Results 10,501-10,520 of 40,330 for speaker:Leo Varadkar

Written Answers — Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport: Private Bus Operators (2 Apr 2014)

Leo Varadkar: The issue raised is a matter for the National Transport Authority (NTA) and I have forwarded 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.

Seanad: Participation in Sport: Motion (2 Apr 2014)

Leo Varadkar: A Chathaoirleach, a Sheanadóiri, I am taking this business today as my colleague, the Minister of State, Deputy Michael Ring, is in Milan on official business related to the Giro d'Italia, which I will speak about later on. As Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport, I am committed to increasing and developing participation and interest in sport, improving standards of performance and...

Seanad: Participation in Sport: Motion (2 Apr 2014)

Leo Varadkar: Even politics.

Seanad: Participation in Sport: Motion (2 Apr 2014)

Leo Varadkar: What exactly are women's issues?

Seanad: Participation in Sport: Motion (2 Apr 2014)

Leo Varadkar: There are some very sensitive NGOs.

Seanad: Adjournment Matters: Roadworthiness Testing (2 Apr 2014)

Leo Varadkar: I thank Senator Landy for raising this matter. As vehicles get older, their condition deteriorates, as evidenced by the increased failure rates for older vehicles undergoing the national car test and commercial vehicle roadworthiness tests. Components such as brakes, steering systems and tyres become more prone to developing faults. Consequently, older vehicles pose a greater risk to other...

Seanad: Adjournment Matters: Roadworthiness Testing (2 Apr 2014)

Leo Varadkar: As part of the review, the RSA will examine best practice in other countries. I can certainly commit to this. I will also ask it if it can bring forward the review and perhaps start it now and have it done before the end of the year. I cannot promise that it will be able to do this, as it has a work programme. The first priority I have given it is to sort out all of the driving licence...

Written Answers — Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport: Infrastructure and Capital Investment Programme (3 Apr 2014)

Leo Varadkar: The improvement and maintenance of regional and local roads, including bridges, in its area, is a statutory function of each road authority in accordance with the provisions of section 13 of the Roads Act, 1993.  Works on such roads or bridges are a matter for the relevant local authority to be funded from its own resources supplemented by State road grants.  The initial selection...

Written Answers — Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport: Departmental Services (3 Apr 2014)

Leo Varadkar: The online motor tax service operated by my Department on behalf of local authorities avails of merchant services provided through a framework agreement covering agencies across the Public Sector. This was established by the Local Government Management Agency (LGMA) following a tender process completed in 2011.  The agreement is for a three year period with...

Written Answers — Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport: Tourism Projects Funding (3 Apr 2014)

Leo Varadkar: I have no direct role in relation to individual tourism projects as this is a matter for the board and management of Fáilte Ireland.  Accordingly I have referred the question to the agency for direct reply.  Please contact my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 days.

Written Answers — Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport: Transport Infrastructure (3 Apr 2014)

Leo Varadkar: As the Deputy is aware the Shannon Estuary is one of the finest, natural deep-water resources on the island. Shannon Foynes Port Company is the State commercial port company tasked with the management of shipping within the Estuary and is designated as a Port of National Significance (Tier 1) in National Ports Policy and as a ‘core’ port within the European Union’s...

Written Answers — Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport: Air Traffic Control Services (3 Apr 2014)

Leo Varadkar: The main objective of the EU Single European Sky initiative is to reform the air traffic management system in Europe, currently delivered by approximately 40 separate service providers, including the Irish Aviation Authority.   The European air traffic management system is a complex one with widely varying conditions across a network currently controlling some 9.5 million flights...

Written Answers — Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport: Air Services Provision (3 Apr 2014)

Leo Varadkar: I propose to take Questions Nos. 271 and 272 together. As an island destination, direct, convenient and competitive access services are critical to achieving tourism growth to Ireland.  The development of our tourism industry is central to the Government's economic recovery programme, and the connectivity that is provided by Irish airlines is very important in...

Written Answers — Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport: Mountain Rescue Service (3 Apr 2014)

Leo Varadkar: I propose to take Questions Nos. 273 and 274 together. Once again I would like to put on record my appreciation for the excellent work done by voluntary mountain rescue organisations. It is important to recognise that An Garda Síochána have responsibility for the coordination of mountain rescue teams under the Framework for Major Emergency Management. The Gardaí fall under...

Written Answers — Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport: Tourism Projects Funding (3 Apr 2014)

Leo Varadkar: I have no direct role in relation to individual tourism projects. This is a matter for the board and management of Fáilte Ireland.  Accordingly I have referred the question to the agency for direct reply.  Please contact my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 days.

Written Answers — Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport: Rail Network (3 Apr 2014)

Leo Varadkar: The issue raised is a matter for Iarnród Éireann and I have referred 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: Haulage Industry Regulation (8 Apr 2014)

Leo Varadkar: I am very aware that the UK HGV road user levy is a cause of considerable concern for Irish hauliers, particularly those operating in border areas.  I have had extensive discussions with my UK and Northern Ireland counterparts on the matter and have made representations to the UK authorities to completely exempt certain significant sections of Northern Ireland roads infrastructure...

Written Answers — Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport: Pension Provisions (8 Apr 2014)

Leo Varadkar: Aer Lingus is a publicly listed company.  The remuneration package of the Chief Executive is decided by the remuneration committee and the Board of the company. It is not subject to Government decision.  It would be inappropriate for my Department to seek to take action in this regard. However, the correspondent’s point regarding the contribution to pensions is well made.

Written Answers — Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport: Motor Tax Exemptions (8 Apr 2014)

Leo Varadkar: I propose to take Questions Nos. 695 and 696 together. Both the Air Accident Investigation Unit (AAIU) of my Department and the Irish Coast Guard have vehicles in their possession which are exempt from holding motor tax. The AAIU has two vehicles while the Irish Coast Guard has a fleet of approximately 170 vehicles incorporating tractors, all-terrain vehicles (quads)...

Written Answers — Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport: Transport Infrastructure (8 Apr 2014)

Leo Varadkar: The Government's policy in relation to capital infrastructure to 2016, including rail and road investments, is set out in the "Infrastructure and Capital Investment 2012-16: Medium Term Exchequer Framework". The priority is to maintain safety standards and to protect and extract maximum value from existing infrastructure, rather than the development of new transport infrastructure. In...