Written Answers Nos. 62-82
62. Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the progress to date on the sustainable development goals national implementation plan; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33863/21]
View answerThe UN 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and its 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) is a significant and ambitious policy agenda that concerns all Government Departments. The first National Implementation Plan 2018-2020 was developed to oversee and facilitate coherent implementation of the SDGs across Government, and to promote awareness of the SDGs. My Department is currently developing the next National Implementation Plan which I intend to publish later this year. The plan will set out a robust framework to support coherent SDG implementation across Government and the mainstreaming of the SDGs into existing policies.
A fundamental feature of the 2030 Agenda is the inclusive and active voice stakeholders had in both the negotiation and adoption of the Agenda. Achieving sustainable development, and particularly the targets and commitments set out in the 17 SDGs, will require not only action by Government but all individuals across society.
In this regard, I intend to shortly launch a public consultation to review the performance of the previous Plan and inform the design and structure of the next iteration of the Implementation Plan.
63. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the extent of electricity grid expansion in the past decade; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33950/21]
View answerThe electricity grid has undergone significant change over the past decade and the next decade will see further development as we reinforce Ireland’s position as a world leader by integrating at least 70% renewable electricity, principally wind and solar generated electricity, onto the power system by 2030. EirGrid, the electricity grid operator, has over the last decade overseen significant investment in the power system in the order of €1.7 billion to achieve our energy targets up to 2020. The last decade has also seen the connection of over 2.8GW of renewable generation across 92 windfarm developments and an increased level of interconnection with the energisation of the 500MW East-West Interconnector to Wales. In addition, EirGrid has added over 800km of new circuits by working with communities, connecting to 34 new substation locations as well as additional improvements and upgrades to existing circuits and substations to maintain security of supply.
The next 10 years will see a need for developing approximately 12GW of renewable power by harnessing the power of offshore wind and a range of new and existing technologies. EirGrid anticipates that the development of the grid will require levels of investment of circa €2 billion over the next decade and see the completion of further electricity interconnection to France.
Accordingly, EirGrid recently concluded a public consultation, 'Shaping our Electricity Future', which considers how we can best meet our 70% renewables target by 2030. The grid of tomorrow will need to become stronger and more flexible and this consultation will inform how EirGrid can best deliver these investments to see Ireland achieve the Climate Action Plan targets in electricity in a balanced way and support our transition to a net zero carbon economy by 2050.
64. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the steps he is taking to fulfil the programme for Government commitment to publish a clean air strategy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33956/21]
View answerMy Department is currently working to finalise Ireland’s first National Clean Air Strategy. While it was originally my intention to launch the Strategy alongside a public consultation on a new solid fuel regulation for Ireland, recognising the urgency of taking action to address the health impacts of domestic solid fuel burning, I have chosen to progress the development of enhanced solid fuel regulations in advance. This decision has also allowed submissions received during the public consultation process to inform and contribute to the final strategy document.
I will be moving now to develop a new, legally robust, and evidence-based framework for how we regulate all solid fuels used for domestic burning. This will be a central plank of the Clean Air Strategy which will also identify and promote the integrated measures and actions across Government required to reduce air pollution, which I intend to publish shortly.
65. Deputy Peter Burke asked the Minister for Transport the reason a person (details supplied) cannot now book a test after receiving four cancellations the last being 13 March 2021. [33614/21]
View answerThe driving 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.
66. Deputy Duncan Smith asked the Minister for Transport if his attention has been drawn to the funding of a rural route (details supplied) in County Kildare; if the NTA has requested funding for the route; the up to date position with the funding; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33660/21]
View answerAs Minister for Transport I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport.
It is the National Transport Authority (NTA) which has statutory responsibility for securing the provision of public passenger transport services nationally. The NTA also has national responsibility for integrated local and rural transport, including management of the Rural Transport Programme which operates under the Local Link brand.
In light of the NTA's responsibilities in this matter, I have referred your question to the NTA for direct reply to you. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within ten working days.
67. Deputy Duncan Smith asked the Minister for Transport the up to date position of a roads project (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33661/21]
View answerThe improvement and maintenance of regional and local roads is the statutory responsibility of the relevant local authority in accordance with the provisions of Section 13 of the Roads Act 1993. State grants, where applicable, are intended to supplement the funding allocated to the maintenance and improvement of roads by local authorities from their own resources.
The National Development Plan (NDP), as it stands, identifies 12 regional and local road improvement projects for development, subject to necessary approvals, and the construction of a Distributor Road to the south of Athy connecting to the N78 is one of those schemes.
Under the Public Spending Code and the terms and conditions applying to regional and local road grants, capital projects are subject to review and approval at a number of stages. In this context, my Department gave approval in February 2021 for this project to proceed to tender for the main construction contract. This process is currently underway.
68. Deputy Emer Higgins asked the Minister for Transport the number of driver theory tests that have been carried out since 8 June 2021; the number that are scheduled to take place; the number that have been cancelled; and the number of no-shows that have occurred since 8 June 2021. [33710/21]
View answerUnder legislation, the Road Safety Authority (RSA) is the body responsible for the operation of the Theory Test. The information requested is held by the RSA.
This question is therefore being referred to the Authority for direct reply. I would ask the Deputy to contact my office if a response has not been received within ten days.
69. Deputy Patrick Costello asked the Minister for Transport if he will request the National Transport Authority to establish a policy whereby taxi drivers can sell back their plates to the authority if they wish to leave the industry. [33739/21]
View answerThe Deputy may recall that prior the liberalisation of the taxi market, taxi licences changed hands for upwards of IR£80,000 in a broken market which favoured incumbents and disadvantaged both new entrants eager to earn a living and the general public that wished to use taxis.
The current licensing regime for Small Public Service Vehicles (SPSVs) is built upon the principle that the purpose of a licence is to indicate a person’s suitability to carry out a function and to ensure that the holder of a licence is subject to lawful conditions and restrictions. As such, a licence should not have, by association, a monetary value or be tradable on the open market. As quantitative restrictions have been removed from the taxi market and there are no barriers to entry to this industry - other than the obligation to use a wheelchair accessible vehicle (WAV) - it is not clear how the transferring of licences would deliver benefits to the industry or members of the public that use these services, especially those who require access to WAVs. Accordingly, there is no basis for a "buy back" scheme of the type outlined by the Deputy.
70. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Transport if his attention has been drawn to the fact that a fee is being charged by Bus Éireann to persons with free travel passes to book seats in advance of travel which is now a requirement; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33743/21]
View answerAs Minister for Transport, I am responsible for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport. However, I am not involved in day-to-day operational matters. The Free Travel Scheme is a non-statutory scheme administered by the Department of Social Protection.
The query raised appears to relate to Bus Éireann's commercial service, Expressway, and I have therefore forwarded the Deputy's question to the company for direct reply.
Please advise my private office if you do not receive a response within ten working days.
71. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Transport when driving lessons and tests for non-essential workers will resume; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33745/21]
View answerDriving tests for essential workers will continue to be the priority for the driver testing service. In line with the gradual reopening of services, driving tests for all those who are eligible to take the test and have been waiting longest have recommenced in a limited fashion to the limit of 2,000 per month. This relatively small number is a prudent step as we see what the health impact may be.
The gradual reopening of the driving instruction industry commenced from the 10th of May. Essential Driver Training (EDT) resumed but only in such circumstances where the learner in question is a confirmed essential worker.
The further opening of the driver testing and instruction industry will be the subject of discussions between Department officials and the RSA in the coming weeks.
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.
72. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Transport the number of persons who have sat the driver theory test since it reopened by those who took the online test and those who took the test in a test centre; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33746/21]
View answerUnder legislation, the Road Safety Authority (RSA) is the body responsible for the operation of the Theory Test. The information requested is held by the RSA.
This question is therefore being referred to the Authority for direct reply. I would ask the Deputy to contact my office if a response has not been received within ten days.
73. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Transport if his attention has been drawn to concerns expressed by some members of the Irish Coast Guard on the eradication of morale, trust and pride for front-line members and a lack of confidence in management; if he is taking action to address these concerns; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33747/21]
View answerThe Irish Coast Guard is in a process of significant change, triggered by recent safety reports and premised on principles of safety and continuous improvement as set out in the new National Search and Rescue Plan. The IRCG partnered with the Great Place To Work (GPTW) Institute to jointly develop an engagement strategy called the ‘Trust Index & Culture Assessment (TCA) campaign’. This programme is applicable equally to all personnel and is specifically designed to solicit their personal perspectives in support of the organisational reform programme.
This programme measures the extent to which an organisation is considered “great” by those who are engaged in its operations, by gathering qualitative and quantitative data on personnel perceptions of their organisational experiences, and enabling the organisation’s leadership to understand how to best improve the operating environment. Another key aspect is the ‘Culture Assessment’ tool which provides external analysis of the policies, practices, programs and day-to-day management behaviours that underpin an organisation’s culture.
These tools allow the IRCG to assess the level of trust within the organisation and to demonstrate its longer-term commitment to listening to its members, actioning upon the feedback received and to developing a ‘just’ culture.
Accordingly, in the most recent assessment of the Irish Coast Guard, 72% of those surveyed expressed Medium to High Trust in the Organisation. Whereas in terms of “Pride”, “Camaraderie” and “Respect”, measurements were externally recorded as 86%, 80% and 70% respectively. These tools also benchmark the Irish Coast Guard against all other organisations certified by the GPTW institute for 2020-21. This demonstrated the following key metrics:
|
|
IRCG |
Certified Organisations |
|
Communications are open and accessible |
68% |
63% |
|
Competence in coordinating human and material resources |
70% |
69% |
|
Integrity in carrying out vision with consistency |
64% |
64% |
|
Supporting professional development & showing appreciation |
71% |
68% |
|
Collaborating with employees in relevant decisions |
59% |
57% |
|
Caring for employees as individuals with personal lives |
74% |
72% |
|
Equity – balanced treatment for all in terms of rewards |
74% |
67% |
|
Impartiality – absence of favouritism in hiring and promotions |
64% |
58% |
|
Justice – lack of discrimination and process for appeals |
87% |
85% |
|
In personal job, individual contributions |
87% |
65% |
|
In work produced by one’s team or workgroup |
88% |
73% |
|
In the organisation’s products and standing in the community |
87% |
67% |
|
Ability to be oneself |
78% |
76% |
|
Socially friendly and welcoming atmosphere |
83% |
73% |
|
Sense of "family" or "team" |
80% |
68% |
Finally, It should also be noted that following analysis of the data associated with the 2020-21 TCA campaign, the Irish Coast Guard division was successfully accredited as a ‘Great Place to Work’ by the GPTW institute.
Achieving the independent “GPTW” accreditation represents a positive endorsement of the IRCG management, staff and volunteers during a time of significant change and reform. That said, the IRCG acknowledges that there remains significant areas within the organisation that require appropriate action by the relevant managers/area owners to ensure delivery of the programme for reform and to deliver upon its strategic objectives, which include:
Communications – commencing with the publication of a revised mission statement, development of an appropriate and centralized communications strategy that allows for the efficient delivery of information to all our personnel and when relevant, external stakeholders.
Leadership development – incorporating leadership development and management skills into the training curriculums applicable to all IRCG personnel.
Performance – aligning personal performance with the Coast Guard’s 2021 Business Plan core objective, goals and priorities as detailed in the Divisional Business Plan.
74. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Transport the staff turnover at the Irish Coast Guard in 2019 and 2020. [33748/21]
View answerThe staffing of the Irish Coast Guard which is a Division of my Department for years 2018, 2019 and 2020 is set out in the table below.
|
Year |
Professional/Technical Staff |
Admin Staff |
Total |
Turnover allowing for vacancies and recruitment processes |
|
End 2018 |
64 |
4 |
68 |
|
|
End 2019 |
70 |
5 |
75 |
7 |
|
End 2020 |
76 |
5 |
81 |
6 |
Accounting for vacancies and including recruitment processes, the turnover of staff in the Irish Coast Guard in 2019 was 7 and in 2020 was 6.
75. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Transport the number of complaints lodged with the Irish Coast Guard in 2019 and 2020, by unit members or workers by category of complaint. [33749/21]
View answerI can confirm that no formal complaints under the Dignity at Work policy were submitted to HR Division by IRCG full time permanent staff in 2019 and 2020.
It would not be appropriate for my Department to comment on individual complaints.
76. Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for Transport the timeline for completion of works being carried out on the runway at Cork Airport; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33782/21]
View answerAs the Deputy is aware, Cork Airport is progressing a Runway Reconstruction and Remediation Project. This will be the single-biggest construction project, and the biggest investment by daa, at Cork Airport since the opening of the new terminal building in 2006.
The procurement process for the project is currently nearing completion and Cork Airport has advised that, following the award of the contract to the successful bidder, the airport will close from 12 September to 22 November.
The runway upgrade, when complete, will be a key strategic asset for the South of Ireland for the next 20 years.
77. Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for Transport when fully vaccinated international travellers that hold an EU digital Covid certificate will be allowed to enter Ireland without having to carry out mandatory quarantines; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33784/21]
View answer78. Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for Transport if clarification will be provided to staff in Cork Airport regarding a reopening date for international travel; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33783/21]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 77 and 78 together.
I would like to advise the Deputy that Government has announced a roadmap for the gradual reopening of international travel from 19 July. From that date, Ireland will operate the EU Digital COVID Certificate (EU DCC) for travel originating within the EU/EEA. This Certificate will show if a passenger is vaccinated against COVID-19, has recovered from COVID-19, or has a negative test result.
Passengers arriving into Ireland after that date with an EU DCC will not have to undergo quarantine. However, passengers with a DCC based on a non-PCR test (for example, an antigen test), or those arriving without a DCC, will require proof of a negative RT-PCR test taken no more than 72 hours before arrival. Passengers who have been in a non-EU/EEA country in the 14 days prior to arrival into Ireland will be subject to the rules applying to travel from that country. All passengers will be advised to observe public health restrictions and to present for post-arrival testing if they develop symptoms of COVID-19.
Furthermore, from 19 July, Ireland will also broadly align itself to the EU approach to non-essential travel into the EU from third countries (outside EU/EEA). To protect its citizens against the importation of variants, an ‘emergency brake’ mechanism will be coordinated at EU level to react swiftly to the emergence of a variant of concern or variant of interest.
79. Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for Transport if consideration will be given to the use of rapid antigen testing as the primary protocol of testing for international travellers departing from or arriving into Irish airports; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33785/21]
View answerPublic health authorities are responsible for determining the most appropriate testing regimes for COVID-19 in Ireland, and Government is guided by their recommendations. My Department assists with the implementation of public health measures in relation to international travel, as decided by Government. Although antigen testing has been considered on a number of occasions, public health advice thus far has been against its use for international travel. This is in line with World Health Organisation advice.
The situation continues to evolve with greater use of antigen testing in other EU member states and greater recognition of its potential use by EU agencies. Revised Guidelines jointly issued by the European Centre for Disease Control and the EU Aviation Safety Agency endorse the use of antigen testing for international travel.
My Department has consistently highlighted the need to reopen international travel as soon as possible in a manner that continues to protect public health and has suggested the possible use of antigen testing for the purpose of reopening international travel on a number of occasions. Minister Naughton has recently written to the Minister for Health seeking urgent consideration of a pilot of antigen testing linked to the implementation of the EU Digital Covid Certificate.
80. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Transport the estimated cost of the Dublin Airport traffic recovery support scheme for the full year of 2022. [33829/21]
View answerAs the Deputy will be aware, my Department secured European Commission approval for a €26 million funding scheme for Irish Airports. As part of this scheme, a €20m will be available to support the State airports (Dublin, Cork and Shannon).
The Department is currently assessing applications for this funding and I would hope to be in a position to disburse this compensation in the coming weeks. Funding will be allocated to airports in proportion to 2019 passenger numbers at the airports.
I am aware that daa is seeking to assist the recovery of passenger traffic at Dublin Airport through the implementation of a Traffic Recovery Incentive Scheme (TRSS). The objective of this Scheme is to secure accelerated traffic and international connectivity restoration and commercially support future traffic growth, consistent with Irish government guidelines on travel advice. The scheme is due to commence in July 2021, running to the end of June 2022. It will specifically discount aeronautical charges paid by airlines at a level of 100% for all passenger throughput in excess of 60% of 2019 levels for the remainder of 2021, and in excess of 70% of 2019 levels for the period January-June 2022 . A discount level of 50% of aeronautical charges will be applied to all passenger throughput between 40- 60% of 2019 traffic levels for the remainder of 2021, and between 50-70% of 2019 traffic levels for the period January-June 2022.
81. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Transport the number of passengers his Department estimate will use Cork Airport in 2022. [33830/21]
View answer82. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Transport the number of passengers his Department estimate will use Shannon Airport in 2022. [33831/21]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 81 and 82 together.
As the Deputy will understand, given the continued uncertainty around international travel resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic, it is very difficult to estimate the passenger numbers for next year.
The most recent industry predictions are that passenger numbers at Ireland’s State Airports are expected to return to 2019 levels (1.7m passengers in Shannon’s case and 2.6m passengers at Cork Airport) by 2023 / 2024.
However, the Government plan for the gradual reopening of international travel from 19 July has provided some much needed clarity to the aviation industry. Since this announcement, Ryanair resumed operations at Shannon Airport on 1 June with further routes expected to be added in the coming weeks. Aer Lingus flights on the Shannon – London/Heathrow route are expected to resume in September.
In recognition of the significant challenges being faced by Cork and Shannon airports, the Government established a Covid-19 Regional State Airports Programme earlier this year. This is providing both capital and operational supports to these airports in 2021 with an available budget of €32.1m.
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 (Dublin, Cork and Shannon). This funding will provide State airports with flexibility to roll out route incentives/charges 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.
