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Wednesday, 26 May 2021

Written Answers Nos. 52-82

Cybersecurity Policy

Questions (52, 53, 54, 57, 58, 59, 60)

Catherine Murphy

Question:

52. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Taoiseach 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. [27422/21]

View answer

Fergus O'Dowd

Question:

53. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Taoiseach 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. [27437/21]

View answer

Fergus O'Dowd

Question:

54. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Taoiseach 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; and if ISO 27001 annex 9 standards on privileged access are fully met. [27438/21]

View answer

Bernard Durkan

Question:

57. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Taoiseach his plans to upgrade the IT system in his Department and bodies under his aegis with a view to maximising the protection against hackers. [28694/21]

View answer

Bernard Durkan

Question:

58. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Taoiseach if additional security measures will be taken to impede and prevent the intrusion of hackers in his Department’s IT system and to ensure an early warning system is in place which will trigger an ultimate defence. [28712/21]

View answer

Seán Sherlock

Question:

59. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Taoiseach if there is a policy of data back-up in the operations of his Department and all agencies under his remit. [28126/21]

View answer

Peadar Tóibín

Question:

60. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Taoiseach the investment made by his Department and State agencies under its remit in each year in cyber security for the past ten years. [28851/21]

View answer

Written answers

I propose to take Questions Nos. 52, 53, 54, and 57 to 60, inclusive, together.

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 cyber security and information security, including data backup.

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 cyber security 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.

My Department has policies and procedures in place, which are kept under review, to ensure the protection of departmental records in line with GDPR requirements.

Question No. 53 answered with Question No. 52.
Question No. 54 answered with Question No. 52.

Taoiseach's Meetings and Engagements

Questions (55)

Brendan Smith

Question:

55. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Taoiseach the issues discussed at his recent meeting with the British Prime Minister. [27446/21]

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Written answers

I met with Prime Minister Boris Johnson in Chequers on Friday 14th May.

We had constructive engagement across a number of issues. Our discussions focused on ways our two Governments can continue to work together to support all the institutions of the Good Friday Agreement and promote peace and prosperity on both a North/South and East/West basis. We also discussed issues around implementation of the Northern Ireland Protocol.

We discussed the long journey of the Ballymurphy families for justice to vindicate the innocence of their loved ones. In this context I emphasised the importance of the British Government responding to the families in a way that recognises the gravity of the findings which categorically established that ten innocent people were killed.

As well as discussing Ballymurphy specifically, Prime Minister Johnson and I spoke about legacy issues, and of how best to secure progress and answers for the many families who have been pursuing truth and justice now for far too many years.

I was clear with the Prime Minister that every family bereaved in the conflict should have access to an effective investigation and to a process of justice, regardless of the perpetrator. The Stormont House Agreement framework allows for the crucial elements we need – investigations, truth recovery, oral history, reconciliation and acknowledgement.

While the Government is ready to engage and work with the British Government and the Northern Ireland parties in relation to any concerns around the aspects of the implementation of the Stormont House Agreement, I made clear that this must be a collaborative and collective process.

I also made clear that unilateral action cannot be the basis of any sustainable way forward.

We will continue to engage with the UK Government on this.

We also discussed British-Irish relations, and we are both ambitious for the development of the next phase of the bilateral relationship framed around a number of areas of common interest, including research and innovation, sport, cultural interests and tackling climate change.

We had a good exchange on the response to the COVID-19 pandemic and the value of working together.

The Prime Minister and I agreed to remain in close touch over the coming weeks.

Departmental Legal Services

Questions (56)

Mairéad Farrell

Question:

56. Deputy Mairéad Farrell asked the Taoiseach the spend by his Department on external professional legal services in 2014, 2019 and 2020, in tabular form. [28497/21]

View answer

Written answers

My Department incurred no expenditure in respect of external professional legal services in the years 2014, 2019 or 2020.

The Moriarty Tribunal of Inquiry and the Commissions of Investigation, which are independent of my Department, have sanction to engage legal counsel, as required, to assist them in their work. All legal services fees are paid at rates approved by the Government.

Question No. 57 answered with Question No. 52.
Question No. 58 answered with Question No. 52.
Question No. 59 answered with Question No. 52.
Question No. 60 answered with Question No. 52.

Personal Injuries Assessment Board

Questions (61)

Pádraig O'Sullivan

Question:

61. Deputy Pádraig O'Sullivan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the waiting time for the completion of the case of a person by the Personal Injuries Assessment Board; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28636/21]

View answer

Written answers

The Personal Injuries Assessment Board (PIAB) facilitates the objective assessment of damages at a much lower delivery cost, and in a far shorter timeframe than through litigation.

The Central Bank’s second ‘National Claims Information Database - Private Motor Insurance Report’ published in November 2020 highlighted PIAB’s valuable role in significantly reducing the timeframe for delivery of personal injuries awards and in greatly reducing associated costs.

Section 49 of the Personal Injuries Assessment Board Act 2003 provides that PIAB must assess claims within nine months of the respondent’s consent to the assessment process. In limited circumstances this may be extended by an additional six months. Further extension beyond this is only allowed with the consent of the claimant.

In common with many services there has been some impact on PIAB’s services arising from the pandemic. Most notably, independent medical examinations were suspended for periods due to restrictions and the need to protect the health system since March 2020. Notwithstanding the pandemic, PIAB processed over 26,000 claims in 2020 with the average time taken to assess a claim, from the date of consent to the date of award, being nine months.

Trade Unions

Questions (62)

Bríd Smith

Question:

62. Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the timeline for his proposed actions and policy on collective bargaining and the right to trade union recognition; if he will consider ensuring that future Government and public spending are not given to companies that refuse to grant union recognition to their employees; if he will meet with union representatives (details supplied) to discuss the actions of companies in refusing to recognise the union; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28551/21]

View answer

Written answers

The Government announced the establishment of the High Level Group on Collective Bargaining under the auspices of the Labour Employer Economic Forum (LEEF) at the end of march 2021. The purpose of the group is to review the collective bargaining and the industrial relations landscape in Ireland.

To date, the Group have held two meetings. The Group is due to submit an interim report by the end of July 2021 with the aim of completing its work as soon as possible thereafter.

Ireland's system of Industrial Relations is based in voluntarism. While the right of workers to form associations and join a trade union is enshrined in Article 40 of the Irish Constitution, under Irish law there is no obligation on employers to recognise any union for the purposes of collective bargaining. I have no direct role in these matters.

It would be best to follow up the specific matter raised by the Deputy with my colleague Minister Catherine Martin.

Cybersecurity Policy

Questions (63)

Bernard Durkan

Question:

63. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment his plans to upgrade the IT system in his Department and bodies under his aegis with a view to maximising the protection against hackers. [28683/21]

View answer

Written answers

My Department adopts a defence in depth approach to cyber security. This approach uses multiple layers, disparate systems and monitors to deliver security which is not dependent on any single component. Given the heightened level of risk which currently exists, our technical staff has adopted a posture of increased vigilance and oversight of systems.

My Department is taking advice from our own external security advisers, and is also monitoring advice and guidance coming from the National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) on any additional steps which should be implemented in the light of current risks. My Department has an ongoing process for patching and upgrading systems, and this process has been adjusted and informed in light of current risk levels and advice.

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, or to allow those criminals to enumerate differences in approach between public bodies which could be used to identify targets.

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.

Cybersecurity Policy

Questions (64)

Bernard Durkan

Question:

64. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if additional security measures will be taken to impede and prevent the intrusion of hackers in his Department’s IT system and to ensure an early warning system is in place which will trigger an ultimate defence; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28701/21]

View answer

Written answers

My Department adopts a defence in depth approach to cyber security. This approach uses multiple layers, disparate systems and monitors to deliver security which is not dependent on any single component. Given the heightened level of risk which currently exists, our technical staff has adopted a posture of increased vigilance and oversight of systems.

My Department is taking advice from our own external security advisers, and is also monitoring advice and guidance coming from the National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) on any additional steps which should be implemented in the light of current risks, including strengthening appropriate controls where necessary.

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, or to allow those criminals to enumerate differences in approach between public bodies which could be used to identify targets.

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.

Public Procurement Contracts

Questions (65)

Mairéad Farrell

Question:

65. Deputy Mairéad Farrell asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if he will provide the green procurement reporting template that Departments must submit to the EPA as per Circular 20/2019. [28400/21]

View answer

Written answers

To facilitate government departments meeting the requirements of DPER Circular No. 20 of 2019, the Environmental Protection Agency circulated the attached template to each government department in December 2020. Reporting Template for inclusion in Government Department’s Annual Report

Reference year 2020

A. Total number of contracts issued over €25,000 by priority sector

B. Total value of contracts issued over €25,000 by priority sector

C. Total number of contracts issued over €25,000 by priority sector which have incorporated GPP

 

D. Total value of contracts issued over €25,000 by priority sector which have incorporated GPP

Priority Sector

 

Construction

 

 

 

 

Energy

 

 

 

 

Food & Catering Services

 

 

 

 

Cleaning Products & Services

 

 

 

 

Textiles

 

 

 

 

IT Equipment

 

 

 

 

Paper

 

 

 

 

Other

(please specify)

 

 

 

 

Transport

 

 

 

 

Totals

 

 

 

 

 

Energy Policy

Questions (66, 72)

Brendan Griffin

Question:

66. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications when the review of the security of energy supply will commence; the length of time it is expected to take to complete the review; the details of the organisation or persons tasked with the review; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28436/21]

View answer

Michael Healy-Rae

Question:

72. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications when the proposed review of energy needs will take place in view of the recent announcement in which support is being provided on a moratorium on the proposed LNG project which actually should have started in 2020 but did not take place; and the timeframes and dates that are envisaged for same. [28609/21]

View answer

Written answers

I propose to take Questions Nos. 66 and 72 together.

My Department is currently carrying our a review of the security of energy supply of Ireland’s electricity and natural gas systems. The review is focusing on the period to 2030 in the context of ensuring a sustainable pathway to 2050. The review includes a technical analysis which will help inform a public consultation. 

The technical analysis includes identification and examination of the key risks to the security of supply in the electricity and natural gas systems; identification of options that could address or mitigate these risks in the period to 2030; and appraisal of these options in the context of ensuring a sustainable pathway to 2050.

It is planned that the technical analysis will be published and the public consultation undertaken in the second half of this year. It is planned the review will be completed by the end of 2021, following which it will be submitted to Government.

Departmental Advertising

Questions (67)

Bríd Smith

Question:

67. Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the spending by his Department on advertising with companies (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28549/21]

View answer

Written answers

I refer to the reply to Question No. 187 of 28 April 2021. Some of the payments referred to in that reply were made to a media communications agency and related to the placement of advertisements in regional newspapers. This may have indirectly benefitted some regional newspapers within the group of companies referred to in the question. Since then an additional €6,607 was spent on advertising in relation to Petroleum Public Notices.

Recycling Policy

Questions (68, 69, 70)

Darren O'Rourke

Question:

68. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications his plans to include a specific target for aluminium cans aside from general metal recycling rates as part of the deposit and return scheme proposal similar to plastic bottles; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28600/21]

View answer

Darren O'Rourke

Question:

69. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications his plans to include the same high collection and recycling targets for those beverage containers which fall outside the scope of the deposit and return scheme particularly glass to ensure there is an increase in ambition across all beverage container types; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28601/21]

View answer

Darren O'Rourke

Question:

70. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications his plans to introduce a takeback obligation on online retailers with no physical presence in Ireland who sell beverage containers within the scope of the deposit and return scheme in the Irish market; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28602/21]

View answer

Written answers

I propose to take Questions Nos. 68, 69 and 70 together. Aluminium, plastic and glass beverage containers are all forms of packaging. The Waste Action Plan for a Circular Economy details the measures that will be adopted to achieve optimum results in this area.The over-riding objective is to ensure that all packaging placed on the Irish market is reusable or recyclable in an economically viable way by 2030.

The recently renewed Ministerial approval for the national packaging compliance scheme, operated by Repak, sets out a level of ambition which will position Ireland as a frontrunner towards the attainment of EU packaging recycling targets including:  

- plastics recycling rates of 50% by 2025 and 55% by 2030;

- aluminium recycling targets of 50% by 2025 and 60% by 2030;

- glass recycling rates of 70% by 2025 and 75% by 2030.

To ensure we meet EU targets for the recycling of aluminium cans and plastic bottles, the plan also sets out a roadmap for the introduction of a Deposit and Return Scheme (DRS) for these items by the third quarter of 2022.  The DRS will operate as an extended producer responsibility scheme, funded by producers. In the third quarter of this year, the regulations for the Scheme will be finalised and a scheme operator to manage the DRS on behalf of the producers will be apointed.  A key goal of the scheme will be to ensure that all in-scope materials entering the State are treated equally.

National Broadband Plan

Questions (71)

Pearse Doherty

Question:

71. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications when fibre broadband will be available to a household (details supplied) in County Donegal; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28606/21]

View answer

Written answers

The Question refers to a premises located in the AMBER area on the National Broadband Plan (NBP) High Speed Broadband Map which is available on my Department's website www.broadband.gov.ie. The AMBER area represents the area to be served by the network to be deployed under the NBP State led intervention. I appreciate people's frustration when they are living so close to a fibre network but cannot get a connection to that network, particularly given the heightened importance of connectivity during the Covid-19 pandemic. The NBP will ensure that in all such cases a future proofed high speed broadband network will be built to serve these premises and work to deliver on this is underway. 

I am advised by National Broadband Ireland (NBI) that, as of 20 May 2021, over 218,000 premises across all counties have been surveyed. Surveys are complete or underway in County Donegal in Milford, Letterkenny, Ramelton, Termon, Ballymacool, Kilmacrennan, Mullaghfin and Tommyscroft. Further details are available on specific areas within County Donegal through the NBI website which provides a facility for any premises within the intervention area to register their interest in being provided with deployment updates through its website www.nbi.ie. Individuals who register with this facility will receive regular updates on progress by NBI on delivering the network and specific updates related to their own premises as works commence. I am advised that NBI is working to provide more detail on its website, with a rolling update on network build plans. NBI also has a dedicated email address, reps@nbi.ie, which can be used by Oireachtas members for specific queries.

Broadband Connection Points (BCPs) are a key element of the NBP providing high speed broadband in every county in advance of the roll out of the fibre to the home network. As of 20 May, 317 BCP sites have been installed by NBI and the high speed broadband service will be switched on in these locations through service provider contracts managed by the Department of Rural and Community Development for publicly accessible sites and the Department of Education for school BCPs. BCP’s are connected at Sliabh Liag Ranger Station, Leghowney Community Centre (located 13.7 kilometres from the premises), Rathlin Knitwear,The Gweedore Theatre, Dunree Military Museum, Tory Co-Op, Ray Community Centre, Meenreagh Hostel and Cranford Coole Community Centre. Further details can be found at nbi.ie/bcp-locations/. 

Drumfad National School, Urbalreagh National School, Scoil Naomh Cholmcille, Scoil Naoimh Colum and Doaghbeg National School have been installed by NBI for educational access. My Department continues to work with the Department of Education to prioritise schools with no high speed broadband, within the Intervention Area, for connection over the term of the NBP. In this regard, an acceleration of this aspect of the National Broadband Plan was announced in December which will see some 679 primary schools connected to high speed broadband by 2022, well ahead of the original target delivery timeframe of 2026. Some 42 primary schools are to be connected in Donegal.  Further details are available on the NBI website at nbi.ie/primary-schools-list/.

Question No. 72 answered with Question No. 66.

Environmental Policy

Questions (73)

Paul McAuliffe

Question:

73. Deputy Paul McAuliffe asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the grants available to sports clubs, resorts and golf clubs that would like to transition into carbon negative destinations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28638/21]

View answer

Written answers

Ireland has a highly diverse range of approximately 250,000 Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs). There are many useful  resources available to these companies which are provided by bodies such as the Environmental Protection Agency, the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland, the enterprise development agencies, Irish Water and others. In order to support companies in navigating the range of potential supports, my Department is collaborating with the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment and other Government Departments and State Agencies to develop a ‘Climate Toolkit 4 Business’. The ‘Climate Toolkit 4 Business’ will provide a gateway for businesses to take action in reducing their emissions by providing information on their emissions, creating a tailored climate action plan and directing them to resources for their needs, whether it be energy use, transport, waste reduction or water usage.

My Department offers arrange of supports through the SEAI covering both energy efficiency and renewable energy  as follows:

- Information, advisory and training services including SEAI Energy Academy (online resource) briefings, workshops, workplace resources, access to energy auditing services and case studies of best practice.

- Project Assistance: Grants for those organisations with large energy expenditure to help fund the development of feasibly studies and business cases for energy performance improvements.

- Excellence in Energy Efficient Design (EXEED) grant scheme for organisations to undertake design, construction and commissioning projects that use the EXEED certification process.

- The Support Scheme for Renewable Heat financially supports businesses in the adoption of renewable energy for heat, including heat pumps and heating systems that use biomass or biogas. 

- The Better Energy Communities Scheme funds community-based partnerships (including homes, community facilities and businesses). 

Accelerated Capital Allowances also allow businesses to reduce their taxable profits by the full level of expenditure on energy efficient equipment in the year the investment is made.

Cybersecurity Policy

Questions (74)

Bernard Durkan

Question:

74. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications his plans to upgrade the IT system in his Department and bodies under his aegis with a view to maximising the protection against hackers. [28684/21]

View answer

Written answers

For operational and security reasons, my Department has been advised by the NCSC not to disclose details which could in any way identify potential vulnerabilities in Departmental Cybersecurity arrangements.

Cybersecurity Policy

Questions (75)

Bernard Durkan

Question:

75. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if additional security measures will be taken to impede and prevent the intrusion of hackers in his Department’s IT system and to ensure an early warning system is in place which will trigger an ultimate defence; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28702/21]

View answer

Written answers

For operational and security reasons, my department has been advised by the NCSC not to disclose details which could in any way identify potential vulnerabilities in Departmental Cybersecurity arrangements, therefore, it is not considered appropriate to disclose particular arrangements in place in relation to IT security tools and services. My Department does not comment on operational security matters. 

Electric Vehicles

Questions (76)

Pa Daly

Question:

76. Deputy Pa Daly asked the Minister for Transport if he will approve the installation of additional rapid e-car chargers in Cahersiveen and Dingle, County Kerry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28559/21]

View answer

Written answers

The Deputy will be aware that the Government is fully committed to supporting a significant expansion and modernisation of the electric vehicle charging network over the coming years.

€10 million was committed from the Climate Action Fund (CAF) to support ESB investment in the charging network and this has leveraged a further €10 million investment from ESB. This intervention alone will result in:

- 90 additional high power chargers, each capable of charging two vehicles

- 52 additional fast chargers, which may replace existing standard chargers

- 264 replacement standard chargers with more modern technology and with each consisting of two charge points

The project is due to be completed in 2022.

Further details on ESB charge points nationwide can be found at esb.ie/ecars/charge-point-map

In light of the ESB eCars responsibility in the matter of this project including the provision of rapid charge points, I have forwarded the Deputy's question to the ESB for direct response. Please contact my Office if no reply is received within 10 working days.

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

Departmental Schemes

Questions (77)

Michael Healy-Rae

Question:

77. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Transport if a group (details supplied) can apply for funding for a new watercraft; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28561/21]

View answer

Written answers

The Department of Transport is responsible for administrative arrangements which support volunteer mountain, cave and boat rescue activity in Ireland. These arrangements consist of a grant which is formally entitled “Coastal and Inshore, Mountain and Cave Rescue Grant Current”.

The grant provides funding to Community Rescue Boats Ireland (CRBI), which constitutes the ‘Coastal and Inshore’ part of the grant’s title. CRBI units are certain voluntary rescue boat units that undertake to benchmark their training and activities against Coast Guard Boat Unit standards and may be tasked by the Coast Guard to assist in the event of a Search and Rescue. These units are invited to apply for the grants annually and are funded from the Irish Coast Guard budget.

Regrettably the Department is not in a position to provide funding for Killarney Water Rescue however we do wish them well with their endeavours.

Rail Network

Questions (78)

Steven Matthews

Question:

78. Deputy Steven Matthews asked the Minister for Transport if his attention has been drawn to matters in relation to the Barrow bridge (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28437/21]

View answer

Written answers

I can inform the Deputy that I am aware of the matter raised and indeed discussed the issue here in the House on the 6th October last and answered Parliamentary Question 167 yesterday in relation to the Wexford to Waterford line generally.

As previously stated, 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 Iarnód 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. Among these revised arrangements is the decision to leave the Barrow Bridge in the ‘open’ position for marine traffic, reflective of the fact that while no rail services have operated on the line for over a decade, the Barrow itself remains open for marine traffic serving New Ross port.

I am informed that a specific mechanism has been designed which will allow the bridge to be safely held open and that the design of this mechanism is such that this can be easily reversed if rail services resume in the future. So while the bridge is being maintained open, this position can easily be reversed if the line is required to go back into service.

Separately, the Deputy is also aware that I am undertaking a Strategic Rail Review to 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 also 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.

Bus Services

Questions (79, 81, 82, 83)

Kathleen Funchion

Question:

79. Deputy Kathleen Funchion asked the Minister for Transport if a list will be provided of all new routes established by the National Transport Authority since March 2020. [28471/21]

View answer

Kathleen Funchion

Question:

81. Deputy Kathleen Funchion asked the Minister for Transport if the National Transport Authority has the legal authority to remove vehicles from one operator and transfer them to another operator in cases in which that operator has been successful in a tendering process to operate a route instead of the existing operator. [28473/21]

View answer

Kathleen Funchion

Question:

82. Deputy Kathleen Funchion asked the Minister for Transport if the National Transport Authority is the entity responsible for all scheduled bus services within the State; and if they be private or public service obligation services. [28474/21]

View answer

Kathleen Funchion

Question:

83. Deputy Kathleen Funchion asked the Minister for Transport the reason for buses running light, that is, empty from Kilkenny to Clonmel and vice versa before commencing the 245 service from Clonmel to Cork and vice versa. [28475/21]

View answer

Written answers

I propose to take Questions Nos. 79, 81, 82 and 83 together.

As 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 securing the provision of public passenger transport services nationally.

I have, therefore, referred the Deputy's questions to the NTA for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within ten working days.

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

Bus Services

Questions (80)

Kathleen Funchion

Question:

80. Deputy Kathleen Funchion asked the Minister for Transport if all recent purchases of buses for use on public service obligation routes have been undertaken by the National Transport Authority and as such hold the title to the buses. [28472/21]

View answer

Written answers

The National Transport Authority (NTA) has statutory responsibility for the planning and development of public transport infrastructure, including the procurement of the national PSO bus fleet.

The NTA acts as the purchasing body for the PSO bus/coach fleet as operated by various companies (including the State owned companies and privately owned companies) in accordance with the public service contracts entered into by those companies with the NTA.

Noting their statutory responsibility on the matter I have referred the question to the NTA for further 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
Question No. 81 answered with Question No. 79.
Question No. 82 answered with Question No. 79.
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