Results 11,341-11,360 of 19,173 for speaker:Shane Ross

Written Answers — Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport: Taxi Regulations (17 Nov 2016)

Shane Ross: I am acutely aware that the rising costs of motor insurance for drivers generally are also affecting the taxi industry. There are reports of large increases for existing policy holders and significant difficulties in obtaining insurance for new operators. The implications of the current insurance difficulties faced by those in the taxi sector are of serious concern to me. The...

Written Answers — Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport: Transport Infrastructure Ireland Expenditure (17 Nov 2016)

Shane Ross: ​As you are aware, as Minister for Transport, Tourism & Sport, I have responsibility for overall policy and funding in relation to the national roads programme.  The planning, design and operation of individual road projects is a matter for Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII) (formerly known as the NRA) under the Roads Acts 1993 to 2015 in conjunction with the...

Written Answers — Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport: Driver Test Data (17 Nov 2016)

Shane Ross: ​Oversight of the system of Approved Driving Instructors (ADIs) is the statutory responsibility of the Road Safety Authority, and I have no role in these matters.  I have therefore referred 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.

Seanad: Transport, Tourism and Sport: Statements (16 Nov 2016)

Shane Ross: It is a pleasure to be back in the Seanad. As Senators will know, my portfolio is large and varied and I look forward to setting out the key issues facing the three sectors under my remit, namely, transport, tourism and sport. I expect no indulgence, anticipate a lively and interesting exchange of views and look forward to hearing Senators' views and comments. As Members will be aware,...

Seanad: Transport, Tourism and Sport: Statements (16 Nov 2016)

Shane Ross: I will come back on certain points.

Seanad: Transport, Tourism and Sport: Statements (16 Nov 2016)

Shane Ross: On a point of order, I ask that the Senator withdraw his comment. He said that he did not think that I should be leaking information.

Seanad: Transport, Tourism and Sport: Statements (16 Nov 2016)

Shane Ross: I thank the Senator.

Seanad: Transport, Tourism and Sport: Statements (16 Nov 2016)

Shane Ross: I apologise for going on for so long but I could have continued for another hour. I was not instructed that my script should be any shorter. I did indulge myself a bit by talking off-script about the Rugby World Cup and a couple of other things but I just thought that they were important.

Seanad: Transport, Tourism and Sport: Statements (16 Nov 2016)

Shane Ross: In my response earlier I had already told the House that I am happy to return.

Seanad: Transport, Tourism and Sport: Statements (16 Nov 2016)

Shane Ross: I shall go through the issues raised as quickly as I can and I shall ask the next time whether there is a time limit.

Seanad: Transport, Tourism and Sport: Statements (16 Nov 2016)

Shane Ross: I shall deal with common questions first and then I shall go through them in order. Senators Humphreys, O'Mahony, Boyhan and others have asked me about various State boards, in particular the Road Safety Authority, the Irish Sports Council, Iarnród Éireann and others. There are at least 40 vacancies in boards under the remit of my Department. I have made reappointments, as...

Seanad: Transport, Tourism and Sport: Statements (16 Nov 2016)

Shane Ross: I will proceed as quickly as possible.

Seanad: Transport, Tourism and Sport: Statements (16 Nov 2016)

Shane Ross: That is fine. Senator Ned O'Sullivan spoke about the laid back attitude taken towards sports capital grants. Nobody has taken a less laid back attitude to sports capital grants than I have. When I came into office it was highly doubtful that any sports capital grants would be allocated and none had been awarded the previous year. As announced in the House and endorsed by me today, sports...

Seanad: Transport, Tourism and Sport: Statements (16 Nov 2016)

Shane Ross: That is fine.

Seanad: Transport, Tourism and Sport: Statements (16 Nov 2016)

Shane Ross: I will communicate with them.

Written Answers — Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport: Taxi Licences (16 Nov 2016)

Shane Ross: The regulation of the small public service vehicle (SPSV) industry, including administration of the SPSV Entry Test, is a matter for the National Transport Authority (NTA) under the provisions of the Taxi Regulation Act 2013. I am aware that the NTA recently commenced a public consultation on SPSV driver entry requirements with a closing date for submissions of 30 November. I have...

Written Answers — Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport: National Transport Authority Staff (16 Nov 2016)

Shane Ross: ​The issue raised is a matter for the National Transport Authority (NTA) and I have forwarded the Deputy's question to the NTA for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a response within ten working days.

Written Answers — Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport: Road Improvement Schemes (16 Nov 2016)

Shane Ross: The improvement and maintenance of regional and local roads within its area is the statutory responsibility of each local authority, in accordance with the provisions of Section 13 of the Roads Act 1993.  Works on those roads are funded from the Council's own resources supplemented by State road grants. As previously explained to the Deputy, before the main contract for...

Written Answers — Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport: Coast Guard Services (16 Nov 2016)

Shane Ross: Helicopter callouts 2013 – Nov 2016. Location 2013 2014 2015 2016 (to 14th Nov) Shannon 290 311 334 248 Sligo 243 275 347 316 Dublin 131 140 151 108 Waterford 144 188 181 144

Written Answers — Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport: Irish Coast Guard Issues (16 Nov 2016)

Shane Ross: The Coast Guard provides maritime Search and Rescue (SAR) through its three Rescue Co-ordination Centres and dedicated search and rescue units (SRUs). These SRUs comprise of the SAR helicopters and Coast Guard volunteer Units. SRUs are also 'declared' to the Coast Guard from the RNLI, with which the Coast Guard has a very close working relationship. As is recommended practice worldwide,...