Written Answers Nos. 861-876
861. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport he extent to which continues to strive for a fully co-ordinated and integrated transport sector to meet the needs of road, rail, air and sea traffic, with particular reference to meeting the needs of passengers and ensuring minimum delays, cost-effectiveness; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22813/16]
View answerMy Department's mission statement is to "ensure that the transport, tourism and sport sectors make the greatest possible contribution to economic recovery, fiscal consolidation, job creation and social development". In pursuing this mission we are committed to the development of an integrated transport policy that delivers the best possible outcomes by reference to the criteria mentioned by the Deputy that is: meeting the needs of passengers, ensuring minimum delays and delivering cost-effectiveness.
My Department is also currently preparing a new Statement of Strategy which will set out our strategic priorities over the coming three years. In developing this strategy I will strongly be seeking to further enhance the integration of our transport infrastructure and services for the benefit of the travelling public and business community.
As part of this process, the Department is consulting widely with the general public and our key stakeholders. I would welcome any input the Deputy may have to inform the development of the strategy.
862. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the extent to which he and his Department continue to monitor deficiencies in the national road network system, with particular reference to identifying under-capacity on motorways or the M50, with a view to initiating remedial measures; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22814/16]
View answerAs Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport, I have responsibility for overall policy and funding in relation to the national roads programme. The planning, design and operation of individual roads is a matter for the Transport Infrastructure Ireland under the Roads Acts 1993-2015 in conjunction with the local authorities.
Noting the above I have referred the Deputy's question to TII for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you don't receive a reply within 10 days.
863. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the extent to which a study has been carried out of the public transport sector in County Kildare, with particular reference to the need to address any deficiencies, in respect of the daily frequency of rail and bus services; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22815/16]
View answerThe Deputy is aware that the Transport Strategy for the Greater Dublin Area 2016 - 2035 was published by the NTA in April 2016. The Transport Strategy is a statutory document and provides an evidence based approach toward transport planning and service delivery across all of the Greater Dublin Area, including County Kildare over the period to 2035.
The Strategy outlines a range of recommended measures in relation to public transport provision in County Kildare including further improvements to the Kildare rail line and development of a core regional bus corridor along the M7 / N7 which will facilitate improved regional bus service access from County Kildare. The NTA is now preparing an implementation plan to outline delivery of the Strategy's objectives over the next 6 years and I expect a public consultation on that plan will commence in due course.
As regards short term priority measures for commuters in Kildare, the Phoenix Park Tunnel project which will cost approx. €13 million will be completed in late 2016. The project will see commuters on the Kildare to Dublin Heuston line have the option of direct trains to Connolly, Tara St, Pearse and Grand Canal Dock Stations from late 2016. The new rail services will provide an attractive alternative for private motorists who currently commute into the city from Kildare along the busy N7 and N4 road corridors.
In addition to the above, the NTA's Sustainable Transport Measures Grants (STMG) Programme provides funding to the seven local authorities in the GDA, including Kildare County Council, for the implementation of various sustainable projects of a small scale. The Programme facilitates investment in the various cycling/walking, QBCs, safety, integration and traffic management projects throughout the region.
Under the Programme funding of €1.4m is being provided in 2016 to Kildare County Council. This includes funding for the construction of a public transport hub on Naas Main Street, to encompass redesigned bus stopping areas, new bus shelter, real time passenger information signs, seating, planting, cycle stands, transport/tourism information panels, paving and street furniture improvements
865. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the extent to which he and his Department continue to promote Ireland as a conference venue, given the likely economic benefit including job creation and tourism; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22818/16]
View answerThe role of the Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport in relation to tourism lies primarily in the area of national policy. The development and promotion of business tourism, including the promotion of Ireland as a conference venue, is a matter for the Boards and Managements of Fáilte Ireland and Tourism Ireland.
Accordingly, I have asked the tourism agencies to reply to the Deputy directly in this regard. Please contact my private office if you do not hear from them within ten working days.
866. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the extent to which he and-or his Department and Transport Infrastructure Ireland continue to examine the locations at which numerous accidents have taken place on minor or major roads, including motorways, throughout the country, with particular reference to the frequency of such accidents, with a view to identifying the cause or causes and addressing the issues by way of remedial action as soon as possible; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22819/16]
View answerLocal authorities are responsible for mapping and collating available collision data on regional and local roads. Where analysis shows that engineering measures may assist in reducing the collision risk at a particular location, then any local authority, which is not fully self-funding in terms of roads (under the new Local Property Tax regime), may apply to my Department for funding under the Low Cost Safety programme. Each year monies are made available to local authorities for such works with priority given to works that are considered to be most effective in reducing collisions.
Collision data for national roads is mapped and collated by Transport Infrastrucure Ireland (TII). Accordingly I am forwarding your query to TII for direct reply in respect of national roads. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 working days.
867. Deputy Kevin O'Keeffe asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the precautionary measures which have been put in place to protect the members of the Irish Olympic team and their families against the Zika virus at the 2016 Olympic Games. [22911/16]
View answerThe Olympic Council of Ireland (OCI) is responsible for Team Ireland at the 2016 Rio Olympics. The OCI's medical team have taken their lead from the International Olympic Committee (IOC) on the zika situation. The IOC has provided the OCI with every assurance and the OCI has total confidence that the Games will be safe for all athletes.
The OCI is following the recommendations of the IOC, as well as the recommendations of the Rio 2016 organisers, the World Health Organisation and national health authorities, to ensure that Team Ireland's athletes are kept fully updated with the latest and best advice and that they are equipped to take all necessary precautions.
The OCI is working diligently to ensure the welfare of Team Ireland's athletes at Rio 2016. The OCI will continue to ensure that all Team Ireland members are fully updated in advance of, and during, the Rio Olympics.
In addition, the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, which is responsible for issuing travel advice, is continuing to work in co-ordination with the OCI in the lead up to the Rio Games.
The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade has issued advice on the zika virus for those travelling to the Rio Olympics and a dedicated Rio 2016 microsite has been published on the Department's website.
I understand that an increased consular response will be in place during the Games and that a temporary Consulate is being set up in Rio de Janeiro to provide emergency consular assistance to Irish citizens.
Furthermore, the Minister of State for Tourism and Sport, Patrick O'Donovan TD, met with the Deputy Chief Medical Officer in recent weeks to discuss the matter.
868. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the number of staff who entered the public service post-1 January 2011 in his Department and by year of entry to date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23503/16]
View answerI understand that the information on the number of Department staff who entered the civil service is being replied to by the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform. I have asked the State Agencies under the aegis of my Department to provide the Deputy with the information requested in relation to public service staff in those bodies. If you do not receive a reply from the Agencies within ten working days, please advise my private office.
869. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation the current position with regard to the EU-US Transatlantic Trade and Investment trade negotiations on the way Ireland and the European Union are addressing issues which relate to EU African trade; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22744/16]
View answerThe 13th formal round of the EU-US free trade negotiations took place from 11–15 July, 2016 in Brussels. The European Commission publishes a summary of the state of play after the round, which is available on its website. During the round, the negotiators discussed all three pillars of the agreement, namely market access for EU and US companies, regulatory cooperation and trade rules.
A dedicated chapter for small and medium firms has been created, in order to facilitate trade for SMEs by eliminating excessive fees and charges, and by streamlining the processes involved in the export of goods.
During the round, Intensive discussions were held on trade and sustainable development, including labour and the environment. A proposal was put forward for a chapter on energy and raw materials which includes proposals to promote green innovations and trade in green technologies. This is also available to view on the Commission website.
The indications from studies undertaken to date are that TTIP will bring gains for third countries because more growth in the EU and US would increase demand for exports of raw materials, components and finished products from other countries. The Trade Sustainability Impact Assessment on TTIP draft interim Technical Report by Ecorys published last May found that many African countries will benefit from increased demand for their export products as a result of trade creation between the EU and US if TTIP is concluded.
In addition, the institutions under the 2000 Cotonou Agreement are providing a positive framework for the European Union to update African Caribbean and Pacific (ACP) countries on the progress of the TTIP negotiations and to receive feedback on potential impacts from ACP countries and to inform the negotiations. Furthermore, the EU Trade and Investment Strategy launched in October 2015 committed to propose, in the context of TTIP, options that reinforce broader international regulatory cooperation and have positive spill over effects for third countries, in particular developing countries.
870. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation the status of the current stage of the EU-US TTIP negotiation; when he expects these talks to produce a draft treaty; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22745/16]
View answerThe 14th round of Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership negotiations between the EU the US took place from 11–15 July, 2016 in Brussels.
During this round, negotiators discussed all three pillars of the proposed agreement namely market access for EU and US companies, regulatory cooperation and trade rules.
A dedicated chapter for small and medium firms has been created, in order to facilitate trade for SMEs by eliminating excessive fees and charges, and by streamlining the processes involved in the export of goods.
Intensive discussions were held on trade and sustainable development, including labour and the environment. A proposal was put forward for a chapter on energy and raw materials which includes proposals to promote green innovations and trade in green technologies. Both the EU and US will continue to work towards consolidation of text in all areas by the end of the year. The objective is to work to achieve an ambitious, high standard and balanced TTIP agreement that responds to both EU and US interests. An agreement would be the world’s largest bilateral trade and investment deal, and a successful conclusion is expected to benefit Ireland more than any other EU Member State. Ireland’s enterprises are particularly well placed to take up opportunities to trade more easily with the US. Studies have shown that the benefits to Ireland will be proportionally greater than in the EU as a whole. Ireland strongly supports these negotiations and is working to ensure that our interests are fully reflected in the texts of the negotiations.
871. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation the number of Industrial Development Agency site visits by county to 30 June 2016; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [21994/16]
View answerIDA Ireland collates data on its site visits on a quarterly basis. The latest data available is for the first quarter of 2016, during which there were 136 IDA Ireland-sponsored site visits countrywide. The breakdown is provided in the following table. Figures for the second quarter will be available early next month.
It is important to note that data on site visits is not an accurate measure of the level of Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) activity in a region or county. That is partly because approximately 70% of all FDI investment won by IDA Ireland comes from its existing client base, rather than new companies.
The number of site visits to a particular county is also better viewed against the background of the wider progress IDA Ireland is making in generating new jobs across the country. This can be seen in the Agency’s record 2015 results, in which a total of 18,983 jobs were created with employment in IDA Ireland client companies rising to 187,056. The Agency has also made regional development a cornerstone of its five-year strategy and is targeting a minimum increase in investment of 30%-40% in each individual region outside Dublin.
IDA Ireland Jobs Statistics 2015; Site Visits 2015 and Quarter 1 2016 by County
|
County |
No. of Companies |
Total Jobs |
New Jobs 2015 |
Site Visits 2015 |
Site Visits Q1 2016 |
|
Carlow |
7 |
768 |
19 |
1 |
0 |
|
Cavan |
7 |
1,165 |
29 |
0 |
0 |
|
Clare |
68 |
6,599 |
646 |
12 |
3 |
|
Cork |
148 |
31,900 |
4,062 |
48 |
11 |
|
Donegal |
12 |
2,918 |
330 |
5 |
1 |
|
Dublin |
652 |
77,244 |
8,864 |
242 |
57 |
|
Galway |
60 |
14,297 |
1,267 |
41 |
10 |
|
Kerry |
12 |
1,931 |
89 |
6 |
1 |
|
Kildare |
22 |
10,313 |
679 |
7 |
5 |
|
Kilkenny |
5 |
650 |
9 |
10 |
4 |
|
Laois |
2 |
97 |
10 |
4 |
0 |
|
Leitrim |
4 |
423 |
16 |
8 |
1 |
|
Limerick |
52 |
8,849 |
1,018 |
40 |
9 |
|
Longford |
5 |
686 |
46 |
2 |
1 |
|
Louth |
21 |
3,245 |
317 |
20 |
5 |
|
Mayo |
18 |
3,981 |
159 |
3 |
2 |
|
Meath |
17 |
1,571 |
89 |
7 |
2 |
|
Monaghan |
5 |
146 |
52 |
2 |
0 |
|
Offaly |
10 |
902 |
58 |
8 |
1 |
|
Roscommon |
9 |
936 |
99 |
2 |
0 |
|
Sligo |
22 |
2,029 |
132 |
15 |
4 |
|
Tipperary |
12 |
3,518 |
95 |
12 |
4 |
|
Waterford |
33 |
5,662 |
536 |
31 |
4 |
|
Westmeath |
16 |
2,529 |
212 |
28 |
9 |
|
Wexford |
17 |
2,486 |
101 |
4 |
1 |
|
Wicklow |
18 |
2,211 |
49 |
7 |
1 |
|
Total |
1,254 |
187,056 |
18,983 |
565 |
136 |
872. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation if she considered establishing a dedicated unit to co-ordinate activities to mitigate the impact of the British exit from the European Union referendum; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [21999/16]
View answerA central cross-Government co-ordination unit in regard to Brexit has been established in the Department of the Taoiseach.
In regard to my own Department, given the breath and diversity of policy and operational areas that are relevant to the United Kingdom’s decision to leave the European Union, this is a matter that impacts on, and is being monitored by, all of the Divisions across my Department.
Since the announcement of the UK referendum result on 24 June, as part of my contingency plans, I have established a Coordination Group within my Department consisting of relevant enterprise, single market, and trade officials, together with the Chief Executive Officers of IDA and Enterprise Ireland, to oversee the management of our immediate response, including the messaging to businesses both at home and overseas. I chair this Group, and I will continue to do so as part of my Department’s ongoing response as developments unfold at EU level and bilaterally with the UK.
In addition, the EU Affairs Unit of my Department exercises a dedicated overall coordination role across all of the relevant policy areas, and represents my Department in the work that is being undertaken at cross-Government level, led by the Department of the Taoiseach, in response to the outcome of the referendum, and which facilitates the framework for my Department’s interaction with other Departments in this regard.
The Management Board of my Department, chaired by the Secretary General, also meets weekly and co-ordinates the Departments’ own response across all its Divisions to the referendum outcome.
As I have previously indicated, a team of senior officials from my Department visited London on 1 July to discuss Single Market and Trade issues in light of the referendum outcome.
I have also written to my newly-appointed counterparts in the new UK Government– Liam Fox, the Secretary of State for International Trade, and Greg Clark, the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy– to confirm my intention to work together with them as the upcoming negotiations develop, and to request an early opportunity to discuss our priorities.
873. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation if Enterprise Ireland, EI, is sufficiently resourced to carry out its duties to the fullest extent given a risk assessment report carried out in late 2013 and 2014 by EI wherein it admitted that it needed to reduce its workload as it did not have the capacity to deal with work at hand due to the impact of the moratorium in place and its remit in the future outlook; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22001/16]
View answer874. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation if Enterprise Ireland, EI, is sufficiently resourced to play a pivotal role in Government contingency plans following the United Kingdom’s decision to vote to leave the European Union, given the admission in a risk assessment report carried out in late 2013 and 2014 wherein EI admitted that it needed to reduce its workload as it did not have the capacity to deal with work at hand due to the impact of the moratorium in place and its remit in the future outlook; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22002/16]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 873 and 874 together.
The risk assessment report which formed part of Enterprise Ireland risk management process was based on analysis pertaining to the situation in 2014.
Since then, and over the past year, targeted open recruitment and promotions recommenced for the first time since the embargo of 2009, and is ongoing, which will enable Enterprise Ireland to match resources with their strategy to support the development needs of their clients as well as reacting to needs that arise as a result of the altered environment following the UK referendum result.
Enterprise Ireland is well on track to deliver its targets for supporting startups, increasing exports and supporting job creation, as set out its Strategy 2014 to 2016.
In 2015, EI clients created a record 10,169 new jobs and achieved a record level of exports totalling €20.6bn.
As regards the UK Vote to leave the European Union, and the importance of the UK market, EI client exports to the UK increased by 12% last year to reach €7.5bn. Significantly however, in the context of Brexit, UK exports, as a share of total exports, have reduced from 45% to 37% over the period 2005 to 2015 as EI clients have diversified their export base. High Growth Markets (e.g. China, Brazil, etc.) have continued to increase in importance over the past 10 years and now account for 12% of total exports compared to 7% in 2005.
Despite the continued diversification of the Enterprise Ireland client export base, the UK’s vote to leave the EU will present significant new challenges for Irish companies exporting to the UK. In response, Enterprise Ireland has begun its plans to support clients exporting to the UK, including:
1. Information and Guidance:
Enterprise Ireland will run an information campaign including: practical guides, online information and webinars, an updated UK market access guide and regional seminars in Ireland and the UK. Further details are available at www.enterprise-ireland.com/brexit.
2. UK Market Support:
Enterprise Ireland's UK team will support clients to identify key business opportunities in the short and medium terms. They will also provide advice and support on responding to the implications of Brexit such as improving competitiveness and reducing supply chain costs.
3. Competitiveness and Market Development Supports:
Enterprise Ireland will intensify its work with clients, to improve their competitiveness in the market, through its management capability and development programmes.
4. Market Diversification Support:
Enterprise Ireland will intensify its strategy of supporting clients to diversify into new markets. As part of this strategy, Enterprise Ireland will intensify its International Trade and Investment events schedule for the rest of 2016 to include trade missions and events to Northern Europe, USA, China, India and other high growth markets.
5. International Sector Clustering Strategy:
Enterprise Ireland will expand its focus on promoting Irish sectoral cluster capabilities in key sectors to international buyers in growth markets including Northern Europe, USA and Asia Pacific.
Since the announcement of the vote of the UK to leave the EU, I have been in regular contact with key agencies, in particular Enterprise Ireland, and have met with other key business organisations, to gather intelligence on the implications of Brexit and to plan our responses. In turn, Enterprise Ireland has been engaging intensively with its clients to ascertain the potential impact of Brexit on their operations and strategies. The strategies of Enterprise Ireland and their clients will no doubt evolve to meet the challenges and opportunities that will arise.
Based on developments to date, I am satisfied that Enterprise Ireland is already fully engaged with its clients on the implications of Brexit. As the situation evolves and specific challenges emerge, I will keep under review the resources required to address them.
875. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation the amount of funding the Health and Safety Authority spent on all safety initiatives and the number of inspections it carried out in each of the years 2011 to 2015, inclusive, and in 2016 to date in tabular form; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22006/16]
View answer876. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation the amount allocated to the Health and Safety Authority for all safety initiatives in 2016; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22007/16]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 875 and 876 together.
The annual Exchequer grant to the Health and Safety Authority is intended to cover the administration and enforcement of the range of legislation for which it carries responsibility. The Authority is charged with statutory responsibilities in the following key areas:
- To regulate and promote the safety, health and welfare of people at work and those affected by work activities;
- To regulate and promote the safe manufacture, use, placing on the market, trade and transport of chemicals;
- To act as the surveillance authority in relation to relevant single European market legislation;
- To act as the national accreditation body.
The Health and Safety Authority’s annual grant is broken down into pay and non-pay– it does not provide specific allocations for particular programme areas such as workplace health and safety regulation, chemicals regulation, and national accreditation or for safety initiatives including the organisation of information and awareness campaigns.
The Authority depends upon the annual exchequer allocation provided by the Department of Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation (DJEI) to fund the implementation of its programme of work. Within that context, and informed by its current three year Statement of Strategy 2016-2018, the Authority prioritises initiatives in those areas where there is greatest risk and the greatest potential to maximise its efforts to achieve a continued downward trend in workplace deaths, accidents, injuries and ill health, and to increase the safe use of chemicals.
Health and Safety Authority Inspectors carry out inspections across all work sectors and work activities which come under the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work Act 2005 (the 2005 Act) and the Chemicals Act 2008. Most inspections are targeted at the high risk sectors such as construction, agriculture, forestry, manufacturing, mines, quarries, transport of dangerous goods by road, or the chemical sectors. Other inspections can be part of a particular safety awareness campaign e.g. on manual handling, on slips, trips or falls or on compliance with the REACH Regulation. The Authority produces a Programme of Work each year setting out its plan for all areas of its work, including inspection targets. The annual Programme of Work is submitted to the Minister for approval.
The number of workplace inspections carried out from 2011 to 2016 (14/07/16) is set out in the following table
Table 1
|
Year |
Number of workplace inspections and investigations |
|
2011 |
15,340 |
|
2012 |
13,835 |
|
2013 |
12,244 |
|
2014 |
10,719 |
|
2015 |
10,880 |
|
2016 (recorded as of 14 July) |
5,917 |
While the falling inspection rates between 2011 and 2014 in Table 2 above can be attributed to the loss of inspection staff, the programme of inspections has been increased by the Authority in 2016 and continues to be targeted at areas of highest risk. The Authority’s 2016 Programme of Work set a target of 11,165 inspections and investigations and its performance is currently on target.
The Authority has also invested significant resources in recent years in enabling enterprises to achieve compliance in the simplest, most cost-effective manner. The Authority’s BeSMART.ie risk assessment and management tool for small enterprises has been developed and expanded for the construction and agri-business sectors. The Authority also ran safety awareness campaigns relating to farming, construction, vehicle safety and fishing safety, along with promoting the BeSMART safety management tool to small businesses. It has also run campaigns to alert consumers to the potential dangers from detergent liquitabs.
In 2015 the Authority’s exchequer Grant was increased by €250,000 during the course of the year (following re-allocations made in light of the Department’s 2015 mid-year expenditure review) to facilitate special safety initiatives aimed at Agriculture and Construction.
Since the Authority is allocated funding for pay and non-pay, it uses its non-pay allocation to cover a range of administrative ICT, accommodation, and other running costs, in addition to providing funding for information and awareness activities, including specific safety initiatives. Consequently, the funding provision for particular programmes, including specific safety initiatives, fluctuates from year to year as the Authority decides how to prioritise its non-pay funding in order to implement its programme of work.
In the current year (see Table 2 below) the Non Pay budget decided by the Authority includes a reduction in the provision for "safety initiatives" in 2016 in light of other priorities of the Authority’s overall programme of work for this year, including developments affecting office accommodation, a necessary business process review arising from the integration of INAB and the replacement of the current manual system used in the INAB accreditation process, as part of the development of a new Client Management System (a commitment in the Action Plan for Jobs, 2016)
Table 2
Amount of money spent on Health and Safety Initiatives 2011 to 2016
|
Year |
Estimated Spend on Safety Initiatives (excl. Safety Inspections) |
HSA’s Non-pay Grant Expenditure Outturn |
|
2011 |
€1.567m |
€6.719m |
|
2012 |
€1.907m |
€6.447m |
|
2013 |
€1.595m |
€6.727m |
|
2014 |
€1.154m |
€6.177m |
|
2015 |
€1.776m |
€6.483m |
|
2016 |
€0.957 m* |
- |
* Planned expenditure to end of 2016
