Wednesday, 23 Mar 2022

Driver Licences

Questions (22)

Seán Sherlock

Question:

22. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Transport the amount being paid to a contractor to process payments for the National Driver Licence Service (details supplied). [15126/22]

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Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Transport

This is an operational matter for the Road Safety Authority, which provides the National Driver Licence Service. I have referred the question to the Authority for direct reply. I would ask the Deputy to contact my office if a response is not received within 10 working days.

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

Driver Licences

Questions (23)

Seán Sherlock

Question:

23. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Transport the advice the National Driver Licence Service has for refusing to accept cash as a payment option in offices. [15127/22]

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Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Transport

This is an operational matter for the Road Safety Authority, which provides the National Driver Licence Service. I have referred the question to the Authority for direct reply. I would ask the Deputy to contact my office if a response is not received within 10 working days.

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

Aviation Industry

Questions (24)

Michael Lowry

Question:

24. Deputy Michael Lowry asked the Minister for Transport the number of fifth freedom applications he has received from an airline (details supplied) in 2020, 2021 and to date in 2022; the routes for these applications; the applications he has approved; if he will address concerns raised by a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15135/22]

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Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Transport

The Ireland - Ethiopia Bilateral Air Services Agreement, signed in 2014, allows for the grant of fifth freedom air traffic rights for airlines of both countries, subject to the approval of the respective aeronautical authorities.

International scheduled air services normally require approval in respect two scheduling periods for each year; in March for the summer season and in October for the winter season.

In respect of summer 2020 Ethiopian Airlines made applications to operate scheduled passenger air services on two routes:

- Addis Ababa – Geneva – Dublin

- Addis Ababa – Dublin – Toronto

No final decision was made on these routes, due to the impact of COVID-19 on commercial air transport operations.

For both winter 2020-2021 and summer 2021, the following fifth freedom routes applications were submitted and approved for cargo only services:

- Addis Ababa – Dublin – Washington DC

- Addis Ababa – Dublin – Chicago

- Addis Ababa – Dublin – Toronto

For both summer 2021 and winter 2021-2022 applications for a fifth freedom scheduled passenger air service were received to fly between Addis Ababa and Dublin, via Manchester. These applications were not approved as my Department had restricted the operation of fifth freedom scheduled passenger air services by third county air operators from March 2021 to late November 2021 due to the prevailing conditions at the time.

For summer 2022, my Department has again received an application by Ethiopian Airlines to fly between Addis Ababa and Dublin, via Manchester. My Department has recently concluded a process of stakeholder engagement and a decision on the application will be made shortly.

Ireland traditionally has applied a liberal aviation policy and remains positively disposed towards the development of competitive air services. Applications for fifth freedom air traffic rights are considered on a case-by-case basis taking into account all relevant considerations.

Fuel Prices

Questions (25)

Richard Boyd Barrett

Question:

25. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Transport the supports that will be made available to taxi drivers in view of rising fuel prices particularly considering the new supports announced for hauliers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15171/22]

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Written answers

Minister for Transport

The Taxi Regulation (Maximum Fares) Order 2017 which took effect on 1 February 2018, sets the maximum fares that may be charged by the driver of a taxi in respect of journey undertaken in the State in line with the table contained in the Schedule to the Order. 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.

In relation to the rising cost of fuel, the Government announced on March 9th last, a temporary reduction in the excise duties charged on petrol, diesel and marked gas oil. Excise duty is being reduced by 20 cent per litre of petrol and 15 cent per litre of diesel. These reductions are in place until 31 August 2022 and should help to reduce the operating costs of non-electric SPSVs.

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. The grants will enable owners of taxis and hackneys, to buy electric vehicles (EVs).

Administered by the NTA, 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 a wheelchair-accessible model. Taxi drivers are eligible for double the normal grant when they scrap an older, more polluting or high mileage vehicle and make the switch to electric. By scrapping and switching, up to €20,000 can be available for a new, fully electric SPSV and if the taxi is a wheelchair-accessible electric vehicle, the supports rise to €25,000. A driver can apply to combine both the eSPSV grant scheme and the WAV grant scheme up to a maximum of €32,500.

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.

Departmental Contracts

Questions (26)

Catherine Murphy

Question:

26. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Transport if he has engaged a company (details supplied) in respect of the services it provides from 2011 to date in 2022; the number of times he has engaged this company; the services used; and the total cost of all engagements with this company. [15190/22]

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Written answers

Minister for Transport

Deputy, My Department has engaged Word Perfect Translation Ltd on 41 times between 2011 to date in 2022 for translation services from English into various languages for Departmental reports and documents. Details are set out in the table below. The provision of materials in other languages is an important aspect of our approach to customer services and is necessary in terms of meeting our obligations under the Languages legislation.

	Date	Amount
Word Perfect Translations Ltd	18/04/2011	293.75
Word Perfect Translations Ltd	17/04/2012	326.44
Word Perfect Translations Ltd	06/06/2012	7253.08
Word Perfect Translations Ltd	28/08/2012	2318.18
Word Perfect Translations Ltd	22/01/2013	4639.83
Word Perfect Translations Ltd	21/03/2013	44.77
Word Perfect Translations Ltd	02/04/2013	634.68
Word Perfect Translations Ltd	07/06/2013	331.85
Word Perfect Translations Ltd	23/10/2013	675.76
Word Perfect Translations Ltd	27/03/2014	859.16
Word Perfect Translations Ltd	27/03/2014	823.3
Word Perfect Translations Ltd	12/05/2014	433.94
Word Perfect Translations Ltd	08/07/2014	710.99
Word Perfect Translations Ltd	30/04/2015	915.53
Word Perfect Translations Ltd	15/05/2015	581.42
Word Perfect Translations Ltd	22/07/2015	845.26
Word Perfect Translations Ltd	09/11/2015	1464.32
Word Perfect Translations Ltd	20/11/2015	1099.62
Word Perfect Translations Ltd	02/06/2016	657.31
Word Perfect Translations Ltd	13/07/2016	4469.33
Word Perfect Translations Ltd	13/07/2016	10510.01
Word Perfect Translations Ltd	03/08/2016	35.57
Word Perfect Translations Ltd	03/08/2016	479.7
Word Perfect Translations Ltd	10/11/2016	215.87
Word Perfect Translations Ltd	18/11/2016	62.24
Word Perfect Translations Ltd	03/03/2017	1554.72
Word Perfect Translations Ltd	28/04/2017	2287.6
Word Perfect Translations Ltd	28/04/2017	27.58
Word Perfect Translations Ltd	10/07/2017	400.3
Word Perfect Translations Ltd	02/08/2018	741.7
Word Perfect Translations Ltd	26/09/2018	608.09
Word Perfect Translations Ltd	21/10/2019	771.43
Word Perfect Translations Ltd	10/06/2020	902.71
Word Perfect Translations Ltd	18/12/2020	50.46
Word Perfect Translations Ltd	28/04/2021	2769.05
Word Perfect Translations Ltd	13/05/2021	18.94
Word Perfect Translations Ltd	15/09/2021	412.54
Word Perfect Translations Ltd	21/09/2021	1217.7
Word Perfect Translations Ltd	26/10/2021	1944.08
Word Perfect Translations Ltd	23/11/2021	306.52
Word Perfect Translations Ltd	14/01/2022	339.58
Total		55034.91

Bus Services

Questions (27)

Darren O'Rourke

Question:

27. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Transport the number of passengers on each Local Link route in County Kilkenny in each week for the past 12 months. [15205/22]

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Written answers

Minister for Transport

While 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 national responsibility for integrated local and rural transport, including management of the Rural Transport Programme which operates under the TFI Local Link brand.

In light of the NTA's responsibilities for Local Link services, including in County Kilkenny, 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.

Bus Éireann

Questions (28)

Darren O'Rourke

Question:

28. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Transport the number of passengers that travelled on Bus Éireann route 14 Limerick to Killarney in both directions in 2021 and to-date in 2022, in tabular form. [15206/22]

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Written answers

Minister for Transport

As Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport; however, I am not involved in the day-to-day operations of public transport.

Further, Bus Éireann's Expressway services, including route 14, are commercial bus services and as such responsibility for the operation of those services is a matter for the company.

I have, therefore, referred the Deputy's question to Bus Éireann for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within ten working days.

Public Transport

Questions (29, 31)

Darren O'Rourke

Question:

29. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Transport the number of tickets sold for the Dublin to Galway train line in each of the years 2019 to 2021 and to date in 2022, in tabular form; and the breakdown of tickets between adult single, adult return, student single, student return, child single and child return. [15207/22]

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Darren O'Rourke

Question:

31. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Transport the number of tickets sold for the Dublin to Sligo train line in each of the years 2019 to 2021 and to date in 2022; and the breakdown of tickets between adult single, adult return, student single, student return, child single and child return in tabular form. [15209/22]

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Written answers

Minister for Transport

I propose to take Questions Nos. 29 and 31 together.

As the Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport; however, I am not involved in the day-to-day operation of public transport. The National Transport Authority (NTA) has responsibility for the regulation of public transport fares charged to passengers in respect of public transport services provided under public service obligation (PSO) contracts and also for the collection and publication of statistics relating to public transport.

Therefore, I have forwarded the Deputy’s question in relation to the number of tickets sold and the breakdown by type on the Dublin to Galway and Dublin to Sligo train lines to the NTA for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within ten working days.

Rail Network

Questions (30)

Darren O'Rourke

Question:

30. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Transport if the National Transport Authority will provide the necessary funding to replace the roof on platforms 5, 6 and 7 at Connolly Station. [15208/22]

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Written answers

Minister for Transport

As 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 in consultation with Iarnród Eireann railway infrastructure.

Noting the NTA's responsibility in the matter, I have referred the Deputy's question to the NTA for a more detailed reply to the specific questions asked. Please contact my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 days.

Question No. 31 answered with Question No. 29.

Aviation Industry

Questions (32)

Michael McNamara

Question:

32. Deputy Michael McNamara asked the Minister for Transport when licenses (details supplied) will issue from the Irish Aviation Authority given that some aircraft engineers have been waiting for five months or more for these licences and are missing out on job opportunities in Shannon and Cork airports; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15236/22]

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Written answers

The National Development Plan 2021 - 2030 provides total funding to the Department of Transport for 2023, 2024 and 2025 as follows:

2023

€m

2024

€m

2025

€m

2,614

2,664

2,665

The allocation for B5 Public Transport Investment for the years 2023 to 2025 will be decided during the annual Estimates process, and published in the Revised Estimates Volumes for each year.

Question No. 37 answered with Question No. 36.