Results 30,261-30,280 of 40,330 for speaker:Leo Varadkar

Recent Flooding: Statements (12 Feb 2014)

Leo Varadkar: I join other Members of the House in sympathising with all those who have been adversely affected by the recent weather emergencies and, in particular, the loved ones of those who have lost their lives, including tourists who were visiting the country. I realise only too well the devastation that can be caused to homes, businesses and properties, and the terrible sense of helplessness when...

Written Answers — Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport: Military Aircraft Landings (12 Feb 2014)

Leo Varadkar: The issue of airport charges, including landing fees at Shannon Airport, is an operational matter for the Shannon Airport Authority (SAA). As such, this question has been referred directly to the SAA for reply to the Deputy. If a response has not been received within 10 working days, please advise my private office.

Written Answers — Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport: Departmental Bodies (12 Feb 2014)

Leo Varadkar: While I have overall responsibility for policy matters relating to Transport, Tourism and Sport, the agencies and state-owned enterprises (semi-states) themselves are responsible for those functions devolved to them by the Oireachtas through legislation.  North-South bodies such as Tourism Ireland were established pursuant to an international treaty and accountable to the...

Written Answers — Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport: Ministerial Appointments (12 Feb 2014)

Leo Varadkar: A list of the bodies to which I have the authority to appoint some or all of the board members is available on my Department's website at the following link:.

Written Answers — Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport: Local Authority Functions (12 Feb 2014)

Leo Varadkar: The information requested by the Deputy regarding the powers or functions conferred on Local Authorities by legislation since June 2009 is available in the table. Powers or functions conferred on Local Authorities S.I. No. 472/2011 - European Communities (Road Infrastructure Safety Management) Regulations 2011. These Regulations give effect to Directive 2008/96/EC of the European Parliament...

Written Answers — Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport: Driver Licences (12 Feb 2014)

Leo Varadkar: The overall requirements related to the registering of a person's name by the State is not of itself a matter for my Department.  I shall therefore confine myself to the requirements for the driving licence. Irish law allows drivers to change their surname on driving licences following marriage provided they produce evidence of a marriage in this jurisdiction or in the UK.  In...

Written Answers — Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport: Road Improvement Schemes (12 Feb 2014)

Leo Varadkar: On 23 January 2014, I announced details of the €332.9 million investment programme for regional and local roads. I can confirm that the Local Improvement Scheme remains in place for 2014;  however there is no separate allocation available towards this grant category.  Instead local authorities may use up to 15% of their initial Discretionary Grant (up from 7% in 2013) towards...

Written Answers — Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport: Public Service Obligation Services (12 Feb 2014)

Leo Varadkar: The current Public Service Obligation (PSO) Air Services Scheme, which includes the Kerry - Dublin route, ends in November this year. The policy on regional airports post-2014 is currently being developed in my Department. This policy will reflect the recommendations arising out of the recently published IWA Knock Study Group, which are being incorporated into the draft National Aviation...

Written Answers — Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport: Public Service Obligation Services (12 Feb 2014)

Leo Varadkar: The direct award contracts for the provision of Public Service Obligation (PSO) bus market services held by Dublin Bus and Bus Éireann expire later this year. The awarding of subsequent contracts is a matter for the National Transport Authority (NTA).  On the 5th of December last, in accordance with the provisions of the Dublin Transport Authority Act 2008, the...

Written Answers — Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport: Public Transport Initiatives (12 Feb 2014)

Leo Varadkar: I propose to take Questions Nos. 238 and 239 together. Following the comprehensive review of capital expenditure carried out in 2011 a decision was taken to defer the Metro North and DART Underground and a number of other projects which were not affordable.  These projects were not therefore included for funding in the Government's 5-year plan Infrastructuraland Capital...

Written Answers — Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport: Rail Network (12 Feb 2014)

Leo Varadkar: The capital plan to 2016 prioritises protecting existing assets and maintaining safety standards. As a result the bulk of the funding for rail under the plan goes towards  asset renewal and maintenance across the rail network. There is limited funding for enhancements and upgrades but some  funding has been allocated for projects such as the Dublin City Centre...

Written Answers — Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport: Rail Services (12 Feb 2014)

Leo Varadkar: The National Transport Authority (NTA) has entered into a Public Service Obligation Contract with Iarnród Éireann for  the provision of rail services. As the NTA has responsibility for review of or amendments to the contract, 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...

Written Answers — Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport: Road Safety (12 Feb 2014)

Leo Varadkar: In 2008, the RSA commenced a consultation and review of the regulation, classification and safety issues surrounding the use of agricultural and related works vehicles on public roads.  Their report, delivered in March 2009, contained a number of recommendations for dealing with the issue. Following my approval, in principle, of the recommendations, extensive consultations were...

Seanad: Road Traffic (No. 2) Bill 2013: Committee Stage (Resumed) (11 Feb 2014)

Leo Varadkar: Recent newspaper reports stated a number of drink-driving cases could not proceed because of difficulties with the MAT, mandatory alcohol testing, checkpoint authorisation system. The media reports suggested that MAT authorisation identified a number of checkpoint locations and, because of this, was considered contrary to the provisions of the legislation. This was not down to the rank of...

Seanad: Road Traffic (No. 2) Bill 2013: Committee Stage (Resumed) (11 Feb 2014)

Leo Varadkar: These provisions only refer to a garda who is on duty. If I am incorrect about that, I will clarify it on Report Stage.

Seanad: Road Traffic (No. 2) Bill 2013: Committee Stage (Resumed) (11 Feb 2014)

Leo Varadkar: I note the Senator's comments. He raised this matter the last time we took Committee Stage of the Bill. I cannot account to the House for Garda operations, as the Garda is controlled by the Garda Commissioner who is accountable to the Minister for Justice and Equality. It is not really for me to answer that question and I do not know enough about the reason there are unmarked cars....

Seanad: Road Traffic (No. 2) Bill 2013: Committee Stage (Resumed) (11 Feb 2014)

Leo Varadkar: Am I right in thinking that I can speak on this only as it relates to section 15 of the Act?

Seanad: Road Traffic (No. 2) Bill 2013: Committee Stage (Resumed) (11 Feb 2014)

Leo Varadkar: Section 15 relates to the regulatory framework for vehicles such as road trains. I am not clear how the Member’s remarks are relevant to the section.

Seanad: Road Traffic (No. 2) Bill 2013: Committee Stage (Resumed) (11 Feb 2014)

Leo Varadkar: It is not for me to tell the Leas-Chathaoirleach how to do his job, but my understanding is that on Committee Stage it is not good practice to raise any issue one likes in the Bill under whatever section one likes. I will, however, do the Member the courtesy of responding. The speed limit review was raised the last time we spoke on Committee Stage of this Bill and on Second Stage, and I...

Seanad: Road Traffic (No. 2) Bill 2013: Committee Stage (Resumed) (11 Feb 2014)

Leo Varadkar: I am happy to, but I really do think the Senator is out of order. However, it is a matter for the Leas-Chathaoirleach to implement the Standing Orders.