Written Answers Nos. 198-212
198. Deputy Jackie Cahill asked the Minister for Transport to address the anomaly where a taxi or hackney driver can avail of a €17,500 grant for the purchase of an M1 category accessible vehicle, but a school transport operator, who also requires accessible transport for the young people they transport, cannot; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [54460/23]
View answerThe regulation of the small public service vehicle (SPSV) industry, including WAV grants, is a matter for the independent transport regulator, the National Transport Authority (NTA), under the provisions of the Taxi Regulation Acts 2013 and 2016. I am not involved in the day-to-day operations of the SPSV industry. My colleague, the Minister for Education, Norma Foley T.D., has responsibility for school transport policy.
Accordingly, I have referred your question regarding the WAV grant scheme to the NTA for direct reply to you. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a response within 10 working days.
199. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Transport the amount spent by the NTA on the installation of bus shelters for public transport operators and location of same in the years of 2022 and to date in 2023; and the budget allocation for same in 2024, in tabular form. [54477/23]
View answerAs Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport. The National Transport Authority (NTA) has responsibility for the planning and development of public transport infrastructure, including the national provision of bus stops and bus shelters.
Noting the NTA's responsibility in the matter, I have referred the Deputy's question to the NTA for a direct reply. Please contact my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 days.
200. Deputy Willie O'Dea asked the Minister for Transport the reason a person (details supplied) who applied for a CPC was informed by the RSA that they had not completed the stage 1 CPC theory test which they passed for C vehicles in 2009 and D vehicles in 2017; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [54487/23]
View answerAll enquires relating to the Certificate of Professional Competence (CPC) are handled by the Road Safety Authority (RSA) under the relevant legislation. My Department does not have access to individual applications.
I have forwarded the Deputy's query to the RSA for direct reply. If he has not heard from them in 10 working days I would ask that he contact my office directly.
201. Deputy Neasa Hourigan asked the Minister for Transport if she will outline her Department's policy on extending the powers of local authority traffic wardens to include enforcement of other traffic offences in urban areas, such as driving in bus lanes and the failure to obey traffic lights; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [54496/23]
View answerAction 121 of Phase 1 of the Government's Road Safety Strategy 2021-2030 is to 'Review current arrangements in relation to traffic wardens and other authorised officers' powers of enforcement, complementary to An Garda Síochána, to identify any further developments that may be appropriate, subject to legal advice.'
This particular action arose out the public consultation phase during the development of the Strategy, and is focused on the possibility of giving additional functions to traffic wardens, and possibly other officers, to address some road traffic offences and free up Garda resources to focus on more serious traffic offences.
This Action will be considered in the wider context of consolidation of road traffic legislation. In the meantime, my Department has conducted an initial scoping exercise in this area. Several factors will need to be considered. It is important to bear in mind that traffic wardens have historically been empowered to enforce only offences involving stopped vehicles, not moving traffic. If traffic wardens were to enforce offences involving moving traffic, it would have to be clear whether they would be empowered to stop traffic, to use technology such as cameras, and whether there would be a need for additional resources and training provided. These are some of the matters to be considered in due course.
202. Deputy James Lawless asked the Minister for Transport to examine and address issues with the X31 Dublin Bus service (details supplied); whether there are plans in place to address the reliability of this service; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [54586/23]
View answerAs Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport; however, I am not involved in the day-to-day operations of public transport. The National Transport Authority (NTA) has statutory responsibility for securing the provision of public passenger transport services nationally and for the scheduling and timetabling of these services in conjunction with the relevant transport operators.
The questions raised by the Deputy in relation to the X31 bus route in Dublin are an operational matter for Dublin Bus. I have, therefore, referred the Deputy's question to the NTA and Dublin Bus for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within ten working days.
203. Deputy Sorca Clarke asked the Minister for Transport what plans she has in place to ensure that the profound impact the changing of bus routes 17 and 18 is having on the students from a school (details supplied) is dealt with accordingly. [54596/23]
View answerAs Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport; however, I am not involved in the day-to-day operations of public transport. The National Transport Authority (NTA) has statutory responsibility for securing the provision of public passenger transport services nationally and for the scheduling and timetabling of these services in conjunction with the relevant transport operators.
In light of the Authority's responsibility in this area, I have forwarded the Deputy's question regarding the impact of the changes to the no. 17 and no. 18 bus routes, to the NTA for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a response within ten working days.
204. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Transport his role in the oversight in the stop-off of any military personnel or equipment at Irish ports or airports; if any such stop-off has included personnel or equipment on route to Israel or Palestine since 7 October 2023; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [54616/23]
View answerUnder the Air Navigation (Carriage of Munitions of War, Weapons and Dangerous Goods) Orders 1973 and 1989, the carriage of munitions of war on civil aircraft in Irish sovereign territory is prohibited, unless an exemption to do so is granted by the Minister for Transport.
These orders relate to the carriage of munitions of war and do not impose any requirement on air operators regarding the transportation of military personnel.
Since 7 October this year, no applications have been received or exemptions granted to permit the entry, into Irish sovereign territory, of civil aircraft carrying munitions of war to a point in Israel or the occupied Palestinian territory.
Safe transport by sea of packaged goods is covered by the International Maritime Organization (IMO) International Maritime Dangerous Goods (IMDG) Code. This covers stowage and segregation for safety on-board and the protection of the marine environment. The exact definition of an item to be carried depends on its UN Number and there may be special provisions under the IMDG Code for its safe transportation.
The IMDG Code is not concerned with permissioning or facilitation of transport, its only function is for safe transportation. As such, my Department has no role in facilitating or approval of munitions through Irish ports.
Additionally, my Department does not hold information on the next point of arrival for vessels leaving Irish ports, as there is no obligation on them to provide this information.
The entry of foreign military uniformed personnel, aircraft, and vessels into Irish sovereign territory is the responsibility of the Minister for Foreign Affairs.
205. Deputy Thomas Gould asked the Minister for Transport whether he is aware that buses stopping on MacCurtain Street are indicating ‘Victorian Quarter’ as their stopping point despite this not being an official or recognised name for the area. [54668/23]
View answerAs Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport; however, I am not involved in the day-to-day operations of public transport. The National Transport Authority (NTA) has statutory responsibility for securing the provision of public passenger transport services nationally, and for decisions in relation to the routes of these services in conjunction with the relevant transport operators.
The question raised by the Deputy in relation to buses in Cork City bound for MacCurtain Street advertising their destination as "Victorian Quarter" is an operational matter for Bus Éireann in conjunction with the NTA. I have, therefore, referred the Deputy's question to Bus Éireann and the Authority for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within ten working days.
206. Deputy Chris Andrews asked the Minister for Transport the impact his Department anticipates for Derravaragh Road, Melvin Road, Hazelbrook Road and Corrib Road in Dublin 6W as a result of the proposed BusConnects scheme roll-out; if cars entering the Lower Kimmage Road from Corrib Road and Aideen Avenue will still be able to turn both left and right; if cars will be able to access Terenure Road West and Lower Kimmage Road from Hazelbrook Road; and if there are plans to add or remove bollards in this vicinity. [54710/23]
View answerAs Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport. The National Transport Authority (NTA) has responsibility for the planning and development of public transport infrastructure, including BusConnects Dublin.
Noting the NTA's responsibility in the matter, I have referred the Deputy's question to the NTA for a direct reply. Please contact my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 days.
207. Deputy Cian O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Transport if he will provide an update on the CIÉ 1951 pension scheme, given there has been no pension increase since 2008, and many persons in receipt of CIÉ pensions are struggling with the cost-of-living crisis; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [54711/23]
View answerAs the Deputy may be aware, the CIÉ Group is actively engaged in introducing changes to their pension schemes aimed at rectifying the significant deficit in order to meet the statutory Minimum Funding Standard (MFS) required by the Pensions Authority. The changes also aim to sustain the pension schemes into the long-term.
As of end December 2022, the Balance Sheet deficit for the two defined benefit pension schemes operated by CIÉ, namely the Regular Wages Scheme (“RWS”) and 1951 superannuation scheme (“1951 Scheme”), was €396.5m. While the funding position improved during 2022, and the 1951 scheme now meets the MFS, the RWS currently does not meet the MFS and the funding level is marginal and subject to future market volatility.
In relation to RWS, I signed three Statutory Instruments related to the RWS on 6th July 2022, with an operative date of 18th July 2022.
Regarding the 1951 Scheme, CIÉ has prepared and submitted a draft SI to give effect to Labour Court recommendations for the 1951 Scheme, as passed by ballot of trade union members in May 2021. This is being considered by the Department in conjunction with NewERA. The Deputy may also be aware that the rules governing the 1951 scheme are currently subject to ongoing legal proceedings before the Commercial Court. The Hearing commenced on 24 May 2022 for 4 days and the outcome from the Hearing is expected in the coming months. The proceedings are next due for mention on the 24th of January 2024.
Concerning pension increases for CIÉ pensioners, I understand that an increase for pensioners would only be possible when the Schemes are capable of sustaining such increases. Furthermore, any such proposal would be dependent on the advice of the Scheme Actuary at the time an increase is proposed, and is done in agreement with the Trustees of the Schemes.
Accordingly, I have forwarded the Deputy's question to CIÉ for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within ten working days.
208. Deputy Denise Mitchell asked the Minister for Transport what work is being done within his Department to resolve the issue of people in receipt of a CIÉ pension who have not received an increase to their pension since 2008; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [54719/23]
View answerAs the Deputy may be aware, the CIÉ Group is actively engaged in introducing changes to their pension schemes aimed at rectifying the significant deficit in order to meet the statutory Minimum Funding Standard (MFS) required by the Pensions Authority. The changes also aim to sustain the pension schemes into the long-term.As of end December 2022, the Balance Sheet deficit for the two defined benefit pension schemes operated by CIÉ, namely the Regular Wages Scheme (“RWS”) and 1951 superannuation scheme (“1951 Scheme”), was €396.5m. While the funding position improved during 2022, and the 1951 scheme now meets the MFS, the RWS currently does not meet the MFS and the funding level is marginal and subject to future market volatility.
In relation to RWS, I signed three Statutory Instruments related to the RWS on 6th July 2022, with an operative date of 18th July
Regarding the 1951 Scheme, CIÉ has prepared and submitted a draft SI to give effect to Labour Court recommendations for the 1951 Scheme, as passed by ballot of trade union members in May 2021. This is being considered by the Department in conjunction with NewERA. The Deputy may also be aware that the rules governing the 1951 scheme are currently subject to ongoing legal proceedings before the Commercial Court. The Hearing commenced on 24 May 2022 for 4 days and the outcome from the Hearing is expected in the coming months. The proceedings are next due for mention on the 24th of January 2024.
Concerning pension increases for CIÉ pensioners, I understand that an increase for pensioners would only be possible when the Schemes are capable of sustaining such increases. Furthermore, any such proposal would be dependent on the advice of the Scheme Actuary at the time an increase is proposed, and is done in agreement with the Trustees of the Schemes.
Accordingly, I have forwarded the Deputy's question to CIÉ for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within ten working days.
209. Deputy Mick Barry asked the Minister for Transport if he will direct the Marine Survey Office to respond to the request for a meeting from an organisation (details supplied) to discuss matters relating to enforcements matters in the fishing industry that come under its purview, in the context of the imminent inclusion of non-EEA fishers in the employment permit scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [54723/23]
View answerThe referenced request was sent by e-mail on the afternoon of Friday 24 November 2023, some seven working days prior to this question. The e-mail was sent to a named individual in the Department, rather than to a Departmental or Divisional e-mail address. The Department of Transport's Customer Charter states that e-mails should be responded to within ten working days.
A response will issue to the e-mail in accordance with the usual working arrangements.
210. Deputy Mick Barry asked the Minister for Transport how many logbooks pertaining to fishing vessels over 15 metres in length were submitted to the Mercantile Marine Office within 21 days of 30 June 2023, as required under the Merchant Shipping Act 1894; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [54736/23]
View answerWith regard to fishing vessels over 15 metres in length, the Department's Mercantile Marine Office received 13 logbooks within 21 days of 30 June 2023.
211. Deputy Paul Donnelly asked the Minister for Transport if all new buses entering into the Dublin Bus fleet will now have an automatic ramp installed at the exit side doors in addition to the ramp at the entry door to the bus. [54760/23]
View answerAs Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport. The National Transport Authority (NTA) has responsibility for the planning and development of public transport infrastructure, including the national provision of the national Public Service Obligation bus fleet.
Noting the NTA's responsibility in the matter, I have referred the Deputy's question to the NTA for a direct reply. Please contact my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 days.
212. Deputy Paul Donnelly asked the Minister for Transport the amount collected in child ticket fares on public transport in 2022 and to date in 2023, in tabular form. [54761/23]
View answerAs Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport; however, I am not involved in the day-to-day operations of public transport. The National Transport Authority (NTA) has statutory responsibility for securing the provision of public passenger transport services nationally in conjunction with the relevant transport operators.
The Deputy's query in relation to the amount collected in child ticket fares on public transport in 2022 and to date in 2023, is an operational matter for the NTA. I have therefore forwarded the question to the authority for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a response within ten working days.
