Matt Carthy
Question:163. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Transport his plans to amend the Irish Aviation Authority Act 1993; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4447/21]
View answerIrish Aviation Authority
Questions (163)
Written answers
The Air Navigation and Transport Bill 2020 was published at the end of last year. It is a priority piece of reforming legislation, which I hope will move through the legislative process at pace, beginning next month.
As provided for in the published Bill, the proposed institutional reforms will create a single national aviation regulator responsible for safety, security and economic regulation (including consumer affairs) by combining the regulatory functions of the Irish Aviation Authority (IAA) and the Commission for Aviation Regulation. It will also separate out the for-profit air traffic control services functions of the IAA and place them in a newly formed commercial semi-state company, the Irish Air Navigation Service. Importantly, in the context of the structural changes required, it guarantees the terms and conditions of all current staff.
The Bill seeks to modernise and strengthen the regulation and oversight of the Irish aviation industry in order to secure - for the long term - Ireland's position as global leader in aviation (which demands best practice regulatory structures and enforcement) and to advance and protect consumer interests. I believe this Bill lends itself to broad, cross-party support. I welcome the scrutiny and contribution of Oireachtas members to come, and ultimately I am hopeful for its safe passage through the Houses in the coming months.
Ministerial Correspondence
Questions (164)
Niamh Smyth
Question:164. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Transport if he will review correspondence from a person (details supplied); if he will request the RSA to address the issue; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4456/21]
View answerWritten answers
While this is an operational matter for the Road Safety Authority, I understand the RSA are experiencing some operating problems following the launch of their new Driving Test System and Customer Portal. This is due to exceptionally high levels of demand which in turn is increasing call volumes.
My Department raised these problems with the RSA. We have been assured the technical issues are gradually being resolved and the Authority have put extra resources in place in their call centre. My Department will continue to monitor the operations of the RSA, while having regard to their statutory competence.
Covid-19 Pandemic
Questions (165)
Peadar Tóibín
Question:165. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Transport if he will extend the annual tax saver transport tickets due to expire on 30 April 2021 by the duration of level 5 restrictions to compensate annual tax saver ticket users in order to enable use when fully safe to do so when restrictions are eased from level 5 in due course (details supplied). [4475/21]
View answerWritten answers
As Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport. The National Transport Authority (NTA) has statutory responsibility for regulating fares charged by public transport operators. The issues raised by the Deputy concerning the taxsaver initiative are matters for the relevant transport operators in conjunction with the NTA.
I have therefore 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
Questions Nos. 166 and 167 answered with Question No. 117.
Covid-19 Pandemic
Questions (168)
Seán Sherlock
Question:168. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Transport the budgetary analysis being carried out to plan for long Covid-19 impacts in his Department and each State agency under the remit of his Department in tabular form. [4497/21]
View answerWritten answers
My Department, in close collaboration with its agencies, continues to monitor and assess the impacts (including financial impacts) across the maritime, land transport, and aviation sectors, all of which have been hugely affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.
In relation to the Department of Transport’s current expenditure, the published Revised Estimates 2021 set out the COVID-19 emergency funding provided to each impacted area, and include a set of metrics for monitoring the performance of the funding over the course of 2021.
In relation to capital investment, the Department and its agencies will be paying close attention to any emerging long term impacts of COVID-19 on travel demand, modal choice, and the distribution of transport journeys across all modes of transport, which may influence transport investment.
In consultation with staff, my Department will design and implement a remote working policy in line with the Civil Service Remote Working Framework that is currently under development. My Department expects to cover the cost of any required PPE from its existing administrative budget.
Bus Services
Questions (169)
Holly Cairns
Question:169. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Transport the status of funding for the Clare bus accessible transport; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4516/21]
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 securing the provision of public passenger transport services nationally. The NTA also has national responsibility for integrated local and rural transport, including management of the Rural Transport Programme which operates under the Local Link brand.
In light of the NTA's responsibilities in this matter, I have referred your question to the NTA for direct reply to you. 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
Disability Act Employment Targets
Questions (170)
Holly Cairns
Question:170. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Transport the absolute and relative number of persons with disabilities employed by his Department in each of the years 1 January 2015 to 31 December 2020; if these persons are in full-time or part-time roles; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4537/21]
View answerWritten answers
The Department of Transport is subject to specific legal obligations under the Disability Act 2005 and is required to reach and maintain a 3% target for the employment of staff with disabilities. The National Disability Authority (NDA) reports on compliance with this 3% target. In the table below are details of the number of employees with a declared disability as per the definition of a disability under Disability Act 2005.
|
Year |
Number of employees with a disability under the definition in the Disability Act 2005 |
|
2015 |
21 |
|
2016 |
21 |
|
2017 |
19 |
|
2018 |
18 |
|
2019 |
24 |
|
2020 |
23* |
Employees in the Department of Transport can benefit from a number of flexible working arrangements including part time workshare patterns. In 2019, of the 24 individuals who disclosed a disability, 18 were full-time employees and the remaining 6 worked a reduced workshare pattern. In 2020 of the 23 individuals who disclosed a disability, 17 were full-time employees and the remaining 6 worked a reduced workshare pattern. Information on full-time vs part time patterns prior to 2019 is not available at this time.
*Annual return for 2020 will be completed in March 2021. Figures may be subject to change.
Appointments to State Boards
Questions (171)
Mattie McGrath
Question:171. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Transport the number of State and semi-State board appointments that fall under the aegis of his Department made since this Government took office including the name of the board or agency and the remuneration level associated with the board position, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4560/21]
View answerWritten answers
State Boards appointments are operated through the Public Appointments Service under the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform and follow the State Board appointments Guidelines 2014. This applies to all State Boards both commercial and non-commercial. There are 11 commercial bodies and 5 non-commercial bodies with boards that fall within these guidelines under the aegis of the Department of Transport. Information relating to board appointments for agencies under my Department's remit and the basis of that appointment is available here on stateboards.ie and here on my Department’s website.
A total of 40 appointments were made boards of Agencies under my Department's remit from 1 June 2020 to date. Details of these appointments are as follows:
State Bodies
Questions (172)
Mattie McGrath
Question:172. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Transport if he will provide a list of all State and semi-State boards that fall under the aegis of his Department; the level of remuneration being paid to each board member including chairpersons; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4573/21]
View answerWritten answers
State Boards appointments are operated through the Public Appointments Service under the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform and follow the State Board appointments Guidelines 2014. This applies to all State Boards both commercial and non-commercial. There are 11 commercial bodies and 5 non-commercial bodies with boards that fall within these guidelines under the aegis of the Department of Transport. Information relating to board appointments for agencies under my Department's remit and the basis of that appointment is available here on stateboards.ie and here on my Department’s website.
Boards under Department of Transport that fall within the DPER guidelines
Departmental Data
Questions (173)
Mairéad Farrell
Question:173. Deputy Mairéad Farrell asked the Minister for Finance the composition of gross GDP by all expenditure components, personal consumption, central and local government spending, GFCF and so on in each of the years 1990 to 2020 or for the earliest and latest years for which this data is available in tabular form. [4428/21]
View answerWritten answers
Gross Domestic Product at Current Market Prices.
Departmental Data
Questions (174)
Mairéad Farrell
Question:174. Deputy Mairéad Farrell asked the Minister for Finance the composition of real GDP in constant prices for the latest year for which data is available by all expenditure components, personal consumption, central and local government spending, GFCF and so on in each of the years 1990 to 2020 or for the earliest and latest years for which this data is available in tabular form. [4429/21]
View answerWritten answers
Gross Domestic Product at Constant Market Prices
Departmental Data
Questions (175)
Mairéad Farrell
Question:175. Deputy Mairéad Farrell asked the Minister for Finance the composition of gross GDP by all income components, dividends, interest, rents and so on in each of the years 1990 to 2020 or for the earliest and latest years for which this data is available in tabular form. [4430/21]
View answerWritten answers
Gross Domestic Product at Current Market Prices (Income approach)
Departmental Data
Questions (176)
Mairéad Farrell
Question:176. Deputy Mairéad Farrell asked the Minister for Finance the composition of real GDP in constant prices, dividends, interest, rents and so on broken by all expenditure components, personal consumption, central and local government spending, GFCF and so on in each of the years 1990 to 2020 or for the earliest and latest years for which this data is available in tabular form. [4431/21]
View answerWritten answers
See PQ Ref 4429/21 for Gross Domestic Product at Constant Market Prices broken down by expenditure components.
See PQ Ref 4430/21 for Gross Domestic Product at Current Market Prices broken down by income components.
A breakdown of Gross Domestic Product at Constant Market Prices in terms of its income components is not available.
Departmental Data
Questions (177)
Mairéad Farrell
Question:177. Deputy Mairéad Farrell asked the Minister for Finance the composition of gross GNI in each of the years 1990 to 2020 or for the earliest and latest years for which this data is available in tabular form. [4432/21]
View answerWritten answers
Gross National Income at Current Market Prices
Departmental Data
Questions (178)
Mairéad Farrell
Question:178. Deputy Mairéad Farrell asked the Minister for Finance the composition of real GNI in constant prices for the latest year for which data is available in each of the years 1990 to 2020 or for the earliest and latest years for which this data is available in tabular form. [4433/21]
View answerWritten answers
Gross National Income at Constant Market Prices
Brexit Issues
Questions (179)
Fergus O'Dowd
Question:179. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Finance if he will respond to an urgent issue in relation to Brexit associated delays for a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3554/21]
View answerWritten answers
I am advised by Revenue that the goods in question arrived in Ireland on 6 January 2021. As a result of the UK leaving the EU, customs formalities apply to the movement of these goods.
Following normal risk assessment of goods movements undertaken by Revenue, it was determined that documentation needed to be provided to the Health Services Executive (HSE) before the goods could be released into free circulation. The relevant documentation was provided by the logistics company concerned on 21 January 2021 and upon receipt, the goods were released immediately.
Proposed Legislation
Questions (180)
Neale Richmond
Question:180. Deputy Neale Richmond asked the Minister for Finance the timetable for the introduction of the senior executive accountability regime including the publication of supporting legislation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3560/21]
View answerWritten answers
As the Deputy will be aware, the Programme for Government includes a commitment to introduce a Senior Executive Accountability Regime (SEAR). SEAR will drive positive changes in terms of culture, greater delegation of responsibilities, and enhanced accountability while simplifying the taking of sanctions against individuals who fail in their financial sector roles.
My officials are currently engaging with the Attorney General's Office in advance of submitting draft heads of Bill to Government so as to ensure that the correct balance is struck between appropriate additional powers for the Central Bank and the protection of individuals' constitutional rights.
It is my intention that draft heads of Bill will be presented to Government for approval in the near future.
Banking Sector
Questions (181, 208, 219, 229)
Seán Canney
Question:181. Deputy Seán Canney asked the Minister for Finance if he will request the banks to enter into a temporary postponement of loan repayments as a result of the Covid-19 lockdown; if it will be ensured that these postponements will not affect credit grading and that no penalty will apply; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3565/21]
View answer
Jackie Cahill
Question:208. Deputy Jackie Cahill asked the Minister for Finance if he will extend the mortgage moratorium for those who are significantly affected financially by the current Covid-19-related economic lockdown (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4013/21]
View answerNeale Richmond
Question:219. Deputy Neale Richmond asked the Minister for Finance if he has considered extending mortgage breaks for workers of the aviation industry due to the impact of the Covid-19 crisis; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4142/21]
View answer
Neasa Hourigan
Question:229. Deputy Neasa Hourigan asked the Minister for Finance the recent engagements he has had with an organisation (details supplied) concerning mortgage payment breaks for borrowers affected by Covid-19; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4349/21]
View answerWritten answers
I propose to take Questions Nos. 181, 208, 219 and 229 together.
On 18 March last the Banking and Payments Federation of Ireland (BPFI) announced a coordinated approach by banks and other lenders to help their customers who were economically impacted by the Covid-19 crisis. The measures included flexible loan repayment arrangements where needed, including loan payment breaks initially for a period up to three months and then subsequently extended for up to six months. The implementation of this voluntary moratorium by the banking industry was a flexible response to the emerging COVID-19 crisis and ensured that a large volume of affected customers could benefit quickly during a fast moving and evolving public health crisis.
While many borrowers whose payment break has ended have been able to return to full payments, it is also recognised that many borrowers continue to be impacted by the economic consequences of Covid-19 and they may not be in a position to resume their loan repayment commitments when their payment break ends or may now be in difficulty for the first time.
Deputies will be aware that the Central Bank has confirmed that there is no regulatory impediment to lenders offering payment breaks to borrowers, providing they are appropriate for the individual borrower circumstance. The BPFI has also reiterated this month that standard payment breaks continue to be part of the wide range of tailored solutions which are being made available to customers upon assessment of their situation. It is in the best long term interests of both the borrower and lender that engagement takes place in relation to a particular loan difficulty and that the most appropriate solution to the individual case is adopted as soon as possible.
Borrowers have a suite of regulatory protections, such as the Central Bank's Code of Conduct on Mortgage Arrears and the Consumer Protection Code, and lenders have specific obligations to support and work with borrowers who are continuing to experience loan difficulty because of Covid-19. The options could include additional flexibility, and this could be a short term arrangement such as additional periods without payments or interest-only repayments, or if appropriate more long term arrangements.
Regarding the Central Credit Register (CCR), it is important to note that the CCR does not produce credit gradings, rather its purpose is to provide factual information to lenders and borrowers on a borrower’s credit record. The Central Bank has also advised lenders that in their reporting to the CCR, they will need to apply judgement around whether a restructure has been agreed in response to an identification of financial distress and should be reported as such.
Through ongoing engagement with the BPFI and lenders, the Central Bank is working to ensure that borrowers affected by COVID-19 continue to be supported through this period of unprecedented stress. The Central Bank recently wrote to all lenders indicating that lenders are to ensure that they have sufficient expert resources to assess individual borrower circumstances, and to offer appropriate and sustainable solutions to affected borrowers in a timely manner in line with regulatory requirements and Central Bank expectations.
I will continue to work with the Central Bank, as regulator, to ensure that the Central Bank consumer protection and other applicable frameworks will be fully available to all borrowers that will still need support.