Charlie McConalogue
Question:163. Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Minister for Health the status of the HSE's investigations into the provision of a drug (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38205/18]
View answerMedicinal Products Reimbursement
Questions (163)
Written answers
The HSE has statutory responsibility for decisions on pricing and reimbursement of medicines under the community drug schemes, in accordance with the Health (Pricing and Supply of Medical Goods) Act 2013.
As noted in Parliamentary Question 19115/18, the HSE received a new reimbursement application for the reimbursement of Sativex from the manufacturer in February 2018. A rapid review by the NCPE was completed on 3 April 2018 and a full pharmacoeconomic assessment is recommended to assess the clinical effectiveness and cost effectiveness of Sativex compared with the current standard of care.
The full pharmacoeconomic assessment was commissioned by the HSE on 20 April 2018.
Motorised Transport Grant Closure
Questions (164)
Charlie McConalogue
Question:164. Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Minister for Health when a replacement scheme for the motorised transport grant and mobility allowance will be finalised; when the new scheme will be announced; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38208/18]
View answerWritten answers
The Deputy will be familiar with the background to the closure of both the Mobility Allowance and Motorised Transport Grant schemes in February 2013.
My colleague, the Minister for Health and I brought a Memorandum to Government on proposals for a new Transport Support Payment Scheme towards the end of the last Dáil session. Following consideration of the matter, it was decided to withdraw the Memorandum from the Cabinet Agenda at the time. A new Transport Support Payment Scheme remains a priority and we intend to revert to Government with revised proposals to reflect the discussions at that Cabinet meeting and further discussions between ourselves, in due course.
With regard to the Motorised Transport Grant, this scheme operated as a means-tested grant to assist persons with severe disabilities with the purchase or adaptation of a car, where that car was essential to retain employment. The maximum Motorised Transport Grant, which was payable once in any three-year period, was €5,020. Following closure of the scheme in February 2013, no further Motorised Transport Grants have been payable.
It is important to note that the Disabled Drivers and Disabled Passengers scheme operated by the Revenue Commissioners, remains in place. This scheme provides VRT and VAT relief, an exemption from road tax and a fuel grant to drivers and passengers with a disability, who qualify under the relevant criteria set out in governing regulations made by the Minister for Finance. Specifically adapted vehicles driven by persons with a disability are also exempt from payment of tolls on national roads and toll bridges. Transport Infrastructure Ireland has responsibility for this particular scheme.
There are improvements in access to a range of transport support schemes available to persons with disabilities in the State and on-going work is being carried out by Government Departments, agencies and transport providers to further improve access to public transport services. Under the National Disability Inclusion Strategy, the Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport has responsibility for the continued development of accessibility and availability of public transport for people with a disability.
Nursing Staff Remuneration
Questions (165)
Willie Penrose
Question:165. Deputy Willie Penrose asked the Minister for Health the steps being taken to address the pay issue, the fact that Irish nurses and midwives work longer hours than many of their international counterparts and the need to address staff shortages; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38213/18]
View answerWritten answers
The Government values nurses and midwives in our public health service for their dedication and professionalism. They are key to the day to day operation of health services.
In relation to pay, the Public Service Pay Commission (PSPC) Report was recently published. However, it was not within their remit to determine an increase in basic pay.
The PSPC has recommended that the qualification allowance and location allowance should be increased by 20% on the same terms that currently apply and that these allowances should be extended to midwifery on the same basis. They also recommended that the eligibility for nurses and midwives to attain the grade of senior staff nurse/midwife should be reduced to 17 years from 20 years. These proposals are being progressed with the relevant parties with a view to an early conclusion.
Under the Haddington Road Agreement it was agreed by all Parties to increase working hours of all public servants including nurses and midwives. Nurses and midwives were provided with an option to retain their 37.5 hours per week however this is with a consequential reduction in salary.
The HSE is committed to filling all vacant nursing and midwifery posts and a number of recruitment initiatives are underway to fill these posts.
General Medical Services Scheme
Questions (166)
Brendan Smith
Question:166. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Health the progress to date on reform of the GMS contract; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38216/18]
View answerWritten answers
The Government is committed to engaging with the representatives of general practitioners on the development of a package of measures and reforms to modernise the 1989 GMS Contract.
Our goal is to develop a contractual framework that has a population health focus, providing in particular for health promotion, disease prevention and for the structured care of chronic conditions. This will enable general practitioners to better meet the needs of patients and will also promote general practice as a viable and rewarding career for both existing doctors and future medical graduates.
Agreement on the delivery of service improvements and contractual reform has the potential to facilitate a substantial increase in the resourcing of general practice on a multi-annual basis.
The Department and the HSE met with the Irish Medical Organisation GP Committee in early May with the State side setting out the mandate agreed by Government under which the consultations were being conducted and the package of measures to be agreed. The Department subsequently wrote to the IMO, at the Organisation’s request, setting out these proposals formally. The IMO responded to the Department by letter on 20 July. The Department and HSE are now considering the next steps in the engagement with GP representatives.
General Practitioner Services
Questions (167)
Brendan Smith
Question:167. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Health the measures he plans to implement regarding the adequate renumeration of general practice and the retention of doctors with particular emphasis on the needs of rural communities; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38217/18]
View answerWritten answers
General Practitioners play an important role in the primary care system. The number of GPs on the specialist register continues to increase – up from 2,270 in 2010 to 3,669 as at July 2018. The number of GPs holding GMS contracts has also risen from 2,098 in 2008 to 2,507 as at 1 September 2018.
The Government is aware of workforce issues facing general practice, including the influence of demographic factors, and has implemented a number of measures to improve recruitment and retention in general practice.
GP training places have been increased from 120 in 2009 to 193 places filled in 2018, an increase of around 60% over a nine year period. The Government's objective is to continue to achieve annual increases in the number of training places available while ensuring that all of the places are filled.
Entry provisions to the GMS scheme have been changed to accommodate more flexible GMS contracts and the retirement age for GPs has been extended to 72. An enhanced support package for rural practices has been introduced with improved qualifying criteria and an increased financial allowance of €20,000 per annum.
The Government is also committed to engaging with GP representatives on necessary service improvements and reforms to the current GMS contract.
It is my intention to put in place a new multiannual approach to fees in return for service improvements and contractual reforms based upon health policy considerations and engagement with representative bodies.
Agreement on the delivery of service improvements and contractual reform has the potential to facilitate a substantial increase in the resourcing of general practice on a multiannual basis.
Cancer Screening Programmes
Questions (168)
Brendan Smith
Question:168. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Health the action being taken to check whether the deficiencies in the CervicalCheck programme outlined in the Scally report are not also occurring in other screening programmes. [38222/18]
View answerWritten answers
Dr Scally's Terms of Reference for his Scoping Inquiry, which were developed with cross party input, included an examination of the other screening programmes operated by the National Screening Service particularly in relation to quality assurance and clinical audit, open disclosure and governance. Dr Scally’s report is reassuring in regard to the other screening programmes, stating that the professional and technical resources of their quality assurance programmes are of a high standard.
Of particular note, the Report states that there is evidence that both BreastCheck and BowelScreen relate to their clients in an open and sensitive manner when adverse events are identified .
Dr Scally's report contained fifty recommendations, including some recommendations in relation to the other screening programmes. All recommendations have been accepted in full by Government, and my focus now is working towards the full realisation of these recommendations.
Disability Services Provision
Questions (169)
Bernard Durkan
Question:169. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health when the necessary treatment will be offered to a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38251/18]
View answerWritten answers
The Government is committed to providing services and supports for people with disabilities which will empower them to live independent lives, provide greater independence in accessing the services they choose, and enhance their ability to tailor the supports required to meet their needs and plan their lives. This commitment is outlined in the Programme for Partnership Government, which is guided by two principles: equality of opportunity and improving the quality of life for people with disabilities.
As the Deputy's question relates to service matters, I have arranged for the question to be referred to the Health Service Executive (HSE) for direct reply to the Deputy.
Medical Card Applications
Questions (170)
Bernard Durkan
Question:170. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health if a medical card will issue in the case of persons (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38255/18]
View answerWritten answers
As this is a service matter it has been referred to the HSE for direct reply.
Medicinal Products Reimbursement
Questions (171)
Bernard Durkan
Question:171. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health if purple patch medication will be authorised in the case of a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38258/18]
View answerWritten answers
Clarification was sought from the Deputies office in relation to this PQ. Once a reply has been received I will arrange for a response to issue to the Deputy.
Departmental Properties
Questions (172)
Peadar Tóibín
Question:172. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the land his Department or agencies under its remit own in County Meath; the location of same; the use to which the land is put; the location of the land that is vacant, not in use or being used for agricultural purposes; the land which has been made available to Meath County Council or other housing agencies for the purpose of house building; and the amount of this land that could be made available for housing. [38049/18]
View answerWritten answers
My Department has no land in the Meath County Council area.
As regards the twelve State Bodies under the aegis of my Department, the information requested is an operational matter for the State Bodies themselves. I have referred the Deputy’s question to the Agencies and have requested that a response should issue within 10 days.
GLAS Payments
Questions (173)
Timmy Dooley
Question:173. Deputy Timmy Dooley asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine when a person (details supplied) in County Clare will receive the outstanding payment on GLAS 2017; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38088/18]
View answerWritten answers
The person named was approved into GLAS 1 with a contract commencement date of 1 October 2015 and has received payments in respect of 2015, 2016 and 2017.
The Department is aware of an issue with this case that resulted in a penalty being deducted in error from the 2016 payment. Department officials are currently working on this issue and when resolved a refund will issue in this case.
GLAS Payments
Questions (174)
Charlie McConalogue
Question:174. Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine when a wild bird cover 2016 underpayment will issue to a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38206/18]
View answerWritten answers
The person named was approved into GLAS 2 and has received payments for 2016 and 2017. The 2016 claim was underpaid for the Wild Bird Cover action and is due a correcting payment. The Department is currently working on this issue and expects the correcting balance payment to issue shortly.
Departmental Properties
Questions (175)
Peadar Tóibín
Question:175. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the land his Department or agencies under its remit own in County Meath; the location of same; the use to which the land is put; the location of the land that is vacant, not in use or being used for agricultural purposes; the land which has been made available to Meath County Council or other housing agencies for the purpose of house building; and the amount of this land that could be made available for housing. [38052/18]
View answerWritten answers
All property occupied by my Department is either leased or owned by the Office of Public Works and my Department has no vacant sites, property or land owned in County Meath or elsewhere in the country.
The information requested in relation to the agencies under the aegis of my Department is an operational matter for each agency. My Department will request the relevant bodies to reply directly with the information sought.
National Broadband Plan Administration
Questions (176)
Éamon Ó Cuív
Question:176. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment when a contract for the national broadband scheme will be fully agreed; when the roll-out under this scheme will commence; when it will be completed in full; the actions he plans to take as an interim measure for those areas under the scheme that will not receive fast broadband until after 2020; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38082/18]
View answerWritten answers
The Government's National Broadband Plan (NBP) aims to ensure high speed broadband access (minimum 30 megabits per second) to all premises in Ireland, regardless of location. The NBP is being achieved via a combination of commercial investment and a State led intervention.
Commercial operators have invested over €2.75bn in upgrading and modernising their networks over the past 5 years, and further investments are planned.
Under a Commitment Agreement signed with me in April 2017, eir is in the process of passing 300,000 predominantly rural homes with high speed broadband. Approximately 175,000 of the committed premises have been passed as of Q2 2018.
My Department is in a formal procurement process to select a company who will roll out a new high speed broadband network in the State intervention area. That procurement process is now in its final stages, with my Department currently evaluating the Final Tender submission received from the bidding consortium on 18 September 2018.
For those premises currently awaiting access to high speed broadband, practical initiatives will continue to be addressed through the work of the Mobile Phone and Broadband Taskforce to address obstacles and improve connectivity in respect of existing and future mobile phone and broadband services.
Under this Taskforce, engagement between telecommunications operators and local authorities through the Broadband Officers is continuing to strengthen. These Broadband Officers are acting as single points of contact in local authorities for their communities. The appointment of these officers is already reaping rewards in terms of ensuring a much greater degree of consistency in engagements with operators and clearing obstacles to developing infrastructure. The Department of Rural and Community Development maintain a list of Broadband Officers, a link to which is available on my Department's website at https://www.dccae.gov.ie/en-ie/communications/topics/Broadband/national-broadband-plan/Pages/NBP-Information-Leaflets.aspx.
Broadcasting Service Provision
Questions (177)
Gino Kenny
Question:177. Deputy Gino Kenny asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment his plans to have all of Ireland's UEFA nations league games shown on terrestrial television in view of the fact that these games are competitive and will affect Ireland's ranking; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38149/18]
View answerWritten answers
The Audiovisual Media Services Directive (AVMSD) provides that Member States may designate sporting and cultural events of major importance to society as free-to-air. At a national level, the Broadcasting Act 2009 sets out the statutory process for designating events as free-to-air. Under Section 173 (2) of the Act. I am obliged to review the list of designated events every three years. The purpose of the review is to consider the appropriateness of the current list of designated events and to examine whether to add any events of major importance to society.
The most recent review was finalised in 2017 and approval was received from the European Commission to designate the All Ireland Senior Ladies Football and Camogie Finals as events of major importance.
As part of review process, the Department carried out a period of public consultation and submissions were received for the inclusion of a number of different sporting events. The UEFA Nations League is a new competition and was not among those considered during this time. The qualification system for Euro 2020 remains largely the same until the playoff round and Ireland's home and away games in these qualifiers will be shown on free-to-air television as per the most recent designation.
The events currently designated by Order (S.I. 465 of 2017) can be found at the following link: https://www.dccae.gov.ie/en-ie/communications/consultations/Pages/Review-of-Designation-of-Major-Events-.aspx. The current list of designated events will be reviewed again in 2020.
Illegal Dumping
Questions (178)
Róisín Shortall
Question:178. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the steps being taken to address the growing problem of littering and illegal dumping; if a system such as one being used in parts of north County Dublin (details supplied) will be adopted in other litter and illegal dumping black spots; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38160/18]
View answerWritten answers
The Programme for Government contains a specific commitment to work with local authorities to tackle the problem of illegal dumping and to develop effective deterrents to discourage people from engaging in this anti-social behaviour. In accordance with this commitment, my Department developed an Anti-Dumping Initiative to work in partnership with local authorities and community organisations in identifying high risk or problem areas, developing appropriate enforcement responses and carrying out clean-up operations. Since its introduction, I have allocated €3.3 million to this initiative which has supported over 400 clean-up and restorative projects while also equipping local authorities with the latest technologies to catch those responsible.
Funding has been provided under this initiative to support a pilot project undertaken by Sligo County Council aimed at tackling and addressing the source of illegal dumping. The aim of this project is to create and maintain a register of how households are managing their waste based on information provided by waste collectors. It is anticipated that this approach will facilitate the process of trying to deal with illegal dumping, the burning of waste and unauthorised waste management. This will form a model of best practice for other Local Authorities to adopt, which in turn will work towards curbing illegal dumping activity nationally.
It is my intention that this project would be rolled out nationally in due course and would be supported by necessary bye-laws requiring householders to retain their receipts as proof of how they are disposing of their waste. It should be noted that certain local authorities have already introduced bye-laws which require householders to sign up to a household waste collection service and that the Regional Waste Management Planning Offices have prepared a template to help standardise bye-laws on the presentation of waste. The template bye-laws place the onus of proof on the householder to prove that they are managing their waste correctly by signing up to a waste collection service or providing receipts for the deposit of waste in authorised facilities.
Although I am pleased that consecutive annual National Litter Pollution Monitoring System Reports have shown that the litter situation is generally improving across the country in recent years, I am concerned that the fines for offences currently in place under the Litter Pollution Acts, particularly for "on-the-spot" fines, do not serve as a sufficient deterrent. That is why I propose to increase substantially the penalty for on-the-spot offences bringing the current fine of €150 to €250.
Commission for Communications Regulation
Questions (179)
Brendan Smith
Question:179. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment his plans to provide additional resources to the Commission for Communications Regulation to ensure that it can effectively carry out all its duties and responsibilities; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38194/18]
View answerWritten answers
The appropriate level of staffing of the Communications Regulator is one of my functions as Minister under section 20 of the Communications Regulation Act 2002. My officials are currently in discussion with the Communications Regulator and the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform in relation to the regulator's resourcing needs. It would not be appropriate for me to comment further while those discussions are ongoing.
The funding of the Communications Regulator is an operational matter and not one in which I as Minister have any function. Funding is provided through fees and levies on the communications and postal sectors made by the Communications Regulator under section 30 of the Communications Regulation Act 2002.
Departmental Properties
Questions (180)
Peadar Tóibín
Question:180. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the land his Department or agencies under its remit own in County Meath; the location of same; the use to which the land is put; the location of the land that is vacant, not in use or being used for agricultural purposes; the land which has been made available to Meath County Council or other housing agencies for the purpose of house building; and the amount of this land that could be made available for housing. [38064/18]
View answerWritten answers
The Office of Public Works (OPW) is responsible for the procurement of office and other accommodation required for the Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport and accordingly ownership of any land associated with this Department's buildings is a matter for OPW.
The Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport does not own any land in County Meath.
The position regarding the semi state agencies under the remit of my Department is a matter for their direct response and my Department will be asking them to respond to you directly in this regard. If you have not heard from the agencies within ten working days, please contact my private office
A referred reply was forwarded to the Deputy under Standing Order 42A
Bus Services
Questions (181)
Paul Murphy
Question:181. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the process by which a company (details supplied) was awarded two additional bus routes in Dublin; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38098/18]
View answerWritten answers
The National Transport Authority (NTA) has statutory responsibility for the procurement of public transport services. I have therefore 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.
A referred reply was forwarded to the Deputy under Standing Order 42A
Public Transport Subsidies
Questions (182)
Róisín Shortall
Question:182. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the amount of subsidy provided to each transport provider in each of the past seven years. [38136/18]
View answerWritten answers
Since 2010 there is no subvention paid directly by my Department for public transport services.
The award of Public Service Obligation (PSO) funding falls under the independent statutory remit of the National Transport Authority (NTA). As is normal, the allocations to the companies are decided by the NTA in exercise of its statutory mandate and in accordance with the various contract arrangements that it has in place with PSO service providers. I have therefore referred the Deputy's question to the NTA for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within ten working days.
A referred reply was forwarded to the Deputy under Standing Order 42A
Rail Services
Questions (183)
Thomas P. Broughan
Question:183. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if Irish Rail will review its new timetable changes which came into affect on 9 September 2018; if his attention has been drawn to the fact that under these changes Howth Junction, Clongriffin and Portmarnock are now served by fewer week-day northern commuter services and this is having a knock-on effect on all DART trains going to the city centre, producing overcrowding and disruption for commuters; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38148/18]
View answerWritten answers
The issue raised is a matter for the National Transport Authority (NTA) in conjunction with Iarnród Éireann 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.
A referred reply was forwarded to the Deputy under Standing Order 42A
Bus Services
Questions (184)
Catherine Murphy
Question:184. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the extent of commitments given to some local representatives and action groups to date on reversals of certain BusConnects proposals; if these commitments will not form part of the overall maximum limit for changes to the BusConnects proposals as prescribed by the designer; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38153/18]
View answerWritten answers
As the Deputy is aware, the National Transport Authority (NTA) - supported by Dublin Bus - have embarked on a process of full public consultation on these bus proposals, involving local brochures, local face-to-face events organised at various locations around the city, digital imaging of the network, on-line surveys and consultation with user groups. They are both in listening mode to people who have suggestions as to how these plans can be made even better. The public consultation process will run until 28th September and presents a great opportunity for people to have their say before the plans are finalised by the NTA.
I am aware that some concern and worry is being raised at the information roadshows and at local meetings however I would stress that the current consultation process is based on draft proposals - it is not a final plan. The NTA have advised that area specific issues raised at public consultation will be looked at when the consultation period is over. The NTA expect to publish the findings from the public consultation phase before the year end and any reconfigurations to these proposals will be subject to further consultation.
Under these proposals, an overall increase in services of 27% is expected, which as far as customers are concerned, can only be a good thing. The NTA estimate that, of people who currently have a direct service to the city centre, 92% will continue to have such a service under the new bus network proposals.
While it will result in a huge change for the city, it is envisaged that BusConnects will deliver a bus system that will enable more people to travel by bus than ever before, and allow bus commuting to become a viable and attractive choice for workers, students, shoppers and visitors.
Given the BusConnects initiative is the subject of a current independent public consultation process being run by the National Transport Authority (NTA), it would not be appropriate for me to comment further on the proposal at this time.
Road Projects
Questions (185, 186)
Fergus O'Dowd
Question:185. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if an application has been received from Louth County Council regarding the proposed Drogheda northern cross route; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38172/18]
View answerFergus O'Dowd
Question:186. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if consideration will be given to proposals that would see funding for the Drogheda northern cross route in advance of recouping the moneys through the local authority from planning fees at a later date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38173/18]
View answerWritten answers
I propose to take Questions Nos. 185 and 186 together.
The improvement and maintenance of regional and local roads is the statutory responsibility of the relevant County or City Council, in accordance with the provisions of Section 13 of the Roads Act 1993. Works on those roads are funded from the Council's own resources supplemented by State road grants. The initial selection and prioritisation of works to be funded is also a matter for the Council.
Prior to the financial crisis, applications for funding for road improvement projects would have been considered as part of the Specific Improvement, and Strategic Regional and Local Road Grant Schemes. However, the extent of the cutbacks in grant funding during the crisis meant these grant schemes had to be curtailed after 2013 because expenditure on maintenance/renewal was falling well short of what was required to adequately maintain the regional and local road network.
The NDP does provide for the gradual build up in funding for the road network but it will take some years yet to reach the level required for the adequate maintenance and renewal of the network. For this reason there is limited scope at present for funding projects under the Specific and Strategic Grant Programmes.
Any projects proposed by local authorities for consideration under the Specific and Strategic Grant Programmes are assessed by the Department on a case-by-case basis. All projects put forward by local authorities for consideration must comply with the requirements of the Public Spending Code and my Department's Capital Appraisal Framework and it is important for local authorities to prioritise projects within their overall area of responsibility with these requirements in mind.
Under the capital project appraisal process a Preliminary Appraisal has to be submitted in relation to each proposed project. Once an appraisal is received it is assessed taking into account other competing projects and the overall roads budget. To date no application has been received by my Department from Louth County Council in relation to the Port Access Northern Cross road. It is of course open to the local authority to bring forward a proposal subject to the Public Spending code and capital appraisal framework. It would then be considered in conjunction with other proposals, taking account of limited resources. I not am in a position to take any view on funding in advance of this process.
Road Network
Questions (187)
Michael Healy-Rae
Question:187. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if there is a grant available to carry out works (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38192/18]
View answerWritten answers
I understand that the junction in question involves a crossroads between the N70 and local roads.
As Minister for Transport, Tourism & Sport, I have responsibility for overall policy in relation to national roads. However, the planning, design and implementation of individual road projects on national roads are a matter for Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII) under the Roads Acts 1993-2015 in conjunction with the relevant local authority.
Noting the above, I have forwarded your correspondence to TII and have requested them to respond directly to you in the matter. Please advise my Office if you have not received a reply in 10 working days.
For regional and local roads, applications are invited from local authorities on an annual basis since 2000 for low cost safety improvement schemes that meet certain criteria.
At the time of the issuing of the Department’s updated Guidelines for Setting and Managing Speed Limits in Ireland in March 2015, which is available on my Department's website at www.dttas.ie, local authorities were requested to review and update all speed limits in their administrative areas in accordance with the Guidelines. In the case of national roads this review was to be undertaken in conjunction with TII. The Guidelines reiterate that the making of Special Speed Limit bye-laws is a matter for the elected members of local authorities, subject to following Departmental Guidelines and to the consent of TII in the case of national roads. The undertaking of a speed limits review in County Kerry is a matter for Kerry County Council and the Council is the appropriate organisation to advise on progress in respect of any review.
A referred reply was forwarded to the Deputy under Standing Order 42A