Results 121-140 of 19,173 for speaker:Shane Ross

Written Answers — Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport: Covid-19 Pandemic Supports (9 Jun 2020)

Shane Ross: The unprecedented challenges arising from Covid-19 require special attention, and for that reason I am establishing a Taskforce for Aviation Recovery, which will be charged with developing and advising on a framework for restarting aviation. I am in the process of appointing people to this Taskforce, which will convene quickly and report back to me within within a short timeframe with a plan....

Written Answers — Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport: Travel Trade Sector (9 Jun 2020)

Shane Ross: I propose to take Questions Nos. 529, 569 and 582 together. Consumer protections for holiday-makers who book packages through travel agents and tour operators are enshrined in EU law. EU Directive 2302/2015 on Package Travel requires travel agents and tour operators to provide a full cash refund within 14 days in the event that a package holiday is cancelled, by either the customer or the...

Written Answers — Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport: Proposed Legislation (9 Jun 2020)

Shane Ross: My Department has engaged with other stakeholders, including the Department of Justice and Equality and the Garda Síochána, on the issue of possible legislation to address the problem of scramblers and quads in public parks. Following from these discussions, my officials are currently exploring a possible approach in the legislation, which could, if agreed, be introduced as an...

Written Answers — Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport: Taxi Licences (9 Jun 2020)

Shane Ross: The regulation of the small public service vehicle (SPSV) industry, including vehicle licencing arrangements during the present COVID-19 pandemic, is a matter for the National Transport Authority (NTA) under the provisions of the Taxi Regulation Act 2013. Given the role of the NTA as regulator, I have referred your question to the Authority for direct reply to you. Please advise my private...

Written Answers — Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport: Job Losses (9 Jun 2020)

Shane Ross: My Department has maintained regular contact with key aviation stakeholders, including Aer Lingus, since the start of the COVID-19 crisis. The aviation industry is one of the most affected by the global pandemic. All airlines have seen severe depletion of revenue and are facing various degrees of financial challenge. The Government has brought forward a series of measures to support all...

Written Answers — Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport: Bus Services (9 Jun 2020)

Shane Ross: As Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport in Ireland. I am not involved in the day-to-day operations of public transport. 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...

Written Answers — Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport: Aviation Industry (9 Jun 2020)

Shane Ross: My Department has maintained regular contact with key aviation stakeholders since the start of the COVID-19 crisis. The aviation industry is one of the most affected by the global pandemic. All airlines have seen severe depletion of revenue and are facing various degrees of financial challenge. The Government has brought forward a series of measures to support all businesses impacted by...

Written Answers — Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport: Departmental Funding (9 Jun 2020)

Shane Ross: My Department has liaised with other Government departments and industry representative bodies, to align the economy wide COVID-19 supports and initiatives with transport, tourism and hospitality needs. The measures put in place by the Government to support businesses initially focused on supporting those who have lost their jobs and in supporting businesses to remain viable during this...

Written Answers — Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport: Bus Services (9 Jun 2020)

Shane Ross: Since the beginning of the Covid-19 health emergency, the Government has been clear that continued operation of the public transport sector is important and designated public transport as an “essential service” during the Covid-19 emergency, recognising the importance of keeping the system running especially for carrying essential workers and other passengers making necessary...

Written Answers — Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport: Public Transport (9 Jun 2020)

Shane Ross: As Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport. Ensuring the provision of integrated public transport services (bus, rail, light-rail and taxi) by public and private operators throughout the State is the statutory responsibility of the National Transport Authority. The Government has been clear that...

Written Answers — Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport: Bus Services (9 Jun 2020)

Shane Ross: As Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport. The National Transport Authority (NTA) has statutory responsibility for the planning and development of public transport infrastructure, including the provision of bus shelters. Noting the NTA's responsibility in the matter, I have referred the Deputy's...

Written Answers — Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport: Electric Vehicles (9 Jun 2020)

Shane Ross: The Road Traffic Act 1961 defines a mechanically propelled vehicle as a vehicle intended or adapted for propulsion by mechanical means, including a bicycle or tricycle with an attachment for propelling it by mechanical power, whether or not the attachment is being used. It also includes a vehicle the means of propulsion of which is electrical, or partly electrical and partly mechanical. ...

Written Answers — Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport: Covid-19 Pandemic (9 Jun 2020)

Shane Ross: Outdoor tennis is among the sports that may be played since the 18th of May, 2020, the commencement of phase one of the Government's Roadmap for Reopening Society and Business. Indoor tennis cannot currently be played. I have no function in relation to reopening decisions for individual public tennis courts. This is a matter for the owners and operators concerned.

Written Answers — Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport: Road Improvement Schemes (9 Jun 2020)

Shane Ross: The improvement and maintenance of regional and local roads (RLR) 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 councils' own resources supplemented by State road grants. My Department sought applications in September 2019 for funding of safety improvement works on...

Written Answers — Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport: Motor Tax (9 Jun 2020)

Shane Ross: As the current tax status of the vehicle in question has not been indicated, I wish to set out the position in relation to refunds (where a vehicle is currently in tax) and in relation to the making of a declaration of non-use of a vehicle. In relation to refunds, the legislation which sets out the circumstances for refunds of motor tax provides for a refund in certain limited circumstances,...

Written Answers — Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport: Driver Test (9 Jun 2020)

Shane Ross: The suspension of services provided by the Road Safety Authority (RSA), including the driving test, has had an inevitable impact on many people. The services are suspended in the interests of public health and safety, which must always be our highest priorities. During the period of the viral outbreak, the RSA has provided limited tests, on an emergency basis, in the C and D licence...

Written Answers — Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport: Sports Organisations (9 Jun 2020)

Shane Ross: I propose to take Questions Nos. 545 and 546 together. The organisation and delivery of sport in Ireland is mainly a matter for the National Governing Bodies of Sport (NGBs). NGBs, including the one mentioned by the Deputy, are independent, autonomous bodies and are responsible for their own governance procedures and competition rules for their sports. I understand that the organisation...

Written Answers — Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport: Covid-19 Pandemic (9 Jun 2020)

Shane Ross: I outlined in my answer, to which the Deputy refers, why it is not safe to allow unqualified drivers to drive unaccompanied. Public safety in all its aspects, including on our roads, has to be the highest priority of any responsible Minister. I appreciate that this creates difficulties for many people at this time, including some health workers. However, I am not prepared to risk the safety...

Written Answers — Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport: Covid-19 Pandemic (9 Jun 2020)

Shane Ross: Driving lessons are provided privately and are not a State service. As a private company, a driving school must ensure that they can comply with the necessary public health requirements before they can reopen their businesses. The National Return to Work Safely Protocol was developed by NPHET in consultation with national experts. Driver instruction is likely to resume in line with...

Written Answers — Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport: Driver Test (9 Jun 2020)

Shane Ross: The RSA is currently working, in consultation with my Department, on plans for the resumption of the range of services and functions for which it is responsible, following the publication of the Government roadmap and, more recently, the National Return to Work Safety Protocol as agreed by employer and trade union representatives. The resumption of driver testing raises particular...