Written Answers Nos. 186-201
186. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence the extent to which optimum strength in the Defence Forces is being maintained, with equal reference to the Army, Naval Service and Air Corps; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29798/23]
View answer189. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence the degree to which he remains satisfied regarding the strength of the Army, Naval Service and Air Corps, with particular reference to ensuring the maintenance of recommended levels of strength throughout all branches; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29801/23]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 186 and 189 together.
As at 31 May 2023, the strength of the Permanent Defence Forces was 7,764 personnel comprised of 6,305 Army personnel, 704 Air Corps personnel and 755 Naval Service personnel.
I have previously acknowledged the current staffing difficulties in the Defence Forces and, to counter these, there are a number of recruitment and retention initiatives currently under way.
I can assure the Deputy that the manpower requirement of the Defence Forces is monitored on an ongoing basis in accordance with the operational requirements of each of the three services.
My immediate focus is on stabilising the numbers of personnel in the Defence Forces and thereafter increasing strength to meet the agreed level of ambition arising from the report of the Commission on the Defence Forces.
187. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence the extent to which updating of training procedures continues within the Defence Forces at all levels; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29799/23]
View answerThe primary function of training in the Defence Forces is to develop and maintain the capabilities necessary to enable them to fulfil the roles laid down by Government.
The Defence Forces conduct training under four broad categories, namely: Leadership, Skills, Career, and Collective. Leadership Training is the medium through which the Defence Forces ensure that personnel are prepared for exercising command authority across the full range of military functions both at home and overseas in international operations. Skills Training ensures that Defence Forces personnel have the requisite individual, specialist, and crew skills. Career Training, and education, provides the organisation with the necessary pool of leaders and commanders at all levels. Collective Training allows military personnel to use their individual, crew, specialist and career training together, to develop integrated and coherent combat forces.
The scheduling of training in the Defence Forces, including the Reserve, is underpinned by an analysis of training required to meet operational output and capability development requirements.
The Defence Forces seek to constantly benchmark training across all three arms of the organisation against best military and academic practice. Military best practice is ensured by implementing a policy of standardisation that is in line with EU and NATO/Partnership for Peace partners. Academic best practice is ensured by benchmarking courses through accreditation under the National Framework of Qualifications which is validated by Quality and Qualifications Ireland.
The Defence Forces deliver military programmes and modules meeting national and international standards and engage with external educational institutions in order to facilitate organisational learning. This engagement with national and international educational institutions, military and civilian, aims to ensure that the Defence Forces retain currency with regards to best international practice and employ all relevant modern training methods.
In 2022, 580 Defence Forces personnel spent a total of 2,940 days training overseas. The actual cost of the training courses attended by these personnel was €693,366.00.
I remain committed to ensuring that all personnel of the Defence Forces continue to be trained to appropriate standards.
188. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence the extent to which part-time members of the Defence Forces are given opportunities to upgrade their skills; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29800/23]
View answerI presume the Deputy is referring to the Army Reserve and Naval Service Reserve in his question.
Members of the Army Reserve and Naval Service Reserve are volunteers who undertake training in their spare time. In order to facilitate the voluntary nature of Reserve Service and to maximise attendance of Reserve personnel, training continues to be organised both in and out of normal working hours, at weekends and during academic and traditional holiday periods.
The primary function of training and education in both the Permanent Defence Force and the Reserve Defence Force is to develop and maintain capabilities necessary to enable personnel to fulfil the roles laid down by Government. The scheduling of training in the Defence Forces, including the Reserve, is underpinned by an analysis of training needed to meet operational output requirements and capability development needs. In addition, the Commission on the Defence Forces Report sets out a developmental path for the Reserve and confirms that the primary role of the Reserve has been to augment the PDF in crisis situations and will now also include the utilisation of the RDF on a voluntary basis, on-island and overseas in support of the PDF, where it is in the best interests of the PDF.
For the current year, a budget of €2.15 million is provided, of which €2.068 million is allocated for Paid Training days for members of the Reserve. Within this budget, seven days annual paid training is provided for in respect of each effective member of the Reserve. The budget also provides for fourteen days paid training for all additional personnel recruited to the Reserve in 2023 along with career and specialist courses for selected members of the Reserve in line with Reserve priorities. This provision is sufficient having regard to the existing strength of the RDF and the voluntary nature of Reserve training.
I am satisfied that members of the Amy Reserve and Naval Service Reserve are afforded the opportunity to avail of training and update their skills on an ongoing basis.
The Deputy will also be aware that as part of taking forward recommendations in the Report from the Commission on the Defence Forces, a Regeneration Plan to revitalise the RDF is under preparation and will have due regard to other recommendations in that Report, relating to the RDF.
190. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence the extent to which equipment in the Army, Naval Service and Air Corps continues to be upgraded through the standards equal to the best; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29802/23]
View answerMy priority as Minister for Defence is to ensure that the operational capability of the Army, Air Corps and Naval Service is maintained and developed. This is to enable the Defence Forces to carry out the roles assigned by Government. Equipment priorities for the Army, Air Corps and Naval Service are considered in the context of the established capability development and Equipment Development Planning (EDP) processes. Further additions to the EDP are currently under consideration, including in the context of the Government’s decision to move to a higher level of ambition, known as LOA2, and in light of specific recommendations, associated with a move to LOA2, made in the report of the Commission on the Defence Forces last year.
Work on capital investment in aircraft continues with the recent placing of a contract with Airbus at a cost of €72 million, including VAT, for a military transport aircraft for the Defence Forces. The Airbus C295W aircraft is highly versatile and will provide a dedicated asset to support the Defence Forces military airlift transport requirements and provide a wide contingent capability. The aircraft will enable the Air Corps to provide a wide range of services including logistics support and transport of troops and equipment, medical evacuation and air ambulance, Special Operations Forces operations and a general utility role. Delivery of this aircraft is expected in 2025.
The programme for the supply of two C295 Maritime Patrol Aircraft is nearing completion with delivery of the first aircraft expected in the coming week and the second aircraft is due in Q3 2023. Projects for other Air Corps capabilities will be considered in the context of overall capability development and available funding in accordance with the planning processes.
Marine advisors have been appointed by my Department to support the procurement of a Multi-Role Vessel (MRV) to replace the now decommissioned former flagship LÉ Eithne. This work is underway and will inform a public tender competition, in line with the Public Spending Code, in due course.
The two Inshore Patrol Vessels (IPVs), purchased from the New Zealand government last year to replace the now decommissioned LÉ Orla and LÉ Ciara, were transported to Ireland following a year long project to regenerate and modify the vessels. Following their arrival in Cork, the IPVs will undergo a comprehensive programme of works including crew familiarisation and training. Projects for other Naval Service capabilities will be considered in the context of overall capability development and available funding in accordance with established planning processes.
Projects for the Army are being considered in the context of capability development and available funding against the backdrop of the overall Equipment Development Plan process. There has been significant investment in recent years in the armoured fleet of vehicles with the enhancement of force protection and mobility with the mid-life refit of the MOWAG Piranha III vehicles project nearing completion and the delivery of Armoured Utility Vehicles. These projects have seen the integration of cutting edge technology and equipment into the vehicles. Technology is an enabler of modern military forces and a Software Defined Radio Project which is the next generation communications system for the Defence Forces is currently in the marketplace. This complex project is being designed and customised to meet the Defence Forces' requirements and to incorporate systems and equipment platforms, it will support the joint common operational picture.
The Department of Defence has received a capital allocation under the National Development Plan of €566 million over the 2022 to 2025 timeframe. The Defence annual capital budget for 2023 is €176 million. The recent Budget for 2023 included an increase of €67m over the 2022 budget for Defence. This includes an almost 25% increase in Capital funding and demonstrates the Government’s strong commitment to support the transformation of the Defence Forces into a modern, agile military force, capable of responding to increasingly complex security threats.
This is following Government approval for a move over a six-year period to a level of Defence Forces’ capability equivalent to ‘Level of Ambition 2’ (LOA2), as set out in the capability framework devised by the Commission on Defence Forces, which will entail funding increases to reach a Defence budget of approximately €1.5 billion (at January 2022 prices) by 2028 through the annual Estimates.
This level of capital funding will allow the Defence Organisation to undertake a phased planned programme of sustained equipment and infrastructural development across the Army, Air Corps and Naval Service as identified and prioritised in the Defence White Paper and the Report of the Commission, while building on the significant investment programme over recent years.
191. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence the extent of the numbers of women applying for and enlisting in the Defence Forces, with equal respect to the Army, Naval Service and Air Corps; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29803/23]
View answerThe table below sets out the number of women who applied for, and the number that were inducted into, the Army, Air Corps and Naval Service as at 31 May 2023.
|
- |
Army |
Air Corps |
Naval Service |
|
Applications |
369 |
153 |
95 |
|
Inductions |
5 |
1 |
1 |
The Government remains committed to a policy of equal opportunity for men and women throughout the Defence Forces and to the full participation by women in all aspects of Defence Forces activities. In that regard, a number of initiatives are already in place with a view to increasing the level of female participation with special consideration being paid to women as a target group for recruitment.
192. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence the extent to which he remains satisfied that the Army, Naval Service and Air Corps remain sufficiently equipped to deal with any emergency or natural disaster that might arise; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29804/23]
View answerMy priority as Minister for Defence is to ensure that the operational capability of the Defence Forces is maintained to enable the Army, Air Corps and Naval Service to carry out their roles as assigned by Government.
The Defence Organisation provides a broad range of services in accordance with its primary security role while it also undertakes a diverse range of non security related tasks. The Defence Forces continue to carry out the roles assigned by Government, including security operations, critical supports to An Garda Síochána and ATCA supports to other Government Departments and Principal Response Agencies.
At national level, representation on the Government Task Force on Emergency Planning by both the Department of Defence and the Defence Forces ensures the fullest coordination and cooperation in the event of an emergency.
In accordance with the Framework for Major Emergency Management, primary responsibility for responding to emergencies such as severe weather events or terrorist attacks rests with the three designated principal response agencies, namely, the relevant local authority, An Garda Síochána, and the Health Service Executive. The Defence Forces provides assistance within means to the appropriate Lead Department or Principal Response Agency in the event of a natural disaster or an emergency situation in its Aid to the Civil Authority (ATCA) and Aid to the Civil Power (ATCP) roles. Major Emergency Plans have been developed by local and regional authorities and these Plans identify the procedures for requesting assistance from the Defence Forces.
The Defence Forces retain a wide range of specialist skills and equipment which are available for deployment in response to any emergencies that may arise. Training is also an important aspect of maintaining the necessary capabilities in the Defence Forces. The Defence Forces deliver military training programmes and modules meeting national and international standards. They also engage with external educational institutions in order to facilitate organisational learning. This engagement with national and international educational institutions, military and civilian, aims to ensure that the Defence Forces retain currency with regards to best international practice and employ all relevant modern training methods.
I am committed to ensuring that the personnel of the Defence Forces continue to be equipped and trained to best international standards and I can confirm that the Defence Forces keep their operational plans and response capabilities for dealing with a wide range of threats and emergencies under constant review. I am satisfied that the Defence Forces are equipped to respond, as appropriate, to any such events were they to occur in this State.
193. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence the number of vacant posts remaining to be filled at all levels in the Army, Naval Service and Air Corps; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29805/23]
View answerThe tables below outline the variance between current strength and the establishment strength, by rank, within the Army, Air Corps and the Naval Service as at 31 May 2023, the latest date for which such information is available.
Vacancies are filled in line with promotional arrangements, as appropriate, and by recruitment.
I have previously acknowledged the staffing difficulties in the Defence Forces, and work is ongoing to counter these. In that regard, my immediate focus is on stabilising the numbers of personnel in the Defence Forces and thereafter increasing strength to meet the agreed level of ambition arising from the report of the Commission on the Defence Forces.
|
Army - Strength vs Establishment by Rank (as at 31 May 2023) |
||
|
Rank |
Strength in excess of Establishment |
Strength under Establishment (Vacancies) |
|
Lt Gen |
At Establishment Strength |
At Establishment Strength |
|
Maj Gen |
At Establishment Strength |
At Establishment Strength |
|
Brig Gen |
-1 |
|
|
Col |
+2 |
|
|
Lt Col |
-1 |
|
|
Cmdt |
-7 |
|
|
Capt |
-35 |
|
|
Lt |
+74 |
|
|
Sgt Maj |
At Establishment Strength |
At Establishment Strength |
|
BQMS |
At Establishment Strength |
At Establishment Strength |
|
CS |
-9 |
|
|
CQMS |
-19 |
|
|
Sgt |
-269 |
|
|
Cpl |
-305 |
|
|
Private |
-678 |
|
|
Cadet |
+33 |
|
Naval Service - Strength vs Establishment by Rank (as at 31 May 2023) |
||
|
Rank |
Strength in excess of Establishment |
Strength under Establishment (Vacancies) |
|
Lt Gen |
Not Applicable |
Not Applicable |
|
Maj Gen |
Not Applicable |
Not Applicable |
|
Brig Gen |
At Establishment Strength |
At Establishment Strength |
|
Col |
At Establishment Strength |
At Establishment Strength |
|
Lt Col |
-1 |
|
|
Cmdt |
+6 |
|
|
Capt |
-27 |
|
|
Lt |
-6 |
|
|
Sgt Maj |
At Establishment Strength |
At Establishment Strength |
|
BQMS |
At Establishment Strength |
At Establishment Strength |
|
CS |
At Establishment Strength |
At Establishment Strength |
|
CQMS |
-4 |
|
|
Sgt |
-113 |
|
|
Cpl |
-85 |
|
|
Private |
-118 |
|
|
Cadet |
+9 |
|
Air Corp Service - Strength vs Establishment by Rank (as at 31 May 2023) |
||
|
Rank |
Strength in excess of Establishment |
Strength under Establishment (Vacancies) |
|
Lt Gen |
Not Applicable |
Not Applicable |
|
Maj Gen |
Not Applicable |
Not Applicable |
|
Brig Gen |
At Establishment Strength |
At Establishment Strength |
|
Col |
At Establishment Strength |
At Establishment Strength |
|
Lt Col |
At Establishment Strength |
At Establishment Strength |
|
Cmdt |
+4 |
|
|
Capt |
-24 |
|
|
Lt |
+11 |
|
|
Sgt Maj |
-3 |
|
|
BQMS |
At Establishment Strength |
At Establishment Strength |
|
CS |
-4 |
|
|
CQMS |
At Establishment Strength |
At Establishment Strength |
|
Sgt |
-47 |
|
|
Cpl |
-66 |
|
|
Private |
-61 |
|
|
Cadet |
+8 |
194. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence the total number of Irish military personnel serving at various locations overseas; the level of future deployments, if known; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29806/23]
View answerAs of 1 June 2023, Ireland is contributing 522 personnel to 9 different missions throughout the world. The main overseas missions in which Defence Forces personnel are currently deployed are the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) with 319 personnel and the United Nations Disengagement Observer Force (UNDOF) in Syria with 135 personnel. Ireland also contributes observers and staff to various United Nations and OSCE missions and personnel to staff appointments at UN, EU, NATO/PfP and OSCE headquarters.
Ireland has always been a strong supporter of the United Nations and UN Peacekeeping. Our commitment and support for the primary role of the United Nations, in the maintenance of international peace and security, is expressed in Ireland's long-standing tradition of participating in UN peacekeeping operations. This commitment is also expressed in our engagement in the EU's Common Security and Defence Policy (CSDP).
The Department of Defence and the Defence Forces jointly review the deployment of Defence Forces personnel on an ongoing basis. Ireland receives requests from time to time in relation to participating in various missions and these are considered on a case-by-case basis. The changing nature of demands and potential future mission profiles need to be considered in the context of assets and capabilities which can be made available by the Defence Forces for overseas deployment, given existing operational demands at home and overseas.
Full details of all personnel currently serving in missions overseas are listed below.
MEMBERS OF THE PERMANENT DEFENCE FORCE SERVING OVERSEAS
As of 1 June 2023
|
UN MISSIONS |
|
|
UNIFIL (United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon) HQUNIFIL 122nd Infantry Battalion UNIFIL Sector West HQ |
83074 |
|
UNTSO (United Nations Truce Supervision Organisation) Israel & Syria |
12 |
|
UNDOF (COS Staff/FHQ Staff - Camp Faouar - Bravo side) UNDOF 67th Infantry Group (Camp Faouar - Bravo side) |
6129 |
|
TOTAL |
466 |
|
UN MANDATED MISSIONS |
|
|
EUFOR (EU-led Operation in Bosnia and Herzegovina) |
5 |
|
EUTM Mali (EU-led Training Mission) |
8 |
|
KFOR (International Security Presence in Kosovo) HQ |
13 |
|
Naval Service EU Mission (Op Irini HQ) |
3 |
|
TOTAL NUMBER OF PERSONNEL SERVING WITH UN MISSIONS |
495 |
|
ORGANISATION FOR SECURITY AND CO-OPERATION IN EUROPE (OSCE) |
|
|
Staff Officer, High Level Planning Group, Vienna |
1 |
|
EU MILITARY STAFF |
|
|
Brussels |
8 |
|
MILITARY REPRESENTATIVES/ADVISERS/STAFF |
|
|
Military Adviser, Permanent Mission to UN, New York |
3* |
|
Military Adviser, Irish Delegation to OSCE, Vienna |
1 |
|
Military Representative in PSC Delegation (Brussels) |
4 |
|
Liaison Office of Ireland, NATO/PfP (Brussels) |
3 |
|
EU OHQ Operation Althea, Mons, Belgium |
1 |
|
Irish Liaison Officer to SHAPE & Military Co-Op Division, Mons, Belgium |
1 |
|
Military C-IED expert, UN Training Entebbe |
1 |
|
EUMAM UA |
4 |
|
TOTAL NUMBER OF DEFENCE FORCES PERSONNEL SERVING OVERSEAS |
522 |
* Includes Major General Maureen O'Brien serving on secondment to the United Nations following her appointment by the UN as Deputy Military Advisor in the Office of Military Affairs, Department of Peace Operations
195. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence the extent to which the budget available to his Department remains sufficient to meet requirements in the course of the coming year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29807/23]
View answerFor 2023, the total overall gross allocation provided to the Defence Vote Group, as set out in Budget 2023, is €1.21 billion, comprising of over €915 million on the Defence Vote and over €294 million on the Army Pensions Vote. This significant allocation represents an overall increase of €93 million on 2022 and comprises of an increase of €35 million in the capital allocation and €58 million in the current allocation across the Vote Group.
This allocation reflects the commitment of the Government to providing a financial platform for the defence sector to initiate the transformation of the Defence Forces as recommended by the Commission. It also brings our defence capabilities closer to European norms and ensures the Defence Forces maintain their ongoing capacity to deliver on all roles assigned by the Government, both at home and overseas.
The Commission on the Defence Forces reinforced the urgent requirement for significant capital investment on defensive equipment programmes and on upgrading and modernising the Defence Forces built infrastructure. The Defence capital allocation has increased by €35 million, to €176 million, a 25% increase on 2022, an allocation which represents the single biggest annual capital investment ever provided to defence. Many of the military equipment projects are complex, multi-annual and have long lead-in times, so the additional funding now provided will further enable the Department and the Defence Forces to plan, prioritise and deliver on scheduled projects over the coming years. In particular, it allows my Department to progress its consideration of the development of a primary radar capability and the procurement of additional force protection equipment. A significant number of building projects will also advance under the Defence Forces built infrastructure programme, which will modernise and upgrade defence built infrastructure over the coming years.
The allocation for current expenditure in the Defence Vote has increased by €44 million to €739 million, comprising of €175 million to meet standing and operational costs and €564 million for the ongoing pay and allowances of the Defence Forces, civilian employees and departmental civil servants, including the costs associated with the existing Building Momentum pay deal.
The allocation includes funding to facilitate further recruitment to the Permanent Defence Force, in line with the recommendations of the commission. Funding has also facilitated implementation of a number of key recommendations of the commission, such as specific enhancements to pay and allowances and the recent appointment of a Head of Transformation for the Defence Forces, as outlined in the high-level action plan.
The allocation for Vote 35 - Army Pensions - has increased by €14 million to €294 million and it is expected that this amount will meet the pension costs for more than 13,100 ex-members of the Defence Forces and their dependants.
All expenditure within my Department is profiled and monitored closely and I’m satisfied that the funding allocation provided to the Defence Vote Group for 2023 will enable the Defence Forces to deliver effectively on all its key domestic and international responsibilities and will facilitate progression on the transformation of the Defence Forces as recommended by the Commission.
196. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence to indicate the extent to which the Air Corps and the Naval Service continue to cooperate in air-sea rescue missions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29808/23]
View answerThe Irish Coast Guard has had overall responsibility for the provision of maritime Search and Rescue (SAR) services within the Irish Search and Rescue domain since 2004. The Irish Coast Guard (IRCG) comes within the remit of my colleague the Minister for Transport.
My priority as Minister for Defence is to ensure that the operational capability of the Defence Forces is maintained to the greatest extent possible so as to enable the Army, Air Corps and Naval Service to carry out the roles assigned to them by Government as set out in the White Paper on Defence 2015, which includes the provision of a range of supports to Government departments and agencies in line with MOUs and SLAs agreed by the Department of Defence, including search and rescue services.
Both the Naval Service and the Air Corps provide support to IRCG in maritime Search and Rescue operations on an “as available” basis. A Service Level Agreement is in place with the Irish Coast Guard setting out agreed roles and responsibilities in this regard.Air Corps SAR services currently provided to the Coast Guard on an “as available” basis include search support in a number of settings including the provision of top cover support, the potential to act as on-scene air co-ordinator if required and the provision of island medevacs when the IRCG are unable to respond, among other taskings.
Naval Service support to the Irish Coast Guard on an “as available” basis in the maritime SAR domain includes Search & Rescue/Recovery support, accommodation of IRCG personnel onboard Naval Service ships as required, enforcement of Exclusion Zones and Diving Unit assistance, among other taskings.
The Air Corps and Naval Service also participate in joint training exercises with the IRCG as required, and provide representation on relevant committees and fora as appropriate such as the National SAR Stakeholder Forum.
197. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Transport if he will provide an update in respect of the all-island strategic rail review, and the costs incurred to date in respect of the consultation and review. [29071/23]
View answerThe Strategic Rail Review is being undertaken in cooperation with the Department for Infrastructure in Northern Ireland. It will inform the development of the railway sector on the Island of Ireland over the coming decades.
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.
Work on the Review is now at an advanced stage and it is expected that a draft will be published for the purposes of Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) public consultation in July. Following the SEA process and finalisation of the report, it is expected that it will be submitted for the approval of the Minister for Transport and Government in the autumn, 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 be published in the autumn of 2023.
To date, my Department has spent €1.47 million, excluding VAT, on the Review.
198. Deputy Rose Conway-Walsh asked the Minister for Transport if he will provide an update on the feasibility and options report to assess potential measure for the N5-R320 junction, Swinford bypass, County Mayo, as directed by a coroner three years ago; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29082/23]
View answerAs Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for overall policy and exchequer funding in relation to the National Roads Programme. Under the Roads Acts 1993-2015 and in line with the National Development Plan (NDP), the planning, design and construction of individual national roads is a matter for Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII), in conjunction with the local authorities concerned. This is also subject to the Public Spending Code and the necessary statutory approvals. In this context, TII is best placed to advise you.
Noting the above position, I have referred your question to TII for a direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 working days.
199. Deputy Cian O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Transport if he will engage with toll companies regarding the upcoming toll increases; if he will consider extending the timeframe of the reduced toll rates given the cost-of-living crisis; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29085/23]
View answerAs Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for overall policy and exchequer funding in relation to the National Roads Programme. Under the Roads Acts 1993-2015, the setting of tolls is a statutory function of Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII). As such, there is no formal consultative role for me as Minister in relation to tolls.
The "maximum toll" for each tolled scheme is set in accordance with the relevant scheme bye-laws, based on inflation. In the twelve month period used to calculate maximum tolls for 2023, inflation was obviously a significant issue. That was at the heart of the toll increases which were announced for the M50 and the eight PPP schemes in late 2022. Following this announcement, I directed that Departmental officials engage with TII to develop options that might allow for the suspension of the planned toll increases.
Following this direction, TII commenced engagement with all eight PPP companies and the suspension of these increases was agreed upon for a six month period until the end of June 2023. As this six-month period is coming to an end, the planned toll increases will come into effect in July 2023.
200. Deputy Patrick Costello asked the Minister for Transport his views and advice in relation to the case of a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29140/23]
View answerUnder European Directive 2014/45/EU on periodic roadworthiness testing, Ireland, like all Member States, must comply with the minimum specified intervals for carrying out such inspections. This is given effect in Irish law by the Road Traffic (National Car Test) Regulations 2017 (SI 415/2017), as amended.
Regulation 3(2) of the 2017 Regulations provides that the initial test due date for a vehicle is determined by its registration date and subsequent test due dates automatically fall on anniversaries of the registration date. Any certificate issued for that vehicle will be valid up to the test due date after the certificate is issued and is not automatically issued for 24 months, or 12 months for vehicles over 10 years old, from the date of testing.
Permitting NCT certificates to be extended beyond the minimum test due dates would place the State in breach of our obligations under EU law and may affect road safety, should the vehicle in question be unsafe to drive. There are no current plans to amend this legislation.
201. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Transport the grant funding provided to each of the four Dublin local authorities for road maintenance in each of the past ten years to date; how this compares with the funding requested; the measures in place to ensure the funding is drawn down and spent by the local authorities on road maintenance works; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29144/23]
View answerThe improvement and maintenance of regional and local roads is the statutory responsibility of each local authority, in accordance with the provisions of Section 13 of the Roads Act 1993. Works on those roads are funded from Councils' own resources supplemented by State Road grants, where applicable.
In the case of the four Dublin Councils, prior to the introduction of the Local Property Tax (LPT) grant funding was made available under the Department's Regional and Local Road Grant Programme to supplement the Councils' expenditure on maintenance. The arrangements agreed by Government when the LPT was introduced included a requirement that the Dublin Councils would use a specified amount of their LPT receipts to fund certain housing and regional and local roads maintenance services, replacing Exchequer funding. This remains the position. The local authorities are advised annually by the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage of the amounts to be self-funded in each category. In the case of regional and local roads, the amount for each Dublin Council has remained unchanged since 2015 and is as follows.
|
Dublin City Council |
€5,780,600 |
|
South Dublin County Council |
€2,886,859 |
|
Fingal |
€3,497,531 |
|
Dun Laoghaire Rathdown |
€3,914,446 |
Aside from the requirement to apply these specified amounts for road maintenance, as the statutory road authorities, decisions on the allocation of funding to regional and local roads is a matter for the Councils.
As regards the regional and local road grant funding provided before 2015, details of grant allocations and payments to local authorities are outlined in the Regional and Local Road Allocations and Payment Booklets which are available in the Oireachtas Library.
The National Transport Authority (NTA), as part of its overall Active Travel Infrastructure Programme, receives funding, including an allocation of €38 million in 2023, for the protection and renewal of active travel assets including cycle lanes which can be located on urban roads and streets. Give the NTA’s role in the allocation of this funding to local authorities, I am referring the Deputy’s question to that agency for further detail on the specific allocations to the four Dublin local authorities.
In relation to national roads, as Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for overall policy and exchequer funding in relation to the National Roads Programme. Under the Roads Acts 1993-2015 and in line with the National Development Plan (NDP), the operation and management of individual national roads is a matter for Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII), in conjunction with the local authorities concerned. In this context, TII is best placed to advise you. I have, therefore, referred your question to TII for a direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 working days.
