Tuesday, 30 Jun 2020

Written Answers Nos. 675-701

Driver Test

Questions (675)

Paul McAuliffe

Question:

675. Deputy Paul McAuliffe asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport when driver tests will resume. [12857/20]

Written answers

Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport

The 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.   

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 am happy to be able to report that driver testing is now being reopened on a phased basis from 29 June. This begins with driver testing for trucks, buses, and motorbikes.  It is also planned that tests for cars, vans (category C1) and minibuses (category D1) will commence on a phased basis before 20 July  taking acccount of lessons learned from the already resumed tests. 

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.

 

Covid-19 Pandemic

Questions (676)

Paul McAuliffe

Question:

676. Deputy Paul McAuliffe asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he has considered using private bus providers to combat the issue of limited capacity on public transport; and if this suggestion will be examined. [12859/20]

Written answers

Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport

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.

On the 25th of June, Government announced changes to the existing public transport social distancing restrictions. It has been agreed to move from 2 metres social distancing on public transport to 50% capacity. This will help to underpin public transport during these unprecedented times for the sector, with a view to safeguarding public transport capacity in Phases 3 and 4 of the of the Roadmap for Reopening Society and Business. The Government also decided to legally require the mandatory wearing of face coverings on public transport, with the exception of those who cannot do so for health reasons or due to age (under 13).  These measures will protect both passengers and staff and significantly help ease the pressure on operators by reducing the gap between public transport supply and demand.

Further, on the 25th of June Government agreed new temporary funding supports, in accordance with EU and national legislation, will be introduced for the licensed bus sector. Licensed operators provide essential transport services for people who need to get to work and are vital to ensure economic recovery. These supports are aimed at ensuring the continued operation of essential licensed bus services for a period of up to six months. The package will be restricted to operators where a clear public interest justification supports such intervention and will be targeted at compensating the gap between specified costs and revenues generated on the services. The National Transport Authority (NTA), as the public transport licensing agency, will administer the support package through the establishment of contracts between the NTA and the relevant operators.

Road Projects

Questions (677)

Seán Sherlock

Question:

677. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the status of works on the Cork to Limerick M20; and the timelines involved. [12877/20]

Written answers

Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport

As Minister for Transport, Tourism & Sport, I have responsibility for overall policy and funding in relation to the national roads programme.  Under the Roads Acts 1993-2015, the planning, design and construction of individual national roads is a matter for Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII), in conjunction with the local authorities concerned. 

Noting the above position, I have referred your question to TII for a direct reply.  Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 working days

A referred reply was forwarded to the Deputy under Standing Order

Driver Test

Questions (678)

Seán Sherlock

Question:

678. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he has sought advice from NPHET regarding the resumption of driver tests. [12902/20]

Written answers

Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport

The safety of the public is of paramount importance at this time and as in all aspects of the Covid-19 crisis and my Department continues to be guided by National Public Health Emergency Team and the relevant national experts in relation to the resumption of services.

The RSA has been working, in consultation with my Department and the relevant health authorities, 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 has raised 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.

In line with the revised Government Roadmap for Reopening, which was based on the latest advice from the National Public Health Emergency Team (NPHET), I am happy to be able to report that driver testing is now being reopened on a phased basis.  This began as of yesterday with driver testing for trucks, buses, and motorbikes.  Tests for cars, vans (category C1) and minibuses (category D1) will be phased in at a later date, taking acccount of lessons learned from the already resumed tests. 

The safety of the public is of paramount importance at this time, whether from infection or from deaths and injuries on the road, and in this as in all aspects of the Covid-19 crisis, my Department will be guided by NPHET and national experts.

Driver Test

Questions (679)

Danny Healy-Rae

Question:

679. Deputy Danny Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport when driver test centres will reopen in view of the fact there are many persons waiting to be called for their test; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12956/20]

Written answers

Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport

The 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. 

The resumption of driver testing has raised 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 am happy to be able to report that driver testing is now being reopened on a phased basis under Phase 3 of revised Roadmap, which commenced 29 June.  This begins with driver testing for trucks, buses, and motorbikes.  It is planned to resume tests for cars, vans (category C1) and minibuses (category D1) on a phased basis in July and before Phase 4 commences on 20 July, taking acccount of lessons learned from the already resumed tests. 

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.

Sports Capital Programme

Questions (680)

Bernard Durkan

Question:

680. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if the various applicants to which sports capital grants were awarded will have the time within which they are required to complete their respective projects extended by approximately 18 months in order to facilitate the restoration of their voluntary fundraising activities which were impacted by Covid-19; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12980/20]

Written answers

Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport

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.  A flexible approach to allowing grantees sufficient time to  drawdown their grants has always been adopted.  Grantees are given a minimum of 2 years to draw down grants and extensions are routinely given where genuine efforts are being made to progress projects. 

My Department understands the difficulties that may be encountered by certain clubs as a result of COVID 19. Accordingly, any club requiring an extension to the timeframe to drawdown funding should contact the Sports Capital Programme division of the Department and I expect any such reasonable requests will be accommodated.

Rail Network

Questions (681, 682)

Bernard Durkan

Question:

681. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the timeline for electrification of the rail line to Maynooth and beyond thereby contributing to reduction of emissions and increase efficiency of the transport network; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12981/20]

Bernard Durkan

Question:

682. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the extent to which preparations are in hand to improve the frequency and capacity of the commuter rail service serving north County Kildare on both lines; when the extra carriages required are likely to be delivered; the expected increase capacity arising in addition to emission reductions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12982/20]

Written answers

Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport

I propose to take Questions Nos. 681 and 682 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 in the Greater Dublin Area including implementation of the DART Expansion Programme which includes matters such as electrification and capacity enhancements as raised by the Deputy.  

Separately the Deputy will also be aware of Government's approval last year of the proposed purchase of 41 additional carriages to the ICR fleet, which will increase capacity across both the Maynooth and Kildare Lines.  Under the Public Spending Code, the NTA is the Approving Authority in relation to this project and Iarnród Éireann is the Sponsoring Agency.

Noting the NTA's responsibilities in the matters raised, I have referred the Deputy's question to the NTA for a more detailed direct reply.  Please contact my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 days.

A referred reply was forwarded to the Deputy under Standing Order

Public Transport

Questions (683)

Róisín Shortall

Question:

683. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he has engaged public transport operators regarding contingency plans as public transport usage increases due to further easing of restrictions; the protocols in place in case of overcapacity or antisocial behaviour; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12989/20]

Written answers

Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport

As Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport in Ireland. 

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.  

In addition, the safety and security of public transport passengers and staff, including arrangements to deal with anti-social behaviour, are important matters that, first and foremost, must be managed by every public transport company, in conjunction with An Garda Síochána, where appropriate. It is vital that all public transport companies continue their strong and close working relationship with An Garda Síochána to address incidents of anti-social behaviour. 

Ports Policy

Questions (684)

James Browne

Question:

684. Deputy James Browne asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the position regarding the publication of the Rosslare Europort masterplan; when it will be published; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12991/20]

Written answers

Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport

As Minister, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport in Ireland.  Rosslare Europort is operated on a commercial basis as a division of Iarnród Éireann.  As such, 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

Football Association of Ireland

Questions (685)

Catherine Murphy

Question:

685. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the number of meetings and or telephone and or video calls he or the Minister of State with special responsibility for Sport has had with Sport Ireland in the past six months to date regarding an organisation (details supplied); the number of meetings and or telephone or video calls they have had with the organisation in the past six months to date regarding governance and resuming funding; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12992/20]

Written answers

Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport

I understand that neither the former Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport, Mr. Shane Ross, nor the former Minister of State with responsibility for sport, Mr. Brendan Griffin TD, have had any meetings or video calls with Sport Ireland in the last six months in relation to this organisation’s governance or with the organisation itself.

Covid-19 Pandemic

Questions (686)

Mattie McGrath

Question:

686. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport when driver tests, driving lessons, NCT, NDLS and theory test services will resume under the revised Roadmap for Reopening Society and Business; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13003/20]

Written answers

Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport

I am happy to be able to remind the Deputy that the NCT, NDLS, and driver theory test all resumed service on a phased basis as of 8 June. 

The NCT is undergoing a phased reopening after the recent CoVID-19 (Coronavirus) crisis.  15 NCTS centres reopened on June 8th, with the remaining centres opening in phases in line with the Government's Roadmap.  It is anticipated that all test centres will be operating by July 20th.

Both the driver licence centres and driver theory test centres have reopened, with clients being seen by appointment only, and operating to strict guidelines. 

Driving lessons are expected to open after 29th June, as detailed in the revised Roadmap to which the Deputy refers.  Approved Driving Instructors (ADIs) have been advised by the RSA of their plans for resuming driving tests, including the protocols for driving tests.  As private enterprises it is a matter for them to satisfy themselves that they have implemented protocols to ensure that they are operating within guidelines to safeguard themselves, their employees and their customers.  These businesses are subject to inspection by the Health and Safety Authority. 

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.

I am happy therefore to be able to tell the Deputy that driver testing for trucks, buses and motorbikes is beginning again as of today.  This will be done on a phased basis.  It is planned to resume car driving tests, and also tests for category C1 (vans) and D1 (minibuses) on a phased basis in July.

Covid-19 Pandemic

Questions (687)

Jack Chambers

Question:

687. Deputy Jack Chambers asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if a query previously submitted to his Department and to the Covid-19 query line will be responded to (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13007/20]

Written answers

Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport

I am acutely aware how critical the work of the supply chain is during the COVID-19 pandemic and that every element of it is a vital link in ensuring a continuous flow of essential goods.  However, the issue you have raised regarding Certificates of Fitness to Resume Work  following periods of absence is an employee relations matter and not a matter for to my Department. 

The Return to Work Safely Protocol is designed to support employers and workers to put measures in place that will prevent the spread of COVID-19 in the workplace. A link to the protocol is available here: https://www.gov.ie/en/publication/22829a-return-to-work-safely-protocol/

In response to the COVID-19 restrictions introduced by the Government on 27 March 2020, I am pleased to tell you that Regulations were signed which extend the period of validity for all driving licences due to expire between March and June for a further four months. No action is required of licence holders whose licences had been due to expire within this time period. 

The safety of the public is of paramount importance at this time and as in all aspects of the COVID-19 crisis my Department continues to be guided by the 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 Driver Licence Service (NDLS) centres from 8 June 2020, in line with Phase 2 of the Government roadmap for the easing of COVID-19 restrictions and the national Return To Work Safety Protocol.

The operation of the NDLS Service is the statutory responsibility of the Road Safety Authority. Further information is available at www.ndls.ie and www.rsa.ie.

Driver Licences

Questions (688)

Marc MacSharry

Question:

688. Deputy Marc MacSharry asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he has considered allowing persons over 70 years of age to renew their driver licence online in view of the ongoing threat of Covid-19. [13008/20]

Written answers

Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport

Applicants over 70 years may be able to avail of the online service to renew their driving licence, if they have a Public Service Card.

The Road Safety Authority continues to work on expanding the online facility to accommodate all driving licence and learner permit application types. 

Further information is available at https://www.ndls.ie/how-to-apply.html#to-renew-a-driving-licence and https://www.rsa.ie/en/RSA/Licensed-Drivers/Driving-licence/

Covid-19 Pandemic

Questions (689, 690)

Marc MacSharry

Question:

689. Deputy Marc MacSharry asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if the late renewal charge usually levied on those renewing PSV licences will be waived in all circumstances or in limited Covid-19 circumstances, for example, illness; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13009/20]

Marc MacSharry

Question:

690. Deputy Marc MacSharry asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he has considered extending full or partial fee waivers to PSV licence applicants owing to the impacts of Covid-19 on PSV drivers. [13010/20]

Written answers

Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport

I propose to take Questions Nos. 689 and 690 together.

The regulation of the small public service vehicle (SPSV) industry, including regulatory measures in response to the present COVID-19 pandemic, is a matter for the National Transport Authority (NTA) under the provisions of the Taxi Regulation Act 2013.  

Given the role of the NTA as regulator, I have referred your question to the Authority for direct reply to you. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a response within 10 working days.

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

Driver Test

Questions (691)

Robert Troy

Question:

691. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his plans to deal with the backlog of driver tests; and when instructors will resume lessons. [13027/20]

Written answers

Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport

I am happy to be able to inform the Deputy that driver testing for trucks, buses and motorbikes resumed yesterday.  It is planned that tests for cars, minibuses and vans will resume on a phased basis during this Phase before July 20. Final dates for resumption of car tests remain under discussion and are dependent on continued positive progression of the country against the overall Government roadmap.

Dates for the resumption of driving tests, and any special arrangements which will need to be put into place to allow for the provision of the service, will be determined in consultation with the relevant health authorities.

The RSA is working on plans to deal with the backlog of candidates awaiting testing at the moment. 

In relation to driving lessons, I can confirm that the RSA  issued guidelines to all approved driving instructors last week with a view to them reopening their business on or after 29 June in line with the Governments acceleration of Phase 3 of the Nationl Return to Work Safety Protocol as developed by NPHET in consultation with national experts..

It must be noted that as private businesses, driving schools must ensure that they can comply with the necessary public health requirements, before they reopen their business.

 

Sport Ireland

Questions (692)

Catherine Murphy

Question:

692. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he has allocated €70 million to Sport Ireland to distribute to national governing bodies and sports initiatives; the way in which it will access the funds; if the fund is to be drawn down by increments or in one lump sum; the date on which it will have access to the funds; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13032/20]

Written answers

Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport

A funding package of up to €70 million was announced on Friday 19th June 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. 

Along with the Roadmap accelerations also announced on 19th June, this funding package will ensure the survival of our vibrant sport sector, particularly the network of clubs throughout the country.  

This additional funding will be invested through new grant schemes which will be developed by Sport Ireland and my Department and administered by Sport Ireland. The precise terms of each of the new grant schemes will be announced by Sport Ireland in due course.   

Sport Ireland will announce an open invitation to applications from funded bodies for assistance under the grant schemes.  

The funding will be allocated to Sport Ireland from my Department's Vote. My officials are currently engaging with Sport Ireland on the design of the grant schemes and will agree the timing and procedure for drawdown of the funding with Sport Ireland, which will be consistent with financial procedures for the provision of funding to State agencies.

Football Association of Ireland

Questions (693)

Catherine Murphy

Question:

693. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if an organisation (details supplied) will have access to a portion of the recent €70 million fund for sports he announced on 19 June 2020; if all outstanding issues have been sufficiently addressed in order for it to receive public funds; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13033/20]

Written answers

Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport

The additional funding package of up to €70 million which was announced on 19 June for the sports sector includes an amount of up to €40 million to support the three main field sports organisations, i.e. the GAA, the IRFU and the FAI.  

It is not possible at this stage to provide a further breakdown of the €40 million funding for the main field sport organisations. The amounts to be allocated will be subject to an application and assessment process to be conducted by Sport Ireland.    

Sport Ireland remains in communication with the organisation mentioned by the Deputy on matters relating to its governance and financial management.  Certain firm commitments were provided by the organisation in a Memorandum of Understanding agreed with the then Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport on 30 January 2020.  Sport Ireland has established a process to oversee and review adherence by the organisation to the commitments given in the MOU. 

The organisation has committed to implementing certain priority recommendations on governance reform and Sport Ireland expects to be in a position to restore funding to the organisation when these commitments are verifiably honoured.

Road Projects

Questions (694)

Robert Troy

Question:

694. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the cost of the N4 upgrade; the justification for this spend; his views on whether it would be a better use of public finances to widen the current N4 and reroute the at grade access points; the stage to which the scheme is funded and contracted, respectively; and if there is a cost-benefit analysis report showing the need for the N4 upgrade. [13072/20]

Written answers

Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport

As Minister for Transport, Tourism & Sport, I have responsibility for overall policy and funding in relation to the national roads programme.  Under the Roads Acts 1993-2015, the operation and upgrading of individual national roads is a matter for Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII), in conjunction with the local authorities concerned. 

Noting the above position, I have referred your question to TII for a direct reply.  Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 working days.

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

Roads Maintenance

Questions (695)

James Browne

Question:

695. Deputy James Browne asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the position regarding the landscaping maintenance of level crossing gates (details supplied) in County Wexford; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13084/20]

Written answers

Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport

As Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding of public transport.

As the Deputy may be aware, the Infrastructure Manager Multi-Annual Contract (IMMAC) provides the funding framework for the maintenance and renewal of our railway infrastructure.  Such funding is provided to the Infrastructure Manager division of Iarnród Éireann.  Accordingly, the maintenance of the rail network, including level crossings, is a matter for Iarnród Éireann in the first instance.  I understand that though this line is closed to passenger and freight traffic for some years, Iarnród Éireann do retain certain obligations.

In view of Iarnród Éireann's responsibility in this matter, I have referred the Deputy's question to the company for direct reply.  Please contact my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 working days.

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

Covid-19 Pandemic

Questions (696)

Paul McAuliffe

Question:

696. Deputy Paul McAuliffe asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport when guidance will be available for driving instructors on a safe return to work; when driver tests will resume; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13107/20]

Written answers

Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport

Last week, the RSA updated Approved Driving Instructors (ADIs) in relation to their plans for resuming driver testing services in line with the revised Government Roadmap for Reopening, including a series of Frequently Asked Questions for ADIs and also details of the protocols being followed for driving tests.  

However, it must be noted that, as a private business, driving instructors must ensure that they can comply with the necessary public health requirements before they can reopen their businesses.  Furthermore, those which are employers should ensure that they fully comply with their legal responsibilities under Health and Safety codes.  In all case, the National Return to Work Safely Protocol agreed by employers and worker representatives should be followed.

I understand that any business 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. 

In line with Phase 3 of the Government Roadmap, driver testing for trucks, buses and motorcycles resumed on a phased basis from 29 June, with testing for cars, vans and minibus due to resume in July before Phase 4 commences on 20 July.  Final dates for service resumption remain under discussion and are dependent on continued positive progression of the country against the overall Government roadmap.

Aviation Industry

Questions (697, 698)

Louise O'Reilly

Question:

697. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will engage with the management of an airline (details supplied) and the workers and their trade unions to help prevent the loss of 500 jobs at the airline. [13115/20]

Louise O'Reilly

Question:

698. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport her plans to ensure that the management at an airline (details supplied) engage with workers and their trade unions regarding industrial relations matters at the airline. [13116/20]

Written answers

Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport

I propose to take Questions Nos. 697 and 698 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 availabe to assist all parties to reach agreement, should the need arise.

Sports Funding

Questions (699, 700, 701)

Louise O'Reilly

Question:

699. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the breakdown of the €70 million in extra funding for the sporting sector; and the areas the funding will be directed toward. [13123/20]

Louise O'Reilly

Question:

700. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the breakdown of the €40 million to be split between organisations (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13124/20]

Louise O'Reilly

Question:

701. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if there is an indicative amount of the €40 million to be split between organisations (details supplied) which is due to be distributed to a league and its football clubs via the governing body; the amount of this due to go to the league; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13125/20]

Written answers

Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport

I propose to take Questions Nos. 699 to 701, inclusive, together.

A funding package of up to €70 million was announced on Friday 19th June to support the sport sector, which has been significantly impacted by the Covid-19 pandemic.

 This funding package is broken down as follows:

- 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 will be invested through new grant schemes which will be developed by Sport Ireland and my Department and administered by Sport Ireland. The precise terms of each of the new grant schemes will be announced by Sport Ireland in due course.  

It is not possible at this stage to provide a further breakdown of the €40 million funding for the main field sport organisations. The amounts to be allocated will be subject to an application and assessment process to be conducted by Sport Ireland.    

Sport Ireland will announce an open invitation to applications from funded bodies for assistance under the grant schemes.