Tuesday, 28 Jul 2020

Written Answers Nos. 115-134

Grant Payments

Questions (115)

Thomas Pringle

Question:

115. Deputy Thomas Pringle asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the grants available for persons building new sustainable houses. [18901/20]

Written answers

Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment

My Department funds a number of grant schemes to help homeowners to improve the energy efficiency of their properties. These schemes are administered by the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI). Since 2000, approximately 400,000 homeowners have upgraded their homes with support from these schemes. This has resulted in warmer, healthier and more comfortable homes that are easier to heat and light. Funding of approximately €121 million has been allocated for home and community energy efficiency schemes and the solar PV scheme in 2020. The overarching aim of these schemes is to improve the energy efficiency of our built environment in a way which represents the best possible use of Exchequer funding. This is why the schemes are only available to older homes, built before 2011 in the case of renewable measures, and before 2006 in the case of insulation measures.

Buildings constructed more recently are generally more energy efficient due to energy performance requirements in the Building Regulations. In the case of new houses, minimum energy and carbon emissions performance requirements are set in Building Regulations which are currently at the advanced Nearly Zero Energy Building (NZEB)  performance requirements. As the energy efficiency performance of new buildings is already at the advanced NZEB level, grants are not provided for energy efficiency in new houses.

The Help to Buy incentive is a scheme that can help first-time property buyers with the deposit to purchase or build a new house or apartment. Further information on this scheme is available at www.revenue.ie.

Grant Payments

Questions (116)

James Browne

Question:

116. Deputy James Browne asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment his plans to revise the solar panel grants scheme for private residences; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18987/20]

Written answers

Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment

The solar PV Scheme, which commenced in July 2018, targets domestic customers, solar PV installations (rooftop solar panels), self-consumption (grant to assist with installation costs with no tariff for export) and battery energy storage systems (BESS). The Scheme was reviewed in December 2019 and the costs of installation were assessed. Some grant changes were made to the scheme arising from that assessment. As of end June 2020 there were 3,086 applications who received grant support to date, costing approximately €7.6m with over 10,700kWp installed. The Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland administer the Scheme on behalf of my Department and full details of grant rates are available at: www.seai.ie The Programme for Government commits to  prioritising the development of micro-generation, letting people sell excess power back to the grid by June 2021. Development in this area may involve changes to the solar panel grants scheme. The measures set out below will assist in delivering this commitment.

The Commission for Regulation of Utilities (CRU) published a Roadmap for the Clean Energy Package’s Electricity and Renewables Directives in March this year, which provides for a public consultation on the regulatory framework for prosumer development later this year. The document is available on the CRU website www.cru.ie.

A Micro-Generation working group, chaired by my Department, is examining an enabling framework for micro- generation which tackles existing barriers and establishes suitable supports within relevant market segments. The proposed support mechanism will be outlined in a public consultation in Q3 2020.

A suitable support payment for excess electricity generated on site and exported to the grid will, therefore, be available to all micro-generators in accordance with the timeline set out in the Programme for Government. Developing a Solar Energy Strategy for rooftop and ground, based photovoltaics, to ensure that a greater share of our electricity needs is met through solar power is another Government commitment in the Programme.

Electricity Grid

Questions (117)

Neale Richmond

Question:

117. Deputy Neale Richmond asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the status of the Celtic interconnector project; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19158/20]

Written answers

Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment

The Celtic Interconnector is a €1 billion electricity interconnector jointly proposed by EirGrid and their French counterparts, the French transmission system operator, RTÉ (Reseau de Transporte d’Électricite). It is proposed as a 575km long (500km subsea), 700MW high voltage direct current line from the north-west coast of France to the south coast of Ireland. At this scale it would be able to provide electricity for some 450,000 homes. The Celtic Interconnector will provide a reliable high-capacity electricity link between Ireland and France that will have significant benefits for the people of Ireland. The project will provide access to the European internal electricity market, leading to expected increased competition and lower prices in Ireland.  It will also improve security of electricity supply and facilitate increased capacity for renewable energy here via export access to the mainland European markets.

In late 2019 the European Commission announced a grant of €530m towards the construction of the interconnector under the Connecting Europe Facility fund. This grant was made possible by significant support for the project from the Irish Government that resulted in its designation as an EU Project of Common Interest.

EirGrid is involved in extensive planning for the development of the interconnector infrastructure and continue to consult widely in that regard. Several public consultations have been held and more focused local engagements are ongoing.

Dublin Airport Authority

Questions (118)

Duncan Smith

Question:

118. Deputy Duncan Smith asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if correspondence with Dublin Airport Authority since 1 January 2020 in relation to support measures to assist the company to cope with the long-term effects of the Covid-19 pandemic will be provided; the dates of same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18002/20]

Written answers

Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport

I can confirm to the Deputy that officials in my Department are in ongoing discussions with daa in relation to support measures to assist the company cope with the long term effects of the Covid-19 pandemic.  I also had the opportunity to discuss this issue with the Company CEO in recent weeks so I can assure the Deputy that I am fully aware of the challenges faced by daa at this time.

As the Deputy will be aware, the Government has put in place a broad range of supports to help mitigate the effects of the COVID-19 crisis, including the recently extended Temporary Wage Subsidy Scheme which many companies in the aviation sector, including daa, are currently availing of. 

I can confirm that the daa wrote to my predecessor on 30 March and 27 April in relation to the unprecedented impact of Covid-19 on the aviation industry and on daa’s business in particular.  The correspondence sets out areas where Government might assist although you will appreciate that it is not possbile for the correspondence to be provided given that it contains commercially sensitive information which was provided in confidence.

As a commercial State Body, with responsibility to operate and manage Dublin and Cork Airports, daa is responding to the crisis and is implementing a Roadmap to Recovery.  My Department will continue its ongoing engagement with the Company as it is my intention that daa will be well positioned operationally to contribute to the post pandemic recovery.

Proposed Legislation

Questions (119)

John Lahart

Question:

119. Deputy John Lahart asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport when he plans to proceed with the legislation necessary for protecting communities from the antisocial use of scramblers and quad bikes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18182/20]

Written answers

Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport

The Department of Justice is primarilty responsible for issues arising from the misuse of scramblers and other similar vehicles in parks and other areas not on the public road.

Extending the definition of a public place in the Road Traffic Acts to include public parks would risk a wide range of unintended consequences. Further detailed exploration of possible alternatives has been delayed due to the reassignment of resources in the Department to deal with a range of legislative measures required as a consequence of the Covid 19 emergency and the Government's response. Legislation to deal with issues arising from the Covid 19 pandemic currently has priority.

Aviation Industry

Questions (120)

Darren O'Rourke

Question:

120. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport for the estimated number of private jets that land in Irish airports each year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18186/20]

Written answers

Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport

The Deputy may be aware that my Department compiles and publishes quarterly statistics from our airports, which are available on the government website https://www.gov.ie/en/collection/0e1fd9-dttas-quarterly-aviation-statistics-snapshot/. Those statistics focus on all commercial movements and all passenger numbers through the airports and does not differentiate between scheduled and non-scheduled services.  The Department does not collect data in relation to private jets specifically and it is difficult to obtain detailed information in relation to private jets. However, the Department can share the most recent data available which is that in 2018 there were approximately 24,000 runway movements by private, non-commercial aircraft at our airports. This figure includes departures and landings. This  figure also includes private business jets and flight school aircraft, which may be used in heavy rotation in the case of smaller aircraft.

Public Transport

Questions (121)

Darren O'Rourke

Question:

121. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the estimated cost of making public transport free; the estimated cost of making public transport free for all those under 25 years of age; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18187/20]

Written answers

Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport

The National Transport Authority (NTA) has the statutory responsibility for the regulation of fares in relation to public passenger transport services and also has statutory responsibility for securing the provision of public transport services by way of public transport services contracts in respect of services that are socially necessary but commercially unviable.  The funding of those services comprises both the fares paid by passengers and the subvention payments from the Exchequer.  The main purpose of the subvention payment is to meet the gap between income from fares and the cost of operating services.

I have, therefore, 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.

Rural Transport Programme

Questions (122)

Darren O'Rourke

Question:

122. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the budget allocation for the rural transport programme in each of the years 2016 to 2020; the number of passenger journeys in the same period; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18190/20]

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. It is the National Transport Authority (NTA) which has statutory responsibility for securing the provision of public passenger transport services nationally. The NTA also has national responsibility for integrated local and rural transport, including management of the Rural Transport Programme (RTP) which now operates under the Local Link brand.

My Department provides aggregate funding for Local Link services to the NTA. Since 2018 the total annual allocation for Local Link services has included funding for rural regular services, funded from Public Service Obligation (PSO) funding.

The total allocations for the years in question, including the aforementioned PSO allocation for the years since 2018, is

Year	€
2016	€12.2m
2017	€14.4m
2018	€19.5m
2019	€21.0m
2020	€23.4m

In light of the NTA's responsibilities in this matter, I have referred your question to the NTA for direct reply to you in relation to the number of passenger journeys for this period. Please advise 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.

Aviation Industry

Questions (123)

Pa Daly

Question:

123. Deputy Pa Daly asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will investigate whether passengers were transferred between an aircraft (details supplied) in Dublin airport on 26 June 2020 in which the aircraft originated as a flight in Washington DC, landed in Dublin and originated another flight between Dublin and Benghazi, Libya; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18309/20]

Written answers

Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport

I can confirm that the daa has reported to my officials that passengers were transferred between aircraft as detailed by the Deputy.

My Department has no further details regarding these flights as the operator referred to is an EU carrier and therefore, no prior flight authorisations were required from my Department under EU Aviation Regulations.

Driver Licences

Questions (124)

Marian Harkin

Question:

124. Deputy Marian Harkin asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the position regarding a matter (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18615/20]

Written answers

Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport

Ireland does not have an agreement with the United States of America for the exchange of driving licences. Driving licence exchange agreements are only made when the relevant authorities (the Road Safety Authority in Ireland) in each jurisdiction have studied and compared the two licensing regimes, so that each side can be satisfied that they are compatible. Irish driver licensing law operates within a framework of EU law, and the standards for testing drivers are set at EU level.

The Road Safety Authority (RSA) has previously explored reaching 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. The RSA determined that agreement would not be possible.

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 can avail of the shorter Essential Driver Training of 6 lessons instead of the usual 12, and will not have to wait the usual minimum of 6 months before taking a driving test. Taking some lessons is useful in helping people to adjust to Irish driving rules and conditions and in preparing people for the driving test.

Greenways Provision

Questions (125)

Marian Harkin

Question:

125. Deputy Marian Harkin asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport when the allocated funding for greenways will be made available to local authorities; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18616/20]

Written answers

Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport

I expect to be in a position to announce which local authorities have been allocated funding under the Carbon Tax Fund very shortly. There was substantial interest in the process with 40 applications made by local authorities and state agencies.

Motor Tax

Questions (126)

Pearse Doherty

Question:

126. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the estimated full-year cost in 2021 of abolishing the punitive motor tax surcharge by which motor tax paid for periods of three or six months are more expensive, in monthly costs, than the cost of motor tax for a period of 12 months; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18777/20]

Written answers

Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport

Motor tax is payable on an annual, half-yearly or quarterly basis. Motor tax taken out on a half-yearly and quarterly basis is charged at 55.5% and 28.25% of the annual rate respectively.

Based on the volume of transactions in 2019, the estimated annual cost to the Exchequer of setting the half-yearly and quarterly rates at 50% and 25% of the annual rate respectively is €45.7m. This does not take account of the likely cost of additional administration arising from the likelihood that more users may opt to tax their vehicles for short periods and therefore require more frequent renewals.

Covid-19 Pandemic

Questions (127, 193, 199, 202)

Niamh Smyth

Question:

127. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will review the case of a person (details supplied); if he and his Department will intervene in this matter given that the country of destination is not on the green list provided due to Covid-19 and that all non-essential travel is not recommended; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18879/20]

Seán Canney

Question:

193. Deputy Seán Canney asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if his Department will intervene in view of the fact that many Irish persons that booked holidays before the Covid-19 lockdown are now losing their money due to the travel ban and airlines are refusing to offer a refund; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18900/20]

Michael McNamara

Question:

199. Deputy Michael McNamara asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if a matter will be resolved regarding the case of a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18915/20]

Alan Kelly

Question:

202. Deputy Alan Kelly asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the way in which persons that followed travel advice and cancelled their holidays which has resulted in a financial loss for them will be compensated; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18938/20]

Written answers

Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport

I propose to take Questions Nos. 127, 193, 199 and 202 together.

As things stand in law, air passenger rights are protected by Regulation (EC) No. 261/2004, which covers the rights of passenger in instances of cancellations. However, if a flight goes ahead and a customer either cancels or does not use their ticket, they are not entitled to a refund under EU law.

Evidently the existing consumer protections and legal obligations on airlines and the broader travel sector did not envisage the current circumstances of mass cancellations and stringent travel restrictions. That has, not surprisingly, put the entire system under immense pressure and it is causing real difficulties for people and businesses. I understand that the main Irish airlines have been offering the option to rebook in circumstances where a flight occurs but people are not able to present because of Government advice. That said, I am mindful that the options put forward by airlines may not be fair or workable for customers in all instances. I know it is an issue that my colleague the Minister of State Hildegarde Naughton has identified as needing further engagement with the airlines about, and she intends to do so.

Sports Funding

Questions (128)

Darren O'Rourke

Question:

128. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the potential funding streams available to a club (details supplied) in County Meath to help build and develop a permanent facility; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17988/20]

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.  The most recent (2018) round of the SCP attracted a record 2,337 applications. Allocations were announced in January, May and November of last year with a total of over €56 million awarded to 1,648 different projects. All unsuccessful applicants were given the opportunity to appeal the Department’s decision. In relation to the capital grants announced in November, a total of 122 appeals were submitted by the December deadline.  The review of these appeals was completed in April 2020 with 6 new allocations approved.  Following the finalisation of the appeals process, a full Review of the 2018 round of the SCP was undertaken. This Review is currently under consideration and includes recommendations for some changes to the terms and conditions of the next round of the SCP. I understand that this is expected to be finalised shortly and a decision on the timing of a new round of the SCP will be taken after that.

In relation to larger capital projects, the National Sports Policy published in 2018 provided for the establishment of a Large Scale Sport Infrastructure Fund (LSSIF). The aim of the fund is to provide support for larger sports facilities where the Exchequer investment is greater than the maximum amount (€300,000) available under the Sports Capital Programme (SCP).  Provisional Grants totalling €82.5m were announced in January of this year. The scheme was open to National Governing Bodies of Sport and Local Authorities. While the fund is not open to new applications at present, further calls for applications under the scheme are envisaged in the future.

Driver Test

Questions (129)

Darren O'Rourke

Question:

129. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the number of persons waiting for driving tests; and the number waiting by test centre. [17989/20]

Written answers

Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport

This is a matter for the Road Safety Authority. I have referred the question to the Authority for direct reply. I would ask the Deputy to contact my office if a response is not received within 10 days.

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

Driver Test

Questions (130)

Darren O'Rourke

Question:

130. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport when driving tests for cars will resume; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17990/20]

Written answers

Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport

On Monday 29 June, driving tests resumed on a gradual basis for trucks, buses and motorcycles.  Fourteen driving test centres reopened initially, with others being phased in over a period of time. 

Driving tests for cars, vans, and minibuses resumed on a gradual basis from 16 July with essential workers and those who had appointments cancelled due to Covid 19 being prioritised in the first instance. The phased resumption plan being put in place is to protect both the public and staff and will also enable the RSA to review practices and adapt any mitigating measures.

The safety of the public is of paramount importance at this time and my Department will be guided by NPHET and national experts.

Driver Licences

Questions (131)

Darren O'Rourke

Question:

131. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if provisional licence renewals can be processed automatically and online but full driver licences cannot; the waiting time for an appointment at each centre; the contingencies in place in cases where the full licence of a driver is out of date and applicants cannot obtain an appointment for same for six weeks; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17991/20]

Written answers

Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport

Currently, people under the age of 70 and those that do not need to provide any supporting documentation, can apply for a learner permit and/or a driving licence online provided they have a Public Services Card and a verified MyGovID account. Those that have a truck or bus category on their driving licence or learner permit can not renew online, as supporting documentation is required.

As you can appreciate, Covid 19 has had a profound effect of the delivery of services. The National Driver Licence Service (NDLS) has just resumed and is operating at around 60% of its pre Covid capacity to ensure that it complies with occupational and public health requirements.

 The National Driver Licence Service (NDLS) offices are unable to facilitate any walk-ins due to the social distancing requirements and in the interest of protecting the staff and customers. Therefore, all appointments must be booked in advance. This, of course, has led to an increase in the demand for appointments. The RSA is working with their providers to see how they can increase capacity while adhering to the return to work protocol. Options under consideration include extended opening hours, overtime and protective segregation barriers between booths.

Any queries in relation to driving licences or urgent cases can be addressed to the NDLS customer service at 0761087880 or by emailing [e-mail]

The waiting time at each centre is an operational matter for the RSA.  I have referred your question to the RSA for direct reply. I would ask te 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.

Covid-19 Pandemic Supports

Questions (132, 135)

Maurice Quinlivan

Question:

132. Deputy Maurice Quinlivan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if an application for emergency funding has been received from a group (details supplied) up to 17 July 2020; if so, the details of same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17993/20]

Duncan Smith

Question:

135. Deputy Duncan Smith asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport correspondence with a group (details supplied) since 1 January 2020 in relation to support measures to assist the company cope with the long-term effects of the Covid-19 pandemic will be provided; the dates of same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18003/20]

Written answers

Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport

I propose to take Questions Nos. 132 and 135 together.

I can advise the Deputies that in response to the COVID-19 crisis, the Government has put in place a broad range of supports to help mitigate the effects of the crisis, including the recently extended Temporary Wage Subsidy Scheme which many companies in the aviation sector including Shannon Group, are currently availing of.

In relation to the provision of emergency funding, the Deputies may be aware that Government recently approved the provision of €6.1m in emergency grant funding to enable Shannon Airport complete its Hold Baggage Screening project.  As Shannon Group is a commercial State Body, this funding was provided as an exceptional measure. Provision of this funding ensured the Airport was in a position to re-open on the 1st of July with the resumption in passenger flights.

My Department is in ongoing discussions with Shannon Group in relation to potential supports from Government to help mitigate the impacts of Covid-19. In this regard, Shannon Group wrote formally to the Department on this issue on 23 April, 22 May, 8 July and 20 July, 2020.  I can also confirm to the Deputies that Minister Naughton has also met recently with the CEO and Chair of Shannon Group.

My Department is currently undertaking a thorough examination of the future viability and sustainability of the Group, and I will consider restructuring measures, financial supports and any other measures that may be necessary and appropriate as part of a wider review of Shannon Group.   I will bring recommendations to Government in this regard in due course.  

As I have recently stated, it is my intention that the Company will be well positioned operationally to contribute to the post pandemic recovery, particularly given the importance of Shannon Airport to the economy of the Midwest and Western regions and indeed nationally.

Covid-19 Pandemic Supports

Questions (133, 134)

Duncan Smith

Question:

133. Deputy Duncan Smith asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if correspondence with a company (details supplied) since 1 January 2020 in relation to support measures to assist the company to cope with the long-term effects of the Covid-19 pandemic will be provided; the dates of same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18000/20]

Duncan Smith

Question:

134. Deputy Duncan Smith asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if correspondence with a company (details supplied) since 1 January 2020 in relation to support measures to assist the company to cope with the long-term effects of the Covid-19 pandemic will be provided; the dates of same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18001/20]

Written answers

Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport

I propose to take Questions Nos. 133 and 134 together.

My Department is assessing the financial impact of COVID-19 on the Irish aviation sector on an ongoing basis. The sector was represented on the Aviation Recovery Taskforce and the final report of this group was recently published. The recommendations contained in this Report will be considered as appropriate in the context of the ongoing work to manage the impact of COVID-19 on aviation and the wider economy.

In order to assist businesses and protect employment, the Government has already put in place a comprehensive suite of supports for companies of all sizes, including those in the aviation sector, which includes the Temporary Wage Subsidy Scheme and the ISIF Pandemic Stabilisation and Recovery Fund. It remains open to airlines to engage directly with the relevant agencies concerned with a view to drawing down such supports. The amount of any funding sought by each airline would be a commercial matter for the airlines concerned.