Written Answers Nos. 162-184
162. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the number of external consultant's reports commissioned by his Department in each of the years 2019 to 2021 and to date in 2022; the cost of same; the company involved; the title and publication date of the report in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13559/22]
View answerDetails of external consultancy reports commissioned by my Department in the years 2019 to 2021 and to date in 2022 are set out in the attached tables.
2019
|
Title of Report Commissioned |
Consultancy Company |
Publication Date |
Cost |
|
Internal Audit Reports on (i) the Workplace Relations Commission; (ii) the Labour Court; (iii) the Employment Appeals Tribunal. |
ASM Ltd. |
06/03/2019 |
€12,420 |
|
ICT Security & Penetration Testing |
Ward Solutions |
14/02/2019 |
€8,671 |
|
ICT Security & Penetration Testing |
Ward Solutions |
25/03/2019 |
€7,718 |
|
ICT Security & Penetration Testing |
Ward Solutions |
27/03/2019 |
€3,682 |
|
ICT Security & Penetration Testing |
Ward Solutions |
10/09/2019 |
€4,089 |
|
Evaluation of the Enterprise Ireland Research, Development and Innovation Programme |
Technopolis Group |
August 2020 |
€79,825 |
|
Review of Microfinance Ireland |
Ernst &Young EY |
Not published |
€68,794 |
|
Brexit a national SME study March 2019 |
Behaviour and Attitudes |
Not published |
€40,290 |
|
Brexit A National SME Study September/October 2019 |
Behaviour and Attitudes |
December 2019 |
€40,290 |
|
The Digitalisation of small and medium enterprises in Ireland |
European Investment Bank Advisory Hub |
7/03/2019 |
Zero |
|
Cloud Services Review |
Micromail Ltd. |
Internal report not intended for publication |
€11,685 |
|
ICT Security Review |
Ergo Systems |
Internal report not intended for publication |
€28,044 |
|
IT systems security testing |
Ward Solutions |
Internal report not intended for publication |
€6,426 |
|
Business Process Reviews on internal systems |
Grant Thornton |
Internal reports not intended for publication |
€65,632 |
|
Business Process Re-Engineering Review (BPR) for the Labour Court |
MAPS – Management & Professional Service |
5/2/2020 |
€36, 285 |
2020
|
Title of Report Commissioned |
Consultancy Company |
Publication Date |
Cost |
|
Economic and Sustainability Impact Assessment for Ireland of the EU-Mercosur Trade Agreement |
Implement Consulting Group |
21/07/21 |
€199,500 |
|
National Design Centre for Digital, Product and Strategic Design- Scoping Report Study |
M.CO. Projects Ltd. |
Not for publication. The report is scoping study for internal policy deliberations. |
€64,350 |
|
Report on Audit Committee Effectiveness Review |
Institute of Public Administration (IPA) |
17/01/2020 |
€ 7,195 |
|
Internal Audit Report on Risk Management |
Ernst & Young |
18/02/2020 |
€16,974 |
|
Internal Audit Report on Science & Technology Development Programme |
Ernst & Young |
25/02/2020 |
€16,974 |
|
Internal Audit Report on Asset Management |
Ernst & Young |
25/02/2020 |
€16,974 |
|
Internal Audit Report on GDPR |
Ernst & Young |
04/03/2020 |
€16,974 |
|
An Analysis of the Collaborative Economy in Ireland from an Enterprise Perspective |
Crowe Advisory Ireland Limited |
December 2020 |
€74,970 |
|
ICT Security & Penetration Testing |
Ward Solutions |
20/02/2020 |
€8,986 |
|
ICT Security & Penetration Testing |
Ward Solutions |
17/04/2020 |
€9,570 |
|
ICT Security & Penetration Testing |
Ward Solutions |
19/06/2020 |
€8,986 |
|
ICT Security & Penetration Testing |
Ward Solutions |
30/07/2020 |
€2,583 |
|
Analysis of CO2 Emissions in the Irish Enterprise Sector |
Toward Zero Carbon |
Received 23rd Dec 2020 (not published) |
€80,000 |
|
IT systems security testing |
Ward Solutions |
Internal report not intended for publication |
€15,075 |
|
Review and Recommendations for effective remote Adjudication Service delivery during Covid |
Information Security Assurance Services (ISAS) |
Internal Use Only. July 2020 Not Published |
€5,166 |
|
Review of international experience and best practice of delivery of remote hearing platforms |
Information Security Assurance Services (ISAS) |
Internal Use Only. December 2020 |
€15,246 |
2021
|
Title of Report Commissioned |
Consultancy Company |
Publication Date |
Cost |
|
Future of the Irish Retail Sector: Trends, opportunities, challenges, and drivers of change. |
KPMG Future Analytics |
TBC – Report not yet completed |
€49,077 |
|
Internal Audit Report on Oversight of Capital Expenditure |
Ernst & Young |
17/02/2021 |
€8,349 |
|
Internal Audit Report on Audit of Succession Planning |
Ernst & Young |
30/07/2021 |
€21,217 |
|
External Quality Assessment of the Internal Audit Function in DETE |
Chartered Institute of Institute of Internal Auditors (CIIA) |
26/11/2021 |
€14,145 |
|
DTIF Process Review |
Grant Thornton |
TBC |
€42,650 |
|
ICT Security & Penetration Testing |
Ward Solutions |
07/10/2021 |
€6,165 |
|
Provision of research, analysis, facilitation, and stakeholder engagement to support the development of a National Clustering Policy and Framework |
Grant Thornton |
Ongoing- The report is due to be finalised by the end of April 2022 |
€79,248 |
|
Review of the Future Growth Loan Scheme |
SQW |
Ongoing – not yet published |
€49,560 |
|
An Overview of Ireland’s Employment Permit System |
Economic and Social Research Institute |
August 2021 |
€17,427 |
|
ConnEcTEd Teams Project Report (which formed key input to DETE ConnEcTEd Teams Action Plan Report) |
Grant Thornton |
DETE ConnEcTEd Teams Action Plan report was published 02/12/21 |
€55,181 (This reflects the total cost for the ConnEcTEd Teams pilot project which was an action research initiative involving a 6 month long employee engagement and research programme.) |
2022
|
Title of Report Commissioned |
Consultancy Company |
Publication Date |
Cost |
|
Audit of Restart Grant scheme |
Ernst & Young |
To be published in Q1 2022 |
Fixed Project Fee €114,193 |
|
Audit of Small Business Assistance Scheme for Covid |
Mazars |
To be published in Q2 2022 |
Fixed Project Fee €47,970 |
|
IT systems security testing |
Ward Solutions |
Internal report not intended for publication – report not yet completed |
Projected cost €8,118 |
|
IT systems security testing |
Ward Solutions |
Internal report not intended for publication – report not yet completed |
Projected cost €8,686 |
163. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the status of two work permits for persons (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13627/22]
View answerThe Employment Permits Section of my Department inform me that two standard General Employment Permit applications for the employer concerned (in the details supplied) were received on 9 February 2022.
The Employment Permits Section of my Department are currently processing standard new General Employment Permit applications received on 6 October 2021.
Applicants can keep track of Employment Permit applications current processing dates at the following link: enterprise.gov.ie/en/What-We-Do/Workplace-and-Skills/Employment-Permits/Current-Application-Processing-Dates/Current-Processing-Dates-for-Employment-Permits.html.
The Employment Permits processing times are updated on a weekly basis and can be found at the following link:
enterprise.gov.ie/en/What-We-Do/Workplace-and-Skills/Employment-Permits/Current-Application-Processing-Dates/
There is also an Online Status Update Enquiry - where details on a particular application can be found on:
enterprise.gov.ie/en/What-We-Do/Workplace-and-Skills/Employment-Permits/Employment-Permit-Status-Form/
164. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the response of his Department to the Ukrainian war crisis; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13721/22]
View answerThe unanimous cross-party Dáil motion adopted last week could not have made clearer Ireland’s strong condemnation of Russia’s unjustified, unprovoked and immoral war. It is a gross violation of international law and the UN Charter. The targeting of civilians and of civilian infrastructure; the use of prohibited weapons; and indiscriminate or disproportionate attacks; are unacceptable. Russia has clear obligations to fully comply with international law and in particular international humanitarian law.
At its meeting On Tuesday 7th March, the Government re-iterated its grave concern about Russia’s aggression and the humanitarian crisis unfolding in Ukraine. The continuing Russian military action against Ukraine is illegal and immoral, involving the utterly unacceptable targeting of civilians and civilian infrastructure, the use of prohibited weapons and indiscriminate attacks. A full and comprehensive cessation of hostilities and the withdrawal of the Russian military from Ukrainian territory is what is required to ensure the safety of civilians there.
The Government has announced contributions totalling €20 million in humanitarian assistance from Irish Aid funding to support key humanitarian partners in Ukraine and neighbouring countries in responding to the crisis.
The Government also considered the implications for Ireland and the actions being taken here regarding the humanitarian and economic issues arising, including the preparations to welcome people fleeing war in Ukraine and seeking protection in Ireland. Very significant planning and preparatory work is taking place across Government to provide accommodation and other essential supports to those who have arrived here already, as well as the large numbers of further people expected to arrive.
My Department is responsible for administration of the Employment Permits System. Temporary protection has been granted to displaced persons from Ukraine in accordance with Section 60 of the International Protection Act, the Temporary Protection Directive (2001/55/EC) and Council Implementing Decision (EU) 2022/382 of 4 March 2022. The operation of this Directive is the responsibility of the Department of Justice. This temporary protection permission will allow individuals covered to reside in Ireland for a period of 1 year, with the possibility of such permission being extended for further periods. The granting of temporary protection will include a range of entitlements individuals may wish to avail of, including the entitlement to seek employment or self-employment and vocational training education activities in Ireland.
My Department is working with its enterprise agencies, Enterprise Ireland and IDA Ireland, to assess the direct and indirect impacts on supply chains and distribution and sales channels for client companies that are engaged in trade with the regions subject to sanctions.
Ireland has been working closely with our EU partners in adopting sanctions in response to Russia’s violation of Ukraine’s territorial integrity. My Department is one of three National Competent Authorities for EU Sanctions and has specific responsibility for the implementation trade sanctions. My officials are working closely with the Office of the Revenue Commissioners to ensure comprehensive implementation of these measures. My Department is also engaging directly with traders, through online channels, webinars, and bilateral contacts, to raise awareness of the sanctions and to assist them in complying.
Finally, my Department has established a cross-Department Senior Management Team to ensure strong leadership and good coordination for its ongoing response to the situation in Ukraine.
165. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the amount received by the Exchequer from the public service obligation levy on electricity consumers on an annual basis for the past ten years; the total amount received since the levy was initiated;the way this money been spent; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13748/22]
View answerI would refer the Deputy to his previous question 19379/21, where I stated in my response the Government does not receive revenue from the PSO levy. The Public Service Obligation (PSO) levy is charged to all electricity final customers in Ireland and is collected from customers by electricity suppliers. The PSO levy is a vital policy support for the development of renewable electricity and to enable Ireland reach national and EU renewable energy and climate targets. The money raised from the levy is paid, via suppliers, to qualifying generators eligible for support under a number of Government schemes including the Renewable Electricity Support Scheme (RESS) and Renewable Energy Feed in Tariff (REFIT) schemes.
The Commission for Regulation of Utilities (CRU) is responsible for the calculation of the PSO levy each year and ensuring that the scheme is administered appropriately and efficiently.
The CRU is accountable for the performance of its functions to a Committee of the Oireachtas. It provides a dedicated email address for Oireachtas members, oireachtas@cru.ie, which enables them raise questions on electricity and gas regulatory matters such that raised in the question, with CRU, for timely direct reply.
166. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the number of external consultant's reports commissioned by his Department in each of the years 2019 to 2021 and to date in 2022; the cost of same; the company involved; the title and publication date of the report in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13560/22]
View answerThe information requested is being compiled and will be forwarded to the Deputy as soon as possible.
167. Deputy Ruairí Ó Murchú asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the reason that An Post is not using Eircodes to deliver packages; if there are any plans to correct this; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13580/22]
View answerAs Minister of State in the Department of Environment, Climate and Communications, I have responsibility for the postal sector, including the governance of An Post, to ensure the company is fully compliant with the code of practice for the governance of State Bodies and the governance functions included in the statutory framework underpinning An Post.
Operational matters and the role of developing commercial strategies for mail delivery service is a matter for the Board and the management of An Post and not one in which I, as Minister, have a statutory function. Consequently, the mails delivery service is a matter for An Post.
An Post have advised the Department that Eircodes have been fully integrated into An Post’s automated sorting systems, including their mail centres and An Post’s national automated parcel hub (DPH) where Eircode has also been fully integrated in the plant’s operating system. An Post actively encourages the use, by mailers, of a full postal address including Eircode.
168. Deputy Ged Nash asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if his attention has been drawn to ongoing problems with the communal heating scheme at a location (details supplied); his views on the energy provider’s decision to charge commercial, not residential gas rates which has contributed to rapidly rising energy costs for residents; if he plans to raise this with the energy provider and the Commission for Regulation of Utilities; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13661/22]
View answerUnder the House of Tomorrow programme, the first phase of homes in this development were supported by the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland. While my Department was not involved in the development I am informed that, when launched in 2007, these homes were approximately 40% more efficient than they would have been if built in accordance with building standards in place at the time. The communal heating network was supplied by a central boiler originally fuelled by biomass, which significantly reduced the carbon footprint of the homes. I understand that the fuel source has since been changed to a gas boiler.
Gas prices are not capped in Ireland and the Commission for the Regulation of Utilities has no function in terms of gas price regulation. The position of successive Governments, for almost 20 years, has been that competitive energy markets result in greater choice for consumers and businesses. As a result, gas prices are set by suppliers as entirely commercial and operational matters for the individual supplier. Given recent international developments, however, the importance of moving away from our reliance on imported gas has been underpinned and we are accelerating the development of renewable energy generation across the country.
This Government recognises the potential to make use of renewable and waste energy to heat homes and businesses as part of a range of measures to reduce carbon emissions. The Climate Action Plan 2021 contains actions that will provide a solid basis for the appropriate expansion of district heating in Ireland, including the establishment of a Steering Group to oversee the rollout of district heating and ensure that a robust governance framework is put in place. These actions will also ensure consumer protection, in accordance with legislation.
169. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications when he will meet representatives from the Aran Islands in Galway to discuss the new retrofit scheme for houses in view of the unique situation on the islands and their proven commitment to sustainable living; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13676/22]
View answerIn line with commitments in the National Retrofit Plan, the Government recently announced a package of supports to make it easier and more affordable for homeowners to undertake home energy upgrades, for warmer, healthier and more comfortable homes, with lower energy bills and lower emissions. Included in these measures was the establishment of the new National Home Energy Upgrade Scheme, offering increased grant levels of up to 50% of the cost of a typical B2 home energy upgrade with a heat pump (up from the current level of 30-35%).
The revised grant rates were set following a comprehensive evaluation and consultative process led by SEAI and the Department, including leveraging learning and experience in SEAI, industry consultation, customer research and analysis of cost data. SEAI will monitor cost data on an ongoing basis to track and monitor changes in the market. The Department will also be working with SEAI to improve transparency in pricing among One Stop Shops. The grant rates will be kept under review taking account of the overarching need to build a much bigger home upgrade sector, evolving science, innovation, evolving technology and other relevant factors.
I intend to meet with representatives of Comhdháil Oileáin na hÉireann in the coming weeks.
170. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if he intends to re-examine the licence fees for special local draft net on the Owenea and Owentocker tidal waters given the provisions of section 74 of the Fisheries (Consolidation) Act 1959 (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13688/22]
View answerI refer the Deputy to the response to Question No. 243 of 1 February 2022.
171. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the proposals there are to enable the post office network to deliver more public services; the measures that will be implemented to support the network to remain viable and maintain the maximum possible number of post offices throughout the country given that they are an essential part of the fabric of local communities and provide important services at a local level. [13736/22]
View answer173. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if additional financial support will be provided for the post office network in view of the importance of post offices delivering public services and in particular their importance in assisting persons who do not have access to broadband or information technology in sourcing public services; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13756/22]
View answerI propose to take Question Nos. 171 and 173 together.
An Post is a commercial State body with a mandate to act commercially and it is longstanding Government policy that postal services will not be directly subsidised by the taxpayer. An Post has statutory responsibility for the State’s postal service and the post office network. Decisions relating to the network, including those in relation to the size, distribution and future of the network are operational matters for the Board and management of the company.
The Government is committed to a sustainable An Post and post office network as a key component of the economic and social infrastructure throughout Ireland. A long-term low interest loan of €30m was provided to the company in December 2017, of which €15m was to support and protect the renewal of the post office network.
An Post provides important services to its customers and key Government services to citizens; including through commercial contracts with the Department of Social Protection and the National Treasury Management Agency. Government is committed to working with An Post and postmasters to ensure that the network continues to play a strong role in delivering State services.
However, it is essential that Government Departments and agencies operate in line with best practice in relation to the procurement of Government services and that public contracts are subject to a competitive and open tendering process.
The work of the Inter-Departmental Group is being considered by Minister Naughton and its report will be submitted to Government in due course.
172. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications his views on the fact that coal and peat are some of the very few affordable ways of heating homes in Ireland (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13745/22]
View answerNew regulations on the use of solid fuels for domestic heating in Ireland, which will take effect from September next, do not prohibit the use of solid fuels. They instead introduce minimum standards that will apply across all solid fuels, to ensure that the most polluting can no longer be made available on the Irish market and to assist the public in transitioning to less polluting alternatives. I am acutely aware of recent increases in energy costs due to increases internationally and, more recently, due to the crisis in Ukraine. The purpose of the new solid fuel regulations is to ensure that better quality, more efficient fuels will be available on the market. Low smoke ovoids are more cost-efficient than peat and wood logs, in terms of heat delivered per cent cost. Wood with a moisture content below 25% is more cost efficient to burn than wet wood. Both wet wood and sod peat produce very poor heat output, so may be cheaper to buy but require larger quantities to provide adequate heat for the householder, while emitting particulate matter more damaging to human health and the environment.
These new measures are required to improve air quality and protect public health. Each year, some 1,300 people die prematurely in Ireland due to air pollution from solid fuel burning. It is estimated that there are over 16,200 life years lost, while many people also experience a poor quality of life due to the associated short-term and long-term health impacts of this form of pollution. I remain committed to addressing this critical public health and environmental challenge and introducing these regulations will serve to improve the quality of the air that we breathe, and the health of the public that we serve.
174. Deputy Jackie Cahill asked the Minister for Transport his views on whether persons who bought plug-in hybrid electric vehicles before the removal of the toll should have the right to keep this benefit given the number of these cars which were bought when the measure was introduced was relatively small (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13669/22]
View answerThe SEAI grant scheme aims to encourage behavioral change and support the Government’s commitment to achieving a 51% reduction in transport emissions by 2030.
The grant schemes are kept under continuous review to ensure that they are as effective as possible in driving the decarbonisation effort.
In the past year, many new BEVs with ranges of over 400km on a single charge have been introduced to the Irish market. Range anxiety is no longer an issue for electric vehicle purchasers, and while PHEVs provided an interim option, but emit both CO2 and air pollution emissions, this interim option is no longer necessary. Government supports should be provided to full electric vehicles, which will be the most effective means of reaching our carbon reduction pathway.
I announced after the budget that grant support for PHEVs was to be removed from 1 January 2022. Any PHEV which registered for the grant in accordance with the scheme rules before this date would be approved and the commitment carried forward into Q1 2022. However, from 1 January 2022 the SEAI no longer accepts grant applications in respect of PHEVs.
Under the Terms and Conditions of the grant process, drawdowns normally need to be made by year end (31 Dec). However, due to the slowdown in global car manufacturing, we extended this drawdown date to 31 March 2022, to allow time for customers to take final possession of the vehicle.
It should be noted that PHEV owners are still able to avail of other incentives currently in place including:
- Low rate of annual motor tax; and
- Home charger grant of €600 per household.
In addition, the LEVTI Scheme which offers toll discounts for alternatively fuelled vehicles was introduced in July 2018 and is expected to run until December 31st, 2022 (available only to a maximum of 50,000 LEVs). BEV and PHEVs continue to qualify for 50% and 25% toll reductions respectively up to a maximum €500 annual threshold for private vehicles and a maximum annual threshold of €1,000 for commercial vehicles (greater off-peak rates also apply to the M50 toll).
175. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Transport the number of external consultant's reports commissioned by his Department in each of the years 2019 to 2021 and to date in 2022; the cost of same; the company involved; the title and publication date of the report in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13571/22]
View answerDeputy, Please find the details of external consultant's reports commissioned by my Department in each of the years 2019 to 2021 and to date in 2022. The table below details the cost of same, the company involved, the title and publication dates:
|
YEAR |
NO OF EXTERNAL CONSULTANTS REPORTS COMMISSIONED |
COMPANY NAME |
TITLE & PUBLICATION DATE OF REPORT |
COST |
|
2019 |
1 |
Helios Egis Avia |
Report of 2019 Section 32 Examination of the IAA – published to the DoT website on 08/05/2020 Addendum to the Report of the 2019 Section 32 Examination of the IAA - published to the DoT website on 26/02/2021 |
€120,000 |
|
2022 to date |
1 |
Deloitte |
Review of Dept of Transport Draft Technology Strategy and Governance Arrangements. Currently underway – due to be completed April 2022. |
€25,000 |
|
2019 |
1 |
Indecon International Economic Consultants |
MRO Studay “Economic Evaluation of the Aircraft Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul Sector in Ireland” – 29 April, 2019 |
€47,467 |
|
2021 |
1 |
Clinchmaritime LTD |
A REVIEW OF CURRENT ORGANISATIONAL STRUCTURES UNDERPINNING MARINE ACCIDENT INVESTIGATION IN IRELAND IN THE CONTEXT OF NATIONAL, EU AND INTERNATIONAL OBLIGATIONS |
€30,048.90 |
|
2019 |
3 |
Jacobs Engineering Ireland Ltd. |
Strategic Environmental Assessment Scoping Reports PLUTO 2 (January 2019) |
€ 53,356.93 |
|
2020 |
1 |
SYSTRA Ltd |
Value of Time Study (Internal Research, Unpublished) |
€ 87,555.62 |
|
2021 |
1 |
Economic and Social Research Institute |
Aviation Carbon Tax Project (November 2021) |
€ 58,308.15 |
|
2021 |
3 |
Jacobs Engineering Ireland Ltd. |
NIFTI Strategic Environmental Assessments Pre Consultation Reports (March 2021) |
€ 8,179.6 |
|
2022 to date |
2 |
Jacobs Engineering Ireland Ltd. |
NIFTI Strategic Environmental Assessments Post Consultation Reports (December 2021) |
€ 10,049.1 |
|
2021 |
1 |
Ipsos MRBI |
Report on Focus groups exercise re EV infrastructure strategy (not published) |
29,960 |
|
2021 |
1 |
Systra |
Report on recommendations for the deployment of future EV charging infrastructure over the next 10 years. (not Published) |
45,260 |
|
2020 |
1 |
Systra |
Five Cities Demand Management Study (interim report published 12 April 2021; final report published 25 November 2021) |
€489,147.51 |
|
2020 |
1 |
Byrne Ó Cléirigh |
Low-Emission Bus Trial: Final Report (forthcoming Q1 2022) |
€22,297.75 |
|
2020 |
1 |
Arup (Co-fund with TII) |
Freight decarbonisation study [Phase 1 completed December 2020; end date of Phase 2 TBD] |
€85,000 |
|
2020 |
1 |
TCD (Co-fund with SEAI) |
DiSTRaCT: moDal ShifT Reduce Carbon in Transport [Q4 2020] |
€45,762 |
|
2021 |
1 |
TCD (EPA Co-fund) |
Eco-driving: Trends and Potential Impacts for Irish Heavy-duty Vehicles – December 2021 |
€50,000 |
|
2021 |
1 |
TCD (SEAI Co-fund) |
Mitigation of air pollution impacts of Irish Heavy-Duty Vehicles (MAP-HDV) [Q1 2021] |
€51,782 |
|
2022 to date |
1 |
UCC (SEAI Co-fund) |
Desktop study to assess potential mitigation measures that would reduce CO2 and/or air pollutant emissions from the existing Irish heavy-duty vehicle fleet (Forthcoming end of Q1 2022) |
€46,696 |
|
2022 to date |
1 |
TCD (EPA Co-fund) |
Roadside emissions in Dublin: measurements and projections (RED-MAP) (Forthcoming end of Q1 2022) |
€150,000 |
|
2019 |
1 |
Frazer-Nash Consultancy Ltd |
National SAR Plan Analysis Report – July, 2019 |
€177,239.62 |
|
2021 |
2 |
Jane Beattie |
Two Irish Coast Guard Rocket Carriages Valuation Report – 21/01/2021 |
€1,815.00 |
176. Deputy Sorca Clarke asked the Minister for Transport the proposed solution to ensuring both road safety, maintenance and repair of the road in circumstances in which a rural road is not taken in charge by the local authority and also does not meet the criteria as set down under the local improvement scheme as they serve only houses or buildings occupied or used by persons not engaged in agriculture. [13597/22]
View answerThe maintenance of roads not taken in charge by local authorities is the responsibility of the relevant landowners.
The Local Government Act 2001 provides the statutory basis for a Local Improvement Scheme (LIS). Under that scheme, funding can be provided to local authorities for the construction and improvement of non-public roads (that is roads not taken in charge by local authorities) which meet the criteria set out in the Act. The Department of Rural and Community Development is providing funding for the LIS. My Department provides grant assistance to local authorities for the maintenance of public roads and is not operating a LIS for non-public roads.
As regards the decision to take a road in charge, this is a matter for each local authority in accordance with Section 11 of the Roads Act 1993. This Department has no proposal to amend the existing legislative arrangements in relation to taking roads in charge.
177. Deputy John Lahart asked the Minister for Transport the reason that the NTA has not moved to calibrate taxi meters appropriately given that there is an additional bank holiday in 2022 and taxi drivers will be out of pocket as a consequence; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13618/22]
View answerThe regulation of the small public service vehicle (SPSV) industry, including the setting of fares, is a matter for the National Transport Authority (NTA) under the provisions of the Taxi Regulation Act 2013.
As the Deputy may be aware, the Government announced a new permanent bank holiday in celebration of St Bridget, which from 2023 will fall on the first Monday in every February. It is expected that, from that point onward, this new permanent public holiday will be included in future maximum fare orders made by the NTA.
For the current year, however, this new public holiday, which will take place on 18 March, is not included in the current maximum fare order, effective from 15 September 2017. To address this issue, the NTA has confirmed in a recent announcement that taxi drivers are permitted to charge the Premium Rate to cover the 12 hours' period (08.00 to 20.00) on Friday 18 March 2022. It is understood that the NTA intends placing notices this week in nationwide newspapers and on its website advising the public of this arrangement. As part of these notices, the NTA will highlight the link to the TFI Taxi Fare Estimator www.transportforireland.ie/fares/taxi-fare-estimator/ to allow people to assess their fare prior to travel.
178. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Transport the amount provided to each public transport provider in 2022 in respect of additional funding to cover the cost of escalating fuel prices for vehicles. [13671/22]
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 securing the provision of public passenger transport services nationally, and for the allocation of associated funding to the relevant transport operators.
In light of the NTA's responsibilities, I have passed the Deputy's question regarding the provision of additional funding to each public transport provider in 2022 to cover the cost of escalating fuel prices to the Authority for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within ten working days.
179. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Transport the membership of the Taxi Advisory Council; the number of individual, single-plate holder, taxi drivers on the council; his plans to review the council to ensure it adequately reflects the needs of the industry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13687/22]
View answerThe Advisory Committee on Small Public Service Vehicles (SPSVs), also known as the Taxi Advisory Committee, was established under the Taxi Regulation Act 2013 to provide both the Minister and the NTA with advice in relation to small public service vehicles and their drivers.
The Committee is the primary forum for dealing with issues affecting the sector and many of the measures taken to date have originated as recommendations from the Committee, including the extension of taxi age limits and the waiver of licence fees. Membership represents a broad range of interests and stakeholders. Drivers are important members of the Committee, and four positions are reserved to represent driver interests. All four of these positions are filled by licenced SPSV drivers from across the country and I am satisfied that this ensures the Committee’s advice is informed by the perspective of drivers. The Committee also features dispatch operators, passenger representatives, members representing the interests of disabled passengers and older passengers, members from the tourist industry, local government and from An Garda Síochána. I am of the view that one of the strengths of the Committee is this broad and diverse representation and I regard the perspective of passengers to be of particular importance when considering SPSV policy issues.
There are currently two vacancies on the Committee. The NTA, on behalf of the Minister, is seeking applications from suitably qualified candidates to fill both positions. In this regard, consideration is being given to filling one vacancy with a Dublin-based SPSV driver who could act as an additional SPSV/driver interests representative, and also assist in ensuring geographical balance among the SPSV representatives on the Committee, given the large number of Dublin-based SPSV licensees. A person who could effectively represent limousine operators nationwide is being sought for the second vacancy. The terms of office of a number of other Committee members are due to expire later this year and the filling of those vacancies is currently being considered. The table below shows the existing membership of the Committee.
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Cornelius O’Donohoe, Chairperson |
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Kevin Finn (representing SPSV and driver interests) |
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Francis Doheny (representing SPSV and driver interests) |
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John Murphy (representing SPSV and driver interests) |
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Shajedul Chowdhury (representing SPSV and driver interests) |
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Mary Henchy (representing local authorities) |
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Superintendent Tom Murphy (representing An Garda Síochána) |
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James Cawley (representing consumers' interests) |
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Michelle Reid (representing consumers' interests) |
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Joan Carthy (representing the interests of persons with disabilities) |
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Ann Campbell (representing the interests of business) |
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Peter Fleming (representing the interests of older persons) |
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Al Ryan (representing the interests of tourism) |
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James O’Brien (special interest or expertise) |
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Noel Ebbs (special interest or expertise) |
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Fiona Brady (special interest or expertise) |
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Vacancy |
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Vacancy |
180. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Transport if there are recognised delays with the check test for advanced driving Instructors; the way he plans to respond to same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13691/22]
View answerAs this query relates to an operational matter within the remit of the Road Safety Authority, I have referred the Deputy's question to the RSA for direct response.
If a reply has not been received within 10 working days, the Deputy should contact my office directly.
181. Deputy Joe Carey asked the Minister for Transport if qualified Ukraine heavy goods vehicle drivers can take-up roles working as drivers for transport companies in Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13700/22]
View answerIrish driver licensing law operates within a framework of EU law, which sets out the driver licensing legislation with which all Member States must comply. The format of driving licences, categories of vehicles, and the standards to be met in driving tests to qualify for a licence, are all set at EU level. Therefore, all EU issued licences are mutually recognised in Member States.
Member states may make bilateral agreements on licence exchange with non-EU jurisdictions. Reaching a driving licence exchange agreement with another country is a comprehensive process carried out between the statutory licensing authorities in each state. To ensure the safety of road users, such agreements can be made only when the relevant authorities in each jurisdiction have studied and compared the two licensing regimes and are satisfied that they are comparable. If standards and procedures are not comparable, the process does not continue. On the Irish side, this task is undertaken by the Road Safety Authority (RSA).
The RSA has been in discussions with the Ukrainian authorities with a view to considering such an agreement. However, this process is currently paused.
To drive heavy goods vehicles professionally in Ireland, an EU certificate of professional competence is also required.
182. Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Transport the reason the RSA does not recognise HGV licenses from Ukraine or Argentina given that the authority does recognise licenses from other European Union countries; if he is taking steps to rectify the matter; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13711/22]
View answerIrish driver licensing law operates within a framework of EU law, which sets out the driver licensing legislation with which all Member States must comply. The format of driving licences, categories of vehicles, and the standards to be met in driving tests to qualify for a licence are all set at EU level. Therefore, all EU issued licences are mutually recognised in Member States.
Member states may make bilateral agreements on licence exchange with non-EU jurisdictions, such as Ukraine and Argentina. Reaching a driving licence exchange agreement with another country is a comprehensive process, carried out between the statutory licensing authorities in each state. To ensure the safety of road users, such agreements can be made only when the relevant authorities in each jurisdiction have studied and compared the two licensing regimes and are satisfied that they are comparable. If standards and procedures are not comparable, the process does not continue. The exchange agreement process generally takes over a year of ongoing engagement, from initiation to completion, to provide the thoroughness required to ensure the safety of Irish road users. On the Irish side, this task is undertaken by the Road Safety Authority (RSA).
The RSA is currently considering licence exchange agreements with several non-EU licensing authorities, including Ukraine and Argentina.
183. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Transport the response of his Department to the Ukrainian war crisis; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13732/22]
View answerA high-level group has been established in my Department to monitor and respond as appropriate to the crisis in Ukraine. The group is informed by close contact with other Government Departments, agencies and key transport stakeholders and seeks to ensure a coordinated response to the evolving situation. As part of this process, contingency plans in the Department and across all agencies are being reviewed and refreshed where necessary in response to the potential impacts on the transport sector.
The Department of Transport also participates in an EU Contact Network which comprises all Member States and representatives from the European Commission. The Network, established in response to COVID, is now solely focussed on the Ukraine conflict. At its meetings, the Network receives reports on developments on humanitarian issues and transport-related impacts at the EU/Ukraine borders, including the impacts on supply chains. The Network seeks to identify potential actions at EU level to ease the issues at the Ukraine borders, including the transport of refugees from Ukraine.
184. Deputy Cormac Devlin asked the Minister for Transport if he will consider emergency measures to support taxi drivers, including allowing them to add one or two euro to each fare through the additional charge function given the very significant increase in fuel prices; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13804/22]
View answerThe regulation of the small public service vehicle (SPSV) industry, including the setting of maximum fares, is a matter for the National Transport Authority (NTA) under the provisions of the Taxi Regulation Act 2013.
Under the Taxi Regulation (Maximum Fares) Order which took effect on 1 February 2018, it is not possible to allow a surcharge to be applied by the SPSV industry to fares, as the Deputy suggests. The Deputy may be aware, that work on the latest NTA Review of the National Maximum Fare is well underway and fuel costs are a major contributor in considering fare increases. The objective of the Review is to determine whether changes need to be made to the current level of maximum fares, in response to market changes facing the taxi industry as well as changes in annual taxi operating costs. The NTA has confirmed that it is endeavouring to conclude the review process as quickly as possible in 2022 whilst still ensuring that all steps, including a consultation process, are appropriately completed.
Recognising that the replacement of a vehicle is the single largest cost faced by any SPSV operator, and in view of my commitment to support the transition of the SPSV fleet towards zero/low-emission vehicles, I announced on February 4th last, the re-opening of the eSPSV Grant Scheme, with a further €15 million allocated to it for 2022. SPSV drivers can apply for grants of up to €10,000 towards the purchase of a new, full-battery eSPSV, with a further €2,500 available to convert it to being wheelchair-accessible. The take-up rate for this Scheme was exceptionally high in 2021: almost 600 drivers successfully applied for grants, with over €11 million paid out as well as €4 million in provisional grant offers. The operation of the Scheme is a matter for the NTA and details of the Scheme are available on the NTA’s website.
