Written Answers Nos. 244 - 251
244. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will request the chief executive officer of Iarnród Éireann to ensure that security will be increased at the Howth Junction-Donaghmede DART station during the summer months; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27873/15]
View answerThe issue raised is a matter for Iarnród Éireann 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 response within ten working days.
245. Deputy Seán Kyne asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport , further to Parliamentary Question No. 603 of 6 May 2015, if he has received the recommendations from the National Transport Authority following the examination by the authority of responses to the public consultation on transitioning to a wheelchair accessible licensed bus sector; if the recommendations will be published; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27894/15]
View answerI understand that the National Transport Authority (NTA) is still considering the outcome of the public consultation on Transitioning to a Wheelchair Accessible Licensed Bus Sector. The Authority is exploring various options for wheelchair accessible coaches arising from the public consultation process and a further period of time is required to finalise the report and its recommendations.
246. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the position regarding a review of the national car test policy for vintage cars; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27917/15]
View answerThe review by the Road Safety Authority (RSA) of the arrangements in relation to the roadworthiness testing of vintage vehicles will be examined by my officials for submission of recommendations to me which I will consider in due course. Given the pressures of other work in my Department, this matter will be dealt with later in 2015.
247. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the reason the community involvement scheme which deals with roads has been discontinued; and if he will consider making provisions for the scheme to recommence, as it is of considerable benefit to communities and local authorities. [27933/15]
View answerThe Community Involvement Scheme (CIS) was a pilot scheme which was completed in 2014. It was decided that there would be no separate allocation under this grant category in 2015. Instead the scheme has reverted back to allowing local authorities to set aside 7.5% of their Restoration Improvement (RI) and Restoration Maintenance (RM) grants for CIS schemes if they so wish.
Local authorities were notified of the above in Circular RW 2/2015 which issued to local authorities on 3 February 2015.
248. Deputy Robert Dowds asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if purchasers of motorcycles and scramblers must have them taxed and insured before they leave their place of purchase; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27979/15]
View answer249. Deputy Robert Dowds asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if purchasers of motor cars must have them taxed and insured before they leave their place of purchase; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27980/15]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 248 and 249 together.
Under Section 56 of the Road Traffic Act 1961, as amended, a person (in this subsection referred to as the user) shall not use in a public place a mechanically propelled vehicle unless that vehicle is insured against negligent use of that vehicle by the user.
The issue of motor tax is a matter for the Minister for the Environment, Community & Local Government and I have no function in the matter.
250. Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht if it is legal to trade in a material (details supplied); if it is legal to export the material to countries outside of the European Union; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27806/15]
View answerInternational trade in specimens of wild animals and plants is governed by CITES, the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora. As the material referred to in the Question is considered a waste product, it is not covered by the provisions of the CITES Convention.
There are provisions in the Wildlife Acts which relate to licensing requirements for animals, such as whale species and their products and derivatives, which are imported into or exported out of the European Union.
251. Deputy Emmet Stagg asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the reason no response has issued to Kildare County Council in relation to a matter (details supplied). [27729/15]
View answerThe original correspondence was not received by my Department, due to an incorrect email address. It is now being examined by the relevant officials.
