Written Answers Nos. 202-207
202. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if he will provide in tabular form the percentage of vacant positions on State boards under the aegis of his Department that were filled from the panels created through open application by the Public Appointments Service by year from 2011 to date in 2014. [37485/14]
View answerThis Government, almost immediately on establishment, made important changes in relation to appointments to State Boards with new arrangements widening the opportunity to participate on such Boards by extending a wide invitation for people to submit expressions of interest to serve on the boards of public bodies. In accordance with the Government Decision of 12 April 2011, my predecessor commenced a process of seeking, on the Department’s website, expressions of Interest from persons wishing to be considered for appointment to vacancies on State Boards under the aegis of this Department. This information has been used to inform decisions for such appointments, but I would stress that such invitations are designed to extend the range of suitable persons from which a Minister might make appointments, not to constrain it. While appointments are made by the relevant Minister, I would add that appointments to Boards also include nominations, provided for by statute, by Committees of the Oireachtas, worker directors and ex-officio positions. While the precise structure varies from body to body, in total this can amount to a significant proportion of the Board in certain instances. While I am aware of the service that can be provided by the Public Appointments Service, I would point out that the arrangements I have outlined provide for a wide and varied process of selection for appointment.
All appointments are made in light of the applicable legislative requirements, objectives of the organisation and on the basis of appointees having the necessary competencies, expertise and experience to contribute effectively to the work of the particular boards.
In 2011 there were 31 applications received following the advertisement for Expressions of Interest from which 3 appointments were made. In 2012 there were 37 applications received following the advertisement for Expressions of Interest from which 5 appointments were made. In the current 2013/2014 call for Expressions of Interest there have been 118 applications received to date following the advertisement for Expressions of Interest from which 9 appointments were made.
There have been 114 appointments made to State Boards under the aegis of my Department in the period March 2011 to date. The percentage of these appointments filled from the Expressions of Interest received amounts to 15%. It should be noted that about 30% of the appointments made were either ex-officio appointments, reappointments, the appointment of worker directors chosen by election, or appointments made from nominations made by an Oireachtas Committee.
On 30 September, my colleague the Minister of Public Expenditure and Reform announced further steps to strengthen the process of Board appointments and my Department will be liaising with the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform to ensure that procedures in my Department are in line with the new measures proposed.
203. Deputy Ciara Conway asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the position regarding national cycle routes (details supplied); the progress to date; the work that has been done; the timeframe for completion; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37443/14]
View answerThe two greenway projects to which the Deputy refers were submitted to my Department as applications under the National Cycle Network (Funding Programme 2014-2016).
The "Clonee to Durrow" greenway project was selected, following assessment by an expert panel, to receive funding under the NCN Programme. The deadline for completion of projects under this programme is end 2016. However, Waterford County Council have indicated that the project will be completed in January, 2016. Consultation with landowners is currently being finalised and accommodation works agreed. It is planned to commence site clearance in October 2014 and commence construction work in Q1 2015.
The "Kilmeaden to Bilberry" greenway project was selected to share in funding from the €200 million Government Stimulus Package for infrastructure projects, €10 million of which was earmarked for the development of greenways. The criteria for selection of projects to receive funding from this source was the authority's ability to complete the project within the 12 month timeframe so increasing the stimulus effect. Site clearance on the project is scheduled to commence in November, 2014 with construction work planned to commence in Q1 2015.
204. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will provide in tabular form the percentage of vacant positions on State boards under the aegis of his Department that were filled from the panels created through open application by the Public Appointments Service by year from 2011 to date in 2014. [37496/14]
View answerThe Deputy will be aware that a new model for appointments to State Boards, making use of the Public Appointment Service, will come into effect later this year. At present, my Department maintains its own database of applicants compiled from expressions of interest as advertised on our website. This will be superseded by the new model when it is in place.
In making any Board appointments, I am not confined to those who make such expressions of interest but I do ensure that all of those appointed have the relevant qualifications for the positions. In that respect, I have regard to the body or agency in question and the appropriate mix of skills and experience required on the Board. I may, from time to time, also decide not to fill all existing vacancies.
All details relating to current State Boards and members can be found at the following link: http://www.dttas.ie/corporate/english/state-board-membership-and-approved-fees.
205. Deputy Timmy Dooley asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will provide an update on the progress and success of the beta bicycle hanger project in Dublin city; his plans to increase participation in the scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37501/14]
View answerThe National Transport Authority (NTA) in conjunction with Dublin City Council is responsible for the development of all cycling and walking infrastructure in the Greater Dublin Area (GDA).
Accordingly, I have forwarded your request to the NTA and have asked them to reply to you directly. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 days.
206. Deputy Timmy Dooley asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will consider expanding the use of the Leap card as a means of payment for small transactions in private businesses, as is the practice in a number of other countries with integrated ticketing; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37503/14]
View answer207. Deputy Timmy Dooley asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if it is possible to integrate the Leap card with the public transport systems in other European cities, in particular London and Edinburgh; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37504/14]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 206 and 207 together.
Responsibility to develop, procure, implement, operate and maintain the Leap Card system is a function of the National Transport Authority (NTA).
I understand, however, that the NTA is considering a number of additional functions for the Leap card Scheme including using the electronic purse for non-transit purchases. However, to move into low value retail outside of direct public transport provision requires a significant change in the structures and governance of the Scheme to comply with the EU Directive on Electronic Money Issuance. The NTA, or a partner organisation, would be required to become an “Electronic Money Issuer” and establishing this would incur significant costs. The benefits of making the necessary changes are not considered sufficient at the present time to offset the costs of doing so. Additionally, the cardholder would most likely incur a commission charge when using the Leap electronic funds for such payments. There are very few other transit card schemes in the EU that support this functionality, it is more common in the Far East where different regulations apply.
With regard to integrating the scheme with systems in other European cities, I am informed by the NTA that the scheme in Ireland, like most of the other schemes in the EU, has developed a common card reader and card format that is unique to Ireland. Options being proposed for international interoperability are still in development and to date no over-arching standard has emerged as the dominant standard for Europe. At present, the EU includes a number of nationally supported smartcard ticketing schemes which are collaborating to seek to find ways to achieve cross border interoperability, however achieving consensus is some way off. The recent introduction of contactless bank card payment for public transport may in fact be the means by which interoperability is achieved in the future.
