Written Answers Nos. 1122 - 1140
1122. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport further to Parliamentary Question No. 1694 of 17 September 2014, if he will provide an update on when the transfer arrangements to provide a new computer interface for insurance companies to access data regarding the national vehicle and driver file, NVDF, of motorists will be put in place. [41857/14]
View answer1123. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport further to Parliamentary Question No. 1694 of 17 September 2014 in which he referred to section 53(3)(c) of the Road Traffic Act 2010, the effect of section 5 of the Road Traffic Act 2014 on the arrangements to be put in place in order for insurance companies to access data regarding the national vehicle and driver file of motorists. [41859/14]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 1122 and 1123 together.
In addition to restating Section 2(10) of the Road Traffic Act 2002 as inserted by Section 53(3)(c) of the Road Traffic Act 2010 with regard to access to NVDF data by motor insurers, Section 5(1) of the Road Traffic Act 2014 Act provides greater clarity with regard to the range of data which may be supplied. The technical arrangements to facilitate supply of the information have been completed and my Department is currently developing an agreement with insurers on the conditions, including data protection safeguards, covering the supply of this sensitive data.
It is expected that supply of data proper will commence by year end.
1124. Deputy Brendan Ryan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the role local councillors will play in the new structure when the Drogheda Harbour Commission is constituted into the Drogheda Port Company; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41897/14]
View answerOne of the principal recommendations of the National Ports Policy, published in March 2013, is the proposed transfer of five Ports of Regional Significance (including the Drogheda Port Company) to local authority control.
The government recently approved the General Scheme of the Harbours Amendment Bill which will provide a legislative basis to allow for the transfer of the five ports to local authority control. Officials have been meeting with ports, local authorities and others to discuss the proposed transfer arrangements and they will continue to engage with stakeholders as the drafting of the Bill commences and progresses. The role of the Chief Executive who will exercise the shareholder function, and the role of the Councils in relation to the ports that will be transferred, is currently under discussion.
I anticipate bringing the Bill before the Oireachtas in 2015.
1125. Deputy Terence Flanagan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his views on recent fare increases by public transport operators; his further views on whether the new fares are affordable; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41905/14]
View answer1126. Deputy Terence Flanagan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his views on whether public transport users are receiving a good quality service for the amount that they are paying to use services; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41978/14]
View answer1127. Deputy Terence Flanagan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if further funding will be allocated in budget 2015 to ensure public transport users are not subjected to further ticket price increases and enough money is provided to ensure an efficient and reliable public transport service is in place; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41979/14]
View answer1137. Deputy Billy Timmins asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the reason public transport fares have increased with effect from 1 November 2014, in view of the fact that the crude oil price has decreased by approximately 20% in recent months; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42257/14]
View answer1139. Deputy Eoghan Murphy asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his role in approving or allowing the proposed increase in public transport fares; and the way in which this increase is justified given that the subventions from the State have not been reduced and passenger numbers are up. [42265/14]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 1125 to 1127, inclusive, and 1137 and 1139 together.
The National Transport Authority (NTA) is the statutory body with responsibility for overseeing the delivery of public transport services and also the regulation of fares charged in respect of public transport services provided under public service contracts.
In contrast to a trend of reducing PSO allocations in recent years, I have ensured that the level of Public Service Obligation for bus and rail services is being maintained in 2015 at current levels. The allocation and payment of the subvention to all operators is decided by the NTA in accordance with their Public Service Obligation (PSO) contracts with the companies.
I have referred the Deputies' questions to the NTA for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive replies within ten working days.
1128. Deputy Terence Flanagan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the discussions he has had with Irish Rail about shorter trains being used on the DART service, especially at peak times, and the impact this is having on commuters; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41980/14]
View answerThe issue raised is a matter for the National Transport Authority (NTA) and I have forwarded the Deputy's question to the NTA for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a response within ten working days.
1129. Deputy John Lyons asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if the Drogheda Port Company operates under his remit or that of another State body; if this company is answerable to its board of directors; and if expenditure incurred as part of a recent project (details supplied) is justified under the various Harbour Acts to which the company is subject. [42034/14]
View answerDrogheda Port Company is one of nine State commercial port companies established and operating pursuant to the Harbours Acts 1996–2009. The Minister for Transport Tourism and Sport is the principal shareholder in the port company and his relationship with the company is governed by both the Harbours Acts and the Companies Acts.
As a limited liability company, the company is responsible for the management, control, operation and development of its harbour and is directly answerable to its board of directors. Drogheda’s company’s 2013 accounts are publicly available and provide a figure for capitalized expenditure on investment in the Bremore project. Expenditure incurred by the company on any project is a matter for the board.
Since the publication of the National Ports Policy 2013, which specifies that large scale infrastructure projects will be led by ports of national significance, no further investment has been made by Drogheda in this regard.
1130. Deputy Seán Kyne asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if further consideration has been given to the holding of mandatory speed awareness courses for persons in contravention of speeding regulations in view of the positive impact such courses have had in other jurisdictions. [42087/14]
View answerAction 107 of the Government's Road Safety Strategy 2013-2020 states that, subject to legal advice, my Department should, with the support of the Road Safety Authority (RSA) and the Department of Justice and Equality, legislate for rehabilitation and driving awareness courses as court-based sentencing options for specific offenders, which should then be implemented. The RSA is developing proposals on this Action at present and I await the conclusions before considering what steps might then be taken.
1131. Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the position concerning possible changes to the pensions of persons currently in payment under the Irish airlines superannuation scheme pension scheme; if his attention has been drawn to the hardship this will cause for many persons; the steps being taken to resolve the issue; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42089/14]
View answer1138. Deputy Terence Flanagan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his plans to address the issue of the proposed cuts for Irish airlines superannuation scheme deferred pensioners; his involvement to date in trying to resolve this issue; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42263/14]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 1131 and 1138 together.
Resolution of the funding difficulties in the Irish Aviation Superannuation Scheme (IASS), is primarily a matter for the Trustees, the companies participating in the scheme, the scheme members and the Pensions Authority. The process currently underway involves all of these stakeholders.
I can assure you that I do understand the concerns in relation to the funding of the scheme. However, such matters are governed in the first instance by the trust deed and rules of a pension scheme. In this regard the trustee of the scheme must, in the management of the scheme, act in the best interests of all scheme members and beneficiaries.
The Expert Panel established earlier this year was tasked with finding the fairest way to distribute the burden of resolving the current deficit in the scheme, while addressing a range of other impediments. It has been clear for a long time that any solution to the complex problems of the IASS requires significant contributions from both employers and members of the scheme. Moreover, the current status of the pension scheme cannot continue indefinitely as there are legislative requirements which mean that the deficit needs to be addressed. My whole focus is on a solution being put in place to resolve the funding difficulties which would achieve the best possible outcome for all concerned.
It is important to emphasise that it is also the Expert Panel's definitive view that the proposed measures represent the best possible outcome that can be achieved and that if this final opportunity to resolve this very protracted problem is not grasped now, the situation facing members of the IASS will deteriorate further.
I agree with the Panel’s view and I sincerely believe that, in the circumstances, the proposed package of measures offer the best possible outcome for all concerned.
1132. Deputy Seán Kyne asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the progress that has been made on establishing a new, single point of responsibility for the funding and oversight of the country's vital mountain rescue teams; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42098/14]
View answerAs the Deputy will be aware Minister Varadkar discussed the issue of a single point of responsibility for funding and oversight of mountain rescue teams with my colleague Minister Fitzgerald, Minister for Justice and Equality. In this approach it was outlined that the primary role and responsibility of the Irish Coast Guard (IRCG) a division within my Department, is in response to maritime emergencies. It is recognised that the IRCG provide some operational assistance for mountain rescue, however primary responsibility for mountain rescue rests with An Garda Síochána (AGS).
Minister Fitzgerald in her response explained the operational nature of the relationship between AGS and mountain rescue teams, outlining that local mountain rescue teams are contacted via a pager system or nominated “Call Out Officer” following a 999/112 call. It remains the view of both the Department of Justice and Equality and AGS that the current arrangements represent the best use of available resources and expertise in the area of search and rescue.
1134. Deputy Terence Flanagan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his plans to expand the DublinBikes scheme to Marino, Dublin 3; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42223/14]
View answerResponsibility for the roll-out, extension, maintenance and commercial elements of the Dublin City Bikes Scheme is an operational matter for the National Transport Authority (NTA), working closely with Dublin City Council. Noting the above 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 from the NTA within 10 days.
1135. Deputy Sandra McLellan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the hotel capacity in Dublin further to the Lord Mayor's task force stating that an additional 5,000 rooms were required; and the progress that has been made to date. [42252/14]
View answerAs the Deputy will be aware, the previous Lord Mayor convened a group to look at future accommodation supply and demand in Dublin. Although Fáilte Ireland provided technical support to this group, the report and its implementation are a matter for the Lord Mayor, given the role of Dublin City Council as a planning authority.
As regards hotel capacity in Dublin, Fáilte Ireland monitors accommodation capacity across the country. Accordingly, I have referred the Deputy’s question to the agency for direct reply.
Separately, in line with its regional tourism development functions, Fáilte Ireland is pursuing its “Destination Dublin: A Collective Strategy for Tourism Growth to 2020", which was developed by the Grow Dublin Taskforce, representing all the key tourism stakeholders in Dublin.
I have asked the agency to provide the Deputy with any further relevant information relating to its “Destination Dublin” tourism strategy. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within ten working days.
1136. Deputy Sandra McLellan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the visitor numbers to Dublin over the past five years. [42253/14]
View answerThe collection and publication of official statistics is a matter for the Central Statistics Office (CSO), which is under the aegis of the Department of the Taoiseach. Although the CSO does not provide a county-level breakdown of overseas visits, its Household Travel Survey contains county-level data for domestic trips.
I am aware that Fáilte Ireland publishes an annual estimate of overseas visitor numbers and revenue by county, based on research of its own as well as available CSO statistics. The most recent published statistics cover 2013 and are available in the Research section of the Fáilte Ireland website at www.failteireland.ie. However, it should be noted that, due to the small sample sizes which breaking out counties leads to, these figures are based on three-year rolling averages, not a given year.
I have asked Fáilte Ireland to provide the Deputy with any further statistical information available to them regarding tourism in Dublin. Please contact my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 working days.
1140. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his views on a matter (details supplied) regarding national car test, NCT, appointments; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42267/14]
View answerThe Deputy should note that it has, for some time, been an offence to use a vehicle on public roads without a valid NCT certificate. Currently, this is a 'straight-to-court' offence which attracts 5 penalty points on conviction.
However, section 10 of the Road Traffic Act 2014, when commenced shortly, will bring this offence within the Fixed Charge Payment System and will attract 3 penalty points on payment of the Fixed Charge.
Under the Road Safety Authority Act 2006 (Conferral of Functions) Order 2006 (S.I. No. 477 of 2006), the Road Safety Authority has responsibility for the delivery of the National Car Test. The RSA has overall responsibility for the operation, oversight, development, quality assurance and delivery of vehicle testing arrangements.
I am advised that any car owner will receive an NCT appointment within 28 days. I understand that, in order to meet this standard, in some cases, the National Car Testing Service (NCTS) holds requests on a waiting list until a suitable slot is found. In the majority of cases, customers are given a slot within the required timescale. However, if a slot is not found within 28 days, the test should be offered free of charge.
Also, to further facilitate demand, an NCT may be undertaken up to 90 days in advance of the test due date without affecting the expiry date of the new certificate. This system is in place to ensure that owners have ample time to have their vehicle tested before their current NCT certificate expires.
The RSA informs me that it is in a favourable position to deal with current demand and that the NCTS has been testing record numbers to date in 2014, with the number of vehicles tested each month being approximately 12% higher than in the corresponding months in 2013.
