Written Answers Nos. 548-567
548. Deputy Pádraig Mac Lochlainn asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the efforts being made to facilitate the return to work of driving instructors; the timeframe for same; and if he will work with his counterpart in the Northern Ireland Executive to ensure the return to work for the sector is at the same time across the island of Ireland in order to not disenfranchise driving instructors based in Border counties. [9791/20]
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 Deputy will be aware that driving tests in Northern Ireland operates under UK law. As such, it differs from that in this jurisdiction, and as a consequence so does driving instruction. Approved Driving Instructors are only registered by the Road Safety Authority in respect of Ireland. To that extent, driving instructors would not normally work in both jurisdictions.
The Deputy will also be aware that the Northern Ireland Executive published last month its own Approach to Decision-Making with its own five steps, which may apply at different times across different sectors. I understand that it states that decisions on the future approach to the restrictions are for the Executive to take based on the best analysis of the situation there and internationally. It is anticipated that the approach to be taken as the restrictions are relaxed will continue to be based on common principles across these islands, although there may be times when there are nuanced differences of approach as a result of the circumstances in differing jurisdictions or of the timing of decision-making.
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.
549. Deputy Pádraig Mac Lochlainn asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the timeframe for the recommencement of the driver test system nationwide. [9792/20]
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 Safety 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 4 of the Government's roadmap.
The RSA has always reserved a number of appointments for those needing a driving test urgently, and will continue to do so following the resumption of the testing service.
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.
550. Deputy Seán Haughey asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if a policy will be supported to provide more space on roads and footpaths for pedestrians and cyclists in the suburbs of Dublin during the Covid-19 pandemic and in the longer term; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9795/20]
View answerI can advise the Deputy that the National Transport Authority (NTA) is engaging with local authorities to support them in the development of Covid-19 Mobility plans and importantly to also support the local authorities in their delivery of required infrastructure improvements. As we move through the phases of Government's "Roadmap to Reopening Society and Business", improvements introduced under these plans will play an important role in providing additional transport capacity and also facilitating social distancing in urban areas.
I can confirm that the NTA has written to all 31 local authorities to offer its financial and technical support and this support will be funded through my Department's sustainable mobility investment programme.
The NTA envisages a range of measures may be required in our cities and towns, 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 to aid pedestrian movement and to minimise contact with signal push buttons;
- Providing additional temporary facilities for cyclists; and
- Provision of some external space where appropriate to support business activities.
The Deputy will be aware that some local authorities have already put in place improvements to facilitate increased active travel and I expect these improvements will continue in the coming weeks and months.
In relation to the longer term, my Department is currently undertaking a review of sustainable mobility policy and a public consultation process concluded at the end of February. "Sustainable mobility" refers to both active travel (walking and cycling) and public transport. The longer term impacts of COVID-19 on sustainable mobility policy will be considered within that policy review framework.
551. Deputy Duncan Smith asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the number of persons awaiting theory test appointments in each administrative area; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9811/20]
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.
552. Deputy Duncan Smith asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the policy for the restarting of driver theory tests and driver tests. [9812/20]
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 Safety Protocol as agreed by employer and trade union representatives.
I am pleased to confirm the resumption of driver theory tests since Monday 8 June in line with Phase 2 the Government Roadmap for the easing of Covid 19 restrictions. Further information is availalbe at www.dtt.ie and on the RSA website www.rsa.ie
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.
The RSA has always reserved a number of appointments for those needing a driving test urgently, and will continue to do so following the resumption of the testing service.
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.
553. Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport when persons will be able to apply again to the NDLS for a learner permit; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9826/20]
View answerThe RSA has been 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.
I am pleased to confirm the phased re-opening of the NDLS service from Monday 8 June in line with Phase 2 of the Government Roadmap for the easing Covid 19 restrictions. Further information is available on the relevant websites www.ndls.ie and www.rsa.ie
554. Deputy Anne Rabbitte asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the measures his Department and agencies under his remit are taking to minimise the impact of Brexit on the transportation of medicines here; the engagement he and or his officials have had on the matter with the European Union; the details of discussions he is having on the matter with ministerial colleagues in the UK Government; the measures he plans to put in place to help protect the transportation and logistics elements of the medicines and pharmaceutical export sector in the event of Brexit; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9828/20]
View answerOn the specific issue of the transportation of medicines, this is primarily a matter for my colleague, the Minister for Health. The Department of Health, the HSE and the HPRA have been working closely on mitigating risks to the supply of medicines and medical devices in various scenarios including Brexit and Covid-19. In that regard, I was happy to assist by meeting all the shipping companies in October 2019 and putting in place with them an arrangement that the transportation of key time-sensitive medicines and medical items as required by the HSE in a Brexit context would be prioritised by them. I had this arrangement extended by my Department in consultation with the shipping companies to cover the Covid-19 situation in March 2020.
Regardless of the outcome of the current EU –UK negotiations, the end of the UK’s transition period, currently due on 31 December 2020, will see the UK no longer applying the rules of the EU’s Single Market and Customs Union. This will bring substantial challenges for supply chains and trade flows and will require checks and controls in both directions on EU-UK trade. These additional requirements are expected to have an impact on the UK landbridge which is a strategically important route to market for many sectors including for medicines and medical supplies.
In relation to the UK landbridge, my Department and the Irish Maritime Development Office (IMDO) have had ongoing liaisons with the ferry companies in planning for the implications of Brexit last year and earlier this year. The ferry companies were confident that they could respond to increased capacity demands on direct services to continental EU ports should the demand arise. This was of considerable assurance to my Department at that time.
COVID 19 has delivered an unprecedented shock to the whole of the Irish economy and to the shipping sector with a significant decline in passenger numbers travelling by sea. Freight has also been affected with substantial declines on some routes. My Department has been working through various channels to assist ports and shipping companies to keep the supply chains operating during this crisis. In particular, the Department has prioritised the issues of maritime connectivity at all stages to assist shipping with a range of practical supports. I am confident that these measures will support these vital transportation services during COVID 19 leaving the industry well placed to provide sufficient freight and passenger capacity, including for the medicines and pharmaceutical export sector, when the UK's transitional period ends.
555. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if correspondence from a person (details supplied) in relation to the bus and coach sector here will receive a response; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9857/20]
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.
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.
Officials in my Department continue to engage with the Coach Tourism & Transport Council of Ireland on a regular basis. Furthermore, a reply has issued directly to the Coach Tourism & Transport Council of Ireland in respect of the correspondence referred to by the Deputy.
556. Deputy Claire Kerrane asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his plans for the reopening of national car test centres; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9880/20]
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.
I am pleased to confirm the phased re-opening of National Car Testing (NCT) centres from Monday 8 June in line with Phase 2 of the Government Roadmap for easing Covid 19 restrictions and the National Return to Work Safely Protocol published by Government, as agreed by employers and workers.
Initially, centres will open on a limited basis and testing will be by appointment only. Further information is available on the relevant websites www.rsa.ie and www.ncts.ie.
557. Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the mechanism that exists to ensure that in circumstances in which the Marine Casualty Investigation Board makes a recommendation, they are implemented by either him or his Department as appropriate; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9887/20]
View answer558. Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if, in circumstances in which the safety recommendations of a Marine Casualty Investigation Board report suggest remedial action to be taken by a private party, the mechanisms which exist to ensure that same are implemented; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9888/20]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 557 and 558 together.
Maritime Safety is a key priority for the Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport (DTTAS).
The Marine Casualty Investigation Board (MCIB) was established on 5 June 2002 under section 7(1) of the Merchant Shipping (Investigation of Marine Casualties) Act, 2000 (the “Act”). It is an independent statutory body, funded through the Vote of the DTTAS.
The function of the MCIB, per section 7 of the Act, is to carry out investigations and publish reports into marine casualties that take place in connection with the operation of a vessel in Irish waters or involve Irish registered vessels anywhere in the world.
The purpose of the MCIB’s investigations is to establish the cause or causes of a marine casualty with a view to making recommendations for the avoidance of similar marine casualties. It is not the purpose of an investigation to attribute blame or fault, per Section 25(2) of the Act.
All investigations of casualties are carried out by the MCIB’s panel of external investigators. The panel consists of personnel holding technical qualifications as naval architects, marine engineers or deck officers. The panel reflects broad based maritime competence and experience which are of relevance in undertaking independent investigations.
Safety investigations are conducted with the sole objective of preventing marine incidents in the future and they are not designed to determine liability or to apportion blame. Where appropriate the MCIB suggests safety recommendations (i.e. proposals for remedial actions to prevent future marine casualties and incidents). These recommendations may be directed to my Department or to any other parties that might be best placed to implement such measures (e.g. a Port or Harbour Authority, a vessel owner or ship management company, etc.).
Some safety recommendations lend themselves to early implementation upon consultation with the Marine Survey Office, which is based in my Department and has primary responsibility for the regulation and enforcement of the maritime safety sector, including ship and port security. For example, my Department may issue Marine Notices in order to bring particular safety information or advice to the attention of the maritime sector and the wider sea-going public. In other cases, recommendations are complex and require detailed assessment, consultation with interested parties and, in some instances, the introduction of new or amending legislation.
Other safety recommendations may also suggest amendments to DTTAS safety publications, such as the Code of Practice for Fishing Vessels less than 15 metres in length overall, the Code of Practice for the Safe Operation of Recreational Craft or implementation of an action under the Maritime Safety Strategy. Such recommendations are recorded in my Department and the amendments are taken under consideration by officials for inclusion during the next revision of the documents.
Additionally, my Department maintains a database of MCIB Reports, the safety recommendations contained in those reports and any follow up required.
Finally, where the MCIB makes a safety recommendation to a private party, it is a matter for that entity to review the recommendation(s) and take the necessary follow up actions.
559. Deputy Mick Barry asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport when he expects restrictions on airlines providing services for passengers that are to commence regular non-essential work here will be lifted; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9895/20]
View answer570. Deputy Roderic O'Gorman asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the assessment he has made of the European Union Aviation Safety Agency and the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control guidelines on flight safety during the Covid-19 outbreak; the applicability of same in assessing the appropriateness of generalised quarantine measures; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10006/20]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 559 and 570 together.
The Department of Health, as the lead Government Department in relation to Ireland’s response to the COVID 19 pandemic, established the National Public Health Emergency Team (NPHET) on 27 January 2020, chaired by the Chief Medical Officer. The NPHET oversees and provides national direction on the development and implementation of the strategy to contain COVID-19 in Ireland and the measures to protect public health. The Department of Health is responsible for the development of the policy proposal concerning possible restriction measures, following the recently implemented passenger location card requirement for the voluntary self-isolation of incoming travellers to Ireland.
At present, airports are following public health measures as advised, such as, social distancing, disinfection procedures, passenger announcements and airport notices on hand hygiene and respiratory etiquette. Guidance has also been provided concerning alternative measures for aviation security screening of passengers which ensure that both health safety and aviation security standards are maintained during this time.
On 20 May the European Union Aviation Safety Agency and European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control jointly published guidance on measures to assure the health safety of air travellers and aviation personnel once airlines resume regular flight schedules. My Department, through the National Facilitation Committee is coordinating the implementation of these measures by industry, aimed at promoting health safety and virus control throughout the aviation journey, with due regard to the maintenance of aviation safety and security standards. I expect that a National Code of Practice in this regard will be finalised in the coming weeks.
The European guidance for safe passenger management in air transport represents merely one element within a broader EU proposal for a common approach to future lifting of border restrictions published by the European Commission on the 13 May 2020, which is subject to the epidemiological circumstances and the response of the Public Health Authorities in each individual Member State.
560. Deputy Pauline Tully asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the budgeted spend in each of the next three years to make public transport wheelchair accessible including vehicles, stations and so on. [9897/20]
View answerAs Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport.
Under the Dublin Transport Authority Act 2008, the National Transport Authority (NTA) has statutory responsibility for promoting the development of an integrated, accessible public transport network.
Accessibility features, such as wheelchair access and audio/visual aids, are built into all new public transport infrastructure from the design stage. Newer systems such as Luas are fully accessible.
However, there are legacy issues in relation to older infrastructure and facilities, for example our Victorian era railway stations. To address these infrastructural legacy issues, my Department funds the Accessibility Retro-fit Programme which is managed by the NTA. The four year capital envelope for public transport announced in Budget 2018 includes a multi-annual allocation of almost €28m for the Accessibility Retro-fit Programme for the period 2018 to 2021. The allocations for 2020 and 2021 are €7 million and €9.8 million respectively. The €28 million in funding is a trebling of the previous allocation for accessibility under the Capital Plan.
This funding facilitates the continued roll-out of the programmes to progressively make public transport accessible, including the installation of accessible bus stops, the upgrading of train stations to make them accessible to wheelchair users and the provision of grant support for the introduction of more wheelchair accessible vehicles (WAVs) into the taxi fleet.
I would also like to advise the Deputy that the National Development Plan (NDP) 2018-2027, sets out the national vision and ambition for the delivery of key infrastructure over the lifetime of the Plan, including in relation to public transport infrastructure. Investment in public transport will be accelerated under the NDP to support the development of an integrated and sustainable national public transport system. A number of key new major public transport programmes are due to be delivered under the NDP over the period to 2027.
As I explained above, these programmes, as with all new and recently developed public transport projects, will be fully accessible as part of the normal design. There will also be a continued investment programme under the NDP to fund the retro-fitting of older public transport facilities to enhance accessibility.
561. Deputy Seán Haughey asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if national car test centres will open again on 12 June 2020; the position regarding vehicles requiring a taxi vehicle licence test in the subsequent days after 12 June 2020; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9918/20]
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.
I am pleased to confirm a phased re-opening of NCT centres commencing on Monday 8 June in line with Phase 2 of the Government roadmap for easing Covid 19 restrictions. Initially, testing will be by appointment only. Further information is available at www.ncts.ie and www.rsa.ie
The operation of the National Car Test (NCT) service is the statutory responsibility of the Road Safety Authority. I have therefore referred the question regarding small public service vehicle testing to the Authority for direct reply.
I would ask the Deputy to contact my office if a response has not been received within ten days.
562. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if a sports capital grant will be reviewed and released (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9935/20]
View answerThe Sports Capital Programme (SCP) is the primary vehicle for Government support for the development of sports and physical recreation facilities and the purchase of non-personal sports equipment throughout the country.
The organisation referred to by the Deputy applied for a grant under the 2017 round of the SCP but the application was deemed invalid. Along with other invalid 2017 applicants, the organisation was given a chance to submit corrected documentation under the 2018 round of the SCP. On foot of this corrected application, a provisional allocation was made to the organisation in January 2019 and formal approval issued on 26 May, 2020.
It is a long standing condition of the SCP that grants cannot be provided for work that is either completed or partially completed prior to the issuing of a provisional allocation. This condition is highlighted at all stages of the process.
The organisation recently submitted documentation to receive the funding allocated but this material related to work undertaken prior to the date of provisional allocation. My Department has been in contact with the organisation to reiterate that payment cannot be made on foot of this as it would be contrary to the terms and conditions of the SCP.
While the grant allocation is still available to the organisation, it can only be used for work that accords with the terms and conditions of the SCP and was undertaken after the date of provisional allocation. My Department is happy to engage with the organisation to agree a possible “change of purpose” to the original grant and it is recommended that the organisation contacts the Sports Capital Programme Division in this regard.
563. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his views on the activities that have been underway at Shannon Airport during the course of the lockdown; the airlines that have been using the facility during the lockdown; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9958/20]
View answerI would like to thank the Deputy for her question in relation to Shannon Airport. I am aware that Covid-19 has led to significant challenges for Shannon Airport which has been severely impacted by the imposition of travel restrictions and the cancellation of flights. Despite these challenges the airport remains open with restricted hours to facilitate cargo operations, essential passenger travel, emergency flights, reparations and diversions. I understand that the Irish Coast Guard Search and Rescue helicopter based in Shannon Airport is unaffected by the restricted hours. Indeed I would like to acknowledge and thank the Airport for its commitment to keeping the airport open and for keeping passengers and staff safe during this difficult time.
However, in relation to what airlines are using the Airport, this is an operational matter for Shannon Airport Authority which has statutory responsibility for the management, operation and development of Shannon Airport . In these circumstances I have forwarded your question to Shannon Airport Authority for direct reply. If the Deputy does not receive a reply from the Company within ten working days, please advise my Private Office.
564. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the number of persons awaiting the national car test since the closure of centres; the location of those waiting by county in tabular form; and his plans for the resumption of the national car test. [9964/20]
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.
I am pleased to confirm the phased re-opening on NCT centres from Monday 8 June in line with Phase 2 of the of the Government roadmap for easing Covid 19 restrictions and the national return to work safety protocol. Further information is available at www.ncts.ie and www.rsa.ie
The operation of the National Car Test service is the statutory responsibility of the Road Safety Authority, I have therefore referred the question regarding individual test statistics to the Authority for direct reply.
I would ask the Deputy to contact my office if a response has not been received within ten days.
565. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will open temporary national car test and driver test centres to deal with waiting lists in relation to both matters; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9967/20]
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.
I am pleased to confirm the phased re-opening of the National Car Test centres from Monday 8 June, in line with Phase 2 of the Government roadmap for the easing of Covid 19 restrictions and the national return to work safety protocol. Further information is available at www.ncts.ie and www.rsa.ie
A date for the resumption of driver testing services is currently being examined. However, the resumption of driver tests raises particular difficulties due to the need to have two people in close proximity in a confined space, for a considerable period of time. I anticipate for this reason that the driving test may be one of the last of the RSA services to resume, most likely in Phase 5 of the Government roadmap.
566. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the number of persons that availed of and the costs incurred by his Department regarding the cycle to work scheme since it was introduced to date by year and cost in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9991/20]
View answerThe Cycle To Work Scheme provides for purchase of a bicycle/associated safety accessories to be exempt from income tax, the benefit-in-kind arising from the provision of a bicycle/bicycle safety equipment by an employer to an employee or director, where the bicycle/associated safety equipment is used by the employee or director mainly for qualifying journeys (i.e. travelling to and from work or between work places).
The Scheme is administered by the National Shared Services Office (NSSO) in respect of employees in my Department. Employees can only make one claim every 5 years. The Department pays the upfront cost of the bicycle/associated safety accessories up to a maximum value of €1,000. Employees must source the bicycle/associated safety accessories from an approved supplier. The employee repays the value (up to €1,000) through a salary deduction over a maximum 12 month period. No costs arise to the Department from the Scheme as it is essentially a tax exemption scheme and the up-front cost is recouped through salary deductions.
The Department has requested a report from the NSSO on the number of employees who have availed of the Scheme and will provide the information to the Deputy when it is made available.
567. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the vacancies on the board of the Shannon Foynes Port Company; if these have been advertised to date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9994/20]
View answerThere is currently one vacancy on the Board of Shannon Foynes Port Company.
Officials from my Department are engaging with both Shannon Foynes Port Company and the Public Appointments Service in preparing the relevant information booklet necessary for advertising this vacancy. Once this is finalised the vacancy will be advertised by the the Public Appointments Service on www.stateboards.ie.
