Results 4,381-4,400 of 9,442 for speaker:Hildegarde Naughton

Written Answers — Department of Justice and Equality: Wards of Court (16 Sep 2021)

Hildegarde Naughton: The High Court has jurisdiction in wards of court matters and management of the courts is the responsibility of the Courts Service, which is independent in exercising its functions under the Courts Service Act 1998.  However, in order to be of assistance to the Deputy, I have had enquiries made with the Courts Service who inform me that the Wards of Court Office operates...

Confidence in Minister for Foreign Affairs and Defence: Motion (15 Sep 2021)

Hildegarde Naughton: This debate is not about whether the Minister, Deputy Coveney, is an appropriate person to serve in Cabinet. This motion is an attempt to damage him, not because of the error he made, which should not have happened and for which he repeatedly apologised, but to sow division among the Government parties. Our citizens demand and deserve that their parliamentarians work on issues that matter...

Written Answers — Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport: Labour Market (15 Sep 2021)

Hildegarde Naughton: HGV drivers in Ireland benefit from the same employment rights as other employees. In addition, they are subject to strict EU driving hours regulations, the purpose of which is both to protect drivers from having to work excessive hours, whilst also ensuring safety of all road users. Last year the EU adopted a range of measures aimed at improving working conditions in the sector, known as the...

Written Answers — Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport: Ports Policy (15 Sep 2021)

Hildegarde Naughton: Dublin Port is the largest and busiest port in the State serving the trading needs of Ireland with on average 70% of all vessels visits and over 50% of all tonnage handled by ports in Ireland. The container rail freight service to Ballina continues to operate with five return freight services per week from Ballina to Dublin port despite challenges brought about because of the large...

Written Answers — Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport: Airport Policy (15 Sep 2021)

Hildegarde Naughton: I would like to acknowledge the delay in responding to your email on the 3rd of August however I can set out the position on this matter below.  In the first instance, the matters being referred to by the Deputy are industrial relations matters and therefore, matters for the Company, the employees and the trade unions concerned.    The severe impacts of COVID-19...

Written Answers — Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport: Road Safety Authority (15 Sep 2021)

Hildegarde Naughton: Under legislation, the Road Safety Authority (RSA) is the body responsible for the operation of the Driving Test. The is 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: Driver Licences (15 Sep 2021)

Hildegarde Naughton: Further extensions to the validity of learner permits are not being considered at this time. The latest extension to the validity of learner permits, granted because of the difficulties in applying for and renewing a learner permit while services were unavailable under Covid 19 restrictions, was introduced on 24 June 2021. It applied to permits expiring between 1 March 2020 and 31...

Written Answers — Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport: Driver Test (15 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 part of the 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.    Covid-19 has had on profound effect on the delivery of the Road Safety...

Written Answers — Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport: Tax Forms (15 Sep 2021)

Hildegarde Naughton: A concessionary rate of motor tax was introduced in 2001 for vehicles which are kept and used exclusively on an offshore island to which there is no direct road or bridge access from the mainland.  The current rate is €102 annually. The online motor tax system has proven successful with over 90% of vehicle owners nationwide who are eligible to do so now taxing online.  My...

Written Answers — Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport: Driver Licences (15 Sep 2021)

Hildegarde Naughton: 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. My Department does not have access to individual applications.

Written Answers — Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport: Covid-19 Tests (15 Sep 2021)

Hildegarde Naughton: Covid-19 tests for travel are not provided by the State and my Department has not sought EU funding for these tests. However since the easing of restrictions on international travel in July 2021, we have seen a welcome increase in international passenger numbers.      In addition to passenger travel, Ireland relies on the transport sector for our international connectivity...

Written Answers — Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport: Coast Guard Service (15 Sep 2021)

Hildegarde Naughton: Howth Coast Guard Station is currently on the OPW Building Maintenance Programme for a proposed upgrade and extension to the rear of the station. This programme is managed by the OPW and my Department provides funding for these projects. The IRCG is currently in the final stages of settling the lease agreement for the current site and an additional adjacent site from Department of...

Written Answers — Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport: Driver Test (15 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...

Written Answers — Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport: Driver Test (15 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...

Written Answers — Department of Justice and Equality: Legislative Measures (15 Sep 2021)

Hildegarde Naughton: The establishment of the Parole Board on a statutory footing is a priority action under Justice Plan 2021 and is a key commitment in the Programme for Government. The Deputy will wish to note that the relevant legislation was enacted in July 2019 and last month I announced the commencement of the Parole Act and the establishment of the new Parole Board. The purpose of...

Written Answers — Department of Justice and Equality: Legislative Measures (15 Sep 2021)

Hildegarde Naughton: As the Deputy will be aware, the establishment of the Parole Board on a statutory footing is a priority action under Justice Plan 2021 and is a key commitment in the Programme for Government. The relevant legislation was enacted in July 2019 and last month I announced the commencement of the Parole Act and the establishment of the new Parole Board. The purpose of...

Written Answers — Department of Justice and Equality: Legal Services Regulation (15 Sep 2021)

Hildegarde Naughton: As the Deputy may be aware, responsibility for fee restoration rests with my colleague, the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform. However, that being said, I wish to reassure you that my Department has been actively engaging with all relevant stakeholders, including the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform, to resolve this matter. Under the Criminal Legal Aid Scheme my...

Written Answers — Department of Justice and Equality: Prison Service (15 Sep 2021)

Hildegarde Naughton: I propose to take Questions Nos. 549 and 550 together. I propose to take PQs 549 and 550 together. Provision of safe and secure custody and dignity of care to persons in the penal system in Ireland is a priority for me as Minister and for the Irish Prison Service.  Delivery of the Limerick Prison redevelopment project is a key element of ongoing work in relation to...

Written Answers — Department of Justice and Equality: Domestic Violence (15 Sep 2021)

Hildegarde Naughton: Tackling domestic abuse and providing supports for victims is a priority for me as Minister and for Government. I am working with my colleagues and with our partners to ensure we have an appropriate collective national response that supports victims and holds perpetrators to account. I would like to assure the Deputy that An Garda Síochána attaches the highest priority to domestic...

Written Answers — Department of Justice and Equality: Prison Service (15 Sep 2021)

Hildegarde Naughton: The role of the Psychology Service in the Irish Prison Service is to deliver, develop and manage an integrated (mental health and criminogenic need) assessment and treatment service for people in custody, in line with service plans and objectives, and within established professional standards, guidelines and policy.  I am informed that at present, there are no occupational psychologists...