Fergus O'Dowd (Louth, Fine Gael)
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Question 167: To ask the Minister for Transport the number of staff assigned to work for the Minister of State in his Department; the budget the Minister of State has at his control; the number of meetings he has had with the Road Safety Authority since being appointed; the legislation he has specifically introduced since his appointment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47306/08]

Noel Ahern (Dublin North West, Fianna Fail)
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As Minister of State for Transport, I have responsibility for Road Safety and Maritime affairs, with a total capital budget of approximately €87 million (capital and current) and covering approximately 180 staff and nearly 1000 volunteer staff (Irish Coast Guard).

The number of staff assigned to work for me directly in the Department are as follows:

1 Private Secretary;

2 Executive officers;

2 Clerical officers.

Since my appointment as Minister of State for Transport, I have met with senior management of all the relevant agencies under my control as required from time to time to address matters of particular pertinence for a given agency.

The legislation I have brought forward since my appointment is set out below.

Maritime Transport.

The Harbours (Amendment) Bill 2008 was published in July 2008 and is currently at Committee Stage in the Seanad. The primary purpose of the Bill is to give effect to certain aspects of the Government's Ports Policy Statement, launched in 2005.

Harbour Rates (Tralee and Fenit Pier and Harbour) Order, 2008 S.I. No. 360 of 2008

Harbours Act 1996 (River Moy Commissioners) Transfer Order 2008 S.I. No. 387 of 2008.

Maritime Safety

Merchant Shipping (Safety Convention) (Countries of Acceptance) Order 2008 (S.I. No. 553 of 2008)

Sea Pollution (Prevention of Pollution by Sewage from Ships) (Amendment) (No. 2) Regulations 2008 (S.I. No. 372 of 2008)

Road Safety

Road Traffic and Transport Bill, which is currently being drafted is expected to be published early next year.

Road Traffic (Licensing of Drivers) (Amendment) Regulations 2008. (S.I. No. 471 of 2008)