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Tuesday, 14 Jul 2020

Written Answers Nos. 152-171

Covid-19 Pandemic Supports

Questions (152, 229, 230, 271)

Alan Kelly

Question:

152. Deputy Alan Kelly asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his plans to provide grants to private bus companies that have lost all their income since March 2020 as a result of Covid-19 (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15362/20]

View answer

Jackie Cahill

Question:

229. Deputy Jackie Cahill asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the date the temporary funding supports announced on 25 June 2020 will issue to private bus operators; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15400/20]

View answer

Jackie Cahill

Question:

230. Deputy Jackie Cahill asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the engagement he and relevant State agencies have had with representative bodies in the private bus transport sector; the dates such engagements took place; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15401/20]

View answer

Brendan Smith

Question:

271. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if specific measures to assist the bus and coach sector will be included in the July stimulus package; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16118/20]

View answer

Written answers

I propose to take Questions Nos. 152, 229, 230 and 271 together.

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

My Department has been engaging directly with the Coach Tourism & Transport Council of Ireland (CTTC) on a regular basis in relation to the impact of Covid-19 on the public transport sector. Formal meetings took place between the Department and the CTTC on: 20/05, 27/05, 03/06, 10/06 and 26/06 and a further meeting is scheduled for 17 July. There has also been extensive informal engagement with the commercial bus sector both by the Department and by the National Transport Authority (NTA).

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.

It is critical for the sector to be functioning so that it can carry the passengers that we need to return to work and to other activities as they re-open. Many of these operators provide essential transport services for people who need to get to work and are vital to ensure economic recovery.

For that reason, I am pleased to advise the Deputies that on 25 June the Government approved temporary funding supports, in accordance with EU and national legislation, for the licensed bus sector. 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 the revenues generated on the services. The NTA, as the public transport licensing agency, is responsible for administering funding support through the establishment of contracts between the NTA and the relevant operators.

This is, of course, additional to the wider programme of Government supports for impacted businesses were introduced, including new schemes of wage subsidies, rates waivers, re-start grants, lending facilities, equity injection, and business advisory supports for example. Consideration of projects to be included in the July Stimulus Plan will be taken by Government shortly.

With the commencement of Phase 3 of the Roadmap for Reopening Society and Business on 29 June 2020, changes to the existing public transport social distancing restrictions were agreed, allowing a move from 2 metres social distancing to utilising 50% of the passenger-carrying capacity of fleet. This will help to underpin public transport services provided by both public and commercial licensed operators during these unprecedented times, with a view to safeguarding public transport capacity in Phases 3 and 4 of the Roadmap for Reopening Society and Business.

Alongside this change, the wearing of a face covering when using public transport is now mandatory, with the exception of those who cannot do so for health reasons or due to young age.

Sports Events

Questions (153)

Steven Matthews

Question:

153. Deputy Steven Matthews asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will provide the reports conducted by his Department into the return to play protocols for contact sports, including medical advice from the Chief Medical Officer among other public documents. [15629/20]

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Written answers

There are no reports of the type described in the Deputy's question. The Expert Advisory Group on the Return to Sport, which was established by my predecessor and which includes medical personnel from the sports sector, has the remit to provide guidance - in line with the public health advice from the public health authorities - to Ireland’s sporting bodies so that they can prepare for the phased return to sporting activity in line with the Government Roadmap for Reopening Society and Business.

The National Governing Bodies of sport (NGBs) have developed protocols for returning to training and competition in their respective sports. The Expert Group assesses the consistency of the various protocols prepared by the NGBs with the Roadmap and provides general guidance and observations thereon via Sport Ireland. This guidance has been published by Sport Ireland on behalf of the Return to Sport Expert Group and is available on its website. Details of the protocols that the Expert Group has assessed to date are available on my Department's website.

The return to sport permitted in Phase 3 of the Government’s Roadmap for Reopening Society and Business applies to all sports from Monday, June 29th. It must be emphasised however that this resumption is subject to the Phases 3 and 4 restrictions on numbers for public gatherings and other important public health advice on social distancing, hygiene and respiratory etiquette and appropriate mechanisms to assist with contact tracing. The Expert Group on Return to Sport has accordingly encouraged a gradual and inclusive approach to the resumption of all sporting and fitness activities.

Tourism Industry

Questions (154)

Holly Cairns

Question:

154. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport when tourist offices can reopen under the revised Roadmap for Reopening Society and Business guidelines. [15892/20]

View answer

Written answers

Tourist offices have been allowed to reopen since 29 June under the Roadmap for reopening Society and Business. The decision to reopen a tourist office is a matter for the relevant operators.

Harbours and Piers

Questions (155)

Cormac Devlin

Question:

155. Deputy Cormac Devlin asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the funding provided to each local authority on the transfer of a harbour under the Harbours Act 2015; the date and amount of each transfer in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16096/20]

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Written answers

In accordance with National Ports Policy and the provisions of the Harbours Act 2015 4 Ports of Regional Significance have transferred to Local Authority Control.

Wicklow Port Company transferred to Wicklow County Council on 30 August 2016. Drogheda Port Company’s shareholding was transferred to Louth County Council on 2 October 2017. Dun Laoghaire Harbour Company transferred to Dun Laoghaire Rathdown County Council on the 3 October 2018. New Ross Port Company transferred to Wexford County Council on 1st August 2019.

Galway Harbour is designated for transfer to Galway City Council and it is expected that the transfer will proceed in 2020.

Each Local Authority conducted due diligence in advance of taking over the relevant port and the Department provided funding of up to a maximum of €30,000 to each Local Authority toward the due diligence.

Wicklow County Council received €30,000 in October 2015.

Louth County Council received €30,000 in December 2015.

Dún Laoghaire Rathdown County Council received €18,450 in January 2016 and €11,550 in April 2016 (Total €30,000).

Wexford County Council received €30,000 in December 2016.

Road Projects

Questions (156)

Cormac Devlin

Question:

156. Deputy Cormac Devlin asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the status of the M11 and N11 junction upgrade; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16097/20]

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Written answers

As Minister for Climate, Energy, Communications, Transport, Tourism and Sport, I have responsibility for overall policy and securing exchequer funding in relation to the National Roads Programme.

Under the Roads Acts 1993-2015 and in line with the current National Development Plan (NDP), the planning, design and construction of individual national roads is a matter for Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII), in conjunction with the local authorities concerned. This is also subject to the Public Spending Code Guidelines and the necessary statutory approvals.

In this context, TII is best placed to advise you on the status of this project.

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.

Noise Pollution

Questions (157)

Cormac Devlin

Question:

157. Deputy Cormac Devlin asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he is considering introducing legislation or providing funding to reduce the impact of noise from motorways in particular the M50; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16098/20]

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Written answers

As Minister for Climate, Energy, Communications , Transport, Tourism and Sport, I have responsibility for overall policy and securing exchequer funding in relation to the National Roads Programme.

Once funding arrangements have been put in place with Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII), under the Roads Acts 1993-2015, the planning, design and construction, including noise mitigation measures, for individual national roads is a matter for TII, in conjunction with the local authorities concerned.

Directive 2002/49/EC on the assessment and management of environmental noise was transposed into Irish law by the Environmental Noise Regulations, 2006. This legislation requires TII and local authorities to undertake strategic noise mapping every five years for all major roads carrying in excess of 8,250 annual average daily traffic (AADT). Noise maps identify and prioritise cluster areas which will require further assessment and may require mitigation measures to be put in place. Once strategic noise maps have been produced, the results are used for each local authority to develop Noise Action Plans as required by the Environmental Noise Regulations.

In relation to motorways, and the M50 in particular, I have referred your question to TII for a more detailed and 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.

Driver Licences

Questions (158)

Colm Burke

Question:

158. Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the reason driver licence centres will not accept cash; the way in which persons without bank cards are to be accommodated; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16113/20]

View answer

Written answers

As this is an operational matter for the Road Safety Authority (RSA), I have referred your question to the Authority for direct response. If you do not receive a response within 10 working days, please contact my office directly.

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

Covid-19 Pandemic Supports

Questions (159)

Éamon Ó Cuív

Question:

159. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the further steps he plans to take to assist tourist and hospitality businesses that are very seriously affected by Covid-19 to survive financially through the crisis, taking into account their importance economically, socially and culturally to Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15664/20]

View answer

Written answers

The Programme for Government contains a commitment that the Government will publish a series of immediate actions to support the economy - the "July Stimulus". In this context the Government will, among other things, consider further additional measures that may be needed to support the tourism and hospitality sector.

My 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 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 put in place a number of supports for the tourism and hospitality sector. Details of these are available on Fáilte Ireland's website.

My predecessor also established the Tourism Recovery Taskforce on 20th May 2020 to prepare a Tourism Recovery Plan. This 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 Taskforce has submitted an initial report.

Rail Network

Questions (160, 165, 201)

Ciaran Cannon

Question:

160. Deputy Ciarán Cannon asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport when the findings will be published of the financial and economic appraisal of proposals to extend the western rail corridor (details supplied). [14668/20]

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Mairéad Farrell

Question:

165. Deputy Mairéad Farrell asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport when he plans to publish the rail review report on the western rail corridor from Athenry, County Galway, to Claremorris, County Mayo; when a decision on the report will be made; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14704/20]

View answer

Éamon Ó Cuív

Question:

201. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his plans to publish the report prepared by a company (details supplied) in respect of the western rail corridor from Athenry to Claremorris; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15129/20]

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Written answers

I propose to take Questions Nos. 160, 165 and 201 together.

As the Deputies are aware Iarnród Éireann commissioned a financial and economic appraisal of a proposed reopening of Phases 2 and 3 of the Western Rail Corridor, and, in late 2019, submitted a draft copy of that appraisal to my Department.

I am informed that in recent days a final copy of the report has now been received.

As was signalled publicly at the time of the commissioning of the appraisal, and, as is required under the Public Spending Code (PSC), my Department has been reviewing the documentation that has been received and engaging with Iarnród Éireann and the consultants as required during this review.

Once that review is complete the matter will then be brought to Government for its decision and the report published as soon as practical thereafter.

Covid-19 Pandemic

Questions (161)

Niall Collins

Question:

161. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his views and advice in respect of a matter raised in correspondence (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14669/20]

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Written answers

The NPHET, together with a team of national experts, decided which businesses could resume trading in each Phase of the gradual reopening of our economy, and they included driving schools on the list of businesses cleared to reopen on 29 June. It is not the role of the NPHET to provide guidance in relation to specific sectors, as a rule.

A National Return to Work Safely Protocol has been produced under the aegis of the Labour Employer Economic Forum and is the result of a collaborative effort by the Health and Safety Authority (HSA), the Health Services Executive (HSE) and the Department of Health and the Department of Business, Enterprise and Innovation. The HSA has in turn produced COVID-19 checklists and templates, based on the Protocol, to help employers, business owners and managers to get their business up and running again and to inform workers about what they need to do to help prevent the spread of COVID-19 in the workplace.

The RSA has developed protocols, as any employer must, to apply the overall protocols to its particular needs, including in relation to driver testing. In doing so, it was assisted by the overall national protocol and also by the additional templates and checklists from the HSA. I understand that the National Office of Traffic Medicine was also available to the RSA to assist in its task.

In anticipation of the resumption of driver testing on 29 June, the RSA wrote to each Approved Driving Instructor on 22 June, advising them of the planned phased return of driver testing. The Authority included a series of Frequently Asked Questions, which provided details of the protocols being applied to driver testing in order to comply with health requirements in line with Government's Protocol on Returning to Work Safely. These protocols may assist driving instructors in taking the necessary measures resuming their business safely.

However, the RSA cannot dictate to driving schools on how they should run their business, or issue medical advice. It is up to each driving instructor or driving school to protect themselves, their families and communities by adhering to the official Government guidelines on hygiene and social distancing.

However, I have noted the specific point and concerns raised in this correspondence and I have forwarded the Deputy's question and the relevant correspondence to the RSA for a comprehensive response. Please notify my office if you have not received a response from the RSA within 10 days.

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.

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

Road Projects

Questions (162)

Seán Sherlock

Question:

162. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the status of timelines for the M20 Cork to Limerick road; and if funding has been ring-fenced for the construction of the road. [14697/20]

View answer

Written answers

As Minister for Climate, Energy, Communications and Transport, Tourism and Sport, I have responsibility for overall policy and securing exchequer funding in relation to the National Roads Programme.

Once funding arrangements have been put in place with Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII), under the Roads Acts 1993-2015 and in line with the National Development Plan (NDP), the planning, design and construction of individual national roads is a matter for TII, in conjunction with the local authorities concerned. This is also subject to the requirements of the Public Spending Code Guidelines and necessary statutory approvals.

In this context, TII is best placed to advise on the current status and funding of this proposed project, pending also the Government's proposed review of the NDP.

Noting the above position, I have referred your question, on this occasion 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.

Road Projects

Questions (163)

Seán Sherlock

Question:

163. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if funding has been ring- fenced for the northern relief road at Mallow, County Cork. [14698/20]

View answer

Written answers

As Minister for Climate, Energy, Communications and Transport, Tourism and Sport, I have responsibility for overall policy and securing exchequer funding in relation to the National Roads Programme.

Once funding arrangements have been put in place with Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII), under the Roads Acts 1993-2015 and in line with the National Development Plan (NDP), the planning, design and construction of individual national roads is a matter for TII, in conjunction with the local authorities concerned. This is also subject to the Public Spending Code Guidelines and the necessary statutory approvals.

In this context, TII is best placed to advise you on this matter, pending also the Government's proposed review of the NDP.

Noting the above position, I have referred your question, on this occasion, 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.

National Transport Authority

Questions (164)

Seán Sherlock

Question:

164. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if an NTA office will be created in Cork city to deal with transport infrastructure demands in the city and county. [14699/20]

View answer

Written answers

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

In that regard the Deputy will be aware that this Government is committed to a fundamental change in the nature of transport in Ireland. In relation to our major cities that change will be driven by delivering upon the sustainable mobility projects and programmes outlined, or to be developed, in their metropolitan area transport strategies.

In Cork, the Cork Metropolitan Area Transport Strategy provides the evidence based, strategic backdrop to investment in the coming years and this Government has committed to its implementation. My Department is funding the NTA's establishment of a BusConnects Cork office this year and while the location and organisation of NTA facilities and staff is a matter for the NTA, I am interested in exploring potential synergies that might exist with the Programme for Government's commitment to establish Regional Design Offices for cycling similar to the model already used in relation to national roads.

Question No. 165 answered with Question No. 160.

Covid-19 Pandemic

Questions (166, 173, 183, 184, 272)

Neasa Hourigan

Question:

166. Deputy Neasa Hourigan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his plans to ensure the enforcement of compulsory face coverings on all public transport services; when he expects enforcement to commence; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14705/20]

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Eoin Ó Broin

Question:

173. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the way in which he plans to ensure compliance with mask wearing by members of the public on public transport in the interests of worker and passenger safety. [14833/20]

View answer

John Lahart

Question:

183. Deputy John Lahart asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the steps being taken to monitor and enforce the wearing of face coverings and masks on public transport; the penalties that apply to those that do not comply; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14970/20]

View answer

John Lahart

Question:

184. Deputy John Lahart asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the alternative public transport arrangements available for commuters who, for valid reasons, are unable to wear face coverings and masks on public transport; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14971/20]

View answer

Richard Bruton

Question:

272. Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his plans to introduce enforcement powers to make the wearing of masks on public transport mandatory; and if so, when the powers will be introduced. [16119/20]

View answer

Written answers

I propose to take Questions Nos. 166, 173, 183, 184 and 272 together.

Following the commencement of Phase 3 of the Roadmap for Reopening Society and Business on 29 June 2020, changes to the existing public transport social distancing restrictions were agreed, allowing a move from 2 metres social distancing to utilising 50% of the passenger-carrying capacity of public transport fleet. This will help to underpin public transport services during these unprecedented times, with a view to safeguarding public transport capacity in Phases 3 and 4 of the Roadmap for Re-opening Society and Business.

Alongside this change, it was also decided that the wearing of a face covering when using public transport would be made mandatory. The Regulations for the mandatory wearing of face coverings on public transport were introduced under Health legislation on 10 July and came into effect on Monday 13 July.

Public health advice tells us that face coverings are an important safety measure, especially in interior spaces, but that they not suitable for every individual. Recognising this, the new Regulations do not apply to children under the age of 13. Reflecting public health advice, the Regulations also allow that wearing a face covering is not required where a person has a “reasonable excuse”, and this includes where a person

- cannot put on, wear or remove a face covering because of any physical or mental illness, impairment or disability or without severe distress,

- needs to communicate with another person who has difficulties communicating,

- removes the face covering to provide emergency assistance or to provide care or assistance to a vulnerable person, or

- removes the face covering to take medication.

The NTA is engaging with public transport operators regarding implementation of the Regulations. The NTA is also making arrangements for an easy and discreet way for vulnerable people who have a reasonable excuse for not wearing a face covering to communicate this with relevant public transport staff. It will be a voluntary arrangement for passengers who wish to use it, and will be similar to the recently-introduced JAM (just a minute) card.

The Regulations are implementable by a “relevant person” who is defined as any officer, employee or agent of a public transport operator or of the NTA. A relevant person implementing the Regulations can seek the assistance of An Garda Síochána where needed.

Where a passenger is not wearing a face covering, a relevant person under the Regulations may:

- request the passenger to wear a face covering,

- refuse the passenger entry to the public transport vehicle, or

- request the passenger to alight from the vehicle. Failure to comply is an offence and there are penalties (on summary conviction) for non-compliance.

Operators are already reporting high levels of compliance by passengers. I expect this to grow in the coming days as people understand the importance of protecting their fellow passengers and staff. It is not intended that enforcement or penalties will be needed often; but they are now available if necessary.

Covid-19 Pandemic

Questions (167)

Bríd Smith

Question:

167. Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the reason Bus Éireann buses nationally do not have screens fitted that could help drivers and passengers to mitigate the spread of Covid- 19; if there are plans to provide such screens to its fleet; the estimated cost of same; and the time frame envisioned for this to take place. [14778/20]

View answer

Written answers

As Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport (DTTAS) I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport. Day-to-day management and operational aspects of public transport are the responsibility of the individual operators - in this case Bus Éireann - in conjunction with the NTA

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

The Deputy will also be aware that Regulations for the mandatory wearing of face coverings on public transport were introduced under Health legislation on 10 July and came into effect on Monday 13 July. The Regulations also provide that, for vehicles where there is no screen between driver and passenger, the driver is required to wear a face covering when passengers are boarding or alighting from a vehicle.

Driver Licences

Questions (168)

Michael Healy-Rae

Question:

168. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if a plastic copy of a licence will issue to a person (details supplied) as soon as possible; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14782/20]

View answer

Written answers

The regulation of the small public service vehicle (SPSV) industry, including SPSV licensing, 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.

Ministerial Responsibilities

Questions (169)

Alan Kelly

Question:

169. Deputy Alan Kelly asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will provide a copy of the Departmental briefings received by him and each Minister of State in his Department upon taking up each individual role; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14810/20]

View answer

Written answers

My officials provided a comprehensive briefing document to me on my appointment as Minister. It is my intention to publish the document (redacted where necessary) shortly.

I would also like to advise the Deputy that the PfG briefing material for my Department has been published and the documents are located at https://www.gov.ie/en/publication/7b927-programme-for-government-documents/

Driver Licences

Questions (170)

Catherine Murphy

Question:

170. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the date on which the issuing of road haulage licences will commence; the number of pending applications; and the anticipated timeframe required to clear the backlog. [14819/20]

View answer

Written answers

I understand that the Deputy is asking about the issuing of Heavy Goods Vehicle (HGV) licences and not Haulage Licences.

The National Driver Licence Service (NDLS), provided by the Road Safety Authority issues driver licences and learner permits. The NDLS resumed services on Monday 8 June 2020. The service resumed on a gradual basis and by Monday 29 June all NDLS centres, except Clifden and Belmullet, had reopened. Further information on the resumption of the NDLS service can be found on the website www.ndls.ie.

I have referred the question relating to the number of pending applications and the anticipated time frame required to clear any backlog that may exists to the Authority for direct reply. I would ask the Deputy to contact my office if a response is not received within 10 days.

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

Driver Licences

Questions (171)

Catherine Murphy

Question:

171. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his plans to change the driver licence criteria that would allow licenceholders in category D and D1 to drive vehicles in category CE and C1E. [14820/20]

View answer

Written answers

I have no plans to change the driver licence criteria that would allow licence holders in category D and D1 to drive vehicles in category CE and C1E.

Category D and D1 relate to buses, while category CE and C1E relate to trucks. While there are similarities, there are also different competencies required when passing a test for driving a bus (responsibility in respect to the carriage of passengers) or a truck (vehicle loading).

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