Results 34,301-34,320 of 40,330 for speaker:Leo Varadkar

Road Transport Bill 2011: Second Stage (Resumed) (23 Nov 2011)

Leo Varadkar: The Ministers of State at the Department would be offended.

Road Transport Bill 2011: Second Stage (Resumed) (23 Nov 2011)

Leo Varadkar: I thank all those who contributed to the debate. As speakers made a diverse range of comments, I shall confine my closing remarks to issues pertinent to the Bill. Several Deputies pointed out that the Bill had been published late in the day and that late legislation was not good legislation. I accept some criticism in this regard and apologise to the House that the Bill has come so late in...

Road Transport Bill 2011: Second Stage (Resumed) (23 Nov 2011)

Leo Varadkar: We may discuss this in more detail tomorrow when we discuss the amendment. The Cabinet met today to talk about the budget and will meet tomorrow to talk about the jobs strategy. So I will not have an opportunity to speak to the Cabinet about this matter. The issue of expunging convictions for people who describe themselves as political prisoners is beyond the competence of this Bill. If...

Road Transport Bill 2011: Second Stage (23 Nov 2011)

Leo Varadkar: I move: "That the Bill be now read a Second Time." The Bill is being brought to the House as a matter of urgency to deal with a number of issues arising from the coming into force of EU regulations on road transport operators on 4 December. I thank the House for facilitating me in this regard. To a large degree, the issues arise from the mechanics of the regulations replacing a previous EU...

Road Transport Bill 2011: Order for Second Stage (23 Nov 2011)

Leo Varadkar: I move: "That Second Stage be taken now."

Written Answers — Road Safety: Road Safety (22 Nov 2011)

Leo Varadkar: Different default speed limits apply to particular categories of roads. Default speed limits are termed as "ordinary speed limits" by the Road Traffic Act 2004. There are also speed restrictions for certain classes of vehicles. As of 2007, the ordinary speed limits are as follows: · 120 km/h for motorways · 100 km/h for National Routes (Primary and Secondary) that are not...

Written Answers — Information Technology: Information Technology (22 Nov 2011)

Leo Varadkar: My Department does not lease any computer servers. The expenditure of agencies is an operational matter for the agencies concerned. 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 — Public Transport: Public Transport (22 Nov 2011)

Leo Varadkar: The issue raised is a matter for Dublin Bus. I have referred the Deputy's question to the company for direct reply. Please inform my private office if you do not receive a reply within ten working days.

Written Answers — EU Funding: EU Funding (22 Nov 2011)

Leo Varadkar: The Irish Exchequer is not in receipt of any EU funding in respect of the development of the A5 project.

Written Answers — EU Funding: EU Funding (22 Nov 2011)

Leo Varadkar: The Dart Underground was allocated €10 million from the EU Ten-T Budget to cover the design and development process, geotechnical investigations and various surveys and studies that include topographical surveys, condition surveys, archaeological surveys and utility surveys. Most of the work for which funding was granted has already been completed and €5.5m has been claimed to date. My...

Written Answers — EU Funding: EU Funding (22 Nov 2011)

Leo Varadkar: I propose to take Questions Nos. 673 to 675, inclusive, together. I am advised by the National Transport Authority (NTA) that the following amounts have been spent to date on the relevant public transport projects: LUAS BXD - €10.8m Metro North - €153.2m (including accruals of €5m) Metro West - €18.3m DART Underground - €36.1m I would point out that there will be...

Written Answers — Infrastructure Investment Plan: Infrastructure Investment Plan (22 Nov 2011)

Leo Varadkar: As indicated in the Capital Investment Framework 2012-2016 investment in transport infrastructure is being scaled back significantly over the next five years. In the roads sector the bulk of available funds will be focused on maintaining the existing road network. Within the capital allocations now set, the implementation of individual national road projects is a matter for the National...

Written Answers — Road Network: Road Network (22 Nov 2011)

Leo Varadkar: I propose to take Questions Nos. 677 to 683, inclusive, together. 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...

Written Answers — Public Transport: Public Transport (22 Nov 2011)

Leo Varadkar: The funding of public service obligation (PSO) services is governed by Public Transport Contracts between the National Transport Authority (NTA) and the three CIÉ subsidiaries. In 2011 Dublin Bus will receive, through the NTA, an estimated €72.4 million in Exchequer subvention. Decisions on the overall level of subvention available for PSO services in 2012 will be made following the...

Written Answers — Driving Licences: Driving Licences (22 Nov 2011)

Leo Varadkar: Irish driver licensing rules operate within the framework of an EU-wide licensing system. The criteria essential for recognition of licences from other countries are testing and licensing regimes which meet the requirement of the EU directive on driver licences. On this basis Ireland recognises licences from, and has mutual recognition and exchange of licence arrangements with, other EU...

Written Answers — Driver Testing Service: Driver Testing Service (22 Nov 2011)

Leo Varadkar: The subject matter of this particular question, i.e. the operation of the driver testing service, is a matter for the Road Safety 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 — Rail Network: Rail Network (22 Nov 2011)

Leo Varadkar: The issue raised is an operational matter for Iarnród Éireann. I have referred the Deputy's question to the company for direct reply. Please inform my private office if you do not receive a reply within ten working days.

Written Answers — Railway Stations: Railway Stations (22 Nov 2011)

Leo Varadkar: The issues raised are operational matters for Iarnród Éireann. I have referred the Deputy's question to the company for direct reply. Please inform my private office if you do not receive a reply within ten working days.

Written Answers — Tourism Promotion: Tourism Promotion (22 Nov 2011)

Leo Varadkar: The matter raised is an operational matter for Fáilte Ireland. I have referred the Deputy's Question to Fáilte Ireland for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within ten working days.

Written Answers — Consultancy Contracts: Consultancy Contracts (22 Nov 2011)

Leo Varadkar: My Department has used a number of options for obtaining specialist expertise which is not available in-house. This includes the engagement of a small number of information communications technology contractors and some specialist financial expertise. A short-term pilot arrangement with Irish Rail is also in place. A member of my Department is seconded to Irish Rail and an engineer from...