Tuesday, 1 Dec 2020

Written Answers Nos. 162-186

National Broadband Plan

Questions (162)

Thomas Gould

Question:

162. Deputy Thomas Gould asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications when residents in Cluain Ard, Blarney, will have broadband rolled out. [40450/20]

Written answers

Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications

The location referred to in the Question is located in the BLUE area on the NBP High Speed Broadband Map which is available on my Department's website at www.broadband.gov.ie.

BLUE areas are not included in the State intervention area covered by the National Broadband Plan as commercial operators are already providing high speed broadband or have indicated future plans to do so. My Department defines high speed broadband as a connection with minimum speeds of 30Mbps download and 6Mbps upload. The activities of commercial operators delivering high speed broadband within BLUE areas are not planned or funded by the State and my Department has no statutory authority to intervene in that regard.

As the estate referred to in the Question is a recently built estate, my Department has raised a query with eir to confirm the current status of premises in the estate. As soon as a reply is received my Department will revert to the Deputy with a further update.

Air Safety

Questions (163)

Aindrias Moynihan

Question:

163. Deputy Aindrias Moynihan asked the Minister for Transport if guidance will be provided on the use of aircraft detection lighting systems in the construction of wind turbines in the context of the development of new guidelines, the current guidance with regard to the use of such systems; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40194/20]

Written answers

Minister for Transport

The Irish Aviation Authority (IAA) is the competent authority for aviation safety regulation in Ireland, as provided for under the Irish Aviation Authority Act 1993.

The Deputy's question has been referred to the IAA for a direct reply. If the reply is not received within the next 10 days please do not hesitate to contact my office.

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

Traffic Management

Questions (164)

Thomas Gould

Question:

164. Deputy Thomas Gould asked the Minister for Transport if funding has been approved for traffic calming on Orerry Road, County Cork. [39543/20]

Written answers

Minister for Transport

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

As regards the Regional and Local Road Grant Programme, my Department sought applications in September 2020 for funding of safety improvement works on regional and local roads to be carried out by local authorities during 2021. The schemes for inclusion in the application are decided by the local authorities.

Our records indicate that Cork City Council's application for safety improvement works in 2021 does not include a scheme on Orrery Road, Co. Cork.

Rail Network

Questions (165)

Mairéad Farrell

Question:

165. Deputy Mairéad Farrell asked the Minister for Transport if a second feasibility study into the western rail corridor has been commissioned; if so, the purpose of commissioning a second study; when he plans to publish the findings of the initial report and the independent review; when he expects to make a decision on the future of the western rail corridor; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39573/20]

Written answers

Minister for Transport

As the Deputy may be aware, the Iarnród Éireann-commissioned final report on the Western Rail Corridor was submitted to my Department in July and, in line with commitments made, was subject to a short independent review.

I can confirm that I have now received that independent review and am considering the matter prior to bringing it to Government which I intend to do very shortly. As I have stated previously, I am firmly committed to publishing the report, and the independent review, as soon as is practical thereafter.

Bus Éireann

Questions (166)

Mairéad Farrell

Question:

166. Deputy Mairéad Farrell asked the Minister for Transport if his attention has been drawn to the fact that the 40 new VB buses received by Bus Éireann from the National Transport Authority earlier in 2020 cannot carry bicycles on board; if he plans to address the situation, given that many of these buses service popular cycleway routes nationwide; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39574/20]

Written answers

Minister for Transport

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

The National Transport Authority (NTA) has statutory responsibility for the planning and development of public transport infrastructure, including the provision of the PSO Bus Fleet.

Noting the NTA's responsibility in the matter, I have referred the Deputy's question to the NTA for a more detailed reply. Please contact my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 days.

Pension Provisions

Questions (167, 197)

Michael McNamara

Question:

167. Deputy Michael McNamara asked the Minister for Transport the reason the new hybrid Irish Aviation Authority, IAA, superannuation pension scheme is being operated without agreement and outside the requirements of the Irish Aviation Authority Act 1993 (details supplied). [39583/20]

Brian Leddin

Question:

197. Deputy Brian Leddin asked the Minister for Transport if requirements under the Irish Aviation Authority Act 1993 to agree pension schemes with staff for the Minister to approve such pension schemes and for any scheme to be laid before the Houses of the Oireachtas have been complied with for all pension schemes operated by the Irish Aviation Authority; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40424/20]

Written answers

Minister for Transport

I propose to take Questions Nos. 167 and 197 together.

I am satisfied that the requirements of the Irish Aviation Authority Act 1993 have been met in respect of the Irish Aviation Authority pension schemes.

I understand that the 2012 Hybrid scheme is in operation administratively. I will consider Ministerial approval for that scheme when a finalised submission has been made by the company.

Driver Test

Questions (168)

Paul McAuliffe

Question:

168. Deputy Paul McAuliffe asked the Minister for Transport if a minibus driver test will be expedited for a person (details supplied) which has a waiting list of six months; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39595/20]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Transport

The scheduling of candidates’ driving tests is the responsibility of the Road Safety Authority (RSA) and as Minister, I have no power to intervene in individual cases.

Driver Testing services are currently being provided only for people involved in the provision of essential services or essential retail outlets. The list of essential services may be found at https://www.gov.ie/en/publication/c9158-essential-services/.

The Road Safety Authority has set up a dedicated webform at https://www.rsa.ie/en/RSA/Learner-Drivers/The-Driving-Test/Request-an-urgent-driving-test/ This webform will allow customers to assess whether they qualify for an urgent test appointment and if so, to submit an application for same. If the applicant’s request is accepted, they will be placed on a short notice list and may be called for a test with as little as one days’ notice.

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.

Driver Licences

Questions (169)

Neale Richmond

Question:

169. Deputy Neale Richmond asked the Minister for Transport if arrangements will be in place for Irish residents to exchange their UK Northern Ireland driver licenses after the Brexit transition period comes to an end; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39609/20]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Transport

Driving licences issued by the Member States of the European Union are mutually recognised. After the transition period (transition period ends 31 December 2020), the UK will no longer be a Member State and so a UK driving licence will not be recognised here. Holders of UK licences resident in Ireland are therefore encouraged to exchange their UK licences for an Irish one before this date.

Legislation exists to allow for the recognition of foreign driving licences for exchange purposes in the Road Traffic Acts. Following the transition period, the potential then exists for arrangements to be made under those Acts and Ireland will be pursuing this option. This may take a little time to complete as it involves a formal agreement and legislation here in Ireland, as well as corresponding steps by the UK.

Until such an arrangement is in place, anyone resident in Ireland who holds a UK (including Northern Ireland) will not be able to exchange their licence for an Irish licence without passing the driver theory test, being issued with a learner permit, undergoing a series of driving lessons and passing the driving test. For this reason, the Road Safety Authority has, since 2019, been urging Irish residents who hold UK licences to exchange them for Irish driving licences.

Driver Test

Questions (170)

Michael Healy-Rae

Question:

170. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Transport if he will direct the RSA to provide information in relation to learner permit holders and driving test applications (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39646/20]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Transport

The information requested is held by the Road Safety Authority. I have therefore referred this 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.

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

Electric Vehicles

Questions (171)

Richard Boyd Barrett

Question:

171. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Transport when the grants recently announced to enable taxi drivers to replace their vehicles with zero-emission vehicles will be made available; the procedure for applying; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39649/20]

Written answers

Minister for Transport

I thank the Deputy for an opportunity to further discuss the recent allocation of €15 million to support up to 750 taxi and hackney drivers in scrapping their older vehicles and replacing them with zero-emission capable electric alternatives. The scrappage scheme will be open to operators of older taxis and hackneys. Up to €20,000 will be made available for eligible drivers switching to a new all-electric vehicle with additional amounts available for those moving to a wheelchair-accessible electric vehicle. While this scrappage scheme is being funded by my Department, it will be administered by the National Transport Authority (NTA), as the agency with responsibility for the regulation of the small public service vehicle (SPSV) sector.

Work is currently ongoing to finalise the specific terms and conditions of the scheme. It is expected that the NTA will shortly publish details in relation to the scheme ahead of its anticipated launch in January 2021.

The Deputy may wish to be aware that SPSV-dedicated EV chargers (22, 50 and 150kW models) are currently being installed at Dublin and Cork Airports as well as in train stations in Dublin (Heuston), Limerick (Colbert) and Cork (Kent). The chargers will be installed by the end of the year and operational from early 2021.

My Department will also provide funding in 2021 to further extend the dedicated SPSV EV network with the roll out of more chargers at a number of new locations.

Departmental Reviews

Questions (172)

Neasa Hourigan

Question:

172. Deputy Neasa Hourigan asked the Minister for Transport when the review of the sustainable mobility policy launched in November 2019 is expected to be published; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39674/20]

Written answers

Minister for Transport

As the Deputy is aware, a review of sustainable mobility policy was announced last year with the publication of a range of background papers on my Department’s website, a stakeholder engagement event and a public consultation which ended in February.

Since then my Department has analysed the more than 250 submissions which were received as part of that public consultation and a report of that consultation process was published in recent weeks on the Departmental website. That report provides an overview of the type of stakeholders who engaged with the consultation process and also summarises the thematic areas raised in submissions.

My Department is now developing a new a new policy framework for the next 10 years that can provide a strategic backdrop to the increased investment planned by this Government across the sustainable mobility programme as outlined in the Programme for Government – A Shared Future. The aim is to develop a policy framework that better supports sustainable mobility to provide for increased use of active travel and public transport.

The Deputy will acknowledge this is a substantive policy area and one which is fundamentally important to this Government’s ambition generally. The Department is currently refining its development of a new policy framework to allow for further engagement with stakeholders in the coming months and I look forward to that engagement in due course.

Driver Test

Questions (173)

Matt Carthy

Question:

173. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Transport if provision will be made to reduce the six-month waiting rule for provisional driver licence holders to sit a test for a full licence on an emergency basis for those working in essential activities such as the health services; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39792/20]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Transport

The procedures and protocols around learning to drive were put in place to make our roads as safe as possible. This includes the requirement that learners have at least 6 months' driving practice before they undergo the test. I have no plan to change this rule.

I would point out that the pass rate for driving tests in Ireland stood at 52% in 2019. Allowing candidates to avail of a driving test with less than 6 months' driving experience will inevitably result in a further fall in the pass rate, candidates being obliged to re-sit tests at considerable additional effort and expense, and lead to a further backlog in a system which is making every effort to cope with the difficulties of operating under the various Covid-19 restrictions that have been in place since March 2020.

Motor Tax

Questions (174)

Imelda Munster

Question:

174. Deputy Imelda Munster asked the Minister for Transport the number of motor home camper vans currently registered in Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39827/20]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Transport

The number of vehicles currently taxed as Motor Caravan on the National Vehicle and Driver File at 31st October 2020 is 13,722.

Tourism Data

Questions (175)

Imelda Munster

Question:

175. Deputy Imelda Munster asked the Minister for Transport the number of foreign registration motor home and camper van vehicles that visited Ireland for holidays and subsequently left the State in 2019 and 2020; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39828/20]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Transport

The details requested by the Deputy are not available on the National Vehicle and Driver File (NVDF) as only vehicles registered in Ireland are recorded.

Driver Test

Questions (176)

Emer Higgins

Question:

176. Deputy Emer Higgins asked the Minister for Transport the reason no driver theory test appointments are available to be booked in the next ten months (details supplied). [39871/20]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Transport

The Driver Theory Test was not deemed to be an essential service under Level 5. As a consequence, the service was closed, effective from midnight on Wednesday 21st of October, and for the duration of Level 5 restrictions. All appointments during that time have been rescheduled to the next available appointment date.

As I am sure you are aware, the Theory Test service was temporarily suspended in March 2020 due to the Covid 19 emergency. When the service resumed in June, there was an increased level of demand and a significant backlog developed. This was coupled with the need to significantly reduce normal daily capacity to comply with occupational and public health requirements.

When the Driver Theory Test Service closed on the 21st of October due to the latest restrictions, the majority of testing centres had almost full bookings up to end December and some into January too as it worked its way through the initial backlog. The decision was taken by the service provider that any candidates who had appointments on the suspension of the service were rescheduled to the next available slots, so some locations may have longer waiting time than others.

Driver Theory Test Centres will re-open from 1st December, following the Government decision of last week, and additional availability is now being added for January, February and March.

The Road Safety Authority has advised my office that it is engaging with its service provider to examine ways of increasing the number of tests within the current health constraints. This will help reduce and, over time, eliminate the backlog.

Driver theory test appointments are made available up to the middle of 2021 by the contractor operating the driver theory test on behalf of the Road Safety Authority, and additional slots are now being made available. With these additional slots, it is anticipated that around 26,000 appointments will be available and some of these have already been booked. In January 2021, a further 10,000 appointments will be made available, with 15,000 to be rolled out in February and a further 15,000 in March 2021. It is planned that the additional slots for these three months will start to be rolled out this week. I would advise candidates to regularly check the service through https://theorytest.ie/ as more appointments become available.

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.

Dublin Bus

Questions (177)

Denise Mitchell

Question:

177. Deputy Denise Mitchell asked the Minister for Transport the level of funding he had requested in budget 2021 to improve Dublin Bus services. [39888/20]

Written answers

Minister for Transport

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

Details of the aggregate Exchequer provision for public transport services and investment are being finalised in the context of the Revised Estimates for 2021, which will be published very shortly as part of the normal Budgetary and Estimates process. This will enable allocations of both capital and current expenditure from my Department's Vote to the National Transport Authority (NTA), for allocation by the NTA to the various transport operators for the provision of public transport services and for public transport infrastructure investment.

The National Transport Authority (NTA) has statutory responsibility for securing the provision of public passenger transport services nationally. Since 2010, the award of Public Service Obligation (PSO) funding falls under the independent statutory remit of the NTA. The allocations to individual companies - including Dublin Bus, the operator about which the Deputy is asking - are decided by the NTA in accordance with the various contract arrangements that it has in place with PSO service providers.

In providing Exchequer support for public transport in 2020 and 2021, the Government recognises that continued operation of the public transport sector is important, and public transport is designated among the essential services that have carried on throughout the Covid crisis. Clearly, the Covid-19 health emergency has had a profound impact on the public transport sector through the fall in passenger numbers and associated drop in fare revenues. Therefore, several Government decisions have been taken to mitigate the negative financial impact of Covid on the public transport system, including:

- initially, to substantially increase the 2020 overall budget for the existing PSO system, and in the recent Budget, to continue with an increased overall allocation for 2021;

- to introduce new temporary financial support for non-PSO licensed services provided by commercial bus operators; and

- enhancements to certain PSO bus services - which include some provided by Dublin Bus - that were announced under the Stimulus package, and which will become fully operational in 2021.

In relation to capital investment, next year the NTA will be purchasing a significant number of double-deck hybrid buses for use in the Dublin region. It is also expected that the NTA's planning application for BusConnects Dublin, which will be the largest ever investment programme in the bus network in Dublin, will be lodged during 2021, subject to Government approval.

In light of the all the foregoing, I have forwarded the Deputy's question to the NTA for direct reply. 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

Road Projects

Questions (178)

Éamon Ó Cuív

Question:

178. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Transport if his Department has received a submission from Galway County Council in relation to the bridges and causeways to the islands area of south Connemara that connect the mainland at Béal an Daingin to the islands of Eanach Mheáin, Leitir Móir, Garumna and Leitir Meallain; the options being considered to improve access into the islands area; the process that would be involved in order to consider and approve a project or projects to replace one or more of the causeways and bridges into the islands; the criteria that would be used to evaluate a project or projects such as this; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39905/20]

Written answers

Minister for Transport

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

Before the post-2008 financial crisis, local authorities could apply on a regular basis for Specific and Strategic Improvement Grants to improve regional and local roads. However, the extent of the cutbacks in grant funding during the crisis meant these grant schemes had to be curtailed after 2013 because expenditure on maintenance and renewal was falling well short of what was required to adequately maintain the regional and local road network.

Project Ireland 2040 does provide for the gradual build up in funding for the road network but it will take some time yet to reach the level required for the adequate maintenance and renewal of the network. For this reason there is limited scope at present for funding projects under the Specific or Strategic Grant Programmes.

Any projects proposed by local authorities for consideration under the Specific or Strategic Grant Programmes 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 regional and local road improvement works it is important for local authorities to prioritise projects within their overall area of responsibility with these requirements in mind.

As regards the bridges and causeways in the south Connemara area, a number of options have been proposed by Galway County Council such as traffic management with the provision of traffic lights to control the traffic in one direction at a time along the causeways, remedial works to the causeway parapets and facades and the incorporation of the aforementioned traffic management and full widening of the causeways to facilitate two way traffic and remedial work to the causeway facades.

In order to consider and approve a project or projects to replace one or more of the causeways and bridges consideration would at least have to be given to the total cost of the scheme and the necessary planning requirements. The likely cost of replacing the causeways would mean that a detailed economic appraisal would need to be carried out. This would involve carrying out a full business case for the scheme including a detailed financial appraisal of the capital costs, the operating and maintenance costs and the source of funding. An appraisal of the options under numerous criteria such as economy, safety, environment, accessibility and social inclusion and integration also forms part of the business case. Further to this a full Cost Benefit Analysis of the preferred option would also have to be carried out and this along with the business case would be subject to review by the Economic Evaluation Unit within the Department.

In addition to the business case, planning permission would need to be sought by the local authority. As the causeways are located in a Special Area of Conservation then a screening process in order to determine whether or not the proposed scheme is likely to have significant effects on the environment and as such require an Environmental Impact Assessment and an Environmental Impact Assessment Report to be carried out. In addition, an Appropriate Assessment screening process would also need to be carried out in order to determine whether the proposed works could have significant effects on the Special Area of Conservation in view of the sites’ conservation objectives and as such require a Natura Impact Statement. Subject to screening determining that significant effects on the environment and/or significant effects on the Special Area of Conservation could occur then the Environmental Impact Assessment and the Appropriate Assessment processes would involve submission to An Bord Pleanála for planning consent.

Covid-19 Tests

Questions (179)

Darren O'Rourke

Question:

179. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Transport the estimated daily volume of demand for airport testing in Dublin, Cork and Shannon airports during December 2020; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39913/20]

Written answers

Minister for Transport

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 testing for international travel draws on resources from the private sector that are not required by the HSE.

Testing is available at the three State Airports for passengers and the public. It is difficult to estimate with certainty the level of demand for testing given that persons travelling abroad for an essential purpose are not required to restrict movement on return and that testing requirements are, in general, voluntary.

I understand that daa forecasts the average number of tests per day from 30 November to 31 December to be in the region of 665 with almost 1,700 tests envisaged for 23 December. The daa has indicated that the test providers at Dublin Airport have capacity for up to 12,000 tests a day.

Airport Passenger Data

Questions (180)

Darren O'Rourke

Question:

180. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Transport the number of passengers that arrived in Dublin, Cork and Shannon airport in each week from 1 November to 22 November 2020; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39914/20]

Written answers

Minister for Transport

Statistics on passengers arriving into Ireland through State Airports are compiled on a weekly basis. Statistics on the number of arrivals into Ireland’s State Airports weekly for the dates 26th October – 22nd November 2020 inclusive are set out in the tables below. Transfer passengers are not included in the arrivals statistics for airports as Ireland is not the final destination for these passengers who do not leave the airport before travelling onwards. All statistics set out below are provisional figures provided by the airports and are subject to change:

Week	Dublin	Cork	Shannon	Weekly Total
26th Oct - 1st Nov	24,171	1,054	592	25,817
2nd Nov - 8th Nov	21,647	1,068	345	23,060
9th Nov - 15th Nov	19,165	704	318	20,187
16th Nov - 22nd Nov	16,792	439	43	17,274

Taxi Regulations

Questions (181)

Richard Boyd Barrett

Question:

181. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Transport if the NTA is extending or will extend the 90-day time limit for getting a suitability test for taxi vehicles after passing a NCT while licence renewals are being extended and during Covid-19 emergency extension measures; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39918/20]

Written answers

Minister for Transport

The regulation of the small public service vehicle (SPSV) industry, including matters relating to SPSV licence renewals and vehicle suitability tests, 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.

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

Electric Vehicles

Questions (182)

Neasa Hourigan

Question:

182. Deputy Neasa Hourigan asked the Minister for Transport the consideration he is giving to changing the qualifying criteria for electric AM category vehicle licences (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39930/20]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Transport

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

Road Projects

Questions (183)

Ruairí Ó Murchú

Question:

183. Deputy Ruairí Ó Murchú asked the Minister for Transport if Transport Infrastructure Ireland, TII, has received an application for a roadside barrier at a location (details supplied) in County Louth; the length of time it will take for a decision on its installation to be made; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39956/20]

Written answers

Minister for Transport

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 operation and maintenance 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.

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

Driver Test

Questions (184)

Joe McHugh

Question:

184. Deputy Joe McHugh asked the Minister for Transport if he will accept the certificate of professional competence that was accredited in England as opposed to making drivers sit the same test again; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39957/20]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Transport

Under the transition arrangements in place valid UK/NI CPC cards will continue to be valid in Ireland up to the end of the transition period – 31 December 2020.

Any driver with a UK CPC card who is resident or working in Ireland should exchange their CPC card for an Irish CPC card as soon as possible in advance of 31 December 2020.

Covid-19 Pandemic Supports

Questions (185)

James Lawless

Question:

185. Deputy James Lawless asked the Minister for Transport his plans to address the large number of taxi drivers who are over 66 years of age and are not included in the measures to help taxi drivers during Covid-19 (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40053/20]

Written answers

Minister for Transport

I am aware of the financial challenges facing small public service vehicle (SPSV) operators of all ages. My Department and the National Transport Authority (NTA) have taken action throughout the pandemic. and none of the measures are restricted in any way by the age of the driver or licence holder. Operators of all ages have benefited from the NTA's waiver of late renewal fees, extension of age limits and facilitation of insurance suspensions for those operators who decided to temporarily stop working.

The recent Budget contained a waiver of vehicle licence renewal fees for 2021, a measure which all licence-holders of all ages can benefit from. The Budget also contained a €15 million scrappage scheme for operators of older SPSVs and although this measure is only open to operators of older vehicles, there are no age criteria for the operators themselves.

I am aware that many SPSV operators have benefitted from the Pandemic Unemployment Payment (PUP), which I understand is not open to individuals over the age of 66. The PUP and its age criterion, and any other social protection payments to individuals over the age of 66 are matters for my colleague, the Minister for Social Protection.

Road Safety Authority

Questions (186)

Catherine Murphy

Question:

186. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Transport the name of a company used to develop essential driver training on behalf of the Road Safety Authority in 2009; the fees paid to the company; if the company has conducted other work for the RSA since 2009; and if the RSA has a policy in relation to former staff engaging in consultancy work which it engages. [40128/20]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Transport

The information requested is held by the Road Safety Authority and relates to operational matters for the Authority under the relevant legislation. I have therefore referred this 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.

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