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Tuesday, 29 Jan 2013

Written Answers Nos. 737-756

Vaccination Programme

Questions (737)

Anne Ferris

Question:

737. Deputy Anne Ferris asked the Minister for Health when he intends to introduce the new Meningitis B vaccine into the childhood immunisation schedule; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4557/13]

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Written answers

The immunisation programme in Ireland is based on the advice of the National Immunisation Advisory Committee (NIAC). NIAC is a committee of the Royal College of Physicians of Ireland comprising of experts in a number of specialties including infectious diseases, paediatrics and public health. The committee's recommendations are informed by public health advice, international best practice and by the National Centre for Pharmacoeconomics (NCPE). A Health Technology Assessment which includes a cost benefit analysis is carried out prior to any new vaccine being considered. This has a vital role in ensuring that care technologies, including vaccines, are used in a manner appropriate to their ability to maximise health gain and achieve value for money. Should NIAC advice recommend the inclusion of a new vaccine into the primary childhood immunisation programme in Ireland, my Department, in association with the Health Service Executive's National Immunisation Office will examine the issue.

Road Traffic Legislation

Questions (738)

Michael Healy-Rae

Question:

738. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will introduce legislation to allow Gardaí to issue permits to persons living in rural isolated areas to allow them to drive home from their nearest pub after having two or three drinks on little used roads driving at very low speeds to be issued at the discretion of the local Garda; this would greatly benefit people living alone looking at four walls and restore some bit of social activity in local pubs and may also help prevent depression and suicide; and if he will consider introducing the proposed legislation. [4135/13]

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Written answers

Given the unprecedented progress in road safety in recent years, I find it difficult to respond to a proposal that would undermine so much of that achievement.  For the seventh year in a row, the number of people killed on Irish roads has dropped.  In 2012, the loss of life was the lowest ever recorded. The on-going effort to reduce the tragedy of road deaths is working but such change has come about by the contributions of every single road user.  It has been a long journey but most of our citizens now recognise that it is irresponsible to drink drive.

The current drink driving limits were introduced in October 2011.  They were not introduced on a whim or without any consideration of the issues involved.  A balance had to be stuck between the rights of the person and the rights of citizens to be kept safe.  The advice that I received was overwhelmingly in favour of reducing the drink driving limit to a lower, more moderate level for most drivers and an effective zero tolerance level for professional and novice drivers.  Even with these lower limits and changing attitudes, drink driving is still a primary cause of road collisions and the behaviour leads to many deaths and injuries as there is irrefutable evidence that any alcohol in the system can impair driving. 

However, I do understand and appreciate that isolation can certainly exacerbate existing mental health problems but for the State to encourage the consumption of alcohol as a remedy for complex health issues, would be irresponsible in the extreme. Indeed, alcohol is a factor in a large number of suicides.  Issues relating to the health of rural communities and the need to support enrichment in rural life require a multifaceted approach by Government.  I am willing to work closely with my colleagues to address such issues from within my portfolio as Minister of Transport, Tourism and Sport but I cannot support, in the best interests and safety of all our citizens, a backward and regressive step in attitudes towards, and laws relating to, drink driving.

Local Authority Funding

Questions (739)

Seán Fleming

Question:

739. Deputy Sean Fleming asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if an application for funding has been received from Laois County Council (details supplied); if he will approve such a request; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4343/13]

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Written answers

The improvement and maintenance of regional and local roads in its area, is a statutory function of each road authority in accordance with the provisions of section 13 of the Roads Act, 1993.  Works on such roads are a matter, for the relevant local authority to be funded from its own resources supplemented by State road grants.  The initial selection and prioritisation of works to be funded is also a matter for the local authority. In July last year, the National Roads Authority (NRA) on behalf of the Department issued a circular to all local authorities inviting applications for consideration for funding in 2013 under the Specific Improvement Grants Scheme.  Laois County Council submitted 11 projects for consideration for funding in 2013; however the road at Shanahoe Village was not included in the Councils submission. It is open to Laois County Council to fund these works from its Discretionary Grant or alternatively from its own resources.

Road Safety

Questions (740)

Thomas P. Broughan

Question:

740. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he has conducted an audit of speed limits in urban/residential areas across the country; the approximate cumulative total of roads with a 30km, 40km, 50km, 80km, 100km speed limit; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4527/13]

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Written answers

An audit of speed limits within its functional area is a matter for each local authority which I am informed is carried out at periodic intervals.  Under the Road Traffic Acts, varying default speed limits have been set for general classes of roads. However, the power to decide the speed limit applying to individual roads within an area rests with the relevant road authority, i.e. City Council, County Council or County Borough Corporation, in consultation with the Garda Commissioner, and with the consent of the National Roads Authority in the case of national roads. Under Section 9 of the Road Traffic Act, 1994, the relevant road authority may make bye-laws in respect of the application of certain speed limits to specified public roads in their administrative areas. Road safety is a major consideration in the application of speed limits and enforcement is a matter for the Garda Síochána.

My Department issued Guidelines for the Application of Special Speed Limits in January 2011 to all local authorities and the onus is on them to take those Guidelines into account in relation to special speed limits to be set for all roads in their area of responsibility. The purpose of these guidelines is to provide advice and guidance in relation to the making of speed limit bye-laws by county and city councils for the purpose of applying special speed limits. After taking the guidelines into account it is considered best practice for local authority officials to advise the elected members of their respective councils on what a suitable speed limit regime should be for different roads in their areas of responsibility. For new roads the local authority will have the relevant information on the speed for which the road was designed. Thus, the detailed information which the Deputy has requested is maintained by each local authority and is not collated by my Department.

Appointments to State Boards

Questions (741)

Michael McGrath

Question:

741. Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will confirm the current composition of the board of the Port of Cork; if he will provide the date of appointment of each board member as well as the expiration date of their membership; and if he will confirm the board vacancies, if any, which remain to be filled. [3736/13]

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Written answers

The only existing vacancy on the board of Port of Cork Company is that of Chairperson. With the consent of the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform, I intend to nominate a Chairperson designate to this position in the near future. The Chairperson designate will be required to appear before the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Transport and Communications to outline their suitability for the post and subsequent to their appearance, I will appoint them to the position. The table below provides the additional information requested by the Deputy.

Port of Cork Company

Name

Category of Director

Date of Appointment

Expiration Date

Vacant

Ministerial (Chair)

 

30.09.2012

Noel Cregan

Ministerial

24.07.2012

23.07.2015

Brian Cantwell

Ministerial

05.12.2012

04.12.2016

Paul Mulvihill

Ministerial

05.12.2012

04.12.2016

Helen Boyle

Ministerial

05.12.2012

04.12.2017

Dominic McEvoy

Ministerial

05.12.2012

04.12.2017

David Doolan

Employee (Elected)

02.10.2012

01.10.2017

Brendan Keating

CEO Ex-Officio

 

 

In appointing members to this board I was keen to ensure that there was an appropriate mix of skills and experience and I believe that this has been achieved. In particular, I placed importance on having board members with legal, accountancy and maritime skills.  I was concerned that the terms of Ministerially nominated members of the outgoing board all expired during the course of 2012. As the Deputy will agree, this is unsatisfactory from a corporate governance perspective. Therefore I have sought to stagger the terms of the current board to ensure that, if necessary, there can be a regular turnover of board members.

Taxi Regulations

Questions (742)

Brian Walsh

Question:

742. Deputy Brian Walsh asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the position regarding an application for taxi suitability in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Galway; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3792/13]

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Written answers

The regulation of the small public service vehicle (SPSV) industry, including issues relating to suitability tests, is a matter for the National Transport Authority (NTA) under the Taxi Regulation Act, 2003. I have referred your question to the NTA for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a response within 10 working days. 

Swimming Pool Projects

Questions (743)

Michael McCarthy

Question:

743. Deputy Michael McCarthy asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will provide an update on plans to extend and or refurbish Dunmanway swimming pool, County Cork; the stage the project is currently at; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3848/13]

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Written answers

Under the Local Authority Swimming Pool Programme 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.  The local authority is currently at contract document stage of their project and the Department is expecting receipt of this documentation shortly.

Sports Capital Programme Applications

Questions (744)

Eric J. Byrne

Question:

744. Deputy Eric Byrne asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will outline the grants available for community boxing clubs; the way a person may apply for them; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3859/13]

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Written answers

The allocations under the 2012 Sports Capital Programme were announced last December.  The 2012 Sports Capital Programme is now closed and there are no more grants available at this time. It may be possible for the club to raise funds via the ‘Tax Relief for Donations to Certain Sports Bodies’ scheme (section 847A of the Taxes Consolidation Act, 1997). This is a Revenue operated scheme which offers tax benefits to individuals or companies who make donations to the club.  Further details on this scheme and how it operates can be found on the Revenue Commissioners website.

Driver Licences

Questions (745)

Dara Calleary

Question:

745. Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will explain the rationale behind his decision to centralise the taking of driving licence photographs from September 2013; if his attention has been drawn to the fact that pharmacies and other retailers are already supplying photographs to the biometric standard for many years; if he will explain the tendering process used by the Road Safety Authority before awarding the contact; if he will reconsider this decision in view of the many jobs that it places at risk existing businesses that supply these photographs; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3903/13]

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Written answers

There is a very sound rationale for centralising driver licensing, on grounds of efficiency and effectiveness of service as well as improved security.  Legislation passed last year provided for the Road Safety Authority (RSA) to be the national driver licensing authority. I have received some correspondence on the issues referred to by the Deputy.  Contrary to the premise of the question, there was no decision taken by my Department regarding the capture of photographs for licence purposes under the new system.  The RSA is in charge of the new system, and was responsible both for designing the new system and for running the tender process for outsourced elements of that system. 

The new system involves three outsourced elements, a card production facility, a front office for engaging with the customer, and a back office to process applications.  All three are to be overseen by a ‘centre of excellence’ based in the RSA itself.   The card licence is standardised across the European Union and therefore there must be consistency in the quality and standard of information used.  The photograph will be digital and will not be stuck on to the card in the way it is to the current paper licence.  The capture of the photograph is included in the fee for the licence.  As the system develops, the SAFE2 ID standard will be implemented, at which point the only option will be the digital photo taken at the Front Office Network. In addition the new system will be convenient for customers as they will only have to pay one fee and make one trip to get their licence and photograph.

Library Projects

Questions (746)

Michelle Mulherin

Question:

746. Deputy Michelle Mulherin asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the total amount of Exchequer funding approved for the development of a library (details supplied) in County Mayo by his Department or agencies of his Department; the date on which the various tranches of payments will be made; when he expects the final payment to be made; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3956/13]

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Written answers

The issue raised is an operational matter for Fáilte Ireland.  Accordingly, I have referred the Deputy's question to Fáilte Ireland for direct reply.  Please contact my private office if a reply is not received within ten working days.

Rail Services

Questions (747)

Seán Kenny

Question:

747. Deputy Seán Kenny asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport when the last performance review of Iarnród Éireann was undertaken; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4024/13]

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Written answers

The National Transport Authority has entered into a Public Service Obligation Contract with Iarnród Éireann for the provision of rail passenger services in Ireland. The NTA reviews Iarnród Éireann’s performance in this regard and publishes quarterly performance reports, which are available on the NTA's website. I have forwarded the Deputy's question to the NTA for direct reply.  Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within ten working days.

Bus Éireann Services

Questions (748)

Seán Kenny

Question:

748. Deputy Seán Kenny asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the reason that Dublin Airport Authority charge Bus Éireann for picking up fares at Dublin Airport; if the DAA charge Dublin Bus for picking up fares at the airport; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4025/13]

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Written answers

The matter raised by the Deputy falls within the operational responsibilities of Dublin Airport Authority and I have referred the question to the company for direct reply.  I would ask the Deputy to contact my office if a reply has not been received within ten working days.

Taxi Regulations

Questions (749)

Dara Calleary

Question:

749. Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport when he expects to launch the new rural taxi low fee, €100, licence; his views that such a licence is needed in rural areas; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4183/13]

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Written answers

The NTA is the lead agency with responsibility for implementation of the recommendations of the Taxi Regulation Review Report 2011, including implementation of Action 46 of the Report, which proposes a local area hackney licence. The aim of the proposed local area hackney licence is to facilitate the low cost entry to the hackney market for transport provision in rural areas that, otherwise, would be unlikely to have such services. This proposal was identified in the Review Report as a medium-term measure, whereby due to the the nature, complexity or other requirements of the proposal, implementation would not be possible in 2012. I understand that the NTA is considering the best approach to this issue

Sporting Events

Questions (750)

Gerry Adams

Question:

750. Deputy Gerry Adams asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he or his Department or bodies under his auspices have held any discussions with Giro d'Italia organisers, RCS Sports, about the possibility of the Giro d'Italia starting here in 2014; if he has held any discussions or contacts with his northern counterpart in relation to this matter; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4242/13]

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Written answers

In line with the Programme for Government, I am generally supportive of the efforts of the State Tourism Agencies and the National Governing Bodies of Sport to attract international sporting events to Ireland where there is a clear tourism benefit. The financial support of such events is an operational matter for Fáilte Ireland and is subject to available resources and a proper assessment of the costs/benefits involved. I can confirm that I and officials of my Department as well as Fáilte Ireland have had contacts with promoters of the Giro D'Italia 2014 event. While I have not had discussions or contacts with Arlene Foster, MLA,  Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment in the Northern Ireland Executive on the matter, officials of my Department have had contact with officials from the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Investment. As I outlined above, it is for Fáilte Ireland to assess the value of the event in tourism terms and to determine the level of State financial support, if any, for the staging of the event here.

Tourist Accommodation

Questions (751)

Michael Healy-Rae

Question:

751. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his views on correspondence (details supplied) regarding accommodation websites; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4254/13]

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Written answers

I have noted again the concerns expressed regarding the use of booking engines. I understand that over 62% of all international travel reservations are made using the internet and that is why Fáilte Ireland has a suite of supports available to accommodation providers to assist them in using the internet.  The purpose of these supports, which are very popular with accommodation providers, is to allow them to take maximum advantage of the market exposure afforded by the internet to drive business, including through their own websites and through social media.

The decision to use any particular booking engine or online travel agent is a commercial choice for the accommodation provider.  In this regard, accommodation providers need to take into account the commission rates on rooms sold and the market exposure and flow of business that a particular booking engine/online travel agent may deliver as against the cost of promoting their business directly. Fáilte Ireland does not promote any particular engine and merely provides the tools for businesses to make their own informed marketing and booking choice. The provision of business supports to individual businesses is an operational matter for Fáilte Ireland and I have asked the agency to reply directly to the Deputy in regard to the specific circumstances outlined. If you do not receive a reply within ten working days please contact my private office.

Public Service Reform Plan Update

Questions (752)

Patrick O'Donovan

Question:

752. Deputy Patrick O'Donovan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport with reference to the public service reform document published by the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform on 17 November 2011, Appendix IIa, Bodies to be rationalised, Amalgamated or Abolished in 2012, the progress that has been made on those bodies; the changes that require legislation; the expected timeframe for conclusion; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4294/13]

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Written answers

I refer the Deputy to the answer to Dáil question number 1133 of the 16th January 2013 which sets out the position in relation to the rationalisation of State Agencies under the aegis of my Department.

Road Safety

Questions (753)

Thomas P. Broughan

Question:

753. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he is reviewing the current level of speed limits on Irish primary and non-national roads; his views on whether there should be a review of the speed limits in residential estates; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4528/13]

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Written answers

In 2012, I announced that a review of speed limits would be undertaken and to that end, my Department established a stakeholder group to progress this work. The Automobile Association, An Garda Síochána, the Road Safety Authority, the National Roads Authority, representatives of local authorities and the National Transport Authority accepted my invitation to participate in the Working Group, which has met on a number of occasions since its formation.

As the Deputy will appreciate, this is a very complex issue which requires detailed consideration as it involves a broad review of general speed limits, along with the specific limits in place on certain roads. I anticipate that the Group will report to me shortly, and I will give careful consideration to any recommendations contained in their Report. Section 9 of the Road Traffic Act, 2004, allows road authorities to make bye-laws which allow the application of special speed limits on public roads within in their administrative areas. To assist in setting special speed limits, my Department issued Guidelines for the Application of Special Speed Limits to all local authorities in January 2011 and the onus is on local authorities to take them into account in relation to any special speed limits which they set.

Public Transport Issues

Questions (754)

Kevin Humphreys

Question:

754. Deputy Kevin Humphreys asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will intervene to satisfactorily resolve the situation in respect of a person (details supplied); the reason Irish Rail is fining persons who use the Leap Card for not having a valid fare on the Dart when the station they are meant to tag on at does not have an operational tag-on system nor a member of staff present to assist; the efforts being made to resolve this issue; the reason Irish Rail are declining to engage with customers on the facts of an appeal; if this is now the policy of a company that has recently required a public bailout; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4531/13]

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Written answers

The issue raised is an operational matter for Iarnród Éireann.  I have referred the Deputy's question to the company for direct reply.  Please inform my private office if you have not received a reply within ten working days.

Rail Network

Questions (755)

Brendan Ryan

Question:

755. Deputy Brendan Ryan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if funding has been allocated in 2013 to automatic the railway gates at a location (details supplied) in County Tipperary; if so, when will the upgrade take place; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4547/13]

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Written answers

Matters relating to upgrading works at individual level crossings on the rail network are operational day to day matters for Iarnród Éireann. Therefore,  I have referred the Deputy's question to the company for direct reply.  Please inform my private office if you do not receive a reply.

Fuel Rebate Scheme

Questions (756)

Sandra McLellan

Question:

756. Deputy Sandra McLellan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport further to Parliamentary Question No. 90 of 16 January 2013, if his attention has been drawn to the fact that coach and bus operators were in receipt of a rebate on diesel which was stopped with the promise of being re-introduced in a different format; his plans to re-introduce it in a different format; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4555/13]

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Written answers

Ultimately this is a matter for the Minister for Finance. The 2003 EU Energy Tax Directive incorporated special derogations which allowed specific excise duty reliefs to be applied in a number of Member States below the EU minimum duty rate.  In the case of public transport services, these derogations included reduced rates to apply to fuel used for scheduled bus services. While these derogations expired on 31 December 2006, Ireland, along with other Member States, sought retention of its derogations beyond that date.  However the European Commission refused all such requests.  The Finance Act 2008 provided the basis for the removal of these excise duty reliefs with effect from 1 November 2008.

At that time, I understand some consideration was given to alternative support mechanisms that could be appropriate and could be done in a manner compatible with EU State Aid and other legal requirements.  However, introducing an alternative suitable mechanism was not considered possible in the economic circumstances at that time. I understand the Minister for Finance has received a number of submissions from, and on behalf of, private coach operators seeking to have the auto-diesel excise duty relief for licensed road hauliers that was announced in the Budget extended to them. He has indicated that he will consider these proposals and the level of the rebate in the context of the Finance Bill.

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