James Browne
Question:796. Deputy James Browne asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport when RSA offices will reopen; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7595/20]
View answerDriver Test Centres
Questions (796)
Written answers
Commercial vehicle roadworthiness testing resumed on Monday 18 May 2020. The RSA is currently working, in consultation with my Department, on plans for the resumption of the wider 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.
Dates for the resumption of 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.
Greenways Funding
Questions (797)
Frank Feighan
Question:797. Deputy Frankie Feighan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his plans to provide greenway funding to the proposed Sligo-Leitrim northern counties greenway (details supplied); his views on the importance of the greenway to the rural areas along the route; if the possibility of funding a small proportion of the greenway will be investigated to establish the route for future development; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7604/20]
View answerWritten answers
I had the great pleasure of opening a demonstration section of the Sligo Leitrim and Northern Counties Railway (SLNCR) Greenway last year with First Minister Arlene Foster. As I stated then, it has great potential to contribute to economic regeneration along its route from Collooney in Sligo to Manorhamilton in Leitrim and to Blacklion on the Cavan -Fermanagh border before crossing into Fermanagh and ending in Enniskillen.
The last round of construction funding for Greenways required projects to have planning permission and ready access to the land required for the Greenway in place for us to provide funding. Unfortunately the SLNCR did not have that in place so was not in a position to be awarded funding for construction at that time.
Late last year, I announced a funding call under the Carbon Tax Fund for support for planning and design for Greenways and Leitrim County Council submitted an application for support under that call. I anticipate that funding under this initiative will be announced shortly.
The inclusion of a specific reference to the SLNCR Greenway in the "New Decade, New Approach" document that led to the re-opening of Stormont gives a strong indication of the level of support that the Greenway has in Government, both North and South.
Consumer Rights
Questions (798)
Marc MacSharry
Question:798. Deputy Marc MacSharry asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if passengers who hold bookings for flights to destinations abroad that have not been cancelled and are scheduled to depart during the summer are entitled to change their booking; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7611/20]
View answerWritten answers
Air passenger rights are protected by Regulation (EC) No. 261/2004, which covers the rights of passenger in instances of denied boarding, long delays and cancellations. If a flight goes ahead and a customer cancels or simply does not use their ticket, they are not entitled to a refund under EU law.
It is my understanding that airlines are offering re-booking and other options to passengers and passenger should contact their airline directly to discuss options. Airlines may decide to waive change fees for flights to areas affected by travel restrictions, but this is a commercial decision to do so as is the decision to operate flights in the first instance.
Covid-19 Pandemic Supports
Questions (799)
Marc MacSharry
Question:799. Deputy Marc MacSharry asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he has considered specific supports for scheduled services in the tourism sector such as grants to adapt vehicles. [7613/20]
View answerWritten answers
Following clarification with the Deputy's Office, I understand this questions relates to supports for all tourism businesses.
My Department has liaised with other Government departments and industry representative bodies, to align the economy wide COVID-19 supports and initiatives with tourism and hospitality needs.
The measures put in place by the Government to support businesses initially focused on supporting those who have lost their jobs and in supporting businesses to remain viable during this difficult time with specifically targeted supports to assist companies to stay operational and retain their staff.
As a result, many tourism businesses are now availing the various cross-sectoral economic supports that the Government has already put in place such as; the wage subsidy scheme, increased unemployment benefits, the state credit guarantee scheme, working capital loan schemes, enterprise support schemes and deferrals of tax liabilities, VAT, social contributions and local authority rates.
Government will continue to explore funding potential for all enterprises including tourism businesses as they work through the challenges facing them, including through any mechanisms allowable through the EU’s state aid framework.
Fáilte Ireland has set up a COVID-19 Industry Advisory Group which meets weekly. The purpose of this group is to provide support to the tourism industry and to facilitate the timely sharing of information and insights to help improve the sector's understanding and response to the crisis. Fáilte Ireland has also developed a COVID-19 Business Support Hub which offers a suite of targeted supports for tourism businesses including a series of webinars from experts in each field, as well as advice guides with detailed FAQs and templates where necessary.
On 1st May, the Government published a Roadmap for Reopening Society and Business to ease the COVID-19 restrictions and reopen Ireland’s economy in a phased manner. In this regard Fáilte Ireland, in conjunction with the relevant authorities, is currently preparing guidelines for the tourism sector.
Minister 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 for the period 2020-2023. The Taskforce may consult with stakeholders to inform its deliberations and report back this year.
Covid-19 Pandemic Supports
Questions (800)
Marc MacSharry
Question:800. Deputy Marc MacSharry asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he has considered launching a public transport recovery taskforce in order to identify challenges and solutions for the public transport system here with regard to Covid-19 restrictions. [7614/20]
View answerWritten answers
As Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport. Ensuring the provision of integrated public transport services (bus, rail, light-rail and taxi) by public and private operators throughout the State is the statutory responsibility of the National Transport Authority.
The Government has been clear that continued operation of the public transport sector is important, and it has been designated among the essential services that are to carry on. I would like to thank operators and staff for their continued dedication to providing this vital service in such challenging times.
Over the course of the COVID-19 crisis, my Department has been working closely with the National Transport Authority (NTA) to ensure public transport services continue and to plan for the provision of enhanced public transport services in line with the Government Roadmap for Reopening Society and Business. In this context, the NTA is engaging directly with both PSO and commercial transport operators and will publish their proposals shortly. My Department is also engaging directly with PSO and commercial operators to help inform policy decisions in relation to the public transport sector as we progress through the various phases of the Roadmap. My Department is also engaged intensively across Government in relation to progressing relevant issues. In view of these necessary approaches and engagements to address what is already a complex and difficult set of issues, I have no plans, at this time, to establish an additional administrative structure.
Military Aircraft
Questions (801, 837)
Catherine Connolly
Question:801. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the number of US troops and the quantity of weapons and munitions that have passed through Shannon Airport in each month to date in 2020; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7618/20]
View answerCatherine Connolly
Question:837. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the number of US troops and the quantities of weapons and munitions that have passed through Shannon Airport in each month to date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8043/20]
View answerWritten answers
I propose to take Questions Nos. 801 and 837 together.
The carriage of munitions of war on board civil aircraft in Irish sovereign territory and on Irish registered civil aircraft, wherever they may be, is governed by the Air Navigation (Carriage of Munitions of War, Weapons and Dangerous Goods) Orders, 1973 and 1989.
My Department publishes statistics online regarding the number of such applications made and further details the numbers that are granted, refused and cancelled. These statistics are available at the following link:
https://www.gov.ie/en/publication/15da60-the-carriage-of-munitions-of-war-on-civil-aircraft/
My Department has no function with regard to the transit of foreign military personnel through Irish sovereign territory or Irish airports.
Shannon Airport Authority has informed my Department that they collate such information at the end of each month, and that the number of US military personnel that transited through Shannon Airport from January 2020 to the end of April 2020 were:
|
Months in 2020 |
Number of US military personnel that transited Shannon Airport |
|
January |
6,617 |
|
February |
6,069 |
|
March |
9,290 |
|
April |
4,149 |
Driver Safety
Questions (802)
Richard Boyd Barrett
Question:802. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if essential and front-line workers that are learner drivers will be allowed to drive on their own without a qualified driver (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7637/20]
View answerWritten answers
It 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 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, still less in the case of frontline workers, the protection of whose lives and health is critical for them, their families and indeed all of us. I would like to take this opportunity to express my thanks for their work on all our behalf. I am not prepared, therefore, to put their safety at risk on our roads by taking steps which would do so for the sake of short-term expediency.
I would note that an unaccompanied learner driver who is stopped by an Garda Síochána 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. Their views on the possible need and scope to prioritise essential workers will also be considered.
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.
The RSA has always reserved a number of driving test appointments for those who need one urgently, and this arrangement will continue following the reopening of the driving test service.
Driver Test Waiting Lists
Questions (803)
Niamh Smyth
Question:803. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the number of persons on waiting lists for driver tests in counties Cavan, Monaghan and Meath and nationwide to date; the length of time they have been waiting in tabular form; the stage they are at in the application process; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7661/20]
View answerWritten answers
This is a matter for the Road Safety Authority. I have referred the question to the Authority for direct reply. I would ask the Deputy to contact my office if a response is not received within 10 days.
A referred reply was forwarded to the Deputy under Standing Order 51
Covid-19 Pandemic
Questions (804)
Seán Sherlock
Question:804. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the phase driving lessons fall under in the Roadmap for Reopening Society and Business. [7662/20]
View answerWritten answers
As a private company, a driving school must ensure that they can comply with the necessary public health requirements before they can reopen their businesses. The National Return to Work Safely Protocol was developed by NPHET in consultation with national experts to assist in this regard..
However, I expect a driving school to encounter the same difficulties as the RSA in terms of complying with the requirements of this Protocol. To put this in perspective, 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.
I understand that any company which reopens is subject to inspection by Health and Safety Authority, and may face serious sanctions, including closure, if found to be not in compliance with Protocol requirements.
Covid-19 Pandemic Supports
Questions (805)
Frank Feighan
Question:805. Deputy Frankie Feighan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his plans to assist GAA clubs financially due to the loss of income caused by Covid-19; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7668/20]
View answerWritten answers
The 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 national sporting organisations such as the GAA and their clubs 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 and the GAA has participated in every meeting of the group thus far. 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 such as the GAA. 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.
Driver Test
Questions (806)
Thomas Gould
Question:806. Deputy Thomas Gould asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the measures he plans to implement to clear the backlog of driver test applications when Covid-19 restrictions are fully lifted; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7680/20]
View answerWritten answers
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, the RSA will be guided by NPHET and national experts.
Driver Test
Questions (807)
Aindrias Moynihan
Question:807. Deputy Aindrias Moynihan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his plans to advance driver tests for trained drivers who have completed their driving instruction criteria for testing; his views on matters raised by a person (details supplied) in correspondence; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7684/20]
View answerWritten answers
It 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 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 Síochána 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.
Tourism Industry
Questions (808)
Joe O'Brien
Question:808. Deputy Joe O'Brien asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the membership of the tourism task force; the remit of the taskforce; the frequency with which it has met; the frequency with which it plans to meet; if it plans to make recommendations; and if so, when it plans to make such recommendations. [7686/20]
View answerWritten answers
Minister Griffin 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 for the period 2020-2023. The Taskforce may consult with stakeholders to inform its deliberations and is expected to report back later this year.
The Taskforce is due hold its first meeting this week. How the Taskforce administers its business will be a matter for the Chair. The membership of the Taskforce is available on my Department’s website.
National Car Test
Questions (809)
Martin Kenny
Question:809. Deputy Martin Kenny asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport when NCT and CVRT testing will resume; if the NCT or CVRT certificate will be backdated to the date they were due to be tested; if not, if certificates will be issued with the date on which they were actually tested; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7687/20]
View answerWritten answers
The 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.
A 3-month and 4-month extension has been given to CVRT and NCT roadworthiness certificates respectively. Once these vehicles are presented for testing and pass a roadworthiness inspection, they will receive a new roadworthiness certificate which are generally valid for a period of 1 or 2 years depending on the age and type of vehicle.
I am pleased to tell you that Commercial Vehicle Roadworthiness (CVR) testing resumed on 18 May 2020, initially only for those vehicles with a test due date prior to 28 March 2020 (i.e. for vehicles that did not benefit from the three-month extension to certificates of roadworthiness). CVR testing is expected to resume fully over the coming weeks for those vehicles with a test due date on or after 28 March 2020.
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. Based on the work carried out to date, it is likely that a phased resumption will take place in line with the phases detailed in the roadmap.
Driver Licences
Questions (810)
Pádraig O'Sullivan
Question:810. Deputy Pádraig O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the status of expiring learner permits which may lapse while driver tests are unable to be taken due to Covid-19 public health measures; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7709/20]
View answerWritten answers
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.
Whether the period will need to be extended further will be kept under review in light of anticipated timelines by the RSA to resume driver testing and the National Driver Licensing Services.
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.
Question No. 811 answered with Question No. 756.
Driver Test
Questions (812)
Noel Grealish
Question:812. Deputy Noel Grealish asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport when he plans to resume driver tests particularly for those persons that urgently require a test in order take-up employment and require a full licence or a bus or truck licence; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7720/20]
View answerWritten answers
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.
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.
However, it may be possible in the current circumstances to carry out driving tests safely in trucks, buses or ambulances, and the RSA examines if it can be done on a case-by-case basis when requested.
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 RSA has always reserved a number of driving test appointments for those who need a full driving licence urgently, and will continue to do so when the driver testing service is back up and running.
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.
Driver Test Centres
Questions (813)
Noel Grealish
Question:813. Deputy Noel Grealish asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if there are parking facilities provided at the RSA testing centre at Carnmore, Oranmore, County Galway; if so, the number of vehicle parking places dedicated; if not, if parking facilities will be provided; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7721/20]
View answerWritten answers
This is a matter for the Road Safety Authority. I have referred the question to the Authority for direct reply. I would ask the Deputy to contact my office if a response is not received within 10 days.
Shannon Airport Facilities
Questions (814)
Noel Grealish
Question:814. Deputy Noel Grealish asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the steps he will take to ensure that Shannon Airport is not downgraded and that when regular scheduled flights resume, a company (details supplied) continues to operate services from the airport to ensure that a service is provided on the western seaboard; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7722/20]
View answerWritten answers
I would like to thank the Deputy for his question in relation to Shannon Airport.
As we are all aware Covid-19 has had a profound and unparalleled impact on the aviation industry. In Europe, aviation movements have plummeted by about 90% while passenger traffic is 99% below comparable periods last year. Like other Irish Airports, Shannon Airport has been severely impacted by Covid-19.
The Deputy will be aware that in response to Covid-19, the Government has put in place a broad range of supports to help mitigate the effects of the crisis on our citizens and businesses. One such support is the COVID-19 Temporary Wage Subsidy Scheme. This Scheme allows employers to continue to pay their employees during the COVID-19 emergency. It aims, as we know, to keep employees registered with their employers, so that they will be able to get back to work quickly after the pandemic. Shannon Group is availing of this Scheme. Details of the full suite of Covid-19 Government funding and supports have been notified to Shannon Group for consideration.
In relation to Aer Lingus or indeed any other airline operating services from Shannon, the position is that there are currently no flight restrictions in place in Ireland and the operation of any route from Shannon, is a commercial decision for airlines, in consultation with the airport and other stakeholders. Aer Lingus has advised my Department that it will keep its schedule under review having regard to the changing circumstances.
Covid-19 Pandemic Supports
Questions (815)
Joe O'Brien
Question:815. Deputy Joe O'Brien asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will establish a resilience fund and associated task force to aid in protection and development of sports organisations that were financially impacted by the Covid-19 pandemic. [7753/20]
View answerWritten answers
The 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 national sporting organisations 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. 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. An Expert Group on Return to Sport has also been established, which will provide guidance to the sporting bodies so that they can prepare for the phased return to sporting activity in line with the Government Roadmap for Reopening Business and Society.
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. It is considered that these arrangements and plans will serve to protect and develop Irish sport for the future.