Written Answers Nos. 115-130
115. Deputy Colm Burke asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence the measures his Department is taking in order to improve and strengthen Ireland’s cybersecurity defence; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21037/23]
View answerThe Department of Environment, Climate and Communications has the lead role in relation to cybersecurity while the primary responsibility of the Defence Forces relates to the defence and security of their own networks and systems.
The Defence Forces and the Department of Defence work with the Department of Environment, Climate and Communications on an on-going basis in the delivery of measures to improve the cyber security of the State, as outlined in the National Cyber Security Strategy. This includes participation on the inter-departmental National Cyber Strategy Implementation Group, the provision of support to the National Cyber Security Centre and the secondment, through the Department of Environment, Climate and Communications, of a member of the Defence Forces to the NATO Cooperative Cyber Defence Centre of Excellence in Tallinn, Estonia. The Defence Forces are also members of, or observers to, a number of cyber-related PESCO projects.
This important role the Defence Forces undertakes is being developed in the context of the High Level Action Plan for the Report of the Commission on the Defence Forces and will grow in importance as threats in the cyber space increase.
116. Deputy Alan Dillon asked the Minister for Transport how he intends to tackle licensing for a plethora of vessels from smaller workboat type to large construction vessels, as well as standards and certification for seafarers, in particular those who may wish to transition from fishing certificates to merchant marine qualifications to support offshore renewable opportunities; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20841/23]
View answerAt an international level the International Maritime Organization (IMO) has introduced requirements for ships carrying industrial personnel to offshore developments. This is in the form of a new code for such ships referred to as the Industrial Personnel Code (IP Code). This will form a new chapter of the IMO International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS) Convention and it is due to enter into force from the 1st of July 2024, Ireland is presently planning to implement this new IP Code.
Any vessel, including its crew, used in offshore construction activities must comply with the relevant regulatory requirements set by both the flag state and port state. Foreign flagged vessels which may be used in offshore construction in Ireland must in the first instance comply with the requirements set by state in which they are registered, known as their flag state. These requirements are set at international level by the IMO and the International Labour Organization (ILO). The flag state certifies the ships as complying with these standard including the standards for the seafarers employed. When such ships enter Irish ports they are then subject to port state control to ensure compliance with these standards. For ships registered in Ireland a similar regime operates. In addition, Ireland provides a comprehensive regulatory regime for differing classes of domestic shipping which may be involved. Ireland also implements the IMO International Convention on the Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping (STCW) for the qualifications of seafarers. This training is provided by Bord Iascaigh Mhara and the National Maritime College of Ireland, amongst others. This Department is engaging with these training providers in establishing standards for fishers who may wish to obtain seafarer qualifications.
117. Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for Transport the process that is in place for those who hold Ukrainian driving licences to be assessed by the NDLS; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20948/23]
View answerEuropean Union Regulation (EU) 2022/1280, which came into force in July 2022, allows Ukrainians residing in Ireland under the Temporary Protection Directive to drive here on their current national driving licences. All categories held on a Ukrainian licence are recognised. However, a person with C or D categories on their licence (trucks or buses) must have a driver certificate of professional competence (CPC) to drive a truck or bus professionally in Ireland. The EU Regulation allows for the recognition of Ukrainian CPCs, subject to the holder undergoing additional compulsory training. The Regulation applies to driver documents held by Ukrainians admitted to the EU under the Temporary Protection Directive and for the period of temporary protection only.
Under the European Union (Driver Qualification Card) (Persons From Ukraine) Regulations 2023, signed on 4 April 2023, a person with a Ukrainian driving licence and a Ukrainian qualification card can now apply to the Road Safety Authority (RSA) to do the compulsory training. The training consists of 35 hours training, 8 hours supervised driving and a theory test. More information is available on the RSA website.
Prior to Regulation 2022/1280, Ukrainians admitted here under temporary protection could exchange their Ukrainian driving licences for an Irish licence (car only) for a period of 12 months. This exchange was provided between 22 April and 27 July 2022, under the Road Traffic (Recognition of Foreign Driving Licences) (Ukraine) Order 2022. Truck and bus (category C and D) licences were not exchangeable.
Ireland does not have a licence exchange agreement with Ukraine. A person resident in Ireland (not under the Temporary Protection Directive) cannot drive here on a Ukrainian licence, but can apply for an Irish driving licence in the normal way (sitting the theory test, applying for a learner permit, and passing a driving test). A person who has held a full Ukrainian driving licence for more than two years can avail of a shorter process to a full licence, involving Essential Driver Training of 6 lessons only, instead of the 12 normally required, and they will not have to wait the minimum of 6 months before taking a driving test.
118. Deputy Verona Murphy asked the Minister for Transport if the deployment of additional permanent driver testers is now complete; if he will confirm the current number of active driver testers; if the ongoing backlog in driving tests has been evaluated as requiring further additional resources at this present time; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21014/23]
View answerThe Road Safety Authority (RSA) has statutory responsibility for all aspects of the National Driving Test service. This includes assignment of driver testers.
I would firstly like to assure the Deputy that my Department is working closely with the Authority on addressing driver testing waiting times, which is an issue of great concern.
The service has been under significant pressure to meet unprecedented demand, which is up 28% on 2021 figures. This increase in demand for driving tests and the time to invitation for learner drivers has a number of contributing factors which include an increase in learner permits in circulation, increased capacity in the Driver Theory Test and an increase in Approved Driving Instructors capacity to deliver lessons to learner drivers.
The RSA has reviewed the capacity of the driver testing service to meet demand and following a request for additional resources in March 2023, my Department has given approval for the recruitment of up to 75 driver testers. This is in addition to the 30 testers who were previously sanctioned in July 2022 and which have been fully deployed since the end of March 2023. This brings the total number of sanctioned driver tester posts to just over 200.
It is expected that once these additional 75 driver testers are recruited, trained and deployed, the backlog for driver testing services will start to reduce from October 2023 and agreed service levels should resume by early to mid-2024. The additional testers will be assigned to fill current vacancies and otherwise allocated to centres with the highest demand for tests. The recruitment campaign is currently under way.
119. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Transport the efforts he is making to support the financial viability of the Irish haulage sector; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20631/23]
View answerThe Government recognises the important role that the haulage sector plays in maintaining Ireland’s essential supply chains and acknowledges the recent cost pressures on haulage businesses. As announced in February the Government approved a new Scheme design, and funding of €18 million for the Licensed Haulage Support Scheme 2023 to assist licensed haulage businesses with cost pressures.
My Department is now administering the Scheme which covers eligible heavy goods vehicles authorised on the licence of a current road haulage operator as of 15 December 2022. The Scheme is open to applications until 31 May 2023 and is designed in such a way to provide a larger relative level of support to smaller operators. Payments per vehicle are calculated based on €1,200 for the first 5 vehicles on a licence; €700 for vehicles 6 to 20; and €200 for each vehicle thereafter.
An invitation to apply for the Scheme was issued to all licensed haulage businesses using the email address associated with the operator license, including detailed instructions on how to apply for the Scheme.
Since March 2022, the Government put in place several other measures to help ease cost pressures on haulage businesses including the reduction of excise duty on diesel and the Licensed Haulage Emergency Support Scheme which ran during Spring 2022 and provided over €15.6 million to c. 3,080 operators (approx. 80% of licensed operators).
Since December 2022, we have seen a month-on-month declining trend in diesel price. The excise reduction introduced in February 2022 will now be phased out in three stages, with a VAT inclusive increase of 5 cent on both 01 June and 01 September and a 6 cent increase on 31 October.
The Revenue administered Diesel Rebate Scheme remains available to licensed haulage operators in respect of vehicles over 7.5 tonnes. Figures from Revenue show that less than half of licensed hauliers made use of the Diesel Rebate Scheme in 2022 – I would encourage all operators to make best use of available Government supports.
120. Deputy Kathleen Funchion asked the Minister for Transport the reason a person (details supplied) has to wait eight months for her full driving licence test. [20832/23]
View answerThe Road Safety Authority (RSA) has statutory responsibility for all aspects of the National Driving Test service. This includes test applications and scheduling matters. Neither I nor my Department have the power to intervene in individual cases.
The RSA operates a fair and transparent appointment scheduling process, consequently, I understand that those who are eligible and have been waiting the longest are offered a test first. I would like to also assure you that the Authority is endeavouring to eliminate the Driver Testing backlog.
Urgent tests are only available to applicants who are employed by the HSE, a private hospital or the emergency services where the candidate would need to drive as part of their job (not including commuting to their place of work). Information on who can apply for an emergency test is available at www.rsa.ie/services/learner-drivers/the-driving-test/faqs.
121. Deputy David Stanton asked the Minister for Transport how port infrastructure in the State is being supported to enable the development of both floating and fixed-bottom offshore wind technology; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19862/23]
View answerThe Government is committed to ensuring that our national commercial Irish ports are positive contributors to the ORE industry and that Ireland meets the ambitious targets of 7GW of offshore wind (2GW of which is specifically dedicated to green hydrogen) by 2030.
Supporting the development of port infrastructure is a core objective of the National Offshore Wind Delivery Taskforce and the Department is working very closely with the Task Force in this regard.
In the development of port infrastructure, ports must progress their plans through a number of phases, this includes consenting and planning both which must be progressed in advance of the construction phase. To support port readiness, the Department has and continues to facilitate engagement between the Foreshore and MARA Planning Units in Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage, and a number of ports in relation to plans, timelines, requirements, and the consenting phase as appropriate. The first MACs are expected to then be awarded to ORE ports by end of 2023, after which the ports can begin pre-engagement consultation with An Bord Pleanála (ABP) with a view to obtain planning permission for construction of ORE infrastructure.
Under National Ports Policy our state commercial ports operate as independent commercial bodies and does not provide for direct exchequer funding. This policy has proven very effective in developing a highly competitive and responsive ports sector, where ports have continually proven to be agile in responding to market needs and opportunities.
However, the need to maximise financing opportunities for ports is recognised. To that end, the Department of Transport continues to engage with all industry stakeholders. This includes potential financing partners such as the EU (via Connecting Europe Facility), Ireland Strategic Investment Fund (ISIF) and the European Investment Bank (EIB) – looking at viable projects, capable of generating a commercial return. The Department has also engaged New ERA to review port plans and consider the availability of financing mechanisms to support the delivery of port projects.
EU funding of port infrastructure for ORE is and remains available for ports, or terminals within ports, on the Trans European Network for Transport (TEN-T). Ports on the TEN-T network are eligible to apply for Connecting Europe Facility (CEF) funding towards their infrastructure developments, with the potential for up to 50% of eligible costs for studies and up to 30% of infrastructure works costs. This remains one potential source of funding, among many. The Department has and will continue to support ports in their applications for CEF funding.
In late 2021, the Department published a policy statement on the facilitation of ORE by Commercial Ports, the rationale for which was to bring clarity in policy terms and also to encourage all ports to actively engage with potential development opportunities and consider the potential being offered. In addition to the state commercial ports under the remit of the Department of Transport, it is noted that there are also private commercial ports, as well as fishery harbours and local authority port which fall under the remit of the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine (DAFM) and Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage (DHLGH) respectively.
122. Deputy Violet-Anne Wynne asked the Minister for Transport if he will report on any recent meetings of the Shannon Heritage Working Group. [11033/23]
View answerI would like to thank the Deputy for this question. The Inter-departmental working group met on 23 January, 22 February and 20 April this year.
I am pleased to inform the Deputy that a significant financial package has now been agreed to support the transfer of Shannon Heritage to Clare County Council. This financial package which includes up to €6m in Exchequer funding in 2023, was noted by Government on the 18 April and conveyed to Clare County Council on the same date. Clare County Council will also be able to for funding under funding streams across a number of Departments in future years as part of the annual estimates process.
A special meeting of Clare County Council was convened on 24 April, where the Elected Members formally resolved and approved the transfer of Shannon Heritage and associated Clare tourism sites from the Shannon Airport Group to the Council.
I would like to acknowledge the support of government colleagues and those departments represented on the inter-departmental group who brought this package of support together to facilitate the transfer. I would also like to acknowledge the significant work undertaken by Clare County Council and the Shannon Airport Group in advancing the transfer. I understand that the remaining technical details of the transfer are currently being concluded between both parties with a view to the transfer being successfully effected this month. This will allow the Council to benefit in full from the anticipated busy summer period which lies ahead for the tourism industry.
123. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Transport if additional driver testers will be deployed to the Kerry test centres to reduce the 30-week waiting time for driving test invitations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20910/23]
View answerThe operation of the national driving test service is the statutory responsibility of the Road Safety Authority.
The service has been under significant pressure to meet unprecedented demand, which is up 28% on 2021 figures. This increase in demand for driving tests and the time to invitation for learner drivers has a number of contributing factors which include an increase in learner permits in circulation, increased capacity in the Driver Theory Test and an increase in Approved Driving Instructors capacity to deliver lessons to learner drivers.
The Authority has reviewed the capacity of the driver testing service to meet demand and following a request for additional resources in March 2023, my Department has given approval for the recruitment of up to 75 driver testers. This is in addition to the 30 testers who were previously sanctioned in July 2022 and which have been fully deployed since the end of March 2023. This brings the total number of sanctioned driver tester posts to just over 200.
It is expected that once these additional 75 driver testers are recruited, trained and deployed, the backlog for driver testing services will start to reduce from October 2023 and agreed service levels should resume by early to mid 2024. The additional testers will be assigned to fill current vacancies and otherwise allocated to centres with the highest demand for tests. The recruitment campaign is currently under way.
124. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Transport if he will provide an update on whether a load line survey application has been applied for with respect to the Hebble Sand dredge ship, which is long overdue to be removed from the River Boyne in Drogheda following its sinking in 2022; if he will provide any further details with regards to the projected dates of removal and any details around the application and certification that is required prior to release; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20923/23]
View answerFollowing the receipt of a survey application in respect of the Hebble Sand, the Marine Survey Office (MSO) is proceeding in accordance with its established procedures and a surveyor has been appointed. The next step is for the applicant to make such necessary arrangements for the survey, including the provision of safe access to and onboard the vessel and the provision of any necessary services onboard that are required by the MSO surveyor. The Merchant Shipping Load Lines Regulations require that the vessel is issued with a Certificate or Exemption on completion of the MSO survey and before the vessel may proceed to sea.
125. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Transport if any further progress has been made to source and secure an appropriate site to recommence driver testing in Drogheda, the largest town in Ireland, with the largest waiting time in the country; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20924/23]
View answerThe operation of the national driving test service is the statutory responsibility of the Road Safety Authority and the location of test centres is matter for them. I have therefore referred this 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.
126. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport the plans, if any, currently in hand to reduce waiting times to sit a driving test, with some individuals waiting at least six months; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20925/23]
View answerThe operation of the national driving test service is the statutory responsibility of the Road Safety Authority.
The service has been under significant pressure to meet unprecedented demand, which is up 28% on 2021 figures. This increase in demand for driving tests and the time to invitation for learner drivers has a number of contributing factors which include an increase in learner permits in circulation, increased capacity in the Driver Theory Test and an increase in Approved Driving Instructors' capacity to deliver lessons to learner drivers.
The Authority has reviewed the capacity of the driver testing service to meet demand and following a request for additional resources in March 2023, my Department has given approval for the recruitment of up to 75 driver testers. This is in addition to the 30 testers who were previously sanctioned in July 2022 and which have been fully deployed since the end of March 2023. This brings the total number of sanctioned driver tester posts to just over 200.
It is expected that once these additional 75 driver testers are recruited, trained and deployed, the backlog for driver testing services will start to reduce from October 2023 and agreed service levels should resume by early to mid 2024. The additional testers will be assigned to fill current vacancies and otherwise allocated to centres with the highest demand for tests. The recruitment campaign for these posts is currently under way.
128. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport if adequate consideration has been given to the provision of adequate parking adjacent to railway stations, with a view to ensuring the availability and convenience of rail services; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20927/23]
View answerAs Minister of Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding of public transport. Parking adjacent to railway stations is a matter for Iarnród Éireann in the first instance.
In view of the Iarnród Éireann's responsibility in this matter, I have referred the Deputy's question to it for direct reply. Please contact my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 working days.
129. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport the extent to which he and his Department will encourage the modernisation of rail transport infrastructure, with particular reference to ensuring long-term investment which can be relied upon to meet the rail transport needs of the public well into the future; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20928/23]
View answerThe All-Island Strategic Rail Review is currently being undertaken in co-operation with the Department for Infrastructure in Northern Ireland. The results of the Review will inform the development of the railway sector on the Island of Ireland over the coming decades to 2050 in line with our net-zero commitments, establishing a long-term framework for investment in the rail system.
The Review is considering the future of the rail network with regard to the following ambitions: improving sustainable connectivity between the major cities (including the potential for higher/high-speed rail), enhancing regional accessibility, supporting balanced regional development, and rail connectivity to our international gateways. This also includes the role of rail freight.
The Review is also considering the scope for improved rail services and infrastructure along the various existing, or potential future, corridors of the network including disused and closed lines.
Work on the Review is now at an advanced stage. However, before the Review can be formally approved it will require consideration under relevant environmental regulations, in particular the Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) regulations. If deemed applicable, then a draft of the Review will need to be published for public consultation under the relevant environmental regulations before it can be formally finalised and approved. It is anticipated that any such consultation for the purposes of environmental assessment would take place in the coming months.
Following the completion of any environmental regulatory requirements and finalisation of the report, the Review will be submitted for my formal approval and ultimately to Government, as well as to the Minister for Infrastructure in Northern Ireland. Should there continue to be an absence of Ministers in the NI Executive, approval will be considered taking into account the decision-making framework set out in the Northern Ireland (Executive Formation etc.) Act 2022 or relevant legislation in place at the time.
It is expected that the final Review will therefore be published in the second half of 2023.
130. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport the extent to which he expects public transport to play a major role in the future; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20929/23]
View answerThis Government is committed to a fundamental change in the nature of transport in Ireland and at the heart of that change will be a shift toward increased use towards both active travel and public transport.
Our funding reflects that commitment with significantly increased funding dedicated to public transport infrastructure and services, reflecting the Programme for Government commitment of a two-to-one ratio in favour of new public transport infrastructure over new roads infrastructure.
That funding is supporting huge, transformative projects such as DART+ in Leinster, BusConnects in all five cities, MetroLink in Dublin but also supporting the roll-out of new, enhanced and improved rural bus services across the country under Connecting Ireland. In addition to these important projects we’ve also funded fare reductions as evidenced by the general 20% reduction applied across subvented bus and rail networks the 50% reduction introduced through the Young Adult Card. These projects and initiatives are just some of the wide range of public transport improvements being introduced across the State.
These investments are necessary if we are to achieve the hugely challenging targets set by the Climate Action Plan 2023 to reduce the modal share of daily car journeys from over 70% to circa 50% by 2030 which will require a 130% increase in public transport trips alone.
I am delighted to say that these measures are bearing fruit with numbers returning to our public transport system post-COVID in a way not seen in most other EU Member States.
