Written Answers Nos. 128146
128. Deputy Timmy Dooley asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will bring forward any plans from his Department to increase the number of active participants in sporting organisations here; if he will consider increasing the allocation of funding to organisations which promote increasing participation from persons who are currently not active in sport; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7616/14]
View answerThe Irish Sports Council, which is funded by my Department, is the statutory body with responsibility for the promotion, development and co-ordination of sport, including the development of strategies for increasing participation in sport. The Council also has responsibility for the allocation of funding to the National Governing Bodies of Sport.
As the Deputy’s question is a matter for the Irish Sports Council, I have referred it to the Council for direct reply. I would ask the Deputy to inform my office if a reply is not received within 10 days.
130. Deputy Thomas Pringle asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he has made a decision regarding the licence application by the long-haul service of Norwegian Air International to operate its service using a base here; if he has considered the implications regarding labour standards and labour-related rights; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7721/14]
View answerEU rules govern the granting of Air Operator Certificates and Air Carrier Operating Licences (Regulations 965/2012 and 1008/2008 respectively). The Irish Aviation Authority (IAA) is the statutory body responsible for granting Air Operator Certificates and the Commission for Aviation Regulation (CAR) is the statutory body responsible for issuing Air Carrier Operating Licences. I have no role in relation to the grant of these licences. I understand that having assessed the applications on the basis of the criteria set down in those EU Regulations, the IAA and the CAR have recently granted both an Irish AOC and Operating licence to NAI. Ireland has a strong reputation for robust regulatory oversight of civil aviation and our safety oversight regime has been recognised as among the best in the world by the International Civil Aviation Organisation. I wish to underline the importance that Ireland attaches to the social dimension of the Open Skies Agreement and our commitment to the full implementation of Article 17 bis of the Agreement.
My colleagues the Ministers for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation and Social Protection have responsibility for labour matters and social insurance matters respectively. NAI has stated publically that it always follows the rules and regulations in all markets it operates in and offers competitive wages and conditions to all crew, regardless of crew base. My understanding is that NAI does not currently plan to operate services out of Ireland or base any of its aircraft crew in Ireland.
131. Deputy Joan Collins asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his views on whether hotels-bed and breakfasts and so on should not increase the cost of their rooms by significant amounts when there are major events been held in a particular city or region. [7736/14]
View answerIn accordance with the Tourist Traffic Acts, approved accommodation providers are obliged to display their registered charges in bedrooms. The upper and lower limits on accommodation charges are set by the accommodation provider who can also set charges for a number of time periods. If a guest is charged more than the relevant upper limit there is a formal complaint process administered by Fáilte Ireland and if the applicant is successful in their complaint, the overcharge has to be refunded.
I am aware that concerns have been expressed about increases in accommodation prices in the context of major events taking place in a particular location. Hotels and other accommodation providers operate in a competitive market and increases in rates at times of high demand are to be expected. Similarly, at times of low demand, rates will be suppressed. Indeed, according to the 2013 Hotels.com Price Index Ireland has the lowest hotel prices in Western Europe.
Ultimately, it is a matter for the consumer whether the price for a hotel room at a given time, like any other purchase, is acceptable. If it is not, they will take their custom elsewhere.
However, while I am not in favour of enforcing price controls in general, I believe that tourism businesses must continue to provide value for money and recognise the need not to exploit their customers for short-term advantage at the expense of their reputation and long term future.
132. Deputy Sandra McLellan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he or his Department have any discussions with local authorities to resolve the issue of proof of ownership of council property in order to meet criteria for sports capital grants. [7799/14]
View answerIn December I was delighted to be able to announce that I had secured €40m in funding for the 2014 round of the Sports Capital Programme. The Programme is currently open for applications and all the requirements in relation to making an application are set out in the guide to making an application which is available on the Department's website www.dttas.ie.
Working with my officials I have, since becoming Minister, put in place several innovations to improve the Programme and make it accessible to more sports and community groups. In particular, arising principally from concerns expressed by Dublin City Council, the requirement that prior to application an applicant with chargeable title must have their title registered in the Property Registration Authority has been amended. For the 2014 Programme, applicants are now only required to have their title registered in the PRA in respect of Registry of Deeds title prior to application, and the Department will continue to accept a dealing number for registrations pending in the PRA in respect of Land Registry title.
To avoid confusion in relation to what can be complex legal matters the Department, in consultation with the CSSO, has put in place a mandatory template for applicants' solicitors to confirm that they meet the title requirements of the Programme.
134. Deputy Seán Kyne asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will provide an update on the transport infrastructure projects that have been undertaken during the course of the current capital investment plan; the priorities for any future plan; the current position regarding the M17-18 motorway project and the standing of the Galway city outer bypass project in terms of a new capital investment plan; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7718/14]
View answerAs Minister for Transport, Tourism and 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, such as the Galway City Outer Bypass and the M17/M18 motorway 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
As regards future capital funding, the general approach I have taken is to keep under review projects at various stages of planning and design which have been evaluated and appraised with a view to having a pipeline of suitable "shovel ready" projects ready to avail of any funding opportunities that may arise. I have also put considerable emphasis on the need to direct resources to the maintenance and repair of existing infrastructure.
My aim will be to develop a balanced package of measures covering infrastructure maintenance, safety schemes and targeted development projects across the transport sector for inclusion in the next capital programme. Of course the actual composition of such a package would depend on the level of funding available.
135. Deputy Timmy Dooley asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the progress made in establishing a direct air link between Ireland and China; if he has been in contact with his Chinese counterpart on this matter; if he has discussed this issue with Enterprise Ireland or IDA Ireland; if Tourism Ireland has a strategy to encourage more Chinese tourists here; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7613/14]
View answerIreland has a bilateral air transport agreement with China since 1998. The agreement provides the legal framework for scheduled air services between the two countries and under the agreement it is open to any Irish, EU or Chinese airline to operate services between the two countries subject to the terms of the agreement. The establishment of such a service, however, has to be market driven and would be a commercial decision for any airline interested in initiating such a service.
Enhanced air access to key tourism and business markets such as China has always been a key element of Ireland’s aviation policy. I would very much welcome direct services to China and have no doubt that such a service would be of benefit to trade, tourism and other relations between both countries.
The Irish airports and Tourism Ireland have attractive incentive and marketing programmes available to help support new services and I am aware the DAA have had discussions with Chinese airlines about the possibility of a service. The DAA recently signed a twining agreement with Beijing Capital International Airport. The agreement is designed to enable the two airports to engage in a joint marketing initiative to deliver direct airline services between Dublin and Beijing. I intend to visit China later this year as part of a tourism and transport trade mission. As part of that I will seek to promote the value of such a route to my counterparts in the Chinese government and to the aviation and tourism industry there more generally.
In the meantime, Ireland does have extensive one-stop connectivity with many Chinese cities through the established European hubs such as Heathrow, Amsterdam, Paris and Frankfurt. In addition connectively with China has improved considerably since the commencement of Etihad’s services to/from Abu Dhabi in 2007 and more recently Emirates services to and from Dubai in 2012.
Tourism Ireland has set an overall target of growing visit numbers by a further 4% this year and by 13% more than the 2013 figure by 2016. The agency's Business Plan for 2014 and Corporate Plan for 2014-2016 include a number of actions to maximise the number of visitors from developing markets, including China. I am referring this aspect of the Deputy’s question to Tourism Ireland for a direct reply with further details. Please contact my private office if a response is not received within ten working days.
136. Deputy Seamus Kirk asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will provide details of any recent discussions he has had with members of the Northern Ireland Executive and the Northern Ireland Secretary of State on key cross-Border infrastructure projects; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1484/14]
View answerI maintain regular contact with my counterparts in Northern Ireland under the auspices of the North South Ministerial Council (NSMC) - Transport Sectoral. The last meeting was on 28th November 2013 and the next meeting is scheduled for April this year. The major cross-border infrastructure projects we discuss are the A5 and the Enterprise train service. We have also discussed the Narrow Water Bridge.
In addition my officials continue to liaise with officials in the relevant Northern Ireland Departments in relation to projects of common interest.
137. Deputy Jim Daly asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will provide an update from the National Roads Authority on its plans to upgrade the N71 in west Cork; if his Department is considering the provision of funding from future capital budgets to upgrade the N71 in west Cork; the priority that is being placed on this upgrade by his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7714/14]
View answerAs Minister for Transport, Tourism and 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 such as the N71 road 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.
138. Deputy Mick Wallace asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the reasons no action has been taken under article 16 provisions of the 1944 Convention on International Civil Aviation - Chicago Convention - in relation to the searching of planes suspected of involvement in renditions, troops or arms transportation; when this situation will be rectified; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7671/14]
View answerAn Garda Síochána has powers under Irish law to inspect civil aircraft where there are reasonable grounds for suspecting that an offence has been committed.
As I have stated in the House previously, I am advised that the previous Government received unique assurances, from the highest level of a friendly state, that no extraordinary rendition had taken place through Ireland. The Gardai have conducted several investigations into allegations made to them of extraordinary rendition.
With regard to the transportation of arms, the Air Navigation (Carriage of Munitions of War, Weapons and Dangerous Goods) Order, 1973 prohibits the carriage of munitions of war by civilian aircraft without a permit granted by the Minister under Section 5 of the Order. My Department consults the following organisations on all applications: the Irish Aviation Authority on air safety, the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade about foreign policy, and the Department of Justice. Where objections are raised permits are refused.
139. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the value of the assets transferred from State ownership to the Dún Laoghaire Harbour Company when the new company was established; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7723/14]
View answerThe value of the assets transferred from State ownership to Dún Laoghaire Harbour Company on its vesting day of 3 March 1997 was £27 million, in accordance with Section 8(3)(i) of the Harbours Act 1996.
140. Deputy Shane Ross asked the Taoiseach as far as he is aware if any official body under the aegis of his Department subscribes to the daily inflation data for Ireland collected by a company (details supplied); if so, the cost of this service; if the data will be made available to the public; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7466/14]
View answerNo official body under the aegis of my Department subscribes to the daily inflation data for Ireland collected by www.pricestats.com.
141. Deputy Kevin Humphreys asked the Taoiseach if he will provide a list of all specific new powers or functions conferred on local authorities by legislation under his area since June 2009 and a reference to the specific section or regulation in each case; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7472/14]
View answerMy Department has not conferred any new powers on, or functions to, Local Authorities since this Government took office.
142. Deputy Michael McNamara asked the Taoiseach if he will provide a list of any bodies under the aegis of his Department in respect of Government policy for which he is responsible for answering parliamentary questions pursuant to Standing Order 34. [7473/14]
View answerI am responsible for answering parliamentary questions in relation to the National Economic and Social Development Office (which is the body corporate for the National Economic and Social Council), the only State Agency under the aegis of my Department.
I am also accountable to the Dáil in a limited way in respect of a number of State offices, for example, the legal offices of the State and the Central Statistics Office. By and large, I answer questions in the House in relation to matters of administration connected with those offices.
143. Deputy Michael McNamara asked the Taoiseach if he will provide a list of bodies in respect of which he has the authority to appoint board members. [7474/14]
View answerI have the authority to appoint board members to the National Statistics Board (NSB) in line with the provisions of Section 18 of the Statistics Act 1993 which states:
"The NSB shall consist of eight members comprising the following seven persons who shall be appointed by the Taoiseach, five persons of proven ability and experience in relevant fields, two of whom shall be nominated by the Taoiseach and three of whom shall be nominated by such organisation or organisations as the Taoiseach considers to be representative of the users of official statistics and providers of information under this Act, an Assistant Secretary or equivalent or higher grade in the Department of the Taoiseach, and an Assistant Secretary or equivalent or higher grade in the Department of Finance."
The Director General of the Central Statistics Office (CSO) is an ex officio member of the NSB. Under the terms of the will of Sir Alfred Chester Beatty, I may appoint a Trustee to the Chester Beatty Library. On 30 September 2013, I appointed Professor Brian McGing to the Board of Trustees for a period of five years.
144. Deputy Barry Cowen asked the Taoiseach if he will provide in tabular form, the number of staff in his Department currently on a sabbatical-career break broken down by 0 to six months, six to 12 months, one year to two years, two to three years, four to five years and five years plus; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7635/14]
View answerThere are eleven staff from my Department currently on career break. The information sought is set out in the table.
|
Number of staff on career break for 0-6 months |
Number of staff on career break for 6-12 months |
Number of staff on career break for 1-2 years |
Number of staff on career break for 2-3 years |
Number of staff on career break for 4-5 years |
Number of staff on career break for 5 years plus |
|
0 |
1 |
1 |
2 |
2 |
5 |
145. Deputy Barry Cowen asked the Taoiseach if he will provide in tabular form, the total number of uncertified sick days taken by employees in his Department and the average uncertified sick days per employee taken; the total certified sick days taken by employees; the average certified sick days per employee; the total sick days taken by employees; the average total sick days and median overall sick days per employee in 2009, 2010, 2011 and 2012. [7651/14]
View answerThe information requested by the Deputy regarding sick absence statistics for the staff in my Department over the years 2009, 2010, 2011 and 2012 is set out in the table.
|
Year |
USK days taken by employees |
Average USK days taken per employee (per FTE) |
Total CSK days taken by employee |
Average CSK days taken per employee |
Total sick days taken by employee |
Average total sick days per staff member |
Median overall sick days per employee |
|
2009 |
141.43 |
0.71 |
1,915.62 |
9.67 |
2,057.05 |
9.75 |
5.5 |
|
2010 |
138 |
0.72 |
1,109.45 |
5.80 |
1,247.47 |
6.15 |
5 |
|
2011 |
87.43 |
0.55 |
1,315.17 |
8.27 |
1,402.6 |
8.20 |
7 |
|
2012 |
98.5 |
0.49 |
1,039 |
5.19 |
1,137.5 |
5.37 |
5.5 |
USK = self-certified (uncertified) sick absence
CSK = certified sick absence
FTE = full time equivalent
146. Deputy Noel Harrington asked the Taoiseach if any of his departmental or ministerial offices have been swept for electronic or any other type of surveillance or bugging equipment since coming to office in March 2011; the reasons for this check; the results of this check; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7900/14]
View answerSecurity is kept under review on an ongoing basis. It is not customary to comment on the details of specific security measures.
