Results 741-760 of 4,700 for speaker:Noel Ahern
- Road Safety. (12 Nov 2008)
Noel Ahern: The first phaseââ
- Road Safety. (12 Nov 2008)
Noel Ahern: This is being done in phases. The first phase of the scheme was introduced last year with the regulations on learner drivers. These regulations replace provisional licences with learner permits. They require the learner drivers to be accompanied by a person with two years' experience and one must have spent six months as a learner before one can apply for the test. Other measures are...
- Road Safety. (12 Nov 2008)
Noel Ahern: I did not say that.
- Road Safety. (12 Nov 2008)
Noel Ahern: I am certainly not complacent. We are making progress. The strategy is in place and the numbers and statistics are important. However, let me be honest. In five years' time I or whoever is here would be happier to report on action on the number of fatalities. There would be no point in stating the number of fatalities has increased by 50%.
- Road Safety. (12 Nov 2008)
Noel Ahern: We achieved 115 of the 126 actions in full. Of course we areââ
- Road Safety. (12 Nov 2008)
Noel Ahern: Yes, and we are doing so. I can account fully for any small slippage. There will be a full report on it which will be published and Deputy Broughan can see what can be achieved and what has not.
- Road Traffic Offences. (12 Nov 2008)
Noel Ahern: The Government recently gave its approval to the drafting of a road traffic and transport Bill, which inter alia deals with the legal blood alcohol content level for drivers. It is hoped to have the Bill published early next year. The introduction of a reduced blood alcohol content level for drivers will require the recalibration or replacement and subsequent recertification of the...
- Road Traffic Offences. (12 Nov 2008)
Noel Ahern: I welcome the Deputy's comments. Experts state there is no safe blood alcohol level. Many people would disagree and state it depends on how one is affected by alcohol. The penalties we have mean the higher the blood alcohol content level with which one is caught the higher the fine or disqualification. This is the regulation at present. I am not sure I understand the point about a lock.
- Road Traffic Offences. (12 Nov 2008)
Noel Ahern: I do not think we will make announcements on that in the Bill. The penalties and convictions in court reflect alcohol levels and previous disqualifications.
- Road Traffic Offences. (12 Nov 2008)
Noel Ahern: As I said, the heads of the Bill have been agreed by the Cabinet. There will be further discussion of the detail, but the advice from the Road Safety Authority is that the limit should be reduced to 50 milligrams for all drivers other than learner drivers, recently qualified drivers and professional drivers for whom it should be reduced to 20 milligrams. These issues are being considered...
- Written Answers — Parking Regulations: Parking Regulations (11 Nov 2008)
Noel Ahern: It is prohibited under the Road Traffic (Traffic and Parking) Regulations 1997 to park a vehicle wholly or partially on a public footpath or for a vehicle to be driven along a footpath. Dublin City Council has been in contact with my Department over recent years seeking that this parking regulation be amended. The City Council propose that the law should provide that a road authority may...
- Written Answers — Marine Accidents: Marine Accidents (11 Nov 2008)
Noel Ahern: I have recently received the report from the Marine Casualty Investigation Board (MCIB) referred to by the Deputy. The Report relates to the capsizing and sinking of the fishing vessel "Dinish" about 170 miles south west of the Scilly Isles with the loss of three lives. Six crewmembers and the Skipper were rescued. I welcome the report and its recommendations. In relation to fishing...
- Seanad: EU Directives (11 Nov 2008)
Noel Ahern: I understand Senator Keaveney's desire for clarity and a single worldwide policy but I am not sure my reply will help in that respect. In August 2006 the UK authorities raised the levels of security at UK airports following intelligence reports suggesting an imminent terrorist attack involving the use of liquid explosives to blow up aircraft. Subsequently the European Commission held a...
- Seanad: Harbours (Amendment) Bill 2008: Committee Stage (Resumed) (6 Nov 2008)
Noel Ahern: I reiterate there was always going to be consultation, as has been the case with other harbours which have transferred to local authorities. Any of the commitments given previously would have been confirmed but in line with the idea behind the amendment, I hope to table amendments on Report Stage. I will need to consult the Parliamentary Counsel but it is my intention to table an amendment...
- Seanad: Residency Permits. (6 Nov 2008)
Noel Ahern: I am replying on behalf of the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform who is otherwise occupied. The current long-term residence scheme operates on an administrative basis. However, one of the most important proposals in the Immigration, Residence and Protection Bill 2008 is the introduction of a new, enhanced and statutory long-term resident status. This status will be available to...
- Seanad: Residency Permits. (6 Nov 2008)
Noel Ahern: There might be some argument there about what is an amnesty.
- Seanad: Residency Permits. (6 Nov 2008)
Noel Ahern: The Senator stated that the previous Minister said he might provide an amnesty for people who qualified.
- Seanad: Residency Permits. (6 Nov 2008)
Noel Ahern: However, by the time one has established that an applicant is qualified one probably has done 99% of the work. It might be just a play on words.
- Seanad: Harbours (Amendment) Bill 2008: Committee Stage (Resumed) (6 Nov 2008)
Noel Ahern: Section 18 provides an enabling power for a ministerial order to be made which could permit the transfer of responsibility for Bantry Bay to the port of Cork and the transfer of responsibility for Tralee and Fenit harbours to the Shannon Foynes company. The amendment seeks to insert a provision to ensure that any ministerial order relating to Bantry or Tralee must be subject to public...
- Seanad: Harbours (Amendment) Bill 2008: Committee Stage (Resumed) (6 Nov 2008)
Noel Ahern: The Senator is going back over the whole thing. We cannot go around in circles.