Written Answers Nos. 1-19
10. Deputy Gerry Adams asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will make funds available to Carlow, Portlaoise, Drogheda and Dundalk town councils to ensure the continuation of the homeless street soccer leagues; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45124/12]
View answerI refer the Deputy to my earlier reply to Priority Question No. 5.
11. Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the criteria for the new penalty points system for taxi drivers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45170/12]
View answerThis question relates to penalty points for taxi drivers.
Minister of State Alan Kelly, who is in Brussels today, has responsibility for this area.
This month, on behalf of Minister Kelly, I will bring a proposal to Cabinet for the publication a Taxi Regulation Bill 2012, which will strengthen the legislative basis for the regulation of the taxi sector and the enforcement of the taxi regulations.
Among the enforcement measures provided for in the Bill will be a demerit scheme that will apply to single and multiple breaches of the taxi regulations, in line with the proposal under Action 29 of the Taxi Regulation Review 2011. It is envisaged that the demerit scheme will enable a more effective use of resources and a speedier response to wrongdoers by enforcement officers and the Courts.
Following consideration by Government, the Bill will set out the details of the proposed demerit scheme. The scheme will operate separately from the penalty point system already in place under Road Traffic legislation.
12. Deputy Michael Colreavy asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the efforts he has taken to promote an all Ireland tourism strategy; the steps he has taken to bring about closer coordination in terms of marketing and planning between the Northern Ireland Tourist Board and Fáilte Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45121/12]
View answerTourism was specifically identified in the Good Friday Agreement as one of the key areas for North/South cooperation and consequently one on which the North/South Ministerial Council (NSMC) meets in Sectoral format. The Council meets in this format in order to make decisions on common policies and approaches in the area of tourism including decisions on policies and actions to be implemented by Tourism Ireland Limited, the body responsible for promoting the island of Ireland overseas as a tourist destination. Funding for Tourism Ireland's operations is provided by the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Investment in Northern Ireland and by my Department in the South.
The last NSMC meeting in Tourism Sectoral format took place on 25 January last while the next one is scheduled to take place on 28 November in Armagh. Amongst the items likely to be discussed at the meeting are a review of this year's visitor numbers to the island of Ireland, Tourism Ireland's Business Plan for 2013 and major tourism opportunities north and south in 2013.
In terms of overall approaches to tourism development on the island of Ireland, the Deputy may be aware that the Tourism Recovery Taskforce (TRT), which was formed in early 2011 with the aim of ensuring growth in inbound tourism, includes representation from Fáilte Ireland, the NITB and Tourism Ireland as well as other relevant stakeholders in the tourism sector North and South. It is expected that the recommendations of the TRT will form input to the Business Plans of the tourism agencies for the years ahead.
In terms of the general coordination between the tourism agencies, the Chief Executive of Fáilte Ireland and the Chair of the Northern Ireland Tourist Board both sit on the Board of Tourism Ireland. The Fáilte Ireland Authority also meets the Board of Tourism Ireland and the Northern Ireland Tourist Board on an ongoing basis to discuss issues of mutual interest on tourism. Furthermore the Chief Executives and senior management teams in Fáilte Ireland, Tourism Ireland and the Northern Ireland Tourist Board work hard to foster ever closer working relationships between the agencies. This includes joint preparation of marketing programmes.
13. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his views on the decline in the number of visitors to Ireland from Great Britain and North America during June, July and August of this year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45173/12]
View answer17. Deputy Billy Kelleher asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the success he has had in his efforts to generate spin off tourism from the London Olympics; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45182/12]
View answer23. Deputy Mary Lou McDonald asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the steps he is taking to ensure increased visitor numbers by 2015; if he will outline his efforts to meet the targets for tourist numbers and job creation as outlined in the tourism section of Trading and Investing in a Smart Economy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45128/12]
View answer63. Deputy Olivia Mitchell asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will outline the progress that he has made in improving air access to Ireland from North America; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45063/12]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 13, 17, 23 and 63 together.
These questions relate to the performance of the tourist sector in 2012, and efforts to improve visitor numbers and employment in that sector over the coming years.
The tourism sector is central to Government strategies for economic recovery and jobs. According to the CSO’s Quarterly National Household Survey for April to June 2012, the largest increase in employment in any sector over the year to June 2012 was in tourism-related jobs, with employment in the Accommodation and Food sector increasing by 5.9% or 6,300 jobs.
As regards arrivals, following a return to growth last year for the first time since 2007, the latest CSO figures show that overseas visits to Ireland in January-August 2012 showed a marginal decrease of 1.4% when compared to 2011, while the peak June-August period saw a fall of 2% in trips. At main market level, results were mixed. Despite continued growth from continental Europe – the main source of overseas tourism revenue - and from the high-spending other areas of developing markets, there was a decline in trips from Great Britain and a slight decline from North America. The British market in particular is proving difficult, with a flat economy and weak consumer confidence having a significant impact on outbound travel generally, while the Olympics generally seemed to have limited effect on consumer demand in Britain.
Tourism Ireland has been conducting an extensive promotional programme this year, focused on our main markets including Britain and North America. Its autumn campaign aims to boost late-season travel to Ireland from around the globe, as well as promoting The Gathering Ireland 2013. For next year, The Gathering will form the central focus of all tourism campaigns, with the work carried out by the Tourism Recovery Taskforce further informing marketing plans and activity in British and North American markets.
An important part of improving tourist numbers from foreign markets is air access. The Dublin Airport Authority has some very attractive incentive schemes in place, including a long-haul incentive scheme, offering significant discounts on various charges for airlines opening up new routes. In particular, air access to the North American market is crucial to success in that tourist market.
As part of a recent tourist mission to North America to promote the Gathering, I met with United Airlines in Chicago and a new Chicago-Shannon route has been confirmed for next summer. Discussions are ongoing with a number of other carriers for additional capacity linked to both general traffic demand and the expected increased traffic linked to the Gathering.
Current indications are that transatlantic capacity for summer 2013 will be higher than summer 2012, which was in the region of 27,500 seats per week. Tourism Ireland continues to work closely with Dublin Airport Authority to secure additional capacity.
Ireland’s tourism performance is dependent on improvements in the economic situation and consumer confidence in overseas markets, as well as the efforts of the industry and the agencies to promote our tourism offering and deliver a competitive and quality product. Using The Gathering as our centrepiece for 2013, working with Tourism Ireland to sell Ireland as a destination overseas and with Fáilte Ireland to continually strengthen the competitiveness of our product, I am confident that we can grow tourist numbers and employment in the sector for 2013 and beyond.
14. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the extent to which he has identified or examined the issues currently affecting the transport sector in a negative way; if he has had discussions with stakeholders who may be affected by rising fuel costs or other issues; if any particular proposals have emerged which might address any such issues; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45161/12]
View answer248. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the extent to which he has received communication from the transport sector in the matter of identification of cost factors likely to inhibit growth or development in the industry in the coming year; the measures taken or likely to be taken to address such factors; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45520/12]
View answer250. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the extent to which he continues to engage with the stakeholders in the industries under his aegis with a view of maximisation of job creation opportunities of consequent reduction in unemployment levels; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45522/12]
View answer251. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the extent to which he has studied the costs associated with the transport sector with particular reference to the extent to which fuel prices now negatively impact on this sector; if he has received submissions from the representative bodies in this regard; if any intervention can be made unilaterally or in conjunction with his EU colleagues with a view to ensuring that fuel prices here are competitive with those prevailing throughout the EU; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45523/12]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 14, 248, 250 and 251 together.
These questions relate to the Haulage Industry.
The predominant element of transport costs is fuel. My Department has no direct control over this cost but keeps under review all costs over which we do have an influence, including the cost of services provided through our agencies. In this context, my Department is engaged in an initiative to reduce, where feasible, the administration cost to business of complying with transport legislation.
From my contacts with the haulage industry, I am aware that they have raised the issue of reducing taxation on fuel. However, this is a matter primarily for the Minister for Finance.
The Government's plans to address the economic difficulties facing all elements of the economy are set out in the Programme for Government and place a heavy emphasis on the delivery of effective transport services. In addition, the Government's Jobs Initiative includes a number of measures intended to stimulate tourism by increasing the competitiveness of access transport and our tourism product.
I have outlined my priorities to 2016 on my Department's website and in my Department's Statement of Strategy. There is constant ongoing contact at all levels in my Department with stakeholders and, in particular, during the preparation of this three year strategy. A key commitment in the Strategy 2011-2014 is to increase tourism numbers to 8 million by 2015. The Trade, Tourism and Investment Strategy of 2010 envisaged that this would result in an additional 15,000 jobs directly employed in tourism.
Earlier this year I set out on my Department’s website details of the progress that I and my Department have made since my appointment (http://www.dttas.ie/pressRelease.aspx?Id=503). I would also refer the Deputy to my reply to Question 704 on Tuesday, 9th October, 2012 in which I gave an update on progress on the Programme for Government commitments for which I have specific responsibility.
15. Deputy Brian Stanley asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport in view of the fact that the National Recovery Plan 2010 explicitly recognises the tourist industry as labour intensive, his plans to maximise job opportunities and foreign revenue earnings in the sector; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45127/12]
View answer47. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the extent to which he and his Department have monitored trends and issues affecting the tourism sector in the current year; if he will set out the most salient issues affecting the industry, negatively or positively; if he has in mind any particular or specific proposals to address the issues of competitiveness, costs or other issues with particular reference to maximising the number of jobs in the sector; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45160/12]
View answer249. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the likelihood of increased employment arising from expansion of business in the hotel and catering sector in the coming year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45521/12]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 15, 47 and 249 together.
The Government believes that Tourism and Hospitality is a key sector that will contribute to Ireland's economic recovery. Up to 180,000 people are employed in the industry and total tourism revenues in 2011 are estimated at €5.5 billion. That is why - despite our enormous national financial difficulties - the Government continues to deploy a range of programmes and measures to support the sector and to enhance competitiveness and to maintain our marketing drive at home and overseas. I remain in regular contact with major stakeholders in the tourism sector and am kept advised on trends and issues of concern to the industry.
As demonstrated by last year's Jobs Initiative and the Government's Action Plan for Jobs 2012, the Government recognises the vital contribution of tourism to employment. The VAT reduction on a range of tourism services from 13.5% to 9% enhances the competitiveness of our tourism product and this lower rate of VAT will continue through 2013. In addition, the Visa Waiver Scheme is encouraging visitors from emerging markets to add Ireland to a trip to the UK, and the halving of employers’ PRSI for those on modest wages has significantly reduced the cost of employing people.
The measures put in place to support tourism helped to contribute to growth of almost 8% in visitor numbers in 2011. In addition, the CSO Quarterly National Household Survey shows that 6,300 more people were employed in accommodation and food services in the second quarter of this year compared to the same quarter in 2011 and 10,600 more people compared to the first quarter in 2011.
The Gathering Ireland 2013 has the potential to provide enhanced business opportunities and to give a further lift to growth next year. A great deal of time and energy has been invested in putting structures and resources in place to give this ambitious initiative every chance of being successful.
16. Deputy Martin Ferris asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will outline the time-frame set down by the North South Ministerial Council to harmonise penalty points on a cross border basis. [45139/12]
View answer40. Deputy Heather Humphreys asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will provide a timeframe for the harmonisation of penalty points with Northern Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44948/12]
View answer51. Deputy Eoghan Murphy asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the timeframe for the harmonisation of penalty points with Northern Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44938/12]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 16, 40 and 51 together.
The mutual recognition of penalty points between Ireland and Northern Ireland is being dealt with under the auspices of the North South Ministerial Council (NSMC). This work involves the mutual recognition, rather than harmonisation, of certain road traffic offences, along with the penalty points associated with those offences in each jurisdiction. Harmonisation would be a much more complex issue to address and is not envisaged at this time.
It was agreed at the NSMC Transport Sectoral meeting on 21 October 2011 that officials would work together to bring forward proposals for the introduction of the mutual recognition of penalty points for speeding, drink/drug driving, non-wearing of seatbelts and using a mobile phone while driving.
The detailed timetable agreed at the North South Ministerial Council Meeting held on 5 October 2012 includes the key milestones for the drafting, passage and enactment of parallel legislation, North and South, by 31 December 2014 to allow for the mutual recognition of penalty points across the island of Ireland.
Steering and working groups, comprising of representatives of the relevant stakeholders in both jurisdictions, have been established to bring the required work forward and decide on how the necessary key deliverables will be achieved legislatively and operationally. Both groups have met on a number of occasions to date.
To achieve the December 2014 deadline, a significant volume of work will be required, including putting in place the necessary administrative arrangements and IT systems and agreement on data sharing protocols and procedures. In taking the work forward, complex issues need to be addressed by the two jurisdictions with a view to establishing a workable system which is perceived as proportionate and equitable and which attracts widespread public support throughout the island.
18. Deputy Michael Colreavy asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport in view of the importance of tourism, the steps he will take to ensure that tourists and others are given accurate quotes when booking rent a cars online particularly in relation to hidden insurance costs; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45116/12]
View answerI wish to advise the Deputy that I have no regulatory or other function in relation to the car rental industry. I am, however, concerned about issues that impact on the tourism sector in Ireland and am anxious that the relevant bodies should address these issues. The Car Rental Council of Ireland is the representative trade organisation for the car rental industry in Ireland. From time to time, my Department raises matters with the Car Rental Council of Ireland in relation to the manner in which their member companies deal with tourists.
The National Consumer Agency, which comes within the remit of the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation, is responsible for the enforcement of the Consumer Protection Act 2007. That Act provides for the regulation of quotes or other communications by traders to consumers relating to the price of goods and services, including car rentals. Consumers who have been subject to misleading or unfair practices by car rental companies may make a complaint to the Agency.
I am also informed by the NCA that under Article 22 of Directive 2011/83/EU on Consumer Rights, a trader must seek the express consent of the consumer to any extra payment in addition to the payment agreed upon for the trader’s main contractual obligation. If this express consent is not obtained but has been inferred by using default options which the consumer is required to reject in order to avoid the additional payment, then the consumer shall be entitled to reimbursement of this payment. I understand that the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation intends to enact Regulations giving effect to Article 22 by the end of 2012 or in early 2013.
19. Deputy Seán Conlan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he is in a position to provide any further funding to advance a study to narrow the route corridor of the proposed N2 A5 motorway project in County Monaghan between Clontibret and Moy Bridge between now and the end of 2015. [45241/12]
View answer28. Deputy Seán Conlan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he is in a position to provide any further capital funding between now and 2016 to advance the N2 section of the N2 A5 project, in particular that section of the project situated between Clontibret and Moy Bridge in County Monaghan. [45240/12]
View answer71. Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will put in place a time frame to release funds as soon as possible for the continuation of works on the A5 which is now costing considerable amounts everyday due to it being held up. [45136/12]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos.19, 28 and 71 together.
These questions relate to the N2 in the Republic of Ireland, in particular the section from Clontibret to the Northern Irish Border and the A5 in Northern Ireland.
As the Deputies will be aware, the previous Government gave a commitment to co-fund the construction of the A5 in Northern Ireland. However, they made no provision to meet the costs of the A5 post-2012 in either the Four Year Plan or the Infrastructure Investment Priorities Plan 2010 to 2016. Given that STG£400 million sterling was due to fall between 2013 and 2016 and given the current state of the Exchequer, it was not feasible to provide this level of funding in the coming years.
Therefore, at the NSMC Plenary meeting, on 8th November 2011, Ministers noted that the provision of further funding by the Irish Government for the A5 road was being deferred but that the Irish Government will provide STG£25m per annum in 2015 and 2016 towards the project. At the subsequent June 2012 NSMC Plenary meeting, it was noted that the N.I. Executive had announced an investment package of major roads including two sections of the A5 project. In addition, it was noted that the Irish Government remains committed to the completion of the co-funded A5 project which is of strategic importance to the North West Region and the island as a whole, but that the Government is not in a position to make funding commitments for the period post-2016 in advance of its consideration of the next capital review framework. The NSMC plenary approved a funding implementation plan for the A5 project to the end of 2016 which incorporated the STG£50m committed by the Irish Government. The implementation of the project is a matter for the Northern Ireland Road Service. With regard to the N2 from Clontibret to the Border section of the road, this is a matter for the National Roads Authority. As Minister for Transport, Tourism & Sport, I have responsibility for overall policy and funding in relation to the national roads programme. The planning, design and implementation of individual road projects is a matter for the National Roads Authority (NRA) under the Roads Acts 1993 to 2007 in conjunction with the local authorities concerned.
Given budgetary constraints the NRA will have to operate within the allocations set in the capital expenditure framework for the period to 2016. Within its capital allocation, the assessment and prioritisation of individual projects is a matter in the first instance for the NRA in accordance with Section 19 of the Roads Act. Unfortunately funding limits mean that the Authority will not be in a position to progress a range of projects over the next number of years. In the case of this scheme, I understand that it is intended to bring to completion the Route Selection Phase later this year. However, due to the reduced funding available to the Authority under the Infrastructure and Capital Investment Plan 2012-2016, the Authority intends to suspend the scheme once the Route Selection Phase is completed. It is not expected that the NRA will be in a position to proceed to the Design Phase during the period to 2016.
