Results 31,161-31,180 of 40,330 for speaker:Leo Varadkar

Written Answers — Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport: Haulage Industry Regulation (1 Oct 2013)

Leo Varadkar: Statutory Instrument 366 of 2008 - Road Traffic (Construction and Use of Vehicles) (Amendment) Regulations, 2008 sets the maximum vehicle height limit at 4.65 metres. Following a public consultation undertaken prior to the completion of the Regulations, it was agreed that a five year derogation from that limit would apply to vehicles registered, licensed or in use prior to 1...

Written Answers — Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport: Commercial Rates Issues (1 Oct 2013)

Leo Varadkar: I have been informed by the IRFU, FAI and GAA that the new valuations issued by the Valuation Office for Croke Park and the Aviva Stadium indicate that there will be a significant increase in the rates payable on each of the venues. Any increase in rates payable is a direct cost to the sporting organisations and would have a direct impact on the funding available to...

Written Answers — Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport: Capital Programme Expenditure (1 Oct 2013)

Leo Varadkar: As part of the Government's Jobs Initiative in 2011, my Department re-allocated €75 million of its Capital budget as follows:- County Councils were provided with an additional €60 million in 2011 for regional and local roads. This funding was provided under the Restoration Improvement Programme. The investment was to help address the backlog of surface...

Written Answers — Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport: The Gathering Revenue (1 Oct 2013)

Leo Varadkar: I propose to take Questions Nos. 642, 665 and 666 together. I am pleased to report continued good progress on the Gathering Ireland 2013 - Ireland's biggest ever tourism initiative. The overall target is to attract at least 325,000 extra overseas visits to Ireland in 2013. If this target is achieved, it will generate an additional €170 million in revenue this year,...

Written Answers — Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport: Tourism Industry Issues (1 Oct 2013)

Leo Varadkar: My Department and I work closely with other Government Departments to consider all policies which could potentially affect the tourism industry. In this regard, officials from my Department are represented on relevant inter-Departmental groups including the National Landscape Strategy Steering Committee, under my colleague, Jimmy Deenihan T.D., Minister for Arts, Heritage...

Written Answers — Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport: Sporting Events (1 Oct 2013)

Leo Varadkar: Sports events are of enormous value to the area where they take place.  Not only do such events generate revenue and boost the economy, but they also help to support and create jobs.  Examples of some recent sports events which brought substantial amounts of overseas visitors and their contribution to the local economy include the Emerald Isle Classic...

Written Answers — Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport: Tourism Industry Issues (1 Oct 2013)

Leo Varadkar: The management of the Tourist Information Office network is an operational matter for Fáilte Ireland. Therefore I have referred the Deputy's Question to them for further information and 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: Driving Licence Issues (1 Oct 2013)

Leo Varadkar: The Deputy will appreciate that I cannot comment on individual cases.  I can however explain the general policy considerations at issue. Prior to 1989, a person holding a licence to drive a car was entitled to tow trailers.  A change to regulations in that year introduced new categories of licence, including the categories B and BE. Category B was for a car alone or...

Written Answers — Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport: Tourism Promotion (1 Oct 2013)

Leo Varadkar: The matter raised is an operational matter for Fáilte Ireland.  I have referred the Deputy's Question to Fáilte Ireland 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: Vehicle Clamping (1 Oct 2013)

Leo Varadkar: In line with the commitment contained in the Programme for Government to “legislate to regulate the vehicle clamping industry”, the Government, in March 2013, approved the Heads of a Regulation of Vehicle Immobilisation Bill. This followed an extensive consultation with the then Joint Oireachtas Committee for Environment, Transport, Culture and the Gaeltacht. The Bill is...

Written Answers — Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport: Road Traffic Legislation (1 Oct 2013)

Leo Varadkar: Statutory Instrument 366 of 2008 - Road Traffic (Construction and Use of Vehicles) (Amendment) Regulations 2008 set the maximum vehicle height at 4.65 metres. Following public consultation undertaken prior to the completion of the Regulations, it was agreed that a five year derogation from that limit would apply to vehicles registered, licensed or in use prior to 1 November 2008. The...

Written Answers — Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport: Public Transport Issues (1 Oct 2013)

Leo Varadkar: The Government’s programme for the funding of capital projects to 2016 is set out in the Infrastructure and Capital Investment 2012-16: Medium Term Exchequer Framework. Due to the overall reduction in funding for transport infrastructure the priority to 2016 is to protect investments made to date and to maintain safety standards.   The limited funding available over and above...

Written Answers — Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport: Aviation Issues (1 Oct 2013)

Leo Varadkar: I propose to take Questions Nos. 660 to 662, inclusive, together. As one of the most open economies in the world, transport services to and from the country for both people and goods are of vital importance. In that regard I am happy to say that Ireland is very well served by both air and sea links. As the Deputy will be aware, this was a particularly important year for Irish tourism...

Written Answers — Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport: Aviation Issues (1 Oct 2013)

Leo Varadkar: I propose to take Questions Nos. 663 and 664 together. The aviation industry is a key enabler of economic growth and Government policy is aimed at facilitating the industry's continued development . As an island, Ireland's international connectivity with our trading partners is particularly important. Historically, the policy has been in favour of having at least two...

Written Answers — Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport: Marine Safety (1 Oct 2013)

Leo Varadkar: Ireland's maritime safety agenda is constantly being developed in line with developments across the maritime sector, including internationally recognised safety conventions, safety standards, codes of practice, and in the on-going undertaking of ship surveys and inspections. Other commitments by my Department include chairing the Marine Safety Working Group which addresses a range of marine...

Written Answers — Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport: Regulatory Impact Assessment Usage (1 Oct 2013)

Leo Varadkar: The information requested by the Deputy is available in the attached table. Name of Bill Update on RIA Regulation of Vehicle Immobilisation Bill 2013 The RIA has been completed and will be published on the Department's website in due course. Road Traffic (No. 2) Bill 2011 The RIA has been completed and was published on the Department's website Road Safety (Commercial Vehicle...

Written Answers — Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport: Wild Atlantic Way Project (25 Sep 2013)

Leo Varadkar: The matter raised is an operational matter for Fáilte Ireland. I have referred the Deputy's Question to Fáilte Ireland 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: Wild Atlantic Way Project (25 Sep 2013)

Leo Varadkar: The matter raised is an operational matter for Fáilte Ireland. I have referred the Deputy's Question to Fáilte Ireland 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: Air Travel Tax (25 Sep 2013)

Leo Varadkar: The €3 flat rate charge has applied since 1 March 2011. The purpose of the offer to abolish the tax was to stimulate inbound tourist traffic. Overall the response from the airlines to date has been inadequate. Data for 2012 from the three State Airports shows a modest increase in overall passenger numbers of 0.5% compared to 2011. However, a number of factors influence...

Written Answers — Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport: Public Transport Issues (25 Sep 2013)

Leo Varadkar: This is a matter for the National Transport Authority (NTA) in conjunction with Dublin Bus and Bus Éireann.  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.