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Thursday, 8 Jul 2021

Written Answers Nos. 147-170

Business Regulation

Questions (147)

Neale Richmond

Question:

147. Deputy Neale Richmond asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if he has considered engaging with an organisation (details supplied) regarding the royalties received by musicians when their songs are streamed online or played on the radio; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37017/21]

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Written answers

The main source of copyright legislation in Ireland is the Copyright and Related Rights Act 2000 (as amended) (the CRRA). The CRRA provides the means for copyright holders to enter into license agreements with Collective Management Organisations (CMOs) to represent their rights in relation to the public use of their copyright protected works. These organisations are responsible for the collection of royalties and for the distribution of these royalties to their members. CMO’s operate under licence obtained from the Controller of Intellectual Property, which is renewable annually.

The Digital Single Market Directive 2019/790 was negotiated and agreed under the Digital Single Market strategy between September 2016 and May 2019. The intention of the Directive is to craft modern copyright legislation to make it responsive to the needs of European citizens in an increasingly digitalised society.

The Directive contains provisions aimed at ensuring greater rights for rightsholders, such as musicians and songwriters. The objective of Article 17 is to formalise arrangements between rightsholders and online platforms when copyrighted material is circulated by users of these platforms.

In addition, a series of further articles will allow rightsholders to receive regular information on the use of their material from the online platform, an opportunity to re-adjust contracts when remuneration originally agreed turns out to be disproportionately low based on this information and to have access to a dispute resolution mechanism (Articles 19-22).

In 2019, my Department conducted a series of public consultations, seeking the views of interested stakeholders on how the Directive’s provisions should be applied in the context of Irish law. The organisation in question participated in four separate consultations, which covered all substantive aspects of the Directive, and its views, as well as those from other stakeholders, were taken into account when the Statutory Instrument that transposes the Directive into national law was being prepared.

In May 2021, my Department produced an Information Note providing an update and offering additional clarity on the approach to the transposition of the Directive and circulated it to stakeholders, including the organisation in question. This Information Note is also currently available on my Department’s website. The transposing Statutory Instrument is currently being finalised and the intention is that it will be signed in the coming weeks.

Covid-19 Pandemic Supports

Questions (148)

Jennifer Carroll MacNeill

Question:

148. Deputy Jennifer Carroll MacNeill asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the measures in place to provide security and relief for commercial tenants who may have yet to reopen but are paying full rent price; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36877/21]

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Written answers

I am acutely aware of the ongoing difficulties that businesses continue to face due to the COVID-19 pandemic. I know some businesses have yet to reopen and in particular businesses who offer indoor hospitality and indoor activities.

As you know the Government has put in place a comprehensive package to help businesses and workers during the pandemic, including the Employment Wage Subsidy Scheme (EWSS), the Pandemic Unemployment Payment (PUP), the COVID-19 Restrictions Support Scheme (CRSS), Small business assistance Scheme for COVID (SBASC), low-cost loans, the deferral and warehousing of tax liabilities and the waiver of commercial rates. The level of business supports is unprecedented.

While commercial rents, including rent reductions, are a matter for landlords and tenants to negotiate individually, some of the supports available, including CRSS and SBASC and the waiver of commercial rates, are available to help with fixed costs.

My Department developed a voluntary Code of Conduct between landlord and tenants which sets out a structured approach for engagement between both commercial landlords and tenants, based on their mutual interest in continuing to work together. The Department will be reviewing the Code of Conduct between landlords and tenants for commercial rents in the coming weeks as the Code is currently due to expire at the end of July 2021.

The Government has worked to ensure that there is a range of assistance in place for COVID-19-impacted businesses including the COVID-19 Working Capital Scheme, the Brexit Loan Scheme, the COVID-19 Credit Guarantee Scheme and the Future Growth Loan Scheme.

Also the VAT reduction of 13.5% to 9% for the hospitality sector will remain in place until the end of 2021. This rate reduction applies to catering and restaurant services, tourist accommodation, cinemas, theatres, museums, historic houses, open farms, amusement parks and certain printed matter.

It also should be noted that Court fees, associated excise and stamp duties relating to the renewal of pub and other liquor licences were waived in 2020. A Waiver of excise duty on on-trade liquor licences on renewal in 2020 is also in place.

All businesses supports are being kept under review to ensure that they are timely and target those that need them the most.

Employment Rights

Questions (149)

John McGuinness

Question:

149. Deputy John McGuinness asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if he will consider changing the date for commencing the period of employment on permits for persons (details supplied) to the date the persons arrived in Ireland to work given that both persons arrived after the commencement date due to the difficulties they had due to Covid-19 in travelling to Ireland. [36977/21]

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Written answers

In March 2020, an Employment Permit COVID 19 Contingency Plan was implemented, with the Employment Permit Section moving seamlessly to a totally remote working environment. Conscious of the impact of COVID 19 on enterprises, my officials have endeavoured to be as flexible as possible within the legislative framework of the employment permit system. The feedback received from enterprise across the board has been universally positive, in fact Ireland was one of the few countries that has managed to keep their employment permit system fully operational throughout the crisis.

In the period February to May 2021, in response to COVID 19 concerns, my colleague the Minister for Justice temporarily suspended the processing of visa applications. My Officials made arrangements with the Department of Justice whereby they continued to process visa applications in respect of employment permits for critical/ essential workers to allow them to travel to Ireland. An email outlining these arrangements issued to all Employment Permits Trusted Partners and a notice was placed on the Department's website.

With regard to the applications referenced in the Deputy’s question, I am advised that both these employment permits issued on 30th January 2020. When an employment permit has issued my officials are not in a position legislatively to amend the time-frame of the permit. In these circumstances, my Department is offering increased flexibility at renewal stage, whereby the permit application for renewal can be processed without a negative view taken if the permit holder travelled to the State after the date of the permit commenced.

Further information on the employment permit COVID 19 contingency arrangements pot in place by my Department can be found at; www://enterprise.gov.ie/en/Publications/Publication-files/COVID-19-Employment-Permits-System-Contingency-Arrangements.pdf.

Covid-19 Pandemic Supports

Questions (150)

Pádraig O'Sullivan

Question:

150. Deputy Pádraig O'Sullivan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if a business (details supplied) would qualify for any other supports; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37003/21]

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Written answers

The Government recognises that both the travel industry, and businesses connected with it like the one to which the deputy refers, have been very badly effected by the COVID-19 pandemic restrictions.

As you know, the Government has put in place a comprehensive package to help businesses and workers during the pandemic, including the Employment Wage Subsidy Scheme (EWSS), the Pandemic Unemployment Payment (PUP), the COVID-19 Restrictions Support Scheme (CRSS), Small business assistance Scheme for COVID (SBASC), low-cost loans, the deferral and warehousing of tax liabilities and the waiver of commercial rates. The level of business supports is unprecedented.

Earlier this year, the Government introduced a Small Business Assistance Scheme for COVID (SBASC), with the aim to provide grants to businesses ineligible for the Government's other existing schemes such as CRSS and is designed to help with fixed costs.

The 2nd phase of this scheme was amended to take into account businesses who were not eligible to apply for Phase 1. An expanded SBASC is now open for applications through the local authority with a closing date of 21st July.

Phase 2 has been expanded to include businesses working from a non rateable premises and those whose turnover is below €50,000.

Businesses who are working from non rateable premises and meet all other eligibility criteria will receive a €4,000 grant and businesses whose turnover is below €50,000 and meet all other eligibility criteria will receive €1,000 grant. The purpose of these grants are to help meet fixed costs associated with running a business.

The business referred to may be eligible for this scheme and further details including the application form are available on Local Authority websites.

Business Regulation

Questions (151)

Matt Carthy

Question:

151. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the role his Department has in the regulation of commercial receivers; the mechanism by which a citizen or business can challenge decisions made by a bank or court appointed receiver; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37010/21]

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Written answers

Receivership arises from a private contractual relationship between a lender and a creditor. A receiver is appointed on behalf of a secured creditor to sell the particular company asset which has been charged in favour of that creditor. A receiver is appointed under a) the terms of the debenture for stated reasons or b) by court order.

The Companies Act 2014 has application only to receivers who are appointed to preserve, manage or sell the property of a company. The provisions of Part 8 amongst other things, disqualify certain persons from being appointed as receiver, set out their statutory powers and duties following appointment, require that certain information be submitted to the Registrar of Companies and the Office of the Director of Corporate Enforcement, and provide for the regulation and enforcement of their duties.

Under the Act the receiver must achieve the best price reasonably obtainable at the time of sale. This makes it imperative that they obtain expert legal and valuation advice in relation to the sale of property. The Act also provides that an application may be made to court for directions concerning the performance by the receiver of their functions. Breach of a receiver’s statutory duties may result in the receiver being held personally liable for any loss incurred. In addition, misconduct by receivers must be reported to the Director of Corporate Enforcement.

In December 2018, the Company Law Review Group (CLRG), a statutory advisory body, was requested to examine and recommend ways in which company law could be potentially amended to ensure the better governance of receivers appointed to the property of a company.

In May 2019, the CLRG submitted its report which is available publicly on the CLRG website. The Programme for Government includes a commitment to review the regulation of receivers. The CLRG's recommendations will be considered by my officials with a view to progressing any necessary legislation as soon as is practicable.

Covid-19 Pandemic Supports

Questions (152)

Emer Higgins

Question:

152. Deputy Emer Higgins asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the section of his Department that was responsible for drafting the eligibility criteria for the restart grant and the small business assistance scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37044/21]

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Written answers

In response to the urgency required in providing COVID-19 response measures for business, officials in my Department have been drawn from areas within the Indigenous Enterprise, SMEs and Entrepreneurship Division, and the Enterprise Strategy Competitiveness and Evaluation Division, to work on various initiatives since May 2020, including the Restart Grant Scheme and the Small Business Assistance Scheme (SBASC).

Officials from these Divisions engaged across the system with a number of Departments and Public bodies, including the Department of Housing, Planning and Local Government (DHLPG), the Department of Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media (DTCAGSM), the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform (DPER), the Department of Finance, the Revenue Commissioners and the Local Government Management Agency (LGMA) in devising the technical details and operation of the two schemes about which the Deputy has enquired.

The Restart Grant Scheme, which is now closed, issued over 108,000 grants to a value of over €633m.

In the first quarter of 2021, SBASC approved 2,976 grant applications to a total value of €11.90m. Following feedback from various business sectors, the criteria for the second quarter of the scheme were expanded to allow some previously excluded businesses, such as those not operating from rateable premises, to apply for the scheme. A new grant category of €1,000 for businesses with a turnover between €20,000 and €49,999 was also introduced. These changes were introduced in consultation with the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform and the Local Government Management Agency.

The closing date for the second phase of SBASC is 21st July and figures for grant applications will be available then.

Workplace Relations Commission

Questions (153)

Neale Richmond

Question:

153. Deputy Neale Richmond asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if there is a maximum timeframe for responses on hearings in the Workplace Relations Commission; if there are currently delays in receiving outcomes; the steps being taken to address the matter; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37062/21]

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Written answers

The Workplace Relations Commission (WRC) is independent in the exercise of its quasi-judicial function and I have no direct involvement in its day-to-day operations.

However, I am informed that the completion of decisions by Adjudication Officers are subject to a range of factors including complexity of legal issues, volume of documentation, length of hearings etc and are generally aimed to be completed within 6-8 weeks of the final hearing.

Once the WRC receives the Adjudication Officer’s final decision, they arrange for this to be issued without delay to both parties. However, if a hearing needs to be rescheduled to facilitate the administration of an oath or other factors, at a subsequent hearing, that will impact on the final decision date. This is outside the control of the WRC.

The WRC is scheduling more cases each week than pre-Covid as they move to proactively address any build-up of cases arising from the pandemic and the recent Supreme Court judgment which requires the introduction of legislation. My department is progressing the necessary legislation through the Oireachtas which will resolve the issues identified by the Supreme Court.

In 2021, the WRC has a target of decisions issuing in 80% of instances within 6 weeks of the hearing concluding. The WRC’s 2021 overall performance will need to be reviewed and understood in the context of the challenges brought about by the Covid19 pandemic. My Department continues to monitor and work with the WRC to mitigate the impact of the pandemic on the important work of the Commission.

Energy Infrastructure

Questions (154)

Sorca Clarke

Question:

154. Deputy Sorca Clarke asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the status of proposed extensions of the gas pipeline to Lanesborough, County Longford. [36912/21]

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Written answers

The routing of natural gas pipelines, or the connection of towns to the natural gas network, are matters for Gas Networks Ireland  and the Commission for Regulation of Utilities.

Gas Networks Ireland is mandated under Section 8 of the Gas Act 1976 (as amended) to develop and maintain a system for the supply of natural gas that is both economical and efficient. The Commission for Regulation of Utilities has, since 2002, been charged with all aspects of the assessment and licensing of prospective operators that wish to develop and/or operate a gas distribution system within the State under the Gas (Interim) (Regulation) Act 2002. 

As Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications, I therefore have no direct statutory function in relation to the connection of towns to the gas network.

Social Welfare Schemes

Questions (155)

Alan Kelly

Question:

155. Deputy Alan Kelly asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the social protection supports in place to assist persons requiring the use of incontinence pads and those with carers using personal protection equipment to pay for the cost of the disposal of such items given the large weight which accumulates with their use and consequent higher waste charges; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36979/21]

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Written answers

In relation to personal protective equipment, while the pandemic has resulted in a significant increase in the volume of PPE disposed, particularly in the medical sector, there has not been a similar increase in the weight disposed given the lightweight nature of such material.

In relation to incontinence wear, I refer the Deputy to the reply to Question [31323] of 15 June 2021. The position is unchanged.

National Broadband Plan

Questions (156)

Éamon Ó Cuív

Question:

156. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the reason a house (details supplied) was not included in the National Broadband Ireland roll-out given there is no other telecom supplier offering a 30mb service to this house; the steps that will be taken to rectify this matter; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37032/21]

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Written answers

The premises referred to in the Question is located in the BLUE area on the NBP High Speed Broadband Map which is available on my Department's website at www.broadband.gov.ie. BLUE areas are not included in the State intervention area covered by the National Broadband Plan as commercial operators are already providing high speed broadband or have indicated future plans to do so. My Department defines high speed broadband as a connection with minimum speeds of 30Mbps download and 6Mbps upload. The activities of commercial operators delivering high speed broadband within BLUE areas are not planned or funded by the State and my Department has no statutory authority to intervene in that regard. Complaints about service provision are a matter to be dealt with between the consumer and the service provider in the first instance. If this avenue has been exhausted without a satisfactory resolution, the Commission for Communications Regulation (ComReg) may be able to assist further. ComReg is the independent body that issues licences to broadband service providers and investigates complaints to make sure that companies are delivering services in line with their licence obligations.

Notwithstanding this, my Department has done an initial check of speeds being delivered to the premises referred which suggests that the premises can only get speeds below 30Mbps.  The issue may be related to a line fault as the indicators are that all the other premises in the same estate can get 70 to 90Mbps. We have raised this particular case with the service provider  operating in the area and will revert to the Deputy as soon as a response is received.

Greenhouse Gas Emissions

Questions (157)

Bernard Durkan

Question:

157. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the extent to which his Department continues to liaise with the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine with a view to maximising carbon sequestration without damaging the capacity of the food producing sector of the economy given the high level of sustainability of food production here which enables that sector produce sufficient food for almost 50 million persons while maintaining its carbon efficiency and sustainability; if precise information continues to be provided whereby wind, solar or hydro energy can at an early date replace imported fossil fuels; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37135/21]

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Written answers

The Programme for Government commits to an annual average 7% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions to 2030 representing a 51% reduction over the decade. To meet these ambitions, we must reduce the level of carbon emissions across all sectors of our economy, including in the agri-food sector.

Irish agriculture has a positive international reputation in terms of producing high quality, sustainable produce. In order to maintain that reputation, we must reverse the trend of increasing emissions from the sector. We also know from the EPA’s State of the Environment report that much still needs to be done to protect our water, air and biodiversity.  Government is committed to finding the balance between environmental, climate and biodiversity needs, and supports for the farming and agri-food industries.

My Department are currently preparing the Climate Action Plan 2021, which will identify the measures necessary to meet the Programme for Government ambition for carbon emissions, in direct consultation with stakeholders, including the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine. In the agriculture sector, we must focus on a number of key areas.

Firstly, we must support and help our farmers to continue to roll out improvements in our farming practices. This is appropriate from both a consumer point of view, and from a financial perspective, as higher efficiencies often mean less costs.

Secondly, we need to create a policy framework to enable farmers to make choices to avail of new diversification business opportunities, in areas like forestry, the bioeconomy and organic farming.

And thirdly, we need to focus on gathering an evidence base to support policy design in the area of land use. Ireland is currently a net emitter of emissions from our lands. We need to reverse that trend and reward farmers for doing so. As well as developing the next Climate Action Plan, my Department together with the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine are evaluating the potential climate contributions from land use improvements, to develop a land-use strategy. Land-use offers significant potential to sequester additional carbon and may provide a new source of family farm income and rural economic benefit.

The Programme for Government also provides that a reliable supply of safe, secure and clean energy is essential in order to deliver a phase-out of fossil fuels. The Government is committed to the rapid decarbonisation of the energy sector and will take the necessary action to deliver at least 70% renewable electricity by 2030.

The Sustainable Energy Authority Ireland (SEAI) published their Energy in Ireland report in December 2020, which is available at www.seai.ie.  The report shows the breakdown of electricity generated by fuel type and gives the shares of both fossil fuel and renewable energy components of electricity generated.  The share of electricity generated by renewables was 37.6% in 2019, up from 33.0% in 2018. Wind was the largest share of renewable electricity at 32% with hydro at 2.8% and other renewables including biomass at 2.7%.SEAI provisional figures for 2020 show 38.9% of electricity in Ireland was generated from renewable sources.

With the correct policy choices in the agri-food sector, we can reward farmers for sequestering carbon, restoring biodiversity, producing clean energy and improving water and air quality, while remaining profitable and competitive. This will offer opportunities to innovative enterprises which are sustainable in the long-term for Ireland and it’s workers.

Electric Vehicles

Questions (158)

Richard Bruton

Question:

158. Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Transport the local authorities that have applied for funding to the SEAI to roll-out electric vehicle chargers; the number for which they have applied; and the number which have been installed and the grant paid in tabular form. [36936/21]

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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. A national charging infrastucture strategy is due for publication later this year which will set out a pathway to stay ahead of demand over the critical period out to 2030. My Department has begun an engagement with the Local Authorities to inform this work.

I am also aware that work is advancing by the CCMA on the provision of guidance to local authorities on the provision of charging infrastructure. The sub-committee preparing this document is being chaired by Wicklow County Council.

In terms of existing supports for public charging, the Public Charge Point Scheme continues to be available during 2021 to provide local authorities with a grant of up to €5,000 to support the development of on-street public chargers. The primary focus of the scheme is to provide support for the installation of infrastructure which will facilitate owners of electric vehicles, who do not have access to a private parking space, but instead rely on parking their vehicles in public places near their homes to charge their EVs. My Department has committed to reviewing the Scheme in early Autumn to ensure that it is as effective as possible in driving the decarbonisation effort.

Thirteen local authorities have been in touch with SEAI in relation to the scheme with both Louth County Council and Dublin City Council making official applications for 20 charge points and nine charge points respectively. Letters of offer issued last week to both County Councils and the funding total is outlined in the below table.

Item

Count

Charging Stations

Charging Points*

Value (Total)

Applications Approved

3

19

29

€143,038

Applications Expired/Cancelled/Rejected

-

-

-

Applications Under Review

-

-

-

Total Applications

3

19

29

€143,038

*A charging station can be dual which results in two charge points being available for cars to use.

Electric Vehicles

Questions (159)

Richard Bruton

Question:

159. Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Transport the number of fast chargers and their capacity put in place by the ESB; and the progress that it has made in installing new electric vehicle chargers under the support scheme from the Climate Action Fund. [36937/21]

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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

To date, some 235 of the existing standard chargers have already been replaced with more and reliable charging points. A further 28 advanced and future proofed, fast chargers have also been installed. The recently launched High Power Charging Hub at Junction 14 is the first super hub to be delivered. The project is due to be completed in 2022.

Further details on ESB charge points nationwide can be found at www.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

Rail Network

Questions (160)

Éamon Ó Cuív

Question:

160. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Transport if funding will be provided for a feasibility study of light rail in Galway city; if the provision of light rail in Galway was made an objective of the Galway City Development Plan; and if a route is reserved for a rapid transit service in the city. [36878/21]

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Written answers

As I previously informed the Deputy, the issue of light rail in Galway city was comprehensively examined as part of the development of the Galway Transport Strategy. The Strategy concluded that a bus based public transport system, supported by various active travel and public realm improvements, represents the most appropriate system for Galway over the period considered by the Strategy.

I am eager to see progress on the delivery of the Galway Transport Strategy and welcome the non-statutory consultations held last year on two of the key Galway BusConnects corridors. I look forward to the delivery of much improved active travel infrastructure in the next few years as well as improvements to the commuter rail network, such as the proposals in relation to Ceannt Station, Oranmore Station and indeed the Athenry to Galway rail corridor generally.

The move toward evidence based, plan-led transport planning for our major cities allows for consideration of all relevant issues and the potential role all modes of transport can play in addressing those issues. I would also note that providing this type of long-term investment framework represents international best practice in the area of transport planning.

Given the time that has elapsed since publication of the Galway Transport Strategy there is a need to review it and take stock of developments since its publication. This review will commence next year and will allow for consideration, again, of the issue of light rail but importantly that consideration will take place within the overall framework of the strategy itself. In the meantime I look forward to the Deputy’s support as we seek to implement improvements to Galway’s active travel, bus and rail infrastructure.

Driver Test

Questions (161)

Catherine Murphy

Question:

161. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Transport if he will consider expanding the extension period for learner driver permits to cover those that were unable to access lessons during level 5 restrictions. [36891/21]

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Written answers

A further 10-month extension to the validity period of learner permits was granted on 24 June, given the difficulties people were experiencing in obtaining or renewing a learner permit with Covid-19 restrictions in place.

This extension means that learner permits with an expiry date between 1 March 2020 and 31 July 2021 are being extended by 10 months, in addition to previous extensions granted. The extension works as follows:

- Permits that expired between 1 March and 30 June 2020, previously extended by 8 months, will now be extended by a further 10 months, so 18 months in total.

- Permits that expired between 1 July and 31 October 2020, previously extended by 4 months, will now be extended by a further 10 months, so 14 months in total.

- Permits that expired or will expire between 1 November 2020 and 31 July 2021 will be extended for 10 months.

A new learner permit will not be issued, but the electronic driver record will be updated to reflect the new expiry date. Drivers who are affected by the extension are encouraged to check the new expiry date of their learner permit by using the expiry date calculator on www.ndls.ie.

Taxi Licences

Questions (162)

Louise O'Reilly

Question:

162. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Transport if he will consider extending the car life of taxis to accommodate taxi drivers who have not been able to earn over the past 18 months and as a result are not in a financial position to upgrade their vehicle. [36967/21]

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Written answers

The regulation of the small public service vehicle (SPSV) sector, including vehicle age limits, is a matter for the National Transport Authority (NTA) under the provisions of the Taxi Regulation Act 2013.

At the start of the pandemic, the NTA, the independent statutory regulator for the SPSV sector, immediately extended age limits for taxis and hackneys and has since done so twice more. The most recent extension, made in May, ensures no vehicle will be forced to exit the fleet due to age limits in 2021. Furthermore, I have asked officials in my department to engage with the NTA to work on bringing about an extension to the end of 2022.

I remain committed to supporting the transition of the SPSV fleet towards zero/low-emission vehicles, and I recognise the purchase of a vehicle is a major cost for taxi operators. That is why I have increased the funding available to the Electric SPSV (eSPSV) grant scheme for 2021 to €15 million. I also doubled the amount payable under the scheme to €20,000 for operators who scrap older vehicles and make the switch to full electric models.

Driver Licences

Questions (163)

Louise O'Reilly

Question:

163. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Transport the actions he is taking to reduce the barriers to entry into the profession of commercial driving. [36968/21]

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Written answers

Commercial drivers must, among other things, hold the correct category of driving licence and a certificate of professional competence. These document are required under EU law and are provided for in Directives 2006/126/EU and 2003/59/EC.

If the Deputy is aware of any specific barriers to entry into the profession of commercial driving, she should contact my office directly.

There are also a number of other current initiatives relevant to the profession. A Logistics and Supply Chain Skills Group is in place since 2019 on the basis of recommendations made by the Expert Group on Future Skills Needs. The EGSFN’s 2018 report highlighted critical skills gaps in key areas of the Freight Transport, Distribution and Logistics (FTDL) sectors, with particular emphasis on HGV driver shortages.

The Group includes industry representatives, education and training providers and all relevant Government Departments and Agencies and includes the profession of commercial driving within its remit. The Group met most recently on 30 June 2021 and will meet again in the autumn.

I should also mention that the Programme for Government includes a commitment to publish and implement a 10-year Haulage Strategy. An initial public consultation on this is currently underway and includes a section on labour market and skills. In June I was pleased to host a Haulage Strategy Webinar, which included a speaker from the International Road Transport Union who emphasised that the road haulage industry is facing driver shortage issues across Europe.

Road Safety

Questions (164)

Pádraig O'Sullivan

Question:

164. Deputy Pádraig O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Transport if communities within the north central area of County Cork which have been victim to illegal and negligent use of scramblers and quad bikes will be considered for inclusion under the Road Traffic (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill 2021; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36398/21]

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Written answers

I intend to introduce measures in the Road Traffic Bill 2021 to deal with the anti-social use of quad bikes, scramblers and similar vehicles.

These provisions will apply nationwide, and as such will of course benefit people in any district affected by this kind of dangerous behaviour.

Public Transport

Questions (165)

Pauline Tully

Question:

165. Deputy Pauline Tully asked the Minister for Transport the funding allocated to the LocalLink bus service in 2019, 2020 and to date in 2021, respectively; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37011/21]

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Written answers

As 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.

My Department provides aggregate funding for Local Link services to the NTA. Since 2018, the total annual allocation for Local Link services has included funding for Rural Regular Services from the Public Service Obligation (PSO) budget provision. Total allocations (including the aforementioned PSO allocation) for the years 2019 - 2021 are as follows:

2019 - €21.0m

2020 - €23.4m

2021 - €28.2m

Public Transport

Questions (166, 167)

Pauline Tully

Question:

166. Deputy Pauline Tully asked the Minister for Transport the funding that was allocated to making public transport accessible for people with disabilities in 2019, 2020 and to date in 2021; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37013/21]

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Pauline Tully

Question:

167. Deputy Pauline Tully asked the Minister for Transport the estimated additional cost of increasing the funding allocated for making public transport accessible for persons with disabilities by 5%, 10% and 25%, respectively; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37014/21]

View answer

Written answers

I propose to take Questions Nos. 166 and 167 together.

As Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport.

Under the Dublin Transport Authority Act 2008, the National Transport Authority (NTA) has statutory responsibility for promoting the development of an integrated, accessible public transport network.

Accessibility features, such as wheelchair access and audio/visual aids, are built into all new public transport infrastructure from the design stage. Newer systems such as Luas are fully accessible.

However, there are legacy issues in relation to older infrastructure and facilities, for example our Victorian era railway stations. To address these infrastructural legacy issues, my Department funds the Accessibility Retro-fit Programme, which is managed by the NTA. The four year capital envelope for public transport announced in Budget 2018 included a multi-annual indicative allocation of approximately €28 million for the Accessibility Retro-fit Programme for the period 2018 to 2021.

The indicative annual allocations, in Budget 2018, under this four year Plan were €4m in 2018, €7m in 2019, €7m in 2020 and €9.8m in 2021. The indicative allocation for 2021 is now €10.6m. This ring-fenced funding of approximately €28m was a trebling of the previous allocation for accessibility under the Capital Plan.

This funding facilitates the continued roll-out of programmes to progressively make public transport accessible, including the installation of accessible bus stops in rural areas, the upgrading of train stations to make them accessible to wheelchair users and the provision of grant support for the introduction of more wheelchair accessible vehicles (WAVs) into the taxi fleet.

Aside from the dedicated Retro-fit Programme for accessibility improvements, there are also other infrastructure projects and programmes which benefit all members of society and which are particularly important for people with disabilities, persons with reduced mobility and older people. For example, “Wayfinding” signage at train stations designed to accessibility standards, helps people with visual impairments.

In addition to funding under the Accessibility Retro-fit Programme, a ring-fenced rail lift refurbishment / replacement programme was established by the NTA in 2020. The programme is to renew and replace life-expired lifts and lifts in poor condition, to ensure the reliability and availability of lift access. Lifts in rail stations out of service significantly impacts people with disabilities, reduced mobility and older people who rely on properly functioning lifts to enable them to access rail services.

On 10 March 2021, Irish Rail announced details of the 2021 rail station lift and escalator replacement and renewal programme. The upgrade of lifts in train stations is a key step towards making public transport accessible for all. The 2021 programme comprises an investment of €5.8 million, funded by the NTA, which includes the boost in Budget 2021 of an additional €2 million allocation from my Department allowing for acceleration of the programme. This additional Exchequer funding from Budget 2021 will accelerate delivery of this accessibility programme.

Any percentage increases over whatever timeframe, using whatever basis, may be calculated from the figures above. However, I would caution that whatever calculations the Deputy might use, such figures would only be speculative. Future funding levels will, as with other programmes and projects, be subject to the annual Estimate and Budgetary processes.

Question No. 167 answered with Question No. 166.

Disability Services

Questions (168)

Pauline Tully

Question:

168. Deputy Pauline Tully asked the Minister for Transport the funding that was allocated for assistive technologies for persons with disabilities in 2019, 2020 and to date in 2021, respectively; the unmet need for assistive technologies for persons with disabilities in 2019, 2020 and to date in 2021, respectively; the additional cost of increasing funding for assistive technologies by 5%, 10% and 25%, respectively; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37015/21]

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Written answers

I understand from the Deputy that this question was submitted to my Department in error and that a response is therefore not required at this time.

Driver Test

Questions (169)

Dara Calleary

Question:

169. Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Minister for Transport the number of persons waiting to take the driver theory test on 30 June 2021, by county; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37024/21]

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Written answers

The driving theory test is the statutory responsibility of the Road Safety Authority.

The information requested is held by the Authority and this 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.

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

Driver Test

Questions (170)

Dara Calleary

Question:

170. Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Minister for Transport the specific actions he has taken to address the deficiencies in the provision of the driver theory test; if his Department has met the company involved in delivering the test to discuss the problems; the sanctions his Department plans to take for the poor delivery of the contract; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37025/21]

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Written answers

Under legislation, the Road Safety Authority (RSA) is the body responsible for the operation and the funding of the Theory Test.

My Department is in constant contact with the RSA since the start of the pandemic regarding all of its services, the impact of Covid-19 on those services, and how they can best be maintained in the current circumstances.

In line with the further easing of restrictions, the gradual re-opening of in-person driver theory test centres commenced on the 8th of June. The RSA reopened its network of test centres and will be permitted to conduct 25,000 driver theory tests per month.

Prior to COVID-19, the RSA provided 15,000 tests per month. In light of the significant backlog of customers, capacity will gradually increase to 25,000 tests. From reopening in the week beginning 7 June to the end of the week of 28 June, the service conducted 22,573 tests. A further 4,093 people who had booked a test were no-shows.

The test centres have extensive COVID-19 measures in place to protect both customers and staff and to ensure the safe delivery of the service. It is hoped that capacity will gradually increase further to 50,000 tests monthly, if public health guidance permits.

The Driver Theory Test service provider has sourced an additional 40 temporary team members to support the expected increase in capacity to 50,000 in-centre appointments when permitted to do so.

The RSA has also been working to deliver an online theory test service, with a pilot online test already undertaken for trucks and buses. This pilot service has now been extended to include car and motorbike tests. The theory test service provider has sourced 30 additional employees to manage the online testing facility. The tests are conducted under strict requirements in order to adequately verify the identity of candidates, and to ensure exams are completed in a secure manner, maintaining the integrity of the exam content and to prevent cheating or fraud. It is hoped that the service provider will be able to deliver up to 10,000 theory tests online in the coming months.

Any issues in relation to the delivery of the contract are for the Road Safety Authority as the contracting authority and third parties cannot interpose themselves in such contractual relationships. I am therefore referring those elements of the Deputy's question to the Authority for direct reply. I would ask the Deputy to contact my office if a response is not received within 10 days.

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