Thomas Gould
Question:174. Deputy Thomas Gould asked the Minister for Transport if a permanent suitable building can be found for a group (details supplied). [39081/21]
View answerCharitable and Voluntary Organisations
Questions (174)
Written answers
The Irish Coast Guard is responsible for maritime Search and Rescue. Its resources are voted through my Department for that purpose. The provision of a permanent building would have to be considered in the overall policy and budgetary context.
Electric Vehicles
Questions (175)
Mark Ward
Question:175. Deputy Mark Ward asked the Minister for Transport if the electric SPSV scheme for small public service vehicles such as taxis and hackneys that includes grants of up to €20,000 available to existing SPSV drivers who scrap older, high mileage vehicles for new full electric models will be extended after 31 December 2021; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39202/21]
View answerWritten answers
The transition of the taxi and hackney fleet towards zero/low-emission vehicles has an important role to play in effecting a substantial reduction in transport CO2 and of air pollutant emissions, particularly in Irish towns and cities due to the high mileage travelled by these vehicles, the stop/start and idling nature of their work, as well as the predominance of fossil fuels within the sector. Increasing the uptake of electric vehicles in the SPSV sector also has a strong leadership and demonstration effect on the public, introducing more people to low/zero emission mobility options.
As such, I was delighted to announce the continuation and extension of the Electric Small Public Service Vehicle (eSPSV) Grant Scheme in 2021. The Scheme which is administered by the NTA provides enhanced supports, up to €20,000, for eligible taxi and hackney drivers switching to EVs.
In addition, €15 million was provided this year to support up to 750 taxi and hackney drivers in scrapping their older vehicles and replacing them with zero-emission capable electric alternatives. The scrappage scheme is open for taxis and hackneys reaching their maximum permissible age limit in 2020/21. Up to €20,000 is available for eligible drivers switching to a new all-electric vehicle and up to €32,500 for those moving to a wheelchair accessible full electric vehicle.
A review of the grants will be conducted shortly to ensure their continued effectiveness. This will form part of the Departments deliberations on the future provision of supports to incentivise electric vehicles.
The continuation of the grants to incentivise electric vehicles will be a matter for Government to consider as part of the Budget preparations.
Driver Test
Questions (176)
Darren O'Rourke
Question:176. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Transport when a person (details supplied) will receive their driver test; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39273/21]
View answerWritten answers
The 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.
Grant Payments
Questions (177)
Neale Richmond
Question:177. Deputy Neale Richmond asked the Minister for Transport if he has considered introducing a grant or incentive towards the purchase of e-cargo bikes as has been done in Germany and France; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39274/21]
View answerWritten answers
The use of e-bikes, including e-cargo bikes, is proving to be an increasingly popular method of travel, whether for commuting or leisure purposes, and is encouraging more people to choose to cycle. Bearing this in mind, and referencing the commitment by the Government to increase funding to active travel, all potential incentives to potential purchasers of bikes and e-bikes will be taken into consideration moving forward, including during the ongoing negotiations ahead of Budget 2022.
I very much welcomed the announcement by my colleague, the Minister for Finance, of increased thresholds under the existing Cycle to Work Scheme as part of the 2020 July Stimulus package, as well as the expansion of the scheme to electric bikes, including e-cargo bikes. The changes to the Scheme are in line with the commitment made in the Programme for Government .
The Deputy may also be aware that my Department is in the process of preparing a new Sustainable Mobility Policy following public consultation last year. This new policy framework will provide a strategic backdrop to the increased investment planned by this Government across the sustainable mobility programme, including active travel, and I look forward to the completion of this important work in 2021. Potential incentives for encouraging the purchase or use of e-cargo bikes as a means of Active Travel will be examined as part of this work.
Driver Test
Questions (178)
Maurice Quinlivan
Question:178. Deputy Maurice Quinlivan asked the Minister for Transport if he will examine the case of a person (details supplied) who has tried to book a driver theory test on numerous occasions over the past three months given that the booking system has declined multiple payment attempts through various payment cards; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39369/21]
View answerWritten answers
The Road Safety Authority (RSA) is the body responsible for the operation of the Theory Test.
This is an operational matter for the RSA and I do not have any role in this process. 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.
Transport Policy
Questions (179)
Gino Kenny
Question:179. Deputy Gino Kenny asked the Minister for Transport if there are plans to extend the use of CO2 monitors to intercity trains and provincial buses; his views on whether transporting persons over long distances for many hours has implications for CO2 levels and that passengers have no way of verifying the CO2 levels in enclosed spaces, some of which are essentially sealed units; his further views on the fact that as society opens up passenger capacity will increase at a time when virus variants are transmitting at a higher rate; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39374/21]
View answerWritten answers
As the Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport. However, I am not involved in the day-to-day operation of public transport.
The continued operation of public transport services has been a priority throughout the Covid-19 pandemic. Public transport operators have been advised of, and are following, public health instructions issued by the Health Service Executive (HSE) and the Health Protection Surveillance Centre (HPSC) in relation to COVID-19.
The National Transport Authority (NTA) is working closely with all transport operators to ensure that public transport services continue to operate in a safe manner during the crisis. I have therefore forwarded the Deputy's question to the NTA for direct reply.
Please advise my private office if you do not receive a response within ten working days.
Driver Test
Questions (180)
Aindrias Moynihan
Question:180. Deputy Aindrias Moynihan asked the Minister for Transport the number of centre based theory tests carried out weekly in June and to date in July 2021; the number of online theory tests carried out weekly in June and to date in July 2021; if he is satisfied with the capacity of tests currently and that it will deal with the significant backlog; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39386/21]
View answerWritten answers
The driving theory test is the statutory responsibility of the Road Safety Authority. Information regarding the number of tests carried out weekly and to date are held by the Authority and this part of the question is being referred to it for direct reply. I would ask the Deputy to contact my office if a response has not been received within ten days.
The gradual re-opening of in-person driver theory test centres commenced on 8th of June. The Road Safety Authority reopened test centres and introduced capacity to increase the number of tests from an average of 15,000 tests (in normal times) to 25,000 tests monthly, to tackle the backlog and shorten waiting times.
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 to 50,000 tests per month over time, as public health guidance permits.
The Department and the RSA are very conscious of the significant number of people waiting to take their driver theory test. Every possible measure is being put in place to ensure that the maximum number of customers can be served while public health guidance is strictly adhered to. The public’s continued patience and understanding is requested as plans are put in place to safely and gradually increase capacity.
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.
Cycling Policy
Questions (181)
John Lahart
Question:181. Deputy John Lahart asked the Minister for Transport if he will consider an alternative scheme to the bicycle locker initiative for schools and sports clubs (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39417/21]
View answerWritten answers
I would like to assure the Deputy that my Department is very much committed to increasing the number of children choosing active travel modes, such as walking, scooting or cycling, to and from school. Amongst the existing supports already available is An Taisce’s Green Schools Travel programme which is funded through my Department’s Active Travel programme. The ultimate aim of the programme is to increase the number of students walking, cycling, scooting, using public transport or car-pooling on the way to school.
The programme offers registered schools an opportunity to apply for cycle and/or scooter parking at their respective schools and I am pleased to inform the Deputy of the progress in 2020 in that regard:
- Cycle Parking Spaces installed - 300
- Cycle Parking Shelters installed - 18
- Number of schools who received racks and/or shelters - 24
- Scooter Parking Spaces installed - 810
- Number of schools who received scooter parking - 37
Finally the Deputy is likely aware that I launched the Safe Routes to School Programme earlier this year. The Programme aims to create safer walking and cycling routes within communities, alleviate congestion at the school gates and increase the number of students who walk or cycle to school by providing the necessary infrastructure, including increased bicycle parking.
By the deadline in April, 932 applications had been received from schools in every county in Ireland. 170 schools were notified in June that they have been selected for inclusion in the first round of the Safe Routes to School (SRTS) Programme to support walking and cycling infrastructure for primary and post-primary schools.
I look forward to the roll-out of this additional infrastructure which will facilitate an increase in the number of students cycle to school.
Córas Iompair Éireann
Questions (182)
Róisín Shortall
Question:182. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Transport further to Parliamentary Question No. 139 of 13 January 2021, his plans to amend the related statutory instruments in this regard; if he will consider pausing any changes to the statutory instrument until all members of the scheme have had a chance to vote on the proposals; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39455/21]
View answerWritten answers
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”) and 1951 superannuation scheme (“1951 Scheme”).
Concerning the 1951 scheme, members of the scheme were balloted regarding the Labour Court Recommendation which emerged on 23rd November 2020, with a majority voting to accept the proposals. CIÉ has recently prepared and submitted a consolidated draft Statutory Instrument to give effect to the proposed changes to the scheme - this is now being considered by my Department in conjunction with NewERA.
In view of the above, I have referred the Deputy’s question to CIÉ for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a response within ten working days.
Industrial Relations
Questions (183)
Ruairí Ó Murchú
Question:183. Deputy Ruairí Ó Murchú asked the Minister for Transport if he has had engagements with unions (details supplied) in relation to craft workers placed on part-time jobseeker’s payments; the details of proposals in this regard; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39545/21]
View answerWritten answers
Industrial relations issues are a matter are for the Company and the trade unions concerned with the assistance, where appropriate, of the industrial relations institutions of the State. I have therefore not had engagement with the unions on the matters referred to by the Deputy.
Public Transport
Questions (184)
Cian O'Callaghan
Question:184. Deputy Cian O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Transport further to Parliamentary Question No. 138 of 6 July 2021, if a commitment will be made to provide the funding necessary for the public transport plans outlined by the NTA; if the funding will be provided sooner than is currently planned; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39553/21]
View answerWritten answers
As Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport. The National Transport Authority (NTA) has statutory responsibility for securing the provision of public passenger transport services nationally, and for the allocation of associated funding to the relevant transport operators.
My primary focus at present is to ensure that the NTA receives sufficient public service obligation (PSO) funding to maintain the existing level of public transport services in 2021. The Programme for Government commits to the introduction of new services, including new town services, in order to improve public transport connectivity. I am currently pursuing additional funding for such services in the context of the Programme for Government.
Driver Licences
Questions (185)
Paul Kehoe
Question:185. Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Transport if there are international arrangements in place at EU and non-EU level to recognise the extension of the expiry date of a person's driver licence that is expired but extended under Covid-19 measures; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39573/21]
View answerWritten answers
Ireland received authorisation from the EU to extend driving licences that expire between 1 July and 31 October 2021 for an additional 10 months.
This extension was applied on 2 July 2021. It was granted under EU Regulation 2021/267 and is recognised by all EU Member States. A copy of the Regulation can be found on the European Union Law website:
eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?uri=CELEX%3A32021R0267&qid=1625569643896.
When the extension is applied, the expiry date on each driver file is updated to the new expiry date. Although a new physical licence will not be issued with the extended expiry date, a driver may request a letter of entitlement from the Road Safety Authority to take when driving abroad. A letter of entitlement is a copy of the driver's record and will show the extended date of expiry of the licence. Further information can be found on the National Driver Licence Service website: www.ndls. ie/about/order-my-driver-statement.html.
All EU member states will recognise an extension granted by the EU. However, recognition of these extensions is a matter for each non-EU country. The UK and Northern Ireland authorities have been informed of the Irish extensions in place.
Córas Iompair Éireann
Questions (186)
Bríd Smith
Question:186. Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Transport further to Parliamentary Question No. 92 of 12 May 2021, if the SI has been signed to give effect to this agreement; if not , when it will be signed; if he will clarify the position of a worker in the regular wages scheme week who is due to retire during the period in between which the agreement was accepted and the present time; if the worker will receive the increased benefits when or if the SI is signed even if they had retired before the signing; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39588/21]
View answerWritten answers
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”) and 1951 superannuation scheme (“1951 Scheme”) and issues in relation to CIÉ pension schemes are primarily a matter for the trustees of the schemes, the CIÉ Group and their employees.
In relation to the Regular Wages Scheme, CIÉ has prepared and submitted draft Statutory Instruments (SIs) to give effect to the proposed changes to the scheme. There are a number of steps involved before an SI can be made, including the statutory consultation process. In this context, I can reassure you that the Department are working on the draft SIs as expeditiously as possible.
I have also referred the Deputy's question to CIÉ for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a response within ten working days.
Driver Test
Questions (187)
Niamh Smyth
Question:187. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Transport the reason a person (details supplied) is waiting for a driver test; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39590/21]
View answerWritten answers
The 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.
Covid-19 Pandemic
Questions (188)
Richard Boyd Barrett
Question:188. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Transport the plans he has to show his appreciation for all front-line workers under his remit other than a clap on the back; if he is planning a bonus, gratuity payment for all those workers who have been struggling and worked tirelessly throughout the pandemic; if so, when this will be implemented; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39616/21]
View answerWritten answers
Workers across the economy, including of course our public servants, have made, and continue to make, an extraordinary contribution during the COVID pandemic and I would like to pay tribute to them.
Notwithstanding the sacrifices and efforts of the last year or more and the progress we have made in recent months to roll out vaccines, this pandemic remains an ongoing challenge for us all and it continues, for now, to require our full focus and attention.
Accordingly, while this is not yet, I believe, the most appropriate time to deal with this matter, the Government will consider in due course how best to recognise the efforts made by workers during this pandemic.
Shannon Airport Facilities
Questions (189, 190)
Catherine Connolly
Question:189. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Transport further to Parliamentary Question No. 71 of 30 June 2021, if the amount for the number of US soldiers who passed through Shannon airport between 2001 and 2021, refer only to US soldiers travelling on civilian aircraft on contract to the US military or if the amount provided also includes US soldiers who travelled through Shannon airport on US military aircraft; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39618/21]
View answerCatherine Connolly
Question:190. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Transport the number of US soldiers who travelled through Shannon airport on US military aircraft between 2001 and 2021; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39619/21]
View answerWritten answers
I propose to take Questions Nos. 189 and 190 together.
Shannon Group plc. has informed my Department that the numbers provided from 2001 to May 2021 refers to US military personnel travelling on both civil (commercial) aircraft and military aircraft.
The Company will reply directly to the deputy, with figures of US military personnel on military aircraft. If you do not receive a reply within ten working days, please advise my private office.
Question No. 190 answered with Question No. 189.