Written Answers Nos. 127-151
127. Deputy Ged Nash asked the Minister for Transport the status of his latest discussions with the NTA with a view to obtaining approval for the implementation of a more flexible taxsaver product; his views on whether a flexible taxsaver product is required in view of a flexible return to offices in the coming months; the status of his discussion with the Department of Finance regarding this proposal; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44489/21]
View answer128. Deputy Ged Nash asked the Minister for Transport the estimated cost to the Exchequer of the introduction of a propose flexible taxsaver product to account for the shift to blended working; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44500/21]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 127 and 128 together.
As Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport. I am not involved in the day-to-day operations of public transport, nor decisions on fares.
Following the establishment of the National Transport Authority (NTA) in December 2009, the NTA has responsibility for the regulation of fares charged to passengers in respect of public transport services, provided under public service obligation (PSO) contracts.
In relation to the possible introduction of alternative tax saver commuter ticket options following the Covid pandemic, the NTA is currently evaluating such a proposal and my Department has commenced discussions with the NTA and the Department of Finance on the matter. The NTA is proceeding with the detailed technical work associated with introduction of a more flexible Taxsaver product, whilst discussions with the Department of Finance continue.
I have also forwarded the Deputy's questions to the NTA for direct reply in relation to the issues raised, including the estimated cost of the introduction of a more flexible Taxsaver product. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within ten working days.
129. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Transport the status of legislation in relation to e-scooters; if work is being undertaken to legalise e-scooters for use on roads here; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44509/21]
View answerMy 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 timeframe.
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.
130. Deputy Jim O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Transport if he plans to conduct a business case review into the BusConnects project; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44511/21]
View answerAs the Deputy is aware, the Public Spending Code sets out the requirements for the evaluation, planning and management of public investment projects in Ireland and the Code applies to all public bodies and to all bodies whose projects are supported by Exchequer capital funding.
The Code sets out a number of Decision Gates in the development of a project proposal; these are points where major decisions need to be made about the progress of a project and, for projects expected to cost over €100 million, Government approval is required at these Decision Gates. For a project in this category, "Decision Gate 1: Approval in Principle" is the first stage where the Public Spending Code stipulates that formal Government approval is required.
In accordance with the Public Spending Code's requirements, the National Transport Authority (NTA) has submitted BusConnects's Preliminary Business Case to my Department. The Code stipulates that it must be reviewed by both my Department and the Department for Public Expenditure and Reform. Following completion of these necessary steps I will then bring the matter to Government for its decision.
131. Deputy Michael McNamara asked the Minister for Transport if the NDLS can arrange for a person (details supplied) to be facilitated; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44544/21]
View answerThe current extensions## to the validity of driving licences were granted under EU Regulation 2021/267 and are recognised by all EU Member States. The Regulation applied to driving licences with expiry dates up to 30 June 2021. Ireland subsequently received authorisation from the EU under Commission Decision 2021/1362 to extend this applicable period to cover licences that will expire up to 31 October 2021.
When the extensions are applied, the expiry date on the driver file for each person affected is updated to the new expiry date. It is not possible to extend or not extend individual driving licences. A driving licence can not be renewed more than 3 months before the expiry of the licence. Therefore, a driving licence that expires in October 2021 and has now been extended to August 2022 cannot be renewed until May 2022 at the earliest.
All EU Member States will recognise an extension granted by the EU. Car hire companies are private companies and my Department has no say in the leasing policy of such companies here or abroad.
I have written to EU Commissioner V?lean, DG-MOVE, and to the Tánaiste in his role as Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment, on this issue as it is primarily a matter of consumer protection and of upholding the operation of the single market, rather than one of road safety or road traffic law enforcement.
In the meantime, although a new licence will not be issued with the extended expiry date, you may wish to request a letter of entitlement from the Road Safety Authority to bring with you when driving abroad. A letter of entitlement is a copy of your driving record and will show the extended date of expiry of your licence. Further information can be found on the National Driver Licence Service website here www.ndls.ie/about/order-my-driver-statement.html.
132. Deputy Thomas Gould asked the Minister for Transport if his attention has been drawn to a delay in progress in the M20 project; and if he will clarify the recent sustainable transport policy as referenced by the project team in its statement on the delay. [44550/21]
View answer133. Deputy Thomas Gould asked the Minister for Transport the progress made and work completed within this stage of the M20 project. [44551/21]
View answer134. Deputy Thomas Gould asked the Minister for Transport the cost to date of the M20 project. [44552/21]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 132, 133 and 134 together.
As Minister for Transport I have responsibility for overall policy and securing exchequer funding in relation to the National Roads Programme. Under the Roads Acts 1993-2015 and in line with the National Development Plan (NDP), the planning, design and construction of individual national roads is a matter for Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII), in conjunction with the local authorities concerned. This is also subject to the Public Spending Code Guidelines and the necessary statutory approvals. In this context, TII is best placed to advise you on the status of this project.
Noting the above position, I have referred your question to TII for a direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 working days.
135. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Transport the reason a company (details supplied) is regularly cancelling scheduled services on the number 63 route between Dún Laoghaire and Carrickmines causing service users to arrive late for their employment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44565/21]
View answerAs Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport. However, I am not involved in the operations of public transport.
The National Transport Authority (NTA) has statutory responsibility for securing the provision of public passenger transport services nationally including the contracting of services with relevant operators.
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.
136. Deputy Cathal Crowe asked the Minister for Transport further to Parliamentary Question No. 196 of 1 December 2020, if he was referring to an EU regulation (details supplied). [44616/21]
View answerThe regulatory process referred to in my reply to Parliamentary Question 196 of 1 December 2020 falls under the EU Commission’s Single European Sky's performance and charging schemes framework. For each Member State this framework regulates the cost structure for the provision of air navigation services and the level of charges that can be applied in relation to same, over what are known as reference periods. The current reference period is Reference Period 3 (RP3) which covers the years 2020 – 2024.
I can confirm that the relevant EU Regulation in respect to this regulatory process is Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2019/317 which, due to the significant and unprecedented detrimental impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the aviation sector, was amended for the purposes of RP3 by Implementing Regulation (EU) 2020/1627.
137. Deputy Cathal Crowe asked the Minister for Transport the date by which the two appeals on pension matters made to his Department in February 2020 and November 2020 under section 41(7) of the Irish Aviation Authority Act 1993 will be deliberated upon. [44617/21]
View answerSection 41 (7) of the Irish Aviation Authority Act, 1993 provides that any dispute in respect of superannuation benefit may be submitted to the Minister for Transport for determination by the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform.
In accordance with this statutory process, the two submissions referenced by the Deputy were referred to the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform.
My officials are engaging with officials from the Department for Public Expenditure and Reform on this matter.
138. Deputy Cathal Crowe asked the Minister for Transport if he will call on the Labour Court to engage with the Irish Aviation Authority and the constituent trade unions of the staff panel to formulate an industrial relations agreement to facilitate the enactment of the Air Navigation and Transport Bill 2020 and the subsequent establishment of AirNav Ireland. [44618/21]
View answerThe Air Navigation and Transport Bill provides for the restructuring of Ireland’s national aviation regulation regime, by separating out the commercial air navigation functions of the Irish Aviation Authority (IAA) as a standalone commercial semi-State body to be known as AirNav Ireland, and by merging the Commission for Aviation Regulation’s economic and consumer protection regulatory functions with the safety and security functions of the IAA. This important reform will strengthen Ireland’s regulatory arrangements and bring Ireland into line with international best practice, thereby ensuring that Ireland maintains its reputation for excellence within the aviation sector globally, as the sector begins its recovery from the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic.
As with other restructurings of this kind in the public sector, the Bill proposes a statutory safeguarding of employees’ existing terms and conditions, including pensions. On the specific matter of agreeing a Industrial Relations agreement, it is my understanding that a draft agreement has been provided to the IAA Staff Panel and will be discussed within the IAA’s Joint Consultation Forum. With regard to any prior non-restructuring industrial relations matters, it is in the best interests of all parties involved to continue to engage in the long established internal processes mutually agreed between IAA management and the IAA staff representative bodies, so that a satisfactory resolution can be reached.
139. Deputy Seán Canney asked the Minister for Transport if his attention has been drawn to the fact that local authorities are refusing to give letters of permission to lay cables on public roads to facilitate connection to the grid for solar farms and windfarms thus delaying the planning process; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44675/21]
View answerAs Minister for Transport, I have no responsibility for local area planning decisions. This is a matter which should be addressed directly with the Local Authorities, who are the roads authorities for their areas.
140. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Transport if he has received representations from air traffic controllers requesting his intervention and investigation into the activities and conduct of members of the executive team of the Irish Aviation Authority; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44687/21]
View answerIn recent days I have received email correspondence from many individual air traffic controllers outlining their concerns regarding workplace issues within the Irish Aviation Authority (IAA). This correspondence was also copied to members of the Oireachtas, the IAA, and my Department. The issues raised in this correspondence are matters which fall to be addressed by the Board and Executive of the IAA. I have sought and received a briefing from the IAA, on the concerns raised in the correspondence, and on the unofficial industrial action which in recent months has resulted in temporary staff shortages at State airports.
As with any industrial relations matter, it is in the best interests of all parties to utilise established dispute resolution processes, which I understand in the IAA's case includes the Internal Dispute Resolution Charter and processes, the adoption and operation of which have been jointly utilised by the IAA and its staff representative bodies for some time now.
With this in mind, and in the wider context of an aviation sector that has been severely impacted by Covid-19, perhaps now is an opportunity for reflection and re-engagement by the parties involved.
141. Deputy James Browne asked the Minister for Transport the position regarding driving tests needed for rigid and artic driving licences; the position regarding these protocols; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44717/21]
View answerCovid 19 has had a profound effect on the delivery of the driving testing services operated by the Road Safety Authority (RSA).
Throughout the restrictions and lockdowns, CPC practical driving tests (Certificate of Professional Competence practical tests for trucks and artics) were considered to fall into the ‘Essential Worker’ category and, other than the initial lockdown in March 2020, applicants seeking a test in this category have continued to be invited to sit their driving test.
My Department is liaising with the RSA on an ongoing basis to meet the growing demand for tests. An additional 40 temporary driver testers have been authorised along with 36 approved for retention or rehire in 2020. These testers have been recruited and trained and commenced testing in July.
In addition, sanction was granted at the end of June to add a further 40 testers to the cohort.
The Road Safety Authority have pointed out that many driver testers who can carry out a CPC practical driving test would be designated as trainers and spare testers. Therefore, where there is any training of new recruits, this pulls from the available resources for HGV tests.
The Road Safety Authority is looking to increase the number of tests from 6 to 7 per tester per day from the end of September as well as extending operating hours and expanding facilities at existing centres or opening new centres where appropriate.
Assuming a successful return to 7 tests per tester per day, the capacity of the system will be 4,881 tests per week. The RSA measure test slots as car test slots and will be assigning 7 car test slots a day to a total of 4,881 in the near future. However, truck tests take longer, so while there will be an equivalent of 4,881 car tests available, this does not mean that 4,881 actual tests will happen. There will be some truck tests plus some car and motorbike tests but the total being done will be under 4,881 due to the longer time required for truck tests.
There is a slower take up of invitations from customers seeking a test in this category. Many applicants on the waiting list have already received an invite and chosen not to use it. Further research carried out by the RSA, at the request of my department, showed that the by far the most common reason cited by customers for not taking up their test invitation (47%) was that they were ‘not ready’.
Every possible measure is being put in place to ensure that the maximum number of customers can be served while complying with public health guidance.
There is now real progress to be seen in the increase in capacity in the service. However, we have also to be aware that as services reopen there will be an increase in applications, so we cannot expect backlogs to disappear quickly.
142. Deputy Neasa Hourigan asked the Minister for Transport if he plans to ensure the N52 Ardee bypass is not built through Ardee Bog and its supporting habitat; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44732/21]
View answerAs Minister for Transport I have responsibility for overall policy and securing exchequer funding in relation to the National Roads Programme. Under the Roads Acts 1993-2015 and in line with the National Development Plan (NDP), the planning, design and construction of individual national roads is a matter for Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII), in conjunction with the local authorities concerned. This is also subject to the Public Spending Code Guidelines and the necessary statutory approvals. In this context, TII is best placed to advise you.
Noting the above position, I have referred your question to TII for a direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 working days.
143. Deputy Jackie Cahill asked the Minister for Transport if his attention has been drawn to issues with the Road Safety Authority in relation to the sending out of verification codes in the renewal of provisional licences; his plans to address this issue in order that provisional licence holders can renew their licences online before they expire; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44749/21]
View answerThis is a matter for the Road Safety Authority. I have referred the 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.
144. Deputy Jackie Cahill asked the Minister for Transport the number of provisional licence holders in County Tipperary whose licence is due to expire on or before 31 December 2021; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44750/21]
View answerThis is a matter for the Road Safety Authority. I have referred the question about the number of learner permits to the Authority for direct reply. I would ask the Deputy to contact my office if a response is not received within 10 days.
145. Deputy Jackie Cahill asked the Minister for Transport the number of provisional licence holders waiting for a date for their driving test for a car licence in County Tipperary; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44751/21]
View answerFigures regarding the number of people awaiting a driver test are held by the Road Safety Authority (RSA). I have therefore referred this question 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.
146. Deputy Jackie Cahill asked the Minister for Transport the number of persons in County Tipperary that hold a full licence for a car and that will have to renew that licence on or before 31 December 2021; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44752/21]
View answerThis is a matter for the Road Safety Authority. I have referred the question about driving licences to the Authority for direct reply. I would ask the Deputy to contact my office if a response is not received within 10 days.
147. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Transport if it is planned to provide bus shelters as a matter of policy on all bus routes nationwide and in particular along the R343 bus route to Leitir Mealláin and Cárna, County Galway, which services bus route 424 given the urgent need for the provision of a shelters on this route; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44831/21]
View answerAs 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, including the provision of bus stops and shelters.
Noting the NTA's responsibility in the matter, I have referred the Deputy's question to the NTA for a direct reply. Please contact my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 days.
148. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Transport the status of legislation to regulate electric scooters using public footpaths given the danger to pedestrians in particular elderly pedestrians; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44848/21]
View answerMy 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.
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.
149. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Transport the locations of all offices and buildings either owned or used by his Department or by public bodies and agencies that operate under his remit which are usually open to the public to access services. [44922/21]
View answerServices provided to the public by the Department of Transport can usually be accessed at the following locations:
1. Road Transport Operator Licensing, Department of Transport, 2nd Floor, Clonfert House, Bride Street, Loughrea, Co Galway H62ET93
2. Driver Vehicle and Computer Services, Department of Transport, Shannon Town Centre, Shannon, Co. Clare
In addition, 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.
150. Deputy Gino Kenny asked the Minister for Transport the total Government subsidy for public transport for 2021 by bus, rail, including light rail, DART and Luas, taxi and others. [44945/21]
View answerAs 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.
The main purpose of the subvention payment is to meet the gap between income from fares and the cost of operating services. The provision of public transport services nationally is heavily dependent on passenger fare revenue as it normally contributes about 65% of the operational cost. The remaining 35% of cost is covered by the PSO grant and the Department of Social Protection grant under the Free Travel Scheme. In Budget 2020, and prior to the Covid-19 pandemic, a total of €304 million was provided for PSO and Local Link rural regular services. Due to the impact of Covid-19, which resulted in the collapse of fare revenue on public transport, a further €370 million was allocated to enable the continued operation of public transport services in 2020. My primary focus is to ensure that public transport services continue to operate during this pandemic and I secured almost €659m for PSO services in 2021, of which €30m is to support the licensed bus sector.
In light of the NTA's responsibility in the allocation of PSO funding to public transport operators, I have forwarded the Deputy's question to the Authority for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within ten working days.
The Deputy has also asked about subsidies provided to the Taxi industry and these are listed as follows:
- Standard SPSV licence renewal fee waiver, €2.6 million;
- €3.5 million towards the refund of NCT test fees and Motor Tax for SPSV operators for a 12-month period from 1st September 2021 to 31st August 2022;
- €5.326 million for the eSPSV Grant Scheme
151. Deputy Gino Kenny asked the Minister for Transport the estimated cost of increasing the Dublin Bus fleet by 500 buses. [44946/21]
View answer152. Deputy Gino Kenny asked the Minister for Transport the estimated cost of increasing the Dublin Bus fleet by 500 electric buses. [44947/21]
View answer153. Deputy Gino Kenny asked the Minister for Transport the estimated cost of increasing the national bus fleet by 500 buses. [44948/21]
View answer164. Deputy Ivana Bacik asked the Minister for Transport the estimated cost of providing 100 additional buses to the Bus Éireann fleet. [45133/21]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 151, 152, 153 and 164 together.
As Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport but the National Transport Authority (NTA) has statutory responsibility for the planning and development of public transport infrastructure, including the provision of the PSO bus fleets.
Noting the NTA's responsibility in the matter, I have referred the Deputy's question to the NTA for a direct reply. Please contact my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 days.
