Written Answers Nos. 52-79
52. Deputy Martin Kenny asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications to provide a breakdown by year of the number of postal workers who have resigned from An Post between 2017-2023, in tabular form [34660/23]
View answerMatters relating to staff in An Post are a direct operational matter for the company and I, as Minister, have no function.
53. Deputy Martin Kenny asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications to provide a breakdown by year of staffing levels within An Post between 2017-2023, in tabular form. [34661/23]
View answerMatters relating to staffing in An Post are a direct operational matter for the company and I, as Minister, have no function.
However I would advise the Deputy that the Annual Reports of An Post contain details of the staffing levels in the company. The Annual Reports are available online at An Post website and have been laid in the library of the Houses of the Oireachtas.
54. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence to provide a breakdown, in tabular form, of the miscellaneous expenses (subhead A.22) estimated to be incurred by his Department to date in 2023. [34416/23]
View answerOverall expenditure on Subhead A.22 (Miscellaneous Expenditure) of the Defence Vote in the year to date amounts to over €2.83 million. A further breakdown of this expenditure is outlined in the table below.
Subhead A.22 (Miscellaneous Expenses) – 2023 Outturn (at 30/06/2023)
|
Subhead |
Subhead A.22 Miscellaneous Expenditure |
Expenditure to 30/06/2023 |
|
A.22.1 |
Expenditure on International Meetings, Ceremonies, etc |
163,609 |
|
A.22.2 |
Advertisements |
901,274 |
|
A.22.3 |
Subvention for Defence Forces Canteen Board |
- |
|
A.22.4 |
Grants for Representative Associations. |
90,290 |
|
A.22.5 |
Books, periodicals, manuals, etc. |
235,113 |
|
A.22.6 |
Other General Expenses |
771,287 |
|
A.22.7 |
Military Service Pensions Archive |
212,888 |
|
A.22.8 |
Office of the Ombudsman for the Defence Forces |
200,531 |
|
A.22.9 |
Grants to Veteran’s Associations |
- |
|
A.22.10 |
National Emergency Co-Ordination Centre |
258,297 |
|
Totals |
2,833,289 |
Current projections are that the subhead provision for 2023 will be fully expended by year-end. My Department monitors all subhead expenditure trends internally on an ongoing basis and also provide monthly expenditure reports to the Department of Public Expenditure NDP Delivery & Reform to facilitate further external review and analysis.
55. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence the amount paid by his Department in 2022 and to date in 2023 on outside/third-party reports of a technical nature or qualitative and quantitative nature, by payee, in tabular form. [34465/23]
View answerIn light of the clarification received from the Deputy in relation to the information requested, it is not possible to collate the required information within the timeframe available. I will arrange to have this information forwarded to the Deputy as soon as it is available.
|
Year |
Payee |
Amount Paid |
|
2022 |
PwC |
€79,950 |
|
2022 |
Ward Solutions |
€12,453.75 |
|
2022 |
Dublin City University |
€29,800 |
|
2022 |
ARUP |
€24,783.27 |
|
2022 |
John O’Hehir Consulting |
€40,590 |
|
2022 |
Niall Beirne SC |
€39,372.30 |
|
2023* |
Dublin City University |
€38,664 |
|
2023 |
Monaghan County Council |
€40,000 |
|
2023 |
ARUP |
€233,342.07 |
56. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence if he will ensure broader terms of reference for an inquiry to investigate whether there have been serious systemic failures in the complaints system in the Defence Forces in respect of interpersonal issues, including, but not limited to, sexual misconduct; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34515/23]
View answerThe Government agreed to progress, as a priority, the recommendations in the Report of the Independent Review Group (IRG). This included the establishment of Statutory Inquiry to examine the effectiveness of the complaints processes in the Defence Forces and to address workplace issues relating to discrimination, bullying, harassment, sexual harassment and sexual misconduct.
I have consulted with a range of stakeholders in relation to the appropriate type of Inquiry and in the preparation of the terms of reference. Having carefully considered their views, I believe that an open, independent and transparent appraisal of the issues raised by the IRG is the best way to examine the issues raised. The Government have now approved that the Inquiry should be by way of a Tribunal of Inquiry.
The preparation of the terms of reference is continuing. I am considering correspondence received from stakeholders in relation to the terms of reference for the inquiry. I will revert to Government in the Autumn, seeking approval for terms of reference and the appointment of a Judge to Chair the Tribunal.
57. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence if his Department referred the proposed funding for the Consultative Forum on International Security under the miscellaneous expenses category within Vote 36, to the Department of Finance to determine whether the funding amounted to a new service or not, per the Public Financial Procedure Guidelines; if such a referral did occur, the outcome of same; if no referral occurred, the reasons for not referring the question to the Department of Finance; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34519/23]
View answerWith a growing focus on security and defence issues across Europe and at national level, I recently convened a national Consultative Forum on International Security Policy. The aim of the Forum was to provide an opportunity for a serious and honest conversation about the international security policy options available to the State, and the implications of each of these. The Forum took place over four days in Cork, Galway and Dublin, and saw over 80 panellists moderating or speaking and approximately 1,000 attendees. Well over 600 submissions were received from the public and all discussions were live-streamed. These can also be watched back at www.gov.ie/ConsultativeForum.
Costs arising for the Department of Defence relating to the convening of the Consultative Forum are a charge on the Department’s allocation for “Miscellaneous Expenditure”.
The Department did not refer the organisation of the Consultative Forum to the Department of Public Expenditure, NDP Delivery and Reform - which has assumed responsibility for functions previously assigned to the Department of Finance in the Public Financial Procedures - as it did not involve the provision of a new service.
I am fully satisfied that the ambit of Vote 36, as approved by Dáil Éireann, is sufficiently wide to cover the convening of a Forum of this kind, and that the organisation of a Forum of this kind is also consistent with the statutory functions allocated to the Department of Defence.
58. Deputy Cathal Berry asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence to outline in tabular form, the number of commissioned officers promoted in the Army Reserve and Naval Reserve, by rank, from 01 January 2022 to 30 June 2023; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34610/23]
View answerThe number of commissioned officers promoted in the Army Reserve and Naval Reserve, by rank, from 1 January 2022 to 30 June 2023, is as follows:
|
Year |
Army Reserve |
Rank |
|
2022 |
1 |
Promoted from Comdt to Lt Col |
|
2022 |
3 |
Promoted from Lt to Capt |
|
2023 |
1 |
Promoted from Comdt to Lt Col |
The legislative provision regarding Officer promotions is set out in Part 4 Section 45 of the Defence Act.
The Deputy will be aware, as part of a Regeneration Plan, the structure and strength of the RDF is a key focus of the Office of Reserve Affairs (ORA), which was established recently in line with a recommendation from the Commission on the Defence Forces Report (CODF).
I want to reassure the Deputy that the Government remains committed to the advancement of the RDF.
59. Deputy Brendan Howlin asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence the current annual training capacity for the Defence Forces; how many new entrants were trained in each year since 2016, broken down by service; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34635/23]
View answerI am informed by the military authorities that it was not possible to provide the required information within the timeframe available. I shall provide the information to the Deputy once it becomes available.
|
- |
2016 |
2017 |
2018 |
2019 |
2020 |
2021 |
2022 |
2023* |
|
Army |
574 |
630 |
496 |
481 |
421 |
458 |
377 |
133 |
|
Air Corps |
12 |
32 |
27 |
20 |
44 |
40 |
30 |
4 |
|
Naval Service |
104 |
90 |
104 |
114 |
73 |
78 |
28 |
14 |
|
Total |
690 |
752 |
627 |
615 |
538 |
576 |
435 |
151 |
60. Deputy Brendan Howlin asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence the current establishment strength of the Defence Forces; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34636/23]
View answer61. Deputy Brendan Howlin asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence how many personnel left the Defence Forces in each year since 2016, in tabular form, broken down by officers and other ranks; how many have left in 2023 to date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34637/23]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 60 and 61 together.
The table below details the number of personnel, broken down by officers and enlisted personnel, that discharged from the Permanent Defence Force each year since 2016 and as at 31st May in 2023:
|
Year |
Officers |
Enlisted |
Total |
|
2023* |
34 |
259 |
293 |
|
2022 |
70 |
821 |
891 |
|
2021 |
35 |
651 |
686 |
|
2020 |
35 |
606 |
641 |
|
2019 |
70 |
812 |
882 |
|
2018 |
57 |
683 |
740 |
|
2017 |
76 |
666 |
742 |
|
2016 |
80 |
599 |
679 |
*As of the 31 May 2023
The term 'discharges' encompasses personnel who left for a variety of reasons including on age grounds, at end of contract and voluntary discharges and also includes a number of trainees who exited prior to completion of their initial training.
The established strength of the Defence Forces is 9,500 personnel and the current strength, as of 31st May 2023, stood at 7,764 personnel. Ongoing staffing challenges in the Defence Forces have been acknowledged. In that regard, my immediate focus is now 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.
62. Deputy Brendan Howlin asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence the number of housing units available within the Defence Forces; the capacity of the existing housing quarters; how many are unoccupied; how many are deemed unsuitable; how many will be renovated in 2023; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34638/23]
View answerAs the Deputy may be aware, the Permanent Defence Force provides a significant level of Single Living Accommodation for serving personnel, where this accommodation is required by personnel for training and operational duties. There are in excess of 4,500 places currently within all the military installations.
In addition I am advised that there are in total some 134 dwellings within the Defence Forces portfolio. As the management of same is carried out by the local military authorities, I will forward on further details relating to levels of occupancy when available. The Deputy may also wish to note that I have instructed the Defence Forces to carry out an assessment of the vacant housing stock to ascertain their suitability to a return to modern single living in accommodation usage for serving personnel. I am advised that my officials together with the Defence Forces are currently developing proposals to inform the procurement process for same. Accordingly , I am not currently in a position to state when such premises, if found suitable, will be available.
63. Deputy Brendan Howlin asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence the current allowances for security and other defence duties; the value of each; when those were last increased; the value of the increase; the number of recipients of each, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34639/23]
View answerI am informed by the Department's Finance Branch that, given the considerable number of allowances that exist in the Defence Forces (which is is published and routinely updated on military.ie, and is available at the following link: Current Competitions - Defence Forces (military.ie)), that it will not possible to collate the required information within the time-frame available.
My officials are working on compiling this information and I shall provide the information to the Deputy as soon as it becomes available.
The following deferred reply was received under Standing Order 51.
The list of all Permanent Defence Force (PDF) Allowances, for both Enlisted and Officer personnel, broken down as follows: The value of each allowance
• When the allowance was last increased
• The value of the most recent increase
• The number in receipt of each allowance (as of 20th July 2023)
It is important to note that under the current National Pay Deal – Building Momentum – all those allowances deemed to be in the nature of pay, which is the vast majority of PDF Allowances, were increased in tandem with basic pay. The most recent increase was on 1st March last, or 2%. As such, PDF personnel have benefited from increases in remuneration both to core pay rates, and to allowances, under each round of increases under the Building Momentum pay agreement and its extension.
64. Deputy Brendan Howlin asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence what plans for procurement of new equipment and capabilities are in place for 2023; if he will outline the plan for the purchase of new ships over the coming years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34640/23]
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.
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 programme for the supply of two C295 Maritime Patrol Aircraft is nearing completion with the recent delivery of the first aircraft on 27 June and the second aircraft is due later in the year. 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.
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.
With regard to Naval Service projects, 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 are undergoing a comprehensive programme of works including crew familiarisation and training. They will become fully operational when all of these targets are met and as soon as possible. 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.
The Department of Defence has received a capital allocation under the National Development Plan of €566 million over the 2022 to 2025 timeframe. 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.
65. Deputy Brendan Howlin asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence if work has commenced on the procurement of primary and coastal radar; if he will outline his plans for same; the projected budget for same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34641/23]
View answerThe development of a primary radar capability was one of the key recommendations made in last year's report of the Commission on the Defence Forces. One of the Early Actions identified in the subsequent High Level Action Plan published in response to the Commission’s report, was to commence planning for military radar capabilities, which includes ground based, maritime and primary radar systems. In response to that, a project team, comprising senior civil and military personnel, was established and this year’s increased capital allocation for Defence includes funding to explore the development of this capability. Work carried out to date includes identification of requirements and research into various delivery options, as well as consideration of approaches internationally. This has included a visit to Cyprus to learn from our EU colleagues and work is ongoing.
Development of military radar capabilities is a key priority for me as Tánaiste and Minister for Defence and I am determined to ensure delivery within the earliest practicable timeframe.
66. Deputy Martin Kenny asked the Minister for Transport if he will provide an update on prospective funding steams available to continue supporting the Leitrim community car scheme, which has been used to support vulnerable or isolated people to attend hospital appointments in recent times. [34658/23]
View answerAs Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport.
It is the National Transport Authority (NTA) which has statutory responsibility for securing the provision of public passenger transport services nationally. The NTA also has national responsibility for integrated local and rural transport, including management of the Rural Transport Programme which operates under the TFI Local Link brand. Under this, the NTA also manage the rollout of the Community Car Scheme (aka Community Transport Scheme).
The Community Car Scheme was launched in 2019, and after a successful pilot rollout during 2019 to 2021, in addition to the existing five Community Cars which have been in place since early 2019, approval has been granted to expand the pilot scheme. A number of applications have been received and are currently being processed by the NTA.
However, the scheme that the Deputy is referring is not under the remit of the Department of Transport, it is administered by a Leitrim volunteer group under the Leitrim Development Company. The remit of the Minister for Transport covers public transport, open to all, and does not cover dedicated/closed services.
I have also been advised that the Leitrim Development Company is funded by my colleague Minister Humphreys' Department of Rural and Community Development. The Scheme to Strengthen and Support Volunteering aims to provide a cohesive framework of support in the community and voluntary sector. This year, €6.6 million is being provided under this scheme to support 29 volunteer centres and a number of volunteer supporting organisations, as well as the implementation of the National Volunteering Strategy 2021-2025. However, this funding is fully allocated for these purposes, and does not extend to provide operational costs for projects akin to the one referenced by the Deputy. The current programmes in support of Local Development Companies such as the LEADER and SICAP Programmes are winding up in 2023 and the process to select organisations to deliver these programmes over the next five years is underway
The Department of Rural and Community Development has also provided an additional €1.5m since mid-2022 to support Volunteer Centres and volunteers in their continuing efforts to respond to the needs and support the integration of displaced Ukrainians and new communities in their areas. However, eligible costs under the allocation must be for activities that directly relate to the Volunteer Centre supports to Ukrainians and new communities.
67. Deputy Martin Kenny asked the Minister for Transport if he will provide an update on prospective funding steams available to continue supporting the Leitrim community car scheme, which has been operated by the Leitrim volunteer centre to support vulnerable or isolated people to attend hospital appointments in recent times. [34659/23]
View answerAs Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport.
It is the National Transport Authority (NTA) which has statutory responsibility for securing the provision of public passenger transport services nationally. The NTA also has national responsibility for integrated local and rural transport, including management of the Rural Transport Programme which operates under the TFI Local Link brand. Under this, the NTA also manage the rollout of the Community Car Scheme (aka Community Transport Scheme).
The Community Car Scheme was launched in 2019, and after a successful pilot rollout during 2019 to 2021, in addition to the existing five Community Cars which have been in place since early 2019, approval has been granted to expand the pilot scheme. A number of applications have been received and are currently being processed by the NTA.
However, the scheme that the Deputy is referring is not under the remit of the Department of Transport, it is administered by a Leitrim volunteer group under the Leitrim Development Company. The remit of the Minister for Transport covers public transport, open to all, and does not cover dedicated/closed services.
I have also been advised that the Leitrim Development Company is funded by my colleague Minister Humphreys' Department of Rural and Community Development. The Scheme to Strengthen and Support Volunteering aims to provide a cohesive framework of support in the community and voluntary sector. This year, €6.6 million is being provided under this scheme to support 29 volunteer centres and a number of volunteer supporting organisations, as well as the implementation of the National Volunteering Strategy 2021-2025. However, this funding is fully allocated for these purposes, and does not extend to provide operational costs for projects akin to the one referenced by the Deputy. The current programmes in support of Local Development Companies such as the LEADER and SICAP Programmes are winding up in 2023 and the process to select organisations to deliver these programmes over the next five years is underway
The Department of Rural and Community Development has also provided an additional €1.5m since mid-2022 to support Volunteer Centres and volunteers in their continuing efforts to respond to the needs and support the integration of displaced Ukrainians and new communities in their areas. However, eligible costs under the allocation must be for activities that directly relate to the Volunteer Centre supports to Ukrainians and new communities.
68. Deputy Pa Daly asked the Minister for Transport to provide an update on the proposed improvements to Tralee train station, especially any funding due under urban renewal schemes and proposed timelines for the completion of any works. [34429/23]
View answer77. Deputy Thomas Gould asked the Minister for Transport whether there are plans to progress train stations in Grenagh or Rathduff. [34565/23]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 68 and 77 together.
As Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport. The operation, maintenance and renewal of the rail network, including stations on the network and proposed stations, is a matter for Iarnród Éireann (IÉ) in the first instance.
Noting the IÉ's responsibility in the matter, I have referred the Deputy's question to IÉ 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.
69. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Transport the amount paid by his Department in 2022 and to date in 2023 on outside/third-party reports of a technical nature or qualitative and quantitative nature, by payee, in tabular form. [34480/23]
View answerPlease see the amount paid by this Department in 2022 and to date in 2023 on outside/third-party reports of a technical nature or qualitative and quantitative nature, by payee in the table outlined below.
|
Division |
Outside/third-party reports |
Amount paid in 2022 |
Amount to date in 2023 |
|
Maritime Safety Policy Division |
A health and safety assessment of the wreck “MV Alta” by the consultants ABL Group. |
€36,285 |
0 |
|
AAIU |
Air Accident Investigation Reports |
€1,636.55 |
€4,710.11 |
|
Marine Survey Office |
National Standards Authority of Ireland (NSAI) I.S. EN ISO 9001:2015 re-assessment |
€4,059 |
|
|
Road Transport – Operator Licensing and Freight Policy |
Grant Thornton Consulting LimitedReview of the Transport Manager Certificate of Professional Competence Programme |
€71,955 |
€47,970 |
|
Road Transport – Operator Licensing and Freight Policy |
Ove Arup & Partners Ireland LimitedHaulage Strategy Consultation Review Report |
€30,750 |
N/A |
|
NRGAT |
CycleRight Review by Steer, Davies and Gleave Ltd. |
NIL |
€23,512.00 |
|
SRAD |
Payment related to Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) for the National Investment Framework for Transport in Ireland (NIFTI) |
€10,049.10 |
- |
|
Climate Engagement & Governance Division |
Low Emission Bus Trial Phase 2 (Submission of final report) (Byrne Ó Cléirigh) (Engineers Consultants) |
€11,085.99 |
nil |
|
Climate Engagement & Governance Division |
Voluntary financial contribution to OECD in support of joint OECD and Irish Climate Change Advisory Council “Redesigning Ireland’s Transport for Net Zero” report launch and stakeholder workshop. |
nil |
€15,000 |
|
Climate Adaptation, Research and Energy Division |
DNV - Safety regulation of hydrogen refuelling stations in Ireland |
€60,620.55 Inclusive VAT (To note €50,000 reimbursed to department by Department of Taoiseach as part of co-funding agreement) |
€42,434.39 |
|
Climate Adaptation, Research and Energy Division |
RED C - Sustainable Mobility Tracking |
N/A |
€22,693.50 |
|
Climate Adaptation, Research and Energy Division |
SEAI Co-fund (Project ongoing)DRIFT-HDV: Decarbonisation Irish HDV Fleet |
€44,895.00 |
|
|
Climate Adaptation, Research and Energy Division |
SEAI Co-fund (Project ongoing)Inclusive Sustainable Cycling (ISCycle): Inclusive E-bike Uptake and Sustainable Use |
€107,119.67 |
|
|
Climate Adaptation, Research and Energy Division |
SEAI Co-fund (Project ongoing)TRACT: Transport Behaviour Change Trials |
€101,942.20 |
|
|
Climate Adaptation, Research and Energy Division |
EPA Co-fund (Project ongoing)Just resilience and adaptation in Ireland: sectors and regions |
€3,538.42 |
|
|
Climate Adaptation, Research and Energy Division |
EPA Co-fund (Project ongoing)Transboundary and International Climate Impacts and Synergies |
€3,741.99 |
|
|
Climate Adaptation, Research and Energy Division |
EPA Co-fund (Project ongoing)Climate Resilient Places |
€17,499.77 |
|
|
Climate Adaptation, Research and Energy Division |
EPA Co-fund (Project ongoing)Investigating the impacts of urban railway station hubs on air quality in its environs. |
€26,170.47 |
|
|
Climate Adaptation, Research and Energy Division |
EPA Co-fund,Eco-driving: Trends and Potential Impacts for Irish Heavy-duty Vehicles |
€5,023.84 |
|
|
ZEVI |
Ipsos MRBI – market research and consultancy services |
€36,851 |
N/A |
|
ZEVI |
Element Energy – Research for EV infrastructure strategy |
€6,145.38 |
N/A |
|
ZEVI |
Systra Limited – market research |
€55,669.80 |
N/A |
|
ZEVI |
KPMG – EV infrastructure strategy public consultation |
€87,160.88 |
N/A |
|
ZEVI |
Next Green Car Limited – EV charge point data |
€5,676.70 |
N/A |
|
ZEVI |
Plug Share LLC – EV charge point data |
€8,889 |
N/A |
|
ZEVI |
Ernst & Young – tax consultancy |
€18,450 |
N/A |
70. Deputy Pat Buckley asked the Minister for Transport if his Department can use powers under section 10 of the Roads Act 1993 as amended to reclassify the R624 N25 to Cobh road in east Cork to a national primary or national secondary route, in order that State funding can be used for the upgrade of construction of a new bridge at Belvelly Bridge, Cobh and also carry out improvement works on the R624 in conjunction with the relevant local authorities; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34509/23]
View answerAs regards to the classification of the R624 Cobh road, Cork County Council submitted an application for funding for a Great Island Connectivity Scheme under the Regional and Local Road Grant Programme operated by my Department. As the current focus is on the appraisal of the scheme under this Programme, a reclassification is not under consideration at present.
Cork County Council was given clearance in the first half of 2021 to proceed to prepare a Strategic Assessment Report (SAR) for a Great Island Connectivity Scheme, in accordance with the then Public Spending Code. In light of the revised Transport Appraisal Framework (TAF) issued by the Department of Transport, the Department will be liaising with the Council on the next steps in the project appraisal process.
71. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Transport his views on whether motor tax discs, and other motor discs, should go paperless; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34539/23]
View answerThe law requires that three paper discs are displayed on most motorised vehicles using the public roads.
Section 73 of the Finance Act 1976 requires the display of a valid motor tax disc on a vehicle.
NCT test results must be displayed on a test disc on the vehicle, as required by S.I. No. 415/2017 - Road Traffic (National Car Test) Regulations 2017. Regulation 12 of these regulations give effect to Article 10 of Directive 2014/45/EU of the European Parliament and of the Council of 3 April 2014 on periodic roadworthiness tests for motor vehicles and their trailers.
S.I. No. 355/1984 - Road Traffic (Insurance Disc) Regulations, 1984 (as amended) requires the display of an insurance disc on certain motor vehicles, when used in a public place. The Regulations prescribe the dimensions, form and content of the disc.
I am aware of the potential for new digital technologies to replace these discs, and in doing so to reduce burdens and costs on citizens. These are matters being explored by my Department but no firm decisions have been taken as yet, as further examination is required. The purpose of the discs is to demonstrate compliance of the vehicle with the relevant laws and for enforcement purposes. Therefore, the application of roadside enforcement technology, such as Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR), by An Garda Síochána, will also need to be considered as part of any changes.
72. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Transport for an update on changes to a grant system (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34540/23]
View answerIreland has an increasing demand for electric vehicles; 2022 saw an 81% increase in registration of EVs compared to the previous year (CSO). As of end May 2023, there were 91,777 electric vehicles on Irish roads with EV market share now at 26%. This year we are also seeing the arrival of newer EV models on the Irish market that are lower in cost. As Ireland develops its EV market share, there is a need to support and develop our EV charging infrastructure to meet this increasing demand.
The Government's investment strategy for electric vehicles will therefore begin a rebalance towards supporting EV charging infrastructure starting this year. This change aligns with similar polices in other European nations, where countries including Norway, Germany and France have begun to curb their vehicle subsidies and refocus their investments in this sector towards provision of charging infrastructure.
As such, a new maximum limit of €3,500 applies to all battery electric vehicle purchases since the 1st of July.
It is important to emphasise that Government support for the transition to EVs remains a key action in meeting our climate targets.
Many elements of the existing electric vehicle grant system remain unchanged. Vehicle incentives for businesses will stay the same and the SEAI will continue to administer the commercially bought EVs and large panel vans grants at current levels.
The small public service vehicles (SPSV) grant for taxi and hackney drivers administered by the NTA was renewed in February, while the Alternatively Fuelled Heavy Duty Vehicle Purchase Grant Scheme, managed by Transport Infrastructure Ireland, has also remained unchanged.
In addition, there is no change to the existing generous VRT relief which is available to a maximum of €5,000 to purchasers of electric vehicles up to the selling price of €40,000, with a reduced scale for vehicles up to the selling price of €50,000.
73. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Transport when he was informed of the delay for the public consultation of a project (details supplied); and the issue that is halting this project going to public consultation. [34547/23]
View answerAs Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport. In both of those areas there have been significant developments since this Government came into office, with last year's publication of a new Sustainable Mobility Policy and its five-year action plan providing strong policy support to the continued design and development of light rail projects in the Greater Dublin Area and Cork. I am also delighted to say that this strong policy support has been backed up by increased levels of Exchequer funding, which is supporting the development of projects such as Cork Light Rail Transit.
The National Transport Authority (NTA) has agreed responsibility for the implementation and development of public transport in our cities, including Cork Light Rail.
I met with officials from the NTA on Friday 30 June, and at this meeting was informed about a delay to the public consultation of the emerging preferred route to allow for further consideration of route options.
Noting the NTA's responsibility in relation to this matter, I am forwarding your query to the NTA for direct reply in respect of the specific details of the delay. Please contact my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 days.
74. Deputy Emer Higgins asked the Minister for Transport to examine the possibility of increasing weekend services on the Adamstown train line; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34556/23]
View answerAs the Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport; however, I am not involved in the day-to-day operation and provision of public transport services.
In relation to the query raised by the Deputy, I have been advised by Iarnród Éireann that its operational fleet is fully deployed on scheduled services at present, in line with prevailing demand. The current capacity is primarily based on pre-COVID demand levels, when rapid growth in demand resulted in the utilisation of 100% of the operational fleet at peak times.
However, it is the case that additional and/or cascaded fleet will become available over the next 24months and the National Transport Authority and Iarnród Éireann are considering options for their deployment on the network.
The deployment of new carriages is a matter in the first instance for Iarnród Éireann in consultation with the National Transport Authority (NTA), which has statutory responsibility for the development and delivery of certain public transport infrastructure, including the purchase of rolling stock.
I have therefore forwarded the Deputy's question to Iarnród Éireann for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a response within ten working days.
75. Deputy Emer Higgins asked the Minister for Transport to provide a report on the NTA's demand need assessment along the 68 and 69 bus routes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34557/23]
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 addition the NTA has responsibility for the delivery of the BusConnects programmes and the associated public consultations processes.
In light of the Authority's responsibility in this area, I have forwarded the Deputy's specific question in relation to bus routes 68 and 69, to the NTA for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a response within ten working days.
76. Deputy Emer Higgins asked the Minister for Transport to provide an update on proposals to increase public transport capacity along the C-spine in Lucan; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34558/23]
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 increasing capacity along the C Spines in Lucan, to the NTA for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a response within ten working days.
78. D'fhiafraigh Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh den Aire Iompair cén fáth nach féidir cur isteach ar cheadúnas tiomána ar líne trí Ghaeilge, an bhfuil sé i gceist aige é sin a athrú, agus an bhfuil aiféal air nár luaigh siad nach bhfuil seirbhís ar líne ar fáil i nGaeilge chun a éileamh nuair a dúirt a Roinn leis an Comhchoiste Oireachtais Gaeilge, Gaeltachta agus Phobail Labhartha Gaeilge ar an 5ú Iúil 2023 go bhfuil an t-éileamh ar sheirbhísí i nGaeilge ‘an íseal ar fad’. [34581/23]
View answerIs é an tÚdarás um Shábháilteacht ar Bhóithre, trí mheán na Seirbhíse Náisiúnta um Cheadúnas Tiomána, atá freagrach as ceadúnú tiomána.
Tuigtear dom go bhfuil sé leagtha amach i gconradh oifig thosaigh na Seirbhíse go mbeadh teacht ag an bpobal ar sheirbhísí trí Bhéarla nó trí Ghaeilge, scríobhtha agus labhartha araon.
Chomh maith le sin, tugtar freagra Gaeilge ar cheist Gaeilge ar bith a chuirtear ar an gcúloifig, agus déantar iarratais Gaeilge ag an oifig thosaigh, nó iarratais phoist sa Ghaeilge, a phróiseáil trí Ghaeilge. Tá chuile foirm iarratais ar fáil trí mheán na Gaeilge ar suíomh idirlíon na Seirbhíse.
Cé go bhfuil foirmeacha iarratais Gaeilge don cheadúnas tiomána agus don cheadúnas foghlaimeora ar fáil ar líne ar féidir a íoslódáil agus a phriontáil, ní féidir iarratas ar líne a dhéanamh trí Ghaeilge faoi láthair na huaire.
B’éigean tús sciopaidh a chuir leis an bpróiséas iarratas ar líne le linn na paindéime agus ní raibh sé indéanta ag am an seirbhís céanna a chuir ar fáil trí Ghaeilge Beidh mo chuid oifigigh ag casadh leis an tÚdarás chun féidearthacht a léithéid de sheirbhís a phlé.
79. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Transport what his Department is doing to tackle the issue of e-scooters being dangerously parked on footpaths. [34603/23]
View answerThe Road Traffic and Roads Act 2023 introduces a new class of vehicles, powered personal transporters or PPTs. E-scooters will be classified as PPTs and will become legal to use on Irish roads when regulations governing their use and technical specifications, including power, weight and speed, are in place. This is expected to be in Q4 2023.
The issue of e-scooters being dangerously parked or abandoned on footpaths in other countries is more relevant to rental than privately owned e-scooters, My officials are working with local authorities and rental scooter providers to establish common rules for the use and parking of rental vehicles. In addition, legislation for the use of bicycles will be extended to e-scooters and they will be subject to the same rules of the road and penalties. Their use will not be permitted on footpaths.
Enforcement of road traffic offences is a matter for An Garda Síochána. Until e-scooter regulations are in place, their use on public roads and in public places remains illegal. An Garda Síochána may confiscate them and users may also be prosecuted for road traffic offences.
