Written Answers Nos. 169-187
169. Deputy Ivana Bacik asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if his attention has been drawn to reports of mistreatment of vulnerable migrant workers in the Irish meat industry (details supplied); if his Department plans to engage with migrant workers to address these matters; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48798/21]
View answerIreland has a comprehensive body of employment legislation, in respect of which the Workplace Relations Commission is mandated to secure compliance.
Ireland’s employment rights legislation protects all employees, including migrant workers, who are legally employed on a contract of service basis. This is specifically set out in Section 20 of the Protection of Employment (Part Time Work) Act 2001.
The maximum number of hours that an employee should work in an average working week, as set out under the Organisation of Working Time Act, is 48 hrs. Averaging may be balanced out over a 4, 6 or 12 month period depending on the circumstances
Where an individual believes they are being deprived of employment rights applicable to employees they may refer a complaint to the Workplace Relations Commission (WRC) where the matter can be dealt with by way of mediation or adjudication leading to a decision that is enforceable through the District Court. WRC inspectors can also be asked to investigate certain breaches. Complaints can be made on a single online complaint form available at the WRC’s website www.workplacerelations.ie.
In most cases it will be clear whether an individual is employed or self-employed. Where there is doubt in relation to the employment status of an individual the relevant Departments and Agencies will have regard to the Code of Practice for Determining Employment or Self-Employment Status of Individuals.. A revised code updated by an inter-departmental working group led by the Department of Social Protection in consultation with the social partners was published by the Minister for Social Protection in July 2021.
The Inspectorate Division of the WRC carries out inspections of employer records with a view to determining compliance with employment rights legislations. Between 2015 and end-2020 WRC Inspectors carried out 61 inspections of meat processing plants. Of these inspections, 48% (29 inspections) detected breaches of employment law (e.g. inadequate records, national minimum wage rates, working time, employment permits) and recovered almost €184,000 in outstanding wages.
Inspections may include joint inspections led by other Government Agencies (An Garda Síochána, Department of Social Protection and Revenue).
170. Deputy Neale Richmond asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if his attention has been drawn to the impact of his decision to exclude home carers from the critical skills exemption list to the non-EEA employment permit system on recruitment in the sector; the steps he will take to remedy same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48810/21]
View answerThe State operates a managed employment permits system maximising the benefits of economic migration and minimising the risk of disrupting Ireland’s labour market. The system is intended to act as a conduit for key skills which are required to develop enterprise in the State for the benefit of our economy, while simultaneously protecting the balance of the labour market.
The system is managed through the operation of the Critical Skills and Ineligible Occupations Lists which determine employments that are either in high demand or are ineligible for an employment permit where there is a surplus of those skills in the domestic and EEA labour market.
In order to maintain the relevance of these lists of occupations to the needs of the economy and to ensure the employment permits system is aligned with current labour market intelligence, these lists undergo twice-yearly evidence-based reviews which are guided by research undertaken by the Expert Group on Future Skills Needs (EGFSN), the Skills and the Labour Market Research Unit (SLMRU), SOLAS and involves public/stakeholder consultation. Account is taken of education outputs, sectoral upskilling and training initiatives and known contextual factors such as Brexit and, in the current context, COVID-19 and their impact on the labour market. Consideration is also taken of the views of the Economic Migration Interdepartmental Group, chaired by my Department and of the relevant policy Departments, in this case the Department of Health.
The most recent review did not recommend removal of the occupation of care worker/home carers from the Ineligible Occupations List as the evidence suggests that other factors, such as the contracts of employment on offer and employment terms and conditions being offered are a factor in the recruitment challenges faced by the sector, rather than a demonstrable labour market shortage. The sector has also previously been advised that a more systematic and structured engagement with the Department of Social Protection needs to be demonstrated.
If a sector wishes to propose a change to the occupations lists, they need to submit a detailed evidence-based business case to substantiate their request. A review is currently underway, with submissions received, including submissions from the Home Care sector, under consideration. It is expected that the current review will be finalised in the coming weeks.
171. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the status of the provision of a second advance technology facility for Tralee, County Kerry; the type of industry for which the facility will be suitable; the timeframe for when the facility will be available to industry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48914/21]
View answerIDA Ireland is committed to building a new (second) Advanced Technology Building in Tralee.
The site selection process is currently underway. Securing planning permission and the construction of the building will take time, but it is intended that the building facility will be delivered during the life of the current IDA Strategy 2021-2024. The advanced technology building may support either a new office or industrial investment given the flexible nature of IDA building solutions.
172. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the current position in relation to the operation of a company (details supplied) in County Kerry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48915/21]
View answerCentral Pharma announced in December 2018 plans to establish an EMEA accredited contract packaging and supply centre at the IDA’s Advanced Technology Building in Tralee.
I understand that the company has subsequently experienced some delays in progressing their plans, including in relation to the Covid-19 restrictions which delayed work on the site. However, I understand that once regulatory approvals have been received Central Pharma will be ready to commence operations.
The IDA has informed me that the company has already started to recruit key staff, and this will be followed by further hires. The company remains committed to its plans for the site and intends to begin production at the site in Q1 2022.
173. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if his attention or that of his officials has been drawn to a change of ownership of a hotel (details supplied) in County Kildare; the statutory obligations of the receiving party in respect of staff that will transition to a new employer under a transfer of undertaking; the degree to which employer representatives are to be kept informed of the progress of the sale process; and if they are entitled to query the seller in respect of the sale progress. [48960/21]
View answerThe European Communities (Protection of Employees on Transfer of Undertakings) Regulations 2003 (S.I. No. 131 of 2003) apply to any transfer of an undertaking, business or part of a business from one employer to another employer as a result of a legal transfer (including the assignment or forfeiture of a lease) or merger.
The main provisions of the Regulations provide that all the rights and obligations of an employer under a contract of employment (including terms inserted by collective agreements), other than pension rights, are transferred to the new employer on the transfer of the business or part thereof. The new employer must also continue to observe the terms and conditions of any collective agreements until they expire or are replaced.
Both the outgoing and incoming employers are obliged to inform their respective employees’ representatives of, inter alia, the reasons for the transfer and the legal, social and economic implications of the transfer.
The Workplace Relations Commission (WRC) hold the role of adjudication in disputes as to applicability of TUPE.
Complaints relating to alleged contravention of the 2003 Regulations can be brought in the first instance to an Adjudication Officer of the WRC and, on appeal, to the Labour Court. Any such case should be taken within six months of the date on which an employee considers that there has been a contravention of the Transfer of Undertakings Regulations.
174. Deputy Johnny Guirke asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the number of fines issued for dog fouling in each local authority area in the years 2017 to 2020 and to date in 2021, in tabular form. [48805/21]
View answer175. Deputy Johnny Guirke asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the number of fines issued for littering in each local authority area in each of the years 2017 to 2020 and to date in 2021, in tabular form. [48806/21]
View answer176. Deputy Johnny Guirke asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the number of persons prosecuted for a littering or dumping infringement in each local authority area in each of the years 2017 to 2020 and to date in 2021, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48807/21]
View answer177. Deputy Johnny Guirke asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the amount collected in fines for dog fouling in each local authority area in each of the years 2017 to 2020 and to date in 2021, in tabular form. [48808/21]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 174, 175, 176 and 177 together.
Enforcement actions against illegal waste and littering activity are a matter for local authorities and the Office of Environmental Enforcement within the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
The EPA compiles comparative statistics on local authority performance relating to their waste and litter enforcement activity under the Recommended Criteria for Environmental Inspection (RMCEI) process. Their "Focus on Local Authority Environmental Enforcement - Activity Report 2019" was published in March of this year and is available on their website - www.epa.ie
Information is also available through the Local Government Management Agency's series of service indicators annual reports which are available at www.lgma.ie
The Waste Enforcement Regional Lead Authorities (WERLAs) Annual Report for 2019, available at www.werla.ie also contains useful data regarding actions taken by the wider local authority sector under the Waste Management Act.
My Department encourages a multi-facetted approach to tackling the problems of littering and illegal dumping, incorporating enforcement, public awareness and education and provides significant funding to support the activities of both the Waste Enforcement Regional Lead Authorities (WERLAs) and the national network of local authority waste enforcement officers.
Questions in relation to the number of litter fines imposed, revenues raised through the imposition of litter fines for specific offences and prosecutions taken under the Litter Pollution and Waste Management Acts by individual local authorities can be directed towards those specific authorities.
Finally, to note that I propose to increase the fine applicable for littering offences and to introduce a new Fixed Penalty Notice applicable to illegal dumping under the Circular Economy Bill.
178. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if the SEAI will continue to provide grants for the installation of solar PV panels in 2022; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48783/21]
View answerThe Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) administers a range of supports to assist in the installation of solar PV panels and will continue to do so in 2022. Supports for domestic solar PV are currently available under the standalone solar PV grant scheme and as one of a range of measures supported under the National Home Retrofit Scheme for complete home energy upgrades. Solar PV is also funded under the Communities Energy Grant Scheme, which makes grant funding available to improve the energy efficiency of the building stock, and is open to domestic and non-domestic applications.
The overall allocations for residential and community retrofitting in 2022 will be finalised as part of the annual Estimates process. Once finalised, my Department and the SEAI will determine the Programme allocations, and how they will align with the upcoming Clean Export Guarantee (CEG) tariff and any future supports under the planned Micro-generation Support Scheme (MSS).
The Commission for Regulation of Utilities (CRU) published a draft consultation framework on 1 October which outlines the details for the introduction of the CEG payment for exported renewable electricity by eligible micro- and small-scale generators, including solar PV. This draft framework includes eligibility criteria and timescales for introduction, and will introduce an obligation on electricity suppliers to offer remuneration to their customers for excess renewable electricity exported to the grid reflective of the market value of that electricity. I understand that the CRU consultation will last four weeks, with a decision expected to be published in November and a compensation regime expected to follow shortly afterwards.
My Department is also advancing a final scheme design for the MSS, and it is envisaged that a proposal, which may include grants or premium tariff payments for new installations, will be submitted to Government later this year.
179. Deputy Willie O'Dea asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications when fibre broadband will be available in Meentulla, Murroe, County Limerick; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48785/21]
View answerThe Question refers to an area located in the AMBER area on the National Broadband Plan (NBP) High Speed Broadband Map which is available on my Department's website www.broadband.gov.ie. The AMBER area represents the area to be served by the network to be deployed under the NBP State led intervention. I appreciate people's frustration when they are living so close to a fibre network but cannot get a connection to that network, particularly given the heightened importance of connectivity during the Covid-19 pandemic. The NBP will ensure that in all such cases a future proofed high speed broadband network will be built to serve these premises and work to deliver on this is underway.
I am advised by National Broadband Ireland (NBI) that, as of 1 October, over 257,000 premises across all counties have been surveyed. Over 108,000 premises are under construction across 30 Deployment Areas and the first homes are connected in Counties Cork, Cavan, Galway, Limerick and Monaghan.
Surveys are complete or underway in County Limerick, including in Killalee, Caherline, Ballynanty, Pallaskenny, Toreen, Old Kildimo, Askeaton, Adare, Croagh, Rathkeale, Kilfinny, Croom, Ballingarry, Patrickswell, Crecora, Banogue Cross, Granagh, Lees Cross and Ballykennedy. Main works have started in townlands outside Limerick City including Mungret, Patrickswell, Crecora, Castleconnell and Caherconlish. Further details are available on specific areas within County Limerick, through the NBI website which provides a facility for any premises within the intervention area to register their interest in being provided with deployment updates through its website www.nbi.ie. Individuals who register with this facility will receive regular updates on progress by NBI on delivering the network and specific updates related to their own premises as works commence. NBI has a dedicated email address, reps@nbi.ie, which can be used by Oireachtas members for specific queries. Given the scale and complexity of delivery of the new high speed broadband network under the NBP, I am advised that any dates provided by NBI on its website are based on the best available information at the time and may be subject to change. NBI has recently published details of its full deployment schedule on its website, www.nbi.ie, which enables all premises within the intervention area to have an anticipated service activation date range.
In addition to the challenges to the delivery of the NBP due to the Covid-19 pandemic, NBI has faced a range of other challenges due to the sheer scale and complexity of rolling out fibre to the home in a rural environment. These include significant tree trimming to ensure cable can be placed on overhead poles, remediation of ducting that has been in place for many decades, the co-ordination of hundreds of contracting crews and addressing the many issues arising week on week which could not have been foreseen until the build crews commenced work on the ground. My Department has worked closely with NBI to put in place a remedial plan under the Contract. This plan addresses delays experienced by NBI, primarily arising as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic, and re-baselines milestones for 2021. Work is underway to re-baseline milestones for 2022 and beyond. This has resulted in some changes to timeframes for connection for end users.
Broadband Connection Points (BCPs) are a key element of the NBP providing high speed broadband in every county in advance of the roll out of the fibre to the home network. As of 1 October, 379 BCP sites have been installed by NBI and the high speed broadband service will be switched on in these locations through service provider contracts managed by the Department of Rural and Community Development for publicly accessible sites and the Department of Education for school BCPs. BCP’s are installed at Hospital Herbertstown GAA Club, Glenmore Community Centre, Coolcappa Community Centre, Cappamore Community Centre (located 6.6km from Meentula), Galbally GAA Club, Glenroe GAA Club, Kildimo GAA Club,Shanagolden Education Resource Centre, Rathkeale Riverside Training Workshop ,Halla Íde Naofa, Caherline Community Centre and Patrickswell GAA Club. Further details can be found at nbi.ie/bcp-locations/.
Limerick East Educate Together National School, Coolcappa National School, Anglesboro National School, Gerald Griffin National School, Tinnatarriff National School, Knocknadea National School, Mountcollins National School and Killinure National School have been installed by NBI for educational access. My Department continues to work with the Department of Education to prioritise schools with no high speed broadband, within the Intervention Area, for connection over the term of the NBP. In this regard, an acceleration of this aspect of the National Broadband Plan was announced in December which will see some 679 primary schools connected to high speed broadband by 2022, well ahead of the original target delivery timeframe of 2026. Further details are available on the NBI website at nbi.ie/primary-schools-list/.
180. Deputy Ivana Bacik asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if State bodies under his aegis are involved in or propose to become involved in projects for developing large-scale electricity storage capacity; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48799/21]
View answerThe variability challenge posed by renewable energy creates the need for a range of technological interventions. Storage technology, alongside demand-side response and interconnection, will be key as Ireland seeks to increase its share of renewable electricity up to 80 per cent by 2030 as outlined in the National Development Plan published this week. The 2021 Climate Action Plan will set out further actions to address energy storage. The combined storage capacity connected to the grid in Ireland today is 540MW; this consists of 292MW of pumped storage and 248MW of battery energy storage. Based on current projections by the System Operators, this figure is projected to more than double by 2024. I am acutely aware of the critical role of energy storage in supporting a green energy system which is why my Department is considering how storage may be incentivised to participate in the second Renewable Electricity Support Scheme auction, the terms and conditions of which are currently being finalised. This will require a coordinated programme of investment in grid-scale renewable electricity generation and storage.As outlined in the National Development Plan, the State bodies under the aegis of my Department will play a pivotal role in delivering on the transformation of our electricity system to meet the target of up to 80% renewables on the grid by 2030. I have requested the relevant bodies to contact the Deputy directly regarding their specific projects and plans for large-scale electricity storage capacity.
181. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if concerns outlined in correspondence (details supplied) will be given urgent consideration; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48840/21]
View answerI refer to the reply to Question No 150 of 30th September 2021. The position is unchanged.
182. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if he will investigate the provision of fibre broadband to a property (details supplied). [48895/21]
View answerThe Question refers to a premises located in the AMBER area on the National Broadband Plan (NBP) High Speed Broadband Map which is available on my Department's website www.broadband.gov.ie. The AMBER area represents the area to be served by the network to be deployed under the NBP State led intervention. I appreciate people's frustration when they are living so close to a fibre network but cannot get a connection to that network, particularly given the heightened importance of connectivity during the Covid-19 pandemic. The NBP will ensure that in all such cases a future proofed high speed broadband network will be built to serve these premises and work to deliver on this is underway.
I am advised by National Broadband Ireland (NBI) that, as of 1 October, over 257,000 premises across all counties have been surveyed and over 108,000 premises are under construction across 30 Deployment Areas. Surveys are complete or underway in County Westmeath in areas such as Mullingar, Sonna, Stonehall, Taghmon, Jamestown, Hopestown, and Athlone. Pre-works have commenced in the areas around Mullingar.
Further details are available on specific areas within County Westmeath through the NBI website which provides a facility for any premises within the intervention area to register their interest in being provided with deployment updates through its website www.nbi.ie. Individuals who register with this facility will receive regular updates on progress by NBI on delivering the network and specific updates related to their own premises as works commence. NBI has a dedicated email address, reps@nbi.ie, which can be used by Oireachtas members for specific queries.Given the scale and complexity of delivery of the new high speed broadband network under the NBP, I am advised that any dates provided by NBI on its website are based on the best available information at the time and may be subject to change. NBI has recently published details of its full deployment schedule on its website, www.nbi.ie, which enables all premises within the intervention area to have an anticipated service activation date range.
In addition to the challenges to the delivery of the NBP due to the Covid-19 pandemic, NBI has faced a range of other challenges due to the sheer scale and complexity of rolling out fibre to the home in a rural environment. These include significant tree trimming to ensure cable can be placed on overhead poles, remediation of ducting that has been in place for many decades, the co-ordination of hundreds of contracting crews and addressing the many issues arising week on week which could not have been foreseen until the build crews commenced work on the ground. My Department has worked closely with NBI to put in place a remedial plan under the Contract. This plan addresses delays experienced by NBI, primarily arising as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic, and re-baselines milestones for 2021. Work is underway to re-baseline milestones for 2022 and beyond. This has resulted in some changes to timeframes for connection for end users.
Broadband Connection Points (BCPs) are a key element of the NBP providing high speed broadband in every county in advance of the roll out of the fibre to the home network. As of 01 October, 379 BCP sites have been installed by NBI and the high speed broadband service will be switched on in these locations through service provider contracts managed by the Department of Rural and Community Development for publicly accessible sites and the Department of Education for school BCPs. BCP’s are installed at Streete Parish Park & Community Hall, Whitehall Community Centre, Milltown Emper Community Centre, Clonkill Hurling Club, Ballycomoyle GAA Club and Castledaly Community Centre. Further details can be found at nbi.ie/bcp-locations/.
Naomh Micheal, Scoil Náisiúnta Bhríde and Scoil Náisiúnta Aodha Naofa have been installed by NBI for educational access. My Department continues to work with the Department of Education to prioritise schools with no high speed broadband, within the Intervention Area, for connection over the term of the NBP. In this regard, an acceleration of this aspect of the National Broadband Plan was announced in December which will see some 679 primary schools connected to high speed broadband by 2022, well ahead of the original target delivery timeframe of 2026. Further details are available on the NBI website at nbi.ie/primary-schools-list/.
183. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications when the 2020 annual transition statement will be published as required by section 14(1) of the Climate Action and Low Carbon Development Act 2015; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49059/21]
View answerThe Annual Transition Statement, established under the Climate Action and Low Carbon Development Act 2015, serves an important function in providing an overview of climate change mitigation and adaptation policy measures adopted to reduce emissions of greenhouse gases and to adapt to the effects of climate change in order to enable the achievement of the national transition objective. In this regard, the Climate Action and Low Carbon Development (Amendment) Act 2021, which amends the 2015 Act, significantly strengthens the statutory framework for governance of the climate challenge, and ensure delivery of successive Climate Action Plans and Long-term Climate Strategies, supported by a system of carbon budgeting and sectoral targets with appropriate oversight by Government, the Oireachtas and a new Climate Change Advisory Council.
The Act introduces greater accountability arrangements with an enhanced role for the Oireachtas – Ministers will have to give account for their performance towards sectoral targets and actions before an Oireachtas Committee each year replacing the current Annual Transition Statement process.
In accordance with the 2015 Act, I propose to prepare an Annual Transition Statement for 2020 which I intend to publish this year.
184. Deputy Cathal Berry asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the measures he plans to introduce in winter 2021-22 to address fuel poverty; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48674/21]
View answerThe Government’s Strategy to Combat Energy Poverty was published in 2016. The Strategy set out several actions to alleviate the burden of energy poverty on the most vulnerable in society. The focus of the strategy was on high impact actions which aimed to make a real difference to the lives of those in energy poverty. Overall, the Government envisages expenditure in excess of €700 million in 2021 on a number of measures to support households meeting the cost of energy. Good progress has been made under the strategy including:
- Funding for SEAI energy poverty retrofit schemes has increased dramatically over the period from €15 million in 2015 to over €109 million for 2021;
- Free upgrades were carried out in over 24,000 lower income homes under the main Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) energy poverty retrofit schemes;
- The Housing for All Strategy has committed to introducing minimum Building Energy Ratings for rented properties from 2025;
- The allocations for retrofit of social housing have also increased significantly with an allocation of €65 million for 2021.
Income supports from the Department of Social Protection to help households with the costs of heating their homes have also increased. The Minister for Social Protection recently announced a budget of €292 million for the upcoming season. It will be paid for 28 weeks to an estimated 370,000 households across the State. Recipients are paid weekly rate of €28. In addition, the Minister for Social Protection also provides an electricity or gas allowance under the Household Benefits scheme at an estimated cost of €265 million in 2021. This is paid at a rate of €35 per month, 12 months of the year. The Department of Social Protection also funds an exceptional needs payment, which can include support with fuel bills in some cases. Any increases to these allowances would be subject to wider budgetary considerations.
Protections are in place for those falling into difficulty with their energy bills. Under the supplier led voluntary Energy Engage Code, suppliers will not disconnect a customer who is engaging with them. It should also be noted that data from approved price comparison websites shows that consumers can make significant savings by switching energy suppliers.
A review of the implementation of the Strategy to Combat Energy Poverty will be completed this year and will inform next steps in relation to the development of a new strategy. Alleviating energy poverty will also be a key consideration for the new National Retrofit Plan which will be published later this year.
185. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Transport his views on a series of matters regarding the taxation of vehicles (details supplied) in rural areas; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48951/21]
View answerIn terms of specific vehicle-related taxes, I have policy responsibility for motor tax, however VRT (including the NOx charge), fuel taxes (including the carbon tax element and VAT) and benefit-in-kind for company cars are a matter for my colleague the Minister for Finance.
In terms of environmental policy, the Programme for Government 2020 contains a commitment to an average of a 7% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions year-on-year from 2021 to 2030 and to achieving net zero emissions by 2050. The transport sector currently accounts for 20% of Ireland’s greenhouse gas emissions levels and a reduction in emissions levels in the sector, through a combination of taxation and incentivisation, will form a key part of achieving that target. Road Traffic usage represents 96% of those emissions. In this regard, the CO2-based motor tax system for private cars, which comprise the bulk of the vehicle fleet, is structured in such a way as to incentivise the uptake of electric and lower CO2-emitting vehicles, with these attracting lower motor tax rates than higher emitting vehicles.
The Climate Action Plan 2021 which is due to be published shortly will chart a course to achieve these targets by 2030 and it will include specific and challenging measures in that regard. The overall target here is very ambitious and will require a mix policy interventions and significant behavioural change, taking account of their relative impact on mobility options, including social, rural and urban impacts.
Electrification of the national fleet, significant investment in improving public transport options, ramping up walking and cycling infrastructure for short distances, increasing biofuels in the existing fleet and improved engine efficiencies will all play a significant role. Finally, demand management, or reducing the need to travel by private car, will also be key. I am very aware that this is the most challenging element since it will impose restrictions on current travel behaviours.
I am fully aware of the importance of finding a path to reduce emissions without removing people’s access to travel, transport and services. Measures such as working from home and using online tools to access services will become more prevalent and usual with the digitilisation of our economy and society. Many of the trips we currently take and services we currently access in person can be accessed through online means. I am also very encouraged by proposals for 15 minute neighbourhoods, so that most of the key services people need can be accessed within 15 minutes of their home, so curtailing the need to travel long distances by car. We need to reduce emissions as a country because of the global crisis we are facing as a planet. However, we need to do so in a way that does not negatively impact people’s lives and wellbeing.
As set out in the recently published National Development Plan, the Government is committed to strengthening rural economies and communities and enhancing regional accessibility, with a range of investments proposed in new and existing public transport infrastructure. The Plan also commits to significant investment in the land transport network and the upcoming National Investment Framework for Transport in Ireland will set out the priorities for investment in the land transport network. The National Transport Authority’s Connecting Ireland rural mobility plan aims to improve access to towns and cities for those in rural areas by improving existing bus services, increasing capacity and adding new bus services, and builds on from the Authority’s TFI Local Link, which provides access to essential, educational and leisure services in rural areas.
The Government’s Rural Development Policy 2021 – 2025, “Our Rural Future”, also commits to improved and accessible public transport in rural areas and to the piloting of new rural transport initiatives.
Further, it should be noted that the National Development Plan commits to continuing investment in improving access to remote working facilities, enabling people to work in rural areas, thereby potentially reducing the need for car journeys for commuting purposes. It is becoming increasingly clear that over the coming years we must all undergo a transformational change how and why we travel if we are to meaningfully tackle the climate crisis.
186. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Transport the BusConnects process will take regional connections into account from the county to the city transport hubs (details supplied). [48752/21]
View answerAs Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport. The National Transport Authority (NTA) has responsibility for the planning and development of public transport infrastructure, including BusConnects Cork.
Noting their responsibility in relation to this 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.
187. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Transport if instructions will be in place regarding wearing of facemasks for transport workers in which close contact is unavoidable such as for driving instructors and their clients after the lifting of restrictions on 22 October 2021. [48760/21]
View answerTransport workers, including driving instructors, should continue to comply with Government health and safety requirements and guidance in order to ensure that we continue our progress in suppressing Covid. As our approach to the management of COVID-19 transitions from population wide restrictions to guidance, we should continue to practice basic preventative behaviours, including in relation to self-isolation and restricting movements when advised, observing good respiratory and hand hygiene, physical distancing and mask wearing when appropriate.
As outlined in COVID-19: Reframing the Challenge, Continuing Our Recovery and Reconnecting, which was announced by Government on 31 August, from 22 October, (subject to the criteria of at or close to 90% of people 16 or over being fully vaccinated and having regard to the incidence and behaviour of the disease at that time), Ireland will enter a new phase in our approach to the management of COVID-19.
Subject to this, and the advice of NPHET, the Government has signalled its intention that formal requirements/mandates for mask wearing outdoors and in indoor private settings will be removed. However, the intention is that there will be continuing requirements in relation to mask wearing in a range of settings including healthcare settings, indoor retail and on public transport. Facemasks may also continue to be needed to be worn in certain environments as part of sector specific measures to ensure a safe environment. Furthermore, individual efforts to wear masks based on individual risk assessment will remain an important component of our collective response to COVID-19.
