Written Answers Nos. 69-89
69. Deputy Eoghan Murphy asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the way in which decisions are made regarding the order of areas to be connected in the rural broadband plan; and if this list is reviewed on an ongoing basis. [10421/21]
View answerThe National Broadband Plan (NBP) State led Intervention will be delivered by National Broadband Ireland (NBI) under a contract to roll out a high speed and future proofed broadband network within the Intervention Area which covers 1.1 million people living and working in the over 544,000 premises, including almost 100,000 businesses and farms along with 695 schools.
The network rollout is divided into 227 Deployment Areas (DAs) across the country. These are typically an area of approximately 25km in radius and in total they cover 96% of Ireland’s landmass. The architecture of the network design is specifically based on the design of the NBI network coming from the eir exchanges or the metropolitan area networks (MANs) managed by Enet. It is based on an engineering design that allows NBI to get to every premises as quickly as possible working within the confines of how fibre networks are built. Each DA creates a ‘fibre ring’ which is essential to ensure reliability, robustness and resilience. Critical to the success of the network, NBI’s fibre rings are built with back-ups, ensuring that in the event of one fibre cable being disrupted, the whole network continues to perform. Each fibre ring that NBI deploys is designed in a way that is non-discriminatory meaning that as the rollout progresses, it may pass relatively urban areas at the same time as passing some of the most remote premises within the intervention area. The design will utilise existing infrastructure to a very significant degree.
The deployment plan forecasts construction commenced in all counties within the first 2 years and over 90% of premises in the State having access to high speed broadband within the next four years.
The NBI website provides a facility for any premises within the intervention area to register their interest in being provided with deployment updates through its website www.nbi.ie. Individuals who register with this facility will receive regular updates on progress by NBI on delivering the network and specific updates related to their own premises as works commence. I am advised that NBI is working to provide more detail on its website, with a rolling update on network build plans. NBI also has a dedicated email address, reps@nbi.ie, which can be used by Oireachtas members for specific queries.
70. Deputy Eoghan Murphy asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if changes brought about by the Covid-19 pandemic have altered aspects of the roll-out of the national broadband plan. [10422/21]
View answerThe Covid-19 pandemic has highlighted the importance of good reliable broadband to ensure that citizens across Ireland can avail of remote working, education and other essential online facilities.
Despite the challenges presented by the Covid-19 pandemic in 2020, NBI has made steady progress on delivery of the new high speed fibre broadband network under the National Broadband Plan. I am advised by NBI that, as of 15 February 2021, over 178,000 premises across 26 counties have been surveyed. The first fibre to the home connections are successfully connected and in a test and trial phase in Carrigaline, Co Cork and Cavan. Technical testing and validation will be undertaken prior to a wider release of the areas.
Broadband Connection Points (BCPs) are providing high speed broadband in every county in advance of the roll out of the fibre to the home network. As of 15 February 2021, 274 sites have been installed by NBI. In addition, school BCPs will be provided with high speed broadband for educational use through this initiative. An acceleration of this aspect of the project was announced in December which will see some 679 primary schools connected to high speed broadband by 2022, well ahead of the original target delivery timeframe of 2026.
While substantial progress has been made to date, the Covid 19 pandemic has had an impact on the delivery of the fibre network resulting in delays on delivery of aspects of the programme. Impacts include challenges with mobilisation of key contractors with restrictions on operations, supply chain and logistic delays (both nationally and internationally), as well as the recruitment of key personnel as NBI and its contractors scale up, including challenges associated with on-boarding and training people. Inevitably, like many other organisations, NBI and contractor staff are at risk of contracting Covid 19 or may have to restrict their movements as a result of being a close contact posing further challenges. The extent of this impact is currently being assessed and NBI has committed to put in place measures to mitigate the impact in as far as possible.
71. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the reason Valentia Island has not been included in the national broadband plan (details supplied) in County Kerry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10493/21]
View answerThe National Broadband Plan (NBP) State led Intervention will be delivered by National Broadband Ireland (NBI) under a contract to roll out a high speed and future proofed broadband network within the Intervention Area which covers 1.1 million people living and working in the over 544,000 premises, including almost 100,000 businesses and farms along with 695 schools. The deployment plan forecasts construction commenced in all counties within the first 2 years and over 90% of premises in the State having access to high speed broadband within the next four years.
I can confirm that Valentia Island is located in the Intervention Area and will be provided with access to high speed broadband as part of the NBP.
There are a total of 90,193 premises in County Kerry of which 63,288 premises (70%) are served by commercial operators and 26,905 premises (30%) are in the Intervention Area. I am advised that NBI anticipate that surveys will commence in Valentia later this year.
I am advised by National Broadband Ireland that, as of 15 February 2021, over 178,000 premises across all counties have been surveyed. Some 14,132 premises have been surveyed in Co Kerry including Muckross, Fossa, Kilcummin, Lissivigeen, Ballycasheen, Faha, Firies, Ballyhar,Curraheen, Abbeydorney, Kilflynn, Firies, Castlemaine, Ardfert. Surveys started in Rathmore, Knocknacopple, Mounthorgan, Kilquane Upper, Barraduff, Cloonteens, Gneeveguilla, Tureenamult, Renasup, Castlegregory, Aughacasla, Camp, Knockbrack, Maum, Lougher, Inch, Annascaul, Derrygorman, Ballyglasheen, Brackluin, Ballintarmon, Drom, An Clochan, Kilshannig, Fahamore, Candeehy Breanainn, Ballyheigue, Glenderry, Ladywell, Banna, Lerrig, Ballymacandrew, Causeway, Foxfort, Ballymacaquinn, Ballincloher, Dromartin and Beenconeen.
Further details are available on specific areas within County Kerry through the NBI website which provides a facility for any premises within the intervention area to register their interest in being provided with deployment updates through its website www.nbi.ie. Individuals who register with this facility will receive regular updates on progress by NBI on delivering the network and specific updates related to their own premises as works commence. I am advised that NBI is working to provide more detail on its website, with a rolling update on network build plans. NBI also has a dedicated email address, reps@nbi.ie, which can be used by Oireachtas members for specific queries.
Broadband Connection Points (BCPs) are a key element of the NBP providing high speed broadband in every county in advance of the roll out of the fibre to the home network. As of 15 February, 274 BCP sites have been installed by NBI and the high speed broadband service will be switched on in these locations through service provider contracts managed by the Department of Rural and Community Development for publicly accessible sites and the Department of Education for schools. BCP sites installed in Kerry are Gneeveguilla (Tureencahill), Railway Station Heritage Centre and Community Space, Killenagh, Kielduff Community Centre, Cillín Liath. Cable Station, and Chapeltown (2.64 Kilometres from Valentia Coast Radio Station, Doohilla, Valentia Island) are connected. Further details can be found at https://nbi.ie/bcp-locations/.
Boheeshil National School, Dunloe Upper and Coars National School are connected as part of this initiative. My Department continues to work with the Department of Education to prioritise schools with no high speed broadband, within the Intervention Area, for connection over the term of the NBP. In this regard, an acceleration of this aspect of the National Broadband Plan was announced in December which will see some 679 primary schools connected to high speed broadband by 2022, well ahead of the original target delivery timeframe of 2026. Further details are available on the NBI website at https://nbi.ie/primary-schools-list/.
72. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if an eircode will be expedited in advance of the next quarterly assignment of eircodes in May 2021 for a person (details supplied) in County Donegal who urgently requires a broadband connection for work and online schooling; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10526/21]
View answerCapita Business Support Services Ireland, trading as Eircode, was awarded a 10 year contract in December 2013 to develop, implement, maintain and promote the National Postcode System "Eircode".
Eircodes are assigned to new property addresses using a valid postal address and verified geo-locations. An Post collects information on new and existing buildings, as well as changes to existing addresses and Ordnance Survey Ireland provides the geo-locations for these buildings. An Post GeoDirectory, a subsidiary company of An Post and Ordnance Survey Ireland, issue a new release of the GeoDirectory database file on a quarterly basis to Eircode in accordance with their licence agreement.
An Post have informed my officials that they have recently updated the property’s address data on their systems, and this information will be issued from An Post GeoDirectory to Eircode. My Department has requested Eircode to contact and liaise directly with the individual in question regarding the assignment of an Eircode for this property address.
73. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the sources of fine particulate matter in the atmosphere over Ireland by volume or weight between commercial transport, private transport, commercial burning of solid fuels, private burning of solid fuels, commercial use of other fossil fuels and private use of other fossil fuels, aviation and other categories; the steps he plans to take to reduce this matter in the atmosphere; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10540/21]
View answer74. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the areas most affected by fine particulate matter in the atmosphere; the main sources of this matter in those areas; the steps he plans to take to reduce this pollution; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10541/21]
View answer75. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the relative amount of fine particulate matter emitted into the atmosphere by heavy goods vehicle, HGV, transport as compared to diesel rail goods transport; the assessment his Department has carried out as to the amount this matter could be reduced by switching as much HGV long-distance transport as is practicable onto rail services; the economic and health dividend that would follow by moving towards Ireland's targets for the reduction such matter in the atmosphere; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10542/21]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 73 to 75, inclusive, together.
Annual emissions for all air pollutants emitted across Ireland are available from the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) annual Informative Inventory Report which can be accessed at: http://www.epa.ie/pubs/reports/air/airemissions/airpollutantemissions/iir2020/.
The report shows that PM2.5 emissions for 2018 were 12.04kt, almost 63% less than reported in 1990. Emissions from the residential and commercial/institutional sectors were the main contributors with a 55% share, followed by the transport sector at 14%. Heavy Duty Vehicles were responsible for 1.4% of total PM2.5 emissions, with rail contributing 0.4%.
Measures to address all air pollutants are set out in the National Air Pollution Control Programme (NAPCP), which includes the key policies supported and implemented in Ireland that have aimed to reduce emissions from road transport.
The NAPCP details the measures that have been taken to control overall transport emissions, reduce congestion, promote fuel efficiency, and in doing so support health and well-being. An update to this programme is currently being finalised and will be published in the coming weeks.
The EPA is responsible for monitoring ambient air quality in Ireland via the national Ambient Air Quality Monitoring Programme. All monitoring stations collect air quality data for a range of pollutants in order to provide information to the public, and for assessment against European legal limit values and World Health Organisation guideline values. Real-time data from these monitoring stations is available online at all times at www.airquality.ie.
Particulate matter, from the burning of solid fuel, is estimated to cause 1,300 premature deaths per year in Ireland, and Government is committed to addressing this public health and environmental challenge thorough a nationwide ban on smoky coal and enhanced regulation of other solid fuels.
I have taken an important step in this process by launching a public consultation which is seeking views in relation to the national application of the regulations currently applied to bituminous coal, as well as informing the development of appropriate regulatory controls for other residential solid fuels. This is an opportunity for all parties - consumers, retailers, producers and industry - to consider the issues, input to the process at the earliest stage, and to consider alternatives as appropriate, as we take the actions required to achieve our ambition of cleaner air across all of Ireland.
76. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if the upcoming marine planning Bill will include agreed minimum distances for offshore wind turbines based on international and European best practice and informed by ecological and marine biology experts. [10553/21]
View answerIn order to achieve the Programme for Governments target to deliver 5 GW capacity in offshore wind by 2030 my Department is working closely with the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage on the development of the Marine Planning and Development Management Bill.
The enactment of the Bill will provide a modern, up-to-date regulatory and marine planning framework for offshore renewable energy developments beyond the limits of the foreshore (12 nautical miles). This new regime will replace existing State and development consent regimes and streamline arrangements on the basis of a single consent principle. The General Scheme of the Bill was approved by Government on 17 December 2019.
The Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage has statutory responsibility for the Marine Planning and Development Management Bill and development of the associated Marine Planning Guidelines. These Guidelines will inform decisions made by planning authorities concerning developments in Ireland's maritime area, and will aim to support best practice throughout the planning process for offshore renewable energy developments.
77. Deputy Alan Dillon asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications further to Parliamentary Question No. 53 of 17 February 2021, if his Department or agencies under its aegis monitors the usage of the Waste Management Act 1996 by local authorities in their efforts to eliminate illegal dumping; if so, if data will be supplied on the effectiveness of the legislation and the way it compares across local authorities; if the legislation is having any proven impact in preventing illegal dumping; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10585/21]
View answerThe EPA compiles comparative statistics on local authority performance on waste enforcement activity under the Recommended Criteria for Environmental Inspection (RMCEI) process. Their most recent report in this regard is for the period 2018 and is available on their website at www.epa.ie. The 2019 report is due for publication in March of this year. The Waste Enforcement Regional Lead Authorities (WERLA) Annual Report for 2019, available at www.werla.ie also contains useful data regarding actions taken by local authorities under the Waste Management Act.
My Department continues to work closely with both the EPA and the WERLAs through the National Waste Enforcement Steering Committee to ensure that the legislation in place is robust and effective in assisting their enforcement efforts.
Ireland's Waste Action Plan for a Circular Economy, published September 2020, shows the national trend in illegal dumping has been generally positive in recent years with the level of large-scale illegal dumping being significantly reduced in Ireland relative to that seen in the late 1990s and early 2000s. My Department is aware that there was an increase in the number of calls reporting illegal dumping during the Covid-19 pandemic in 2020 and continues to liaise with enforcement staff in the waste enforcement regional lead authorities (WERLAs), local authorities and other agencies. This information will help us to decide on priorities for 2021 funding and enforcement activities.
The Waste Action Plan contains a number of commitments relating to waste enforcement legislation and my Department is currently working on a Circular Economy Bill, which will contain provisions to give effect to the commitments in the Plan.
78. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Transport if a specific business support scheme will be put in place for travel agents (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9920/21]
View answer94. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Transport his views on whether sector-specific tailored supports are needed for the travel agency sector; the supports he will put in place to support jobs in the sector; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9519/21]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 78 and 94 together.
I am fully aware of the plight of travel agents and tour operators due to the significant impact of the pandemic on international travel. I understand the cash flow pressure that they are under, the unique implications of the refund requirements placed by the Package Travel Directive and the difficulties they have had with the airlines in securing refunds.
As a largely SME sector, travels agents and tour operators have access to the various business supports made available in last year's July stimulus package and in Budget 2021, which contains historic levels of State support in the form of wage supplements, financial grants and waived commercial rates.
The State is also providing a special financial guarantee under a Refund Credit Note scheme for the sector, which makes the credit notes that licensed travel agent and tour operators issue to their customers a very secure proposition. Credits notes to the value of €19 million have already been issued to consumers under the scheme – under which their value is guaranteed by the State - and this is money that the industry would otherwise have had to pay back in cash refunds. I know this does not come close to replacing lost business, but it is significant nonetheless.
It has been brought to my attention that some travel agents and tour operators have been experiencing difficulties accessing the COVID-19 Restrictions Support Scheme (CRSS), whereby some in the sector have qualified for CRSS because they have physical shop fronts, whilst others have not, typically because they operate wholly through online channels. The Government has responded with the announcement of the new Covid-19 Business Aid Scheme, which will narrow the number of businesses that are not receiving some form of fixed cost support payment, but sadly cannot help everyone.
The Government has been particularly focused on dealing with the public health challenges arising from the behaviour of the virus since late December, but our attention is also on the impact on businesses and on people’s lives too. Given the depth of the impact of COVID, the Government approach to date is to focus on supports that cover as many sectors and businesses as possible. Over the coming months or so, I expect that more focus will be brought to how we continue to support jobs and businesses in the event that restrictions – including on international travel – will remain in place longer than any of us want them to. In that context, Minister Ryan and I recently met with the Irish Travel Agents Association, where the sector made the case for continued financial support. The proposals made by the ITAA are being examined.
The Government remains fully committed to doing everything possible to support all those affected by this terrible virus, including continuing to help businesses survive until such times as they can being to trade again.
79. Deputy Cormac Devlin asked the Minister for Transport the projects applied for by each of the four Dublin local authorities under the regional and local roads allocations for 2021; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10379/21]
View answerThe 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, 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. While it is possible to seek grant support under the Department’s regional and local road grant programme for strategic projects, this is dependent on competing projects, the available budget and the outcome of the project appraisal process required under the Public Spending Code. No applications for strategic grant allocations in 2021 were received from the Dublin Councils.
As regards other regional and local road grants, the Dublin Councils continue to receive a Training Grant to assist in the provision of training for staff engaged in maintenance and improvement of regional and local roads, and a PSCI (Pavement Surface Condition Index) Survey Support grant to assist all local authorities in meeting the pavement survey standards specified by the Department.
80. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Transport when a refund will issue to a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10560/21]
View answerThis is an operational matter for the Road Safety Authority (RSA). 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.
81. Deputy Jennifer Whitmore asked the Minister for Transport the facilities available in his Department to facilitate breastfeeding breaks in accordance with WHO guidelines of two years for women in the workplace and as part of the National Strategy for Women and Girls 2017-2020; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9382/21]
View answerMy Department is committed to providing all appropriate and necessary supports to facilitate breastfeeding breaks for staff in the workplace. Such supports include access to suitable accommodation facilities and flexibility around their start and end of work times each day. My Department will continue to implement all guidelines and support measures, which are notified to my Department periodically by Civil Service Human Resources Unit in the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform, for the benefit of relevant staff.
82. Deputy Sorca Clarke asked the Minister for Transport the schemes and financial supports available to local authorities that do not qualify for the National Transport Authority sustainable transport measures grant programme in tabular form. [9402/21]
View answerLocal authorities in the Greater Dublin Area (GDA) along with regional cities have been eligible for some years for Active Travel funding from the NTA. However In August 2020 over €30 million of Stimulus monies was allocated directly by the Department to other local authorities. In 2021 a new arrangement has been put in place whereby the NTA will provided monies to these other authorities for active travel projects. This new arrangement which comprises of a fund of €50 million was announced by the Minister in December 2020. While the NTA has already announced detailed allocations for 2021 for active travel projects in local authorities in the Greater Dublin Area along with regional cities it has not yet announced the details of the €50 million funding package which will be available to the other local authorities (non city and non GDA) for active travel works in 2021.
In addition my Department provides financial support for Rural Greenways under the Strategy for the Future Development of National and Regional Greenways as outlined in the table below. We also provided funding under the Carbon Tax Fund for pre-construction work to 26 Greenway projects in July 2020. Furthermore, we are currently examining when the next round of financial supports for Greenways will take place; it is likely there will be a funding call later this year.
|
Funding Source for Rural Greenways |
Call Details |
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Funding of Rural Greenways under the Strategy for the Future Development of Regional and National Greenways. |
2019: €37.5m was allocated at a rate of 60% to nine construction-ready projects. 2020: These nine construction projects saw their funding increase to 100 % due to the co-funding challenge that Local Authorities faced from the COVID pandemic. The 2019 projects now attract funding of €76.35m and an additional €5.772m was allocated in 2020 for 2 refurbishment projects and 1 extension of a previously funded project. |
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Carbon Tax. |
2020: €4.5m was allocated in 2020 from the Carbon Tax to assist 26 projects through pre-construction phases. |
83. Deputy Kieran O'Donnell asked the Minister for Transport the status of the roll-out by the Road Safety Authority of online driver theory tests (details supplied); when the system will go live; the details of the backlog for driver theory tests by county in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9408/21]
View answerWaiting list details 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.
The Driver Theory Test (DTT) has not been classified as an essential service by Government and consequently it has had to be suspended in light of Level 5 Covid-19 restrictions. All Driver Theory Tests will remain suspended for the duration of level 5 restrictions. The Driver Theory Test will not be conducted for essential workers while we remain in level 5.
While I fully appreciate the inconvenience this poses to learners, I am sure you will agree with me that the limiting of the spread of the virus and the safeguarding of public health must take first priority here.
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.
While this is an operational matter for the Authority, I understand the Driver Theory Test service has recently 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). Following a review of the pilot phase, I understand the RSA expect the initiative to be extended for car and motorcycles.
The RSA are keen to progress and extend the service to all categories of Driver Theory Test, however scaling up operations to facilitate higher numbers will take time to achieve.
84. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Transport if he will address matters raised by driving instructors (details supplied). [9409/21]
View answerI would like to make the Deputy aware that the operation of the tests is handled by the RSA. As many of the suggestions raised are operational matters, I have also referred the question to the Authority for direct reply. If a reply has not been received within 10 working days, the Deputy should contact my office.
The Department has been in discussions with the RSA on how to return to the normal target for the maximum waiting time for the Driver Testing Service. 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.
I am happy to comment on the matters raised, where it is appropriate to do so.
1. Stop all “check tests
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 public health risk accordingly.
4. ADIs to use the facilities at test centres.
Operational arrangements at test centres, including the availability of waiting and washing facilities, are a matter for the Road Safety Authority. I understand that the Authority decided to temporarily close public toilet and waiting facilities in the interests of public safety and as part of its overall Covid-19 resumption of service protocols and in line with health and safety risk assessment procedures which had to be adopted as part of the RSA's resumption plans. It took account of guidance issued by the Health and Safety Authority and the return to work safely protocol agreed by the Labour and Employer Economic Forum, LEEF.
In response to a formal request from Minister of State Hildegarde Naughton to review these arrangements, the Authority wrote to the Department in November outlining the absolute necessity of retaining these safety measures. While the Authority recognises that this may be inconvenient for partners, family members and indeed driving instructors who accompany learner drivers to their tests, the fact remains that the more people who enter a building, the greater the risk of Covid spreading. The safety of staff and the public in general must remain the Road Safety Authority's number one priority at this time.
6. Increase the number of testers
Following from discussions with the RSA, my Department has approved the hiring of a further 40 temporary testers for 22 months, and the process of recruitment is now underway. However it will take some time for people to be selected and trained. These new hires will be in addition to the 36 temporary testers who were re-hired over the course of 2020, whose contracts expired during last year.
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.
Items 2, 3, 5, 7, 8, 9, and 10 are operational matters for the RSA and have been referred to the RSA for direct reply.
85. Deputy Rose Conway-Walsh asked the Minister for Transport the number of persons that have submitted a UK driver licence to be transferred to an Irish licence; the number still waiting to be issued an Irish licence; if these persons are permitted to drive in the interim period; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9424/21]
View answerAs of the 3rd February 2021, 66,090 UK driving licence exchange applications have been processed over 2019, 2020 and 2021 by the National Driver Licence Service (NDLS). 3,393 applications were on hand to process, while 1,687 applications were awaiting further customer response.
A resident of Ireland must have an Irish or EU driving licence to drive here. A UK driving licence is no longer recognised. Holders of a UK driving licence have been advised to exchange their licence for an Irish one since 2019.
86. Deputy Cathal Crowe asked the Minister for Transport if there is standardisation in terms of training and professional standards for marine pilots that operate in Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9431/21]
View answer88. Deputy Cathal Crowe asked the Minister for Transport the way in which Ireland is ensuring best training procedure and professional standards as set out in the International Maritime Organisation A960 relating to marine pilotage; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9433/21]
View answer89. Deputy Cathal Crowe asked the Minister for Transport his plans to update the Harbours Acts to provide for standardisation of marine pilotage in Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9434/21]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 86, 88 and 89 together.
In Ireland, the requirements in relation to pilotage and pilot training in each port will differ based on their individual needs. Under the Harbours Acts 1996 to 2015, the ports are the pilotage authorities for their respective pilotage districts and it is a matter for individual ports to decide what is appropriate in terms of training and procedures for marine pilots within their respective areas of authority. Pilots or licensed contractors who provide pilotage services are required to meet these standards. For those reasons the Department of Transport does not set standards for the training or licensing of marine pilots and on that basis, I do not plan to introduce any changes to the Harbours Acts regarding standardisation of marine pilotage.
Regarding the recommendations on training and certification set out in IMO Resolution A.960 in relation to marine pilotage, the Marine Survey Office has advised that these are recommendations and are not binding. As already indicated, it is a matter for ports to determine appropriate training standards for pilots within their respective areas of authority.
87. Deputy Cathal Crowe asked the Minister for Transport the details of Irish compliance with article 14 of Regulation (EU) 2017/352, which relates to the provision of port services; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9432/21]
View answerIn Ireland, the relevant provisions of Regulation (EU) 2017/352 are given effect by S.I. No. 128 of 2019 - the European Union (Port Services) Regulations 2019 - which was signed into law on 29 March 2019.
The S.I. provides for the designation of complaints handling bodies, penalties and appeals for the purposes of compliance with Regulation (EU) 2017/352.
Regulation 4 of S.I. No. 128 of 2019 designates the Irish Maritime Development Office and the Health and Safety Authority as the National Relevant Authorities for the purposes of handling complaints under Regulation (EU) 2017/352.
The Health and Safety Authority, in line with current national legislation, is the National Relevant Authority for the handling of complaints for the health and safety aspects only of Article 14 of the EU Regulation (EU) 2017/352.
The Irish Maritime Development Office is the National Relevant Authority for the handling of complaints for the rest of Article 14 and for all other Articles of Regulation (EU) 2017/352.
In compliance with the Regulation, Ireland informed the European Commission of the above implementation of the EU Regulation on 3 April 2019.
