack Chambers: I can advise the Deputy that the Preclearance Consultative Group (PCCG) consisting of officials and state representatives from Ireland and the U.S sides meets formally on an annual basis as part of the US preclearance agreement. The last meeting was held on 23rd February 2023 where the Department hosted representatives from the U.S side.

Written Answers — Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport: Driver Test (24 May 2023)

Jack Chambers: The operation of the national driving test service is the statutory responsibility of the Road Safety Authority and the information requested is held by them. I have therefore referred this question to the Authority for direct reply. I would ask the Deputy to contact my office if a response has not been received within ten days.

Written Answers — Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport: National Car Test (23 May 2023)

Jack Chambers: The operation of the National Car Testing Service (NCTS) is the statutory responsibility of the Road Safety Authority (RSA). I have referred the Deputy's query to the Authority for direct reply. I would ask the Deputy to contact my office if a response has not been received within ten days. I am aware of the challenges that the RSA and the NCTS are facing to meet high demand for tests and...

Written Answers — Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport: Driver Licences (23 May 2023)

Jack Chambers: Irish driver licensing operates within a framework of EU law, which sets out the driver licensing legislation with which all Member States must comply. The format of licences, categories of vehicles and the standards to be met in driving tests to qualify for a licence are set at EU level. Accordingly, EU-issued licences are recognised in Member States. Ireland may make bilateral licence...

Written Answers — Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport: Pension Provisions (23 May 2023)

Jack Chambers: My Department officials have considered the pension increase proposal submitted by Dublin Port Company in July 2022 in conjunction with officials in the Department of Public Expenditure, NDP Delivery and Reform. I am currently still engaging with my colleague, the Minister for Public Expenditure, NDP Delivery and Reform on the matter with a view to reaching a resolution. It is expected...

Written Answers — Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport: National Car Test (23 May 2023)

Jack Chambers: I propose to take Questions Nos. 206 and 207 together. The operation of the National Car Testing Service (NCTS) is the statutory responsibility of the Road Safety Authority. As Minister, I have no function in respect of operational matters, including the award of contracts for provision of the NCTS or the application of contract mechanisms. I have referred the Deputy's queries on these...

Written Answers — Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport: National Car Test (23 May 2023)

Jack Chambers: I propose to take Questions Nos. 208 and 209 together. The operation of the National Car Testing Service (NCTS) is the statutory responsibility of the Road Safety Authority (RSA). I have referred the Deputy's query to the Authority for direct reply. I would ask the Deputy to contact my office if a response has not been received within ten days. I am aware of the challenges that the RSA...

Written Answers — Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport: Departmental Functions (17 May 2023)

Jack Chambers: Access to the occupation of road haulage operator is regulated by this Department.  The Department of Transport's Road Transport Operator Licensing Unit issues licences to qualifying operators who wish to undertake road haulage for hire or reward.  All hauliers operating Heavy Goods Vehicles must hold a Road Haulage Operator Licence.  In addition, undertakings operating Light...

Written Answers — Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport: Driver Licences (17 May 2023)

Jack Chambers: Ireland currently has licence exchange agreements with Australia, Gibraltar, Guernsey, Isle of Man, Japan, Jersey, South Africa, Republic of Korea, Switzerland, New Zealand, Taiwan, seven Canadian provinces (Ontario, Manitoba, Newfoundland and Labrador, British Columbia, Saskatchewan, Alberta and New Brunswick), Northern Ireland and the UK. Reaching a driving licence exchange agreement...

Written Answers — Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport: Aviation Industry (17 May 2023)

Jack Chambers: I have not had discussions with airlines about the possibility of direct flights between Ireland and India. The operation of any scheduled air service is a commercial decision for airlines, in consultation with airports and other market actors, based on the commercial viability of the route in question and other operational factors. I do not have a role in such decisions....

Saincheisteanna Tráthúla - Topical Issue Debate: Hospital Services (16 May 2023)

Jack Chambers: I assure the Deputy that the Ireland East Hospital Group and the HSE are committed to progressing the new MRI unit in the Midland Regional Hospital, Mullingar for the people of counties Westmeath and Longford and the broader midlands. I am pleased the building works to facilitate the MRI equipment are progressing in the context of the planned completion date. Consideration is being given to...

Saincheisteanna Tráthúla - Topical Issue Debate: Hospital Services (16 May 2023)

Jack Chambers: I thank Deputy Troy on behalf of Minister for Health, Deputy Donnelly, for this opportunity to update the House on this important matter. The Regional Hospital Mullingar is an important level 3 hospital that provides a wide range of health services for people in counties Westmeath and Longford and specialised services for a broader midlands population of 291,000. As Deputy Troy referenced,...

Illegal Israeli Settlements Divestment Bill 2023: Second Stage (Resumed) (16 May 2023)

Jack Chambers: The Minister of State, Deputy Carroll MacNeill, and I have listened with interest to the contributions from Deputies on the Private Members' Bill put forward by Sinn Féin. I will try to respond to some of the issues raised. I also want to acknowledge the presence of the ambassador. As Minister of State, Deputy Carroll MacNeill highlighted in her opening remarks that the Government...

Seanad: Nithe i dtosach suíonna - Commencement Matters: Medicinal Products (16 May 2023)

Jack Chambers: I thank Senator Martin for raising this issue which I am taking behalf Minister for Health, Deputy Stephen Donnelly. The Department of Health has informed me that Friedreich's ataxia is a rare disease affecting fewer than 200 people in Ireland. The condition involves progressive neuromuscular degeneration leading patients to have difficulty with things such as walking, speech and...