Written Answers Nos. 1668-1698
1668. Deputy Jerry Buttimer asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport regarding personalised leap cards and student travel cards, if he will consider amending the cards so that they display a person's date of birth and can thereby be used as a form of age identification; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32925/14]
View answerAs Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport. Responsibility to develop, procure, implement, operate and maintain the Leap Card system is a function of the National Transport Authority (NTA).
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 10 working days.
1669. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will ensure funding is allocated for the following projects for which the National Roads Authority recently received submissions: minor realignment schemes at N55 Ardagullion, N55 Ballymahon to Kilcurry, N63 Barnacor to Cloonfore, and N55 Ballymahon to Tang national roads projects, and the N4 Mullingar to Roosky scheme. [33006/14]
View answerThe planning, design and implementation of individual national road projects (such as those referred to by the Deputy) 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, the assessment and prioritisation of individual projects is a matter in the first instance for the NRA in accordance with Section 19 of the Roads Act.
Noting the above position, I have referred the Deputy’s question to the NRA for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 working days.
1670. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport further to Parliamentary Question No. 238 of 19 February 2014 if he will provide an updated figure on the number of drivers who have obtained the maximum 12 penalty points to date in 2014; the number of drivers who have obtained the maximum number of penalty points to date in 2014 but whose disqualification from driving is pending; and the number of disqualified drivers who received the maximum number of penalty points to date in 2014 who were provisional licence holders or learner drivers. [33018/14]
View answerFrom January 1st to August 31st 2014, a total of 190 drivers obtained 12 penalty points and were subsequently disqualified from driving for a period of six months under Section 3 of the Road Traffic Act, 2002.
A total of 28 drivers were the holders of learner permits and disqualification is still pending in respect of 32 drivers.
1671. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport further to Parliamentary Question No. 238 of 19 February 2014, in relation to the breakdown of the numbers of drivers who received the maximum number of 12 penalty points and were disqualified from driving, the number of these drivers who failed to produce their licence to the National Driver Licence Service upon disqualification. [33019/14]
View answerIn addition to the issue of the notice of disqualification in accordance with Section 5 of the Road Traffic Act 2002, my Department, through administrative process, also informs an Garda Síochána and the relevant licensing authority (the local motor tax office to 29 October 2013 and thereafter the National Driving Licence Service) of the disqualification. The following tabular statement provides the breakdown of the number of drivers who have been disqualified and the number of drivers where no details were recorded on the National Vehicle and Driver File (NVDF) in relation to surrender of the driving licence. It will be noted with regard to motor tax offices that in some instances licences would have been surrendered with the relevant NVDF record not updated and consequently the non-surrender figures may be overstated.
|
Year |
No. Disqualified Driver (Penalty Points) |
No. of drivers who did not surrender the driving licence upon disqualification |
|
2004 |
17 |
7 |
|
2005 |
30 |
21 |
|
2006 |
100 |
29 |
|
2007 |
184 |
97 |
|
2008 |
315 |
172 |
|
2009 |
344 |
205 |
|
2010 |
307 |
180 |
|
2011 |
255 |
143 |
|
2012 |
263 |
168 |
|
2013 |
242 |
201 |
|
2014 |
190 |
49 |
1672. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport further to Parliamentary Question No. 238 of 19 February 2014, if he will report on the sanctions that are in place in instances where a driver does not produce their licence to the National Driver Licence Service upon disqualification. [33020/14]
View answer1673. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the number of drivers who sent their driving licences to the National Driver Licence Service since January 2013 to date in 2014 upon receiving fines notices following disqualification orders having been made by the district courts; if records are maintained of the number of drivers who failed to produce their licences to the NDLS upon disqualification from driving since January 2013 to date in 2014; and the penalties in place for drivers who fail to produce their driving licences to the NDLS following disqualification orders having been made by the courts. [33021/14]
View answer1693. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his views on the Road Safety Authority's engagement with the Courts Service in respect of road traffic offences with a view to introducing a process in order that the Courts Service can provide An Garda Síochána with details of accused persons appearing in court, who following conviction for road traffic offences have failed to produce their driving licences or learner permits in court so that a conviction for failure to produce a driving licence or learner permit can be obtained. [33646/14]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 1672, 1673 and 1693 together.
Under section 22 of the Road Traffic Act 2002, as amended, a person who appears in court in relation to an alleged offence under the Road Traffic Acts is required to produce their driving licence or learner permit and a copy of that licence or learner permit, in court. Failure to do so is an offence. The penalty is the general penalty under section 102 of the Road Traffic Act 1961, i.e. a fine of up to €1,000 for a first offence, a fine of up to €2,000 for a second or subsequent offence, and a fine of up to €2,000 and/or three months imprisonment for a third or subsequent offence within a period of one year. Where a case results in the individual being required to surrender their licence, the licence can therefore be retained by the court at the end of the process. The implementation of the provisions is a matter for the Courts Service and my colleague the Minister for Justice and Equality.
In addition, under section 40 of the 1961 Act, a Garda may demand production of a driving licence and, under 60 of the Road Traffic Act 2010, may seize such licence where the member has reasonable grounds for believing that the individual has been disqualified.
In regard to the figures of licences surrendered, and of cases where people disqualified did not surrender licences, these are matters for the Road Safety Authority, as are any discussions which the RSA may have had with the Courts Service regarding procedures. I have therefore forwarded these aspects of the questions 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.
1674. Deputy Sean Fleming asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his views in relation to proposals whereby airlines from outside the USA and EU will be allowed pick up passengers here and the implications this will have for the airline industry in the EU; and the arrangements that will be in place to protect these airlines from competition that operates in a much less regulated and lower cost base area outside the EU and the USA; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33024/14]
View answerThe draft National Aviation Policy was published in May 2014 following an extensive public consultation process in 2013. The consultation process covered all elements of aviation policy and the draft policy takes account of the submissions received.
On the issue of fifth freedom traffic rights for airlines, the majority of submissions received favoured the adoption of a liberal approach, in the interests of connectivity and competition. The draft policy proposes that a liberal approach should be taken by my Department to any requests from non-EU and non-US airlines to serve routes to/from Ireland where there is a clear benefit for Ireland and the travelling public. The proposal also refers to the need to take account of EU criteria on fair competition.
It should be pointed out that any service between Ireland and the US by a third country airline would also require the approval of the US authorities. The US has traditionally had a liberal policy on such matters and has 'open skies' agreements with over 100 countries worldwide, most of which provide for fifth freedom rights.
Submissions in response to the draft policy were invited up to the end of July and over 70 were received.
Many of the submissions outline views on the issue of fifth freedom rights, both for and against, and these will be fully considered. The intention is that the National Aviation Policy will be finalised and adopted before the end of the year.
1675. Deputy Eoghan Murphy asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his plans to bring forward regulations or primary legislation that would give local authorities the right to forgo, extinguish or transfer an income stream arising directly from a designated zoned area of permit parking for which it has entered into a contract under the applicable by-law with members of the public/residents; his further plans to bring forward regulations or primary legislation which would give local authorities the authority to cancel that pre-existing contract to move that beneficial interest in the value of the permit parking/fee out of the public domain directly as a consequence of serving or facilitating the needs of a private commercial vendor to become the sole beneficiary of that beneficial interest. [33060/14]
View answerUnder section 36 of the Road Traffic Act 1994, the local authorities have the power to make bye-laws in relation to parking which includes the power to set fees. I have no power to intervene in the disposal or otherwise of those fees, and likewise no power to intervene in contractual relationships entered into by the local authorities.
I have no plans to make any legislative changes in this area.
1676. Deputy Arthur Spring asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if local communities will be allowed to seek permission from local authorities to erect additional signs denoting the Wild Atlantic Way route and, in addition, the attractions/activities which are found on that particular stretch of the Wild Atlantic Way. [33073/14]
View answerWhile my Department provides the capital funding for investment in tourism projects such as the Wild Atlantic Way, it is not directly involved in their development or implementation.
It is important to note that the purpose of the Wild Atlantic Way is to provide a clearly defined route for visitors to travel along the west coast. It also introduces visitors to many points of interest and gives guidance as to a wider range of experiences on or near the route.
While it is a matter for the Local Authorities and the National Roads Authority to sanction the erection of additional road signage, it is very important for the visitor that the signage for the Wild Atlantic Way is consistent and readily recognisable along the entire route while respecting the very assets of landscape and seascape that are integral to the Way. That is why Fáilte Ireland has worked closely with local authorities and indeed with local communities along the Way.
Accordingly, I would not be in favour of anything that could potentially damage the branding or visual amenity of the route and hence the opportunities for local communities. There are a wide range of ways in which local communities or attractions can communicate with potential visitors without having an impact on the landscape.
For further information, I have asked Fáilte Ireland to provide you with their policy in regard to signage along the Wild Atlantic Way. Please contact my private office if you do not hear from them within ten working days.
1677. Deputy Brian Walsh asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will provide an update on the proposed works on a road (details supplied) in County Galway; if funding will be provided for the project and when he envisages completion of same. [33107/14]
View answerThe planning, design and implementation of individual national road projects (such as the N84) 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, the assessment and prioritisation of individual projects is a matter in the first instance for the NRA in accordance with Section 19 of the Roads Act.
Noting the above position, I have referred the Deputy’s question to the NRA for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 working days.
1678. Deputy Derek Keating asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the reason a group (details supplied) in County Kilkenny was not successful in its recent application under the sports capital programme; the outcome in respect of the criteria used during the process and the reason in detail this application was deemed invalid. [33113/14]
View answerThe club referred to by the Deputy applied for a grant under the 2014 Sports Capital Programme. The application was not deemed invalid.
A total of 2,036 applications were received under the Programme seeking €160m in funding. €40.5m was allocated to 880 separate projects. Given the level of demand for funding and the amount of funding available under the Programme, it is unfortunately not possible to allocate grants to every eligible applicant.
All of the funding for the 2014 Sport Capital Programme has now been allocated and there is no more funding available at this time.
1679. Deputy Derek Keating asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the reason a group (details supplied) in County Dublin were not successful in their recent application under the sports capital programme; the outcome in respect of the criteria used during the process; and the reason in detail this application was deemed invalid. [33114/14]
View answer1680. Deputy Derek Keating asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the reason a group (details supplied) in County Dublin were not successful in their recent application under the sports capital programme; the outcome in respect of the criteria used during the process; and the reason in detail this application was deemed invalid. [33115/14]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 1679 and 1680 together.
The organisations referred to by the Deputy applied for grants under the 2014 Sports Capital Programme.
When the 2014 Programme was advertised my Department issued a guide to filling out the application form which clearly set out the Department’s minimum requirements that applicants had to meet to be considered for funding.
I do not consider it appropriate to publish details of why individual applications were deemed invalid. Applications were deemed invalid primarily for one or more of the following reasons:
|
Reasons why Applications were Deemed Invalid |
|
Title/Access requirements of the Sports Capital Programme not satisfied |
|
Insufficient evidence of planning permission, planning application, or exemption from planning |
|
Evidence of own funding not provided in prescribed format |
|
Insufficient own funding |
All applicants have been informed of the outcome of the assessment of their application, including details of why applications were deemed to be invalid.
1681. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if a festival (details supplied) in County Kerry will be made eligible for national festival funding; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33180/14]
View answerI have no direct role in relation to the provision of funding for festivals and events as this is a matter for the board and management of Fáilte Ireland. Details of the annual funding application process are advertised in the national press and online on the Fáilte Ireland website.
Accordingly I have referred the question of the status of the festival to the agency for direct reply. Please contact my private office if you do not receive a reply within ten working days.
1682. Deputy Sean Fleming asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the number of staff who retired, left or otherwise departed from their employment from 1 July 2013 to 31 December 2013, and the expected annual savings arising therefrom; the number of staff expected to leave in 2014, and the annual expected savings therefrom; the number of staff expected to leave in 2015, and the annual savings therefrom; the number of staff expected to leave in 2016, and the annual savings therefrom; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33211/14]
View answer1683. Deputy Sean Fleming asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the number of new staff employed since 1 July 2013 up to 31 December 2013 and the expected annual costs arising therefrom; the expected number to be employed in 2014 and the estimated annual cost arising therefrom; the expected number to be employed in 2015 and the estimated annual cost arising therefrom; the expected number to be employed in 2016 and the estimated annual cost arising therefrom; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33228/14]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 1682 and 1683 together.
With the exception of staff changes which occurred following changes in Ministerial responsibilities, the information on changes to staff numbers as a result of retirements and other departures and changes is shown in Table 1.
Table 1
|
Staff Numbers (WTE) |
|||
|
Year |
Departures |
New staff |
Net Reduction |
|
2013 |
12 |
1 |
11 |
|
2014 |
24 |
10 |
14 |
|
2015 |
14 |
6 |
8 |
|
2016 |
8 |
|
8 |
The information for 2014 is based on actual numbers to date plus projected changes to year end. The numbers for 2015 and 2016 are projected based on staff due to retire plus a number of known returns e.g. career breaks due to expire. The vacancies filled to date through recruitment include safety critical posts in the Irish Coast Guard and the Air Accident Investigation Unit, where sanction was granted as an exception to the moratorium on recruitment.
The overall payroll savings arising from staff reductions is incorporated in this Department's exchequer funded pay provision. In addition to the payroll allocation specific to this Department, the Vote allocation also provides for the pay and pension funds for the non-commercial agencies under the aegis of this Department. The total Vote provision in 2013 for the Department and agencies of €76.5 million reflected a reduction of 6% on the 2012 allocation. The combined net outturn by the Department and agencies in 2013 was €74.6 million, realising an added saving of 2.5% on the original allocation. The 2014 provision of €67.1 million realises a further reduction of 12% on the 2013 provision. I anticipate that further reductions will be reflected in the Vote allocations for 2015 and 2016 in the context of the Estimates process and the ongoing staff number reductions.
1684. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport when and how section 44 of the Road Traffic Act 2010 may be commenced. [33339/14]
View answerSection 44 of the Road Traffic Act 2010 provides that a person who is served with a summons in respect of a fixed charge offence may pay the amount stated on the fixed charge notice not later than 7 days before the date specified for the hearing of the charge in court. The section has not yet been commenced as some technical and administrative measures to give effect to the section remain to be resolved. I understand that the Gardaí and the Courts Service are working to resolve the outstanding issues and I will commence section 44 as soon as these issues are resolved.
1685. 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. [33349/14]
View answerThe functions of the National Transport Authority (NTA) in relation to public transport infrastructure 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.
1687. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the reason for the delay in issuing a road opening licence as requested by the National Roads Authority (details supplied). [33427/14]
View answerAs Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for overall policy and funding in relation to the national roads programme. The construction, improvement and maintenance of individual national roads, is a matter for the National Roads Authority under the Roads Acts 1993 to 2007 in conjunction with the local authorities concerned. In addition the NRA is the relevant party for the granting of consents to communication operators to carry out road works on national roads. Noting this I have referred the Deputy's question to the NRA for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 working days.
1688. Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his views on correspondence (details supplied) regarding Irish Rail services; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33438/14]
View answerThe issues raised are a matter for Irish Rail and I have forwarded the Deputy's question to the company for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within ten working days.
1689. Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the position regarding dealing with racism in sport (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33494/14]
View answerResponsibility for the development and implementation of policies and strategies to successfully tackle racism in sport lies with individual sporting organisations as outlined in their internal constitution and rules.
With regards the specific incident which the Deputy makes reference to, I understand that the person concerned has since apologised publicly and according to media reports, the comments made are the subject of investigation by the PSNI.
Finally, I want to say that I do not condone racism in any way, whatever the context may be.
1690. Deputy Gerry Adams asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will provide clarity on the availability of access to public transport for persons with disabilities, specifically wheelchair-bound persons; his plans to upgrade the public transport network to ensure full disability access; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33495/14]
View answerAccessibility improvements to public transport services are being advanced in the context of Transport Access for All (my Department’s Sectoral Plan under the Disability Act 2005) and in the context of the Government’s National Disability Strategy Implementation Plan.
Transport Access for All sets out a series of policy objectives and targets for accessible public transport across all modes. This includes making all suburban and Inter-city passenger trains, as well as urban & Intercity public transport buses/coaches accessible for people with mobility, sensory and cognitive impairments. The Plan is premised on the principle that through accessibility improvements to the public transport system for people with disabilities, access for all people will be improved. This is being done as extensively as possible having regard to the availability of resources. Targets in Transport Access for All are reflected in the National Disability Strategy Implementation Plan.
Accessibility is built into all new public transport infrastructure projects and vehicles from the design stage.
In relation to existing public transport infrastructure and facilities my Department is funding an on-going programme of accessibility improvement grants to upgrade existing public transport infrastructure and facilities under the current capital plan. This programme is being managed by the National Transport Authority (NTA) on behalf of my Department.
Significant progress has been made in recent years. All Iarnród Éireann’s operational rolling stock is internally accessible with the use of a portable wheelchair ramp at all stations. The Dublin Bus fleet and Bus Éireann urban fleets in Cork, Galway, Limerick, Waterford and Sligo are 100% wheelchair accessible. LUAS is fully accessible.
While 56% of Bus Éireann’s coach fleet is wheelchair accessible an accessible service is only available on a limited number of routes. This is currently being addressed as part of the Accessibility Grants Programme. The NTA has undertaken an audit of bus stops and bus/rail stations which is close to completion and this work will facilitate the development a priority plan for further accessibility improvements.
The NTA has also recently launched a new €1m grant scheme to support the wider availability of Wheelchair Accessible Vehicles (WAVs) in Ireland’s taxi fleet. Interest in the scheme has been good to date.
The potential for technology developments to help people with disabilities access transport services is also kept under review. Examples of this include the Real Time Ireland App which is ‘text to speech enabled’ to help the visually impaired. The Real Time signs also indicate the arrival of low floor buses for wheelchair users. The NTA is also enhancing the National Journey Planner to allow a request for a step-free journey which will assist those with a mobility impairment to plan their public transport journeys. The use of on-board announcements on Dublin Bus is also being introduced which will be particularly beneficial to the visually impaired.
I am committed to the ongoing improvement of access to public transport for persons with disabilities and will continue to provide capital funds for this purpose as part of the relevant capital plans.
1691. Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the position regarding funding in respect of a club (details supplied) in Dublin 3; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33560/14]
View answerThe Sports Capital Programme is the Government’s primary vehicle for supporting the development of sports facilities and the purchase of non-personal sports equipment. It is open to any sports club or organisation with a suitable project to apply for funding under the next round of the Programme.
My Department has developed a new portal on the Department's website which must be used by organisations to register, to apply for funding (when the next Programme is open for applications) and to manage the drawdown of any new grants allocated after 2013. Any interested organisation should register on www.sportscapitalprogramme.ie.
It may be possible for the club to raise funds via the ‘Tax Relief for Donations to Certain Sports Bodies’ scheme (section 847A of the Taxes Consolidation Act, 1997). This is a Revenue operated scheme which offers tax benefits to individuals or companies who make donations to the club. Further details on this scheme and how it operates can be found on the Revenue Commissioners website.
1692. Deputy Ruth Coppinger asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his views on the impact the level of staffing of the Natural History Museum is having on tourism in Dublin. [33568/14]
View answerThe staffing of the Natural History Museum is a matter, in the first instance for the management of the Museum, and my colleague the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht. In that regard, it would not be appropriate for me to comment on the management of the Museum.
In regard to tourism performance I am pleased to advise the Deputy that overseas visitor numbers are up by 9.9% to the end of July. Statistics recently released by the Central Statistics Office also show that revenue from overseas visitors grew by almost 9% in the first six months of the year. While these are national figures and regional figures are not yet available, all indications are that tourism in Dublin is performing particularly well.
1694. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he can provide statistics on the number of occasions where insurance companies have requested access to view the NVDF of motorists since access to the NVDF has been permitted by his Department. [33647/14]
View answerMotor insurers are granted access to the penalty point data on the National Vehicle and Driver File (NVDF) under Section 53(3) (c) of the Road Traffic Act, 2010.
My Department has been working with the insurance industry in developing the computer interface which will provide access to the data. This is now at a very advanced stage and it is expected that the transfer arrangements will commence shortly. The arrangement is subject to strict data control arrangements.
1695. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport further to Parliamentary Question No. 240 of 8 May 2014, if the report referred to in the reply is now available. [33658/14]
View answerI understand from the National Transport Authority (NTA) that the Fingal/North Dublin Transport Study is currently underway. I expect to have a report on the outcome of this review in January 2015.
1696. Deputy Seamus Kirk asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he has received a copy of the recent report for Fáilte Ireland, An Analysis of the Impact of the VAT Reduction on Irish Tourism and Tourism Development; if he has noted its content; if his attention has been drawn to the fact that the report published by Fáilte Ireland outlined that the lower VAT rate of 9%, which was introduced to give the tourism sector a boost in 2011 and which has been maintained ever since, is continuing to have significant benefits for the economy; if he has noted that since its introduction more than 30,000 jobs have been added to the sector as a result of the measure being in place; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33737/14]
View answerI am well aware of the recent report on the impact of the 9% VAT rate that was commissioned by Fáilte Ireland which shows that the rate continues to have a very beneficial impact on the tourism and hospitality industry, particularly in terms of employment. Of course, taxation policy is a matter for my colleague the Minister for Finance, Michael Noonan TD, in the first instance.
The report found that seasonally adjusted employment levels in the relevant sectors in Q4 2013 were 17,300 ahead of Q4 2012. Employment in the 9% sectors is now circa 30,000 higher than it would have been had they performed in line with comparable service industry sectors. Based on the assumption that only half of those newly employed were previously on social welfare, the increase in employment since 2011 equates to a benefit to the Exchequer of circa €165 million between additional income tax and social welfare savings.
More broadly the VAT rate has contributed to a marked and continuing improvement in Value for Money (VFM) perceptions of Ireland by overseas visitors. The net assessment of VFM by overseas visitors (i.e. negative perceptions subtracted from positive perceptions) has greatly improved over the past few years, as follows - 1% in 2010, 13% in 2011, 24% in 2012 and 26% in 2013. This competitiveness has undoubtedly contributed to the increase in overseas visits to Ireland of 7.2% in 2013, while increases in visit numbers to date this year (up to end-July) are even more impressive at 9.9%. There also was an increase in international tourism earnings of €363 million between 2011 and 2013.
Finally, the report notes that similar measures have been introduced elsewhere to boost economic activity in tourism and hospitality sectors, including in Germany, France and Switzerland. Some of these countries have reduced VAT rates to significantly below 9%.
1697. Deputy Dominic Hannigan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the position regarding the Pace to Navan rail link; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33738/14]
View answerThe current capital investment plan covers the period 2012 to 2016 and with the available funding the plan prioritised the protection of the existing operational heavy rail network and the maintenance of safety standards, rather than the expansion of the network. The bulk of the funding over these years is required for rail safety and renewal. Moreover on the basis of recent studies it is clear that the maintenance and renewal of the existing network will require increased resources in order to ensure a reliable and competitive rail network. Work on a new government capital investment plan to 2019 is underway. This involves a focused review of the current plan and the setting of investment priorities for the next five years.
If additional funds are available over and above what is required to maintain existing assets there will be many competing transport projects across all modes. In such an eventuality only projects for which there is a clear identifiable need, which are affordable, have a robust business case and add value to existing infrastructure, will be prioritised for funding in the new capital plan.
1698. Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the funding available to extend the provision of real-time information at bus stops in County Cork; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33742/14]
View answerThe National Transport Authority (NTA) has responsibility for the implementation and development of the Real Time Passenger Information Scheme in the Greater Dublin Area and in the four regional cities of Cork, Galway, Limerick and Waterford and the contiguous areas of those counties.
Noting this I have referred the Deputy's question to the NTA. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 working days.
