Written Answers Nos. 147-166
147. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence if his Department has plans for Fort Shannon to develop these lands (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30737/23]
View answerI can confirm that Fort Shannon is a property in my ownership as the Minister for Defence. There are no current plans for the use of this property from a Defence Forces point of view. While my Department has no active plans for its immediate disposal, it would be prepared to work with the relevant State bodies should there be interest in developing these lands.
148. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence if the work of members of the Defence Forces to assist in the evacuation of Irish citizens from Sudan was hampered by the legal basis underpinning the 'Triple Lock', in light of the explicit provision in the Defence (Amendment) Act 2006 Section 3(1)(f) allowing for the Government to deploy members of the Defence Forces abroad to undertake humanitarian tasks in response to an actual or potential disaster or emergency, without any limit as to number, or any requirement for a vote in Dáil Éireann; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30843/23]
View answerIn response to the unfolding crisis in Sudan, on 23 April 2023 Government approved the deployment of up to 12 armed Defence Forces personnel to Djibouti in the first instance, with possible travel into Sudan, with the objective of providing assistance for the process of evacuating Irish citizens and their dependents from Sudan as part of an Emergency Civil Assistance Team (ECAT) mission, led by Department of Foreign Affairs in conjunction with the Department of Defence.
A team of Defence Forces personnel and Department of Foreign Affairs officials travelled to Djibouti to establish operations of the ECAT mission with the purpose of providing protection for consular operations or evacuation in Khartoum and other parts of Sudan, should this be required and should the security situation permit.
These highly trained and specialised Defence Forces personnel were specifically selected for the expertise they could bring to this mission and this response was considered proportionate in relation to the mission requirements. In addition, 2 x PC12 aircraft were tasked with transporting weapons, ammunition and specialist equipment for Defence Forces personnel which couldn’t be transported by commercial means.
Given the evolving situation, there was a further Government Decision on 26 April to extend the operation of the ECAT mission from Djibouti to Cyprus involving the 12 Defence Forces personnel deployed to the region. The ECAT team proved its flexibility in responding to this volatile and evolving crisis by relocating swiftly to Cyprus, demonstrating continued dedication and support to Irish citizens caught up in this crisis.
The ECAT members on the ground supported Irish citizens and their family members who were evacuated to Djibouti, Jordan, Cyprus, Saudi Arabia and Egypt. There was also intensive work by Defence Forces personnel at home, in planning and supporting the ECAT mission in liaison with Department of Defence and Department of Foreign Affairs and providing expert military advice.
On Sunday 30 April, I announced the withdrawal from Cyprus of the Emergency Civil Assistance Team (ECAT) mission which had been based in that country since Thursday 27th April. In line with changed operational requirements since the ending of flights from Sudan into Cyprus, the ECAT element of the consular response concluded.
The deployment of the Defence Forces personnel overseas is done pursuant to the provisions of the Defence Acts, notably the Defence (Amendment) (No. 2) Act 1960 and the Defence (Amendment) Act 2006, as amended.
The deployment of the Defence Forces as part of the Department of Foreign Affairs led ECAT mission to Djibouti and Cyprus did not involve the deployment of more than 12 members of the Defence Forces, and therefore did not require the invocation of the “Triple Lock” mechanism.
Section 3(1) (f) of the Defence Act 2006 provides that a contingent or member of the Defence Forces may, with the prior approval of and on the authority of Government, be despatched for service outside the State for the purpose of undertaking humanitarian tasks in response to an actual or potential disaster or emergency. As outlined above, Government approved the deployment, in line with the legislative requirements, and the deployment was in no way hampered by compliance with legislative requirements.
149. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence if members of the Defence Forces participating in EUTM Mali carry arms; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30844/23]
View answerIreland has participated in the EU training mission in Mali (EUTM Mali) since its launch in 2013. There are currently eight Defence Force personnel deployed to EUTM Mali and all are based in the mission HQ in Bamako.
All Defence Force personnel deployed to EUTM Mali carry arms while serving as part of the mission.
The Defence Forces keep the threat assessment in respect of this mission under constant review.
The safety and security of all deployed military personnel has been and continues to be, an absolute priority for the Government.
150. Deputy Mick Barry asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence the cost of hosting the Consultative Forum on International Security Policy; the costs of travel and accommodation for its participants; the cost of hiring rooms; the cost of AV equipment and any other costs; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30861/23]
View answerThe Consultative Forum on International Security Policy started in Cork on 22nd June, it then moved to Galway, and finally to Dublin on the 26th and 27th June.
Costs related to the Forum will be split on an equal basis between the Department of Defence and the Department of Foreign Affairs. The contribution by the Department of Defence will be made from within existing resources in Vote 36 (Defence).
Expenditure related to the Forum will be in line with the Public Spending Code to ensure value-for-money.
The figures presented in the table below reflect a broad estimate of costs with contingencies built in, and are subject to revision. It will be some time before the full and final costs will be known.
|
Description |
Estimate € |
|
Technical / Audio Visual |
35,000 |
|
Venue set-up |
20,000 |
|
Catering |
40,000 |
|
Flights |
15,000 |
|
Accommodation |
15,000 |
|
Subsistence and other vouched costs |
5,000 |
|
Transport |
4,000 |
|
Communications, stationary, printing and branding |
40,000 |
An honorarium will be paid to the Chairperson of the Consultative Forum at a per diem rate sanctioned by the Department of Public Expenditure, NDP Delivery and Reform.
151. Deputy Mick Barry asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence the criteria for deciding the topics of the different sessions of the Consultative Forum on International Security Policy; the criteria for inviting speakers; where the decisions were made in deciding the topics and the speakers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30862/23]
View answerThe security situation in Europe has changed fundamentally. In the space of just over a year, we have witnessed Russia’s illegal and unprovoked attack on Ukraine, resulting in major conflict returning to the European continent for the first time in decades, and millions of civilians forced to flee and take refuge across Europe.
This changed geopolitical context calls for consideration of the State’s approach to international security policy issues, through an honest and open debate to examine whether our current policy approach remains fit for purpose. The Consultative Forum on International Security Policy has been designed with this in mind. It provides an opportunity to engage a wide range of stakeholders, including members of the public, to explore and discuss our international security policy in detail.
The eighteen different Sessions over the four days provided an opportunity to reflect on the changed geopolitical context and the challenges to global peace and security; Ireland’s experiences in the UN; EU Common Security and Defence Policy; Emerging Threats; Research and Innovation for Security and Defence; Defence Forces Capability Development; Ireland’s relationship with NATO; experiences from other countries; and Neutrality.
Given the number and the variety of the sessions, a wide range of stakeholders, analysts and practitioners were invited to participate in the Forum. We have seen up to 80 different panellists and moderators over the course of the four days discuss and provide their views on the range of themes. They were selected based on their practical experience or academic expertise of working in a wide variety of issues.
These speakers are people who have on-the-ground experience of peacekeeping and peacebuilding in UN and EU missions in Chad, Afghanistan, Iraq, Ukraine, Georgia, Kosovo, Bosnia and Lebanon. Academics from all over the island of Ireland, as well as from Sweden, Finland, Norway, Switzerland, Poland, Denmark and the UK; senior Irish officials working in the UN, EU, OSCE and NATO; as well as several civil society representatives, have all contributed to and participated in the Forum.
These individuals represent a range of views and collectively have an enormous wealth of experience. They have been open and honest in responding to the questions put to them over the course of the Forum. This is a Consultative Forum; a Forum where we have heard many different perspectives, a Forum for shared experiences and expertise.
152. Deputy Réada Cronin asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence if his Department will examine an issue in relation to persons working as civilians within the Defence Forces (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31168/23]
View answerThe competition to which the Deputy refers was a nationwide recruitment competition for the position of Civilian Clerk in the Defence Forces. This external competition was open to applications from the public. The competition was advertised through the Public Appointment Service and was run in accordance with normal public service procedures and all appointments are made in line with those procedures. My Department is committed to fair and equitable recruitment.
As the appointment process is still ongoing and has not yet reached a conclusion, it would not be appropriate for me to comment on individual assignments.
153. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence if he will report on Ireland’s participation in NATO Partnership for Peace; the status of Ireland’s Individual Partnership and Cooperation Programme; the engagements he has had in relation to such; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31240/23]
View answerIreland's relationship with NATO is conducted through Partnership for Peace (PfP), of which Ireland has been a member since 1999. Participation in PfP is seen as fundamental to Ireland being able to meet its obligations in providing professional peacekeepers for international crisis management and peacekeeping operations mandated by the UN and in enhancing the Defence Forces’ interoperability with other professional military forces. PfP retains its own separate identity and was founded based on an individual bilateral relationship between NATO and each of the Partnership for Peace countries. It is a voluntary and cooperative framework between NATO and individual non-members of NATO.
NATO is the international standards' organisation for military forces. Access to NATO training and standards, through participation in PfP, has proved invaluable in the development of Defence Forces capabilities for the increasingly complex and challenging crisis management operations we face today. It improves the quality of our contribution to UN missions and UN-mandated missions including those led by regional organisations such as the EU and NATO.
Since the Madrid Summit in 2022, the framework for cooperation between Partners and NATO is provided for in the Individually Tailored Partnership Programme (ITPP). Previously, it was reflected in the Individual Partnership and Cooperation Programme (IPCP). The new ITPP framework presents an opportunity to enhance any Partner's cooperation in relevant areas of choice, including cyber, enhancing resilience, improved maritime situational awareness and climate change.
Cooperating with NATO on areas of mutual interest does not indicate a move closer to NATO, it is about practical cooperation, which is of benefit to Ireland. Considerable progress has been made on developing Ireland's ITPP and it is anticipated that it will be finalised by the end of 2023.
154. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Transport if he will respond or seek responses to concerns raised by a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30500/23]
View answerAs Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport. The National Transport Authority (NTA) has statutory responsibility for the planning and development of public transport infrastructure in the Greater Dublin Area, including the DART+ Programme and its constituent projects.
Noting the NTA's responsibility in this matter and the specific issues raised, I have referred the Deputy's questions to the NTA for a more detailed reply. Please contact my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 days.
155. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Transport when the next speed limit review will be carried out on regional non-national roads; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30519/23]
View answerAs part of Action 6 of the Government’s Road Safety Strategy a review is underway to examine the framework for setting of speed limits in Ireland including specific consideration of the introduction of a 30km/h default speed limit in urban areas. As part of the work of the group an assessment was carried out on the existing framework of speed limits including the current guidance document for the ‘Setting and Managing of Speed Limits in Ireland’, best practice internationally as well as an analysis of potential options. This review is now nearing completion and I intend to publish the completed review in the near future. Thereafter an implementation plan will be prepared to progress the recommendations of the review including as a priority updating the Guidelines for Setting and Managing of Speed Limits in Ireland. The Road Traffic Act of 2004 sets out the current legislative basis for the setting of speed limits. The Act applies ‘default’ speed limits to different categories of road and also allows for local authorities to intervene and set ‘special speed limits’ on roads in their area. Local authorities have the discretion to decide on varying these limits through ‘Special Speed Limit’ bye-laws for roads within their administrative area. Section 9 of the Road Traffic Act 2004, as amended, sets out the range of Special Speed Limits that may be applied through bye-laws. The current special speed limits are 120km/h, 100km/h, 80 km/h, 60km/h, 50km/h, 40km/h, 30km/h and 20km/h. The making of such bye-laws is a reserved function of the elected members of the council. On foot of the Speed Limit Review in 2013 and the subsequent publication of the ‘Guidelines for Managing Speed Limits in Ireland’ in 2015, local authorities are required to review Speed Limits within their administrative area every 5 years.
156. Deputy Michael Lowry asked the Minister for Transport if he will increase the current age range of the young adult Leap card from 19 to 23 to 19 to 26 years, as is the situation in the majority of European nations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30528/23]
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.
Firstly, I would like to clarify that participation in the YAC scheme was initially for 19 to 23 year olds inclusive, however, in October 2022 the YAC was further extended to include third levels students aged 16 to 18 years old.
The PSO programme represents a significant expenditure of taxpayers' money, and funding has increased in recent years to cater for additional services and growing capacity. Any assessment of a proposed change to public transport fare structures including the possible further widening of the age eligibility for the Young Adult Card (YAC) would be a matter for the NTA to consider in the first instance.
Therefore, in light of the NTA's responsibility in this area, I have forwarded the Deputy's question to the NTA for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a response within ten working days.
157. Deputy Rose Conway-Walsh asked the Minister for Transport when the rail line from Claremorris to Collooney was last cleared or maintained; if he will instruct Iarnród Éireann to clear the line in order to ensure the line and corresponding right of way is maintained for potential future use; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30629/23]
View answer158. Deputy Rose Conway-Walsh asked the Minister for Transport the estimated cost of conducting a detailed engineering and track survey of the rail line from Claremorris to Collooney to assess future use options of varying specifications such as freight and passenger services; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30630/23]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 157 and 158 together.
As Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding of public transport. The operation, maintenance and renewal of the rail network, including the disused line from Claremorris to Collooney, is a matter for Iarnród Éireann in the first instance.
In view of Iarnród Éireann's responsibility in this matter, I have referred the Deputy's question to the company for direct reply. Please contact my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 working days.
159. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Transport further to Parliamentary Question No. 116 of 25 May 2023, the name and contact number of the official to contact regarding the organisation of a meeting (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30652/23]
View answerMy Department officials responsible for the Renewable Transport Fuel Policy have been in contact with the organisation named in the parliamentary question and a meeting has been scheduled.
The Renewable Transport Fuel Policy is the pathway to incentivise the supply of renewable energy in transport through annual increases in the Renewable Transport Fuel Obligation (RTFO) rate to 2030, as well as ensuring EU sustainability and greenhouse gas emission reduction criteria are adhered to.
The RTFO is administered by the National Oil Reserves Agency.
160. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Transport the reason the RSA has decided to no longer carry out motorcycle tests in Killarney, County Kerry (details supplied); the reason no communication was issued to RSA instructors; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30726/23]
View answerThe operation of the National Driving Test service is the statutory responsibility of the Road Safety Authority and the information requested is held by 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.
161. Deputy Pádraig Mac Lochlainn asked the Minister for Transport if he has made any representations to the British Government to raise the concerns of members of a hauliers' organisation (details supplied), based in Border counties, in relation to the imminent imposition of charges on them, namely through the lorry road-user charge when they have to transit through the North of Ireland. [30808/23]
View answerThe UK HGV road user levy was introduced in 2014, affecting all UK roads including in Northern Ireland. Prior to its introduction, the Irish Government engaged with UK authorities seeking to have Northern Ireland exempted from the charge because of the potential impact on cross-border trade. The UK authorities ultimately decided to maintain the levy, with only very minor exemptions for Northern Ireland.
The levy was suspended in August 2020 to support the haulage sector during the COVID-19 pandemic – it is now to be reinstated with amendments to align the levy with the environmental performance of a vehicle in support of decarbonisation goals. While it is appreciated that the levy imposes additional costs on Irish hauliers operating across the region, its application is a matter for the UK authorities.
162. Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Transport whether the system previously operated for priority booking for NCT tests has been taken down form the online booking system; if he will outline the protocols for prioritisation of urgent applications that is being operated; and when he expects delays will be back to an acceptable level. [30868/23]
View answer166. Deputy Denise Mitchell asked the Minister for Transport the reason someone seeking a priority appointment through the NCT cannot do so until the original test date has passed; if he intends to make any changes in this regard; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30965/23]
View answerThe operation of the National Car Testing Service (NCTS) is the statutory responsibility of the Road Safety Authority (RSA). The priority waiting list established by the NCTS contractor to facilitate vehicle owners seeking urgent appointments is an operational matter and is not provided for in road traffic legislation. Accordingly, I have referred the Deputies' queries to the Authority for direct reply. I would ask the Deputies to contact my office if a response has not been received within ten days.
I am aware of the challenges that the RSA and the NCTS are currently facing to meet high demand for tests and the delays which vehicle owners are encountering. My officials continue to meet weekly with the Authority, to monitor ongoing progress in reducing test delays and to ensure all possible actions are being taken to bring the waitlist to an acceptable level in 2023, as well as supporting all appropriate requests from the RSA for assistance.
There has been considerable progress in addressing the long-term staffing issues which have caused this backlog and in increasing capacity at test centres, including the temporary transfer of testers from the NCTS contractor’s Spanish operation last year, increased staff overtime and extensive recruitment of new vehicle inspectors. There are currently 635 testers operating or in training, testers are being assigned to the test centres with the most significant delays.
RSA is supporting the service provider to improve the availability of customer booking slots and to return the service to the service level agreements. In the interim, I am advised that customers seeking test appointments may contact the NCTS directly, by calling 01-4135992 or by availing of the priority waiting list function via the NCT website, www.ncts.ie. In the majority of cases, these vehicle owners are provided with an appointment within 30 days.
163. Deputy Alan Dillon asked the Minister for Transport the latest progress regarding the acquisition of counter-drone technology for the Dublin Airport Authority as a temporary measure to mitigate the threat of unauthorised drone operations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30927/23]
View answer164. Deputy Alan Dillon asked the Minister for Transport to outline his involvement with the Irish Aviation Authority and the Commission for Communications Regulation in the context of deploying counter-drone technology; the current status of this technology deployment, completion of necessary testing on the procured equipment and the anticipated timeline for full implementation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30928/23]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 163 and 164 together.
daa is progressing the deployment of additional counter drone technology to complement the already functioning drone detection system at the airport. The deployment of counter drone technology at Dublin airport is a complex operation and the technology needs to be deployed and operated safely.
There has been a number of engagements between my Department and the Department of the Environment, Climate and Communications, the Irish Aviation Authority, the Commission for Communications Regulation, the daa and the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment on this matter.
The approval process is now well advanced. Testing of the equipment has recently been completed, and the agencies concerned are working to conclude their assessments as soon as possible. This due diligence is necessary from a safety perspective and has been done in every other State where counter drone technology has been deployed.
165. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Transport if a person (details supplied) in County Kerry who has been waiting months for a driving test will be given a date for a test; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30959/23]
View answer177. Deputy Danny Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Transport if a person (details supplied) will be facilitated with a driving test; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31233/23]
View answer178. Deputy Danny Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Transport if a person (details supplied) will be facilitated with a driving test; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31234/23]
View answer182. Deputy Danny Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Transport the status of a driving test for a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31238/23]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 165, 177, 178 and 182 together.
The 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. I believe that the RSA operates a fair and transparent appointment scheduling process such that those who are eligible and have been waiting the longest are offered a test first, while those who fulfil the criteria for being a frontline worker can apply for a emergency test. Full details are available on the RSA website at: www.rsa.ie/services/learner-drivers/the-driving-test/faqs
