Written Answers Nos. 86-99
86. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Transport if he has discussed the need to provide travel agents with continuing business supports with the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment given the ongoing challenges the sector is facing; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27463/21]
View answerI am fully aware of the plight of the Irish travel trade sector due to the significant impact of the pandemic and the imposition of necessary travel restrictions. I have previously raised this matter with the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade & Employment Leo Varadkar T.D. I proposed an extension to the existing business support schemes for travel agents and tour operators, given that there is a direct correlation of loss of business due to the Government policy on international travel specifically which is not linked to the reopening of retail premises.
The travel trade sector has been able to avail of many of the support schemes made available by Government and both the EWSS and the CRSS schemes will run until the end of June 2021. Government has also clearly signalled that business supports will need to continue for many sectors as the country progresses through various phases of reopening. In addition, I welcome last week's announcement of the extension to the Small Business Assistance Scheme for Covid (SBASC) to include non-rateable premises, bringing in a number of travel agents businesses which up to now were excluded from the scheme.
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 begin to trade in a meaningful way again.
87. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Transport if his attention has been drawn to the fact that the grant payment for taxi drivers that purchase an electric vehicle is made months after the purchase of same; if his attention has been further drawn to the fact that this imposes a financial barrier on this scheme for most drivers that cannot meet the total upfront cost and then wait for a grant refund; his plans to address this; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27468/21]
View answerThe transition of the taxi and hackney fleet towards zero/low-emission vehicles has an important role to play in effecting a substantial reduction in transport CO2 and of air pollutant emissions, particularly in Irish towns and cities due to the high mileage travelled by these vehicles, the stop/start and idling nature of their work, as well as the predominance of fossil fuels within the sector.
Increasing the uptake of electric vehicles in the SPSV sector also has a strong leadership and demonstration effect on the public, introducing more people to low/zero emission mobility options. As such, I was delighted to announce the continuation and extension of the Electric Small Public Service Vehicle (eSPSV) Grant Scheme in 2021. The Scheme which has been administered by the NTA since 2018, provides enhanced supports, up to €20,000, for eligible taxi and hackney drivers switching to EVs. The NTA also provides a Wheelchair Accessible Vehicle (WAV) Grant Scheme.
In addition, €15 million has also been allocated to support up to 750 taxi and hackney drivers in scrapping their older vehicles and replacing them with zero-emission capable electric alternatives. The scrappage scheme is open for taxis and hackneys reaching their maximum permissible age limit in 2020/21. Up to €20,000 is available for eligible drivers switching to a new all-electric vehicle and up to €32,500 for those moving to a wheelchair accessible full electric vehicle.
The enhanced grant incentives reduce the cost differential that taxi drivers need to provide upfront. The scheme has been administered on a matured liability basis since it’s launch and has supported 124 eSPSVs between 2018 and present with a further 30 applications pending.
Central to the provision of funding under both the eSPSV grant scheme and the WAV grant scheme, is successful completion of the SPSV suitability inspection process. It is only upon confirmation that the vehicle, against which grant funding will be allocated, satisfies the relevant requirements prescribed in the schedules to the Taxi Regulation (Small Public Service Vehicle) Regulations 2015 and any additional requirements specified within the grant scheme documentation, that funding can be released. The sequencing of this process is maintained throughout all grant schemes and continues to remain integral to these two funding schemes.
In light of the very particular difficulties facing the SPSV industry as a result of the current pandemic, a number of financial supports have been made available by the Government. They include the following:
- Enterprise Support Grant;
- COVID-19 Part-time Job Incentive Scheme for the Self-Employed;
- COVID-19 Business Loan Scheme;
- COVID-19 Credit Guarantee Scheme;
- COVID-19 Enhanced Illness Benefit.
Further information regarding the above schemes, which are managed by the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment and the Department of Social Protection can also be found in recent editions of the SPSV Industry Update (Nov 2020/Feb 2021) on the NTA website.
A further support available which may be of particular relevance in the context of the query raised is the Covid-19 Business Loan provided by Microfinance Ireland (MFI). MFI are a not for profit lender, established to deliver the Governments Microenterprise Loan Fund. The Microenterprise Loan fund was put in place to support small businesses who may be having difficulties in accessing funding for their business from banks and/or commercial lenders. The Covid-19 Business Loan from MFI offers loans of €5,000 - €25,000 for all eligible applicants.
Further information about the Department of Enterprise Trade and Employment Microfinance Ireland COVID-19 Business Loan, including how to apply, can be found at enterprise.gov.ie/en/What-We-Do/Supports-for-SMEs/COVID-19-supports/Microfinance-Ireland-COVID-19-Business-Loan.html
88. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Transport if his attention has been drawn to the fact that taxi drivers that install a taxi meter in a new vehicle void the warranty of that vehicle; his views on whether this is a serious issue for taxi drivers that purchase a vehicle that subsequently has mechanical issues but they are then not covered by the manufacturer’s warranty; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27469/21]
View answerThe regulation of the small public service vehicle (SPSV) sector, including vehicle standards for taxis, is a matter for the National Transport Authority (NTA) under the provisions of the Taxi Regulation Act 2013.
I have, therefore, forwarded your correspondence to the Authority for consideration and direct reply. Please advise this office if you do not receive a response within 10 working days.
89. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Transport his plans to increase the wheelchair accessibility of the taxi fleet; the impact this has on taxi drivers that purchase a non-wheelchair accessible taxi now; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27470/21]
View answerThe Programme for Government contains commitments to support the greening of the SPSV fleet and to enhance accessibility for people with disabilities. To this end my Department funds two vehicle purchase schemes administered by the National Transport Authority; the eSPSV Grant Scheme to support the purchase of electric vehicles, and the WAV Grant Scheme to support the purchase of wheelchair-accessible vehicles. A vehicle which is both fully electric and wheelchair accessible can avail of grant support from both schemes to a combined maximum of €32,500 per vehicle. This substantial level of support recognises both the higher costs of such vehicles and their necessity in meeting the needs of passengers who require wheelchair accessible vehicles
SPSV operators are encouraged to consider the grant assistance available when making a vehicle purchase. The schemes aim to incentivise drivers to choose vehicles which are fully electric, wheelchair-accessible, or both. There is no grant assistance available to drivers planning to purchase a non-wheelchair accessible internal combustion powered SPSVs.
90. Deputy Noel Grealish asked the Minister for Transport if his attention has been drawn to cuts to Bus Éireann routes 51 and 51x services in Galway and the impact this will have on staff and students at GMIT; if it will be ensured that these services are retained at the current level; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27476/21]
View answer91. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Transport if he will address a matter regarding a Bus Éireann route (details supplied). [27492/21]
View answer157. Deputy Mairéad Farrell asked the Minister for Transport if he plans to review the recent decision by Bus Éireann to reduce services on the 51/51x route between Galway and Cork; if this decision took into account that demand for bus services will likely increase as more sectors open up; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28148/21]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 90, 91 and 157 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.
As is the case in many other sectors of the economy, despite these Government supports, Covid-19 has resulted in significant financial pressures for public transport operators. As you will be aware, Bus Éireann’s Expressway business operates on a commercial basis in competition with other, private, commercial operators in the licensed bus market. Following extensive analysis and work within the company, the decision to consolidate its Expressway network was taken by the Board of Bus Éireann in September 2020. This was a commercial decision by the company. The decision affects four routes: the Dublin/Belfast service (which ceased operations in November 2020): and services on the Dublin to Cork, Limerick and Galway routes.
In circumstances where a commercial operator ceases operating a specific route, the NTA undertakes an examination to determine whether, with the discontinuation of the commercial service, it is necessary for a replacement public service obligation (PSO) service to be introduced to ensure no loss of connectivity to the travelling public. This process includes an assessment of the level of demand for public transport services in the affected area, an evaluation of whether existing PSO services can be reconfigured to meet any shortfall, or whether it is necessary to competitively tender for the provision of services.
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.
92. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Transport if he considers the driver theory test centres to be essential services; and when the driver theory test centres will reopen. [27493/21]
View answerThe Driver Theory Test is considered a non-essential service by Government, 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.
93. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Transport if he will give consideration to removing the necessity for back taxing of vehicles particularly those in sectors which were affected by the Covid-19 restrictions and were unused during the period of lockdown. [27498/21]
View answerThere are no plans currently to waive arrears of motor tax for vehicles which have not been in use in a public place and which have not been declared off the road in line with current legislative provisions.
There has been a facility in place since 2013, where, if a vehicle is not going to be in use in a public place, to declare that vehicle off the road.
This is provided for in the Non-Use of Motor Vehicles Act which came into effect on 1 July 2013. Under these provisions, a declaration must be made in the last month of an existing motor tax disc or renewed in the last month of a previously made declaration of non-use. The declaration can be made for any number of calendar months between 3 and 12 months i.e. it cannot be made for a period of 1 or 2 months. If a vehicle is subsequently required to be put back on the road, the declaration can be broken at any time simply by taxing the vehicle. Where a vehicle has not been declared off the road within the required timescale, motor tax and arrears, if applicable, must be made in respect of the vehicle.
94. Deputy Kieran O'Donnell asked the Minister for Transport when the National Transport Authority plans to roll-out the new Transport for Ireland branded signage and updated timetables in all counties including Limerick and Tipperary given that Covid-19 restrictions are being eased (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27511/21]
View answerAs Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport. The National Transport Authority (NTA) has statutory responsibility for the planning and development of public transport infrastructure, including the provision of bus stop and shelter signage.
Noting the NTA's responsibility in the matter, I have referred the Deputy's question to the NTA for a direct reply. Please contact my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 days.
95. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Transport if retired members of the CIÉ 1951 pension scheme were afforded any consultation or right to vote on the proposals recently agreed; if we will agree to meet their representatives to discuss their concerns on the issue; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27525/21]
View answer96. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Transport if the 1951 pension scheme for CIÉ workers is in compliance with minimum funding standard rules; his plans to meet with CIÉ representatives to discuss the crisis in this scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27526/21]
View answer98. Deputy Ruairí Ó Murchú asked the Minister for Transport if he will seek assurances from the CIÉ group that it will not engage in discussions or make any changes to the pension 1951 scheme until the outcome of the High Court application made by the trustees of the scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27579/21]
View answer101. Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Transport if the 1951 superannuation pension scheme for CIÉ workers is in compliance with minimum funding standard rules; if he plans to meet with CIÉ representatives to discuss this crisis in the scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27589/21]
View answer102. Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Transport the reason CIÉ excluded the non-union members from a vote on LCR22297 when it confirmed that would not be the case; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27590/21]
View answer103. Deputy Chris Andrews asked the Minister for Transport if the 1951 superannuation pension scheme for CIÉ workers is in compliance with minimum funding standard rules; if he plans to meet with CIÉ representatives to discuss this crisis in the scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27591/21]
View answer104. Deputy Chris Andrews asked the Minister for Transport the reason CIÉ excluded the non-union members from a vote on LCR22297 when it confirmed that would not be the case; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27592/21]
View answer105. Deputy Gino Kenny asked the Minister for Transport the reason CIÉ states that the 1951 superannuation scheme is €800 million in debt when the trustees have confirmed it is 102% of the minimum funding standard. [27652/21]
View answer106. Deputy Gino Kenny asked the Minister for Transport the reason that CIÉ has not used contingent assets to repair the deficit in the 1951 superannuation scheme balance sheet as per the 1994 agreement; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27653/21]
View answer108. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Transport if his attention has been drawn to information that sets out that the 1951 superannuation pension scheme for CIÉ workers is compliant with minimum funding standard rules; his plans to meet with CIÉ representatives to discuss issues surrounding the scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27663/21]
View answer119. Deputy Jim O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Transport if the 1951 superannuation pension scheme for CIÉ workers is in compliance with minimum funding standard rules; if he plans to meet with CIÉ representatives to discuss the crisis in relation to the scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27809/21]
View answer120. Deputy Jim O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Transport the reason that CIÉ excluded the non-union members from a vote on LCR22297 when the company confirmed that would not be the case; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27810/21]
View answer144. Deputy Chris Andrews asked the Minister for Transport the reason CIÉ continually inform the public that the 1951 superannuation scheme is €800 million in debt when in fact the trustees have confirmed it is 102% of the minimum funding standard; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28029/21]
View answer145. Deputy Chris Andrews asked the Minister for Transport the reason CIÉ has not used contingent assets to repair a deficit in the 1951 superannuation scheme balance sheet as per the 1994 agreement; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28030/21]
View answer162. Deputy Cathal Crowe asked the Minister for Transport if he will intervene in a superannuation dispute (details supplied). [28162/21]
View answer164. Deputy Joe Flaherty asked the Minister for Transport if he will seek an assurance from CIÉ that it will await the outcome of the High Court application by the trustees of the 1951 pension scheme before engaging in further discussions on the scheme. [28241/21]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 95, 96, 98, 101 to 106, inclusive, 108, 119, 120, 144, 145, 162 and 164 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.
Concerning the 1951 pension scheme, it is my understanding that this scheme does not currently meet the Minimum Funding Standard required by the Pensions Authority; and that members of the scheme were recently balloted regarding the Labour Court proposals which emerged on 23rd November 2020, with a majority of the members voting to accept the proposals.
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.
97. Deputy Steven Matthews asked the Minister for Transport the position regarding the maintenance of the Wexford to Waterford railway line; if he plans to maintain the previous maintenance schedule that had been in place in recent years; if it will be ensured that this section is included in the strategic rail review; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27573/21]
View answerAs the Deputy may be aware, following the closure of the Wexford to Waterford railway line in November 2010, a maintenance agreement was established between the National Transport Authority (NTA) and Iarnród Éireann (IÉ). I am informed that the maintenance agreement was reviewed in 2019 and revised arrangements agreed last year between the NTA and IÉ which reflect the fact that no rail services have operated on the line for just over a decade.
The Strategic Rail Review will examine the rail network on the island of Ireland in relation to improving sustainable connectivity between the major cities, enhancing regional accessibility, supporting balanced regional development and rail connectivity to our international gateways, with the latter considering the role of rail freight. The Review will also consider the potential scope for improved rail services along the various existing, or future potential, corridors of the network and that scope will certainly include the potential afforded by disused and closed lines such as the one referred to by the Deputy.
99. Deputy Neasa Hourigan asked the Minister for Transport if he will introduce best practice reporting guidance for road collisions as recently adopted in the United Kingdom (details supplied). [27583/21]
View answerWhile I fully acknowledge the need for sensitive and accurate reporting in relation to road collisions, it is not my role as Minister for Transport to issue guidelines to the press on how they carry out their reporting.
The UK Guidelines to which the Deputy refers were not issued by any arm or agency of Government. My understanding is that they were co-ordinated by the University of Westminster’s Active Travel Academy with input from a broad range of professionals following consultation with a wide range of stakeholders. The Guidelines are intended to form an industry standard for media reporting and commenting on road collisions, and to help publishers avoid language we know from research directly influences how safe people are on the roads.
I would welcome such an initiative by an Irish educational institution or by the Irish media.
