Results 32,961-32,980 of 40,330 for speaker:Leo Varadkar

Written Answers — Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport: Penalty Points System (11 Oct 2012)

Leo Varadkar: The detailed timetable agreed at the recent North South Ministerial Council Meeting includes the key milestones for the drafting, passage and enactment of parallel legislation, North and South, by 31st December 2014 to allow the mutual recognition of penalty points across Ireland. The steering and working groups, comprising representatives of the relevant stakeholders in both...

Written Answers — Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport: Driving Licences (11 Oct 2012)

Leo Varadkar: We are in the process of introducing a Graduated Driver Licensing System (GDLS) in Ireland, which will include nine components developed by the Road Safety Authority and published in September 2010.  A GDLS is a stepped approach to the driver learning process which focuses on acquiring experience and skills rather than simply on passing a test. A number of the GDLS components have...

Written Answers — Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport: The Gathering (11 Oct 2012)

Leo Varadkar: It is not envisaged that direct funding or grants will be provided for ‘The Gathering Ireland 2013’ events on the ground except for selected and targeted major events and festivals.  However, a series of community meetings are coming to a close across the country by the Gathering Team to help individuals and communities to organise their...

Written Answers — Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport: State Airports (11 Oct 2012)

Leo Varadkar: I have no statutory function in relation to this issue which is a matter for Cork Airport Authority (CAA). Airport charges at Cork Airport are set by the CAA.  Accordingly, I have forwarded the Deputy's question to the CAA for direct reply to the Deputy.   Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within ten working days.

Written Answers — Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport: Departmental Expenditure (11 Oct 2012)

Leo Varadkar: The information requested by the Deputy is being compiled and will be forwarded as soon as possible. Money allocated by the agencies under the aegis of my Department is a matter for the agencies themselves. The Deputy's Question will be forwarded to them for direct response. If you do not hear back within 10 working days please contact my private office.

Written Answers — Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport: Pilot Training Colleges (11 Oct 2012)

Leo Varadkar: The subject matter of this particular question, i.e. the licensing/approval of flight training schools is the statutory responsibility of the Irish Aviation Authority, and I have referred the question to them for direct reply.  I would ask the Deputy to contact my office if a reply has not been received within ten days.  

Written Answers — Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport: Road Project Contracts (11 Oct 2012)

Leo Varadkar: The Bishop O'Donnell/Seamus Quirke Road Improvement Scheme in Galway City consists of a widening to dual carriageway of 1.6km of the existing single carriageway and allows for bus and cycle lanes in each direction. I understand from Galway City Council that it was a condition of An Bord Pleanala's planning decision that bus lanes were to form part of the road scheme....

Written Answers — Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport: Road Maintenance (11 Oct 2012)

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: Penalty Points System (11 Oct 2012)

Leo Varadkar: The detailed timetable agreed at the recent North South Ministerial Council Meeting includes the key milestones for the drafting, passage and enactment of parallel legislation, North and South, by 31st December 2014 to allow the mutual recognition of penalty points across Ireland. The steering and working groups, comprising representatives of the relevant stakeholders in both...

Seanad: Adjournment Matters: Pilot Training College (10 Oct 2012)

Leo Varadkar: I thank the Senator for raising this important issue. The position which has arisen is most regrettable and came about from the failure of the Pilot Training College, PTC, a privately-owned and operated flight training school, to meet its contractual obligations to its students in the completion of their training in Florida. I fully understand the frustration felt by the students involved...

Seanad: Adjournment Matters: Pilot Training College (10 Oct 2012)

Leo Varadkar: I absolutely share the Senator's feelings in this regard. Some of my own constituents are in the same position as the people he describes. We have a shared experience of the feelings of the people who have been wronged. If there was reckless trading in the case, it is a matter for other authorities and the Senator makes a valid point in that regard. There was a failure of another training...

Order of Business (10 Oct 2012)

Leo Varadkar: Ministers and others, including Deputy Martin.

Written Answers — Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport: Pilot Training Courses (10 Oct 2012)

Leo Varadkar: The subject matter of this particular question, i.e. pilot training, is the responsibility of the Irish Aviation Authority, and I have referred the question to them for direct reply.  I would ask the Deputy to contact my office if a reply has not been received within 10 working days.

Written Answers — Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport: Road Network (10 Oct 2012)

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. Within its capital budget, the...

Written Answers — Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport: Dublin Bus Services (10 Oct 2012)

Leo Varadkar: This is an operational matter for Dublin Bus and I have referred 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: Bus Éireann Services (10 Oct 2012)

Leo Varadkar: This is an operational matter for Bus Éireann and I have referred 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: Light Rail Project (10 Oct 2012)

Leo Varadkar: Given the constraints on the public finances, a number of projects, including the extension of the LUAS to Lucan, have been deferred under the Government's 5-year capital programme, Infrastructure & Capital Investment Programme 2012-2016 - Medium Term Exchequer Framework, published in November 2011. This project will be considered again in 2015 in advance of the next capital...

Topical Issue Debate: Pension Provisions (9 Oct 2012)

Leo Varadkar: It is important to point out that the pensions regulator is independent and that we have an independent regulatory system for pensions. In Ireland, we are all suffering the consequences of the bad financial regulation of the banks, when the Financial Regulator did not require the banks to make proper provision for losses. I suppose what the pensions regulator is trying to do is to ensure...

Topical Issue Debate: Pension Provisions (9 Oct 2012)

Leo Varadkar: Therefore, I will be my better self and not engage in that sort of speculation on what is in the budget. I take the Deputy's point with regard to the impact a reduction in the tax relief might have on people's behaviour.

Topical Issue Debate: Pension Provisions (9 Oct 2012)

Leo Varadkar: Deputy Pádraig Mac Lochlainn was to be next.