Results 3,941-3,960 of 9,052 for speaker:Hildegarde Naughton

Written Answers — Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport: Driver Licences (21 Sep 2021)

Hildegarde Naughton: The current extensions## to the validity of driving licences were granted under EU Regulation 2021/267 and are recognised by all EU Member States. The Regulation applied to driving licences with expiry dates up to 30 June 2021. Ireland subsequently received authorisation from the EU under Commission Decision 2021/1362 to extend this applicable period to cover licences that will expire up to...

Written Answers — Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport: Driver Test (21 Sep 2021)

Hildegarde Naughton: Covid 19 has had a profound effect on the delivery of the driving testing services operated by the Road Safety Authority (RSA). Throughout the restrictions and lockdowns, CPC practical driving tests (Certificate of Professional Competence practical tests for trucks and artics) were considered to fall into the ‘Essential Worker’ category and, other than the initial lockdown...

Written Answers — Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport: Driver Licences (21 Sep 2021)

Hildegarde Naughton: This is a matter for the Road Safety Authority. I have referred the question about the number of learner permits to the Authority for direct reply. I would ask the Deputy to contact my office if a response is not received within 10 days.

Written Answers — Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport: Driver Test (21 Sep 2021)

Hildegarde Naughton: Figures regarding the number of people awaiting a driver test are held by the Road Safety Authority (RSA). I have therefore referred this question 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: Driver Licences (21 Sep 2021)

Hildegarde Naughton: This is a matter for the Road Safety Authority. I have referred the question about driving licences to the Authority for direct reply. I would ask the Deputy to contact my office if a response is not received within 10 days.

Written Answers — Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport: Driver Test (21 Sep 2021)

Hildegarde Naughton: Under legislation, the Road Safety Authority (RSA) is the body responsible for the operation of the Driving Test. Individual appointments are an operational matter for the RSA and I do not have any role in this process. This question is therefore being referred 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: Haulage Industry (21 Sep 2021)

Hildegarde Naughton: The 10-year Haulage Strategy is an important Programme for Government commitment, reflecting the importance the haulage sector plays in ensuring the State's supply lines, both nationally and internationally, operate effectively. The Programme for Government indicates that the Strategy will focus on improving efficiencies, standards, and helping the sector move to a low-carbon future. A...

Written Answers — Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport: Legislative Measures (21 Sep 2021)

Hildegarde Naughton: I can confirm that I am shortly to seek the Government's approval to introduce legislation which will deal comprehensively with the illegal use of quad bikes, scrambler bikes and similar vehicles. The anti-social use of these vehicles is a menace to the public. Dealing with it involves a range of measures, including legislation and also community engagement, the latter of which...

Written Answers — Department of Justice and Equality: Domestic Violence (21 Sep 2021)

Hildegarde Naughton: As the deputy may be aware, depending on the circumstances of the individual case, a perpetrator of domestic violence may be charged with specific offences such as an offence under the Non-Fatal Offences Against the Person Act 1997, murder, manslaughter, a sexual offence, the offence of coercive control, or the offence under section 33 of the Domestic Violence Act 2018 of contravention of a...

Written Answers — Department of Justice and Equality: Departmental Data (21 Sep 2021)

Hildegarde Naughton: I propose to take Questions Nos. 480 and 481 together. As the Deputy will recall from my response to Dáil question 1,364 of 27 July 2021, the decision to grant bail in a particular case is a matter for the presiding Judge, who is independent in the exercise of his or her judicial functions. There is also a constitutional presumption in favour of the granting of bail as, under Irish Law,...

Written Answers — Department of Justice and Equality: Legal Aid (21 Sep 2021)

Hildegarde Naughton: I propose to take Questions Nos. 482 to 484, inclusive, together. The Criminal Justice (Legal Aid) Act, 1962, which is the primary legislation covering the operation of the Criminal Legal Aid Scheme, provides that free legal aid may be granted, in certain circumstances, for the defence of persons of insufficient means in criminal proceedings. Under the Scheme, the courts, through the...

Written Answers — Department of Justice and Equality: Legal Aid (21 Sep 2021)

Hildegarde Naughton: I refer the Deputy to my response provided on 27 July 2021 in respect of Dáil question number 1,368 and can confirm that the position remains unchanged.

Written Answers — Department of Justice and Equality: Human Trafficking (21 Sep 2021)

Hildegarde Naughton: Human trafficking is a heinous crime based on deception and exploitation of vulnerable people. Combatting it is, and will continue to be, a priority for this Government. Over the past year we have introduced significant measures to combat trafficking, to create a more victim-centred approach to identifying and supporting victims, and to raise awareness and provide training. While it was very...

Written Answers — Department of Justice and Equality: Departmental Strategies (21 Sep 2021)

Hildegarde Naughton: Tackling domestic, sexual and gender-based violence in all its forms is a priority for me and for Government. My Department is leading the development across Government of the third national strategy on domestic, sexual and gender-based violence which will place a priority on prevention and reduction and will include a National Preventative Strategy. This new Strategy is being co-designed...

Written Answers — Department of Justice and Equality: Stardust Fire (21 Sep 2021)

Hildegarde Naughton: I propose to take Questions Nos. 503, 507 and 508 together. The Stardust fire was a national tragedy that has left a particular legacy of pain for many people in North Dublin. I again offer my deep sympathy and condolences to the families of the 48 young people killed in the Stardust fire over forty years ago. These families have suffered a terrible loss. I also recognise the impact on...

Ceisteanna ar Sonraíodh Uain Dóibh - Priority Questions: Driver Test (16 Sep 2021)

Hildegarde Naughton: For the theory test, and I will make reference to the driving test as well, there are one in five no-shows. It is very important to say that. Almost 30% of those who sit their theory test fail it so they will be reapplying for that and there are free slots available for the theory test. There is a huge amount of work there. The target was to have 50,000 theory tests per month so that is...

Ceisteanna ar Sonraíodh Uain Dóibh - Priority Questions: Regional Airports (16 Sep 2021)

Hildegarde Naughton: The Minister and I are acutely aware of the importance of putting in place a chair of Shannon Group and I am listening very closely to the concerns of Oireachtas Members. We share those concerns about the future of Shannon Airport and the need for leadership there in terms of a chair being put in place. As the Minister has said, I commend Mary Considine and the management team there who...

Ceisteanna ar Sonraíodh Uain Dóibh - Priority Questions: Regional Airports (16 Sep 2021)

Hildegarde Naughton: I concur with the Minister. Deputy Crowe was right about the US pre-clearance in that Shannon Airport has an edge. As he knows, certain things are out of our control because these severe entry restrictions are on the US side but I assure him there are a number of bilaterals happening at EU level with the US and between Ireland, the Taoiseach and the US. We understand the importance of...

Ceisteanna ar Sonraíodh Uain Dóibh - Priority Questions: Driver Test (16 Sep 2021)

Hildegarde Naughton: Due to the suspension of driver testing services during the initial pandemic response, along with the health protocols required since the resumption of services, they are operating well below normal capacity and a significant backlog has developed. Covid-19 has had a profound effect on the delivery of these services, which must comply with occupational and public health guidelines. Fewer...

Ceisteanna ar Sonraíodh Uain Dóibh - Priority Questions: Driver Test (16 Sep 2021)

Hildegarde Naughton: The previous 40 have been recruited and they are now fully trained and started live testing in July. I know the question was not on theory tests but there is really positive work happening in that space. In June, we had a backlog of 129,431 theory tests. That is down to 71,227 and there are free slots available for the driver theory test. Some 9,000 to 10,000 tests per week are happening....