Written Answers Nos. 163-180
163. Deputy Mairéad Farrell asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the reason for the ongoing delaying in the disbursement of the energy credit; the date that the credit will be paid to households; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13102/22]
View answerThe Electricity Costs (Domestic Electricity Accounts) Emergency Measures Bill 2022 was signed into law on 4 March. The Act establishes a scheme for the making, in 2022, of a once-off Electricity Costs Emergency Benefit Payment to each domestic electricity account, having regard to the exceptional rise in energy prices. This scheme is in addition to the Government’s ongoing measures to address energy poverty and the protection of vulnerable customers, and is in addition to the measures introduced in the Budget.The scheme will apply to all domestic accounts and will include pre-pay customers. The scheme will be operated by the Distribution System Operator (ESB Networks) and electricity suppliers with oversight by the Commission for Regulation of Utilities (CRU).The credit will be applied automatically. There is no need to apply for it.This legislation has been the subject of intense work since the beginning of December 2021 in close consultation with ESBN and the CRU. The Bill, which was granted a Pre-Legislative Scrutiny Waiver due to its urgency, was published on 28 January and completed its passage through the Houses on 2 March. An Early Signature Motion was moved in the Seanad on 3 March, and the President signed the Bill into law on 4 March. The scheme will become operational before the end of March, with payments being credited in April and May as electricity bills are issued.The Deputy may also wish to note that regular information updates, including frequently asked questions, are being made available on gov.ie at: www.gov.ie/en/publication/4ae14-electricity-costs-emergency-benefit-scheme/.
164. Deputy Barry Cowen asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the context in which he wrote to An Bord Pleanála regarding the liquefied natural gas proposals at Tarbert, County Kerry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13103/22]
View answerThe Government Policy Statement on importing fracked gas was approved by Government and published in May 2021. The policy statement provides that, pending the outcome of a review of the security of energy supply of Ireland’s electricity and natural gas systems that is currently being carried out by my Department, it would not be appropriate for the development of any LNG terminals in Ireland to be permitted or proceeded with. In August 2021, an application was submitted to An Bord Pleanála for a project involving an LNG terminal. As Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications, I am listed as a Prescribed Body considered relevant by An Bord Pleanála to that planning application. In this regard I wrote, in October 2021, to An Bord Pleanála.
My letter set out the Government’s policy in relation to LNG terminals, as per the policy statement, and included a copy of the policy statement. The letter also noted previous correspondence from the Minister and the Department to the developers of the project, which had clearly set out Government policy in relation to LNG terminals.
165. Deputy Rose Conway-Walsh asked the Minister for Transport the number of persons waiting for a driver test in each centre nationwide; the average waiting time in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12334/22]
View answerThe Road Safety Authority is responsible for the operation of the driving test service and the information requested is held by them. 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.
166. Deputy Thomas Pringle asked the Minister for Transport if he has agreed to a request to meet with representatives of an organisation (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12335/22]
View answerI would like to reassure the Deputy that both the National Transport Authority (NTA) and my Department have been engaging directly with commercial bus operators throughout the crisis to help inform policy decisions in relation to the public transport sector as we continue to deal with the impact of Covid-19.
In this context, my Department has been liaising with the Coach Tourism & Transport Council of Ireland (CTTC) since May 2020 - to date 22 meetings have taken place, and a further meeting is scheduled for 8th April 2022. I also previously met with the CTTC and a further meeting has been scheduled for 22nd March 2022.
I look forward to meeting again with representatives from the CTTC to discuss the issues facing the sector.
167. Deputy Thomas Pringle asked the Minister for Transport if he has considered the resumption of the commercial bus operators' scheme for 2022 in line with fare reduction measures he announced on public service obligation routes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12336/22]
View answer171. Deputy Noel Grealish asked the Minister for Transport if he will extend the commercial bus operators' scheme until the impact of the pandemic on consumer confidence dissipates and passenger rates return to pre-pandemic levels; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12354/22]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 167 and 171 together.
The Government is strongly committed to helping combat the rising cost-of-living being experienced throughout the country. In this context, a suite of new measures is being introduced by Government to help with this issue, including a 20% average fare reduction on PSO public transport services until the end of 2022. These discounted fares will benefit the hundreds of thousands of people across the country who use PSO services every day. €54m in Exchequer funding has been secured to allow for the introduction of these discounted fares; this funding does not include an extension of the scheme to private coach and bus operators. As the Deputies will be aware, unlike with PSO services, the National Transport Authority (NTA) do not set, monitor or regulate fares on services run by commercial operators.
Also, in recognition of the importance of incentivising young people to use public transport, as part of Budget 2022 I secured €25m of funding to provide for the introduction of a young adult card (YAC) which will allow any person nationwide who is between 19 and 23 years old, to avail of an entitlement for discounted travel costs, and to increase the level of discount over and above the current student discount to an average of discount of 50% across all services, including city, intercity and rural services. It is envisaged that the discount will initially be made available on PSO services, and then broadened to include commercial operators at a later date. This will not only promote modal shift in the transport sector among this age group but should also contribute towards a reduced reliance on private transport with associated benefit of transport emission savings.
Licensed bus and coach operators are an integral part of the overall public transport system particularly in areas which are not covered by existing public service bus and rail services. In recognition of this, throughout the COVID-19 pandemic the Government have provided temporary financial supports for certain licensed commercial services with a view to protecting capacity across the public transport sector throughout the crisis.
The temporary support was initially introduced for a period of 6-months in June 2020, however owing to the continued fall in passenger numbers and associated drop in fare revenue, the support has been extended a number of times. To date c.€60m has been provided to support the Commercial Bus Operators. The scheme is due to expire at the end of this month and no decision has been taken in relation to a potential continuation of these supports.
168. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Transport further to Parliamentary Question No. 169 of 17 February 2022, the reason that the option of running route A down Camden Street, Dublin was deemed better by the NTA; and the further reason the NTA took a decision on route A in 2019 prior to the completion of the public consultation process (details supplied) given the final phase of BusConnects was in December 2020. [12350/22]
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 in the Greater Dublin Area, including BusConnects Dublin.
The Revised Network was published in September 2020 following the conclusion of 3 separate public consultations in 2017, 2018 and 2019. The public consultation referred to by the Deputy was held in respect of the Core Bus Corridor network which is separate to the Revised Network.
I have referred the Deputy's question to the NTA for further elaboration on the process of the route selection for Spine A. Please contact my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 days.
169. Deputy Noel Grealish asked the Minister for Transport if he will extend the 20% reduction in passenger fares on public service obligation routes to all scheduled service operators; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12352/22]
View answer170. Deputy Noel Grealish asked the Minister for Transport if he will extend the youth travel card to all scheduled service operators; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12353/22]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 169 and 170 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. 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.
The Government is strongly committed to helping combat the rising cost-of-living being experienced throughout the country. In this context, a suite of new measures is being introduced by Government to help with this issue, including a 20% average fare reduction on PSO services until the end of 2022. These discounted fares will benefit the hundreds of thousands of people across the country who use PSO public transport every day.
€54m in Exchequer funding has been secured to allow for the introduction of these discounted fares; this funding does not include an extension of the scheme to private coach and bus operators. As the Deputy is aware, unlike with PSO services, the National Transport Authority (NTA) do not set, monitor or regulate fares on services run by commercial operators.
Licensed bus operators are an integral part of the overall public transport system particularly in areas which are not covered by existing public service bus and rail services. In recognition of this, throughout the COVID-19 pandemic the Government have provided temporary financial supports for certain licensed commercial services with a view to protecting capacity across the public transport sector throughout the crisis. To date c.€60m has been provided to support the Commercial Bus Operators during this challenging time.
Also, in recognition of the importance of incentivising young people to use public transport, as part of Budget 2022 I secured €25m of funding to provide for the introduction of a young adult card (YAC) which will allow any person nationwide who is between 19 and 23 years old, to avail of an entitlement for discounted travel costs, and to increase the level of discount over and above the current student discount to an average of discount of 50% across all services, including city, intercity and rural services. It is envisaged that the discount will initially be made available on PSO services, and then broadened to include commercial operators at a later date. This will not only promote modal shift in the transport sector among this age group but should also contribute towards a reduced reliance on private transport with associated benefit of transport emission savings. The NTA has commenced work in relation to the implementation of the new fares’ structures for young adults, and this includes the application process and establishing a definitive timeline for the introduction of the Scheme.
In light of the NTA's responsibility in this area, I have forwarded the Deputy's question in relation to the extension of the Youth Travel Card to all scheduled service operators to the NTA for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a response within ten working days.
172. Deputy Pádraig Mac Lochlainn asked the Minister for Transport if he will ensure that Government funding to the City of Derry Airport is restored as soon as possible given the high percentage of passengers using the airport from this State. [12384/22]
View answerWhile I acknowledge that City of Derry Airport (CoDA) has a role in helping to facilitate connectivity to the North-West, this airport is not eligible for funding from the Irish Exchequer under the Regional Airports Programme.
As the Deputy is aware a new Regional Airports Programme 2021-2025 was published by my Department last year. This Programme targets funding, which is limited, at safety and security related operations as well as supporting projects which focus on reducing emissions and building climate resilience at our regional airports, including Donegal Airport in the North-West.
Whilst not eligible for funding from the Irish Exchequer, I understand that CoDA, which is owned by Derry City & Strabane District Council, has been significantly supported by that Council, the Northern Ireland Executive and the Department for Transport (UK).
173. Deputy Jim O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Transport if Irish aircraft leasing companies are still permitted to lease aircraft to Russian companies and or persons; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12399/22]
View answerCouncil Regulation (EU) 2022/328 prohibits the sale, supply, transfer or export, directly or indirectly, of goods and technology suited for use in aviation, including aircraft, whether or not originating in the EU, to any natural or legal person, entity, or body in Russia or for use in Russia.
The Regulation provides that the period from 26 February to 28 March may be used to wind down existing contracts for the supply of aircraft. That applies to existing lease contracts. Any new leasing contracts would contravene the Regulation.
174. Deputy James Lawless asked the Minister for Transport if there are plans to extend the Transport for Ireland 90-minute fare to Sallins; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12400/22]
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 NTA's responsibility in this area, I have forwarded the Deputy's question in relation to the possible extension of the 90 minute fare to Sallins to the NTA for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a response within ten working days.
175. Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Transport the reason the Knockcroghery by-pass on the N61 has been shelved until at least 2026 given the dramatic impact it will have on improving the safety of the route by all road users; if he will consider redesignating the N61 to Roscommon town as a national primary route; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12439/22]
View answerAs 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 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 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.
176. Deputy Neasa Hourigan asked the Minister for Transport if the Cork office for the National Transport Authority has been established; the location in which staff employed to work in the office will be domiciled; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12450/22]
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 the Agencies under my remit including decisions in relation to office accommodation for staff.
Therefore, I have forwarded the Deputy's question in relation to the establishing of a Cork office for the National Transport Authority (NTA) to the Authority for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a response within ten working days.
177. Deputy Ruairí Ó Murchú asked the Minister for Transport the current waiting time period to sit a driver test by county driving test centres; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12456/22]
View answerThe Road Safety Authority is responsible for the operation of the driving test service and the information requested is held by them. 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.
178. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Transport the number of staff currently employed by his Department; the current annual salary of the highest and second highest paid persons respectively, employed by his Department; and the various pay scales for persons working in his Department. [12486/22]
View answerThe Department currently has a headcount of 579 staff members. Included in this number are 128 professional and technical grade staff.
The highest paid staff members in the Department are earning an annual salary of €203,167 at Secretary General level and the salary at point 4 of the Assistant Secretary grade respectively.
There are a large number of pay scales applicable to staff in the Department owing to the number of technical and professional grade staff employed, 48 pay scales in total.
The latest salary scale information for generalist grades can be found at gov.ie - Application of 1st February 2022 pay adjustments (www.gov.ie).
Information on the various pay scales for persons working in the Department can be found below:
|
Grade |
Grade Code |
Salary Scale Bands |
|
Radio Officer Grade III |
6105(Y) Radio Officer Grade III |
€30,525 - €56,390 |
|
Principal Advisor Higher Level |
260(7) Principal Advisor Higher Level |
€101,782 - €121,385 |
|
Chief Aeronautical Officer |
1038(3) Chief Aeronautical Officer |
€93,657 - €115,510 |
|
Clerical Off Typist |
7468(3) Clerical Off Typist |
€26,084 - €39,551 |
|
Radio Officer Grade II |
4235(8) Radio Officer Grade II |
€53,425 - €64,841 |
|
Chief Surveyor PPC |
51205(7) Chief Surveyor PPC |
€106,517 - €121,586 |
|
Radio Officer Grade III PPC |
66105(8) Radio Officer Grade III PPC |
€32,007 - €59,265 |
|
Aeronautical Officer Grade 1 |
1052(9) Aeronautical Officer Grade 1 |
€87,030 - €107,648 |
|
Senior Adviser PPC |
61220(Y) Senior Adviser PPC |
€90,298 - €113,313 |
|
Professional Accountant Grade 1 PPC |
62060(2) Professional Accountant Grade 1 PPC |
€74,126 - €92,510 |
|
Radio Officer Grade 1 |
4025(8) Radio Officer Grade 1 |
€60,758 - €84,087 |
|
Electronics Officer PPC |
64183(9) Electronics Officer PPC |
€64,547 - €78,715 |
|
Radio Officer Grade 1 PPC |
64025(5) Radio Officer Grade 1 PPC |
€63,861 - €88,515 |
|
Engineer Grade 1 Civil PPC |
62115(3) Engineer Grade 1 Civil PPC |
€74,126 - €92,510 |
|
Coastal Unit Sector Manager PPC |
60063(6) Coastal Unit Sector Manager |
€45,922 - €64,038 |
|
Advisory Counsel Grade III PPC |
61511(Y) Advisory Counsel Grade III PPC |
€70,440 - €99,303 |
|
Civilian Driver |
9901(5) Civilian Driver |
€36,824 (Salary point set) |
|
Engineering Officer PPC |
60194(2) Engineering Officer PPC |
€45,922 - €64,038 |
|
Statistician |
63375(5) Statistician PPC |
€34,209 - €87,734 |
|
Clerical Off Temporary PPC |
67479(6) Clerical Off Temporary PPC |
€25,339 - €41,504 |
|
Archivist PPC |
651800(X) Archivist PPC |
€33,149 - €68,795 |
|
Deputy Chief Surveyor PPC |
61435(1) Deputy Chief Surveyor PPC |
€90,298 - €113,313 |
|
Surveyor Marine PPC |
62250(8) Surveyor Marine PPC |
€67,713 - €92,510 |
|
Civilian Driver PPC |
9841(8) Civilian Driver PPC |
€38,679 (Salary point set) |
|
Services Attendant PPC |
68415(9) Services Attendant PPC |
€23,536 - €32,848 |
|
Head Services Officer PPC |
67774(4) Head Services Officer PPC |
€33,521 - €40,876 |
|
Assistant Principal Higher |
1450(8) Assistant Principal Higher |
€73,408 - €91,793 |
|
Secretary General Level II |
151(1) Secretary General Level II appointed on/after 1/6/11 |
€205,199 (Salary point set) |
|
Clerical Officer Higher Scale |
7467(5) Clerical Officer Higher Scale |
€27,227 - €40,355 |
|
Principal Officer |
1040(5) Principal |
€87,030 - €107,648 |
|
Assistant Secretary |
135(X) Assistant Secretary |
€138,019 - €157,886 |
|
Clerical Officer |
7465(9) Clerical Officer |
€24,148 - €39,551 |
|
Principal Higher |
355(7) Principal Higher |
€93,657 - €115,510 |
|
Higher Executive Officer Higher |
5037(7) Higher Executive Officer Higher Scale |
€51,220 - €62,911 |
|
Assistant Principal |
3235(2) Assistant Principal |
€68,003 - €83,345 |
|
Assistant Principal Higher PPC |
61450(5) Assistant Principal Higher PPC |
€77,275 - €96,622 |
|
Clerical Officer Standard |
60097(Y) Clerical Officer Standard - Fomer FAS 11G |
€27,376 - €41,502 |
|
Services Officer |
8260(Y) Services Officer |
€23,308 - €32,000 |
|
Principal Higher Scale PPC |
60355(4) Principal Higher Scale PPC |
€98,593 - €121,586 |
|
Higher Executive Officer PPC |
65025(Y) Higher Executive Officer Standard Scale PPC |
€50,848 - €64,038 |
|
Principal PPC |
61040(2) Prinicpal PPC |
€91,609 - €113,313 |
|
Administrative Officer Higher |
65007(2) Administrative Officer Higher Scale PPC |
€47,381 - €66,121 |
|
Executive Officer Higher Scale |
66246(1) Executive Officer Higher Scale PPC |
€34,531 - €54,903 |
|
Assistant Principal PPC |
63235(X) Assistant Principal PPC |
€70,399 - €87,734 |
|
Executive Officer Standard |
66240(2) Executive Officer Standard Scale PPC |
€31,698 - €52,894 |
|
Administrative Officer Standard |
65005(6) Administrative Officer Standard Scale PPC |
€33,889 - €64,038 |
|
Services Officer PPC |
66260(8) Services Officer PPC |
€23,852 - €33,252 |
|
Clerical Officer PPC |
67465(6) Clerical Officer PPC |
€25,339 - €41,504 |
179. Deputy Paul Donnelly asked the Minister for Transport when the motor tax offices in Dublin will reopen for a walk-in service [12512/22]
View answerWhile I have policy responsibility for motor tax, local motor tax offices are operated by the local authority system. Service arrangements in the Dublin motor tax office (which is operated on behalf of all of the Dublin local authorities) are a matter for Dublin City Council.
180. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Transport if he will review correspondence (details supplied) regarding the lack of rural transport in County Monaghan; his views on this matter; the actions his Department is taking to combat rural isolation as a result; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12586/22]
View answerWhile as Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport, it is the National Transport Authority (NTA) that has statutory responsibility for securing the provision of accessible, integrated and sustainable public passenger transport services nationally. The NTA also has national responsibility for integrated local and rural transport, including management of the Rural Transport Programme which operates under the TFI Local Link brand.
In this role, the NTA has launched the Connecting Ireland Plan which looks to expand the public transport network and increase service levels in rural areas specifically. It is expected that an overall increase of approximately 25% in rural bus services will be delivered as part of the five-year Connecting Ireland plan. As a result, hundreds of rural villages and areas will, for the first time, be served by a viable public transport link.
In light of the NTA's responsibilities for public transport services in rural areas, including in County Monaghan, I have referred your question to the NTA for direct reply to you. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within ten working days.
