Results 31,181-31,200 of 40,330 for speaker:Leo Varadkar

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

Leo Varadkar: The objective of Government is to ensure a system of public transport throughout the country that is as efficient and as widespread as possible. In relation to the award of Public Service Obligation (PSO) contracts for the bus market, this falls under the remit of the National Transport Authority (NTA).  The NTA is currently considering how best publicly subvented bus services will be...

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

Leo Varadkar: Commission Directive 2009/40/EC as amended, stipulates the minimum roadworthiness testing requirements for motor vehicles and their trailers which all roadworthiness tests throughout the EU must meet.  Vehicles registered in each Member State, as well as their trailers, undergo periodic roadworthiness tests in accordance with this Directive. Furthermore, in...

Written Answers — Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport: Anti-Social Behaviour (25 Sep 2013)

Leo Varadkar: This is an operational matter for Irish Rail and I have forwarded the Deputy's question to the company 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 Services Provision (25 Sep 2013)

Leo Varadkar: As part of the review of air passengers' rights the EU Commission has tabled a new Article to Regulation (EC) No. 2027/97 that will make it more transparent what charges will apply for passengers who wish to bring baggage onto a plane.  I welcome this proposed greater transparency. I acknowledge the right of carriers to maintain their commercial rights to carry passengers...

Written Answers — Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport: Ports Development (24 Sep 2013)

Leo Varadkar: I have been advised by the Port of Waterford Company that it is satisfied that the depth of water available at all its operational berths is currently sufficient.   There is no Exchequer funding available to any State commercial port company, all activities must be funded from within a company's own resources.

Written Answers — Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport: Motor Insurance Regulation (24 Sep 2013)

Leo Varadkar: A Declined Cases Agreement (DCA) was concluded between my Department and the Motor Insurance Bureau of Ireland (MIBI) some years ago. The Agreement is a mechanism whereby motorists who experience difficulty in obtaining motor insurance can apply for cover. Under the DCA, an insurer, designated by the MIBI, will provide cover to a motorist if he or she has approached at least three insurers...

Written Answers — Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport: National Transport Authority (24 Sep 2013)

Leo Varadkar: The issue of bus stop improvement is a matter for the National Transport Authority (NTA) in conjunction with the relevant transport provider.  I have referred 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.

Written Answers — Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport: Road Safety Strategy (24 Sep 2013)

Leo Varadkar: I am fully supportive of all initiatives that promote the health and well being of students. Road safety is, of course, a factor in schemes that in any way involve interaction with road traffic.   The Road Safety Authority has overall responsibility for education and awareness programmes related to road safety, including the distribution of and encouragement to use high...

Written Answers — Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport: National Transport Authority (24 Sep 2013)

Leo Varadkar: The enforcement of EU Regulation 1371/2007 on rail passenger rights and obligations is a matter for the National Transport Authority. I have forwarded the Deputy's question to the authority 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: Dublin Bus Services (24 Sep 2013)

Leo Varadkar: The objective of Government is to ensure a system of public transport throughout the country that is as efficient and as widespread as possible.  In relation to the award of Public Service Obligation (PSO) contracts for the bus market in Dublin, this falls under the remit of the National Transport Authority (NTA).  The NTA is currently considering how best publicly subvented bus...

Written Answers — Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport: National Transport Authority (24 Sep 2013)

Leo Varadkar: The issue of bus stop improvement is a matter for the National Transport Authority (NTA) in conjunction with the relevant transport provider.  I have referred 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.

Written Answers — Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport: Education and Training Provision (24 Sep 2013)

Leo Varadkar: The statutory functions of Fáilte Ireland are set out in the National Tourism Development Authority Act.  In fulfilling its statutory role Fáilte Ireland carries out the necessary research to establish education and training needs at national level and disseminates these to the Institutes of Technology thereby supporting the Institutes in enhancing programme...

Written Answers — Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport: Harbours and Piers Maintenance (19 Sep 2013)

Leo Varadkar: Arklow Harbour transferred to Wicklow County Council on 1 January 2012. To facilitate the transfer to the County Council my Department agreed to provide funding for essential remedial works at the harbour over a two year period commencing in 2012.   Funding of €3,588,000 was allocated from my Department's budget in 2013 to Wicklow County Council for essential work at the...

Written Answers — Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport: Semi-State Bodies Issues (19 Sep 2013)

Leo Varadkar: This is a matter for CIE. I have no role in the appointments at the corporation. I have forwarded the Deputy's question to the company 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: Tourism Projects Funding (19 Sep 2013)

Leo Varadkar: The matter raised is an operational matter for Fáilte Ireland.  I have referred the Deputy's Question to the agency for direct reply.  Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within ten working days.

Topical Issue Debate: Air Services Provision (18 Sep 2013)

Leo Varadkar: Deputy Doyle and I are in broad agreement on this matter. Direct services from Ireland to Asia, and China in particular, would be beneficial. One stop access is useful but not as good as direct services by any means. Routes would of course have to operate on a commercial basis because we are not going to use taxpayers' money to subsidise businessmen travelling to and from China. However,...

Topical Issue Debate: Air Services Provision (18 Sep 2013)

Leo Varadkar: Enhanced air access to key business and tourism markets around the world has always been a key element of Ireland's aviation policy. A direct service between Ireland and Asia, particularly to and from China, would be of huge benefit to our trade relations with key Asian economies and for inbound tourism. Our export trade to China alone is worth around €3.8 billion, with an import...

Written Answers — Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport: Road Traffic Legislation (18 Sep 2013)

Leo Varadkar: Road Traffic legislation does not provide for minimum fines, as the level of a fine to be imposed following conviction must be at the discretion of the Judge hearing the case.  Furthermore, the fine suggested by the Deputy would mean that such cases could no longer be dealt with summarily in the District Courts. At present, District Court Judges have the discretion to deal with the...

Written Answers — Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport: Tourism Industry Issues (18 Sep 2013)

Leo Varadkar: The matter raised is an operational matter for Fáilte Ireland.  I have referred the Deputy's Question to the agency 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 Testing Centres (18 Sep 2013)

Leo Varadkar: The subject matter of this question is the responsibility of the Road Safety Authority and I have forwarded it to them for direct reply. I would ask the Deputy to contact my Office if a reply has not been received within ten days.