Written Answers Nos. 343-360
343. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Transport the number of contracts approved in his Department in 2019 and to date in 2020 without competitive tender; the details of the contracts; the companies awarded the contracts; and the full value of the contracts, in tabular form. [33282/20]
View answerMy Department routinely publishes information on external expenditure on its website including information on the competitive process involved in procurements. Information on external expenditure for 2019 is available here: https://www.gov.ie/en/collection/30ae9c-expenditure-on-external-services/.
Details regarding expenditure on external services for the period January-September 2020 is being prepared and will be published on the Department's website shortly.
344. Deputy Brendan Howlin asked the Minister for Transport if his attention has been drawn to the fact that applicants who have being given a date for their driver theory test and who have had them cancelled due to the level 5 restrictions are now being given replacement dates well into the new year; his views on whether it would be fairer to simply push all applications back for the duration of the level 5 restrictions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33346/20]
View answerThe protocol for scheduling appointments is an operational matter for the Road Safety Authority, and one in which I have no role.
I am therefore passing the Deputy's question to the Road Safety Authority for direct reply. If a reply has not been received within 10 working days, the Deputy should contact my office.
345. Deputy Cathal Crowe asked the Minister for Transport the procedures being put in place for those who need to renew a driver licence but who are facing lengthy delays and have been told they are unable to have their existing licence extended. [33370/20]
View answerAll applications for a driving licence must be made through the National Driver Licence Service (NDLS), provided by the Road Safety Authority (RSA). All appointments must be booked in advance as it is not possible to facilitate any walk-ins due to the social distancing requirements and in the interest of protecting the staff and customers. 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 create the additional capacity needed as quickly as possible, while adhering to the return to work protocol. Options being introduced include a combination of additional staff, extended and additional operating hours (i.e. Sundays where needed), and the provision of overtime.
The NDLS booking system is undergoing software changes to cater for the expanded booking window associated with the additional NDLS appointment slots. The introduction of these steps may help ease some of the pressure on the NDLS, free up appointment slots and make it easier to find those slots at local centres.
People under the age of 70 and those that do not need to provide any supporting documentation, can apply to renew a driving licence online provided they have a Public Services Card and a verified MyGovID account. The RSA is continuing work to expand the online facility to accommodate all driving licence and learner permit application types. The NDLS hopes to allow all application types to apply online by mid-November.
People over the age of 70 will be contacted directly by the NDLS and invited to renew their licence or permit by post. Previously only those aged 70 and over who renew their licence on a yearly basis were invited to renew it by post. Given the situation with Covid19, the RSA has expanded the postal renewal option to those over 70 who renew their licence every three years.
Under Covid19 Level 5 Government restrictions, for the next six weeks, applicants can attend an appointment at an NDLS centre provided they are an essential worker involved in the provision of essential services or essential retail outlets. Details on what is included in the list of essential workers and retail outlets is available on www.gov.ie.
Any queries in relation to driving licences or urgent cases can be addressed to the NDLS customer Service at 076 108 7880 or by emailing info@ndls.ie.
346. Deputy Cian O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Transport if persons with driver tests scheduled during the current level 5 restrictions will be given priority once scheduling reopens; if the option of a refund on a test cancelled during this time will be offered; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33372/20]
View answerSpecific details regarding fees and the protocol for scheduling appointments are operational matters for the Road Safety Authority, and I have no role in these matters.
I am therefore passing the Deputy's question to the Road Safety Authority for direct reply. If a reply has not been received within 10 working days, the Deputy should contact my office.
In general terms, under Level 5 Driver Testing services are continuing only for people involved in the provision of essential services or essential retail outlets. People not involved in essential services who have a test date are asked to contact the RSA online in order to cancel their test and make the slot available for potential use by essential workers. Essential workers who already have a test booking should attend as normal, while essential workers wishing to book a test should contact the RSA at urgentdrivingtest@rsa.ie. As essential workers may drive beyond the 5km limit to attend the test, the RSA is advising candidates to bring proof of the test to show to Gardaí if necessary.
347. Deputy Neale Richmond asked the Minister for Transport if consideration has been given to allowing Irish residents to exchange their UK driver licences remotely ahead of the Brexit deadline in January 2021 in view of the Covid-19 restrictions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33415/20]
View answerIf you hold a UK driving licence and are resident in Ireland, you should apply to exchange your UK licence for an Irish licence. While EU law will be applicable to the UK during the transition period, following the end of this period on 31 December 2020, UK driving licences will no longer be recognised as valid in Ireland. EU driving licences are mutually recognised and residents in Ireland with a UK licence are encouraged to exchange their licence well in advance of that date.
All applications for a driving licence must be made through the National Driver Licence Service (NDLS) at www.ndls.ie. Under the Covid19 Level 5 Government restrictions, for the next six weeks, applicants can attend an appointment at a NDLS centre provided they are an essential worker involved in the provision of essential services or essential retail outlets. Details on what is included in the list of essential workers and retail outlets is available on www.gov.ie.
The Road Safety Authority (RSA) is continuing work to expand the online facility to accommodate all driving licence and learner permit application types. The NDLS hopes to allow all application types to apply online by mid-November.
348. Deputy Mick Barry asked the Minister for Transport if the RSA is asking driver test applicants who are booking a driver test during the level 5 Covid-19 restrictions if they are essential workers under those restrictions; if RSA testers or the RSA will be liable for a breach of the regulations if they carry out a driver test with a non-essential worker; if driver instructors will be deemed to have breached the regulations if they unknowingly bring a non-essential worker to a driver test; if the RSA has a policy on rebooking tests if a garda stops a person en route to a test and that person is then is unable to satisfy the garda that he or she is an essential worker and is requested to return home; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33416/20]
View answerThe procedures involved in driving tests already booked for dates in the Level 5 period by people who are not essential workers, and the procedures for booking a test for people who are essential workers, are operational matters for the RSA, as is the question of what would happen if a person were to be prevented by the Garda from attending a driving test even though they actually were an essential worker. I have therefore referred these aspects of the Question to the RSA for direct reply. I would ask the Deputy to contact my office if a response has not been received within ten days.
In relation to whether driving instructors or testers would be breaking the law if they unknowingly accompanied or a tested a person who is not an essential worker, this is a question of whether breach of the regulations is a strict liability offence. My understanding is that it is not a strict liability offence, and people are entitled to offer a defence in any cases arising that they were acting in good faith in the belief that the person in question was an essential worker. However, questions of law enforcement are a matter for the Gardaí. I have no role in law enforcement and it would be inappropriate for me to infringe on the independence of the Gardaí in exercising those powers.
349. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Transport his views on a matter (details supplied) regarding driver theory tests; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33487/20]
View answerThe protocol for scheduling appointments is an operational matter for the Road Safety Authority, and one in which I have no role.
I am therefore passing the Deputy's question to the Road Safety Authority for direct reply. If a reply has not been received within 10 working days, the Deputy should contact my office.
350. Deputy Paul McAuliffe asked the Minister for Transport his plans to legislate to make masks and face coverings compulsory for passengers in a taxi. [33573/20]
View answer368. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Transport if he has introduced legislation that makes it mandatory to wear face coverings in taxis as a safety precaution against Covid-19; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33767/20]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 350 and 368 together.
Given the size of most taxis and other small public service vehicles (SPSVs), public health advice indicates that people travelling in such vehicles should wear face coverings. Guidance on the safe use of face coverings is available on the gov.ie website.
Under existing regulatory provisions for the SPSV sector, drivers already have the right to refuse carriage to a passenger who does not comply with a "reasonable request" which, in the present circumstances, would include a request to wear a face covering.
The wearing of face coverings on all mass transit forms of public transport has recently been made mandatory. The Department of Transport and the Department of Health collaborated to draft Regulations to extend this mandatory approach to include the SPSV sector and the draft regulations are now with the Office of Parliamentary Counsel for final drafting. These Regulations will be made by the Minister for Health under the Health Act 1947.
It is expected that these Regulations will be made shortly. In light of the public health advice, all drivers and passengers are strongly encouraged to wear a face covering while in an SPSV.
351. Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for Transport when work will commence on installing a lift at Ennis Railway Station, County Clare, to accommodate persons with mobility issues; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33591/20]
View answerAs Minister for Transport I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport.
Under the Dublin Transport Authority Act 2008, the National Transport Authority (NTA) has statutory responsibility for promoting the development of an integrated, accessible public transport network.
The NTA works with the relevant public transport operators, who have responsibility for day to day operational issues, to progressively make public transport accessible.
As the issue raised is a matter for Irish Rail in the first instance, I have forwarded the Deputy's question to the Company for direct reply.
353. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Transport the arrangements being made to ensure that those who had been given a date for a theory test in order to apply for a provisional licence and who have since had the test deferred due to the level 5 restrictions will get priority when tests recommence; if applicants will be entitled to a refund for tests deferred at less than five days' notice by the National Driver Licence Service; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33639/20]
View answerThe protocol for fees and the scheduling appointments is an operational matter for the Road Safety Authority, and one in which I have no role.
I am therefore passing the Deputy's question to the Road Safety Authority for direct reply. If a reply has not been received within 10 working days, the Deputy should contact my office.
354. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Transport the discussions he or his officials have had with the airline industry to ensure speedy refunds for cancelled or diverted flights by airlines to their customers in accordance with law, particularly in view of the large State employment subsidies being paid to the airline companies; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33640/20]
View answerAs 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. Under that Regulation an airline has 7 days to make a cash refund to its customers when it cancels a flight.
The matter of customer refunds has been raised by my colleague the Minister of State Hildegarde Naughton, T.D. with both Aer Lingus and Ryanair over the last number of months. I am aware that the Commission for Aviation Regulation, which is responsible for enforcement in this area, has also been engaging with all airlines on this matter.
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.
355. Deputy Mary Lou McDonald asked the Minister for Transport the number of persons awaiting an appointment to undertake the driver theory test in County Dublin; the average waiting time; and the measures he is planning to take to reduce the number of applicants and waiting times upon the reopening of these services. [33671/20]
View answerSpecific details on waiting times for driver theory tests are held by the Road Safety Authority. I have therefore referred this part of the question to the Authority for direct reply. I would ask the Deputy to contact my office if a response has not been received within ten days.
Covid-19 has had a profound effect on the delivery of the Road Safety Authority’s driver theory testing services and a significant backlog developed. The Driver Theory Test service has seen its capacity reduced significantly to comply with occupational and public health requirements.
The Road Safety Authority has assured my office that it is engaging with its service provider to maximise capacity to offer tests while adhering to occupational and public health requirements. In this regard, there will be opening on additional days at some centres and extended hours will also be provided to allow additional capacity for appointments.
However, as you will understand, the decision to move to Level 5, which is essential for public health reasons, is likely to lead to further delays with theory tests, as the Government decision and the public health regulations require that driver theory tests be suspended.
While I regret the inconvenience caused, public safety is of paramount importance. My officials and I are working hard to ensure the resumption of services as soon as Level 5 is lifted.
356. Deputy Mary Lou McDonald asked the Minister for Transport the engagement he has had with the Road Safety Authority to discuss the best way to maximise capacity required to tackle the waiting times for theory tests, driver lessons and driver tests; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33672/20]
View answerAs you are aware, driver theory tests and driver tests were temporarily suspended in March due to the Covid 19 emergency and since resuming operations, there has been an increased level of demand. Unfortunately, due to social distancing requirements, normal capacity is considerably reduced for both services.
My Department is remaining in close contact with the RSA who are examining ways of increasing the number of driver tests within the current health constraints. I am pleased to say, my Department has already given approval to the RSA to retain 18 driver testers on temporary contracts due to expire in October and November, and to rehire up to 19 testers whose contracts expired in May. This will help to increase testing capacity. However, I would like to stress, however, that many of the issues impacting on the delivery of service are concerned with the throughput of centres themselves in light of the restrictions, rather than on the availability of staff.
The RSA are also looking at a number of other measures, including whether the number of tests a driver tester can perform each day can be increased and scheduling additional overtime tests, including testing on Saturdays to increase capacity.
The Road Safety Authority has advised my office that it is engaging with the driver theory test service provider to maximise capacity to offer tests while adhering to occupational and public health requirements. In this regard, there would, for example, be opening on additional days at some centres and extended hours also provided to allow additional capacity for appointments.
However, as you will understand, the decision to move to level 5, which is essential for public health reasons, is likely to lead to further delays with theory tests, as the Government decision and the public health regulations require that driver theory tests are suspended.
While I regret the inconvenience caused, public safety is of paramount importance. My officials and I are working hard to ensure the resumption of services as soon as Level 5 is lifted.
357. Deputy Mary Lou McDonald asked the Minister for Transport the number of persons awaiting a driver test in County Dublin; the average waiting time for an appointment to undertake the test; and the measures he is planning to take to reduce the number of applicants and waiting times for processing of same. [33673/20]
View answerSpecific details on waiting times for driver tests are held by the Road Safety Authority. I have therefore referred this part of the question to the Authority for direct reply. I would ask the Deputy to contact my office if a response has not been received within ten days
As you are aware, tests were temporarily suspended due to the Covid 19 emergency and since resuming operations, there has been an increased level of demand. Unfortunately, due to social distancing requirements, normal capacity has been considerably reduced and this means that customers will experience longer waiting times for a test than was the case before the service was suspended. The need to return to level 5 restrictions from 22 October to 1 December 2020 for reasons of public health will inevitably impact further on delays to driver testing. During the Level 5 period, driving tests will be available only to those who are involved in essential services, including essential retail work.
While the service is limited during Level 5 restrictions, the Road Safety Authority is examining ways of increasing the number of tests within health constraints with an eye to resuming wider testing after level 5, and is working in close consultation with my Department on this matter. This includes increasing the number of testing staff to help reduce and, over time, eliminate the backlog.
I am pleased to say, my Department has already given approval to the RSA to retain 18 driver testers on temporary contracts due to expire in October and November, and to rehire up to 19 testers whose contracts expired in May. This will help to increase testing capacity. However, I would like to stress, that many of the issues impacting on the delivery of service are concerned with the throughput of centres themselves in light of the restrictions, rather than on the availability of staff.
The RSA are also looking at a number of other measures, including whether the number of tests a driver tester can perform each day can be increased and scheduling additional overtime tests, including testing on Saturdays to increase capacity.
While I regret the inconvenience caused, public safety is of paramount importance. My officials and I are working hard to ensure the resumption of services as soon as Level 5 is lifted.
358. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Transport further to Question No. 580 of 21 May 2019, the status of the introduction of the exemption provided for under the EU directive by which drivers holding a manual driving licence in category B and an automatic licence in a bus or truck category can have their licence upgraded to allow them to drive manual buses and trucks, as in other European countries; the date from which this provision will apply; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33687/20]
View answerThe Road Traffic (Licensing of Drivers) (Amendment) (No. 8) Regulations 2020, signed on 30 October 2020, transposing Directive (EU) 2020/612, provides for the exemption mentioned.
The legislation provides for a person who passed a test in an automatic vehicle, having previously passed a test in a manual vehicle in accordance with the Directive to be able to apply for their licence to be re-issued without the automatic transmission code on the licence. Please note there is a cost associated with having a licence re-issued.
359. Deputy Anne Rabbitte asked the Minister for Transport the person or body responsible for replacing wooden fencing on land that has been compulsorily purchased; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33712/20]
View answerAs Minister for Transport 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 maintenance and improvement 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.
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.
As regards regional and local roads, each local authority is responsible for the maintenance and improvement of roads in its area of responsibility. As I have no function in this matter, the relevant local authority should be able to advise the Deputy regarding the replacement of fencing.
360. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Transport the status of the final report by the Air Accident Investigation Unit into the crash of Rescue 116; when the report will be concluded; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33746/20]
View answerAs the Deputy is aware, the draft Final Report of the investigation into the accident involving Rescue 116 at Black Rock, Co Mayo on 14 March 2017 is the subject of a re-examination by a Review Board. The Review Board has been established in line with Regulation 16 of Air Navigation (Notification and Investigation of Accidents, Serious Incidents and Incidents) Regulations 2009 and I have appointed Senior Counsel Patrick McCann as the Chairperson and sole member of the Review Board.
The 2009 regulations provide that on completion of the re-examination the Chairperson of the Review Board shall make a report to me. That report should contain a summary of the proceedings of the re-examination hearing and either confirm, dismiss or vary, in whole or part, those findings and conclusions of the draft Final Report which were the subject of the re-examination. I have not yet received a report from the Chairman of the Review Board.
