Niamh Smyth
Question:176. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Transport if a driving test will be expedited for a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44265/21]
View answerDriver Test
Questions (176)
Written answers
Under legislation, the Road Safety Authority (RSA) is the body responsible for the operation of the Driving Test.
Individual appointments are 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.
Dublin Bus
Questions (177)
Gino Kenny
Question:177. Deputy Gino Kenny asked the Minister for Transport if his attention was drawn to the decision by Dublin Bus to withdraw the airline service to Dublin Airport prior to the announcement by the company; if the NTA has issued any licences to private operators to run additional services to the airport over the past year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44266/21]
View answerWritten answers
As Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport. However, I am not involved in the day-to-day operations of public transport.
Dublin Bus Airlink services are commercial bus services and the operation of those services is a matter for the company. Furthermore, the National Transport Authority (NTA) has statutory responsibility for securing the provision of public passenger transport services nationally, including issuing licenses to private operators.
I have, therefore, referred the Deputy's question to Dublin Bus and the NTA for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within ten working days.
Question No. 178 answered orally.
Public Transport
Questions (179)
Catherine Murphy
Question:179. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Transport the engineering assessment that was done on the extension of DART west to Kilcock; the findings of the assessment; the estimated cost of provision of a double track or a siding between the proposed new depot located on the outskirts of Kilcock; if he has discussed this matter with the NTA; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44299/21]
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 the planning and development of public transport infrastructure in the Greater Dublin Area, including the development and implementation of the DART+ Programme of which DART+ West is one element.
Noting the NTA's responsibility in the matter, I have referred the Deputy's question to the NTA for a more detailed reply to the specific questions asked. Please contact my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 days.
Legislative Measures
Questions (180)
Colm Burke
Question:180. Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for Transport the status of the introduction of legislation for the use of e-scooters and other such vehicles; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44311/21]
View answerWritten answers
My intention is to legislate for e-scooters, in accordance with the Programme for Government. Department officials have drafted the necessary changes to primary legislation as part of the forthcoming Road Traffic Bill. The Bill has completed pre-legislative scrutiny and is expected to come before the Oireachtas shortly. As with all legislation, it is not possible to provide a definitive timeline at this point.
When the Bill is enacted, it will give the Minister for Transport powers to make regulations for the use of e-scooters and other powered personal transporters.
Regional Airports
Questions (181)
Colm Burke
Question:181. Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for Transport the supports that will be provided to regional airports to build back routes and services following the Covid-19 pandemic; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44312/21]
View answerWritten answers
I can assure the Deputy that regional connectivity is of critical importance to this Government. In recognition of the very difficult circumstances being faced by airports and taking account of the recommendations of the Taskforce for Aviation Recovery, the Government has provided an €80 million funding package specifically for Irish aviation in 2021.
As part of that package, €21.3 million is available under the Regional Airports Programme 2021-2025 and Donegal, Ireland West (Knock) and Kerry are availing of funding under the Programme. This Programme also supports PSO air services to Donegal Airport. While it also supported a PSO service on the Kerry route, this ceased when Ryanair began operating that service on a commercial basis in July, following the collapse of Stobart Air. In light of the impact of Covid on our regional State airports, €32.1 million has also been provided to Cork and Shannon airports under a Covid19 Regional State Airports Programme in 2021.
In addition to this funding, which will put our regional airports in funds while they navigate the Covid crisis, my Department has developed EU Commission approved supplementary support schemes with a budget of €26 million to help address liquidity issues at airports as a result of Covid-19. These new schemes, include €20 million in compensation for our State Airports (Dublin, Cork and Shannon) in recognition of the impacts of Covid. This funding has provided these airports with the flexibility to roll out route incentives/charge rebates, in consultation with airlines, with a view to supporting recovery and growth of connectivity. A further €6m is also available to regional airports that provide connectivity(Donegal, Knock and Kerry) under the EU Temporary Framework in recognition of the impact of Covid on their business. While €23 million in funding has already been disbursed to these airports under these Schemes, my Department has recently invited applications from airports for further funding under the Temporary Framework.
Table 1 below outlines the total package of sector-specific supports available to aviation in 2021. These supports are in addition to the horizontal supports made available to help mitigate the effects of the pandemic on business, including a wage subsidy scheme, grants, low-cost loans, a commercial rates waiver and deferred tax liabilities. To date, the value of these supports to the Irish aviation industry is estimated to be over €300 million.
daa has developed new airport charges discount schemes at Cork and Dublin airports to help kickstart air travel to and from Ireland. Furthermore, Shannon Airport worked closely with airlines in delivering incentives to rebuild traffic, restoring capacity and securing pilot and crew jobs.
The Economic Recovery Plan published by Government on the 1 June, recognises that additional supports may be required to assist the restoration of Ireland's air links, protect jobs and support the sector’s recovery as it opens up and my officials are currently considering options in this area.
Government is committed to continuing to support our regional airports (Knock, Kerry and Donegal) under the Regional Airports Programme in 2022. With regard to Shannon and Cork airports, both of these airports meet the eligibility criteria for the Programme in 2022 and the level of funding that might be available under this Programme in 2022 is currently being considered in the context of the Estimates process in relation to Budget 2022.
The funding provided for regional airports in 2021 is set out inthe following table.
|
Grant Aid allocations |
Eligible Airports |
Capital Funding |
Current Funding |
Total Funding Allocation for 2021 |
|
Regional Airports Programme 2021-2025 (includes funding of PSO routes) |
Donegal, Kerry & Knock |
€10m |
€11.3 |
€21.3m |
|
Covid-19 Regional State Airports Programme 2021 (€32.1m) |
Cork |
€10m |
€15.6m |
€32.1m |
|
|
Shannon
|
€6.5m |
|
|
|
New Covid-19 Supplementary Support Scheme for Irish Airports (€26m) |
Dublin |
|
€17.68m |
|
|
|
Cork |
|
€1.400m |
€20m |
|
|
Shannon |
|
€0.920m |
|
|
|
Ireland West |
|
€1.931m |
|
|
|
Donegal |
|
€0.142m |
€6m (*) |
|
|
Kerry |
|
€0.913m |
|
|
Covid-19 Emergency Support – Hold Baggage Screening Project (300k of the €6.1m allocated to the project was spent in 2020) |
Shannon |
€5.8m |
|
€5.8m |
|
TOTAL |
|
€32.3m |
€52.9m |
€85.2m |
(*) The remainder will be disbursed in December following an assessment by the Department of Transport of eligible losses in the current year to end 2021.
** Funding for the HBS project is included in this Table as while it was approved in 2020 by Government, only €300k was spent by Shannon Airport in 202O with the balance of €5.8m of the allocation spent in 2021.
Driver Test
Questions (182)
Ged Nash
Question:182. Deputy Ged Nash asked the Minister for Transport his views on the case of a person (details supplied) and other similar cases wherein a person has failed to submit their certificate of competency within the two years of the date of issue due to extraordinary circumstances of Covid-19 and accompanying uncertainty with regard to extension of permits; his further views on whether it is fair that those who have failed to submit their certificate during this Covid-19 period should be required to re-sit and pass a driving test again to obtain a full licence; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44319/21]
View answerWritten answers
In response to the Covid-19 restrictions introduced by the Government in March 2020, Regulations were brought in to extend the period of validity for all driving licences and Certificates of Competency that expired between 1 March and 30 June 2020 for four months.
A further extension was then granted to driving licences and learner permits. However, these extensions did not apply to Certificates of Competency. A certificate of competency is not a driving licence. It is a certificate to say that the individual has passed a driving test and are competent to drive vehicles of the category indicated on the certificate. Within two years of passing a driving test, applicants must apply for a driving licence.
The validity of Certificates of Competency is set out in legislation which is based on both National and EU law. Making a change to the validity of an existing certificate requires a change in law.
The Department of Transport is now considering proposals from the Road Safety Authority for a possible extension of Certificates of Competency.
Question No. 183 answered orally.
Covid-19 Pandemic Supports
Questions (184)
Holly Cairns
Question:184. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Transport if he will ensure that all staff in his Department and public bodies and agencies that operate under his remit who, by necessity of their work have to come into close proximity with others, including other employees or members of the public are provided with medical grade masks in the EN14683 category; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44383/21]
View answerWritten answers
Keeping our staff and visitors to our offices safe is a priority for my Department. I can confirm that medical grade masks in the EN14683 category are available to staff in my Department and to members of the public who may need to visit Department offices.
I have referred your question to the agencies under the aegis of my Department for direct reply.
Please contact my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 days.
Electric Vehicles
Questions (185)
Brendan Griffin
Question:185. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Transport if he plans to make electric vehicle usage more affordable for consumers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44162/21]
View answerWritten answers
Providing a sustainable, low-carbon transport system is a key priority of my Department. The Programme for Government commits to 7% average annual emissions reduction to 2030; ultimately, the goal is for a zero-emission mobility system by 2050. Electrification will be key to achieving this objective in the transport sector.
Electric vehicles (EVs) are the most prominent transport mitigation measure in the 2019 Climate Action Plan, and Ireland has set an ambitious target of 936,000 EVs on our roads by 2030. This target is challenging but indicates the scale of the transformation that is needed across all sectors if Ireland is to achieve its climate targets in the coming years.
Considerable progress has been made, as a result of the work of the Low Emission Vehicle Taskforce, to ensure that conditions and policies are in place to support citizens in making greener vehicle choices. As the Deputy will be aware, a comprehensive suite of measures is available to EV drivers, including purchase grants for private car owners and taxi drivers, VRT relief, reduced tolls, home charger grants, favourable motor and BIK tax rates, as well as a comprehensive charging network. These measures have collectively contributed to increased take up of EVs in Ireland in recent years, albeit from a low base, to over 41,000 now.
In addition, my Department convened the Electric Vehicle Policy Pathway (EVPP) Working Group to produce a roadmap to achieving the 2030 EV target. The EVPP Working Group comprises senior officials and has considered regulatory, financial, and taxation policies to help drive a significant ramp-up in passenger EVs and electric van sales.
The recommendations of the EVPP Working Group were approved by Government today and the full report is now available online.
The Working Group examined the issue of price parity between EVs and ICE vehicles. The Report finds that there is divergence within the research community as to when TCO in economic terms cost parity will be achieved with some studies estimating that it is likely to occur in the middle of this decade, driven by falling battery prices and savings due to economies of scale, while others argue that the cross-over point may not occur until towards the end of the decade.
In the meantime, in order to support the transition to EVs, the Group recommended that:
- The generous suite of EV supports already in place in Ireland should be retained until at least end-2022. Additional measures to further incentivise EVs and/or disincentivise fossil fuelled vehicles will also be necessary. Cost-effective, targeted policy supports should continue to be developed and strengthened over the coming years; and
- An Office for Low Emission Vehicles should be established, as a matter of priority, to co-ordinate the implementation of existing and future EV measures and infrastructure. The new Office should also take charge of developing and launching an extensive communication and engagement campaign, whole of Government in coverage, to drive the availability and understanding of key information regarding EVs, tailored to household, business and public sector consumers.
Overall, the Department is acutely aware that the cost of electric vehicles remains an issue for many consumers. To this end, electric vehicle policy is being kept under continuous review to endeavour to make low emission vehicles affordable. A new Climate Action Plan will be published shortly which will include actions to attempt to close the price gap between fossil fuel vehicles and electric vehicles.
Driver Test
Questions (186)
Sean Fleming
Question:186. Deputy Sean Fleming asked the Minister for Transport the position regarding persons who obtained their driving licence for buses and lorries since 2013 and who are required to carry out a CPC course each year to renew their licence but in advance of this are required to do a theory test and do the procedures regarding theory tests apply to persons who had licences issued in earlier times that do not require the theory test; if there is a provision for a person to do a course without a theory test; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44394/21]
View answerWritten answers
Driver Certificate of Professional Competence (CPC) was introduced on the 10 September 2008 for professional bus drivers and on the 10 September 2009 for professional truck drivers. EU Directive 2003/59/EC introduced Driver CPC and it was transposed into Irish law through Statutory Instrument No. 389 of 2008.
Drivers obtaining a bus/truck licence after the relevant dates who wish to drive professionally are required to complete an initial qualification process consisting of four exams in order to obtain a bus/truck Driver CPC qualification. After obtaining their initial qualification, drivers are required to complete periodic training consisting of one day (7 hours) of classroom-based Driver CPC periodic training per year (a total of 35 hours every five years) in order to maintain their Driver CPC qualification on an ongoing basis (or 42 hours every five years if maintaining both bus and truck categories).
Drivers with the relevant licence category prior to the commencement dates (bus - Sept 2008; truck - Sept 2009) were granted ‘acquired rights’ and they do not have to complete any exams; however, they are required to complete periodic training (one day per year in five-year cycles as above) in order to maintain their Driver CPC qualification on an ongoing basis.
As per regulation 11 of Statutory Instrument No. 359 of 2008, ‘a person is not required to obtain an initial CPC if he or she holds either a driving licence or a recognised driving licence to drive a vehicle of (a) category D, DE, D1 or D1E where the licence was issued prior to 10 September 2008, and (b) category C, CE, C1 or C1E where the licence was issued prior to 10 September 2009’.
Any driver who obtained category D/D1 on their licence after 10 September 2008 or category C/C1 on their licence after 10th September 2009 does not have acquired rights to Driver CPC and they must firstly obtain their ‘Initial’ Drivers CPC qualification. In order to do that they must complete the qualifying examinations process which includes their driving test:
- Multiple choice theory test which covers a core test with a module relevant to either bus or truck depending on which they are taking. If a driver wishes to obtain bus and truck, this theory test can accommodate both a bus and truck test module in the one sitting (additional time will be allocated where a driver is taking both categories).
- Case study theory test – bus or truck. If a driver wishes to obtain both bus and truck categories, they will have to apply for and complete two separate case study tests.
- Bus/Truck driving test.
- CPC practical test – 30-minute test which requires a relevant category vehicle. If a driver wishes to obtain both bus and truck categories, they are required to complete a separate practical test in respect of each category.
Drivers can complete tests 3 & 4 in the one test slot.
A driver who wishes to obtain a bus/truck licence category but who does not wish to drive professionally is required to complete stage 1 & 3 above (bus/truck theory test and the bus/truck driving test) in order to obtain their bus/truck licence category. If at a later stage s/he wishes to drive professionally they can complete the remaining two steps and obtain their Driver CPC qualification. Please note if the driver has completed stage 1 (theory test) before September 2014 they will be required to complete this step again.
A driver who obtained their C or D category on their licence after 2008 (bus) or 2009 (truck) but who did not complete the relevant exams and did not obtain their initial CPC qualification, should not complete Driver CPC periodic training as they have no CPC qualification to maintain. Any training completed by a driver with no CPC qualification is null and void.