Written Answers Nos. 179-198
179. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Transport if restrictions relating to driver licenses is leading to difficulties in the area of baggage handling at Dublin Airport; if the issue has been raised by baggage handling operators at the airport with his Department or with any related State agency; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47956/22]
View answerI would like to thank the Deputy for his question. The Deputy will be aware that the whole aviation eco-system has experienced operational challenges with the recovery of passenger travel to close to pre-Covid levels, the root of which mainly lay in the significant staff resourcing issues facing the sector. Ireland is not unique in this regard.
Dublin Airport raised an issue with the Department in relation to the validity of foreign driver's licenses for use in Dublin Airport.
The Department clarified that a person can drive here on a foreign licence for up to a year but only if they are a visitor (this is covered by an international convention). Under our national laws, if a person is resident here, they must have an Irish/EU licence to drive on public roads.
If a person is resident in Ireland, for instance, on foot of a work permit, they must have an Irish or EU licence in order to drive here. Ireland has licence exchange agreements with a number of non-EU states and, in those cases, a person may exchange their national licence for an Irish licence if they are resident here. The Department informed Dublin Airport that Ireland does not have a licence exchange agreement with Brazil so those resident licence holders can not legally drive here (on Irish roads or airside) on their Brazilian licences.
Under section 38 of the 1961 Road Traffic Act, it is an offence to drive a motorised vehicle in a public place without a driving licence. A state airport, under section 59 of the Air Navigation and Transport Act 1998, is a public place and a person driving a motorised vehicle in an airport must have the appropriate licence for that vehicle.
A person resident here with a full but non-exchangeable licence can avail of a shorter process to obtaining an Irish licence, involving Essential Driver Training of 6 lessons only, instead of the 12 normally required, and will not have to wait the minimum of 6 months before taking a driving test.
The issue has not been formally raised with my department by the ground handlers, however, the Department is aware that they have raised the issue with the Joint Oireachtas Committee. The Department understands that Dublin Airport has shared the position regarding the requirements for a valid driver's license to drive in a public place with the companies responsible for the ground handlers operations.
180. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Transport the steps that he is taking to reduce the waiting time for a driving test at Clonmel test centre (details supplied); the reason for the long wait time; the number of persons who are waiting for a test at the centre; the current average wait time for a test; the number waiting for tests in all test centres; the average wait time in all test centres; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47979/22]
View answerDue to the Covid pandemic, and the necessary ensuing precautions, a significant backlog of driver testing services developed. Since public health restrictions have eased, considerable progress has been made, and waiting times have reduced significantly.
Pre Covid, the target national average wait for a test was ten weeks. On the eve of the pandemic, however, the actual waiting time was approximately six and a half weeks. This increased to 25 weeks during the pandemic. The pre-pandemic national average target wait of ten weeks was once again achieved by the end of 2021. Projections made early last year had estimated it would be February 2022 before this point was reached.
There has been an increase in application volumes and learners becoming eligible to take their test since the start of the year as the economy once again reopened and many learners who availed of increased capacity in the Driver Theory Test are now becoming eligible.
The operation of the national driving test service is the statutory responsibility of the Road Safety Authority (RSA), and in early 2022, the RSA conducted a review of the current and evolving needs of the driver tester service. This recommended that the number of permanent driver testers employed by the RSA should be raised from 100 to 130. Following due consideration, my Department gave approval for these additional personnel in June 2022. Recruitment is underway and the RSA hope to see new testers commence work before year end.
Specific details regarding Clonmel test centre and waiting times are held by the RSA. I have therefore referred this part of the question to the Authority for direct reply. I would ask the Deputy to contact my office if a response has not been received within ten days.
181. Deputy Denise Mitchell asked the Minister for Transport if consideration is being given to extending the young adult and student leap card scheme to secondary school students who may be travelling inter-city; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48003/22]
View answerAs 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.
The National Transport Authority (NTA) has responsibility for the regulation of fares charged to passengers in respect of public transport services provided under public service obligation (PSO) contracts.
In Budget 2023, I secured funding for the continuation of 20% average fare discount on PSO services, and the continuation of the Young Adult Card on both PSO bus and rail services, and on commercial bus services. The Young Adult Card is currently being extended to include those third level students who are aged 16 to 18. While it is not intended to extend the Young Adult Card and Student Leap card to secondary school students, it is important to note that child fares are available on all PSO services for passengers under the age of 18.
182. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Transport further to Parliamentary Question No. 152 of 24 May 2022, the progress that has been made to simplify the language used within the driver theory test to accommodate applicants that have learning and language difficulties; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48006/22]
View answerUnder legislation, the Road Safety Authority is responsible for the operation of the Theory Test. My Department has no involvement in creating the test material nor in the operation of the test. I have therefore referred the question to the Authority for direct reply. I would ask the Deputy to contact my office if a response has not been received within ten days.
183. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Transport if he will consult with the National Transport Authority and Irish Rail in relation to the reason that the Sligo to Dublin rail service is excluded from the current review and public consultation process of enhanced and amended timetables; if the issue of peak services being regularly late and overcrowded in the greater Dublin area including the commuter towns in counties Meath and Kildare will be addressed; if there are plans to add additional capacity to the service; if the Leap card will be extended to Enfield; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48015/22]
View answerAs 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 provision and operation of public transport.
The issues raised by the Deputy regarding the inclusion of certain services in the public consultation on enhanced timetables, the extension of the short-hop zone, and plans to add additional capacity to specific services are matters first and foremost for the National Transport Authority (NTA). Similarly, the issue of peak services in the Greater Dublin Area regularly being late and overcrowded is an operational matter for Iarnród Éireann.
Therefore, I have forwarded the Deputy's questions to the NTA and Iarnród Éireann respectively for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a response within ten working days.
184. Deputy Thomas Gould asked the Minister for Transport if he will request the National Transport Authority to add a stop to the 203-bus route in Cork at the Dominican centre on John Street where there is an existing bus stop. [48024/22]
View answerAs Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport. The National Transport Authority (NTA) has responsibility for the planning and development of public transport infrastructure, including the provision of bus stops and 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.
185. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Transport if he will address the case of a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48026/22]
View answerAs 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. The National Transport Authority (NTA) 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 question in relation to rail fares from Thurles to Limerick Colbert station for students, to the NTA for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within ten working days.
186. Deputy Patrick O'Donovan asked the Minister for Transport if he will reply to this Deputy on a matter (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48069/22]
View answerThe operation of the National Car Testing Service (NCTS) is the statutory responsibility of the Road Safety Authority (RSA). However, I am very aware of the challenges that the RSA and the NCTS are currently facing to meet demand and the delays which vehicle owners have encountered since the start of this year. This is a serious matter and accordingly my department will continue to support all appropriate requests from the RSA for assistance. I recently met with the Authority to emphasise the importance of reducing the current test backlog as soon as possible and it has committed to providing me with weekly updates on the NCTS. Further, my officials are meeting weekly with RSA senior management to monitor progress in reducing test delays.
I am advised that customers seeking test appointments may contact the NCTS directly, by calling 01-4135992, or may avail of the priority waiting list function via the NCT website, www.ncts.ie. I understand that, in the majority of cases, these vehicle owners are provided with an appointment within 30 days.
I am also given to understand that the RSA has made An Garda Síochána aware that some vehicle owners have had issues securing an appointment. Vehicle owners should carry proof that they are waiting for an NCT in their vehicle with them. However, vehicle owners and drivers are reminded that they are legally required to ensure their vehicles are in a roadworthy condition at all times. It remains an offence under Section 18 of the Road Traffic Act, 1961 to drive a vehicle in a public place without having a valid certificate of roadworthiness and, as with all road traffic legislation, enforcement of this requirement continues to be a matter for An Garda Síochána.
187. Deputy Claire Kerrane asked the Minister for Transport if his attention has been drawn to the discrepancy where students aged 19 years with a student Leap card can avail of reduced transport costs while students aged 18 years cannot; if he will examine extending this to allow 18-year-old students the same access to more affordable transport as 19-year-old students; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48100/22]
View answer210. Deputy James Lawless asked the Minister for Transport the timeframe for when the young adult Leap card will be extended to include 16 to 18-year-olds in third level education; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48616/22]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 187 and 210 together.
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. The National Transport Authority (NTA) has responsibility for the regulation of fares charged to passengers in respect of public transport services provided under public service obligation (PSO) contracts.
The Young Adult Card (YAC) was initially introduced on PSO services in May. Following extensive engagement between my Department, the NTA, and representatives from the commercial bus sector the initiative was broadened to include participating Commercial Bus Operators (CBOs) on the 4th of September. As a result, holders of a YAC or Student Leap Card can now avail of the 50% fare discount on both PSO and CBO services.
In relation to the issue of eligibility requirements for the YAC, I am happy to clarify that the NTA are widening the age rules of the Scheme to allow 16, 17, and 18-year-old students in third level education to apply for the Student Leap Card so that they can also avail of the discount. This is in line with the approach that has been taken with mature students who are in full-time third level education.
I am pleased to advise that the NTA have already commenced the technical work on this matter, which is scheduled to be completed in the coming weeks, at which point those third level students aged 16, 17, and 18 will be able to order a Student Leap Card and avail of the discount.
In light of the Authority's responsibility in this area I have forwarded Deputy Lawless's specific question regarding the timeframe for widening the scheme to the NTA for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within ten working days.
188. Deputy James Lawless asked the Minister for Transport if he will address the frequent delays of the 8:20am commuter to Grand Canal Dock service; if there is a plan in place for Iarnród Éireann to address these delays; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48101/22]
View answerAs 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 operations of public transport.
The issue of delays on the stated commuter service is an operational matter for Iarnród Éireann and I have therefore forwarded the Deputy's question to the company for direct reply.
Please advise my private office if you do not receive a response within ten working days.
189. Deputy Patrick Costello asked the Minister for Transport if his Department will transfer the powers of the marine survey office to the Workplace Relations Commission recognising the powers of investigation held by the Commission; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48119/22]
View answerThe Marine Survey Office (MSO) is the maritime transport regulator for the safety, security, environmental protection and living and working conditions for vessels in Ireland and Irish ships abroad. This includes survey and inspections of vessels by qualified marine surveyors to determine their seaworthiness. The MSO determines and prescribes the required manning levels and crew qualifications required to safely navigate and operate vessels. This requires that the MSO has responsibility for the regulation of hours of work and rest on-board all Irish flagged vessels in Ireland and abroad and for foreign flagged vessels in Ireland. This is necessary because the working arrangements on-board, including working hours, is intimately connected to the safe operation and navigation of vessel. This enables the MSO to adopt a comprehensive, integrated, and holistic approach to the totality of vessel safety including the human-vessel interface and human factors on-board.
In 2018, the International Transport Workers Federation (ITF) took a case against the Department of Justice and Equality and others seeking changes to or suspension of the Atypical Workers Scheme for non-EEA fishers on board certain Irish flagged fishing vessels. A mediation agreement was reached on this matter in early 2019 which included a recommendation that the WRC would have jurisdiction over violations of regulation 6 of SI 709/2003 (which has since been revoked and replaced) relating to hours of work and rest for fishers. That recommendation was to be implemented by appropriate legislative measures to be determined by the Department of Enterprise Trade and Employment. It is understood that the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment intend to implement this recommendation through primary legislation.
190. Deputy Patricia Ryan asked the Minister for Transport if he will incentivise the retrofitting of internal combustion engine vehicles to include battery and other electric propulsion technology; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48134/22]
View answerProviding a sustainable, low-carbon transport system is a key priority of my Department. The Programme for Government commits to 7% average annual emissions reduction to 2030; ultimately, the goal is for a zero-emission mobility system by 2050. Electrification will be key to achieving this objective in the transport sector.
Electric vehicles (EVs) are the most prominent transport mitigation measure in the Climate Action Plan and Ireland has set an ambitious target of 945,000 EVs on our roads by 2030. This target is challenging but indicates the scale of the transformation that is needed across all sectors if Ireland is to achieve its climate targets in the coming years.
I am aware of initiatives to retrofit internal combustion engine cars to electric vehicles, and have asked my officials to give the matter active consideration. Innovations that provide reliable solutions for people willing to transition to electric vehicles are to be welcomed, particularly if they provide options for people who might be unable to purchase a new vehicle. At present, the Department is advised that this initiative is yet not commercially viable at scale but we are keeping this technology under review.
191. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Transport if he will ensure that a driving test appointment is provided as a matter of urgency for a person (details supplied). [48142/22]
View answerThe operation of the national driving test service is the statutory responsibility of the Road Safety Authority (RSA).
Individual cases are a matter for the Authority and the question in relation to this case is being referred to it for direct reply.
I would ask the Deputy to contact my office if a response has not been received within ten days.
192. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Transport if he will request an urgent review of driving test services be carried out given the unprecedented backlogs in the system; and if he will give consideration to allowing instructors to sign-off on the driving competency of applicants who have completed the required 12 lessons until such time as the waiting times have significantly reduced. [48145/22]
View answerThe operation of the national driving test service and the employment of driver testers is the statutory responsibility of the Road Safety Authority (RSA).
Since public health restrictions eased, considerable progress has been made in addressing the backlogs in driver testing services to which the Deputy refers. While there has been some growth in demand over the summer months and accompanying seasonal capacity constraints, the RSA are confident that current delays within the system will rectify before year end.
In early 2022, the RSA conducted a review of the current and evolving needs of the driver tester service. This recommended that the number of permanent driver testers employed by the RSA should be raised from 100 to 130. The Department considered the RSA’s request and gave its approval in June 2022. This recruitment process is now underway. The RSA expect new testers start work in late Autumn.
While I can appreciate the Deputy's suggestion, it is important to note that there is a significant difference between driving instructors and driver testers, insofar as driving instructors are not qualified to issue a certificate of competency. This certificate is required to obtain a full driving licence.
Driver testers, employed by the Road Safety Authority, must complete training as set out in a series of EU Directives on driving testing and licensing, such as EU Directive 2006/126/EC which sets minimum driving test standards, training and quality assurance for driver testers. Testers have to undergo continuous monitoring of the application of Driving Test Standards, by way of regular and ongoing supervision.
The RSA has a Quality Assurance Policy which ensures that the practical driving test experience is of a consistent high quality, regardless of where it is carried out or who carries it out, and is proven to produce valid and reliable results.
193. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Transport the reason that the National Driving Licence Service has denied a person (details supplied) a full Irish driving licence in exchange for their full Australian driving licence given the existence of a driving licence exchange scheme operating between Ireland and states and territories in Australia. [48174/22]
View answerAll enquires relating to driver licensing are handled by the National Driver Licence Service, the provision of which I have delegated to the Road Safety Authority under the relevant legislation. My department does not have access to individual applications.
194. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Transport if he will provide an update on a new vehicle store for a station (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48197/22]
View answerThe requirement for a new vehicle store at Iveragh/ Waterville Coast Guard Station has been clearly identified by the Irish Coast Guard. The Office of Public Works has been instructed to design and construct this vehicle store under the IRCG Property Maintenance Programme.
Initial work on the feasibility and concept design of the new vehicle store has been completed. Funding for this project has been approved by IRCG and will be provided to OPW when request for payment is made. OPW are currently negotiating terms relating to use of the site with Eir as this is a shared site. The latest update from OPW confirms that these negotiations remain ongoing. The project will progress further upon the conclusion of these negotiations.
195. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Transport the number of journeys taken on each public bike scheme operated in the State in each of the years 2019 to 2021 and to date in 2022; and the number of members in each scheme. [48204/22]
View answerAs Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to cycling and public transport infrastructure. The management of the public bike schemes is a matter for the National Transport Authority (NTA), which works closely with the relevant local authorities.
Noting the NTA's role in the matter, I have referred your question to that agency for a more detailed reply.
Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 working days.
196. Deputy Mick Barry asked the Minister for Transport the number of occasions, if any, that the Marine Survey Office has prosecuted fishing vessel owners for switching off their vessel’s automatic identification system in contravention of SI No. 640 of 2007, Merchant Shipping (Safety of Fishing Vessels) (15 to 24 metres) Regulations 2007 section 10 paragraphs (6) and (7); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48209/22]
View answerAn Automatic Identification System (AIS) is a broadcast transponder system operating in the VHF maritime mobile band and forms part of the shipborne navigational systems. AIS transponder equipment is used on ships to provide information about the vessel to other vessels and to coastal authorities. The AIS carriage requirement for fishing vessels in the 15m to 24m length range is set out in Statutory Instrument (SI) No. 640 of 2007. Regulation 146 paragraphs (6) and (7) of this Statutory Instrument requires an AIS to be fitted onboard which shall meet the performance standards drawn up by the International Maritime Organisation (IMO). The Marine Survey Office (MSO) implements compliance with these requirements by means of a survey and certification programme. Vessels which meet the requirements of the Regulations are issued with a Fishing Vessel Safety Certificate.
The Sea Fisheries Administration of the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine requires a fishing vessel to hold such a Fishing Vessel Safety Certificate demonstrating compliance with the statutory requirements before the issue of a Sea-Fishing Boat Licence. The MSO enforces the requirements during its flag state and port state obligations and also enforces the requirements by other methods such as the imposition of deficiencies and detention of vessels, with prosecutions being sought in more serious cases. The offence in the Regulations relates to the non-carriage of the required AIS and there has been no such prosecutions.
197. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Transport the reason that the National Transport Authority does not have a service for students directly to Maynooth from Castleblayney or Carrickmacross; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48215/22]
View answerAs 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. The National Transport Authority (NTA) has statutory responsibility for securing the provision of public passenger transport services nationally and for the scheduling and timetabling of these services in conjunction with the relevant transport operators.
In light of the Authority's responsibility in this area, I have forwarded the Deputy’s question in relation to transport services directly to Maynooth from Castleblayney or Carrickmacross, to the NTA for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within ten working days.
198. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Transport if he will address the case of a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48232/22]
View answerAs 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. The National Transport Authority (NTA) has statutory responsibility for securing the provision of public passenger transport services nationally and for the scheduling and timetabling of these services in conjunction with the relevant transport operators. The NTA also has responsibility for the regulation of fares charged to passengers in respect of public transport services provided under public service obligation (PSO) contracts.
However, it should be noted that all commercial transport operators, such as Dublin Coach, are responsible for managing their own services.
The Young Adult Card (YAC) was initially introduced on PSO services in May. Following extensive engagement between my Department, the NTA, and representatives from the commercial bus sector the initiative was broadened to include participating Commercial Bus Operators (CBOs) on the 4th of September. As a result, holders of a YAC or Student Leap Card can now avail of the 50% fare discount on both PSO and CBO services.
In relation to the issue of eligibility requirements for the YAC, I am happy to clarify that the NTA are widening the age rules of the Scheme to allow 16, 17, and 18-year-old students in third level education to apply for the Student Leap Card so that they can also avail of the discount. This is in line with the approach that has been taken with mature students who are in full-time third level education.
I am pleased to advise that the NTA have already commenced the technical work on this matter, which is scheduled to be completed in the coming weeks, at which point those third level students aged 16, 17, and 18 will be able to order a Student Leap Card and avail of the discount.
In view of the above I have forwarded the Deputy’s question in relation to the issue of lack of public transport services to TUS to the NTA for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within ten working days.
