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Wednesday, 17 Feb 2021

Written Answers Nos. 86-110

Road Network

Questions (86)

Matt Carthy

Question:

86. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Transport his plans to restore the block grants previously allocated to town councils; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8121/21]

View answer

Written answers

The improvement and maintenance of regional and local roads (RLR) 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 Council's 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 a consequence of the local authority restructuring process in 2014, my Department reviewed the approach to allocating funding to local authorities to take account of the changes. The conclusion reached was that the best approach was to add the mileage of the former Town and Borough Councils, which used to receive Block Grants, to the mileage figures for the relevant county and the result would determine each county’s share of road programme allocations. This is now the basis for grants to each local authority. A factor taken into account in adopting this approach was the anomalies that had arisen over time in relation to the treatment of different towns and urban areas.

There are no plans at present to revise the existing arrangements.

Brexit Issues

Questions (87)

James Browne

Question:

87. Deputy James Browne asked the Minister for Transport the position regarding the need of a person (details supplied) for the recognition of a course completed in the UK; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8218/21]

View answer

Written answers

Seafarers qualifications are provided for under the International Maritime Organization’s Convention on the Standards of Training and Certification and Watchkeeping, the STCW Convention. States which are a party to this convention may endorse certificates attesting recognition issued by other states in accordance with the procedures provided for in the Convention. In addition to the STCW Convention, EU legislation has provided for a wider range of recognitions amongst member states in accordance with Directive 2008/106, as amended. The United Kingdom left the European Union at the end of January 2020 and entered a transition phase which continued to apply EU legislation to the United Kingdom. The transition phase ended at midnight CET on the 31st of December 2020. On this basis EU Directives including those on mutual recognition ceased to apply to the United Kingdom from this time.

In preparation for the departure of the United Kingdom from the European Union and the end of the transition phase the European Commission issued Brexit Preparedness Notices to advise of the implications including the impact on seafarers qualifications. My Department promulgated these by means of Marine Notices, the most recent Marine Notice Number 35 of 2020 was issued in August of last year. In particular, these Preparedness Notices explained the two types of recognition including recognition by acceptance and recognition by endorsement.

In relation to recognition by endorsement my Department has been actively engaged with ensuring the minimum amount of disruption to seafarers and shipping companies caused by the United Kingdom’s departure from the European Union. On this basis, Ireland initiated the EU recognition process under the Directive on the 1st of January 2021 and my Department signed a memorandum of understanding with the United Kingdom in January 2021. These actions by Ireland have also initiated a wider process by the European Commission and it is anticipated that the European Maritime Safety Agency will be tasked to carry out an assessment of the United Kingdom to assess its implementation of the IMO STCW Convention.

It should be noted that in relation to those certificates which are subject to recognition by acceptance rather than recognition by endorsement the European Commission’s Brexit Preparedness Notice states “The certificates issued to seafarers by the United Kingdom are no longer “accepted” by an EU Member State under Article 5b of Directive 2008/106/EC after the end of the transition period. Thus, a master or an officer holding a certificate issued by the United Kingdom “accepted” by an EU Member State will not be able to continue working on board vessels flying the flag of that Member State after the end of the transition period.” Seafarers are advised to be guided by the Brexit Preparedness Notices issued by the European Commission and as published by my Department.

In this case it is noted from the information supplied that the candidate has attended a course after the end of the transition period which has been approved by the United Kingdom Authorities. As outlined above, the position in relation to such courses is set out in the European Commission’s Brexit Preparedness Notices and the candidate may wish to contact the relevant United Kingdom Authorities who may be able to provide guidance in relation to courses approved by them.

Covid-19 Pandemic

Questions (88)

Rose Conway-Walsh

Question:

88. Deputy Rose Conway-Walsh asked the Minister for Transport the steps taken to ensure proper public access and consultation in respect of infrastructure projects during restrictions related to Covid-19; the steps taken to ensure those with limited digital skills or a lack of internet connectivity are not disadvantaged in the process; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8240/21]

View answer

Written answers

To facilitate continued public participation in the planning process, the Government announced emergency planning measures in October 2020. These measures are intended to protect the rights of people to comment on planning applications, including transport-related applications, submitted during the current period of Covid-19 restrictions.

Details of https://www.gov.ie/en/circular/b5ae3-circular-pl-092020-operation-of-planning-system-during-covid-19-level-5-restrictions/

In the case of regional and local roads local authorities are responsible for implementation of road schemes and as the contracting authority are responsible for arrangements relating to public consultation. Similarly for National roads, Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII) and / or local authorities are responsible for arrangements relating to public consultation.

With regard to public transport infrastructure projects, in light of the role of the National Transport Authority in planning and developing public transport projects, I have referred the Deputy’s question to the NTA for consideration and separate response.

Please contact my Private Office if you have not received a response within 10 working days.

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

Taxi Regulations

Questions (89)

Richard Boyd Barrett

Question:

89. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Transport if he has considered a further extension for small public service vehicles, SPSV, given that taxi drivers will face a second year of no earnings and not using their taxis but will need to change cars post December 2021 as per the permitted extensions of age of cars; if so, the new date for vehicle renewal; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8254/21]

View answer

Written answers

The regulation of the small public service vehicle (SPSV) sector, including age limits for vehicles, 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 forwarded your correspondence to the Authority for consideration and direct reply as appropriate.

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

Light Rail Projects

Questions (90, 118)

Paul Murphy

Question:

90. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Transport if he has considered the submission made to him by a group (details supplied) in December 2020 on the terms of reference for the feasibility study on the continuation of the MetroLink to south-west Dublin; his views on the concerns raised by the group about the terms of reference; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8268/21]

View answer

Jim O'Callaghan

Question:

118. Deputy Jim O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Transport if he will meet representatives of a group (details supplied) in order to discuss the limitations and flaws in the terms of reference generated by the National Transport Authority, NTA, for the purpose of conducting a feasibility study into whether the MetroLink should continue to south-west Dublin. [8767/21]

View answer

Written answers

I propose to take Questions Nos. 90 and 118 together.

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 the planning and development of public transport infrastructure in the Greater Dublin Area, including the development of MetroLink.

I can confirm that the Group referred to by the Deputies have met officials on two occasions last year and, as committed to at those meetings, my Department has shared with the NTA the documentation provided by the Group.

As the Deputies will be aware, there is a specific statutory framework to transport planning in the Greater Dublin Area. This statutory framework requires the NTA to develop a twenty year transport strategy and to review that strategy every six years. In line with that statutory framework, the NTA's Transport Strategy for the Greater Dublin Area is currently under review and the first phase of consultation on the initial 'Issues Paper' recently concluded in that regard. I would encourage all interested persons to participate in the review process and I understand another round of public consultation will taker place later in the year.

Road Projects

Questions (91)

Alan Dillon

Question:

91. Deputy Alan Dillon asked the Minister for Transport the status of the construction of the N5 Westport to Turlough dual carriageway, County Mayo; if the project is progressing on schedule and within budget; the earliest anticipated date of completion and opening of phases of the project; the overall completion timeline; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8295/21]

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 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 Safety

Questions (92)

Holly Cairns

Question:

92. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Transport the steps he is taking to have artificial noise installed in electric vehicles including e-scooters to ensure the safety of pedestrians and other road users, especially the visually impaired; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8370/21]

View answer

Written answers

Acoustic vehicle alerting systems (AVAS) for electric and hybrid vehicles has been considered by the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE), the European Union (EU) and by vehicle manufacturers. In October 2016, UNECE's World Forum for Harmonization of Vehicle Regulations, which is an intergovernmental platform responsible for regulating for the safety of vehicles, adopted Regulation No. 138 - "Uniform provisions concerning the approval of Quiet Road Transport Vehicles with regards to their reduced audibility (QRTV)".

This regulation applies to cars and vans (vehicle categories M1 and N1) that can travel in normal mode, reverse or in at least one forward gear without the use of an internal combustion engine. It requires such vehicles to be fitted with an audible device that emits a warning sound while the vehicle is moving between 0-20km/h before being permitted on the market anywhere in the EU.

The EU has passed legislation to give this regulation legal effect, and since July 2019, all electric and hybrid models placed on the market in the EU are required to have an AVAS installed that will emit a noise when travelling at low speeds below 20 km per hour. The noise increases in pitch as the car’s speed decreases, which should help to alert pedestrians of oncoming vehicles. It is important to note that many manufacturers had already opted to install this technology before the legislation came into effect for reasons of safety.

With regard to e-scooters, the intention is to legislate for e-scooters this year in accordance with the Programme for Government. This involves identifying and developing appropriate amendments to primary legislation across a range of complex areas. The work is to be carried out in such a way that it does not undermine the overall framework of road traffic law or road safety in general.

Until new legislation is in place the use of electric scooters, other than on private land with the permission of the landowner, will remain illegal.

Road Improvement Schemes

Questions (93)

Cormac Devlin

Question:

93. Deputy Cormac Devlin asked the Minister for Transport further to Parliamentary Question No. 223 of 6 October 2020, the status of stage 2 of the N11-M11 junction 4 to 14 improvement scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8375/21]

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 operation, upgrading and management 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

Bus Services

Questions (94)

Cormac Devlin

Question:

94. Deputy Cormac Devlin asked the Minister for Transport if he supports the proposed orbital bus routes which would link towns and villages across Dublin; the status of the roll-out of the services as envisaged in the BusConnects network redesign plan; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8379/21]

View answer

Written answers

As Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport and I can confirm to the Deputy that the Programme for Government - Our Shared Future prioritises plans for the delivery of BusConnects. Implementation of the new Network Redesign is scheduled to commence this year and I very much welcome this move toward implementation.

The National Transport Authority (NTA) has statutory responsibility for the planning and development of public transport infrastructure, including BusConnects Dublin.

Noting the NTA's responsibility in the matter, I have referred the Deputy's question to the NTA for a direct reply regarding the status of the Network Redesign implementation. 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

Road Network

Questions (95)

Cormac Devlin

Question:

95. Deputy Cormac Devlin asked the Minister for Transport the regional and local road grant allocations to all four Dublin local authorities by grant and local authority in each of the years 2016 to 2020 and the provisional allocation for 2021, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8421/21]

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 Council's own resources supplemented by State road grants, where applicable.

Arising from the arrangements in place in relation to Local Property Tax receipts, the four Dublin Councils became self funding for regional and local roads under the main road grant categories from 2015. Accordingly, these Councils do not feature in most of the grant programmes but are eligible for certain grants such as the training and road condition survey grants and may apply for monies under the Strategic Grant programme. In this context provision was made in the NDP 2018-2027 for the upgrade of the Nangor and Adamstown roads in the vicinity of Grange Castle Business Park and the Department has provided grant assistance for that strategic scheme.

As regards allocations to the four Dublin Councils for the years 2016 to 2020, details of the regional and local road grant allocations and payments to local authorities are outlined in the regional and local road allocations and payments booklets which are available in the Oireachtas Library.

The 2021 regional and local road allocations were announced on 15th February 2021. The tables below outline the 2021 grant allocations to the four Dublin Councils.

Dublin City Council

2021 Allocation

Training Grant

€30,000

PSCI: Survey Support

€8,000

Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council

2021 Allocation

Training Grant

€30,000

PSCI: Survey Support

€5,000

Fingal County Council

2021 Allocation

Training Grant

€20,000

PSCI: Survey Support

€10,000

South Dublin County Council

2021 Allocation

Nangor & Adamstown Road Improvement Schemes

€500,000

Training Grant

€24,000

PSCI: Survey Support

€8,000

Driver Test

Questions (96)

Paul McAuliffe

Question:

96. Deputy Paul McAuliffe asked the Minister for Transport the number of persons on the waiting list for a driver test at the Finglas test centre; and his plans to deal with the backlog due to Covid-19. [8443/21]

View answer

Written answers

Details on the number of persons awaiting a driver test at the Finglas centre are held by the Road Safety Authority. I have therefore referred this part of the question to the Authority for direct reply. I would ask the Deputy to contact my office if a response has not been received within ten days

Due to suspension of driver testing services in the initial pandemic response, along with the health protocols required since the resumption of services, a significant backlog has developed. During Level 5, driving tests are only available to those involved in essential services.

Sanction has recently been provided to hire 40 additional temporary driver testers, along with 36 approved for retention or rehire in 2020. The position will be kept under review when services resume.

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 when restrictions ease, subject to health assurances.

While I regret the inconvenience caused, public safety is of paramount importance. My officials and I are working hard to ensure that the system returns to normal as soon as possible to allow learner drivers complete their training and, hopefully, pass their test.

Electric Vehicles

Questions (97)

Paul Kehoe

Question:

97. Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Transport if there are circumstances under which his Department would consider granting an electric vehicle Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland, SEAI, grant to a person who has imported a new vehicle from Northern Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8493/21]

View answer

Written answers

The scheme of purchase grants for electric vehicles is operated by the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) through a network of electric vehicle dealers who have registered with the Authority. Only a registered dealer may apply for the purchase grant on behalf of a customer.

To be eligible to participate in the grant scheme, a dealership or vehicle importer must complete the SEAI's registration process which has a number of requirements, including:

- Evidence of current licence, authorisation or agreement to import and trade vehicles as supplied by a vehicle manufacturer.

- Evidence of compliance with the requirements of S.I. No. 268 of 2008 Waste Management (Batteries and Accumulators) Regulations, which can be shown by a copy of current Producer Certificate of Registration as issued by WEE Registrar Society Limited.

- Compliance with S.I. No. 282 of 2006 Waste Management (End of Life Vehicles) Regulations 2006 as amended by Waste Management (End of Life Vehicles) (Amendment) Regulations 2010 (S.I. No. 142 of 2010).

- Tax clearance certificate or number.

- Insurance certificates showing the appropriate cover levels.

A vehicle purchased outside the State directly by an individual may qualify for grant incentives in the jurisdiction where it is purchased, but it would not be eligible for the SEAI grant on its importation into the State, and it is not proposed to change this.

Bus Services

Questions (98)

Pádraig O'Sullivan

Question:

98. Deputy Pádraig O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Transport if consideration will be given to changing a bus route (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8512/21]

View answer

Written 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 a matter for the National Transport Authority (NTA), in conjunction with Bus Éireann, and 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

National Transport Authority

Questions (99)

Neasa Hourigan

Question:

99. Deputy Neasa Hourigan asked the Minister for Transport the costs borne by the National Transport Authority to date in relation to the Phoenix Park transport and mobility options study; and the estimated further cost in respect of same. [8520/21]

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) has responsibility for the planning and development of public transport infrastructure and strategic planning in the Greater Dublin Area.

I understand that in relaiton to the study referred to by the Deputy, the NTA in association with the Office of Public Works, Dublin City Council and Fingal County Council, commissioned Jacobs to complete a Transport and Mobility Options Study of the Phoenix Park.

Accordingly I have referred your question to the NTA for a more detailed 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.

National Transport Authority

Questions (100)

Kieran O'Donnell

Question:

100. Deputy Kieran O'Donnell asked the Minister for Transport further to Parliamentary Question No. 95 of 20 January 2021, if funding being allocated to the National Transport Authority, NTA, will be brought forward for the roll-out of Transport for Ireland, TFI, branded signage and updated timetable information across counties Limerick and Tipperary in the current phase (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8523/21]

View answer

Written answers

I was delighted to be able to announce before Christmas an enhancement of bus services in Limerick and surrounding areas. Enhanced investment in public transport in our regional cities is a priority for me and a priority I know the Deputy shares also.

I look forward to the finalisation this year of the Limerick-Shannon Metropolitan Area Transport Strategy which will provide the strategic backdrop to investment over the next 20 years and it is an investment I hope to support through the revised National Development Plan.

As part of this overall programme of investment in Limerick I note that the National Transport Authority has committed to the roll-out of Transport for Ireland branded signage and timetbale information for bus stops in Limerick City. However, that roll-out is temporarily paused due to restrictions introduced in response to the current public health advice. I very much look forward to seeing that work completed once the current restrictions are eased.

Driver Test

Questions (101)

Matt Carthy

Question:

101. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Transport if a person is entitled to arrange an alternative NCT appointment free of cancellation or rearrangement fees as a result of required self-isolation due to the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8537/21]

View answer

Written answers

The Road Safety Authority has advised that the National Car Testing Service has put in place a range of measures to ensure that they are fully compliant with health and safety guidelines and public health advice. Vulnerable drivers and those with an underlying illness are requested not to attend in person and instead organise for someone else to present their vehicle where possible.

Rearrangement and cancellation fees do not apply to those drivers making an alternative appointment and those who are more vulnerable are advised to contact the NCTS on 01 4135992 (Monday to Friday) to arrange an alternative appointment.

Road Projects

Questions (102)

Fergus O'Dowd

Question:

102. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Transport the progress to date in relation to the Narrow Water bridge project; the progress to date with the North South Ministerial Transport Council; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8541/21]

View answer

Written answers

Following on from the Fresh Start Agreement, the "New Decade, New Approach" document indicates that the Government is ready to jointly progress consideration of options for the development of the Narrow Water bridge project at the North South Ministerial Council.

Options for the development of the Narrow Water Bridge project are under examination at present, taking into account other proposed projects in the area including the Newry Southern Relief Road. Consideration of options for a bridge has not yet reached a sufficiently advanced stage where there is a clearly defined and costed scheme.

I and my officials will continue to discuss the options with my counterpart Nicola Mallon and her officials through the mechanisms of the North South Ministerial Council and we will work jointly to facilitate progress on this and other transport issues through the North South Ministerial Council.

Rail Network

Questions (103)

Fergus O'Dowd

Question:

103. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Transport the progress made in relation to the review of the rail network across both jurisdictions on the island of Ireland; the progress that has taken place regarding the development of the terms of reference for the review with a view to launching the tender process in the first quarter of 2021; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8542/21]

View answer

Written answers

I can inform the Deputy that my Department is co-operating with the Department for Infrastructure (Northern Ireland) and other relevant stakeholders in order to develop terms of reference for a strategic rail review of the network on the island of Ireland.

As I have previously stated, this review will consider all issues in relation to inter-urban and inter-regional rail connectivity, including the potential for high-/higher speed(s), rail freight and improved connectivity to the North West..

I am informed that the ambition remains to have the initial phase of work completed to allow for the launch of the tender process by end Q1.

Road Improvement Schemes

Questions (104)

Pat Buckley

Question:

104. Deputy Pat Buckley asked the Minister for Transport the estimated full year cost of increasing funding to the secondary roads improvement scheme by 5%; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8624/21]

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. 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 operation, management and upgrading of individual national roads is a matter for TII, in conjunction with the local authorities concerned.

TII is,therefore, responsible for the distribution of funds under the allowed capital programme for the implementation of the national roads programme.

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
Question No. 105 answered with Question No. 71.

Covid-19 Pandemic

Questions (106)

Darren O'Rourke

Question:

106. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Transport if he will put refund protections in place for consumers who postponed holidays from 2020 to 2021 but still cannot travel due to the public health restrictions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8664/21]

View answer

Written answers

The State is providing a special financial guarantee for package holidays under the Refund Credit Note Scheme for the travel sector. Under the Scheme, the monetary value of the Notes issued by Irish licensed travel agents and tour operators in lieu of a cash refund is guaranteed by the State, if the issuer goes out of business.

Credits notes to the value of €19 million have already been issued to consumers under the Scheme. By voluntarily accepting a Refund Credit Note, customers retain important consumer protections and will be able to book another package holiday in the future with their travel agent/tour operator when it is safe to travel again.

Separately, air passenger rights are protected by Regulation (EC) No. 261/2004, which covers the rights of passengers in instances of flight cancellations.

Driver Test

Questions (107)

Paul Kehoe

Question:

107. Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Transport the plans in place to manage the backlog of theory and driver tests that have built up as a result of Covid-19 restrictions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8682/21]

View answer

Written answers

The Driver Theory Test (DTT) has not been classified as an essential service and consequently it has been suspended in light of Level 5 Covid-19 restrictions.

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 services 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.

The RSA are also examining offering theory tests in an online capacity for cars and motorcycles, but this planning is at a very early stage and is not expected to come on stream in the immediate future.

Covid-19 has also had a profound effect on the delivery of the Road Safety Authority’s driver testing services and a significant backlog has developed. During Level 5, driving tests are only available to those involved in essential services.

Sanction has recently been provided to hire 40 additional temporary driver testers, along with 36 approved for retention or rehire in 2020. The position will be kept under review when services resume.

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 when restrictions ease, subject to health assurances.

While I regret the inconvenience caused by the necessity to adhere to the restrictions, the safety of the public must be of paramount importance.

Driver Test

Questions (108)

Denise Mitchell

Question:

108. Deputy Denise Mitchell asked the Minister for Transport the number of persons waiting to sit the driver theory test by centre in tabular form. [8695/21]

View answer

Written answers

Specific details on the number of persons awaiting a driver test in each test centre are held by the Road Safety Authority.

I am therefore passing the Deputy's question to the Road Safety Authority for direct reply. If a reply has not been received within 10 working days, the Deputy should contact my office.

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

Road Projects

Questions (109)

Joe McHugh

Question:

109. Deputy Joe McHugh asked the Minister for Transport the progress with regard to the N14 road between Letterkenny and Lifford, the Bonagee bypass and the Ballybofey and Stranorlar bypass, County Donegal which were all committed to in the National Development Plan 2018-2027; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8721/21]

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 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 these projects.

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

Pension Provisions

Questions (110)

Catherine Murphy

Question:

110. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Transport when he plans to implement changes to the pension plan for Irish Rail workers which was voted upon by the workers in 2020; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8725/21]

View answer

Written answers

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

The CIÉ Group has two pension schemes, namely the Regular Wages Scheme (“RWS”) and 1951 superannuation scheme (“1951 Scheme”), of which all employees of the subsidiary companies, including Irish Rail, are members. Issues in relation to CIÉ pension schemes are primarily a matter for the trustees of the schemes, the CIÉ Group and their employees.

In relation to the RWS, it is understood that the Scheme Trustees are progressing a funding proposal and draft Statutory Instruments will be submitted to my Department in due course.

Concerning the 1951 scheme, I understand that proposals related to the scheme were referred to the Labour Court, and a recommendation which emerged on 23rd November is being considered by both the Trade Unions and the Company.

I have therefore referred the Deputy’s question to CIÉ 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
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