Results 3,601-3,620 of 11,242 for speaker:Noel Dempsey

Written Answers — Tax Code: Tax Code (27 Nov 2008)

Noel Dempsey: As already indicated in my recent replies to similar Dail Questions, the Finance Act 2008 provides for the removal of excise duty reliefs in the bus sector with effect from 1 November 2008. Since this is in line with our EU obligations, there is no power to restore the scheme. The operation of VAT is a fiscal matter, which falls under the responsibility of my colleague the Minister for Finance.

Written Answers — Tax Code: Tax Code (27 Nov 2008)

Noel Dempsey: I refer the Deputy to my answer on 25 November 2008 to Dáil Question No. 302.

Written Answers — Road Network: Road Network (26 Nov 2008)

Noel Dempsey: In the period since the Comptroller and Auditor General's report referred to by the Deputy the National Roads Authority has implemented a wide range of measures to improve cost estimation and control, and value for money generally. In addition the Department of Finance and my Department have introduced more detailed investment appraisal and other guidelines regarding the evaluation and...

Written Answers — Public Transport: Public Transport (26 Nov 2008)

Noel Dempsey: As already stated in my answer to Question numbers 28 and 33 on 1 October last and in further question answered on 4 November, the Finance Act 2008 provides for the removal of excise duty reliefs in the bus sector with effect from I November 2008. Since this is in line with our EU obligations, there is no power to restore the scheme.

Written Answers — Public Transport: Public Transport (26 Nov 2008)

Noel Dempsey: Dublin Bus is not subject to the licensing regime under the Road Transport Act 1932. The initiation or alteration of a bus service by the Company is, however, subject to compliance with a requirement to give advance notice to my Department and to compliance with the provisions of Section 25 of the Transport Act 1958 concerning competition with licensed private operators. My Department...

Written Answers — Pension Provisions: Pension Provisions (26 Nov 2008)

Noel Dempsey: The Irish Airlines (General Employees) Superannuation Scheme is a multi-employer scheme in which the Dublin Airport Authority, Aer Lingus and SR Technics participate. Pension entitlements under this scheme are primarily matters for the Trustees, the members of the scheme and the companies participating in the scheme. The Scheme's actuary carries out an actuarial valuation generally every...

Order of Business (26 Nov 2008)

Noel Dempsey: Some of them are agreed — not all of them.

Leaders' Questions (26 Nov 2008)

Noel Dempsey: Does it use the word——

Order of Business (26 Nov 2008)

Noel Dempsey: It will be before the end of the year.

Written Answers — State Airports: State Airports (25 Nov 2008)

Noel Dempsey: I propose to take Questions Nos. 288, 290 and 295 together. The State Airports Act, 2004 provides the framework for the establishment of Shannon and Cork as independent airports. Under the Act, both the Minister for Finance and I will have to be satisfied as to the state of operational and financial readiness of the three airports before any vesting of assets can take place. I have already...

Written Answers — Rural Transport Services: Rural Transport Services (25 Nov 2008)

Noel Dempsey: Pobal administers the Rural Transport Programme (RTP) on behalf of my Department and is working with 37 individual rural transport groups around the country, including groups in County Roscommon, to expand it on a phased basis in response to local public transport service needs and having regard to the availability of resources. A list of RTP groups is available on the Pobal website at...

Written Answers — Departmental Bodies: Departmental Bodies (25 Nov 2008)

Noel Dempsey: My Department is at present preparing proposals for the implementation of the decision announced in Budget 2009 in relation to the rationalisation of State agencies. For my Department, this involves the establishment of the Dublin Transport Authority and the amalgamation of air, marine, and rail accident investigation functions. At this stage, no agencies or functions have been amalgamated...

Written Answers — Public Transport: Public Transport (25 Nov 2008)

Noel Dempsey: The Department of Transport is actively pursuing a public transport regulatory reform process, which, in broad terms, accords with the recommendations concerning passenger transport made by the Consumer Strategy Group — see Part 2, Chapter 4 of the Group's report. The first stage of that process involves the establishment of a Dublin Transport Authority (DTA). In this regard the Dublin...

Written Answers — Road Network: Road Network (25 Nov 2008)

Noel Dempsey: The improvement and maintenance of regional and local roads in their areas is a matter for local authorities to be funded from their own resources supplemented by State grants provided by my Department. State grant aid has not been provided by my Department for this project. Progress with the proposal is a matter for the local authority.

Written Answers — Rail Network: Rail Network (25 Nov 2008)

Noel Dempsey: The detailed planning and design of the upgrade works on the Maynooth line is a matter for Iarnród Éireann. I understand that Iarnród Éireann intend to undertake the resignalling and the removal of level crossings on the line in the period 2009-2012 and that the electrification of the line will progress in tandem with the resignalling. These projects will provide for a significant...

Written Answers — Rail Network: Rail Network (25 Nov 2008)

Noel Dempsey: Exchequer funding of €269m has been approved for the Kildare Route Project and €157,978,144 has been paid to date. The construction phase of the Kildare Route Project commenced in June 2007 and is due to be completed by early 2010.

Written Answers — Consultancy Contracts: Consultancy Contracts (25 Nov 2008)

Noel Dempsey: The information requested by the Deputy is contained in the table below. In general, consultancy services are procured in areas where there is need to avail of particular expertise. Consultancy Firm 2006 Cost Purpose of Consultancy € Audrey Kirwan 2006 16,985.37 Business Process Manuals, knowledge transfer and work practices, in preparation for decentralisation of Road Transport...

Written Answers — Rail Services: Rail Services (25 Nov 2008)

Noel Dempsey: In May 2006 the then Minister for Transport in reply to a PQ indicated that he had been informed by Iarnród Éireann that the work planned on the Cork-Cobh line would have no impact on the North Esk freight facility and that the freight yard would remain connected to the rail system. I now understand from Iarnród Éireann that there have been no rail freight activities at the North Esk...

Written Answers — Departmental Expenditure: Departmental Expenditure (25 Nov 2008)

Noel Dempsey: The information requested by the Deputy cannot currently be provided from the reporting templates of the Department's Travel and Subsistence system. I will, however, respond fully to the Deputy in a few weeks when the system will be amended to produce the required reports.

Written Answers — Taxi Regulations: Taxi Regulations (25 Nov 2008)

Noel Dempsey: The Commission for Taxi Regulation is the independent public body responsible for the regulatory framework of the taxi industry. There is no requirement for taxi operators to have a wheelchair accessible vehicle to acquire a taxi licence. However, my Department has been in discussion with the Commission for Taxi Regulation about a proposal for a subsidy scheme to assist with the purchase of...