Vol. 734 No. 1
30 Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will consider a transfer of ownership of a building (details supplied) from the Dún Laoghaire Harbour Company to Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council for use by the council as a new library headquarters. [13715/11]
This relates to the transfer of ownership of a building called Harbour Square on Crofton Road in Dún Laoghaire from Dún Laoghaire Harbour Company to Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council for use as a new library headquarters. I am not aware of any such proposal. The company is currently doing a public consultation on a future master plan for the harbour. The master plan will help ensure all the property owned by the company is put to optimum usage into the future. Under section 15 of the Harbours Act 1996, decisions by the harbour company relating to the acquisition or disposal of land or buildings, either by sale or by lease, shall only be made by the company board.
We probably do not have time to go into this proposal in detail but following the Minister's earlier comments about developing our ports and harbours and the need for tourism and jobs flowing from it, I ask him to consider seriously this proposal, which would ensure better deployment of existing resources to the benefit of tourism, the port and Dún Laoghaire generally. Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council recently passed a capital budget of which I believe the Minister must approve before going through. That is my understanding but that can be checked.
The capital budget includes one of the flagship projects of €35 million for a library headquarters in Moran Park, which is near the harbour. This proposal is that we do not need to spend €35 million on a new library headquarters as there is an empty building owned by Dún Laoghaire Harbour Company nearby in public ownership and which could be used for far lesser cost for this purpose. The money which would then be available could be used to develop the Carlisle Pier project in Dún Laoghaire, containing a diaspora museum which could provide a significant boost to the area. The harbour and heritage facilities would be developed and tourism would be boosted. It would be a little like the Titanic proposals. The money could also be made available for developing Moran Park as a central park and redeveloping the Dún Laoghaire baths, for which very little money has been allocated despite significant public demand.
Will the Minister consider this as a better way to spend €35 million? Will he use his influence to bring about joined-up thinking on the matter?
As far as I understand it, the €35 million capital programme in the county council would be approved by the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government rather than me, unless it relates in particular to tourism. From the information we have the council is proposing to build its own library headquarters in Moran Park, which is adjacent to the Royal Marine Hotel. That is the council proposal and the port has not been asked to provide the office block as a library. If the council were to approach the board of the port or me, we could give full consideration to the matter.
Ultimately, Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council is responsible for providing the library and it is up to its democratically elected councillors to decide where they want it to be located. If they want to approach the port company through me, I would be happy to arrange a discussion. The council has its own plans for the library.
Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council is making a mistake. I am for local democracy but an argument can sometimes be made for better use of resources. We could get three amenities for the price of one because an empty building which is in State ownership could be used for a library headquarters, thereby freeing up €35 million to develop the amenities which have been strenuously demanded by local people. It would represent value for money as well as providing a significant economic boost. I ask the Minister to exert his influence on his colleagues in the Labour Party and Fine Gael who form the majority on the council to reconsider a potential waste of money.
I have investigated the matter to the extent that I am aware of two aspects of it. First, a democratically elected council has decided it wants to locate the library elsewhere and, second, even though part of this commercial building may be vacant it is already leased on commercial terms and is subject to a property agreement.
It is empty.
It may well be empty but it is leased on commercial terms and that lease would have to be bought out. I am not going to interfere with local governance. I believe in local government and it is the right of the elected councillors to decide where they want to locate their library and how they intend to pay for it.
What about value for money?
The Deputy should raise it with the council. He is the local Deputy.
Is the Minister not worried about how it spends its money?
31 Deputy Pádraig Mac Lochlainn asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his views on the decision of Fáilte Ireland to reduce funding to the Derry visitors and convention bureau in view of the facility’s strategic importance in marketing the north west, particularly the Inishowen Peninsula; his plans to direct additional funding into the region; his further plans to maximise visitor numbers to the north west; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13695/11]
The programme for Government includes a commitment to introduce a new procedure for answering oral questions by State agencies. The chief executive of every State funded agency will be required to attend the relevant Oireachtas committee on a regular basis to answer oral parliamentary questions that can be submitted by any member. There will also be a requirement that State agencies answer written questions within a specified number of Dáil sitting days.
Until these new procedures are designed and implemented, I have adopted a transitional arrangement for questions on issues which are the responsibility of agencies under the aegis of my Department. Rather than seeking to have these questions disallowed, as was previously the case, I have been referring the questions to the relevant agencies for direct reply, and have been asking the Deputies concerned to revert to my office if a reply has not been received within ten days. The House will appreciate that this approach lends itself well to written questions. However, our procedures for oral questions allow for supplementary questioning and this is clearly not appropriate when the Minister is not responsible for the issue concerned. I suggest therefore that Deputies put such questions down for written reply only, as I clearly cannot deal with them in any detail in oral replies.
The matters raised are operational ones for Fáilte Ireland and Tourism Ireland. I have referred the Deputy's question to the agencies for direct reply and I ask him to advise my private office if he does not receive a reply within ten working days.
I would be grateful if the Minister could refer my question to the relevant agency.
I will do so.
32 Deputy Micheál Martin asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will elaborate on his comments regarding the sports capital programme delivered to the recent GAA congress. [9561/11]
I cannot answer this question on behalf of the Taoiseach. I attended the GAA congress dinner in April but did not attend the congress itself. For that reason I cannot elaborate further.
The question on the Order Paper is directed to the Minister.
The question before me asks the Taoiseach to elaborate.
A degree of confusion may have arisen in respect of this question. I understand it was originally put to the Taoiseach before being transferred to the Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport. I am happy to withdraw it on the basis that the Minister may not have received the information necessary to respond.
In a nutshell, I attended the dinner but did not make any comment.
The question relates to an issue raised with the Taoiseach during the course of a debate in this House but his office referred it to the Minister's Department.
33 Deputy Jonathan O’Brien asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his plans to improve the Garda vetting process as rolled out by the Irish Sports Council to ensure that the process is not only efficient and effective but also prompt; if he will commit to work with the relevant agencies and Departments to reduce the turnaround time of applications; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13700/11]
34 Deputy Mary Lou McDonald asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his views on the relatively low number of women participating in sport; his plans to improve this level of participation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13699/11]
35 Deputy Michael Colreavy asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the specific interventions and initiatives he has planned to maximise not only Ireland’s representation at the London Olympics 2012, but also the number of medals we win. [13701/11]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 33 to 35, inclusive, together.
I am embarrassed to admit my reply is the same as that given by the Minister to a previous question.
The programme for Government includes a commitment to introduce a new procedure for answering oral questions by State agencies. The chief executive of every State funded agency will be required to attend the relevant Oireachtas committee on a regular basis to answer oral parliamentary questions that can be submitted by any member. There will also be a requirement that State agencies answer written questions within a specified number of Dáil sitting days.
Until these new procedures are designed and implemented, I have adopted a transitional arrangement for questions on issues which are the responsibility of agencies under the aegis of my Department. Rather than seeking to have these questions disallowed, as was previously the case, I have been referring the questions to the relevant agencies for direct reply, and have been asking the Deputies concerned to revert to my office if a reply has not been received within ten days. The House will appreciate that this approach lends itself well to written questions. However, our procedures for oral questions allow for supplementary questioning and this is clearly not appropriate when the Minister is not in fact responsible for the issue concerned. I suggest therefore that Deputies put such questions down for written reply only, as I clearly cannot deal with them in any detail in oral replies. The subject matters of these particular questions, namely, the Garda vetting process as rolled out by the Irish Sports Council, women in sport and Ireland's representation at the London 2012 Olympics, are the responsibility of the Irish Sports Council and I have referred the question to it for direct reply. I ask the Deputy to contact my office if a reply has not been received within ten days.
The Minister of State's reply is a charade. Question No. 34 asks the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sports his views on the relatively low number of women participating in sports and his plans for improving the level of participation. I am sure that can be answered today rather than requiring another question be tabled. The purpose of Question Time is to raise questions and receive answers to them. We should not have to ask the same questions again.
When I sat on the opposite side of the House I agreed with the Deputy but the problem——
The problem is that the Minister of State has switched sides.
Now that I am on this side, the problem is that legislation has been put in place giving the Irish Sports Council responsibility in this area. I have been in contact with the council on this matter, however, because I support women's involvement in sport. In 2005, the council established a women in sports programme and €14 million has been spent on this programme to date. Yesterday I attended an awards ceremony for volunteers which was held at Aviva stadium. Most of the participants were women involved in sporting organisations throughout the country. Recently in County Mayo — I hope this will be repeated in every county — 4,500 women took part in a mini-marathon organised by the local sports partnership board and The Western People.
I am anxious to see women taking part in sports. Earlier today I was in Croke Park to launch, along with the President, this year's ladies' camogie championship. More than 500 clubs and 500,000 women are involved in camogie. I want to see more women taking part in sport but while I will put pressure on the Irish Sports Council to achieve this objective, it has direct responsibility for liasing with women's groups.
To clarify, is the Minister of State saying his Department does not take a view on getting women to participate in sports because it is solely the responsibility of the Irish Sports Council?
We implement policy and provide funding but the council is responsible for dealing with agencies and sporting organisations. I have no direct responsibility under this structure. The chief executive of the council is responsible for sports issues in this country.
That is ridiculous.
That is what I inherited.
The Minister of State is indicating that we should not bother tabling questions on sports because he will not answer them.
If the questions are directed at me and pertain to my Department, I will reply but they should be directed to the Irish Sports Council if they concern sports issues.
The question asked for the views of the Minister of State.
That it is not my view but it is the way the legislation was framed.
Does he have a view?
I set out my view of the matter.
I want to see more women taking part in sport. I am working with the ISC and providing the necessary funding to do that. I hope both young and middle aged women will get involved in sport. That is my policy and I will work with the ISC to implement it.
36 Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the projects that remain outstanding in the swimming pool programme; the stages the outstanding projects are at; if swimming pools were included in the review of sporting facilities formally covered by income from the proceeds of the national lottery; if it is likely that this will be a source of funding for swimming pool projects into the future; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10610/11]
Under the local authority swimming pool programme, which is administered by my Department, grant aid to a maximum of €3.8 million is provided to local authorities towards the capital costs of new swimming pools or the refurbishment of existing pools, subject in both cases to the total grant not exceeding 80% of the eligible cost of the project or, in the case of projects located in disadvantaged areas, 90% of the eligible cost. Under the guidelines there are four principal stages in a swimming pool project following the submission of a feasibility study. These, in order of progress, are preliminary report, contract documents, tender and construction.
Since 2000, when the current round closed to new applicants, 58 projects have been or are being dealt with under the programme, of which 46 have been completed and 12 others are at various stages. Loughrea and New Ross have had their tender reports approved; Ballybofey-Stranorlar and Loughlinstown have had contract documents approved and are at the tender report stage; Buncrana, Castlebar, Dunmanway and De Paul, Navan Road, are preparing contract documents; and Edenderry, Clara, Ballaghadereen and Balbriggan are at preliminary report stage.
A value for money and policy review report of the programme was completed and published by the Department in 2008. The review recommended the programme should continue to be the means by which public swimming pools are provided and any new round should take account of the recommendations of the review report. The programme is not funded by the national lottery.
The current swimming pool programme closed in 2000. I acknowledge the lengthy lead in time for swimming pool projects but there has been an inequitable distribution of projects nationally. For example, two swimming pools were funded in Tralee while there is a major deficiency in my area. The towns of Leixlip, Celbridge, Maynooth and Kilcock have the same population as Waterford city but they have no swimming pool and they have been treated inequitably. Is it intended to reopen the programme? I realise the State is in a precarious financial position and the programme is not a high priority, but the lack of a swimming pool is a major deficiency in communities. The Minister of State has referred to encouraging people to participate in sports and swimming appeals across the age spectrum. Does he foresee the programme being re-opened even on a limited basis to fill obvious gaps?
I hope to complete the current round of projects and that is what we are doing. Local authorities have a major problem raising the matching funds now. The Department is reviewing the cost of the entire programme. Local authorities are looking more at refurbishment and they have said that perhaps a scheme could be introduced in the context of energy costs. The problem is local authorities do not have the matching funds and we are reviewing the programme. I hope with my officials to make an announcement shortly on whether it will be reopened.
During the review, will the Minister of State closely examine obvious geographical deficits? That is essential if there is to be equity in the delivery of sporting facilities.
I certainly will. The Deputy has made a fair point. I thoroughly agree with her that funding was not disbursed equally throughout the country. Some communities had to fight harder than others to draw down funding from the Department. If the scheme is reopened, I give the Deputy a guarantee that it will be fair and equitable. Every region and disadvantaged area will be considered and will be dealt with fairly.
37 Deputy Seán Crowe asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his plans to ensure that recently closed air routes to Ireland are reopened and that new routes are opened, in order to increase potential and actual visitor numbers in the next 12 months; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13702/11]
38 Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if there is any details of projected return in tourism or spending by visitors to Ireland precipitated by the suspension of the airline tax in the Government’s jobs initiative. [13680/11]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 37 and 38 together.
I also refer the Deputy to my response to Priority Question No.1. The market for air services in the European Union is fully liberalised so it is a matter for the airlines themselves to decide what routes they will serve based on their own commercial judgments. As detailed in my response to the priority question, the Government is encouraging the airlines to deliver more tourists to Ireland and the quid pro quo for this will be the suspension of the travel tax if the airlines demonstrate a willingness to respond positively to this initiative. Those discussions are continuing.
Restoring and enhancing international access is a key priority for tourism development in 2011. Tourism Ireland is engaging actively in co-operative marketing campaigns with air and sea carriers as well as working with Dublin Airport Authority and other airports to stimulate demand for travel to the island of Ireland from key source markets. This year, Tourism Ireland has increased the level of resources available for co-operative marketing and for case-making with airports and relevant authorities for the restoration of lost air access or the introduction of new routes.
The announcement that the air travel tax will be suspended, subject to an agreement being reached with the airlines to bring in additional passenger numbers, has been welcomed by the tourism state agencies and the tourism industry. Until agreement has been reached with the airlines, however, it is not possible to calculate the return in tourism or spending by visitors to Ireland.
When does the Minister expect the discussions to conclude?
I would love to know the answer to that.
So would I.
They are ongoing and, following this evening's vote, I will attend the next meeting in this regard. Consultants are also assisting us with this. The Minister for Finance factored 1 July into the jobs initiative in terms of working out the numbers and the idea was to suspend the tax from that date but that is not a certainty. I expect to conclude discussions in the next few weeks because the airlines are deciding their timetables. They have two seasons — winter and summer — and they are finalising their timetables now for October and deciding which routes they will service and what capacity they will provide. The discussions will have to conclude in the next few weeks in order that they will be able to decide on routes for October.
The Minister stated consultants were assisting him with that work. What is the nature of their work?
They are working on the proposals put forward by the airlines. Airlines are saying they will put on a certain number of planes and bring in a certain number of tourists. The consultants are examining these offers to ascertain how genuine they are and how many tourists would travel on particular routes. Routes to the Canaries and Malta do not generate significant tourism benefits for Ireland. They are also examining the impact of these proposals on airports and airport charges.
Although I understand the necessity to validate the airlines' numbers because fact and fiction often intersperse, is the airport authority not capable of carrying out the analysis? Is it necessary to hire external professionals to carry out that work?
It is in this case because the airlines will present one set up assumptions and figures while the airports will present another. If I am to be satisfied that the right decision will be made, we need an external assessment of the competing claims of different airlines and airport authorities.
39 Deputy Michael Colreavy asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the reason for the recent Road Safety Authority campaign highlighting risks to cyclists on the road when Dublin City Council figures have shown a marked improvement in the road safety for cyclists as well as a great increase in bike users as can be seen in the dublinbikes scheme; and the cost of said campaign. [13672/11]
The promotion of cycling continues to be a key element in the sustainable transport strategy being pursued by this Government. This strategy includes investment in infrastructure designed to enhance cycling facilities and support increased usage as well as promotional campaigns such as Bike Week. Infrastructure projects under way include the Dublin canals cycle route and the fisheries field project in Galway. In addition, the National Roads Authority is currently carrying out a feasibility study on a potential cycle route from Dublin to Galway. Promotional campaigns such as the national campaign, Bike Week, have also been successful in encouraging increased cycling. This year Bike Week will run between 18 and 26 June.
The content of campaigns run by the RSA is a matter for the authority. It must be remembered that these are national campaigns which recognise the reality that cyclists can be vulnerable road users. Between 1997 and 2010, some 178 cyclists were killed on our roads and more than 400 were seriously injured. The campaign run by the RSA was designed to educate cyclists on how to stay safer on roads and includes important messages for drivers, who also need to pay attention and be on guard for cyclists. To be effective the cycling strategy being pursued by the Government includes investment in the physical environment for cyclists, communication and education. Clearly, education of both cyclists and motorists on the need to stay safe on our roads is an important element in the overall promotion strategy.
The promotion of road safety is very important. It was felt that we had made significant progress on road safety for cyclists and that we could invest the money used for advertising more wisely in projects. The recent statistics indicate a significant improvement in lives saved in recent years. We would like to see an expansion of bicycle lanes to the main cities across the country and not just in Dublin. Other cities are being neglected in comparison with the capital city.
Does the Deputy have a question?
In future we should consider further expenditure. Does the Minister of State agree that we need to spend more money on bicycle safety and examine existing facilities and spread them more evenly across the country?
I hope to be in a position to extend cycling facilities across the country in the future. It is an objective of the Government, as stated in the programme for Government. It is my ambition to be able to deliver on various project but that is a matter for the future. We must assess the funding required.
The safety campaign was a good one. The campaign cost €53,000. It concentrated not just on cyclists but on other road users. The campaign was very informative. Many drivers sometimes forget about cyclists and do not factor them into their driving behaviour, particularly in urban areas where there are more cyclists on the road. The campaign was a worthy and necessary one. I take on board Deputy Ellis's point on the future of cycling. It is a priority in the Department. I hope we will be in a position to deliver on the commitments in that regard.
40 Deputy Jonathan O’Brien asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if, in view of the recent scandal regarding a culture of bribing at some national car test garages, if he will be conducting a full scale investigation into these practices across the State. [13676/11]
Under the Road Safety Authority Act 2006, the Road Safety Authority has statutory responsibility for the delivery of the national car test. The RSA has overall responsibility for the operation, oversight, development, quality assurance and delivery of vehicle testing arrangements. The testing function has been carried out since January 2010 by Applus, a global private company in compliance testing, under a contractual arrangement with the RSA.
Responsibility for the operation and delivery of the national car test service lies solely with Applus. The RSA exercises a supervisory role to ensure the service is provided in line with the conditions of the contract. In order to assist the RSA in carrying out this supervisory role, the authority has appointed a contractor to carry out certain supervisory services on its behalf. These relate to monitoring the achievement of the performance and acceptable standards by Applus, and reporting regularly to the RSA. The service is currently provided by a consortium made up of PricewaterhouseCoopers and the Automobile Association. The RSA continuously monitors the performance of Applus and has regular meetings with it to ensure compliance with contract requirements.
The RSA has met with Applus and the Garda Síochána to deal with the issues and corrupt activities highlighted by the recent "Prime Time" programme and to identify the appropriate action to be taken. I have requested the RSA to keep me fully informed of any developments on this matter. I saw the "Prime Time" programme and was shocked by what I saw. The first thing I did the next day was to contact the RSA to seek a report and to engage in discussions with it on the matter. Seven vehicle inspectors who were identified as a result of the programme have been suspended and three of those seven have now been dismissed. Action is being taken in that regard.
The Minister has seen the "Prime Time" programme. We were all taken aback by it and the allegations of abuse that were made about one of the main test centres, including bribery and corruption. Cars were being passed by the centre that were not fit for the road, which is scandalous. The Minister indicated that there has been a number of suspensions and people were dismissed. I am pleased that the authorities acted quickly as a result of the "Prime Time" programme.
Does the Deputy have a question?
I will get there.
We are running out of time.
Let us contrast that with the way people involved in white collar crime, whether in banks or otherwise and those who have run off with millions and billions of euro, were dealt with compared to the speed with which those involved in wrongdoing in the NCT centres were sanctioned. It sends a terrible message to the public. I commend the speed with which the NCT issue was addressed. It is scandalous that such activity should happen in national car test centres because it is a crucial factor in road safety. I accept the Road Safety Authority examines the contracts. Will the Minister indicate whether we need legislation to deal with the matter?
I remind Deputies that one minute is allowed for a supplementary question and one minute for a reply from the Minister.
I am aware of that.
I do not see a benefit in introducing additional legislation. What we need to do is to enforce the legislation we have in this country to a greater extent. That is relevant to the Deputy's other point about white collar crime. I am as frustrated as he is with the slow progress that has been achieved to date in bringing prosecutions in the banking area. I am confident they will be brought in due course. We will allow the DPP to construct the case that is necessary.
From the information I have received, the contractor — Applus, has asked RTE for access to the information collected in the making of the "Prime Time" programme. To date, RTE has not made the information available because it says it does not come within the Freedom of Information Act. RTE has a responsibility to make the information available either to Applus or the RSA so that we have the information it has and can act accordingly.
The Minister referred to a consortium composed of PricewaterhouseCoopers and the Automobile Association which carries out a consistency audit on equipment in the centres operated by Applus. A much greater level of information seems to be coming from motorists who believe that it is possible to pass a test in one location and not in another, not necessarily through any corrupt practice but through a lack of consistency or uniformity in the equipment that is provided because it is not maintained to an appropriate standard. It might be helpful if the Minister were to publish the report carried out by PricewaterhouseCoopers and the Automobile Association, which I believe has been provided to the RSA. Will the Minister indicate whether it might be possible to publish the report?
The report has not been submitted to me yet. Once it is, I will consider it and if there is no impediment to publishing it I would be happy to do so at that stage.
A small number of people have been identified and appropriate action has been taken. Does the Minister accept there has been a systems failure? It is one thing to ask RTE to provide the information but the information provided to it was probably on the basis that individuals would not be identified because they were saying it was not just due to individuals but that there was a systems failure.
The Minister with responsibility for public expenditure and reform, Deputy Howlin, spoke in the House last night about the need to have protection for people who provide information. He outlined how he had found himself before the courts on the matter when information was provided to him in good faith. That information was provided to RTE in good faith. It was a very important act of public service on behalf of the people who provided it. Is it not unfair to then expose those people in a way that they did not anticipate through the provision of the information at a later stage? It is a systems failure, rather than a small number of rogue operators.
I never liked the term "systems failure". It is a bit of a cop out when it is used so often. I do not see any evidence of a systems failure here. The evidence I have seen is of people taking bribes to pass test applicants. If there are systems issues, they relate to monitoring people while they conduct the tests. That is being improved and CCTV cameras are being introduced in the test centres to monitor what is happening. What happened in this case was that people took money to allow drivers cheat the testing system, but that is not a systems failure.
The Deputy's point with regard to RTE is valid. I would ask RTE to make available everything it can without compromising any commitments it made to people in terms of protecting their anonymity. I am sure it is possible to at least make the information available, without causing repercussions for the whistleblowers. I hope the whistleblowers understand that we are grateful they came forward and provided the information. It is important that whistleblowers are protected and acknowledged. I would hate to think whistleblowers in this situation would feel they might be penalised for what they did, because their action was a service to the State, the people and safety. We need as much information as possible so we can make the system watertight.
41 Deputy David Stanton asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his plans to maintain and extend the rural transport scheme; the timescale for same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13713/11]
Some 36 rural community transport groups are being funded under the Department's rural transport programme, RTP, which is operational in every county and plays an important role in combating rural isolation. These groups are working towards maximising coverage in their operational areas having regard to local public transport service needs and the availability of resources.
The RTP is currently the subject of a value for money and policy review, the report stage of which is nearing completion. I intend to publish the report later this year following consideration by Government.
As agreed in the programme for Government, we are currently exploring efficiencies that can be made by bringing together aspects of the HSE, school and the rural transport programme and other transport services. A study of a pilot scheme has been carried out and I will publish it shortly. I will incorporate the findings of both the value for money review and of the pilot scheme into the plans for the future of the rural transport programme. I can, if requested, keep the Deputy and the House informed of these developments as and when they happen.
I thank the Minister of State for his response and urge that the report be published as quickly as possible. Having recently met the Kerry rural transport network representatives in my constituency and having spoken to people throughout the country, I am aware there is considerable concern about the future of the rural transport network. It would be helpful if as much information as possible was provided. There is a strong feeling in rural areas that the network must be protected as much as possible and extended in certain areas. Again, I urge that the next report be published as quickly as possible so as to provide people with some indication of what the future may hold.
That is a main consideration for the Department and I intend to do so. We are committed to this and there is a commitment in the programme for Government regarding integrated transport in rural areas. This scheme must be taken into consideration with regard to that commitment. I am working closely with the Department of Education and Skills, the Department of Health and Children and a multiplicity of agencies on this. I spoke at the National Rural Transport Conference about the schemes and it is well aware of my intentions. I am happy to keep the Deputy up to date and will publish the report following its consideration.
Like Deputy Griffin, I support the Minister of State's efforts in this regard. I urge him to ensure he does not give consideration to the provisions of the McCarthy report, which previously sought to retract the funding provided for this transport initiative, which provides exceptionally good value for money. The east Clare accessible transport group, which started in my area and has now broadened out to provide a service for the entire county represents exceptional value for money. I would urge that the work under way by the previous Minister to ensure that these accessible transport initiatives are co-ordinated with Bus Éireann to assist the provision of school transport — an issue that is causing some difficulty for the Government — and the facilities and infrastructure already in place be utilised to the greatest extent possible and that appropriate funding be put in place to ensure that the initiatives continue. That would be welcome.
I take on board the Deputy's comments and share his view on the importance of providing services to rural areas. I am from a rural area and am familiar with the scheme mentioned by the Deputy as it is not too far from me. I look across the water to it.
The intention is to bring together an integrated programme following the publication of the review. We will work with the various agencies and Departments on that. It will be a complex operation, but there is a strong commitment in the programme for Government for doing it. We will do everything we can to ensure it all comes together as quickly as possible.
42 Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the backlog of payments now due in respect of grants awarded to sports clubs with a breakdown by project and Dáil constituency, for the years during which such grants and awards were made. [13698/11]
There is no backlog of payments due from the Department to grantees. Payments are made promptly when grantees fulfil the terms and conditions of the sports capital programme.
For a variety of reasons it can take grantees several years to draw down allocations. Some of the more common reasons for this include delays in finalising the legalities required to protect the State's investment; delays in the planning process and-or construction; and difficulties in raising the required own funding. Where delays are excessive, or the project has ceased, the Department seeks to withdraw allocations. At 31 December 2010, there was €77.5 million in outstanding commitments to be drawn down by sports capital programme grantees. This represents approximately 1,100 grantees and compares to €190 million in outstanding commitments at the end of 2007.
The Department does not compile data on sports capital programme allocations on the basis of Dáil constituency but rather on a county basis. Details on allocations are available on the Department's website.
Will the Department fulfil the commitments to all of the outstanding projects?
Yes, we will. We are currently in the process of writing to grantees and offering them any assistance they need. We do not want to remove the grant from anybody. They were awarded their grant in good faith. There may be legal or planning difficulties and the Department and my officials, particularly in Kerry, are very helpful and ready to offer support. They will support any organisation with a difficulty with the process. We do not want to withdraw the grants, but want to help organisations to draw them down. We are anxious to support all clubs and organisations that have been awarded a grant and they should feel free to contact me for whatever assistance they need.
The grants must be drawn down by a certain date, but is there any flexibility in that regard? If the grants have not been drawn down or accessed by that date, will the organisations in question face problems when trying to draw them down?
In fairness, we do not withdraw grants from organisations, but give them every opportunity to draw them down. What happens sometimes is that we write to the organisations and they respond that they cannot withdraw the grant and wish to hand it back to the Department. The Department gives organisations every opportunity to draw down their grants. Over the past number of weeks we have written to organisations, because we have €77 million in outstanding grants. We want these grants to be paid out but, if not, we want to know from the clubs whether they can draw down the funding. If any organisation or club has been awarded a grant, we will give it any help or assistance it needs to draw down that funding. We are anxious the grants are drawn down. There is no delay in payment. Once the grantees produce the legal documents, we can pay, but we want them to come up with the necessary paperwork. These are all voluntary clubs and organisations and we want to support and help them. We are not using the big hammer, but want to help them.
I am very encouraged by the Minister of State's statement with regard to outstanding grants and the groups that need the funding. There will be some groups which, unfortunately, due to planning and various other drawbacks, will be unable to draw down their funding, which will mean there will be surplus funds. I know of groups that would be more than anxious to avail of that funding, groups that have proceeded with initiatives in their areas, whether development or sporting activities.
A question, please.
Will funding be available for such activities, particularly in the sporting field?
I want to emphasise that when grantees come looking for that funding, the Department must find the money and that money is allocated in a budget every year. It is not that if the money is not spent, it will be spent on another project. That money will be just there. When it is needed to be drawn down, it is drawn down. It is not that money is left over and can be spent again. We are reviewing the sports capital programme and we hope to have some news later this year.
The Minister of State has me confused, but that might not be difficult on that aspect of it. Some €35 million was allocated in the Estimates for 2011. When does the Minister of State propose to bring a programme of funding to the market, as it were?
My officials are drawing up guidelines. There is a proposal in the pipeline to draw down a scheme. We are talking to different agencies and we hope that programme will be announced in the coming weeks. There are plenty of projects available to draw down any funding that is available. I am hoping to sign off on that in coming weeks.
I have every belief in the Minister of State. I know it is something he wants to get on with — spending money.
The Deputy is quite right. I am very anxious.
43 Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his plans regarding the development of the western rail corridor, and the Galway outer bypass. [13682/11]
As Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport I have responsibility for policy and overall funding for public transport and the national roads programme. The Government has announced the preparation of a new capital investment framework for these projects for the period from 2012. This will involve a review of all capital programmes and projects to establish a set of priorities that will contribute to economic recovery. The results will be published as a new national development plan for the period 2012-2016.
The preparation of the new framework requires that my Department review all existing projects and programmes. The review which involves consultation with relevant agencies will take account of new funding realities. A major priority will be to ensure funding to protect and maintain existing investment and maintain high safety standards. This of necessity will restrict the funding for new projects with only those offering the highest return having any prospect of being prioritised. The development of phase 2 of the western rail corridor will be considered as part of the overall capital review.
The main part of the Galway outer bypass scheme was approved by An Bord Pleanála in 2008 but cannot proceed as this approval was the subject of judicial review proceedings which have culminated with a referral by the Supreme Court to the European Court of Justice of the question of the correct interpretation of Article 6(3) of the habitats directive and of Regulation 30 of the Habitats Regulations 1997.
I am reminded of the €40 million the Minister said he had got from some of the projects. The western rail corridor is a vital area of our infrastructure. The Minister has said he will review it in the plan for 2012 to 2016. It is vital for our tourism to put in such important rail links which that area does not have. The Minister seems to have indicated that it will go down the road a good distance, but I urge that it be looked at very seriously as soon as possible.
I can assure the Deputy that we are looking at it and needless to say it would cost considerably more than €40 million to complete the next phase.
I was talking about what the Minister said earlier.
The Deputy's first contribution was to say that we should definitely proceed with metro north and his last contribution was to say that we should definitely proceed with the following phase of the western rail corridor. The problem I have is a different one as I am sure he can imagine.
We have to have a list for the projects.
Absolutely; it is prioritisation.
We live in hope.
Written Answers follow Adjournment Debate.
