Written Answers Nos. 128-146
129. Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if his attention has been drawn to the recommendations relating to transport contained in the Oireachtas committee report on reviving the economy of the south east and his plans to incorporate these recommendations into his work; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40913/13]
View answerI have recently received the Joint Committee on Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation’s report entitled 'South East Economic Development Strategy (SEEDS) 2013 -2023''. When I, my Department and its agencies have had time to properly consider the Report in full, I will provide a reasoned response to the Committee in response to each of the recommendations directed under my remit.
130. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will explore the viability and potential benefits of following the example of Killenard, County Laois, where speed ramps are in place throughout the village within the 50km/h zones; his views on whether this should be standard in all villages and towns or at least those on busy roads with a lot of through traffic; if he will encourage local authorities to do this; if the speed limit review group will consider this; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40440/13]
View answerWhile my Department is responsible for general legislation in regard to traffic matters and would be supportive of any initiatives designed to improve road safety, it has no direct role in relation to the installation of traffic and speed calming measures, which are matters for the relevant road authority. I anticipate that the Speed Limit Review Group will report to me shortly and I will give careful consideration to any recommendations contained in their Report. However, it would be premature for me to speculate on the likely recommendations.
131. Deputy Joe McHugh asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will provide an update on his engagement at the North-South Ministerial Council in respect of the A5 carriageway; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40438/13]
View answerThe A5 project was discussed at the last NSMC Transport Sectoral meeting in April this year and will be discussed at the next meeting scheduled for November this year. In the interim officials from my Department attended a meeting of the Cross Border Road Projects Steering Group on the 2nd September 2013. At that meeting the Northern Ireland officials indicated that work on a revised environmental assessment for the project was progressing.
132. Deputy Billy Timmins asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will review the data that will be contained on the new driving licence; 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. [40881/13]
View answerEU Directive 126/2006 required Member States to introduce a Plastic Card Licence System commencing in January 2013. Under the EU Directive, the information to be contained on the face of the new form of licence is uniform across Member States and there is little leeway to add further information as the available space on the card is very small. In Ireland, we decided to use this available space to continue to allow a licence holder indicate their wish to be considered as an organ donor, a feature which was available on the old paper licence. The Road Safety Authority, as the driver licensing authority, is, at present, examining the possibility of including a microchip on the new licence. The Authority is considering the information that might be included on the microchip should it proceed in this way.
133. Deputy Terence Flanagan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the steps he is taking to support tourism in the regions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40883/13]
View answerI am satisfied that the tourism agencies are taking the necessary steps to support the sector at regional and national level. The most recent CSO figures for January to August showed a 6.5% increase in trips to Ireland compared to the same period in 2012 whereas the overseas revenue figures (excluding access fares) for the first three months of 2013 rose by 12% over the same period in 2012 to €541 million.
While a regional breakdown of these figures is not available, I am satisfied that the initiatives being taken by this Government are impacting positively on tourism in all of Ireland’s regions. These initiatives include reductions in VAT and employers’ PRSI and the Visa Waiver programme. This year, the Government also extended the Employment and Incentive Investment Scheme to include tourism accommodation and introduced a diesel fuel rebate which benefited coach operators.
The Government is providing almost €140m to support tourism in 2013 through activities including overseas and domestic marketing, investment in festivals and events and vital business supports to develop tourism across Ireland in both rural and urban areas. In addition the Gathering has been responsible for the holding of gatherings and similar events up and down the country. Fáilte Ireland has also funded a range of capital projects throughout the regions including the Sliabh Liag cliffs project in Donegal, the redevelopment of King John’s Castle in Limerick, the Lee Valley Eco-Park in Tralee and the Viking Triangle in Waterford. Work on the development of the Wild Atlantic Way route is progressing. The route, when fully developed, will provide a compelling reason for visitors to spend their holiday along the Western seaboard stretching from Cork to Donegal.
134. Deputy Joe McHugh asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his views regarding developing a cross-Border greenway; his plans for greenway developments; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40439/13]
View answerBoth myself and my Department are fully supportive of the development of greenways particularly projects that enhance co-operation and exchange between North and South. Such projects provide exciting opportunities for authorities and communities on both sides of the border to collaborate and align common objectives. It is well recognised that the provision of cycling infrastructure has the potential to attract significant benefits to local economies through tourism related opportunities as well as providing a recreational amenity for the communities concerned.
My Department is currently administering a multi annual funding programme related to the development of the National Cycle Network (NCN) to cover the period 2012 to 2016. Significant investment has already been made in 2012 and 2013 with €7 million allocated to 16 projects across Ireland. As the current phase of the programme will expire at the end of 2013, a new funding call was announced in August which will provide €6.5 million under a second round of funding associated with the NCN Programme for the remainder of the years to 2016. My Department has advised that priority will be given to those projects which are off road and have the potential to be world class trip attractors in their own right.
In relation to cross border projects, it would be a matter for interested parties on both sides of the border to work together to develop proposals. Local authorities in the border region can progress and submit, if funding is required, a proposal to this Department for consideration under the NCN Programme. My officials would be very supportive of greenway and sustainable transport projects that were also exploring potential co-funding opportunities under the INTERREG programme. I am hopeful that such cross border collaboration will allow for the continued development of greenways in the region.
137. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the statutory and regulatory framework for the operation of clamping vehicles in cities. [40616/13]
View answerSection 101B of the Road Traffic Act, 1961, as inserted by Section 9 of the Dublin Transport. Authority (Dissolution) Act, 1987 provides for the clamping and/or towing of vehicles by local authorities or their agents on public roads or local authority car parks. The Road Traffic (Traffic and Parking) (Amendment) Regulations, 1998 provide that the prohibition on the stopping or parking of a vehicle imposed by those Regulations shall not apply to a vehicle being used for the purpose of facilitating the immobilisation of a vehicle or the removal of an immobilisation device from a vehicle, pursuant to section 101B of the Principal Act.
There is currently no regulation of clamping companies nor of the activity of clamping on private land and vehicles engaged in such activity do not enjoy any similar protection from traffic and parking. In line with the commitment contained in the Programme for Government to "legislate to regulate the vehicle clamping industry" , the Government, in March 2013, approved the Heads of a Regulation of Vehicle Immobilisation Bill. This followed an extensive consultation with the then Joint Oireachtas Committee for Environment, Transport, Culture and the Gaeltacht.
Under the principal provisions of the Bill, the National Transport Authority will ensure the provision of adequate advisory signage in locations where clamping is in operation, set maximum clamp release periods and fees, and establish an independent appeals process. The Bill is currently being drafted in the Office of the Parliamentary Counsel and I hope to publish it and introduce it in the Oireachtas at an early date.
140. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he intends to respond to the requests of a Dún Laoghaire Harbour Company employee (details supplied) who has written to him requesting a determination on their contract of employment; if he intends to give such a determination to the person and three other harbour company employees who are seeking similar determinations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40886/13]
View answerI am aware that the individual is in dispute with their employer and sought to invoke section 39(3) of the Harbours Act 1996. As I indicated in a letter to the individual dated 12 June 2013, valid disputes under section 39(3) of the Harbours Act are a matter for determination by 'the Minister for Finance after consultation with the Minister'. I understand that the role of the Minister for Finance is now performed by the Minister for Public Expenditure. Therefore any determination under section 39(3) can only be issued by the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform. I have been informed that a letter has issued in recent days from the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform in response to the individual's request. I am not aware of any other individuals seeking similar determinations as you have described.
141. Deputy Peter Mathews asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the total cost of The Gathering to date. [40880/13]
View answerIn the course of the annual expenditure estimates, Fáilte Ireland was allocated a provision of €5m in 2012 to fund the preparation of the Gathering and a further €7m in 2013 for the operation of the initiative. With regard to the total costs incurred to date, this matter raised is an operational matter for Fáilte Ireland, and I have referred the Deputy's question to Fáilte Ireland for direct reply. Please contact my private office if a response is not received within ten working days.
142. Deputy Andrew Doyle asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if his attention has been drawn to the fact that no current direct flight exists between Ireland and the Silicon Valley or San Francisco areas in California; if he believes such a direct air link would provide an employment boost to the Irish economy in terms of foreign direct investment given that Silicon Valley is a central hub for worldwide technology companies; the discussions he and his departmental officials have held with multinational employers or airlines on this matter in the past two years; if he believes such a route would be hugely beneficial for Ireland given the pre-clearance for US customs and immigration at Dublin Airport; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33283/13]
View answerThe answer to this question has not changed since the Deputy asked the same question of me on 4 July last. Improving Ireland's international connectivity is a key aspect of national aviation policy and this policy is promoted in all contacts I and my Department have with the aviation industry. The Ireland-US air services market is fully liberalised and decisions regarding new services are a commercial matter for the airlines. Four US airlines and Aer Lingus already provide a wide range routes between the two countries, and the market is open to all other US and European airlines.
On 3 July Aer Lingus announced that it will commence direct services from Dublin to San Francisco in early 2014. A direct air service to the West Coast of the US is identified as a key action point in the Government's Action Plan for Jobs and I welcome the fact that this need is being fulfilled. The importance of this route is demonstrated by the fact that over 40% of Ireland's total foreign direct investment comes from Silicon Valley alone. This new service provided by Aer Lingus will help to sustain this investment and help attract further investment in the future.
145. Deputy Pádraig Mac Lochlainn asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if consideration has been given to Ireland hosting the Homeless Football World Cup; the supports that are currently being given to the Irish Homeless World Cup team; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40901/13]
View answerThe normal procedure for the hosting of international sporting events is that the Irish affiliate of the relevant governing body will bid to host the event in question in Ireland. In this case, it would be a matter for the FAI to decide if it wishes to make a bid to host the Homeless World Cup in Ireland. If the FAI decides to make a bid, my Department will be pleased to provide assistance in the preparation of such a bid.
The Irish Sports Council, which is funded by my Department, is the statutory body with responsibility for the allocation of current expenditure funding for sports organisations. The Council channels its funding for football through the FAI. The homeless street leagues are affiliated to the FAI and have been an important programme for the FAI in light of the good work they do on social inclusion in a number of cities and towns around the country. The FAI has been providing financial support for the leagues through its Football for All programme since 2006. I am informed by the Irish Sports Council that the FAI is providing funding of €14,000 to the Street Leagues in 2013. The FAI also provides other non-financial supports for the World Cup, such as team kit and staff.
146. Deputy Jonathan O'Brien asked the Taoiseach the proportion of overall employment which is accounted for by public service employment for the most recent five years for which data is available. [40676/13]
View answerThe breakdown requested by the Deputy is included in the following table. In Q2 2013, the latest quarter for which estimated employment data is available, 24.7% of all employees were in the public sector. The source of the estimate is the Earnings Hours and Employment Costs survey (EHECS) as published by the Central Statistics Office (CSO).
Estimates of Employment by Private and Public Sectors (EHECS: 2008-2013)
|
Quarter |
Private sector |
Public sector |
All sectors |
% Private sector |
% Public sector |
|
Q2/2008 |
1,354,500 |
421,400 |
1,775,900 |
76.3 |
23.7 |
|
Q2/2009 |
1,195,800 |
417,600 |
1,613,400 |
74.1 |
25.9 |
|
Q2/2010 |
1,145,100 |
408,900 |
1,554,000 |
73.7 |
26.3 |
|
Q2/2011* |
1,128,700 |
406,600 |
1,535,300 |
73.5 |
26.5 |
|
Q2/2012 |
1,129,300 |
382,700 |
1,512,000 |
74.7 |
25.3 |
|
Q2/2013 |
1,150,700 |
377,300 |
1,528,000 |
75.3 |
24.7 |
* includes temporary census field staff
Source: CSO
