Written Answers Nos. 32-43
32. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his views on the appropriate level of State funding for sports; his further views on whether it should be set at a particular percentage of gross national product; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45196/12]
View answerThe current financial and economic crisis is having a major impact on public spending across all sectors of society and spending on sport is no different. Several European countries have measured the economic importance of sport but each country adopted different definitions of sport, and used different methodologies, and consequently the results were non-comparable. However, there is growing evidence that sport makes a significant contribution to the economy and is an important driver of growth and employment, while also ensuring social cohesion and well-being. According to a recent EU-wide study, sport accounts for 1.76% of overall gross value added in the EU. When multiplier effects are taken into account, the share of sport is 2.98% of overall gross value added in the EU.
However, I do not believe relating sports funding to either overall gross national product, or the sub-section of same relating to sports activity is the appropriate mechanism to set the level of state funding for sports.
More broadly, an EU Commission study on the financing of grassroots sports in the EU found that financial constraints in the public sector, demographic change and a lack of solidarity between the top and the bottom of the sporting pyramid created a challenging environment for grassroots sport in the future. The study expected a downward trend in revenue from households and private companies (sponsorships, donations) in the short term, and a strong decrease in national budgets for sport. Because of this downward trend it is important that we create the environment which enables sport to generate its own revenues while at the same time funding sport to the appropriate level that the prevailing economic conditions allow.
33. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport regarding the overpayment of expenses to a person (details supplied) by the Dun Laoghaire Harbour Company, if he will confirm the amount the person was overpaid and if this money has been returned to the Harbour Company; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45199/12]
View answerI have previously responded to questions from the deputy on this matter, on 12 January 2012 and on 14 December and 29 September 2011.
The Deputy is aware that the Company arranged for an external audit of various allegations published in the national press, including that of alleged overpayment of expenses, and that this review found those allegations were false. A copy of that audit review was sent to the Deputy and also laid before the Houses for information.
Notwithstanding the false nature of the allegations, I informed the Deputy in previous replies on the matter that it was my understanding from the Company that agreement had been reached with the individual in question regarding the repayment of certain flight expenses.
I understand that the Company is engaged in on-going correspondence regarding the matter with the individual who, since June of this year, is no longer a director of the Company.
34. Deputy Jim Daly asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he is satisfied with the current licensing criteria which allows learner drivers to drive a vehicle on the public road for the first time; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44951/12]
View answerThe process has begun of introducing a Graduated Driver Licensing System (GDLS) for Ireland, which is a stepped approach to driver learning which focuses on the acquisition of skills and experience rather than simply passing a test. There are nine components to this System, including for example compulsory lessons for learners, lower blood alcohol limits, and a new category of novice driver for those recently qualified for a full licence. Some have already been brought into force, and the others will follow.
The nine measures in question were chosen as being the most appropriate for an Irish context following extensive study and consultation by the Road Safety Authority. The option of asking learner car drivers to undertake some form of lessons or experience before going on the road was not chosen as part of the system, although such rules do now apply, as part of GDLS, for learner motorcyclists.
In my view, GDLS is a major step forward in the driver learning process and has the potential to make an important contribution to safety on our roads. I remain open however to consider in future whether the measures amounting to GDLS need to be extended or enhanced in the light of experience.
35. Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his plans to improve the current Leap card system to make it more user friendly and efficient when using bus services. [45134/12]
View answerResponsibility to develop, procure, implement, operate and maintain the integrated ticketing Leap Card system in the Greater Dublin Area became a function of the National Transport Authority (NTA) with effect from 30th September 2010.
Noting this, I have referred the Deputy's question to the NTA for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 working days.
36. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he has a strategy to help incentivise and promote careers in the hospitality and catering sectors; his views on whether in the previous decade these areas were not promoted enough as viable and lucrative career options for young persons here; if his attention has been drawn to the importance of having a strong complement of native Irish workers in the hospitality and catering sectors, particularly in frontline positions; if his further attention has been drawn to the fact that such careers are particularly important in peripheral and rural areas where other career options may be limited; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44961/12]
View answerI am acutely aware of the importance of the tourism and hospitality sector in providing job opportunities across the country for our young people. The measures put in place to support tourism in last year's Jobs Initiative and the Government's Action Plan for Jobs 2012 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 (6,400 seasonally adjusted) and 10,600 more people compared to the first quarter in 2011 (10,500 seasonally adjusted).
In order to develop training structures for the tourism and hospitality sector, Fáilte Ireland, in conjunction with the Institutes of Technology, has an agreed strategy for provision of Hospitality and Tourism Programmes. This agreement provides a sustainable supply of “industry-ready” people to the Irish tourism industry over the medium term and across the country. A critical aspect of that collaboration is that Fáilte Ireland has sought and achieved the provision of improved training and career prospects for new entrants. New apprenticeship style models have been developed and put in place across the country together with an accelerated training programme for chefs and restaurant service.
As part of its strategy, Fáilte Ireland has championed the ‘earn and learn’ approach as the most effective way forward whereby individuals are provided with access to accredited training on campus on a part-time basis while also learning on the job. Young persons considering a career in the tourism and hospitality sector can access information on courses and careers on the Fáilte Ireland website www.picktourism.ie.
37. Deputy Jerry Buttimer asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport when he expects to publish the revised ports policy; if he will elaborate on the main themes which will feature in the document; if he will outline the role which the Port of Cork will have under the policy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44935/12]
View answerThe review of national ports policy is currently at a very advanced stage and I expect that it will be completed very shortly.
I have previously stated my view that the existing policy requires revision to ensure that all of our ports are provided with an appropriate development framework, reflective of their particular circumstances as well as their current role and future potential from a national freight facilitation perspective. The new policy will therefore seek to provide all of our ports with a policy framework that will allow for their future development in a manner that best suits their individual circumstances.
The Port of Cork handles approximately 19% of all seaborne trade in the State and offers services in both the unitised and bulk market sectors. It is clearly therefore an integral part of our commercial port network and an important facilitator of trade from both a national and regional perspective. This will be recognised within the new ports policy.
38. Deputy Mick Wallace asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his views on whether the planned New Ross bypass is the best use of taxpayer money in view of the fact that an inner relief bridge would, at a fraction of the cost, resolve the traffic problems in the area; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45206/12]
View answerAs 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.
Noting the above position, I have referred the Deputy’s question to the NRA for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you don’t receive a reply within 10 working days.
39. Deputy Jonathan O'Brien asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if his Department have made any applications for Ten-T funding; and if so, for which projects. [45140/12]
View answerMy Department has not applied nor has it plans to apply for funding under the current TENT Programme (2007-2013). Rather its role is not as project promoter for TENT projects per se. It does however disseminate information and encourage agencies and transport stakeholders to apply for funding. All TENT applications are automatically routed through a Government Department - usually mine in the case of Transport-related applications - to ensure policy fit and as a legal requirement for a TENT project on the territory of a Member State.
As I stated in reply to a written PQ (44832 /12) on TENT on Tuesday last, a number of State agencies have sought and been approved funding since the programme commenced in 2007 (a list was provided in the aforementioned PQ). The largest of these is the DART Underground / Dublin Interconnector project for which EU funding of €10m was approved towards the design and development process, geotechnical investigations and various surveys and studies. The most recent successful application for funding is the ESB who recently secured over €2m for an e-Cars study on the island of Ireland.
As for future plans, my Department and agencies continue to monitor calls for proposals under the TENT programme. Commission officials recently met with the National Transport Authority to discuss how best to access funding from TENT in light of the constraints on Exchequer investment in transport. Based on what emerges from the next Annual and Multi-annual call for proposals - due later in the year, I would hope to see some new applications coming forward.
42. Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the work he is undertaking to ensure that no more US military personnel or war machinery pass through Irish airports. [45137/12]
View answerThe provision of landing and overflight facilities at Shannon Airport in respect of aircraft transporting US military personnel and equipment is a long-standing arrangement that has been continuously in place under successive Governments for over 60 years. There are no plans to change this.
The majority of US troops transiting Shannon are carried on commercial/civil aircraft. Any civil aircraft carrying weapons or munitions of war that is either landing in, or overflying, Ireland must have a permit issued by me. Permission for military aircraft landing or overflying Ireland is the responsibility of the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade.
