Wednesday, 24 Feb 2021

Written Answers Nos. 107-128

Departmental Staff

Questions (107)

Sorca Clarke

Question:

107. Deputy Sorca Clarke asked the Minister for Transport the number of staff, by job title, in the railway accident investigation unit of his Department. [9768/21]

Written answers

Minister for Transport

The number of staff, by grade, in the Railway Accident Investigation Unit of my Department is as follows:

Grade	Number
Chief Railway Accident Investigator	1
Senior Railway Accident Investigator	3
Clerical Officer	1
Total	5

Aviation Industry

Questions (108)

Peadar Tóibín

Question:

108. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Transport the supports that will be put in place to protect airlines and airline workers; and if he has carried out forecasting on the cost to tourism and foreign direct investment in Ireland if airlines servicing Ireland collapse. [9804/21]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Transport

The Government has put in place a range of supports for businesses, including those in the aviation sector. The supports include the wage subsidy scheme, waiver of commercial rates, deferral of tax liabilities, the COVID Restrictions Support Scheme, the Credit Guarantee Scheme, and the SBCI Working Capital Scheme.

As regards supports specifically targeted at the protection of employment, the Employment Wage Subsidy Schemes (EWSS) has been a key component of the Government's response to the COVID-19 crisis to support viable firms and encourage employment amid these very challenging times. The EWSS higher subsidy rate will apply until 31 March 2021. The scheme will continue during 2021 and the Government will decide on the form of its extension when economic conditions are clearer, guided by what the economy requires at that time to support the expected economic recovery.

In November, the Government also agreed a revised €80 million funding package specifically for Irish aviation in recognition of the very difficult circumstances facing the sector. My Department is currently engaging with the European Commission regarding formal approval of this package which will be implemented in line with EU State aid rules.

Any additional supports designed to facilitate growth of air traffic can only be progressed at the appropriate time, taking account of the outlook for the easing of travel restrictions and improving wider epidemiological conditions.

I will continue to monitor the financial impact of COVID-19 on the Irish aviation sector on an ongoing basis in consultation with relevant Government Ministers, including the Minister for Tourism and the Minister for Enterprise Trade & Employment in relation to Tourism and FDI impacts.

Road Safety

Questions (109)

Peadar Tóibín

Question:

109. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Transport if an emergency fund will be made available to ensure that path surfaces and lighting are of a decent quality for paths and routes that persons regularly use in the lockdown (details supplied). [9805/21]

Written answers

Minister for Transport

There are currently no plans to introduce emergency funding for the projects identified by the Deputy. More generally, the improvement and maintenance of regional and local roads is the statutory responsibility of each local authority in accordance with the provisions of Section 13 of the Roads Act 1993. Works on those roads are funded from a Council's own resources supplemented by State road grants. State road grant allocations for 2021 were notified to local authorities earlier this month. The initial selection and prioritisation of works to be funded is also a matter for a Council.

It should also be noted that the new Programme for Government – Our Shared Future sets out an ambitious and wide-ranging set of commitments in relation to walking and cycling, supported by an increased multi-annual budgetary allocation amounting to some €1.8 billion over the lifetime of the Government. The National Transport Authority (NTA) allocates funds at project level and works in conjunction with the relevant local authorities to deliver improved walking and cycling infrastructure across the country.

Airport Development Projects

Questions (110)

Cathal Crowe

Question:

110. Deputy Cathal Crowe asked the Minister for Transport if there is a funding facility available to a company (details supplied) to construct a new hangar facility at Shannon Airport; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9834/21]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Transport

I wish to advise the Deputy that my Department does not provide funding to private business enterprises for the construction of aircraft hangar facilities. The company concerned may wish to contact Enterprise Ireland to see what supports may be available.

Aviation Policy

Questions (111)

Alan Farrell

Question:

111. Deputy Alan Farrell asked the Minister for Transport the measures being taken to ensure that connecting routes held by Irish aviation companies are protected; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9889/21]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Transport

The operation of any air routes is a commercial matter for the air operator concerned. In addition to the suite of general business supports, the Government has approved an allocation of €80 million in 2021 in support of Irish aviation and connectivity during the ongoing Covid-19 crisis.

Airlines retain access rights to routes in line with airport slot management regulations. Within the European Union, airport slots are regulated in accordance with Regulation (EEC) 95/93.

Due to the significant disruption to international air travel caused by COVID-19, a number of amendments to this regulation have entered into force. These legislative amendments waived the legal obligation for air operators to use their allocated slots in 2020.

The EU Commission, Parliament and Council have recently agreed a new amending regulation that will provide some alleviation from the slots usage rules for the forthcoming summer season.

Driver Licences

Questions (112)

Duncan Smith

Question:

112. Deputy Duncan Smith asked the Minister for Transport the status of a driver licence application by a person (details supplied). [9903/21]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Transport

This is an operational matter for the Road Safety Authority. I have referred the question to the Authority for direct reply. I would ask the Deputy to contact my office if a response is not received within 10 days.

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

Driver Licences

Questions (113)

Richard Bruton

Question:

113. Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Transport the way in which a member of a religious order who has been posted to the UK can get a fresh Irish driver licence to present to the UK authorities in a situation in which his or her existing licence was extended during Covid-19 but has now expired given such options are not catered for on the website. [9948/21]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Transport

This would be a matter for the UK licensing authority, as to whether that authority would recognise the extension of validity of an EU driving licence due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

An Irish driving licence can only be issued to a person resident in Ireland. Where a person is living abroad and working on a task of a definite duration or attending a college or university, generally they can be thought of as resident in Ireland provided they have personal ties here. Details of how to apply for a licence in such cases can be found on the National Driver Licence Service (NDLS) website here: https://www.ndls.ie/licensed-driver/driving-abroad.html#are-you-living-abroad-to-study-or-working-abroad-to-carry-out-a-task-of-a-definite-duration.

Question No. 114 answered with Question No. 104.

Electric Vehicles

Questions (115)

Holly Cairns

Question:

115. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Transport the progress made to date on fulfilling the commitment in the programme for Government to accelerate the electrification of the transport system, including electric bikes, electric vehicles and electric public transport; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9964/21]

Written answers

Minister for Transport

Providing a sustainable, low-carbon transport system is a key priority of my Department. The Programme for Government commits to 7% average annual emissions reduction to 2030; ultimately, the goal is for a zero-emission mobility system by 2050. Electrification will be key to achieving this objective in the transport sector.

Electric vehicles (EVs) are the most prominent transport mitigation measure in the 2019 Climate Action Plan, and Ireland has set an ambitious target of 936,000 EVs on our roads by 2030. This target is challenging but indicates the scale of the transformation that is needed across all sectors if Ireland is to achieve its climate targets in the coming years. To this end, my Department has convened the Electric Vehicle Policy Pathway (EVPP) Working Group to produce a roadmap to achieving the 2030 EV target. The EVPP Working Group has considered regulatory, financial, and taxation policies to help drive a significant ramp-up in passenger EVs and electric van sales. Furthermore, the Government, supported by the work of the Low Emission Vehicle Taskforce, has worked to ensure that conditions and policies are in place to support citizens in making greener vehicle choices. As the Deputy will be aware, a comprehensive suite of measures is available to EV drivers, including purchase grants for private car owners and taxi drivers, VRT relief, reduced tolls, home charger grants, favourable motor and BIK tax rates, as well as a comprehensive charging network. These measures have collectively contributed to increased take up of EVs in Ireland in recent years, albeit from a low base. There are currently around 28,000 EVs under taxation in Ireland.

In accordance with Programme for Government commitments, my Department is expanding the scope of vehicle types to include personal electrified modes of transport. For example, legislation is being drafted to enable the legal use of electric scooters. Subject to resolution of outstanding issues relating to road safety and the movement of traffic, I intend to bring forward amendments to the relevant primary legislation when the Road Traffic (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill comes before the Oireachtas in the next few months. Accordingly, I am confident that we are making real progress towards the delivery of our ambition for the transition to an electrified and low-carbon transport system.

With regards to public transport, moves are already afoot to electrify the bus and rail networks. To date, a total of 280 diesel-electric hybrid buses have been ordered, of which 100 should be operational by mid-2021, with the remainder to be delivered before year end. The National Transport Authority (NTA) are also tendering for both single- and double-deck full electric town buses, with the first vehicles expected to arrive towards the end of next year. My Department is also funding electric vehicle pilot projects in rural areas under the Local Link programme.

In terms of heavy rail, this year we are looking to expand electrification through the DART+ programme which will ultimately mean around 70% of journeys in any given year on the rail network will be on electrified services. In addition, we are expanding capacity on the Luas Green Line and will look at route options for Luas Cork, Luas Lucan and the preliminary design for Luas Finglas in the coming months. Also, work is underway to progress MetroLink which will provide a fully electrified metro service in Dublin. Finally, building on the eSPSV grant scheme that was in place for the last 2 years, I have introduced an EV scrappage scheme to support taxi and hackney drivers switching from older vehicles to EVs.

Seirbhísí Dátheangacha

Questions (116)

Catherine Connolly

Question:

116. D'fhiafraigh Deputy Catherine Connolly den Aire Iompair cén fáth nach féidir coinne athnuachana ceadúnais tiomána leis an tSeirbhís Náisiúnta um Cheadúnais Tiomána a eagrú trí Ghaeilge ar líne; agus an ndéanfaidh sé ráiteas ina thaobh. [9989/21]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Transport

Os rud é go mbaineann an cheist  áirithe seo leis an Údarás um Sháibháilteacht ar Bhóithre, tá sí curtha ar aghaidh chuig an Údarás agam. Iarraim ar an Teachta teagmháil a dhéanamh le m’oifig mura bhfaigheannn sí freagrea díreach ón Údarás laistigh de 10 lá.

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

Aviation Industry

Questions (117)

Michael McNamara

Question:

117. Deputy Michael McNamara asked the Minister for Transport if he will consider the proposal by a union (details supplied) for an aviation income support scheme similar to the scheme in place in Germany that enables employers to reduce hours rather than lay off staff; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10014/21]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Transport

The Government has put in place a range of supports for businesses, including those in the aviation sector. The supports include the wage subsidy scheme, alleviation of commercial rates, deferral of tax liabilities, the COVID Restrictions Support Scheme, the Credit Guarantee Scheme, and the SBCI Working Capital Scheme.

As regards supports specifically targeted at the protection of employment, the Employment Wage Subsidy Schemes (EWSS) has been a key component of the Government's response to the COVID-19 crisis to support viable firms and encourage employment in these very challenging times. The scheme will continue during 2021 and the Government will decide on the form of its extension when economic conditions are clearer, guided by what the economy requires at that time to support the expected economic recovery.

The Government is aware of concerns that have been raised regarding the pace of recovery for the aviation sector, and that it has been suggested that the level of support be increased and/or that the application of some new State supports should be delineated on the basis of explicit sectoral qualification criteria. However, the reality of Covid-19 is that our whole economy and labour market have been rapidly transformed by this unprecedented shock and many sectors have been negatively impacted.

It is likely that continued support will be necessary out to the end of 2021 to help maintain employment and to provide businesses with certainty to the maximum extent possible. Decisions on the form of support, including for aviation, will take account of emerging circumstances and economic conditions as they become clearer.

Driver Licences

Questions (118)

Thomas Pringle

Question:

118. Deputy Thomas Pringle asked the Minister for Transport if learner permits that are due to expire in March will be extended; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10037/21]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Transport

Due to the resurgence of Covid-19 in Europe as well as Ireland, possible further extensions of driving licences are currently under consideration at EU level. A decision on this issue is expected shortly. The extension of learner permits is being kept under review.

Aviation Industry

Questions (119, 131, 143, 144)

Joe Carey

Question:

119. Deputy Joe Carey asked the Minister for Transport if he will report on all his engagement with airlines on the question of direct State support for this critical industry; if Ireland's international airlines will be supported in their efforts to withstand the devastating fallout from the pandemic with an injection of capital similar to the approach taken in other countries with a view to safeguarding the vital airline connectivity and employment that they provide; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10038/21]

Neale Richmond

Question:

131. Deputy Neale Richmond asked the Minister for Transport the supports he will provide to the aviation industry to support it through the Covid-19 restrictions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10242/21]

Bernard Durkan

Question:

143. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport the degree to which he sees a need to support Irish air transport having particular regard to the impact of Covid-19; his plans for measures to address the concerns raised; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10298/21]

Bernard Durkan

Question:

144. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport if he and his Department will continue to monitor the impact of Covid-19 on Irish owned and operated airlines given the extent to which other countries have had to support their airlines with obvious implications; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10299/21]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Transport

I propose to take Questions Nos. 119, 131, 143 and 144 together.

The Government has put in place a range of supports for businesses, including those in the aviation sector. The supports include the wage subsidy scheme, alleviation of commercial rates, deferral of tax liabilities, the COVID Restrictions Support Scheme, the Credit Guarantee Scheme, and the SBCI Working Capital Scheme.

As regards supports specifically targeted at the protection of employment, the Employment Wage Subsidy Schemes (EWSS) has been a key component of the Government's response to the COVID-19 crisis to support viable firms and encourage employment amid these very challenging times. The EWSS higher subsidy rate will apply until 31 March 2021. The scheme will continue during 2021 and the Government will decide on the form of its extension when economic conditions are clearer, guided by what the economy requires at that time to support the expected economic recovery.

In November, the Government also agreed a revised €80 million funding package specifically for Irish aviation in recognition of the very difficult circumstances facing the sector. My Department is currently engaging with the European Commission regarding formal approval of this package which will be implemented in line with EU State aid rules.

Any additional supports designed to facilitate growth of air traffic can only be progressed at the appropriate time, taking account of the outlook for the easing of travel restrictions and improving wider epidemiological conditions.

I will continue to monitor the financial impact of COVID-19 on the Irish aviation sector on an ongoing basis in consultation with relevant Government Ministers and all key stakeholders.

Proposed Legislation

Questions (120, 121)

Chris Andrews

Question:

120. Deputy Chris Andrews asked the Minister for Transport if legislation dealing with e-scooters will legalise all e-scooters; if not, if it will legalise sharing scooters and companies as has been done in other jurisdictions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10041/21]

Chris Andrews

Question:

121. Deputy Chris Andrews asked the Minister for Transport when e-scooter legislation will be introduced in Dáil Éireann; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10042/21]

Written answers

Minister for Transport

I propose to take Questions Nos. 120 and 121 together.

Electric scooters are a type of powered personal transporter (PPT). PPTs are classed as mechanically propelled vehicles, the use of which requires a valid licence, tax and appropriate insurance in accordance with Section 3 of the Road Traffic Act 1961. As PPTs do not fall under any existing vehicle category, it is not currently possible to tax and insure them and there is no separate licence category for them. Therefore, they may not be used on public roads and in public places.  However, their use is permitted on private land with the permission of the landowner.

The intention is to legislate for e-scooters in accordance with the Programme for Government this year. This involves identifying and developing appropriate amendments to primary legislation across a range of complex areas. The work is being carried out in such a way so that it does not undermine the overall framework of Road Traffic law or road safety in general. Department officials are currently working on drafting the necessary changes to primary legislation. Subject to satisfactory resolution of the necessary issues, I intend to bring forward committee stage amendments to the enabling primary legislation when the Road Traffic (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill is before the Oireachtas.

The current approach taken by my Department to permit the safe use of e-scooters on public roads takes into consideration the rapid development of these vehicles used for personal transportation. In order to future-proof the legislation and account for the development of these new vehicles, the road traffic acts are being amended to introduce a new category of vehicle - the proposed title for this new category is "powered personal transporters". This will be the first time the categories of vehicles set out in the Road Traffic Act 1961 have been amended.

Once the new category has been defined, these vehicles are to be incorporated into the existing legislative framework (wherein a range of powers/offences already exist) and this will permit the Minister for Transport to regulate for the use/misuse and the standards for different types of powered personal transporters, for example, through the introduction of regulations for e-scooters. Furthermore, the existing offences and powers of An Garda Síochána in road traffic legislation concerning careless/dangerous driving, driving under the influence of an intoxicant, driving an unroadworthy vehicle. etc. can also then be extended to users of powered personal transporters where required.

The introduction of shared/rental schemes, such as those currently in operation for cars, bicycles and electric bicycles will be a matter for consideration at a later date as the legislation progresses within the overall framework of sustainable mobility policy. Until the new legislation is in place, the use of e-scooters on public roads or in public places will remain illegal.

Driver Test

Questions (122)

Fergus O'Dowd

Question:

122. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Transport if a reply will issue to correspondence (details supplied) on the renewal of approved driver instructor registration; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10048/21]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Transport

Under provisions set out in S.I. No. 203/2009 - Road Traffic (Driving Instructor Licensing) (No. 2) Regulations 2009 the Road Safety Authority (RSA) is legally required to carry out a check test of an Approved Driving Instructor every two years at the very minimum. This test takes the form of an observation by an RSA examiner of a lesson given by the instructor to a learner driver and is considered an essential element in the regulation and continuous professional development of driving instructors.

Driving is a complex and multi-faceted skill and instructors shoulder a considerable responsibility in teaching their students to behave safely and responsibly on the roads at all times. It is for this reason that it is imperative that the RSA have a means of ensuring that all instructors maintain the highest of teaching standards in the years after they have completed their initial qualification. It is important that we do not allow the current pandemic to unnecessarily undermine the very significant progress we have made in reducing the impact of road collisions on public health and health services.

 I further understand that the RSA, since resuming check tests in September, has drawn upon a provision in the 2009 regulation permitting the conducting of a test with the examiner playing the role of the learner driver rather than the learner driver themselves. This provision will serve to limit the number of people present in the vehicle for the duration of the check test from three to two and thus reduce the  risk of transmission accordingly.

Question No. 123 answered with Question No. 90.

Driver Test

Questions (124)

Robert Troy

Question:

124. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Transport if further clarification will be provided regarding plans to conduct driver theory tests online; and the timelines being placed on the Road Safety Authority, RSA, to ensure this system can be accessible for all applicants, without further delay. [10113/21]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Transport

My Department had previously requested that the RSA, 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, Certificate of Professional Competency (CPC) or Approved Driver Instructor (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.

The RSA is fully committed to extending the service to all categories of vehicles, however, I would like to highlight, this expansion of services will take some time. Operational, technical, logistical and contractual issues will have to be addressed prior to roll out of the service and it is expected to be at least end of Quarter Two before the RSA are in a position to offer the service for all test categories.

Driver Test

Questions (125)

Robert Troy

Question:

125. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Transport the consideration being given to providing an amnesty to applicants who have been on the driver theory tests waiting list for a considerable length of time, given the current long waiting times for such tests. [10114/21]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Transport

I will not be making any changes to the existing legislation in the learning to drive process.

By law, before applying for a learner permit, candidates must complete and pass a driver theory test. It applies to anyone applying for a first learner permit in any vehicle category. The test is designed to check knowledge of critical issues such as: rules of the road, risk perception, hazard awareness and good driving behaviour. Upon passing the theory test, an individual can then apply for a learner permit.

Until a person has successfully completed their driver theory test and thereby demonstrated they have attained a sufficient level of road safety and motoring knowledge, they cannot commence driving on our roads. Allowing individuals to bypass this vital step in the learning to drive process will only put their and others’ safety at risk – and risk further pressure on our health services.

While the Driver Theory Test (DTT) remains closed during 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 for when services are resumed. In this regard, they would, for example, be opening on additional days at some centres and extended hours would also be provided to allow additional capacity for appointments.

While I regret the inconvenience caused, public safety is of paramount importance. My officials and I are working hard to ensure the resumption of services as soon as Level 5 is lifted.

Driver Licences

Questions (126)

Jennifer Carroll MacNeill

Question:

126. Deputy Jennifer Carroll MacNeill asked the Minister for Transport the efforts being made to reduce the licence renewal backlog in the National Driver Licence Service, NDLS; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10148/21]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Transport

The Road Safety Authority (RSA) is responsible for the National Driving Licence Service (NDLS), and all applications for a driving licence must be made through the NDLS.

The Covid-19 restrictions have caused large backlogs in the area of driver licensing. The service was closed during the first lockdown, was operating with limited capacity in the months following re-opening and is now only providing in-person services to essential workers.

The validity of driving licences and learner permits were extended while the centres were closed and renewals could not be made. Due to the resurgence of Covid-19 in Europe as well as Ireland, possible further extensions of driving licences are currently under consideration at EU level. A decision on this issue is expected shortly.

The RSA has worked with their providers to create additional capacity throughout the service while adhering to safety protocols for staff. The online application system has been expanded to allow for all licence applications and the postal system has been expanded for those who are over 70 years of age.

Driver Licences

Questions (127)

Jennifer Carroll MacNeill

Question:

127. Deputy Jennifer Carroll MacNeill asked the Minister for Transport if an NDLS receipt for a driver licence renewal will be acceptable in lieu of the licence, given the extensive backlog as a result of Covid-19; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10149/21]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Transport

A receipt issued from the National Driver Licence Service (NDLS) for an application received for a driving licence or learner permit is not acceptable in lieu of the permit or licence.

Due to the resurgence of Covid-19 in Europe as well as Ireland, possible further extensions of driving licences are currently under consideration at EU level. A decision on this issue is expected shortly.

Aviation Industry

Questions (128)

Cathal Crowe

Question:

128. Deputy Cathal Crowe asked the Minister for Transport if his Department plans to act on the four key concerns outlined in the aviation briefing document circulated by a union (details supplied). [10162/21]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Transport

The Government continues to advise against non-essential international travel and that essential travel is undertaken with due regard to public health safety measures.

Given the current epidemiology situation and public health concern at the implications of increased transmissibility of SARS-CoV-2 via the emergence of new variants, the Government recently strengthened the public health measures relating to international travel. This includes, pre-departure testing before travelling to the State, a self isolation or mandatory quarantine requirement on entry to the State with a facility for test and release from quarantine for the vast majority of arriving passengers. Specific provision is being made for mandatory quarantine for arrivals from high-risk locations for Covid-19 variants, i.e. category 2 countries currently provided for under SI 44 of 2021.

Having regard to the ongoing challenges in relation to containing the spread of the virus, the timing of any measures which facilitate non-essential international travel would need careful consideration.

The Government continues to keep all measures relating to international travel under review.