Results 2,441-2,460 of 9,116 for speaker:Jack Chambers

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Transport, Tourism and Sport: Quarterly Update on Matters relating to Minister of State's Remit: Discussion (22 Mar 2023)

Jack Chambers: Yes.

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Transport, Tourism and Sport: Quarterly Update on Matters relating to Minister of State's Remit: Discussion (22 Mar 2023)

Jack Chambers: Yes. Insurance Ireland has set out its position and made public announcements that a practical approach will be taken with motorists who are waiting on a test. People can apply to join the NCT priority waiting list and I encourage them to do that as they will receive a test date within a much shorter period. NCT officials have said they are taking a pragmatic approach. An NCT is only a...

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Transport, Tourism and Sport: Quarterly Update on Matters relating to Minister of State's Remit: Discussion (22 Mar 2023)

Jack Chambers: On driver tests, as I said earlier in reply to Deputy O'Rourke, a business case is being finalised regarding significantly increasing driver test capacity. I want to ensure that it is not a marginal change and that whatever decision we make has a strong medium-term benefit and addresses the backlog once and for all. I also want to ensure that we have a proper testing service that young...

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Transport, Tourism and Sport: Quarterly Update on Matters relating to Minister of State's Remit: Discussion (22 Mar 2023)

Jack Chambers: The lists of likely Government and Opposition Report Stage amendments are being compiled. It is hoped the Bill will return to the Seanad in April. Given that Seanad amendments have been made, it will have to go back to the Dáil. We were hopeful it will be before the House in March but it will probably be the end of April or early May. Following that, there will be a 12-week...

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Transport, Tourism and Sport: Quarterly Update on Matters relating to Minister of State's Remit: Discussion (22 Mar 2023)

Jack Chambers: Yes.

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Transport, Tourism and Sport: Quarterly Update on Matters relating to Minister of State's Remit: Discussion (22 Mar 2023)

Jack Chambers: It will be once we conclude the process with the European Commission.

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Transport, Tourism and Sport: Quarterly Update on Matters relating to Minister of State's Remit: Discussion (22 Mar 2023)

Jack Chambers: Regulations are being prepared so that we can accelerate the timeframe. It will be quarter 3 of this year when the e-scooters will all be properly regulated. It is dependent on the Bill's enactment and then the 12-week process follows that. That is the timeline.

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Transport, Tourism and Sport: Quarterly Update on Matters relating to Minister of State's Remit: Discussion (22 Mar 2023)

Jack Chambers: I suspect it will be in 2023.

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Transport, Tourism and Sport: Quarterly Update on Matters relating to Minister of State's Remit: Discussion (22 Mar 2023)

Jack Chambers: Yes, I do. Once the legislation is enacted in May, it will probably be in quarter 3 of this year.

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Transport, Tourism and Sport: Quarterly Update on Matters relating to Minister of State's Remit: Discussion (22 Mar 2023)

Jack Chambers: No. Once the regulations are made nationally, that sets out the process.

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Transport, Tourism and Sport: Quarterly Update on Matters relating to Minister of State's Remit: Discussion (22 Mar 2023)

Jack Chambers: Yes.

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Transport, Tourism and Sport: Quarterly Update on Matters relating to Minister of State's Remit: Discussion (22 Mar 2023)

Jack Chambers: That is a fair point. Some of those issues are addressed in the Bill. As the Acting Chairman will know, the linkage of driver licence and vehicle ownership records, amendments to the motor insurance database and a range of other matters fall within the ambit of the Road Traffic and Roads Bill. We also spoke more generally about enforcement, data sharing and new technological developments...

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Transport, Tourism and Sport: Quarterly Update on Matters relating to Minister of State's Remit: Discussion (22 Mar 2023)

Jack Chambers: Exactly.

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Transport, Tourism and Sport: Quarterly Update on Matters relating to Minister of State's Remit: Discussion (22 Mar 2023)

Jack Chambers: Does the Acting Chairman want me to briefly respond?

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Transport, Tourism and Sport: Quarterly Update on Matters relating to Minister of State's Remit: Discussion (22 Mar 2023)

Jack Chambers: On the process for Moldova, it was recommended by the Road Safety Authority, RSA, not to progress an agreement. However, the Moldovan Embassy has now informed the Department and the RSA of new legislative changes that were introduced to harmonise the Moldovan driving process with EU legislation. The RSA will now review that updated information-----

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Transport, Tourism and Sport: Quarterly Update on Matters relating to Minister of State's Remit: Discussion (22 Mar 2023)

Jack Chambers: -----to see whether it is possible to facilitate a mutual agreement.

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Transport, Tourism and Sport: Quarterly Update on Matters relating to Minister of State's Remit: Discussion (22 Mar 2023)

Jack Chambers: On the NCT and temporary legislation, European legislation sets the framework around testing for roadworthiness. The priority needs to be making sure Applus brings the wait time down to an average of 12 days. As I said to other colleagues, there is an obligation more generally on motorists to ensure their vehicle is roadworthy. They cannot have bald tires, broken lights or whatever else....

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Transport, Tourism and Sport: Quarterly Update on Matters relating to Minister of State's Remit: Discussion (22 Mar 2023)

Jack Chambers: Yes, there is discretion.

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Transport, Tourism and Sport: Quarterly Update on Matters relating to Minister of State's Remit: Discussion (22 Mar 2023)

Jack Chambers: That is why I would encourage everyone to avail of the priority waiting list. That way, they will receive an appointment much quicker.

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Transport, Tourism and Sport: Quarterly Update on Matters relating to Minister of State's Remit: Discussion (22 Mar 2023)

Jack Chambers: The Government decided to task Dublin Airport Authority with purchasing counter-drone technology, and that has happened. However, there is a broader involvement with both the Department of Justice and the Department of Defence on the wider question. The State needs to assess its critical infrastructure. That is why there is involvement across government.