Results 32,981-33,000 of 40,330 for speaker:Leo Varadkar

Topical Issue Debate: Pension Provisions (9 Oct 2012)

Leo Varadkar: I am taking this topical issue on behalf of my colleague, the Minister for Social Protection, who is currently travelling overseas. It is acknowledged that the fundamental problem facing occupational pension schemes is that pensions are significantly more expensive due to increasing life expectancy and lower than expected investment returns, which are reflected in increased annuity rates....

Written Answers — Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport: Road Maintenance (9 Oct 2012)

Leo Varadkar: The Local Improvements Scheme provides funding for private roads and the maintenance and improvement of these roads is, in the first instance, a matter for the relevant landowner. The feasibility of providing funding to assist with maintenance of private roads will be reviewed in the context of the monies available under the 2013 grant allocations for regional and local roads.

Written Answers — Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport: Road Traffic Offences (9 Oct 2012)

Leo Varadkar: It is illegal to drive while under the influence of drugs to such an extent as to be incapable of having proper control of the vehicle.   Section 4 of the Road Traffic Act 2010 prohibits the driving of a vehicle while under the influence of an intoxicant to this extent. An intoxicant is defined in the Act as including alcohol and drugs and any combination of drugs and alcohol. ...

Written Answers — Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport: Harbour Authorities Appointments (9 Oct 2012)

Leo Varadkar: The Government has no specific plans for a diaspora centre in Dun Laoghaire. However, a special working group established by Failte Ireland has considered the concept of a diaspora centre. It is proposed to tender for options in the coming months. The diaspora centre might not necessarily be a new building or museum. It could also be an on-line project or could be accommodated in an existing...

Written Answers — Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport: Light Rail Project (9 Oct 2012)

Leo Varadkar: Following the establishment of the National Transport Authority (NTA) on 1st December 2009, the provision of infrastructure projects in the Greater Dublin Area (GDA), such as LUAS BXD, now comes under the remit of the NTA. LUAS BXD to Broombridge was designed to be a key element in an overall  integrated transport network for Dublin.  It will create a LUAS...

Written Answers — Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport: Road Maintenance (9 Oct 2012)

Leo Varadkar: The improvement and maintenance of regional and local roads in its area, is a statutory function of each road authority in accordance with the provisions of section 13 of the Roads Act, 1993.  Works on such roads are a matter for the relevant local authority to be funded from its own resources supplemented by State road grants. I understand that this scheme is approximately 70% complete...

Written Answers — Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport: Pilot Training Colleges (9 Oct 2012)

Leo Varadkar: As I have previously stated the situation which arose is most unfortunate 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 relation to the completion of their training. The Irish Aviation Authority (IAA) has responsibility for approving and overseeing...

Written Answers — Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport: Public Transport (9 Oct 2012)

Leo Varadkar: The issue raised is an operational matter for Bus Éireann in conjunction with the National Transport Authority (NTA).  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: Ministerial Responsibilities (9 Oct 2012)

Leo Varadkar: In March of this year the Government published the first Annual Report setting out progress on the Programme for Government commitments during its first year in office. It  is the Government's intention to publish a second annual report next March which will set out specific progress on implementation during the second year. The status of each of the...

Written Answers — Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport: Public Transport (9 Oct 2012)

Leo Varadkar: The provision of the bus services referred to is an operational matter for Bus Éireann in conjunction with the National Transport Authority.  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: Driving Tests (9 Oct 2012)

Leo Varadkar: The subject matter of this question, which is the operation of the driver testing service, is a matter for the Road Safety Authority, and I have referred the matter to the Authority 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: The Gathering Expenditure (9 Oct 2012)

Leo Varadkar: It is planned to only provide funding for selected major events and festivals as part of ‘The Gathering Ireland 2013’ celebrations.  However, a series of community meetings are being held across the country by the Gathering Team to help individuals and communities to organise their own local gatherings and to encourage...

Written Answers — Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport: Public Transport (9 Oct 2012)

Leo Varadkar: The provision of bus services is an operational matter for Bus Éireann in conjunction with the National Transport Authority.  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: North-South Ministerial Council (4 Oct 2012)

Leo Varadkar: Transport is one of the areas of co-operation under the North South Ministerial Council (NSMC) process.  Regular meetings of the Transport Sectoral Council are held, where transport issues, including investment, are discussed.  The next Transport Sectoral is due to take place on 5th October 2012. In relation to the A5 cross border roads project, as the Deputy will be aware, the...

Written Answers — Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport: Road Network (4 Oct 2012)

Leo Varadkar: The improvement and maintenance of regional and local roads in its area, is a statutory function of each road authority in accordance with the provisions of section 13 of the Roads Act, 1993.  Works on such roads are a matter for the relevant local authority to be funded from its own resources supplemented by State road grants.   As you are aware, this Government has had to...

Written Answers — Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport: Bus Éireann Services (4 Oct 2012)

Leo Varadkar: The issue raised is an operational  matter for Bus Éireann in conjunction with the National Transport Authority (NTA) and not one in which I have any role.  I have referred the Deputy's question to the company for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a response within 10 working days.

Written Answers — Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport: Bus Éireann Services (4 Oct 2012)

Leo Varadkar: As Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport.  Following the establishment of the National Transport Authority (NTA) in December 2009, the provision of public transport infrastructure and the effective management of traffic in the Greater Dublin Area comes under the remit of the NTA....

Written Answers — Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport: Road Safety (4 Oct 2012)

Leo Varadkar: As part of my Department's 2012 Estimates, the Medical Bureau of Road Safety (MBRS) was allocated €300,000 to purchase EvidenzerIRL instruments. The Bureau is now ready to proceed with the purchase of 22 instruments for installation in Garda Stations and an additional 3 instruments are also being purchased to ensure sufficient spares are available.  The instruments...

Written Answers — Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport: Pilot Training Colleges (4 Oct 2012)

Leo Varadkar: As I have previously stated the situation which arose is most unfortunate 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 relation to the completion of their training. The Irish Aviation Authority (IAA) has responsibility for approving and overseeing...

Written Answers — Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport: Railway Stations Car Park Charges (4 Oct 2012)

Leo Varadkar: I propose to take Questions Nos. 268 and 269 together. The management of car parks at train stations is a matter for Irish Rail. I have, however, on foot of representations from a number of Deputies and based on my own experience as a Deputy in a commuter area, raised certain concerns recently regarding car-parking charges policy with both the Chairman and Chief...