Results 4,181-4,200 of 8,928 for speaker:Hildegarde Naughton

Written Answers — Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport: Driver Test (29 Jun 2021)

Hildegarde Naughton: Under legislation, the Road Safety Authority (RSA) is the body responsible for the operation of the Theory Test. The information requested is held by the Authority. 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: Travel Trade Sector (29 Jun 2021)

Hildegarde Naughton: The Government has provided an unprecedented package of supports to businesses during the crisis most of which have been available to the licensed travel agents and tour operators. The sector has availed of some of those central Government supports such as the Employee Wage Subsidy Scheme, which has undoubtedly helped sustain employment in the sector. Travel agents and tour operators have...

Written Answers — Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport: Driver Test (29 Jun 2021)

Hildegarde Naughton: I can assure you that the Department is very aware of the challenges facing the RSA and its contract provider as they work hard to further manage the backlog in the Driver Theory Testing Service. The gradual re-opening of in-person driver theory test centres commenced on the 8th of June. Test centres reopened and will be permitted to conduct 25,000 theory tests monthly. The centres...

Written Answers — Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport: Driver Test (29 Jun 2021)

Hildegarde Naughton: This is a matter for the Road Safety Authority. I have referred the question 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 (29 Jun 2021)

Hildegarde Naughton: The driver theory test is the statutory responsibility of the Road Safety Authority. The information requested is held by the RSA. 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: Driver Test (29 Jun 2021)

Hildegarde Naughton: Under legislation, the Road Safety Authority (RSA) is the body responsible for the operation of both the Theory Test and Driving Test Services. The Department is liaising with the RSA on an ongoing basis to meet the growing demand for driving tests. An additional 40 temporary driver testers have been authorised along with 36 approved for retention or rehire in 2020. The additional testers...

Written Answers — Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport: Aviation Industry (29 Jun 2021)

Hildegarde Naughton: As the Deputy is aware, Stobart Air held the contract for operating PSO air services on two routes between Dublin and the airports of Kerry and Donegal. The recent termination of its franchise agreement with Aer Lingus resulted in the cancellation of these services with immediate implications for users of the PSOs. I can assure the Deputy that the restoration of regional connectivity,...

Written Answers — Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport: Regional Airports (29 Jun 2021)

Hildegarde Naughton: This is firstly a matter for CHC and Sligo Airport under their own commercial arrangements for the provision of a SAR base and any additional costs involved. For its part, the IRCG is in contact with CHC to determine whether and what element of these costs can be legitimately charged under its contractual arrangements, with a view to ensuring a continued service and delivering optimal value...

Written Answers — Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport: National Car Test (29 Jun 2021)

Hildegarde Naughton: The Deputy will be aware that all Member States of the European Union are required by law to carry out periodic roadworthiness inspections on motor vehicles at regular intervals throughout the vehicle's lifecycle. The applicable dates for periodic testing are provided for by national legislation. Under Regulation 3(2) of the Road Traffic (National Car Test) Regulations 2017 (S.I. No....

Written Answers — Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport: Transport Costs (29 Jun 2021)

Hildegarde Naughton: I am keenly aware of the growing cost of cargo shipping to Ireland. As the Deputy may be aware, this recent rise of shipping costs is a global issue. In the first half of 2021, the volume of goods traded globally has increased significantly. Surging demand coupled with moderate supply growth is the cause of the current upward pressure on shipping charter rates. The surging demand is evident...

Written Answers — Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport: Workplace Relations Commission (29 Jun 2021)

Hildegarde Naughton: The eight contraventions of the working time regulations referred to my Department by the Workplace Relations Commission (WRC) related to two fishing vessels. The Marine Survey Office (MSO) of my Department carried out follow up investigations in respect of both vessels. The operators of both fishing vessels subsequently demonstrated compliance with the statutory requirements to the...

Written Answers — Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport: Driver Test (29 Jun 2021)

Hildegarde Naughton: Under legislation, the Road Safety Authority (RSA) is the body responsible for the operation of the Driver Test. This is an operational matter for the RSA. 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: Driver Licences (29 Jun 2021)

Hildegarde Naughton: An Irish driving licence, including a replacement licence, can only be issued to a person resident in Ireland. All enquires relating to driver licensing are handled by the National Driver Licence Service (NDLS), the provision of which I have delegated to the Road Safety Authority (RSA) under the relevant legislation. I have forwarded the Deputy's query to the RSA for direct reply. If she...

Written Answers — Department of Justice and Equality: Coroners Service (29 Jun 2021)

Hildegarde Naughton: As the Deputy may be aware, the coroners service comprises the network of coroners located in districts throughout the country. The coroner is an independent quasi-judicial office holder whose core function is to investigate sudden and unexplained deaths so that a death certificate can be issued. This is an important public service to the living and in particular to the next-of-kin and...

Written Answers — Department of Justice and Equality: Probate Applications (29 Jun 2021)

Hildegarde Naughton: I propose to take Questions Nos. 424, 425 and 431 together. As the Deputy will be aware, the Probate Office is an office of the High Court. Under the provisions of the Courts Service Act 1998, management of the courts is the responsibility of the Courts Service, which is independent in its functions. However, in order to be of assistance to the Deputy, I have had enquiries made and the Courts...

Written Answers — Department of Justice and Equality: Court Procedures (29 Jun 2021)

Hildegarde Naughton: As the Deputy may be aware, section 29 of the Judicial Council Act 2019 was commenced on 16 December 2019. Section 29 provides that a review of enactments which provide for the imposition of minimum sentences for offences will be commenced not later than 2 years after the coming into operation of the section. It is therefore my intention that the review will commence later this year and the...

Written Answers — Department of Justice and Equality: Judicial Council (29 Jun 2021)

Hildegarde Naughton: The Judicial Council is currently funded through the Vote of my Department. It was allocated €1.75m in funding this year, an increase of 40% on the 2020 allocation (€1.25m). The Judicial Council was established pursuant to the Judicial Council Act 2019. Section 6 of the Judicial Council Act 2019, provides that “The Council shall, subject to the provisions of this Act, be...

Seanad: Nithe i dtosach suíonna - Commencement Matters: Domestic Violence (28 Jun 2021)

Hildegarde Naughton: I thank Senator Garvey for raising this important issue. I am acutely aware of the vulnerable and often frightening position that callers suffering domestic abuse, and indeed anyone in a vulnerable position, are in. Any inappropriate cancellation of 999 calls is a very serious concern and falls significantly below the high standards the public expects of the Garda as well as the standards...

Seanad: Nithe i dtosach suíonna - Commencement Matters: Domestic Violence (28 Jun 2021)

Hildegarde Naughton: I thank the Senator for raising this matter. I wish to reassure victims of domestic abuse and other callers who have experienced concerns about their personal safety or the safety of others in their care that this issue is being taken extremely seriously, and that the Minister, Deputy Humphreys, will maintain regular communications with the Garda Commissioner and the Policing Authority...

Seanad: Criminal Justice (Rehabilitative Periods) Bill 2018: Report and Final Stages (28 Jun 2021)

Hildegarde Naughton: I congratulate Senator Ruane and her co-sponsors on introducing this important Bill and managing it through this House to the point where it has reached its Final Stage in the Seanad today. I know that Senator Ruane and her team have put a significant amount of work into the Bill and, on behalf of the Government, I credit them all for doing so. Senator Ruane engaged very constructively with...