Results 3,181-3,200 of 8,928 for speaker:Hildegarde Naughton

Written Answers — Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport: Legislative Measures (22 Feb 2022)

Hildegarde Naughton: As the Deputy is aware, there are several factors involved in the timing of legislation, not all of them within ministerial control. The Road Traffic and Roads Bill 2021 passed second stage on 18 November 2021. I hope shortly to have a number of amendments to the Bill finalized for proposal at Committee stage. When this is done, I shall engage with the Committee with a view to beginning...

Written Answers — Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport: Air Services (22 Feb 2022)

Hildegarde Naughton: I would like to thank the Deputy for asking this question. Shannon Group is continually reviewing the Airport infrastructure and the development of opportunities to enhance its facilities for passengers using the Airport. The Ryder Cup 2027 will benefit the Airport and boost the regional economy, and Shannon Airport are preparing for the increase in Airport traffic the event will bring....

Written Answers — Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport: Driver Test (22 Feb 2022)

Hildegarde Naughton: Under legislation, the Road Safety Authority (RSA) is responsible for the operation of these tests. I have therefore forwarded the Deputy's query to the RSA 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: Legislative Measures (22 Feb 2022)

Hildegarde Naughton: Electric scooters are a type of powered personal transporter (PPT). PPTs are classed as mechanically propelled vehicles, the use of which requires a valid licence, tax and appropriate insurance in accordance with Section 3 of the Road Traffic Act 1961. As PPTs do not fall under any existing vehicle category, it is not currently possible to tax and insure them and there is no separate licence...

Saincheisteanna Tráthúla - Topical Issue Debate: Driver Licences (17 Feb 2022)

Hildegarde Naughton: As I said, Ennis is increasing capacity to deal with the pressures on the service by having an appointment service in place which ensures better management of demand and capacity. The new staff member in Ennis will start on 28 February, which will increase capacity by 25%. There are two booths available, but the service is currently operating with 1.5. I have been assured by RSA that the...

Saincheisteanna Tráthúla - Topical Issue Debate: Driver Licences (17 Feb 2022)

Hildegarde Naughton: I thank the Deputy for raising this matter today. The National Driver Licence Service, NDLS, which processes applications for and issues driving licences and learner permits, is the statutory responsibility of the Road Safety Authority, RSA, and the service is provided under contract. NDLS offices across the country closed to the public at the end of March 2020 to ensure the safety of the...

Seanad: Nithe i dtosach suíonna - Commencement Matters: Legal Aid (17 Feb 2022)

Hildegarde Naughton: The Minister for Justice, Deputy McEntee, on whose behalf I am taking this matter, thanks Senator Clifford-Lee for raising this issue, which gives me an opportunity to update the Seanad on this important matter. The Legal Aid Board’s provision of legal advice and representation under the civil legal aid scheme plays an important part in assisting individuals to resolve their disputes....

Seanad: Nithe i dtosach suíonna - Commencement Matters: Legal Aid (17 Feb 2022)

Hildegarde Naughton: I will pass on the Senator's views and comments to the Minister. She is committed to undertaking a review of the civil legal aid scheme and the Department is currently working to finalise the mode and the terms of reference for the review. Dependent on the finalisation of the approach and confirmation of membership, it is envisaged that the review group will commence its work in the coming...

Seanad: Nithe i dtosach suíonna - Commencement Matters: Public Transport (17 Feb 2022)

Hildegarde Naughton: I thank the Senator for the opportunity to talk about this issue in the House today. I am responding to it on behalf of my colleague, the Minister for Transport, Deputy Eamon Ryan, who has responsibility for public transport and roads. Transport investment in Limerick in the coming years will be guided by the forthcoming Limerick-Shannon metropolitan area transport strategy. I am sure the...

Seanad: Nithe i dtosach suíonna - Commencement Matters: Public Transport (17 Feb 2022)

Hildegarde Naughton: Transport investment in Limerick and all other cities will be guided by their respective metropolitan area transport strategies. This is evidence-based transport planning, is in line with international best practice and will allow our cities to grow in a sustainable and compact manner. The implementation of the Limerick-Shannon metropolitan area transport strategy will facilitate the...

Seanad: Nithe i dtosach suíonna - Commencement Matters: Work Permits (17 Feb 2022)

Hildegarde Naughton: I thank the Senator for raising this matter, which is of concern to him and his colleagues. I am taking it on behalf of my colleague, the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment. The employment permit system is managed through the use of lists that designate highly skilled and ineligible occupations. These lists are subject to regular review in order to ensure they...

Seanad: Nithe i dtosach suíonna - Commencement Matters: Work Permits (17 Feb 2022)

Hildegarde Naughton: I will raise those issues with the Tánaiste. On the action plan, it will speed up processing times. The Department expects to see improvements in the backlog by the end of quarter 1 and that it will be substantially reduced by the end of quarter 2 of this year. It is monitoring new permit demand on a daily basis and will react quickly by further increasing capacity if predicted demand...

Seanad: Nithe i dtosach suíonna - Commencement Matters: State Examinations (17 Feb 2022)

Hildegarde Naughton: I thank the Senator for raising the issue. I am replying on behalf of the Minister for Education, Deputy Foley. Following a Government decision on 1 February, the Minister for Education announced details regarding arrangements for the 2022 State junior cycle and leaving certificate examinations. These details were finalised following extensive engagement with the advisory group on planning...

Seanad: Nithe i dtosach suíonna - Commencement Matters: State Examinations (17 Feb 2022)

Hildegarde Naughton: We all know junior cycle students, directly or indirectly, who are about to sit their State examinations and have been affected by this. They have travelled a difficult journey in recent years. The Senator alluded to this but I know representatives of the Department of Education and the State Examinations Commission have met with members of the public health team to discuss matters around...

Written Answers — Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport: Driver Test (17 Feb 2022)

Hildegarde Naughton: Under legislation, the Road Safety Authority (RSA) is responsible for the operation of the Motorcycle Test. While I cannot comment on the precise circumstances of individual cases, I understand there is no excessive delay on motorcycles tests in comparison to car driving tests. While there have been some centres where it has taken longer to get a motorcycle test than a car test, driver...

Written Answers — Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport: Driver Test (17 Feb 2022)

Hildegarde Naughton: Under legislation, the Road Safety Authority has statutory responsibility for the operation of motorcycle driving tests. I have therefore forwarded the Deputy's query to the RSA 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 Test (17 Feb 2022)

Hildegarde Naughton: Under legislation, the Road Safety Authority (RSA) is the body responsible for the operation of the Motorcycle Test. As the information requested is held by the RSA, I have therefore forwarded the Deputy's query to the RSA for direct reply. If he has not heard from them in 10 working days I would ask that he contact my office directly.

Written Answers — Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport: Driver Test (17 Feb 2022)

Hildegarde Naughton: Under legislation, the Road Safety Authority (RSA) is the body responsible for the operation of these tests. The information requested is held by the RSA. I have therefore forwarded the Deputy's query to the RSA for direct reply. If he has not heard from them in 10 working days I would ask that he contact my office directly.

Report of the Commission on the Defence Forces: Statements (16 Feb 2022)

Hildegarde Naughton: I thank everyone who spoke for their contributions on this very important subject. Providing for the defence of the state is a fundamental role of any government. Each country addresses its needs in the context of its geopolitical position, prevailing security environment and the level of funding available. As part of the defence planning process, the White Paper on Defence in 2015 and the...

Written Answers — Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport: Driver Test (16 Feb 2022)

Hildegarde Naughton: While I appreciate the circumstances as outlined, under legislation, the Road Safety Authority is responsible for the operation of this test. I have therefore forwarded the Deputy's query to the RSA for direct reply. If the Deputy does not hear from the RSA in 10 working days, I would ask that he contact my office directly.