Results 34,681-34,700 of 40,330 for speaker:Leo Varadkar

Written Answers — Coast Guard: Coast Guard (27 Sep 2011)

Leo Varadkar: As part of the Public Service Agreement and the Civil Service wide review of staffing levels and structures, my Department is carrying out a strategic review of the maritime sector to achieve efficiencies in marine survey functions and the marine emergency service. Fisher Associates have been appointed by my Department to review the current delivery of services by the Coast Guard and the...

Written Answers — Departmental Staff: Departmental Staff (27 Sep 2011)

Leo Varadkar: The salary scales applicable to civil servants are set out in Department of Finance Circular 28/2009, available at www.per.gov.ie. The pay rates outlined have been reduced further by 10% for new entrants with effect from 1 January 2011. Pension terms for Civil Servants are normally based on their service and final salary, subject to certain conditions and relevant legislation at the date of...

Written Answers — Road Network: Road Network (27 Sep 2011)

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. The initial selection and prioritisation of works to be funded...

Written Answers — Rail Network: Rail Network (27 Sep 2011)

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) on December 2009, the implementation and development of infrastructure projects in the Greater Dublin Area (GDA), such as the electrification of the Maynooth line, comes under the remit of the...

Written Answers — Road Network: Road Network (27 Sep 2011)

Leo Varadkar: My Department has no involvement in relation to proposed works on Chesterfield Avenue. This route is a matter for the Office of Public Works. Traffic management plans in general are the responsibility of the local authority concerned, in this case Dublin City Council.

Written Answers — Tourism Industry: Tourism Industry (27 Sep 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 — Rail Network: Rail Network (27 Sep 2011)

Leo Varadkar: The issue raised is an operational matter for Irish Rail in conjunction with the National Transport Authority. I have had no engagement with the company in relation to this matter.

Written Answers — Departmental Strategy Statements: Departmental Strategy Statements (27 Sep 2011)

Leo Varadkar: A draft Statement of Strategy has been submitted to me by the Secretary General of my Department. The draft Statement will be finalised following Government consideration of the Comprehensive Expenditure Review and budgetary decisions and will then be published in accordance with the requirements of the Public Service Management Act 1997.

Seanad: Road Traffic (No. 2) Bill 2011: Second Stage (27 Sep 2011)

Leo Varadkar: Yes, I have been told that verbally but I have not got it in writing. I expect to get the letter soon. It would make a big difference if people could use it. Senator Heffernan mentioned the issue of drug driving, which greatly concerns me. The road traffic (no. 3) Bill will strengthen the provisions relating to the evidential test people must undergo for drug driving impairment....

Seanad: Road Traffic (No. 2) Bill 2011: Second Stage (27 Sep 2011)

Leo Varadkar: I believe he practised what he preached.

Seanad: Road Traffic (No. 2) Bill 2011: Second Stage (27 Sep 2011)

Leo Varadkar: That is next week.

Seanad: Road Traffic (No. 2) Bill 2011: Second Stage (27 Sep 2011)

Leo Varadkar: I thank Senators who contributed to the debate for their views and their support for the Bill. I want to clarify that the primary purpose of the Bill is to introduce mandatory breath testing of drivers by Garda at the lower blood alcohol concentration levels. The Garda will be required to test where death or injury has occurred as a result of a road collision or where he the member in...

Seanad: Road Traffic (No. 2) Bill 2011: Second Stage (27 Sep 2011)

Leo Varadkar: Yes, the plastic card licence is being introduced. Under a European directive we must have it in place by the last day of 2012 or the first day of 2013. The Road Safety Authority will have responsibility for implementing that. The first plastic card licences will be issued next year. It is similar to a credit card and can be fitted into a wallet. People will not be required to change...

Seanad: Road Traffic (No. 2) Bill 2011: Second Stage (27 Sep 2011)

Leo Varadkar: The Road Traffic Bill (No. 2) Bill 2011 represents yet another step in the evolution of better driving practice in Ireland. Over the years, we have travelled a great distance in our approach to driving and safety. Thirty years ago, it was not common practice for people to wear seat belts, children were often unrestrained when travelling, drink driving was not unusual or taboo and the...

Written Answers — Departmental Schemes: Departmental Schemes (22 Sep 2011)

Leo Varadkar: The Local Improvements Scheme provides funding for non-public roads and the maintenance and improvement of these roads is in the first instance a matter for the relevant landowner. The Government is undertaking a review of expenditure for the period 2012 to 2016. When my Department's provision for these years is known and the internal allocations within my Department are decided, I will...

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

Leo Varadkar: The deduction from actual recorded breath readings is a matter for the Medical Bureau of Road Safety (MBRS). I have referred the Question to the MBRS for direct response to the Deputy. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within ten working days.

Written Answers — Departmental Expenditure: Departmental Expenditure (22 Sep 2011)

Leo Varadkar: The total expenditure made available by my Department under the current procurement process for the Metro North project is €150.99 million. This expenditure is broken down as follows: €million Development, design and procurement 63.51 Railway Order & Statutory Approval ...

Written Answers — Coast Guard Service: Coast Guard Service (22 Sep 2011)

Leo Varadkar: The Office of Public Works placed a contract for the construction of a new Coast Guard station in Crosshaven, Co. Cork on 3rd August 2011. The contractor is now on site and the project is expected to be completed in 12 months.

Written Answers — Ministerial Staff: Ministerial Staff (22 Sep 2011)

Leo Varadkar: The names of the two special advisors in my Department are Mr. Nick Miller and Mr. Brian Murphy. The remuneration of Mr. Brian Murphy is still being finalised and Mr. Miller's salary is €80,051 per annum.

Written Answers — Air Accident Investigations: Air Accident Investigations (21 Sep 2011)

Leo Varadkar: The Minister for Defence, at the time of the accident, and together with the then Minister for Transport agreed that the investigation would be conducted by the Air Accident Investigation Unit (AAIU) of my Department. A Preliminary Report was issued by the AAIU one month after the accident. Following a complex and detailed investigation and in accordance with Regulations 18 of S.I. 205 of...