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Thursday, 12 Nov 2020

Written Answers Nos. 134-153

Road Improvement Schemes

Questions (134)

Matt Carthy

Question:

134. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Transport when upgrade works on the N53 Castleblayney-to-Dundalk road, including improvement works at Ballinacarry Bridge, will be completed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35970/20]

View answer

Written answers

As 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 improvement and upgrading 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 status of this scheme.

Noting the above position, I have referred your question to TII for a direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 working days.

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

Road Projects

Questions (135)

Matt Carthy

Question:

135. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Transport if funding will be allocated to develop a link road between the N2 and the N12 in Monaghan, County Louth; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35971/20]

View answer

Written answers

The improvement and maintenance of regional and local roads is the statutory responsibility of the relevant local authority in accordance with the provisions of Section 13 of the Roads Act 1993. Works on those roads are funded from the Council's own resources supplemented by State road grants. The initial selection and prioritisation of works to be funded is a matter for the Council.

Any projects proposed by local authorities for consideration under the Strategic Grant Programme are assessed by the Department on a case-by-case basis. All projects put forward by local authorities for consideration must comply with the requirements of the Public Spending Code and the Department's Capital Appraisal Framework (CAF). Given the limited funding available for RLR improvement works it is important for local authorities to prioritise projects within their overall area of responsibility with these requirements in mind.

As required under the project appraisal guidelines, a Preliminary Appraisal has been received from Monaghan County Council concerning a link road which will connect the N12 to the N2. All applications received from local authorities for strategic grant allocations have to be assessed taking into account competing projects and the budget available for road improvement schemes.

Allocations for 2021 will be decided as part of the general grant allocation process.

Covid-19 Pandemic

Questions (136)

Matt Carthy

Question:

136. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Transport if his Department or an agency operating under his Department has encountered expenditure in respect of hand sanitisation products or other PPE products that were subsequently subject to a recall by the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine in 2020; if so, the expenditure in respect of such products; if the expenditures will be recouped from the sellers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36014/20]

View answer

Written answers

My Department has not encountered expenditure in respect of hand sanitisation products or other PPE products which were subsequently subject to a recall by the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine in 2020.

National Transport Authority

Questions (137)

Michael Healy-Rae

Question:

137. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Transport if he will address a matter (details supplied) regarding the board of the NTA; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36026/20]

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Written answers

The Dublin Transport Authority Act 2008 established the Dublin Transport Authority, which was later renamed the National Transport Authority and granted additional statutory functions pursuant to amendments made by the Public Transport Regulation Act 2009. Thus the present NTA was originally developed to be a transport authority for the Greater Dublin Area (GDA) only, and the Authority still retains a wider range of powers and functions in relation to the GDA than it does for the remainder of the country.

Section 14(1) of the Dublin Transport Authority Act 2008, as amended by Sections 29 and 30 of the Public Transport Regulation Act 2009, requires that the National Transport Authority (NTA) consist of a Chairperson and 11 ordinary members, who perform and carry out the functions of the NTA in accordance with the Acts.

The National Transport Authority (NTA) is governed by this Board of up to 12 members, who are appointed by the Minister for Transport. Under the legislation, 3 positions on the Board are ex officio positions reserved for the Chief Executive, another senior manager of the NTA and the Dublin City Manager. The legislation's specification of the Dublin City Manager reflects the original intention that the Authority would have a GDA focus.

Covid-19 Tests

Questions (138)

Seán Crowe

Question:

138. Deputy Seán Crowe asked the Minister for Transport the specific type of testing that will be used at airports; the locations the testing staff will be seconded from; if they will be hired for the purpose; the testing capacity that will be in place by 1 December 2020; the desired optimal testing capacity; the procedures to be put in place for those who fail testing in the airport; and the Department or agency that will have responsibility for the administering of tests. [36035/20]

View answer

Written answers

The Plan for Living with Covid-19 and the Government decision of 20 October both affirm that any testing model implemented for international travel should not impinge on HSE testing capacity. In light of this any testing for international travel will need to draw on resources from the private sector which are not being accessed by the HSE.

The testing regime envisaged under the Government decision relating to international travel will include:

- the possibility for testing post arrival (from day 5) for passengers from EU orange or red list regions; and

- testing for departing passengers who need or wish to complete a pre-departure test requirement before travelling to another country.

Subject to the ongoing review of testing by NPHET and Government, a Covid-19 Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) test is currently the only test that is accepted for the purposes of allowing the advice relating to restricted movement to be waived. Testing technology and delivery options for facilitating international travel will be kept under review, include LAMP and antigen testing.

The default position for passengers on arrival, for whom testing is an option but who do not opt to take a test, is to follow the restricted movement advice. Wher a test is undertaken, there are public health protocols in place requiring private testing providers to notify a result of a positive Covid-19 PCR test to the HSE.

Shannon and Cork Airports have indicated that drive through testing will be available today, for passengers and the public. The daa has indicated that testing at Dublin Airport by private providers can be increased within weeks. The airports are in effect facilitating private providers to establish and run Covid-19 testing.

Passengers numbers are low at present and, in accordance with travel advice, travel should only be for essential purposes (which allows for the advice to restrict movement to be waived). It is not possible to say with certainty what proportion of future passengers will seek testing but daa is confident that testing supply by private providers can be scaled up at short notice to meet increasing demand.

Passengers are advised that appointments for testing should be sought in good time before travelling.

Driver Licences

Questions (139)

Pearse Doherty

Question:

139. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Transport the steps being taken to ensure sufficient capacity to deal with the applications for driver licences ahead of the UK's departure from the European Union; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36041/20]

View answer

Written answers

Since the UK decided to leave the EU, my Department and the Road Safety Authority (RSA) has advised residents in Ireland with UK driving licences to exchange their UK driving licence for an Irish driving licence.

The RSA is responsible for the National Driving Licence Service (NDLS). All applications for learner permits and driving licences, including the exchange of UK driving licences, must be made through the NDLS.

The NDLS resumed services in June, following the closure of the centres due to the Covid-19 pandemic restrictions. 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 has worked with their providers to create additional capacity needed, while adhering to the return to work protocol includng making additional evening and weekend hours available at many centres, the recruitment of additional staff, extending its postal service for those who are over 70 years of age, and an online service is available to a certain group of customers who are renewing licences and permits. The introduction of these steps will help ease some of the pressure on the NDLS, free up appointment slots and make it easier to find those slots at local centres.

Under Covid19 Level 5 Government restrictions effective from midnight on Wednesday 21 October, for six weeks, applicants can attend an appointment at a National Driver Licence Service (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 RSA is working to expand the online facility to accommodate all driving licence and learner permit applications to enable accessibility online rather than by calling to an office. The necessary legislative amendments to facilitate the online system have been made and the regulations came into effect on the 9th November. The NDLS plans to allow all application types to apply online from this week onwards. A Public Services Card and a verified MyGovID account will be required to access the online system.

Fishing Industry

Questions (140)

Mick Barry

Question:

140. Deputy Mick Barry asked the Minister for Transport the number of annual referrals made to the Marine Survey Office by the Workplace Relations Commission under the agreement made between those agencies on 3 April 2019; the number of referrals that led to inspections of fishing vessels by the office; the number of inspections that were unannounced; the number that involved a review by Marine Survey Office surveyors of records of work and rest maintained under statutory instruments (details supplied); the number of these reviews that identified violations of the regulations; the action the office took in respect of the violations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36057/20]

View answer

Written answers

The information requested is currently being collated by my officials and will be forwarded to the Deputy within 10 working days.

The following deferred reply was received under Standing Order 51
Following mediation between a number of Government Departments and the International Transport Workers’ Federation on the scheme for employment of non-EEA fishers in parts of the Irish sea-fishing fleet, a settlement agreement was reached in 2019. The Appendix to the agreement contains details of the working arrangements regarding maximum hours and rest breaks for crew covered by the Atypical Worker Scheme as agreed by the Workplace Relations Commission (WRC), the Marine Survey Office of my Department (MSO), and the Department of Justice and Equality and this includes arrangements whereby the WRC refers specified issues to the MSO for follow up. The MSO has received 27 referrals from the WRC. Two of these were in relation to information received by the WRC from An Garda Síochána, which the MSO considered in the same way as the referrals that had originated in the WRC.
There were 26 follow up inspections relating to the 27 referrals received, of which 23 were unannounced inspections. A review of the records of hours and rest being kept onboard was undertaken at each of the 26 inspections and 16 of these reviews identified deficiencies. The action taken in such cases was in accordance with the professional judgement of the attending MSO surveyor. In 3 cases, the deficiencies were rectified during the inspection and were recorded as closed out. The actions taken in the other 13 cases included “rectify before departure”, “rectify within 14 days” and “other, as specified by the surveyor” e.g. requirement for the submission of records to the MSO for further examination. The MSO has also carried out follow up inspections as appropriate to check on progress or closing out of deficiencies. The vessels which have rectified deficiencies will also be subject to further scrutiny of records etc. during the MSO’s ongoing survey and inspection programme, so as to ensure ongoing compliance. The MSO may detain vessels in cases of serious or continuous non-compliance and prosecution of offences through the courts may follow in such cases.

Fishing Industry

Questions (141)

Mick Barry

Question:

141. Deputy Mick Barry asked the Minister for Transport the number of unannounced inspections of Irish fishing vessels made by surveyors of the Marine Survey Office annually since 1 January 2018; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36058/20]

View answer

Written answers

The information requested is currently being collated by my officials and will be forwarded to the Deputy within 10 working days.

The following deferred reply was received under Standing Order 51
The Marine Survey Office (MSO) of my Department has in place a programme of survey and inspection for fishing vessels which includes both unannounced and announced inspections. In relation to unannounced inspections, these may be carried out following receipt of a complaint or after an incident involving a vessel etc. In 2018, the MSO carried out 12 unannounced fishing vessel inspections. In 2019, 40 such inspections were carried out. 10 such inspections have been carried out by the MSO so far during 2020.

Legislative Measures

Questions (142)

Mick Barry

Question:

142. Deputy Mick Barry asked the Minister for Transport his plans to amend the European Union (International Labour Organisation Work in Fishing Convention) (Working Hours) Regulations 2019 SI 672 of 2019 to include a method for calculating, in particular cases, the reference period for use in calculating average weekly hours as required by Council Directive (EU) 2017/159 of 19 December 2016 implementing the agreement regarding the implementation of the Work in Fishing Convention 2007 of the International Labour Organisation, concluded on 21 May 2012 between organisations (details supplied), in particular Article 11 of the agreement; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36059/20]

View answer

Written answers

The European Union (International Labour Organisation Work in Fishing Convention) (Working Hours) Regulations 2019 (SI 672/2019) transpose Article 11 of EU Directive 2017/159 implementing the social partners' agreement for the Work in Fishing Convention.

In particular, Regulation 6 of SI 672/2019 states that, "An owner or master shall not permit a fisherman to work more than an average of 48 hours a week, calculated over a reference period that does not exceed 12 months" which accurately reflects the requirement set out in Article 11(1)(b) of the Annex to Directive 2017/159. As such, I have no plans to amend SI 672/2019.

Fishing Industry

Questions (143)

Mick Barry

Question:

143. Deputy Mick Barry asked the Minister for Transport the Irish-flagged fishing vessels over 15 m in length that have been inspected by the Marine Survey Office annually since 1 January 2018; the number of vessels that had returned the official log book to the office as required by sections 239 to 242 of the Merchant Shipping Act 1894, as amended; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36060/20]

View answer

Written answers

The information requested is currently being collated by my officials and will be forwarded to the Deputy within 10 working days.

The following deferred reply was received under Standing Order 51
The Marine Survey Office (MSO) of my Department has in place a programme of survey and inspection for fishing vessels which includes both unannounced and announced inspections. In 2018, the MSO carried out inspections of 145 fishing vessels of >15m length overall. In 2019, 141 such inspections were carried out. So far during 2020, 44 such inspections have been completed.
In relation to fishing vessels required by sections 239 to 242 of the Merchant Shipping Act 1894 as amended, to return the official log book to the Mercantile Marine Office, this information is not recorded. I can advise that the number of official log books returned to the MMO in respect of fishing vessels was 250 in 2018, 227 in 2019 and 187 so far in 2020.

Driver Licences

Questions (144)

Holly Cairns

Question:

144. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Transport his views on extending driver licences for those whose licences expire between 1 September and 30 November 2020 for seven months due to ongoing backlogs in the NDLS system; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36087/20]

View answer

Written answers

There is no plan to further extend the validity of driving licences. Irish driving licence law is based on a framework of EU law, and the current extensions bring us into line with the EU legislation.

The RSA has worked with their providers to create additional capacity needed, while adhering to the return to work protocol including making additional evening and weekend hours available at many centres, the recruitment of additional staff, and extending its postal service for those who are over 70 years of age.

I am pleased to say that, following my recent signing of updated Regulations, the RSA is expanding the online facility to accommodate all driving licence and learner permit application types to enable accessibility online rather than by calling to an office. These measures will ease some of the pressure on the NDLS centres, free up appointment slots and make it easier to find those slots at local centres. A Public Services Card and a verified MyGovID account is required to access the online system.

Rail Network

Questions (145, 146)

Bernard Durkan

Question:

145. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport the progress to date in the upgrading of commuter rail services with particular reference to frequency, capacity and the ability to meet the ever-increasing requirements in the commuter belts; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36089/20]

View answer

Bernard Durkan

Question:

146. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport the progress in the programme to renew the rail transport sector with particular reference to meeting the needs of commuters and average users of the system in the future; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36090/20]

View answer

Written answers

I propose to take Questions Nos. 145 and 146 together.

The Deputy is aware that the Programme for Government – Our Shared Future makes a strong commitment to fundamentally change the nature of transport in Ireland. To deliver on this will require a whole-of-system perspective across all modes of transport – including active travel, bus, and rail.

As referenced in the Programme for Government there is a commitment to developing, and importantly implementing, transport strategies for all of the major cities, towns and regions. This move toward evidence-based, plan-led strategic infrastructure development is in line with international best practice, allows for better integration of transport planning and land-use planning and is the means to deliver real change in our major cities. Development of these transport strategies allows for full consideration of the potential for rail services in each metropolitan area.

As the Deputy is aware the Transport Strategy for the Greater Dublin Area 2016 to 2035 sets out a hugely ambitious programme of improvements to the DART network which is known as the DART+ Programme and will effectively double the capacity of the rail network in the GDA. In advance of that construction is underway on 41 new carriages for the existing GDA commuter fleet which will expand capacity by around 34% as compared to today.

In Galway, there are plans to redevelop Ceannt Station, construct new infrastructure around Oranmore Station, while a feasibility study is also currently underway in relation to improving infrastructure on the Athenry to Galway corridor.

In Cork, the Cork Metropolitan Area Transport Strategy was published earlier this year and proposes a significant expansion of the commuter rail network in the Cork metropolitan area. In 2021 these proposals will be further progressed with the development of an implementation study.

In Waterford Government announced this week funding to develop a new integrated transport hub on the North Quays which will include a relocated Plunkett Station, while in Limerick consultation on the draft Metropolitan Area Transport Strategy recently concluded and submissions are being considered by the NTA, a number of which I understand relate to the potential for expanded commuter rail.

In relation to intercity services, I can inform the Deputy following a recent Transport Sectoral meeting of the North South Ministerial Council, Minister Nichola Mallon, MLA, and I both agreed that our Departments should further develop draft terms of reference for a proposed study of rail speeds, to ensure the finalised terms of reference take sufficient cognisance of the need for balanced regional development.

I believe this study will allow for a full consideration of the strategic potential of rail, including the opportunities for high-/higher- speed rail where appropriate. This will be a significant study and my Department will work with the Department for Infrastructure Northern Ireland to finalise the terms of reference to allow for the procurement process commence and I look forward to the commence of the study in due course.

Rail Network

Questions (147)

Bernard Durkan

Question:

147. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport the number of passengers making daily use of rail services in each of the past five years to date; his plans in this regard in response to trends arising; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36091/20]

View answer

Written answers

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

The National Transport Authority (NTA) is responsible for the collection and publication of statistics relating to public transport 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

Light Rail Projects

Questions (148, 153)

Bernard Durkan

Question:

148. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport if he will meet a delegation from Kildare County Council made up of public representatives and the officials responsible for transport policy in connection with their requests to extent the DART to Kilcock, County Kildare, and Enfield, County Meath, in order to accommodate a wider catchment area and reduce pressure on road transport; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36092/20]

View answer

Bernard Durkan

Question:

153. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport the degree to which he expects commuter rail transport in north County Kildare to be upgraded or enhanced to meet the modern demand; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36097/20]

View answer

Written answers

I propose to take Questions Nos. 148 and 153 together.

As the Deputy may be aware DART+ is a multi-billion euro programme to upgrade rail services in the Greater Dublin Area and will effectively double the capacity of the network compared to today. The programme will see DART level services and infrastructure extended to Maynooth and M3 Parkway on the Maynooth/Dunboyne Line and to Hazelhatch on the Kildare Line.

Over the summer I launched the first phase on non-statutory consultation in relation to DART+ West, which relates specifically to the Maynooth line, and that first phase of consultation closed on 21st October.

It is my understanding as part of the public consultation on the DART+ West project, Iarnród Éireann has received a number of submissions regarding extension of the service to Kilcock or Enfield. These submissions will be given due consideration as part of the process of identifying the preferred route for DART+ West. The feasibility of any proposed extension would be considered as part of this consultation process and I would encourage stakeholders to engage with that process as it develops in the coming months.

Separately the Deputy will also be aware of Government's approval last year of the proposed purchase of 41 additional carriages to the ICR fleet, which will increase capacity across both the Maynooth and Kildare Lines, thus benefitting commuters of North Kildare in advance of the delivery of DART+.

Brexit Preparations

Questions (149, 150)

Bernard Durkan

Question:

149. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport the degree to which he has had ongoing discussions with the transport sector with a view to providing ready and accessible transport routes to Europe to facilitate the Irish import-export sector post Brexit; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36093/20]

View answer

Bernard Durkan

Question:

150. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport the degree to which he remains satisfied with the ability of sea and air transport sectors here to deliver to Irish customers ready and unimpeded access to mainland Europe at a competitive cost regardless of Brexit negotiations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36094/20]

View answer

Written answers

I propose to take Questions Nos. 149 and 150 together.

Both I and Minister of State Naughton have met with representatives of the freight, logistics and ferry companies in relation to Brexit and including the matter of access to EU markets. My Department is also in regular contact with these organisations on these matters.

Regardless of the outcome of the EU-UK negotiations, the end of the transition period will see the UK no longer applying the rules of the EU’s Single Market and Customs Union. This will have immediate implications for trade flows, particularly to UK markets but also to wider EU markets via the UK Landbridge.

Maintaining transport connectivity to support the movement of goods into and out of Ireland has remained a primary objective of Government during the current crisis, and this will continue to be the case as we near the end of the Brexit transition period.

The UK landbridge is an important means of access to the single market for Irish exporters and importers, one that is favoured by traders in high value or time sensitive goods because it offers significantly faster transit times than alternative routes. As such we continue to work positively with our EU partners on addressing challenges in EU ports for traffic using the landbridge. However, the Government has pointed out for some time now including in our 2019 and 2020 readiness plans that there will likely be delays at ports immediately after the end of the transition period, with Dover-Calais identified as a particular likely bottleneck. This is outside of our control.

That being said, the process for moving goods by direct ferry routes between Ireland and other EU Member States will not be subject to the new procedures and controls as this trade stays within the Single Market.

Following a request from my Department, the Irish Maritime Development Office (IMDO) last week published a report that reassesses Ireland’s Maritime Connectivity, and builds on and updates previous work carried out by the IMDO by updating the 2018 Landbridge Study. This report concludes that there is more than sufficient capacity on existing services in the RoRo network between Ireland and mainland Europe to cater, if required, for the landbridge traffic currently estimated at around 150,000 trucks per annum.

For this reason the Government is advocating engagement between traders, hauliers and ferry companies to align capacity with needs and I would encourage traders, where it is feasible to do so, to avoid the risk of disruption by moving to direct services now and not wait until after 1 January 2021. In support of this, my Department together with the IMDO have launched a communications campaign which encourages businesses currently moving goods to Continental Europe through the UK to ACT now - ASSESS their supply chain, COMMUNICATE their needs to their logistic or shipping company and TRIAL the direct shipping options in order to keep their business moving.

As regards air freight, the air cargo sector is fully liberalised and airlines are free to operate on a commercial basis in response to market developments internationally. Officials from my Department continue to engage on a regular basis with airlines, other aviation stakeholders, and with the European Commission on efforts to maintain essential supply lines, and other related issues.

It is not anticipated that the changed regulatory regime for aviation between the EU and the UK will have any direct impact on the movement of freight by air.

Covid-19 Pandemic Supports

Questions (151)

Bernard Durkan

Question:

151. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport the extent to which he expects to be in a position to assist the airline industry to operate between all European countries, keeping in mind the need to observe Covid-19 restrictions but facilitating necessary travel; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36095/20]

View answer

Written answers

The Government is fully alert to the devastating impact of the global pandemic on international travel and values the critical role that aviation plays in the Irish economy. It is expected that it may be some time before it is possible to permit a large scale return to air travel, but I am committed to ensuring that the aviation sector can maintain the necessary core capability to retain strategic connectivity and to quickly rebound when circumstances allow.

The Government has agreed a revised €80m funding package for Irish aviation. In recognition of the very difficult winter season being faced by the aviation sector the Government has decided to provide more supports, in addition to those announced in Budget 2021.

To better facilitate international travel, Government has also decided to implement the EU “traffic light” classification system which categorises EU Member States and regions inside Member States as red, orange or green, based on the number of cases of COVID-19 present in that respective location. Government also agreed that, in accordance with an EU Recommendation, travellers with an essential function or need should not be required to undergo restricted movement or testing while exercising this essential function.

Government’s priority remains to best protect the health and safety of all those living in Ireland.

Brexit Preparations

Questions (152)

Bernard Durkan

Question:

152. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport the degree to which he and his Department have made sufficient alternative preparations to facilitate the air transport sector in its efforts to fulfil its obligations to customers in respect of freight and passenger services in the post-Brexit and ongoing Covid-19 eras; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36096/20]

View answer

Written answers

With regard to Brexit, the Government continues to support EU negotiators in working towards a future relationship agreement with the UK, including for aviation. We are seeking an agreement on aviation which protects Ireland’s connectivity to and through the UK and which allows for flexibility in commercial operations.

Irrespective of the outcome of the ongoing negotiations, the end of the Brexit transition period will bring changes compared with today and certain actions must be taken now to prepare for that change.

On 9 September, the Government published an updated Brexit Readiness Action Plan. This Plan supports and promotes the necessary preparations for the end of the transition period. The plan includes a section on aviation with advice to stakeholders on what they should do to be ready for the changes to come. This readiness work is being supported by a major national communications campaign under the ‘Getting Ireland Brexit Ready’ brand. In addition, officials in my Department remain in close contact with aviation stakeholders to support their Brexit readiness.

The daa has been working on facilities and signage for passengers arriving from the UK into Dublin and Cork airports, and the OPW, along with several other Departments, has installed a Border Control Post in Dublin Airport so that goods, such as agricultural and medical, arriving from the UK can be checked and cleared by Customs, Health and Veterinary officials.

As regards planning for the longer term, my Department had commenced scoping work on a revised National Aviation Policy. However, Covid-19 has fundamentally changed the aviation landscape. Significant uncertainty remains on how long the pandemic will last and when aviation might return to pre-Covid-19 levels. The National Aviation Policy will be revisited in the future once the Covid-19 recovery picture is clearer.

Question No. 153 answered with Question No. 148.
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