Results 521-540 of 4,700 for speaker:Noel Ahern

Social Welfare Code. (2 Apr 2009)

Noel Ahern: I am taking this matter on behalf of the Department. What the Deputy has outlined is very much what we are hearing when we meet people on the ground. The long reply outlines all the good actions the Department takes currently but the most relevant is near the end. I could read the five pages for the Deputy but the comment at the end states: "In view of the particular relevance of the back...

Garda Stations. (2 Apr 2009)

Noel Ahern: In accordance with the Garda Síochána Act 2005, proposals on the opening and closing of Garda stations are matters for the Garda Commissioner in the context of the annual policing plans. In this regard, significant developments have been under way in the Garda Síochána to re-align Garda divisional boundaries to make them coterminous with local authority boundaries. One of the main aims...

Written Answers — Sea Pollution: Sea Pollution (2 Apr 2009)

Noel Ahern: We are currently collating costs involved in monitoring the oil slick. At this juncture it is considered unlikely that pollution will come ashore, however the situation will be monitored over the coming months. In the circumstances the question of cost recovery is being kept under consideration.

Written Answers — Port Development: Port Development (2 Apr 2009)

Noel Ahern: Indecon International Economic Consultants have been commissioned to undertake a comprehensive study of the role of Dublin Port as provided for under the National Development Plan 2007-2013. This study will examine the feasibility and conduct a cost benefit analysis of various scenarios relating to Dublin Port, including: Existing port activities continuing to expand with demand, Relocating...

Written Answers — Motor Industry: Motor Industry (2 Apr 2009)

Noel Ahern: I am aware of the difficulties facing the Irish motor industry at present, but the introduction of a scrappage scheme is a matter for the Minister for Finance. I have not made any policy proposals to him on this matter.

Written Answers — Road Safety: Road Safety (2 Apr 2009)

Noel Ahern: While we are making significant progress in reducing death and injuries on our roads, regrettably fatalities continue to occur, each of which is a tragedy for families, friends and communities. Road safety is a priority for Government, and the Road Safety Strategy 2007-2012 is a key safety initiative. It is being successfully implemented with the involvement of a number of Departments, An...

Written Answers — Proposed Legislation: Proposed Legislation (2 Apr 2009)

Noel Ahern: I propose to take Questions Nos. 55 and 59 together. The text of the Road Traffic Bill, which, inter alia, proposes a reduction in the legal Blood Alcohol Content (BAC) level for drivers and measures for the mandatory testing for alcohol of drivers involved in road traffic collisions, is currently being drafted and is nearing completion. Government approval will then be sought for...

Written Answers — Road Safety: Road Safety (2 Apr 2009)

Noel Ahern: Penalty points were first applied in October 2002 to the offence of speeding and have been rolled out in stages between then and September 2006 in respect of a total of 36 offences. The focus of the roll-out of the penalty points system to date has been on road safety critical offences that relate primarily to the behaviour of drivers. The operation of the system is kept under review by my...

Written Answers — Driving Tests: Driving Tests (2 Apr 2009)

Noel Ahern: Under the Road Safety Authority Act 2006 (Conferral of Functions) Order 2006 (S.I. No. 477 of 2006) the delivery of driver testing is a matter for the Road Safety Authority. Decisions taken in relation to the provision of driver testing facilities are operational matters for the Authority and queries in relation to such matters should be raised directly with that statutory body.

Written Answers — Coast Guard Service: Coast Guard Service (2 Apr 2009)

Noel Ahern: The Coast Guard is not actively recruiting volunteers and the Unit in question currently has a full complement of volunteers. Volunteer numbers in all units are kept under constant review. All applications are kept on file in the local unit.

Road Safety. (2 Apr 2009)

Noel Ahern: Road safety is a priority for Government, and the Road Safety Strategy 2007-2012, which was launched in October 2007, is a key safety initiative. The overall objective of the strategy is to bring Ireland in line with best practice countries in road safety terms and to reduce the number of fatalities to no more than 60 fatalities per million or 252 fatalities per annum, the figure stated in...

Road Safety. (2 Apr 2009)

Noel Ahern: The first question was if I could guarantee if there would not be any cut for the allocation of the Road Safety Authority next Tuesday. I cannot because it would be altogether wrong of me to try to guess what the Minister for Finance intends to do next week. We have all heard about different taxation and revenue raising matters and cutbacks in various Departments. I cannot guess the...

Road Safety. (2 Apr 2009)

Noel Ahern: I realise the problem. Construction will not start this year, but I understand €500,000 will be spent on the planning and design of it. One accident cannot send all our hopes and dreams out the window. The figures for January and February were very good this year. The figures for March were dreadful until St. Patrick's Day, but thankfully, since then, there was a period of eight or nine...

Road Safety. (2 Apr 2009)

Noel Ahern: I suspect from my days in the local authority such a decision is more relevant to the local authority in question. In Dublin there are three tonne limits, areas where trucks are forbidden and a HGV cordon around Dublin Port which was introduced by Dublin City Council. I am subject to correction, but banning trucks from a given area is a matter for the local authority rather than the Department.

Ferry Services. (2 Apr 2009)

Noel Ahern: I propose to take Questions Nos. 10 and 37 together. It is important that the market offers a diverse range of viable maritime links in and out of the State to facilitate trade and tourism. Ireland is well served by ferry links to the UK and continental Europe. These links are frequent and competitive. The full list of services can be viewed on the website of the Irish Maritime...

Ferry Services. (2 Apr 2009)

Noel Ahern: I am aware of the campaign to try to open the route again. An examination of the proposals has taken place and it has been said that subject to getting a suitable vessel, with the one mentioned by the Deputy being targeted——

Ferry Services. (2 Apr 2009)

Noel Ahern: The report indicates the service could be viable on an all-year basis and I hope the efforts to get the service running are successful and it can be shown to be commercially viable. The Port of Cork and the Irish Maritime Development Office have both been in touch with the promoters and are trying to be as helpful as possible. We do not provide any State subsidy for such a route but I hope...

Ferry Services. (2 Apr 2009)

Noel Ahern: There is a considerable range of routes and services at present. Over the past ten years or so the overall capacity has increased significantly. I accept the Deputy's comments regarding Stena. Many of these services are partially passenger based but they are also freight based. Politicians and other interested groups consider the tourism perspective and more people are probably flying in...

Legislative Programme. (2 Apr 2009)

Noel Ahern: As the Deputy will be aware, the Government took steps in October 2007, under section 19 of the Markets in Financial Instruments and Miscellaneous Provisions Act, to provide for an appropriate system of authorisation and supervision, by the Financial Regulator, of retail credit firms engaged in specialist or so-called sub-prime lending and home reversion providers not previously subject to...

Legislative Programme. (2 Apr 2009)

Noel Ahern: The reply is rather long. I apologise for that.