Written Answers Nos. 776-795
776. Deputy Duncan Smith asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if advice will be provided to local sports clubs on reopening their facilities in view of the importance of these clubs in the community; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7469/20]
View answerI have established an Expert Group on Return to Sport, which includes medical expertise, for the purposes of assisting the sporting community in Ireland, in particular the National Governing Bodies of sport (NGBs), to make a safe, phased return to sport in accordance with the Roadmap for Reopening Society and Business.
The sporting bodies have sought from my Department and Sport Ireland guidance to assist them in their preparation of protocols for returning to train and returning to play. The Expert Group will provide general guidance to the NGBs on issues common to many sports such as dressing room and equipment hygiene, hand hygiene and other matters, informed by public heath advice and international best practice. I can also confirm that, with the support of the Expert Group, my Department would, provided the Expert Group is satisfied, be able to indicate to the NGBs that their return to sport protocols appear compliant with the Roadmap and public health advice.
To date, in excess of 40 separate protocols have been presented for consideration. The Expert Group will assess these on a phase-by-phase basis, re-evaluating protocols as and when the public health guidance changes.
The Expert Group held its first meeting last week and is to hold its second this week.
777. Deputy Duncan Smith asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his plans to provide grant aid to the many sports and community clubs that are struggling due to the lack of member interaction and potential fundraising; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7472/20]
View answerThe Government’s overarching, cross-sectoral approach to the COVID-19 pandemic is to ensure that economic activity recovers as quickly as possible, consistent with public health advice. Measures introduced by the Government to date, which have benefitted sports and community clubs as well as their national sporting bodies, include: the Temporary Wage Subsidy Scheme, the Pandemic Unemployment Payment and the series of enterprise supports ranging from liquidity funding, loan schemes and grants/vouchers, as well as deferred tax payments and deferral of commercial rates.
I am acutely aware of the particular difficulties and challenges facing sporting organisations, both locally and nationally. A COVID-19 Sports Monitoring Group, chaired at Ministerial level, has been established to engage directly with the sporting bodies. Sport Ireland is also directly engaging with the sporting bodies on an ongoing basis in relation to the development of protocols to facilitate a safe return to training and competition.
This extensive engagement with the sport sector has highlighted the significant, adverse impact of COVID-19 at all levels of the Irish sporting landscape. It has also demonstrated the importance of implementing an appropriate and focused response to the challenges facing all strands of the sector, ranging from the local sporting organisations and clubs to the National Governing Bodies. It is accordingly intended to develop a Sport Recovery Action Plan, in consultation with the sector, aimed at minimising the impacts and preparing the sector to restart activity, as part of the national recovery and renewal.
778. Deputy Thomas Byrne asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if his attention has been drawn to a recent request by the National Transport Authority to review a number of rural transport services being provided by LocalLink in County Meath; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7494/20]
View answerAs Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport. It is the National Transport Authority (NTA) which has statutory responsibility for securing the provision of public passenger transport services nationally. The NTA also has national responsibility for integrated local and rural transport, including management of the Rural Transport Programme (RTP) which now operates under the Local Link brand.
In light of the NTA's responsibilities in this matter, I have referred your question to the NTA for direct reply to you. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within ten working days.
779. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his plans to amend the situation in relation to persons (details supplied) with provisional licences during the Covid-19 crisis; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7498/20]
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 licenced 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 also 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.
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 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.
780. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the way in which a taxi driver can renew their taxi licence during the Covid-19 pandemic; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7507/20]
View answerThe National Transport Authority (NTA) has extended the renewal dates of vehicle licences due to expire between 13 March 2020 and 12 June 2020 by three months. The NTA has also waived the late renewal fee for any licence holder who was unable to renew in time due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
As the licencing of taxis and other small public service vehicles is a matter for the NTA under the provisions of the Taxi Regulation Act 2013, I have referred your question to the NTA for direct reply to you. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a response within 10 working days.
781. Deputy Cathal Crowe asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport when a person (details supplied) who is on the emergency list for a driver test appointment can expect to receive same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7510/20]
View answerThe operation of the driver testing services is the responsibility of the Road Safety Authority (RSA), and I have no role in individual cases. Due to the closure of services provided by the 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.
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.
782. Deputy Neasa Hourigan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the number of complaints by cyclists that have been made to Dublin Bus in the past three years; and the actions that resulted from these complaints. [7511/20]
View answerAs Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport (DTTAS) I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport. However, the Department is not involved in the day-to-day management and operational aspects of public transport - the individual operators are responsible for that, and in this case Dublin Bus.
Accordingly, I have forwarded the Deputy's question to Dublin Bus for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a response within ten working days.
783. Deputy Neasa Hourigan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the status of two actions as confirmed in correspondence from the National Transport Authority on 3 July 2019 to a group (details supplied). [7512/20]
View answerAs Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport in Ireland.
The issues raised are matters for the National Transport Authority (NTA) in conjunction with Dublin Bus 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.
784. Deputy Neasa Hourigan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will liaise with the Office of Public Works to arrange to survey traffic impacts of closing the Phoenix Park to through traffic in view of public demand; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7513/20]
View answerThe management of the Phoenix Park in Dublin, including the management of traffic and related matters such as traffic surveys, is a matter for the Office of Public Works, for which my colleague the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform is responsible to the Oireachtas.
Traffic management generally, including surveys, is a matter for the relevant local authority, under the Roads and Road Traffic Acts, which I believe is Dublin City Council in this case.
785. Deputy James Browne asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport when he plans to permit the reopening of NCT centres; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7521/20]
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.
786. Deputy Frankie Feighan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if issues (details supplied) regarding driver licences for former USA residents now seeking to obtain full Irish licences will be investigated; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7526/20]
View answerThe starting point for driver licensing policy is public safety - we issue driving licences when we are satisfied that the applicants have met a defined standard, by passing tests. Irish driver licensing law operates within a framework of EU law, which among other things sets the standards to be met in driving tests in all Member States. On this basis, EU driving licences are mutually exchangeable.
When it comes to licence exchange with non-EU countries, we may reach bilateral agreements. In order to qualify for this programme, we must first ensure that the driving licence and testing regime is of at least the same high quality as that in operation in this country. The United States is not one of the countries with which such an arrangement is currently in place. This reflects the wide variation in standards under licences are obtained in the US - which one of the reasons for the variation in road safety across the states, many of which have road safety records significantly worse than any EU Member State.
Where a person takes up residence in Ireland with a driving licence which is not from the EU and not from a jurisdiction with which we have a bilateral agreement, this leaves us with the position where the only alternative is to ask them to go through the process of obtaining an Irish licence.
This link provides information on how to obtain an Irish driving licence as the holder of a licence from another Country; https://www.ndls.ie/images/Documents/Flyers/166425%20RSA%20Foreign%20Licence%20(EDT)_WEB.PDF
At present, the only differences allowed where someone is the holder of a full but non-exchangeable licence is that they are not required to wait the normal 6 months before applying for the test and they undergo a reduced number of 6 Essential Driver Training (EDT) lessons.
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 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.
787. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport when the NCT centres will be reopening. [7537/20]
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.
789. Deputy Alan Kelly asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his plans to help the tourism industry outside of major urban areas in which seasonality is a factor. [7539/20]
View answerThe Minister, Mr. Ross and I have appointed a Tourism Recovery Taskforce to prepare a Tourism Recovery Plan which will include a set of recommendations on how best the Irish tourism sector can adapt and recover in the changed tourism environment as a result of the Covid-19 crisis. The plan will identify priority aims, key enablers and market opportunities for the sector including areas outside the main urban areas, for the period 2020-2023. The Taskforce may consult with stakeholders to inform its deliberations and report back later this year.
The development of the tourism industry is an operational matter for Fáilte Ireland. I have referred the Deputy's question to Fáilte Ireland for further information and for direct reply. Please contact my private office if you do not hear from them within ten working days.
790. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the status of MetroLink and BusConnects in the context of Covid-19 and related economic circumstances; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7555/20]
View answerAs Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport. I can confirm to the Deputy that at a policy level the current status of both projects remains unchanged: both projects are long-term infrastructure investments designed to add capacity to our public transport network and both are at a relatively early stage of their project lifecycle.
The Deputy is aware that National Transport Authority (NTA) has statutory responsibility for the planning and development of public transport infrastructure, including the MetroLink and BusConnects projects.
Noting the NTA's responsibility in the matter, I have referred the Deputy's question to the NTA for a more detailed reply. Please contact my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 days.
791. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the supports available to clubs (details supplied) in order to put in place adequate health and safety precautions at their grounds. [7577/20]
View answerI have established an Expert Group on Return to Sport, which includes medical expertise, for the purposes of assisting the sporting community in Ireland, in particular the National Governing Bodies of sport (NGBs), to make a safe, phased return to sport in accordance with the Roadmap for Reopening Society and Business.
The sporting bodies have sought from my Department and Sport Ireland guidance to assist them in their preparation of protocols for returning to train and returning to play. The Expert Group will provide general guidance to the NGBs on issues common to many sports such as dressing room and equipment hygiene, hand hygiene and other matters, informed by public heath advice and international best practice. I can also confirm that, with the support of the Expert Group, my Department would, provided the Expert Group is satisfied, be able to indicate to the NGBs that their return to sport protocols appear compliant with the Roadmap and public health advice.
To date, in excess of 40 separate protocols have been presented for consideration. The Expert Group will assess these on a phase-by-phase basis, re-evaluating protocols as and when the public health guidance changes. The Expert Group held its first meeting last week and is to hold its second this week.
792. Deputy Jack Chambers asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the position regarding airline passengers that were unable to take flights due to Covid-19; if he will address the concerns of a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7578/20]
View answerThe law is clear in circumstances where an airline cancels a flight - for whatever reason - that all passengers booked on that flight who seek it are entitled to a full cash refund within 7 days. That provision is set out in EU Regulation 261 (2004). Notwithstanding the constraints arising from the COVID pandemic, a small number of flights are continuing to be operated. Where a flight takes place there is nothing in the law that entitles a passenger to a refund from an airline, but I understand that in such cases airlines are generally offering customers the chance to rebook or take a voucher in light of the covid-19 travel restrictions.
Anyone having difficulties securing a refund for a cancelled flight should contact the Commission for Aviation Regulation. Further advice is available on its dedicated passenger rights website www.flightrights.ie. The Competition and Consumer Protection Commission is best placed to offer advice on consumer rights generally related to travel at www.ccpc.ie .
793. Deputy Micheál Martin asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if specific guidelines have been circulated to each sporting organisation on the communication of public health information to their members and players with regard to clubs reopening and continued restrictions on members from outside a 5km radius and cocooning members. [7589/20]
View answer794. Deputy Micheál Martin asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if guidance has been issued to sporting clubs and organisations on the way in which to implement public health guidelines within such clubs and organisations. [7590/20]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 793 and 794 together.
I have established an Expert Group on Return to Sport, which includes medical expertise, for the purposes of assisting the sporting community in Ireland, in particular the National Governing Bodies of sport (NGBs), to make a safe, phased return to sport in accordance with the Roadmap for Reopening Society and Business.
The sporting bodies have sought from my Department and Sport Ireland guidance to assist them in their preparation of protocols for returning to train and returning to play. The Expert Group will provide general guidance to the NGBs on issues common to many sports such as dressing room and equipment hygiene, hand hygiene and other matters, informed by public heath advice and international best practice. I can also confirm that, with the support of the Expert Group, my Department would, provided the Expert Group is satisfied, be able to indicate to the NGBs that their return to sport protocols appear compliant with the Roadmap and public health advice.
To date, in excess of 40 separate protocols have been presented for consideration. The Expert Group will assess these on a phase-by-phase basis, re-evaluating protocols as and when the public health guidance changes.
The Expert Group held its first meeting last week and is to hold its second this week.
795. Deputy Micheál Martin asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if issues raised in correspondence (details supplied) will be given consideration; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7591/20]
View answerThe Government’s Roadmap for Reopening Society and Business is based on public health advice and compliance with the requirements of each of its five phases by all concerned is essential to ensure continued progress against the COVID-19 pandemic.
Phase one of the Roadmap clearly provides that while it is possible to participate in a range of sporting activities in groups of no more than four people, this must be within 5km of the households of those involved. The guidance also states explicitly that social distancing should be maintained at all times. It is also important to highlight that the public health advice for those who are cocooning is to continue to stay at home, except for brief outdoor exercise within 5km of their home.
It has been brought to my attention that, while the overwhelming majority of people are fully respecting the public health guidelines, there have been some difficulties in relation to adherence to the 5km travel restriction by people engaging in sporting activity during Phase One. This situation is both regrettable and concerning. Sport Ireland has been in communication with the sporting organisations concerned to voice this concern and to reinforce the importance of the memberships of all sporting organisations respecting the Roadmap and complying with public health regulations at all times.
