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Tuesday, 14 Jul 2020

Written Answers Nos. 232-256

Covid-19 Pandemic

Questions (232)

Richard Bruton

Question:

232. Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the distinct protections, advice and oversight of tourist and non-tourist arrivals from countries deemed to have a safe level of Covid-19 infections to those with an unsafe level; if the effectiveness of the proposed approaches are evaluated by way of either international experience or domestic trials; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15458/20]

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Written answers

The Government considered the matter of international travel at a meeting on 6 July. The current Department of Health regulations concerning mandatory completion of a passenger location form for arriving passengers and a requirement of 14-day self-isolation are to continue until 20 July when the matter will be reviewed again.

Covid-19 Tests

Questions (233)

Richard Boyd Barrett

Question:

233. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his plans for Covid–19 testing within sporting clubs. [15470/20]

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Written answers

The issue of publicly funded COVID-19 testing is a matter for the public health authorities and my colleague the Minister for Health.

The Expert Advisory Group on the Return to Sport, established by my predecessor and which includes medical personnel from the sports sector, has advised - in line with public health advice - that the basic principles of good hygiene practice, hand washing, cough etiquette and social distancing are the most important tools available for the management of this virus. It is recognised that certain sports inherently have social distancing constraints. A sport stratification has been developed to identify low risk and high risk sports in terms of contact. However, the Expert Advisory Group considers that a key message remains that what is done off the field of play is as important as on the field of play.

I am aware that some sports, both domestically and internationally, are using testing as a means to aid return to sport. I wish to inform the Deputy that for the purposes of educating Ireland's National Governing Bodies of Sport (NGBs) on what these tests are, the role they can potentially play and also to facilitate NGBs in making an informed decision as to whether they wish to employ testing as a tool, the Expert Advisory Group is in the process of completing an information circular for NGBs. It is planned to distribute this information circular in the near future.

The Government is strongly supporting the resumption of sport. A funding package of up to €70 million has been announced to support the sport sector, which has been significantly impacted by the Covid-19 pandemic. The funding package will be administered by Sport Ireland.

Covid-19 Pandemic

Questions (234)

Richard Boyd Barrett

Question:

234. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will advise travel agents that are liable for refunding clients who have booked holidays but cannot travel due to public health advice in circumstances in which the airline and hoteliers will not refund, in view of the fact that flights are running and the agent will be out of pocket, jeopardising its business. [15472/20]

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Written answers

The Deputy raises an important issue for Irish licensed travel agents and tour operators, many of which are small, local high street businesses. Under the EU Package Travel Directive, travel agents and tour operators are required to provide their customers with a full cash refund when a holiday is cancelled due to exceptional circumstances, which of course Covid is. However, the travel agents and tour operators are having difficulties securing refunds themselves from their suppliers to pass onto their customers, and indeed where flights take place - irrespective whether a travel agent's customer has cancelled - the airlines are not obligated to provide a refund at all. This is causing considerable financial strain in the sector.

The State is providing financial backing for a Refund Credit Note scheme, under which travel agents and tour operators can issue credit notes to their customers instead of cash - if the customer agrees - and the financial value of that credit note is guaranteed by the State. This is a measure designed to give assurance to consumers about the safety of accepting a credit note, and help the industry alleviate the cash flow drain it is experiencing. The challenge is to ensure that consumer rights are protected and at the same time that viable business and their workers are kept going.

My Department is maintaining an open engagement with the industry body, the Irish Travel Agents Association, with a view to seeing what else can be done to support the businesses and protect the jobs.

Driver Test

Questions (235, 236, 251, 252, 257)

Danny Healy-Rae

Question:

235. Deputy Danny Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the measures being taken to ensure the driver theory test backlog caused by Covid-19 is cleared quickly; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15492/20]

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Danny Healy-Rae

Question:

236. Deputy Danny Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport when driver tests for cars will resume; the measures being put in place to deal with the backlog of those waiting for tests; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15496/20]

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Mattie McGrath

Question:

251. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport when driver tests will resume in Clonmel, County Tipperary; the reason for the delay in resuming tests at the test centre; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15661/20]

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Mattie McGrath

Question:

252. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if theory tests have resumed in Clonmel, County Tipperary; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15662/20]

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Paul McAuliffe

Question:

257. Deputy Paul McAuliffe asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his plans to deal with the backlog of driver test appointments at the Finglas test centre. [15829/20]

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Written answers

I propose to take Questions Nos. 235, 236, 251, 252 and 257 together.

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 Safely Protocol as agreed by employer and trade union representatives.

The Driver Theory Test Service resumed as of 8 June, with centres opening on a gradual basis. The resumption is dependent on strict protocols being in place for staff and test candidates in order to comply with public health guidelines. People wishing to take the theory test should check the service through https://theorytest.ie/, where they can book a test and learn about the protocols which will apply during their visit to the centre.

On 29 June, driving tests resumed on a gradual basis for trucks, buses and motorcycles. Fourteen driving test centres reopened initially, but as the number of tests and categories of vehicles being tested increases in the coming weeks, the remaining test centres will reopen. Driving tests for cars, vans and minibuses will resume this week on a phased basis with tests for essential workers being prioritised by the RSA in the first instance. There are over 52 driving test centres and each centre must be risk assessed before it is reopened. The RSA will update its website, rsa.ie to advise on each centre as it re-opens.

Inevitably, there is a backlog of both theory tests and driving tests due to Covid 19 and the suspension of services. Due to the social distancing requirements, normal daily capacity will be considerably reduced. This will mean that customers will experience longer waiting times than was the case before the service was suspended and the public’s patience and understanding in this regard is requested.

The RSA have assured my Department it is working hard to deal with this backlog – the Driver Theory Test provider for example will be opening on additional days including Saturdays, (at some centres) and extended hours will also be provided to allow additional capacity for appointments.

Given that there will be longer waiting times on the resumption of the driver testing service, it is planned that there will be a prioritisation of appointments. After essential workers, those whose appointments were cancelled by the RSA due to the Covid-19 situation will have first priority. Priority then will be given in order of application date. This approach for prioritising customers will be kept under review as the RSA moves through the service resumption.

All of the resumed services are now subject to appropriate public health protocols. Services must be booked in advance, and people should follow the required protocols for the sake of their own health and that of others. Further information is available at www.rsa.ie.

The safety of the public is of paramount importance at this time.

Sports Funding

Questions (237, 238)

Imelda Munster

Question:

237. Deputy Imelda Munster asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the funding allocated in June 2020 to sporting bodies; the amount received by each sporting body or sporting governing body; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15503/20]

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Imelda Munster

Question:

238. Deputy Imelda Munster asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if the funding allocated for sports in June 2020 will involve a grant scheme for individual sports clubs in financial difficulty due to Covid-19. [15504/20]

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Written answers

I propose to take Questions Nos. 237 and 238 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. The funding package will be administered by Sport Ireland, which is the statutory body with responsibility for the development of sport.

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 (NGBs),

- a Sports Club Resilience Fund of up to €15m to support clubs, and

- a Sports Restart and Renewal Fund of up to €5m.

The allocation of this funding to individual NGBs or clubs has not yet been determined. The funding will be invested through new grant schemes which are currently being developed. It is expected that the precise terms of each of the new grant schemes will be announced by Sport Ireland later this month and Sport Ireland will announce an open invitation to applications from funded bodies for assistance under the grant schemes.

I have referred the Deputy's question to Sport Ireland in relation to any funding allocated to sporting organisations in June under its existing funding schemes. I would ask the Deputy to contact my office if a reply is not received within 10 days.

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

Tourism Funding

Questions (239)

Imelda Munster

Question:

239. Deputy Imelda Munster asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the funding allocation made to Tourism Ireland in each of the years 2017 to 2019, inclusive; and the expected spend for 2020. [15508/20]

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Written answers

Tourism Ireland is funded through the Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport and the Department for the Economy in Northern Ireland. Tourism Ireland's funding from the Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport in each of the years from 2017 to 2020 inclusive, is set out in the table hereunder.

Year

Total Funding

2017

€41,307,000

2018

€47,693,000

2019

€58,524,000

2020

€53,701,000

It should be noted that the amounts set out for 2017-2019 are outturn amounts and, for 2018 and 2019, include supplementary funding provided to the agency. The amount set out for 2020 is the budgetary allocation for Tourism Ireland this year.

Tourism Funding

Questions (240)

Imelda Munster

Question:

240. Deputy Imelda Munster asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the funding allocation made to Fáilte Ireland in each of the years 2017 to 2019, inclusive; and the expected spend for 2020. [15509/20]

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Written answers

Details of the annual funding allocation provided by my Department to Fáilte Ireland are available in the annual Revised Estimates Volume (REV) published by the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform and is available on that Department's website. The subheads of relevance to Fáilte Ireland are E3, E6 and E5 (shared with Tourism Ireland) and further detail is available in the Agency Statement for Fáilte Ireland under Vote 31. 

Tourism Funding

Questions (241)

Imelda Munster

Question:

241. Deputy Imelda Munster asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the funding allocation made to local authorities for tourism purposes in each of the years 2017 to 2019, inclusive; and the expected spend for 2020. [15510/20]

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Written answers

My Department does not provide funding for tourism purposes to local authorities other than for the development of greenways. Funding provided to local authorities for development of greenways in the relevant period was as follows: 2017 €5,938,460; 2018 €3,249,429; 2019 €4,635,944. In 2020 Revised Estimates Volume, including the amount carried over from 2019, the total amount allocated for expenditure on greenways is €27,000,000, the bulk of which is expected to be spent through local authorities.

I have referred the Deputy's question to Fáilte Ireland to provide further detail regarding funding provided to local authorities by the tourism agency. Please contact my private office if you do not receive a reply within ten working days.

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

Driver Test

Questions (242)

Darren O'Rourke

Question:

242. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if the requirement for US citizens and returning Irish emigrants to sit a theory test and take driver lessons and a driver test within one year of living here will be extended by four months due to the Covid-19 restrictions on driver tests and lessons; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15514/20]

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Written answers

It is possible to drive in Ireland on a foreign licence for up to a year under the Geneva Convention, but this only applies to visitors. A foreign licence holder who is resident in Ireland can exchange their licence for an Irish licence if there is a licence exchange agreement in place with the relevant country. Such a licence can be exchanged within one year of the expiry of the licence. This one year period is for exchange purposes only. Ireland does not have a licence exchange agreement with the US. It is illegal to drive in Ireland without a valid licence.

Ireland cannot extend the validity of a driving licence issued by another licensing authority. The validity of a driving licence issued by another EU Member State, that has been extended by that Member State due to the Covid-19 pandemic, will be recognised in Ireland.

Driver Test

Questions (243)

Darren O'Rourke

Question:

243. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will consider introducing a reciprocal agreement with the United States of America on driver licences in view of the fact that the current requirements place an undue burden on Americans and returning Irish emigrants who are actively recruited to invest and work here; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15515/20]

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Written answers

Irish driver licensing law operates within a framework of EU law. It is important to remember that driver licensing law exists to ensure that people licensed to drive on our roads meet high standards of safety. The standards for testing drivers are set at EU level.

As such, all EU driving licences are exchangeable when a person moves from one Member State to another. In the case of non-EU jurisdictions, we may make bilateral agreements on licence exchange when the relevant authorities in each jurisdiction have studied and compared the two licensing regimes, so that each side can be satisfied that they are compatible and that licences can be exchanged without an adverse impact on road safety on one or other country, due to differing standards. On the Irish side, this task is undertaken by the Road Safety Authority (RSA). As the Deputy will recognise, it is essential that a country with whom we agree to exchange licences has a robust system in place. On the Irish side, this task is undertaken by the Road Safety Authority (RSA).

The RSA has previously explored reaching an agreement on exchange with the USA. However, US driver licensing operates at State rather than federal level, meaning that there are 50 licensing systems with widely varying standards. Agreement with any one State would mean taking into account the exchange relations between that State and the other 49 States. In that regard, it is important to note that not only do systems and standards vary across states, but road safety records vary accordingly and indeed in many cases are more comparable to developing countries than, for example, other EU member states. The RSA therefore determined that agreement would not be possible, without undermining the safety of road users in Ireland and indeed across the EU.

When people come to Ireland with a non-exchange licence, we have no option but to require them to go through the process of obtaining an Irish licence. This is a matter of public safety. While many may have a safe driving record, we have no way of measuring this.

At present, people with a full but non-exchange licence go through the normal driver learning process, but they can avail of the shorter Essential Driver Training of 6 lessons instead of the usual 12. Some lessons would be useful in helping people to adjust to Irish driving rules and conditions. They also do not have to wait the minimum of 6 months before taking a driving test.

Public Transport

Questions (244)

Darren O'Rourke

Question:

244. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if even headway profiles are used in bus transport services here; his views on whether this is the best approach in the public transport system; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15516/20]

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Written answers

As 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 a matter for the National Transport Authority (NTA) and I have forwarded the Deputy's question to the NTA for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a response within ten working days.

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

Rail Network

Questions (245)

Patricia Ryan

Question:

245. Deputy Patricia Ryan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will reinstate pre-7 a.m. services from Monasterevin train station; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15574/20]

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Written answers

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

The issue raised is an operational matter for Iarnród Éireann, in conjunction with the National Transport Authority, and I have forwarded the Deputy's question to the company for direct reply.

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

A referred reply was forwarded to the Deputy under Standing Order 51.
Question No. 246 answered with Question No. 223.

Covid-19 Pandemic

Questions (247)

Niamh Smyth

Question:

247. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will review the concerns of a person (details supplied) regarding asymptomatic cases; if he will address the concerns; if he will review the proposals; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15593/20]

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Written answers

The issue publicly funded COVID-19 testing is a matter for the public health authorities and my colleague the Minister for Health.

The Expert Advisory Group on the Return to Sport, established by my predecessor and which includes medical personnel, has advised - in line with public health advice - that the basic principles of good hygiene practice, hand washing, cough etiquette and social distancing are the most important tools available for the management of this virus.

I am aware that some sports, both domestically and internationally, are using testing as a means to aid return to sport. I wish to inform the Deputy that for the purposes of educating Ireland's National Governing Bodies of Sport (NGBs) on what these tests are, the role they can potentially play and also to facilitate NGBs in making an informed decision as to whether they wish to employ testing as a tool, the Expert Advisory Group is in the process of completing an information circular for NGBs. It is planned to distribute this information circular in the near future.

Covid-19 Pandemic Supports

Questions (248)

Martin Browne

Question:

248. Deputy Martin Browne asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if his attention has been drawn to the fact that many hoteliers that have not met the criteria for the restart grant find themselves in a situation in which they have no access to supports other than Covid-19-related loan schemes, which would put them into more debt; his plans to address this problem that affects many in the tourism industry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15607/20]

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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.

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.

Question No. 249 answered with Question No. 223.

Airport Development Projects

Questions (250)

David Cullinane

Question:

250. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if funding previously committed to for extending the runway at Waterford Airport has been released; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15644/20]

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Written answers

As the Deputy may be aware, in June 2019, the Government gave approval, in principle, to contributing €5 million in Exchequer funding towards a €12 million runway extension project at Waterford Airport.

The model of funding put forward by Waterford Airport in respect of this project was new - private and local authority interests have committed to investing the balance of the cost, which is estimated to be €7 million. As a result, certain conditions were attached to the Government's support. One condition specified that the Exchequer contribution would only be made when all of the upgrade works are completed and the runway is confirmed to be ready for service by the Irish Aviation Authority.

As the project has not been completed to date, no funding has been released to the Airport.

Questions Nos. 251 and 252 answered with Question No. 235.

Driver Test

Questions (253)

Mattie McGrath

Question:

253. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if those living abroad with Irish driver licences who cannot travel home to renew same can extend their licence until all travel restrictions are lifted; the provisions available to persons who cannot get an appointment to renew their licence prior to the expiry date due to the unavailability of appointment slots and in cases in which the person does not hold a public services card and therefore cannot apply online; if persons who cannot get an appointment prior to their expiry date will have their licence extended until appointments become available (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15663/20]

View answer

Written answers

An applicant for a driving licence must have their normal residence in the State. 

An Irish driving licence can be renewed up to 10 years after the expiry date of the licence.

National Car Test

Questions (254)

Mattie McGrath

Question:

254. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if rain shelters will be placed outside NCT centres (details supplied) to ensure that those being made to wait outside are sheltered from the elements; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15693/20]

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Written answers

Under the Road Safety Authority Act 2006 (Conferral of Functions) Order 2006 (S.I. No.477 of 2006) the Road Safety Authority (RSA) is the body responsible for the operation and oversight of periodic roadworthiness testing in the State. Accordingly, I have forwarded your query to the RSA as it relates to an operational matter.

I would ask the Deputy to contact my office if he has not received a response within 10 days.

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

Transport Policy

Questions (255)

Christopher O'Sullivan

Question:

255. Deputy Christopher O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his plans to put hybrid cars back on the plan for limited companies as opposed to just electric vehicles; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15727/20]

View answer

Written answers

In order to accelerate the up-take by drivers of zero- and low-emitting vehicles, a range of incentives is available to individuals and companies to reduce the cost of their purchase and running. Incentives are targeted at different purchaser types and in respect of different vehicle types, and several of the incentives schemes are designed to specifically give more encouragement for up-take of vehicles that have the better carbon impact.

It is not clear from the question which precise incentive the Deputy is asking about. I expect that the Deputy's question may relate incentives in the tax area - the Vehicle Registration Tax incentive or the special Benefit-in-Kind rate - in which case he should refer the question to my colleague the Minister for Finance. If he is enquiring about the EV purchase grant administered by the SEAI, further information is available from the Department of Climate Action, Communications Networks and the Environment or the SEAI directly.

Covid-19 Pandemic Supports

Questions (256)

Seán Crowe

Question:

256. Deputy Seán Crowe asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if a stimulus package or other forms of support for the taxi sector are being considered; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15780/20]

View answer

Written answers

I recognise that from the onset of the COVID-19 emergency and the introduction of restrictions as part of the necessary public health response, passenger demand for taxis and other small public service vehicle (SPSV) services fell considerably and many operators stopped working.

In recognition of the challenges facing businesses, the Government put in place a range of measures to assist businesses during the current COVID-19 pandemic, including the COVID-19 Wage Subsidy Scheme, the COVID-19 Restart Grant, and a waiver of commercial rates. Self-employed owner operators of SPSVs may also avail of the COVID-19 Pandemic Unemployment Payment.

Over the past few months, the National Transport Authority (NTA), which is the body under the aegis of my Department with responsibility for regulating the SPSV sector, has undertaken a number of measures to assist operators in the industry including waivers, facilitating temporary licence suspensions, interaction with the insurance industry, and providing guidance to operators on cleaning and other ways to reduce the risk of spreading Covid-19.

The focus now is on assisting those who have stopped working to get back to work as the economy reopens and passenger demand for SPSVs returns. My Department is in regular contact with the NTA to monitor the impact that the reopening of the economy in line with the Government's Roadmap to Reopening Society and Business is having on demand for SPSV services and to ensure that SPSV operators who have temporarily stopped working are well placed to return to work.

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