Written Answers Nos. 954-978
954. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the timescale for the construction and completion of an essential road project (details supplied); the funding to be provided for this project in 2020; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9249/20]
View answerAs Minister for Transport, Tourism and 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.
955. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the supports he will introduce to support the bus and coach sector to help it through the difficult period forecast for the sector; if he will consider proposals (details supplied) from the sector; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9256/20]
View answerFirstly I would like to advise that officials in my Department have commenced engagement with the Coach Tourism & Transport Council of Ireland and will continue to do so on a regular basis.
Since the beginning of the Covid-19 health emergency, the Government has been clear that continued operation of the public transport sector is important and designated public transport as an “essential service” during the Covid-19 emergency, recognising the importance of keeping the system running especially for carrying essential workers and other passengers making necessary journeys throughout the crisis period.
The introduction of restrictions on public movement and the temporary closure of many workplaces, education centres and leisure and social activities across the country has led to an unprecedented fall in demand for public transport. Nonetheless, public transport has served, and will continue to serve, a vital role in transporting essential workers and in supporting Government’s Roadmap to Reopening Society and Business in the weeks and months ahead.
Public health advices on social distancing are relevant across the public transport sector, and operators are implementing measures to facilitate adequate social distancing measures on-board; this significantly reduces the carrying capacity of public transport services.
While the majority of public transport in Ireland is provided by the publicly-subvented bus and rail services funded through National Transport Authority's (NTA) public service obligation (PSO) programme, the public transport system also includes non-subvented bus services provided on a commercial basis by bus and coach businesses of varying size. I understand that about 90% of the commercial bus operators have suspended their services or are providing significantly reduced services at present.
From my Department's engagement with their representatives, and indeed from the NTA's regular engagement with them throughout the crisis, I understand the very difficult business environment that the commercial bus operators are now dealing with. Indeed, across Government we are acutely aware that the Covid-19 situation presents huge challenges for 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 am engaging with my colleague, the Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation about these matters and am raising with her the concerns and situation of the commercial operators.
957. Deputy Brian Stanley asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will address the matter of persons that passed their driver test in early March 2020 that cannot receive their licence due to office closures as a result of Covid-19 (details supplied). [9264/20]
View answerThe 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 Safely Protocol as agreed by employer and trade union representatives.
I appreciate that the inability to provide driver licensing services is among the many difficulties that we all are having to endure at this time.
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.
Motor insurance is readily available to those driving on a learner's permit.
958. Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport when he expects driver tests to resume; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9273/20]
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 a 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. If it is the case that the NDLS centres have not re-opened before the extension period expires, the possibility of a further extension will be examined.
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 Safely Protocol as agreed by employer and trade union representatives.
The resumption of driver testing 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 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.
959. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the number of driver tests carried out in March, April and May in each of the years 2017, 2018 and 2019, in tabular form. [9279/20]
View answerThis 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.
960. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the meetings that have taken place to discuss the future of the driver test system, that is, lessons and tests; his plans in this regard; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9280/20]
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 a 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. If it is the case that the NDLS centres have not re-opened before the extension period expires, the possibility of a further extension will be examined.
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 Safely Protocol as agreed by employer and trade union representatives.
The resumption of driver testing 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.
Driving lessons are provided privately and are not a State service. 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.
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 Covid-19 requirements.
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.
961. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he has considered postponing, deferring or altering the delivery method of CPC courses for lorry, coach and bus drivers in view of Covid-19 restrictions; his plans in this regard; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9281/20]
View answerThe Road Safety Authority (RSA) has made allowances for professional drivers with driver CPC cards that have expired, or that are due to expire, and who are prevented from completing training due to the current Covid 19 outbreak.
Drivers who hold a CPC card due to expire (or expired on or after the 26 March 2020) have been granted an extension of a maximum of six months up to the 26th September 2020. Drivers will be required to complete any outstanding periodic training in advance of the 26th of September 2020.
My department and the Road Safety Authority are currently working plans for the gradual resumption of the various statutory functions of the Authority, following on from last week's resumption of Commercial Vehicle Roadworthiness Testing, and I expect to make further announcements in coming weeks.
963. Deputy Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the status of the L2455 road upgrade: his plans to fund it; if the NTA has submitted each of its observations to Cork City Council; and if the NTA is awaiting further information from Cork City Council. [9323/20]
View answerThe improvement and maintenance of regional and local roads is the statutory responsibility of the relevant local authority in accordance with the provisions of Section 13 of the Roads Act 1993. Works on those roads are funded from the Council's own resources supplemented by State road grants. The initial selection and prioritisation of works to be funded is also a matter for the Council.
Before the post 2008 financial crisis, local authorities could apply on a regular basis for grants for Specific or Strategic Improvement Grants for the strengthening, widening or realignment of regional and local roads. However, the extent of the cutbacks in grant funding during the crisis meant these grant schemes had to be curtailed after 2013 because expenditure on maintenance and renewal was falling well short of what was required to adequately maintain the regional and local road network.
Project Ireland 2040 does provide for the gradual build up in funding for the road network but it will take some time yet to reach the level required for the adequate maintenance and renewal of the network. For this reason there is limited scope at present for funding projects under the Specific or Strategic Grant Programme.
Any projects proposed by local authorities for consideration under these Grant Programmes are assessed by the Department on a case-by-case basis. All projects put forward by local authorities for consideration must comply with the requirements of the Public Spending Code and my Department's Capital Appraisal Framework and it is important for local authorities to prioritise projects within their overall area of responsibility with these requirements in mind. No application in relation to the upgrade of the L2455 has been received for funding under the regional and local road grant programmes.
I understand that there has been interaction between both Cork Councils and the National Transport Authority regarding the design of a road improvement scheme for the L2455 and that the NTA has provided funding in the amount of €100,000 this year to Cork City Council to progress the design of the Lehenaghmore Project. The design team is currently considering alternative designs, requirements for land acquisitions, service diversions and related tasks. The Part 8 planning for the preferred layout is scheduled to progress to Part 8 Planning within the current calendar year with detailed design to follow thereafter, subject to planning and funding approval.
964. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the person or body that will enforce the new mandatory regulations for passengers arriving from overseas to complete a passenger location form, adhere to the regulations and be available for follow-up checks; the number of staff allocated to this task; and the level of grade of each. [9346/20]
View answerThe Regulations to which the Deputy refers, SI 181 of 2020, were brought into law by the Minister for Health in accordance with the powers conferred on him by sections 5 and 31A (inserted by section 10 of the Health (Preservation and Protection and Other Emergency Measures in the Public Interest) Act 2020) of the Health Act 1947. It is my understanding that the Department of Health is the lead Department on these Regulations supported by the Department of Justice and Equality and the HSE.
I understand the information you have sought on enforcement data is available from the Department of Justice and Equality, and I have asked my colleague, the Minister for Justice and Equality to send this data on to you.
965. Deputy Cathal Crowe asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will give consideration to establishing a task force to examine the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on the aviation sector and its spin-off industries; if he will consider examining the impact on Shannon Airport and its hinterlands; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9350/20]
View answerMy Department has maintained regular contact with the range of aviation stakeholders, including the Shannon Airport Authority, on a wide range of topics since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic crisis.
The National Civil Aviation Development Forum (NCADF) which includes representatives of the two main Irish airlines, Shannon airport, daa, regional airports, the State aviation agencies and the wider aviation value chain, is providing valuable industry input into the Department’s response to the crisis.
I am also considering options for deeper engagement and dialogue with the aviation industry with a view to assisting the recovery of the sector.
I fully appreciate and acknowledge the important role of Shannon Airport to the economy of the Midwest region and indeed nationally. The importance of Shannon Airport is acknowledged in the National Aviation Policy (NAP). The NAP recognises the strategic importance of Shannon for connectivity for the mid-West region and as a gateway to the Wild Atlantic Way.
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.
My Department continues to work closely with Shannon Group to ensure that the Company, including Shannon Airport, will be well positioned operationally to contribute to the post pandemic recovery when it commences.
966. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the steps he is taking to support the staff and owners of limousine SPSV tour operating businesses during the recovery from Covid-19. [9357/20]
View answerI understand the very difficult business environment that small public service vehicle (SPSV) operators, including operators of limousine SPSV tour businesses, 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.
I am aware that the limousine business is particularly reliant on the tourism and hospitality sector. Since late February officials from my Department have engaged with industry with a view to understanding the challenges facing the sector. In addition, with my colleague, Minister of State Griffin, I have established the COVID-19 Tourism Monitoring Group. This group comprises industry stakeholders, the tourism agencies and Departmental officials and has been specifically established to monitor the disruption to the tourism sector and to assist in formulating the sector’s response to the crisis.
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. The NTA has also put in place arrangements to facilitate the swift re-activation of the suspended licence when such an SPSV operator wishes to return to work.
967. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the steps he is taking to support the bus and coach companies in adapting their vehicles to cater for social distancing. [9358/20]
View answerSince the beginning of the Covid-19 health emergency, the Government has been clear that continued operation of the public transport sector is important and designated public transport as an “essential service” during the Covid-19 emergency, recognising the importance of keeping the system running especially for carrying essential workers and other passengers making necessary journeys throughout the crisis period.
Public transport has served, and will continue to serve, a vital role in transporting essential workers and in supporting Government’s Roadmap to Reopening Society and Business in the weeks and months ahead.
Public health advices on social distancing are relevant across the public transport sector, and operators are implementing measures to facilitate adequate social distancing measures onboard; this significantly reduces the carrying capacity of public transport services.
While the majority of public transport in Ireland is provided by the publicly-subvented bus and rail services funded through National Transport Authority's (NTA) public service obligation (PSO) programme, the public transport system also includes non-subvented bus services provided on a commercial basis by bus and coach businesses of varying size. I understand that about 90% of the commercial bus operators have suspended their services or are providing significantly reduced services at present.
From my Department's engagement with their representatives, and indeed from the NTA's regular engagement with them throughout the crisis, I understand the very difficult business environment that the commercial bus operators are now dealing with. Indeed, across Government we are acutely aware that the Covid-19 situation presents huge challenges for 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 am engaging with my colleague, the Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation about these matters and am raising with her the concerns and situation of the commercial operators. The 'Return to Work Safely Protocol' was published by the Minister Humphreys on 9 May 2020 and sets out the steps and processes employers and workers must take to mitigate the spread of Covid-19 in the workplace. The Protocol is a living document which will evolve with changing Public Health advice.
968. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his views on establishing a public transport recovery taskforce including all key organisations involved in public transport to restart the industry with social distancing measures and advise on post-Covid-19 transport changes particularly in relation to infrastructure provision, active transport and the climate crisis. [9359/20]
View answerAs 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. In relation to active travel the NTA has offered financial and technical support to all local authorities in order to deliver improved walking and cycling infrastructure across the country. The NTA’s technical and financial support will be funded by my Department’s sustainable mobility investment programme and will support delivery of measures such as:
- widening of footpaths to facilitate queuing outside shops and enable social distancing
- potential pedestrianisation of some streets where necessary and feasible to accommodate social distancing, particularly where this supports business activities
- potential one-way systems to create space for footpath widening
- altering traffic signal times to reduce pedestrian waiting/crowding plus the automatic activation of some pedestrian phases in order to aid pedestrian movement and to minimise contact with signal push buttons
- providing additional temporary facilities for cyclists
- provision of some external space where appropriate to support business activities
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.
969. Deputy Johnny Guirke asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will consider a waiver on toll road charges on the M3 until the end of 2020 as a support to businesses in the north midlands reliant on road transport for recovery of their trading position and also as a relief to the many employees that will be using this route to commute to their employment in Dublin; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9420/20]
View answerAs Minister for Transport, Tourism and 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. 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).
Regarding exempting motorists from paying motorway tolls until the end of 2020 there have been very few examples where this has been implemented in Europe to date. I am aware of toll free operations in the Mersey Tunnel, Liverpool and for a limited time period at the Ringsend Toll Bridge, Dublin. Providing toll exemptions are not widely employed due to the critical role toll revenues play in funding the construction, operation and maintenance of the national primary and secondary road network. Introducing a temporary toll free period on the M3 would require TII, and in turn the Exchequer, to reimburse the PPP concessionaire for loss of toll revenue. As such, I do not believe that a toll exemption on the M3 would be appropriate.
970. Deputy Jennifer Whitmore asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the way in which he plans to address the negative impact by Covid-19 on the bus and coach sector; if support will be provided until the tourism, transport and education sectors return to normal; if funding will be granted to help vehicles adapt to reduced capacity under social distancing rules; if he will consider granting representation to an organisation (details supplied) on the Tourism Recovery Taskforce to ensure the voice of the transport aspect of tourism is heard; his plans to initiate a new public transport recovery task force; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9448/20]
View answerI understand the very difficult business environment that the bus and coach sector 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, pandemic unemployment payment, rates waivers, re-start grants, lending facilities, equity injection, and business advisory supports for example.
While the majority of public transport in Ireland is provided by the publicly-subvented bus and rail services funded through National Transport Authority's (NTA) public service obligation (PSO) programme, the public transport system also includes non-subvented bus services provided on a commercial basis by bus and coach businesses of varying size. I understand that about 90% of the commercial bus operators have suspended their services or are providing significantly reduced services at present. 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 for Reopening Society and Business'.
I am engaging with my colleague, the Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation about these matters and am raising with her the concerns and situation of the commercial operators. The 'Return to Work Safely Protocol' was published by the Minister Humphreys on 9 May 2020 and sets out the steps and processes employers and workers must take to mitigate the spread of Covid-19 in the workplace. The Protocol is a living document which will evolve with changing Public Health advice.
In order to ensure that there is a dedicated response for the tourism sector, Minister of State 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 report back later this year. The membership of the Taskforce is available on my Department’s website.
There has been great interest from all parts of the sector in contributing to this effort, which is hugely encouraging. Unfortunately, not every part of the sector can be represented on the Taskforce. However, Minister of State Griffin and I are strongly of the view that all parties with ideas and proposals to help tourism should be able to contribute these and an appropriate consultation process will be something which the Taskforce will use to inform its final report. I hope that the Coach Tourism and Transport Council of Ireland (CTTC) will avail of this mechanism to get its ideas across. Furthermore, I am aware that officials in the public transport area of my Department are engaging directly with CTTC.
Lastly, my Department is engaged intensively across Government in relation to progressing relevant public transport 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.
971. Deputy Jennifer Whitmore asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the status of the N11 upgrade; if the consultation has been closed; if the upgrade is still under active consideration in view of Covid-19; if so, the timeline of the next stages; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9449/20]
View answerAs Minister for Transport, Tourism and 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, construction and upgrading 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.
973. Deputy Paul Donnelly asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport when NCT and SGS testing will recommence. [9471/20]
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 Government Roadmap for Reopening Society and Business and the National Return to Work Safely 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 by reference to guidance from the relevant health authorities.
I hope to make an announcement of this shortly.
975. Deputy Paul Donnelly asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the phase in which driving instructors can recommence their businesses under the Roadmap for Reopening Society and Business. [9473/20]
View answerDriving lessons are provided privately and are not a State service. 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.
Driver instruction is likely to resume in line with driver testing, however, and I expect a driving school to encounter the same difficulties as the Road Safety Authority (RSA) in terms of complying with the requirements of this Protocol. The resumption of both driver testing and driver instruction raise particular problems in terms of compliance with the Protocol and in particular social distancing rules, as both scenarios require the learner and either the tester or instructor to be within a two metre distance continuously for a period in excess of 20 minutes. 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 Covid-19 requirements.
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.
977. Deputy Paul Donnelly asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will consider including taxis in the Leap card payments system to allow for greater integration of the public transport system. [9475/20]
View answerThe regulation of the small public service vehicle (SPSV) industry, including the regulation of payments for SPSV services, is a matter for the National Transport Authority (NTA) under the provisions of the Taxi Regulation Act 2013.
Accordingly, 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.
978. Deputy Sorca Clarke asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the supports that will be put in place to ensure the continued existence of the sporting groups in Columb Barracks, Mullingar, County Westmeath should the ownership of the site be transferred for development. [9537/20]
View answerUnder the Sports Capital Programme (SCP) my Department provides funding at local, regional and national level to sporting clubs and organisations, voluntary and community organisations, local authorities and, in certain circumstances, schools/colleges towards the provision of sporting facilities and the purchase of sporting equipment. The Department does not provide direct financial assistance towards the operational costs of sporting facilities.
The SCP has previously provided funding to a number of sports clubs based at Columb Barracks and it is a condition of the Programme that facilities funded remain in sporting use for a minimum of 15 years in the case of capital works and for a minimum of 5 years in the case of sports equipment funded under the programme. If any clubs based at the Barracks have concerns about their ability to comply with the terms and conditions of the SCP I would recommend that they contact my Department to discuss.
