Cormac Devlin
Question:10. Deputy Cormac Devlin asked the Minister for Transport the status of and position regarding the filling of the vacancies on the Taxi Advisory Committee. [32456/21]
View answerDepartmental Bodies
Questions (10)
Written answers
I would like to thank the Deputy for the opportunity to clarify the role of the Advisory Committee on Small Public Service Vehicles (SPSVs), sometimes known as the Taxi Advisory Committee.
The Committee was established under the Taxi Regulation Act 2013 to provide both the Minister and the NTA with advice in relation to small public service vehicles and their drivers. Neither the NTA nor the Minister are bound by any advice provided. To ensure that the Committee can provide an informed view on relevant policy and regulatory matters, its composition is prescribed by legislation to ensure that it represents a broad range of interests and, insofar as is practicable, ensures an equitable gender balance between men and women, and equitable representation from both urban and rural areas. There is currently one vacancy on the Committee.
Drivers are an important part of the Committee’s membership and four positions on the Committee are reserved for members who can represent driver interests. All four of these positions are filled by licenced SPSV drivers from across the country and I am satisfied that this ensures the Committee’s advice is informed by the perspective of drivers. The Committee also features dispatch operators, passenger representatives, including members representing the interests of disabled passengers and older passengers, members from the tourist industry, local government and from An Garda Síochána. I am of the view that one of the strengths of the Committee is this broad and diverse representation and I regard the perspective of passengers to be of particular importance when considering SPSV policy issues.
Members of the Committee are appointed by the Minister. Although the legislation prescribes the composition of the Advisory Committee, it does not provide for a specific method for filling vacancies on the Committee and, accordingly, the approach taken over the years has varied. The unpaid nature of positions on the Committee has, at times, posed a challenge in recruiting suitable candidates through open competition. Most of the current membership was appointed following an open competition run by the Public Appointments Service in June 2019, however, this competition failed to attract enough suitable candidates and two vacancies remained unfilled for a period. Three further vacancies arose since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic.
COVID-19 has had a profound effect on the SPSV sector and I was keen to ensure that drivers were represented on the Committee during this difficult time. In view of difficulties encountered in the previous PAS competition in filling all of the vacancies, and given the additional challenges associated with running a formal competition in the present climate, the NTA was asked to engage with taxi representative groups to identify suitable candidates with due regard to gender balance and the need to balance urban and rural representation.
As some representative groups were reluctant to join the Committee, I decided to leave one vacancy on the Committee for the time being. I respect the prerogative of those representative groups not to be part of the Committee. Nevertheless, I hope that they reconsider their position in time. Although I will meet these representative groups from time to time on identified issues, the Advisory Committee will continue to be the focus of my engagement with the SPSV sector during this pandemic.
Aviation Industry
Questions (11)
Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire
Question:11. Deputy Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire asked the Minister for Transport if he will intervene and engage with a company (details supplied) to ensure that no worker at Cork Airport will be laid off for ten weeks at the end of 2021. [31850/21]
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The temporary closure of Aer Lingus's crew base at Cork Airport aligns with the airports planned closure to carry out construction works on its main runway and associated infrastructure. In addition to the announced lay offs for the period, the airline also reported that they will be seeking a number of redundancies. The airline has indicated that such immediate actions and wider structural changes are to address the impact that COVID-19 has had on its operations.
Both Minister Naughton and I met with their CEO soon after their announcement, and they did confirm that there is no strategic intent to reduce connectivity at Cork Airport, but that the restoration of air services would depend on market conditions. It is clear from my ongoing discussions with Aer Lingus and other aviation stakleholders, that the prority for the industry is clarity around the re-opening of international travel.
On 28 May, the Government set out its plan for the resumption of non-essential international air travel, scheduled to begin on 19 July. This plan is built around EU Digital COVID Certificates and other proofs of vaccination, pre-departure PCR testing and mandatory quarantine that will allow international travel to operate safely. An “emergency brake” mechanism will also allow us to respond to the potential emergence of variants of concern.
On 1 June, Government launched its Economic Recovery Plan 2021 with the goal of achieving rapid job creation and economic growth after the pandemic. This plan sets out new measures for businesses and affected sectors as the economy reopens, and details for existing emergency pandemic financial supports including the COVID Restrictions Support Scheme (CRSS), Employment Wage Subsidy Scheme (EWSS) and Pandemic Unemployment Payment (PUP), giving certainty to employers, workers, and for those who need it most.
While it may take some time for our aviation sector to regain the strong economic position it had at the start of the pandemic, Government has committed to ensuring that there will be no “cliff-edge” to the COVID-19 related business supports that are currently available, and relevant Departments continue to work on the necessary implementation measures to ensure a safe re-opening of international travel next month.
Questions Nos. 12 and 13 answered orally.
Covid-19 Pandemic Supports
Questions (14)
Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire
Question:14. Deputy Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire asked the Minister for Transport the financial supports he will put in place to ensure the recovery of Cork Airport. [31851/21]
View answerWritten answers
I would like to thank the Deputy for his question on Cork Airport.
As the Deputy will be aware, in recognition of the significant challenges being faced by airports, particularly airports like Cork, the Government established a new Covid19 Regional State Airports Programme earlier this year. This Programme, with an available budget of €32.1m, is providing both capital and operational supports to Cork Airport in 2021.
An application for funding in respect of a significant runway overlay project at Cork Airport is currently being assessed by my Department. Pending a satisfactory evaluation, I expect this project will be approved for funding in the coming weeks - with an allocation of approximately €10 million.
In addition to the capital funding, Cork Airport will also be invited to apply for operational supports, under this Programme, later in the year.
Furthermore, on 24 February 2021, my Department secured European Commission approval for a €26 million funding scheme for Irish Airports. As part of this scheme, a €20m damages measure has been established to support State airports, including Cork. My Department is currently assessing applications for funding under this measure and aid will be disbursed shortly.
These direct supports are in addition to the broad range of supports put in place by Government to help mitigate the effects of the crisis. Cork airport is also availing of the horizontal supports provided by Government including the wage subsidy scheme and commercial rates waiver.
The Government is fully committed to supporting the aviation sector, and we recognise the importance of providing clarity on the extent and duration of supports beyond 2021. In this context, Government will consider what further supports may be needed to help all regional airports, including Cork and Shannon, as part of the upcoming Estimates process.
Road Network
Questions (15)
Martin Browne
Question:15. Deputy Martin Browne asked the Minister for Transport the way a determination will be made regarding the development of the series of small bypasses he has spoken of in recent times; his views on the level of priority that will be given to the section of the N24 around Tipperary town in this regard; his plans to continue to engage with the population of Tipperary town on the matter; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32430/21]
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Background
As Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for overall policy and securing exchequer funding in relation to the National Roads Programme.
Under the Roads Acts 1993-2015, and in line with the National Development Plan (NDP), the planning, design and construction of individual national roads is a matter for Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII), in conjunction with the local authorities concerned. TII ultimately delivers the National Roads Programme in line with Project Ireland 2040, the National Planning Framework (NPF) and the NDP.
Within the overall context of Project Ireland 2040, the NDP was developed to underpin the successful implementation of the NPF. This provides the strategic and financial framework for the National Roads Programme for the period 2018 - 2027.
The Programme for Government includes a commitment to bring forward the review of the NDP and use the review to set out an updated Plan for the period out to 2030. The review of the NDP will be aligned with the NPF and Project Ireland 2040. Accordingly, work is underway within my Department, in conjunction with TII, to contribute to this review.
Developing a series of Bypasses
A comprehensive analysis of the status of all national road projects listed in the current NDP, and new ones proposed by TII to 2030, will be carried out to consider whether changes could feasibly be made to alter the project scope/delivery and projected cost. The strategic transport issues, including those for national roads, are being considered in the context of the ongoing review of the NDP.
As part of this review, I am focused on prioritising the relief of traffic congestion within towns, facilitating compact growth, decarbonisation and the provision of a robust secondary network of roads between 2021 and 2030. Towns such as Tipperary Town will be considered in this light.
It should be noted that all projects, including those listed in the NDP or any revision to the NDP, require statutory approval and compliance with the Public Spending Code.
N24 - Tipperary Town Bypass
The proposed N24 Cahir to Limerick Junction Improvement Scheme, which would include a bypass of Tipperary Town, is currently at early Planning and Design stage.
Tipperary County Council, in association with Limerick City and County Council, has worked to procure the services of Technical Advisors who are now appointed and in-place and working on advancing the scheme. Phase 1 activities (Concept and Feasibility) are complete and the proposed N24 scheme is currently at Phase 2 activities (Option Selection).
A Public Consultation on Constraints (obstacles or barriers) to possible routes took place in Quarter 1 2021 informing the Options Selection stage, with the shortlisted transport corridors expected to be unveiled in June 2021. Tipperary County Council has advised TII that the scheme will be going to public consultation on 25th June for a six-week period ending on 6th August 2021.
Ship Disposal
Questions (16)
Pat Buckley
Question:16. Deputy Pat Buckley asked the Minister for Transport if his attention has been drawn to offers made for the removal and scrappage of the MV Alta wreck in Ballycotton, County Cork; if so, if these offers have been considered; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26930/21]
View answerWritten answers
I wish to thank Deputy Buckley for raising this matter.
As the Deputy may be aware, the relevant legislation that allows for the removal of abandoned vessels in Irish waters such as that referred to by the Deputy is the Merchant Shipping (Salvage and Wreck) Act 1993. This Act gives effect to the 1989 International Convention on Salvage of which Ireland is a signatory state and sets out the roles and responsibilities of a number of bodies.
Section 40 of the Act provides that the Minister for Transport has the “general superintendence” of matters relating to wrecked or stranded vessels. The Act also sets out the responsibilities from an operational perspective for other bodies.
Sections 51 and 52 are of particular note with regard to the duty of the owner and appropriate authorities.
Section 51 places the initial responsibility for removing a wreck on the owner of the vessel. However, if the appropriate authority, in this case Cork County Council, considers the wreck is or is likely to become an obstruction or danger to navigation or a threat of harm to the marine environment, it shall proceed to raise and remove the wreck or otherwise render it harmless.
While the Act does allow for the removal of a wreck, it does not contain provisions in relation to the costs associated with the removal of a wreck where the sale of that wreck is not possible, and the owners of the vessel cannot be located. It is understood that no evidence of ownership or insurance has come to light yet in the case referred to by the Deputy.
As the appropriate authority under the Act, Cork County Council has taken the lead in dealing with the case in question and has taken a number of steps to date in their duties under the Act.
I understand that my Department received two initial queries from interested parties regarding the removal of the wreck and the parties were advised that they may wish to contact the appropriate authority, in this instance Cork County Council, to discuss the issue.
Officials from my Department have met with Cork County Council to discuss the matter and will continue to be available to support relevant authorities in the exercise of their functions as set out in the legislation in question.
Question No. 17 answered with Question No. 9.
Public Transport
Questions (18)
Darren O'Rourke
Question:18. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Transport if his attention has been drawn to the significant discrepancy in the reported funding level of the CIÉ 1951 scheme; if his attention has further been drawn to the fact that it was reported on 28 May 2021 that the scheme was 93.8% funded at 1 May 2021 and six days later on 3 June 2021, it was reported that the scheme was 92.3% at the end of April 2021 (details supplied); if he will ensure the accurate figures are reported; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32461/21]
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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”) which covers frontline staff such as bus and train drivers across the three CIÉ companies; and the 1951 superannuation scheme (“1951 Scheme”) which mainly covers administrative staff. Issues in relation toCIÉ pension schemes are primarily a matter for the trustees of the schemes, the CIÉ Group and their employees.
In relation to the RWS, CIÉ has prepared and submitted draft Statutory Instruments (SIs) to give effect to the proposed changes to the scheme, and these drafts are now being considered by my Department in conjunction with NewERA.
Concerning the 1951 pension scheme, it is my understanding that this scheme does not currently meet the Minimum Funding Standard (MFS) as required by the Pensions Authority. The MFS is the method the Pensions Authority use to measure whether a scheme has enough assests to cover its obligations with a margin for risk to allow for adverse future experience relating to the scheme's assets and/or liabilities.
Members of the scheme were recently balloted regarding a Labour Court Recommendation which emerged on 23rd November 2020 and seeks to address the MFS deficit, with a majority of the members voting to accept the proposals.
In relation to the Deputy's question on the reported level of funding of the 1951 scheme, I have been advised by CIÉ that the previously reported figure of 92.3% was released in error. This figure was an estimate which was derived from a high level investment monitoring model and has since been determined to be incorrect. CIÉ have confirmed that the figure of 93.8% for 01/05/2021 is correct.
I further wish to advise that CIÉ wrote to me on the 26th of May advising that they intend to commence the process of amending the Statutory Instruments to implement the Labour Court Recommendation in relation to the 1951 scheme. I also understand that CIÉ has advised the Pensions Authority and the ‘1951’ Pension Scheme Trustees and Committee of this development.
Question No. 19 answered orally.
Airport Policy
Questions (20)
Joe Carey
Question:20. Deputy Joe Carey asked the Minister for Transport if he will provide multi-year CAPEX funding to enable Shannon Airport to navigate its way out of the current crisis; if he will also provide a fixed euro amount per passenger to subsidise airport charges for airlines as this type of funding is needed to grow traffic; if it will be ensured that provision is made to establish a regional route marketing fund administered by Tourism Ireland on a multi-annual basis for Shannon Airport, as the restoration of Ireland’s air services is essential to connect the mid-west and western regions of Ireland to global markets which drive the industrial, tourism and international service sectors; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31116/21]
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I would like to thank the Deputy for this question.
The Deputy will be aware that one of the Recommendations of the Aviation Taskforce was that a stimulus package should be put in place for each of Shannon, Cork, Ireland West, Kerry and Donegal airports to encourage the rebuilding of traffic. As part of this package, the Taskforce recommended that the State should directly provide the airports with a common fixed sum per passenger which will be used by the airports to stimulate traffic by reducing airport charges for airlines and restoring and growing passenger numbers to the regions.
In response to this and other recommendations of the Taskforce, Government put in place an €80m aviation support package which was announced on 10 November. This package includes €32.1 million for a new COVID-19 Regional State Airports Programme for Shannon (and Cork) Airports. Under this Programme, Shannon Airport will have access to capital and operational supports in 2021. In relation to multi-annual CAPEX supports, the Government provided Shannon Airport with €6.1m in emergency capital funding last year and a further €6.3 million in 2021 under the COVID-19 Regional State Airports Programme to date this year.
Following consultation with the EU Commission, a State aid approved Irish aid Scheme worth €26 million to compensate airport operators for the losses caused by the COVID-19 pandemic was also established. These schemes include compensation for State airports (Dublin, Cork and Shannon) of approximately €20 million, in light of COVID-19 impacts in 2020. This funding will provide State airports, including Shannon Airport, with the flexibility to roll out route incentives/charge rebates, in consultation with airlines, with a view to supporting recovery and growth of connectivity. The Department is currently assessing applications for this funding and would hope to be in a position to disburse this compensation in the coming weeks. In order to ensure parity of treatment, funding will be allocated to airports proportionate to the damage caused. In this regard, funding will be allocated proportionately in line with 2019 passenger numbers at the airports.
Throughout the COVID-19 crisis, the Government has made significant funding available to the Irish aviation industry, including Shannon Airport, through a range of business supports. The bulk of the support available is through the TWSS/EWSS wage subsidy schemes which were specifically designed to maintain the link between employers and employees. It is estimated that by end-June 2021, the sector will have received approximately €300 million in such supports.
The Economic Recovery Plan published by Government on 1 June, recognises that additional support may be required to support the aviation sector’s recovery as it opens up.
Finally, any fund administered by Tourism Ireland would be under the remit of the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media.