Written Answers Nos. 1827 - 1853
1830. Deputy Imelda Munster asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the amount annually since its formation that the NTA has spent on outside consultants, by department or section within the NTA. [26060/16]
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.
1832. Deputy Imelda Munster asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the number of new staff members recruited by the NTA since 2011 to date in 2016; and the number of vacancies which have been filled through contracts with outside contracting companies in the same period. [26062/16]
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.
1833. Deputy Imelda Munster asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the status of the process of examining transport service provision for young persons with a disability as outlined in the programme for a partnership Government. [26063/16]
View answerThe Programme for Government commitment that the Deputy refers to is set out in Section 7 - Improving the lives of people with disabilities and it is as follows:'We will examine transport service provision for young people with disabilities to ensure that the service is fit for purpose, consistent with their needs.'
This commitment does not relate to public transport services; I understand that this commitment refers to transport in the health services context and is being progressed by the Department of Health.
In relation to accessibility of public transport services which falls under my Deprtment's remit, the Deputy will be aware that accessibility improvements are being advanced in the context of my Department's Sectoral Plan under the Disability Act 2005, Transport Access for All . The Plan promotes universal accessibility of public transport services and I refer the Deputy to my response to Question no 56 on 14 June for details of the measures being implemented to improve accessibility of public transport services.
1834. Deputy Imelda Munster asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he is currently working towards the next sectoral plan for accessible transport; if so, when he plans to have it published; and the progress achieved to date since the last plan was published. [26064/16]
View answerTransport Access for All , my Department's Sectoral Plan under the Disability Act 2005, was published in 2012 following an extensive consultative process with all stakeholders. This Plan remains in force and continues to guide Departmental policy in improving accessibility to public transport. My Department continues to monitor progress on achieving the actions in the Sectoral Plan. Significant progress has been made on these actions, including the provision of Real Time Passenger Information for public transport services in the regional cities and Dublin, the Dublin Bus fleet achieving 100% accessibility, and 80% of the Bus Eireann coach fleet now being made accessible to wheelchair users.
1835. Deputy Imelda Munster asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he expects, that under Regulation (EC) No 1371/2007 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 23 October 2007 on rail passengers’ rights, he will apply for a further exemption to the sections of that regulation which stipulate that a member state will make all reasonable efforts to ensure that trains and other rail services are accessible and will provide assistance free of charge on board trains and during boarding and disembarking from trains; if so, the reason he expects that decision to be made; and if, in the meantime, he is working towards providing these services to disabled members of society. [26065/16]
View answerThe European Union (Rail Passengers' Rights and Obligations) (Domestic Rail Services) (Renewal of Exemption) Regulations 2014 (S.I. No. 549 of 2014) partly renew exemption from certain Articles of Regulation (EC) No. 1371/2007 of the European Parliament and Council on rail passengers' rights and obligations, including Article 21(Accessibility) and Article 23 (Assistance on Board), until December 2019. I expect that the position will be reviewed near that time. In the meantime, steady progress is being made to improve rail accessibility for disabled persons and persons with reduced mobility.
Irish Rail provide detailed information on their website for intending passengers regarding accessibility and planning a journey.
On the infrastructure side, almost 60% of the 143 railway stations on the Irish Rail network have received accessibility upgrades or were constructed new to accessibility standards. The National Transport Authority manage the Accessibility Grants Programme on behalf of my Department. Irish Rail have been given approval to carry out a programme of works to improve accessibility across the rail network and four stations (Mullingar, Carlow, Leixlip, and Rathdrum) have been identified for works to be carried out in 2016. A fully accessible lift and associated works at platform 6/7 at Connolly station, Dublin, opened to the public in June 2016.
I am informed that Irish Rail's policy is to have a portable wheelchair ramp at all stations to assist persons during boarding and disembarking from trains and that portable wheelchair ramps are also located on board InterCity trains. The safe deployment of these portable ramps require a staff member, and details about arranging for this are provided as part of the accessibility information for intending passengers on the website.
On the specific issue of an on-board service to assist with accessibililty during the actual rail journey, I understand that this is not available.
Overall, there is a continued focus on improving accessibility and this work will continue to be progressed in line with available funding.
Finally, in relation to Luas, this infrastructure and rail service this is much newer and, from the beginning, the Luas stations, trains and service have been designed to enable accessibility.
1836. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will review the funding request for the Boyneside trail (details supplied) under Fáilte Ireland and the National Transport Authority and any other details surrounding the Boyneside trail; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26070/16]
View answerFunding was provided under my Department's Smarter Travel programme to Meath County Council in 2009 to undertake a feasibility study for the Boyneside Trail. Phase 1 between Drogheda Ramparts and the entrance to the Oldbridge Estate was completed in 2014 with funding from my Department, Meath County Council and the National Transport Authority (NTA) which has responsibility for the development of sustainable transport infrastructure in the Greater Dublin Area.
I understand that the NTA are currently funding work to develop the design for Phase II of the cycleway between the Oldbridge Estate and the Brú na Bóinne Visitor Centre.
It would not be appropriate for me to involve myself in Fáilte Ireland's awarding of grants under its Large Tourism Projects scheme.
Given the NTA's involvement in this project I am forwarding the Deputy's question to the NTA for any addtional comment and direct response to you. If you have not received a further reply within 10 working days please contact my office.
1837. Deputy Brendan Ryan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the list of all vacancies that existed on 26 February 2016 and all positions that have arisen since, including the date it became vacant, for State boards or governing bodies under his control; the names of those appointed since the Government was formed; if the position was advertised and a short list provided to him by the Public Appointments Service; if the appointments were approved by the Cabinet; the positions under his control which are not subject to the PAS system; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26090/16]
View answerOn the 26 February, there were 36 vacancies on the State Boards under the remit of my Department. A list of these vacancies can be found on my Department's website at the following link State Board Membership. (While Wicklow Port Company is listed in this table, responsibility for the port was transferred to Wicklow Council Council on 30 August 2016).
Since February 2016, 12 vacancies have arisen in the State Boards within my remit. Details are in the table below.
Since the Government was formed, I have made four re-appointments as follows: Mr. Frank Allen to the board of Iarnrod Éireann, Mr. Páidraig Ó Riordáin as Chairperson of daa plc and both Mr. Eddie Rock and Ms. Áine Carroll to the Board of the Road Safety Authority.
Board appointments are generally made in accordance with the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform Guidelines on State Board Appointments. Under these Guidelines, the Public Appointments Service (PAS) advertises vacancies on the State Boards portal, www.stateboards.ie, is responsible for establishing Assessment Panels to assess all applications, and notifies my Department of all candidates that meet the advertised criteria. Where a re-appointment is proposed the PAS process does not apply.
In relation to all other vacancies on Boards under my remit, I am currently considering means by which the appointment processes can be enhanced to ensure, in so far as possible, the best appointments are made to these Boards.
Chairpersons of the Boards of the CIE Group are the only appointments under my Department's remit that are subject to Cabinet approval.
Section 9 of the Guidelines on Appointments to State Boards lists the exceptions to the PAS process.
Table: Vacancies that have arisen since 26 February 2016
|
- |
Date |
|
daa plc x2 |
13/05/2016 |
|
|
18/07/2016 |
|
IAA |
23/05/2016 |
|
Shannon Group |
31/05/2016 |
|
Dublin Port |
25/07/2016 |
|
Galway Harbour x2 |
23/07/2016 |
|
|
23/07/2016 |
|
New Ross |
23/07/2016 |
|
Bus Átha Cliath |
08/09/2016 |
|
Iarnrod Éireann |
08/09/2016 |
|
Road Safety Authority x2 |
13/09/2016 |
1838. Deputy Eamon Ryan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the board appointments he has made since taking office; the board vacancies which exist within the agencies and authorities his Department has responsibility for; and the process within which new board appointments have been made. [26101/16]
View answerSince being appointed as Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport, I have made four re-appointments to fill vacancies on 3 boards of State Bodies under my responsibility. The re-appointments of these 4 directors were made on the basis of recommendations from the relevant Chairs and/or officials of my Department.
Board appointments are generally made in accordance with the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform Guidelines on State Board Appointments. Under these Guidelines, the Public Appointments Service (PAS) advertises vacancies on the State Boards portal, www.stateboards.ie, is responsible for establishing Assessment Panels to assess all applications, and notifies my Department of all candidates that meet the advertised criteria. Where a re-appointment is proposed the PAS process does not apply.
In relation to all other vacancies on boards under my remit, I am currently considering means by which these processes can be enhanced to ensure in so far as possible the best appointments are made to the Boards of the State Bodies under my responsibility.
A full list of membership and vacancies can be found on my Departments website at the following link http://www.dttas.ie/corporate/english/state-board-membership-and-approved-fees.
1840. Deputy Eamon Ryan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he has had any consultations with Dublin City Council with regard to the funding for an expansion of the Dublin Bikes scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26103/16]
View answerThe National Transport Authority (NTA) has statutory responsibility for the development and implementation of public transport infrastructure in the Greater Dublin Area (GDA). My Department has provided capital funding to the NTA to assist with the expansion of the Dublin Bikes scheme.
The operational costs of the scheme are a matter for Dublin City Council and I have had no direct consultations with the Council regarding the expansion of the scheme. In light of the NTA's role in providing capital funding for the scheme, I have referred the Deputy's question to the NTA for a more detailed reply. Please contact my private office if a reply is not received within 10 working days.
1841. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the projects his Department is prioritising in budget 2017; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26144/16]
View answerAs part of the preparation process for the Estimates and Budget 2017, my Department has prepared a submission to the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform outlining the level of funding required to ensure delivery of existing commitments and new commitments arising from the Programme for Government. Next week I will be appearing before the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Transport, Tourism and Sport to review progress in 2016 and discuss future priorities for 2017.
1842. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will include Passage East within Ireland's Ancient East, in view of the strong maritime history of the town and the important role it holds in maritime history; if he will assign officials to examine its inclusion; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26228/16]
View answerMy Department's role in relation to tourism lies primarily in the area of national tourism policy. It is not involved in the management or development of individual projects such as Ireland's Ancient East, which are operational matters for the Board and Management of Fáilte Ireland, the National Tourism Development Authority.
Accordingly, I have referred the Deputy's question to Fáilte Ireland for direct reply. Please contact my private office if you do not receive a reply within ten working days.
1843. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his plans to include north Cork in Ireland's Ancient East; and if specific sites have been allocated a role within the framework and funding for such sites. [26231/16]
View answerMy Department's role in relation to tourism lies primarily in the area of national tourism policy. It is not involved in the management or development of individual projects such as Ireland's Ancient East, which are operational matters for the Board and Management of Fáilte Ireland, the National Tourism Development Authority.
Accordingly, I have referred the Deputy's question to Fáilte Ireland for direct reply. Please contact my private office if you do not receive a reply within ten working days.
1844. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his views on a matter (details supplied) regarding the ferry in Valentia Island; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26249/16]
View answerMy Department has no function in the provision or subsidisation of ferry services for this or any other route.
My Department provides capital funding to Fáilte Ireland, the National Tourism Development Authority, who administer and award capital grants to develop a wide range of tourism products. However, the Tourism Innovation Capital Investment Programme administered by Fáilte Ireland does not fund infrastructural projects such as car ferry services, which falls outside the scope of projects eligible for grant aid assistance under the scheme.
The Marine Survey Office (MSO) of the Department is responsible for the survey and certification of passenger vessels operating on domestic voyages in the State in accordance with the Merchant Shipping Act, 1992, as amended. I understand that the vessel referred to in the enquiry is the God Met Ons III. This vessel is required by the Act to be surveyed by the MSO at least once each year and requires a Class V Passenger Ship Certificate in order to operate a passenger ship on the route mentioned.
Whereas the reports of surveys issued by the MSO are confidential to the owner of any vessel, the MSO does not issue instructions or directions to owners that a particular vessel must be replaced. This is a decision for the owner to make. In making this decision an owner may wish to take account of the survey requirements of the MSO in relation to the vessel and in particular regarding the costs likely to be incurred in completing necessary repairs that have been identified by the MSO in connection with the ongoing survey and certification of the vessel concerned.
As ships age, the extent and costs for the owner associated with compliance with the requirements of the Merchant Shipping Acts would normally be expected to increase. The point in time when it becomes economically unviable to continue to operate a particular vessel is a commercial decision for the owner/business concerned and is not an issue for the MSO to decide upon.
1845. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will ensure that funding is provided in 2017 towards the provision of necessary road improvement works on a national route (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26290/16]
View answerAs Minister for Transport, Tourism & Sport, I have responsibility for overall policy and funding in relation to the national roads programme. The planning, design and implementation of individual road projects is a matter for Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII) (formerly known as the NRA) under the Roads Acts 1993 to 2015 in conjunction with the local authorities concerned.
Within its capital budget, the assessment and prioritisation of individual projects is a matter in the first instance for Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII) in accordance with Section 19 of the Roads Act.
Noting the above position, I have referred your question to TII for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you don't receive a reply within 10 working days.
1847. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the steps taken by his Department to promote the Lakelands brand; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26315/16]
View answerMy Department's role in relation to tourism lies primarily in the area of national tourism policy. It is not involved in the management or development of individual projects, which are operational matters for the Board and Management of Fáilte Ireland, the National Tourism Development Authority.
Accordingly, I have referred the Deputy's question to Fáilte Ireland for direct reply. Please contact my private office if you do not receive a reply within ten working days.
1848. Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the status of the Bonagee link road in Letterkenny, County Donegal; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26346/16]
View answerAs Minister for Transport, Tourism & Sport, I have responsibility for overall policy and funding in relation to the national roads programme. The planning, design and implementation of individual national road projects is a matter for Transport Infrastructure Ireland (formerly known as the NRA) under the Roads Acts 1993-2015 in conjunction with the local authorities concerned.
Within its capital budget, the assessment and prioritisation of individual projects is a matter in the first instance for TII in accordance with Section 19 of the Roads Act.
Noting the above position, 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 working days
1849. Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the status of the Manorcunningham to Lifford dual carriageway, County Donegal; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26347/16]
View answerAs Minister for Transport, Tourism & Sport, I have responsibility for overall policy and funding in relation to the national roads programme. The planning, design and implementation of individual road projects is a matter for Transport Infrastructure Ireland - TII (formerly known as the NRA) under the Roads Acts 1993 to 2015 in conjunction with the local authorities concerned.
Within its capital budget, the assessment and prioritisation of individual projects is a matter in the first instance for TII in accordance with Section 19 of the Roads Act.
Noting the above position, 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 working days.
1850. Deputy Bobby Aylward asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the State body which has the responsibility for the provision of funding for the completion of the Kilkenny city ring road and the current status of same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26355/16]
View answerAs Minister for Transport, Tourism & Sport, I have responsibility for overall policy and funding in relation to the national roads programme. The planning, design and implementation of individual road projects (such as the Kilkenny Northern Ring Road) is a matter for Transport Infrastructure Ireland - TII (formerly known as the NRA) under the Roads Acts 1993 to 2015 in conjunction with the local authorities concerned.
Within its capital budget, the assessment and prioritisation of individual projects is a matter in the first instance for TII in accordance with Section 19 of the Roads Act.
Noting the above position, 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 working days.
1851. Deputy Bobby Aylward asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his plans to develop a national policy to accommodate commuters who avail of car pooling or ride sharing, which includes a long-term strategy for the provision of car parking areas on link roads to national primary routes such as the M9 and N7 ensuring that the current practice of car parking on link roads is safe, legal and convenient; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26356/16]
View answerMy Department recognises the role car-pooling or car-sharing can play in reducing the number of cars on our roads and included a specific action - to establish a car-pooling website - in the national transport policy 'A Sustainable Transport Future for Ireland, 2009-2020'.
The National Transport Authority (NTA) has implemented this action and established a car-sharing website, carsharing.ie, to help employers to encourage car-pooling within their workforces. The site acts as a matching tool for individuals looking to offer or seek lifts, on a once-off or a regular basis. The site is free to use by individuals, sports clubs, festival or event organisers and workplaces nationwide to set up their own car sharing groups.
In line with its statutory mandate, the NTA published a Transport Strategy for the Greater Dublin Area (GDA) 2016-2035 earlier this year. The focus in the strategy on car parking facilities concentrates on Park and Ride facilities to provide the opportunity for modal transfer from the private car to the public transport network rather than parking for car-pooling. It is intended that Park and Ride facilities will be provided to facilitate the use of the public transport network by people living beyond the local walking catchment of rail or other public transport services.
The provision of car parking facilities is ultimately a matter for the relevant local authority working closely with An Garda Síochána to ensure that cars are parked in a safe and legal manner. I understand that a number of small park and ride facilities have recently been completed in the Meath and Kildare County Council areas, are proving to be very successful, and could serve as useful models for other local authorities.
1852. Deputy Declan Breathnach asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the available options for the completion of the Narrow Water Bridge; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26398/16]
View answerUnder the Fresh Start Agreement, the Northern Ireland Executive and the Government agreed to undertake a review of the proposed Narrow Water Bridge project with a view to identifying options for its future development, for consideration by the North South Ministerial Council (NSMC).
The commitments in the Fresh Start Plan were discussed at the North South Ministerial Council (NSMC) Plenary meeting held on the 4th July. The Council noted a progress report from Senior Officials from relevant Departments in both jurisdictions which addressed the Fresh Start commitments. It was also noted that the group of Senior Officials will continue to meet regularly to maintain a strategic overview of the projects and commitments set out in the Fresh Start Implementation Plan and to explore funding opportunities for economic and infrastructural investment. A further update on the Fresh Start commitments will be brought to the next NSMC Plenary meeting.
1853. Deputy Noel Rock asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation if she will give due consideration to exceeding the recommended 1% increase in the minimum wage as set out by the Low Pay Commission, in the context of sharp rises in rent and car insurance both of which affect minimum wage workers disproportionately. [24455/16]
View answerAs you will be aware Deputy, the current national minimum hourly rate of pay for an experienced adult worker is €9.15. This rate came into effect on January 1st last following Government acceptance of the Low Pay Commission’s first recommendation of July 2015 to increase the rate from €8.65 per hour. As well as accepting the recommendation, the Government adjusted the PRSI system in Budget 2016 to ensure that the benefit of the increase was not lost to the employee and that the effect of the increase to €9.15 per hour on employer’s PRSI liability was mitigated.
The Commission’s second report which was submitted to Cabinet on July 19th recommends a rate of €9.25 as the national minimum hourly rate. The recommendation and the report is receiving careful consideration.
A decision on the national minimum wage will be made in the context of Budget 2017.
