Bríd Smith
Question:631. Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the number of parked vehicles that are towed out of bus lanes daily. [39477/17]
View answerRoad Traffic Offences Data
Questions (631)
Written answers
I have no role as regards the actual removal of vehicles from bus lanes nor have I any statistics relating to same. The removal of parked vehicles from bus lanes is a matter for the relevant local authority and for An Garda Síochána.
Road Traffic Offences
Questions (632)
Bríd Smith
Question:632. Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his plans for further disincentives to stop drivers using bus lanes illegally; and the details of same. [39478/17]
View answerWritten answers
There are currently two fixed charge offences in relation to drivers using bus lanes; a driver who drives in a bus lane or a bus-only street attracts a fixed charge of €60, rising to €90 after 28 days, while a driver who parks illegally in a bus lane or on a bus-only street attracts a fixed charge of €40, rising to €60 after 28 days.
Enforcement of this, and all other, road traffic legislation is a matter for an Garda Síochána. Local Authority traffic wardens are also empowered to issue fixed charge notices for vehicles parked in a bus lane or on a bus-only street.
While I currently have no plans to amend the existing provisions dealing with the offences relating to parking in bus lanes, my Department keeps these, and all other fixed charge offences, under constant review.
Sports Capital Programme Administration
Questions (633)
Niamh Smyth
Question:633. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport when sports clubs will be informed whether they have been successful in the sports capital programme 2017; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39510/17]
View answerWritten answers
The 2017 round of the Sports Capital Programme closed for applications on the 24th February. By the closing date, a record number of 2,320 applications seeking €155 million in grants were received. The total amount currently available to allocate under this round is €30 million. Accordingly, the allocation of grants will be particularly challenging.
All of the 2,320 applications received are currently being assessed by officials in my Department. I expect to be in a position to make an announcement regarding allocations in the coming weeks.
Road Improvement Schemes
Questions (634)
Kevin O'Keeffe
Question:634. Deputy Kevin O'Keeffe asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the timeframe and commencement by stage of the upgrade of the interchange at the Jack Lynch tunnel, Cork. [39540/17]
View answerWritten answers
As 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 implementation of individual road projects is a matter for Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII) under the Roads Acts 1993-2015 in conjunction with the local authorities concerned.
Noting the above position, I have referred the Deputy’s question to TII for direct reply. The Deputy might advise my private office if he does not receive a reply within ten working days.
The referred reply under Standing Order 42A was forwarded to the Deputy.
Cycling Facilities Provision
Questions (635)
Richard Boyd Barrett
Question:635. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will consider extending the Dublin bikes scheme to St. Vincent's Hospital, Donnybrook and UCD; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39567/17]
View answerWritten answers
The National Transport Authority (NTA), in co-operation with the relevant local authority, is responsible for the administration and expansion of the public bikes scheme in the Dublin area.
In light of the NTA's responsibility in the matter, I have referred the Deputy's question to the Authority for a direct response. The Deputy might advise my private office if he does not receive a reply within ten working days.
Sports Capital Programme Applications
Questions (636)
Michael Healy-Rae
Question:636. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the status of a sports capital grant application by a club (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39571/17]
View answerWritten answers
The 2017 round of the Sports Capital Programme closed for applications on the 24th February and I can confirm that an application has been submitted by the organisation. By the closing date, a record number of 2,320 applications seeking €155 million in grants were received. The total amount currently available to allocate under this round is €30 million. Accordingly, the allocation of grants will be particularly challenging.
All of the 2,320 applications received are currently being assessed by officials in my Department. I expect to be in a position to make an announcement regarding allocations in the coming weeks.
Waste Disposal
Questions (637)
Róisín Shortall
Question:637. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the legal position under the Roads Acts regarding wheelie bins being deposited by waste collection companies on metered parking spaces in Dublin city after the company staff have taken them up from the collection point on the footpath and emptied them into the bin lorries; the person or body liable for the wheelie bins in this circumstance in the case of an accident, that is, the waste company or the person whose wheelie bin it is; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39666/17]
View answerWritten answers
Wheelie bins are not covered under the Road Traffic Acts. This would be a matter for the local authorities.
Noise Pollution
Questions (638)
Seán Haughey
Question:638. Deputy Seán Haughey asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if his attention has been drawn to ongoing complaints from residents of Clontarf, Dublin 3, about night time aircraft noise when the secondary 16/34 crosswind runway is used due to upgrading works on the main runway at Dublin airport; if he is satisfied that the attention of the Irish Aviation Authority has been drawn to its responsibilities under EU Regulation 598/2014 in respect of aircraft noise; if he will intervene to ensure that this noise nuisance is alleviated for local residents; if these aircraft flying at low altitude pose a danger for the householders affected; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39671/17]
View answerWritten answers
Firstly, I can advise that the Irish Aviation Authority (IAA) is responsible for the State's Air Traffic Management (ATM) and the daa (Dublin Airport Authority) is responsible for the operation and management of Dublin airport. The direction of flight paths and the altitude of flights at Dublin airport is an operational matter for the IAA while the daa is responsible for the opening and closing of runways to facilitate runway repairs. Consequently, I shall forward the aspects of your question relating to these matters to the respective Authorities for direct reply. However, please advise my private office if a response is not received within ten working days.
On the issue of noise management at Dublin airport, I would like to clarify that Regulation 598/2014 establishes rules and procedures with regard to the introduction of noise-related operating restrictions at Union airports within, what is termed, the 'balanced approach' developed by the International Civil Aviation Organisation. Officials in my Department are currently working closely with the Office of the Attorney General determining the appropriate legislative arrangements to give full effect and implementation to the provisions of Regulation 598/2014 and to bring those legislative arrangements to completion urgently. These legislative arrangements will include designating a competent authority with responsibility for the management of aircraft noise at the airport.
Public Transport Subsidies
Questions (639)
Richard Boyd Barrett
Question:639. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the estimated cost in terms of additional Government subvention to all modes of public transport, including buses, rail and trams, to enable a 50% reduction in all fares; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39679/17]
View answerWritten answers
Under the Dublin Transport Authority Act 2008 the regulation of Public Service Obligation (PSO) fares and subvention of PSO operators are matters for the National Transport Authority (NTA) and I have forwarded the Deputy's question to the NTA for direct reply. The Deputy might advise my private office if he does not receive a response within ten working days.
Sports Funding
Questions (640, 641, 642)
Mary Lou McDonald
Question:640. Deputy Mary Lou McDonald asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his plans to establish a flood damage relief fund for sports clubs affected by the recent floods in north-east County Donegal, as has been provided by the Department of Agriculture, Food and Marine for farmers and the Department of Employment Affairs and Social Protection for households; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39808/17]
View answerMary Lou McDonald
Question:641. Deputy Mary Lou McDonald asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the supports he plans to provide for premises of a boxing club (details supplied) in view of the fact the premises has been significantly damaged by the recent floods in north-east County Donegal. [39809/17]
View answerMary Lou McDonald
Question:642. Deputy Mary Lou McDonald asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the supports he plans to provide for a club (details supplied) whose premises and facilities have been significantly damaged by the recent floods in north-east County Donegal. [39810/17]
View answerWritten answers
I propose to take Questions Nos. 640 to 642, inclusive, together.
My colleague the Minister of State at the Department of Defence, Mr. Paul Kehoe TD, has already announced a scheme to provide emergency humanitarian assistance to organisations (including sporting bodies) unable to secure flood insurance and affected by the recent flooding in Donegal.
Accordingly, in the first instance I would urge any sporting organisation affected by the floods to contact the Irish Red Cross who are administering the scheme.
If there are sporting clubs in the area impacted by the flooding but whose damage is deemed to be outside the terms of the Irish Red Cross scheme, they should contact the Sports Capital Unit of my Department. My Department has already received some such requests for funding which are currently under consideration.
I have personally visited a number of the clubs in question, in the company of Minister Joe McHugh, and I am aware of the challenges they face. I am eager to assist in any way I can.
Sports Capital Programme Applications
Questions (643)
Clare Daly
Question:643. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport further to Parliamentary Question No. 763 of 28 February 2017 and the application made by a sports club (details supplied), the timeframe for the announcement of the allocation. [39839/17]
View answerWritten answers
The 2017 round of the Sports Capital Programme closed for applications on the 24th February and I can confirm that an application has been submitted by the organisation. By the closing date, a record number of 2,320 applications seeking €155 million in grants were received. The total amount currently available to allocate under this round is €30 million. Accordingly, the allocation of grants will be particularly challenging.
All of the 2,320 applications received are currently being assessed by officials in my Department. I expect to be in a position to make an announcement regarding allocations in the coming weeks.
Child Care Services Funding
Questions (644)
Michael Healy-Rae
Question:644. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs if approval will be given for additional funding to expand on the public provision of suitable publicly provided and subsidised child care; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [39053/17]
View answerWritten answers
Having sought clarification I understand that the Deputy's question relates to funding for all aspects of Childcare, including the Community and Private childcare sectors.
My Department continues to invest significant resources in the early years sector. In Budget 2017 I secured a 35% increase in childcare funding, which was additional to a similar 35% increase in Budget 2016. These increases reflect the emphasis being placed on developing a quality service with appropriately supported staff.
On 11th April 2017 I made an announcement that the Affordable Childcare Scheme (ACS) would not commence this September but that a range of measures would be introduced in September by my Department to make childcare more affordable for thousands of families throughout Ireland. This honours a key commitment in the Programme for Government.
As part of these 'September measures', a new universal subsidy is available for all children aged between 6 months and 3 years of age (or until they qualify for ECCE if later than 36 months) in registered childcare. This amounts to up to €20 a week or €1,040 per year for children in full time childcare. The ‘September measures’ relate to the introduction of the Community Childcare Subvention Universal (CCSU) payment and the increase in band rates across the different strands of the Community Childcare Subvention (CCS) Scheme and the Training and Employment Childcare (TEC) Scheme.
I also announced additional funding totalling €3.5 million for 'non-contact time'. This funding recognises the role played by childcare practitioners in supporting the administration of the measures that have commenced in September to lower the cost of childcare for families in Ireland. There is a commitment to pay this additional €3.5 million between September and the end of this year. This is on top of the payment currently available for drawdown by services on foot of Budget 2017, where €14.5 million was secured towards 'non-contact time'. The majority of services have now been paid an average of over €2,000 under this scheme.
I am also keenly aware of the pressures on the sector with regard to availability of places and my Department has provided €8.4 million for its 2017 Early Years Capital funding programme. This represents a doubling of the €4 million provided under the 2016 Early Years Capital Funding Programme. In addition to this, my Department has also provided €4 million for its 2017 School Age Childcare Capital programme. This funding has been made available under three strands, and it is designed to create an additional 5,000 places.
Although my Department has been successful in securing additional funding for this sector over the past two budgets, as outlined above, I do acknowledge that much more must be done if we are truly to have affordable, accessible, quality childcare and continue to improve both the affordability and quality of childcare. To this end I am currently engaged with my Government colleagues with a view to securing additional investment for the childcare sector in Budget 2018.
Community Childcare Subvention Programme
Questions (645)
Anne Rabbitte
Question:645. Deputy Anne Rabbitte asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the amount of funding that has been allocated by her Department to the childcare subvention scheme in 2016. [39126/17]
View answerWritten answers
The allocation for the Community Childcare Subvention Scheme in 2016 was €61 million.
Affordable Childcare Scheme Expenditure
Questions (646)
Anne Rabbitte
Question:646. Deputy Anne Rabbitte asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the amount of funding that has been allocated to each band of the new affordable childcare scheme for 2017; and the number of children included in each band. [39127/17]
View answerWritten answers
I presume the Deputy is referring to the expanded community childcare scheme. Funding for childcare programmes is allocated by programme, not by band. To assist the Deputy in her query I am providing the estimated cost per band for full year delivery of the extended community childcare scheme (CCS).
It is estimated that the full-year cost of extending childcare subsidy rates for band A, band AJ and band B beneficiaries of the Community Childcare Subvention Scheme, in addition to a new band D being created in respect of children who are entitled to hold the over 6 GP Visit Card, and a new universal payment (for children who are between the ages of 6 months until the age they qualify for entry into the ECCE scheme), would be approximately €110 million.
|
Breakdown of the Estimated Cost Per Band |
|
|
Band A |
€60 million |
|
Band AJ |
€12 million |
|
Band B |
€12 million |
|
Band D |
€6 million |
|
Universal Subsidy |
€20 million |
Consultancy Contracts Expenditure
Questions (647)
Anne Rabbitte
Question:647. Deputy Anne Rabbitte asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the amount her Department has spent on external consultancy contracts to date in 2017. [39142/17]
View answerWritten answers
The information requested is currently being collated. The information sought will be forwarded directly to the Deputy when available.
The following deferred reply was received under Standing Order 42A:
I refer to the above written parliamentary question (ref: 39142/17) of 20 September and my Department’s response of 1 November 2017 in which the total spent on external consultancy contracts was €865,283.
A further payment which issued during the relevant timeframe has come to my attention and brings the new total to €866,575. Included in this figure were contracts where expenditure was incurred for professional advice provided to enable the Department to
carry out a body of work.
I trust that this information is helpful.
Departmental Expenditure
Questions (648)
Anne Rabbitte
Question:648. Deputy Anne Rabbitte asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the amount her Department has spent on photography to date in 2017. [39143/17]
View answerWritten answers
My Department has spent €912.66 on photography to date in 2017.
Public Relations Contracts Expenditure
Questions (649)
Anne Rabbitte
Question:649. Deputy Anne Rabbitte asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the amount her Department has spent on public relations to date in 2017. [39144/17]
View answerWritten answers
My Department has spent €10,617.10 on public relations to date in 2017.
Early Childhood Care and Education Funding
Questions (650)
Niamh Smyth
Question:650. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs if she will review a case (details supplied) and address the person's concerns; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [39181/17]
View answerWritten answers
The eligibility of the applying parent is determined by their status with the Department of Employment Affairs and Social Protection (DEASP) and certain other factors including medical cards or GP visit cards (for children over 6 only). The amount of the subvention received from the DCYA is determined by the parent’s DSP status and also by the level of childcare required. If a qualifying DEASP payment and a Medical card is received the system should automatically award the highest band due to a parent. This is based on the information supplied rather than who they relate to (Parent or Child).
It is unclear from the details supplied why the family is not receiving band A. They should send an email to eyqueries@dcya.gov.ie and this will be examined as a matter of priority.
Cúram agus Oideachas na Luath-Óige
Questions (651)
Peadar Tóibín
Question:651. D'fhiafraigh Deputy Peadar Tóibín den Aire Leanaí agus Gnóthaí Óige an bhfuil aon cheanglas ar sheirbhísí oideachais luathbhlianta atá ag glacadh páirt sa scéim um chúram agus oideachas luath-óige i limistéir ghaeltachta, ach nach bhfuil bainteach le CNNG, Gaeilge a bheith á teagasc acu; mura bhfuil, cén fáth nach bhfuil; agus an ndéanfaidh sí ráiteas ina thaobh. [39245/17]
View answerWritten answers
Cé nach bhfuil aon cheanglais sna comhaontaithe deontas atá ann idir an Roinn Leanaí agus Gnóthaí Óige agus na soláthraithe cúram leanaí, nó i rialacha an chláir a bhaineann leo, aithníonn an Roinn Leanaí agus Gnóthaí Óige go bhfuil gá ann an méid a chothaigh sa Ghaeltacht maidir le tacaíocht don Ghaeilge in earnáil na luathbhlianta. Chun é seo a dhéanamh, beidh áiseanna oideachais agus oiliúna cuí ag teastáil ar son cleachtóirí agus seirbhísí, agus beidh forbairt ábhar agus acmhainní ag teastáil freisin.
Bhunaigh mé foghrúpa den Fhóram um Luathbhlianta, a bhfuil baill ann ó CNNG, Gaeloideachas, Foras na Gaeilge, na Naonraí Gaelacha, an Roinn Oideachais agus Scileanna, an Roinn Cultúir, Oidhreachta agus Gaeltachta, an tÚdarás, agus an Roinn Leanaí agus Gnóthaí Óige, chun tosaíochtaí a aithint le haghaidh an mhéid a chothaigh ina thaobh seo. Chuir an foghrúpa a thuarscáil ar fáil le déanaí, agus tá mo chuid oifigigh ag smaoineamh uirthi faoi láthair.
Oideachas Gaeltachta
Questions (652)
Peadar Tóibín
Question:652. D'fhiafraigh Deputy Peadar Tóibín den Aire Leanaí agus Gnóthaí Óige ós rud é go bhfuil 46% de réamhscoileanna ag feidhmiú trí Ghaeilge agus go bhfuil breis is 80% de bhunscoileanna ag lorg aitheantas mar scoileanna Gaeltachta, cén fáth nach bhfuil scéim aitheantais do réamhscoileanna ar fáil sa Ghaeltacht; an bhfuil a leithéid de scéim beartaithe ag a roinn; más rud é go bhfuil plean ann dá leithéid, cathain a chuirfear i bhfeidhm í; agus an ndéanfaidh sí ráiteas ina thaobh. [39246/17]
View answerWritten answers
Cé go bhfuil mo chomhghleacaí an tAire Oideachais agus Scileanna ag tabhairt isteach scéim aitheantais ar son bunscoileanna mar chuid den chur i bhfeidhm dá bPolasaí Oideachas Gaeltachta, níl aon phleananna ann faoi láthair chun scéime cosúil le sin a thabhairt isteach le haghaidh seirbhísí réamhscolaíochta.
Aithníonn an Roinn Leanaí agus Gnóthaí Óige go bhfuil gá ann an méid a chothaigh sa Ghaeltacht maidir le tacaíocht don Ghaeilge in earnáil na luathbhlianta. Chun é seo a dhéanamh, beidh áiseanna oideachais agus oiliúna cuí ag teastáil ar son cleachtóirí agus seirbhísí, agus beidh forbairt ábhar agus acmhainní ag teastáil freisin.
Bhunaigh mé foghrúpa den Fhóram um Luathbhlianta, a bhfuil baill ann ó CNNG, Gaeloideachas, Foras na Gaeilge, na Naonraí Gaelacha, an Roinn Oideachais agus Scileanna, an Roinn Cultúir, Oidhreachta agus Gaeltachta, an tÚdarás, agus an Roinn Leanaí agus Gnóthaí Óige, chun tosaíochtaí a aithint le haghaidh an mhéid a chothaigh ina thaobh seo. Chuir an foghrúpa a thuarscáil ar fáil le déanaí, agus tá mo chuid oifigigh ag smaoineamh uirthi faoi láthair.
Cúram agus Oideachas na Luath-Óige
Questions (653)
Peadar Tóibín
Question:653. D'fhiafraigh Deputy Peadar Tóibín den Aire Leanaí agus Gnóthaí Óige cén toradh a bhí ar an scéim phíolótach ar cuireadh tús léi i bhFómhar na bliana 2015 agus ina raibh cigirí luath-óige le cuairt a thabhairt ar sheirbhísí a ghlacann páirt sa scéim um chúram agus oideachas luath-óige chun measúnú a dhéanamh ar chaighdeán an tsoláthair oideachais; agus an ndéanfaidh sí ráiteas ina thaobh. [39247/17]
View answerWritten answers
Thosaigh múnla nua de Chigireacht atá dírithe ar an Oideachas sna Luathbhlianta (EYEI) ar bhonn píolótach in 2015 i suíomhanna luathbhlianta. Tar éis na trialach seo, thugadh faoi phróiseas comhairliúcháin náisiúnta dírithe ar an gcreat meastóireachta agus ar na próisis cigireachta. I mí Aibreáin 2016, d’fhoilsigh an Roinn Oideachais agus Scileanna an creat agus na próisis cigireachta mar an múnla EYEI, agus thug an tAire Leanaí agus Gnóthaí Óige agus an tAire Oideachais agus Scileanna faomhadh chun iad a chur i bhfeidhm.
Thosaigh clár iomlán EYEI ar 14 April 2016. Go dtí seo, rinneadh cigireacht ar 20% (867) de na seirbhísí Luathbhlianta atá ag cur an chláir um Chúram agus Oideachas Luath-Óige (ECCE) ar fáil agus d’fhoilsigh breis agus 500 tuarascáil EYEI ar shuíomh idirlín na Roinne Oideachais agus Scileanna. I mí Bealtaine 2017, thosaigh athbhreithniú foirmiúil den mhúnla EYEI le seimineár poiblí chun na chéad torthaí agus taithí an EYEI a roinnt le eagraíochtaí de na páirtithe leasmhara. Sheol suirbhé comhairliúcháin chun na deise a chur ar fáil do na seirbhísí luathbhlianta a rinneadh cigireacht orthu, agus do pháirtithe leasmhara níos leithne, aiseolas a thabhairt ar an múnla EYEI. Críochnóidh an próiseas comhairliúcháin ag deireadh mhí Mheán Fómhair 2017 agus ullmhóidh cigireacht na Roinne Oideachais agus Scileanna tuarascáil chun bonn eolais a chur faoin aithbhreithniú agus faoin bhforbairt den chigireacht atá dírithe ar an oideachas i seirbhísí luathbhlianta atá ag cur an chláir ECCE ar fáil.
Affordable Childcare Scheme
Questions (654)
Fiona O'Loughlin
Question:654. Deputy Fiona O'Loughlin asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the way in which women caring for children at home can receive a certificate to allow parents of the children to avail of the affordable childcare scheme; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [39301/17]
View answerWritten answers
After seeking clarification I understand that the Deputy's query relates to the minimum number of children a childminder must care for in order to be eligible to avail of the more Affordable Childcare Scheme.
To this end, I have established a working group in order to make short, medium and long-term recommendations on reforms for the childminding sector. The working group is chaired by Childminding Ireland and includes officials from Tusla and DCYA.
The working group's recommendations will relate to childminders who are currently exempt from registration with Tusla (i.e. those minding three or fewer pre-school children, or those minding school-age children only). The working group will only be making recommendations in relation to home-based childminders involved in non-relative care. It is my understanding that the Group is finalising its recommendations at present. Once submitted, the report will be considered and a determination made in relation to the next steps taken.