Results 9,241-9,260 of 40,330 for speaker:Leo Varadkar

Written Answers — Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport: The Gathering Revenue (1 Oct 2013)

Leo Varadkar: I propose to take Questions Nos. 642, 665 and 666 together. I am pleased to report continued good progress on the Gathering Ireland 2013 - Ireland's biggest ever tourism initiative. The overall target is to attract at least 325,000 extra overseas visits to Ireland in 2013. If this target is achieved, it will generate an additional €170 million in revenue this year,...

Written Answers — Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport: Tourism Industry Issues (1 Oct 2013)

Leo Varadkar: My Department and I work closely with other Government Departments to consider all policies which could potentially affect the tourism industry. In this regard, officials from my Department are represented on relevant inter-Departmental groups including the National Landscape Strategy Steering Committee, under my colleague, Jimmy Deenihan T.D., Minister for Arts, Heritage...

Written Answers — Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport: Sporting Events (1 Oct 2013)

Leo Varadkar: Sports events are of enormous value to the area where they take place.  Not only do such events generate revenue and boost the economy, but they also help to support and create jobs.  Examples of some recent sports events which brought substantial amounts of overseas visitors and their contribution to the local economy include the Emerald Isle Classic...

Written Answers — Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport: Tourism Industry Issues (1 Oct 2013)

Leo Varadkar: The management of the Tourist Information Office network is an operational matter for Fáilte Ireland. Therefore I have referred the Deputy's Question to them for further information and 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: Driving Licence Issues (1 Oct 2013)

Leo Varadkar: The Deputy will appreciate that I cannot comment on individual cases.  I can however explain the general policy considerations at issue. Prior to 1989, a person holding a licence to drive a car was entitled to tow trailers.  A change to regulations in that year introduced new categories of licence, including the categories B and BE. Category B was for a car alone or...

Written Answers — Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport: Tourism Promotion (1 Oct 2013)

Leo Varadkar: The matter raised is an operational matter for Fáilte Ireland.  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 working days.

Written Answers — Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport: Vehicle Clamping (1 Oct 2013)

Leo Varadkar: In line with the commitment contained in the Programme for Government to “legislate to regulate the vehicle clamping industry”, the Government, in March 2013, approved the Heads of a Regulation of Vehicle Immobilisation Bill. This followed an extensive consultation with the then Joint Oireachtas Committee for Environment, Transport, Culture and the Gaeltacht. The Bill is...

Written Answers — Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport: Road Traffic Legislation (1 Oct 2013)

Leo Varadkar: Statutory Instrument 366 of 2008 - Road Traffic (Construction and Use of Vehicles) (Amendment) Regulations 2008 set the maximum vehicle height at 4.65 metres. Following public consultation undertaken prior to the completion of the Regulations, it was agreed that a five year derogation from that limit would apply to vehicles registered, licensed or in use prior to 1 November 2008. The...

Written Answers — Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport: Public Transport Issues (1 Oct 2013)

Leo Varadkar: The Government’s programme for the funding of capital projects to 2016 is set out in the Infrastructure and Capital Investment 2012-16: Medium Term Exchequer Framework. Due to the overall reduction in funding for transport infrastructure the priority to 2016 is to protect investments made to date and to maintain safety standards.   The limited funding available over and above...

Written Answers — Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport: Aviation Issues (1 Oct 2013)

Leo Varadkar: I propose to take Questions Nos. 660 to 662, inclusive, together. As one of the most open economies in the world, transport services to and from the country for both people and goods are of vital importance. In that regard I am happy to say that Ireland is very well served by both air and sea links. As the Deputy will be aware, this was a particularly important year for Irish tourism...

Written Answers — Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport: Aviation Issues (1 Oct 2013)

Leo Varadkar: I propose to take Questions Nos. 663 and 664 together. The aviation industry is a key enabler of economic growth and Government policy is aimed at facilitating the industry's continued development . As an island, Ireland's international connectivity with our trading partners is particularly important. Historically, the policy has been in favour of having at least two...

Written Answers — Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport: Marine Safety (1 Oct 2013)

Leo Varadkar: Ireland's maritime safety agenda is constantly being developed in line with developments across the maritime sector, including internationally recognised safety conventions, safety standards, codes of practice, and in the on-going undertaking of ship surveys and inspections. Other commitments by my Department include chairing the Marine Safety Working Group which addresses a range of marine...

Written Answers — Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport: Regulatory Impact Assessment Usage (1 Oct 2013)

Leo Varadkar: The information requested by the Deputy is available in the attached table. Name of Bill Update on RIA Regulation of Vehicle Immobilisation Bill 2013 The RIA has been completed and will be published on the Department's website in due course. Road Traffic (No. 2) Bill 2011 The RIA has been completed and was published on the Department's website Road Safety (Commercial Vehicle...

Written Answers — Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport: Sports Funding (2 Oct 2013)

Leo Varadkar: I am aware of the proposals presented by the Federation of Irish Sport in their pre-budget submission on behalf of Irish sport. Government investment in sport supports a large number of jobs around the country and any proposals regarding further job creation are to be welcomed. The Deputy will be aware that decisions regarding funding for sport will be...

Written Answers — Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport: Alcohol Advertising (2 Oct 2013)

Leo Varadkar: The Deputy will be aware that the proposals with regard to prohibiting sponsorship of sporting events were presented by the Minister of State at the Department of Health, Alex White. Following on from the proposals made by the Minister of State I have had one meeting with drinks industry groups and have had no meetings with any individual alcohol producing company. On the 17 of...

Written Answers — Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport: Road Projects Status (2 Oct 2013)

Leo Varadkar: As Minister for Transport, Tourism & Sport, I have responsibility for overall policy and funding in relation to the national roads programme.  The planning, design and implementation of individual road projects is a matter for the National Roads Authority (NRA) under the Roads Acts 1993 to 2007 in conjunction with the local authorities concerned. Within its capital budget, the...

Written Answers — Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport: Road Projects Status (3 Oct 2013)

Leo Varadkar: The improvement and maintenance of regional and local roads is the statutory responsibility of each local authority, in accordance with the provisions of Section 13 of the Roads Act 1993. Works on those roads are funded from local authorities own resources supplemented by State road grants.  The initial selection and prioritisation of works to be funded is also a matter for each local...

Written Answers — Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport: Tourism Industry Issues (3 Oct 2013)

Leo Varadkar: The matter raised is an operational matter for Fáilte Ireland.  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 working days.

Written Answers — Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport: Dublin Bus Services (3 Oct 2013)

Leo Varadkar: This is an operational matter for Dublin Bus in conjunction with the National Transport Authority (NTA) and I have forwarded the Deputy's question to Dublin Bus and to the NTA 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: Rail Services (3 Oct 2013)

Leo Varadkar: This is an operational matter for Iarnród Éireann 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.