Written Answers Nos. 161-180
161. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the number of persons employed by his Department; and the collective total salary received by employees of his Department. [24442/21]
View answerMy Department currently employs 418 staff.
The collective total salary received by employees at the last pay date of 30th April 2021 was €939,401. The 2021 spend to date on staff salaries is €9,176,852.
An annual cost can only be estimated as it is subject to change with staff movement into and out of my Department. The pay budget of my Department is €31.3m.
162. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if he or his Department employ persons or firms to deal with public relations; if so, the number of persons employed by his Department to deal with public relations; the names of any firms involved; and the total amount spent on public relations by his Department. [24443/21]
View answerThe information which the Deputy requested in relation to my Department is outlined in the table below. This relates specifically to external PR services, and does not take account of broader strategic communications resources. My Department has a press office function comprised of three staff who deal with public relations and media queries, along with a range of other communications, events and media functions. Expenditure on communications, press, and public relations falls under the Department's various administrative and programme budgets, and is not profiled as a single expenditure item.
|
Consultant/Company |
Purpose |
Cost |
|
RPS |
PR support to help with Tellus survey outreach/info line |
€79,274 |
|
OSD Digital Agency |
Social media campaign advice |
€3,176 |
163. Deputy Cathal Crowe asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if he sanctioned a cull of pike in Lough Corrib; the extent of the cull that is underway; the end date of the cull; the plans overall to regulate fishing stocks in Lough Corrib; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24609/21]
View answerThe management of fish stocks in Lough Corrib and other waters is a day to day operational issue for Inland Fisheries Ireland (IFI).Stock Management Plans for a range of waters, including Lough Corrib, are set out annually by IFI and I understand the 2021 plans are available at www.fisheriesireland.ie/documents/fisheries-management-1/1792-stock-management-plan-2021.html. A series of relevant Frequently Asked Questions(FAQ) in relation to stock management are also available on IFI’s website at www.fisheriesireland.ie/FAQ/faq.html.
164. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Transport the number of persons who flew into Ireland in each of the past five years and to date in 2021. [23618/21]
View answer165. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Transport the number of flights which landed at Irish airports in each of the past five years and to date in 2021. [23619/21]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 164 and 165 together.
I would like to thank the Deputy for his questions. Aviation statistics are published on the Department's website at the following link.
https://www.gov.ie/en/publication/b61012-aviation-statistics/
166. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Transport the funding allocated in 2020 to each of the local authorities in the greater Dublin area and the regional cities under the sustainable transport measures grants; the amounts actually expended and reclaimed by each; the amounts provided in each local authority for 2021; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23624/21]
View answerIn Budget 2020 my Department was allocated a total of €130 million to support walking and cycling projects in towns and cities under the Active Travel programme. This year, we have seen a significant increase in funding, in line with the Government’s prioritisation of Active Travel and Greenways. I was delighted to announce earlier this year an allocation of €240 million to Active Travel projects in the Greater Dublin Area and the regional cities under the Sustainable Transport Measures Grants (STMG) fund, along with an additional €72.8 million to projects in the other 19 local authorities. An additional €50 million has been allocated to the Department’s Greenways programme. This increase in funding to a total of approximately €360 million in 2021 will not only support the construction and improvement of walking and cycling infrastructure but also the deployment of almost 250 Active Travel staff in local authorities around the country.
The STMG fund is delivered through the Transport Development Division of the National Transport Authority (NTA). The Deputy may be aware that funding drawdown over the course of any individual year, and end-of-year final expenditure, is dependent upon a number of factors, such as specific project progress.
Noting the NTA's responsibility in this matter, for a breakdown of 2020 spending and 2021 allocation by local authority, I have referred the Deputy's question to that organization for a more detailed reply. Please contact my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 working days.
167. Deputy James Lawless asked the Minister for Transport if a provisional breakdown will be published of minor and serious collisions as opposed to fatalities involving a cyclist by county in 2019 and 2020; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23626/21]
View answerI am forwarding the Deputy's query for direct response from the Road Safety Authority. If a reply has not been received within 10 working days, the Deputy should contact my office directly.
168. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Transport the reason a person (details supplied) is waiting so long on their driver test given that their work is essential; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23675/21]
View answerThis 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.
169. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Transport if he will extend the temporary moratorium for taxi drivers from 10 to 15 years; if the Taxi Advisory Committee will be replaced with a forum that would allow the drivers to bring their issues directly to his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23685/21]
View answerI'd like to take this opportunity to clarify that the Advisory Committee on SPSVs is not a lobby group and I believe that the calls from some to replace the Committee stem from that misunderstanding. The agenda of this forum is not dictated solely by driver representatives, or any other group. Meetings of the Advisory Committee do not replace the normal interactions that occur between taxi driver representative groups and the industry’s statutory regulator, the NTA. As Minister for Transport, I will continue to meet from time to time with taxi driver representative groups as I would meet with any lobby group or interest group.
The Advisory Committee on SPSVs, sometimes refered to as the Taxi Advisory Committee, was established under the Taxi Regulation Act 2013 to provide both the Minister and the NTA with advice in relation to small public service vehicles and their drivers. Drivers are an important part of the Committee, however it also features representatives of disabled passengers and older passengers, and members from the tourist industry, local government and from An Garda Síochána. The Committee's gender balance, and balance between urban and rural representation is also considered in making appointments to it. This broad and diverse representation is one of the strengths of the Committee.
In relation to age limits for taxis and hackneys, these are a matter for the NTA as statutory regulator. Age limits for vehicles have been extended twice by the NTA since the start of the pandemic and I understand that the NTA are considering a third extension, a proposal currently out for public consultation. I support this proposal, which would ensure no SPSV reaches its age limit during 2021.
170. Deputy James O'Connor asked the Minister for Transport the methodology utilised to allocate funding between the regional airports and the Dublin Airport Authority (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23709/21]
View answerAs the Deputy will be aware, late last year Government agreed an €80m funding package specifically for Irish aviation in 2021, which included provision of capital and operational supports of €21.3m to Donegal, Ireland West and Kerry Airports under the Regional Airports Programme 2021-2025 and €32.1m to Shannon and Cork Airports under the COVID-19 Regional State Airports Programme 2021.
Both Programmes, published on 4th February, set out in detail the eligibility criteria for funding together with the EU Framework and Rules and Nationally Determined Policy. Following the evaluation of projects submitted for capital funding under both Programmes in 2021, over €11m in Exchequer funding, which will contribute towards capital investment in the areas of safety, security and sustainability, was approved for allocation. Almost €4.8m has been allocated to the airports of Donegal, Ireland West and Kerry. I am pleased to advise that all eligible projects submitted by these airports were approved for funding. In addition over €6.3m has been allocated to Shannon Airport. An announcement in respect of funding for Cork Airport is still pending. An application for funding in respect of a significant runway overlay project at Cork Airport is currently being assessed by my Department. Given the costs involved, this project is also subject to appraisal under the Public Spending Code. Pending a satisfactory evaluation, it is hoped that funding for this project can be approved in the coming weeks.
In addition to the above capital funding, Airports will also be invited to apply for operational supports, under these Programmes, later in the year.
You will also be aware that on 24 February, the Commission approved State aid support schemes to help address liquidity issues at airports as a result of Covid-19. Collectively, these new Covid-19 Supplementary Supports Schemes have a budget of €26m.
These schemes include compensation for State airports of approx. €20m, in light of Covid impacts in 2020. This funding will provide Dublin, Cork and Shannon Airports with flexibility to roll out route incentives/charge rebates, in consultation with airlines, with a view to supporting recovery and growth of connectivity. My Department is currently assessing applications for this funding and would hope to be in a position to disburse this compensation in the coming weeks. In order to ensure parity of treatment, funding will be allocated to airports proportionate to the damage caused. In this regard, funding will be allocated proportionately in line with 2019 passenger numbers at the airports.
In addition, up to €6m will also be available to Donegal, Ireland West and Kerry, under the EU Temporary Framework in recognition of the impact of COVID on their business. My Department is currently assessing applications for this funding also and would hope to be in a position to award grant aid under this measure in the coming weeks.
171. Deputy James O'Connor asked the Minister for Transport the timeline for the appointment of a chairperson to Shannon Airport; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23710/21]
View answerI would like to thank the Deputy for his question in relation to the appointment of a new Chairperson to Shannon Group.
My Department is engaging with the Public Appointments Service and a new campaign will be launched shortly. An executive search agency has also been engaged by PAS with a view to encouraging suitably qualified individuals to apply through the PAS process for this important position.
I am conscious that this is an important and challenging time for Shannon Group and I intend to appoint a new Chairperson as soon as possible.
172. Deputy James O'Connor asked the Minister for Transport the timeline for Ireland’s implementation of the digital green certificate for European Union travel; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23711/21]
View answer173. Deputy James O'Connor asked the Minister for Transport the preparatory work undertaken by his Department to aid the implementation of digital green certificate recently passed by the European Parliament; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23712/21]
View answer184. Deputy Neale Richmond asked the Minister for Transport if he plans on aligning Ireland with the new European Union travel proposals to open non-essential travel to the fully vaccinated; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24000/21]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 172, 173 and 184 together.
On 17 March 2021, the European Commission published its proposal for a Regulation to introduce a ‘Digital Green Certificate’. The aim of the proposal is to facilitate free movement in the EU through a common framework for the issuance, verification and acceptance of certificates relating to vaccination, testing and recovery.
As the Deputy may be aware, the Minister for Health is leading on this legislative proposal and careful consideration is being given to the proposal and its many policy, infrastructural and operational implications across a number of sectors in Ireland. The Government recognises the importance of the Digital Green Certificate proposal in supporting the lifting of restrictions currently in place in a coordinated manner and facilitating the fundamental right of people in the EU to move and reside freely within the EU.
On 29 April 2021, the European Parliament adopted its negotiating position in relation to the proposal. The Department of Health has been engaging constructively in the technical discussions to date at EU level, in collaboration with relevant Departments, to ensure Ireland can achieve alignment in relation to a return to international travel for non-essential purposes, as soon as it is safe to do so. Technical negotiations to agree a final text are ongoing between the European Parliament and the Council and should be concluded in the coming weeks. Ireland is engaging proactively in this negotiation process as part of the Council to ensure Ireland’s priorities and needs are realised.
The ongoing public health restrictions on international travel are having a profound impact on Ireland’s connectivity and the Irish aviation and maritime transport sectors.
Since the beginning of the pandemic the Government has provided over €200 million in direct support to the Irish aviation industry. These supports include the wage subsidy scheme, waiving of commercial rates, deferral of tax liabilities, the Covid Restrictions Support Scheme, the Credit Guarantee Scheme and the Strategic Banking Corporation of Ireland (SBCI) Working Capital Scheme, with some of these now extended to 30 June 2021. Liquidity funding is also available through the Ireland Strategic Investment Fund (ISIF) Pandemic Stabilisation and Recovery Fund for medium and large enterprises.
In November 2020, in recognition of the very difficult circumstances facing the aviation sector, the Government agreed a revised funding package of €80 million specifically for Irish aviation in 2021. A part of this package, €21 million, is being provided to the regional airports programme which gives funding certainty to those airports up to 2025 (Donegal, Kerry and Ireland West airports). In addition, €32 million is being provided to Cork and Shannon airports through a new one-year Covid-19 Regional State Airports Programme. A €26 million Irish state aid scheme to compensate airport operators for the losses caused by Covid-19 and the travel restrictions imposed by Ireland to limit its spread. The scheme will augment the supports already in place and help the industry to maintain connectivity and make a recovery from the impacts of Covid-19.
International connectivity is critical to economic development by providing a key enabler of trade and business generally including foreign direct investment and tourism. While acknowledging the primacy of the protection of public health, there is increasing need for clarity on a roadmap that will allow the aviation and maritime transport sectors to plan for the reopening of international travel, and I will work with my colleagues across Government to ensure such a roadmap is put in place.
174. Deputy James Lawless asked the Minister for Transport if he will consider including an upgrade to the link road from the M1 to Ardee, County Louth in the roadwork plans for the proposed upgrade of the N2 from Ardee to Castleblayney. [23735/21]
View answerAs Minister for Transport I have responsibility for overall policy and securing exchequer funding in relation to the National Roads Programme. Under the Roads Acts 1993-2015 and in line with the National Development Plan (NDP), the upgrading and 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.
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.
175. Deputy Patrick Costello asked the Minister for Transport if he will temporarily suspend the rule whereby non-EU driver licence holders must obtain an Irish licence after 12 months of residency here given the fact that with the ongoing restrictions it is in fact not possible for such person's to book driver tests; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23740/21]
View answerThere is a distinction between motorists with a non-EU driving licence visiting Ireland and those living in Ireland. For non-residents, under the Convention on Road Traffic 1949 (Geneva Convention) drivers from Contracting States carrying a valid driver’s licence can drive on each other’s roads for up to a year when visiting. If a person is resident in Ireland, they must have an Irish/EU driving licence to drive here under European as well as Irish law. There is no 12 month grace period.
Ireland has entered into driving licence exchange agreements with some countries. In such cases, an non-EU driving licence that has expired by no more than 12 months will be accepted for exchange. The licence is only recognised for exchange purposes and is not valid for driving in Ireland.
I have recently confirmed the gradual reopening of some road safety services provided by the Road Safety Authority (RSA) and the driving instruction industry from the 10 May 2021, as agreed by government. Driving tests for essential workers will continue to be the priority for the driver testing service. In line with the gradual reopening of services, driving tests for all those who are eligible to take the test and have been waiting longest will recommence in a limited fashion.
It is expected that invitations will start to be issued to these customers later this month.
176. Deputy Sean Fleming asked the Minister for Transport when a driver test will be expedited for a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23743/21]
View answerThis 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.
177. Deputy Alan Kelly asked the Minister for Transport the timeline for the completion of the Coonagh to Knockalisheen road project, Limerick. [23790/21]
View answerThe 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 the Council's own resources supplemented by State road grants.
Project Ireland 2040 identifies a programme of regional and local road improvement projects to be progressed with grant support and the Coonagh to Knockalisheen Distributor Road is one of those projects. Implementation of the programme of projects is on a phased basis and progression of each project is subject to the profile of annual capital allocations available to the Department.
Implementation of the Coonagh to Knockalisheen scheme is the responsibility of Limerick City and County Council. Grant funding of €8 million has been allocated to the Council for this project in 2021. My Department recently gave approval to award the main construction contract for the scheme.
The estimated project completion date is 2024.
178. Deputy Pauline Tully asked the Minister for Transport the number of driver tests that have been carried out in County Cavan in the past year by car and motorbike; if driver tests are being carried out for those deemed essential workers; if not, the reason; the timeframe for driver tests for essential workers to restart; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23842/21]
View answerThis is an operational matter for the Road Safey 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.
179. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Transport the status of plans by the Road Safety Authority which were first proposed in 2015, to name disqualified drivers; the outcome of the latest research commissioned by the RSA in 2019 and due to be completed by the end of March 2021 in relation to whether the publication of driver details can proceed; the timeframe for publication of the findings of this report; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23853/21]
View answerThe research has been completed and it is currently being reviewed by the RSA. Due to more urgent priorities following the Covid-19 pandemic, the review is behind schedule.
The report findings will be presented to the Board of the RSA following which the report will be published.
180. Deputy Danny Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Transport the way in which the backlog of learner driver theory tests will be dealt with given that many have had their test date rescheduled up to four times in the past year such as a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23874/21]
View answerThe Driver Theory Test is considered a non-essential service and remains closed.
Because the service was closed for long periods of time over the last year, a large backlog of customers has built up. The RSA recognise that it will take time to meet this demand and restore pre-COVID-19 waiting times when the service does reopen.
In response to this, the RSA will introduce an increase in capacity within the service when it is allowed to re-open. This additional capacity will see the number of tests increase from an average pre Covid19 output of 15,000 tests per month to 50,000 per month when the service resumes. This will help significantly to tackle the backlog of customers.
A pilot online driver theory test is underway for trucks and buses. The rollout of this option to theory tests for cars is planned to begin shortly. There will be a limit on the number of customers that can avail of the service during the initial rollout phase, but work is ongoing to make online services more widely available towards the end of 2021.
