Written Answers Nos. 1204-1223
1204. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his reasons for applying further regulation and taxes on taxis (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47577/12]
View answer1217. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if his attention has been drawn to the on-going concerns expressed by taxi drivers and owners in relation to such issues as the introduction of the nine year rule and the difficulty therein without the establishment of a workable taxi scrappage scheme; the reason the vetting system has not been overhauled despite concerns regarding public safety issues in the industry; the reason an independent appeals process has not been granted despite previous promises to give the taxi industry access to the Ombudsman's office; the reason the Taxi Advisory Council was re-appointed to the exclusion of elected representative from the taxi industry and the failure therefore to establish a meaningful forum for dialogue within the industry; if his attention has been drawn to the fact that there are concerns that the introduction of a SPSV penalty point system will unduly affect full time taxi drivers; and if his attention has been drawn to the anomalies such as an influx of part-time taxi drivers and students on Stamp 2 Visas into the industry. [48089/12]
View answer1218. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the reason a single licence holder is prohibited from transferring their taxi licence whilst a multiple licence holder can transfer their plates into company names allowing them to pass on their plates as an asset of a company. [48090/12]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 1204, 1217 and 1218 together.
The recommendations contained in the Taxi Regulation Review Report 2011 reflect the agreement of the Taxi Review Group and are aimed at facilitating better services for consumers and improving the operating environment for taxi drivers generally. The National Transport Authority (NTA) is the lead agency with responsibility for implementation of the recommendations of the Taxi Regulation Review Report.
I will bring a proposal to Cabinet shortly for the publication a Taxi Regulation Bill, 2012, which will replace the Taxi Regulation Act 2003 and extend the regulatory framework to give effect to recommendations from the Taxi Review concerning enforcement. The enforcement regime provided for in the Bill will be based on an intensified approach to tackling non-compliance depending on the gravity of the criminal offence or compliance failure.
Among other enforcement measures, the Bill will provide for the mandatory disqualification of taxi drivers upon conviction of certain criminal offences, which will complement existing Garda vetting of taxi drivers. The Bill will also provide for the temporary disqualification from holding a licence upon the accumulation of a specified number of demerits for specified breaches of the taxi regulations.
Compliance with the taxi regulations is a prerequisite for operating in the taxi industry. As proposed in the Taxi Review the establishment of the PPSN as the key data reference number for data sharing will greatly strengthen the investigation and enforcement capability of the relevant agencies: the NTA, An Garda Síochána, the Revenue Commissioners and the Department of Social Protection.
The Taxi Regulation Bill will also provide for the prohibition on the transfer of a vehicle licence, including in circumstance concerning the change of ownership of a company.
Concerning vehicle standards and the age of some vehicles currently operating in the industry, the Taxi Review Group proposed to allow vehicles licensed before 2009 to continue to operate for up to fourteen years subject to a twice yearly NCT test. This will allow some time for vehicle owners and drivers to adjust to the new standards regime.
It is acknowledged that some of the measures proposed by the Taxi Review may lead to increased costs for individuals. However this will be offset by the benefits to the industry in terms of a better regulated and safer taxi sector.
In considering the future approach to regulation of the industry, including the matter of appeals, the Taxi Review Group felt it was appropriate to propose measures allowing a right of reply to individual taxi operators and to the taxi industry. Action 33 proposes a review process concerning certain decisions particular to the individual and Action 34 would allow industry representative groups to make referrals to the Taxi Advisory Committee concerning the introduction of industry regulations, with Action 35 proposing a sub-committee to consider issues of particular concern to the taxi sector.
The Taxi Advisory Committee which I appointed during this summer includes representatives of small public service vehicle and driver interests in line with the provisions of Section 54 of the Taxi Regulation Act, 2003.
1205. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the position regarding plans for a comprehensive traffic management plan and measures to minimise disruption for residents and businesses in Dublin in view of the upcoming construction works for the BXD Luas; if he intends to meet all of the relevant transport companies, agencies and business and residential stakeholders on this matter; if plans are being developed for the development of temporary taxi ranks and associated infrastructure in Dublin City centre in view of the proposed temporary closure of ranks on Dawson Street and St. Stephen's Green to facilitate the BXD Luas works; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47623/12]
View answerFollowing the establishment of the National Transport Authority (NTA) on 1stDecember 2009, the provision of infrastructure projects in the Greater Dublin Area (GDA), such as LUAS BXD, now comes under the remit of the NTA. LUAS BXD to Broombridge is designed to be a key element in an overall integrated transport network for Dublin. It will create a LUAS network by joining the LUAS Red and Green Lines and will also link with rail services from Maynooth and Dunboyne and with existing QBC schemes which enter or cross Dublin City Centre. It will also in time interchange with future key projects such as Dart Underground and Metro North.
There has been extensive engagement between the RPA, Dublin City Council, Dublin Bus and the business community aimed at minimising the construction impacts of Luas BXD on all road users, including pedestrians, in the city centre area. The ongoing engagement between the relevant agencies on these important issues, which now also includes the NTA, will intensify both prior to and during the construction of the project.
An initial working group comprising the RPA, NTA and Dublin City Council has been established to work through the traffic management arrangements that will apply during the construction of the project. It is proposed that a wider Traffic Forum will also be established, which will include An Garda Síochána, Dublin Bus, the main contractors undertaking the works as well as representatives of traders and businesses. It is intended that this Traffic Forum will be the main focal point for addressing traffic matters on the project and I will chair the meetings of this body.
I understand that arrangements for the relocation of taxi ranks and bus stops affected by the construction works will be developed over the coming months in consultation with relevant stakeholders.
1206. Deputy Tom Fleming asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport when the new Road Safety Bill that includes roadside tests for drug drivers will be introduced and made law; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47649/12]
View answerThe General Scheme of a Road Traffic Bill is currently in preparation in my Department, and I expect to bring it to Government in the near future for approval to draft. Once drafted it is my intention to publish this Bill early next year. Once published, I will introduce it in the Oireachtas at the earliest possible date.
1207. Deputy Patrick Nulty asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport when the sports capital grants for applications made earlier this year will be allocated and made public; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47743/12]
View answerMy Department has received over 2,170 applications for funding under the 2012 Sports Capital Programme. This is the largest number of applications ever received under the Programme.
Departmental officials are processing all applications and this process will take some time due to the volume of applications received.
I expect to be able to announce the list of successful applicants later this year. All applicants will be informed of the outcome of their application at that stage.
1208. Deputy Timmy Dooley asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the position regarding the Gort to Tuam motorway project N17/N18, County Galway; when a contractor will be appointed; when the project is expected to commence; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47822/12]
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.
1209. Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will outline the regulatory measures for the sale and distribution of motor vehicle tyres; the level to which these measures are implemented and overseen; if he has, in conjunction with the Department of Finance, estimated the level of non-compliant operators and the loss of revenue to the Exchequer caused by these black economy operators; the measures he is taking to ensure all businesses in the tyre sales industry here are compliant with all relevant standards and regulations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47824/12]
View answerI have no role in the trade of second hand tyres or in the other matters referred to by the Deputy in his Question, which relate to matters of trade and revenue collection.
1210. Deputy Luke 'Ming' Flanagan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the way we arrived at a situation where Bus Éireann no longer has to live up to a Public Service Requirement; the reason expressway bus routes were designated as commercial in the first instance and now that they are being abandoned on commercially criteria; what he will instruct Bus Éireann and the National Transport Authority to replace them with; if he is satisfied with the fact that CIE and Bus Éiereann no longer live up to their mandates as providers of transport to all parts of our country, densely populated and sparsely populated alike; his views on whether the reduction in services provided by Bus Éireann in particular contribute to the decline of life in rural communities and smaller towns; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47869/12]
View answerI refer the Deputy to my response to his question of 23rd October, a copy of which is reproduced below. The provision of bus services and the routes they take are operational matters for Bus Éireann in conjunction with the National Transport Authority (NTA). I have referred the Deputy's question to both for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 working days.
Dáil Question No: 705 To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if the decision to cut bus routes is taken by The National Transport Authority, Bus Éireann or the Department of Transport; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
- Luke 'Ming' Flanagan.
* For WRITTEN answer on Tuesday, 23rd October, 2012.
Ref No: 45726/12
Answered by the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport Leo Varadkar
REPLY
Bus Éireann currently operates two types of public service; commercial services operating under the Expressway brand, which are operated under licences granted by the National Transport Authority (NTA) and socially necessary but financially unviable services, known as Public Service Obligation (PSO) services, which are operated under a contract with the NTA. The NTA makes a payment to the two bus companies that operate the PSO services for those services.
The legislation governing the licensing of commercial public bus passenger services, such as Expressway, is the Public Transport Regulation Act 2009. Responsibility for the licensing of Public Bus Passenger Services rests with the National Transport Authority (NTA). The NTA published, in November 2010, new Guidelines for the licensing of public bus services which set out the basis for a reformed licensing system for commercial bus passenger services in the State. There is nothing to prevent Bus Éireann from applying for an amendment to a licence in respect of such a service. As part of its Expressway turnaround plan, Bus Éireann is making changes to a number of its commercial services to meet the customer demand for limited stop services with quicker journey times and airport connections so that such services are commercially viable. Failure to react to this market demand and competitive pressures would result in a reduction and/or loss of Expressway services and jobs.
Bus Éireann may also propose route changes to services provided by the company under its PSO contract with the NTA. Any such proposals are subject to negotiation with the National Transport Authority, who may accept, reject or modify any requested change to a PSO service.
1211. Deputy Stephen S. Donnelly asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport in relation to the forthcoming decision affecting the future of Valentia Radio Station, County Kerry, if a decision has been made regarding the future of the station; if he will reveal that decision; if a decision has not been made, when will he bring his recommendations to Cabinet and when he expects a decision to be made; the specific evaluation criteria there are for any such decision, including weightings; and his plans regarding the offer made to him directly by the Director of the Coast Guard to transfer key rescue communications equipment and eventually staff from Malin Head, County Donegal and Valentia to Blanchardstown, County Dublin. [47876/12]
View answerFollowing on from the Irish Coast Guard - Value for Money Review, no decisions have been made in relation to the Marine Radio Sub Co-ordination Centres at Valentia or Malin Head. When I published that review, and the Value for Money review of the Marine Survey Office in July last I made it clear that I wouldn't accept or reject any of the recommendations until a full assessment of the proposals has been undertaken and actions prioritised to address the issues identified as requiring attention. This process of assessment and preparation of the action plan is in hand in my Department and I expect it will be completed shortly.
No offer has been made by the Director of the Coast Guard, nor are there proposals being considered, to transfer equipment or staff from Malin Head or Valentia to Blanchardstown, Dublin 15.
1212. Deputy Stephen S. Donnelly asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport in relation to the maritime radio stations, his plan to merge the MSO and IRCG divisions similar to the UK, thus saving on manpower and making end to end marine safety more efficient. [47877/12]
View answerBoth the Marine Survey Office (MSO) and the Irish Coast Guard (IRCG) are divisions within the Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport and are under the responsibility of the Assistant Secretary responsible for the maritime sector. The recently completed value for money reviews undertaken by Fishers Associates into the MSO and the IRCG have recommended closer integration of both services, through for example sharing of IT systems, exchange of expertise and leveraging of synergies. These issues are being reviewed as part of the Department's consideration of the recommendations in the value for money reviews.
1213. Deputy Timmy Dooley asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the amount it costs to run the National Transport Authority; the amount it costs to run his Department; if he will quantify the savings at his Department when some of its duties were transferred to the new authority; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47938/12]
View answerThe cost of running the National Transport Authority (NTA) is an operational matter for the Authority and I have referred the Deputy's question to it for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within ten working days.
My Department's 2012 expenditure allocation and 2011 provisional expenditure outturn are set out in the Revised Estimates Volume, Vote 31 which is published by the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform and is available on that Department's website. However for the Deputies information the allocation in 2012 from the Exchequer to the NTA is €376,985,000 (€246,747,000 for current expenditure and €130,238,000 for capital expenditure) and the provisional expenditure outturn for 2011 was €376,985,000 (€269,348,000 for current expenditure and €211,000,000 for capital expenditure).
The NTA has assumed responsibility for a range of tasks from my Department including national bus route licensing, rail passenger rights redress, Integrated Ticketing, the rural transport programme, the public service contracts with the CIÉ companies and for managing the State’s contract with Irish Rail for infrastructure. To resource this remit a number of staff posts was transferred from my Department’s allocation to the NTA. The associated pay allocations are adjusted to reflect the transfer of posts to the NTA. Consequently there are no net savings in my Department's vote as a result of the transfer of functions. However, it should be noted that the rationale for the creation of the NTA was not to generate cost savings.
1214. Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport when the new driver licence card will be made available; the data that will be contained on the card; if he will ensure that provision is made for the inclusion of basic medical data and emergency contact numbers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47951/12]
View answerIn line with the requirements of EU Directive 2006/126EC, Ireland will introduce a new plastic card licence on 19 January 2013. In the immediate term, it is intended to include a numerical code that will indicate preference for organ donation. There are no plans to include basic medical data and/or emergency contact numbers and this position has been agreed in consultation with the Department of Health and Children.
1215. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will request the chief executive officer of Iarnród Éireann to install a notice board beside the ticket office at a station (details supplied) in County Dublin informing commuters of the times the ticket office is opened and manned; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48019/12]
View answerThe issue raised is a matter for Iarnród Éireann and I have forwarded the Deputy's question to the company for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within ten working days.
1216. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport when he expects the introduction of the law with regard to the testing of the unconscious driver; the reason there has been a delay in introducing same; if he envisages this measures being included in the upcoming Road Traffic Bill; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48072/12]
View answerIn July 2011, I informed the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Environment, Transport, Culture and the Gaeltacht of my intention to provide for a number of road safety related measures, including testing of unconscious drivers following a collision where injury has occurred, in future road traffic legislation. The Committee expressed concerns that the taking of specimens of blood from unconscious drivers might raise constitutional issues and requested that advice be sought on the matter from the Office of the Attorney General (AGO).
My Department has sought that advice and is awaiting a response.
Provided the AGO indicates that it is appropriate to do so, I propose to provide for testing of unconscious drivers in the next Road Traffic Bill, which I hope to publish early in 2013.
1219. Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if a person with a previous conviction for a driving offence is disqualified from driving for Bus Éireann; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48094/12]
View answerThe issue raised is a matter for Bus Éireann and I have forwarded the Deputy's question to the company for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within ten working days.
1220. Deputy Tom Fleming asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will provide a sports capital grant for the provision of an allweather playing pitch with lights in respect of a club (details supplied) in County Kerry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48142/12]
View answer1227. Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will provide an update, and status report, on applications (details supplied) made under the 2012 sports capital grant programme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48241/12]
View answer1230. Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will provide an update and status report on applications (details supplied) in County Donegal made under the 2012 sports capital grant programme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48362/12]
View answer1232. Deputy Tom Fleming asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will provide a sports capital grant in respect of an organisation (details supplied) in County Kerry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48535/12]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 1220, 1227, 1230 and 1232 together.
My Department has received over 2,170 applications for funding under the 2012 Sports Capital Programme. This is the largest number of applications ever received under the Programme.
Departmental officials are processing all applications and this process will take some time due to the volume of applications received.
I expect to be able to announce the list of successful applicants later this year. All applicants will be informed of the outcome of their application at that stage.
1221. Deputy Marcella Corcoran Kennedy asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport when RTPs may expect to be notified of amalgamations; their budget for 2013; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48163/12]
View answerThe National Transport Authority are currently developing an Implementation Plan which will involve the restructuring of RTP Groups. I understand that consultation with the County and City Manager’s Association will take place as part of the process of developing this Plan. The Plan will be submitted to me for approval in the coming weeks. I will carefully consider the proposals submitted by the NTA and hope to be in a position to announce my decision on the matter before the end of this year.
Funding for 2013 will be determined in the coming weeks as part of the Estimates process with the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform.
1222. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the steps he will take to enhance and promote angling tourism; his plans to increase investment in this area; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48181/12]
View answerThe matter raised is an operational matter for Fáilte Ireland. I have referred the Deputy's Question to Fáilte Ireland for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within ten working days.
1223. Deputy Patrick O'Donovan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his views on the need for his Department to reinstate, partially or wholly, the local improvement scheme in order to remediate the damage caused to roads due to the inclement weather of this year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48214/12]
View answerThe Local Improvements Scheme provided funding for the maintenance and improvement of private roadways which are, in the first instance, a matter for the relevant landowner.
State grants available to supplement expenditure by local authorities on the maintenance of regional and local roads have been reduced significantly and there will be further cuts over the next few years. The scale of the cuts have necessitated that some grant programmes be curtailed or ended.
In making adjustments to the regional and local roads allocations the primary aim has been, as far as is possible, to protect previous investment in the road network and use the available funding to maintain and restore public roads, including those in rural areas. Given that priority, it was not possible this year to assist with any works on private roads.
The feasibility of providing funding to assist with maintenance of private roads will be reviewed in the context of the monies available under the 2013 grant allocations for regional and local roads. In the interim, it is open to local authorities to continue to operate the scheme or a similar scheme from their own resources.
