Written Answers Nos. 196-201
196. Deputy Joe Higgins asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his plans to revoke lapsed taxi plates; if there will be provision for drivers to maintain lapsed plates following examination of their individual circumstances. [11033/14]
View answerThe National Transport Authority (NTA) has responsibility for the regulation of the taxi industry under the provisions of the Public Transport Regulation Act, 2009. The NTA is also the lead agency with responsibility for implementation of the recommendations of the Taxi Regulation Review Report 2011.
Action 16 of the Taxi Regulation Review Report recommended a reduction in the period during which an "inactive" Small Public Service Vehicle licence may be reactivated from a five year period to one year. The NTA introduced regulations, applicable from 31 January 2013 under Statutory Instrument No. 538 of 2012, to give effect to the reactivation period recommended in the Review Report.
197. Deputy John Deasy asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will provide a breakdown of his Department's expenditure in translating and printing Irish language publications, documents, advertisements, notices and bilingual signage in each of the past three years. [11056/14]
View answerSome translation work is carried out by staff of the Department. Where outsourcing is necessary the Department has a list of translators who tender for the work. Information on this expenditure is available under the following link on the Departments website : http://www.dttas.ie/corporate/english/expenditure-external-services
198. Deputy Pat Deering asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport when local authorities will be briefed on the local area hackney licence; if there will be a template for the needs analysis provided; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11073/14]
View answerThe National Transport Authority (NTA) has responsibility for the regulation of the taxi industry under the provisions of the Public Transport Regulation Act, 2009. The NTA is also the lead agency with responsibility for implementation of the recommendations of the Taxi Regulation Review Report 2011. I have referred the Deputy's question to the NTA as that agency is administering the Local Area Hackney scheme. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 working days.
199. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the position regarding a bus stop (details supplied) in County Kerry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11178/14]
View answerIn accordance with the Taxi Regulation Act 2013 (Public Service Contracts) (Commencement) Order 2013, which came into effect on 1st January 2014, the functions of the National Transport Authority (NTA) in relation to public transport infrastructure have been extended to include securing or providing bus stops, bus shelters, bus stations, stands and bus fleets in the State. Noting this I have referred 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.
200. Deputy Maureen O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the position regarding the possibility of the Phoenix Park tunnel line opening to provide rail services between Heuston and Connolly Stations; the number of stops he envisages will be included in the plan for the north inner city area; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11188/14]
View answerAs Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport. Following the establishment of the National Transport Authority (NTA) in December 2009, the implementation and development of infrastructure projects in the Greater Dublin Area (GDA), such as the Phoenix Park Tunnel, comes under the remit of the NTA. Noting this I have referred the Deputies question to the NTA for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 working days.
201. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will provide in tabular form, the total expenditure by his Department on external consultancy advice services, including legal services, in 2011, 2012 and 2013; if this spend is in line with the overall value for money objective of his remit; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11190/14]
View answerThe information requested by the Deputy is available on my Department's website at the following link http://www.dttas.ie/corporate/english/expenditure-external-services. The figures for 2013 are currently for the period 1/1/2013-31/10/2013 and are due to be updated shortly to full year figures. All expenditure is made following the rigorous evaluation processes set out in the Public Spending Code to ensure that best value options are selected.
