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Tuesday, 23 Jun 2020

Written Answers Nos. 642-661

National Broadband Plan

Questions (642)

Charlie McConalogue

Question:

642. Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment if broadband will be provided to a home (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12174/20]

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Written answers

The specific premises referred to in the Question is located in the AMBER area on the NBP High Speed Broadband Map which is available on my Department's website at www.broadband.gov.ie. The AMBER area represents the area to be served by the network to be deployed under the NBP State led Intervention, the contract for which was signed in November last with National Broadband Ireland (NBI).

All counties will see premises passed in the first 2 years and over 90% of premises in the State will have access to high speed broadband within the next four years. Work has already begun and up to date information on deployment activities is now available on NBI’s website www.nbi.ie.

I understand that this premises is very close to premises that are passed by eir’s fibre network. eir’s rural deployment of high speed broadband is a commercial undertaking and, as such, decisions regarding the areas and premises served are made by eir. My Department has no role in the matter and has no statutory authority to intervene in decisions of commercial operators, as to where they build infrastructure and provide services.

Throughout rural Ireland, eir’s fibre deployment is primarily focussed on towns and villages and the premises on their outskirts. Where that network ends is where the National Broadband Plan in effect commences to ensure that nobody is left behind. I appreciate the frustration of the Deputy’s constituent when they are living so close to a fibre network but cannot get a connection to that network, particularly given the heightened importance of connectivity during the Covid-19 pandemic and the individual circumstances referred to. The NBP will ensure that in all such cases a future proofed high speed broadband network will be built to serve these premises and work to deliver on this commenced earlier this year. Up to date information on deployment activities is available on NBI’s website www.nbi.ie.

Radio Broadcasting

Questions (643)

Rose Conway-Walsh

Question:

643. Deputy Rose Conway-Walsh asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment when the funding applications for radio stations (details supplied) will be processed; when they will receive funding; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12297/20]

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Written answers

It is vital that the Irish public have a readily available, reliable source of information on COVID 19 and the measures being put in place to tackle the crisis, and the radio sector has played a valuable role in this regard.

At my request, the Broadcasting Authority of Ireland (BAI) agreed to waive levy payments for the independent radio sector in quarters 1 and 2 2020, which will save the sector €1m. This waiver covers all independent and community radio stations at national, regional and local level.

The BAI also agreed to my request that they put in place a Covid 19 funding round (Round 35) under the Sound and Vision Scheme of €2.5m for commercial radio stations. The BAI received a total of 32 applications from independent commercial radio stations across the country. The applications were evaluated according to the COVID-19 Fund assessment criteria, and all 32 applications are being allocated funding. The BAI expect that most of these awards will be paid by the end of June.

The BAI will operate a round specifically for community radio stations of €750,000 over the summer months (Round 36), with funding expected to be in place by early September. Later this year, a separate round 37 for the commercial and community television broadcasters and public service broadcasters, including RTÉ radio services will be launched. Details of this round will be announced by the BAI in due course.

Banking Sector

Questions (644)

Richard Boyd Barrett

Question:

644. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment if he will liaise with the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection to determine if An Post will supply point of payment banking cards for social welfare recipients who do not have bank cards and accounts to use point of payment services in shops that are currently not accepting cash or suggest an alternative for these customers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12318/20]

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Written answers

There is a contract in place between the Department of Employment Affairs and Social Protection and An Post relating to the cash pay-out of social protection payments over the counter at Post Offices. This is an operational matter directly between both parties and any issues relating to this would be a matter between them.

National Broadband Plan

Questions (645)

Matt Carthy

Question:

645. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the status of the national broadband plan for County Monaghan; the number of dwellings and businesses that will be facilitated by the scheme in 2020 and in each of the coming years; when each dwelling and business in the county will be provided with adequate broadband; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12408/20]

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Written answers

The High Speed Broadband Map, which is available at www.broadband.gov.ie, shows the areas in Monaghan which will be included in the National Broadband Plan (NBP) State led intervention as well as areas targeted by commercial operators. The map is colour coded and searchable by address and Eircode.

- Premises in the AMBER area will be provided with high speed broadband through the State led Intervention, the contract for which was signed in November last with National Broadband Ireland (NBI).

- The BLUE area represents those areas where commercial providers are either currently delivering or have plans to deliver high speed broadband services.

- The LIGHT BLUE area represents eir's commercial rural deployment plans to rollout high speed broadband to 300,000 premises, including in Monaghan, as part of a Commitment Agreement signed with my Department in April 2017.

County

AMBER

Premises within the NBP State Intervention Area

BLUE

Premises within Commercial Operator’s Area

LIGHT BLUE

Premises within eir's commercial rural deployment

MONAGHAN

46% (15,125)

54% (17,983)

<1% (76)

The NBP network will offer users a high speed broadband service with a minimum download speed of 150Mbps from the outset. By the end of next year, NBI plans to pass in the region of 115,000 premises, with 70,000 - 100,000 passed each year thereafter until rollout is completed. All counties will see premises passed in the first 2 years and over 90% of premises in the State will have access to high speed broadband within the next four years. My Department continues to engage with NBI to explore the feasibility of accelerating aspects of this rollout.

Further information on deployment activities associated with the rollout can be found on the NBI website www.nbi.ie.

To support remote working and connected communities, approximately 300 Broadband Connections Points (BCPs) were identified by Local Authorities to be connected to high speed broadband this year. This will assist communities to quickly get free public access to high speed broadband in advance of the main NBP deployment. The BCP delivery project is well underway and surveying of the BCP locations is progressing which will facilitate detailed design and installation. BCP locations are subject to change and a number of the premises initially identified are in the process of being replaced with alternative locations. The remaining BCPs remain on track for delivery by the end of 2020.

There are 11 BCPs planned at present for Co. Monaghan. Proposed BCP locations including schools, library hubs, local sports facilities and other public places are available to view on the High Speed Broadband Map (www.broadband.gov.ie). The BCPs in identified public places will leverage the high speed broadband connection through a range of measures and initiatives, for example providing free public Wi-Fi, some will also have hot-desks, and some will be digital hub business centres where digital training, business information events and other SME supports are organised.

Inland Fisheries

Questions (646)

Pat Buckley

Question:

646. Deputy Pat Buckley asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the status of the support his Department is providing for the restoration of the Fermoy weir. [12601/20]

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Written answers

Restoration works to Fermoy Weir are entirely the responsibility of Cork County Council as owners of the infrastructure. My Department and its agency Inland Fisheries Ireland (IFI) have no function in the issue of such works to Council owned property

. My Department and IFI have liaised positively and consistently with the Council in an advisory capacity on the ancillary matter of how works to be undertaken by the Council may comply with the EU Habitats Directive and other environmental requirements, as they relate to fisheries matters.

The Council have been advised throughout that my Department and IFI have a regulatory and advisory function in relation only to the ancillary matter of fish passage and that consideration and funding of the required substantive works is entirely a matter for the Council.

Engineers for the Department have also advised on and agreed the Council’s proposed solution to the secondary fish passage issue as an important component in assisting the Council to advance its consideration of the substantive works. The Department and IFI are happy to continue liaison with the Council in this regulatory/advisory capacity.

Covid-19 Pandemic Supports

Questions (647)

Brendan Smith

Question:

647. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the specific financial programmes that will be introduced to assist the tourism and hospitality sector through the present difficulties due to Covid-19 and the future challenges in rebuilding such businesses, taking into account the importance of the sector for employment and the economy in each region; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12470/20]

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Written answers

The Deputy will be aware from the reply to a previous similar PQ 11361/2020 of the financial supports currently available to tourism businesses.

As outlined in the response, Minister Ross and I have appointed a Tourism Recovery Taskforce. The Tourism Recovery Task Force continues to meet on a regular basis. The taskforce will identify priority aims, key enablers and market opportunities for this vital sector to our economy so that it can adapt and recover in a meaningful and sustainable way for the period 2020-2023.

Shannon Airport Facilities

Questions (648)

Catherine Connolly

Question:

648. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport further to Parliamentary Question No. 563 of 9 June 2020, the airlines that have used Shannon Airport during the Covid-19 lockdown as requested by the type of activity they were involved in. [12558/20]

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Written answers

I would like to thank the Deputy for her question in relation to Shannon Airport.

Shannon Airport Authority has statutory responsibility for the management, operation and development of Shannon Airport and the question raised is an operational matter for the company. I have therefore 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.

A referred reply was forwarded to the Deputy under Standing Order 51.

Bus Services

Questions (649)

Seán Crowe

Question:

649. Deputy Seán Crowe asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if his attention has been drawn to the confusion regarding instructions supposedly being given to drivers on public transport by management to allow family groupings to sit together on buses; if his attention has been further drawn to the difficulty this is causing drivers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12595/20]

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Written answers

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.

A number of measures have been introduced across the system, guided by public health advice, to ensure the continued operation of services during the pandemic, including enhanced cleaning regimes and social distancing measures across the network. My Department is engaging directly with the National Transport Authority (NTA) in relation to these measures and the NTA is coordinating the response of public transport operators.

Accordingly, I have forwarded the Deputy's question to the NTA for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a response within ten working days.

A referred reply was forwarded to the Deputy under Standing Order 51.

Consumer Rights

Questions (650, 651)

Seán Crowe

Question:

650. Deputy Seán Crowe asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if supports are available to persons that have booked airline fares with carriers and are still awaiting their entitled refunds; his views on whether this is acceptable behaviour from carriers; and if his Department has been in contact with the airlines involved regarding the issue. [12597/20]

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Seán Crowe

Question:

651. Deputy Seán Crowe asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if his attention has been drawn to the challenges facing persons trying to obtain cash returns from airlines; and the advice or supports being provided to such persons. [11660/20]

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Written answers

I propose to take Questions Nos. 650 and 651 together.

As things stand in law, air passenger rights are protected by Regulation (EC) No. 261/2004, which covers the rights of passenger in instances of cancellations and other scenarios, including long delays. However, if a flight goes ahead and a customer either cancels or does not use their ticket, they are not entitled to a refund under EU law. I understand, however, that the current practice of the two main Irish airlines serving the Irish market in instances where flights are not cancelled, and having regard to the Covid-19 travel restrictions, is to offer their customers the opportunity to rebook a flight for later in the year or to receive a voucher. In some instances, airlines are waiving charges on rebooking and offering additional incentives such as extra value on vouchers.

Clearly the existing consumer protections and legal obligations on airlines and the broader travel sector did not envisage the current circumstances of mass cancellations and stringent travel restrictions across the globe. That has, not surprisingly, put the entire system under immense pressure and it is causing real difficulties for people and businesses.

I am mindful that the options put forward by airlines may not be fair or workable for customers in all instances, and it is something that I have raised directly with the two main Irish airlines. I have asked that they take a fresh look at their current offerings to customers, that they bring more clarity to the messaging around entitlements and information on refund timeframes, and that they show discretion in favour of customers whose circumstances clearly make it unreasonable to expect them to travel, even if flights go. In looking to the future recovery, seeking ways to rebuild consumer confidence will be integral to initiating and indeed sustaining any future recovery for all parts of the aviation sector including the airlines.

Greenhouse Gas Emissions

Questions (652)

Steven Matthews

Question:

652. Deputy Steven Matthews asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if his Department has carried out research regarding the potential impact that a speed limit reduction may have on vehicle emissions; and if the findings of such research could be provided; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11661/20]

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Written answers

Reducing speed limits on motorways was identified as a possible longer term transport mitigation measure in the National Mitigation Plan in 2017 (Measure T24) because energy use increases at higher travelling speeds. During the drafting of the Plan, my Department officials estimated that the impact of reducing maximum speed limits on motorways from 120km/h to 110km/h for cars and vans and from 90km/h to 80km/h for heavy goods vehicles compared to current speed limits would result in a potential cumulative greenhouse gas emission reduction saving of 1,881 tkCO2 over the period 2017-2030. Further analysis carried out by my Department during the development of the Climate Action Plan 2019 suggested that under the same speed limit reductions approximately 1,700 tkCO2 of transport emissions could be abated between 2020 and 2030. Assuming annual transport emissions remained relatively stable over this time period (c. 12 MtCO2­­ per annum) it could be expected that reducing speed limits could yield a 1.4% annual reduction in transport emissions.

There are possible co-benefits to reducing driving speeds, in relation to road safety and air quality; however, negative economic impacts, reduced fuel tax revenue, and longer travel times are also noteworthy concerns. Furthermore, it is possible that a proportion of the motorway traffic would divert on to secondary networks as a result of a reduced speed limit with associated unintended consequences. Reviews to the design speed for existing infrastructure and speed enforcement procedures would be required in light of any proposal to lower speed limits. It should also be highlighted that National Strategic Outcome 2 (Enhanced Regional Accessibility) in the National Planning Framework commits to improving average journey times for connectivity reasons, targeting an average inter-urban speed of 90kph; a reduced motorway speed limit may be in conflict with this aim.

Moreover, actual fuel consumption benefits of lower speed limits for motorway drivers is dependent on a number of external factors such as vehicle types, driving patterns, the frequency of speeding, road load patterns and congestion levels. I am given to understand that carbon savings from lower speed can also vary markedly depending on engine characteristics, vehicle weight, distances travelled and supplementary equipment such as rear mounted storage racks or even taxi signs. In addition, the vehicles we drive and the fuels that power them are steadily becoming less carbon intensive; new vehicles must comply with increasingly more stringent standards and the penetration of renewable biofuels as a share of road transport energy has increased significantly over recent years. In 2018, it is estimated that biofuel use saved over 500 tkCO2, over 4% of transport emissions. Such developments will erode emissions reduction benefits of reducing speed limits.

As we contemplate the extent of the climate challenge which we now face, it is imperative that we continue to consider all measures which may deliver emissions savings. The Climate Action Plan is to be reviewed annually, and I expect that my Department will examine once again the issue of decreasing speed limits as a potential emission-saving measure at this time.

Driver Test

Questions (653)

Réada Cronin

Question:

653. Deputy Réada Cronin asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport when driver test centres will reopen; if he will make mask wearing mandatory with a view to tests being made available to persons who do not have availability of public transport to get to essential work; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11669/20]

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Written answers

Due to the closure of services provided by the Road Safety Authority (RSA) as a result of the Covid-19 outbreak, Regulations to extend the validity of number of documents, including the learner permit, were put in place. 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 resumption of car 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.

It is envisaged that, in line with Phase 3 of the Government Roadmap, driver testing for trucks, buses and motorcycles will resume on a phased basis from 29 June, with testing for cars, vans and minibus following. Final dates for service resumption are dependent on continued positive progression of the country against the overall Government roadmap.

The RSA and my Department are finalising the necessary protocols, with the advice of health authorities and experts and in consultation with employee representatives, in relation to the necessary measures in those protocols such as the wearing of masks or other such details.

Sports Capital Programme

Questions (654)

John Lahart

Question:

654. Deputy John Lahart asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if there will be a sports capital programme in 2020; and if so, the timeline for same. [11703/20]

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Written answers

The 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 most recent (2018) round of the SCP attracted a record 2,337 applications. Allocations were announced in January, May and November of last year with a total of over €56 million awarded to 1,648 different projects.

All unsuccessful applicants were given the opportunity to appeal the Department’s decision. In relation to the capital grants announced in November, a total of 122 appeals were submitted by the December deadline. The review of these appeals was completed in April with 6 new allocations approved.

Following the finalisation of the appeals process, a full Review of the 2018 round of the SCP was undertaken. This Review is currently under consideration and includes recommendations for some changes to the terms and conditions of the next round of the SCP. A final decision is expected shortly but I fully expect a new round of the SCP to be open for applications in the coming months.

Public Transport

Questions (655)

Alan Kelly

Question:

655. Deputy Alan Kelly asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the reason the decision was made to cancel the 17:05 train from Heuston to Thurles; when it will return to service; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11706/20]

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Written answers

As the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport. However, I am not involved in the day-to-day operations of public transport.

The issue raised is an operational matter for Iarnród Éireann and I have forwarded the Deputy's question to the company for direct reply.

Please advise my private office if you do not receive a response within ten working days.

A referred reply was forwarded to the Deputy under Standing Order 51

Covid-19 Pandemic

Questions (656)

Marc MacSharry

Question:

656. Deputy Marc MacSharry asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will provide social distancing guidelines for buses and coaches; and if the use of air conditioning on board buses and coaches will be restricted as part of same. [11755/20]

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Written answers

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.

A number of measures have been introduced across the system, guided by public health advice, to ensure the continued operation of services during the pandemic, including enhanced cleaning regimes and social distancing measures across the network. My Department is engaging directly with the National Transport Authority (NTA) in relation to these measures and the NTA is coordinating the response of public transport operators.

My Department continues to work closely with the National Transport Authority (NTA) to ensure public transport services continue to operate and to plan for the provision of enhanced public transport services in line with the Government Roadmap for Reopening Society and Business.

The National Return to Work Safely Protocol is a useful guide for businesses in making their assessments and adapting their workplace procedures and practices to comply fully with the Covid-19 related public health protection measures. The Protocol was published by Minister Humphreys on 9 May 2020 and is a living document which will evolve with changing Public Health advice. The Health and Safety Authority (HSA) is the lead agency in overseeing compliance with the Protocol in the workplace.

I have forwarded the Deputy's question to the NTA for direct reply in relation to the specific issue he has raised. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a response within ten working days.

A referred reply was forwarded to the Deputy under Standing Order 51

Covid-19 Pandemic Supports

Questions (657, 658, 659)

Marc MacSharry

Question:

657. Deputy Marc MacSharry asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he has requested that bus and coach operators be included within the restart grant for small businesses; and if he has raised the matter with his Ministerial colleagues. [11757/20]

View answer

Marc MacSharry

Question:

658. Deputy Marc MacSharry asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he is considering sectoral specific support for the bus and coach industry in view of the long-term impacts of Covid-19 on the sector. [11758/20]

View answer

Marc MacSharry

Question:

659. Deputy Marc MacSharry asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if financial support will be provided to bus and coach businesses that need to purchase additional cleaning materials and equipment in order to meet public health guidelines. [11759/20]

View answer

Written answers

I propose to take Questions Nos. 657 to 659, inclusive, together.

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.

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. 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 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 Restart Grant support is just one part of the wider €12bn package of supports for firms of all sizes, which include the wage subsidy scheme, the pandemic unemployment payment for the self-employed, grants, low-cost loans, write-off of commercial rates and deferred tax liabilities, all of which will help to improve cashflow amongst SMEs.

I am also engaging with my colleague, the Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation about these matters and am raising with her the concerns and situation of commercial bus operators.

Tourism Industry

Questions (660)

Marc MacSharry

Question:

660. Deputy Marc MacSharry asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the reason an organisation (details supplied) has been excluded from the tourism recovery task force. [11760/20]

View answer

Written answers

The Tourism Recovery Taskforce was established by Minister of State Brendan Griffin and I on 20 May 2020. The purpose of the Taskforce is to prepare a Tourism Recovery Plan for submission to the Ministers 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 will report back later this year.

The Taskforce is made up of an independent chairperson and 13 other members from a broad spectrum of backgrounds including tourism policy, tourism enterprise, international, private and public service. The Minister of State and I selected members on the basis of each person's capacity to bring his/her personal knowledge, skills, experience, competence, capability, strategic leadership and ideas to the work of the group. We have appointed individuals who, together, will work for the good of Irish Tourism as a whole. I can assure the Deputy that in the same manner that no sector was deliberately included, no sector was deliberately excluded.

The Taskforce will establish working groups to carry out specific tasks and that the Taskforce will undertake a widespread stakeholder consultation process whereby all sectors and interested parties will have an opportunity to provide constructive inputs and innovative ideas on how this vital sector to our economy can adapt and recover in a meaningful and sustainable way. The CTTC has an opportunity to contribute to the work of the Taskforce in this way.

I should also point out that in addition to the Tourism Recovery Taskforce, there are other fora whereby tourism stakeholders, including representatives from the coach sector, can contribute. Representatives from the sector have been invited to participate in Fáilte Ireland’s Covid Advisory Group which meets on a weekly basis. Furthermore, officials on the Transport side in my Department are in regular contact with the CTTC in the context of the difficulties its members are facing as a result of the Covid crisis.

Driver Licences

Questions (661)

Robert Troy

Question:

661. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if special dispensation will be given to frontline workers who have a learner permit to drive to work unaccompanied, particularly student nursing staff. [11787/20]

View answer

Written 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. AT all times, but particularly at this time, their safety and lives are too important to risk so carelessly.

The HSE provides guidance on the health service website in relation to temporary accommodation for health workers, for various reasons. Any person should approach their manager in the first instance.

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.

Most services provided by the Road Safety Authority have now resumed. The resumption of car 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.

It is envisaged that, in line with Phase 3 of the Government Roadmap, driver testing for trucks, buses and motorcycles will resume on a phased basis from 29 June, with testing for cars, vans and minibus to follow. Final dates for service resumption are dependent on continued positive progression of the country against the overall Government roadmap.

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