Results 6,241-6,260 of 40,330 for speaker:Leo Varadkar

Written Answers — Road Network: Road Network (12 Jan 2012)

Leo Varadkar: The most recent position is that the A5 project was discussed at the North-South Ministerial Council Plenary meeting on 18th November 2011. At the plenary meeting, Ministers noted that the provision of further funding by the Irish Government for the A5 road was being deferred but that the Government will provide £25m per annum in 2015 and 2016 towards the project. It was also noted that...

Written Answers — Tourism Industry: Tourism Industry (12 Jan 2012)

Leo Varadkar: The development of particular accommodation sectors including the Bed and Breakfast Sector is an operational matter for Fáilte Ireland. I am aware that Fáilte Ireland works very closely with the sector and in recent times have put in place a voluntary classification and categorisation system, supported by a new brand. Accordingly, I have referred the Deputy's question to Fáilte Ireland...

Written Answers — Public Transport: Public Transport (12 Jan 2012)

Leo Varadkar: As the Deputy will be aware, the operation and provision of bus services is a matter for Dublin Bus in conjunction with the National Transport Authority. The Deloitte Cost and Efficiency Review of Dublin Bus and Bus Éireann was published in January 2009. The Review identified some scope for greater efficiencies in Dublin Bus. Following the publication of that Report, Dublin Bus undertook an...

Written Answers — Industrial Disputes: Industrial Disputes (12 Jan 2012)

Leo Varadkar: I propose to take Questions Nos. 55 and 65 together. Officials from my Department maintain regular contact with the ports and various shipping companies and have been kept apprised of Stena Line's most recent adjustments to its services. I recently met senior executives from the company. However, I do not have any function with regard to commercial operational matters. Stena Line's current...

Written Answers — Parking Regulations: Parking Regulations (12 Jan 2012)

Leo Varadkar: I propose to take Questions Nos. 59 and 254 together. I am aware of the range of issues which have been raised by members of the public regarding difficulties they have encountered with elements of the clamping industry. While current legislation permits local authorities to clamp vehicles in public places, either directly or by contract with a clamping company, there is no legislation...

Written Answers — Departmental Strategy Statements: Departmental Strategy Statements (12 Jan 2012)

Leo Varadkar: My Department's Statement of Strategy is currently being finalised and will be published shortly. The predominant focus of the strategy will be the implementation of the commitments in the Programme for Government and the maximisation of the contribution that my Department and the sectors under its aegis can make to the achievement of national economic recovery and fiscal consolidation. The...

Written Answers — Road Network: Road Network (12 Jan 2012)

Leo Varadkar: As Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for overall policy and funding in relation to the national roads programme. The construction, improvement and maintenance of individual national roads, is a matter for the National Roads Authority under the Roads Acts 1993 to 2007 in conjunction with the local authorities concerned. Noting this I have referred the Deputy's question to the NRA...

Written Answers — Tourism Promotion: Tourism Promotion (12 Jan 2012)

Leo Varadkar: The matter raised is an operational one for Fáilte Ireland, in the first instance, working together with Tourism Ireland where appropriate. I have referred the Deputy's Question to both agencies for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within ten working days.

Written Answers — Air Services: Air Services (12 Jan 2012)

Leo Varadkar: The Government has considered the various options open to it in terms of generating revenue from the sale of state assets – including the recommendations of the State Assets Review Group (McCarthy Report). That Report had recommended that the Government dispose of the State's shareholding in Aer Lingus "as soon as is opportune" but no decision has yet been taken by the Government on the...

Written Answers — Tourism Promotion: Tourism Promotion (12 Jan 2012)

Leo Varadkar: I propose to take Questions Nos. 68, 70 and 250 together. There are some interesting and informative points in the recent report commissioned by the Dublin City Business Association, entitled "Rejuvenating Dublin's Tourism Product" which I and my Department are considering. However, there also appear to be some doubtful conclusions. For example, it is incorrect to say that 6% of Fáilte...

Written Answers — Public Transport: Public Transport (12 Jan 2012)

Leo Varadkar: Public Transport fares are a matter for the operating companies in conjunction with the National Transport Authority (NTA). I have referred the Deputy's question to the NTA for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within ten working days.

Written Answers — Taxi Regulations: Taxi Regulations (12 Jan 2012)

Leo Varadkar: The regulation of the taxi industry, including arrangements for the sitting of the taxi suitability and area knowledge tests that operators have to undergo, are a matter for the National Transport Authority (NTA) under the Taxi Regulation Act, 2003. As part of the Taxi Regulation Review the matter of standards for taxi drivers including area knowledge has been considered by the Review Group...

Written Answers — Tourism Promotion: Tourism Promotion (12 Jan 2012)

Leo Varadkar: My Department's role in relation to tourism relates primarily to the area of national policy, and it is not involved in the development of individual sectors of the tourism industry. The matter raised is an operational matter for Fáilte Ireland and I have referred the Deputy's Question to Fáilte Ireland for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within...

Written Answers — Road Network: Road Network (12 Jan 2012)

Leo Varadkar: The A5 project was discussed at the North South Ministerial Council Plenary meeting on 18th November 2011. At the plenary meeting, Ministers noted that the provision of further funding by the Irish Government for the A5 road was being deferred but that the Government will provide £25m per annum in 2015 and 2016 towards the project. It was also noted that the relevant departments will now...

Written Answers — Parking Regulations: Parking Regulations (12 Jan 2012)

Leo Varadkar: The Disabled Parking Scheme is operated on behalf of my Department by the Disabled Drivers Association of Ireland (DDAI) and the Irish Wheelchair Association (IWA). The Scheme functions under Regulations , and my Department has agreed terms and conditions with the DDAI and the IWA for its detailed operation. Applicants for the permit apply to the DDAI or IWA, who must verify the identity...

Written Answers — Disabled Drivers: Disabled Drivers (12 Jan 2012)

Leo Varadkar: Disabled parking spaces are provided for the use of people who have a legitimate need and have qualified for a disabled parking permit. Unfortunately there are abuses, in particular people parking in disabled spaces without a permit, people using permits issued to someone else, and people using forged permits. All of these abuses are particularly deplorable because they deprive those who...

Written Answers — Road Safety: Road Safety (12 Jan 2012)

Leo Varadkar: Driver licensing law in Ireland operates within the framework of EU legislation, and its purpose is to ensure a minimum level of assurance regarding the competence of people who drive on our roads. As part of the driver licensing regime, Ireland recognises and has exchange relationships with other EU Member States, whose nationals, if resident in Ireland, can therefore exchange their driving...

Written Answers — Park Regulations: Park Regulations (12 Jan 2012)

Leo Varadkar: Under the Traffic and Parking Regulations, partial parking of vehicles on pavements is currently not permitted. Since coming into office, I have been asked about this issue a number of times and have given it some consideration. The argument for changing the Regulations relates to the difficulty which many people have parking in urban areas, especially areas with high residency and narrow...

Written Answers — Tourism Promotion: Tourism Promotion (12 Jan 2012)

Leo Varadkar: Data on spectator numbers for the 2011 Irish Open is primarily a matter for the organisers of the event, the European Tour. As sponsors of the event in question, Fáilte Ireland may be in a position to assist in relation to the Deputy's query. I have referred the Deputy's Question to Fáilte Ireland for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within ten...

Written Answers — Rail Services: Rail Services (12 Jan 2012)

Leo Varadkar: The issue raised is a matter for the National Transport Authority (NTA). I have referred the Deputy's question to the NTA for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within ten working days.