Written Answers Nos. 702-723
702. Deputy Anne Rabbitte asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if persons told to cocoon will have their car tax extended in view of the fact they were unable to leave their home due to the Covid-19 restrictions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12321/20]
View answer740. Deputy Gary Gannon asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will consider providing all car owners over 70 years of age three months credit or a three-month free period on their next car tax renewal to reflect the fact that they were unable to use their cars during the period they were cocooning. [12648/20]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 702 and 740 together.
There is presently a facility in place for refunds of motor tax in certain limited circumstances where:
- a vehicle has been scrapped or destroyed;
- a vehicle has been permanently exported;
- a vehicle has been stolen and has not been recovered by the owner;
- a vehicle in respect of which a tax disc has been taken out has not been used in a public place at any time since the issue of the disc;
- the owner of a vehicle has ceased, because of illness, injury or other physical disability, to use the vehicle;
- the owner of a vehicle has ceased, because of absence from the state for business or educational purposes, to use the vehicle; or
- the owner of a vehicle has ceased, because of service overseas with the Defence Forces, to use the vehicle.
There are no plans currently to amend the legislation to extend the grounds for the granting of a refund or to provide for an extension of motor tax.
The Deputy should also note that there is a facility in place to declare a vehicle off the road if a vehicle is not going to be in use. The Non-Use of Motor Vehicles Act 2013, as amended, provides for a system of declaring vehicles off the road in advance for motor tax purposes. The declaration must be made in the last month of an existing motor tax disc or renewed in the last month of a previously made declaration of non-use. The declaration can be made online or in a motor tax office using the following form:
www.gov.ie/en/publication/4df54e-declaration-of-non-use-of-a-vehicle/.
The declaration can be made for any number of calendar months between 3 and 12 months i.e. it cannot be made for a period of 1 or 2 months. If a vehicle is subsequently required to be put back on the road, the declaration can be broken at any time simply by taxing the vehicle.
703. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport what plans exist to expand the fleet of buses and light rail to meet the needs of those commuting by public transport into Dublin city in the months ahead, given the 80% reduction in total public transport capacity envisioned by the National Transport Authority due to social distancing requirements. [12340/20]
View answer704. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his plans to expand the fleet of buses and commuter rail to meet the needs of those commuting by public transport in Cork city and county in the months ahead (details supplied). [12341/20]
View answer705. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his plans to expand the fleet of buses to meet the needs of those commuting by public transport in Waterford city in the months ahead (details supplied). [12342/20]
View answer706. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his plans to expand the fleet of buses to meet the needs of those commuting by public transport in Limerick in the months ahead (details supplied). [12343/20]
View answer707. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his plans to expand the fleet of buses to meet the needs of those commuting by public transport in Galway city and county in the months ahead (details supplied). [12344/20]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 703 to 707, inclusive, together.
As Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport. The National Transport Authority (NTA) has statutory responsibility for the planning and development of public transport infrastructure, including the provision of the PSO bus fleet and rail fleet.
Noting the NTA's responsibility in the matter, I have referred the Deputy's question to the NTA for a more detailed reply. Please contact my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 days.
708. Deputy Emer Higgins asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his plans to make face masks mandatory on public transport; his further plans to increase the frequency of buses to ensure sufficient capacity while the numbers on buses are limited to comply with social distancing guidelines; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12354/20]
View answerOn 15 May, An Taoiseach announced public health guidance in relation to wearing face coverings in certain circumstances, as part of efforts to tackle Covid-19 in Ireland, recommending that face coverings should be worn when using busy public transport or while in enclosed indoor public areas such as retail outlets. The public health guidance recommends that face coverings should be worn as an additional hygiene measure in these circumstances; it does not impose a mandatory requirement.
Last week also saw the launch of a campaign, on the recommendation of the National Public Health Emergency Team, to strongly encourage the wearing of face coverings in certain circumstances. I would urge people to wear face coverings while on a bus, tram, train or taxi. Doing so will increase protection for other customers and for public transport workers. Detailed content is available on gov.ie/facecoverings and HSE.ie, with guidance on how to make and safely use face coverings.
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 both public and commercial operators and their 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.
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.
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.
709. Deputy Jack Chambers asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the status of the engagement he is having with the private bus transport sector, which is experiencing significant difficulties due to the Covid-19 pandemic. [12358/20]
View answerFirstly I would like to advise that officials in my Department are engaging 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.
710. Deputy Martin Browne asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his views on the plan for the N24 in County Tipperary, including the proposal for a bypass in Tipperary town (details supplied). [12364/20]
View answerAs Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport, I have responsibility for overall policy and securing 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
711. Deputy Martin Browne asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the status of the Limerick to Ballybrophy and Waterford to Limerick Junction rail lines in view of the revised Roadmap for Reopening Society and Business; and if the lines will reopen before the end of summer 2020. [12368/20]
View answerAs 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.
712. Deputy James Browne asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport when the NDLS centre in Wexford will reopen; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12370/20]
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.
713. Deputy Anne Rabbitte asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his plans to support bed and breakfasts at such an important time for these businesses; if there are specific supports in place to help bed and breakfasts that are suffering a loss of business due to the curtailment of tourism in recent months and in the months ahead; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12375/20]
View answerMy Department has liaised with other Government departments and industry representative bodies, to align the economy wide COVID-19 supports and initiatives with tourism and hospitality needs.
The measures put in place by the Government to support businesses initially focused on supporting those who have lost their jobs and in supporting businesses to remain viable during this difficult time with specifically targeted supports to assist companies to stay operational and retain their staff.
As a result, many tourism businesses are now availing the various cross-sectoral economic supports that the Government has already put in place such as; the wage subsidy scheme, increased unemployment benefits, the state credit guarantee scheme, working capital loan schemes, enterprise support schemes and deferrals of tax liabilities, VAT, social contributions and local authority rates.
Government will continue to explore funding potential for all enterprises including tourism businesses as they work through the challenges facing them, including through any mechanisms allowable through the EU’s state aid framework.
Fáilte Ireland has set up a COVID-19 Industry Advisory Group which meets weekly. The purpose of this group is to provide support to the tourism industry and to facilitate the timely sharing of information and insights to help improve the sector's understanding and response to the crisis. Fáilte Ireland has also developed a COVID-19 Business Support Hub which offers a suite of targeted supports for tourism businesses including a series of webinars from experts in each field, as well as advice guides with detailed FAQs and templates where necessary.
To assist tourism businesses reopening in line with the Government’s Roadmap for Reopening Society and Business, Fáilte Ireland published guidelines for the tourism sector, prepared in consultation with the tourism industry and relevant authorities. These guidelines are intended to assist tourism businesses meet requirements in line with the Return to Work Safely protocol and based on the latest health advice.
Minister Ross and I have appointed a Tourism Recovery Taskforce to prepare a Tourism Recovery Plan which will include a set of recommendations on how best the Irish tourism sector can adapt and recover in the changed tourism environment as a result of the Covid-19 crisis. The plan will identify priority aims, key enablers and market opportunities for the sector for the period 2020-2023.
It is envisaged that 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 Taskforce will report back later this year.
715. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the average cost of preparing a light or heavy rail feasibility study; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12427/20]
View answerAs Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport. The National Transport Authority (NTA) has statutory responsibility for the planning and development of public transport infrastructure, including the provision of light and heavy rail in the Greater Dublin Area.
Noting the NTA's responsibility in the matter, I have referred the Deputy's question to the NTA for a more detailed reply. Please contact my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 days.
716. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if additional driver testers will be allocated to clear the backlog of those awaiting driver tests nationally. [12430/20]
View answerThis is a matter for the Road Safety Authority to answer, and I have forwarded this query to them for direct reply. If they Deputy has not received a response within 10 days he should contact my office directly.
717. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he has given consideration to a driver test amnesty to clear the backlog of driver tests nationally. [12431/20]
View answerIt must be understood that a learner permit is not a licence, but a permit to allow a person to drive while learning. The purpose of the driving test is to set out the minimum level of knowledge, skill and competency that a learner must demonstrate in order to become a fully 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. We must not relax the standards required of our drivers before being awarded a driving licence, even in the case of frontline workers.
An unaccompanied learner driver who is stopped by an Garda Síochána may face penalty points, a fixed charge, seizure of the vehicle and possible prosecution.
Due to the closure of services provided by the Road Safety Authority (RSA) as a result of the Covid-19 outbreak, 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 arrangements to be put into place to allow for the provision of the service are being determined with the advice of experts and health authorities in consultation with employee representatives. There are no plans for any driver test amnesty. I am frankly shocked that any public representative would seriously put forward such a course of action, and have so little regard for the lives and safety of the general public, not to mention the lived experience of those who have lost loved ones to unqualified drivers - including their own constituents.
718. Deputy Martin Browne asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his plans for Shannon Airport in order to assist the role of the airport in the recovery of the mid-western region post-Covid-19. [12432/20]
View answerI would like to thank the Deputy for his question in relation to Shannon Airport.
At the outset I would like to acknowledge the significant challenges being faced by Shannon Airport which has been severely impacted by Covid-19 and the consequential 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. 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.
The Deputy will be aware that in response to Covid-19, the Government has put in place a broad range of supports to help mitigate the effects of the crisis. 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. The Scheme, introduced on March 26 and initially expected to last 12 weeks until mid-June 2020, was recently extended by Government to end August 2020. Shannon Group is availing of the supports under this Scheme.
Unfortunately Shannon Airport is not alone in the challenges it faces, as the entire aviation industry is one of the industries most affected by the global pandemic. It was for this reason that I established a taskforce to spearhead the rehabilitation of the aviation industry. The Aviation Taskforce is charged with advising on a framework for promoting the return of aviation connectivity and aviation enterprises that are critical to supporting the wider economic recovery. It will prepare an Aviation Recovery Action Plan setting out recommendations for consideration by Government as appropriate. The Action Plan should be concluded and submitted by July 10th.
Also, the Deputy may be aware that Minister of State Brendan Griffin and I recently established a Tourism Recovery Taskforce that will prepare a Tourism Recovery Plan. Increasing air and sea access to the regions will be an important element of recovery in the tourism sector. Tourism Ireland has been working for many years to drive demand for routes to the regions, and in particular Shannon Airport, through co-operative marketing campaigns in conjunction with the airport, the airlines and other partners. Through the Regional Co-operative Market Access Scheme, €2.5 million has been made available to Tourism Ireland in 2020 for co-operative marketing activity to encourage new access and maximise the potential of existing services to the regions. When the current crisis does abate, and when air connectivity and air services have been restored, Shannon Airport will once again be in a position to avail of this Scheme.
Finally, I fully appreciate and acknowledge the important role of Shannon Airport to the economy of the Midwest region and indeed nationally. 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.
719. Deputy Martin Browne asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if his attention has been drawn to the fact that persons who booked holidays through foreign travel agents trading here (details supplied) that had to cancel their plans due to Covid-19, have been refused refunds; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12434/20]
View answerThe EU Package Travel Directive is the relevant law in respect of package holidays sold in EU countries whether the travel organiser is based in an EU country or directs such business to EU member states from a third country. Among the consumer protections in the Directive are those relating to the right to cancel package travel contracts and receive refunds.
In all instances the consumer should check the terms and conditions of the booking in respect to conditions relating to refunds. The Competition and Consumer Protection Commission has responsibility for advising on and protecting the rights of travellers and specific cases should be brought to it for attention if a customer is having difficulties.
Question No. 720 answered with Question No. 665.
721. Deputy Joe O'Brien asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if his attention has been drawn to the fact that a union (details supplied) representing employees of a company was instructed by persons not to put the changed the terms and conditions of some of its members' contracts to a ballot; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12441/20]
View answer743. Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his views on the decision by Aer Lingus to cut wages, staff numbers and conditions of its employers; and if he or his officials has had discussions with the company on its plans. [12674/20]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 721 and 743 together.
The aviation industry is one of the most affected by the global pandemic. All airlines have seen severe depletion of revenue and are facing various degrees of financial challenge. My Department continues to engage regularly with airlines, airports, regulators and all relevant stakeholders during the COVID-19 Pandemic with regard to its impact.
Industrial relations are a matters for the airlines, their employees and the trade unions, and the Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport has no role. The industrial relations machinery of the State would be available to assist all parties to reach agreement, should the need arise.
722. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the efforts he and agencies under his remit are making to ensure the future viability of a sport (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12459/20]
View answer738. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the additional funding which will be made available to local sporting clubs in view of the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on fundraising opportunities; if funding will be allocated to national governing bodies; the extent of funding available; the process for applying for and distributing this funding; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12616/20]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 722 and 738 together.
Last Friday, my colleague Minister of State for Tourism and Sport Brendan Griffin and I announced a funding package of up €70 million to support the sport sector, which has been significantly impacted by the Covid-19 pandemic.
This funding package includes;
- Funding of up to €40m for the three main field sports organisations – the FAI, the GAA and the IRFU.
- a Resilience Fund of up to €10m to support the National Governing Bodies of Sport,
- a Sports Club Resilience Fund of up to €15m to support clubs, and
- a Sports Restart and Renewal Fund of up to €5m.
This additional funding, along with the Roadmap accelerations announced by An Taoiseach on Friday, will ensure the survival of our vibrant sport sector, particularly the network of clubs throughout the country.
This additional funding will be invested through four new grant schemes which will be developed by Sport Ireland and my Department and administered by Sport Ireland. Funding allocations to the National Governing Bodies and clubs under the new schemes will be determined following a robust grant application and assessment process conducted by Sport Ireland.
Sport Ireland will announce an open invitation to applications from funded bodies for assistance under the grant schemes.
The development of the sport mentioned by the Deputy is a matter for the relevant National Governing Body. I am confident however, that the new funding schemes will assist in that regard.
723. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he has considered an observation-only driver test delivered in dedicated testing areas in order to avoid interaction with traffic; the driver test alternatives that have been considered to date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12460/20]
View answerEU rules specifically itemise the component elements of driving tests. These include observation of the person's skills driving in traffic, so that the use of dedicated testing areas is not an option. 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. A driving test whereby the tester is not in the vehicle with the candidate would not provide adequate assurance that the candidate has fulfilled all the requirements of the test to a standard high enough to be awarded a full driving licence.
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 revised 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.
