Michael Healy-Rae
Question:503. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Health his views on correspondence (details supplied) regarding the replacement of a dietician at a diabetic clinic. [48376/13]
View answerHealth Services Staff Issues
Questions (503)
Written answers
In relation to the specific queries raised by the Deputy, as these are service matters they have been referred to the HSE for direct reply. However, the Deputy may be interested to note that a National Integrated Care Diabetes Programme has been developed and is being implemented on a phased basis. The programme will improve patient access and manage patient care in an integrated manner across service settings, resulting in better outcomes, enhanced clinical decision making and the most effective use of resources.
On the broader issue, the Deputy will be aware that the Government decided that public service numbers must be reduced to assist in meeting budgetary targets. The health sector is making its contribution to that reduction; nonetheless, the HSE can appoint staff once it remains within its overall employment ceiling and has the resources to do so. The Croke Park Agreement and the Haddington Road Agreement have enabled services to be sustained despite a reduction in staffing of over 11,000 or 10% wholetime equivalents since the end of 2007.
I should also draw attention to the fact that public hospitals are being reorganised into more accountable hospital groups. I am confident that the group structure will allow for more efficient deployment of human resources, facilitating effective and flexible use of staff, thus allowing a better response to service needs, including for diabetes.
Neuro-Rehabilitation Policy
Questions (504)
Seán Kyne
Question:504. Deputy Seán Kyne asked the Minister for Health the position regarding the development of the promised implementation plan in relation to the national policy and strategy for the provision of neuro-rehabilitation services in Ireland 2011 to 2015; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48383/13]
View answerWritten answers
The Health Service Executive is developing an implementation plan for the National Policy and Strategy for Neuro Rehabilitation Services in Ireland. The HSE has informed the Department that work is underway to produce an implementation plan.
Vaccination Programme
Questions (505)
Seán Kyne
Question:505. Deputy Seán Kyne asked the Minister for Health if the national immunisation advisory committee is examining the meningococcal group B meningitis B vaccine. [48384/13]
View answerWritten answers
There are currently no plans to introduce Meningococcal group B (Meningitis B) vaccine in Ireland, however should the National Immunisation Advisory Committee advice recommend its inclusion into the primary childhood immunisation programme in Ireland, my Department, in association with the Health Service Executive National Immunisation Office, will examine the issue.
Driving Test Regulations
Questions (506, 534)
Michael Healy-Rae
Question:506. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will consider providing an exemption for persons who held a provisional licence prior to November 1989 when it comes to the issue of special licences for persons towing trailers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47935/13]
View answerSeán Kyne
Question:534. Deputy Seán Kyne asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will outline the type of theory test and driving test that will be required for persons without the EB category of licence who held a car licence previously permitting the theory of trailers prior to the legislative change. [48381/13]
View answerWritten answers
I propose to take Questions Nos. 506 and 534 together.
Prior to 1989 there was a single licence category covering cars and the drawing of trailers with cars. In that year, a change in Regulations was made, so that the drawing of a trailer with a car became a separate category. People who previously held the single category had the option, when renewing their licences, of applying for both of the new categories.
It appears that, in some cases, people did not tick the appropriate box and therefore lost their trailer entitlement. I agreed, as a once-off measure, that the Road Safety Authority should accommodate people who could prove that they held a full licence before 1989 in reclaiming the trailer entitlement.
The once-off concession applied only to those who held full driving licences in 1989. Those who qualified for a full licence after 1989 were required to take a separate test in order to qualify for a trailer licence.
The RSA advertised the procedure for applying to reclaim the trailer entitlement, and the closure date was 8 November 2013.
There were no tests involved - the point of the exercise was to allow those who had previously held a trailer entitlement to reclaim it.
Driving Licence Issues
Questions (507)
Michael Healy-Rae
Question:507. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his views on correspondence (details supplied) regarding the issuing of a driving licence in respect of a person (details supplied). [47936/13]
View answerWritten answers
The operation of the National Driver Licensing Service is a matter for the Road Safety Authority, and I have forwarded this query to the Authority for direct reply. I would ask the Deputy to contact my office if a response has not been received within ten days.
Cycling Facilities Provision
Questions (508)
Anthony Lawlor
Question:508. Deputy Anthony Lawlor asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if a feasibility study has been done on the potential walking and cycle routes along the Royal Canal and Grand Canal; and if he will examine the economic benefit to the local communities along these routes. [47717/13]
View answerWritten answers
I am fully supportive of the development of walking and cycling routes along the Canals.
Certainly, recognition of the potential for stimulating local economies has led to growing support for this type of development with investment generating new business, particularly in the services sector and other complimentary services such as bike hire.
Parts of the Royal Canal route are already under construction as part of the proposed Dublin to Galway Greenway. Planning for this cycle route is being carried out by the National Roads Authority (NRA) and National Transport Authority (NTA). The Royal Canal is the intended route for the section between Dublin City Centre and Mullingar. The NTA is proceeding with the planning of the Dublin to Maynooth section and a section of the route from Ashtown to Castleknock is being constructed in 2013 with funding from the NTA and my Department through the National Cycle Network (NCN) Programme. The NRA is currently undertaking detailed route alignment and design work for the Maynooth-Galway section of the route and the section from the Meath/Westmeath county boundary to Mullingar is also under construction with funding under the NCN Programme.
My Department recently announced the provision of €6.5 million under a second round of NCN Programme funding for 2014 to 2016. This funding will be allocated to local authorities through a competitive process. From the perspective of funding projects along both Canals, it would be a matter for the relevant local authorities, in conjunction with key stakeholders, to progress and submit any proposals to this Department by the associated deadline, which is 15 November 2013.
Given the NTA's responsibility for the provision of cycle and walking paths in the Greater Dublin Area, which includes long stretches of the both Canals, I have forwarded your Question to the NTA for direct reply. If you do not receive a response within ten working days, please notify my private Office.
Road Safety
Questions (509)
Thomas P. Broughan
Question:509. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will publish the recently concluded speed limit survey, which was conducted in or around the past 12 months and which is now at his disposal. [47734/13]
View answerWritten answers
My Department established a Stakeholder Group to progress a review of speed limits nationally which comprises the Automobile Association, An Garda Síochána, the Road Safety Authority, the National Roads Authority, representatives of local authorities and the National Transport Authority.
The Group is putting the final touches to its report and I expect to launch it before the end of this month.
Road Projects
Questions (510)
Clare Daly
Question:510. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will sanction funding to Fingal County Council to enable it to complete the new link road near Moylaragh in Balbriggan which is ready to go to tender and urgently needed for road safety in the area. [47803/13]
View answerWritten answers
The improvement and maintenance of regional and local roads is the statutory responsibility of each local authority, in accordance with the provisions of Section 13 of the Roads Act 1993. Works on those roads are funded from local authorities 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 local authorities were invited to submit applications for consideration for funding in 2013 under the Specific Improvement Grants Scheme. Fingal County Council applied for funding for five projects under this grant category but the link road referred to by the Deputy was not among the Council’s applications.
The Specific Improvement Grants Scheme is being discontinued from 2014 onward in order to maximise the funding available for repair and strengthening work. The small amount of funding available for major schemes will focus on projects already under construction or that the Department is already committed to.
The 2013 regional and local road grants have been fully allocated to local authorities and there are no funds at the disposal of my Department from which further grants could become available at this time.
It is also important to reiterate that the role of Exchequer grants for regional and local roads is to supplement Councils like Fingal County Council in their own resources spending in this area. It is open to the Council to fund this project from its own resources.
Road Projects
Questions (511)
James Bannon
Question:511. Deputy James Bannon asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport in view of the fact he has responsibility for overall policy and funding in relation to the national roads programme and that he does not expect any major new projects to commence construction in the next few years, if he will axe the Infrastructure and Capital Investment Framework 2012-2016 scheme or seek to have a statutory blight introduced (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47880/13]
View answerWritten answers
As 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. Within its capital budget, therefore, the assessment and prioritisation of individual projects is a matter for the NRA. However, it is important to stress that the NRA is not responsible for planning restrictions along proposed new routes for roads, rather any such restrictions are a matter for the relevant local authority in their capacity as the relevant planning authority.
It is the case, in the context of the Infrastructure and Capital Investment Framework 2012-2016, that there will be limited scope to progress new road development projects in the short to medium term and that there are projects which have reached route corridor selection phase but which will not progress to construction for some time. As I have indicated previously I am reluctant to cancel such projects given that they are designed for their long term benefit to the State although I am conscious of the potential implications for development in the area.
Just because it is unlikely that a transport infrastructure project will be progressed in the short to medium term does not mean that project should be cancelled, and protections for the route be removed by the relevant planning authorities. For example, in the case of the Harcourt Luas Line and the M50, there were significant passages of time between initial reservations being made and construction commencing on those projects. Therefore, I think it best that the decision on such matters is made by the relevant local authorities in their capacity as planning authorities. They are in the best position to assess how best to balance development needs in the area with protecting route corridors for future road or other transport upgrades.
Road Projects Status
Questions (512)
Ciaran Lynch
Question:512. Deputy Ciarán Lynch asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport when the N40 Bandon Road and Sarsfield Road flyovers project will be completed; if this project was carried out on time and within budget; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47953/13]
View answerWritten answers
The planning, design and implementation of individual national 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.
Road Projects
Questions (513)
Seán Kenny
Question:513. Deputy Seán Kenny asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the transport projects that have applied for EU funding under the TEN-T 2014-2020 programme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47965/13]
View answerWritten answers
The first calls for proposals for transport projects under the Connecting Europe Facility (CEF) 2014-2020 are expected to be issued in 2014. The CEF is the financial mechanism for the funding of projects under the TENs-T regulations.
Consideration is being given by the State Bodies under the aegis of the Department and other bodies to suitable projects that can be put forward in response to the calls under CEF when issued.
Road Safety
Questions (514)
John O'Mahony
Question:514. Deputy John O'Mahony asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will confirm the maximum legal height of lorries here prior to 1 November 2013; if he will confirm the maximum allowable height for lorries crossing the Border with the North; the maximum length of lorry to be permitted on Irish roads from 1 November; if the new rules introduced on 1 November will be in compliance with the proposed revision of Directive 96/53/EC; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47970/13]
View answerWritten answers
Statutory Instrument 366 of 2008 - Road Traffic (Construction and Use of Vehicles) (Amendment) Regulations 2008, which set the maximum height limit of vehicles in Ireland, came into force on the 1st November 2008. Those Regulations granted a five-year derogation to certain classes of vehicles registered, licensed or in use prior to 1st November 2008 in order to allow a reasonable period within which vehicles operating at heights in excess of this limit could be withdrawn from use. That derogation expired on 31st October 2013. From 1st November 2013, a maximum height of 4.65 metres applies to all vehicles operating on the roads in this jurisdiction.
The maximum permissible length of vehicles on Irish roads is set out in Statutory Instrument 5 of 2003 - Road Traffic (Construction and Use of Vehicles) Regulations 2003, (as amended), which provide that (a) a mechanically propelled vehicle other than a bus shall not exceed 12 metres; (b) a trailer shall not exceed 12 metres; (c) an articulated vehicle shall not exceed 16.50 metres; (d) an articulated bus shall not exceed 18.75 metres; (e) a bus having two axles shall not exceed 13.50 metres; and (f) a bus having more than two axles shall not exceed 15.00 metres.
While the Commission's proposals to further amend Council Directive 96/53/EC of 25 July 1996 have been examined by the European Parliament, they have yet to be discussed by the European Council. It would, therefore, be premature to speculate on the final shape of those proposals, or their likely impact on Ireland.
Roadworthiness Testing
Questions (515)
Brendan Griffin
Question:515. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will consider linking the declaration of non-use of a commercial vehicle by extending the period of the DOE certificate while the vehicle is off the road; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48017/13]
View answerWritten answers
It is a legal obligation throughout the EU for commercial vehicle owners to have their vehicles tested annually. This interval is not determined by the time the vehicle is or has been in use or by mileage. The testing regime is aimed at detecting any wear and tear, deterioration or alterations that could affect the roadworthiness or safety of a vehicle. Vehicles which are off the road can degrade and deteriorate so it is just as important that they are tested and it is an offence to use a commercial vehicle (including a trailer) in a public place without a current Certificate of Roadworthiness (CRW) .
The period of validity of a CRW is calculated by reference to the last test due date. A delay in completing the test has the effect of reducing the validity period of the CRW. In cases where a vehicle is overdue its test by more than one year and is presented for testing, the regulations provide that the period of validity for the CRW shall be either 6 months falling after the testing date or a validity period determined by reference to the date of the anniversary of the test due date whichever is earlier. This provision was introduced in order that an operator who did not test a vehicle by the due date did not gain any economic advantage over an operator who tested their vehicle in accordance with the legal requirements.
While the Road Safety Authority is currently reviewing the arrangements applying to vehicles which have been off the road for more than a year, it is nevertheless important to retain the fundamental basic premise of having a commercial vehicle tested annually so that our roads are safer for everyone. However, I will ask that the Deputy's suggestion is considered as part of the RSA's review.
Sports Capital Programme Application Numbers
Questions (516)
Lucinda Creighton
Question:516. Deputy Lucinda Creighton asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the total number of unsuccessful applicants for sports grants for the past three years for clubs or premises that were located in Dublin 2, 4, 6, 6W or 8; if he will list the sports or names of clubs involved in these cases; if he will further provide the most common reasons they were unsuccessful in obtaining sports grants; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48026/13]
View answerWritten answers
I presume the Deputy is referring to the Sports Capital Programme. The 2012 round of the Sports Capital Programme was the only round of the Programme during the period referred to by the Deputy.
The table below shows all the applications received from clubs/organisations who listed their address as Dublin 2, 4, 6 (no applicants used the postcode 6W) and 8 with details of any grants awarded. All valid applications in Dublin were funded.
|
Postal |
Applicant Name |
Grant |
|
Dublin 2 |
Atlantis Swimming Club |
€2,882 |
|
Dublin 2 |
DCC - Markievicz Leisure Centre |
€0 |
|
Dublin 2 |
DCC - Pearse Area Recreation Centre |
€0 |
|
Dublin 2 |
Dublin South East Community training Centre |
€0 |
|
Dublin 2 |
Dublin University Football Club |
€0 |
|
Dublin 2 |
Whitefriar Aikido Club |
€9,782 |
|
Dublin 4 |
Bective Lawn Tennis Club |
€51,614 |
|
Dublin 4 |
Bective Rangers Football Club |
€0 |
|
Dublin 4 |
DCC - Clanna Gael |
€0 |
|
Dublin 4 |
DCC - Herbert Park |
€0 |
|
Dublin 4 |
DCC - Herbert Park (dressing rooms) |
€0 |
|
Dublin 4 |
DCC - Irishtown Stadium - Lockers |
€0 |
|
Dublin 4 |
DCC - Irishtown Stadium - Resurfacing of athletics track |
€125,000 |
|
Dublin 4 |
DCC - Mountjoy Square Park |
€0 |
|
Dublin 4 |
DCC - Sandymount Promenade/Ringsend Park |
€0 |
|
Dublin 4 |
Donnybrook Lawn Tennis Club |
€150,000 |
|
Dublin 4 |
Lansdowne Lawn Tennis Club |
€0 |
|
Dublin 4 |
Leinster Rugby |
€0 |
|
Dublin 4 |
Marian College |
€0 |
|
Dublin 4 |
Merrion Cricket Club |
€230,000 |
|
Dublin 4 |
Old Wesley RFC |
€0 |
|
Dublin 4 |
Pembroke Cricket Club |
€0 |
|
Dublin 4 |
Pembroke Wanderers Hockey Club |
€0 |
|
Dublin 4 |
Railway Union Sports Club |
€0 |
|
Dublin 4 |
University College Dublin |
€0 |
|
Dublin 4 |
University College Dublin & the Irish Hockey Association |
€0 |
|
Dublin 6 |
Ashbrook Tennis Club |
€0 |
|
Dublin 6 |
DCC - Dartry and Orwell Parks |
€0 |
|
Dublin 6 |
Faughs GAA Club |
€41,000 |
|
Dublin 6 |
Mount Pleasant LTC |
€0 |
|
Dublin 6 |
Rathgar Tennis & Bowling Club |
€0 |
|
Dublin 6 |
St Judes GAA Club |
€85,109 |
|
Dublin 6 |
St Louis High School |
€0 |
|
Dublin 6 |
Terenure College Rugby Football Club |
€0 |
|
Dublin 6 |
Terenure Sports Club |
€39,950 |
|
Dublin 6 |
United Churches Football League/Larkview Boys Football Club |
€0 |
|
Dublin 8 |
Civil Service Cricket Club |
€0 |
|
Dublin 8 |
Commercial Rowing Club |
€28,405 |
|
Dublin 8 |
DCC - Bushy Park |
€0 |
|
Dublin 8 |
DCC - Kevin's Hurling & Camogie Club ( JOINT APPLICATION ) |
€0 |
|
Dublin 8 |
Fatima Groups United - Gymtastics Project |
€6,900 |
|
Dublin 8 |
Kevins Hurling & Camogie Club |
€0 |
|
Dublin 8 |
Neptune Rowing Club |
€24,923 |
|
Dublin 8 |
Phoenix Cricket Club |
€29,146 |
|
Dublin 8 |
St Audoens National School and Afterschool Club |
€0 |
The 4 main reasons why applications, from all areas, were deemed invalid were:
- No evidence of title / letter from landlord
- No evidence of planning application
- Insufficient own funding
- No evidence of required amount of own funding
These 4 reasons accounted for 75% of invalid applications. All unsuccessful applicants received letters setting out the reasons why their application was deemed invalid. If a particular applicant requires any more information or clarification they should contact the Sports Capital Programmes Unit of my Department in Killarney.
Sports Funding
Questions (517)
Lucinda Creighton
Question:517. Deputy Lucinda Creighton asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will provide the total number of unsuccessful applicants for the past three years for persons, clubs or premises to the Irish Sports Council that were located in Dublin 2, 4, 6, 6W or 8; if he will list the sports or names of clubs involved in these cases; if he will further provide the most common reasons they were unsuccessful in obtaining sports grants; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48027/13]
View answerWritten answers
As this question is a matter for the Irish Sports Council (ISC), I have referred it to the ISC for direct reply. I would ask the Deputy to inform my office if a reply is not received within 10 days.
Road Projects Status
Questions (518, 527)
Pat Breen
Question:518. Deputy Pat Breen asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the position regarding a project (details supplied) in County Galway; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48035/13]
View answer
Brian Walsh
Question:527. Deputy Brian Walsh asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the position regarding the Tuam to Gort motorway; the reason for the delay in commencing this project; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48190/13]
View answerWritten answers
I propose to take Questions Nos. 518 and 527 together.
As 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.
Road Safety
Questions (519)
Willie Penrose
Question:519. Deputy Willie Penrose asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will amend the new transport rules which restrict the maximum height of loaded trailers to 4.65 metres as it will result in significant added transportation costs in its current form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48041/13]
View answerWritten answers
Statutory Instrument 366 of 2008 - Road Traffic (Construction and Use of Vehicles) (Amendment) Regulations 2008 sets the maximum height limit of vehicles in this country at 4.65 metres.
Following public consultation undertaken prior to the completion of the Regulations, the intention to introduce a 4.65m limit was announced in January 2007. Following representations from the industry, it was agreed that a five year derogation from that limit would apply to vehicles registered, licensed or in use prior to 1st November 2008. The derogation was introduced to allow a five-year period within which vehicles operating at heights in excess of the new limits could be withdrawn from use in Ireland or to allow for the necessary height reductions by operators. This derogation expired on 31st October 2013 and I have no proposals to amend it.
Given the lead-in time that this height limit has had, any amendment to current vehicle height regulations would have the effect of penalising those operators who have adjusted their fleet to ensure compliance with this well flagged law, while rewarding those that did not.