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Dáil Éireann debate -
Thursday, 3 Mar 2022

Vol. 1019 No. 2

Ceisteanna ar Sonraíodh Uain Dóibh - Priority Questions

Rail Network

Seán Canney

Question:

4. Deputy Seán Canney asked the Minister for Transport when he expects the all-Ireland rail review to be completed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12069/22]

We are beginning with Question No. 4.

I thank Deputy O'Rourke for facilitating me.

Could I have an update on the progress on the ongoing all-island rail review? What issues will be prioritised? Given the political situation in the North, is progress being hampered? Is it affecting the timelines for the review? When is the review likely to conclude and when are we likely to see a report on it?

The all-island strategic rail review, which is being undertaken in co-operation with Northern Ireland's Department for Infrastructure, will inform the development of the railway sector on the island of Ireland over the coming decades. This is one of the most significant reviews of the rail network on the island in many years and it will provide a framework to develop a much-improved network for the future. I expect to receive a final report on the review by the end of the year. I believe this is the first time such a review has been conducted on an all-island basis. As such, it will consider the potential of rail from a different perspective than reviews of the past. This all-island perspective will allow us to consider afresh issues such as rail connectivity to the north west, in addition to the potential for high or higher speed rail between the island's major cities.

I am a firm believer in the potential of rail to contribute to economic and social development across the island of Ireland, provide faster and more frequent connectivity, connect communities and help us reach our climate goals. I do not think I am alone in that belief. I understand that just over 7,000 responses were received during the recent public consultation on the review. This is a very large response by comparison with responses to similar public engagements. All the responses are being considered and will inform the development of the overall review and offer a genuine insight into the views on, and expectations and hopes for, rail of interested stakeholders across the island.

As Deputy Canney knows, this review started by examining high-speed connectivity between Dublin, Belfast and Cork, but the remit has broadened. It broadened first and foremost to include the issue of connectivity to the north west. I have a particular interest in what I regard to be underutilised lines or sections of lines that could be inserted into the network to make better use of it as a whole.

Rail freight is another aspect that is critical to the wider review. Initially, there was a very narrow focus on high-speed rail between cities but there is now a much broader remit. That will provide a useful direction in a variety of ways.

I thank the Minister. Let me develop the point he made about high-speed connectivity between cities. I am concerned about the west and the absence of a connection between Galway and Mayo, in addition to the break in the line between Claremorris and Athenry, which means we do not have connectivity between the likes of Westport, Ballina, Galway, Limerick and Cork.

The Minister mentioned the potential of rail freight and alluded to the potential to open up rail freight lines along the western corridor. With the potential for offshore energy generation and all that will play out in that regard, it is important to have the infrastructure in place to exploit the potential to create jobs in the regions. As the Minister knows, the north west is an area in decline and has been designated as such by the EU. Therefore, it is important to create the infrastructure necessary to build our jobs potential for the future.

The Deputy's knowledge of the area is far better than mine but I am not too sure that I would characterise the part of the country in question as being in decline. What we want to do is see it develop faster. We want better balanced regional development. In that context, the section of rail the Deputy mentioned is important. The section from Athenry to Claremorris has to be seen as part of a longer whole. In my view, the western rail corridor starts in Waterford, strangely enough. The line is completely underutilised, particularly from Waterford to Limerick. The lines from Limerick to Ennis and from Ennis to Galway have seen a revival and a return of passenger services, but not to the extent that would see the full use of the existing assets. The really interesting question concerns the completion of the western corridor, running from Ballina right down the west coast to the south east. It is in that context that we must consider that section of rail.

I agree we have to consider it in light of the national rail network framework. It is important that we do so with a view to providing transport modes that are different if we are to take cars off the road and create a better environment. I am not saying the west or north west is in decline but that the EU is telling us it is and that it is subject to underinvestment. It is a fact from the EU. I applaud the Minister's vision and ambition, which I support 100%, but it is important not to let this opportunity go.

Several weeks ago, there was talk of Intel creating a microchip facility in Oranmore. I understand the site was not picked because it does not have the necessary infrastructure to get people in and out of the area and to have services and supports there. That is why the infrastructure is necessary. We need to support Shannon Foynes Port, Waterford, Cork, Galway and Rossaveel, so it is important that we create the infrastructure.

I am not too sure that Oranmore has lost out on that yet. Even if Intel makes the investment in another jurisdiction, the site, like others across the country, is ripe for development because we have the key raw materials needed for economic investment. We will, as the Deputy stated, have high-quality, low-carbon power supply when we develop our offshore wind resources. We have significant water resources. Water is scarce in other parts of the world. We have some of the best workers and high-quality precision-manufacturing capability. Even if the plant in Oranmore is not advanced, I am sure alternative options will be available.

I am sure alternative options will come forward. I am aware that in a low-carbon world, having a low-carbon transport system and an infrastructure to back that up is part of the deal. In that regard, I agree with the Deputy. This is a long-term investment and we must think long term here. When we are building rail networks, we must think of decades, not just years. In that context, I am looking forward to the review and what it has to say.

Coast Guard Service

Darren O'Rourke

Question:

1. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Transport the status of the steps taken to identify and resolve issues between volunteers and management at the Irish Coast Guard; the status of the reconstitution of the Doolin Coast Guard unit; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12311/22]

I ask the Minister of State the status of the steps taken to identify and resolve issues between volunteers and management of the Irish Coast Guard generally, and the status of the reconstitution of the Doolin Coast Guard unit.

The Deputy will have been aware that the Doolin volunteer team was stood down due to concerns about the safety of its operations in the circumstances pertaining at the time. I am happy to confirm that the unit has been reconstituted on an interim basis, with a core group of volunteers who, the Coast Guard believes, can work and operate together. This follows extensive engagement by Coast Guard management with volunteers in Doolin, culminating in my appointment of Mr. Kieran Mulvey as mediator. Mr. Mulvey’s report made a number of recommendations in respect of the service in Doolin. I can advise that the Coast Guard is currently fully engaged in the process of rebuilding the Doolin unit, guided by the recommendations outlined in Mr. Mulvey’s report which was issued on 10 December 2021. The serving Doolin volunteers were advised by letter on 16 December 2021 that the previous unit had been stood down on a permanent basis, with all volunteer memberships terminated. Mr. Mulvey advised that the Coast Guard and my Department should move with immediate effect to reconstitute the Doolin unit and to reinstate those members of the unit who management in the Coast Guard believe can work and operate together in a collegiate and co-operative manner. The report advised that the reconstituted unit should be given sufficient time to develop a culture between them of mutual respect and trust. It was also recommended that, within a further period and when deemed appropriate, a further expansion of the unit should be considered to build the unit back up to full strength from local volunteers, and preferably before next summer.

I can confirm that the selection of volunteers to provide service to the reconstituted unit has been completed and those selected have been informed. Management within the Coast Guard will soon commence the process of recruitment to the Doolin unit on a permanent basis. Once the detailed arrangements for the process have been finalised, all Doolin current and former volunteers will be advised of those arrangements and the timeframes which will apply to the submission of applications. We expect to be in contact with all former volunteers in relation to this recruitment process by mid-April 2022, bearing in mind Mr. Mulvey’s recommendation to allow the reconstituted unit sufficient time to develop a culture between them of mutual respect and trust.

We have seen the Mulvey report, which identified a breakdown of mutual trust, respect and confidence. That was a real concern and still is, in many respects, because the Doolin unit has not yet been fully reconstituted. What is the volunteer complement at the moment, on an interim basis? How does it compare to the full capacity? Is the Minister of State satisfied that the interim arrangement is safe, comprehensive and fit for purpose, on an interim basis? Recommendations were made on further engagement in respect of training, operations, equipment and activities. I ask her to provide an update on the progress made with that.

On the complement of the team, there are currently eight members. It is difficult to comment on the numbers of the reconstituted team. There will perhaps be 12 members of the team to start with. Currently, additional cover is being provided from Kilkee and Killaloe. Helicopter and other emergency services are also being provided.

The other recommendations of the Mulvey report are being actioned by the Coast Guard in relation to the areas outlined by the Deputy. As part of the recommendations, I have recommended an associated review of the Coastal Unit Advisory Group, CUAG, which is the official representative group of the volunteers. I have recommended that the CUAG's terms of reference, grievance, complaints and disciplinary procedures are reviewed. That was also a recommendation of the Mulvey report. I have recommended that that review is completed by the end of this month. It is absolutely critical. The CUAG members are working with the Coast Guard on that to ensure that the CUAG plays a very strong representative role, representing the volunteers of the Coast Guard. Along with my officials, I have been engaging on a regular basis with the CUAG in relation to that work.

That is where I was going with my supplementary question. As the Minister of State is aware, much attention has been focused on cultural and operational difficulties within the Coast Guard. Indeed, committee members in particular, and people more broadly, have been contacted by volunteers and former volunteers about the issue. A dire picture has been painted. The Joint Oireachtas Committee on Transport and Communications has engaged with the Department and the Coast Guard. We intend to pick up on those engagements again in April with the Irish Coast Guard Volunteers Representative Association, ICGVRA, and the CUAG. I welcome the Minister of State's update in relation to the CUAG and the timeline she set out. I am aware that the Minister of State has previously stated that she will not meet with the ICGVRA. I ask her to keep that door open and to listen to what the representatives have to say when they attend the joint committee in April. I am trying to be helpful here. It is most important that we create space where all voices are heard. I ask the Minister of State to keep the door open for that group.

What we all want is a fully functioning Coast Guard in Doolin. It is important to state that the current and only recognised representative group for volunteers is the CUAG, which has been in existence for more than 20 years. What I want to do, and what is happening as part of this review, is to ensure that any gaps that are there from the CUAG's perspective, whether around grievance or disciplinary procedures, are addressed and volunteers are represented fully. According to the terms of reference, the CUAG is the representative group. It acts as the consultative body on matters pertaining to management, training, equipment, administration and roles of the Coast Guard unit. The CUAG has been very effective. This review is going to be key to ensuring that the CUAG has a very strong representative role in relation to HR matters, including grievance procedures, and how they work. That is the work that is ongoing as part of the review of the terms of reference. That was also a recommendation made in Mr. Mulvey's report. The work that is currently being done, hand in hand with the Coast Guard, is absolutely critical to ensuring that volunteers have all the equipment and wherewithal to deal with grievances and issues that arise. We must remember that these people are volunteering across the country. We must ensure that they are equipped to carry out their role.

Was the question not transferred?

No. The Ceann Comhairle's office must be notified. Other Members cannot come in on priority questions. Members have asked me about speaking on priority questions. Members cannot come in on another Member's priority question. If there is a change, the Ceann Comhairle's office must be notified beforehand and permission given. Otherwise, we are back to the bad old ways of Members changing at the last minute.

Question No. 2 replied to with Written Answers.

Haulage Industry

Darren O'Rourke

Question:

3. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Transport the way that he is assisting the haulage sector with issues such as increasing fuel costs and the skills shortage in the sector; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12312/22]

In respect of the previous question, I ask the Minister of State to afford an opportunity to the Irish Coast Guard Volunteers Representative Association to submit to that review of the CUAG. It would be helpful to take on board its perspective.

In this question, I am asking the Minister of State how she is assisting the haulage sector with issues such as increasing fuel costs and the skills shortage in the sector.

I thank the Deputy for raising the issues currently facing the transport sector and hauliers, in particular. The current spike in energy prices arises from the global recovery from the Covid-19 pandemic in conjunction with current international tensions and supply constraint issues. It is being witnessed across the European Union as well as many other regions. In order to mitigate the impact of fuel price increases for hauliers, the diesel rebate scheme offers a partial excise refund to qualifying operators.

In light of the challenges arising from Brexit and the uncertainty facing the sector, in budget 2020 the marginal rate of compensation at prices over €1.32, VAT inclusive, was doubled up to the maximum repayment rate of 7.5 cent per litre in recognition of the vital role of the haulage sector to the economy. In addition, businesses that are registered for VAT may deduct the VAT charged to them on the purchase of business inputs such as road diesel and other motoring costs.

The Minister, Deputy Ryan, and I met with the Irish Road Haulage Association, IRHA, on 10 December 2021 and again on 10 February 2022 to discuss the spike in fuel prices for hauliers and the need for the sector to make progress towards decarbonisation. Although no way forward was agreed at those meetings, discussions on these issues are ongoing at official level.

Similarly, the driver shortage is not a problem confined just to Ireland. It has been a growing issue across Europe and globally for several years. It is a multifaceted issue with a range of contributing factors, including the pandemic, which has clearly had a significant impact on many sectors.

In 2019, my Department established the national logistics and supply chain skills group, the key objective of which is to support the promotion of careers, skills development and sustainable employment in the logistics and supply chain sector. The group includes haulage and logistics sector industry representatives, education and training providers and all the relevant Departments. Last year, I asked the group to examine the HGV driver shortage.

The challenge here is clear. For hauliers, particularly small hauliers with several lorries on the road, the margins are squeezed unbelievably because of the increasing cost of fuel. What has the Government done in response? Based on the reply of the Minister of State, the answer is "Nothing". It has done nothing to respond to the runaway fuel prices. When I raised this with the Minister, Deputy Ryan, at the Oireachtas committee a couple of weeks ago in advance of the cost of living crisis, he said the Government is looking at this but it needs to be wrapped up in environmental measures. That is all we seem to hear from the Government. There is nothing more than that one line. There is no detail of what it means and certainly no response in terms of addressing the immediate crisis within the sector. Immediate action needs to be taken in respect of the rebate in the first instance. Is the Government going to do that?

I thank the Deputy. I am not taking away from the crisis for the sector, but just to outline what the Government has done, in budget 2020, arising from Brexit challenges, the marginal rate of compensation relating to the diesel rebate scheme was doubled. That increase has been maintained since. In budget 2022 there was an expansion of the accelerated capital allowance scheme for gas vehicles and refuelling equipment. There is also the alternatively fuelled heavy-duty vehicle purchase grant scheme of March 2021 which had a significant uptake within the sector. That is not to take away from the points the Deputy is raising in respect of the impact on the haulage sector. I will be the first to say there are no alternatives for hauliers at the moment. Decarbonisation is critical and they have said they are up for that. We are dealing with a crisis in fuel prices. There are extra pressures as a result of what is happening in Ukraine. I and the Minister, Deputy Ryan, are engaging with the sector and considering what can be done to provide reliefs for hauliers, who are under particular stress at the moment.

It is a matter of urgency at this stage. The ball is firmly in the Government's court in terms of coming up with solutions. The hauliers have put their hands up. They are crying out for support. The Minister of State mentioned the alternatively fuelled heavy-duty vehicle purchase grant scheme. Approximately 60 vehicles bought under that scheme are currently parked up because they are not affordable to run due to compressed natural gas, CNG, not being included in the rebate. It is a perfect example of a failure of an environmental transition. It seems to me there is a significant element of the Government burying its head in the sand in respect of what immediately needs to happen to support the sector.

I refer to the skills shortage. There is a four-step process involving employment permits, visas if required, residency permits and then all the other pieces. That process needs to be streamlined and the Minister of State knows it does. It is an international crisis but there are particular issues in Ireland on which we can do more.

On the final issue raised by the Deputy, the logistics supply chain group is working with all stakeholders to consider, and ensure movement is happening on, issues within the logistics and supply chain sector. That includes the skills shortage. It involves working with the third level sector and raising awareness of the apprenticeships in Institute of Technology Sligo and the technological universities in Cork and Dublin, as well as communicating the courses and careers that are available. That work is ongoing. We are working with the Department of Social Protection on recruitment drives to attract hauliers here and to encourage Irish people to engage in these apprenticeships.

The cost of fuel is a key crisis at the moment. I have been engaging constantly with the IRHA, which has been very proactive and constructive with me and departmental officials to try to find a solution. There is no lack of will but these things will take time. Given the impact of Covid and what is happening in Ukraine, the crisis is evolving. The Deputy can be assured that engagement will continue and we will try to find a solution to support the sector. That is something on which I am very much working.

Driver Licences

Michael Fitzmaurice

Question:

5. Deputy Michael Fitzmaurice asked the Minister for Transport the reason persons with diabetes are forced to get a shorter-term driving licence; the measures that are in place to offset the additional costs of having to renew a licence every three years compared with ten years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12126/22]

What is the reason for persons with diabetes being forced to get shorter term driving licences? What measures are in place to offset the additional costs of having to renew the licence every three years, compared with every ten years for other persons? I ask the Minister to make a statement on the matter. This relates to people who have diabetes. Every three years, they have to renew their driving licence. It is costing them €50 or €60 straight away to get a report from a doctor. Will something be done about that? This is causing untold unfairness. These people are being treated differently from other citizens.

Irish driving licence law is framed by the requirements of EU legislation. Under the EU directives, a person with an identified or specified illness, such as diabetes, is required to provide a medical report when applying for a learner permit or driving licence. The medical report must be completed by a general practitioner, GP, and a licence may be issued for one, three or ten years. The period of issue is based on the GP's assessment of the applicant and his or her recommendation. This is based on the medical advice determined by a GP when the person presents to him or her.

A clinical guidance document, Sláinte agus Tiomáint Medical Fitness to Drive Guidelines, is compiled by the Road Safety Authority in conjunction with the National Office for Traffic Medicine. It provides guidelines for medical professionals to assist in their assessment of an individual applicant's fitness to drive a motor vehicle.

A ten-year driving licence costs €55. A reduced fee of €35 is charged for a three-year licence, while there is no charge for a one-year licence. I hear the concerns the Deputy is raising in respect of the costs and I will certainly follow up with the RSA in respect of the cost differential.

I thank the Minister of State for her reply. Where I am coming from is that the three-year licence costs €35. It is cheaper than the €55 for a ten-year licence, but within that the ten-year period, these people have to take out four three-year licence, so they actually paying approximately €140 or €145. That is not the issue, however. It is not about whether it is a three-year, one-year or ten-year licence. Thanks be to God, if I go looking for a medical certificate for driving a lorry or whatever, I can get a ten-year certificate. However, if a person has an underlying condition such as diabetes, there are rules and regulations. It needs to be tied in with the likes of the HSE that there is something done so these people do not have to pay to go to a doctor three times extra on top of the other costs.

There is no doctor charging less than €60 for working people. These people do not have medical cards or anything like that. The problem is when one adds these numbers together. I ask that the Minister talk to the Road Safety Authority, RSA, to try to resolve this issue.

I will contact the RSA on the licence fee issue. The other issue may be a Department of Health one as it involves going to a doctor for a medical checkup. It is not my area but I do not believe that is covered by the GP card. I will certainly talk to the RSA around the licence fee issue.

I reiterate that this is a vital road safety tool and I appreciate the Deputy has not questioned that. GPs have to do their work and many conditions are degenerative or may be volatile if they are not managed properly. That is where the GP's expertise comes in, where patients may require regular monitoring to determine if they are safe to drive.

I will also say that not all licences for people with a specified condition are issued for shorter periods. It is up to the GP and contingent on his or her clinical assessment of that. I will commit to speaking to the RSA on the fees question.

I thank the Minister of State for her reply. I wish to clarify one matter, please. Did the Minister of State state that if the GP says the person is okay to drive longer than the three years, that that is acceptable as I may have picked her up wrong on that point?

I welcome what the Minister of State said and I ask her to focus on this because there are many people who, unfortunately, have diabetes and other underlying conditions and we have to try to help people who are working and finding it difficult.

I will check the GP question but what happens in general is that when a person goes to a GP for a letter, he or she is paying for it. I have seen people who have medical cards being asked for money for such a letter.

Just to confirm, my understanding is that the GPs do not have to issue shorter licence periods for specified illnesses. It is up to them, as they are the medical experts, to give the clinical assessment as to somebody's ability to drive. It is completely within their remit.

That comes from the National Office for Traffic Medicine, which was jointly established by the Royal College of Physicians in Ireland and the Road Safety Authority, and which brings the specialty of traffic medicine to Ireland. It was brought in in 2011 and we are looking at road safety and at clinicians leading on this in respect of that assessment.

I will follow up on the other issue for the Deputy.

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