Tuesday, 19 Jul 2016

Written Answers Nos 57-75

Aer Lingus Sale

Questions (57)

Clare Daly

Question:

57. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he carried out analysis since the takeover of Aer Lingus by the International Airlines Group, or if he had contact from the company regarding the jobs impact of the takeover, whether in terms of jobs created or jobs lost, in view of the public commitments given to his Department at the time of the State's decision to sell its shareholding; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22136/16]

Written answers

Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport

I have not had cause to carry out such analysis or to have contact with Aer Lingus in relation to jobs since taking up office.

On 26 May 2015 it was announced that the previous Government had decided to support IAG's takeover offer for Aer Lingus.  That decision was taken following extensive discussions with IAG and a detailed consideration of all of the issues involved. A number of issues of particular importance were highlighted at the time, including jobs, connectivity, the Aer Lingus brand, Ireland's airports and, of course, the price being offered.

The offer closed on 2 September 2015 having been accepted by over 98% of the issued share capital of Aer Lingus, including the State's 25.1% shareholding and Aer Lingus' largest shareholder at the time, Ryanair.

Since then IAG's plans for Aer Lingus have progressed broadly in line with those outlined in the offer documentation. Aer Lingus has launched a number of new routes, including three new transatlantic routes to Los Angeles, Hartford and Newark and last week announced the acquisition of two additional long haul aircraft. The airline also announced that passenger numbers and revenue per passenger kilometre were up over 10% in the first five months of this year.

These figures are in line with an overall significant growth in air traffic in and out of the country this year. This can only be good news for jobs in the Irish aviation sector.

I am encouraged to see that Aer Lingus is growing its business as an Irish airline within the IAG Group and that the jobs and working conditions of its employees remain secure.

Maritime Safety

Questions (58)

Thomas Pringle

Question:

58. Deputy Thomas Pringle asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his plans for the equal recognition of mariner certification and training or to design a course that will provide equivalence to enable Irish fishermen avail of work opportunities in the offshore renewable sector; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22473/16]

Written answers

Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport

Ireland complies fully with its international and EU obligations in relation to the recognition of seafarer certifications as set out in both EU and international requirements.

Currently there is one small offshore renewable energy project in Ireland which is a wind farm located off the Arklow bank comprising of seven turbines. My Department has licensed and certified a number of vessels which are used to service this offshore energy project. Additionally, my Department also has a scheme for the qualifications of the crews of such vessels and full details are given in the Merchant Shipping (Passenger Boat Manning) Regulations 2005 together with Marine Notice No. 27 of 2005, Marine Notice No. 4 of 2006 and Marine Notice No. 1 of 2015.

Ireland does operate a scheme for fishers to qualify for the certain positions in the merchant fleet, details of which are set out in Marine Notice No. 2 of 2009 and Marine Notice No. 3 of 2009. 

At present there are no significant offshore renewable projects in Ireland other than the small wind farm mentioned above. Most of the work opportunities in this sector in Europe are in the North Sea and the vessels involved do not fly the Irish flag. As such vessels essentially operate on a national basis the requirements are set by each flag state themselves. Therefore, if an individual wishes to obtain a certificate to work on such vessels they should contact the relevant flag states of the relevant vessels who can then advise of the requirements.

Military Aircraft

Questions (59)

Mick Wallace

Question:

59. Deputy Mick Wallace asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if, in relation to permits granted by his Department for the landing and overflying of civil aircraft under the Air Navigation (Carriage of Munitions of War, Weapons and Dangerous Goods) Order 1973, it is necessary for the applicant countries in question to state the final destination of the aircraft concerned, and if the stated destination has any impact on the granting or refusal of applications; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21984/16]

Written answers

Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport

Firstly, I should clarify that it is airlines not countries that are granted permits under the Air Navigation (Carriage of Munitions of War, Weapons and Dangerous Goods) Order 1973. There is a standard application form for such permits. This includes a section detailing the destination of the flight, which may or may not be the final destination.

My Department seeks the views of the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade in relation to foreign policy issues, the Department of Justice in relation to security issues and the Irish Aviation Authority in relation to any aviation safety issues. Those bodies receive a copy of the application form and their comments may take into account the destination of the flight.

The Order is primarily aimed at ensuring the safety of aircraft and those on board while in Irish airspace. The destination or final destination of the flight is not relevant in that regard.

Sports Capital Programme Administration

Questions (60)

Éamon Ó Cuív

Question:

60. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport when it is intended to seek further applications under the sports capital programme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21973/16]

Written answers

Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport

Deputies will be aware that the Sports Capital Programme is the Government's primary vehicle to support the development of sports facilities and the purchase of sports equipment.

Deputies will also be aware that there was no round of the SCP in 2009, 2010 or 2011.  There were however rounds of the programme in 2012, 2014 and 2015.  Almost 1,600 applications were received under the 2015 round of the Programme, evidence of the ongoing importance of the Programme to clubs and communities.

No decision has been taken on the timing of the next rounds of the SCP.  Work is however ongoing in relation to simplifying the online application process to make it more user friendly for applicants.

I will discuss the matter with Minister Ross and an announcement will be made shortly.

Public Transport Provision

Questions (61)

Bríd Smith

Question:

61. Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he is concerned at the impact of tendering processes underway with Dublin Bus and Bus Éireann routes could have on the conditions and livelihoods of transport workers. [22484/16]

Written answers

Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport

It is the responsibility of the National Transport Authority (NTA) to conduct the current public procurement process relating to the tendering out of 10% of the PSO bus network. NTA is undertaking this by way of three separate competitions.  It has now completed the pre-qualification phase of all three competitions and recently issued formal invitations to tender in respect of the Dublin Metropolitan competition.

Already, the NTA requires any transport operator who operates public transport services under existing contracts to act within the law, including relevant employment legislation.  Consistent with this approach, the NTA's present tendering process will similarly require any transport operator who is awarded a contract to comply with relevant employment legislation.

In relation to existing employees of Dublin Bus and Bus Éireann, the Deputy may be aware that, in May 2015, the Labour Relations Commission brokered an agreement between all relevant parties which includes a provision that no Dublin Bus or Bus Éireann employee will be required to move to any new operator unless of course he/she chooses to do so.

The tendering processes underway should allow us to capture potential benefits as regards value for money in terms of the use of taxpayers' money in securing the provision of public services, and I look forward to the NTA's successful progression of the three competitions.

Road Safety Authority

Questions (62)

Maureen O'Sullivan

Question:

62. Deputy Maureen O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he is satisfied that the Road Safety Authority has adequate resources for promoting road safety; if the authority has specific targets for reducing road fatalities on roads here; and if national targets will be organised on county or local authority levels with specific attention being given to areas that have seen an increase in fatalities and serious accidents, given the overall increase in fatalities in excess of 20% in 2016 to date. [22135/16]

Written answers

Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport

The Road Safety Authority (RSA) has, in essence, been self-financing since 2014 and I am satisfied that the RSA have adequate resources available to promote road safety.

I am aware that road deaths have been increasing in other jurisdictions, including in Europe and in the US in recent years.  Overall, the number of fatalities has fallen significantly in Ireland in recent years, and the number in 2012, at 162, was the lowest since records began with road fatalities at 166 in 2015.  As at 14 July, 2016 there were six more road deaths than in the same period last year, representing an increase of 7% on 2016.

The Road Safety Strategy 2013 to 2020, has the objective of reducing deaths on our roads to no more than 124 by the year 2020, in accordance with the EU target of no more than 25 per million population. While this is a national target, the Strategy recognises that this ambitious road safety target will only be met through shared responsibilities by all road users and the cooperation of all relevant agencies, including local authorities. Under the Road Safety Strategy, a Road Safety Working Together Group has been established in Local Authority areas to co-ordinate multi-agency road safety policy and to implement at a local level a Road Safety Action Plan in each local authority area.  Local authorities are also represented on the High Level Road Safety Group through a representative of the City and County Management Association.

This year, additional measures are being taken to address the worrying trend of an apparent increase in drink driving, and An Garda Síochána has confirmed that it will be specifically targeting the counties of Cork, Galway, Dublin, Donegal and Cavan, which together account for more than 40% of road deaths so far this year.

Aer Lingus Sale

Questions (63)

Joan Collins

Question:

63. Deputy Joan Collins asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if in view of public comments and commitments by his predecessor at the time of the takeover of Aer Lingus, he has had any contact with Aer Lingus since that time in respect of jobs and working conditions there. [21980/16]

Written answers

Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport

I have not had cause to have contact with Aer Lingus in relation to jobs or working conditions within the airline since taking up office.

On 26 May 2015 it was announced that the previous Government had decided to support IAG's takeover offer for Aer Lingus. That decision was taken following extensive discussions with IAG and a detailed consideration of all of the issues involved. A number of issues of particular importance were highlighted at the time, including jobs, connectivity, the Aer Lingus brand, Ireland's airports and, of course, the price being offered.

The offer documentation published jointly at the time by IAG and Aer Lingus outlined in some detail IAG’s plans to sustain and create employment both in Aer Lingus and the wider economy. IAG also confirmed that the existing employment rights of the employees of Aer Lingus would be fully safeguarded.

The Offer closed on 2 September 2015 having been accepted by over 98% of the issued share capital of Aer Lingus, including the State's 25.1% shareholding and Aer Lingus largest shareholder at the time, Ryanair.

Since then IAG's plans for Aer Lingus have progressed broadly in line with those outlined in the offer documentation. Aer Lingus has launched a number of new routes and the airline also announced that passenger numbers and revenue per passenger kilometre were up over 10% in the first five months of this year.

These figures are in line with an overall significant growth in air traffic in and out of the country this year. This can only be good news for jobs in the Irish aviation sector.

I am encouraged to see that Aer Lingus is growing its business as an Irish airline within the IAG Group and that the jobs and working conditions of its employees remain secure.

Industrial Relations

Questions (64)

Mick Barry

Question:

64. Deputy Mick Barry asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his views on the level of precarious work and low pay in the hospitality sector in light of the research shown in Enforced Flexibility? Working in Ireland today, by the Think-tank for Action on Social Change (details supplied). [22522/16]

Written answers

Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport

Responsibility for working conditions and pay across all sectors in Ireland, including the hospitality sector, rests with my colleague the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation.  I have no direct role or regulatory function in these matters.

In respect of the report to which the Deputy refers, I thank him for bringing it to my attention.  Few sectors provide such a wide range of opportunities for people to access the labour market as the tourism and hospitality sector – across all ages, skills levels and backgrounds; throughout the country, in urban and rural locations; and with a variety of working arrangements (full-time, part-time and seasonal).  The range of employment arrangements and hours can suit many workers, as well as the employer.  Given the higher than average proportion of part-time and seasonal workers in the sector, I would caution that average weekly wages are not a good comparator and the average hourly wage is a more useful indicator.  It should also be borne in mind that much of the data on earnings is exclusive of tips and other benefits such as meals, which many employees within the hospitality industry receive in addition to their hourly wages (particularly those involved in food and beverage service activities). 

In relation to training provision, I note the experiences of those interviewed for the report and the need to improve training and retention.  The report of the Expert Group on Future Skills Needs in the Hospitality Sector which was published last year also noted the positive correlation between the application of good human resource management practice and businesses’ ability to attract and retain motivated staff.  That report set out a series of recommendations to improve training and skills development in the sector and a National Oversight and Advisory Group has been set up to progress these recommendations

Climate Change Adaptation Plans

Questions (65)

Mick Wallace

Question:

65. Deputy Mick Wallace asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport when the climate change adaptation plan for transport will be published, given that his Department's Statement of Strategy 2015-2017 stated it would be published in March 2015; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21985/16]

Written answers

Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport

As the Deputy will be aware, the Climate Action and Low Carbon Development Act creates a statutory obligation on a number of sectors, including transport, to develop sectoral climate change adaptation plans.

My Department, in consultation with key transport agencies and service providers, has been making good progress on developing the Adaptation Plan for Transport.  The Plan will seek to assess our knowledge base as well as our vulnerabilities and adaptive capacity to climate change.  It will also look to provide a list of adaptation options over the short, medium and long term for the transport sector in Ireland. In order to advance this work, a stakeholder team has been established by my Department.

Officials from my Department are also engaging with other sectors responsible for preparing adaptation plans and local authorities through representation on a Steering Group chaired by the Department of Communications, Energy and Natural Resources.  This collaboration seeks to secure shared learning and a cohesive approach to a multi-layered adaptive strategy for Ireland.

In terms of a timeline for publication of the Transport Adaptation Plan, my Department is working closely with the Environmental Protection Agency with the aim of bringing a draft to public consultation in the last quarter of 2016 with a view to publication early in 2017.

Road Projects Expenditure

Questions (66)

Brendan Smith

Question:

66. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his proposals to provide much needed additional funding to local authorities in view of the deterioration of large parts of the non-national road network; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22475/16]

Written answers

Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport

The improvement and maintenance of regional and local roads in its area is a statutory function of local authorities in accordance with the provisions of Section 13 of the Roads Act, 1993.  Works on such roads are a matter for the relevant local authority to be funded from its own resources supplemented by State road grants.  The initial selection and prioritisation of projects to be funded from these monies is a matter for each local authority.

In addition to the 2016 regional and local road allocations announced in January this year, my predecessor announced a further €85m in additional funding for regional and local roads in February this year as part of the Tranche 1 funding to local authorities to remedy damage caused by severe weather.  On 27 May I approved a further allocation under Tranche 2 of the severe weather funding to local authorities as notified through Circular RW 9/2016. All available funding for 2016 has now been allocated.

When allocating grant funding my Department has emphasised that the commitment of local authorities to contribute significantly from their own resources towards the cost of improving and maintaining the regional and local roads network is essential and that full consideration needs to be given to utilising the Local Property Tax to boost own resources expenditure on regional and local road maintenance and renewal. 

Road Signage

Questions (67)

Robert Troy

Question:

67. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the number of towns that have been bypassed by motorways; the number that have brown amenity advertisement signs in place; his views on Transport Infrastructure Ireland's policy of not allowing many bypassed towns to put in place brown amenity signage. [22483/16]

Written answers

Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport

As 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 Transport Infrastructure Ireland under the Roads Acts 1993 to 2015 in conjunction with the local authorities concerned.

Noting this I have referred your query to Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII) for direct reply.  Please advise my private office if you don't receive a reply within 10 working days.

Noise Pollution

Questions (68)

Joan Collins

Question:

68. Deputy Joan Collins asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his plans for dealing with EU Regulation 598 regarding airport noise, with particular reference to the competent authority to deal with the issue and the need for the independence of this function. [21979/16]

Written answers

Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport

The arrangements for the implementation of this EU Regulation are being discussed between my Department and the Attorney General's Office. A Statutory Instrument will be necessary to give practical effect to this new EU Regulation  Although the subject matter of the Regulation - the implementation of the Balanced Approach from the International Civil Aviation Organisation setting out the process to be followed when introducing noise-related operating restrictions at EU airports - is predominantly an aviation transport issue, there are land-use planning and management considerations which are germane to my colleague the Minister for Environment, Community and Local Government.  That Department is accordingly also contributing to current discussions.

No decision has yet been made in relation to the designation of the Competent Authority.  The EU Regulation requires that competent authorities shall be independent of any organisation which could be affected by noise-related action. This requirement for independence, which may be achieved through a functional separation, is clearly motivated by the need to ensure no conflicts of interest in decision-making.

Tourism Promotion

Questions (69)

Mattie McGrath

Question:

69. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the position of a tourist office (details supplied) and the reason for its apparent closure given its importance to the Ancient East tourism initiative; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21969/16]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport

Arrangements for the provision of tourist information offices are an operational matter for the Board and management of Fáilte Ireland.  Accordingly, I have referred the Deputy's question to them for further information and direct reply.  Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within ten working days.

Public Transport Fares

Questions (70)

James Lawless

Question:

70. Deputy James Lawless asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he is aware of a number of anomalies that exist under the current rail fare system in County Kildare whereby rail commuters from areas such as Kilcock and Sallins pay exorbitant rail fares as opposed to commuters from other towns in the county which are a short distance away; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22169/16]

Written answers

Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport

The 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.

UK Referendum on EU Membership

Questions (71)

Imelda Munster

Question:

71. Deputy Imelda Munster asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his plans, in view of the British vote to leave the EU, to manage the potential losses to the tourism market given the dramatic fall in value of sterling and the fact that 40% of tourists to Ireland come from Britain; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22489/16]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport

Great Britain has consistently been Ireland's most important source market for visits to Ireland, with just over 3.5 million visits in 2015. This represented 41% of our total overseas visits.

CSO figures for the period January to May 2016 show further strong performance from the GB market with growth in visit numbers of over 15.7%, when compared with the same period of 2015. 

Tourism Ireland, the agency responsible for marketing the island of Ireland as a visitor destination in overseas markets, has an extensive marketing programme in place for the second half of 2016 which is underway in 23 markets including Great Britain. 

In the longer term, the Programme for Government commits to implementing the policy objectives in the Tourism Policy Statement "People, Place and Policy – Growing Tourism to 2025" and achieving the targets for Irish tourism contained therein. The UK vote does not change this. 

While the GB market contributed 41% of overseas visits in 2015, the share of overseas visitor revenue from British visitors is approximately 23%. There is a commitment in the Tourism Policy Statement to prioritising tourism marketing efforts towards those markets providing higher revenue returns.

In the short term, there are no changes to how people can travel between Ireland and the UK and the Government will be doing its upmost in future discussions to maintain the Common Travel Area. In terms of the relative reduction in the value of sterling and the implications for the cost of a holiday here, this has similar implications for all eurozone countries, many of which compete with us for these tourists.

The Great Britain market will remain of significant importance to Irish tourism in the future and I believe that Ireland's excellent tourism offering  will ensure that we continue to perform strongly.  Tourism Ireland is closely monitoring the situation and is due to meet with tourism industry representatives later this week to plan ahead in this new market environment. In the longer term, we will work closely with other Departments and our agencies and respond to any changes as necessary. I remain confident  however, that our overall long term ambitious targets for Irish tourism will be achieved.

Rail Network Expansion

Questions (72)

Éamon Ó Cuív

Question:

72. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the work completed to date since he became Minister to examine the development of the western rail corridor to Claremorris from Athenry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21972/16]

Written answers

Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport

The Programme for Partnership Government includes a commitment to provide for an independent costing and review of a proposal to extend the Western Rail Corridor by linking Athenry and Claremorris.  Along with my officials I am currently considering how best to progress this commitment.

The Programme also commits that no measure will be taken to prevent the future reactivation of the corridor for rail use and I will ensure that this commitment is fulfilled.

As the Deputy will be aware, the funding available to Government for infrastructural investment remains limited.  The key priority for investment in the rail network under the Capital Plan "Building on Recovery: Infrastructure and Capital Investment (2016-2021)"  is to ensure the safety and efficiency of the existing network as this is an imperative.  In a context of continued scarce funding, this will remain the focus of our investment in rail.

Public Procurement Contracts

Questions (73)

Thomas P. Broughan

Question:

73. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport to provide an update on the proposed master licence record project; the stage the tender process is currently at; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21971/16]

Written answers

Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport

The business case for the Master Licence Record project was approved by the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform and the tenders for the resources required for the initial analysis phase of the project were published on 27 May 2016. The responses have been received from interested vendors in relation to these tenders and are currently being evaluated. The Department expects to award the tenders by the end of July 2016.

Swimming Pool Programme Status

Questions (74)

Brendan Ryan

Question:

74. Deputy Brendan Ryan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the level of response to his letter to local authorities regarding a new round of the local authority swimming pools programme; the local authorities that have expressed an interest in the programme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22526/16]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport

In January of this year, my Department contacted local authorities and sought expressions of interest in a limited round of swimming pool allocations, subject to funding becoming available from other projects where those projects would not be progressed. Expressions of interest were received from 17 local authorities.

There were only three expressions of interest received for new pools, two of which were valid and both in Dublin. The third was from Kildare County Council for a pool in Maynooth but this was invalid as the local authority do not have title to the proposed site. Having assessed existing commitments and the funding available, it was considered prudent to progress one additional new pool project at this time.

Following consideration of the expressions of interest, and the two valid proposals for new pools, it was decided to include the proposal from South Dublin County Council (SDCC) for a new swimming pool in Lucan in the LASPP. 

The list of the local authorities who submitted expressions of interest is as follows: Kilkenny County Council; Limerick City and County Council; Waterford County Council; Kildare County Council; Roscommon County Council; Cork City Council; Monaghan County Council; Clare County Council; Sligo County Council; Dún Laoghaire Rathdown County Council; Kerry County Council; Tipperary County Council; South Dublin County Council; Wicklow County Council; Cork County Council; Meath County Council; and Cavan County Council.

Road Projects Expenditure

Questions (75)

Brendan Smith

Question:

75. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the proposals, he has to provide additional funding in 2016 to Cavan and Monaghan county councils in respect of essential repairs and necessary upgrading to the non-national road network in both counties; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22474/16]

Written answers

Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport

The improvement and maintenance of regional and local roads in its area is a statutory function of local authorities in accordance with the provisions of Section 13 of the Roads Act, 1993.  Works on such roads are a matter for the relevant local authority to be funded from its own resources supplemented by State road grants.  The initial selection and prioritisation of projects to be funded from these moneys is a matter for each local authority.

In addition to the 2016 regional and local road allocations announced in January this year, which are available in the Oireachtas Library, my predecessor announced additional funding for regional and local roads in February this year as part of the Tranche 1 funding to local authorities to remedy damage caused by severe weather.  On 27 May I approved a further allocation under Tranche 2 of the severe weather funding to local authorities as notified through Circular RW 9/2016. This brings the total  regional and local road allocation for Cavan to €11,350,211 and for Monaghan to €12,313,432 for 2016.  All available funding for 2016 has now been allocated.

When allocating grant funding, my Department has emphasised that the commitment of local authorities to contribute significantly from their own resources towards the cost of improving and maintaining the regional and local roads network is essential.  Full consideration needs to be given to utilising the Local Property Tax to boost own resources expenditure on regional and local road maintenance and renewal.