Written Answers Nos. 266-285
266. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment if he has recently met the director general and-or chairperson and board of RTÉ to discuss the financial situation of the company; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48267/19]
View answerI met the Chairperson and RTÉ board members on 7 October to discuss the financial issues facing RTÉ and had previously met the Chair and Director General on 29 July.
Changes in the advertising market alongside evasion rates and challenges around the TV licensing model are having a critical impact on RTÉ’s revenue and financial sustainability.
While RTE’s commercial income dropped significantly during the recession, RTE were in a position to record a small surplus in 2013 and 2014 in the midst of the economic recession. Since then their commercial income has been largely stable with €150m raised in 2014 and in 2018 it was also €150m. Licence fee revenue has increased from €179m in 2014 to €189m in 2018. In the same period their operating costs have grown by €28m, or 9%.
I welcome the work that the board and management of RTÉ have undertaken to develop a revised strategy which seeks to map out a sustainable future where RTÉ can meet the strategic and financial challenges it faces, deliver upon its public service remit and remain a relevant and valued part of Irish life.
RTÉ has sought assistance and additional support from the Government to deliver its revised strategy and, in that context, the robustness of the strategy put forward by RTÉ is being assessed and I will continue to engage with RTÉ on these issues.
267. Deputy Margaret Murphy O'Mahony asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport under Marine Notice 42 of 2019, Council Directive 2017/159, on the implementation of the social partners agreement on the ILO work in fishing convention 2007, the person or body that formulates the training programme for a fisherman of minimum age and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48275/19]
View answer268. Deputy Margaret Murphy O'Mahony asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if the owner or skipper is now responsible for mental health awareness and training in which the Marine Notice 42 of 2019, Council Directive 2017/159, on the implementation of the social partners agreement on the ILO work in fishing convention 2007, states that mental and physical well-being is fully protected and if the owner or skipper has received adequate instruction; the person or body that decides what adequate training is; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48276/19]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 267 and 268 together.
Council Directive (EU) 2017/159 on the implementation of the social partners’ agreement on the Work in Fishing Convention aims to enhance the working and living conditions for fishers working in the fishing sector on vessels registered in an EU Member State. As the agreement is a social partnership agreement, the Directive merely implements the Agreement as agreed between the social partners in 2012, and the Agreement itself was not subject to any changes during the discussions on the Directive in the Social Questions Working Party. My Department is supportive of the objective of the Directive.
On 9th October, my Department issued Marine Notice 42 of 2019, to provide key stakeholders with a brief overview of some of the main changes that will come into effect once the draft legislation has been finalised. Summarising the provisions of Article 6 of the Annex to Council Directive (EU) 2017/159, Marine Notice 42 of 2019 states that, “fishers who are 16 or 17 years of age may perform duties provided that they are no longer subject to compulsory full-time schooling, they have completed a basic pre-sea training course, their mental and physical well-being is fully protected and they have received adequate instruction”.
The requirement to complete a basic pre-sea training course is a long established practice. Under the provisions of S.I. No. 587/2001 Fishing Vessel (Basic Safety Training) Regulations, 2001, a new entrant, defined as “a person who is for the first time gainfully employed or engaged as a crew member” must complete a safety training course before proceeding to sea. Bord Iascaigh Mhara provides Basic Safety Training for new entrants. In keeping with the requirements of S.I. No. 587/2001, the training consists of three elements: Personal Survival Techniques (STCW-95 Certificate), Elementary First Aid (STCW-95 Certificate) and Fire Prevention and Safety Awareness.
More generally in relation to the safety of workers, the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work Act 2005 and its subsidiary regulations cover all workers, irrespective of age or work activity. There is a statutory responsibility for a risk assessment to be carried and maintained and that safety controls are set out in the employer’s legally required safety statement. Where the employer’s risk assessment finds that only light work on fishing vessels can be done safely by anyone over 15 and under 18, then it is the employer's legal responsibility to ensure that such a limitation on the work and workers is imposed.
It should be noted that Part 6, Chapter 1 of the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work (General Application) Regulations 2007 (S.I. No 299 of 2007), relating to the protection of children and young persons, includes provisions around the employer carrying out risk assessments to determine any specific risks to the safety, health and welfare of children (under 16) and young persons (under 18) arising from how work is carried out. Any such risk assessment should be sufficiently robust to determine if the work involved is beyond the physical or psychological capacity of the child or young person, and take account of the use of harmful substances, extremes of heat, cold, noise or vibration in the work which a child/young person may not recognize as risks. It should be noted that this legislation falls under the remit of the Department of Business, Enterprise and Innovation.
269. Deputy Pat Buckley asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if a feasibility study has been carried out into the prospect of a bypass road project for Castlemartyr, County Cork; if not, his plans to request such a study and to implement measures to address congestion in the town which has become a major problem with over half a million vehicles passing through Castlemartyr per month. [47883/19]
View answerAs Minister for Transport, Tourism & Sport, I have responsibility for overall policy and funding in relation to the national roads programme. Under the Roads Acts 1993-2015, the planning, design and construction of individual national roads is a matter for Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII), in conjunction with the local authorities concerned.
Noting the above position, I have referred your question to TII for a direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 working days.
270. Deputy Maureen O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if there has been contact between him and the Marine Survey Office regarding the situation faced by a company (details supplied) in respect of regulations which will have a negative effect on tourism and the viability of offshore islands; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47889/19]
View answerWhile I have regular contact with the Marine Survey Office on safety issues generally, the application of safety regulations in specific cases such as the one mentioned is a matter for that office in its role as the maritime safety regulator. The specific issue referred to in the Deputy's question has been the subject of previous parliamentary replies and as stated previously, I have asked for the situation to be reviewed in light of any new information received, recognising that the matter is one of safety in the first instance and the enforcement of relevant regulatory requirements here is a matter for the MSO.
271. Deputy Maureen O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if progress will be made on resolving the licensing issues regarding horse-drawn carriages; and if he will take steps to resolve the issue for the benefit of tourist safety, public safety and respect for law abiding carriage operators. [47890/19]
View answerIn February 2011, Dublin City Council (DCC) took over responsibility for the licensing of horse-drawn carriage operators and drivers from the Garda Carriage Office. This was achieved through bye-laws enacted under Part 19 of the Local Government Act 2001; that legislation provides a general power to a local authority to make bye-laws in relation to its own property or services or to regulate matters of local concern. It is under this Act that local authorities can choose, using bye-laws, to regulate horse-drawn carriages that operate for hire or reward within their functional area. These bye-laws allow relevant local authorities to set their own rules and stipulations to govern such operations.
In 2018 DCC became aware that - specifically in relation to Dublin - this legal basis for making such bye-laws could be uncertain. Local authorities may not make bye-laws for purposes provided for elsewhere in legislation. And the Dublin Carriage Acts 1853-55 had previously vested the power to regulate horse-drawn carriages in Dublin with the Dublin Metropolitan Police Commissioners, to whom An Garda Síochána is the successor.
My Department examined this issue and, following legal advice, is now of the view that the Dublin Carriage Acts 1853-55 remain in force and preclude DCC from enacting the relevant bye-laws.
I understand that DCC first became aware of the present legal issues during a routine review of the bye-laws that considered, inter alia, whether there was need to strengthen measures to safeguard the welfare of horses used to draw carriages. Furthermore, the Control of Horses Act 1996 allows local authorities to introduce bye-laws designating certain areas as control areas for horses. Dublin City Council has designated its administrative boundaries as such a control area under its Control of Horses Bye-Laws 2014. These bye-laws require horses to be licensed and set minimum standards for the keeping of horses within the control area.
Regulations for horse-drawn carriages for hire or reward should be aligned with any horse welfare obligations imposed by local authorities. Accordingly, I have formed the view that horse-drawn carriages for hire and reward should be regulated by local authorities.
This is a complex issue which spans the responsibilities of several Departments and levels of government. Accordingly, my Department is working with colleagues across Government, including the Department of Housing, Planning and Local Government, to identify how best to empower Dublin City Council to regulate this matter in Dublin, just as other local authorities regulate this matter elsewhere in the country. This work is progressing and I expect to be in a position to bring legislative proposals to Government for approval before the end of the year.
272. Deputy Maureen O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the way in which the public consultation process conducted by BusConnects was advertised; if he is satisfied that enough consultation was conducted with communities within the process; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47891/19]
View answerAs Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport. The National Transport Authority (NTA) has statutory responsibility for the planning and development of public transport infrastructure in the Greater Dublin Area, including the BusConnects programme.
I am satisfied that the NTA has engaged in extensive and in-depth consultation processes with communities across Dublin as it has developed BusConnects. Equally I am satisified that these consultation processes have been widely advertised both last year, earlier this year and in more recent weeks.
The scale of these consultation processes is evidenced by the level of engagement they have engendered, such as the 30,000 submissions received last year or the local area booklets delivered to every home and business as part of the recently announced Network Redesign consultation process.
The Deputy is also likely aware that these consultations are on-going and the NTA continues to engage with communities as the BusConnects proposals develop.
273. Deputy Maureen O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the statistics on incidents of anti-social behaviour on DART services, particularly in the evening times post rush hour; his views on whether more robust measures need to be taken in conjunction with the recent text message report system such as dedicated patrols and increased security; and the way in which he will ensure persons are able to travel on public transport free of intimidation and unease. [47892/19]
View answerThe safety and security of public transport passengers and staff, including arrangements to deal with anti-social behaviour, are important matters that, first and foremost, must be managed by every public transport company, in conjunction with An Garda Síochána, where appropriate.
While the vast majority of public transport passenger journeys occur without incident, I am concerned to ensure that the necessary arrangements are in place to ensure the safety of all passengers and staff.
Following representations from the National Bus and Rail Union, my Department wrote to the three CIÉ companies, seeking their views both on the issue of anti-social behaviour and in relation to ensuring the safety of passengers and staff. All companies stressed their strong and close working relationships with An Garda Síochána.
I also wrote to the Minister for Justice and Equality in relation to the issue of anti-social behaviour on our public transport system. The allocation of all Garda resources, including the manner in which Garda personnel are deployed is solely a decision for the Garda Commissioner and his management team.
I understand that An Garda Síochána met with the Railway Safety Advisory Council (RSAC) in relation to the issue of anti-social behaviour on our public transport network and that further engagement and initiatives are planned. Following that engagement, I note and welcome the recent deployment of Gardaí to public transport locations and to DART, Luas and commuter rail services under ‘Operation Twintrack’.
Iarnród Éireann has advised that it has undertaken a range of measures and proposes further measures to address anti-social behaviour on the rail network, including increased security personnel, allowing for a doubling of security patrols, the introduction of Customer Service Officers on all Intercity routes and enhanced CCTV coverage.
As the Deputy is aware, a new text alert service has been introduced to enable customers to discretely report anti-social behaviour incidents and allow security personnel and/or Gardaí to be alerted and dispatched as required to an incident. The entire Intercity fleet is also equipped with CCTV and with communications buttons at doors.
Finally, the compilation of statistics on incidents of anti-social behaviour on DART services is an operational matter for Iarnród Éireann and I have forwarded the Deputy's question to the company for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a response within ten working days.
274. Deputy Maureen O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if there has been consultation on addressing the chronic traffic issues on the M50 motorway; his views on whether the route is no longer fit for purpose as an original bypass for Dublin; his plans to consider an outer bypass such as the Leinster orbital route to tackle chronic congestion, remove cars from inner suburbs of Dublin adjacent to the M50 and improve the quality of life for both commuters and residents. [47893/19]
View answerAs Minister for Transport, Tourism & Sport, I have responsibility for overall policy and funding in relation to the national roads programme. Under the Roads Acts 1993-2015, the planning, construction and operation of individual national roads is a matter for Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII), in conjunction with the local authorities concerned.
However, I can advise that Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII) along with other stakeholders, is continuing to implement a number of measures on the M50 to optimise operational efficiency.
It should be noted that a single piece of infrastructure cannot be looked at in isolation in an urban context. The National Transport Authority’s (NTA) Transport Strategy for the GDA 2016- 2035 sets out a number of projects and initiatives for the Greater Dublin Area that, when implemented, will greatly ease congestion for commuters. Project Ireland 2040 provides the funding for flagship projects such as BusConnects, DART Expansion and MetroLink.
Noting the above position, I have referred your question to TII and the NTA for a direct reply on these matters. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 working days.
275. Deputy Shane Cassells asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the amount spent on purchasing mobile telephones for staff in his Department for work-related business in each of the years 2016 to 2018 and to date in 2019, by grade; if his Department has a contract with a mobile telephone company (details supplied) to supply mobile telephones if needed; if so, the name of the company; the date on which the contract for the supply of mobile telephones to his Department is next due to expire; and the robust steps taken to ensure that the costs incurred on work related telephones are the best value for the taxpayer. [47929/19]
View answerMy Department currently has a contract with Eir to supply mobile phones, which expires in May 2020. In addition, my Department has a small number of staff utilising the Vodafone (currently 1 staff) and Three (currently 2 staff) networks in order to address signal coverage-related issues.
In order to ensure that the costs incurred on work related phones are the best value for the taxpayer, my Department has taken advantage of preferential rates as a result of utilising the Office of Government Procurement's mobile phone services framework. Mobile phones are only issued on foot of a business case from the Head of Function and are relevant to the role that the officer occupies. Mobile phone handsets are procured along with a monthly tariff bundle for calls, texts and data. Different tariffs are chosen depending on the individual usage of the staff member and are chosen to give the best value to the taxpayer. Handsets were refreshed during 2018 and a suitable device was chosen at an initial cost of €129 per device. 22 staff availed of an option to upgrade the proposed supplied device, and paying the difference between the cost price and €129. The figures listed in the table for handsets also include replacement and repairs during those years. Officials in my Department monitor the cost of usage of mobile phones on a monthly basis and staff are requested to indicate non-work related charges and to reimburse those to the Department.
When roaming for business purposes outside of the EU, staff are placed on specific 'add on' mobile tariff rates for the duration of their trip to help reduce costs. Staff are encouraged to utilise secure WiFi in non-EU destinations when data is required. Staff also use Departmentally supplied mobile data hotspots for data access during their trip - the cost of usage of these devices is significantly lower than roaming data charges.
Details of the amount spent on purchasing mobile phones for staff within my Department for work-related business in the years 2016 to 2018 and to date in 2019 are provided in the table. The figures by grade include some charges for handsets but also include charges for calls, data usage and roaming. Direct handset costs are listed in the last line of the table.
|
Grade |
2016€ |
2017€ |
2018€ |
2019 (to end Oct)€ |
|
Minister (and Advisors) |
3,432.28 |
2,628.70 |
1,111.39 |
1,158.41 |
|
Secretary General |
1,929.99 |
1,055.90 |
2,792.37 |
148.91 |
|
Assistant Secretary |
5,598.44 |
2,206.38 |
1,582.28 |
1,472.61 |
|
Principal Officer (or equivalent) |
9,813.91 |
9,705.68 |
8,695.10 |
6,148.98 |
|
Assistant Principal (or equivalent) |
24,092.93 |
22,611.08 |
22,138.79 |
16,112.51 |
|
Higher Executive Officer |
4,387.05 |
5,559.99 |
4,531.26 |
2,964.16 |
|
Administrative Officer |
213.41 |
273.63 |
189.83 |
253.60 |
|
Executive Officer |
2,037.61 |
1,847.84 |
1,790.46 |
1,040.89 |
|
Clerical Officer |
708.16 |
519.98 |
564.77 |
394.81 |
|
Service Officer |
849.90 |
631.44 |
974.23 |
800.49 |
|
Handset costs |
1,660.50 |
2,025.81 |
18,525.67 |
3,392.40 |
276. Deputy Jim O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the number of staff in his Department by gender and pay grade in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47955/19]
View answerIn response to the above question I have set out the requested information in tabular format as follows.
|
Pay Grade |
Female Employees |
Male Employees |
|
Secretary General |
0 |
1 |
|
Assistant Secretary |
3 |
3 |
|
Principal Officer & equivalents |
15 |
29 |
|
Assistant Principal & equivalents |
41 |
74 |
|
Administrative Officer & equivalents |
20 |
57 |
|
Higher Executive Officer |
45 |
40 |
|
Executive Officer |
72 |
53 |
|
Clerical Officer |
92 |
40 |
|
Civilian Driver |
0 |
4 |
|
Service Officer |
2 |
6 |
|
Storekeeper |
0 |
1 |
|
Service Attendant |
0 |
1 |
|
Totals |
290 |
309 |
The numbers given for the grades of Principal Officer, Assistant Principal Officer and Administrative Officer include staff in professional and technical grades which are considered 'equivalent' to these grades.
277. Deputy Fiona O'Loughlin asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the political advisers used by Ministers and Ministers of State in his Department since the commencement of this Government; the commencement and cessation dates in each case; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47972/19]
View answerThe information requested by the Deputy is outlined in the table. The numbers provided are as of 19 November 2019. No political advisors have been appointed by Ministers of State in this Department since the commencement of this Government.
|
Minister |
Political Adviser |
Commencement Date |
Cessation Date |
|
Shane Ross T.D. |
Aisling Dunne |
06/05/2016 |
to date |
|
Shane Ross T.D. |
Carol Hunt |
6/09/2016 |
* |
|
Shane Ross T.D. |
Richard Moore* |
01/07/2019 |
to date |
* Mr. Richard Moore is a temporary replacement for Ms Carol Hunt.
278. Deputy James Browne asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will liaise with the Minister for Education and Skills regarding the need to give schools the ability to apply for sports capital grant funding for a type of development (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47984/19]
View answerThe Sports Capital Programme (SCP) is the primary vehicle for Government support for the development of sports and physical recreation facilities and the purchase of non-personal sports equipment throughout the country.
Grants are available to sports clubs, voluntary and community groups, national governing bodies of sport, and local authorities. Third level colleges, Education and Training Boards (ETBs) and schools may also apply for funding jointly with sports clubs or organisations. In this regard, the Programme frequently funds sports halls and other facilities for schools.
The full terms and conditions of the latest round (2018) of the Programme are available on the Department's website at https://assets.gov.ie/19992/a4f41408c95c4e87b4b71dee1a43b6b6.pdf.
The final set of local grants under the 2018 round of the Programme were published on Friday 15th November. In advance of this latest round closing for applications, officials from my Department liaised with Officials from the Department of Education and Skills to ensure that the Programme was advertised to schools.
279. Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the position of an application under the large scale sport infrastructure fund by a club (details supplied); when he will announce the grant allocations under the fund; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47999/19]
View answerThe Large Scale Sport Infrastructure Fund opened for applications on 19th November 2018 and the closing date for receipt of applications was 17th April 2019.
72 applications were received in total . Details of all applications received have been published on the Department's website. The detailed evaluation process has also been published on the Department's website.
As set out in this evaluation process, applicants were given an opportunity to provide corrected and amended documentation, where necessary, in support of applications. This part of the process is now complete and detailed assessment work of the applications has commenced. In view of the detailed information contained in each application I expect that it will be towards the end of this year before assessments are completed.
280. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will report on his proposed appointments to the board of Transport Infrastructure Ireland; the skills and experience he is seeking; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48021/19]
View answerThe Public Appointments Service (PAS), provides an independent shared service in recruitment, assessment and selection to organisations across the Civil and Public Services, including for Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII).
Under the PAS process, an information booklet, to fill current vacancies on the TII Board, is being drafted by the PAS, in consultation with my Department, and is intended to be advertised shortly.
While the process is not yet finalised I can advise that the PAS information booklet will set out the general areas in which a candidate should have a demonstrated interest/competence, taking account of the role and functions of TII and the respective roles and capacities of the executive and the continuing members of the Board. In particular it is envisaged that 4 people will be appointed to the Board and that each will have a particular competence in one of the following: Legal, Accounting, Cycling and Disability Advocacy.
You may wish to note that PAS has a dedicated website, www.stateboards.ie, which is the channel through which the PAS advertises vacancies on State Boards.
281. Deputy Shane Cassells asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the number of complaints of bullying and sexual harassment, respectively, received by his Department in each of the years 2016 to 2018 and to date in 2019, in tabular form.; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48045/19]
View answerI wish to confirm to the Deputy that no formal complaints of bullying and sexual harassment were received in my Department in the years from 2016 to date under the “Dignity at Work – An Anti-Bullying, Harassment and Sexual Harassment Policy for the Civil Service”.
In terms of addressing complaints of bullying and sexual harassment, my Department is strongly committed to implementing the Civil Service Anti-Bullying, Harassment and Sexual Harassment Policy - Dignity at Work. Each staff member is made aware that all forms of bullying, harassment and sexual harassment are unacceptable standards of behaviour.
On appointment, all staff receive a copy of the Civil Service Code of Standards and Behaviour, which sets the expected standards for their behaviour at work and towards colleagues. The Code also includes a commitment for staff to observe and support the Dignity at Work Policy.
282. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the air carriers registered here; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48049/19]
View answerThe Commission for Aviation Regulation is responsible for licensing Irish airlines in accordance with Regulation (EC) No. 1008/2008.
The Commission publishes the list of licensed airlines online at https://www.aviationreg.ie/_fileupload/AL_licensed_operators_24_09_19.pdf.
283. Deputy Shane Cassells asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the number of employees of his Department who were dismissed in each of the years 2016 to 2018 and to date 2019; the reason for the dismissal of each employee; the number of employees suspended in the same period; and the reason for the suspension of each in tabular form. [48080/19]
View answerI can confirm to the Deputy that one Department employee was dismissed in 2019 when their contract was terminated after failing to successfully complete their probation period.
No other Department employees were dismissed between 2016 and 2018 or were suspended in this entire period.
284. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his views on whether it is acceptable for the National Transport Authority to repeatedly refuse to confirm a meeting with a cross-party delegation of public representatives from the Inishowen peninsula, County Donegal, to discuss their concerns regarding the changes to the public bus services from Inishowen to Letterkenny; and if he will encourage the NTA to do so at the earliest opportunity. [48107/19]
View answerAs Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport. 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 reply within ten working days.
285. Deputy Barry Cowen asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the amount spent on public relations, promotion and advertising for the National Development Plan 2018-2027 and Project Ireland 2040 since its publication in February 2018 by category (details supplied) in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48132/19]
View answerThe information requested by the Deputy is currently being assessed by my officials and will be forwarded to the Deputy within 10 working days.
