Tuesday, 25 May 2021

Written Answers Nos. 142-155

Driver Test

Questions (142)

Brendan Griffin

Question:

142. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Transport when driver theory tests and driver tests are expected to resume; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27980/21]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Transport

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 those who are eligible to take the test and have been waiting longest will recommence in a limited fashion from next week.

The Driver Theory Test is considered a non-essential service and remains closed for now. 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 minimise 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.

Vehicle Testing

Questions (143)

Michael Creed

Question:

143. Deputy Michael Creed asked the Minister for Transport the level of supervision by either his Department or the Road Safety Authority of individual vehicle testing centres; the nature of this supervision; if the supervision involves random inspection of tested vehicles; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28022/21]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Transport

The operation of the National Car Test (NCT) service is the statutory responsibility of the Road Safety Authority and I have therefore referred 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.

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

Question No. 144 answered with Question No. 95.

Question No. 145 answered with Question No. 95.

Question No. 146 answered with Question No. 107.

Rail Network

Questions (147)

John Lahart

Question:

147. Deputy John Lahart asked the Minister for Transport if arrangements have been made in relation to the development of 2 Grand Parade, which is adjacent to the Luas Charlemont stop in the context of the development of the MetroLink south; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28035/21]

Written answers

Minister for Transport

As the Deputy is aware, these particular construction works relate to a private development being constructed by a private company pursuant to a planning permission granted by An Bord Pleanála.

Details of that planning permission and conditions attached thereto are available to view on the website of An Bord Pleanála and operational issues are a matter for the National Transport Authority (NTA) and Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII).

Noting the NTA's statutory responsibility in relation to public transport infrastructure development in the GDA, I have referred the operational aspects of the question to them for their consideration and direct reply. Please contact my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 days.

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

Driver Licences

Questions (148)

Jennifer Carroll MacNeill

Question:

148. Deputy Jennifer Carroll MacNeill asked the Minister for Transport the status of work being carried out in relation to the issuing of driver licences to applicants for international protection that is, asylum seekers which is currently not permitted; the date for the implementation of policy change on this matter (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28096/21]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Transport

As mentioned in my reply of 15 February to the Deputy, there are a number of complex legal, administrative and technical issues to consider and resolve to enable international protection applicants access to a driving licence. One of these issues is connected to the primary legislative proposal to grant the Minister for Transport the power to revoke a driving licence, and is planned for inclusion in the Road Traffic Bill 2021. The Bill is expected to be introduced to the Houses shortly. Secondary legislation changes will also be required.

Work is also continuing on the administrative and technical solutions needed. It is not possible at this time to give a definitive date as to when these changes will be in place.

Aviation Industry

Questions (149)

Matt Carthy

Question:

149. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Transport if his attention has been drawn to the fact that airline companies have recently changed their terms and conditions to avoid giving refunds for flights that have had their departure times changed by more than four hours; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28100/21]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Transport

I have not been made aware of any instances where airlines have changed their terms and conditions in this way. Under Regulation (EC) 261/2004, passengers are entitled to compensation if their flight arrives at a destination 3 hours or more after the scheduled arrival time, unless the air carrier can prove that the delay was the result of extraordinary circumstances. Carriers should also provide passengers with written information about their legal entitlements, as well as care and assistance in the form of:

- meals and refreshments (in reasonable relation to the waiting time);

- hotel accommodation (where an overnight stay becomes necessary);

- transport between the airport and the hotel (where necessary); and

- 2 telephone calls/ faxes/ emails.

The Commission for Aviation Regulation is the statutory body in Ireland with responsibility for enforcing passenger rights under EU 261. I would encourage anyone who having already corresponded with the airline continues to have difficulties securing their legal entitlements contact the Commission. Further advice, including information on how you might submit a formal complaint to the CAR is available on its dedicated passenger rights website www.flightrights.ie.

Driver Test

Questions (150)

Matt Carthy

Question:

150. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Transport when an alternative driver theory test will be given to a person (details supplied) as a matter of urgency; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28101/21]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Transport

The driver theory test is the statutory responsibility of 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.

Driver Test

Questions (151)

Matt Carthy

Question:

151. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Transport when an alternative driver theory test will be given to a person (details supplied) as a matter of urgency; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28106/21]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Transport

The driver theory test is the statutory responsibility of 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

Aviation Industry

Questions (152)

Danny Healy-Rae

Question:

152. Deputy Danny Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Transport if he will liaise with a company (details supplied) to request the company to review its decision to withdraw to service and crew from Shannon Airport; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28107/21]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Transport

Minister of State Naughton and I met with the CEO of Aer Lingus on 19 May to discuss their latest announcement on restructuring and the closure of bases in Cork and Shannon. I acknowledged the very difficult and unprecedented challenges being faced by Aer Lingus. In that context, and in light of the continuing COVID-19 pandemic, Aer Lingus has decided to take measures to reduce its cost base. It is also noted that many other European airlines are also implementing significant cost saving measures in light of the circumstances currently facing the industry.

Government is committed to supporting the industry during this difficult time and a broad range of financial supports are available to the aviation sector. I also understand and fully appreciate that the critical issue for industry is a roadmap for the restoration of international travel. The Government intends to set out a pathway for the reopening of international travel at its meeting on 28 May.

I have also met with the CEOs of both Shannon Group, and Cork Airport to brief them on the situation, and reiterated the Government's support for the airports and their important role in regional development. Similar engagement took place between Minister Naughton and worker and employer representative groups, in her capacity as Chair of the Aviation Sub-group of the Labour Employer Economic Forum at its recent meeting.

Driver Test

Questions (153)

John Brady

Question:

153. Deputy John Brady asked the Minister for Transport when driving theory tests will resume; the measures his Department will be taking to clear the backlog of applications; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28110/21]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Transport

The Driver Theory Test is considered a non-essential service and remains closed for now. 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 approximately 15,000 tests per month up 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 shortly, initially with up to 3,200 online tests being conducted per month. Online services will be made more widely available towards the end of 2021.

Driver Test

Questions (154)

John Brady

Question:

154. Deputy John Brady asked the Minister for Transport the number of applicants currently awaiting a driving theory tests in County Wicklow; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28111/21]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Transport

The driver theory test is the statutory responsibility of the Road Safety Authority.

The information requested is held by the Authority and the 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

Departmental Data

Questions (155)

Seán Sherlock

Question:

155. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Transport if there is a policy of data back-up in the operations of his Department and all agencies under his remit. [28128/21]

Written answers

Minister for Transport

My Department takes the security of its Information Technology systems very seriously. Our technical staff continue to operate and monitor all relevant systems to the highest levels and are closely engaged with experts in the Office of the Government's Chief Information Officer and the National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) to ensure that best practice is followed as it relates to all aspects of Cybersecurity. For operational and security reasons, I cannot disclose details of systems and processes which could in any way compromise those efforts or which might inadvertently assist criminals to identify potential vulnerabilities in my Department's Cybersecurity arrangements. However, I can confirm that my Department does have a policy of data backup aligned to the best practice guidance from NCSC.

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