Seán Sherlock
Question:237. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Transport if he will address a matter regarding a driver theory test in relation to a person (details supplied). [25549/21]
View answerDriver Test
Questions (237)
Written answers
The operation of the driver theory test service is a matter for the Road Safety Authority.
Individual cases are a matter for the Authority and the question in relation to this case is being referred to it for direct reply. I would ask the Deputy to contact my office if a response has not been received within ten days.
A referred reply was forwarded to the Deputy under Standing Order 51
Driver Test
Questions (238)
Brian Stanley
Question:238. Deputy Brian Stanley asked the Minister for Transport the steps being taken for persons that have had a driver theory test cancelled on three occasions (details supplied). [25563/21]
View answerWritten answers
The Driver Theory Test is considered a non-essential service and remains closed for now until an appropriate phase of the Government's plans. The Department understands the frustration at this decision, however, these restrictions imposed by the Government based on the advice of NPHET and their panel of scientific experts, are in place to minimize the impact of Covid-19 on this country and its people.
Officials both in this Department and in the Road Safety Authority are keeping the public health situation under constant review and are working extremely hard to ensure that Theory Tests can resume as soon as it is safe to do so.
Because the service was closed for long periods of time over the last year, a large backlog of customers has built up. To deal with the backlog, the RSA have plans to increase capacity 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. This will help significantly to tackle the backlog.
The RSA is working to deliver an online driver theory test service. A pilot online driver theory test is underway for trucks and buses. This will be extended to car drivers when services resume, initially with 3,200 online tests being conducted per month. Online services will be made more widely available towards the end of 2021.
Pension Provisions
Questions (239, 265, 273, 274)
Patrick Costello
Question:239. Deputy Patrick Costello asked the Minister for Transport if he will seek an assurance that CIÉ will await the outcome of the High Court application being made by the CIÉ pension trustees before engaging in further discussions in relation to the pension trustees 1951 scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25587/21]
View answer
Cormac Devlin
Question:265. Deputy Cormac Devlin asked the Minister for Transport the details of meetings his officials have had with CIÉ regarding a scheme (details supplied) during the period 1 January 2018 to 1 May 2021; the status of efforts to resolve the dispute; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26353/21]
View answer
Richard Boyd Barrett
Question:273. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Transport if he will intervene in the current crisis relating to the CIÉ pension schemes and ensure that the company takes no unilateral action until current court proceedings are finalised and resolved; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26475/21]
View answer
Dara Calleary
Question:274. Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Minister for Transport if he will provide an assurance that CIÉ will respect all judicial processes in relation to its pension scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26497/21]
View answerWritten answers
I propose to take Questions Nos. 239, 265, 273 and 274 together.
As Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport in Ireland.
The CIÉ Group has two pension schemes, namely the Regular Wages Scheme (“RWS”) and 1951 superannuation scheme (“1951 Scheme”) and issues in relation to CIÉ pension schemes are primarily a matter for the trustees of the schemes, the CIÉ Group and their employees. Officials from my Department have regular engagement with CIÉ on matters relating to the corporate governance of the Group, including matters relating to the pension schemes.
In relation to the RWS, CIÉ has prepared and submitted draft Statutory Instruments (SIs) to give effect to the proposed changes to the scheme, and these drafts are now being considered by my Department. There are several steps involved before an SI can be made, including the statutory consultation process.
Concerning the 1951 scheme, I understand that members were recently balloted and have accepted Labour Court proposals which emerged on 23rd November 2020.
I have therefore referred the Deputies questions to CIÉ for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a response within ten working days.
A referred reply was forwarded to the Deputy under Standing Order 51
Driver Licences
Questions (240)
David Cullinane
Question:240. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Minister for Transport if he will address a matter raised in correspondence by a person (details supplied). [25611/21]
View answerWritten answers
Due to the resurgence of Covid-19 and to ease pressures on services, driving licences were further extended by EU Regulation with effect from 6 March 2021. This means that driving licences that expired or will expire between 1 September 2020 and 30 June 2021 will be extended by 10 months.
In addition, licences that expired during the reference period 1 March 2020 and 31 August 2020 (which were extended for 7 months) and will fall to expire again during the period 1 September 2020 and 30 June 2021 will be extended again for 6 months or until 1 July 2021 whichever is the latest. Therefore, if the individual's licence expired during that time he still has a valid licence.
All enquires relating to driver licensing applications are handled by the National Driver Licence Service (NDLS), the provision of which I have delegated to the Road Safety Authority (RSA) under the relevant legislation. My Department does not have access to individual applications.
I have forwarded the Deputy's query to the RSA for direct reply. If he has not heard from them in 10 working days I would ask that he contact my office directly.
A referred reply was forwarded to the Deputy under Standing Order 51
Air Corps
Questions (241, 242)
Joe O'Brien
Question:241. Deputy Joe O'Brien asked the Minister for Transport the status of the tendering process for a new search and rescue contract; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25667/21]
View answerJoe O'Brien
Question:242. Deputy Joe O'Brien asked the Minister for Transport if it is envisaged that the Air Corps will provide a significant part of the next generation of the State search and rescue aviation service; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25668/21]
View answerWritten answers
I propose to take Questions Nos. 241 and 242 together.
The current status of the procurement process can be referenced in the Published eTenders update on eTenders and our SAR Webpage
In November 2020 the Secretary General of Department of Defence requested the Secretary General of the Department of Transport to explore the option of the Air Corps providing some element of the IRCG’s aviation service as part of the business case in November 2020.
On foot of this request, an Air Corps submission was received by my Department last March. The submission is being reviewed by KPMG who have been contracted to prepare the detailed business case in line with the requirements of the Public Spending Code. As it is part of a deliberative process which will lead to a Government decision in due course, it would not be appropriate for me to comment further.
Marine Casualty Investigations Board
Questions (243)
Mick Barry
Question:243. Deputy Mick Barry asked the Minister for Transport the details of the terms of review of the performance of the Marine Casualty Investigation Board (details supplied) in relation to the Merchant Shipping (Investigation of Marine Casualties) (Amendment) Bill 2020; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25703/21]
View answerWritten answers
I indicated to the Joint Committee on Transport and Communications Networks during the pre-legislative scrutiny hearing of the Merchant Shipping (Investigation of Marine Casualties) (Amendment) Bill 2020 on 29 January 2021 that my Department would be commissioning a comprehensive, independent review of Ireland’s marine casualty investigation structures. I am pleased to advise that on 19 March 2021, following a tendering process, Clinchmaritime Ltd. was selected as the preferred supplier to undertake this important review. The key aims of the review are to assess the current organisational structures for marine casualty investigation in Ireland and to set out in a report to me, as Minister for Transport, any recommendations, including in relation to change, to achieve the most appropriate and effective marine casualty investigation structures for Ireland, taking into account national, EU and international obligations.
Clinchmaritime Ltd. is headed by Captain Steve Clinch, who is widely recognised as an international expert with extensive experience in all aspects of marine casualty investigation. Captain Clinch was the Chief Inspector of Marine Accidents of the UK’s Marine Accident Investigation Branch (MAIB) between 2010 and 2018. He has been involved in over 350 safety investigations. In addition to being Chief Inspector of Marine Accidents in the MAIB, Captain Clinch has also chaired both the European Union’s Permanent Cooperation Framework (PCF) for Member State’s marine accident investigative bodies under Directive 2009/18/EC and the Marine Accident Investigators’ International Forum (MAIIF). These international roles required extensive and regular engagement with marine accident investigative bodies and stakeholders from various jurisdictions and a comprehensive understanding of the EU and international marine casualty investigation regulatory framework. Captain Clinch also has experience transposing EU legislation and during his time chairing the PCF he worked with Member States and the EU Commission to develop regulations to establish the common methodology for investigating marine casualties and incidents.
I understand that Captain Clinch is making good progress on the review and he has engaged with a number of key stakeholders already, including the Marine Casualty Investigation Board and marine accident investigation bodies from other jurisdictions, the European Maritime Safety Agency, industry stakeholders and the accident investigation bodies for rail and air in Ireland. It is expected that the review and report will be delivered to me in the coming weeks.
In addition, my officials initiated a public consultation on 29 March 2021, seeking views from the public (or any other interested stakeholder) on matters relevant to the review. The consultation was published on the gov.ie website through its dedicated ‘consultation’ page. In addition, the Department published a Marine Notice on the gov.ie website which was also actively emailed to approximately 700 email addresses (consisting of persons or organisations who have expressed an interest in receiving notifications on maritime issues) on the Department’s Marine Notice mailing list. The Department advertised the consultation via its official Twitter account, which has just over 2,200 followers and officials also contacted additional marine stakeholders directly to provide information on the review and seek submissions as part of the consultation process. Furthermore, following a request, the Department extended the deadline for submissions from 21 April 2021 to 14 May 2021 to provide additional time for interested parties to engage on the matter. The submissions received as part of this public consultation will form an input into Captain Clinch’s review.
Finally, I wish to advise that my Department and I are continuing to engage with the Joint Committee on Transport and Communications Networks with a view to progressing the Merchant Shipping (Investigation of Marine Casualties) (Amendment) Bill 2020, which seeks to ensure and enable the continued functioning of the Marine Casualty Investigation Board in the immediate term.
Sustainable Development Goals
Questions (244)
Holly Cairns
Question:244. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Transport the progress made to include reference in all new statements of strategy to all sustainable development goal targets for which his Department has lead responsibility as outlined in the Sustainable Development Goals National Implementation Plan 2018-2020; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25759/21]
View answerWritten answers
The United Nations (UN) 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and its 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) is a significant and ambitious policy agenda that concerns all Government Departments.
The first National Implementation Plan (2018-2020), published in 2018, set out Ireland’s strategy to achieve the SDGs both domestically and internationally. The Goals are mainstreamed in domestic policy and the governance structure reflects a whole-of-government approach and ensures coordination and coherence, in particular where goals cover areas of shared responsibility.
19 Actions were included in the first National Implementation Plan. Action 4 of the plan set out a commitment to include reference in all new Statements of Strategy to all SDG targets for which a Department has lead responsibility.
The development of the next SDG Implementation Plan has commenced, with the intention of publication later this year. A National Progress report will be incorporated into the Plan and will assess the progress on the 19 Actions, including the commitment set out under Action 4.
I, in my capacity as Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications (DECC) have responsibility for promoting the SDGs, and for overseeing their coherent implementation across Government. I also have responsibility for leading implementation of SDG 7 ‘Affordable and clean energy’, SDG 12 ‘Responsible consumption & production’, with input from the Department of Enterprise, Trade, and Employment (DETE) and SDG 13 ‘Climate Action’.
As Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for SDGs 3.6 and 11.2. My Department's vision for the period 2021-2023, as outlined in its Statement of Strategy, is to sustainably connect the people and places of Ireland with each other and the world. The Statement of Strategy also outlines our strategic approach to achieving this including by encouraging and supporting transport networks and services that are environmentally, economically and socially sustainable in line with UN SDGs.
A link to my Department's Statement of Strategy is available here: https://www.gov.ie/en/publication/70e6d-statement-of-strategy-2021-2023/
Sustainable Development Goals
Questions (245)
Holly Cairns
Question:245. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Transport the specific sustainable development goal targets his Department is responsible for implementing; the progress made in implementing those targets since 26 April 2018; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25777/21]
View answerWritten answers
The pursuit of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) concerns all government departments and agencies collectively. As Minister for Transport I take particular interest in two targets:
SDG Target 3.6 "By 2020, halve the number of global deaths and injuries from road traffic accidents" and SDG Target 11.2 "By 2030, provide access to safe, affordable, accessible and sustainable transport systems for all, improving road safety".
In 2010, the UN declared the decade from 2011-2020 as a decade of action for road safety and set a target of halving road deaths globally by 2020. Ireland recorded 212 road deaths in 2010. In 2020 we had reduced the number of fatalities to 149, i.e. a reduction of 29.7%.
Providing an accessible, efficient, safe and sustainable transport system that supports communities, households and businesses lies at the core of my Department’s mission and underpins all of the activities carried out by my Department. Actions to support this mission and to achieve SDG Target 11.2 are embedded in my Department’s values, vision, mission, strategic approaches, policies, investment strategies and consultative processes. The Programme for Government commits to achieving the National Planning Framework's National Strategic Outcomes, including the sustainable mobility outcomes. The forthcoming review of the National Development Plan will confirm the necessary funding required to deliver the outcomes by 2030.
I should also highlight that my Department is developing a comprehensive Sustainable Mobility Policy. The policy will, amongst other things, address the provision of access to affordable transport systems for all citizens.
Social Media
Questions (246)
Holly Cairns
Question:246. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Transport if he has engaged a third-party company to date in 2021 to conduct online and or social media monitoring and or provide reports on social media coverage of his Department; if so, the cost of same; and the name of the social media platforms being monitored. [25795/21]
View answerWritten answers
My Department does not monitor social media in the manner described by the Deputy.
My Department provides public information about the Department’s policies and programmes through social media, which is managed by staff in the Department’s press office.
Social Media
Questions (247)
Holly Cairns
Question:247. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Transport if officials in his Department are tasked with conducting online and social media monitoring and completing reports on social media coverage of his Department and his Ministerial activities; if so, the number of staff involved; the respective grades of each; the estimated working hours committed to same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25813/21]
View answerWritten answers
My Department does not monitor social media in the manner described by the Deputy.
My Department provides public information about the Department’s policies and programmes through social media, which is managed by staff in the Department’s press office.
Rail Network
Questions (248, 249)
Catherine Murphy
Question:248. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Transport the plans by Irish Rail to repurpose and or renovate the disused portion of Bray Daly train station that was formerly a public licensed premises; and if consideration has been given to its use for retail and or cafe status. [25814/21]
View answerCatherine Murphy
Question:249. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Transport the date on which works will commence on the set-down and forecourt area of Bray Daly station. [25815/21]
View answerWritten answers
I propose to take Questions Nos. 248 and 249 together.
As the Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport. However, I am not involved in the operations of public transport.
The issue raised is an operational matter for Iarnród Éireann and I have forwarded the Deputy's questions to the company for direct reply.
Please advise my private office if you do not receive a response within ten working days.
A referred reply was forwarded to the Deputy under Standing Order 51
Rail Network
Questions (250)
Catherine Murphy
Question:250. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Transport the number of reported instances of trespass and vandalism on the DART rail network in 2019, 2020 and to date in 2021; the number of successful prosecutions of same over the same time period; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25816/21]
View answerWritten answers
As the Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport. However, I am not involved in the day-to-day operations of public transport.
The issue raised is an operational matter for Iarnród Éireann and I have forwarded the Deputy's question to the company for direct reply.
Please advise my private office if you do not receive a response within ten working days.
A referred reply was forwarded to the Deputy under Standing Order 51
Departmental Investigations
Questions (251)
Catherine Murphy
Question:251. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Transport if he and bodies under his aegis have engaged private investigation companies or persons in the past three years to date; and if so, the cost, duration and purpose of these engagements of this type of contractor. [25835/21]
View answerWritten answers
My Department has not engaged any private investigation companies or persons in the past three years to date.
I have forwarded your question to the agencies under the aegis of my Department for direct response to you. If you do not receive a reply within 10 working days please contact my private office.
A referred reply was forwarded to the Deputy under Standing Order 51
Driver Test
Questions (252)
Thomas Gould
Question:252. Deputy Thomas Gould asked the Minister for Transport if he will address the case of a person (details supplied). [25839/21]
View answerWritten answers
The Road Safety Authority (RSA) is the body responsible for the operation of the Theory Test.
The protocol for scheduling appointments is an operational matter for the RSA and I do not have any role in this process. This question is therefore being referred 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.
A referred reply was forwarded to the Deputy under Standing Order 51
Maritime Safety
Questions (253)
Jennifer Whitmore
Question:253. Deputy Jennifer Whitmore asked the Minister for Transport if he will make representations to his Dutch counterpart in relation to the case of a fishing boat (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25856/21]
View answerWritten answers
There have been several representations on this matter. The Minister has requested the Marine Survey Office to contact the Dutch Safety Board and that this was done on 30 April 2021.
Bus Services
Questions (254)
Brendan Howlin
Question:254. Deputy Brendan Howlin asked the Minister for Transport if the number of bus routes serving Wexford town by Bus Éireann is being reduced; the number of services still operating between Wexford town and Dublin Airport; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25860/21]
View answerWritten answers
As Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport. However, I am not involved in the day-to-day operation of public transport services.
The issue raised is a matter for the National Transport Authority (NTA) in respect of public obligation services and Bus Éireann in respect of the company's commercial services.
I have therefore forwarded the Deputy's question to both the NTA and Bus Éireann for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a response within ten working days.
A referred reply was forwarded to the Deputy under Standing Order 51
Driver Test
Questions (255)
Danny Healy-Rae
Question:255. Deputy Danny Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Transport if the current process of rescheduling theory tests will be reviewed (details supplied); the way he plans for the backlog to be dealt with; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25865/21]
View answerWritten answers
The Road Safety Authority (RSA) is the body responsible for the operation of the Theory Test.
The protocol for scheduling appointments is an operational matter for the RSA and I do not have any role in this process. This question is therefore being referred 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.
A referred reply was forwarded to the Deputy under Standing Order 51
Air Corps
Questions (256, 257)
Jim O'Callaghan
Question:256. Deputy Jim O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Transport if he has received the unredacted version of the Air Corps submission on the provision of military search and rescue service to the State of March 2021; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26019/21]
View answerJim O'Callaghan
Question:257. Deputy Jim O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Transport the recommendation or determination of the evaluation of the Air Corps submission on the provision of military search and rescue service to the State of March 2021; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26021/21]
View answerWritten answers
I propose to take Questions Nos. 256 and 257 together.
In November 2019 the Department of Transport commenced a process to prepare for the next iteration of the Coast Guard Aviation service. This involved an extensive consultation process with all key State and other SAR stakeholders to consider the scope and demand for the service over the lifetime of a new contract.
An initial report was brought to Government in July last, following approval by a Steering Group of State stakeholders. This report included a strategic assessment, setting out the context for the SAR aviation programme, an organisational overview, and a survey of existing policies and strategies relevant to the programme. It identified the spending objectives of the programme, including existing arrangements and relevant business needs. It also included an appraisal of various service delivery options. The process is now at detailed business case stage which is focused on the remaining viable options. While it is not envisaged that the Air Corps take full responsibility for this service on the basis of that initial assessment, my Department was asked by the Department of Defence to explore the viability of the Air Corps providing some element of the SAR aviation service.
The Air Corps submission that the Deputy refers to was received by my Department last March and is being reviewed as part of the preparation of a detailed business case on the entire IRCG aviation service. This is part of a deliberative process which will lead to a Government decision in due course and on which it would not be appropriate for me to comment.
To be clear, I have no role in the business case development. This is being led by KPMG and a Project Team which includes officials in my Department and independent expertise. The outcome of this will be brought to Government shortly.
All relevant and reliable information on the current status of this project can be found on our dedicated SAR Webpage – Irish Coast Guard: Search and Rescue (SAR) Aviation Project.