Jack Chambers
Question:181. Deputy Jack Chambers asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the status of the electrification of the rail system for the Maynooth line; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33138/16]
View answerRail Services Provision
Questions (181)
Written answers
The National Transport Authority's Transport Strategy for the Greater Dublin Area (GDA) for the period 2016 - 2035, which was approved and published earlier this year, proposes implementation of the DART Expansion Programme which will provide DART services as far north as Drogheda, to Hazelhatch on the Kildare Line, and to Maynooth in the west and to the M3 Parkway.
Funding for some elements of the DART Expansion Programme is included in the Capital Plan which was published in September last year. Specifically, funding is provided for the extension of the DART to Balbriggan on the Northern line.
The extension of the DART to Maynooth and to the M3 Parkway would provide an enhancement to existing services for commuters from the wider catchment areas in Counties Kildare and Meath, including Kilcock and Enfield. The extension of DART to Maynooth would also necessitate the construction of the DART Underground Tunnel. As the Deputy will be aware, the Government decided in September 2015 that the original proposal for the tunnel should be redesigned and work is underway on that at present. The final scheme will, of course, be subject to availability of funding and will likely be considered in the context of the next Capital Plan post-2021.
Insurance Industry Regulation
Questions (182)
Éamon Ó Cuív
Question:182. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if his attention has been drawn to the fact that insurance companies are using leased taxi plates to drive up driver insurance premiums on the basis that a leased taxi plate remains in the ownership of the licence holder as does the insurance policy attached to it, thus not allowing the lessee to benefit from a no claims bonus on the leaser’s policy; the steps he will take in this matter; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33144/16]
View answerWritten answers
While I am not aware of the practice mentioned by the Deputy in this question, motor insurance is essentially a private transaction between the insured person and the insurance company. Unfortunately, as such I have no role in the matter.
Bus Services
Questions (183)
Fiona O'Loughlin
Question:183. Deputy Fiona O'Loughlin asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if details of new licences for the routes 726 and 126 have been finalised; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33148/16]
View answerWritten answers
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.
The referred reply under Standing Order 42A was forwarded to the Deputy.
Bus Services
Questions (184)
Fiona O'Loughlin
Question:184. Deputy Fiona O'Loughlin asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his plans for pricing regulation on bus routes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33149/16]
View answerWritten answers
Issues relating to the licensing of bus passenger services are matters for the National Transport Authority (NTA). Therefore, I have referred the question to the NTA for direct reply to the Deputy. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a response within 10 working days.
The referred reply under Standing Order 42A was forwarded to the Deputy.
Legislative Measures
Questions (185)
Thomas P. Broughan
Question:185. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if a statutory instrument has been brought forward to implement his decision to put the Irish Aviation Authority in charge of aircraft noise pollution monitoring; if not, the timeframe for this and the legislative measures to be put in place; the extra resources he expects to provide to the IAA for this function; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33169/16]
View answerWritten answers
On 22 September last, I announced details of the manner in which EU Regulation 598/2014, on the establishment of rules and procedures with regard to the introduction of noise-related operating restrictions at EU airports, is to be implemented in Ireland. This will require the introduction of a Statutory Instrument, which it is envisaged will be completed by the end of this year. Officials in my Department are currently engaged with the Office of the Attorney General on the preparation of this Statutory Instrument.
There is a requirement for regulatory independence in the EU Regulation and its achievement by functional separation is specifically permitted. Accordingly, when announcing that the Irish Aviation Authority (IAA) is to be the competent authority in Ireland to implement the new airport noise management regime, I also announced that a separate unit is to be established by the IAA to deal specifically with that regime.
Insofar as the resourcing of this separate unit is concerned, the framework arrangements to apply will be addressed in the Statutory Instrument currently in preparation. It is not intended however that this will involve funding from the Exchequer.
Airport Development Projects
Questions (186)
Alan Farrell
Question:186. Deputy Alan Farrell asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport with regard to the proposed development of a second runway at Dublin airport, if his attention has been drawn to the concerns of residents in the local area, particularly those in the communities of Portmarnock and St. Margaret's; if he has engaged with the daa to ensure the concerns of residents are fully examined and taken into account by the daa; if he will engage with the daa to ensure they further engage with local residents regarding any further developments at Dublin Airport which may impact upon them; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33197/16]
View answerWritten answers
As the Deputy is aware, the daa has statutory responsibility to manage, operate and develop Dublin Airport, including the North Runway project. It is my understanding that daa is continuing to engage with local communities and have held a number of meetings with representative groups and individuals since the company announced that it was proceeding with the runway project in April.
daa have stated their willingness, which I obviously have encouraged, to provide briefings to groups or individuals on request. daa also have engaged in an extensive information campaign including tailored door-to-door leaflet drops, newsletters, videos, information workshops, and has hosted large-scale information days in the area. A dedicated website and a free-phone number for the project have also been established.
daa have recently consulted with the local community on the 'Proposal to Change Permitted Operations' regarding their stated intention to seek to change two of the conditions attached to the planning permission for the runway. As part of this process, public information days were held in June and July to discuss the approach and the contents of the Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) Scoping Document. Further information and consultation events took place last week to provide an update on the EIS process and to assist in selecting between emerging options for future flightpaths. All of the responses that emerged from this consultation with stakeholders are now being reviewed and considered in finalising the assessment methodology and content of the EIS.
All of these initiatives are in addition to daa's ongoing engagement on mitigation measures, including a home sound insulation scheme and a voluntary dwelling purchase scheme, which are required as part of the planning permission for Runway North.
Also, on 22 September 2016, I published a policy statement about new arrangements that I intend to put in place in relation to determining what operating restrictions are appropriate at Dublin Airport. These arrangements will ensure that the concerns of residents in the area are given due consideration.
I understand that arrangements are underway at present in my office to facilitate a meeting between the Deputy, concerned parties and myself in the coming weeks. This meeting will take place as soon as all parties have had an opportunity to confirm their availability.
Maritime Safety
Questions (187)
Pat Casey
Question:187. Deputy Pat Casey asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will provide a copy of the file and test results carried out by the Marine Survey Office in respect of a vessel (details supplied) from May 2009 until December 2011 in order that the then owners can supply information to the EU petitions committee; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33227/16]
View answerWritten answers
Inclining experiments, referred as "tests" in this question, are organised and carried out by a vessel owner or a consultant acting on his or her behalf. The Marine Survey Office (MSO) of my Department routinely attends onboard vessels during safety surveys in order to witness such inclining experiments to attest to their conduct being in line with prescribed regulations.
In relation to the vessel in question, the MSO witnessed such inclining experiments carried out by the vessel owner's consultant in the referred period between May 2009 and December 2011. This attestation is appended to the owner's consultant Report as provided to the Department by the Deputy.
My Department does not hold any other record of stability related test results relevant to this vessel during the prescribed period.
Cycling Facilities Provision
Questions (188)
Martin Heydon
Question:188. Deputy Martin Heydon asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the progress of a national indoor cycling velodrome; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33237/16]
View answerWritten answers
I am advised that the next step for a proposed velodrome would be for Sport Ireland to undertake an appropriate financial appraisal, i.e. a Cost Benefit Analysis, in accordance with the Public Spending Code. Thereafter, any proposal to proceed would also be subject to the availability of capital funding.
Bus Services
Questions (189)
Mick Barry
Question:189. Deputy Mick Barry asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the contacts he has had with trade unions representing Bus Éireann staff; his views on the proposal to sell the expressway service; his views that this would have a detrimental impact on the provision of public transport; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33255/16]
View answerWritten answers
While I have not met trade unions I have received representations submitted by them on behalf of their members.
As discussed at my recent meeting with the Joint Oireachtas Committee I am aware that Bus Éireann is considering options designed to address the financial losses resulting from its commercial Expressway service; the formulation and progression of those plans are a matter for the company. Bus Éireann has engaged consultants to independently review the options available to it as it seeks to address these losses.
I have been consistently clear since assuming office that issues relating to pay and conditions in any particular State owned company under my Department's aegis are a matter for discussion and agreement between the employer and the employees. Bus Éireann has indicated its desire to discuss the Expressway issue with trade unions and I am firmly of the belief that difficult issues such as this can only be resolved through open, constructive and realistic engagement between the company and its employees.
Expressway routes are commercial services which do not receive any Exchequer funding. Last year commercial bus services carried almost 23 million passengers with approximately 7 million of those passengers choosing an Expressway service.
The Deputy is probably aware that the commercial bus market has seen significant growth in recent years with passenger journeys in 2015 13% higher than in 2013. These services are regulated by the National Transport Authority (NTA) under the Public Transport Regulation Act 2009. There have been instances in recent years whereby some commercial services have been reconfigured leaving certain areas without the desired level of public transport provision. In response, the NTA has used its powers under the Dublin Transport Authority Act 2008 to ensure continued public transport services through the provision of subvented Public Service Obligation (PSO) services.
Rail Services Provision
Questions (190)
Mick Barry
Question:190. Deputy Mick Barry asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his views on the rail review conducted by the NTA and Iarnród Éireann; his further views that rail services should receive increased public investment to maintain, improve and expand on a vital public service; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33256/16]
View answerWritten answers
As I indicated at the Oireachtas Committee on Transport on 5 October last, I have received a copy of the Rail Review conducted by the National Transport Authority and Irish Rail, which examines the funding parameters required to support our rail network now and into the future. I have already stated that I will bring the report to Cabinet and then immediately arrange for its publication and commencement of a public consultation process to be conducted by the National Transport Authority. I intend to do so next week.
The review identifies a funding gap for Irish Rail based on the projected allocations prior to Budget 2017. In the meantime, decisions on Budget 2017 provide for additional funding of over €50 million to Irish Rail next year.
This significant increase in funding for next year allows for increasing investment in maintenance and renewal of the network and the rolling stock, and also to provide more funding for safety projects. It is also encouraging to note that Irish Rail is experiencing business growth with increasing passenger journeys. The re-opening of the Phoenix Park tunnel in the coming weeks for commuter services from the Kildare line to the stations between Connolly and Grand Canal Dock and the expansion of DART services to a ten minute frequency will also help to grow the business.
While there has been much speculation regarding the future of individual rail lines, I want to stress that no decisions will be taken on any of the options identified in the Review in advance of the full process of public consultation. The public consultation will give the public and other interested parties the opportunity to see the analysis on rail funding and to contribute to all aspects of the debate on the future of rail.
Greenhouse Gas Emissions
Questions (191)
Mick Barry
Question:191. Deputy Mick Barry asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport , in view of the fact that the transport strategy for the greater Dublin area plans an increase in carbon emissions, if he is of the view that the strategy is in line with Government commitments to decrease carbon emissions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33257/16]
View answerWritten answers
I do not accept the Deputy's assertion about the GDA Transport Strategy's impact on carbon emissions. In fact the Strategy - which was prepared by the National Transport Authority and approved by my predecessor earlier this year - commits to promoting transport options that will reduce carbon emissions.
Various policies related to climate change, carbon emissions and associated action plans were still under development at the time of preparation of the Strategy. The Strategy explicitly recognises that the Climate Action and Low Carbon Development Act 2015 includes provisions for the preparation of a "national mitigation plan" and a "national adaptation framework", which will establish energy related targets and actions to be adopted across the transport sector. The Strategy commits to incorporating relevant targets and actions arising from that Act and related policies in the area of transport energy within its statutory Integrated Implementation Plans. Incorporation of such relevant targets and actions may increase the current forecasted impact of the Strategy in terms of reducing carbon emissions. It is my view, therefore, that the GDA Transport Strategy is in line with Government commitments to decrease carbon emissions.
Rail Services
Questions (192)
Mick Barry
Question:192. Deputy Mick Barry asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his views on increasing the subvention to the CIÉ group; his views that an increase is needed to improve public transport; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33258/16]
View answerWritten answers
As I discussed with the Deputy at a recent meeting of the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Transport I believe that increased subvention funding can assist in the delivery of improved public transport services.
Budget 2017 has allocated an additional €31 million to public transport services (PSO and rural transport) when compared with this year's allocation.
It is a statutory function of the National Transport Authority (NTA) under the Dublin Transport Act 2008 to decide upon the exact allocation to each operator. The NTA is currently engaged in discussions with the relevant operators as regards their allocation and the services that are to be provided in return for that allocation.
I expect next year's additional money will provide for much needed improvements to services such as:
- Rolling out 10 minute DART services;
- Extending Kildare Line commuter rail services through the Phoenix Park Tunnel and into the heart of Dublin's city centre;
- Providing for additional services across the bus network;
- Maintaining progress with the bus market opening competitions; and
- Improved rural transport bus services.
It is clear is that the increased funding I have made available for public transport next year will help the NTA and the operators to deliver improvements in our public transport services.
Free Travel Scheme
Questions (193)
Mick Barry
Question:193. Deputy Mick Barry asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the representations he has made to the Department of Social Protection regarding the subsidy paid to fund free travel for senior citizens which has not kept pace with demographic changes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33259/16]
View answerWritten answers
The Free Travel Scheme is a non-statutory scheme administered by the Department of Social Protection. It provides free travel for those with eligibility on the main public and private transport services which includes road, rail and ferry. There are currently approximately 853,000 customers with direct eligibility with an annual allocation of €80 million.
In 2012, the Department of Social Protection set up an interdepartmental working group to review the free travel scheme. My Department was represented on that working group. I understand that a report was completed by the Department of Social Protection in November 2014 and that the report considered a number of issues such as funding, operation and eligibility of the scheme.
The Deputy will be aware that the Programme for a Partnership Government contains a commitment to fully protect the free travel pass for all pensioners and work with private and public operators to keep services operating on as many routes as possible.
Clearly the issue of how the scheme is funded is important not just from the perspective of the scheme's administration but also in terms of ensuring that public transport is adequately funded generally. While the administration of the scheme is a matter for my colleague, the Minister for Social Protection, I understand the Deputy's point regarding the changes in demographics and usage which have occurred since the level of funding was last fixed.
The level of funding associated with the Scheme has most recently been highlighted by the National Transport Authority (NTA), as part of the Rail Review 2016 which I intend to publish shortly.
I believe the issue of funding associated with the Scheme to be an important one and I will be in contact with the Minister for Social Protection in an effort to see what progress can be made to make the scheme more effective as regards the sustainability of its funding and the implications for the provision of public transport.
Cycling Facilities Provision
Questions (194)
Mick Barry
Question:194. Deputy Mick Barry asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the funding he is making available for the improvement of cycling lanes; his views that there should be a prioritisation of the provision of segregated and continuous cycle lanes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33260/16]
View answerWritten answers
Funding for the development of cycling infrastructure is provided under a number of different programmes in my Department. In 2016, €23.2m is being provided under the Sustainable Transport Measures Grants (STMG) Programme and a further sum of €13.5m is being provided under the Regional Cities programme for the implementation of sustainable transport measures such as cycling/walking infrastructure, Quality Bus Corridors, safety, integration and traffic management projects. This funding is provided to the NTA for the seven local authorities in the Greater Dublin Area and the local authorities in the Regional Cities for the implementation of such measures.
In delivering cycling infrastructure, the National Transport Authority (NTA) and the relevant local authorities adhere to the recommendations contained in the NTA Cycling Manual (www.cyclemanual.ie) and in particular, the principles underpinning this guidance. A GDA Cycle Network Plan is included in the NTA's GDA Transport Strategy 2016-2035 approved by my predecessor. This plan provides the blueprint for the development of a cycling network in the GDA that includes segregated and continuous cycling infrastructure and I am fully supportive of such measures.
Funding is also provided under my Department's Smarter Travel programme for the development of cycling infrastructure including Greenways. Under the Capital Plan, €100 million is committed to smarter travel and carbon reduction measures, including Greenways. The Programme for Government also commits to providing additional capital funding for various tourism projects, including greenways. I will be seeking to deliver this additional funding in the context of the mid-term review of the Capital Plan next year.
Ticket Touting
Questions (195)
Mattie McGrath
Question:195. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation if she will investigate issues related to ticket touting (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [33060/16]
View answerWritten answers
While I am not in a position to comment on the specific case referred to in the details supplied by the Deputy, I am aware of the public concern about the secondary sale of tickets for entertainment and sporting events. The issues around ticket resale are not straightforward and it is important that any possible legislative or other response is based on a thorough examination of the secondary ticket market and its relationship to the primary ticket market. I am currently considering in conjunction with the Minister of State for Tourism and Sport how best such an examination can be undertaken with a view to identifying measures aimed at securing fairer access to tickets for consumers.
Sale of State Assets
Questions (196)
Pat Casey
Question:196. Deputy Pat Casey asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation the exact percentage and history of the shareholding that the state has in a studio (details supplied); the reason behind the Government decision to sell that shareholding; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [33254/16]
View answerWritten answers
Enterprise Ireland has a 31.67% stake in the ownership of Ardmore Studios having acquired its share as a result of an equity investment and a loan by Nadcorp (a predecessor State Agency) under an Agreement that dates back to 27 August 1986 which was amended on 22 September 1987.
The sale of the Ardmore Studios is a commercial decision by the owners of the Studios. The decision to sell its shareholding in Ardmore Studios is a day-to-day operational matter for Enterprise Ireland. The balance is owned by a company that is owned by its shareholders and the decision by that company to sell its shareholding is a matter for the company.
As a passive investor, Enterprise Ireland has not been involved in the day-to-day business of running Ardmore Studios. Furthermore while Enterprise Ireland offers supports to exporting companies involved in film and the creative sector, policy responsibility for the development of the film industry rests with my colleague, Ms Heather Humphreys, T.D., Minister for Arts, Heritage, Regional, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs.
Enterprise Ireland remains committed to its client companies with global ambition across the creative sector in areas such as animation and digital content. Enterprise Ireland provides these companies with a range of supports appropriate to their stage of business and is committed to supporting these companies internationalise.
Ardmore Studios is being placed on the market for sale as a going concern. Enterprise Ireland has not placed any pre-conditions on the pending sale of Ardmore Studios due to the existence of planning restrictions on the site which safeguard its use as a film making studio into the future.
At the appropriate time, a proposal for decision on the sale of Enterprise Ireland’s shareholding will be reviewed by Enterprise Ireland from a commercial and legal perspective to ensure receipt of fair market value and return for the taxpayer.
IDA Ireland Portfolio
Questions (197)
Peter Fitzpatrick
Question:197. Deputy Peter Fitzpatrick asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation the location and the timeframe for the construction of the IDA advanced building in Dundalk as announced in budget 2017; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [33100/16]
View answerWritten answers
In order to support the achievement of IDA Ireland’s target of increasing investment to all regions outside of Dublin by 30%-40%, the Government announced – as part of Budget 2017 – an increase in the Agency’s capital funding of 22%, bringing its total capital budget to €137 million. This increased allocation will help the Agency to progress the next three advance buildings as set out in IDA’s regional property investment programme. This programme aims to attract further investment into regional locations by ensuring the ready availability of an adequate supply of marketable serviced land, office and industrial/manufacturing buildings in advance of demand by both existing and potential client companies.
The Dundalk facility will be constructed at Finnabair Business Park. The facility is currently at design stage and the Agency is projecting a completion date of Q4 2017.
Company Data
Questions (198)
Seán Fleming
Question:198. Deputy Sean Fleming asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation the number of companies that have been involuntarily struck off by the Companies Registration Office in each of the past three years; the value of assets transferred to the State as a result of this and any amounts that were subsequently reinstated to the organisations concerned as a result of High Court proceedings; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [33141/16]
View answerWritten answers
The following is the number of companies that have been involuntarily struck off by the Companies Registration Office in each of the last three years:
|
Year |
Number of companies involuntarily struck off |
|
2015 |
3072 |
|
2014 |
7077 |
|
2013 |
6840 |
Information concerning the value of assets transferred to the State as a result of these strike-offs and any amounts that were subsequently reinstated to the organisations concerned is not collected by the Companies Registration Office.
Workplace Relations Commission
Questions (199)
Clare Daly
Question:199. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation her Department's plans to address the inordinate delays and dysfunction in the workings of the Workplace Relations Commission. [33146/16]
View answerWritten answers
The Workplace Relations Commission (WRC) was established to reduce inordinate delays of up to 2 years in the hearing of cases in some bodies that it replaced, and remove the dysfunction of having multiple first instance avenues of redress for the same workplace incident. This reform was overdue. Established on 1 October last year, the WRC incorporates the functions of the Labour Relations Commission (including the Rights Commissioner Service), the Equality Tribunal, the Employment Appeals Tribunal (first instance jurisdiction), and the National Employment Rights Authority (NERA). All first instance complaints are now dealt with by the WRC.
The collective and specialist services of the Commission all play a vital role in contributing towards industrial peace, public service reform, maintaining and sustaining enterprise efficiency and productivity and engaging with employers and trade unions on issues of employee pay and rewards. Ensuring fair, impartial, effective employment rights and adjudication services, together with appropriate levels of enforcement are vital and important components of a well-functioning and fair labour market.
It is worth noting that the WRC has been successful in resolving a number of high profile disputes over the past year and that overall the Conciliation Service enjoys a success rate of over 80 per cent.
Furthermore, over the last year:
- the Inspection Services of the WRC has undertaken around 3,400 inspections and recovered nearly one million Euro in unpaid wages for employees;
- the WRC information service has handled 50,000 calls from individuals looking for assistance on specific employment rights;
- the Adjudication Service has received almost 14,000 specific complaints and held over 2,600 hearings with individual complainants about breaches of their employment rights. Complainants are receiving a hearing on average between 12 and 16 weeks of sending in the complaint and a decision on average 8 weeks later. Requests by parties or their representatives to delay the scheduling of a hearing, pending the availability of key witnesses or to facilitate discussions regarding a potential settlement, are outside the control of the WRC, but obviously can impact on timelines for hearings.
- the Service has also reduced by almost a half the number of inherited complaints.
While there has been some comment about initial teething problems with the administration of the Adjudication Service, I am satisfied that overall, stakeholders are very supportive of the WRC's multi-year programme of change approach and that the WRC is fully committed to working through, in a constructive manner any issues that arise as the new structures continue to bed down.
IDA Ireland Portfolio
Questions (200)
Pat Deering
Question:200. Deputy Pat Deering asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation further to the reply received regarding the advance IDA facility for County Carlow, if she will provide clarification on the construction dates and works schedule (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [33157/16]
View answerWritten answers
As advised in my response to parliamentary question number 591 last Tuesday, the planned advance facility for Carlow is currently at site selection stage. Site selection is required because IDA Ireland does not currently hold any land in Carlow suitable for an advance facility and therefore needs to first identify an appropriate location before proceeding further.
I am sure the Deputy will understand that due to the commercial sensitivities involved in land acquisition it is not possible to provide any further details at this stage.