Thursday, 2 Dec 2021

Written Answers Nos. 3-22

Company Law

Questions (3)

Catherine Connolly

Question:

3. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment further to Parliamentary Question Nos. 141 of 24 March and 174 of 15 September 2021, the status of plans to conduct an investigation into potential mis-selling by Irish agents involved in the French leaseback property scandal; the engagement he has had with the Competition and Consumer Protection Commission in this regard since September 2021; if the Commission has to-date received the final report of the investigation by the French consumer protection authorities La direction générale de la Concurrence, de la Consommation et de la Répression des fraudes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [59581/21]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment (Deputy Robert Troy)

One of the primary functions of the Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (‘CCPC’) is to enforce consumer protection law in Ireland. For cross border consumer protection issues, the CCPC is part of the European Consumer Protection Co-operation (CPC) Network, which is comprised of national authorities responsible for enforcing EU consumer protection laws. This network protects consumers when conducting transactions across national borders and allows consumer protection agencies to co-operate to resolve particular consumer issues. I am advised by the CCPC that the CPC Network is central to addressing this matter, which involved the purchase of properties in France. These properties were developed, marketed, sold and managed by French traders under a French ‘Residence de Tourisme’ scheme devised by the French Government to provide tourist accommodation in France. Under the European CPC network, the appropriate authorities to conduct an investigation in relation to this matter are the French consumer protection authorities – Direction Générale de la Concurrence, de la Consommation et de la Répression des Fraudes (‘DGCCRF’).

The CCPC assures me that it has engaged with the DGCCRF with respect to the issues highlighted by Irish property purchasers of these French properties. The CCPC received complaints from Irish property purchasers and provided an initial preliminary assessment to the DGCCRF for over 150 complainants. Following consultation with the DGCCRF, the CCPC collated and transferred to the DGCCRF the transactional documentation of over 150 Irish complainants. The CCPC has and continues to provide significant time and resources to this matter and to supporting the DGCCRF investigation. In addition, throughout the period of engagement with the DGCCRF, whenever issues have been raised by complainants or where they have requested the CCPC to forward additional documentation to DGCCRF in relation to any matters, the CCPC has done so and acted in accordance with DGCCRF instructions to ensure compliance with French legal requirements regarding criminal investigations. 

The DGCCRF are investigating the issues that were referred to the CCPC by the complainants involved. The primary focus of the CCPC is to continue to support the DGCCRF investigation through providing any assistance or information requested by the DGCCRF. The CCPC has not yet received the final report of the DGCCRF investigation. The CCPC has kept lines of communication open with the complainants and has updated complainants when such updates have been provided by the DGCCRF. That will continue to be the case.  The DGCCRF have advised that they will inform the CCPC when reports are handed over to the Public Prosecutor in France and they will draw the Public Prosecutor’s attention to the importance of keeping Irish complainants informed about the state of play of proceedings.  

The CCPC considers this matter as a high priority issue and one which they have dedicated considerable resources.

 

Departmental Consultations

Questions (4)

Mary Lou McDonald

Question:

4. Deputy Mary Lou McDonald asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment when the stakeholder consultation of his Department on the International Labour Organisation Convention 190, Elimination of Violence and Harassment in the World of Work is due to commence. [59679/21]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment (Deputy Damien English)

The ratification of ILO Convention C190 is a matter of priority for Ireland and my Department officials continue to work towards being amongst the first ILO member States to ratify, with plans to progress the ratification soon. 

The issue of ratification by Ireland of International Labour Organisation Convention 190, Elimination of Violence and Harassment in the World of Work, is being considered in the context of our standard approach to the ratification of international instruments. Ireland does not ratify international conventions until it has been determined that national law is in line with the provisions of the international instrument.   

Convention 190 is the first ever international instrument on the very important issues of eliminating violence and harassment in the world of work. Ireland already has very strong protections in law to combat violence and harassment in the world of work and has ratified the Council of Europe Convention on preventing and combating violence against women and domestic violence (Istanbul Convention).  

My officials have been engaging with relevant Departments and offices to establish the extent to which domestic legislative provisions already provide for the rights and entitlements enunciated in the Convention, as well as legislative amendments, if any, that may be required to enable ratification. The Department is now conducting an analysis of the outcomes of that engagement.

Following  this consideration, as part of the ratification process, my officials will undertake a stakeholder consultation with the social partners and other interested parties.  It is anticipated that this will take place in the coming months once the analysis, mentioned above, is completed.

I can assure you of Ireland’s commitment to work towards being amongst the first ILO member States to ratify Convention 190.

 

Departmental Expenditure

Questions (5)

Catherine Murphy

Question:

5. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the amount expended by his Department in each of the past five years to date in 2021 on lighting and heating costs in tabular form. [59700/21]

Written answers

Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment

Given the data being requested spans the past five years across the Department and each of its Offices, it is not possible to provide the full information to the Deputy in the timeframe provided to meet the deadline set by the Parliamentary Questions Office.

I will arrange for the provision of the requested material to be provided to the Deputy at the earliest opportunity over the coming days.  

Departmental Properties

Questions (6)

Catherine Murphy

Question:

6. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the steps he has taken to improve ventilation in the office buildings of his Department; if air cleaning and or purification systems have been installed in 2021; and if not, the plans to install same in 2022. [59718/21]

Written answers

Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment

Accommodation for my Department and its Offices is provided by the Office of Public Works (OPW) in buildings which are either State owned or leased by the OPW on our behalf. Typically, the Department and its Offices are in shared accommodation, either with other Government Departments, public bodies and/or the private sector.

The Department and its Offices are located in 11 locations across the country.As tenants the Department works closely with OPW colleagues, and where relevant, engages with the local landlords and with other tenants, to ensure the provision of appropriate, fit-for-purpose accommodation for our staff and any visitors to the buildings. 

As part of our internal response to the COVID-19 pandemic my Department has implemented a suite of infection prevention control measures to reduce the risk of disease transmission and to assist in making the work environment as safe as possible.

As alluded to in the national Work Safely Protocol, ventilation is not a standalone measure in itself and it is key that staff, and visitors alike, continue to adhere to all aspects of the prevailing public health guidance such as social distancing, ensuring good hand hygiene, respiratory etiquette such as facemask wearing in communal areas, proper cough etiquette and availing of vaccinations when offered same. 

Given the nature of the buildings occupied by my Department and its Offices, the technical advice provided by the OPW to date is that there is no need for additional mechanical interventions to be made to our buildings to enhance ventilation at this time. This OPW advice comes with the caveat that the Department should, and is ensuring, that all reasonable arrangements are in place to maximise ventilation through a combination of actions tailored to their locations. This includes opening more windows and carefully managing the overall numbers daily in each location so as to ensure rooms do not become overcrowded.Such arrangements are overseen by a dedicated Health and Safety Unit working in conjunction with colleagues across the Department and its Offices.

To provide added assurance to staff and in supplementing our range of COVID-19 specific control measures, my Department has also installed approximately 20 air quality monitors in various locations across our buildings where these were deemed to be warranted. These are small mobile monitors which provide real-time information such as CO2 levels in rooms and will inform us if there are negative issues with ventilation.  To date, the information gleaned from the monitors backs up the OPW technical advice in relation to ventilation in our occupied buildings. 

As has been the case throughout the pandemic, my Department will of course keep all health and safety related issues under review and will liaise closely with the OPW and with other external expertise as required.  

Sustainable Energy Communities

Questions (7)

Richard Bruton

Question:

7. Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the number of sustainable energy communities which have been formed to date; the scale of energy improvement investments which have been facilitated by such communities; and if he has plans to enhance the scope for such initiatives under the Climate Action Plan. [59579/21]

Written answers

Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications

The Sustainable Energy Communities (SEC) Programme is administered by the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) on behalf of my Department. The Programme supports the low carbon energy transition by developing skills and capacity, at a community level, in determing how to use less energy, adopting lower carbon options for transport and heating, shifting energy use to off-peak times or investing in smart technologies. The SEC process of learning consists of 3 core steps of Learn (the SEC Network), Plan (the Energy Master Plan partnership) and the Do stage. Under this latter stage, the SECs access the various SEAI energy efficiency grants, notably the Community Energy Grant Scheme, to help them progress their identified projects.

The Community Energy Grant Scheme supports support cross-sectoral, partnership approaches that deliver energy savings to a range of building types including public, commercial and community buildings with a particular focus on using the projects to deliver home retrofits. Furthermore, the Scheme is designed to engage all members of the SEC network who wish to participate in delivery of energy efficiency works. The 2021 budget for the Community Energy Grant Scheme is €30 million, a €10 million increase on the allocation in 2020.

There are currently 600 SEC members in the network, of which 110 joined in 2021. Under the Programme, a total of 176 Energy Master Plans have been submitted to the SEAI, of which 50 were submitted in 2021. There are a total of 62 SECs at the Do stage.

The National Retrofit Plan which was launched recently as part of the Climate Action Plan 2021, sets a target of 1,500 member communities in the SEC Network by 2030. Under the Plan, SECs will be supported by Government to continue and expand their roles as ‘activators’ in their community.

Details of the organisations and communities involved in the SEC Programme can be found on SEAI’s website www.seai.ie/sustainable-solutions/community-projects/sustainable-energy-communities/.

Bord na Móna

Questions (8)

Jennifer Whitmore

Question:

8. Deputy Jennifer Whitmore asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if he will provide a list of current drainage operations on Bord na Móna peatlands; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [59595/21]

Written answers

Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications

The Government approved funding of €108 million for Bord na Móna’s large-scale peatlands restoration project to rehabilitate 33,000 hectares of peatlands under the Enhanced Decommissioning, Rehabilitation and Restoration Scheme (EDRRS). The Scheme has resulted in Bord na Móna reassigning employees from peat harvesting activities into rehabilitation operations, while supporting the natural environment and biodiversity of the peatlands. It is estimated that over the period to 2050, 3.2 million tonnes of CO2 emissions will be avoided (including an amount of future carbon sequestration), in comparison to a standard rehabilitation scenario. Rehabilitation, which includes water management operations under the EDRRS, has commenced on 18 bogs. In addition, the National Parks and Wildlife Service of the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage is currently undertaking a programme to restore Ireland’s raised bog Special Areas of Conservation and Natural Heritage Areas, a key action of the National Raised Bog Special Areas of Conservation Management Plan 2017-2022. Given the extensive land and water management operations undertaken by Bord na Móna on some 79,300 hectares of peatlands across the country, I have asked the Company to provide the further detailed information directly to the Deputy.

Energy Policy

Questions (9)

Thomas Pringle

Question:

9. Deputy Thomas Pringle asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the names of applicant companies that have received stage 1 letters of offer under the EXEED scheme in 2021; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [59553/21]

Written answers

Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications

The Excellence in Energy Efficiency Design (EXEED) support scheme is managed by the SEAI. My Department does not hold details of individual applicants or applications to the EXEED scheme.

Departmental Expenditure

Questions (10)

Catherine Murphy

Question:

10. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the amount expended by his Department in each of the past five years to date in 2021 on lighting and heating costs in tabular form. [59701/21]

Written answers

Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications

The information requested is set out in the following table:

Year	Electricity	Heat
2016	€228,772	€66,945
2017	€201,226	€87,094
2018	€182,122	€74,023
2019	€193,346	€69,872
2020	€171,725	€59,290
2021 to date	€148,254	€58,977

 

Departmental Properties

Questions (11)

Catherine Murphy

Question:

11. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the steps he has taken to improve ventilation in the office buildings of his Department; if air cleaning and or purification systems have been installed in 2021; and if not, the plans to install same in 2022. [59719/21]

Written answers

Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications

My Department in conjunction with its Health and Safety consultants prepared a Covid-19 Response Plan. It contains a number of control measures to ensure there is good ventilation in the Department's offices. These include the regular servicing of air conditioning systems and maximising natural ventilation with the introduction of an open window policy.My Department has implemented the updated Government guidelines on working from home and office attendance.There are no plans to install air purifications systems at present in my Department's offices but the position is kept under review.

Driver Test

Questions (12)

Ruairí Ó Murchú

Question:

12. Deputy Ruairí Ó Murchú asked the Minister for Transport if he will consider giving updated guidelines to driving test centres operated by the Road Safety Authority in order that instructors can use bathroom facilities at the centres once they are able to prove their vaccination status and adhere to Covid-19 guidelines; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [59545/21]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Transport (Deputy Hildegarde Naughton)

Under legislation, the Road Safety Authority (RSA) is the body responsible for the operation of the Driving Test Service.

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.   

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

Driver Licences

Questions (13)

Paul Kehoe

Question:

13. Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Transport if he will investigate the case of a person (details supplied) who has lived and held a driving licence in Ireland for over 40 years but has been unable to renew their driving licence; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [59589/21]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Transport (Deputy Hildegarde Naughton)

The operation of the National Driver Licensing Service is the statutory responsibility of the Road Safety Authority and I have no power to intervene in individual cases. Accordingly, the Deputy should direct enquiries to those agencies. I would ask the Deputy to contact my office if a response is not received within 10 days.

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

Rail Network

Questions (14)

Matt Shanahan

Question:

14. Deputy Matt Shanahan asked the Minister for Transport if his attention has been drawn to an Irish Rail document written in 2019 that stated that the Waterford to Rosslare rail line could be reopened for a cost of between €12 to 15 million; if he will support the reopening of the Waterford to Rosslare rail line given discussions in his Department regarding possible new rail project finance for Navan and the extension of the DART service to Wicklow given the expected population increase in the southeast region over the next 20 years and the requirement for regional connectivity; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [59611/21]

Written answers

Minister for Transport

I am not specifically aware of the document the Deputy refers to, but am generally aware that there are often a wide range of costs ascribed to re-openings of any disused railway line. 

As the Deputy may be aware, my Department, in co-operation with the Department for Infrastructure (Northern Ireland), is undertaking a Strategic Rail Review which will inform the development of the railway sector on the Island of Ireland over the period to 2040. Arup consultants have been appointed to undertake the Review. Work has commenced and it is expected to take 12 months in total.

The Strategic Rail Review will review the rail network with regard to a number of ambitions: improving sustainable connectivity between the major cities (including the potential for high-/higher speed), enhancing regional accessibility, supporting balanced regional development and rail connectivity to our international gateways, with the latter considering the role of rail freight.

This Review will also consider the potential scope for improved rail services along the various existing, or future potential, corridors of the network. That scope will also include the potential afforded by disused and closed lines such as the Waterford to Rosslare line. 

This will be one of the most significant reviews of the rail network on the island in many years and will provide a framework to develop a much-improved rail network in the years ahead. As part of the scope of the Review, a consultation process is now underway and I would encourage all interested parties to participate in the consultation.

Aviation Industry

Questions (15, 16)

Matt Shanahan

Question:

15. Deputy Matt Shanahan asked the Minister for Transport if he will address a series of matters (details supplied) in relation to regional aviation support packages; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [59612/21]

Matt Shanahan

Question:

16. Deputy Matt Shanahan asked the Minister for Transport the reason the policy to support regional aviation did not extend to Waterford Airport considering it attracts the full costs of serviced runway, emergency standby and air traffic control and air navigation expertise on site and is the base facility supporting the Coastguard Rescue Helicopter 117 service; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [59613/21]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Transport (Deputy Hildegarde Naughton)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 15 and 16 together.

As the Deputy is aware under the €126m funding package for Aviation announced on 12 October, funding of €90m will be allocated in 2021, subject to State aid approval, under the Covid-19 Supplementary Support Scheme and €36m will be allocated in 2022 under the Regional Airports Programme 2021-2025.

This €90m in funding builds on the €26m in funding provided earlier this year under State Aid approved Schemes. The only airports that are eligible for supports are airports that deliver international connectivity.  The criteria applied are as set out in the EU Commission Decision SA59709 as follows:

ec.europa.eu/competition/state_aid/cases1/202118/290271_2270935_109_2.pdf.

As outlined in the Decision the objective of Measure 1 is to compensate the damage suffered by the Irish airport operators due to the imposition of the general advisory and other containment measures linked to the COVID-19 outbreak in Ireland and other countries under Article 107(2)(b) of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union, during the period from 1 April to 30 June 2020.

The objective of Measure 2 and Measure 3 is to ensure air connectivity and broadly support the general economy and development in Ireland by providing support to airport operators.

My Department is currently engaging with the Commission to amend this scheme to reflect the increase in budget of an additional €90m.

In relation to funding of €36m in 2022 under the Regional Airports Programme 2021-2025, this funding remains targeted at airports that operate scheduled services and have annual passenger numbers of fewer than 1 million (during the two financial years preceding the year in which aid is granted).  Scheduled services must facilitate international connectivity, either directly or via another national hub airport such as Dublin. 

Waterford Airport had been eligible for funding under the last Regional Airports Programme (2015 to 2019).  However, following a continued decline in demand for services over successive years from 2008, Waterford Airport became ineligible for funding when all remaining scheduled flights ceased at the airport in June 2016.   

Given the above, without passenger flights or plans to develop passenger flights, Waterford Airport’s operations failed to meet the connectivity objective associated with Government policy on regional airports.

As the Deputy is aware, Waterford Airport has faced serious financial challenges since scheduled flights ceased at the airport.  In order to avoid liquidation, the airport sought subvention from the Department of Transport in December 2017.   

The Government at that time committed to providing support to Waterford Airport, on an exceptional basis, in order to allow time for the consideration of future options at the airport, including a proposal to expand its runway. 

While some operational payments to Waterford airport were made on an exceptional basis between 2018 and 2020 in anticipation of the return of scheduled services, the radically changed outlook for the return of such services means that such payments cannot be continued.  

Waterford Airport have been advised that there is no policy basis on which the State can fund general aviation. (Other airports in a similar position are not eligible for funding under the Regional Airports Programme.)

Question No. 16 answered with Question No. 15.

Road Projects

Questions (17)

Matt Shanahan

Question:

17. Deputy Matt Shanahan asked the Minister for Transport the serious safety or transit time requirements that justify the proposed spend on the Dunkettle interchange (details supplied); if he will compare same to the lack of an appraisal to date with respect to upgrading the N24; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [59614/21]

Written answers

Minister for Transport

As Minister for Transport I have responsibility for overall policy and exchequer funding in relation to the National Roads Programme.  Under the Roads Acts 1993-2015 and in line with the new National Development Plan (NDP) 2021-2030, 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 and the necessary statutory approvals. 

The Dunkettle Interchange is one of the busiest in the country, with up to 110,000 vehicles using it daily. The Interchange has been operating beyond capacity at peak times and this results in significant traffic queues/delays on all of the approach roads, including the Jack Lynch tunnel, which also presents a safety risk.

The upgrade to the Interchange will improve safety by providing clearly designated lanes for traffic with minimal weaving or crossovers of traffic flow, thereby avoiding complex manoeuvres which could lead to accidents. It is also expected that this upgrade will deliver a reduction in traffic flows in the Cork urban network. The Net Present Value across all traffic growth scenarios indicate the scheme will generate substantial reductions in journey times and safety benefits for those using the Interchange, which more than justify the cost of construction. All examined traffic scenarios returned strongly positive Benefit to Cost ratios (BCRs).

Noting the above position, I have referred your question to TII for a direct and more detailed reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 working days.

Greenways Provision

Questions (18)

Catherine Murphy

Question:

18. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Transport the status of the Galway to Athlone section of the Galway - Dublin Greenway; if the results of the public consultation which took place over the summer for this section will be published; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [59657/21]

Written answers

Minister for Transport

As Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for overall policy and exchequer funding in relation to Greenways. The planning, design and construction of individual Greenways is a matter for Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII), in conjunction with the local authorities concerned, it will be vital that any proposed Greenway have the support of the relevant Local Authority as funding is only provided by TII to Local Authorities. This is also subject to the Public Spending Code 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.

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

Greenways Provision

Questions (19)

Catherine Murphy

Question:

19. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Transport if he will provide a schedule of all greenway and blueway projects currently approved and or underway; the stage each section is at as of 2 December 2021; and the estimated full completion date. [59658/21]

Written answers

Minister for Transport

As Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for overall policy and exchequer funding in relation to Greenways. The planning, design and construction of individual Greenways is a matter for Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII), in conjunction with the local authorities concerned, it will be vital that any proposed Greenway have the support of the relevant Local Authority as funding is only provided by TII to Local Authorities. This is also subject to the Public Spending Code 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.

Blueways come under the remit of Waterways Ireland, noting this, I have referred your questions to the Minister for Housing , Local Government and Heritage for a direct reply.

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

Transport Policy

Questions (20)

Verona Murphy

Question:

20. Deputy Verona Murphy asked the Minister for Transport the communications his Department has had with the Revenue Commissioners regarding the use of the Kilrane State Facility site, Kilrane, County Wexford for the parking of heavy goods vehicles; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [59672/21]

Written answers

Minister for Transport

My Department has had initial contact with Revenue and the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine (DAFM), regarding the feasibility of using part of the Kilrane State facilities site to facilitate HGV drivers for parking up purposes at the Port.  The Department will also raise this issue with HSE who also avail of the site.

I understand that based on current average occupancy levels Revenue and DAFM have indicated that subject to an assessment to be undertaken by my Department of how part of the site might be used for parking up purposes, there is potential for such parking on the site.

In doing so, I am conscious that the primary purpose of the State site at Kilrane is to ensure that all of the appropriate statutory customs, SPS and health checks and controls required for HGVs arriving from Great Britain are undertaken in a secure, timely and efficient fashion with the minimum of delay. Any additional use of the site would need to have regard to that important priority in addition to the relevant operational and safety considerations. I have asked my Department to pursue the aforementioned assessment as quickly as possible.

 My Department is also in contact with Rosslare Europort about public messaging to encourage HGV drivers to use the service stations with welfare facilities en route to the Port for resting up before travelling to the Port.

Driver Test

Questions (21)

Catherine Murphy

Question:

21. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Transport his plans and the plans of the RSA to address the backlog in respect of driving test applications; if his attention has been drawn to significant delays in securing tests and retests. [59695/21]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Transport (Deputy Hildegarde Naughton)

The Government continues to be guided by public health advice on the safe provision of services and, in conjunction with the RSA, continues to keep the situation under review to ensure that every possible measure is being put in place so that the maximum number of customers can be served, while adhering to public health requirements.

Since October 2020, the driver testing service has been prioritising essential workers. Since May 2021, the RSA has been returning to delivering tests for all customers, while continuing to prioritise critical frontline workers. This means, in the interest of fairness, the RSA targeted test appointments to those waiting longest who are ready and eligible to take the test.

When the service resumed in June 2020, testers were conducting five tests each per day, as against eight before the pandemic. This subsequently increased to six tests and since 27 September 2021, has further increased to seven tests per tester per day.

In order to deal with the backlog created by Covid, the RSA received approval to rehire 36 temporary testers in 2020. In addition, the RSA received sanction to hire 40 additional testers on a temporary basis to assist with the backlogs. These new testers completed their training and have been conducting tests since July 2021. Sanction has also been granted to recruit a further 40 testers. 

The 36 temporary testers rehired in 2020 are on contracts which are due to expire in December, March, and May. My Department has approved a further extension of contracts for those due to expire in December and March. The RSA will conduct a review in Quarter 1 next year to see how the service is performing and to reassess its needs in light of evolving demand. 

Departmental Expenditure

Questions (22)

Catherine Murphy

Question:

22. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Transport the amount expended by his Department in each of the past five years to date in 2021 on lighting and heating costs in tabular form. [59712/21]

Written answers

Minister for Transport

The information requested is set out below in tabular form for the years 2017 to date.

As the electricity provider for the Department of Transport does not separate lighting costs from overall electricity, the information supplied is for the cost for general electricity, oil and gas for both Dublin and our decentralised offices. 

Utility	2017	2018	2019	2020	2021	Total
Electricity	€145,710.08	€153,078.63	€171,093.26	€158,253.91	€152,488.69	€780,624.57
Oil	€6,453.16	€6776.42	€6,853.45	€5,492.70	€6,204.01	€18,550.16
Gas	€49,776.14	€55,227.31	€42,623.95	€41,582.04	€38,121.18	€227,330.62