Results 33,701-33,720 of 40,330 for speaker:Leo Varadkar

Written Answers — Air Services: Air Services (28 Mar 2012)

Leo Varadkar: Any decision regarding the outsourcing of functions is an administrative/commercial matter for Aer Lingus. I have no role in the day to day operations of the airline.

Written Answers — Appointments to State Boards: Appointments to State Boards (28 Mar 2012)

Leo Varadkar: Since my Department advertised new procedures for appointments to boards on Friday 8th April 2011, all appointments from that date have followed these procedures. However given the importance of ensuring the right mix of skills and experience on every board, appointments are not necessarily confined to those who have made an expression of interest. In total there have been 71 appointments...

Written Answers — Airport Development Projects: Airport Development Projects (28 Mar 2012)

Leo Varadkar: I propose to take Questions Nos. 260 and 261 together. Last year, I received approval from the European Commission to extend the 2006-2010 Regional Airports Capital Expenditure (CAPEX) Grant Scheme up to December 2014. The capital funding being provided under the Scheme is focused on safety and security projects which aim to ensure that each airport can comply with the latest national and...

Written Answers — Air Services: Air Services (28 Mar 2012)

Leo Varadkar: This question concerns charges imposed by the Irish Aviation Authority for the delivery of services to State and private airports. This matter is the responsibility of the IAA in accordance with its commercial mandate. I have accordingly 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 — Sports Capital Programme: Sports Capital Programme (28 Mar 2012)

Leo Varadkar: I am pleased to announce that applications are now being sought for a new round of the Sports Capital Programme. This Programme is the main vehicle for Government support for the development of sports facilities and the purchase of equipment. It is open to any organisation, such as the group referred to by the Deputy, with a suitable project to apply for funding under the Sports Capital...

Written Answers — Departmental Bodies: Departmental Bodies (28 Mar 2012)

Leo Varadkar: As the matter raised is primarily an operational one for Tourism Ireland Ltd., I have forwarded the question to the agency for direct reply. Please contact my private office if you do not receive a response within ten working days.

Written Answers — Tourism Industry: Tourism Industry (28 Mar 2012)

Leo Varadkar: There is no funding available from my Department for the upgrade and restoration of listed buildings. I understand that funding is also unavailable for this purpose from Fáilte Ireland but I have referred the matter to them for further reply and any observations they may have on the matter. Please inform my private office if you do not receive a reply within ten working days.

Written Answers — Sports Capital Programme: Sports Capital Programme (28 Mar 2012)

Leo Varadkar: I am assuming that the Deputy is referring to the Sports Capital Programme. There were 3 applications received from County Kildare in 2011 under a special initiative for Local Authorities to develop sports facilities that would have a positive impact on participation. None of these applications were successful. In two cases the planning permission was not in place and in the other case the...

Written Answers — Sports Capital Programme: Sports Capital Programme (28 Mar 2012)

Leo Varadkar: I am assuming that the Deputy is referring to the Sports Capital Programme. Earlier today I announced that applications are now being sought for the 2012 round of the Sports Capital Programme. This Programme is the main vehicle for Government support for the development of sports facilities and the purchase of equipment. More information and application forms can be downloaded from...

Written Answers — State Airports: State Airports (28 Mar 2012)

Leo Varadkar: In relation to Aer Lingus, the Government considers that the State's remaining shareholding is no longer a strategic asset as it does not enable the Government to determine Aer Lingus policy on issues such as the use of the airline's landing slots at Heathrow Airport. Accordingly, the Government has decided that the shareholding will be sold at an appropriate time, when market conditions are...

Written Answers — Transport Costs: Transport Costs (28 Mar 2012)

Leo Varadkar: I propose to take Questions Nos. 274 to 277, inclusive, and 279 together. My Department has no direct control of transport costs in general but keeps under review costs arising from the services provided through our agencies. In accordance with commitments under the Programme for Government, the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation is currently conducting a review of all charges...

Written Answers — Departmental Funding: Departmental Funding (28 Mar 2012)

Leo Varadkar: Funding for transport capital projects for the period 2012-2016 was determined in the context of the capital review carried out last year. A key priority when selecting projects was to protect existing investment and maintain safety standards. Following this, priority was given to projects and programmes which are affordable and provide value for money, contribute to economic recovery and...

Written Answers — Departmental Expenditure: Departmental Expenditure (28 Mar 2012)

Leo Varadkar: I propose to take Questions Nos. 280 and 281 together. In 2011, the Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport engaged the services of Alan Flood, Architect to carry out investigations and a draw up a layout to ensure the optimum use of office space. A total of €739 was spent in this regard. No property consultants or surveyors were engaged by this Department in 2009 and 2010.

Written Answers — Departmental Expenditure: Departmental Expenditure (28 Mar 2012)

Leo Varadkar: In 2011, the Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport engaged the services of Alan Flood, Architect, to carry out investigations and a draw up a layout to ensure the optimum use of office space. A total of €739 was spent in this regard. No property consultants or surveyors were engaged by this Department in 2009 and 2010.

Written Answers — Departmental Expenditure: Departmental Expenditure (28 Mar 2012)

Leo Varadkar: No payments were made by the Department from public funds to the company concerned during the period referred to in the question.

Written Answers — Departmental Properties: Departmental Properties (28 Mar 2012)

Leo Varadkar: The Department of Transport,Tourism and Sport does not hold leases with upward rent reviews. I have forwarded the Deputy's question to the agencies for which I have responsibility for their direct response. If the Deputy does not receive a reply within ten working days, please advise my private office.

Tourism Employment (28 Mar 2012)

Leo Varadkar: The Deputy has asked whether I will mandate SOLAS to work with the hotel sector in the training of workers for the sector. As she may be aware, SOLAS comes under the remit of my colleague, the Minister for Education and Skills. Accordingly, I am not in a position to direct its operations. Over the past two academic years, Fáilte Ireland in conjunction with the institutes of technology has...

Tourism Employment (28 Mar 2012)

Leo Varadkar: Yes, I can do that. Deputies are aware that SOLAS has not yet been established on a statutory footing. It is designed to replace FÁS. It will come to the Cabinet in the next few weeks. I will discuss the matter with the Minister, Deputy Quinn. I understand that some industry groups will make a proposal with regard to training through SOLAS. Having said that, much of the entry-level...

Tourism Promotion (28 Mar 2012)

Leo Varadkar: The Deputy has asked whether I will extend the programme of turning international buildings and landmarks green to public buildings in this State. St. Patrick's Day traditionally marks the start of the tourism season. Tourism Ireland's greening initiative had many famous additions this year. It signalled the start of a major push to increase visitor numbers from overseas by capturing...

Tourism Promotion (28 Mar 2012)

Leo Varadkar: I welcome the Deputy's suggestion. The cost of the entire greening initiative overseas was less than €20,000. It was money very well spent by Tourism Ireland. A third of the money for that project came from the Northern Ireland Executive, thankfully. Most of those involved agreed to turn the landmarks green without looking for any money at all. I would actually be a little disappointed...