Written Answers Nos. 202-222
202. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Transport if he has examined the introduction of more flexibility for ten-journey tickets on public service obligation routes by, for example, increasing the expiry date of the ten journey ticket, taking into account commuters new work patterns which mean they might only be travelling a few times a week; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9945/22]
View answerAs 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. It is the National Transport Authority (NTA) that has responsibility for the regulation of fares charged to passengers in respect of public transport services, provided under public service obligation (PSO) contracts
In light of the Authority's responsibility in this area, I have forwarded the Deputy's specific question in relation to the examination of introducing more flexibility for ten-journey tickets on PSO routes, to the NTA for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a response within ten working days.
203. Deputy John Brady asked the Minister for Transport if he uses an application on his official Government telephone; if so, if he has the disappearing messages setting activated on the application; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9969/22]
View answerMinister Ryan does have WhatsApp on his official Government phone. He does not have the setting in question activated.
204. Deputy Neale Richmond asked the Minister for Transport the number of persons who are awaiting a driving test appointment; the breakdown by county; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9974/22]
View answer205. Deputy Neale Richmond asked the Minister for Transport the number of persons who are awaiting a motorcycle test appointment; the breakdown by county; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9975/22]
View answer206. Deputy Neale Richmond asked the Minister for Transport the number of persons who are awaiting a car theory test appointment; the breakdown by county; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9976/22]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 204 to 206, inclusive, together.
Under legislation, the Road Safety Authority (RSA) is responsible for the operation of driving tests.
I have therefore forwarded the Deputy's query to the RSA for direct reply. I would ask the Deputy to contact my office if a response has not been received within ten days.
207. Deputy Neale Richmond asked the Minister for Transport the steps that are being taken to clear the backlog of driving test appointments; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9977/22]
View answer208. Deputy Neale Richmond asked the Minister for Transport the steps that are being taken to clear the backlog of motorcycle test appointments; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9978/22]
View answer213. Deputy Ruairí Ó Murchú asked the Minister for Transport the difficulties that have led to delays in motorcycle tests; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10018/22]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 207, 208 and 213 together.
Under legislation, the Road Safety Authority (RSA) is responsible for the operation of the national driving test service.
While Covid 19 had a profound effect on the operation of the service, the RSA is putting every possible measure in place to ensure that the maximum number of customers can be served while complying with Covid public health guidance. To meet the demand for tests, approval has been given to significantly increase the capacity of the service through the recruitment and extension of a number of existing driver tester contracts. This, and the introduction of a new booking system for tests, have had a noticeable impact on reducing Covid waiting list backlogs.
Pre-pandemic, the average waiting time target for a driving test was ten weeks, although on the immediate eve of the pandemic the actual waiting time was around six and a half weeks. This increased to 25 weeks during the Pandemic. With the improving public health situation, the pre-pandemic average national waiting time target of ten weeks was achieved in the last few weeks.
209. Deputy Paul McAuliffe asked the Minister for Transport the status of the Finglas roundabouts scheme; the funding streams for same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9995/22]
View answerAs Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public and sustainable transport. The National Transport Authority (NTA) is responsible for the development and implementation of public transport and active travel infrastructure, allocating the funding provided by my Department at project level and working in conjunction with the relevant local authorities. This includes the project mentioned by the Deputy, namely the Finglas roundabouts scheme.
Noting the NTA's responsibilities in the matter, I have referred your question to the NTA for a detailed reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 working days.
210. Deputy Alan Kelly asked the Minister for Transport when he expects the Road Traffic and Roads Bill to deal with MPVs to be enacted into law; when he expects to publish the Bill; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9997/22]
View answerAs the Deputy is aware, there are several factors involved in the timing of legislation, not all of them within ministerial control.
The Road Traffic and Roads Bill 2021 passed second stage on 18 November 2021. I hope shortly to have a number of amendments to the Bill finalized for proposal at Committee stage. When this is done, I shall engage with the Committee with a view to beginning Committee stage as soon as possible. Further to that, timing depends on the availability of time in the Committee, and the availability of time for report and final stages in the Dáil, and for all stages in the Seanad. In addition, the amount of time each stage in each House is difficult to predict.
I am hopeful, however, that the Bill can pass all stages in the Oireachtas before the end of May.
211. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Transport the engagement he has had with Shannon Airport regarding upgrading the airport infrastructure and maximising its use in the context of the Ryder Cup 2027. [10024/22]
View answerI would like to thank the Deputy for asking this question.
Shannon Group is continually reviewing the Airport infrastructure and the development of opportunities to enhance its facilities for passengers using the Airport. The Ryder Cup 2027 will benefit the Airport and boost the regional economy, and Shannon Airport are preparing for the increase in Airport traffic the event will bring.
My Department has supported the Airport by providing €11.6m in funding under the Regional State Airports Programme 2021, including €6.1m in capital funding. Emergency capital supports of €5.35m were also provided for the Airport’s Hold Baggage Screening and Embankments projects. These funding allocations are intended to build and develop the Airport’s business for the future, including meeting the increased traffic anticipated in the lead up to the Ryder Cup in 2027.
212. Deputy Ruairí Ó Murchú asked the Minister for Transport the number of persons awaiting a motorcycle test, per county, in tabular form. [10017/22]
View answerUnder legislation, the Road Safety Authority (RSA) is responsible for the operation of these tests. I have therefore forwarded the Deputy's query to the RSA for direct reply.
I would ask the Deputy to contact my office if a response has not been received within ten days.
214. Deputy Sorca Clarke asked the Minister for Transport the criteria that are applied to add bus stops to Bus Éireann routes in rural areas. [10060/22]
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.
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.
215. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Transport the steps he is taking to regulate e-scooters; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10125/22]
View answerElectric scooters are a type of powered personal transporter (PPT). PPTs are classed as mechanically propelled vehicles, the use of which requires a valid licence, tax and appropriate insurance in accordance with Section 3 of the Road Traffic Act 1961. As PPTs do not fall under any existing vehicle category, it is not currently possible to tax and insure them and there is no separate licence category for them and they may not be used on public roads and in public places. However, their use is permitted on private land, with the permission of the landowner. While their use on public roads (including footways) is illegal, I am aware that there has been some confusion over the legal constraints on their use.
It is intended to legislate for e-scooters in accordance with the Programme for Government as soon as possible, so that they may be used on our roads within a clear legal framework. Provision has been made for this in the Road Traffic and Roads Bill, which has completed second stage in the Dail and is due to go to committee stage shortly.
In order to allow for the rapid pace of technological change in this area, specific controls on the use of e-scooters will be set out in regulations, following the passage of the Bill through the Oireachtas. The use of e-scooters on public roads will become legal only once these regulations are in place.
216. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Transport the number and locations of sheltered bus stops installed in each county since 1 January 2017; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10126/22]
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 bus 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.
217. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Transport the number and locations of bus stops that are not wheelchair accessible in each county; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10127/22]
View answerAs Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding for public transport, whereas it is the National Transport Authority (NTA) that has statutory responsibility for promoting the development of an integrated, accessible public transport network.
In light of the NTA's responsibilities regarding accessible bus stops, I have forwarded your question to the NTA for direct reply to you. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a response within ten working days.
218. Deputy Jennifer Whitmore asked the Minister for Finance if he will re-evaluate the bike to work scheme to cover replacement batteries for e-bikes; if there are plans to expand the back to work scheme for e-bikes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9078/22]
View answerSection 118(5G) of the Taxes Consolidation Act 1997 (TCA 1997) provides for the ‘Cycle to Work’ scheme. This scheme provides an exemption from benefit-in-kind (BIK) where an employer purchases a bicycle and associated safety equipment for an employee.
Under section 118B TCA 1997 an employer and employee may also enter into a salary sacrifice arrangement under which the employee agrees to sacrifice part of his or her salary, in exchange for a bicycle and related safety equipment.
Where a bicycle or safety equipment is being purchased under the ‘Cycle to Work’ scheme or through a salary sacrifice arrangement certain conditions must be met. Among these conditions is the requirement that the bicycle must meet the definition of a ‘pedal cycle’.
A ‘pedal cycle’ means:
- A bicycle or tricycle which is intended or adapted for propulsion solely by the physical exertions of a person or persons seated thereon, or
- A pedelec, being a bicycle or tricycle which is equipped with an auxiliary electric motor having a maximum continuous rated power of 0.25 kilo-watts, of which output is progressively reduced and finally cut off as the bicycle reaches a speed of 25 kilometres per hour, or sooner if the cyclist stops pedalling.
The Deputy will be aware that the Financial Provisions (Covid-19)(No.2) Act 2020 increased the exemption limit from €1,000 to €1,250 or, in the case of electric bikes, to €1,500 for employer expenditure on the provision of bicycles and associated safety equipment, and also enabled employees to avail of the scheme more frequently (once in a four year period instead of five years).
The expansion of any scheme to cover additional items, such as replacement batteries for e-bikes, creates a cost and that cost must be recovered elsewhere. While the scheme is kept under review by officials, there are no plans at present to change the scope of the scheme.
Further information on the cycle to work scheme can be found on Revenue’s website.
219. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Finance the estimated amount of revenue raised by VAT, by quarter, in each of the years 2015 to 2021. [9108/22]
View answerThe detail of the amount of revenue raised by VAT by quarter from 2015 to 2021 is listed in the table below.
|
Period |
VAT €m |
|
2015 Q1 |
3,797.39 |
|
2015 Q2 |
2,202.39 |
|
2015 Q3 |
3,701.61 |
|
2015 Q4 |
2,242.65 |
|
2016 Q1 |
3,894.97 |
|
2016 Q2 |
2,324.08 |
|
2016 Q3 |
3,972.40 |
|
2016 Q4 |
2,229.03 |
|
2017 Q1 |
4,567.84 |
|
2017 Q2 |
2,337.82 |
|
2017 Q3 |
4,112.64 |
|
2017 Q4 |
2,284.79 |
|
2018 Q1 |
4,675.98 |
|
2018 Q2 |
2,424.72 |
|
2018 Q3 |
4,469.94 |
|
2018 Q4 |
2,663.70 |
|
2019 Q1 |
4,985.53 |
|
2019 Q2 |
2,460.32 |
|
2019 Q3 |
4,866.67 |
|
2019 Q4 |
2,805.09 |
|
2020 Q1 |
4,137.14 |
|
2020 Q2 |
1,784.21 |
|
2020 Q3 |
3,947.10 |
|
2020 Q4 |
2,555.11 |
|
2021 Q1 |
4,484.07 |
|
2021 Q2 |
2,719.39 |
|
2021 Q3 |
5,235.55 |
|
2021 Q4 |
3,002.09 |
220. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Finance the estimated amount of revenue raised from excise duty on energy products and electricity, by quarter, in each of the years 2015 to 2021. [9109/22]
View answer221. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Finance the estimated amount of revenue raised from VAT on energy products and electricity, by quarter, in each of the years 2015 to 2021. [9110/22]
View answer222. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Finance the estimated amount of revenue raised from the carbon tax, by quarter, in each of the years 2010 to 2021. [9111/22]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 220 to 222, inclusive, together.
I am advised by Revenue that the available information in relation to Carbon Taxes, Electricity Tax, Excise on oils and fuels, and VAT on energy products and electricity is presented in the table below.
As traders are not required to identify the VAT from the supply of specific services on their (VAT) returns, the VAT on energy products and electricity is estimated on an annual basis. For Electricity Tax, the majority of this is returned to Revenue in the first quarter of the year, therefore an annual amount is provided. The following table gives the figures in € millions.
|
Year |
Quarter |
Carbon Taxes |
Electricity Tax (full year) |
Oils/Fuels Excise Duty |
VAT (full year) |
|
2021 |
Q1 |
€147.8 |
€5.2 |
€387.4 |
€911 |
|
2021 |
Q2 |
€170.6 |
|
€468.2 |
|
|
2021 |
Q3 |
€150.1 |
|
€530.7 |
|
|
2021 |
Q4 |
€183.3 |
|
€540.5 |
|
|
2020 |
Q1 |
€137.6 |
€2.1 |
€513.0 |
€874 |
|
2020 |
Q2 |
€114.9 |
|
€351.6 |
|
|
2020 |
Q3 |
€104.3 |
|
€477.9 |
|
|
2020 |
Q4 |
€136.7 |
|
€472.5 |
|
|
2019 |
Q1 |
€112.7 |
€2.3 |
€507.8 |
€933 |
|
2019 |
Q2 |
€108.6 |
|
€557.0 |
|
|
2019 |
Q3 |
€90.4 |
|
€547.8 |
|
|
2019 |
Q4 |
€118.7 |
|
€551.7 |
|
|
2018 |
Q1 |
€120.5 |
€2.5 |
€513.1 |
€951 |
|
2018 |
Q2 |
€117.2 |
|
€550.8 |
|
|
2018 |
Q3 |
€89.1 |
|
€548.3 |
|
|
2018 |
Q4 |
€104.3 |
|
€551.1 |
|
|
2017 |
Q1 |
€117.8 |
€3.6 |
€417.4 |
€899 |
|
2017 |
Q2 |
€115.8 |
|
€557.9 |
|
|
2017 |
Q3 |
€89.1 |
|
€550.8 |
|
|
2017 |
Q4 |
€96.9 |
|
€535.0 |
|
|
2016 |
Q1 |
€110.4 |
€4.6 |
€599.4 |
€911 |
|
2016 |
Q2 |
€124.2 |
|
€557.1 |
|
|
2016 |
Q3 |
€89.1 |
|
€549.8 |
|
|
2016 |
Q4 |
€106.6 |
|
€467.2 |
|
