Results 2,101-2,120 of 9,116 for speaker:Jack Chambers

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Transport, Tourism and Sport: Decarbonisation Strategy for Aviation and Shipping Sectors: Minister of State at the Department of Transport (12 Jul 2023)

Jack Chambers: I thank the Leas-Chathaoirleach. On his first point, he is correct in saying that it is not a case of one size fits all. People who are going to Dublin Airport today want to go on their holidays. Some others are going by rail and sail, and it is good we are seeing improved figures on that, but for many people, we need international connectivity. We also need it to bring tourists here....

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Transport, Tourism and Sport: Decarbonisation Strategy for Aviation and Shipping Sectors: Minister of State at the Department of Transport (12 Jul 2023)

Jack Chambers: On that point, we have some figures on Dublin Airport and Cork, for example, and they have significantly reduced their emissions since 2018. I will try to get them here.

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Transport, Tourism and Sport: Decarbonisation Strategy for Aviation and Shipping Sectors: Minister of State at the Department of Transport (12 Jul 2023)

Jack Chambers: I have them here. In 2022, Dublin Airport reduced its emissions by 24%, and in Cork Airport the figure was 38%, compared with the 2018 base, which is based on average.

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Transport, Tourism and Sport: Decarbonisation Strategy for Aviation and Shipping Sectors: Minister of State at the Department of Transport (12 Jul 2023)

Jack Chambers: These are in the areas of energy management, LED upgrade works, an ambitious fleet replacement programme and participation in the SEAI and OPW Reduce Your Use campaigns. Within the airports themselves, they are really embracing sustainability. They have a big ambition-----

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Transport, Tourism and Sport: Decarbonisation Strategy for Aviation and Shipping Sectors: Minister of State at the Department of Transport (12 Jul 2023)

Jack Chambers: Yes, and this is similarly the case for our regional airports. A lot of what we funded through the regional airports programme is very much focused on sustainability. Shannon Airport, Ireland West Airport, Donegal Airport and Kerry Airport all have big ambitions for sustainability. The emissions reductions demonstrate the progress they have made.

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Transport, Tourism and Sport: Decarbonisation Strategy for Aviation and Shipping Sectors: Minister of State at the Department of Transport (12 Jul 2023)

Jack Chambers: Exactly.

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Transport, Tourism and Sport: Decarbonisation Strategy for Aviation and Shipping Sectors: Minister of State at the Department of Transport (12 Jul 2023)

Jack Chambers: As I have said earlier-----

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Transport, Tourism and Sport: Decarbonisation Strategy for Aviation and Shipping Sectors: Minister of State at the Department of Transport (12 Jul 2023)

Jack Chambers: It is also important to look at the fact that the success of aviation has been because of the liberalisation of the market and allowing competitiveness to benefit consumers. When there is that mismatch between intra-EU and international, there is a market distortion. It is welcome that the European Commission is going to review it in 2026.

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Transport, Tourism and Sport: Decarbonisation Strategy for Aviation and Shipping Sectors: Minister of State at the Department of Transport (12 Jul 2023)

Jack Chambers: As the procurement process is subject to legal challenge before the Commercial Court, it would not be appropriate for me to comment on that matter in any way. I know the matter of MetroLink and the cost of the project were discussed at the Committee of Public Accounts recently. The Minister has direct responsibility for that within the Department, but I will ask the Department to provide...

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Transport, Tourism and Sport: Decarbonisation Strategy for Aviation and Shipping Sectors: Minister of State at the Department of Transport (12 Jul 2023)

Jack Chambers: I have huge respect for every member of the committees and the work they do. I am not sure what engagement the committee has had with the Department on the matters highlighted by the Senator. If the committee is seeking information, where appropriate, we will ask the officials to provide it.

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Transport, Tourism and Sport: Decarbonisation Strategy for Aviation and Shipping Sectors: Minister of State at the Department of Transport (12 Jul 2023)

Jack Chambers: That is in Europe.

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Transport, Tourism and Sport: Decarbonisation Strategy for Aviation and Shipping Sectors: Minister of State at the Department of Transport (12 Jul 2023)

Jack Chambers: Within ReFuelEU and the existing European files, there is a minimum mandate across aviation. That demonstrates that there is a necessity for demand and that gives regulatory certainty to the players within the aviation sector. Now, it falls to the airlines, the airports and the producers to scale that level of capacity. That is why Ryanair and others have signed contracts with many of the...

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Transport, Tourism and Sport: Decarbonisation Strategy for Aviation and Shipping Sectors: Minister of State at the Department of Transport (12 Jul 2023)

Jack Chambers: The obligation is on the fuel supplier. Obviously, SAF is a blended fuel. There are fines if the suppliers do not meet the targets.

Written Answers — Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport: National Car Test (11 Jul 2023)

Jack Chambers: The operation of the National Car Testing Service is the statutory responsibility of the Road Safety Authority. I have referred the Deputy's query to the Authority for direct reply. I would ask the Deputy to contact my office if a response has not been received within ten days.

Written Answers — Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport: Driver Licences (11 Jul 2023)

Jack Chambers: A driving licence can be renewed up to 3 months before its expiry date. Licences are issued for 10, 3 or 1 year periods. The option to renew before expiry is to facilitate drivers, particularly professional drivers, who may be travelling abroad when their licence is due to expire. The option to renew early is not mandatory.

Written Answers — Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport: Driver Test (11 Jul 2023)

Jack Chambers: The operation of the national driving test service is the statutory responsibility of the Road Safety Authority and the information requested is held by them. I have therefore referred the first part of the question to the Authority for direct reply. I would ask the Deputy to contact my office if a response has not been received within ten days. As part of plans to reduce the number of...

Written Answers — Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport: Driver Test (11 Jul 2023)

Jack Chambers: I propose to take Questions Nos. 154 and 160 together. The operation of the national driving test service is the statutory responsibility of the Road Safety Authority and the information requested is held by them. I have therefore referred the Questions to the Authority for direct reply. I would ask the Deputies to contact my office if a response has not been received within ten days.

Written Answers — Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport: Taxi Regulations (11 Jul 2023)

Jack Chambers: As the deputy will be aware, DAA has the statutory responsibility to operate, manage and develop Dublin Airport including the issuing of taxi permits. Accordingly, as the issue raised by the deputy is an operational one, I have forwarded your request to DAA for a direct response. If a response is not received within 10 days, please contact my private office.

Written Answers — Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport: National Car Test (11 Jul 2023)

Jack Chambers: I propose to take Questions Nos. 161 and 162 together. The Road Safety Authority (RSA) has statutory responsibility for the operation of the National Car Testing Service (NCTS), including scheduling of tests and waiting periods. The payment of service credits (penalties for failure of the contractor to meet required service levels) is a matter between the RSA and Applus, as the legal parties...

Written Answers — Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport: Coast Guard Service (11 Jul 2023)

Jack Chambers: My Department is responsible for the Irish Coast Guard building programme – essentially aimed at ensuring facilities for Coast Guard Units along the coast are fit for purpose. The programme is managed through the Office of Public Works (OPW) from planning design to build and on-going maintenance, with legal assistance as necessary from the Chief State Solicitor’s Office. The...