Written Answers Nos. 202-221
202. Deputy James Lawless asked the Minister for Transport the supports in place for taxi drivers to allow them to repackage their business model in the context of the Covid-19 pandemic (details supplied); the measures or incentives in place to help them restart; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21555/20]
View answer212. Deputy Seán Haughey asked the Minister for Transport the measures being taken to assist the taxi industry during the Covid-19 pandemic; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21775/20]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 202 and 212 together.
I recognise that since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic 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 has fallen considerably and many operators stopped working temporarily.
COVID-19 has had a severe impact on the SPSV sector, but it has also had a profound impact on communities, businesses, families and individuals across the country. As COVID-19 is a national crisis, it merits a national response.
The Government’s July Stimulus Package, co-ordinated by the Department of Business, Enterprise and Innovation, built on the extensive enterprise and employment supports already deployed by Government in response to COVID-19 with the aim of helping to get Ireland’s businesses, including SPSV businesses, back on their feet. Officials from the Department of Transport and the NTA, the statutory taxi regulator, have been working together alongside officials in other Government Departments to ensure that SPSV operators, many of whom are self-employed, can avail of the range of COVID-19 financial support measures to the greatest extent possible.
SPSV operators, many of whom are self-employed, can presently avail of a range of the available measures, including the Pandemic Unemployment Payment (PUP), which is available until April 2021, and the Enterprise Support Grant for businesses impacted by COVID-19, which was launched by the Department of Employment Affairs and Social Protection on 14 August 2020.
The Enterprise Support Grant is available to assist eligible self-employed recipients who come off the PUP on or after 18 May 2020 and who are not liable for commercial rates. The grant provides business owners with a once-off grant of up to €1,000 to restart their business which was closed due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Funding is awarded for eligible costs up to the maximum of €1,000, and is awarded on costs relating to opening the relevant business, such as safety measures, repairs, fuel, wages and business advice or mentoring.
In addition, self-employed individuals who were profitable in 2019 but not in 2020 due to COVID-19 may be able to avail of an income tax relief off-set up to €25,000 of 2020 losses against 2019 profits.
SPSV businesses, such as licensed taxi dispatch operators, can also avail of measures such as the COVID-19 Restart Grant, the COVID-19 Employment Wage Subsidy Scheme and the COVID-19 Business Loan Scheme, which involves loans of up to €25,000 interest-free for six-months, with a Government rebate of interest paid in the following six months.
For its part, the National Transport Authority (NTA), the statutory regulator, took a series of actions to reduce the immediate financial burden on SPSV operators and to make it easier for them to return to the industry when circumstances change. These actions included licence extensions, the waiver of late licence renewal fees, and, in conjunction with the motor insurance industry, the suspension of SPSV insurance for those operators who decided to temporarily stop working and suspend their licences. Since the onset of the pandemic, the NTA has communicated regularly with individual SPSV operators in relation to the impact of COVID-19 on the SPSV industry. It has also published information on its website for the SPSV industry, including guidance on the installation of screens and guidelines on how to keep vehicles clean to reduce the spread of COVID-19.
The focus of the efforts of the Department of Transport and the NTA has been on assisting those who have stopped working to get back to work as the economy reopens and passenger demand for SPSVs returns. In this regard, this 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. Officials from this Department and the NTA are also continuing to engage with the Advisory Committee of Small Public Service Vehicles in relation to the proposals in the report made by that Committee on assisting the SPSV sector to recover from the impact of the pandemic.
203. Deputy Francis Noel Duffy asked the Minister for Transport the measures being implemented to ensure that there will be capacity for school students on Dublin Bus particularly during peak times while adhering to social distancing when schools resume to ensure they get to school on time; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21575/20]
View answerAs Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport.
The School Transport Scheme comes under the remit of my colleague the Minister for Education and Skills. Bus services outside of that scheme are part of the overall public transport sector. The day-to-day management and operational aspects of public transport are the responsibility of the individual operators, in this case Dublin Bus, in conjunction with the National Transport Authority (NTA).
Accordingly, I have forwarded the Deputy's questions to the NTA for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a response within ten working days.
204. Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Transport if the cost of introducing a nationwide accident signalling system in order to alert motorists to the presence of accidents on major roadways has been examined. [21579/20]
View answerAs 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. Under the Roads Acts 1993-2015 the operation and management of individual national roads is a matter for Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII), in conjunction with the local authorities concerned. In this context, TII is best placed to advise you on the cost of introducing a nationwide accident signalling system on major roadways.
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.
205. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Transport when a toll operator will introduce contactless payments at Fermoy, County Cork. [21584/20]
View answerAs Minister for Climate, Energy, Communications and Transport, Tourism and Sport, I have responsibility for overall policy and funding in relation to the national roads programme. Under the Roads Acts 1993-2015, the operation and management of individual national roads is a matter for Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII), in conjunction with the local authorities concerned.
Matters relating to the day to day operations regarding national roads, including toll roads and the establishment of a system of tolls, are within the remit of TII. More specifically, the statutory power to levy tolls, to make toll bye-laws and to enter into agreements with private investors are vested in TII under Part V of the Roads Act 1993 (as amended).
Noting the above position, I have referred the question to TII for a direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 working days.
206. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Transport if the NDLS will provide a further extension for driver licences for six months or until the current backlog is cleared and more appointments become available in view of the difficulty for persons in renewing licences such as in the case of a person (details supplied); and if documentary applications will be accepted by way of registered post. [21636/20]
View answerI am aware of the difficulties the Deputy refers to and my officials are working with the Road Safety Authority, which is responsible for the National Driving Licence Service, to identify and bring forward a range of possible responses that are consistent with the national and EU legal frameworks.
All driving licences that have expired or will expire between 1 March and 31 August 2020 have been extended for 7 months. This extension has been granted in response to the Covid-19 pandemic and the disruption it has caused to licensing services delivered by the Road Safety Authority (RSA). The extension will ease the pressure on the National Driver Licence Service (NDLS), free up appointment slots and make it easier to find those slots at local centres. This brings Irish national law in line with EU legislation.
An application to renew a driving licence can be made no more that 3 months before the date of expiry of the licence.
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. Work is also continuing to expand the online facility to accommodate all driving licence and learner permit application types in a manner that does not undermine the existing legal framework or the effective operations of the stakeholders involved.
Ms Mahoney should be able to get all the relevant information on www.ndls.ie or she can also email lqueries@rsa.ie.
207. Deputy Brian Stanley asked the Minister for Transport when driver testing for heavy goods vehicles can be restarted given that it is causing difficulties in the haulage industry. [21647/20]
View answerOn Monday 29 June, driving tests resumed on a gradual basis for trucks, buses and motorcycles. Driving tests for cars, minibuses and vans resumed from the 16 July.
Due to the social distancing requirements, normal daily capacity is considerably reduced. This means that customers will experience longer waiting times than was the case before the service was suspended. The public’s patience and understanding in this regard is requested.
Those who had appointments cancelled due to Covid 19 are being prioritised in the first instance. Initially, only those who are front-line healthcare workers will be deemed eligible for an urgent test slot. This approach for prioritising customers will be kept under review as the RSA moves through the service resumption.
My Department is remaining in close contact with the RSA, which is exploring how further to manage backlogs while prioritizing public health, and this process is being informed by lessons learned as centres operate under the new health restrictions.
208. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Transport if the planned Fenit to Tralee greenway will be extended to include a location (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21662/20]
View answerThe exact routing of the Fenit-Tralee Greenway is a matter for Kerry County Council in conjunction with local landowners and I would expect that links to schools and places of work were considered as part of the route options examined.
In regard to the Tralee to Listowel link, a planning application for this leg was originally expected to be prepared this year but with the Covid pandemic it has been delayed.
209. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Transport if the realignment of a road (details supplied) will be expedited; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21664/20]
View answerAs 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. Under the Roads Acts 1993-2015 and in line with the National Development Plan (NDP), the operation, management 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.
210. Deputy Brian Stanley asked the Minister for Transport when the grant scheme for wheelchair accessible taxis will be reopened. [21677/20]
View answerThe regulation of the small public service vehicle (SPSV) sector, including administration of grants for wheelchair accessible SPSVs, is a matter for the National Transport Authority (NTA) under the provisions of the Taxi Regulation Act 2013.
Accordingly, I have referred your question to the NTA for direct reply to you. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a response within 10 working days.
211. Deputy Francis Noel Duffy asked the Minister for Transport his views on making electric bikes more accessible to the average consumer in view of the fact that while electric bikes are covered under the bike to work scheme the minimum threshold for the scheme is €2,000 benefitting high-earners more; his further views on extending grants for electric vehicles making them more accessible to the majority of consumers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21688/20]
View answerAs the Deputy is aware, tax policy is a matter for my colleague the Minister for Finance in the first instance. In that regard I very much welcome his recent announcement of increased thresholds under the existing Cycle to Work Scheme as part of the July Stimulus package. The increases he is introducing are in line with the commitment made in the Programme for Government in relation to the Scheme.
I am unsure exactly as regards the Deputy's reference to a €2,000 minimum threshold, but can advise that the following changes have been introduced to the scheme as and from the 1st of August, 2020:-
- There is a rise from €1,000 to €1,250 for pedal bicycles and €1,500 for electric bikes respectively; and
- People can avail of the scheme every 4 years, instead of every 5 years.
In relation to the specific suggestion of the Deputy I do not have any such current plans. I believe the issue can be considered more fully in the context of my Department’s review of Sustainable Mobility policy which is currently ongoing. I intend that the new policy framework will provide a strategic backdrop to the increased investment planned by this Government across the sustainable mobility programme, including active travel. The next stage in the review will be the publication of a report on submissions received during this year's public consultation.
213. Deputy Seán Haughey asked the Minister for Transport the reason persons are being advised to avoid public transport where possible; if there is empirical evidence to suggest that public transport usage is fuelling the spread of Covid-19; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21779/20]
View answerContinued operation of the public transport sector is important, and it has been designated among the essential services that have carried on during the Covid crisis. I would like to thank both public and commercial operators and their staff for their continued dedication to providing this vital service in such challenging times. A number of measures have been introduced across the system, guided by public health advice, to ensure the continued operation of services during the pandemic, including enhanced cleaning regimes and social distancing measures across the network.
Over the course of the COVID-19 crisis, my Department has been working closely with the National Transport Authority (NTA) to ensure public transport services continue and to plan for the provision of enhanced public transport services in line with the Government Roadmap for Reopening Society and Business. In this context, the NTA is engaging directly with both PSO and commercial transport operators.
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 during these unprecedented times, with a view to safeguarding public transport capacity. 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 are not suitable for every individual, particularly those who cannot do so for health reasons or due to young age.
Further, there is continued strong messaging that public transport capacity remains restricted and therefore should only be used for essential travel, with only those who absolutely have to travel at peak times doing so and encouraging staggered retail and office opening hours. People are being encouraged to walk or cycle where practical, and organisations are encouraged to continue to facilitate working from home.
As part of new restrictions announced by Government on the 18th August, people have been asked to avoid public transport where possible. This advice along with other measures (such as continuing to work from home where possible) is aimed at suppressing the spread of Covid-19 in Ireland. The advice is also aimed at ensuring public transport is safeguarded for those who need it most, most notably, front-line workers.
The new measures were introduced following recommendations made to Government by the National Public Health Emergency Team (NPHET).
215. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Transport the recommendations made by the task force for aviation recovery in its final report which will be implemented; the timeline for each recommendation to be implemented; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21794/20]
View answerIreland’s long term economic wellbeing is closely linked to our global connectivity. Aviation, as a key component of this connectivity, will have a very important role to play in our economic recovery, and to that end the Taskforce for Aviation Recovery’s final report contains a number of valuable recommendations.
Since its publication, the Government has implemented a number of the Report's recommendations, including the finalisation of Covid-19 protocols for international air travel and the continuation of wage subsidy supports into 2021. The other recommended measures are aimed at stimulating traffic and are therefore largely dependent on there being a change to the Government's position on non-essential international travel - having regard to the prevailing expert advice on containing Covid-19 in Ireland. It will be in that context that the Government will look again to the Taskforce Report.
216. Deputy Thomas Pringle asked the Minister for Transport the position regarding refunds for passengers of an airline (details supplied) who have had flights cancelled and are waiting on a refund; when refunds will be made; the steps he is taking to ensure these refunds are being made in a timely fashion; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21819/20]
View answerAs things stand in law, air passenger rights are protected by Regulation (EC) No. 261/2004, which covers the rights of passengers in instances of flight cancellations. Under the Regulation, if an airline cancels a flight then customers are entitled to a full cash refund within 7 days. The Commission for Aviation Regulation is the statutory body in Ireland with responsibility for enforcing airline refund obligations. I understand that the Commission has already written to the airlines reminding them of their legal obligations. My colleague Minister of State Naughton has also written to the main Irish airlines to request an outlook for the remaining customer refunds, including when they expect to clear the current backlog of claims under EU 261. Anyone who continues to have difficulties securing a refund should contact the Commission for Aviation Regulation. Further advice is available on its dedicated passenger rights website www.flightrights.ie.
217. Deputy Willie O'Dea asked the Minister for Transport his plans to change the small public service regulations to accommodate persons whose SPV expires to include persons whose licence expires after 31 December 2020 in view of the adverse impact which Covid-19 has had on their businesses; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21829/20]
View answerThe 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.
218. Deputy Martin Browne asked the Minister for Transport the financial supports available for sports clubs to tackle anti-social behaviour through CCTV or other means. [21854/20]
View answerThe 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.
As the SCP is always oversubscribed, priority is given to facilities and equipment that focus on increasing participation in sport. The programme funds a wide variety of works including security fencing and while it does not normally fund CCTV systems, it is open to any applicant to make a case as to why such measures are required. It is expected that a new round of the Programme will open later this year and the full terms and conditions will be published in advance.
219. Deputy Seán Canney asked the Minister for Transport his views on the granting of local area hackney licences (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21868/20]
View answerThe regulation of the small public service vehicle (SPSV) sector, including the issuance of local area hackney licences, is a matter for the National Transport Authority (NTA) under the provisions of the Taxi Regulation Act 2013.
Accordingly, I have referred your question to the NTA for direct reply to you. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a response within 10 working days.
220. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Transport if he will address a matter (details supplied) regarding driver licence renewal; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21889/20]
View answerCovid-19 pandemic has had a profound impact on the delivery of services and caused the cessation of licensing services delivered on behalf of the Road Safety Authority (RSA) for a number of months. In order to comply with public health guidelines, when service resumed it was only at 60% of its original capacity. To ease pressure on the demand for services, driving licences that expired between 1 March 2020 and 31 August 2020 were extended for 7 months.
A driving licence cannot be renewed earlier than 3 months from the date of expiry of the licence. For example, a driving licence with an expiry date of 10 May 2020, which has now been extended to 10 December 2020, can be renewed at the earliest on 11 September 2020.
221. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Transport when a person (details supplied) will be called for a test; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21890/20]
View answerThe regulation of the small public service vehicle (SPSV) industry, including the administration of the SPSV Driver Entry Test, 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.
