Results 32,001-32,020 of 40,330 for speaker:Leo Varadkar

Written Answers — Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport: Marine Accidents (26 Mar 2013)

Leo Varadkar: Under Section 8 of the Merchant Shipping (Investigation of Marine Casualties) Act 2000, the Marine Casualty Investigation Board is established as being independent of the Minister in the performance of its functions and, in general, is independent of any other person or body whose interests could conflict with the functions of the Board. Consequently, the issue raised by the Deputy...

Written Answers — Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport: Tourism Promotion (26 Mar 2013)

Leo Varadkar: This is an operational matter for Fáilte Ireland and I have referred the Deputy's Question to them 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 Promotion (26 Mar 2013)

Leo Varadkar: I have asked Fáilte Ireland to examine the potential for a walking trail in Dublin based on sites of historical interest in the context of Ireland's journey towards independence.  I understand they have engaged consultants to advise them and they are due to report back over the coming months.  As this potential development is an operational matter for...

Written Answers — Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport: Legislative Programme (26 Mar 2013)

Leo Varadkar: The Road Traffic Bill is currently being drafted by the Office of the Parliamentary Counsel to the Government.  I hope to be in a position to publish it in the coming weeks and to introduce it into the Oireachtas soon after. In the main, the Bill will provide for the adjustment in penalty points, further measures related to the Graduated Driver Licence System, impairment...

Written Answers — Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport: Road Network (26 Mar 2013)

Leo Varadkar: As Minister for Transport, Tourism & Sport, I have responsibility for overall policy and funding in relation to the national roads programme.  The planning, design and implementation of individual road projects is a matter for the National Roads Authority (NRA) under the Roads Acts 1993 to 2007 in conjunction with the local authorities concerned. Noting the above position, I have...

Written Answers — Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport: Road Network (26 Mar 2013)

Leo Varadkar: As Minister for Transport, Tourism & Sport, I have responsibility for overall policy and funding in relation to the national roads programme.  The planning, design and implementation of individual road projects is a matter for the National Roads Authority (NRA) under the Roads Acts 1993 to 2007 in conjunction with the local authorities concerned. Noting the above position, I have...

Written Answers — Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport: Road Network (26 Mar 2013)

Leo Varadkar: As Minister for Transport, Tourism & Sport, I have responsibility for overall policy and funding in relation to the national roads programme.  The planning, design and implementation of individual road projects is a matter for the National Roads Authority (NRA) under the Roads Acts 1993 to 2007 in conjunction with the local authorities concerned. Noting the above position, I have...

Written Answers — Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport: Road Network (26 Mar 2013)

Leo Varadkar: The position remains as set out in the in the Stimulus Package announcement. The Galway Bypass project is a priority project that is currently on hold due to legal proceedings. Depending on the outcome of the legal proceedings it is a possible future Public Private Partnership.  I am very supportive of this project given the very significant benefit to cost...

Written Answers — Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport: Sporting Events (26 Mar 2013)

Leo Varadkar: I propose to take Questions Nos. 622 and 625 together. I have met with the IRFU and I am fully supportive of their preparation of a bid to host the Rugby World Cup in Ireland. It is a matter for the IRFU to prepare and submit a bid. A report has been commissioned by the IRFU on the feasibility of Ireland hosting the Rugby World Cup Minister Ring and I...

Written Answers — Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport: Official Engagements (26 Mar 2013)

Leo Varadkar: On behalf of the Government, I represented Ireland in Japan and Korea during the St Patrick’s Day period. The purpose of these visits is threefold: Firstly, to promote Irish economic and cultural links overseas. Secondly, to use the opportunity of St Patrick's Day to strengthen our bi-lateral relationship with other states. Thirdly, to connect with our diaspora overseas as well as...

Written Answers — Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport: Tourism Industry (26 Mar 2013)

Leo Varadkar: Since March 2011 the Government has implemented a range of measures to support the tourism industry.  VAT has been reduced to 9% on accommodation, restaurant and other services and this lower rate of VAT continues in 2013.  The Visa Waiver Scheme is encouraging visitors from emerging markets to add Ireland to their trip...

Written Answers — Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport: Tourism Industry (26 Mar 2013)

Leo Varadkar: This is an operational matter for Failte Ireland and I have referred the Deputy's Question to them 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: Driving Licence Issues (26 Mar 2013)

Leo Varadkar: The Government decided in 2011 to centralise driver licence provision, following an examination of the options for driver licensing which found that a centralised system would offer enhanced security and consistency, and be more efficient and cost-effective.    The Road Safety Authority (Commercial Vehicle Roadworthiness) Act 2012 provides for the RSA to become the central...

Written Answers — Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport: Road Network (26 Mar 2013)

Leo Varadkar: As Minister for Transport, Tourism & Sport, I have responsibility for overall policy and funding in relation to the national roads programme.  The planning, design, implementation and funding options on individual road projects is a matter for the National Roads Authority (NRA) under the Roads Acts 1993 to 2007 in conjunction with the local authorities concerned. Noting...

Written Answers — Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport: Tourism Industry (26 Mar 2013)

Leo Varadkar: Since March 2011 the Government has implemented a range of measures to support the tourism industry.  VAT has been reduced to 9% on accommodation, restaurant and other services and this lower rate of VAT continues in 2013.  The Visa Waiver Scheme is encouraging visitors from emerging markets to add Ireland to their trip...

Written Answers — Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport: Tourism Industry (26 Mar 2013)

Leo Varadkar: Since March 2011 the Government has implemented a range of measures to support the tourism industry.  VAT has been reduced to 9% on accommodation, restaurant and other services and this lower rate of VAT continues in 2013.  The Visa Waiver Scheme is encouraging visitors from emerging markets to add Ireland to their trip...

Written Answers — Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport: Road Maintenance (26 Mar 2013)

Leo Varadkar: The improvement and maintenance of regional and local roads is the statutory responsibility of each local authority, in accordance with the provisions of Section 13 of the Roads Act 1993. Works on those roads are funded from local authorities own resources supplemented by State road grants.  The initial selection and prioritisation of works to be funded is also a matter for the local...

Written Answers — Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport: Public Transport (21 Mar 2013)

Leo Varadkar: In relation to the next round of EU structural funding 2014-2020 the draft Ten-T and CEF Regulations are currently under negotiation and it is hoped that they will be agreed during the Irish Presidency. Therefore until such time as the new Regulations are agreed and the relevant Calls are initiated, it would be premature to speculate on what projects might be submitted under...

Written Answers — Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport: Information and Communications Technology Issues (21 Mar 2013)

Leo Varadkar: My Department introduced an 076 number in March 2012 replacing one of the two 1890 Lo-Call numbers. This 076 number is published on my Department's Website and State Directory pages. Callers can use this number to contact my Department's three core buildings in Dublin. There are technical issues in phasing out the second 1890 Lo-Call number, which is used for the Driver and...

Written Answers — Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport: Information and Communications Technology Issues (21 Mar 2013)

Leo Varadkar: My Department introduced an integrated voice response system in the Driver and Vehicle Computer Services Division (DVCSD) in Shannon.  The system was introduced to improve the quality of customer service rather than as a cost saving measure. The system facilitates improved telephone call management and  provides an enhanced customer service. The implementation of such...