Results 18,981-19,000 of 19,173 for speaker:Shane Ross

Written Answers — Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport: Covid-19 Pandemic Supports (3 Jun 2020)

Shane Ross: I understand the very difficult business environment that small public service vehicle (SPSV) operators, including operators of limousine SPSV tour businesses, are now dealing with.  Indeed, across Government we are acutely aware that the COVID-19 situation presents huge challenges for very many business sectors. That is why we have worked to introduce a wide programme of...

Written Answers — Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport: Covid-19 Pandemic Supports (3 Jun 2020)

Shane Ross: Since the beginning of the Covid-19 health emergency, the Government has been clear that continued operation of the public transport sector is important and designated public transport as an “essential service” during the Covid-19 emergency, recognising the importance of keeping the system running especially for carrying essential workers and other passengers making necessary...

Written Answers — Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport: Public Transport (3 Jun 2020)

Shane Ross: As Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport.  Ensuring the provision of integrated public transport services (bus, rail, light-rail and taxi) by public and private operators throughout the State is the statutory responsibility of the National Transport Authority. The Government has been clear...

Written Answers — Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport: Road Tolls (3 Jun 2020)

Shane Ross: As Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport, I have responsibility for overall policy and funding in relation to the national roads programme.  Under the Roads Acts 1993-2015, the operation and management of individual national roads is a matter for Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII), in conjunction with the local authorities concerned. More specifically, the statutory...

Written Answers — Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport: Covid-19 Pandemic Supports (3 Jun 2020)

Shane Ross: I understand the very difficult business environment that the bus and coach sector are now dealing with.  Indeed, across Government we are acutely aware that the COVID-19 situation presents huge challenges for very many business sectors. That is why we have worked to introduce a wide programme of Government supports for impacted businesses.  The range of supports available...

Written Answers — Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport: Road Projects (3 Jun 2020)

Shane Ross: As Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport, I have responsibility for overall policy and funding in relation to the national roads programme.  Under the Roads Acts 1993-2015, the planning, design, construction and upgrading of individual national roads is a matter for Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII), in conjunction with the local authorities...

Written Answers — Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport: National Car Test (3 Jun 2020)

Shane Ross: The safety of the public is of paramount importance at this time and as in all aspects of the Covid-19 crisis my Department continues to be guided by National Public Health Emergency Team and the relevant national experts in relation to the resumption of services. My officials and the Road Safety Authority are currently examining the possibility of resuming the National Car Test...

Written Answers — Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport: Driver Test (3 Jun 2020)

Shane Ross: Driving lessons are provided privately and are not a State service. As a private company, a driving school must ensure that they can comply with the necessary public health requirements before they can reopen their businesses. The National Return to Work Safely Protocol was developed by NPHET in consultation with national experts. Driver instruction is likely to resume in line with...

Written Answers — Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport: Public Transport (3 Jun 2020)

Shane Ross: The regulation of the small public service vehicle (SPSV) industry, including the regulation of payments for SPSV services, is a matter for the National Transport Authority (NTA) under the provisions of the Taxi Regulation Act 2013.  Accordingly, I have referred your question to the NTA for direct reply to you. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a...

Written Answers — Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport: Rural Transport Services (3 Jun 2020)

Shane Ross: As Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport. The National Transport Authority (NTA) has statutory responsibility for securing the provision of public transport services nationally. It also has national responsibility for integrated local and rural transport, including management of the Rural...

Written Answers — Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport: Park and Ride Facilities (3 Jun 2020)

Shane Ross: In line with Action 89 of the Climate Action Plan 2019, the National Transport Authority (NTA) has established a 'Park and Ride Development Office' and I understand initial scoping of studies, corridor analysis and design works have commenced and are on-going. Noting the NTA's responsibilities on the matter I have referred the Deputy's question to the NTA for a more detailed reply....

Written Answers — Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport: Driver Test (3 Jun 2020)

Shane Ross: The details regarding driving tests are a matter for the Road Safety Authority (RSA), which has statutory responsibility for them. I have referred the question to the Authority for direct reply. I would ask the Deputy to contact my office if a response is not received within 10 days. More generally, the RSA is currently working, in consultation with my Department, on plans for the...

Written Answers — Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport: Bus Services (3 Jun 2020)

Shane Ross: I propose to take Questions Nos. 984 and 985 together. As Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport. The National Transport Authority (NTA) has statutory responsibility for the planning and development of public transport infrastructure, including the BusConnects programme. Noting the NTA's responsibility...

Written Answers — Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport: Departmental Advertising (3 Jun 2020)

Shane Ross: To date this year there has been no spend by my Department on advertising services. I have sent your request to all agencies under my aegis, and have requested that they forward the relevant information to you within 10 working days.

Written Answers — Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport: Aviation Industry (9 Jun 2020)

Shane Ross: I propose to take Questions Nos. 525, 526 and 540 together. The aviation industry is one of the most affected by the global pandemic. All airlines have seen severe depletion of revenue and are facing various degrees of financial challenge. The Government has brought forward a series of measures to support all businesses impacted by COVID-19. These include the Temporary Wage Subsidy Scheme,...

Written Answers — Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport: Covid-19 Pandemic Supports (9 Jun 2020)

Shane Ross: The unprecedented challenges arising from Covid-19 require special attention, and for that reason I am establishing a Taskforce for Aviation Recovery, which will be charged with developing and advising on a framework for restarting aviation. I am in the process of appointing people to this Taskforce, which will convene quickly and report back to me within within a short timeframe with a plan....

Written Answers — Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport: Travel Trade Sector (9 Jun 2020)

Shane Ross: I propose to take Questions Nos. 529, 569 and 582 together. Consumer protections for holiday-makers who book packages through travel agents and tour operators are enshrined in EU law. EU Directive 2302/2015 on Package Travel requires travel agents and tour operators to provide a full cash refund within 14 days in the event that a package holiday is cancelled, by either the customer or the...

Written Answers — Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport: Proposed Legislation (9 Jun 2020)

Shane Ross: My Department has engaged with other stakeholders, including the Department of Justice and Equality and the Garda Síochána, on the issue of possible legislation to address the problem of scramblers and quads in public parks. Following from these discussions, my officials are currently exploring a possible approach in the legislation, which could, if agreed, be introduced as an...

Written Answers — Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport: Taxi Licences (9 Jun 2020)

Shane Ross: The regulation of the small public service vehicle (SPSV) industry, including vehicle licencing arrangements during the present COVID-19 pandemic, is a matter for the National Transport Authority (NTA) under the provisions of the Taxi Regulation Act 2013. Given the role of the NTA as regulator, I have referred your question to the Authority for direct reply to you. Please advise my private...

Written Answers — Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport: Job Losses (9 Jun 2020)

Shane Ross: My Department has maintained regular contact with key aviation stakeholders, including Aer Lingus, since the start of the COVID-19 crisis. The aviation industry is one of the most affected by the global pandemic. All airlines have seen severe depletion of revenue and are facing various degrees of financial challenge. The Government has brought forward a series of measures to support all...