Seán Sherlock
Question:161. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Transport the plan in place to deal with the driver theory test backlog; and if remote options or staggered examinations have been considered. [1140/21]
View answerDriver Test
Questions (161)
Written answers
Covid-19 has had a profound effect on the delivery of the Road Safety Authority’s driver theory testing services and a significant backlog has developed. Under current level 5 restrictions, the driver theory test has not been deemed to be an essential service. As a consequence, the service is closed while level 5 restrictions remain in place.
The driver theory test service has seen its capacity reduced significantly to comply with occupational and public health requirements. The Road Safety Authority has advised my office that it is engaging with its service provider to maximise capacity to offer tests while adhering to occupational and public health requirements for when servicers are resumed. In this regard, they would, for example, be opening on additional days at some centres and extended hours also provided to allow additional capacity for appointments.
My Department had previously requested that the Road Safety Authority, as the body legally responsible for the driver theory test, examine whether theory tests can be taken on line remotely and what is required to do so.
I am pleased to inform you that the Driver Theory Test service has launched a pilot phase of a new initiative, which offers a Remote Testing service for specific categories of Theory Test (bus and truck, ADI and CPC).
During the pilot phase Remote Testing will be available on a limited basis and extra capacity will be added as it is rolled out to allow more customers to sit their bus, truck, CPC or ADI Theory Test online. Remote Testing allows candidates to test from their home or another suitable environment once the minimum requirements for the service have been met.
Following a review of the pilot phase, the RSA expect the initiative to be extended for car and motorcycles in the future.
Driver Test
Questions (162)
Seán Sherlock
Question:162. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Transport the number of persons now awaiting a driver test in each test centre, in tabular form; and the expected time to wait before a test can be guaranteed. [1141/21]
View answerWritten answers
Specific details on the number of persons awaiting a driver test are 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
Public Bike Schemes
Questions (163)
Seán Sherlock
Question:163. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Transport the number of public bike share scheme users by month in Cork, Galway and Limerick, in tabular form. [1142/21]
View answerWritten answers
As Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to cycling and public transport infrastructure. However, I am not involved in the day-to-day operations of the management of public bike schemes. Details regarding contracts, operation and expansion of existing and proposed bike schemes fall under the remit of the National Transport Authority (NTA) working in conjunction with the relevant local authorities.
Noting the NTA's responsibilites in the matter, I have referred your question to the NTA for a more detailed 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 (164)
Seán Sherlock
Question:164. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Transport the engagement he has had with officials in his Department and with a local authority on a project (details supplied). [1143/21]
View answerWritten 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 planning, design and construction of individual national roads is a matter for Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII), in conjunction with the local authorities concerned. This is also subject to the Public Spending Code Guidelines and the necessary statutory approvals. In this context, TII is best placed to advise you on the status of this project.
Noting the above position, I have referred your question to TII for a direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 working days.
A referred reply was forwarded to the Deputy under Standing Order 51
Road Projects
Questions (165)
Seán Sherlock
Question:165. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Transport the engagement he has had with officials in his Department and with a local authority on a project (details supplied). [1144/21]
View answerWritten 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 upgrading and improvement 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
Road Projects
Questions (166)
Seán Sherlock
Question:166. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Transport the engagement he has had with officials in his Department and with a local authority on a project (details supplied). [1145/21]
View answerWritten answers
As Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for overall policy and securing exchequer funding in relation to the National Roads Programme. Once funding arrangements have been put in place with Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII), under the Roads Acts 1993-2015 and in line with the National Development Plan (NDP), the planning, design and construction of individual national roads is a matter for TII, in conjunction with the local authorities concerned. This is also subject to the requirements of the Public Spending Code Guidelines and necessary statutory approvals. In this context, TII is best placed to advise on the current status and funding of this proposed project, pending also the Government's proposed review of the NDP.
Noting the above position, I have referred your question on the M20, on this occasion, 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
Covid-19 Pandemic
Questions (167)
Richard Bruton
Question:167. Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Transport if he has considered the safety arrangements being put in place by driving schools; if this important service can be fitted into the roadmap of levels for safe activities as an essential service; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1167/21]
View answerWritten answers
The provision of driving instruction has been defined as an essential service in legislation introduced last October by my colleague, the Minister for Health.
Approved Driving Instructors (ADIs) may continue to provide lessons under level 5 restrictions, but only in such circumstances where the learner in question has already been scheduled a test date.
With regard to making appropriate safety arrangements, I would like to clarify to the Deputy that driving instructors and driving schools are entirely independent operators and neither the Road Safety Authority nor my Department can dictate how they run their individual businesses. It is up to each driving instructor or driving school to protect themselves, their families and their customers by adhering to the official Government guidelines on hygiene and social distancing.
Public Transport
Questions (168)
Catherine Murphy
Question:168. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Transport if the new intercity rail carriages that have been ordered include wheelchair ramps that can be used by wheelchair users as needed and do not need to pre-booked to ensure a ramp is available. [1183/21]
View answerWritten answers
As Minister I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport. The National Transport Authority (NTA) has statutory responsibility for the development and delivery of public transport infrastructure in the Greater Dublin Area including, in consultation with Iarnród Éireann, development of the railway network including the purchase of rolling stock. The Deputy is likely aware that the 41 additional carriages on order are carriages that are compatible with the existing Inter City Railcar fleet and are for use with that existing rail fleet.
Noting the NTA's responsibility in the matter, I have referred the Deputy's question to the NTA for a direct reply. Please contact my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 days.
A referred reply was forwarded to the Deputy under Standing Order 51
Railway Stations
Questions (169)
Darren O'Rourke
Question:169. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Transport the amount the NTA and Iarnród Éireann have spent on refurbishment and maintenance on Heuston and Connolly train stations in 2019 and 2020, in tabular form. [1202/21]
View answerWritten answers
As the Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport. However, I am not involved in the operations of public transport.
The issue raised is an operational matter for Iarnród Éireann, in conjunction with the National Transport Authority, and I have forwarded the Deputy's question to the company 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
Public Transport
Questions (170)
Darren O'Rourke
Question:170. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Transport the position regarding the provision of wheelchair-accessible public transport in County Meath, specifically the Bus Éireann services. [1203/21]
View answerWritten answers
As Minister for Transport I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport.
It is the National Transport Authority (NTA) which has statutory responsibility for promoting the development of an integrated, accessible public transport network.
In light of the NTA's responsibility in this matter, I have forwarded your question to the NTA for direct reply to you. 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
Irish Aviation Authority
Questions (171)
Darren O'Rourke
Question:171. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Transport when the post of chairperson of the Irish Aviation Authority will be filled. [1204/21]
View answerWritten answers
The Deputy may now be aware that I have appointed Ms Rose Hynes as interim Chairperson of the Irish Aviation Authority, with the agreement of the Government, to help guide the IAA’s regulatory reform process. Ms Hynes' appointment takes effect from 12 January 2021. The Air Navigation and Transport (Amendment) Bill, 2020, which was published in November 2020, provides for significant institutional changes to how aviation is regulated in Ireland, and Ms Hynes has the appropriate experience and knowledge to help guide the Board and direct the management team through the challenging process.
Ms Hynes will take up the role in a designated capacity until her appearance with the Oireachtas Transport Committee can take place.
Chairman of the board of the Irish Aviation Authority resigned in December 2020. I expect to be in a position to appoint a replacement in the coming weeks.
Driver Licences
Questions (172)
Danny Healy-Rae
Question:172. Deputy Danny Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Transport if he will request that the NDLS provide clarity to the public on the current situation with renewal of driver licences (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1227/21]
View answerWritten answers
Due to the resurgence of Covid-19 in Europe as well as Ireand, the possible extension of driving licences is currently under consideration at EU level. A decision on this issue is expected by the end of January.
Driver Licences
Questions (173)
Michael Healy-Rae
Question:173. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Transport if an issue (details supplied) regarding licences will be addressed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1256/21]
View answerWritten answers
This question appears to relate to a Transport Manager Certificate of Professional Competence, which is a qualification as opposed to a licence.
EU legislation sets out a number of requirements to be satisfied in order to hold a road transport operator licence, one of which is professional competence. To fulfil this requirement, every road transport undertaking in Ireland (or in any other EU Member State) must have a nominated Transport Manager who resides in the EU to effectively and continuously manage its transport activities. The Transport Manager must hold a Certificate of Professional Competence (CPC), in either Road Haulage or Road Passenger Transport depending on the nature of the operator's business. This certificate must be issued by an EU Member State and is ordinarily obtained by passing a written examination.
As highlighted by the European Commission in 2018, and more recently in July 2020, with the end of the Brexit transition period on 31 December 2020, Transport Manager CPCs issued by an authority of the United Kingdom or a body authorised by the United Kingdom are no longer valid in the EU.
As part of the Government's Brexit preparations, my Department carried out a review and identified approximately 200 individuals with a UK-issued Transport Manager CPC nominated as Transport Manager for Irish road transport operators. This Department (rather than the RSA) wrote to these Transport Managers and the relevant operators to ensure that they were aware of the position as outlined by the European Commission.
My Department liaised with the European Commission on this matter and received clarification at the end of November 2020 that a corresponding Irish Transport Manager CPC could be issued to those UK-qualified individuals working for Irish operators, before the end of the Brexit transition period.
In view of this clarification, my Department established arrangements with the Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport (CILT) for the application process to obtain a corresponding Irish Transport Manager CPC. CILT is the body that issues Transport Manager CPCs in Ireland on behalf of the Department of Transport. A further communication issued at the start of December 2020 to affected Transport Managers to outline how to apply for an Irish Transport Manager CPC. This means that such Transport Managers making the necessary application before the end of the Brexit transition period are not required to undertake an Irish examination in order to continue to work as Transport Manager for an Irish or other EU operator. It is important to note that, in line with the Commission’s clarification, applications were to be submitted to CILT by 31 December 2020, as after that date it is not possible to obtain an Irish Transport Manager CPC on the basis of holding a UK certificate. The Department emphasised this clearly in its communications to affected Transport Managers. This position was also outlined to the Deputy on 1 December, in the recent reply to PQ number 40449/20.
Covid-19 Pandemic
Questions (174)
Neale Richmond
Question:174. Deputy Neale Richmond asked the Minister for Transport the stricter enforcement measures that can be taken to protect public transport staff during the latest Covid-19 surge; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1291/21]
View answerWritten answers
As Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport.
The NTA has statutory responsibility for securing the provision of public passenger transport services nationally. Continued operation of the public transport sector is important, and it has been designated among the essential services that have carried on during the Covid crisis. I would like to thank both public and commercial operators and their staff for providing this vital service in such challenging times.
The Government's "Living with Covid" Plan sets out capacity guidance for public transport at each of the 5 risk levels identified in the Plan. At the current Levels 5, public transport operators are restricted to using only 25% of the passenger-carrying capacity on their vehicles. Importantly, the Plan's guidance on working from home where possible and on the closure of social, leisure and other facilities has reduced the demand for public transport well below normal levels. There is continued strong messaging that public transport capacity remains restricted and, therefore, should only be used for essential travel, with only those who have to travel at peak times doing so. People are being encouraged to walk or cycle where practical. The advice is aimed at ensuring public transport is safeguarded for those who need it most and in particular frontline workers.
A number of measures have been introduced across the system, guided by public health advice, to ensure the continued operation of services during the pandemic, and to help protect the safety of passengers and staff, including enhanced cleaning regimes, the wearing of face coverings and social distancing measures across the network. My Department is engaging directly with the National Transport Authority (NTA) in relation to these measures and the NTA is coordinating the response of public transport operators.
Accordingly, 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
Covid-19 Pandemic
Questions (175)
Chris Andrews
Question:175. Deputy Chris Andrews asked the Minister for Transport if an instruction can be given to local authorities and private clamping companies to suspend parking charges and clamping during the current lockdown, given that these charges are putting increased financial pressure on many persons who are already struggling on a reduced income; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1320/21]
View answerWritten answers
While I acknowledge the Deputy's argument that the current level 5 restrictions are having a profound financial impact on many, I must point out that the same restrictions require us to stay at home, to work at home where possible, and to avoid all but the most unavoidable and essential of journeys.
As a result of people choosing to abide by these restrictions and avoid unnecessary car travel, there is in fact considerably less pressure on the availability of public parking at present than there might be under normal circumstances. I must emphasise that the public health emergency does not provide carte blanche to motorists to park as they please and it would be irresponsible of either my Department or the local authorities to facilitate them in doing so by unnecessarily suspending the current system of fines and charges.
Covid-19 Pandemic
Questions (176)
Michael Collins
Question:176. Deputy Michael Collins asked the Minister for Transport his views on a matter (details supplied) in respect of charges and changes to flights; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1349/21]
View answerWritten answers
The Government announced a ban on all flights arriving into Ireland from Great Britain with effect from midnight on Sunday, 20 December, 2020 which continued to Friday 8th January 2021. This ban resulted in flight cancellations. If the flight in question took place during the UK flight ban, the customer should be entitled to a refund as all flights were grounded except for a small number of special repatriation flights. The Commission for Aviation (CAR) has made the following notice available on its website in relation to the flight ban and cancellations in respect to refunds - https://www.aviationreg.ie/news/flight-bans-cancellations-and-passengers-transiting-through-great-britain-.1011.html
If the flight took place before the ban, and the customer either cancelled or did not use their ticket, they are not entitled to a refund under EU law.
I would encourage anyone who having already corresponded with the airline continues to have difficulties securing a refund to contact the CAR. Further advice, including information on how to submit a formal complaint to the CAR is available on its dedicated passenger rights website www.flightrights.ie .
Ports Development
Questions (177)
Neasa Hourigan
Question:177. Deputy Neasa Hourigan asked the Minister for Transport the status of a memorandum of understanding signed between the Port of Cork and an energy company (details supplied) to develop liquefied natural gas, LNG, facilities at the port; if the memorandum is still operating; if his Department has had communication from the Port of Cork or the company in respect of the matter; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1351/21]
View answerWritten answers
At the outset, I wish to point out that this is a commercial operational matter for the Port of Cork Company.
I understand from the Port of Cork Company that they signed a Memorandum of Understanding with NextDecade in 2017 to attract new LNG business into Ireland from the USA. Next Decade is a Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) development company which is focused on LNG export projects.
The Port of Cork has advised that the Memorandum of Understanding expired on 31 December 2020 and that they have no intention to renew it.
Brexit Issues
Questions (178)
Peadar Tóibín
Question:178. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Transport if motorists from Northern Ireland now require a green card to drive in the 26 counties; and if there will be changes to requirements to drive in the South for motorists from the North post Brexit. [1370/21]
View answerWritten answers
As of 1 January 2021 the post-Brexit transition period ended. The default position from that date is that the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland will no longer be treated like a European Union Member State. It will therefore no longer benefit from the provisions under which EU members are not subject to the general international requirement of proof of insurance, known as a Green Card in Europe, for travel within the Union.
For Irish-registered vehicles entering the UK (including Northern Ireland), UK authorities have indicated that Irish insurance discs meet the UK legal requirements for proof of insurance. This means that Irish-registered vehicles will NOT require a Green Card on entering the UK, provided they display an insurance disc. As this is a matter of UK law, it is open to the UK to determine whether to continue with this arrangement in the longer term.
The position regarding UK-registered vehicles (including vehicles from Northern Ireland) entering the EU, including Ireland, is a matter that is governed within the framework of EU law, as well as international conventions. Under EU law, the European Commission may set a date from which the requirement for Green Cards from a specified Third Country (i.e. non-Member State) will be waived. The EU Commission has yet to make a decision on whether/when to waive the requirement for Green Cards for UK-registered vehicles entering the EU.
Driver Test
Questions (179)
Louise O'Reilly
Question:179. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Transport the total number of driving tests conducted by the Road Safety Authority in 2020. [1438/21]
View answerWritten answers
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
Road Safety
Questions (180)
Louise O'Reilly
Question:180. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Transport if his attention has been drawn to complaints by motorists that the LED headlights on new cars are causing significant difficulties for oncoming drivers; and if the European Commission, which has responsibility for this area, is aware of such difficulties. [1442/21]
View answerWritten answers
High Intensity Discharge (HID) headlights and Light Emitting Diode (LED) headlights are known to provide greater brightness, improved colour rendering, increased efficiencies and in the case of LED in particular, longer performance life.
The use of HID and LED headlights in vehicles across the EU is tightly regulated by the European type-approval system. This system establishes the technical and safety standards required to place a vehicle or a vehicle component on the market and enter it into service within any EU Member State. In order to acquire type-approval, the headlight components and technology must meet specific safety standards. Accordingly, if a headlight has been type-approval and entered into service it is considered safe to use within the EU.
I am only aware of one query from a member of the public in relation to the use of LED lights and therefore I do not consider this to be a widespread issue. I cannot speak on behalf of the European Commission, but to my knowledge, this issue has not been raised by that body or indeed by any other Member State.
Free Travel Scheme
Questions (181)
Darren O'Rourke
Question:181. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Transport if it is the case that free travel pass holders are unable to book bus places with Bus Éireann online; the reason for same; if it will be addressed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1446/21]
View answerWritten answers
As the Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport. However, I am not involved in the day-to-day operations of public transport.
The issue raised is an operational matter for Bus Éireann and I have forwarded the Deputy's question to the company for direct reply.
Please advise my private office if you do not receive a response within ten working days.
Customers can contact Bus Éireann customer care directly on 1850 836 611 if they have any queries.
A referred reply was forwarded to the Deputy under Standing Order 51
Driver Test
Questions (182)
Darren O'Rourke
Question:182. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Transport if the option of extending the remote online theory test for bus, lorry, CPC and ADI categories to all vehicle and driver categories, such as car and motorcycle, will be considered; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1447/21]
View answerWritten answers
My Department had previously requested that the Road Safety Authority, as the body legally responsible for the driver theory test, examine whether theory tests can be taken on line remotely and what is required to do so.
I am pleased to inform you that the Driver Theory Test service has launched a pilot phase of a new initiative, which offers a Remote Testing service for specific categories of Theory Test (C, D, CD, BMT, TMT, ADI, CPCB, CPCT).
During the pilot phase Remote Testing will be available on a limited basis and extra capacity will be added as it is rolled out to allow more customers to sit their bus, truck, CPC or ADI Theory Test online. Remote Testing allows candidates to test from their home or another suitable environment once the minimum requirements for the service have been met.
Following a review of the pilot phase, the RSA expect the initiative to be extended for car and motorcycles in the future.
Driver Licences
Questions (183)
Noel Grealish
Question:183. Deputy Noel Grealish asked the Minister for Transport if a person who lives six months in Ireland and six months in the UK each year and has businesses in both countries is required to transfer his or her UK driving licence for an Irish licence post Brexit; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1477/21]
View answerWritten answers
An application for a driving licence should be made in the country where a person has their “normal residence”.
The definition of “normal residence” means the place where a person usually lives, that is for at least 185 days in each year, because of personal and occupational ties, or, in the case of a person with no occupational ties, because of personal ties which show close links between that person and the place where he or she is living.
In this case, the individual would have to provide clarification as to where they reside for 185 days or more to enable the question to be answered.
Shared Island Unit
Questions (184)
Neale Richmond
Question:184. Deputy Neale Richmond asked the Minister for Transport the engagement he has had with his Northern Irish counterpart in respect of the proposed Sligo-Enniskillen greenway in the context of the new shared island fund; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1505/21]
View answerWritten answers
I have had very positive engagement with my colleague, Minister Nichola Mallon, MLA, in relation to the proposed Sligo, Leitrim & Northern Counties Greenway, also known as the Sligo-Enniskillen Greenway.
As the Deputy is aware, the greenway is specifically referenced in the New Decade, New Approach agreement made by the Irish and UK Governments and is also, of course, referenced in the Programme for Government – Our Shared Future. Last month’s Plenary Session of the North South Ministerial Council noted progress in relation to the greenway and it has also featured at the Transport Sectoral meeting of the Council held in October, as well as in bilaterals I held with Minister Mallon in the summer.
In July 2020 I announced an allocation of €500,000 for Leitrim County Council under the Carbon Tax Fund, with discussions ongoing in relation to the funding required to bring the project to planning application stage. There is agreement that funding allocated will be used to develop the greenway as one project, North and South, and I very much welcome the agreement between Leitrim County Council and Fermanagh and Omagh District Council to appoint a joint design team.
As the Deputy can see, funding is currently being advanced through my Department’s greenways funding programme; however, clearly there is potential for the project, as it develops further, to be considered eligible for funding under the Government’s Shared Island programme and I expect the matter will be considered further at the appropriate juncture.
Shared Island Unit
Questions (185)
Neale Richmond
Question:185. Deputy Neale Richmond asked the Minister for Transport the engagement he has had with his Northern Irish counterpart in respect of the proposed A5 upgrade in the context of the new shared island fund; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1506/21]
View answerWritten answers
As the Deputy is aware the planning and implementation of the proposed A5 upgrade project is the responsibility of the Northern Ireland authorities. Following the quashing of the decision to proceed with the A5 Western Transport Corridor scheme in November 2018, the Department for Infrastructure has been progressing the necessary work to enable a fresh decision to be taken. A Public Inquiry
concluded on 13th March 2020 and an Interim Inspector’s Report is under consideration at present.
The status of the A5 scheme has been a regular item for discussion at both NSMC Transport Sectoral and Plenary meetings. The most recent Plenary meeting held on 18th December 2020 noted the commitment of both Administrations to the delivery of the A5 and that next steps for the project will be informed by the Interim Report from the Public Inquiry.
The funding arrangements in relation to the A5 are governed by the commitments in the Stormont House Agreement and Implementation Plan - A Fresh Start and in the New Decade, New Approach document. The Government is committed to providing funding of £75 million (sterling) towards the cost of Phase 1a of the A5 upgrade scheme once the statutory planning process in Northern Ireland is concluded. Any future decisions would be a matter for consideration by Government taking into account the new Shared Island Fund.
Driver Test
Questions (186)
Neale Richmond
Question:186. Deputy Neale Richmond asked the Minister for Transport his plans to clear the backlog of driving tests when it is safe to do so given the long waiting times; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1511/21]
View answerWritten answers
My Department is in constant contact with the Road Safety Authority since the start of the pandemic regarding all of its services, the impact of Covid-19 on those services, and how they can best be maintained in the current circumstances.
Due to suspension of driver testing services in the first 2020 lockdown, along with the health protocols since resumption of service and the further curtailing of services during subsequent level 5 restrictions, a significant backlog has developed. The need to once again return to level 5 restrictions 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. This includes increasing the number of testing staff to help reduce and, over time, eliminate the backlog.
In this regard, I am pleased to say my Department has recently given sanction for the Road Safety Authority (RSA) to commence recruitment of 40 temporary driver testers. The RSA has begun the
recruitment process with the Public Appointments Service.
These new hires will be in addition to the 36 temporary testers who I previously gave sanction to rehire during 2020.
These measures 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. Any decision on this matter will be guided by health protocols.
The Department has been in discussions with the RSA on how to return to the normal target for the maximum waiting time, which is around ten weeks. It is clear that it will not be possible to arrive at this quickly, given restraints which must be in place due to the pandemic. It is important to recognise that there are no quick fixes and that the continuing build-up of applications as the pandemic goes on means that it will take time to reach a normal waiting time.
While I regret the inconvenience caused by the necessity to adhere to the restrictions, the safety of the public must be of paramount importance.