Written Answers Nos. 756-775
756. Deputy Maurice Quinlivan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the assistance that is being put in place to assist taxi drivers in getting back to work after the Covid-19 restrictions are lifted; if these workers will be entitled to financial assistance to help them get back to work; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7291/20]
View answer788. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his plans and the plans of the taxi regulator to assist taxi drivers to return to the workplace as Covid-19 restrictions are lifted in the coming period. [7538/20]
View answer811. Deputy Martin Browne asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the support measures made available for taxi drivers who are faced with insurance costs, loan repayments and other expenses in view of the fact many drivers have lost almost all of their business. [7714/20]
View answer821. Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the supports available for a sector (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7840/20]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 756, 788, 811 and 821 together.
I understand the very difficult business environment that small public service vehicle (SPSV) operators are now dealing with. Indeed, across Government we are acutely aware that the COVID-19 situation presents huge challenges for very many business sectors.
That is why we have worked to introduce a wide programme of Government supports for impacted businesses. The range of supports available includes new schemes of wage subsidies, rates waivers, re-start grants, lending facilities, equity injection, and business advisory supports for example. I also note that self-employed owner-operators of SPSVs may avail of the COVID-19 Pandemic Unemployment Payment of €350 a week.
The National Transport Authority (NTA) has also taken a number of actions to reduce the immediate financial burden on SPSV operators and to make it easier for them to return to the industry when circumstances change.
The NTA has extended licences expiring before 12 June 2020 by three months, waived late licence renewal fees, and temporarily relaxed rules around vehicle age limits. It has engaged with the insurance industry to facilitate a suspension of SPSV insurance for those operators who decide to temporarily stop working and suspend their licences. Arrangements are in place to facilitate the swift re-activation of the suspended licence when such an SPSV operator wishes to return to work.
757. Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if a matter raised in correspondence by a person (details supplied) will receive a response; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7322/20]
View answerThe safety of the public is of paramount importance at this time and as in all aspects of the Covid-19 crisis my Department continues to be guided by National Public Health Emergency Team and the relevant national experts in relation to the resumption of services.
My officials and the Road Safety Authority are currently examining the possibility of resuming the National Car Test roadworthiness testing service in light of the roadmap and national return to work protocols published by Government.
Dates for the resumption of services and any specific arrangements that need to be put in place to allow for the provision of these services will be determined in consultation with the relevant health authorities. I hope to make a further announcement on this matter shortly.
758. Deputy Seán Haughey asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if new measures to ensure that there are enough wheelchair-accessible taxis available for wheelchair users, particularly in the Dublin area, will be implemented; if a way can be found to ensure that taxi drivers who have obtained grants to adapt their taxis to wheelchair use actually give priority to wheelchair users; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7323/20]
View answerThe Deputy may wish to be aware that between February 2019 and February 2020 the number of licensed wheelchair-accessible small public service vehicles (SPSVs) increased from 2,253 to 3,100, an increase of 37.5%. In light of this increase in wheelchair-accessible SPSVs, I see no reason to introduce new legislative measures at this time.
The National Transport Authority (NTA) is the statutory regulator for the SPSV sector and it also administers the wheelchair accessible vehicle (WAV) grant scheme for the SPSV sector. Accordingly, I have referred your question to the NTA for direct reply to you in regard to the other matters raised in your question. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a response within 10 working days.
759. Deputy Seán Haughey asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his plans to restructure the regulatory functions of the Irish Aviation Authority and the Commission for Aviation Regulation; his plans to merge the safety regulation division of the Irish Aviation Authority with the Commission for Aviation for Regulation to bring about a stand-alone aviation regulator under the name of the Irish Aviation Authority; if the existing air traffic control side of the Irish Aviation Authority will be reconstituted as a separate State-owned commercial company; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7324/20]
View answerI am glad to report to the Deputy that an advanced draft of a Bill to give effect to this key reform measure is being scrutinised by my Department, in consultation with the Office of the Attorney General. It should be ready for publication soon. As reflected in the Government's policy statement on the matter - which was published in September 2017 - the Bill provides for the establishment of a newly reconstituted regulatory Irish Aviation Authority - merging the safety and security regulatory functions of the current IAA with the economic regulation and consumer affairs functions of the Commission for Aviation Regulation. This will create a single aviation regulator, and it will represent an important modernisation and strengthening of aviation regulation in Ireland. The draft Bill also provides for the establishment of a completely separate, commercial State-owned air navigation service provider. This new company will operate as a regulated commercial entity, and for so long as it continues to make a profit - noting that it is a State monopoly - it will continue to pay the State annual dividends.
Being very much an outlier internationally, the institutional separation of Ireland’s aviation regulatory and commercial air navigation service provision functions is important. It is an old model, which was put in place in the early 1990s and has remained largely unchanged since. The industry and what constitutes effective regulation has moved on. The reforms I have set in motion are in line with international best practice, and they will enhance the State’s aviation sector through the establishment of a stronger and more robust regulatory environment. While progress has been made on the legislative front, I have been less happy with the pace of preparation in the IAA to prepare for the changes, and I have made that clear to the Board and the management.
These benefits of the reform, and the broad stakeholder support for it, were recently underlined in a report on the safety performance of the IAA, which I commissioned under Section 32 of the IAA Act 1993. This report noted, as I have raised myself, that the progress on the reform project has not been achieved as quickly as expected.
When the time comes to publish the Bill and seek Oireachtas endorsement, I am confident that this is one of those legislative proposals that will lend itself to broad political support.
760. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the guidelines for driving instructors with regard to returning to work; when they will be able to return to work; the precautions they will need to take; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7345/20]
View answerDriving lessons are provided by self-employed private individuals or companies, and they have a responsibility to ensure that they can comply with the necessary public health requirements before they can reopen their businesses. It is not within the remit of my Department to issue advice to driving instructors on public health issues.
However, I expect them to encounter difficulties similar to those which will face the RSA in relation to the resumption of the driving test, in terms of complying with the National Return to Work Safely Protocol.
For the Deputy's information, on a very preliminary appraisal of the Protocol, car driving tests may have to be the last of the statutory functions, for which the RSA is responsible, to recommence in or after Phase 5 of the Government's roadmap.
761. Deputy Jim O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport when it is proposed to recommence the national car test programme. [7364/20]
View answerThe safety of the public is of paramount importance at this time and as in all aspects of the Covid-19 crisis my Department continues to be guided by National Public Health Emergency Team and the relevant national experts in relation to the resumption of services.
My officials and the Road Safety Authority are currently examining the possibility of resuming the National Car Test roadworthiness testing service in light of the roadmap and national return to work protocols published by Government.
Dates for the resumption of services and any specific arrangements that need to be put in place to allow for the provision of these services will be determined in consultation with the relevant health authorities.
762. Deputy Norma Foley asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport when high-performance athletes (details supplied) will be permitted to return to training. [7365/20]
View answerSubject to appropriate, tightly defined limitations and conditionality, I have been advocating such a return to training, following current practices for high performance athletes elsewhere in Europe.
This issue is under consideration and the subject of discussion with my colleague, the Minister for Health.
763. Deputy Norma Foley asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his views on granting permission to high-performance athletes (details supplied) to return to training. [7366/20]
View answerSubject to appropriate, tightly defined limitations and conditionality, I have been advocating such a return to training, following current practices for high performance athletes elsewhere in Europe.
This issue is under consideration and the subject of discussion with my colleague, the Minister for Health.
764. Deputy Norma Foley asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his plans to facilitate online driver licence issuance for first-time licence applicants by which a first-time driver licence applicant fulfils all requirements, for example, has passed a theory and or practical driving test. [7367/20]
View answerDue to the closure of services provided by the Road Safety Authority (RSA) as a result of the Covid-19 outbreak, I took measures to extend the validity of number of documents, including the learner permit. Any learner permits which were due to expire from 1 March 2020 to 30 June 2020 inclusive have had their period of validity extended by 4 months.
Likewise, I have extended the validity of certificates of competency - issued when a person passes a driving test - and of certificates issued on passing a driver theory test.
The operation of the National Driver Licensing Service is a matter for the Road Safety Authority. Applications for driving licence renewal are available online in certain circumstances, and the Authority is working to extend this option for others, including applicants for a first driving licence.
765. Deputy Brendan Howlin asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the guidelines in relation to learner drivers, particularly those who have completed twelve driving lessons and have had their tests cancelled; if such drivers will be allowed to drive unaccompanied for a period of time; the number of persons awaiting driver tests; the timeframe to clear the back log; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7374/20]
View answerIt must be understood that a learner permit is not a licence, but a permit to allow a person to drive while learning. The purpose of the driving test is to set out the minimum level of knowledge, skill and competency that a learner must demonstrate in order to become a fully licensed driver. Until a learner can meet this standard and pass this test, they are not safe to take to our roads without appropriate supervision.
Studies have repeatedly shown that unaccompanied learner drivers are markedly more likely to be involved in fatal collisions. For that reason, there can be no exceptions to the current laws in force around learner drivers. Regrettably, there has been an increase in fatalities on our roads so far in 2020, and we must not relax the standards required of our drivers before being awarded a driving licence, even in the case of frontline workers.
An unaccompanied learner driver who is stopped by an Garda Siochana may face penalty points, a fixed charge, seizure of the vehicle and possible prosecution.
Due to the closure of services provided by the Road Safety Authority (RSA) as a result of the Covid-19 outbreak, I took measures to extend the validity of number of documents, including the learner permit. Any learner permits which were due to expire from 1 March 2020 to 30 June 2020 inclusive have had their period of validity extended by 4 months.
The RSA is currently working, in consultation with my Department, on plans for the resumption of the range of services and functions for which it is responsible, following the publication of the Government roadmap and, more recently, the National Return to Work Safety Protocol as agreed by employer and trade union representatives.
The resumption of driver testing will be of particular concern to learner drivers. As the Deputy will appreciate, the driving test raises particular problems in terms of compliance with the Protocol and in particular social distancing rules, as it requires the driver tester and the candidate to be within a two metre distance continuously for a period in excess of 20 minutes, in a very confined space which is not in itself a workplace under the control of the RSA.
I appreciate that the inability to carry out driving tests at this time is among the many difficulties that we all are having to endure at this time, for those awaiting such tests. On a very preliminary appraisal of the Protocol, car driving tests may have to be the last of the statutory functions, for which the RSA is responsible, to recommence in or after Phase 5 of the Government's roadmap.
Dates for the resumption of the RSA's services, and any special arrangements which will need to be put into place to allow for the provision of these services, will be determined in consultation with the relevant health authorities. Our first priority must continue to be protecting the lives and health of our citizens as well as the capacity of the emergency and health services, whether from infection or from death and injury on the roads.
766. Deputy James Browne asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his views on the way in which driver testing capacity can be resumed here; the way in which he will address the inevitable backlog in driver tests and sensitive cases for expedited tests; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7384/20]
View answerThe RSA is currently working, in consultation with my Department, on plans for the resumption of the range of public services for which it is responsible, following the publication of the Government roadmap and, more recently, the National Return to Work Safety Protocol agreed by employer and trade union representatives. As the Deputy will appreciate, the driving test raises particular problems in terms of compliance with the protocol and, in particular, social distancing rules, as it requires the driver tester and the candidate to be within a two metre distance continuously for a period in excess of 20 minutes, in a very confined space which is not in itself a workplace under the control of the RSA.
I appreciate that the inability to carry out driving tests at this time is inconvenient to those awaiting such tests. On a very preliminary appraisal of the Protocol, car driving tests may have to be the last of the statutory functions, for which the RSA is responsible, to recommence in or after Phase 5 of the Government's roadmap .
Dates for the resumption of the RSA's services, and any special arrangements which will need to be put into place to allow for the provision of these services, will be determined in consultation with the relevant health authorities.
The safety of the public is of paramount importance at this time, and in this as in all aspects of the Covid-19 crisis, my Department will be guided by NPHET and national experts.
767. Deputy Marc MacSharry asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if persons who have flight reservations for flights which are not cancelled but which depart from an airport which is outside of the permissible travel area around their homes, for example, 5 kilometres or 20 kilometres from 8 June 2020 are entitled to a full refund or free cancellation or booking change; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7397/20]
View answerThe Deputy raises an important issue, and it is one affecting many people. As things stand in law, air passenger rights are protected by Regulation (EC) No. 261/2004, which covers the rights of passenger in instances of cancellations and other scenarios, including long delays. However, if a flight goes ahead and a customer either cancels or does not use their ticket, they are not entitled to a refund under EU law.
My understanding is that the current practice of the two main Irish airlines serving the Irish market, having regard to the Covid-19 travel restrictions, is to offer their customers the opportunity to rebook a flight for later in the year or to receive a voucher. There is, however, no legal obligation on them to provide a full refund, irrespective of the Government advices.
Consumers who wish to clarify their entitlements in respect of airlines should consult the Commission for Aviation Regulation's consumer affairs website www.flightrights.ie. The Competition and Consumer Protection Commission has also made available some further consumer advices on flights and package holidays, which is available on its website at https://www.ccpc.ie/consumers/covid-19/consumer-travel/.
768. Deputy Patricia Ryan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the steps he will take to reopen NCT centres to test vehicles for car dealerships as soon as possible; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7410/20]
View answerThe safety of the public is of paramount importance at this time and as in all aspects of the Covid-19 crisis my Department continues to be guided by National Public Health Emergency Team and the relevant national experts in relation to the resumption of services.
My officials and the Road Safety Authority are currently examining the possibility of resuming the National Car Test roadworthiness testing services in light of the roadmap and national return to work protocols published by Government.
Dates for the resumption of services and any sepecific arrangements that need to be put in place to allow for the provision of these services will be determined in consultation with the relevant health authorities.
I hope to make a statement in the coming weeks on this matter.
769. Deputy Joe O'Brien asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the roads and linked companies that have a traffic guarantee associated with them; the amount of compensation paid under each agreement annually since 2014; the estimated compensation to be paid in 2020 under each agreement in the context of lower traffic volumes due to Covid-19; and the mechanisms by which the State can claim not to be liable for the compensation under traffic guarantees in view of the unusual nature and cause of the lower traffic volumes. [7415/20]
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 operation and management of individual national roads is a matter for Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII), in conjunction with the local authorities concerned.
Matters relating to the day to day operations regarding national roads, including toll roads and the establishment of a system of tolls, are within the remit of TII. More specifically, the statutory power to levy tolls, to make toll bye-laws and to enter into agreements with private investors are vested in TII under Part V of the Roads Act 1993 (as amended).
Noting the above position, I have referred the question to TII for a direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 working days.
770. Deputy Joe O'Brien asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his plans for NCT retests once centres reopen (details supplied). [7422/20]
View answerWhile the provisions governing the operation of the National Car Test, including the charging of fees, are set out in the relevant regulations, under the Road Safety Authority Act 2006 (Conferral of Functions) Order 2006 (S.I. No.477 of 2006) the Road Safety Authority (RSA) is the body responsible for the operation of periodic roadworthiness testing in the State.
In that capacity, I understand that the RSA is considering suitable administrative actions to take account of the exceptional circumstances where vehicle owners have not been able to avail of a retest as a direct result of the emergency measures. Accordingly, I have forwarded your query to the RSA as it relates to an operational matter.
771. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if funding will be allocated for the expansion of public bikes for Cork. [7429/20]
View answerAs Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to cycle and public transport infrastructure. However, I am not involved in the day-to-day operations of public transport, including the management of public bike schemes.
Decisions regarding contracts, operation and expansion of existing and proposed bike schemes fall under the remit of the National Transport Authority (NTA).
Noting the NTA's responsibilites in the matter, I have referred your question to the NTA for a more detailed reply . Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 working days.
772. Deputy Joe O'Brien asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his plans to extend the permit period of approved driving instructors in line with the extension of driver licences (details supplied). [7431/20]
View answerThe period of a validity of a range of certificates and licences was extended because the relevant services and offices were subject to closure in compliance with the requirements of public health. As the Road Safety Authority is processing Approved Driving Instructors' Licences as normal, it was not necessary and there are no proposals to extend the period of validity of these licences at this time.
773. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if the risks associated with the issuing of driver licences without applicants sitting the driver test have been evaluated; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7448/20]
View answerIt must be understood that a learner permit is not a licence, but a permit to allow a person to drive while learning. The purpose of the driving test is to set out the minimum level of knowledge, skill and competency that a learner must demonstrate in order to become a fully licensed driver. Until a learner can meet this standard and pass this test, they are not safe to take to our roads without appropriate supervision.
I would like to point out that the current pass rate for driving tests nationally stands at 52% for 2019, so having fulfilled all of the driving lesson requirements does not mean that an individual meets the standard required to pass the test.
In terms of risk assessment, studies have repeatedly shown that unaccompanied learner drivers are markedly more likely to be involved in fatal collisions. For that reason, there can be no exceptions to the current laws in force around learner drivers. Regrettably, there has been an increase in fatalities on our roads so far in 2020, and we must not relax the standards required of our drivers before being awarded a driving licence, even in the case of frontline workers. Not only is there the risk to both driver and other road users of unqualified drivers causing deaths or injuries, there is also the pressure such incidents would put on the emergency and health services at a time of national emergency.
An unaccompanied learner driver who is stopped by an Garda Siochana may face penalty points, a fixed charge, seizure of the vehicle and possible prosecution.
774. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport when driver testing will recommence; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7457/20]
View answerDue to the closure of services provided by the Road Safety Authority (RSA) as a result of the Covid-19 outbreak, I took measures to extend the validity of number of documents, including the learner permit. Any learner permits which were due to expire from 1 March 2020 to 30 June 2020, inclusive, have had their period of validity extended by 4 months.
The RSA is currently working, in consultation with my Department, on plans for the resumption of the range of services and functions for which it is responsible, following the publication of the Government roadmap and, more recently, the National Return to Work Safety Protocol as agreed by employer and trade union representatives.
The resumption of driver testing will be of particular concern to learner drivers. As you will appreciate, the driving test raises particular problems in terms of compliance with the Protocol and in particular social distancing rules, as it requires the driver tester and the candidate to be within a two metre distance continuously for a period in excess of 20 minutes, in a very confined space which is not in itself a workplace under the control of the RSA.
I appreciate that the inability to carry out driving tests at this time is among the many difficulties that we all are having to endure at this time, for those awaiting such tests. On a very preliminary appraisal of the Protocol, car driving tests may have to be the last of the statutory functions, for which the RSA is responsible, to recommence in or after Phase 5 of the Government's roadmap.
Dates for the resumption of the RSA's services, and any special arrangements which will need to be put into place to allow for the provision of these services, will be determined in consultation with the relevant health authorities.
The safety of the public is of paramount importance at this time, whether from infection or from deaths and injuries on the road, and in this as in all aspects of the Covid-19 crisis, my Department will be guided by NPHET and national experts.
775. Deputy James Browne asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the total number of vehicles here; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7462/20]
View answerThe total number of vehicles on the National Vehicle and Driver File licensed as at 30th April 2020 is 2,766,193.
The table below provides details on the number of such vehicles broken down by their taxation class.
|
Taxation Class |
30th April 2020 |
|
Private Cars |
2,146,421 |
|
Goods Vehicles |
357,771 |
|
Agricultural Tractors |
76,083 |
|
Motorcycles |
42,549 |
|
Small Public Service Vehicles |
20,838 |
|
Exempt Vehicles |
31,589 |
|
Vintage Vehicles |
50,329 |
|
Motor Caravans |
12,595 |
|
Large Public Service Vehicles |
10,597 |
|
Mobile Machines |
4,838 |
|
Excavators, Trench Diggers etc. |
5,602 |
|
Small Dumpers & Forklift Truck |
3,101 |
|
General Haulage Tractors |
736 |
|
School buses |
679 |
|
Hearses |
964 |
|
Youth/Community Buses |
805 |
|
Island Vehicles |
669 |
|
Off Road Dumpers |
27 |
|
TOTAL |
2,766,193 |
