Written Answers Nos. 34-50
34. Deputy Patrick Costello asked the Minister for Transport if he will provide an update on measures the Government, including all relevant Departments, in collaboration with appropriate agencies including An Garda Síochána and the RSA, is taking to eradicate the use of mobile phone use while driving, in line with targets laid out in the Vision Zero strategy. [31558/23]
View answerThe Garda Commissioner is responsible for the management and administration of Garda operations under the Garda Síochána Act 2005 (as amended) and, as Minister for Transport, I have no role in enforcement of any legislation, including road traffic legislation.
I am advised however, that road traffic legislation is enforced as part of the day-to-day duties of members of An Garda Síochána, as well as through a programme of high-visibility road safety and enforcement operations, carried out in partnership with other state agencies, including Government Departments, the Road Safety Authority, Transport Infrastructure Ireland, and the community, in order to make our roads safer for all.
The current framework for road safety is set out in the Government’s fifth Road Safety Strategy 2021-2030 and was launched in December 2021. It follows international best practice, and is based on the Safe System approach, which adopts a holistic view of the total road transport system and the interaction between people, vehicles, and the road environment to create a safe mobility system forgiving of human error. Aligning with the UN / EU Vision Zero strategy to eliminate traffic fatalities and serious injuries by 2050, the Government’s Road Safety Strategy has the ambitious target of reducing road deaths and serious injuries by 50% by 2030, and to achieve Vision Zero (no deaths or serious injuries) on Irish roads by 2050. To assist in this endeavour, the Road Traffic and Roads Bill 2021 signed into law on 23 June, contains a number of provisions which will complement Road Safety Strategy actions, and the goal of achieving Vision Zero.
The first annual review of the current Road Safety Strategy was held on 2 February 2023, resulting in the identification of a series of new priority actions for 2023. Considering the increase in road fatalities in 2022, one of these new priority areas will focus on understanding driver behaviour, and which will examine the various types of driver distraction, including but not limited to mobile phone use. This is on top of the action taken by Government in October last year in relation to doubling the fixed charge notice for mobile phone use while driving.
In addition, as part of its mandate to promote public awareness of road safety, the Road Safety Authority also runs a number of online and broader media campaigns highlighting the dangers and consequences of using a mobile phone while driving.
Finally, for the Deputy’s information, and in the interest of transparency, An Garda Síochána publishes statistics related to road traffic enforcement at www.garda.ie/en/roads-policing/statistics/roads-policing-statistics-for-2023/.
My colleague, the Minister for Justice also publishes, based on information provided by the Garda authorities, statistics related to the number of Garda members assigned to Roads Policing units at www.gov.ie/en/publication/f179d-roads-policing-unit/.
35. Deputy John Brady asked the Minister for Transport how many people are currently waiting on NCT appointments in NCT centres (details supplied); the average waiting times for same once an online booking has been made; and to provide the information in tabular form. [31424/23]
View answer36. Deputy John Brady asked the Minister for Transport the current timeframes for an NCT appointment date in each testing centre nationwide; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31425/23]
View answer37. Deputy John Brady asked the Minister for Transport to outline what measures his Department is undertaking to address the lengthy delays motorists are having in obtaining appointments for NCTs; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31426/23]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 35, 36 and 37 together.
The operation of the National Car Testing Service (NCTS) is the statutory responsibility of the Road Safety Authority (RSA). Accordingly, I have referred the Deputy's queries 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.
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, 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 extensive recruitment of new vehicle inspectors. There are currently 635 testers operating or in training and testers are being assigned to test centres with the most significant delays.
The RSA is supporting the service provider to improve the availability of customer booking slots and to return the service to 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.
38. Deputy John Brady asked the Minister for Transport the number of people who are currently awaiting an appointment date to sit their driving test, broken down by test centre, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31427/23]
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 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.
39. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Transport his plans to allocate additional capacity to PSO bus routes in Meath. [31474/23]
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 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 specific question in relation to additional capacity to PSO bus routes in Meath, to the NTA for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a response within ten working days.
40. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Transport the number and locations of charging points for electric vehicles in County Meath. [31475/23]
View answerThe Government is fully committed to supporting a significant expansion and modernisation of the electric vehicle (EV) charging network over the coming years.
Having an effective and reliable charging network is an essential part of enabling drivers to make the switch to electric vehicles.
Home charging is the primary charging method for most Irish EV owners as it’s convenient and cheaper for the consumer as well as assisting in the overall management of the national grid. Over 80% of charging is expected to happen at home.
However, there is also a need for a seamless public charging network that will provide for situations or instances where home charging is not possible, such as on-street and residential charging, destination charging and workplace charging.
On 21st July 2022, I launched a new dedicated Office, Zero Emission Vehicles Ireland, which will oversee and accelerate Ireland’s transition to zero emission vehicles. A suite of new grants and initiatives have been launched and further information on Zero Emission Vehicles Ireland is available at www.gov.ie/zevi.
ZEVI has significant funding available in 2023 for the installation of EV charging across Ireland.
In January this year, I launched the national Strategy for the development of EV charging infrastructure, covering the crucial period out to 2025, alongside an Implementation Plan. The strategy sets out the government’s ambition regarding the delivery of a public EV charging network to support up to 195,000 electric cars and vans by the middle of the decade.
ZEVI is developing a number of infrastructure schemes to support the rollout of publicly accessible electric vehicle charging infrastructure.
Destination Charging will be a strong priority for ZEVI in 2023.
In addition to a general scheme, a number of bespoke schemes are also in advanced stages of development, including
• A shared Island funded Sports Club scheme, which is expected to install up to 200 fast chargers
• An EU Just transition Fund supported scheme, which is planned to install 60-80 chargers
These circa 300 sites, in addition to those under other destination schemes currently planned will be delivered in 2024 and 2025.
A new Residential Neighbourhood Charging Scheme will also be launched by ZEVI to provide EV charging for residents without access off street parking. This EV charging will be designed to mimic home charging and will incentivise off-peak charging in a location convenient to the resident’s home.
In addition to schemes directly launched by ZEVI, there is a strong growth in the provision of private sector charging projects which aim to facilitate charging at all levels, from Destination and residential to ultra-rapid and high-powered charging, such as is required along major routes and for heavy duty vehicles.
With an investment of €10 from the Climate Action Fund and a matching €10M from ESB, ESB ecars are rolling out fast charging hubs and fast charge points across the country. Their program is as follows:
• 50 charging “hubs” throughout Ireland which can charge between 3-8 vehicles simultaneously, 23 of which have been delivered
• Replacing 50 existing standard chargers with fast chargers, 40 of which have been delivered
• Replacement of over 200 other standard to increase reliability of service
In relation to the number of charge points in County Meath, public EV charge points are provided in Ireland by a number of charge point operators on a commercial basis. ZEVI is engaging with these charge point operators as key stakeholders in the delivery and roll-out of fast charging points across the country. ZEVI is also working with local authorities to support them creating local charging plans to be rolled out in the coming years.
There are approximately 2,100 charge points in Ireland. The Department of Transport does not yet hold exact numbers of public EV charging points in Ireland in particular locations, as these are owned and operated by private chargepoint operators. Once Local Authorities' EV infrastructure strategies are complete, the Department will have an accurate statement of charge points per county.
41. Deputy Rose Conway-Walsh asked the Minister for Transport if he is aware of the concerns of owners of older cars and other motorised machinery whose machinery is not compatible with e10; the steps he is taking to mitigate the impact on them; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31495/23]
View answerThe regulations establishing a minimum 5.5% ethanol in petrol placed upon the market by renewable transport fuel obligation account holders were made on 1 April 2023. In making the regulations consideration was given to the responses received through a statutory 28 day consultation on the draft regulations, the impact on fuel prices, and other economic and environmental impacts.
The policy and regulation supporting the move to E10 take into account the overriding consideration of the public good in decarbonising transport through increasing biofuels which also meet EU sustainability criteria.
Moving to E10 will bring an immediate climate-change mitigation measure using the existing vehicle fleet. Ethanol (E5) in petrol currently accounts for almost 10% of annual tailpipe carbon emission savings (8.5% in 2022).
In making these regulations, while I have noted the concerns of older vehicle and equipment owners on the move to E10, experience from jurisdictions where E10 and higher ethanol blends have been used widely for a prolonged period has not indicated issues of damage to petrol engines as a result of E10 use. A recent analysis published on the website of the US Department of Energy indicates no reliability or operability issues concerning E10, which has been in use in the US since the late 70s. The AA has also issued guidance assuring the use of E10, with advice for the maintenance and use of some older vehicles and equipment.
It is evident from consultation with industry that the vast majority of suppliers do not have the storage or distribution systems to supply both an E5 and an E10 petrol grade at forecourts in Ireland. But the regulations will not prevent any independent or specialist fuel supply, if sufficient demand exists.
My Department continues to run an E10 public information and awareness campaign through advertising and the gov.ie/E10 website remains the main point of reference for further information.
The regulations will be kept under review within the context of the development and implementation of the Renewable Transport Fuel policy.
42. Deputy Patricia Ryan asked the Minister for Transport what assistance measures he can put in place, or what measures he would consider, to assist bus companies (details supplied) with the high costs of applications for work permits for drivers, having had to source them from outside this jurisdiction; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31500/23]
View answerMy Department engaged with the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment (DETE) in Q4 2022 in relation to work permits for bus drivers from non-EU and non-EEA Countries and the possible inclusion of bus drivers on the critical skills list due to the current driver shortages being experienced across the system. My Department engaged with all PSO operators, including Bus Éireann, and representatives from the commercial bus sector as part of this process.
As a result of this engagement, in December 2022 the Minister for DETE announced that changes had been made to the permit system to help ease the recruitment challenges being faced in the transport sector with the establishment of a quota of 1,500 employment permits for bus and coach drivers. These changes came into effect on the 16th of December 2022.
In relation to the cost of applications, my Department contacted DETE and have been advised that, DETE operates a managed employment permits system which maximises the benefits of economic migration while minimising the risk of disrupting Ireland’s labour market. The system is managed through the operation of the Critical Skills and Ineligible Occupations lists which determine employments that are either in high demand or are ineligible for consideration for an employment permit. All employment permit applications are processed in line with the Employment Permits Act 2006, as amended, and are dependent on a job offer from an Irish registered employer for an eligible occupation. All employment permits granted are employer and employee specific, which provides for the permit holder to be employed by the employer in the specific role stated on the permit held.Fees for employment permits are charged on a statutory basis and operate on the principle of cost recovery, set at a level to ensure the full cost of activities and services are recovered in the medium term. However, there is an expectation that there is a nexus between income from the imposition of a fee and expenditure of administrating the service, including enforcement and provision of information, in the medium term.The fees in place for an Employment Permit are consistent across all sectors. DETE has no plans to reduce the cost for specific sectors in the coming future.
43. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Transport what options are available to a person who has lost possible employment because they cannot get a driving test (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31504/23]
View answer46. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Transport if a driving test will be expedited for a person (details supplied) in County Donegal for employment purposes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31639/23]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 43 and 46 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 Authority 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.
I would 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 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 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 process by the RSA is well under way.
44. Deputy Patrick O'Donovan asked the Minister for Transport the details of the incremental increases that have been provided to members of pension schemes in the CIÉ group of companies over the past ten years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31505/23]
View answerAs the Deputy may be aware, the CIÉ Group is actively engaged in introducing changes to their pension schemes aimed at rectifying the significant deficit in order to meet the statutory Minimum Funding Standard (MFS) required by the Pensions Authority. The changes also aim to sustain the pension schemes into the long-term.As of end December 2022, the Balance Sheet deficit for the two defined benefit pension schemes operated by CIÉ, namely the Regular Wages Scheme (“RWS”) and 1951 superannuation scheme (“1951 Scheme”), was €396.5m. While the funding position improved during 2022, and the 1951 scheme now meets the MFS, the RWS currently doesn't meet the MFS and the funding level is marginal and subject to future market volatility. In relation to RWS, I signed three Statutory Instruments related to the RWS on 6th July 2022, with an operative date of 18th July 2022.Regarding the 1951 Scheme, CIÉ has prepared and submitted a draft SI to give effect to Labour Court recommendations for the 1951 Scheme, as passed by ballot of trade union members in May 2021. This is being considered by the Department in conjunction with NewERA. The Deputy may also be aware that the rules governing the 1951 scheme are currently subject to ongoing legal proceedings before the Commercial Court. The Hearing commenced on 24 May 2022 for 4 days and the outcome from the Hearing is expected in the coming months.Concerning pension increases for CIÉ pensioners, I understand that an increase for pensioners would only be possible when the Schemes are capable of sustaining such increases. Furthermore, any such proposal would be dependent on the advice of the Scheme Actuary at the time an increase is proposed, and is done in agreement with the Trustees of the Schemes.
Details of the incremental increases that have been provided to members of pension schemes in the CIÉ group of companies over the past ten years, is a matter for CIÉ. Accordingly, I have forwarded the Deputy's question to CIÉ for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within ten working days.
45. Deputy Ged Nash asked the Minister for Transport if, in light of the increase in demands on the Northern Rail Line that the Dart+ Coastal North project will bring, his Department has considered increasing the number of tracks from two to four on the busy stretch of the line between Malahide and Connolly Station; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31553/23]
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, which includes DART+ Coastal North.
Noting the NTA's responsibility in the matter, I have referred the Deputy's question to the NTA for a more detailed reply on the specific issues raised. Please contact my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 days.
47. Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Finance if he will consider extending the six-month expiration on section 24 arrangements under the Credit Union Act 1997, as the required documentation, medical assessment and court appearance required under the Assisted Decision Making (Capacity) Act 2015 is not achievable in the given timeframe, let alone the high costs; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31402/23]
View answerI thank the Deputy for his question.
In October 2021 Safeguarding Ireland wrote to the Department of Finance highlighting a possible mis-alignment between the Credit Union Act and the then Assisted Decision Making Capacity Bill.
Officials in the Department engaged extensively with, Safeguarding Ireland, all the credit unions representative bodies, and with the Department's internal legal unit on this issue. Following this engagement it was confirmed that the most straightforward way to deal with this mis-alignment was to remove Section 24 from the Credit Union Act 1997.
A transitional period of 6 months was included in the amendment to the Credit Union Act 1997 and the length of this transitional period was very much driven by the timetable for enactment and commencement of the Assisted Decision Making Capacity legislation.
The Assisted Decision Making Capacity legislation was enacted in November 2022. Compliance with the six-month expiration on Section 24 now comes under this Act and not the Credit Union Act 1997.
The credit union sector and its representative bodies have been involved with various working groups examining and developing the assisted decision making legislation since 2016. The Irish League of Credit Unions is also a member of the Safeguarding Ireland National Safeguarding Advisory Committee.
48. Deputy Mairéad Farrell asked the Minister for Finance if the family of a deceased person can claim tax relief on nursing home expenses on their relative's behalf; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31513/23]
View answerI am informed by Revenue that section 469 of the Taxes Consolidation Act 1997 (“TCA”) provides for tax relief in respect of health expenses incurred for the provision of health care.
Section 469 TCA defines health care as the prevention, diagnosis, alleviation or treatment of an ailment, an injury, an infirmity, a defect or a disability.
For the purposes of tax relief health expenses are expenses in respect of the provision of health care. Included in the definition of health expenses is maintenance or treatment in a hospital provided the expenses are necessarily incurred in association with the services of a practitioner or refer to diagnostic procedures carried out on the advice of a practitioner.
A practitioner is defined in the section as "any person who is:
• registered in the register established under section 43 of the Medical Practitioners Act 2007,
• registered in the register established under section 26 of the Dentists Act, 1985,
• or in relation to health care provided outside the State, entitled under the laws of the country in which the care is provided to practice medicine or dentistry there".
In addition, tax relief may be available in respect of nursing home care, where the nursing home provides access to 24-hour nursing care on site. In such circumstances, tax relief is given at the individual’s marginal rate of income tax (being 40% if paying income tax at the higher rate or 20% if subject to tax at the standard rate).
Taxpayers can claim relief on health expenses or nursing home care in respect of amounts they incur on their own behalf or on behalf of another individual.
Where a contribution is made by an individual, in defraying nursing home fees and State support under section 3 of the Nursing Home Support Scheme Act 2009, otherwise known as the “Fair Deal Scheme”, has been provided, the State support contribution towards the cost of such nursing home expenses under this scheme is not treated as a qualifying expense.
Where, under the Fair Deal Scheme an individual has been in receipt of ‘Ancillary State Support’, otherwise known as the “Nursing Home Loan”, a claim cannot be made on the loan amount paid by the HSE to the nursing home. However, when the loan is repaid, the individual’s estate can claim tax relief on the amount repaid.
If the deceased person funded the nursing home fees, in full or by way of contribution under the Fair Deal Scheme, during their lifetime, a claim can be made by the estate for the years in question subject to the normal four year time limit on making such claims. For example, in respect of a claim made in 2023, the latest year that can be claimed is 2019, subject to nursing home fees being incurred in that year. Any expenses defrayed out of the estate of a deceased person by his or her executor or administrator are deemed to have been defrayed by the deceased person immediately before his or her death.
If another individual funded the nursing home fees the claim can be made by that individual, subject to the normal four year rule.
Further information on qualifying health expenses (including nursing home fees) is available on Revenue’s website, available at www.revenue.ie/en/tax-professionals/tdm/income-tax-capital-gains-tax-corporation-tax/part-15/15-01-12.pdf.
49. Deputy Jennifer Whitmore asked the Minister for Finance if any provisions are in place for people with life-long illnesses who have been declined mortgages despite financial capacity because their life-long illness precludes them from obtaining mortgage protection insurance; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31523/23]
View answerAt the outset, it is important to note that neither I, nor the Central Bank of Ireland, can intervene in the provision or pricing of insurance products, nor can we compel any insurer operating in the Irish market to provide cover to specific individuals or businesses. This position is reinforced by the EU framework for insurance companies (the Solvency II Directive).
Notwithstanding this, I am aware of the issue of access to mortgage protection insurance for individuals with historic or underlying health conditions, in the context of seeking to buy a home. This is a very sensitive matter for many in our community.
In such circumstances, there is a provision under Section 126 of the Consumer Credit Act 1995, whereby lenders can provide a mortgage in situations where a borrower may be unable to obtain life insurance, or where such insurance is unduly costly compared to that payable by borrowers generally. For individuals, including those with historic or underlying health conditions, who may experience difficulties acquiring mortgage protection insurance when securing a home loan, this is an important provision to be aware of and to discuss with their lender.
My Department previously consulted the Banking and Payments Federation Ireland (BPFI) on the provision of such “waivers”. It indicated that it estimates that, on an annual basis, 2 per cent of mortgage approvals to consumers have been granted a waiver, and 0.05 per cent of mortgage applications approved by its members did not proceed to drawdown due to a lack of mortgage protection insurance.
For those who have experienced difficulty acquiring life cover due to a pre-existing illness, it may also interest the Deputy to know that Brokers Ireland has published a register containing contact details of Brokers who have experience in advising on life cover in this area. This is available on the Brokers Ireland website: brokersireland.ie/life-cover-pre-existing-illnesses/. In addition, Insurance Ireland operates an Insurance Information Service for those who have queries, complaints or difficulties in relation to obtaining insurance, which can be accessed by ringing 01-676-1820 or at feedback@insuranceireland.eu.
50. Deputy Ivana Bacik asked the Minister for Finance if work is underway in his Department to review taxation rules in relation to sports utility vehicles and other large vehicles for personal use; if so, if those reviews will be published; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31563/23]
View answerOfficials from the Department of Finance continue to monitor developments in the vehicle taxation area. New proposals are considered and current vehicle tax policies are kept under review as part of the Tax Strategy Group and Budgetary cycle. Going forward, it is possible that vehicle taxes may shift to weight-based in order to protect the vehicle tax base. Future options or proposals for vehicle tax developments are included in the TSG papers which are published by the Department each summer.
The Deputy should note that the existing tax structures for vehicles for personal use in the State currently have a very strong environmental rationale, with the more pollutant vehicles paying progressively higher rates of tax. Additionally, as many heavier vehicles currently on the market are more pollutant – with the exception of large Electric Vehicles - those heavier vehicles incur higher rates of tax, between Motor Tax, Vehicle Registration Tax and the Nitrogen Oxide Charge, and Benefit-in-Kind. Vehicle weight generally correlates with vehicle emissions, therefore within the existing tax system the heaviest internal combustion engine cars, such as sports utility vehicles, are already subject to higher rates of tax whereas lighter, more efficient cars are subject to lower rates of tax.
