Results 5,461-5,480 of 11,242 for speaker:Noel Dempsey

Written Answers — Environmental Policy: Environmental Policy (6 Dec 2007)

Noel Dempsey: I propose to take Questions Nos. 19, 49 and 50 together. A number of measures to reduce greenhouse gas emissions relating to transport have been included in the National Climate Change Strategy, published by the Department of Environment Heritage and Local Government in April 2007. These include rebalancing of motor taxes, Mineral Oil Tax Relief for biofuels, modal shift through Transport 21...

Written Answers — Air Services: Air Services (6 Dec 2007)

Noel Dempsey: I understand that one slot pair at London Heathrow is currently being leased by Aer Lingus to the US carrier Continental Airlines for a three-year period. Decisions relating to the lease of slots and to setting up new bases outside of Ireland are commercial decisions for the board of Aer Lingus and its management team and I am not aware of their plans in that regard. However, the situation...

Written Answers — Road Traffic Accidents: Road Traffic Accidents (6 Dec 2007)

Noel Dempsey: Under the Road Safety Authority Act 2006 (Conferral of Functions) Order 2006 (S.I. No 477 of 2006) this is a matter for the Road Safety Authority.

Written Answers — Port Development: Port Development (6 Dec 2007)

Noel Dempsey: This is an operational matter for Port of Cork Company. I have no function in this regard.

Written Answers — Ministerial Responsibilities: Ministerial Responsibilities (6 Dec 2007)

Noel Dempsey: I have not received the book nor had an opportunity to study it. However, I believe the current allocation of Ministerial responsibilities provides fully for the development of marine and maritime matters. The nature of Government is such that any combination of functions will still require cross Departmental co-operation and co-ordination to deliver the full agenda. This is the case in a...

Written Answers — Departmental Offices: Departmental Offices (6 Dec 2007)

Noel Dempsey: The Press Office of my Department is responsible for the dissemination of information to the media and coordinating the release of press material on behalf of the Department. The range of issues that the Press Office must deal with on any given day is wide and very varied, reflecting the many areas of responsibility of the Department. While no daily log of press queries is kept by the press...

Written Answers — Coast Guard Service: Coast Guard Service (6 Dec 2007)

Noel Dempsey: I would like to assure the Deputy that there will be no job losses arising from the change of Coast Guard functions for the Marine Rescue Co-ordination Centres at Valentia and Malin Head. As the Deputy is no doubt aware, I have recently announced an enhancement of the marine emergency response capability in Ireland involving an investment programme to create two state of the art Marine...

Written Answers — Traffic Management: Traffic Management (6 Dec 2007)

Noel Dempsey: There are several good reasons why Operation Freeflow, the traffic management initiative for Dublin for the Christmas and New Year period, is not continued around the year. During the period over Christmas and New Year there are different patterns of travel in the city. In particular, far more people are travelling later in the evening, with a great increase in late-night shopping. The...

Written Answers — Road Network: Road Network (6 Dec 2007)

Noel Dempsey: I propose to take Questions Nos. 28, 58 and 71 together. As Minister for Transport I have responsibility for overall policy and funding in relation to the national roads programme element of Transport 21. The planning design and implementation of individual national road projects is a matter for the National Roads Authority under the Roads Act, 1993 in conjunction with the relevant local...

Written Answers — Departmental Records: Departmental Records (6 Dec 2007)

Noel Dempsey: News items may be brought to my attention in a number of ways, e.g. verbal briefings, press clippings, if they are deemed to be important. The Press office, relevant Assistant Secretary or the Secretary General might also bring such items to my attention.

Written Answers — Local Authority Funding: Local Authority Funding (6 Dec 2007)

Noel Dempsey: I propose to take Questions Nos. 30 and 66 together. The provision or improvement of non-national roads, including bridges, in its area is a matter for Kerry County Council to be funded from its own resources supplemented by State grants. In August this year, applications were invited from road authorities for funding under the non-national roads Specific Improvements Grant scheme in 2008....

Written Answers — Public Transport: Public Transport (6 Dec 2007)

Noel Dempsey: Both Irish Rail and Luas already deploy real time information systems. Bus Éireann and Bus Átha Cliath are both proceeding with the introduction of automatic vehicle location technology on board buses. This technology will create the platform for the deployment of real time passenger information.

Written Answers — Road Traffic Accidents: Road Traffic Accidents (6 Dec 2007)

Noel Dempsey: I have no plans at present to make any changes to existing statutory powers in relation to the investigation of road collisions. My officials have had contacts with the agencies mentioned, on the general issue of the involvement of the HSA in the area of roadworks.

Written Answers — Public Transport: Public Transport (6 Dec 2007)

Noel Dempsey: I am aware of the privately produced document to which the Deputy refers and which makes particular reference to key road and rail projects in County Meath. The M3 motorway from Clonee to Kells, which completed the planning process and was approved in 2003, is currently under construction and the National Roads Authority and the Government are anxious to see it completed as soon as possible....

Written Answers — Driving Tests: Driving Tests (6 Dec 2007)

Noel Dempsey: The learner permit has been introduced and there are no plans for a moratorium in that respect.

Written Answers — Aviation Regulation: Aviation Regulation (6 Dec 2007)

Noel Dempsey: Ireland is a contracting party to the Convention on International Civil Aviation (the Chicago Convention). Representatives from Ireland attend meetings and participate in various working groups within the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO), which was established by the Convention, on an ongoing basis. Officials from my Department recently attended the triennial assembly of...

Written Answers — Aer Lingus: Aer Lingus (6 Dec 2007)

Noel Dempsey: The Government's aviation strategy is to develop as wide a range as possible of competitive, safe and reliable air services for the benefit of business and tourism. In this context the State's shareholding of 25.4% is important for two key reasons. Firstly, it acts as a block against a hostile takeover of Aer Lingus and ensures that the aviation market in Ireland will continue to be served...

Written Answers — Rail Network: Rail Network (6 Dec 2007)

Noel Dempsey: I have not received any representations regarding the reopening of the Phoenix Park Tunnel. The Tunnel is an existing railway line connecting Heuston Station with Connolly Station and North Wall Freight Yard and is used for freight services and transfer of rolling stock. The line is also occasionally used for passenger trains for major sporting events at Croke Park, such as football and...

Written Answers — Road Safety: Road Safety (6 Dec 2007)

Noel Dempsey: The Road Safety Strategy 2007 to 2012 identifies the need to legislate for and introduce a reduction in the legal Blood Alcohol Level for drivers, but does not specify what that level should be. I am awaiting the advice of the Road Safety Authority (RSA) on the matter, and am aware that the RSA has sought the advice of its Policy Advisory Panel and expects that recommendations will be made...

Written Answers — Port Development: Port Development (6 Dec 2007)

Noel Dempsey: Dublin City Council recently conducted an eight-week public consultation on its Dublin Bay Study. The study looks at a wide range of economic, amenity, recreational and environmental issues linked to Dublin Bay, including the port area. In a submission to the consultants carrying out the study, my Department pointed out that Dublin Port handles the vast majority of trade for the Greater...