Written Answers Nos. 155-172
155. Deputy Dessie Ellis asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his plans for the implementation of Part 4 of the Taxi Regulation Act 2012 and the relevant Schedules; if his attention has been drawn to the fact that some gardaí have been meeting with some taxi licence holders and telling them they will be disqualified upon implementation; and if this is correct procedure. [4340/15]
View answerI have no role in the implementation of Part 4 of the Taxi Regulation Act 2013 which provides for mandatory disqualification from holding a small public service vehicle (SPSV) driver licence on conviction for specified serious offences. The specification of offences to which mandatory disqualification applies is based on the principle of ensuring the welfare and safety of passengers.
The disqualification has automatic effect under the Act. Where a disqualification arises from convictions obtained before the commencement of the Act, the disqualification is suspended for a period of 12 months. There is also a right of appeal under which the appropriate court can review a range of matters pertinent to the suitability of the appellant to be a SPSV driver.
I understand that, subsequent to the commencement of the Taxi Regulation Act 2013, the National Transport Authority, which is responsible for the regulation of the SPSV sector, contacted holders of SPSV driver licences advising them of the new provisions in relation to such mandatory disqualification and also informing them of the right to make an appeal to the courts where applicable.
156. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport whether he is satisfied with existing arrangements between his Department and the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade regarding the processing of exemptions for carriage of munitions of war on civil aircraft under the Air Navigation (Carriage of Munitions of War, Weapons and Dangerous Goods) Order 1973, and his plans to change the current system. [4331/15]
View answerI am satisfied that the existing arrangements, which provide for consultation between my Department and the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade are operating satisfactorily. My Department consults the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade on matters of foreign policy on all exemption applications under the 1973 Order.
If that Department has any objections or concerns on grounds of foreign policy, an exemption is not granted.
157. Deputy Dessie Ellis asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he had discussions with the National Transport Authority regarding the changes to the taxi fares model and that consultative process; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4342/15]
View answerThe review of taxi fares is a matter for the National Transport Authority as the independent regulatory authority for the small public service vehicle sector under the provisions of the Taxi Regulation Act 2013.
158. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the contact his Department has had with Aer Lingus and the Shannon Airport Authority regarding the way different actuarial assumptions were used in both companies in their recent proposals for future pension provision; and his views regarding same. [4334/15]
View answerIn the context of the Trustee funding proposal for the Irish Airlines (General Employees) Superannuation Scheme (IASS), reference to the actuarial assumptions was included in the Expert Panel report of June 2014. At the request of my Department and the Department of Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation, the Expert Panel was asked to re-engage with SIPTU and ICTU in relation to matters dealt with in its report, including the actuarial assumptions, and to provide clarity on those matters. There were also discussions immediately before Christmas between the Departments, members of the Expert Panel and ICTU in relation to this engagement which helped to refine the areas of focus for the Panel. The Department is in contact with daa and SAA has been kept informed on relevant matters throughout.
That process is ongoing at present and it is for the Panel to complete its work as effectively and efficiently as possible in providing the clarifications sought. In light of the fact that the Trustees proposal aimed at addressing the significant deficit in the scheme was implemented with effect from 31 December 2014, it is now vital that the industrial relations issues among certain daa/SAA staff are resolved as soon possible.
159. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his policy in relation to the development of long distance greenways for cycling and walking; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4292/15]
View answerThe vision of the National Cycle Policy Framework which was adopted in 2009 was to "create a strong cycling culture in Ireland". Objective 3 of this policy sought to "provide designated rural cycle networks especially for visitors and recreational cycling". The policy identified the delivery of a National Cycle Network as the key to achieving this objective.
Following the policy launch the National Roads Authority were requested to carry out an initial scoping study into the potential scale and extent of a National Cycle Network for Ireland. An advisory group, including all the necessary stakeholders, was set up under the auspices of the National Trails Advisory Committee to assist in this work. The initial scoping study, published in 2010, identified routes to connect settlements around Ireland with populations of 10,000 or more and which would tie into tourist attractions around the country. The resulting potential network consisted of 13 corridors totalling around 2,000 kilometres in length.
It is accepted that in order to grow cycling in Ireland as a valuable tourism resource it is necessary to have a network of routes of substantial length and quality in place which will be challenging and attractive to cyclist (and walkers) of all levels.
The 277 kilometre Dublin-Galway corridor was identified as the ideal corridor to progress first for a number of reasons, the main being that the extensive route when completed would make sense in its own right, it also uses, for much of the route, land in State ownership. The route also forms part of Eurovelo 2 which provides a ready-made branding for the project that will assist in attracting overseas visitors.
160. Deputy Dessie Ellis asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his plans for promoting women in sport in view of the successes of women athletes here. [4344/15]
View answerI recognise the importance of promoting women in sport and one of my key goals for sport is to encourage more women and girls to get involved in sport and physical activity. The Government is continuing to promote women in sport through its investment in the Women in Sport Programme operated by the Irish Sports Council. Over €16m has been invested in the Programme since it was established in 2005 to address the issue of female participation in sport in Ireland.
Research published by the Irish Sports Council last year indicates that investment in the Women In Sport Programme is delivering results. The Irish Sports Monitor Report 2013 shows that participation in sport among females has increased from 39% in 2011 to 42.7% in 2013. This is a very encouraging development.
The 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 aimed at increasing female participation in sport.
I have referred the Deputy's question to the Council for further information in relation to its strategies and plans for promoting women in sport. I would ask the Deputy to inform my office if a reply is not received within 10 days.
161. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will report on discussions held with trade union representatives and community organisations on the sale of Aer Lingus. [4361/15]
View answerI meet regularly with trade unions and community organisations in the course of my work. I have had one such meeting specifically dealing with the approaches by IAG to Aer Lingus.
At its request, I met with representatives of ICTU including SIPTU and IMPACT officials on 19 January at which they outlined their concerns about the IAG approaches. I reiterated that if any offer is made or when the details of any offer emerge, the Government will examine it very carefully against a set of public interest criteria before making any decision. I also undertook to meet with them again in the event that any formal offer is made by IAG.
162. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will report on the discrepancies occurring when drivers fail to produce their licences in court, when drivers fail to surrender their licences and when judges omit to announce the number of penalty points in court. [4289/15]
View answerUnder section 22 of the Road Traffic Act 2002, as amended, it is a legal obligation to produce a driving licence or learner permit, as the case may be, and a legible copy of the licence or learner permit in court following a summons for a road traffic offence.
Prosecution of cases where a licence or learner permit has not been produced is a matter for An Garda Síochána.
Where a person is disqualified from driving following court proceedings, the person is required by law to surrender their driving licence to the Road Safety Authority, as the National Driver Licensing Authority. Failure to surrender the licence is an offence.
As a matter of law, penalty points are not imposed by the court. The court imposes a fine and the application of penalty points to a licence record is an administrative consequence following from a conviction. Queries regarding court procedure are matters for the Department of Justice and Equality and the Courts Service.
163. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his views on making 2016 a year of the home gathering, a nationwide year of Irish persons holidaying at home and going someplace here that they have never been before, with communities involved in the hosting of special events to mark a home gathering; his views on whether keeping even an additional 10% of Irish holidaymakers here rather than holidaying abroad would have a significant impact on the tourism sector and wider economy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4295/15]
View answerTourism is a key driver of social and economic development at both national and regional levels in Ireland. While any increase in domestic tourism would be beneficial for the sector and the wider economy, it should be noted that the number of domestic tourism trips has held up well since 2010 and not declined by as much as the number of overseas trips taken by Irish residents.
The new Tourism Policy Statement, which is due to be published shortly, includes a policy objective to examine how The Gathering or other similar project might be repeated in the future without diluting its impact and to develop the tourism opportunities arising from themed years in other areas of Government. Specific initiatives to boost tourism, both overseas and domestic, can be considered in that context. However, any decision on how best to focus supports will be based on overall tourism prospects and development opportunities, underscored by the need to maximise returns on limited resources.
With specific regard to the question of a Home Gathering, there are no plans for such an initiative in 2016. However, I can assure the Deputy that, as in recent years, Fáilte Ireland will continue to run home holidays marketing campaigns to encourage home holidays and support an extensive programme of festivals and events across the country to drive growth in the domestic market.
164. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the extent to which he is satisfied that any takeover of Aer Lingus will involve adequate protection for national interests such as continued access without restriction to all existing routes and landing provisions at airports worldwide and fundamental to the viability of the airline into the future; if he is satisfied that the regional airports are likely to be sufficiently provided for in such a way as to ensure not only their existence in the future but their continued growth and expansion; if he is satisfied that staffing levels are not reduced thereby restricting the scale and operations of the airline; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4338/15]
View answerI refer the Deputy to my reply to today's Priority PQs 123 and 124 concerning the State's shareholding in Aer Lingus and the recent approaches from IAG.
165. Deputy Lucinda Creighton asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his views on whether the proposed sale of Aer Lingus shares to IAG is in the best interest of the State; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4359/15]
View answerI refer the Deputy to my reply to today's Priority PQs 123 and 124 concerning the State's shareholding in Aer Lingus and the recent approaches from IAG.
166. Deputy Ruth Coppinger asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his views on whether a sale of Aer Lingus will have an impact on employment, pensions, aviation services and tourism. [4363/15]
View answerI have addressed the issues raised by the IAG potential Offer for Aer Lingus in my answers to priority questions 4656/15 and 4666/15.
In relation to pensions, for the last number of years Aer Lingus, together with the other employers in the Irish Airline Superannuation Scheme, has been working with the various stakeholders to put the company's pension funding arrangements on a sustainable footing. The funding proposal from the scheme's trustees was approved last year by the statutory regulator for pensions, the Pensions Authority, and has been implemented since 31 December 2014. The IASS trustee has confirmed that these measures are in the overall best interest of the members of the IASS as a whole and are fully compliant with national and EU law.
I am very conscious of the difficulties these necessary changes cause for many scheme members but the risks that would have arisen for all members, the companies and the wider economy in the event of failure of this solution were even greater.
167. Deputy Timmy Dooley asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his views on the current financial situation in the CIÉ group of companies; if he will provide an update on same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4352/15]
View answerCIÉ remains in a difficult financial situation and has incurred accumulated losses of over €137m in the five years from 2009 to 2013. This trend is unsustainable and is being addressed on a number of fronts.
CIÉ is dependent on continued bank funding and new banking facilities, agreed in 2013, contain a number of financial covenants, all of which were met in 2014. Because of the dependence of CIE on its bank facilities, it is important that the Group performs in line with its business plan as submitted to the banks. CIE will face more demanding bank covenant targets this year and in later years so it is critical that costs saving measures are delivered.
I gave a commitment to avoid further reductions in the Public Service Obligation funding and for the first time since 2008, the level of Public Service Obligation (PSO) for bus and rail services is being maintained in 2015 at the same level as in 2014. I also recently secured €110 million for public transport as part of the 2014 Supplementary Estimate for my Department, which included €45 million for Irish Rail's network renewal investment and €50 million for bus renewal for Dublin Bus and Bus Éireann.
I remain strongly supportive of the efforts to secure CIÉ’s financial sustainability in order to ensure that public transport services can be provided efficiently and cost effectively, with investment needs met over the long term. These measures are necessary components that will contribute to addressing the financial position of the CIÉ Group.
168. Deputy Lucinda Creighton asked the Taoiseach the total number of representations in written or oral form he, his officials or advisers have received from a person (details supplied) seeking the appointment of persons to positions that fall under his remit since March 2011; if he will provide the details of the persons for whom the member made representations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4284/15]
View answerMy Department has no record of representations received by me or by my officials or advisers from the person in question seeking persons to be appointed to positions or boards under my remit since March 2011.
169. Deputy James Bannon asked the Taoiseach the number of staff currently employed in the Attorney General's office engaged in the drafting of legislation; if he is satisfied that there is sufficient staff and resources available to the office to facilitate the prompt and efficient drafting of the outstanding legislation in the programme for Government; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4374/15]
View answerThere are currently the equivalent of 29.6 staff employed to draft legislation in the Office of the Parliamentary Counsel which is a constituent part of the Office of the Attorney General. Two additional staff members are scheduled to join the Office in the next few weeks and one further candidate will be called from a recruitment panel to fill a recent vacancy. This will bring the total to 32.6 wholetime equivalent drafting staff. These drafting staff are supported by clerical and research staff as well as the usual range of administration services.
The numbers and skills of all staff are kept under constant review to ensure that the Office is able to provide the level of drafting services required by the Government. The resources available for drafting have, notwithstanding the increasing demands, been able to meet the needs of the Government.
170. Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Taoiseach the reason the Tricolour was flown at half-mast recently following the death of the King of Saudi Arabia, which country has the worst human rights record in the world; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4378/15]
View answer173. Deputy Seán Crowe asked the Taoiseach if the flag over Government Buildings was flown at half-mast on 23 January 2015 to mark the death of King Abdullah of Saudi Arabia; if his office decided this action; if he requested other Departments to do the same; and the number of times flags have been flown at half-mast over Government Buildings for the death of foreign leaders since March 2011. [4519/15]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 170 and 173 together.
It is customary for the National Flag to be flown at half mast on prominent Government Buildings on the death in office of a Head of State as a mark of respect for a nation with which we have close connections or have had recent engagements.
The flag was flown at half mast on Government Buildings on 23 January to mark the death of King Abdullah of Saudi Arabia. The flag was also half-masted at Áras an Uachtaráin, the Department of Agriculture, the Department of Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht, the Department of Transport, Leinster House and the Department of Foreign Affairs.
The decision to half-mast the flag was made in light of advice from the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade and our Embassy in Riyadh.
The following table gives details of recent occasions when the flag has been flown at half-mast.
|
Name |
Date |
|
President Lech Kaczynski of Poland |
18/04/2010 |
|
King Abdullah of Saudi Arabia |
23/01/2015 |
171. Deputy Patrick O'Donovan asked the Taoiseach if he will provide in tabular form for the years 2007 to 2010 the total photography costs for his Department, including a list of which photographers were booked, the photographers used and breakdown of costs associated with each occasion that a photographer was used; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4500/15]
View answer172. Deputy Patrick O'Donovan asked the Taoiseach if he will provide in tabular form for the years 1997 to 2007 the total photography costs for his Department, including a list of which photographers were booked, the photographers used and breakdown of costs associated with each occasion that a photographer was used; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4516/15]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 171 and 172 together.
The total photography costs in my Department from 2002 to 2010 were €445,616.75. Details are provided in the table below. My Department does not hold financial records from 1997 to 2001 in a readily accessible format. In addition a breakdown of costs from 2002 to 2010 by supplier name, function and cost is not available within the timeframe allowed to respond to the Deputy's question.
|
Year |
€ |
|
2002 |
34,192.43 |
|
2003 |
39,489.18 |
|
2004 |
46,367.35 |
|
2005 |
43,796.26 |
|
2006 |
81,327.92 |
|
2007 |
64,671.92 |
|
2008 |
83,397.75 |
|
2009 |
27,455.15 |
|
2010 |
24,918.79 |
