Thursday, 20 May 2021

Written Answers Nos. 173-187

Data Protection

Questions (173)

Fergus O'Dowd

Question:

173. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if his Department is fully compliant with GDPR EU requirements, the EU network and Information Security Directive and standards with respect to his Department’s IT infrastructure including Article 29 of GDPR which requires that data processors access only the data they need for their task; if ISO 27001 Annex 9 standards on privileged access are fully met; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27338/21]

Written answers

Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications

My Department implements a security-by-design and defence-in-depth approach to cyber security. The Government’s services are still actively involved in managing and remediating the recent cyberattack on the HSE. Our technical staff continue to operate and monitor all relevant systems to the highest levels, and are closely engaged with experts in the OGCIO and the NCSC to ensure that we follow best practice as it relates to all aspects of Cybersecurity. For operational and security reasons, we are advised by the NCSC not to disclose details of systems and processes which could in any way compromise those efforts. In particular, it is not considered appropriate to disclose information which might assist criminals to identify potential vulnerabilities in departmental cybersecurity arrangements. Therefore, it is not considered appropriate to disclose particular arrangements in place in relation to cyber security tools and services and my Department does not comment on operational security matters.

Data Protection

Questions (174)

Fergus O'Dowd

Question:

174. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if any state or semi state bodies which report to his Department are fully compliant with GDPR EU requirements and the EU network and Information Security Directive and standards with respect to their IT infrastructure including article 29 of GDPR which requires that data processors access only the data they need for their task; if ISO 27001 annex 9 standards on privileged access are fully met; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27356/21]

Written answers

Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications

For operational and security reason it is not considered appropriate to disclose information which might assist criminals to identify potential vulnerabilities in cybersecurity arrangements. Furthermore, it is not considered appropriate to disclose particular arrangements in place in relation to cyber security tools and services.

Climate Change Policy

Questions (175)

Bernard Durkan

Question:

175. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the extent to which Ireland compares with other EU and non-EU food producing countries in terms of carbon sequestration and meeting international objectives in respect of climate change; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27383/21]

Written answers

Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications

Climate change remains a trans-boundary challenge that can only be addressed through committed ambition and effective multilateral cooperation at the international level. Ireland is committed to concerted global effort to address the climate challenge and engages in negotiations under UNFCCC through its membership of the European Union (EU). The EU continues to retain its leadership role on climate ambition and mobilising and supporting action of other Parties.

The European Green Deal commits to delivering net zero greenhouse gas emissions at EU level by 2050 and increasing the EU-wide emissions reduction target from 40% to up to at least 55% by 2030, to align with the goal of the Paris Agreement to limit warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius. Legislative proposals to implement the new EU 2030 target will be presented by the European Commission this summer, and additional effort will be asked of all Member States, including Ireland. Ireland fully supports the enhanced ambition at EU level.

Ireland’s GHG emissions profile is unique among EU Member States, with the highest national proportion of agriculture emissions. This presents particular challenges for Ireland in meeting future GHG emissions reduction targets.

The following shows Ireland's total emissions (MtCO2eq.) for 2019 as compared to other comparable EU Member States, in addition to the emissions of the EU 27 for the same time period:

Ireland: 59.9

Denmark: 48.2

Austria: 79.0

Finland: 56.4

EU 27: 3,763.9

In line with EU ambition, Ireland has committed to achieve an average 7% per annum reduction in overall greenhouse gas emissions from 2021 to 2030, and to achieve net zero emissions by 2050 at the latest. This objective will be set in law by the Climate Action and Low Carbon Development (Amendment) Bill 2021, which was published on 23 March 2021. The Bill will support Ireland’s transition to net zero and achieve a climate neutral economy by no later than 2050. It will establish a legally binding framework with clear targets and commitments set in law, and ensure the necessary structures and processes are embedded on a statutory basis to ensure we achieve our national, EU and international climate goals and obligations in the near and long term.

Climate Change Policy

Questions (176)

Bernard Durkan

Question:

176. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the total area in hectares of wetland including lakes and rivers throughout the country; the extent to which their existence contributes to carbon reduction; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27393/21]

Written answers

Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications

The EPA National Inventory Report 2020 states that the term Wetlands as applied to Ireland refers to Unmanaged Wetlands and Managed Wetlands (80,208 ha), which are those wetland areas drained for the purpose of commercial exploitation and harvesting of peat for energy and horticultural products. Unmanaged Wetlands (1,145,591 ha) includes peatlands not commercially exploited, inland marshes, salt marshes, moors and heathland, and intertidal flats. Lakes and rivers are not included in emission/removal estimates as per international reporting guidelines. Emissions and removals in national inventories are only included for anthropogenic activities. The total proportion of land use reported for Managed Wetlands in 2018 was 1.1% representing emissions of 1,655.88 kt CO2eq. for the year 2018.

Managed Wetlands are currently a net source of emissions in Ireland, under the accounting principles of the LULUCF Regulation. Factors which will support a net removal of emissions from Managed Wetlands include:

- a reduction in peat extraction activity, for example, through the recent cessation of peat harvesting by Bord Na Móna; and

- the restoration and rehabilitation activities planned under the Bord na Móna Enhanced Decommissioning, Rehabilitation and Restoration Scheme.

It should also be noted that there are also activities that could cancel out these removals.

Climate Change Policy

Questions (177)

Bernard Durkan

Question:

177. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the extent to which hedgerows, trees and non-arable agricultural land is used in calculation in respect of carbon levels and reduction; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27400/21]

Written answers

Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications

Greenhouse gas emissions and removals associated with land use, land use change and forestry (LULUCF) are reported in Ireland's greenhouse gas emissions inventory prepared by the Environmental Protections Agency (EPA) and submitted annually to the EU and the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change. LULUCF includes activities associated with forestry, croplands, grasslands, wetlands, settlements and other lands. The LULUCF (Regulation (EU) 2018/841) has established the mechanisms whereby LULUCF activities are to be included in Member States emissions reduction targets for 2021 to 2030 under the Effort Sharing Regulation (Regulation (EU) 842/2018). Chapter six in the EPA's National Inventory Report, available at: www.epa.ie/pubs/reports/air/airemissions/ghg/nir2021

describes what’s included in each LULUCF sub-sector and the methodologies used for estimating emissions and removals.

Hedgerows and non-forest woodland/trees, as landscape features within cropland, grassland and other land use categories, can form part of the emissions and removal estimates for these land use categories, though they are not currently separately identified within their parent categories pending further information from on-going research being available.

As noted in the Climate Action Plan 2019, the biggest challenge in data capture for Irish hedgerows and non-forest woodland/tress is the quantification of the carbon in the above and below ground biomass. To address the lack of data on the potential for hedgerow carbon sequestration, Teagasc has recently commenced a research project (funded by the EPA) called “Farm-Carbon – Farm Hedgerows and Non-forest Woodland Carbon”. The overall objective of this project is to advance the understanding of the contribution of hedgerows and non-forest woodland to carbon stocks in agricultural landscapes, and to identify approaches to maintain and enhance this contribution.

In addition, the EPA land-use mapping project, which is currently on-going, will bring together the various spatial datasets available so that full coverage of land-use features, including hedgerows, within the spatial land-use map can be identified.

Departmental Staff

Questions (178)

Matt Carthy

Question:

178. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the number of civil servant posts that were filled through open and internal panels, since April 2020, in his Department and the bodies under the aegis of his Department, by county and by month in tabular form. [27597/21]

Written answers

Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications

The number of civil service posts filled through internal panels and open competition since April 2020 is set out below. The figures do not include posts filled through secondment or the Civil Service Mobility schemes.Relevant agencies have been requested to compile and forward information for this request directly to the Deputy.

Civil Service Posts

Bus Services

Questions (179, 185)

Seán Canney

Question:

179. Deputy Seán Canney asked the Minister for Transport if his attention has been drawn to the fact that Bus Éireann is reducing services on the 51 route Galway to Limerick and Cork which will remove the availability of public transport services for communities in Gort and across south County Galway; if he will take steps to restore these services; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27128/21]

Thomas Pringle

Question:

185. Deputy Thomas Pringle asked the Minister for Transport the reason Bus Éireann has cancelled the overnight services on route 30 and X30 at 1:00 and 2:30 from Donegal and the 6:30, 8:00 services from Dublin to Donegal; the alternatives are available to persons instead of having to overnight in Dublin for appointments; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27265/21]

Written answers

Minister for Transport

I propose to take Questions Nos. 179 and 185 together.

Both the National Transport Authority (NTA) and my Department have been engaging directly with commercial bus operators throughout the Covid-19 Emergency. The public transport system in Ireland has played an essential service role over the course of the pandemic, especially in carrying essential workers and others making necessary journeys.

In this regard, the Government agreed substantial increases to the PSO budget to support continuation of PSO services during the Covid situation in 2020 and 2021. In addition, the Government has recognised the situation of the licensed bus sector - which normally operates on a commercial basis without public subvention but which, during the Covid crisis, was in a situation where its operations were no longer commercially viable, owing to the impact of Covid-19 on passenger numbers and the associated drop in fare revenue.

Therefore, last June the Government decided to introduce new, temporary financial support for certain licensed services provided by commercial bus operators to ensure the continued operation of these essential services. The Expressway business operated by Bus Éireann is one of the many commercial operations of licensed public transport services that have been able to avail of this new, temporary, Covid-related support.

The temporary support was initially introduced for a period of 6-months, with a view to protecting capacity across the public transport sector throughout the crisis. The NTA on behalf of my Department, entered into contracts with the licensed bus sector to provide funding for routes where a clear public interest justification supports such intervention.

As it remains the case that commercial bus operators are still under severe financial distress due to the fall in passenger numbers and associated drop in fare revenue as a result of Covid-19, on 26 January 2021, Government decided to extend the temporary funding supports for the licensed bus sector for a further period of 3 months, with an option to extend contracts on a monthly basis thereafter. The NTA, following consultation with operators, has recently finalised a review of the scheme and as a result some changes to services are expected to be implemented this month.

Given the NTA's statutory responsibility for securing the provision of public passenger transport services nationally, I have also forwarded the Deputy's questions to the NTA for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 working days.

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

Driver Licences

Questions (180)

Carol Nolan

Question:

180. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Transport the estimated number of persons resident in the State that have a valid full driver licence or provisional licence; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27133/21]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Transport

The number of valid driving licences as at 31st March 2021 is 3,139,565. Of this, 236,891 hold a learner permit and 2,902,674 hold a full licence. A person may however hold a full licence for one category of vehicle, and a learner permit for a different category, so the total number of distinct licence holders as at that time is 3,056,351.

Pension Provisions

Questions (181, 186)

David Cullinane

Question:

181. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Minister for Transport if CIÉ will await the outcome of the High Court application made by the elected pension trustees before further engagement in relation to the 1951 pension scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27150/21]

Catherine Murphy

Question:

186. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Transport his engagements with CIÉ in respect of the failure by the company to honour its commitment to allow all active members of the 1951 superannuation scheme a vote on LCR22297. [27270/21]

Written answers

Minister for Transport

I propose to take Questions Nos. 181 and 186 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.

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 Test

Questions (182)

Matt Shanahan

Question:

182. Deputy Matt Shanahan asked the Minister for Transport the steps being implemented to restore both the driver test and driver theory test schedules with respect to a case (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27151/21]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Transport

Due to the suspension of driver testing services in the initial pandemic response, along with the health protocols required since the resumption of services, a significant backlog has developed.

Driving tests for essential workers continue to be the priority for the driver testing service. However, 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 from next week.

My Department is liaising with the RSA on an ongoing basis to meet the growing demand for driving tests. An additional 40 driver testers have been authorised along with 36 approved for retention or rehire in 2020. They are expected to conduct tests by the end of June 2021. Further recruitment is currently being discussed.

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. 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.

In the meantime, the RSA is engaging with its service provider to examine ways of increasing the number of tests for when services resume. The aim is to increase capacity at all test centres to cater for additional appointments.

Pre-pandemic capacity was approximately 15,000 tests per month. When the service is allowed to reopen, the aim is to provide approximately 50,000 tests per month. This would make substantial inroads into the backlog.

An online driver theory test is now available for trucks and buses. The rollout of this option to theory tests for cars will begin shortly, with up to 3,200 online car theory tests being conducted per month. 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.

Antisocial Behaviour

Questions (183)

Darren O'Rourke

Question:

183. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Transport the actions he is taking to address antisocial behaviour on public transport and in bus and rail stations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27170/21]

Written answers

Minister for Transport

As Minister for Transport, I am, of course, concerned to see that the necessary arrangements are in place to ensure the safety of all passengers and staff across the entire public transport network. .

The safety and security of passengers and staff, including arrangements to deal with anti-social behaviour, are matters for the transport operators, in conjunction with, as appropriate, An Garda Síochána. I have therefore forwarded the Deputy's question to Bus Átha Cliath, Bus Éireann, Iarnród Éireann and to Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII), which has contracted Transdev to operate the Luas, for their 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 (184)

John McGuinness

Question:

184. Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Transport the number of theory tests cancelled each Friday by email over the past 12 months and in particular on 7 May 2021; when these tests will be rescheduled; if there is a contact phone number and name for the public to use to have queries dealt with; if contact names and details of Road Safety Authority personnel are published on the RSA website and stationary; and his plans to clear the backlog. [27256/21]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Transport

Under legislation as provided by the Oireachtas, the driver testing service, including the theory test, is an operational matter for the Road Safety Authority. The information requested is held by the Authority and this question 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

Question No. 185 answered with Question No. 179.

Question No. 186 answered with Question No. 181.

Cybersecurity Policy

Questions (187)

Catherine Murphy

Question:

187. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Transport if a schedule will be provided of IT and email security costs incurred over the past five years to date; and the contractor engaged to deliver the services and or system. [27287/21]

Written answers

Minister for Transport

My Department takes the security of it’s Information Technology and email systems very seriously. Disclosing any information about the security posture of the Department may only attract the attention of nefarious players in the market. For that reason, it would not be appropriate for me to disclose information which might inadvertently assist criminals to identify potential vulnerabilities in departmental Cybersecurity arrangements. I will not comment on operational security matters but I can confirm that our technical staff continue to operate and monitor all relevant systems to the highest levels, and are closely engaged with experts in the OGCIO and the NCSC to ensure that we follow best practice as it relates to all aspects of Cybersecurity.