Written Answers Nos. 83-108
84. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Transport the reason learner permits have not been extended when most learner drivers have been unable to complete their EDT or sit their driver tests; the reason these learner drivers now have to pay €35 to renew their licence while they wait for the full resumption of driver lessons and tests; if he will have this matter reconsidered; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28480/21]
View answerThe validity of learner permits that expired between 1 March and 30 June 2020 were extended for 8 months, while those that expired between 1 July and 31 October 2020 were extended for 4 months.
A further extension is currently being considered.
85. Deputy Claire Kerrane asked the Minister for Transport if there are plans to roll-out temporary pop-up driver test centres; if so, the locations; if consideration will be given to locating a centre in a town (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28499/21]
View answerThe driver test is the statutory responsibility of the Road Safety Authority. The location of test centres is an operational 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.
86. Deputy Neale Richmond asked the Minister for Transport if he has considered taking further action towards providing free travel on public transport to those unable to drive due to epilepsy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28501/21]
View answer88. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Transport if his attention has been drawn to the cessation of a discount on Bus Éireann services for persons with epilepsy; if he has engaged with the NTA on this issue; and his plans to reinstate the discount benefit. [28547/21]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 86 and 88 together.
As Minister for Transport I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport. The National Transport Authority (NTA) has the statutory responsibility for the regulation of fares in relation to public passenger transport services and also has statutory responsibility for securing the provision of public transport services by way of public transport services contracts in respect of services that are socially necessary but commercially unviable.
Any assessment of a proposed change to public transport fare structures would be a matter for the NTA to consider in the first instance. Bus Éireann’s Expressway services are commercial bus services and responsibility for setting fares for such services is a matter for the company. I have not engaged with either the NTA or Bus Éireann in relation to this matter.
I have, therefore, referred the Deputy's questions to the NTA and Bus Éireann for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within ten working days.
87. Deputy James O'Connor asked the Minister for Transport if he will report on the tendering of Bus Éireann routes (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28545/21]
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 securing the provision of public passenger transport services nationally, including the tendering of Public Service Obligation routes.
In view of the above, I forwarded the Deputy's question to the NTA for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a response within ten working days.
89. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Transport the reason driver instructors are still being refused access to shelter and toilet facilities in testing centres despite the phased relaxation of Covid-19 restrictions; when this policy will be changed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28603/21]
View answerAs the Deputy is aware, a decision was reached by Government earlier this month to allow for the resumption of Initial Basic Training (IBT) and the partial resumption of Essential Driver Training (EDT) from the 10th of May.
While these developments are welcome, I must remind the Deputy that we are very much still in a public health emergency and have a responsibility to ensure that the risk of transmitting the virus is kept to an absolute minimum.
Both my Department and the Road Safety Authority recognise that the withdrawal of access to test centre facilities may be inconvenient for partners, family members and indeed driving instructors who accompany learner drivers to their tests. The fact remains, however, that the more people who enter a building, the greater the risk of Covid spreading. The safety of staff and the public in general must remain the Road Safety Authority's number one priority at this time.
I would also like to make it absolutely clear that there is no requirement in law for driving instructors to attend test centres with learners sitting driving tests, or indeed to remain at the centre for the duration of the test.
90. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Transport if a driver test will be expedited for an essential worker (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28607/21]
View answerThe driver 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.
91. Deputy Duncan Smith asked the Minister for Transport if his attention has been drawn to ongoing issues in relation to the provision of toilet facilities at a train station (details supplied) in County Kildare; his plans to address these issues; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28614/21]
View answer92. Deputy Duncan Smith asked the Minister for Transport if his attention has been drawn to ongoing issues in relation to the provision of toilet facilities at a train station (details supplied) in County Laois; his plans to address these issues; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28615/21]
View answer93. Deputy Duncan Smith asked the Minister for Transport if his attention has been drawn to ongoing issues in relation to the provision of toilet facilities at a train station (details supplied) in County Kildare; his plans to address these issues; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28616/21]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 91, 92 and 93 together.
As the Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport. However, I am not involved in the day-to-day operations of public transport.
The issues raised are operational matters for Iarnród Éireann and I have forwarded the Deputy's questions to the company for direct reply.
Please advise my private office if you do not receive a response within ten working days.
94. Deputy Duncan Smith asked the Minister for Transport if his attention has been drawn to transport difficulties for a town (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28617/21]
View answerThe improvement and maintenance of regional and local roads is the statutory responsibility of each local authority, in accordance with the provisions of Section 13 of the Roads Act 1993. Works on those roads are funded from local authorities' own resources supplemented by State road grants. The initial selection and prioritisation of works to be funded is also a matter for the local authority.
The extent of the cutbacks in grant funding during the post 2008 recession meant that grant funding for road improvement schemes had to be curtailed because expenditure on maintenance/renewal was falling well short of what was required to adequately maintain the regional and local road network.
The National Development Plan (NDP) does provide for the gradual build up in funding for the road network but funding is not yet at the level needed for the adequate maintenance and renewal of regional and local roads. For this reason, the primary focus for capital investment at present is the maintenance and renewal of the network and implementation of the 12 regional and local road projects identified for development, subject to necessary approvals, in the NDP.
Any road improvement projects proposed by local authorities for consideration for funding are assessed by the Department on a case-by-case basis. All projects put forward by local authorities for consideration must comply with the requirements of the Public Spending Code (PSC) and my Department's Capital Appraisal Framework (CAF).
It is my understanding that Kildare County Council have been focussed on seeking funding for the proposed second bridge in Newbridge under the Urban Regeneration and Development Fund (URDF) administered by the Department of Housing, Planning and Local Government (DHPLG). To date no application has been received by my Department from Kildare County Council in relation to the proposed second bridge in Newbridge.
It should be noted that the scope for considering any new significant road improvement projects is dependent on the outcome of the NDP review.
95. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport his plans to upgrade the IT system in his Department and bodies under his aegis with a view to maximising the protection against hackers. [28696/21]
View answerMy technical staff are closely engaged with experts in the Office of the Government's Chief Information Officer and the National Cyber Security Centre to ensure that we follow best practice as it relates to all aspects of Cybersecurity including the upgrading of IT systems if required. 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 departmental Cybersecurity arrangements.
96. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport 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. [28714/21]
View answerMy 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 including the implementation of additional measures if required. For operational and security reasons, it would not be appropriate to 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.
97. Deputy Paul McAuliffe asked the Minister for Transport when driver theory tests will recommence; and his plans to deal with the backlog. [28757/21]
View answer98. Deputy Gary Gannon asked the Minister for Transport the date driver theory tests will resume; the number of applicants who are in the backlog; and if the online driver theory test (details supplied) will be used to address the backlog. [28780/21]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 97 and 98 together.
The driver theory test is the statutory responsibility of the Road Safety Authority. Information regarding the number of applicants and backlogs are held by the Authority. This part of 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.
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.
From the start, it has been clear that the first priority is public safety. We want to provide services, and we know people are looking for services but we will provide them only to the limit possible while preserving public health.
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, subject to health assurances. This will help significantly to tackle the backlog.
The RSA has been working to deliver an online service, with a pilot online test already underway for trucks and buses. This pilot service has now been extended to include a limited number of car and motorbike tests.
The new offering online will see 4,000 online theory tests available for all categories of vehicles per month. Tests are available on a ‘first come, first served’ basis with the new online service becoming more widely available later in the year. Once the online service is established, all customers will be able to opt to do the test online.
99. Deputy Gary Gannon asked the Minister for Transport the status of an online driver theory test service (details supplied) being employed for all theory test types; and the future phrases of the roll-out schedule for 2021. [28781/21]
View answer100. Deputy Jennifer Whitmore asked the Minister for Finance if assurances will be provided to the early years sector that a bespoke EWSS will remain in place for childcare settings until December 2021 (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28544/21]
View answerSection 28B of the Emergency Measures in the Public Interest (Covid-19) Act 2020 provides for the operation of the Employment Wage Subsidy Scheme (EWSS), which is an economy-wide enterprise support for eligible businesses in respect of eligible employees. It provides a flat-rate subsidy to qualifying employers based on the numbers of paid and eligible employees on the employer’s payroll and charges a reduced rate of employer PRSI of 0.5% on wages paid which are eligible for the subsidy payment.
While the criteria for eligibility for business in general is based on a reduction in turnover, as a result of the pandemic and having regard to the importance of maintaining the provision of childcare facilities so as to enable parents to continue in, or to take up, position of employment, the legislation provided that childcare businesses in possession of tax clearance and registered in accordance with Section 58C of the Childcare Act 1991 are eligible for the EWSS.
The objective of the Employment Wage Subsidy Scheme (EWSS) is to support all employment and maintain the link between the employer and employee insofar as is possible. The EWSS has been a key component of the Government’s response to the continued Covid-19 crisis to support viable firms and encourage employment in the midst of these very challenging times. To date, payments of over €3.1 billion and PRSI credit of over €520 million have been granted to 49,000 employers in respect of 560,000 workers.
I have been clear that there will be no cliff-edge to the support which EWSS provides to businesses and, as the Deputy will be aware, it has been decided that the scheme is now to be extended until the end of June 2021. Similarly, the COVID Restrictions Support Scheme has also been extended to end June 2021.
Motions seeking Dáil approval of the extension of the Covid Restrictions Support Scheme and the Employment Wage Subsidy Scheme to 30 June 2021 took place on Thursday 22 April, during which I reaffirmed the Government’s commitment that there would be no cliff-edge end to the economic supports at the end of June.
With the agreement by Government on the revised plan, COVID-19 Resilience and Recovery 2021: The Path Ahead, a cautious and measured approach will be taken as we lay the foundations for the full recovery of social life, public services and the economy.
As the revised plan is implemented, the EWSS will play an important role in getting people back to work as public health restrictions are eased, thereby reducing the numbers dependent on social welfare payments over time, including the Pandemic Unemployment Payment (PUP).
Consideration is being given to the fact that continued support could be necessary out to the end of 2021 to help maintain viable businesses and employment and to provide businesses with certainty to the maximum extent possible. Decisions on the form of such support will take account of emerging circumstances and economic conditions as they become clearer.
The Government will continue to assess the effects of the Covid-19 pandemic on the economy and I will continue to work with Ministerial colleagues to ensure that appropriate supports are in place to mitigate these effects.
101. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Finance if he will address an issue (details supplied) regarding the rebate diesel scheme. [28396/21]
View answerThe Diesel Rebate Scheme (DRS) is provided for in Section 99A of the Finance Act 1999. Under the DRS, qualifying road transport operators may qualify for a repayment of part of the mineral oil tax paid on auto-diesel purchased in the State for use in the course of their business. Applications by qualifying operators for repayments are made in respect of a quarterly repayment period.
I am advised by Revenue that the DRS quarterly rebate rate is calculated using an estimate of the quarterly national average purchase price of diesel. This estimate is based on data provided by the Central Statistics Office (CSO). CSO figures for the first two months of each quarter are used to arrive at the quarterly national average purchase price of diesel. The calculation of DRS quarterly rebate rates is carried out in accordance with formulae set out in legislation –
(a) Where the estimate of the quarterly average purchase price of diesel (excluding VAT) is less than or equal to €1,070 per 1,000 litres the rebate rate is calculated as follows:
Amount to be repaid per 1,000 litres = (Quarterly Average Price per 1,000 litres – 1,000) x 0.3
(b) Where the estimate of the quarterly average purchase price of diesel excluding VAT is greater than €1,070 per 1,000 litres the rebate rate is calculated as follows:
Amount to be repaid per 1,000 litres = 21 + [(Quarterly Average Price per 1,000 litres – 1,070) x 0.6]
The rebate amount is capped at 7.5 cent per litre, which arises when the average price of diesel (excluding VAT) is €1.16 or more per litre.
The Deputy is asking about the rebate rates for Quarter 4 2020 and Quarter 1 2021. The CSO figures for the monthly national average price of diesel (including VAT) for October 2020 to March 2021 are listed below.
|
Month |
National Average Price €/litre |
|
October 2020 |
1.244 |
|
November 2020 |
1.253 |
|
December 2020 |
1.181 |
|
January 2021 |
1.214 |
|
February 2021 |
1.251 |
|
March 2021 |
1.332 |
The average price used by Revenue for Q4 2020 is based on the CSO figures for October and November. The average price used by Revenue for Q1 2021 is based on the CSO figures for January and February. Therefore, it is correct that the rebate rate for the first quarter of this year is lower than that for the last quarter for 2020.
I am further advised by Revenue that, when calculating DRS rebate rates for the last quarter of 2020 the temporary reduction in the VAT rate (from 23% to 21%) was not taken into account. The corrected rebate rate of €0.01 per litre for Q4 2020 will now be applied to all valid claims from qualifying operators for that period. Also, claims for Q1 2021 are currently being processed, and the correct DRS rate for Q1 2021 of €0.006 will be applied for rebates on all valid claims for that period.
102. Deputy Mairéad Farrell asked the Minister for Finance if he will provide the data on general Government net worth in each of the years 2000, 2005, 2010, 2015 and 2020, in tabular form. [28401/21]
View answerDeputy, the table below displays general government net worth data for the requested years.
|
2000 |
2005 |
2010 |
2015 |
2020 |
|
|
General government net worth (€ millions) |
42,242 |
83,084 |
6,398 |
-51,469 |
-39,322 |
Source: Central Statistics Office
103. Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Finance if companies (details supplied) have availed of the temporary wage subsidy scheme and the employment wage subsidy scheme; if access to the scheme will be re-examined in view of the refusal to recognise the rights of its employees to have their union recognised by the companies; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28550/21]
View answerThe Deputy may be aware that in accordance with Section 851A of the Taxes Consolidation Act 1997 Revenue is statutorily bound to confidentiality in respect of taxpayer information and is therefore precluded from disclosing taxpayer information.
In relation to the Temporary Wage Subsidy Scheme (TWSS), section 28(8) of the Emergency Measures in the Public Interest (Covid-19) Act 2020 required Revenue to publish a list of the names and addresses of all employers who registered for and received funding under TWSS. The legislation as set down only provides for the publication of the names and addresses of employers that received TWSS payments.
I am advised that the list of the names and addresses of the employers that received TWSS payments is available at: www.revenue.ie/en/employing-people/twss/list-of-employers/index.aspx.
The Deputy should note that while information in relation to the amount of subsidy paid to an employer is not publicly available, individual employees can see the amount of TWSS claimed by their employer on their behalf by examining their pay slip or by logging on to their Revenue myAccount.
In relation to the Employment Wage Subsidy Scheme (EWSS), Section 28B(10) of the Emergency Measures in the Public Interest (Covid-19) Act 2020 required Revenue to publish the name and address of each employer who received payments under EWSS.
While the legislation requires the publication of the name and address of each employer that received EWSS payments, Revenue is obliged to maintain taxpayer confidentiality, in accordance with Section 851A of the Taxes Consolidation Act 1997, in relation to all other details, for example, the amount of subsidy paid.
As at today’s date, Revenue has published the name and address of each employer who received payments in 2020 and Quarter 1 2021 under EWSS. This list is available at: www.revenue.ie/en/employing-people/ewss/list-of-employers-who-received-payments-under-the-ewss.aspx.
The wider question of employment conditions, including the issue of recognition of trade unions by any claimant company, is outside the remit of the EWSS (and previously the TWSS) and there are no plans to change this position.
104. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Finance his plans to upgrade the IT system in his Department and bodies under his aegis with a view to maximising the protection against hackers. [28685/21]
View answerFor operational security reasons, my Department is not in a position to provide any details of its data security systems or those of the bodies under its aegis, as it would be inappropriate to disclose information that may in any way assist those with malicious intent.
105. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Finance 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. [28703/21]
View answerFor operational security reasons, my Department is not in a position to provide any details of its data security systems, as it would be inappropriate to disclose information that may in any way assist those with malicious intent.
106. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform his plans to upgrade the IT system in his Department and bodies under his aegis with a view to maximising the protection against hackers. [28691/21]
View answerFor operational security reasons, my Department is not in a position to provide any details of its data security systems or those of the bodies under its aegis, as it would be inappropriate to disclose information that may in any way assist those with malicious intent.
107. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform 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. [28709/21]
View answerMy Department does not comment on operational security matters. We operate a defence-in-depth and security by design approach with a range of security systems in place that protect our digital assets.
108. Deputy Jim O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media if from 7 June 2021, pubs will be able to serve drinks outdoors without an obligation to serve food as well. [28786/21]
View answerThe Government has confirmed that from 7 June, subject to the public health situation at the time, outdoor services in restaurants and bars can recommence, with groups limited to a maximum of 6 people. Previous requirements that alcohol could only be served to those also ordering a substantial meal will not apply.
