Results 8,361-8,380 of 40,330 for speaker:Leo Varadkar

Other Questions: Tourism Promotion (27 Mar 2013)

Leo Varadkar: My Department's role in respect of tourism lies primarily in the area of national policy. It is not involved in the administration of tourism-related funding programmes or in support to specific tourism sectors, which are the responsibility of Fáilte Ireland. Accordingly, I have referred the Deputy's question to Fáilte Ireland for further information and direct reply. As the...

Written Answers — Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport: Tourism Promotion (27 Mar 2013)

Leo Varadkar: I propose to take Questions Nos. 11, 13, 22, 45, 49, 61 and 82 together. These Questions are about tourism promotion. According to CSO figures, there were just over 6.5 million overseas visits to Ireland last year, up slightly on 2011, while spending by overseas visitors was up 4.5% to nearly €3.7 billion. Visits from the higher spending Mainland Europe, North America...

Written Answers — Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport: Tourism Industry (27 Mar 2013)

Leo Varadkar: This Question relates to tourism statistics. Reliable tourism statistics are essential for measuring performance and informing both agency operations and overarching Government policies and actions. Clearly, however, neither I nor Fáilte Ireland nor any other agency of this State has direct responsibility for the overall development of the tourism industry for the island of...

Written Answers — Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport: Air Services Provision (27 Mar 2013)

Leo Varadkar: I propose to take Questions Nos. 14, 16, 71 and 74 together. These questions relate to the  development of a new aviation policy. The aviation industry is a key enabler of economic growth so it is important that there is a clear policy framework in place to facilitate its continued development and to optimise the contribution that this important sector can make to the Irish economy....

Written Answers — Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport: Bus Services (27 Mar 2013)

Leo Varadkar: I propose to answer Question Nos. 15 and 313 together. These questions relate to the structure of the public service obligation (PSO) bus market. I refer the Deputy to my reply to Priority Question No. 4 which I answered earlier.  I am aware that the Competition Authority made a submission to the NTA's public consultation process. This report clearly...

Written Answers — Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport: Marine Accidents (27 Mar 2013)

Leo Varadkar: I propose to take Questions Nos. 17 and 23 together. I propose to answer question 17 and 23 together.  These Questions relate to the Marine Casualty Investigation Board. Under Section 8 of the Merchant Shipping (Investigation of Marine Casualties) Act 2000, the Marine Casualty Investigation Board is established as being independent of the Minister in the performance of its...

Written Answers — Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport: Road Maintenance (27 Mar 2013)

Leo Varadkar: I propose to take Questions Nos. 18, 30, 53, 57, 66, 315 and 328 together. These Questions relate to roads maintenance. Firstly, under section 13 of the Roads Act 1993, statutory responsibility for the improvement and maintenance of regional and local roads rests very clearly with local authorities.  It is also the case that any works on these roads are a matter for the relevant...

Written Answers — Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport: Harbour Authorities Appointments (27 Mar 2013)

Leo Varadkar: I am in the process of appointing a new Chairperson to the Board of Dún Laoghaire Harbour Company. Befopre the appointment is made, the Chairperson designate will be required to appear before the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Transport and Communications. In the interim, the Board has chosen one of its Directors to act as Chairperson. As the Deputy will be aware, I have previously...

Written Answers — Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport: Driving Licence Issues (27 Mar 2013)

Leo Varadkar: EU Directive 2006/126EC requires the introduction by Member States of a plastic card driver licence with effect from 19th January 2013. For this country, this involved a change of the procedures and practices associated with the old paper style licences. With the introduction of the new style licence, the Government decided to centralise the driver licence service under the Road Safety...

Written Answers — Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport: Road Network (27 Mar 2013)

Leo Varadkar: This question relates to the proposed N25 New Ross Bypass project which is included in the Government's Financial Stimulus package. I understand that the cost benefit analysis to date on this scheme indicates a minimum benefit exceed costs by a ratio of over 3 to 1. This scheme will provide significant economic benefits in terms of journey time savings, emissions savings...

Written Answers — Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport: Driving Licence Issues (27 Mar 2013)

Leo Varadkar: EU Directive 2006/126EC requires the introduction by Member States of a plastic card driver licence with effect from 19th January 2013. For this country, this involved a change of the procedures and practices associated with the old paper style licences. With the introduction of the new style licence, the Government decided to centralise the driver licence service under the Road Safety...

Written Answers — Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport: Sporting Events (27 Mar 2013)

Leo Varadkar: I am fully supportive of the bid to host the Rugby World Cup in Ireland. It is a matter for the IRFU to prepare and submit a bid. A feasibility study commissioned by the IRFU on the potential for hosting the tournament is being finalised and will be presented to me by the IRFU shortly. I looked forward to receiving it and and considering the findings. The support of other sporting...

Written Answers — Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport: Sports Capital Programme Expenditure (27 Mar 2013)

Leo Varadkar: I propose to take Questions Nos. 27, 33 and 59 together. My Department’s role in relation to tourism lies primarily in the area of national policy.  It is not involved in the administration of tourism-related funding programmes or in support to specific tourism sectors, which are the responsibility of Fáilte Ireland.  Fáilte Ireland administer...

Written Answers — Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport: Public Transport (27 Mar 2013)

Leo Varadkar: The Public Transport Regulation Act 2009 establishes the National Transport Authority (NTA), incorporating responsibility for transport investment and service delivery in the greater Dublin area, formerly under the remit of the Dublin Transport Authority, with additional nation-wide responsibilties for certain transport services. Specifically the NTA has national...

Written Answers — Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport: Anti-Social Behaviour (27 Mar 2013)

Leo Varadkar: This is an operational matter for Dublin Bus and I have forwarded the Deputy's question to the company for direct reply.  Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within ten working days.

Written Answers — Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport: Ports Development (27 Mar 2013)

Leo Varadkar: I launched the new National Ports Policy yesterday and a copy of the document is now available on my Department's website. The policy was approved by the Government recently. I am confident that this new policy establishes a policy framework which will allow all our ports, large and small, to develop in a sustainable manner which will facilitate imports and exports, employment and...

Written Answers — Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport: Public Transport (27 Mar 2013)

Leo Varadkar: I propose to take Questions Nos. 32 and 64 together.   The National Transport Authority (NTA) has statutory responsibility for the development of public transport infrastructure in the Greater Dublin Area (GDA), including the proposed Luas Cross City Line. Luas Cross City Line has been prioritised in the Government's 5-year capital plan - Infrastructure & Capital...

Written Answers — Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport: Transport Strategy (27 Mar 2013)

Leo Varadkar: Whilst current funding constraints clearly limit the potential for significant capital investment in transport, it is essential that we remain conscious that the efficient movement of people and goods is central to the functioning of our economy. A transport system that supports and enhances both domestic and export driven growth will be vital in supporting our agenda of renewed and...

Written Answers — Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport: Harbour Authorities Expenditure (27 Mar 2013)

Leo Varadkar: They relate to a payment to a former board member of Dun Laoghaire Harbour Company. As I stated previously on 19 February, the payment of expenses to directors is a matter for the Company in accordance with the Code of Practice for the Governance for State Bodies. I am advised that the legal proceedings referred to are ongoing. As the Deputy will appreciate, I am not in a position to...

Written Answers — Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport: The Gathering Initiatives (27 Mar 2013)

Leo Varadkar: I propose to take Questions Nos. 37, 62, 68 and 80 together. I am pleased that the positive start to The Gathering Ireland 2013 has continued and I am confident that the momentum will be maintained as we approach the peak tourism season. The overall target is to attract at least 325,000 extra overseas visits in 2013 which would generate some...