Written Answers Nos. 750-763
750. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Health the present gender balance of the total members of State boards under the aegis of his Department; if the ratio has changed significantly over the course of the present Government's term; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36791/13]
View answerThe Government decision S21590E of March, 1995 regarding the appointment of women to State Bodies states that there is a requirement for a minimum of 40% of both men and women appointed as Ministerial representatives to all State Bodies. Although the overall current membership of State boards under the aegis of my Department is well balanced, with 56% of the membership being male and 44% female, some individual boards do not yet have a balance of 40% of each gender. These figures have remained largely unchanged over the last five years. In so far as possible when making appointments to such boards, I will endeavour to ensure an appropriate balance between men and women.
751. Deputy Andrew Doyle asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will provide an update on the maritime labour convention package, now that the Irish EU Presidency has concluded; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36177/13]
View answerThe Maritime Labour Convention 2006 of the International Labour Organisation (ILO) is applicable to international shipping worldwide. It aims to achieve decent working and living conditions on board ships for all seafarers, regardless of their nationality or the flag of the ship, and to secure fair competition for quality shipowners. The Convention will enter into force on 20 August 2013 for those 30 countries that have already ratified it, and it will enter into force for Ireland 12 months after we ratify.
Ireland supports the Convention, and my Department is working with the Office of the Parliamentary Counsel on the drafting of a suite of Regulations to enable Ireland to ratify.
A number of EU Directives are also relevant to the Convention, including Council Directive 2009/13/EC which implements the Social Agreement made, in 2008, between European management and labour representatives on the Maritime Labour Convention 2006. The Irish Presidency brokered two first reading agreements with the European Parliament on two proposals relating to Flag State and Port State seeking to ensure the enforcement of the MLC within the EU.
The Flag State Directive lays down the principles to monitor the application of the relevant parts of the Convention, obliging flag States to establish mechanisms for inspection and to ensure the compliance of their ships with the Social Agreement set out in Directive 2009/13/EC. The Port State Control Directive amends a previous 2009 Directive in order to integrate the Convention requirements related to port State control into EU legislation.
752. Deputy Andrew Doyle asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will provide an update on the marine equipment directive and agreement on recreational craft that were achieved during the Irish EU Presidency; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36181/13]
View answerUnder the Irish Presidency, Transport Ministers at their meeting on 10 June agreed a General Approach on the proposals from the European Commission to amend the Directive on Marine Equipment (96/98/EC). The Transport and Tourism Committee of the European Parliament also examined the proposals, with the Committee’s rapporteur on the issue reporting his findings on 29 May 2013. The next step is negotiations between the Parliament and the Council, with a view to adopting a Directive before the end of this year.
The main element of the agreed General Approach is to introduce a framework of Implementing Acts to replace the current system of annual amendments to an annex of the Directive on approved equipment.On the Recreational Craft Directive (94/25/EC), the Irish Presidency achieved a First Reading Agreement with the European Parliament, subject to formal approval at their Plenary session in September/October 2013. The proposed amendments to this Directive include providing standard obligations for a number of products in matters such as the competencies of conformity assessment bodies and market surveillance authorities, the obligations of economic operators and the rules on CE marking (i.e. the marking which is a manufacturer's declaration that their product meets the requirements of any applicable EC directives). It is expected that the revised Directive will be agreed by the end of this year.
753. Deputy Andrew Doyle asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will provide an update on Ireland's contribution to the council conclusions supporting the launch by the Commission of a European innovation partnership entitled "Smart Cities and Communities" during the Irish EU Presidency; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36228/13]
View answerThis EU initiative was discussed by the Intermodal Council Working Party, chaired by an official from my Department, and subsequently by the Committee of Permanent Representatives. The conclusions were adopted by the Environment Council of 21st March 2013.
The Council conclusions welcomed this initiative and endorsed the Commission’s proposal to launch the Smart Cities EIP in the first half of 2013. It recalled the common principles regarding the governance of EIPs, in particular transparency, participation of Member States and avoiding duplication in line with the conclusions on European Innovation Partnerships adopted by the Competitiveness Council in May 2012 and in November 2010.
The Commission was invited to report to the Council by the end of 2013 on progress achieved in the Smart Cities EIP.
754. Deputy Andrew Doyle asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if in view of the recent visit to the Wicklow Mountains National Park by the First Lady of the United States of America, Michelle Obama and the First Family, if he intends to commission a working group or some other similar arrangement with officials in his Department, and the Office of Public Works, to develop a full cultural tourism plan for the Glendalough area and the Wicklow Mountains National Park in view of its exposure on both the national and international stage on foot of this recent high profile visit; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36489/13]
View answerThe matter raised is an operational matter for Fáilte Ireland. I have referred the question to the agency for further information and reply, however I understand that Fáilte Ireland has recently written to the Deputy in response to a previous question on this topic.
755. Deputy Áine Collins asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if his attention has been drawn to the fact that the UK-Northern Ireland will be introducing a time-based road user charge in April 2014 to be paid by all HGVs weighing 12 tonnes or more when using the UK-Northern Ireland road network, irrespective of the vehicle's country of registration; his views on the adverse competitive impact this will have on Irish hauliers exporting to our main trading partner; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35979/13]
View answer756. Deputy Áine Collins asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will prioritise the issue of commercial vehicle road tax for HGVs in view of the negative impact it is having on employment within the sector due to the three month minimum period to tax a vehicle; if he will give consideration to introducing a pay-as-you-go road user charge for HGVs as is the case in numerous member states; if his attention has been drawn to the fact that introducing such a system would allow Government to charge out-of-State commercial vehicles when utilising the road network here, a source of revenue which is not currently availed of; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35980/13]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 755 and 756 together.
I am aware of this measure, and in particular of the HGV Road User Levy Bill. It is a matter for any State to introduce road use charges if it wishes, and this is an important option in relation to funding of roads infrastructure, which can benefit both national and international users of the roads in question.
I have been in contact with my counterpart in the United Kingdom, both in response to the initial public consultation and more recently, to point out that the contribution made to date by the Irish Government towards roads infrastructure costs in the United Kingdom (namely in relation to the A5 in Northern Ireland) should be taken into account and some provision therefore be made in relation use of roads by Irish-registered HGVs. The UK Minister has recently responded, indicating a willingness to consider certain specified roads in Northern Ireland.
There are no plans at present to introduce a similar pay-as-you-go road user charge for HGVs in Ireland. Such a decision would have cross Governmental implications and could only be taken after an extensive consideration. However, the National Roads Authority has carried out preliminary work on the issue of HGV road charging detailing the options available given that there are a number of European Directives in this area; the international experience and trends on road user charging; and the issues that will need to be considered in an Irish context. I recently received this report and am currently considering it and the appropriate follow up actions to be taken if it is decided there is merit in this proposal.
757. Deputy Andrew Doyle asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will detail all jurisdictions, at both national and provincial level where Ireland has a reciprocal relationship for the exchange of driving licences, in both an Irish bilateral context, and within the umbrella of EU law; the date on which each agreement came into effect; if he will provide an update on current negotiations; if he is looking at further jurisdictions where this could be expanded; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36069/13]
View answerUnder EU legislation we have mutual recognition arrangements for driver licence exchange with our fellow Member States. The first EU driver licensing Directive was Directive 80/1263. This and subsequent Directives provide for recognition of EU licences. The identities of the Member States are a matter of public record, as are the dates of accessions of States joining the EU since 1980.
As part of the EU framework we also recognise licences from the following European Economic Area States: Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, and we recognise licences from the Gibraltar as a British Overseas Territory.
Ireland does not have bilateral arrangements with provinces or other non-state entities. We have recognition arrangements with the following States, entered into in the following years:
- Japan 1990
- Australia 1993
- Isle of Man 1993
- Jersey 1993
- Switzerland 1993
- South Africa 1994
- South Korea 1999
- Guernsey 2007
- New Zealand 2010
- Taiwan 2010.
I outlined the current status of negotiations with Canadian provinces in my reply to Question 1172 of 16 July 2013. There are no other such negotiations currently in progress.
I would be happy to consider exploring further possible exchange arrangements where appropriate. At present there are discussions under way at EU level on the preparation of guidelines for mutual recognition with non-EU States, and I do not propose to consider any further arrangements until these guidelines have been agreed.
758. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he is preparing his Department to adapt to and make maximum use of next generation technologies in information and communications to better enhance the interaction of his Department with the citizen and the internal functioning of his Department; if he intends to conduct a risk analysis in respect of same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36111/13]
View answerMy Department keeps abreast of technical developments in Information and Communications Technology (ICT) and, where appropriate, aims to use these developments to satisfy the needs of both the internal and external customers of the Department. My Department understands the potential of ICT, and fully embraces suitable technologies to enhance the interaction with external customers and to provide efficiencies within my Department.
A standard element of any evaluation of technology within the Department is to carry out a risk analysis of that technology prior to a decision on deployment.
759. Deputy Andrew Doyle asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport regarding the legal regulations surrounding microlight aircraft and their flying patterns, if the use of such aircraft registered with the Irish Aviation Authority are permitted to fly low over densely populated residential areas; the lowest flying level permitted when not on approach for landing; if particular microlight aircraft are able to land in private lands or if they must take-off and land from fully licensed airports, airfields and aerodromes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36142/13]
View answerThe issue raised by the Deputy, the safety oversight of microlight aircraft operations, is a matter for the Irish Aviation Authority, an Agency under the remit of my Department. I have referred the Deputy's question to them for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within ten working days.
760. Deputy Andrew Doyle asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will provide an update on the general approach on rail interoperability and the plan to harmonise infrastructures on platform heights, tracks and widths and signalling systems during the Irish EU Presidency; if he will detail Ireland's engagement on this fourth railway package; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36182/13]
View answerAt the Transport, Telecommunications and Energy Council meeting held on the 10th of June 2013 a common approach was reached on the proposal for a Directive on the interoperability of the rail system within the European Union. The main element of the proposed Directive, as agreed, is a revised process for the placing on the market and the placing in service of rolling stock and other subsystems. Under the Directive the European Railway Agency (ERA) will have a more central role in this process where rolling stock is to be used in more than one Member State. The Directive does not provide for the harmonisation of platform heights, track gauge or signalling systems.
My Department has initiated a consultation process on the six proposals contained in the 4th Railway Package. Details of the consultation can be accessed on my Department's website www.dttas.ie.
761. Deputy Andrew Doyle asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will provide an update on occurrence reporting in civil aviation and its progress during the Irish EU Presidency; the implications of this for Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36183/13]
View answerIn December 2012 the Commission published a new proposal on occurrence reporting. The aim of the proposal is to contribute to the reduction of the number of aircraft accidents and related fatalities, using civil aviation occurrences for correcting safety deficiencies and prevent them from reoccurring. Extensive discussions on this dossier were held at the Aviation Working Group of the European Council, Chaired by the Irish Presidency. A separate group of experts was established to consider the technical annexes to the proposal.
At the June Transport Council a General Approach was reached on this proposal. However, further work was required in relation to the technical annexes and considering the importance of the annexes to the Regulation, a decision was taken to adopt these as Commission implementing acts, allowing further involvement of Member States experts. The Lithuanian Presidency will now enter into negotiations with the European Parliament on this proposal.
In terms of the implications of this proposal on the Irish aviation industry, this proposal is updating and enhancing an existing Directive on occurrence reporting, the Irish Aviation Authority (IAA) is the competent authority in the State for the purposes of implementing this Directive. The IAA have already established both a mandatory and a voluntary occurrence reporting system, the new proposal will extend the reporting requirements to the wider aviation community.
762. Deputy Andrew Doyle asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will provide an update on global navigation satellite systems and the agreement on Galileo during the Irish EU Presidency; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36184/13]
View answerThe Galileo project is a global navigation satellite system currently being built by the EU. Its main aim is to provide a European satellite navigation system upon which European States can rely (free of charge) and independently of other global satellite systems. It is envisaged that the Galileo system will be fully operational by 2020. The Irish Presidency held successful and productive engagements with both the European Parliament and the European Council on the proposal for a Regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council on the implementation and exploitation of European satellite navigation systems (Galileo and EGNOS). A number of largely procedural steps still remain to be finalised, principally concerned with the formal adoption of the Multi-annual Financial Framework. I understand that the completion of these steps is imminent and that the Regulation governing this important project will likely be formally adopted before the end of this month.
763. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport in view of the recent changes to bus and train services and the explanation provided by his Department that one service will facilitate the other, if he will consider bringing in a flexible ticket that will allow persons to use both services; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36197/13]
View answerIn accordance with the Public Transport Regulation Act 2009 the National Transport Authority (NTA) has national responsibility in the areas of passenger bus route licensing and bus and rail services.
The NTA is also overseeing the development of the Leap card Integrated Ticketing System which was launched in the Greater Dublin Area (GDA) on 12th December 2011. I have therefore 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. However, I should advise that the Leap card can be used on the services of Dublin Bus, Luas and Irish Rail DART/Commuter Rail. The Leap card was also recently launched on Bus Éireann’s Ashbourne services as well as the services of private bus operator Wexford Bus. Further private operators will join over the coming months.
